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Apple Releases Smaller 4GB iPod Shuffle in Black and Silver
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I don't think it's been confirmed that the shuffle requires headphones with a DRM chip in them. All we know is that in the bundled headphone remote there is a tiny chip. It may be used for signalling, not authentication, no-one knows at this point and Apple is keeping quiet.
It was reported by ilounge:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/apple-ipod-shuffle-third-generation/P6
"There is, however, something that many users will care about: the new shuffle doesnt fully work with any headphones except Apples. Because of what Apple has done heresomething sneaky and arguably terrible for consumers, especially if it continues with other iPod and iPhone products in 2009if you plug your old third-party headphones of any sort into the new shuffle, youll find that you cant do anything with the device other than have it continuously play music, without volume controls or interruption, unless of course of you turn it off. Surprise: the only third-party headphones that will work are ones that havent even entered manufacturing yet, because theyll need to contain yet another new Apple authentication chip, which will add to their price. Your only alternatives will be third-party remote control adaptersalso not yet available, as Apples not even making oneand using Apples earphones. The prices for the third-party adapters will be no less than $19, and quite possibly more like $29; compatible headphones announced thus far start at $49. "
Macworld just published an article confirming that it's true via their sources at V-Moda and Scosche.
http://www.macworld.com/article/139414/2009/03/appleheadphonechip.html
Sigh, that does in fact suck. Oh well. Lets hope Apples dongle will be ~10 bucks...
Incredible, if true. Back in the day Apple would have called this a "third-party opportunity." Now it's an opportunity for Apple to catch a free ride on third-party innovation. That used to be Microsoft's game.
Whilst I don't think this matters for most of the target market, it is screwing over the consumer nonetheless, something which Apple has always refrained from doing.
I still want one.
@Apple: stop it with your stupid BS proprietary connectors.
I still want one.
@Apple: stop it with your stupid BS proprietary connectors.
Really? Only in industry's where they are not the market leader as it would be a disadvantage. The digital music market where they hold the strongest hand is something very different.
If they implement this in whole iPod/iPhone range it could verge on the anti-competitive mark, hell ipod headphones do generally pretty much suck, the in ear ones are OK, but not as good IMHO as many others, like some sennheisers, which are sometimes cheaper.
I do think that this new shuffle is a complete POS, the older ones are pretty attractive and useable and good value, these are little pointless bricks
They just might be wanting to milk the whole quite healthy iPod accessory after market even more by ripping customers off who want a decent set of cans!!!
Correct - but if you bothered to read my posts you would see that I CLEARLY pointed out MANY here and elsewhere - as well as Wall Street and several technical analysts think the same as well. Again - I have the right so say what I want within reason on this forum. You can disagree with my opinion but you do not need to be rude and disrespectful. I don't care if you agree or not - but you can defend your position as that is what I have done. I have explained why I feel the way I do in every respect. Don't like it - don't read it. I am done defending my self against a bunch people who show ZERO respect or even the slightest desire to read posts before they respond.
D
Apple's decision to require that special authentication chip for third-party headphones is going to run the ire of Shure, Etymotic Research, Logitech's Ultimate Ears division, Sennheiser, Sony, Denon, Audio Technica or any other company that has produced a line of over-ear and in-ear headphones designed for iPods and other portable music players.
Mind you, this may be a unique situation with the 3G shuffle; Apple wouldn't DARE try this stunt with the next generation of the iPod nano and the possible solid-state memory iPod classic successor because that could run the potential for a government lawsuit, since such a move would be in violation of the Clayton Antitrust Act.
Mind you, this may be a unique situation with the 3G shuffle; Apple wouldn't DARE try this stunt with the next generation of the iPod nano and the possible solid-state memory iPod classic successor because that could run the potential for a government lawsuit, since such a move would be in violation of the Clayton Antitrust Act.
Anyone think there's a possiblity of a smaller and possibly cheaper harddrive version of this new shuffle?
i really don't need 4gb to listen to music at the gym!
i really don't need 4gb to listen to music at the gym!
I dont think they make hard drives that small... although I wouldnt rule out a cheaper 2GB flash version...
Macworld has a pretty negative review of the 3G shuffle. They give it 3 "mice" (out of five); the 2G shuffle got 4. In the reviewer's opinion, the main reason for this product is that the 2G was getting "long in the tooth" and "Apple needed to release something it could call an iPod shuffle."
http://www.macworld.com/article/139406/3gipodshufflereview.html
http://www.macworld.com/article/139406/3gipodshufflereview.html
Anyone with silver wanna post pics??? I'm gonna see it on Thursday in person but I'd rather see some pics beforehand.
For the time being Apple's website gives a link to the previous gen Shuffle in the store when you click on the new one.
Nobody but Apple knows exactly how long, but I'm guessing it will take between 3-6 months to completely wipe out their supply. When I was at the Apple store right before the new gen they had a completely full stock of 2nd gens.