All New iPods Are Locked Into iTunes
Not long ago Apple introduced the new iPod touch, and reports have sent in that Apple has also managed to slip in some code that locks all new iPods to only work with iTunes.
After doing some research it looks like Apple has chosen to lock out all other iPod tools by adding “SHA1 hashes†to the iTunesDB file, the database file which keeps track of all items stored on the iPod. The changed code locks the iTunes database to one specific iPod and prevents any modifications to it. If an attempt is made to either change the database file to a different iPod or to modify the file, the iPod reports “0 songs†are stored on the device. What this means is that only iTunes can add or delete content from an iPod.
The most credible reason for locking the iPods to iTunes is that Apple is becoming mindful of other music services. Since more than a few music services are dumping DRM making it easier for music services like Rhapsody to load non-DRM music directly to iPods.
Locking iPods to iTunes successfully stops 3rd party tools from handling content for iPods. This move also prevents other music services from threatening the iTunes store and to try to maintain Apple’s dominance is the market.
If you have an iPod and don’t run Windows or Mac but run Linux, well your just SOL. Windows users who prefer to use other iPod tools, such as Winamp, will also be required to use iTunes now as well. I have refused to use iTunes from day one and strongly disagree with people telling me what I can and can’t do with the hardware I buy. I use a little program called SharePod, I hope they can find a way around this infringement of my user rights.
