Apple released two new iPod Shuffles with an even smaller design today.
The new 4GB devices are priced at $79 and can hold up to 1000 songs. These new iPod Shuffles adopt a more vertical shape than the previous model, but are smaller overall.
Apple also added a new “VoiceOver” feature that allows the iPod shuffle to speak your song titles, artists and playlist names. All of the controls are located on the earphone cord.
“Imagine your music player talking to you, telling you your song titles, artists and playlist names,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of iPod and iPhone Product Marketing. “The amazingly small new iPod shuffle takes a revolutionary approach to how you listen to your music by talking to you, also making it the first iPod shuffle with playlists.”
For more info and to watch a video walk through of the VoiceOver feature, head over to Apple’s site .
Sources : Apple , Macrumors
As far as I can recall, this was the first iPod introduction announced by Apple without either a dedicated event or in conjunction with another proceeding. The timing is curious since over the past 4 years or so, the company dedicated all iPod introductions to a special event during the fall.
Anyhow, while this is a nice addition to the iPod lineup, and I’m delighted the Shuffle finally can manage different playlists – maybe now I can manage my podcasts into a playlist? – my only critical remark is the absence of the major controls from the unit itself and shifting them to the Apple earbuds. What if I don’t like to use Apples earpieces? I expect either the company – or 3rd party accessory makers – to introduce a control unit of some sort that connects to the Shuffle and provide a generic headphones output.
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