Anything that is compatible with the Apple dock connector standard will be subject to the whims of Apple. They will demand a license agreement faster than you can log in to iTunes. They relentlessly pursue it, simply poke around on the internet to see proof.
I think there’s a possible caption to that Steve Jobs “halo” picture. It’s not a religious one as you may think. I’ll bet he’s thinking of that new custom Gulfstream jet he now envisions for his collection.
Bob