At the push of a button, Apple's new 4GB iPod shuffle can tell you all sorts of things; the title of the song that's playing, who the artist is, the name of your playlist, etc. But, I hear you ask, how can you do all of that with just one button? Well, you use the controls that are integrated into the headphone chord. Now this could take a lot of getting used to (see Appleinsider's explanation here) as there's only three buttons. For example, to switch playlists you "click the Centre button until you hear a tone and then release to switch the playlist menu. You'll hear the current playlist, all songs, and then remaining playlists in alphabetical order followed by audiobooks and podcasts. you can click + or - to move quickly through the playlist menu. When you hear the name of the playlist you want, click to select it." OK, that doesn't sound quite as intuitive as your usual iPod controls, so I'm sure most people will just use the new shuffle the same as the old one.
Look at the pros: It's half the size of the previous generation, with twice the storage (1000 four minute long, 128kbps tracks); It's very minimalist; You can use playlists; and it talks - 14 languages too, albeit in a Stephen Hawking voice.
The cons: (As mentioned) the advanced controls will take getting used to. It's more lose-able than the last shuffle - best keep you headphones attached. Completely useless if you wish to use your own headphones.
It comes in silver and black and costs £59 but the 1GB 2nd-generation shuffles are still available - 2GB shuffles are so yesterday.
No comments:
Post a Comment