New iPod Shuffle Talks To Users
Posted: Wednesday, March 11, 2009
by Asher Ricard
Apple released its latest brilliant idea in the form of a talking iPod Shuffle. Once again, I stand amazed as it seems that Apple releases something that would only be seen in the Jetsons.
The new concept looks as futuristic as it sounds. It is about the size of a Double A battery and comes in black and silver colors. There is no dial or screen on the iPod just a smooth look. All the controls have moved to the ear phones which makes it easier on users. It has a steel clip so that users can clip it to a shirt, backpack or pocket.
There are only a few drawbacks I see on the Shuffle, although I am sure others will not see this as bothersome.
The first is concerning the voice over. Let me say up front that it is an awesome techonology. However, I am not sure the message Apple is sending. If you sinc the Shuffle with a Mac, then the robotic voice that tells you your playlist or the name of the current song you are listening to is a male voice. If you use a PC, it is female. I am a little discouraged. I, being female, am curious if this was a sexist decision. I guess I should enjoy the sound of a male announcer?
Also on the demo of the Shuffle, I was a little concerned about remembering all the steps to using the earphones. Hold down the middle for a long click to announce the song. Hold it down again for the playlist you are listening to. Click it fast once to skip. Push the top to turn the volume up and bottom to turn it down. I think this is it. I guess I would just need a lot of practice to remember.
I am also assuming that you will only be able to purchase name brand earphones for the Shuffle since no other companies can produce the technology at this point.
Over all, it looks like a really cool toy that I want to get to know better. The price seems reasonable. The size is awesome. I can see it being used in a multitude of ways and how much more fun can it be to have a music player that talks to you?
For more information, check out online at www.apple.com/ipodshuffle
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