Most of you will know that Apple recently unveiled their new iPod Shuffle, much to everyone's surprise. Well, it appears that there have been some dirty secrets uncovered about the new device: according to iLounge, Apple has put DRM in the hardware to prevent you from using any earphones that you want.
You read that correctly. You will either have to use Apple earphones, or a third-party product which incorporates an 'Apple authentification chip', if you want to use the new device. iLounge had these words to offer about the topic: "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." Apparently the device will still work and play music, but you won't be able to change volume or tracks, unless, as mentioned, the headphones have the chip in them.
The EFF also said that, "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."
So far, Apple's new iPod Shuffle has had mixed reviews, and this certainly doesn't help the Cupertino-based company. What do you think about this?
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