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Apple's iPod shuffle gets a new look
3:00 am Mar 13 - by Tim Anderson – buzz Writer
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Apple's new iPod shuffle.
Apple released its latest iteration in its iPod shuffle line this week. The newest version of the shuffle is even smaller than the last, making it one of the smallest MP3 players available. The major change to the line comes in the removal of controls to the player, moving that process to the earbuds.
The new shuffle is an example of the tightening of the proprietary relationship Apple is cultivating with its audience. By stripping the device of physical controllers, owners are dependent on Apple earbuds to control their music. Regular headphones with standard jacks will still function, but there will be no method of controlling volume or changing the song.
This shuffle is unique beyond its headphone cord mounted controls in that it now has a feature called “VoiceOver,” which was added with the iTunes software upgrade to 8.1. With the push of a button, a robotic voice speaks over the song you’re currently listening to and speaks the name of the song and artist. A demonstration video over at Engadget.com shows the VoiceOver feature mispronouncing words such as “live” and “pitchfork.”
Apple prided itself on the first iPod, declaring that the interface was so intuitive anyone could pick it up and have it figured out in a matter of minutes. With only one button to press, the intuitiveness is gone, apparently along with the design philosophy which made the iPod so popular. Strange as this new iPod may seem, it is taking the first shaking steps away from the established shores of the traditional music player towards rocky waters of minuscule players with no displays and initially awkward controls.
Sound Off
Last post: Mar. 17, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Nikki (Nikki Blight) said on Mar. 17, 2009 at 10:03 am:
For some reason, this makes me think about the Futurama episode where Amy has the ridiculously tiny (and less than useful) cell phone.
Jacob Heppner (Jacob Heppner) said on Mar. 17, 2009 at 4:40 pm:
It does indeed have a clip on it. I thought this was horrendous until I watched the video on apple's website. I do think that the voice over feature is not really necessary but hey thats just me.
Liamz (unregistered user) said on Mar. 16, 2009 at 12:47 pm:
I have one of the Shuffles that clips and I love it. It's so easy to use when jogging or working out. Does this one clip? It doesn't look like it, which makes me think that using something that small while working out just won't ... well ... work out.