Review: 7th-generation iPod nano does little to excite Is this just last year's device with a bigger screen?
by Chris Foresman Oct 18 2012 Ars Technica In 2011, Apple largely left 2010's iPod nano alone, though it did slightly tweak the software to embrace a popular use of the tiny touchscreen device as a watch replacement. A small cottage industry spring up to design and sell all manner of iPod nano "watch bands," but Apple has now abandoned that idea in favor of giving the seventh-generation iPod nano a larger, 2.5" touchscreen capable of playing videos. Beyond the new screen, the addition of Bluetooth 4.0, and the switch to Apple's smaller Lightning connector, however, very little of the internal hardware changed in the 2012 iPod nano. Software remains largely the same as well, with a similar collection of "apps" all provided by Apple. Apple has a history of moving in interesting (if odd) design directions with the smaller iPods, and then changing its mind. Remember the buttonless third-generation iPod shuffle? That design didn't fare too well, it seems, and Apple again sells an iPod shuffle with buttons. How about the third-generation "fat" iPod nano? Apple thought a sideways screen would be a good way to add compatibility with video and then-new downloadable iPod games, but the fourth-generation nano returned to the taller "candy bar" design. What's most odd about the changes Apple made with the seventh-gen nano, however, is that it took an existing, seemingly popular design and got rid of the very elements that made it unique. The integrated clip-handy for those that used the nano while working out-is gone. And the larger size means it won't fit on a handy wrist strap. Enlarge / The new iPod nano looks like a mini iPod touch, and is still quite small (seen here with an iPhone 5) despite its larger 2.5-inch touchscreen. Chris Foresman What's left is a fairly simple music player that doesn't-at least on the surface-seem all that appealing. And given the iPod's increasingly dwindling sales figures since the introduction of the iPhone, that could end up being a liability in the market. Does the new iPod nano have what it takes to make waves in the current marketplace? Let's find out. ... http://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/10/review-7th-generation-ipod-nano-does-little-to-excite/ _______________________________________________ Please be sure to include a URL to the article. Reply to the sender with a "Thank you" if you like this post. _______________________________________________ Medianews mailing list [email protected] http://lists.etskywarn.net/mailman/listinfo/medianews
