Apple to introduce iPod volume limiter

The people spoke, and Apple listened -- while they still have their hearing that is. After facing that French iPod law (no, not that one, the other one regulating volume output in portable audio devices) and a lawsuit here in the states about iPod-related hearing damage, Apple's apparently releasing a software update to allow for a personal volume threshold option in your iPod. Meaning you can set it so your iPod can't get any louder than a certain pre-defined level -- though as long as that level is configurable, even if its placed out of the way in the device options, people will still continue to set it to 11 and damage their hearing. Still, what's interesting here is that this move could be construed as an admission of guilt in some sense, but hey, we appreciate the thought, Apple. Look at that guy in the picture -- we wouldn't really want him screaming at full volume right into our ears, either.

[Joe Smith @ Mar 29th 2006 10:36AM]

i hope this update actually improves the ipod rather than destroys it. i heard so many people complaining that their 60GB ipods died. with my 30GB ipod, i hated the fact that they got rid of the manual backlight on/off switch (by holding down menu).

[Josh @ Mar 29th 2006 10:37AM]

If you are stupid enough to blast your iPod at that volume then you are stupid enough to go deaf from it. This has to be one of the dumbest lawsuits I have ever seen in my life, and yes I am comparing it that dumb ass lady that spilled her hot coffee on herself.

[san @ Mar 29th 2006 10:40AM]

It does mean that I can put headphones on my kids, set the volume limiter to something low, and not worry I'll accidentally blow out their eardrums while trying to change songs. So I like it, if not particularly for the purpose it is intended.

[Lee @ Mar 29th 2006 10:41AM]

Too bad... The death of personal responsibility continues. I, for one, would never buy a volume-limited anything... So, to those who do not already have one, go purchase a good headphone amplifier before those get outlawed too.

Can anyone say "tort reform"?

Sorry, people of France (et al), but I'm of the mind that I should be able to deafen myself while listening to Ministry if I so choose.

[top @ Mar 29th 2006 10:41AM]

Who cares.

[bradtwitty @ Mar 29th 2006 10:42AM]

When will people that responsibility for their own actions. It is not the government's job to make decisions for you. If you want to go deaf listening to music that is your right.

[san @ Mar 29th 2006 10:44AM]

Oh good lord, #3: As described, it's a user-definable volume limiter. If you want it loud as it will go, just leave the volume threshold cap off. No need to buy a headphone amp.

[thomas acito @ Mar 29th 2006 10:46AM]

so they are putting a volume control on the volume control? now that is engineering BRILLIANCE! ;^)

[Frank Z @ Mar 29th 2006 10:47AM]

My question is who are these idiots that don't know that volume at high levels can damage your ears? There's a reason that earplugs are sold at concerts too. If these people are dumb enough to crank their iPods full blast, who's to say they don't do the same with their television and home stereo? This brings the phrase frilivous lawsuit to new heights!

[Frederik @ Mar 29th 2006 10:47AM]

Just as I thought humanity couldn't sink any lower...

[tommer12 @ Mar 29th 2006 10:48AM]

I have to chim again... get rid of the bono ipod picture.. is this the only one apple lets you use? cant you take a picture your own ipod, then post it as your article picture? Every single ipod article has bono on the screen uggg!!

Press Release - Rockford Fosgate Inc,

In following suite to Apple's iPod hearing and volume control issues, Rockford Fosgate will now be offering amplifers and speakers with a low volume option.

DOH!

[Jaxim @ Mar 29th 2006 10:48AM]

I wish TVs had this ability, or for that matter DVRs/Media Center PCs.

I hate when I'm watching a program and when the commercials come on, the volume goes WAY up. I wish there was a volume limiter for TVs and computers.

And if there is and someone knows how to set it, please let me know.

In any case, I think this is a great of Apple to include, (so long as its adjustable).

[Bo @ Mar 29th 2006 10:51AM]

I think this is cool. When I'm at work I can only wear one earphone and have the volume down low. Sometimes when I'm choosing a song I will accidently hit volume up all the way, and when you get a really loud blast of mudvayne at 6:30 in the morning not suspecting it, that can get really annoying!

[san @ Mar 29th 2006 10:54AM]

@#8

"My question is who are these idiots that don't know that volume at high levels can damage your ears?"

Speaking as someone going deaf very early -- mostly hereditary, but exacerbated by loud music listening -- and as someone who knows that volume at high levels can damage hearing, it's hard to know what's too high. Your volume perception adjusts in a listening session and moderately but still harmfully loud becomes comfortable.

It's user-definable. It's the pinnacle of capitalism. Capitalism is all about choice for the consumer, about diversity in the products available. Naysayers revel in the triumph of free markets over iron-fisted socialism.

[Maff Mace @ Mar 29th 2006 10:54AM]

#10 - there's been things like that on TV's for years (at least here in the UK), I have a new Toshiba HDTV and the option on this is called "Stable Sound", it's probably called different things on different TV's, the last 3 TV's I've had have had this feature (including a cheap one), it's always in the manual

[jfox @ Mar 29th 2006 10:59AM]

I have to laugh. This is probably one of the most rediculous things I have seen in a long time. Basically, users was another volume control? What idiot out there doesnt understand that if you keep the volume way up ON ANY PLAYER (lets face it just becuase ipod has like 90% of the market share, this isn't an ipod problem) it can damage your ears? If the problem is "accidentally" hitting the volume control, then perhaps they should just redesign how one controls the volume.

[pop @ Mar 29th 2006 10:59AM]

First re: "Death of personal responsibility." Anyone who has dumped ripped mp3s onto their ipod knows the pain when you go from a song ripped at a low volume to one at high volume. Volume leveling not only should be built into iPods , but must be due to dramatic differences in individual song volumes.

Second re: "Admission of guilt" by including such a feature. Unlikely that a volume leveling feature, implemented after the fact, would make it into evidence. Most courts will not allow it in under whets' known as the "subsequent remedial measure" doctrine. Essentially, if a manufacturer fell prey to an admission of guilt everytine they introduced a safer feature, manufacturers would be deterred from ever improving their product's safety features.

[kuhndog @ Mar 29th 2006 11:08AM]

that's a friggin great idea.. you know how many times i accidently cranked the volume up on my ipod waaaay too loud way to fast... happens when i brush against the wheel or am fumbling with it inside my coat..

[Jared Dilg @ Mar 29th 2006 11:08AM]

What's so funny?

This is a perfectly logical improvement. It's not another volume control, but a top-end limiter for the existing volume control. The volume adjustment on the iPod is fairly sensitive and I have on several occasions hit the middle button only once instead of twice, then flicked the touch dial to skip ahead in a song, but ended up cranking the volume to max. I welcome this update as long as it doesn't break the existing features.

[Lee @ Mar 29th 2006 11:08AM]

Riddle me this -- if it's a "user-definable volume limiter", isn't that jsut semi-fancy speak for a "volume control"?

So, if it's technically the same where the hell is the difference?
Just curious is all.

[RL @ Mar 29th 2006 11:09AM]

Don't forget the problem with the iPod 5G volume going up drastically if a cell phone near by receives a call... It's definitely a design flaw and maybe this is how they cover their base... I usually turn on the hold button to avoid this problem but once in a while I forget and nearly get my ears blown becuase the volume got "adjusted" by my cell phone :-(

[jimf @ Mar 29th 2006 11:09AM]

Actually, correction of a product problem (if in fact this is one) cannot be construed as an admission of guilt (liability, not guilt is the correct term)...(at least in court)

[consumer_q @ Mar 29th 2006 11:10AM]

"My question is who are these idiots that don't know that volume at high levels can damage your ears?"

Children?

From Apple:
"The new 1.1.1 software update for iPod nano and Fifth Generation iPod provides an easy way for you to set a maximum volume limit to prevent the volume from exceeding a certain level. You can also assign a combination to prevent the setting from being changed which is ideal for parental control."

Why are people complaining about Apple adding a FEATURE?
This is an optional FEATURE. Bitching and moaning that Apple is offering a new feature - one that does not interfer with normal operations unless the user initiates it - is rather pathetic.

[Lee @ Mar 29th 2006 11:13AM]

for Maff Mace --
I certainly understand what you're speaking of, and it's very useful with those DVDs where the voice is nearly inaudible but when someone fires a gun onscreen it nearly deafens you... I hate that. But I love a setting that "normalizes" all audio on a DVD, so I can turn up the volume to hear the voice portions without having to keep the DVD's remote close at hand to turn it down when there's noisy action on-screen.

The feature you speak of is actually a good "feature" as opposed to some half-baked volume limiter on an iPod... I know how to use the volume control just fine & I'd love for frivolous lawsuits to go the way of the dodo bird.

[san @ Mar 29th 2006 11:17AM]

@#16

"So, if it's technically the same where the hell is the difference?
Just curious is all."

The volume control remains the volume control, allowing you to select from a range of volume. The volume-limiter will do just that, in this case limiting, or capping, the highest possible volume you can select. Think of it like a governor on a scooter engine. The engine can propel the scooter pretty fast, perhaps too fast. The governor prohibits the engine from moving the scooter any faster than a certain speed cap. You still use the accelerator to control the scooter's speed, up to a threshold value that you cannot exceed. Now add a switch to turn the scooter's engine governor off and you have "user-definable".

[Lee @ Mar 29th 2006 11:18AM]

...because, consumer_q, this is not even a "feature."

While understanding that - as a parent - I must protect my child, I also TEACH my child a few things here and there. A "dummy fix" like this is of no use. Teach your kids how to use a simple device like a volume control... and if they're so young as to not know how to use a volume control, then they shouldn't be listening to ANY audio player via headphones in the first place.
Parents, not some big company, need to take care of the kids.

[san @ Mar 29th 2006 11:22AM]

@#23 "Parents, not some big company, need to take care of the kids."

Providing our kids with products that limit how much permanent damage they can do to themselves while they are learning reasonable limits *is* good parenting. You know, we came down out of the trees for a reason.

[Matt Haggerty @ Mar 29th 2006 11:27AM]

I can't believe the ignorance and utter lack of understand exhibited on this comment thread. One of government's functions is to protect it's citizens from harm. If you were at all familiar with hearing issues, you'd understand the concept of TS (threshold shift).

As commenter #12 points out, a person may not even realize they are doing damage to their hearing. Upon hearing a certain level of noise/sound, the ear's sensitivity level will decrease as a measure of protection - adjusting your perception of how loud it actually is. This can be both temporary or permanent depending on length of exposure.

I live in Manhattan and it's loud as hell so I used to kick the volume up just to hear it over the street sounds. I'm not an "idiot" and I didn't realize how much damage was being done to my hearing until I started noticing permanent ringing in my ears.

There is no need to claim an "end of personal responsibility" because even with the ability to turn on a volume cap, you can still turn it off and do all the damage you want.

[Lee @ Mar 29th 2006 11:27AM]

OK... On the extra setting volume limiter. I hope they can make it password protected... kids will just turn it off because they tend to not listen to parental advice when they're teenagers. ;)

[Maxwell @ Mar 29th 2006 11:38AM]

#4 I second that

[Thill @ Mar 29th 2006 11:38AM]

I think all of this government legislation is getting out of control, and a little scary...

Coming soon to a government near you:
- Cars that only allow you to go as fast as the speed limit authorizes. Clearly it is car manufacturers fault that they built a car that goes 120mph when the speed limit is 55mph..
- Televesions that automatically turn off after 3 hours of use because government studies show that people watch too much TV.
- Video games that will only allow you to play one level at a time before shutting down for 24 hours...
- Gas stations that monitor your gas consumption and stop you from using more than your allotted 10 gallons per week..
- Showers that require smart card access to use and only allow you low flow water for 10 minutes at a time at a moderatley hot level...
- Limits to how many Big Macs you can purchase at one time.. Clearly it is the governmenst responsibility to regulate what we put into our bodies..

The list goes on and on.. You get my point..

I just wish that all these damn lawyers and legislators would put the same zeal into stoppping rapists, murderers, and child molesters from running rampant in our society...

[Lee @ Mar 29th 2006 11:41AM]

Good, san, you can think it's "good parenting"... and for you it may in fact be just that. I like my style... just a difference of opinion. No biggie.

I still won't buy an iPod though. ;)

[mike @ Mar 29th 2006 11:48AM]

#10

the advertisers do that on purpose they want their commerical loader to draw your attention...

i believe there are few Sony TVs (and prob other brands) out there that make sure the volume stays at a constant volume...

[Rob X. @ Mar 29th 2006 11:49AM]

"One of government's functions is to protect it's citizens from harm."

It's not the government's job to protect people from their own stupidity. Anyway, this is like a V-chip for volume. It's there, but the people who need to use it most, won't, and those people will continue to complain to the government for more legislation for their own ignorance.

[RyanV @ Mar 29th 2006 11:51AM]

LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME!

[Lee @ Mar 29th 2006 11:56AM]

I get your point Matt,
"I live in Manhattan and it's loud as hell so I used to kick the volume up just to hear it over the street sounds. I'm not an "idiot" and I didn't realize how much damage was being done to my hearing until I started noticing permanent ringing in my ears.

There is no need to claim an "end of personal responsibility" because even with the ability to turn on a volume cap, you can still turn it off and do all the damage you want."

Yes there is and end of personal responsibility. Granted, the Gov't had to step in on the whole asbestos thing some years back & that was a good thing, as there were other materials which could replace it and do a better job at the same time. In this case, I really do find it hard to believe that someone would be so out of tune with their bodies/ears that you'd have no idea you could be killing your hearing by having your stereo/headphones turned way up. For some folks, they just have to live and learn hard lessons.
On the other hand, as I'm sure you've noticed, frivolous lawsuits have been all the rage in the past few years. This, to me, is a perfect example of just that. That's truly my only point here.
Get the government out of my personal business is all I am trying to say. If it's legal, let me do it if I so choose.
peace.

[todd @ Mar 29th 2006 11:59AM]

Have you ever accidentally upped the volume the whole way? Did it suck? Yes. Ok, simple enough, its a useful feature.

[Pinkerton @ Mar 29th 2006 12:22PM]

As a Libertarian, I can understand the gripings about the governmental nanny-state. But, if you seperate the legal issue from the practical issue, this move makes sense.

The feature benefits people who might accidentally blast their ears, and serves as a reminder to kids who are responsible enough to be care about hearing loss (they do exist). Unlike the governors that limit the top speed of some cars to 85 MPH, the iPod feature can be turned off.

[consumer_q @ Mar 29th 2006 12:33PM]

"Parents, not some big company, need to take care of the kids."

Exactly! That is why a parent will be setting the "parental controls".

Apple does not automagically turn on parental controls features on any of the company's products.
OSX requires a a 'parent' to set it up.
Safari requires a 'parent' to set it up.
iPod requires a 'parent' to set it up.

Furthermore, outside the Apple realm, every TV and DVD player that I have come across with parental control features (such as the V-ship) required a 'parent' to set it up.


" Teach your kids how to use a simple device like a volume control."

He is learning, but during the learning process he will make mistakes. I allow him many freedoms and chances to make incorrect choices, but in the case of potentially damaging to his health, I like to have options that provide a safety net for when he slips up.

Again, this new firmwre provides an optional feature that does not in any way interfer with the user experience (other than a kid, perhaps) unless it is activated.

[LOL @ Mar 29th 2006 12:46PM]

#2, for your info the "dumb ass lady that spilled her hot coffee on herself" was served scalding 190-degree coffee through a drive-through window, per company specifications. In a matter of seconds, she sustained 3rd degree burns all over her inner thighs and genitals.

Furthermore, the victim was one of over 700 men, women, children and infants that had been previously burned in similar McDonalds accidents over the course of 10 years...and McDonalds knew this.

Get the facts before you parrot misinformation: http://www.corpreform.com/2003/10/the_truth_about.html

Back on topic...as to this firmware upgrade, I am all for it as a parent. Hell yes I'm an advocate of teaching personal responsibility. But certainly not at the expense of my child's hearing. I'll let the rest of you folks in your high ivory towers sacrifice your offspring's auditory capabilities...

[Tachion @ Mar 29th 2006 12:50PM]

Remind me to sue Toyota for allowing the radio volume in my car to go up really high. I could use the extra cash.

[friko @ Mar 29th 2006 12:51PM]

I think it's pretty cool. I blasted the original earphones because I accidentaly kicked the volume to the top. I don't want this to happen to my new earpgones...

[Graham @ Mar 29th 2006 12:55PM]

The iPod is loud enough for me.
Graham
http://www.losangelesweddingphoto.com

[austin @ Mar 29th 2006 12:57PM]

"Still, what's interesting here is that this move could be construed as an admission of guilt in some sense,"

Not legally, at least in Federal jurisdiction: FRE 407


Personally, I think this is a good move. While personal audio products have usually had limiters (Sony's AVLS), it was always too low to be useful, especially in areas where I use a personal audio device, e.g. on the bus, at the gym, walking on the street.

I could definitely find this useful. It would be nicer if Apple would listen to its customers before they start litigating though--it's just good business practice.

[Tired @ Mar 29th 2006 1:25PM]

Some of you will complain about everyting.

Cars are sold with mechanisims that limit thier top speed, this doesn't seem to be any different.

[Patrick Coffey @ Mar 29th 2006 1:32PM]

Subsequent remedial measures cannot be introduced as evidence in court. So if this Louisianna case goes to trial, which it won't for lack of standing, this update by apple can't be used against them. The reasoning is that we want to encourage companies to fix their products.

[Matt Haggerty @ Mar 29th 2006 1:39PM]

I read an intersting comment on Gizmodo about this. To complain about a "saftey feature" on an ipod is like complaining about seat belts on a car. You don't have to wear it, but it can save you from harm.

If you can't agree with that, you deserve hearing damage.

[Phillip @ Mar 29th 2006 1:54PM]

Go into the options and put on the sound check. It's as simple as that.

[Rk @ Mar 29th 2006 2:19PM]

I think the volume limiter is a fine firmware upgrade, and option for Apple to introduce. Use it or don't use it.

As others have mentioned, I have kids too, and want to protect them. In addition, if the hold switch is off, the slightest accidental friction on the scroll wheel can send the volume soaring. This has happened to me several times, and I'll use the limiter to prevent it.

My problem is: Why is the iPod the sole target of this issue? Portable music players have been ubiquitous since the early 80's (remember the Walkman and the Discman?) and on-the-ear earbuds have been around for almost that long.

While the iPod and other digital music players may have displaced these products, and added new users to the category, the products alone are not responsible for the problem of hearing loss. People need to take responsibility for using the players properly and protecting their hearing.

My recommendation: Get a pair of in-ear buds (Shure, Epy's) that seal out most external noise. With the noise blocked, you don't need to crank the volume as high to hear your music. I rarely turn the volume up beyond 40-45%.

[js @ Mar 29th 2006 2:24PM]

Wow, Apple really had the brains to invent this! I never have thought of such a thing! Way to go Apple! Steve Jobs is God!

Sony audio players had their so called AVLS feature for years. This feature should be a no brainer and Apple should have incorporate this in the first place.