14 DAY TRIAL // As a PC user, you may not be acquainted with the VoiceOver function in Mac OS X. Implemented into Apple's OS since version 10.4, VoiceOver reads aloud the contents of files including web pages, Mail messages and word processing files, and provides a comprehensive audible description of your workspace, using a rich set of keyboard commands that allow the user to navigate the Mac OS X interface and interact with application and system controls. Part of this functionality can now be found in the new, third generation iPod shuffle.
“VoiceOver is the exciting new feature that makes iPod shuffle the first music player that talks to you,” Apple says. “It entirely changes the way you browse and navigate your music. Say you’re listening to a song and want to know the title or the artist. With the press of a button, VoiceOver tells you - without interrupting your music,” the company explains. “For the first time ever on an iPod shuffle, you can have multiple playlists, because VoiceOver announces their names, too. So you can easily find the right mix without taking your eyes off your run, your ride, or whatever you’re doing,” Apple adds. So, here's how it works.
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. Now, 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. That's not all!
iTunes automatically selects the language, the best voice for your song titles and artist names, looks at song data (title, artist, and album information) and finally applies intelligent algorithms to choose the right language. Users can change the designated VoiceOver language for a certain song in iTunes.
The just announced third generation shuffle not only boasts new functionality, but also a sleek design that makes it even more stylish and wearable than its predecessor. Naturally, more storage was in order for an uplifted version of the shuffle. Apple is selling two (black and silver) 4GB models that are capable of holding 1,000 songs. Care to buy one?