With Apple’s current release of their newest version of their music player sensation, the iPod Shuffle, there seems to be a little snag on the side of their new control-touch headphones. The new 4GB version of the popular MP3 player features a new VoiceOver application, which allows the player to speak song titles in up to 14 different languages. The actual dimensions of the player have also decreased while the GB increase allows for an estimated 1,000 song capacity and as ever the Shuffle retinas its signature sleek look and easy-wear clip.
But the uproar has come when discovering that the controls for the player and embedded in the headphone cord. In essence, it’s a good idea, allowing for the designing of a smaller player and an ease of control, with the ability to change song or playlist without having to dig out the actual player from a pocket or bag. But the questions come when consumers switch-out Apple’s specialty-made headphones for third-party models. Those signature little white earbobs aren’t always the most comfortable to my ears either, but should I choose to use a third-party set the shuffle will still play, but I will have no control over volume, song, or playlist.
Many critics have called the move “sneaky” on the part of Apple, claiming the company is beginning to shove out third-party accessory manufacturers, or in the end will start charging them to use Apple’s “authentication chip” technology, which supposedly enables the new headphones to work.
Right now two companies, V-Moda and Scosche, are planning on releasing headphone models that utilize Apple’s authentication chip, but the price tag is estimated at anywhere from $49.99 to $99.99- a pretty penny for a set of headphones, especially when they’re necessary to enjoy the music. Why so high? In part because of the cost to use actual Apple technology within the product, and also because of the current monopoly on the market. It’s a poor move, say many critics of the computer giant, foreboding a new age of Apple-compatible technologies, all of which are under patent protection, meaning much more costly equipment.
I suppose buyers of the new iPod Shuffle should really take good care of their headphone, they may be the only pair they can afford, or you might be back to making your own music.
