The miniature MP3 Player – iPod Shuffle 4th generation – has emerged as a new source of attraction in the MP3 market. Perhaps, Apple wanted to prove that iPod can be so tiny also. In fact, they have succeeded because the tiny model is as good as any other iPod model. The 29x32x9 mm device weighing just 12.5 grams is quite sturdy with an aluminium body, looks elegant and is offered at an affordable price. The 4th generation iPod Shuffle is obviously an improved version of earlier models of the Shuffle series. This improved version with very useful features has won the appreciation of entertainment seekers.

The most important difference in the 4th generation iPod shuffle from the earlier models is that the control buttons are fixed on the body of the MP3 player making it much easier to use. The device can be attached to your dress using the clip on its back. Thanks to its light weight and sleek design, you won’t feel at all its presence though it is attached to your dress. The usual square shape of Shuffle models is slightly altered to give a rectangular shape so that it can be kept in your pocket most conveniently as well as safely. With the control buttons conveniently kept on the body and the body itself very small, the fourth generation model of iPod Shuffle can be considered as the most user–friendly model from the Shuffle series of iPod. All iPod models are portable but, the 4th generation iPod Shuffle is the most conveniently portable; whether you are walking, running, dancing, travelling or doing exercise doesn’t make any difference for the tiny device either clipped to your dress or kept in your pocket.

The 4th generation iPod Shuffle is a blend of all attractive features of the 2nd and 3rd generation Shuffle models and also the drawbacks of those early models have been rectified to the user’s satisfaction.

The physical dimensions of iPod Shuffle 4th generation are 1.14”x1.24”x0.34” and weight is 0.44 ounce. The 4th generation iPod Shuffle is available in five different colours – silver, blue, green, pink and orange. The central pad is black in colour for the silver colour model. In the absence of dock, the model is provided with a short USB cable. The capacity of iPod Shuffle 4th generation is 2GB. The innovations have made this model a much better one than the earlier models in performance as well as the method of using.

“VoiceOver” Feature

The most outstanding feature of iPod Shuffle 4th generation is the VoiceOver, which is accessible by a button. This VoiceOver feature covers 25 different languages.

The very useful VoiceOver feature made the 4th generation iPod Shuffle a popular model in the MP3 player market. The buttons on it provide the simplest and easiest way of navigation. In addition to the VoiceOver button, there are separate buttons for play/pause, volume control and track-skip. The headphones can be conveniently plugged into the socket at the top of the device. A three-way switch is provided for play, replay and off.

The most important function of the VoiceOver feature in this iPod Shuffle model is to skip between playlists. On pressing the VoiceOver button, the user will get the information regarding what he is listening at the moment. For the next tap, the names of song and artist will be read out. While a double tap will provide information regarding battery status; pressing the button continuously for a second enables to go through the playlist using the track-skip button. When there is an announcement from the VoiceOver, the music fades automatically so as to make the announcement clear as well as audible. The VoiceOver can be installed quickly via iTunes during the first plug-in of the iPod Shuffle. The VoiceOver is capable of understanding more than 25 different languages.The VoiceOver enables the user to use their Macintosh computer with the help of speech and key board. The great aspect of this feature is that VoiceOver provides enhanced accessibility for those who are blind or with poor eyesight and also for those who are suffering from learning disabilities known as Dyslexia. The VoiceOver is actually a soft ware called ‘screen reader’ which will identify the contents on the screen and re-present the same to the user in the required way – sound icons, text-to-speech and Braille output. Blind people, illiterates and those with learning disabilities can get benefited from the screen reader and most often they use the screen reader in combination with other assisting technologies such as ‘screen magnifier.’ The screen reader of VoiceOver is built in to the operating system of iPod, Max OS x and i OS. The users of iPod Shuffle 4th generation can cut short the play back of songs after listening to the title read out by the VoiceOver.  The VoiceOver feature in iPod Shuffle 4th generation also reads out play lists.

The iPod Shuffle 4th generation supports the following audio formats :–

  • MP3
  • MP3 VBR
  • Apple Lossless
  • AIFF
  • WAV
  • AAC
  • AAC (protected) &
  • Audible (2,3 and 4)

“Genius” Feature

The iPod Shuffle 4th generation is also having the ‘Genius’ feature. ‘Genius’ is an application of iTunes. It is used as an interface to the iPod and to set connection with iTunes store at any moment so as to purchase and download music, audio books, podcasts etc.

With the miniature size and the clip on the back, iPod Shuffle 4th generation can be attached to the jogging costume so that you can listen to the music during the walk. iPod Shuffle 4th generation is the most convenient device for those who want to listen to music during their other activities also. The light weight of the MP3 Player and very simple interface enables the user to use the device comfortably and take it with him conveniently. Apple developed the 4th generation iPod Shuffle enabling the user to get rid of the inconveniences with the earlier models. The new iPod Shuffle produces good quality sound. The battery of iPod Shuffle 4G lasts for 15 hours of music playback.

Why people are opting for iPod Shuffle 4th generation?

Music lovers are much delighted with the 4th generation iPod Shuffle which is the smallest MP3 Player. For those who just want to enjoy a few songs conveniently, the 2GB memory is quite sufficient. The sleek design and easy accessible buttons enable the users a simple and easy operation. Though iPod Shuffle 4th generation is without a screen, 15 hours of uninterrupted music from this tiny light MP3 Player at the best price is really exciting.

Such a miniature size device is fitted with so many buttons on it and just a finger touch of those buttons brings a performance as impressive as any other music player.

As a compact, comfortable and easy to use MP3 Player at an affordable price iPod shuffle 4G has established a unique identity of its own in the market of music players. With the control panel, rectangular shape, stylish appearance and smallest size iPod Shuffle 4G is the best model among iPod Shuffle series. Regarding its performance, using method and durability, there is no room for any disappointment.

More interesting aspects of iPod Shuffle 4G

  • iPod Shuffle 4G can perform even without iTunes
  • The user can enjoy variety of music by syncing multiple playlists and Genius Mixes from iTunes to iPod Shuffle 4G
  • USB cable, earphones and Quick Start guide are provided with iPod Shuffle 4G
  • The lithium-ion battery can be recharged via either USB or Power Adapter. Battery can be fully charged in 3 hours. An Orange light glows during charging and a green light glows once fully charged
  • “VoiceOver kit” for iPod Shuffle 4G is a free download from iTunes
  • Operating System for iPod Shuffle 4G is either Mac Oxv 10.5.8 or Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP Home, Professional and later.
  • iPod Shuffle 4G is environment friendly as it is free of PVC and burning brominated flame retardant
  • Navigation of music collections, playlists, podcasts and audio books using VoiceOver is an exciting experience.

The tiny, stylish, colourful, durable, most easily portable and screen less 4th generation iPod Shuffle with combined features of 2nd and 3rd generation iPod Shuffle offers true value for the money you have paid by its excellent performance and the simplest way of using.