Is the new iPod Shuffle a step forward or step backwards in usability?
Apple this week introduced a third generation iPod Shuffle that is, if you can believe it, even smaller than its predecessor. The new iPod Shuffle includes “VoiceOver” support, a new feature that tells you what song is playing and even what playlist you’re currently listening to. So how do you access this new feature? Must be some sort of button or control on the iPod, right? Well, as it turns out, one of the most talked about features of Apple’s latest iPod is that it’s completely button-less. So how do you navigate from song to song? Well, Apple decided to move all of the navigation controls from the device itself onto Apple’s proprietary headphones – essentially the same sort of headphones that come with the iPhone. While the absence of any buttons is cool in theory, some are arguing that Apple has started to sacrifice function in favor of form. I think there are two sides to this argument, and both are valid in their own right. On one hand, a button-less device forces users to learn a new process by which to navigate their iPod. This might prove to be a complicated and cumbersome experience for the less tech inclined folks out there. Another problem is that, for the time being at least, third party headphones won’t work with the new Shuffle, at least not when it comes to controlling sound and switching back and forth between songs. So if you happen to be one of the many people with ears that simply won’t keep the iPod headphones snuggled in, you’re basically stuck with headphones that will perpetually fall out of your ears. Apple has said that its working with third party developers to expedite the manufacture of Shuffle compatible headphones, but why should users have to spend extra money on headphones that might end up costing almost as much as the iPod Shuffle itself? On the other hand, placing the navigation controls on the headphones themself might actually make switching between songs and playlists a lot easier once users adjust to the learning curve. People have a tendency to nestle their iPods deep into their pockets, or underneath layers of clothing, and accessing the controls can often be somewhat of a chore. In that regard, being able to navigate through your library from your headphones can be seen as a step forward in usability. The latest iPod Shuffle sells for $79, has 4GB of storage, and comes in both silver and black. All in all, that’s not a bad deal considering what a 4GB iPod would have cost you even 1 year ago. It remains to be seen how users will react to a button-less iPod, but if initial reviews are any indication, customers will be picking up these things like hotcakes. Like this post? Check out these others from iOnApple
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