Latest Apple iPod Shuffle has more DRM inbuilt

Latest Apple iPod Shuffle has more DRM inbuilt

EFF has reported that the just launched Apple iPod Shuffle comes loaded more hardware based DRM restrictions.

Apple has moved the controls on this player from the device itself to the headphones.

As a result, users would not be able to control the player if they use third party headphones which are not designed for this edition of the iPod Shuffle.

EFF said in a blog post that the “third-party headphone makers will have to use yet-another Apple “authentication chip” if they want to interoperate with the new Shuffle.”

iLounge had more to say on this issue:

This is, in short, a nightmare scenario for long-time iPod fans: are we entering a world in which Apple controls and taxes literally every piece of the iPod purchase from headphones to chargers, jacking up their prices, forcing customers to re-purchase things they already own, while making only marginal improvements in their functionality? It’s a shame, and one that consumers should feel empowered to fight.

Checkout:
Apple Adds Still More DRM to iPod Shuffle
Apple iPod shuffle (Third-Generation)