Apple warns partners of iPod imposters
updated 01:35 pm EDT, Wed April 19, 2006
Apple warns of fake iPods
Apple last month began notifying service partners that some companies are illegally manufacturing digital music players which appear remarkably similar to its own various iPod models, and are attempting to sell them to unsuspecting buyers. The iPod nano and iPod shuffle seem to be the most commonly counterfeited iPods, both of which lack a dock connector and utilize nonstandard headphone jacks. Some of the fake products are even stamped with a valid Apple serial number, with several counterfeit models using the specific serial number "6U545TK2TJT." Apple said fake iPod nanos ship without the standard USB cable, and feature a slightly longer screen than the real Nanos. The imposter players run a different operating system, and have been known to include a Play/Pause symbol on the center select button, according to AppleInsider.
Counterfeit iPod shuffles reportedly include an on/off switch which lacks a repeat option, and fail to include a battery or status indicator light. Unscrupulous companies have been packaging the devices in fake iPod shuffle retail boxes that offer the phrase "Digital Music Player" on top.
Some players also ship with documentation that prompts the user to copy their music to a folder on the device rather than using iTunes, another warning sign that the player is not a genuine iPod.
Apple said in a bulletin to service providers that it is taking the matter very seriously, and any information provided by buyers of the imposter players may aid the company in dealing with the issue, according to the report.
Service providers who encounter a fake player are asked to photograph the device, discern where the customer purchased the item, and escalate the information to Apple's technical support group, coupled with any serial number included on the player, if applicable.
Send in the clones!
04/19, 02:21pm reply
Don't forget that imitation is the best form of flattery!
da5idj
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2009
doctored pic
04/19, 03:27pm reply
They couldn't find an actual counterfeit iPod? They had to doctor the pics? That's some pretty horrible photochopping there
pottymouth
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2003
Finding a fake
04/19, 03:42pm reply
I would guess it would be difficult to find these fakes in the developed world. Most likely, they are entering the 'third world' markets, where it is easier to sell without legal hassle. Still, it is certain that Apple will hunt them down and bust their operation very soon.
vasic
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Joined: May 2005
doctored pic
04/19, 04:23pm reply
No, no they are that well made, really.
I took the pictures with my SONNY camera (12x digital zoom!) and send them to Apple.
I heard about a video version as well. The slimming effect of the screen should be quite flattering...
henk
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2004
Free iPOD
04/19, 11:44pm reply
There is a company in Canada (MDG) that for the lat few weeks has been offering a free iPOD like MP3 player with the purchase of a WinTel box.
They had iPOD in extra large type and under it they had the word like in very small type the players look a lot like the iPod to the uninformed. This has dissapeard from there adds this week, Maybe Apple had a talk with them.
jstephe
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2006
Fake Nano in WalMart!!!
04/20, 01:10am reply
Here in Buenos Aires (Argentina), you can find the fake Nano at local WalMart (yes, not a fake WalMart!!!), side by side with the real Nano and the other ipods. There's a big difference just looking. You also can find it on an ebay associate (mercado libre): http://articulo.mercadolibre.com.ar/MLA-21139045-unico-mp3mp4-512mb-igual-ipod-nano-lo-mejor-_JM http://articulo.mercadolibre.com.ar/MLA-21129860-mp3-mp4-nano-ipod-clone-1gb-video-foto-ebook-lcd-fm-graba-_JM
zambo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2001
Fake iPod
02/16, 05:29am reply
Apple should have them selves to blame for making iPod nano2 so cheap, one piece metal case makes it even more cheaper for china to copy.
They started insulting nano and china joined them .
BR miliky
Guest
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Joined: Nov 1999