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Apple iPod shuffle MkII - cheaper, way smaller and wearable

by Bob Crabtree on 14 September 2006, 13:24

Tags: Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

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The news


In case you were thinking after reading the latest HEXUS.lifestyle.opinion that Apple announced nothing of interest to the UK on Tuesday at its "special event" in San Francisco, know that, in fact, it unveiled a completely revamped range of iPod media players - one of them about the size of a book of matches - along with a bunch of new iPod games and a rather clever new interface for its iTunes software.

The new miniature model, a second-generation iPod shuffle, is claimed to be the world's smallest digital music player. It measures just 41.2(w) x 27(h) x 10(d) mm (1.07x1.62x0.41in) and weighs a mere 15.6 grams (0.55oz). It's due in October at an all-up price of £55 (US$79) and that buys 1GB of storage, a claimed 12-hour battery-life, earphones and a USB docking-station-cum-charger. Significantly, the price is less than for the first-generation model, which is claimed to have already sold 10 million units.

Around the back of the case is a full-width clip to allow the player to easily attach to clothing - and case and clip are made of aluminium. Apple CEO Steve Jobs explained, without a hint of irony, that it's the most wearable iPod to date. For full specs, check out this link.

To appreciate just how small the second-gen shuffle really is, take a look at the rather dodgy picture below that we grabbed yesterday evening at Apple's mirror event in London. It shows the new shuffle alongside an Apple Mighty Mouse. Below that are some Apple PR shots that let you see more details and how the clip works. In each case, click on the image for a larger version.


Second-gen iPod Shuffle and Mighty Mouse


Second-gen iPod Shuffle in its dock

Second-gen iPod Shuffle rear


Second-gen iPod Shuffle rear

The two other new iPods and iTunes 7 are detailed in separate stories that we'll be posting shortly. Even if you don't use an iPod - but do have a collection of digital music - make sure to check out the iTunes piece because the program offers a bunch of useful features that will be of considerable use to you.

These include a clever and effective way of visually cataloguing albums by their cover art (watch out for our short video showing "cover-flow" in action) and even allows you to download that cover art for CDs that you rip yourself, assuming you have an iTunes account - and that's free, though does require you to first create an Apple ID (again free).

Check out Apple's shuffle press release on page two, then share your thoughts with us in this thread in the HEXUS.lifestyle.news forum.

HEXUS.links

HEXUS.community :: discussion thread about this article
HEXUS.lifestyle.opinions :: Apple movie downloads (US only) & network media player (yawn)


External.links

Apple UK - iPod shuffle home page
Apple UK - iPod shuffle specs

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