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Still Shuffling, Loudly
Electronics | Apr 3, 06
Reportedly facing a chorus of consumer complaints and legal threats louder than anything that ever came out of a pair of earbuds, Apple released software updates for its most recent iPod models that allow the user to limit volume to safer levels. Parents can now use a code to lock the device's maximum volume below a pre-set level. The free upgrade is available for the Nano and Video iPods.
The curious omission here is the iPod Shuffle, and one has to ask why. Is the possibility of hearing impairment just part of the wacky randomness that makes Shuffling so darn funky, or, as users of an older model, are Shuffle owners not cool enough to deserve ear protection? In fairness, it's not at all clear that iPods are any louder than some other portable music players. And Apple may be the victim of its own popularity, its huge sales numbers attracting the interest of class-action attorneys in the way that chum lures sharks. And, after all, Cupertino has been shipping its product with warnings against excessive listening at high volume. But can iPod users really be expected to read cautionary language in some dry manual when there are iTunes to be downloaded? And hey, how hip is reading, anyway? I mean, maybe if they posted that warning in a blog or something...
Posted by jeffrey.trester (Permalink)
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