iPod update allows users to set volume limit
Responding to criticism over the potential for the players to cause hearing loss, Apple on Wednesday released a software update for its fifth-generation iPods and the iPod nano that allows users to set a maximum volume limit.
Apple has been criticized recently over the iPods potential to cause hearing loss if listened to at high volumes for long periods of time.
A Northwestern University professor and audiologist in November claimed that the earbud-style headphones which ship with Apple's iPod and other MP3 players can cause serious, permanent hearing loss.
Just last month, the subject escalated when a group of lawyers and an iPod owner filed a federal lawsuit against the company, claiming the iPod causes hearing loss and that the iconic music player is "inherently defective in design and are not sufficiently adorned with adequate warnings regarding the likelihood of hearing loss."
"With the increased attention in this area, we want to offer customers an easy to use option to set their own personal volume limit," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing.
The new Volume Limit feature works with any headphone or accessory plugged into the iPod headphone jack as well as Apple's iPod Radio Remote. Once set, the volume limit can be locked with a combination code.
Instructions on how to locate and activate the new features on your iPod are available on Apple's support site.
33 Comments
Nice feature but this is hardly worthy of a lawsuit.
If you stick a torch in your mouth and suck on it, expect smoke down your lungs.
If you stick a noise maker in your ear, expect noise in your ears.
At least something slightly useful came of this silliness.
I might be mistaken, but I thought all iPods had a volume control. You know, the kind where you can TURN IT DOWN.
Stupid lawyers.
I could possibly see the suit if the only music was from Spinal Tap. I mean, they are the "loudest band in England"
Nice to see how quickly apple can come up with a solution to a problem that isn't a problem. They still have an elegant "fix".
I would like to see creative make changes to their mp3 players with such ease.
Once again apple show how things can be done with no fuss or hassle it just works.
j.
You know, there's an old saying that if you try to make something idiot-proof, someone will come around and build a better idiot.
I suppose you could choke on the earbuds too, maybe those lawyers should try to find out in the interests of public safety...