Apple to Auto Adjust Maximum iPod Volume?
DailyMail.co.uk reports on a recent Apple patent application that describes how Apple could automatically adjust maximum volumes on their iPod devices to help protect the listeners from developing any long-term hearing damage.
The maximum safe level would be determined by how loud the iPod had been playing and the amount of quiet time since last play. This is not the first time that this potential problem has been in the news.
In February 2006, a man sued Apple over the risk for iPod-related hearing loss. Apple addressed this potential issue in a software update in March 2006 which allowed users to set their own personal maximum volume limit.
A new patent reveals that the next iPods and iPhones could automatically calculate how long a person has been listening and at what volume, before gradually reducing the sound level.
The maximum safe level would be determined by how loud the iPod had been playing and the amount of quiet time since last play. This is not the first time that this potential problem has been in the news.
In February 2006, a man sued Apple over the risk for iPod-related hearing loss. Apple addressed this potential issue in a software update in March 2006 which allowed users to set their own personal maximum volume limit.
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54 months ago
Great idea. If the volume gets lowered gradually, the listener wouldn't notice, but their hearing could be saved.
P-Worm
P-Worm
54 months ago
I feel like that could get annoying. Sometimes you need to go deaf for a few seconds to hear your music.
They should just package sound isolating headphones with the iPod instead.
They should just package sound isolating headphones with the iPod instead.
54 months ago
I never have my volume up that loud, my eyesight is already buggered, I seriously want my hearing later on in life.
54 months ago
This would be a great optional feature on all iPods, as long as the user could turn it on/off (or the user's parents with a passcode), very much like the current volume limiter.
54 months ago
Why? Volume changes with different earbuds, and not everyone uses the Apple ones. And what if you're driving it through a set of speakers? I don't want my music being turned down when I'm playing it at a party.
I can't see this as being a good thing.
I can't see this as being a good thing.
54 months ago
I think it should be a matter of user preference and intelligence to pick a suitable volume. Of course given that this is the Daily Mail it isn't necessarily a reliable source ;).
54 months ago
"In February 2006, a mac sued Apple over the risk for iPod-related hearing loss. Apple addressed this potential issue in a software update in March 2006 which allowed users to set their own personal maximum volume limit."
I didn't know Macs could sue Apple. Interesting.
I didn't know Macs could sue Apple. Interesting.
54 months ago
In February 2006, a mac sued Apple over the risk for iPod-related hearing loss.
Macs can sue? Is iSue included this the new iLife '08? :confused:
Edit: Damn... TheSpaz beat me to it...
54 months ago
Curious source for a rumour! I'm surprised The Daily Mail isn't trying to pin the blame for hearing loss on asylum seekers, teenage pregnancies and general declining moral standards. :D
SL
SL
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