As I reported earlier, the Apple Store was down this morning for a couple of hours. There hadn’t been a mention of any possible updates floating around the internet, but sites quickly found it was supposedly for a new iPod Shuffle. This indeed turned out to be the case. Introducing the all new 4GB iPod Shuffle, with VoiceOver technology.
As you will notice from the picture, this Shuffle has no control buttons on the unit itself, apart from the Shuffle switch at the top. The Play, Pause, FF, Rew and Volume controls are all inline on the remote control. While this may seem like a nice idea, some users will be venting their frustration at being forced to use the included Headphones, and not their own.
New Features: VoiceOver & Playlists
The main new feature on the Shuffle is the introduction of VoiceOver. Taken from OS X, this new system enables the Shuffle to actually speak to you, letting you know what track or playlist is currently playing. You can also use a button on the remote control to verbally run through all your playlists before choosing the one you want to listen to. You may have noticed I mentioned playlists, as in plural. That’s right, the Shuffle finally has the ability to sync multiple playlists from iTunes. Interestingly Apple say VoiceOver can speak in 14 different languages, not bad for something so tiny!
As with most significant iPod updates, these new features will obviously require an update to iTunes, and Apple are obliging with version 8.1, which is due out anytime today. As I write this it is yet to show on the Software Update, but keep checking.
Final Thoughts
Overall this is a tidy update from Apple. I am almost certain they are using the Shuffle as a means of introducing VoiceOver control to the public in a low risk manner. I can see the technology evolving onto the iPhone and iPod Touch in the future, with even a chance of us controlling the playback options with our voice. How many times have you had your iPhone tucked away in your pocket and want to choose a new playlist? It’s a pain getting it out, unlocking the screen, navigating to your playlist etc, VoiceOver would work a treat in this situation. As I mentioned earlier, the only real downside is waiting for an adaptor to use your own Headphones, and also so you can control it while it’s plugged it into an AUX input.
NOTE: Old iPod Shuffles are still available to buy from the Apple Store. I don’t know how long they’ll be up for, but at least people still have the option.
[...] « Apple introduce the new iPod Shuffle.. iTunes 8.1 to follow. [...]
Pretty sexy design, however I still question whether i’d ever actually use one! I could never go back to the apple earphones either, so unless the cable has a split in it I can’t see it being much fun!!
Rich, you don’t need one, plus you don’t get enough wages a month to even afford one. Just let it go mate
[...] released iTunes 8.1 on Wednesday to coincide with the release of the new iPod Shuffle. Initially we expected Genius to spread it’s wings to accommodate Movies and TV Shows, this [...]