Yeah, obviously Apple should sue for intellectual property reasons, but they should also seriously look into adding FM functionality to the iPod. I, for one, would have a real use for listening to my favorite radio station at some times during the day and to my music during others.

Was this designed to create more litigation? Geez, how obvious can you get? Throw any bit of decency or diplomacy out the window. This definitely is a joke, but if its intended to be or not we do not know yet.

Wow, like the original iMac PC that never made it out the door ;-) Maybe even closer looking.

But, if they get to market and sell a ton, maybe Apple will finally make an iPod with a radio in it.

Obviously...

The reason Apple doesn't include FM is because nobody wants it. It's dead tech, and I don't see anybody clamoring to buy the mp3 players that have it. If you have all the music you love at your fingertips why would you want to listen to some dumbass playing three songs, then talk for 5 minutes, then listen to ten minutes of commercials?

Now, recording capability would be a different story.

Law? China?

Hahahahahahahahahahaha....that's pretty funny.

And with our commander-in-thief and his corporate buddies kissing China's a** ("because China is such a large, untapped market..."), don't even think a lawsuit will have any effect.

Lawsuit....China....hahahahahahaahahahahaaha

I emailed them and told them they are losers and hope Apple sues their Asses off!

Unfortunately, these kind of suits are more difficult in countries like Taiwan. counterfeit products run rampant. They have fake Gap stores, Nike Stores etc...not much a company can really do ultimately.

I don't think they'll get much distribution though...at least in the USA...unless Walmart sells it...ugggh

Why is it that everytime a few people mention that they want an FM tuner in their player, some moron starts blasting: "The reason Apple doesn't include FM is because nobody wants it."

A lot of people want it. If they didn't, you'd have no post to which to reply with your "nobody wants it" nonsense. Just because you don't listen to radio doesn't mean that nobody else does.

Personally, I'd like to see an AM tuner integrated into a player so that I can listen to some of my favorite talk shows while out and about.

I'd say this is a big PR stunt by LuxPro pure and simple. Apple won't touch them until they put it on the market and turn commercial. Nothing is infringed up to this point. With just about every IT press publicising their forey, I'd say that this beats any other form of PR hands down. For what's it worth, they are a centre of attention at CeBit right now. I'll have to eat my foot if they really are stupid enough as people have suggesed and tries to sell it.

While I'm certainly not on Apple's side in regards to its current legal action against rumor sites. This is a good example of why they need to be so careful with their product information. Suppose images of the iPod Shuffle had been leaked a couple months early. These guys may have been able to release their knock-off at the same time or maybe even before Apple released theirs (figuring less concern for fit quality of construction). That would have had a real impact on the splash the shuffle made.

Many companies don't get a chance to file their patents until just prior to the product being demonstrated publically for the first time. All other contacts internally or externally are supposedly covered under NDAs. Rumour sites are a major risk for any company so it's no surprise that Apple would hit them hard. Whether Apple decides to do anything or not depends on the seriousness of the product involved. In the recent case, I suspect ThinkSecret just managed to hit a really raw nerve of Apple. I love reading these rumour reports but at the same time totally understand Apple's position.

Apple would have come out with those features first. There's no reason Apple couldn't add them in a future version. I agree with "almost some moron..." I would love an FM tuner in my shuffle or iPod. If someone made an add-on for my iPod I'd own it already. But it really should be built in. AM for listening to the game and there are still some good FM radio markets out there. Independent stations in LA and Phoenix play good music. Then I go out and buy songs I heard on iTunes. check out www.theedge1039.com if you like alternative/independent music (you can stream the station with quicktime) The station jockeys and director are big mac fans too.

I can't see how that company will be able to sell this knockoff product for long, it looks almost exactly like the shuffle. I just hope Apple took note of the features.

Even there advertising is the same as Apple's. Let's not do any research just copy everything from Apple and add a dumb radio on the back. Then let's name it exactly like Apple's shuffle and call it the super shuffle.
I hear Apple legal knocking down there door right now!

In response to the post by garmonbosia:

"The reason Apple doesn't include FM is because nobody wants it. It's dead tech, and I don't see anybody clamoring to buy the mp3 players that have it. If you have all the music you love at your fingertips why would you want to listen to some dumbass playing three songs, then talk for 5 minutes, then listen to ten minutes of commercials?"

The reason is because I listen to public radio, which doesn't only play music and has no commercials. I enjoy listening to NPR some of the day and music other parts. Make sense?

The iPod was designed to be a music player. A music player of YOUR music any way you want it. If you want to listen to music with commercial breaks and traffic reports; buy a cheap Walkman. Having a radio on an iPod completely defeats the purpose.

What the heck are you talking about? The purpose of any product is to meet demand, to bring consumers what they want to consume. There is no divinely prescribed purpose that an iPod has to fill, despite your proclamation. the iPod was designed to be a music player? Ummmm....the iPod is designed to make people want it. If adding a feature that doesn't fit into your narrow plan for it still makes it sell better,be sure to call Steve and remind him what his mission SHOULD be.

OS Support
Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Mac OS 10.0 later version

This is FUD, just a joke. Ya can't have osX support for WMA DRM!
Bad site, there is nothing there. And if u click on the j** sign its just a bad translation of the same verry small site. Dumb pictures and a dumb Q&A. Don't get fooled!

I'm guessing Apple will add a "Lawsuits" tab to their homepage.

I wonder when they will come and sue me...

"The iPod was designed to be a music player. A music player of YOUR music any way you want it. If you want to listen to music with commercial breaks and traffic reports; buy a cheap Walkman. Having a radio on an iPod completely defeats the purpose."

I don't get you people. First of all, what is your specific objection to having a radio in the iPod? Why is it so offensive to you?

Secondly, I guess you already think the iPod is dead, what with its ability to store files, display photos, play games, store contact numbers, even show the God-forsaken time. None of these things have to do with playing music either.

Finally, I don't know what's so hard to understand about this: not all radio is music. There is talk radio, and there are a lot of people who listen to both music and talk radio. We want to do both with the same device. Can you really keep arguing that point?

They will suffer the same fate that e-machines did with the original iMac knock off!!

invitation, I wonder what the h*** is going on. I mean, has this company never heard of Apple Computer and it's zeal for protection of it's intellectual property? This is either the stupidest company on the planet, or their looking for a fight for some reason. I'd say in the case of the latter, that'll call-em out!

How do you even buy this thing?

Is it just vaporware at the moment?

I'll buy one.

Ups Apple's offer by a bit.

See Apple, it ain't too hard to be a bit cooler :)

>>See Apple, it ain't too hard to be a bit cooler :)

Yeah, just as long as someone else does 99% of the "being cool" for ya ;-p

Is it April 1 in Taiwan?

You have GOT to be kidding me! Unbe-f**king-lievable!

"Yes, hello, Apple Legal, I hate to take your attention away from those nasty rumor sites, but I think there's something you should see..."

Yep, just to chip in that I wouldn't mind a radio feature (AM/FM) on my iPod. It would make the unit even more versatile for MY needs. Sometimes some good quality talk radio shows are also "music" to my ears... Don't forget also that this copycat unit also has voice recording feature. Now that would be handy to replace that dictaphone.

They seem to be located in Taiwan. Unless these guys are incorporated on Mars, I think Steve Jobs gonna sue somebody.

OS Support
Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Mac OS 10.0 later version

This is FUD, just a joke. Ya can't have osX support for WMA DRM!
Bad site, there is nothing there. And if u click on the j** sign its just a bad translation of the same verry small site. Dumb pictures and a dumb Q&A. Don't get fooled!

Sorry, dude, you're wrong. They aren't saying you can play the music on your mac, just that you can transfer the music on a Mac. And just because you can't play WMA DRM, you can still do all the other formats. Man, talk about reaching for a "its a joke". Now, if they claimed they could play iTMS music, then you'd have a good doubt.

I don't get you people. First of all, what is your specific objection to having a radio in the iPod? Why is it so offensive to you?


My objection is what it leads to. First its a radio. Then its built-in voice recording. Then line-in recording "Because I want to record sessions at my local club!" Then its built-in flash-card readers. And movie playing. And palm-like PIM features. And then built-in keyboards for entering PIM data. And built-in telephony features. And wireless card so people can use it as a remote control or stream music to their stereo (because hooking the iPod to the receiver via a cable is so 1990's). And built-in TV tuner (h***, if it can do video, and Apple can put in an FM receiver, why not a TV receiver?). Then an HD receiver, and cable hook-ups (hey, how else can I watch the Soprano's on my iPod?)

Basically my problem is where does the feature bloat stop? Once you start adding 'extras', it just starts going downhill, and then you all are complaining that its too heavy, or its bigger then before (people whine about the iPod photo because its like 3mm thicker then the iPod). Once they stick in all the features people want, it'll be a 3lb brick in people's pockets.

Secondly, I guess you already think the iPod is dead, what with its ability to store files, display photos, play games, store contact numbers, even show the God-forsaken time. None of these things have to do with playing music either.
Its always had the ability to act as a hard disk, so that ain't no big deal (esp. since its not a 'feature' of the iPod in the sense that it adds no complexity to using the iPod). The photos is leading into the videos, and then its just going to get worse from there. Plus the photo is still more of a hack onto the iPod then some well-thought out feature (you have to get the photos onto the iPod via iTunes? That's not 'good' design, that's just "how can we slap photo capabilities on there without really trying"). I can put up with the games as long as they don't start trying to become some gameboy replacement, adding buttons and dials for game play. And contacts and notes are also fine because you can't add/edit them, just view.

Finally, I don't know what's so hard to understand about this: not all radio is music. There is talk radio, and there are a lot of people who listen to both music and talk radio. We want to do both with the same device. Can you really keep arguing that point?

Sure, why not. You seem to have no trouble to argue the other side, why can't people argue a dissenting view? And why does Apple have to provide all you people with the 'ideal' device? There's a bunch of players out there, several with built-in tuners (some even do AM, so I'm told). Did it ever occur to you to look at all the models out there, find the one that meets most of your needs, and buy that? That's how people bu

The idiot who wrote about people NOT wanting FM Radio tuners has probably never stepped inside of a gym either... I'm sure you're a fat lard, so let me explain to you what the inside of a gym has these days: Televisions, all over the walls, that can ONLY be listened to by tuning into special FM radio stations.

I'll give you credit for sticking to your guns. I don't have much else to say beyond what I've already said. I don't think adding FM capabilities to the iPod is embarking on a slippery slope, but if you want to conjure nightmarish images of the iPod as a 5 pound behemoth, then I'm not going to be able to stop you. Suffice it to say I'd like to be able to listen to the radio on my iPod, not some other device. I find the iPod easier to use, more attractive, and generally more enjoyable than the items made by competitors. Personally, I don't think it would detract from the iPod's quality to add a feature a lot of people are asking for.

... of whether people think an FM tuner is something Apple should/shouldn't put into a product, they're almost forced to consider it from a marketing point of view as if they want to stay on top, over-time if people keep saying why doesn't the iPod have FM in it because the competitors do, they'll eventually buy the competitor, especially over time when other services mature to provide better software to interface with the competitor's online music services, etc.

Yes, FM is not dead (yet).

Please tell me Apple is going to put a stop to this?!!

The copywriting is so funny. It deserves a place at:

Engrish.com

Here ya go.

15 bucks. Now go buy one, and leave the iPod fluff-free.

/still doesn't even like the idea of the iPod Photo

"This is FUD, just a joke. Ya can't have osX support for WMA DRM!
Bad site, there is nothing there. And if u click on the j** sign its just a bad translation of the same verry small site. Dumb pictures and a dumb Q&A. Don't get fooled!"

"Sorry, dude, you're wrong. They aren't saying you can play the music on your mac, just that you can transfer the music on a Mac. And just because you can't play WMA DRM, you can still do all the other formats. Man, talk about reaching for a "its a joke". Now, if they claimed they could play iTMS music, then you'd have a good doubt."

I can do that with all WMA MP3 players but nobody is giving mac-support. Look at the pictures, even the advertising is a rip-off. And 2/3 of the price is just impossible to sell with a profit. 2 big ugly screws at the bottom! A hoax, a joke or pure technology showcase but i think a hoax/joke, albeit a good one.

http://www.macdailynews.com/gfx/article_gfx/050310_luxpro_super_shuffle.jpg

According to reports the iPod Shuffle is using an off-the-shelf MP3 chipset that provides several facilities that the Shuffle doesn't implement, including LCD display support and FM radio reception. I strongly suspect that this is using the same chips.

This could well be off the same production line as the shuffle, with just a slightly different circuit board and case.

I don't want FM on my Ipod...why not the ability to play vinyl records...

i really have seen it ALL now

Personally, I don't think it would detract from the iPod's quality to add a feature a lot of people are asking for.

But its not the only thing people are asking for. A lot of people whine there isn't recording (both line-in and voice). And then there's the whole video thing. And then there's the iPod phone that Apple must come out with if they plan on staying on top.

The idiot who wrote about people NOT wanting FM Radio tuners has probably never stepped inside of a gym either... I'm sure you're a fat lard, so let me explain to you what the inside of a gym has these days: Televisions, all over the walls, that can ONLY be listened to by tuning into special FM radio stations.

So we're fat lards, yet you can't go anywhere without watching TV? Me, I get my exercise outside (you know, fresh air, trees, green grass, that kind of thing) rather than having to put up with pompous asses in a gym, who feel the locker room is their own private bathroom. But I'm sure there's nothing like doing the stairmaster while watching Regis and Kelly Lee, or Oprah, or some biased news on FNC or CNN. Or whatever it is they've got running today on the tvs.

I find the arguments like those who buy a Mac, then complain that it doesn't run MS Outlook, can't play their WMA files, and that there's three programs for work they need to use that only have PC versions, and so Apple should either build-in Virtual PC or make a version of OS X for Windows or something. Hey, make a list of your requirements, then find the product that best meets it. Too many people just want to buy Apple out of some sense of 'loyalty', then 'disloyals' the company by bashing them for lacking stuff they want.

If Apple won't give you what you want, then why are you being loyal to them? Its like some sort of Lifetime drama "He beats her, but she won't leave him. Tonight at 9".

this isn't tied in any way to the mac trade website lawsuits, but if we want to go down that type of funny thinking...

...this certainly is a reason why apple should never sue mac news websites, because contrary to popular opinion they do not have unlimited resources, and neither do the courts, and they should concentrate on suing actual lawbreakers like those stealing ip.

...I fully admit that is funny logic, the same as the logic that this unrelated event is a reason to sue apple fan sites... fact is, the luxpro's of the world don't assume every rumor is true or that every product apple releases will be a success...rip off's come after the product has been released and is a success.


enough knee-jerk logic

isn't anyone making a radio tuner that you can just attach to iPod like the iTrip??? That's the answer AFAIAC.

for FM radio. Shouldn't there be a petition somewhere?

It's getting harder to convince those still on the fence (those that don't think Jobs is the second coming) to go with iPods when other products have more features. That's not to say it's better. Everyone here knows the iPod's excellent quality, user experience, etc. But why not add FM, a display, voice recording and be done with it. Don't give the competition a chance. Did those features add a bunch of weight to the LuxPro, price? Even if it did, who could pull it off better than Apple?

I wonder how well the iPod would do if other players were able to access the iTunes store? Everyone is going to take their shot at Apple. At first it was no contest but if you haven't noticed, the competition is gradually getting better.

I'm in on the FM...and that's the only thing holding me back from buying a new iPod

well that and waiting to see if my carrier will stock the Treo 650. Now that's what we all need!

I find the sense of entitlement people feel when they talk about iPods, as if an added feature was something they have any standing whatsoever to have objections to. If you dont WANT it, fine...it doesn't make sense to say that Apple shouldn't add it simply because they don't want it.

ANY product is designed and evolves so as to be more desireable to customers. Any consideration other than that is missing the point. Saying, "I think/don't think the iPod should have FM because I like/dont like it for htis reason or it is smart/stupid for that reason" has NO RELEVANCE. It IS relevant to say "If they add the FM tuner fewer people will buy it/more people will buy it".

Get over yourselves. Your preferences only matter as far as they will influence your purchasing an iPod...and I would bet the farm that NOT ONE of the anti-radio folks would decide "Ahhh I love the product....but I dont want it if it has an AM/FM radio built in. That is just a stupid thing to add, I dont want it, I will do without the ipod altogether".

Also, the distinction between music, talk, whatever, is not very meaningful...all that matters is that it is all AUDIO content that can be delivered to a user's ear easily.

It has to be a hoax. There's no way any company would actually deliberately try to piss off Apple Legal like this. For the design and the name... it's got to be a joke.

as an addendum: from the specs, I'm pretty sure it's illegal in the US, given the FM frequency range. Additionally, it has the worst interface possible for a tuner, clicking back and forth from a base frequency of 90.5, with no screen or dial. A regular iPod could probably do well with an FM tuner, but not a Shuffle

Looks like a pack of gum.

Yum.

Basically, Luxpro is just a shell, its mother company Tounsen rips things in Taiwan over 30 years.

http://www.tounsen.com.tw/about01_e.asp

Somebody wrote:


this certainly is a reason why apple should never sue mac news websites, because contrary to popular opinion they do not have unlimited resources, and neither do the courts, and they should concentrate on suing actual lawbreakers like those stealing ip.


Well, how is Apple supposed to find out who leaked the trade secrets without the subpoenas? Apple wasn't suing the sites for $'s, they were suing to get the informaiton.

This will go the way of the FuturePower "E-Power" (remember that one?),the blatant iMac ripoff from 1999 - Now residing in the "where are they now?" file. It won't last long.

I don't get you people. First of all, what is your specific objection to having a radio in the iPod? Why is it so offensive to you?

"My objection is what it leads to. First its a radio. Then its built-in voice recording."

[Slippery Slope:a series of increasingly unacceptable consequences is drawn]
http://www.datanation.com/fallacies/index.htm

Eventually the extra features will stop, because then the device gets expensive and moves into a different market. Adding something as simple as radio to the iPod not only (A) Fits in with the primary spirit and purpose (playing music) (B) Can be done without an exessive price increase. As such, it's pretty much a no-brainer.

But since apple is often very brainless (Not-Invented-Here syndrome, no matter how stupid that philosophy can be), it doesn't suprise me that they haven't done it yet.

And why does Apple have to provide all you people with the 'ideal' device?

The purpose of a company is to make money for shareholders, and this is done by making products which satisfy the wants of customers. If customers want it, apple should deliver it, plain and simple.

The consumer is voting every day with teir wallets.

Gimme an iPod, not one of those wanker copies.

Z

I find the sense of entitlement people feel when they talk about iPods, as if an added feature was something they have any standing whatsoever to have objections to. If you dont WANT it, fine...it doesn't make sense to say that Apple shouldn't add it simply because they don't want it.

I had trouble following what you're trying to say, but the basic idea is that it's apple's job to capture what people want into a product, regardless of where those wants are coming from.

Entitlement is the wrong word. People like the iPod a lot but object a bit because the overall package isn't quite right for their needs. This is perfectly normal- happens all the time. The frustrating thing about apple is that they are unlike most companies, in the sense that they typically don't listen to their customers. Their strategy has been to pull customers into the designs they like to create, rather then the other way around. This makes most apple products a love/hate relationship. I think the core matter is that people are annoyed that apple isn't listening to their requests. This is the very reason that I've slowed down buying new apple products- I get tired of waiting and waiting and waiting for apple to deliver on the features that seem to me to be obvious. (Come on, adding a radio to the iPod is a no brainer.)

Saying, "I think/don't think the iPod should have FM because I like/dont like it for htis reason or it is smart/stupid for that reason" has NO RELEVANCE. It IS relevant to say "If they add the FM tuner fewer people will buy it/more people will buy it".

No relevance to what? People's opinions of a product influence their buying decision. So if what you were saying is those comments have no bearing on if apple will add a feature or not, you couldn't be more wrong. The people who are asking for the tuner are the ones ready and waiting to give apple money if they would just deliver on that request.

I would bet the farm that NOT ONE of the anti-radio folks would decide "Ahhh I love the product....but I dont want it if it has an AM/FM radio built in."

Poor argument in this context, because a lot of people that buy from apple will put up with more S*** in a product, simply because they like apple the company. In this case, it's the brand that's selling, not the features. If you're talkign about pretty much any other company, people most definately WOULD decide against buying a product if it lacks a key feature that they are looking for.