Login:
Password:

Apple Adds iPod Max Volume Setting

By BetaNews Staff, BetaNews

March 29, 2006, 10:49 AM

In an effort to shield itself from possible legal action, Apple announced the availability of a software update Wednesday that can set a maximum volume setting on the iPod. The update is available for fifth generation iPods and the iPod nano. Furthermore, parents could also set a maximum volume setting and lock it with a combination code, the company said.

"With the increased attention in this area, we want to offer customers an easy to use option to set their own personal volume limit," Apple marketing president Greg Joswiak said in a statement. The software update is available immediately from the iPod software download page, and is compatible with any accessory plugged into the headphone jack, as well as the iPod Radio Remote.

Add a Comment (16 Comments)

BetaNews reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic. Foul language and personal attacks will not be tolerated.

Name (required):

E-mail (required):

Enter Your Comment:

By xoineg

posted Mar 30, 2006 - 10:10 AM

I just installed the update and was testing it on my iPod. One thing that I have noticed is that if you set it to the maximum your music will actually sound louder than before the update. So I guess some people will still go deaf. I guess is just a matter of having common sense.

Score: 0

By wav

posted Mar 30, 2006 - 8:39 AM

Maybe they should wear a sign that says "I'm stupid" ladies and gentlemen. These warning labels arent for us, they are for stupid people. If they are seen wearing the sign we wouldnt sell them the product. "Oh I can't sell you that..." "Why not? ... Oh I forgot..." - Bill Engvall

Score: 0

By xprizex

posted Mar 30, 2006 - 5:54 AM

The iPod damaged may hearing! The coffee burn my tongue! I only ate 50 burgers a day and I got fat! The dynamites exploded when I tried to start a fire by rubbing them together!

If there is no warning label, some retard will find a way to do the unthinkable. Some people are just born without common sense or just really ****ing stupid. But worst of all is the Judge and Jury that let these a****** walk with millions.

Score: 0

By Tenoq

posted Mar 29, 2006 - 8:47 PM

We need to start classifying the people that come up with these lawsuits as "legally stupid". Remove their rights, so they can't hurt themselves. No license, no car, no house, no iPod (clearly! :P), no possessions. This way, they can't hurt themselves; come up with ridiculous lawsuits; or cost the rest of society so much time and money.

Score: 0

By micronix

posted Mar 29, 2006 - 8:24 PM

what's the problem here? sony players have had this option for years. it's called avls. automatic volume limiting system. a little switch that makes the max volume not too high. it's just a feature. calm down.

Score: 0

By jbaltz69

posted Mar 29, 2006 - 1:28 PM

Way to go stupid Americans and their stupid frivoluous lawsuits. Apple shouldn't have had to waste there time coming up with this.

Score: 0

By drumcat

edited Mar 30, 2006 - 2:19 AM

I suck.

Score: 0

By btn

posted Mar 29, 2006 - 4:58 PM

I believe jbaltz69 is referring to John Kiel Patterson v. Apple Computer that was filed at the beginning of this year. Mr. Patterson's attorneys present a factual allegation that: "As a result of Defendant's defective design and inadequate warnings, countless consumers have suffered from and will suffer noise induced hearing loss and remain at risk for such injury."

Score: 0

By crashoverride

posted Mar 29, 2006 - 9:36 PM

Well, like I've always said warnings and features like this are not for us. Theyre there for stupid people. If there weren't any stupid people around we wouldn't need this.

Score: 0

By jbaltz69

posted Mar 29, 2006 - 4:49 PM

Nope, it was a class action lawsuit in California. Nice try though.

Score: 0

By Kickn1Back

posted Mar 29, 2006 - 1:23 PM

If you guy's would read and not wish, it says that a maximum volume "limit" can be set so that so that they will not play at a "louder" volume. ie. You will be able to set the max volume to let's say 6 or 7 so that it can not be turned up to 10.

Score: 0

By imafurby

posted Mar 29, 2006 - 1:02 PM

Yeah, but does it go up to 11?

Score: 0

By frankwick

posted Mar 29, 2006 - 1:42 PM

...but these go to 11.

Score: 0

By chuchunesbe

edited Mar 29, 2006 - 7:52 PM

Coudn't you just make 10 more powerful?

Score: 0

By xoineg

posted Mar 30, 2006 - 10:12 AM

if you set it to the maximum allowed, the music sounds louder :P so go nuts....maybe deaf :P

Score: 0

By rijp

posted Mar 29, 2006 - 11:16 AM

OH, they gave in. I guess its too much to task that people turn the volume down.

Well, maxing it out to the highest volume, even low, is still LOUD!

Score: 0