Apple iPod Nano 8GB 6th Generation Review
Speculating a lot of expectations, Apple released its latest Nano series iPod Nano 8GB 6th generation. To understand the uniqueness of the new launch, it is vital for the user to get a glimpse of the iPod Nano history, as well. Here it is summarized:
Overview:
The parent model Nano was simple and elegant, the first scaled up version looked tall and thin, the second version had a shiny aluminum body, the third generation is wide shaped with reduced height, fourth version was elongated and thin, and the fifth version breathed a larger screen than all the other fore-runners. And the recent 6th gen is in for a surprise!
Apple has bifurcated two product boxes. One is exclusively for the music lovers and the other for users who demand more besides music. The iPod Nano 8GB 6th Gen is designed to attract the music lover’s category. It ripped off some features from the previous model, but at the same time has got an edge over the predecessor. iPod Nano (6th generation) smartly balances the battery life and playback time.
Design Parameters:
Apple iPod Nano 8GB (6th Generation) resembles like a mini TV and is almost a neat square when compared to its previous model. One can readily point out the design similarity with the iPod Shuffle, except for the wide screen. The iPod comes in sleek anodized aluminum and the customer has good selection options, as it brightens up in seven colors.
The latest 6th Gen iPod Nano readily slips between your fingers and the pocket. It weighs around 0.35 inches and it is the thickest Nano ever. The clip on the backside enables the Nano to get fixed on to the shirt sleeve. The screen display is 1.6 inch wide and resolution is 240 by 240 pixels square, which is quite lesser than the previous model. As a result of reduced screen size, iPod Nano wisely got relieved from the regular title bar, and replaced with main icons on the screen. In Addition to it, the menus are arranged in a manner to maximize the visibility, and absolutely no cramming of items in the home page. Moreover, inconvenience in viewing through the smaller view port is further compensated by using the apt color combination, icon size and font size. Nevertheless, the Voice Over option helps to navigate through the menus. By and large the menu selection is better than the Creative Zen X-Fi model, as it has a resistive screen and requires a firm press.
The traditional click wheel navigational tool in iPod Nano is replaced by the touch screen option. The user can move through the screen just by flipping two fingers on the screen. In contrast to the touch screen model, the click wheel facilitates the iPod Nano to be navigated casually without even looking at the screen once it is clipped on to the jean pocket. The users got tremendously familiar to this methodology and can do blindfolded. This would be quite a miss in the new iPod Nano. But the screen twisting feature on the touch screen swipes the display menus either sideways or upside down. So the iPod Nano need not be unclipped every time to select a menu, but rather can just look down and change the option. The touch screen can be rotated to the tune of 90 º in either direction and the user can get a good view even if it is placed upside down. For further search from the main menu to its contents a neat drag on the screen upwards or downwards or flick to jump for quicker selection is sufficient.
The sleep and wake button is placed directly on the top of the Nano. The volume up/down button is also placed upwards. The buttons are less complicated like with any iPod Nano generations. On the bottom side 30 pin dock connector port is available, and adjoining to it is the 1/8-inch (3.5mm) headphone jack.
Characteristic Elimination from the Past:
Click Wheel:
The click wheel option is been replaced by Apple’s patented touch screen technology. The touch screen measures about 1.5 inches across. The touch screen technology is deployed in the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad and is now integrated in the iPod Nano 6th Gen 8GB Capacity. The touch screen senses touch near the display and not on it. Hence, it is easier to slide though the small screen by touching the edge of the iPod. The display is made thinner by diffusing the image generator and touch sensor at each touchable spot on the view port. To sum up, smaller yet a brighter display on the iPod Nano is achieved. The touch screen has added value to some features which was difficult in the previous Nano models. The photo viewing option was cumbersome in the click wheel model whereas it is simple to use in touch screen. The user just needs to flip through the screen, tap to zoom in or out. The touch screen also facilitates good FM tuning and the stations are readily set just by swiping the screen in clockwise or counter clockwise direction.
Video Capturing:
The video capturing feature was launched in the Nano 5th generation. During the launch phase, the sales picked up as most users found that interesting. But the overall usability results pointed out only the disturbance of having a video camera in the iPod Nano. It was because the screen size is small and the picture quality was not highly appreciable. Further, the screen size and an elongated slim model pushed the “click wheel” further down. This annoyed the iPod fans a bit, as they got accustomed to navigate click wheel placed within their finger reach, and need not search beneath. All these factors contributed to the elimination of video recorder in this model and as stated earlier Apple wanted to dedicate this iPod for sheer music lovers!
Games:
Games were purposefully eliminated in the Apple iPod Nano 6th gen primarily because of its size restriction. User cannot benefit good return on investment even if the games are inserted. The gaming experience cannot be stretched to the fullest, hence it was deliberately removed.
Features:
Apple has truly made it for music enthusiasts, because all the features are focused to enthrall that particular market segment. Even with limited options, each menu is designed to meet perfection that renders a great music listening experience.
Nano for Music:
The music can be categorized by albums, artists, genres or composers. Organizing the music content is easier and made quicker devoid of pressing the click wheel. As each song plays, a photo display of the song on the screen appears. The battery back up is almost 24 hours of non-stop music. The shake to shuffle option is also present and can listen to bizarre musical collections that can stir the user’s interests. The user can upload songs from the iTunes. The Genius Sidebar offers suggestion on new music by analyzing the user’s inclination. The song can be bought after a 30 second preview and can be easily loaded to the iPod.
Genius Playlist:
The genius playlist always cuts the boredom and peps up with exciting medley mix. It picks up a song adhering to the rhythm the user is listening to, and flocks it all to make an ultimate collection. It is possible to create Genius mix in the iTunes and later load on to the iPod. The loading time is negligible and quite faster.
FM Radio:
The FM radio introduced in the previous version is continued in the 6th gen iPod Nano Portable MP3 Player too, and is intended for global use. The manual tuning is carried out by flicking the tuner either left or right. The tuner pauses when it spots a station. Automatic scanning and signal recognition are possible, and the station is recognized in a matter of seconds. The station can be added to favorites. The headphones act as antenna. The reception is somewhat unclear at weak signals. The radio buffer feature which was introduced in the previous gen is also present.
In case of any interruption, by means of the radio buffer aka Live Pause the music can be paused. The buffer period is almost 15 minutes. The song resumes on activation and starts playing from the point of interruption.
Fitness Features:
The Apple iPod Nano sixth generation features pedometer like the previous model. The pedometer works with Nike+ iPod Sportkit. The iPod must be clipped somewhere and can begin the workout using the Nike+ running shoes. The pedometer along with accelerometer counts the steps taken. Prior to the workout, details such as weight, goal, and screen orientation can be set in the pedometer. Once the workout session is completed, an overview of the workout is readily available. Synchronization of the pedometer data to the Nike+website is also possible. The registration in the Nike website is free and this gives the user a good workout tracking and can be a motivational factor.
Accessibility:
The Accessibility helps individuals with disability to enjoy music. The Voice Over feature is the first gesture based screen reader providing an avid description of the menu on which the finger is placed. The accessibility is enhanced with 29 languages and it is indeed a global application.
Memory:
The number of songs which can be loaded on the iPod depends on the length and the bit rate encoded on the song. In the iPod Nano 8GB, an average of 2000 songs, assuming it is of lower bit rate can be loaded. On the other hand if the quality is high, the storage space is high, and hence the number of songs will be reduced.
Battery:
The battery is lithium-ion type and supports a play back time of almost 24 hours on complete charging. The iPod requires 1.5 hours on fast charge that builds up to 80% battery capacity, whereas a full time charge is about 3 hours.
Audio:
The audio formats supported includes protected AAC with the tune of 8 to 320 Kbps MP3, HE-AAC, Audible Enhanced Audio with formats 2, 3 and 4, MP3 VBR , AAX, and AAX+, Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV.
Accessories:
The product is accessorized with a pair of ear phones, USB cable, dock adapter, 3.5mm stereo headphone dock connector and a guide start-up guide.
Summary:
The iPod Nano family evolved at each generation by either adding a feature or eliminating one. The user might have acquainted with the product development concepts and strategies. Any organization constantly revamp its product lines so as to keep abreast with the latest technical evolution, overcome challenges faced in the previous releases and so on. But the most focusing factor is gathering the pulse of the users in different market segments classified broadly regional wise, gender wise, age wise, usability and so on. Agreeing to the above statement, Apple never loses it sight with respect to their customer requirements and demands. Hence, that is the reason that so many modifications with respect to design and feature are constantly carried out.
Apple wanted to differentiate their music player product lines intelligently in two ways. One set of products target the market that demands more than music in music players and the other category feel uneasy with new features hoarded on to their music player. This is basically because they might have good electronic gadgets supporting the purpose. To support this statement, there are many users who use mobile phones for taking picture, browsing and so on and they would want their iPod to perform just the function of music and utilities that support the same.
Apple iPod Nano 8GB 6th Generation – Technical Specification Table
| Manufacturer | Apple |
| Model Name | iPod Nano 8GB Sixth Generation |
| Product Type | Digital Player |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 1.6 x 0.35 x 1.48 in |
| Weight | 0.74 ounce |
| Body Housing Material | Aluminum |
| Memory | Integrated 8GB |
| System Requirements | Microsoft Windows Vista with Apple Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later version, or, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3 or Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition |
| Compatible audio formats | MP3, Audible 2, 3 AAC, MP3 VBR and WAV format or Apple Lossless or AIFF |
| Software | iTunes version 8.0 or later with an iTunes stores
account and drivers and utilities |
| Digital Features | MPEG-4 playback, JPEG photo playback and Variable bit-rate compatible |
| Additional Features | Genius technology, FM radio, Voice over, Nike with iPod support. USB 2.0 version compatibility, battery level indicator and digital clock |
| User Interface | USB port with 2.0 compatibility |
| Input and Output | 1 external USB cable, one docking station and
one 3.5mm stereo binaural headphone set |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium ion battery |
| Power | 3 hours of recharge time |
| Warranty | One year |
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