Support Our Site
Get Better Gear!
- Notability For iPad: Much More Than A Note Taking App from Ginger Labs, Inc, US$0.99
- Scosche’s RH656m Headphones With Microphone Are Wonderful from Scosche, US$129.99
- IPEVO’s Typi Folio Case & Keyboard for iPad is First-rate from IPEVO, US$79.99
- Scosche’s boomSTREAM BT Speaker: Features & Compromises from Scosche, US$99.95
- FX Photo Studio HD: iPad Painting of Effects Made Easy from MacPhun LLC, US1.99
Top 5 Free Apps
iTunes New Music Releases
Top 5 Paid Apps
Discover New Music
- Revolting Cocks
It's hard to believe it's been more than a decade since Ministry founder and front man Al Jourgensen's side project Revolting Cocks released any new material. 2006 brings us Cocked and Loaded
- The Who
Quadrophenia is everything that Tommy wanted to be, a rock opera that told a story, but one where every song could still stand alone. It was also Pete Townshend's farewell tribute to the Mod
- Belle & Sebastian
The Life Pursuit is a sort of Reeses Peanut Butter Cup. You get Belle & Sebastian's peanut butter (its wistful, often irresistible pop) dipped in a 'Have A Nice Day!' and glam 70s chocol
- The Damned
- Punk rock is mostly associated with three chords and a bad attitude, but the Damned were one of the few bands of the era bent on bringing musicianship and a good sense of humor to the scene. And while
Every Day: The Best of the Verve Years
- Joe Williams
- Joe Williams was Figure Two in my three-man education in singing. A brilliant vocalist, scatter, and interpreter of jazz and blues, Williams produces music that's totally unique, yet sounds so effortl
Reader Specials
Visit Deals On The Web for the best deals on all consumer electronics, iPods, and more!
News
iPod Accessory Makers Balk at Increased License Fees [UPDATED]
Monday, October 10th, 2005 at 3:00 PM - by Brad Cook
iPod accessory makers are upset about an increase in their license fees. They'll now have to shell out 10% of their revenue, according to an article by David Richards at the Web site of the Australian magazine Smart House. Mr. Richards noted that the upped fee, which is currently between 1 and 2%, will be charged to the manufacturer of any product that connects to the popular MP3 player.
An Altec Lansing spokesperson told the reporter: "We were told of the port fee some weeks ago. It is ridiculous. It is excessive and will result in many partners re-thinking their relationship with Apple. It will also push up the cost of Apple accessories."
However, an Altec Lansing public relations representative told The iPod Observer that, as far as she knows, no one from their corporate offices spoke with Mr. Richards. She said the company is investigating the matter. She also noted that the anonymous quote is not Altec Lansing's official position on the situation.
Bose also expressed its dissatisfaction, with an executive telling Mr. Richards that "a common port across all MP3 devices" is needed. The unnamed source added: "We also need a common docking design so that people like Bose can develop common accessories."
Rob Small, Apple Australia's marketing manager, said he was not aware of the increased fee but promised to look into the matter.
Meanwhile, the Altec Lansing spokesperson contacted by The iPod Observer said that she is unsure if these so-called "port fees" are the same as the "Made For iPod" logo royalties initiated by Apple in January. She promised to obtain clarification on the matter.
Two Bose public relations representatives contacted by The iPod Observer had not returned phone calls as this revised article was posted. More details to come as they arrive.
4:13 PM EST: Revised article based on comments from Altec Lansing PR representative.
Recent Headlines
- Reading, Writing, & Saving the World
- Free Retro Gaming for iOS - Activision’s Kaboom!
- Apple Adds Chomp Bits to iOS 6 App Store Discovery
- Notability For iPad: Much More Than A Note Taking App
- Scosche’s RH656m Headphones With Microphone Are Wonderful
- Tim Cook & Larry Page Reportedly Discuss Patents
- Analysis: Amazon Kindle Fire Sold Out, Kindle Fire 2 Pic Leaked
Post Your Comments