Apple locks out third party apps from new iPods
Less than a fortnight ago Apple introduced its new range of iPods including a new model, the iPod touch. After celebrating the new features beautiful designs and innovative interface some commentators having taken the hood off have discovered a less welcome feature.
Apple has begun adding SHA1 hashes (a one-way scrambling method) to the start of the iTunesDB file, the database which stores meta information about the digital content on your iPod. This effectively renders the iTunes database to one particular iPod. Any other iPod can neither read nor write to the database. Third party software will be unable to work with the database and is rendered useless. Apple has made iTunes the only software you can use to interact with your iPod.
This may be in answer to record companies such as EMI dropping DRM from their digital music catalogues making it much easier for third party software developers to produce apps able to replace iTunes as an iPod manager. Apple’s action effectively reinforces iTune’s dominance in the download market.
Unfortunately this will leave Linux users out in the cold as the Cupertino company as yet does not produce a version of iTunes for them.
Apple seems to be loosing the plot. What we all want as music consumers is a simple device that we can transfer our music to and then listen to it on the move. We don’t want to be forcd to use anyone’s software or have out possessions police our use of the things we pay for. Record labels are abandoning DRM so Apple cannot blame them for its having to use encryption to restrict how we move our music around our home.
Apple seems to be getting more like Microsoft every day.
October 3rd, 2007 at 3:34 am
Hi, I just bought a new 5.5g 80gb Ipod i think its called and I cannot hook it up to my car to play video through the monitors.
I have done research which shows that you have disabled the TV out functionallity when not using Genuine Ipod technology.
In all honesty, I couldnt give 2 **** about paying an extra $50 to get a cable but as if I want to have a docking station in my car and then have to put the Ipod on it and then find somewhere to sit it so it doesnt fall over damaging the Hard Drive. WTF, Seriously.
ALL I WANT IS A CABLE TO GO STRAIGHT FROM THE IPOD TO MY CAR STEREO.
A standard 3.5mic to L/R Audio and 1x Video.
Like the old one, I wish it worked but since I just bought it to play in my car it is somewhat of a disappointment really.
What can you do about this? Anything? Do you even care about consumers? One day, things will happen and you will wish you gave a sh!t about the customer and the product.
This just confirms what I have been saying about Apple for the last 10 years. I thought I would kive you a go and get with the program but obviously I should stick to following my instinct and stay away from *** **** FACTOR PRODUCTS LIKE YOUR PRODUCT
Have a read of this, this is where your PR is at right now, terribly unfortunate!
http://www.right-thoughts.us/index.php/weblog/comments/the_iphone_just_say_no/
My advise, With all your money, with all your knowledge, do something that is for the people, where is all the customer focus, when someone calls tech support and asks why they cannot use their new Ipod on the TV and they get told, “Tough luck buddy, thats the way it is from now on”. WHAT . THE . **** . IS . THAT????
All in all, I will never buy any other MAC POS again and I will continue to tell all my mates and colleagues exactly what I have been saying for the past 10 years.
February 17th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Pretty freakin lame!
April 28th, 2008 at 5:53 am
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