Apple hates buttons. We know that. Perhaps that’s why Steve wears so many turtlenecks? And perhaps that’s why the newly announced iPod shuffle contains no buttons on the device itself. The new VoiceOver feature allows you to hear what song is playing, but it doesn’t allow you to navigate between songs. That functionality has been moved to the earbud cord, and that’s an epic fail.
Apple’s earbuds, after all, are not good headphones. They’re passable, nothing more than okay. I’ve tried using them, but can’t, for two reasons. First, the sound quality is subpar. Second, they don’t stay in my ears. I don’t know why, but no placement trick will prevent them from falling to my shoulders each time I turn my head. So, I buy better headphones. I’m fine with this, it’s just part of the process to me, like buying a better mouse when I get a Mac.
Now, however, you have to use the Earbuds. If you don’t, you can’t control your music. To use an iPod shuffle, I’d have to plug in the Earbuds, start the music, then unplug them and plug in real headphones. Or, would that not even work? Does unplugging the headphones stop the music on the shuffle? If so, does plugging them back in start the music back up? What if you want to plug the shuffle into a portable speaker system or auxiliary input in your car? You can’t. Simple as that.
This makes the new shuffle unusable to everyone who appreciates sound quality…for now. You can bet that multiple headphone manufacturers are licking their chops right now as they sit before the drawing board, planning to develop new models with iPod shuffle controls (or looking to add them to their current lineup). I imagine they’ll start showing up soon, and we’ll be sure to let you know what that happens. When that happens, I’ll suggest you stick with the 2G iPod shuffle if you have to go for a low end model.
Can you even plug a normal iPod cable into that thing, or do you have to start using a special one of those too? Now if we could just get an iPod function that reads pdf/text files to us -in a voice that doesn't sound like a robot.
If it's still the 3.5mm jack, then the more expensive but far better quality Apple in-ear headphones are a good choice. They have the same remote (I use it on my 2G Touch) and the sound is superb, thanks to their twin drivers in each ear (one woofer, one tweeter).
I don't see why this is being attacked by even apple users, I really like it. It's so simple, it hurts.
The new ipod stinks. The headphones suck. It's hard to charge and it has limited battery life. The headphones mysteriously stop working. The volume control and FF and RW just stop working. The new ipod 2g shuffle is THE WORST music player!
My first one lasted 5 days. I have problems w/ the new one EVERY DAY! Sorry I made the purchase.
The Apple store in Palm Beach Gardens, FL is awful. They offer little to no help.
I just bought the shuffle, needed a small unit that can run/excercise with me, but still input to aux speakers on the shelf at work. The new one can't do EITHER. 1) how am I supposed to talk to a shuffle while I'm trying to run 6 miles? 2) How am I supposed to shuffle songs or adjust volume while connected to auxilliary speakers at work? EPIC FAIL. Will return product tomorrow morning.
The last generation shuffle was perfect in form, with buttons on the front. Why can't apple read all the freaking studies about user-feedback, people LIKE buttons. I can't be walking tipsy in a slight drizzle with a touch screen.
The previous shuffle was amazing. It was so easy to use without even thinking about it. I just flipped a switch for power and pressed the center. Easy. And if I wanted to pause, I just… paused. None of this whole… one click two click thing. Or even worse the "Um… one moment, ah… ok. out of my pocket. All right, then… ok screen's lit, yep! Ok now slide… to unlock. There! So… what were you saying." "Hi." "aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!"