If you remember the previous generation Shuffle, Apple took markets by a huge surprise with the device’s all new form just like a sleeker USB stick. However, the controls of the music player were integrated on the accompanied earphones. Evidently, one couldn’t be choosy about the earphones to be used with it. Probably, the Cupertino Company realized the hassles caused due to this move which made it a difficult task to replace the earphones. Apple sliced in yet another iteration of its music player last year. So, this time around, it turned the table the right way by going back to the older square design. This fourth generation Apple iPod Shuffle has condensed to a great extent (not that we are surprised with Apple cutting down the size of its devices) and is now being examined in our review labs. Let’s see what this tiny tot holds within apart from flaunting the ‘i’ status.
We cannot clearly say that Apple iPod Shuffle has undergone a complete transformation. This could be true only if the device is placed next to its immediate predecessor and not its ancestors. Nevertheless, Apple won’t just bring in a device without any changes. In this case, unboxing the device brought in an even smaller Shuffle. A little larger than a coin, we must say. This minuscule player now measures 14†x 1.24†x 0.34†and weighs mere 12.5 grams. Looking at its size, one couldn’t deny its capability to be a perfect workout companion. We could clip-it onto shirts without feeling the slightest weight possible. The packaging of the device is eye-pleasing as the tiny box houses the player, mini information booklets, earphones and USB cord. The cable length of the USB cord has been cut extremely short which was slightly problematic while using it with our desktop.
The green unit we received came with the familiar white click wheel. If green is not your shade then Apple won’t disappoint you with its host of colors such as grey, blue, orange and pink. The click wheel takes on a rubberized texture while the front and back gleam with a glossy finish. On the other hand, the upper and lower edges flash a matte enclosure. The click wheel is marked with volume high/low on the upper and lower sides respectively. The right and left side are marked with previous/rewind and next/forward. The middle button serves as play/pause.
The Apple iPod Shuffle player comes across pretty neat while its form factor renders it to the culmination of portability. The upper edge of the device carries the embedded controls as well as the headphone jack. The right corner of the top edge has the sliding power button and moving to the centre one can view the dedicated VoiceOver button. On the extreme right side, it is in the off position moving it to the center towards the right powers on the device while sliding to the extreme left puts it in the shuffle mode. The switching is also accompanied by a beep. Besides, the top edge has been integrated with an LED that shows the status of the device. The headphone jack also serves in connecting the device to a PC.
The audio quality is up to mark, but there hasn’t been any evident change compared to the previous generation model. Nevertheless, the maintained quality is good. Although, we can’t say that about the bundled earphones as Apple should soon think of replacing them. In ear earphones with replaceable tips could make a better option.
Well, the VoiceOver feature has been a good inclusion in the screen-less Shuffle. You could call it Apple’s attempt to make up for the missing screen, but it isn’t completely justifiable. To start with this feature, you will have to download the Voice Over kit separately which isn’t a task at all. You can enable the VoiceOver feature in iTunes that automatically downloads the kit and then on syncs it with the device. Needless to say, all those who are not fond of iTunes like some of us still have to bear with the Apple software for music/content transfers.
This new 4th Generation Apple iPod Shuffle comes with an improved Voice Over function. The dedicated button on the upper edge emits out the name of the track on a short press while names of Playlists, Podcasts and Genius mixes on a long press. So, one can choose a particular playlist or likewise and listen to your favorite tunes. Thus, you will have to segregate songs on the playlist basis, enabling an easier access to music. This can be done without the need to run through the entire list to get to that particular song you are looking for.
The buttons of this device which is almost diminished in size respond quite well. The minute form factor also brings in glitches such as clipping the device leads to accidental presses. One needs to handle the device carefully while listening to music, especially ones with flabby fingers. However, on clipping, it firmly grips onto your sleeves.
The minuscule device may be ideal to accompany you on a jogging track or an aerobics session but its mere 2GB memory capacity may not satiate your thirst for music. Though numerous songs can be stored onto the device, we all know that it isn’t enough at some point or another. In such a case, music fiends may have to cut out on some of their favorite tracks. Moving further, the battery life of the player has been spruced up for this generation. Moreover, it almost keeps up with the claimed 15 hours of music play.
Summing it up, the Apple iPod Shuffle has played its cards right by re-molding to the older design. Apart from the small size and VoiceOver functionality, we didn’t find the device offer any additional features to boast of. With a price tag of Rs. 3200, the Shuffle could be overshadowed by many players in the market. However, if it’s just about the Apple label and the new design then Shuffle could cling onto you aptly. The device gets a rating of an 8 on 10 from us.
