Apple confirms no DRM, authentication, just licensing

[admin]

A proprietary chip available exclusively through Apple was discovered in the new iPod Shuffle's headphones last week. This discovery touched off speculation that Apple had added the chip as a means to force third-party manufacturers to pay a licensing fee in order to produce headphones compatible with the new iPod Shuffle and the possible roles of the chip being able to provide authentication or DRM.

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With the introduction of this chip, Apple seems to have extended 'Made for iPod' certification to headphones/remotes that work with the iPod shuffle

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The implication is that Apple has further extended their control over 3rd party accessories for the iPod.

http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/03/17/apple-confirms-no-drm-authentication-just-licensing

So not really copy protection, but rather, licensing protection to keep third party products in line.

[drfsupercenter]

Which is still stupid nonetheless. I'm happy with my Zune, I'll avoid iPods for as long as the company is in existence.

Any word on the supposed 100% iTunes-Plus store coming April 1? I still see plenty of music that still has DRM.