Apple Eyes Royalties for iPod Accessories
Apple Computer (Nasdaq: AAPL - news) is seeking as much as 10 percent of wholesale costs from third-party iPod accessory vendors.
In exchange, the vendors would have the right to use a new "Made for iPod" logo certifying that an accessory has passed muster with Apple.
The program was announced at the Macworld Expo (news - web sites) in January, but the company did not give specific details about pricing and timing.
Now, according to news reports, Apple has noted that the logo program will help consumers choose iPod accessories that work properly with Apple's digital music device.
Apple adds in its news statements that vendors also will be given guidelines and technical specifications to develop their products.
Accessory Proliferation
More than 400 iPod accessories are on the market, including add-ons for turning the iPod into a portable voice recorder, laser pointer and flashlight, among others.
Two major iPod accessory makers, Griffin Technology and Belkin, have confirmed in news reports that they are part of the vendor program.
Griffin already is sporting the logo on its Web site next to iPod-related products like its iTalk voice recorder and iTrip FM transmitter.
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