MacGeek – Apple Releases New iPod Shuffle
Thursday, March 12th, 2009
The new 3rd generation iPod Shuffles are 4GB and come in black and silver, but that’s not all…
The new design eliminates the click-wheel completely and opts for an earphone cord-based click system. The controls are located a few inches below the right earbud and has 3 parts: + and - for volume control and a middle button for the majority of the controls. The new system allows for one-click play/pause, two-clicks track forward, and three-clicks previous track. Holding down the button allows for a completely new experience – VoiceOver. This brand new feature actually speaks the artist and track information by holding down the button. If the button is held down long enough, a tone will sound. After that, the Shuffle will speak the current playlist and the begin listing all the playlists. Simply click again when you hear your desired playlist, and you’re good to go.
With the new 4GB capacity, enough for 1000 songs, it’s no wonder that Apple has finally brought multiple playlists to the iPod Shuffle line.
The new Shuffle retails for $79 and is available in black matte and silver matte, the same color scheme as the iPod Classic.
On the upside is the new, smaller size; the belt clip as a mainstay; VoiceOver; and the larger capacity.
On the downside is the lack of color options and the removal of the click-wheel. While this doesn’t sound like a downside, users who may want to use their own earphones are out of luck. An adapter is said to be in the works, but who really wants to pay more to use their current earphones – effectively driving up the price of the Shuffle?
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Eh. Never a huge fan of the Shuffle. But then again, I’m guessing I’m not the target audience.
Yeah, not horribly excited by this either. And not really crazy about it’s look, either.
I’ve never been a huge fan of the shuffle look. But, only black and silver? Really?
Plus, I don’t buy the earphones remote thingy.
Never liked the iPod brand, this does nothing to improve my opinion.
I actually really like my old (last gen) shuffle – fantastic for when I run or hike. Very special purpose device – I only use it when I’m running or hiking. You hardly know it’s there. It was a gift, I wouldn’t have bought one. But now that I have it I’d replace it if it was lost or dies.
My iPod touch, on the other hand is a great general purpose device. Even with an iPhone I still use my Touch in the car, on the train, etc. – primarily because of the limited battery life of the iPhone.
The special earphones thing is questionable, however. I have a few pair of earphones I keep in various locations, and needing a one of a kind set would kinda suck.
The headphones for the iphone have the play/pause and forward/backward functionality. I find it incredibly useful when listening to music at work but I can see how this is annoying to most people. I think apple is just stuck on where to take the shuffle. There isn’t much more refining they can do and keep it in the market it is supposed to cater to.