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iPod nano review (2010)
Apple's sixth generation of the iPod nano is essentially the first complete rethinking the product has had since its debut in 2005. The previous form factor -- slim and light with a decently sized display and clickwheel -- has been all but abandoned. The new design is a complete departure; a full touchscreen device that brings to mind something more like a large, living postage stamp than a portable music player. Along with the radical hardware redesign, Apple has infused the media player with a brand new operating system as well -- an interface that looks and plays more like iOS than iPod. We've spent the past week or so knocking the nano around to see if it's worth your hard-earned dollars, and we've got the answers inside -- so read on for our full review. %Gallery-101628%
Shippity-do-dah: Apple starts shipping new iProducts
Shippity-do-dah, shippity-day, my oh my what a wonderful day! There's plenty of iProducts shipping your way. Wonderful feeling, wonderful day! Our TUAW tip line is getting inundated over here with your happy shipping missives (yay -- we're excited too!), so we decided to open up a thread so you can share your excitement with the rest of the TUAW community. Are you about to receive a new nano? A 4th gen iPod touch? Hop into the comments and share the fun with the rest of us. Don't forget to send us your unboxing pics!
Visualized: the Apple iWatch
Japanese freelance writer Kei Ogikubo was seemingly in attendance at Apple's fall event, and wasted no time affixing the new iPod nano to his black watch strap. This week, he's causing tech journalists around the globe to ask themselves the fatal question: "Why didn't I think of that?" Speaking of questions, it sounds like the answer to ours may well be "all of the above." Image copyright: ogikubokei.
How Apple's newest iPods prove (and disprove) that it learns from design mistakes
When Apple released the third-generation iPod shuffle in 2009, I saw it as a perfect example of the design hubris that many Apple detractors point to. From a usability perspective, there really wasn't anything wrong with the second-generation iPod shuffle -- it had a minimal number of buttons, true, but their functions were fairly obvious. In a textbook example of the emphasis of form over function, Apple's third-generation iPod shuffle removed all of the controls from the device itself and moved them to the headphones' inline remote. Not only was the remote far more complex to use than the old shuffle's simple buttons, it also meant that, if you wanted to use third-party headphones, you'd either have to give up all control over the iPod or shell out more money for an inline remote adapter. The third-gen iPod shuffle got savaged in reviews, and it deserved it. Apple's fourth-generation iPod shuffle mercifully brought the buttons back. Apple even lists "buttons" as a feature on its page for the iPod shuffle. In a rare departure from typical Apple design, the fourth-generation iPod shuffle is much larger than the third-gen; it's not that Apple can't make a music player the size of your thumbnail, but it seems like Apple realized that it shouldn't. So, the return of buttons to the iPod shuffle proves that Apple doesn't always emphasize form over function. Right? Unfortunately, although the iPod shuffle proves that Apple is perfectly capable of learning from its design missteps, the new iPod nano and iPod touch both feature design compromises that are almost as boneheaded as the buttonless third-gen iPod shuffle. Click "Read More" to see the way these new iPods, nice as they are in some respects, are in other ways an example of a "one step forward, two steps back" design.
New iPod commercials now on Apple.com and YouTube
You saw them in the keynote today, now watch them again in the privacy of your own home: the new iPod touch and iPod nano television ads are live on Apple.com and on Apple's YouTube channel. "All kinds of fun," indeed. (If you're a fan of NBC's Chuck, like some of us are, you may appreciate that Cake's Short Skirt/Long Jacket -- the show's theme song -- is featured in the new nano ad.) [via MacRumors]
A roundup of today's Apple news
In case you're just getting off of work, just waking up, or your plane just landed after a 15-hour flight, here's all of today's Apple news condensed into one quick post: Steve Jobs looked good at today's event, which was attended by Steve Wozniak. Steve J. did a nice shout-out to his "partner in crime" at the beginning of the presentation. Jobs announced that there are now 300 Apple Retail Stores in 10 countries, with new stores opening in Spain soon. The Apple Stores get more than 1 million visitors combined on some days -- the primary reason why the company dropped their presence at Macworld Expo. Other stats -- 120,000,000 iOS devices, 230,000 new iOS activations per day (not including updates), 6.5 billion downloads from the App Store, 250,000 apps on the App Store. iOS 4.1 will be out next week, featuring fixes for the proximity sensor, Bluetooth, and iPhone 3G issues. There will also be support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos, the ability to upload HD video to other devices (Apple TV) over WiFi (this is known as AirPlay), 99¢ TV show rentals, and GameCenter. The latter will bring a new level of interactive gaming to the platform. In November, we'll see iOS 4.2 for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. This adds printing support, AirPlay, multi-tasking, and folders (among other features) to the iPad.
iPod nano vs touch vs shuffle... fight!
Three new iPods under one roof -- how could we not throw them on a table and see how they size up against one another? Obviously, the iPod touch is the black sheep here in terms of sheer physical space, but the width / height difference between the nano and shuffle is as marginal as you probably guessed. More pics below! %Gallery-101004%
iPod nano (2010) first hands-on! (update: video!)
Here it is, the new (and completely redesigned) iPod nano. Super thin, super light, and really, the capacitive multitouch works very well. The screen is crisp and top menu navigation is smooth, but can't say we have great feel for moving back out of sub menus (via swipe or holding down the screen). We're going back for seconds and thirds, peep the initial gallery below! Update: Okay, we've gotten much more quality time with the nano, and we'll admit that after some brief practice, the menu navigation is nice both going in and out of menus -- holding the middle will take some getting used to, if only because you gotta avoid any other on-screen items that beckon for your digits. Probably due to the small size of the screen, there is no pinch-to-zoom for photos. Instead, we're using a simple double-tap motion to a fixed zoom in / zoom out distance. The clock app has a very easy-to-read analog style to it, and swiping across the screen will give you a stopwatch and timer. There is no alarm clock, however, which as the Apple rep explained to us was a design decision given its lack of an external speaker. Bummer, as it's the perfect size to strap on a band and use as a wristwatch -- a fitting thought, too, given one of the settings will let us see the time every time we wake up the screen. Check out our video tour after the break. %Gallery-100970% %Gallery-100991%
New iPod nano dumps scroll wheel and video for square screen
It's hip to be square. Announced today, the newly introduced iPod nano finally dispenses with the wheel as a control surface -- because now the control surface is the iPod touch. The new model is so small that like the newly announced iPod shuffle, it has a clip that allows it to be worn and has a 24-hour battery life. What isn't there: the video camera that was included in the last release of the nano a year ago. Other features include: VoiceOver FM radio Nike+ and pedometer It comes in six colors, two more than the shuffle. It will cost $149 for 8GB and $179 for 16GB. The new nano can be preordered today, and will be released next week. Edit: The just-released tech specs show that not only is the camera gone, so is video playback entirely.
iPod nano redesigned: smaller, lighter, better and costing $149 for 8GB or $179 for 16GB
Apple has just revealed its 6th generation iPod nano, which has been outfitted with just about the boldest redesign the portable media player has experienced yet. Gone is the clickwheel, to be replaced with a touchscreen interface and a shuffle-esque square form factor. It's now 46 percent smaller and 42 percent lighter. Hard volume buttons on the side and a clip on the back provide the minimal hardware accouterments to that multitouch touchscreen, while the inside provides enough juice for 24 hours of audio playback. Seven total color variants will be up for grabs, including a Product RED option, with prices set at $149 for 8GB of storage or $179 for 16GB and pre-orders being taken today. P.S. -- If you were looking for that awesome camera the nano used to have, stop. It ain't there anymore. We've also noted that there's no video playback to be found anymore, either. %Gallery-100937%%Gallery-100966%
Rumor: Next generation iPod nano will be super tiny
Add this to the rumor mix - AppleInsider reports that the next generation of iPod nano will be a minuscule version of the current generation. For proof, they point to a couple of third-party case makers, including this one from Orient King, pictured at right. The case shows a 30-pin dock connector and cutouts to accommodate four buttons or ports -- most likely for a headphone jack, hold switch and volume buttons similar to the iPhone. If this particular rumor is true, the iPod nano would more resemble its iPod shuffle sibling than retain the current form factor. It would only be the second time Apple has gone outside of the traditional gum package-shaped model. While the rumor might be a bit hard to swallow -- remember that three years ago, a lot of people did not believe the pictures of the "fat-boy" model iPod nano were true either. But, I think this rumor could also be linked with the one we reported from iLounge earlier this month saying that the new iPod shuffle would have a touchscreen. If it did, then this form factor makes sense. It's either that, or I see the shuffle being quietly retired or not updated at all. We'll find out on Wednesday.
Next-generation iPod touch and nano accessories and rumors continue to surface
We're but a few days away from Apple's music-related "special event," and naturally the bloody rumors are being tossed into the water, frothing up into quite a feeding frenzy. Last week came talk of new iPod touch and nano models, and now we have even more cases and accessories that seem to back up the belief that there's a fourth-generation touch and a sixth-generation nano coming. The nano is rumored to have a 3 x 3cm touchscreen (presumably this one) and room on the bottom for a proper dock connector, ensuring compatibility with the millions of iPod cradles and whatnot out there. The new cases we're seeing certainly back up that idea, with a dock-sized cut-out along with room for what's said to be a headphone jack, volume controls, a hold button, and a clip 'round the back. At the moment we know rather less about the new touch, but we can hazard a guess as to what it'll look like. [Thanks, Hobbsy101]
Supposed next-gen iPod touch, nano / shuffle cases surface online
Stop us if you've heard this one before -- an Apple event is looming, and suddenly some cases turn up online that seem to nicely line up with the devices rumored to be announced. These latest examples come courtesy of Chinese case retailer X-Doria, and include a case for what appears to be a 4th-gen iPod touch with a camera, and one that's described as a case for a "nano 6G," but could seemingly also be for a new iPod shuffle with a touchscreen. Of particular note, the apparent iPod touch case seems to reveal a curved back more similar to the current model than the iPhone 4, while the nano / shuffle case looks to be a near perfect match for that 1.7-inch Apple touchscreen that mysteriously turned up in Taiwan last month. What does it all mean? There's less than a week until we know for sure.
Overheating iPod delays rush-hour train in Tokyo
Poor Apple. The company just can't catch a break these days. On Wednesday, Apple Japan began offering customers iPod nano replacements, giving in to local government demands to better address an overheating battery issue affecting Apple's first generation iPod nano players. Then Friday morning (making the English-language press only now) a busy rush-hour commuter train was stopped in Tokyo to investigate a smell. According to a spokesman, "When a member of staff went to investigate inside the train, a passenger came over showing him that the iPod she was listening to had burst apart." No injuries were reported and the exact iPod model is still unknown. However, we can be certain that the eight minute delay on Japan's notoriously timely railway system caused many commuters to question their ability to go on. [Image courtesy of Maruhachi-kotsu]
Apple starts iPod nano swap program in Japan
Back in 2008, the Japanese Trade Ministry identified 3 reports of fires that were caused by overheating iPod nanos. An investigation followed and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry found a total of 34 incidents of overheating that could be attributed to the lithium-ion battery used in those nanos. Issues ranged from discoloration to, in rare instances, fires. As a result, Apple agreed to replace defective units in Japan. That program went into effect this week. Anyone who bought a first-generation iPod nano between September 2005 and September 2006 in Japan can get it replaced if it overheats. Note that only the original nano was affected. If you've got one of these units, head on down to an Apple Store or follow the instructions here. Good luck. [Via iPodNN]
Apple offers first generation iPod nano replacements in Japan
After two years of pushing and shoving by the Japanese government, Apple has finally relented, agreeing to replace those first generation iPod nano music players sold in Japan at risk of overheating. The player exchange goes beyond the battery replacement program already in effect for consumers concerned enough to complain directly to Apple. According to Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, of all the plastic black and white iPod nano players sold between September 2005 and December 2006, it confirmed 27 overheating incidents that occurred during recharging, including 6 fires that left four people with minor burns. On Sunday, Apple added 34 other "non-serious" overheating incidents to the tally -- a delay in disclosure that Japanese officials called "truly regrettable." Of course, today's news begs the question of how Apple will handle this issue for all the affected iPod nanos sold outside of Japan.
Apple ordered to make public iPod nano battery fix in Japan
We had an eerie feeling it'd come to this, and come it has. Nearly two full years to the day after the government of Japan began a thorough investigation into the spontaneous combusting of iPod nano devices, that same entity is now mandating that Apple publish an "easy to understand" statement on the web that explains how customers can "receive replacement batteries and obtain advice." So far, these volatile Li-ion cells have been blamed for four cases of minor burns in the Land of the Rising Sun, and while Apple has been replacing first-generation iPod nano batteries since 2008 for those that complained, it seems that Japan wants the company to make the option readily apparent to consumers. Be sure to keep an eye on Apple's Japanese site for more, but as of now, we're not seeing any such PSA posted.
Altec Lansing serves up angular Octiv Mini iPod / iPhone sound system
We know -- you need another iPod sound system about as bad as you need another mortgage, but why leave any one room lacking, right? Altec Lansing has cranked out a rather unorthodox looking device this fine evening, certified to play nice with iPhone and iPod and deliver soothing jazz to whatever ears are fortunate enough to get close. The Octiv Mini (M102; $59.95) is yet another iPod / iPhone alarm clock, though this one ships with the Alarm Rock app in order to customize one's wake-up tunes from their bedside. Full specs should be popping up in that source link momentarily, and it'll ship to the last five remaining Americans who actually need one of these type devices in July. %Gallery-95971%
Polar and Nike announce WearLink+ heart rate monitor for Nike+
Well, it's not June 1st, but Nike+ users now finally have a heart rate monitor to help kick their training up a notch in the form of the just-announced Polar WearLink+. That is naturally compatible with all Nike+ gear, and it will let you see your BPM at a glance on your Nike+ SportBand, or hear spoken feedback of your BPM while you run on your iPod nano. The heart rate monitor will even work with Polar's own range of training computers and Polar-compatible fitness equipment at the same time, and it has a soft textile chest strap that promises to "seamlessly adapt" to your body shape (it's also thankfully machine-washable). Look for the strap to be available in the US this month for $69.95, with a release in Canada and Europe set to follow in July. Full press release is after the break.
iPod nano modded to play inside 8-track player, blow minds with ease (video)
Oh, sure -- they've a place in history, but the 8-track ain't got nothing on the record player when it comes to retro audio sources. This, however, is no vanilla 8-track deck. The Mad Hacker decided to add a little 2-oh-oh-to-the-dime to his Channel Master by modding a Beach Boys deck to connect to his iPod nano. He even threw a headphone socket and USB port on the front for listening on the go and charging (respectively), but the real amazement comes when you plug the thing in. Somehow or another, he hacked the 8-track to transfer iPod signals into the antediluvian source, providing a bona find plug-and-play solution that's (way) more awesome than practical. Seriously, it needs to be seen to be believed -- lucky for you, the video demonstration is just a click away.
