While manufacturers get their gizmos to drop the button interface whenever possible, tech buffs were probably expecting Apple to do the same with their newer products. The new generation Apple iPod nano has arrived sans the button interface and a new multi-touch interface which permits users to operate it with tap or swipe gestures.
Cutting down on the size as compared to the older iPod nano, this all new version is fitted into a sleek polished aluminum and glass enclosure with a built-in clip. Songs, artists, albums and playlists can be accessed with a tap or swipe of the finger on the display. Two fingers are all that’s needed to rotate the screen when it is clipped onto clothing upside down.
Holding down a finger on the display transports users back to the homescreen. The iPod nano also integrates the Shake to Shuffle feature that lets users get to another track by simply shaking the device. There’s also FM radio with live pause which enables listeners to pause and then continue playing their preferred FM radio stations easily.
“This is the biggest reinvention of the iPod nano since its debut in 2005, and we think users are going to love it,†commented Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Replacing the click wheel with our Multi-Touch interface has enabled us to shrink the iPod nano into an amazingly small design that is instantly wearable with its built-in clip.â€
Genius Mixes, the ability to create and edit playlists and approximately 24 hours of music playback on a single battery charge are the other features that users can expect with this next generation iPod nano. Users can also personalize the homescreen by dragging icons from other screens to the homescreen.
For those who like working out to their favorite beats, the built-in pedometer serves to help users keep tabs on their steps. With Nike + iPod support, owners may also track runs and workouts with ease. The device requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port, Mac OS X v10.5.8 or newer versions and iTunes 10 or later versions. It can also be synched with a Windows PC hosting a USB 2.0 port, Windows Vista/Home/Professional SP3 or later and iTunes 10 or newer versions.
The 8GB iPod nano has been slapped with a $149 (approx. Rs. 6,970) price tag, while the 16GB version will cost $179 (approx. Rs. 8,375). Both are drenched in shades of silver, graphite, blue, green, orange or pink and are out through the Apple Store.
