Ipod Software, News Hacks & Downloads

Q: What's the most expensive official iPod Apple has ever sold to consumers?

A: Prior to the release of the iPod photo, the answer was limited edition iPods laser-engraved with the buyer's choice of four alternatives: the signatures of musicians Beck or Madonna, the logo of band No Doubt, or the signature of pro skateboarder Tony Hawk.

Q: Has the iPod ever sparked a legal controversy outside of the United States?

A: Yes, at least three times. The iPod was briefly taken off the market in France in September 2002 when French authorities notified Apple that the device violated a law limiting the sound output of portable devices to 100 decibels. Apple quickly updated the iPod's software to remedy the problem, and subsequently implemented a volume cap on all iPods shipped to Europe. In December 2003, the iPod became a lightning rod for controversy after Canadian authorities imposed an additional governmental levy to compensate artists whose copyrights were being infringed. Finally, Apple Computer has been sued in the United Kingdom by Apple Corps, holder of The Beatles rights.

Q: What's the most unusual iPod ever sold on eBay?

A: A German seller auctioned an iPod that had been 24-karat gold-plated after purchase. Additionally, eBay sellers have auctioned off "pink" iPod minis that Apple accidentally delivered in a shade closer to magenta.

Q: Is it true that Oprah spent almost $140,000 on iPods and gave them away?

A: In Spring 2003, Oprah named the iPod one of "Oprah's Favorite Things" as part of her series of product giveaway shows, and gave 15GB ($399) iPods to each member of her 350-person studio audience. If you're worried that billionaire Oprah had to drop nearly $140,000 of her own cash for the iPods, don't be: Apple donated them, and Oprah didn't even know how to use one when it was featured on the show.

Q: What musicians have been associated with the iPod?

A: Too many to count. After releasing the 10GB iPod, Apple briefly introduced a series of iPod boxes featuring the images of famous musicians: Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis were featured on 10GB iPod boxes, while Bob Marley and Billie Holiday appeared on 5GB iPod boxes. The company has also included the previously mentioned musicians Beck, Madonna and No Doubt in a limited edition engraved iPod campaigns. Most notably, U2 released a special edition in 2005.

Q: Do the British really love the iPod more than Americans?

A: It's possible. Two early 2004 news stories suggested that British judges, law enforcement officials, and criminals are taking more than a passive interest in Apple's music players. In February, the Beatles versus Apple case came before a High Court judge in London, who wondered aloud whether he would need to be disqualified from the bench because he was an iPod owner. In March, England's police force arned iPod users to hide their iPods and stop wearing Apple's packed-in white headphones because of muggings by iPod-hungry street thieves.

Q: Can the iPod run anything other than Apple's own operating system?

A: Yes, but not that well. Apple has intentionally prevented outside developers from experimenting with or changing the device's operating system.

Q: How much media exposure has the iPod received since launch?

A: An incredible amount. The iPod has been prominently featured in music videos, television shows, and massive product giveaways, say nothing of thousands of newspaper and magazine articles, and a number of books.

Q: How have PC hardware and software competitors responded to Apple's success with the iPod?

A: The responses have been surprisingly mixed, and not entirely negative. Though Creative Labs, Dell, and iRiver have continued to develop and sell competing devices, industry heavyweight Hewlett-Packard in January 2004 halted development of an iPod alternative and opted to license and resell Apple's product itself.

Q: What's Apple's iPod track record with automobile manufacturers?

A: To date, Apple has publicly partnered with two European car manufacturers to cross-promote iPods and vehicles. In July of 2003, Volkswagen announced a "Pods Unite" campaign for the 2003 New Beetle, whereby New Beetle purchasers received a custom-engraved (VW logo) iPod and a "VW Connectivity Kit" with free music, an Audible audio book, a coupon, a window sticker, a "VW Music-zine" and what later became known as Belkin's TuneDok cupholder iPod mount. In June of 2004, BMW announced the "iPod Your BMW" campaign, whereby owners of select BMW vehicles can add a $149 iPod control and power charging system called the BMW iPod Adapter to their cars.