Jordan wrote the other day regarding just how bad of an idea the new iPod Shuffle from Apple is, and I cannot disagree with anything he said. I can confirm most of it though. Those funky headphones with the iPod controls built-in, contain a special proprietary chip that all 3rd party developers must license if they want to be compatible. That's right - even if you don't buy a new set of Apple headphones for the new iPod Shuffle, Apple is getting your money.

This is especially bad because of the very nature of the iPod Shuffle. Many people (including myself) use the shuffle for athletic activities. The stock Apple earbuds are absolutely useless for any rigorous activity. They must be replaced in order for the Shuffle to fulfill its primary purpose. Unfortunately, Apple now has complete control over which headphones you can purchase and how much they will cost. The Shuffle owns you; you don't own an iPod shuffle.

There is a solution however, and it is refreshingly low-tech and low-cost. A small outfit makes a product called Innovelis make a product called BudFits. BudFits are small adapters that turn traditional over the ear headphones into an athletic style headset. They are less than $15 and don't contain any secret chips, don't need to be licensed, and they won't fall out of your head when you run. Ha! Take that Apple.

Via Boing Boing