New iPod Shuffle Requires Licensed Authentication Chip for Third-party Headphones

Apple's at it again squeezing accessory manufacturers license fees with the latest report from iLounge that the new iPod shuffle can only be controlled by headphones with a special hardware authentication chip. That means that third parties will have to pay Apple for the privilege of making shuffle-compatible accessories, and you can bet they'll just pass that cost right on to consumers -- don't expect any cheap headphone adapters or inexpensive replacement headphones for this thing. iLounge calls this a "nightmare scenario" for iPod fans, and we're inclined to agree -- it's one thing for Apple to require the Made For iPod certification for accessories that interface with the dock connector, but trying to lock down headphones is a sad new low, and it makes the lack of physical controls on the shuffle seem even more ridiculous. I'm sticking with my old Shuffle.

Source: Engadget and iLounge