The success of Apple’s iPod has opened another front in the company’s attempt to assert its rights over the player. The millions of units sold have spawned a huge accessory market – with everything from carrying cases to extra-terrestrial shaped speakers. A recent story in the Herald Tribune mentions that over 3000 of these accessories and devices have been officially endorsed by Apple, granting them full control over the player through the docking station at the bottom of the device.

However, numerous accessories have been developed without Apple’s approval. In case of speakers, the headphone jack is used to plug into the player. The creativity and range of products is impressive. One company has a line of plush toys such as dancing flowers, dragons, snakes and aliens with embedded speakers. They are sold under the trademark iPals. Others iPod related names include iCat, iPulse Bear, iSee, iCarPlay and i-CY Penguin – all clearly linked to the Apple brand.

So far, Apple’s response to most unauthorized accessories has been fairly passive. One Apple executive merely called the devices “less interesting” than those endorsed by the company. Although, it is commendable that Apple has not attempted to sue everyone who registers an “i” related name or releases an iPod compatible product, the company is missing a huge opportunity to create a more vibrant ecosystem. Opening the access to the docking station and even parts of the source code would make it easier for third parties to quickly release new products and services. This would make the iPod an innovation platform, harnessing the creativity of thousands to make the players more valuable to consumers and therefore Apple.