ipodnano
Latest
Hands-on with the new iPod nano, part 1
While people were still reeling from the fact that the iPod nano, and not the iPod touch, gained a video camera, my trusty 5.5G 30 GB iPod video decided to die a slow, painful death. Over the past few weeks, I'd been hearing the hard drive click of doom, having the iPod randomly reboot while listening to an audiobook, and then had the entire system lock up on me and not unfreeze until the battery had worn completely down. When the last symptom occurred a second time yesterday during the iPod event, I decided it was time for a new iPod and ordered my first nano. For years, the nano seemed like a good idea, but it wasn't something that fit my needs. My music collection clocks in at a respectable 8GB, and it is growing. I have another 6GB of audiobooks, also growing, and at the time I purchased my iPod video I had another 8GB of TV shows and movies ripped from my DVDs. In the days before the iPhone and iPod touch, the iPod video was just a more practical device for those of us who weren't quite so new to the whole idea of a portable music player. Apple initially targeted the noobs with the iPod mini, and then followed with the iPod nano. Now that's changed. If you really want to play video on a portable device, the iPhone or the iPod touch is the way to go. If you primarily want to listen to music, the nano is an excellent choice for an everyday iPod. 16GB is more than enough to cover many music collections, and if you need more capacity there is still the iPod classic or the larger iPod touch models. The current nano can fit my entire library of music and audiobooks, and leave some room for videos if I choose -- except I really don't want to squint at subtitles on a nano. Meanwhile, Apple is also realizing that they need to change their marketing strategy for the nano. With more than 220 million iPods sold to date and a 73.8% marketshare, the general public is fully aware of the brand and most likely has an iPod. So, Apple is changing tactics and has decided to take on the Flip, a popular and inexpensive handheld video camera that is roughly the size, although thicker, of a nano. New ads promote the "fun" factor of the nano, but overall it's just a solid iPod. We're splitting our look at the new nano into two parts. Today, we're taking a look at the device itself and a vast chunk of the new features. Tomorrow, we take an in-depth look at the iPod nano's flagship feature -- the video camera -- and see how well it holds up to both a Flip and an iPhone 3GS.
Nike seemingly plans 5G iPod nano-compatible heart rate monitor
One of the new iPod nano features that Apple didn't bother to illustrate much yesterday is the integrated pedometer, and if an updated Nike+ iPod user guide is to be believed, that ain't the only fitness-related extra that the 5G nano will be good for. As the image above so clearly shows, a Nike+ compatible heart rate monitor could be on the way, and it'll function exclusively with Cupertino's only camera-toting iPod. AppleInsider was told that the product launch was actually scheduled for yesterday, but it was held up for reasons unknown and may not ship until 3058. Too bad -- we just know that you were waiting for this very device to start your workout regimen. Ah well, what's another dozen months of kicking back and ingesting Ho Hos, right?
iPod nano unboxed, camera gets tested against the mean streets of Manhattan
We know you come here for the hard, gritty, "$2 slice" end of the gadget news spectrum, and we've got that in spades in our video hands-on of the new iPod nano. We start out shooting the iPod with our regular Sanyo Xacti rig, and then dive in to the nano's shot -- real movie magic at work. Granted, the nano's camera isn't that magical. Apple's piled on a huge complement of effects to disguise this fact, and in truth, some of the Photo Booth-style filters and distortions really do make the video more interesting (cyborg and kaleidoscope were a couple of our favorites), but the basic video mode is much lower quality than the recent crop of cheap pocket video cameras, and a far cry from the iPhone 3GS's quality. Motion is shaky, the video is pixelated and oversaturated, and the mic is horribly easy to distort, especially when you're talking into the back while shooting. But really, we suppose we couldn't expect much out of such an offering, and it certainly does spice up the traditional PMP formula. Video is after the break, with the second video offering up the few non-conformist videos that happened to be shot vertically (it's a little difficult to tell how the video is recording, or even if it's recording, since the indicator is pretty small). By the time they made it to Viddler they ended up stretched wide and inexplicably upside down. Magic, we tell you. %Gallery-72483%
iPod nano 5G gets a teardown
Dying to know what that tiny VGA video sensor in the new iPod nano looks like? As usual, the folks at iFixit have it covered -- hit the read link to follow along with all the gory action as it proceeds. (Seriously, they're posting the teardown pictures live as they do it.)Update: It's all over, and the findings are interesting, if not too shocking: the 8GB of flash is from Toshiba, the processor is an Apple-branded ARM unit manufactured by Samsung, and the camera's VGA resolution is probably explained by its 3mm thickness -- the iPhone 3G's camera is 6mm, and the nano is only 6.2mm thick at its fattest.
Apple releases video podcast of Rock and Roll event, we've got you covered with the highlights
Need to catch up on today's Apple news? Well, you can either fire up iTunes and download Apple's video podcast of the event, or you can skip the endless game demos and marketing chit-chat and just peruse the links below. The executive summary? iTunes 9's new app management, Home Sharing, and iTunes LP features are really nice, but it's almost impossible to understand why Apple added a camera to the iPod nano and not the iPod touch, no matter what Steve says. Oh -- and don't forget the Palm Pixi! The event Live from Apple's 'It's only rock and roll' event Video: Steve Jobs returns to the Apple stage iPodsiPod nano unboxed, camera gets tested against the mean streets of Manhattan iPod touch 3rd gen hands-on and video iPod nano 5G with camera first hands-on! Apple announces cheaper, more colorful iPod shuffle, new Special Edition Apple updates iPod touch line, drops prices, adds top-end 64GB model Apple adds video camera, larger screen to new 5G iPod nano iPod classic bumped to 160GB, price stays the same at $249 iPhone OS 3.1 is official, available today iPhone / iPod touch OS 3.1.1 is live!iPod shuffle 2g is no more iTunes iTunes 9 bringing iTunes LP functionality, 'beautiful new look' iTunes 9 breaks Pre media sync... what did you expect?Video: iTunes 9 Home Sharing and iPhone app management
Steve Jobs says iPod touch didn't get a camera because 'it's a great game machine'
Wondering why Apple chose to add a camera to the iPod nano, but not the revised iPod touch? You're not alone, but one Mr. Steven P. Jobs has an answer for you: it's because the touch is a game machine, you see. Seriously -- that's what El Steve told the inimitable David Pogue today after the Rock and Roll event. According to Steve, Apple wasn't "exactly sure how to market the touch" at first, but once they listened to their customers and started to focus on gaming, "it just took off." That certainly explains the "funnest iPod ever" tagline, but still, why no cam? "We don't need to add new stuff -- we need to get the price down to where everyone can afford it." And... that's all he said about it, and Poguey didn't pursue the blindingly obvious followup: that's great for the $199 8GB model, but does Apple really think customers paying $299 and $399 for the larger editions would be turned off by paying slightly more for a camera sensor? Something tell us we won't hear Jobs say one more word about it until he's ready to actually unveil a touch with a camera -- at which point it will be a revolution. P.S.- Make sure to hit the read link for the full interview -- it's short, but it's full of Steve saying things like "You notice Amazon never says how [many Kindles] they sell; usually if they sell a lot of something, you want to tell everybody."
iPod nano: Cheaper, more features, and a video camera too!
Apple appears to be aiming right at the Flip market with its release of the updated iPod nano today. A quick rundown includes: Storage capacity: 8GB for $149USD, 16GB for $179USD. 2.2-inch color display. 240-by-376-pixel resolution at 204 pixels per inch. Battery: 24 hour playback for audio, 5 hours for video Video camera. H.264 VGA video, 640 by 480 pixels, up to 30 frames per second with AAC audio. Real-time special effects include: Sepia, Black and White, X-Ray, Film Grain, Thermal, Security Cam, Cyborg, Bulge, Kaleido, Motion Blur, Mirror, Light Tunnel, Dent, Stretch, and Twirl FM radio featuring iTunes tagging and live pausing (for those who still like to listen to Delilah.) Pedometer and accelormeter Built-in mic and speaker with voice memos Genius features Voice Over kit featuring a multiple number of languages Variety of colors, but two of those colors -- yellow and red -- are in-store only. Environmental features: Arsenic-free glass, BFR-free, Mercury-free, PVC-free We will have an in-depth look at the nano later today, as I'm actually headed out to the Apple Store to get one to replace my aging, dying iPod 5.5G. [For those who are asking -- as far as we can tell from the spec, the iPod nano will not shoot still pictures, only video. We'll be able to confirm this later today.]
iPod nano 5G with camera first hands-on!
We came and we saw... but there's not much to say. It's exactly the same save for that new coating, bigger screen (which does help), and tiny little camera around back. Video quality looked decent, but you really can't tell on the small screen. If you've ever held a nano -- this is the same experience. Want to really know what it's like? Hit the gallery!Update: Quick walkthrough video is now after the break! %Gallery-72319% %Gallery-72333%
Apple adds video camera, larger screen to new 5G iPod nano
Apple sure took long enough to get to this, but just as rumored, the iPod nano is seeing a hotly-anticipated refresh today. The big addition? A camera that just so happens to shoot live video (but not stills, apparently). On the lower left of the new fifth-generation nano, you'll find the camera as well as a speaker and microphone, but unfortunately you'll have to sync it with your computer before you upload clips to YouTube. The camera-laden nanos will be available starting today in a rainbow's worth of hues (nine, if we're being precise), with the 8GB model pegged at $149 and the 16GB edition at $179 -- though, we should mention that yellow and red are Apple Store exclusives. Oh, and oddly / tragically enough, the iPod nano is officially the only dedicated iPod with a camera, leaving the iPod touch -- and every human on the planet -- scratching their head in befuddlement. Meanwhile, iPhone 3G users are equally bewildered by the fact that a mid-range iPod can shoot video while a fully-capable smartphone cannot.As for other specs, you'll find a built-in FM tuner with Live Pause (!) and iTunes Tagging, a pedometer (you know, for that fancy Nike+ integration), VoiceOver, support for voice memos and a larger 2.2-inch display (up from 2.0-inches) with a 376 x 240 resolution. As for the camera, we're told that the video capture mode snags footage in VGA quality (640 x 480) H.264, with up to 30fps and AAC audio. If you're feeling fancy, there's also 15 real-time special effects including Sepia, Black and White, X-Ray, Film Grain, Thermal, Security Cam, Cyborg, Bulge, Kaleido and Motion Blur (among others). As for dimensions, the 5G nano remains identical to the 4G nano at 3.6- x 1.5- x 0.24-inches, though it somehow shaves a whopping 0.02 ounces as it climbs down from 1.3 to 1.28 ounces. Curious about battery life? Apple claims that the new nano can last up to 24 hours when playing back audio (same as 4G nano), while video playback should zap the rechargeable battery in just five hours (which is up an hour over its predecessor).Update: Check out our first hands-on live from the event!
Last minute Apple rumor roundup: iPhone HD video out, no new iPod touch?
Okay, we're in the final countdown to Apple's Only Rock and Roll event, and some interesting bits of info have hit the wires while we're waiting. First, AppleInsider claims a "historically reliable source" has leaked the entire new lineup of iPods, complete with model numbers, and it's somewhat surprising if true: not only do capacities remain the same apart from a 160GB iPod classic, the iPod touch is absent from the list -- leading some to believe its upgrade has been delayed due to rumored technical issues with the camera module. AI also says the nano is getting "significant changes" to Nike+, but doesn't go into further detail. There's also been an interesting press release this morning from Harmon Kardon, which is touting that its new Bridge III iPod / iPhone dock and AVR 2600 and 3600 receivers can "play back HD video from iPod or iPhone products." Seeing as there's no (official) way to even get HD video onto an iPod or iPhone right now, that seems to indicate there's a change a-comin' -- and seeing as we've already gotten the iPhone 3GS to play back 1080p video, the addition of HD video support to at least some of the i-line seems like a no-brainer. We'll see what's true and what's just wishful thinking soon enough -- the liveblog starts in just a little bit!Update: And just in case you couldn't get enough sketchy cases, Cygnett has some listed on its site that seem to show a new nano screen size, as well as a new touch with a camera. Things are definitely heating up, stay tuned. Read - AppleInsider leaked list of new iPod models Read - Harmon Kardon says new dock can play back HD video from iPhone
Stay tuned for the TUAW liveblog of today's Apple music event
It's 09/09/09 -- finally! Apple events are always a lot of fun, and the speculation leading up to today's press event has been incredible. Will Steve Jobs appear at the event? Are we going to see a new version of iTunes and some new iPods? We're always wondering if there will be "one more thing." Join us today at 10 AM PDT / 1 PM EDT for the TUAW liveblog of this event. As usual, you can add your questions to the mix, and a full complement of TUAW bloggers will be on hand. We will have our buddies Daniel Brusilovsky (of Teens In Tech) and Sam Levin onsite to give us the minute-by-minute update of what's transpiring. We'll also keep one eye on the other liveblog coverage from Engadget, Ars Technica, gdgt, Gizmodo, Macworld & elsewhere. You can keep an eye on our main Twitter feed for the headline announcements, and our Ask TUAW account is always there for your questions and inquiries. You can also join the fun over on our Facebook page during and after the event. Here's a link to the liveblog page, for you early birds.
Apple quietly cutting iPod prices ahead of event
We've just started receiving tips that Apple is quietly cutting the price of existing iPods ahead of its planned event later today. Thus far, we've seen the following price cuts. All prices given are in USD: iPod nano is now $129 for 8GB and $149 for 16GB. iPod classic is now $229. iPod touch is now $189 for 8GB, $249 for 16GB and $279 for 32GB. There is no change to the price of the iPod shuffle. These changes haven't completely gone through the site yet. As seen in the screen capture, some parts of the site still list the iPods at their old price. Thanks to Scott and Max for the tip!
Nike+ iPod equals a weight loss success formula
(As a follow up to Tim Wasson's 'An Apple a Day' fitness plan, I thought I'd share my experience on how the Nike+ iPod kit helped me lose weight.) It's high noon in Los Angeles on a late May Sunday. But this isn't your typical Sunday. You see, I'm about to finish my first ever marathon. As I make my way toward the finish line, I hear the roar of thousands of spectators cheering me on. For those who have yet to experience this, I tell them that there's no other feeling like it -- one where thousands of people, who know nothing about you, are willing you to finish the final meters of a 26.2 mile race. As I make my way toward finish line, I think of everything that led up to this moment, and how much running has changed my life. But I don't think I'd have made it this far had it not been for the Nike+ iPod kit; for by changing the running experience, it's also changed my feelings about running.
Hama cases foreshadow 5G iPod nano, 3G iPod touch at IFA: hands-on
We know you don't really need any more evidence that Apple is gearing up to unveil at least two new iPod revisions at its forthcoming 'rock and roll' event, but are you seriously going to hit the ignore button on these? If you'll recall, last year's visit to Hama's IFA booth gave us early access to cases of Apple's then-upcoming round of iPod nanos, and this year the company seems to be disclosing all of Cupertino's secrets once more. On hand were cases for Apple's fifth-generation iPod nano and the third-generation iPod touch, both of which seem to make room for a built-in camera. Of course, these lovely peripherals could be nothing more than a complete waste of company resources, but we'd encourage you to browse the gallery below before jumping to that conclusion.
Walkman outsells iPod in Japan for first time in four years... but iPhone sales don't count
As with most accomplishments these days, we can't help but place a rather large asterisk next to Sony's award for managing to outsell the iPod lineup with its Walkman. According to Tokyo-based research firm BCN Inc., for the week ending August 30th, the Walkman series had a 43 percent share of the personal music player market versus 42.1 percent for iPods, marking the first time in four years that Sony's managed to get the upper hand. Got that? Good, now for a major caveat. For whatever reason, iPhones aren't considered part of the iPod line, meaning people who want the luxuries of the iPod touch and a wireless data plan aren't included in the survey. That's quite an omission -- the iPhone 3GS is currently the best-selling phone in Japan, after all -- and we gotta imagine it'd be more than enough to tilt the data in Apple's favor, even if you threw in Sony Ericsson's Walkman phones for good measure. But hey, it's still a feat in its own right, and Sony might as well celebrate while it lasts -- something tells us the gang in Cupertino has something up their sleeve soon.
Current iPod SKUs are disappearing
If you're looking to own a current-generation iPod, you best buy one before they're gone. Ars Technica notes that vendors inside Apple's Authorized Reseller network are reporting that dwindling stocks aren't being met with new shipments, lending further credence to the presumption that September's press event will be about new iPods. Apple typically introduces new iPods in September, just in time for back-to-school shopping. We've heard rumors that the whole line will get cameras, including the Classic. With 120GB of storage, that thing could hold a lot of photos. It's also quite likely that there will be a storage boost, but if the shuffle gets any smaller it'll simply cease to exist. Personally, this just means I'll have another opportunity to call my fat nano an ancient artifact.
A Kafkaesque announcement of an Apple keynote the week of September 7th
Kafkaesque is defined as "characteristic or reminiscent of the oppressive or nightmarish qualities of Franz Kafka's fictional world." That's the way Wall Street Journal All Things Digital blogger Peter Kafka (no relation as far as I know) must be feeling. Music industry sources are telling him that Apple is planning one of their classic September keynotes, but they're not giving him a date other than "the week of September 7th", and have no idea what exactly Apple is planning on revealing. That sounds nightmarish to me... So, he fired up the Apple rumor machine this morning and wrote a post about the upcoming event. Kafka feels that the event will probably be used to announce something about music (duh!), most likely "Cocktail", which is Apple's rumored album format that adds cover art, liner notes, and other interactive goodies. Kafka also notes that unless Apple announces the legendary iTablet at the event, Apple faithful are likely to be very disappointed (My personal feeling? Turn on the tears, folks). The September event is often used to announce new iPods, and there have been rumors of a camera-enabled iPod nano, so we might hear more about that. Whatever happens, it would be nice to see Steve Jobs on the stage again, especially if the mythical iPad is finally announced. Any reader comments on this announcement of an Apple event with no set date or concrete topic will be greatly appreciated. Update: While Gizmodo's Brian Lam is adding fuel to the iTablet fire with a recounting of a phone call with a reputable source, The Loop's Jim Dalrymple is categorically contradicting any suggestions that the September event will include the tablet device -- it's going to be a pure music announcement, he says.
Onkyo ND-S1 iPod dock feaures digital audio, composite video, and leaves iPhone owners out of luck
We've seen plenty from the folks at Onkyo in the past, but until now their iPod accessories have been rather few and far between. That said, we gotta say that this here ND-S1 iPod dock looks pretty, pretty good. Obviously designed with the home entertainment crowd in mind, this guy features optical / coax digital output, composite a/v outs, and supports 16bit audio playback (up to 48kHz). Also on hand are a USB connection for syncing with iTunes and a remote control. Compatible with your iPod classic / nano / touch (sorry iPhone users), you can expect to see this hit the streets sometime this fall. There's no word yet on price, but you can get a closer look after the break.[Via AV Watch]
Next-gen iPod touch rumored to get camera, microphone, fairy dust coating
According to a "well connected source" in the Wired camp, the iPod mills in China are hard at work as we speak, churning out next-gen iPod Touch models with integrated cameras and microphones. This certainly jibes well with the tips we've received regarding both this device and a cam-equipped nano -- although we're still skeptical about the rumored OLED iPods. The article goes on to suggest that once you add a mic to the mix, all you need is a MiFi and the Skype application for "the iPhone experience" on Verizon's (or Sprint's) network. Seems like an awful lot to go through just to avoid AT&T, but we suppose that it's good to have options.
1st generation iPod nano recall in South Korea - no, not really
According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple Korea has issued a recall of 1st generation iPod nanos in South Korea. Some units have had a problem with overheating batteries, causing damage to the units and on some occasions the users themselves.On June 25th, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards prompted Apple Korea to issue the recall. Apple later released a statement reassuring owners of current-model nanos:"Although the overheating problem doesn't affect the batteries that are being used now in iPod nanos, concerned customers can get a replacement battery."If you're a nano owner in South Korea, you may be eligible for this recall. Check with your local retailer and good luck.UPDATE: As Loopinsight points out, this has always been Apple's policy. Nothing has changed and this isn't really a recall at all. We regret the error.
