p2pnet - rss feed: Apple holds off in Asteroid case
p2pnet.net News:- In Apple developing FireWire audio interface for GarageBand, published in AppleInsider last November, Kasper Jades wrote Apple Computer was expected to introduce a new analog FireWire audio device for GarageBand users that would let them directly record audio using any Mac and Apple’s GarageBand music studio application.
Apple hit the roof and fired up its legal team, instructing them to find out who leaked the information.
“According to reputable sources, the company is on track to begin manufacturing the device overseas next month,” the AppleInsider report went on. “The device, code-named ‘Q97′ or ‘Asteroid,’ has been under development at the company for the better part of the year. Typically referred to as a ‘breakout box’ in the music recording industry, the external audio device attaches to a computer and offers audio inputs and outputs for attaching instruments or other audio sources. Apple is reportedly building the device around GarageBand, its popular application for aspiring musicians.”
“According to sources, Asteroid will include two XLR/ TRS audio input connectors, two RCA analog output jacks, and a standard headphone jack. The device will draw power through a single FireWire 400 port and include a phantom on/off power switch.
“In addition to the aforementioned specs, a more advanced version of the Asteroid device - recently seen floating around the Apple’s Cupertino campus - sports an additional S/PDIF optical output port; however, it is unclear which version the company will ultimately send to manufacturing.”
Apple subsequently won a court order allowing it to issue subpoenas aimed at discovering the IDs of 20 John Does it says gave information to AppleInsider.com and PowerPage.org.
Now, it’ll stay the subpoenas until after a hearing on the EFF’s request for a protective order for its clients, two of the Web sites listed in Apple’s suit, EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) policy analyst Annalee Newitz told eWeek.
A date for the hearing hasn’t been set, but it could be in early March, says the report, adding:
“The EFF represents Jason O’Grady, who owns and manages the PowerPage Web site, and the pseudonymous Kasper Jade, who publishes the Mac-centric rumor site AppleInsider. The group is also working as co-counsel … for Monish Bhatia, publisher of MacNN, which helps host the AppleInsider site.”
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See:-
record audio - Apple developing FireWire audio interface for GarageBand, AppleInsider, Novermber 23, 2004
find out who - Apple and CIA leak case, p2pnet. February 17, 2005
stay the subpoenas - Apple Agrees to Hold Subpoenas Against Web Sites, eWeek, February 16, 2004
February 18th, 2005 at 3:43 pm
Sounds like a crock to me. No doubt apple leaked the info to draw some free publicity.
February 18th, 2005 at 7:38 pm
I believe what is needed is a go between for confidential sources to communicate with the press. This go between should be located in a country that is not vulnerable to the duress of the U.S. court system. This go between shoul purge all logs as well. If I lived outside of the U.S. I would be willing to help maintain the right to a free press, but unfortunately, I’m vulnerable to the duress of the courts.