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it would be sad if you can't use Apple's $79 headphones with it

but it looks like you can. so that's 2 pairs of headphones you can use the shuffle with! LOL
 
The worst thing is that people are still going to buy them in droves.

Agreed. The quote in the article sums it up nicely;

If it were Microsoft demanding that computer peripherals all include Microsoft 'authentication chips' in order to work with Windows (or Toyota or Ford doing the same for replacement parts), I'd think reviewers would be screaming about it.
 
What a terrible, overcomplicated design!

DRM issues aside, have a look at how confusing it is to buy those new remote compatible headphones on the Apple Store:

* The remote and mic are supported only by iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic (120GB), and iPod touch (2nd generation). The remote is supported by iPod shuffle (3rd generation). Audio is supported by all iPod models.
* Requires software version 1.0.3 for iPod nano (4th generation), 2.0.1 for iPod classic (120GB), and 2.2 for iPod touch (2nd generation).


:confused::confused:

So much for simplicity Apple.
 
This isn't entirely surprising seeing as the new shuffle doesn't have any buttons so you need headphones with a remote to control it...

What will probably come out is a short lead with the remote+socket so you can plug in any headphones you like.
 
Before jumping to conclusions, has anyone confirmed that the tiny chip found in the Shuffle's earbuds is actually an authentication chip? iLounge, the source of this story, simply made an assumption. For all we know, the chip could simply be a controller chip for the remote.

The new Shuffle got a rediculous ammount of hate from people who weren't interested in the Shuffle in the first place. Poor little Shuffle :( :p
 
The new Shuffle got a ridiculous ammount of hate from people who weren't interested in the Shuffle in the first place. Poor little Shuffle :( :p

The question is where the disinterest comes from. Some people don't like it because it's an Apple product. Others don't like it because of hardware DRM. Still others don't like it because you can only control it using some retarded system with a clicker instead of a fairly standard 5-button interface.
 
What a useless junk article, so why then are others able to use other headphones with the shuffle? :rolleyes:
 
Wow this seriously blows, if it is in fact the case. Though it's quite possible that the chip is simply a little controller as the plug is probably tapping into the usb connection so I'm guessing it needs to send digital info. As there aren't enough pins to simply use the remote as 3 independent switches (on top of the mic). So it probably isn't really a DRM device, it's just that it needs to be encoded a special way for the iPod to understand it as otherwise the tip of the plug would need like 6 or 7 rings and monstrous cable on top of additional chips in the iPod. As it probably has nothing to do with the management of digital music files, but could have some kind of encryption or ID that manages witch switch can be used with the iPod. Mind you, I would be very pissed, albeit not surprised if apple did in fact charge 3rd party companies to know how to tap into this. Or if there is some kind of identification required to get into it, that apple would sell.

Most probably, there is no identification, just that apple will sell the way to talk to talk to the iPod instead of giving it for free, than a company or some random dude will find it and spill the beans.

Well just have to wait and see.
 
the new shuffle is perfect except for the lack of buttons. The old design was much more intuitive. The price is perfect for a 4GB apple player, and everything else is fine except the controls. I want to use my Shure headphones that are undoubtedly better than the standard packins.
 
Macworld has confirmed that there is an authentication chip inside the new new iPod shuffle's headphones via their sources at V-Moda and Scosche.

Whether you want to call it a DRM or authentication chip, the point still remains that an Apple-certified chip is required for headphones to be able to control the new iPod shuffle.

If you want your new shuffle to just "play" music non-stop with no control functions, regular headphones apparently still work.

http://www.macworld.com/article/139414/2009/03/appleheadphonechip.html
 
Article by a real journalist:
http://www.appleinsider.com/article...or_ipod_shuffles_new_authentication_chip.html


FYI,
Hardware DRM (imagined by people who don't do their research) would disable any third party headphones without chip. That is not true.

Third party headphones will work, just without additional functionalities introduced with the shuffle.

If you own some expensive headphones. Would you go for the shuffle or the nano? Jeez.

Again, NO DRM
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/668955/
 
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