Apple 10298 Published by Bob 0

Apple this weekend was hit with a media assault after reports suggested that a mysterious authentication chip in the third-generation iPod shuffle, responsible for supporting the player's new headphone-integrated playback controls, signaled a rogue attempt on the company's part to block third parties from developing their own replacement headphones for the device without paying a licensing fee.

Apple criticized for iPod shuffle's new 'authentication chip'

Apple 10298 Published by Bob 0

Three items of note burned particularly brightly this week in the Apple blogosphere this week: a crescendo in rumors of an Apple netbook/tablet/something coming, and an upcoming sneak peak of iPhone 3.0 software, and the release of a brand-new iPod shuffle. The most recent iteration of the diminutive iPod shuffle was already almost too small for its buttons, so Apple got rid of them altogether.

Apple Chatter: A Rumor, a Release and a Rare Sneak Peak

Apple 10298 Published by Bob 0

Apple is exploring the possibility of including a wireless "remote wand" with future versions of its Apple TV media system that would provide users with precise control over a cursor on the Apple TV screen in very much the same way a conventual mouse controls a cursor on a PC. It would also unlock three-dimensional controls similar to those offered by Nintendo's Wii remote.

Apple exploring Magic Wand controller for next-gen Apple TV