iPod History

iPod Sixth Generation

Pete — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:00:51 +0000

The iPod sixth generation or ‘classic’ is the latest in the iPod range. It features a slightly thinner body and improved battery life. The front plate of the iPod is now made of anodized aluminum instead of polycarbonate plastic, and “Signature iPod White” has been replaced by silver. The sixth generation classic also introduced a completely overhauled user interface, incorporating more graphics and Cover Flow.

iPod Nano Third Generation

Pete — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:00:38 +0000

The third generation nano features a 2-inch QVGA (320×240) screen and a shorter, wider, heavier design, with new colors. New features include browsing via Cover Flow, a new user interface, video playback, and support for new iPod Games. Users must repurchase games bought before a month prior to the debut of the new iPod as they are not supported.

iPod Touch First Generation

Pete — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:00:07 +0000

The iPod touch has the iPhone’s multi-touch interface, with a physical home button off the touch screen. The home screen has a list of buttons for the available applications which include Music, Videos, Photos, iTunes, Safari, YouTube, Mail, Maps and Widgets. Software upgrades sold by Apple expand the iPod touch’s functionality by adding more features.

iPod Nano Second Generation

Pete — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 16:00:43 +0000

The second-generation nano features scratch-resistant, anodized aluminum casing like the earlier mini’s design; the multiple color choices (silver, green, pink, blue, and black) mirror that of the mini as well. However, unlike the second-generation mini, the button labels do not match the color of the nano. Instead, they are gray, like the first-generation mini, except for the black iPod which has a black click wheel. The second generation iPod nanos support gapless playback of audio files, a new search option, and a 40% brighter screen.

iPod Shuffle Second Generation

Pete — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 16:00:22 +0000

The second generation model is less than half the size of the first generation model at 41.2 x 27.3 x 10.5 mm (1.62 x 1.07 x 0.41 in), and is reminiscent of the iPod Radio Remote available for iPod nanos and 5th generation iPods. Apple branded it as the “world’s smallest MP3 player”. This size includes the new built-in belt clip; the actual unit itself is thinner, with the entire device weighing only 15.5 g (0.55 ounces). The power and shuffle/no shuffle switches were also separated into two controls to prevent accidental choice of shuffle when that may not be the desired mode of operation

iPod Fifth Generation

Pete — Tue, 11 Oct 2005 16:00:55 +0000

The fifth generation classic, known informally as the iPod video, featured a 2.5″ 320×240 QVGA screen and a smaller Click Wheel. The fifth generation iPod is the first classic iPod to be available in an alternative color scheme in a non-special edition form, as a black option was added alongside “Signature iPod White”, and marked the second full redesign of the iPod’s aesthetic with its re-arranged proportions, its return to a fully flat front plate, and its more rounded rear casing. The 4-pin remote port was removed as well, causing backwards accessory compatibility issues.

iPod Nano First Generation

Pete — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 16:00:09 +0000

Development work on the design of the iPod nano started only nine months before its launch date. Apple released some accessories, including armbands and silicone “tubes” designed to bring color to the nano and protect it from scratches, as well as a combination lanyard-earphone accessory that hangs around the neck, and avoids the problem of tangling earphone cords.

Testing by technology-enthusiast website Ars Technica has shown that even after being sat on, dropped by a jogger, dropped four times from a car moving at various speeds, then being driven over twice by the car, and finally dropped from nine feet onto concrete, the unit’s screen was damaged but it could still play music. The unit finally stopped playing music after being thrown 40 feet into the air and landing on concrete.

iPod Video

Pete — Mon, 27 Jun 2005 16:00:28 +0000

On June 28, 2005, the iPod photo was merged into the monochrome iPod line. The 30 GB model was dropped, and the 20 GB monochrome iPod received a color screen.

iPod Mini Second Generation

Pete — Mon, 21 Feb 2005 16:00:44 +0000

The 2nd generation iPod minis no longer came with a FireWire cable or an AC power adapter, which were left out to reduce the selling prices of the new iPod minis. iPod mini batteries, like many Lithium Ion batteries, run down to 80% capacity after 400 full charge cycles.[2] A proprietary dock connector was provided on the bottom of the device for a connection to a computer’s USB or FireWire port. The unit’s battery could be charged during connection. Along the top it had a hold switch, a headphone jack, and a remote connector for accessories.

iPod Shuffle First Generation

Pete — Mon, 10 Jan 2005 16:00:54 +0000

The first generation iPod shuffle was designed to be easily loaded with a selection of songs and to play them in random order. According to Apple, owners of existing iPods had often left the music selection to “shuffle”, and the new iPod shuffle was a way of implementing that in a much more cost-effective fashion. It relies on the use of an “autofill” feature in iTunes, which can select songs at random from a user’s music library (or from a specific playlist) and copy as many as will fit into iPod shuffle’s memory.