Bit weary about using my new Ipod - some questions

PullMyFinger! · 15-05-2005 12:57pm #1

Just got an Ipod and I was wondering if its true Apple encrypts all your PC MP3s with a non open source code? I was all set to go till a mate said this to me just now (he swears by his Zen), I dont want any internet messages going back to Apple about my collection either (also rumoured).

Anyone know?

Creamy Goodness · 15-05-2005 1:03pm

i doubt it's true but apple can't spy on you if you don't use itunes, right?

so what you should do is download winamp (you might have it already) and download this plug-in

he's just trying to scare you cause he thinks his zen is the best thing since slice bread, but all mp3 players do the same basic function - play mp3's

JimboPope · 15-05-2005 1:03pm

Apple does nothing of the sort. The only encrypted files that can be used on your iPod are those bought from the iTunes store.
Apple doesn't alter your own mp3's or m4a files in any way.

Squall · 15-05-2005 1:06pm

Your friend might have been talking about converting your MP3's to m4a format. Its supposed to be a better compresion system. How true that is I dont know, but you dont have to do it. Your iPod will play mp3's just fine.

PullMyFinger! · 15-05-2005 1:06pm

So the extension file stays the exact same? I love my MP3 collection as much as I love a good ride ;o)

rsynnott · 15-05-2005 2:19pm

Your friend is spreading FUD (look it up). No, iTunes does not tell Apple what songs you've got (unless you BUY them from Apple). If you just put an mp3 on the iPod it doesn't change it at all. You can, if you wish, transcode to AAC, which is Apple's proprietary format (though it's an open standard, IIRC; there's definitely standard software to decode it). The iPod can't play WMV or ATRAC; you'll have to transcode those if you want to use them.

What do you think they'd DO with the information, anyway? Like it or not, the whole MP3 player industry is largely based on the fact that people have illegal music.

PullMyFinger! · 16-05-2005 11:32am

Thanks all, feel a bit less paranoid now

PS what does FUD stand for?

Ciaran500 · 16-05-2005 11:37am

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fud&r=f

PullMyFinger! · 16-05-2005 11:50am

Ta

PullMyFinger! · 17-05-2005 2:09pm

Why is it in freekin' Spanish now?! I was all set to go out and sunbathe with some tunes

rsynnott · 17-05-2005 2:21pm

'Cause you set it to Spanish when you switched it on, probably. There's a menu to change it somewhere; hunt around.

PullMyFinger! · 17-05-2005 2:36pm

Yeah but that menu is is Spanish and I dont speak it

Oh sweet baby jebus

PullMyFinger! · 17-05-2005 2:41pm

Got it in English again

I'll be back with more questions no doubt.

The manual is as useful as a used condom.

Bit weary about using my new Ipod - some questions

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