The “Break it Down” Blog

Nice. Apple has decided to start writing out “some kind of hash” to iPods beginning with the new iPods that doesn’t allow the device to report the correct contents and/or transfer files. So far what this means is that iPods will no longer support 3rd party developers meaning all the “iPod” support on Linux for future versions has just disappeared.

While the developers of the major audio apps for Linux (Banshee, Rythmbox, gtkpod, etc.) are looking for help, the message Apple is sending here is clear: “Fuck you”, which translates to “You might take months to figure this new hash routine out, but we’ll just do this to you again, and again”.

So if you are on Linux, and looking for good device support… you might want to consider one of the Creative Zen devices instead. Honestly I think I’d pick a Zen just to avoid the vendor lock-in in the first place. Apple is no different than Microsoft was 10 years ago and in another 5-8 years when it’s no longer the golden child, and it’s suing 3rd party developers trying to enhance it’s devices, everyone will get mad at it, and go screaming back to Microsoft or Linux.

Big business mind-sets can suck-it…

Update #1: Suck it Apple, 36-hours after this was announced, the checksum has been cracked!