Apple launches "Made for iPod" seal

In a move reminiscent of those annoying Windows stickers affixed to most PCs with some kind of permanent glue, Apple has launched a "Made for iPod" program, which will allow it to tag "authorized" accessories. Given the proliferation of third-party iPod gear, it seems like a smart (and obvious) move on Apple's part. Preferred vendors will get their stickers, Apple will get some extra cash (like they really need it), and makers of uninspired or cheesy accessories will languish in well-deserved obscurity. (Of course, Apple can also use the seal in less noble ways, like withholding it from vendors who also produce gear for competing audio players, but they wouldn't do that, would they?)

[Joey Geraci @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

another way for apple to put a stranglehold on the market and rip a little more cash from its customers

[Brandon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

wow, I can already see it, fake stickers being put on non-apple authorized equipment.

[JK @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Oh good, something else for the fanboys of creative, Rio, and other sub-par mp3 players to complain about.

[arkowi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Nintendo has been doing this for 20 years, I don't see the big deal. Remember this:

http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/images/seal_new.gif

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I really think the Nintendo seal of quality stopped about 2 years ago, but i can't find confirmation anywhere.

[pinkpooter @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

"Posted Jan 13, 2005, 1:02 PM ET by JK

Oh good, something else for the fanboys of creative, Rio, and other sub-par mp3 players to complain about."

this is funny. sub-par. i take it your a mac fanboy then.

all comp's do this. its nothing new.

[CurtSchilling @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

"another way for apple to put a stranglehold on the market"

um... last i checked, apple had less than 5% of the computer share in the US... maybe the world.

[arkowi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Mike,

According to this Nintendo web page (same one as where I got the image link), they still use the seal.

http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/licensed.jsp

[AK @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I like it.

Follow the footsteps of Intal, AMD, MSWindows... ahhh. Marketing!

[SpY2K @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

"um... last i checked, apple had less than 5% of the computer share in the US... maybe the world."

CurtSchilling- He was obviously referring to the market in which the iPod contends... the portable mp3 player market. A market in which Apple IS leading the pack and their recent first quarter results show that. 525% iPod unit growth!

[Dean Shannon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I could see why they would do this. If my grandma bought an iPod she would have no idea what products actually work for it. Just because we think a sticker like this is useless doesn't mean that it is not helpful to no one.

[ZeZstf @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

"languish in well-deserved obscurity"... that was actually Apple's position when they used to think that just making nice and good products would be enough to rule the computing world.
And Steve said "Let there be marketing".

[Tom @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I'd like to see them use this on devices that actually allow the playing of iTunes songs, like Roku.

[D Boy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

This is far from an altruistic attempt by Apple to ensure compatability with it's products. It simply means that Apple can squeeze money from accessory suppliers by making them pay to have this sticker.
accessories are already ridiculously expensive compared to actual costs.
This stickerbwill keep the price of accessories artificially high for no or little benefit to Ipod users.

[mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

"and makers of uninspired or cheesy accessories will languish in well-deserved obscurity"

That would be anybody making accessories for the WMA players.. but I can't think of any

[ebp2k2 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

i agree with poster #15, when apple charges extra to vendors for these tags, it's passed right along to the suckers like us.

and I thought 40 dollar ipod arm-band was ludicrous.

[AppleMaster @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

The reason for this is the number of 3rd part products that were never intended to be used with an iPod, but are now being marketed as "iPod Compatible" by the manufacturers.

A good example are the Universal PDA cases at Office Depot or Staples. All you have to do is glue a permanent sticker to the back of the iPod so it attaches to the case using velcro. They are now riding on the coat tails of Apple's success.

You can complain that this is another way for Apple to squeeze a little more money out of the iPod. Really, it's just Apple keeping a bunch of leeches from profiting by using the iPod name.

If you own an iPod, you might understand...You don't connect your iPod to half-assed products.

This is a good idea from Apple.

[Apple_Master @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

From Tom:
>I'd like to see them use this on devices that actually allow the playing of iTunes songs, like Roku.

Please explain to me how a different MP3 player could be "Made for iPod"??? It's for accessories that are made FOR an iPod, not similar devices that compete against it.