Apple iPod Shuffle 3G preview

04 MAR 2009

PREVIEW

The Shuffle has probably felt like the most neglected of Apple’s iPods, and with good reason. Despite being introduced back in January 2005 in its original ‘chewing gum’ guise, it’s only had one redesign when it was reinvented as a ‘clip-on’ iPod in 2006.

But now, finally, it’s been given a makeover ... with some surprisingly innovative features. The 3G version’s capacity has been upped to 4GB, twice as much as its predecessor, and thanks to ‘VoiceOver’ it’s now capable of talking to you down your headphones about which song is playing.

Now even smaller
More on that later, but how has the design changed? Well, it’s now half the size of its older brother – weighing just 10.7g – and makes the first-gen version look portly by comparison.

Preview continues after the break...

 

The new Shuffle’s tiny dimensions have been possible thanks to the controversial moving of the buttons from the device itself to the bundled headphones.

This means that, out of the box, the new Shuffle will only work with Apple’s not-too-celebrated headphones, though it says 3rd party folk will be releasing special adaptors for other headphones later this year.

Better clip
Despite the lack of Nike+ compatibility, the new Shuffle is clearly an improved option for runners and outdoorsy types. The 4GB capacity will be enough for 1,000 songs (at the lowest quality 128kbps bit-rate) and the clip, previously made from feeble plastic, is made from stainless steel and is much more durable.

It also now supports multiple playlists – a feature that’s been a staple on most MP3 players for yonks but is a first for an iPod Shuffle.

Talk to me
This is where that new VoiceOver function could come in particularly handy. Just press the button and your Shuffle will tell you – in what we hope is a comically robotic voice – which song is playing, the artist and also how much battery life is remaining.

We’ll have a full review soon, but in the meantime check out our hands-on video and unboxing blog.