Apple to introduce iPod volume limiter
By Ryan Block 
posted Mar 29th 2006 10:27AM
posted Mar 29th 2006 10:27AM
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Who cares.
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.
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.
so they are putting a volume control on the volume control? now that is engineering BRILLIANCE! ;^)
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!
Just as I thought humanity couldn't sink any lower...
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!
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).
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!
@#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.
#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
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.
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.
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..
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.
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.
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 :-(
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)
"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.
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.
@#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".
...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.
@#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.
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.
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. ;)
#4 I second that
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...
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. ;)
#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...
"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.
LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME!
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.
Have you ever accidentally upped the volume the whole way? Did it suck? Yes. Ok, simple enough, its a useful feature.
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.
"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.
#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...
Remind me to sue Toyota for allowing the radio volume in my car to go up really high. I could use the extra cash.
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...
The iPod is loud enough for me.
Graham
http://www.losangelesweddingphoto.com
"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.
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.
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.
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.
Go into the options and put on the sound check. It's as simple as that.
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%.
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.
Lets see a volume limiter for all the idiots blasting their car stereos at full volume. Boom. Boom. Boom.
My mom tried to do this to me when I was little. She listened to a song on my walkman then marked a little line on the volume dial where I was allowed to have it set. Problem is, when I listened to a different song or type of music, suddenly everything was too quiet to hear. Does this new volume limiter just set the overall volume of the ipod so that say what was level 11 is now actually level 8 or does it reduce the overall decible level so that no song will go over a certain point but all be able to go to a set decible level?
I understand that it's easier for parents to control childrens volume rather than teaching them what can hurt them but from what I understand, this whole issue was brought on by an adult and if they weren't smart enough to know that volume could hurt them then how are they going to be smart enough to know what level so set the limiter at? It's basically just a digital volume switch anyway.
Personally I think this is as dumb as people blaming fast food for making them fat or burning themselves with coffee or whatever but I guess it's the world we live in now. I know that cars can hurt so I wouldn't walk on to a highway and then sue the car manufacturer so if I'm told that volume can hurt I shouldn't be able to go after the audio manufacturer either. It's common sense people.
This is not about the nanny state versus unbridled free-market capitalism. This is about a useful, common-sense feature that was available on the Sony discman I bought in 1992, and that costs basically nothing to implement for a software-driven device like the iPod. Sheezus...
Strictly PR on Apple's part. If your kid wants louder, they can just plug in lower-impedence headphones.
AVLS - wow, haven't thought about that in a while. What a vile system.
From reading all the posts, I have come to understand that iPod buyers need a user manual in order to use it correctly.
This is such a waste of time.
People wouldn't turn them up so loud of they came with noise cancelling headphones. When's that coming?
#47. Your precious iPods aren't the only players targeted by this. See, this is the French law that targets all portable devices, so that the volume output doesn't exceed a certain threshold.
To comply with this, Sony has consistenly euro-capped its devices with weak 1.5mW+1.5mW amp so that the volume on max with most headphones will never exceed that threshold. Sony also has put AVLS function (caps volume to 14/30 or 16/30) for a long while with their walkman.
You tend to sound better when you sort of look around and are aware of other things aside from your precious iPod. More authortative too. Less of a fundie of sorts, fundie.
There is ALREADY volume limiting on ipods (in the UK at least). I personally have disabled it so I can drive a larger systems, but when listening with headphones (canalphones to be precise), I leave the volume at 1 or two notches above 0. This is easily enough for the headphones I use. If you're dumb enough to leave your volume cranked up at full blast, you'll not only run the risk of hearing damage, you'll also get some nasty distortions in your sound (Not that you'd notice with the POS earbuds that come with the ipod).
What?
I can't hear you. Speak up please.
do not insult BONO he is the best vocalist out there. U2 BEST BAND..
45. "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."
no... it is like arguing them putting a seatbelt on a seatbelt. Before seatbelts, there was nothing else to hold you in. On the iPod, there is already something to regulate the volume with...this is just adding another one on top of that
Apple should change their motto to "Can you hear me now?" But then again VZW might get a little pissed...
I've gotta say, I've never accidentally turned the volume on my Zen Micro up. More and more I'm reminded why I passed on the iPod.
This one goes to 11.
#56 were typing u dumbass
That's it, we need to bring a class action suit against stupid people. I suggest we start with the moron who gave us the waring of "do not use hair drier in bathtub." Seriously, between parents and school we should have learned this stuff by the age of 6.
I think Apple have stepped up to the mark and taken notice on this which should be commeneded but I also think it was unnecessarry.
Why should they have been bullied into doing this when ultimately the responsibility of the hearing of the iPod users are thier own?
And has the French courts not realised that the iPods sold in Europe have volume limiting already (to comply with EEC law)?
what THE HELL is wrong with the United States? I mean aren't these gadgets SUPPOSED to be powerful music players...and now your suing them for pulling the extra juice out of the machine and getting you some dB? I mean geez if you can't listen to music without damaging you're ears its not a problem with the player...it might just be you're a retard. First it was the lady who sued McDonald's(and I aint no McDonald's fan) cus her coffee was hot...and now this.
dumb dumb dumb.
To #10, tommer12.
No one on the Engadget staff owns an iPod.
http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/28/tabletkiosk-umpc-pricing-revealed/1#c1344039
Hey Joe Smith, how did you manage to get -1 stars?
Apple didn't go nearly far enough in their effort to protect people's hearing. A discussion of scientific studies on iPod sound levels and hearing loss can be read here:
http://brentblog.typepad.com/brentblog/2006/03/the_science_of_.html
I cant belive no one has mentioned the reference to "This Is Spinal Tap" It's a crime against humanity to not notice that!
Nigel Tufnel: The numbers all go to eleven. Look, right across the board, eleven, eleven, eleven and...
Marty DiBergi: Oh, I see. And most amps go up to ten?
Nigel Tufnel: Exactly.
Marty DiBergi: Does that mean it's louder? Is it any louder?
Nigel Tufnel: Well, it's one louder, isn't it? It's not ten. You see, most blokes, you know, will be playing at ten. You're on ten here, all the way up, all the way up, all the way up, you're on ten on your guitar. Where can you go from there? Where?
Marty DiBergi: I don't know.
Nigel Tufnel: Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?
Marty DiBergi: Put it up to eleven.
Nigel Tufnel: Eleven. Exactly. One louder.
Marty DiBergi: Why don't you just make ten louder and make ten be the top number and make that a little louder?
Nigel Tufnel: [pause] These go to eleven