Quote:
Originally Posted by Vincent Ferrari
Then you'd have a point, wouldn't you? I mean, then you'd be talking about standard headphones needing a chip to work in which case you're damn right I'd be pissed. That isn't what's happening here, though.
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I guess we'll see what happens in the coming months.
My prediction is that Apple will slowly but surely implement this same technology across their other devices, regardless of whether or not they need to have the controls (every other iPod beyond this new Shuffle has physical or touch-based controls), with Apple's goal being to make money off every pair of headphones that get plugged into every new iPod. And if you don't pay Apple, you can't use their iPod - that's what I think they're moving toward.
Kind of makes me wonder what the solution is for people who use iPods in their car connected to a 3.5mm jack - not every car has a build-in iPod-specific solution. I bet they'll be a 3.5mm cable that will have the authentication built in, but it's not like there's any advantage there for the consumer - it's basically a tax they'll have to pay to use their iPod in their car.
It's not enough for Apple to own the MP3 player market, and make money off every accessory that plugs into the bottom of an iPod; they want to make money off the headphones too. It's very Napoleon-esque - very Jobsian. Sometimes Apple's control-freak nature is great - it helps them make highly focused, reliable products. Other times, like this, it's just an out of control "we want to rule the world" ego-trip.
If, 24 months from now Apple han't implemented this technology on any of their other products, I'll recant my remarks.