14 DAY TRIAL // Apple touts its third generation iPod shuffle as “the world’s smallest music player.” The device is nearly half the size of the previous model - significantly smaller than an AA battery, Apple says - and is able to hold up to 1,000 songs thanks to the 4GB of memory it boasts. As soon as it introduced the new iPod, Apple posted every bit of information there is to know about the device online, including video and written tutorials, as well as tips on how to reset the device, properly charge its battery and more.
When you connect your shuffle to your computer to sync with iTunes, the media player reads your song information and uses the VoiceOver Kit to generate the announcements for the songs, artists and playlists on your iPod. As the guided tour shows, the type of voice you hear telling you what song is currently playing changes depending on the computer you sync your iPod with. For users syncing with a Mac, VoiceOver plays the voice included with OS X Leopard. PC users, however, will hear a more monotone voice.
While some may dislike the fact that iPod shuffle does away with any sort of physical controls on the actual player, this iPod is clearly more of a looker than its predecessor. Adding to the gorgeous aluminum design is a built-in stainless steel clip that makes the shuffle both stylish and ultra-wearable. To round up the features list, Apple claims the iPod shuffle can play your music non stop for ten hours on a single charge.
On the downside, having the controls dependent of the earphones' proper functionality, as well as the two rather cold colors the device comes in, the new shuffle will not appeal to everyone. The device can be acquired immediately for $79. Check out the new iPod shuffle guided tour here, or find other topics on the fresh shuffle here.