Apple released the third generation of the iPod Shuffle this month, advertised as “smaller is better” for the next generation of iPod users.
Its advertising is no exaggeration: the iPod Shuffle is smaller than a standard household key. Holding 4 gigabytes of data (up to 1000 songs in AAC format), the storage doubles its predecessor. In order to keep the device so small, Apple placed most of its buttons on a separate cord that connects from the iPod Shuffle from one end to your headphones.
The iPod Shuffle is priced at $79, comparable to $300 and $400 iPod models, and seems ideal for joggers or workout routines if the device is properly stored away. Due to its size, the iPod Shuffle can easily be lost. While the clip on the back side seems sturdy enough to clip on to most articles of clothing, consumers may want to view the device in a store to see its size. Less than 46 millimeters in height and less than 8 millimeters in depth is quite small.
The device also features VoiceOver, a program designed within the iPod to tell you what song and artist is playing through a computer-generated voice. Using the latest iTunes software, each song will generate its own unique vocal label. To support international music pronunciation, Apple announced that 14 languages support VoiceOver technology.
The VoiceOver feature may feel a little silly for the average consumer, as most people who download and purchase their own music are inclined to know what songs are playing on their own iPod. The feature may be more appropriate for consumers who burn entire CD collections that they haven’t heard in a while, or learn the correct pronunciation of most international music, or friends willing to swap iPods for new music.
The iPod Shuffle can last up to 10 hours and requires up to 3 hours of charge time. The iPod is only available in black or gray. Apple has not planned any announcements for multiple colors, such as the nine available colors on the iPod Nano.
