Apple licensed authentication chip required for third-party Shuffle headphones

For such a small device, the 3rd Generation iPod Shuffle is stirring up all kinds of controversy. A lot of people were upset over the fact that the controls for the device have been moved from the device itself to the headphones. Use of existing headphones would require an adapter that contained the controls, which most people assume will cost $20-30.

At the time, I didn't think this was as big of a deal as everyone was making it out to be. This is an iPod after all, and there are bound to be dozens of manufacturers creating third party headphones for this little MP3 player. It should only be a matter of time.

Apparently it isn't so simple. In a review of the new iPod Shuffle, iLounge breaks the bad news to the world. Apple is going to require that any 3rd party headphone for the iPod Shuffle require an authentication chip. The cost of the authentication chip is unknown, but the price is certain to be passed over to the consumers.

Let's hope the authentication chip is a one time thing, and not a practice Apple plans to continue with future products.