Apple Releases Software Update for iPods, Remaps Sleep/Wake Button

Apple has rolled out a software update for iPod nano (6th generation) users. Now at version 1.1, the iPod nano software knows to completely turn off the device, rather than just put it to sleep, and allows users to control music and radio playback via the Sleep/Wake button.

Accompanying the release of the 1.1 software update is a Support document titled “iPod nano (6th generation): Software update version 1.1 changes”.

In it, Apple explains that “with iPod software update version 1.1 for iPod nano (6th generation), you will be able to:

· Completely turn off the iPod, rather than just put the device to sleep.
· Control music or radio playback using the Sleep/Wake button without having to look at the device.”

The knowledge base article further includes instructions on how to employ the new functions.

For example, turning iPod nano off completely and turning it on again is done by holding down the Sleep/Wake button for several seconds.

If the nano is showing that it's charging or attached to a powered accessory or cable, it will not turn off.

To turn iPod nano back on, hold down the Sleep/Wake button for a few seconds, Apple explains.

The company also asks users to note that turning the iPod nano off will stop music; clear paused radio; stop slideshows playing on the device; stop and save voice memos; stop pedometer; stop and save Nike + workout data.

“When the iPod nano is off, you will not hear or be alerted to any alarm or reminder set on the iPod. When you turn iPod nano back on, alarms or reminders that haven’t yet expired will occur as scheduled,” Apple further notes.

“If you turn iPod nano back on within five minutes of when it was turned off, it will remember your music playlist and what was playing. However, if you turn iPod nano back on more than five minutes after it was turned off, the device will not remember what you were doing on the device or which application was active,” the tech giant adds.

Instructions on how to control audio playback with the Sleep/Wake button are also offered.

Users can now double-click the Sleep/Wake button to play the next audio track, or change the setting so that double-clicking pauses or plays the current track.

To set the Sleep/Wake button for audio playback, users must tap Settings on the Home screen, tap Music, then tap the Sleep/Wake button, then tap the On/Off switch, and then tap either Next Track or Play/Pause.