Tim Gaden18 October 2006, 2:30 PM
Apple has revealed today that it shipped video iPods with more content than their new owners bargained for.
Apple has revealed today that it shipped video iPods with more content than their new owners bargained for. A small number of video iPods (less than 1%) shipped after the 12 September this year left the factory with a surprise package -- the Windows malware file RavMonE.exe.
In a statement on its web site, Apple tried to play up the funny side of its gaff:
This known virus affects only Windows computers, and up to date anti-virus software which is included with most Windows computers should detect and remove it. So far we have seen less than 25 reports concerning this problem. The iPod nano, iPod shuffle and Mac OS X are not affected, and all Video iPods now shipping are virus free. As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves for not catching it.
The company seems barely able to restrain itself from making this into part of its "Switch to Mac" campaign.
Of course, the people put most at risk by Apple's oversight are PC users, so the statement from Apple also contains information about removing the virus from PCs.
Mac users can use iTunes to restore the software on their iPod, wiping the virus in the process.
In a press release, antivirus company Sophos chides Apple for describing the file as a "Windows virus":
There are a number of different pieces of malware which use a file called RavMonE.exe and so we don't know at the moment precisely which Trojan horse or virus that may have been shipped. The name RavMonE.exe actually comes from a perfectly legitimate program called RAV Anti-Virus so it would be wrong to call a piece of malware by this name. Hackers sometimes spoof the names of legitimate programs to cause greater confusion.
Another nail in the coffin of Apple's reputation for top-notch build quality in its products or a noble example of self-disclosure? You decide.
Either way, the announcement will take some of the shine off the release of the latest addition to the iPod line-up.
A new "special edition" iPod nano PRODUCT (RED) was launched in the USA last week. (We didn't cover it as it won't be coming to Australia). The new model was developed by U2 singer Bono and Bobby Shriver. Apple will donate US$10 for every model sold to help combat the spread of AIDS in Africa.
In a press release, Steve Jobs said that "Now customers can buy the best music player in the world and do something to help the world at the same time."