Apple Update March '09: IPod Shuffle

Today, Apple announced its revamped the iPod shuffle dubbing it "the first music player that talks to you." Form factor wise, the new shuffle is about half the size of the 2nd gen. model albeit it did compromise its navigational wheel. Yes, there is no wheel anymore. Apple has apparently decided that the flash-drive sized music player is better off having its navigation entirely dependent on Apple's earphones/bud's control buttons; for now, the only way to change songs on the new shuffle is by using the recent Apple earphones...

As a compromise for its removal, Apple has completely reengineered the shuffle both internally and aesthetically. As mentioned, the new shuffle has a new environmentally-friendly body the size of a small flash drive or house key. It retains its belt clip, which now made of stainless steel, and comes in silver and black.

Probably the most significant addition is the introduction of VoiceOver, a feature that tells you the title and artist of the current song. Though it may seem a ridiculous feature to go crazy over, it is quite practical when you realize that the shuffle doesn't have a screen. In addition to telling the user information regarding the song, VoiceOver allows the user to have multiple playlists by announcing their names, a first-time feature on an iPod shuffle. Another thing almost worth noting is that the VoiceOver voice differs when the shuffle connects to a Mac or PC; not surprisingly, VoiceOver sounds more robotic after being hooked to the PC.

The shuffle only comes in a 4GB model, but sports silver and black colors. It prices at $79, a $10 increase from the last generation model. However, the 4GB does allow one to store 1000 songs on it and like the Macbook, Apple is still selling the previous gen. model at $49 but at 1GB storage. This update was reticent and spontaneous, but will be a welcomed one for many who frequently hit the outdoors.