Apple Releases Volume Limiting Firmware for iPods

From Digital Music News today:

Apple has turned down the volume on its iPods, or at least released firmware to do the trick. The update will allow customers to create a maximum volume limit on their players. The biggest beneficiary of the update will probably be parents, who can now skip a headache-producing battle with their children.

For Apple, the move follows a rash of reports pointing to possible hearing damage, especially among those that listen to their iPods at high volumes over prolonged periods of time.

Now I’m still really amazed by this. It’s essentially the McDonald’s “gee-the-coffee-is-hot” situation. I can’t believe Apple could be held liable for people misusing their product. I have a stapler sitting on my desk that doesn’t have a tag that says “Don’t staple hand” on it, nor does it have a safety mechanism to prevent me from harming myself or others with it. Yet, the stapler and I get along just fine.

However, if they were going to release updated firmware, I’m pleased they used a self-limiting system, rather than capping at a reported 60 percent volume, which would make listening on the subway or crowded bus impossible. Yeesh.