In an attempt to block other media players from synching with the new iPod models, Linux users now find themselves unable to use their third-party software of choice to load songs into their new iPods.

An article in the ipodminusitunes blog states that there is a code embedded in the iPod, locking the iTunes database to a specific iPod. Any attempt to do modifications on the code will result with the iPod thinking that there are "0 SONGS" in its memory, even if there are songs uploaded into the iTunes database.

Other online sources think that this is not a measure to prevent piracy in itslef, but rather to eliminate competition of the iTunes store. Since most major music labels have eliminated DRM from their digital tracks, the likelihood of other music players that automatically load DRM-free music is very high, thus competing with iTunes Store.

This new move limits the choices of software to be used with the iPod, and since iTunes doesn't work on Linux, Linux users may need to either change to Windows or Mac, or not buy the newer iPods. Does Apple really want to lose its iPod Linux users? More updates as they come!