The iPod shuffle series of digital audio player from ‘Apple’ is already proven as a big success in the MP3 market.

‘iPod shuffle third generation’ is the smallest in size and lightest in weight. This model is the first one in the shuffle series that functions with a remote control. The 3rd generation iPod shuffle is having better audio quality and transfer heads than the earlier models.

The noise aspect has been further fine tuned in iPod shuffle 3G. ‘Apple’ has succeeded in bringing a neutral balance among treble, midrange and brass frequencies. This model has the distinction that it is the smallest MP3 player available today.

Unique features of iPod shuffle 3G

The bundled headphone of shuffle 3G has a remote control on the cable which will come below the right ear.

It is a typical digital audio player with formats of MP3, AAC, Audible, WAV, AIFF and Apple LossLess.

3rd generation iPod shuffle is the first model with a ‘VoiceOver’ feature. The device will “tell” you what you are listening to. When you hold the headphone clicker down you can hear an announcement about the artist and title of song. This feature is offered in 14 languages. This feature can be turned off using Apple’s iTunes software.

Another striking feature of the iPod shuffle 3G is that it can navigate between multiple playlists, audio books and audio podcasts. This is an extended application of the VoiceOver feature and the headphone remote.

At the press of a button the iPod shuffle 3G will tell you information regarding track and battery life. Hence LCD screen is not required. The user will get 10 hours of music play back.

The iPod shuffle 3G, also known as the first ‘talking music player’ was released on March 11, 2009; the dimensions being 45.2×17.5×7.8 mm. The model comes with a silver or black brushed aluminium case. The earbuds with three buttons also function as volume control.

Both the 2GB and 4GB verities of iPod shuffle 3rd generation are available in silver, black, blue, green and pink colours. 4GB model is available in polished stainless steel also.

Initially, adapter from third party companies were not compatible with the 3rd generation iPod shuffle model as its headphones are with a proprietary integrated circuit. Later, some companies developed their adapters that can be used with iPod shuffle 3G model.

iPod Shuffle 3G Specs

Available Capacity 2GB and 4GB
Playback Time 10 hours
Available Colours
Battery Lithium-Polymer (Rechargable)
Charging Hours 3
Width 1.8 cm
Height 4.5 cm

The control of iPod shuffle 3G is kept in a control system attached to the right headphone cord, consisting three buttons. As all the controls are on the remote, the body of the 3G iPod shuffle has no buttons other than the power/shuffle button. The earphone control in iPod shuffle 3G is much easier to operate than using a click wheel control.

The device will give you verbal warning when the battery life dips to 50%, 25% and about to give out. The most attractive aspect of iPod shuffle 3G in the opinion of the users is more storage for less money.

3rd generation iPod shuffle is the first model in the series which has place for more than one playlist. Audiobooks and podcasts will be placed in their playlists by syncing it in iTunes. This device can be autofilled from the entire music collections.

As the 3rd generation iPod shuffle has 4GB capacity, it can store up to 1000 songs. Irrespective of whether it is rap, folk, alternative rock or Motion the audio quality is balanced. The battery with a life of 10 hours is provided with a USB cable for syncing and charging.

The VoiceOver feature, support for multiple playlists, good sound quality and sleek design made the 3rd generation iPod shuffle a unique model of the series. The iPod shuffle 3G is the best choice for those who opt for a small and light MP3 player. An MP3 player which is so inexpensive with storage capacity of 1000 songs and which can continuously play for 10 hours on a single charge is bound to be the best deal in the market.

Just like earlier models of iPode shuffle, 3G shuffle also can be autofilled either from a specific list of plays or from a bulk collection. But 3G is the first in the shuffle series having place for more than one playlist on the device. Moreover, by syncing in iTunes, audiobooks and podcasts are automatically placed in the respective playlists.

Though the headset of iPod 3G shuffle is similar to that of earlier models, additionally it has a controller with the right ear bud cord. Apart from the two buttons for volume up and volume down, there is a multi function button in the middle. In addition to play/pause this button enables to shift between tracks and also to use the VoiceOver feature that orally announces the names of artist, songs, audiobook and podcasts.

Through launching of iPod shuffle 3G Apple has introduced the world’s first MP3 player that speaks the names of songs and the first among iPods that supports multiple playlists. Sound quality and VoiceOver feature are the most outstanding characteristics of iPod shuffle 3G.

The position of the control on the ear bud cord off the device makes a similarity between iPod shuffle 3G and iPhone. A mini rocker with volume control on either end makes the online controls.

Adapter from Belkin

The new headphone adapter from Belkin adds the remote and navigation controls of iPod shuffle 3G easily and quickly. With this adapter volume, tracks, playlist and song title can be adjusted.

The controlling operation of shuffle 3G is different from that of earlier models. As such there are no buttons on the front and back of the device. The navigation is done with headphones only. The headphones are provided by ‘Apple’ along with the 3G shuffle and they can be controlled by a remote attached to the headphone wire. The remote has provision to adjust volume and to move back and forth between songs. A few third party headphones are also available that are compatible with the shuffle 3G.

Though shuffle 3G doesn’t have a screen to display title of the song and name of artist, the VoiceOver feature gets the title of song and name of artist read out loud to the user. This innovation from Apple which is based on a latest technology has won immense appreciation.

The 3G iPod shuffle comes in two models –  1 gigabyte and 2 gigabyte. On taking into consideration the storage capacity and other special features, the prices of both the models are quite attractive.

Through the introduction of iPod shuffle 3G apple has created a new image of MP3 player in the minds of the consumers. The innovations they have made in this model are quite exciting and at the same time helpful to the user. It is amazing to have an iPod shuffle 3G.

The users of iPod shuffle 3G may get a little confused initially with the intuitive control system. But it is a very simple and precise procedure. Once they get familiarized, people will enjoy using the shuffle 3G model.

Apple has succeeded in their venture to provide an affordable as well as light weight MP3 player. When we view this model in that angle the limited choice of headphones is not much felt as a disadvantage.

Being purely a digital audio player, there is no FM radio, voice recording, photo or video playback in the shuffle 3G model. Also there is an option to turn off the VoiceOver feature.

Like other iPods, the shuffle 3G model also resumes podcasts and audio books from where last left off so that the user need not do scanning back and forth to find the place. The random selection of songs from the user’s music library is a popular feature of the shuffle series.

What made iPod shuffle 3G so popular?

  • The smallest in size
  • No buttons, nobs and screen
  • Earbud controls
  • VoiceOver feature
  • Quality of sound
  • 1000 songs storage capacity
  • Sophisticated design
  • Navigation using VoiceOver controls
  • Supports multiple playlists
  • Supports Apple LossLess files

What made iPod shuffle 3G so exciting?

  • So small but with 4GB storage
  • Dramatically small but, supports multiple playlists
  • No buttons on the device still, very easy to operate
  • So many features for the lesser price you pay

The tiny LED indicator lights up different combinations of orange, red and green colours depending on the status of the player. By clicking the play/pause three times fast, the user can navigate through the playlists.The two switches at the bottom of the player are for powering the unit on and off and for shifting between shuffle and repeat modes. A headphone jack of normal size is fixed on the top side of the device. The latest version of iTunes can be downloaded from the website of Apple.

As the final verdict, it can be stated that iPod shuffle 3G is a low priced, compact and attractive MP3 player with extremely simple user interface. Though it appears tiny, it is packed with many innovative features based on advanced technology. The device speaks to you in an exciting robotic voice and gives you indication when your battery is low.

The world’s smallest music player or, you can say the MP3 player from Lilliput, brings you lot of excitement. Probably, you might not have expected this much on seeing its facial features. But, it carries much technology and many innovations.