Apple launches new iPod Shuffle, Nano and Touch

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Posted on 2 Sep 2010 at 12:21

The most drastic makeover has been saved for the Nano. By removing physical buttons and replacing them with a multitouch screen, the new model is almost half the size of the old one. Now only slightly bigger than the Shuffle, it also features the same clip for attaching it to your clothes. The small display is sharp at 240x240 pixels, but without an in-built accelerometer users must rotate the screen manually - but it can turn in any direction. Shrinking the device means there's no longer has a video camera, but it does retain an FM radio. Both 8GB and 16GB versions are available for pre-order now, in seven different colours.

All of these new devices will sync to your PC or Mac with the latest version of iTunes. Version 10 introduces Ping, a mini social network that focuses on music. Based on your friends' and your favourite music stars' iTunes purchases, custom top 10 charts suggest new tracks you might like to buy. One major limitation of this system is that custom charts are created from the musical tastes of everyone you follow, rather than just your circle of friends. It also doesn’t base these suggestions on what your friends are actually listening to, just the tracks they buy from the iTunes store. By focusing on music, Apple is hoping that users will use Ping alongside their existing Facebook and Twitter accounts, but its limitations may frustrate users looking for more functionality.

While it was no surprise that the new iPod Touch gained many of the iPhone 4's features, the new Shuffle seems to have solved some of the previous model’s issues and the funky looking Nano is a fresh spin on the popular device. As ever, we'll bring you in-depth reviews as soon as possible.

Author: Tom Morgan

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