A new patent has been revealed that suggests that iPod manufacturer Apple is creating a system to protect users of the music player from long-term hearing problems.
It has been reported in two major UK newspapers that future versions of the device could have an automatic volume control which will reduce the sound levels on the music player if someone uses it for a prolonged period.
The move has apparently been made after statistics revealed that the highest volume setting of an iPod iPod is as loud as chainsaw.
Commenting on the issue, the patent states: "Since the damaging effect on users' hearing is both gradual and cumulative, even those users who are concerned about hearing loss may not behave in a manner that would limit or minimise such damaging effects."
The release of the patent information has come several weeks after another blueprint was discovered that suggested an improvement on the iPod's gaming facilities.
Filed back in September 2006, the patent features a design which is described as being created specifically for a gaming application on the device.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
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