iPod Nano Software Update Enhances Sleep Button Controls

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2011/02/23/ipod-nano-software-update-enhances-sleep-button-controls/)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2011/02/23/101356-ipod_nano_6gen_lineup.jpg

Apple yesterday released a software update (Version 1.1) for the current sixth-generation iPod nano, adding new functionality to the device's sleep/wake button to allow users to turn the device completely off and to customize the double-click functionality of the sleep/wake button to control audio playback. The changes are detailed in a new support document (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4531).

With the update, users can now turn the iPod nano off by holding down the sleep/wake button for several seconds. Previously, users could only put the device to sleep by pressing the button, and the new functionality would obviously allow users to save battery life by shutting the device down entirely.Turning iPod nano off completely causes the following to occur::

- Music or other audio that's playing on the device stops.
- Paused radio clears.
- If a slideshow is playing on the device, it stops.
- If a voice memo is being recorded, it stops and saves.
- The pedometer stops.
- Nike + workout data stops and saves.Apple notes that if the device is turned back on again within five minutes, the music playlist and current track will be remembered. Otherwise, users will have to reselect a playlist and manually select the track to be played.

Double-clicking the iPod nano's sleep/wake button can now also be used for music controls, with users able to customize the functionality from the device's Settings menu. The button can be used to skip to the next track in a playlist, play/pause audio, or offer similar functionality for radio stations.

Article Link: iPod Nano Software Update Enhances Sleep Button Controls (http://www.macrumors.com/2011/02/23/ipod-nano-software-update-enhances-sleep-button-controls/)

[AnonMac50]

Looks nice, might buy one now…
(wanted a small music device instead of my huge iPods).

[Fainer]

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The new Nanos suck. Bring back the last gen!!

[pmz]

Cool idea, but entirely useless product. It's an expensive shuffle.

[Goodfella83]

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Yeah, just a shuffle that had 16gb of storage that can plug into my b&w and my Bose!

[Goodfella83]

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Yeah, just a shuffle that had 16gb of storage that can plug into my b&w and my Bose!

[Thataboy]

Finally, a software update! I just hope there are bug fixes too (e.g., syncing smart playlists properly).

I am one of those people who gets new iPods every generation, and I have to say, this is my least favorite since the iPod 3rd Gen with the separate touch-buttons.

[room237]

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The new Nanos suck. Bring back the last gen!!

Buy a refurb.

[room237]

Cool idea, but entirely useless product. It's an expensive shuffle.

You probably shouldn't buy one, then.

I find it quite useful. Thanks for your opinion, though.

[Warbrain]

Finally, a software update! I just hope there are bug fixes too (e.g., syncing smart playlists properly).

I am one of those people who gets new iPods every generation, and I have to say, this is my least favorite since the iPod 3rd Gen with the separate touch-buttons.

That was my favorite iPod.

This makes me consider the nano more.

[iScott428]

I have had many other ipods and this is the first one that really makes my music completely portable.

All of you haters saying that this is a big shuffle, must have missed the fact that this one has a TOUCH SCREEN and app like appearance. Very easy to use set up and rock (wear/clip/watch) all day long.

I have the watch attachment and wear it as a wrist watch every day and get comments like "Nice Watch" all day long. And then i have to explain that it is an ipod and people freak out.

I love my Nano and would buy another tomorrow if anything happened to this one.

Oh yeah about time the came out with an update!!! :)))

[tarkeybear]

I too love this Nano. The previous generation "full size" nanos which did handle video were too big for convenient body placement and instead require a pocket or arm band. Viewing them required twisting the heck out of an armband to get a clear view of the screen. I miss the old lanyard design, but this was probably more at risk of sweat damage.
The shuffles were "too dumb" and selection of tracks or playlists was way too clumsy.
The current shuffle is perfect as an ultimate, light-weight music player, giving me the opportunity to find playlists and tracks in very little time.
I love the ability to clip on (no need for a 3rd party holder) and gesture-twist of the screen orientation allows me to select an optimal viewing angle irregardless of where I have the nano clipped. (arm bands always seemed to get the orientation wrong).

The only thing you give up on this design is video playback (and video recording) but if you really do a lot with video (viewing or recording) you would be best served getting an iPod touch or iPhone.

[NebulaClash]

I have the watch attachment and wear it as a wrist watch every day and get comments like "Nice Watch" all day long. And then i have to explain that it is an ipod and people freak out.

Me too, and I've had the same reaction. People just cannot believe that it's an iPod on my wrist and they love it when they see it working. People's faces tell the story: this is one cool device.

[aplqna]

Has anyone noticed that it now lists podcasts from the date FURTHEST to the present date? This just happened with the software update and I find it extremely annoying because I have to scroll through over 170 podcasts to get to today's grrr. It was better before! I do like the sleep button's multi-function, though. Now, I won't have to hear people b**ch that it doesn't turn off and therefore sucks. ;)

[chrono1081]

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The new Nanos suck. Bring back the last gen!!

Thats your opinion. I love the new nano. Its my favorite iPod.

[Madhawk]

New Nano = Crap

[TorontoLRT]

Will this thread be nothing but trolling and pointless responses to the trolling? Personally, I don't think the new Nanos are for me, but it is a good product and I don't understand all the hate at all.

[iScott428]

Has anyone noticed that it now lists podcasts from the date FURTHEST to the present date? This just happened with the software update and I find it extremely annoying because I have to scroll through over 170 podcasts to get to today's grrr. It was better before! I do like the sleep button's multi-function, though. Now, I won't have to hear people b**ch that it doesn't turn off and therefore sucks. ;)

I Have not gotten the new update yet, but could there be a setting that allows you to sort the podcasts the way you want, essentially reverse the current order.

[ironman159]

I had a 5th gen iPod nano for the gym, which was pretty good. But this new nano with the clip thingy is the BEST for someone who needs something with a SCREEN and the the size of a dust particle. :)

[Lesser Evets]

Good. All 6 Nano owners have a benefit.

This was the stupidest Apple product ever made, because of price alone but also because of how it neutered a product and charged the same for a LOT less.

[goobot]

Mmm you would think they would also add multitouch zoom in the photos.

[rorschach]

Finally, a software update! I just hope there are bug fixes too (e.g., syncing smart playlists properly).

I am one of those people who gets new iPods every generation, and I have to say, this is my least favorite since the iPod 3rd Gen with the separate touch-buttons.

Heh, the touch button 3rd Gen happens to be my favorite iPod. I'd probably still use it if it hadn't been stolen :(

[yukio]

I thought that Nano6 did not support Nike+?

Even asked at the Apple Store in SF Downtown and got that answer.

Any owners out there able to confirm that yes, it does indeed work?

[KnightWRX]

Now if only Apple would let us use more than the 9 different included backgrounds.

As for people who don't like the new Nano, why are you even interested enough to post ? I happen to love my new Nano, it's the perfect Gym form factor. No need for an armband, just clip it whereever and off you go to work out.

And it's way better than a shuffle, at least I can listen to exactly what I want to listen, not just a bunch of music on shuffle...


I thought that Nano6 did not support Nike+?

Even asked at the Apple Store in SF Downtown and got that answer.

Any owners out there able to confirm that yes, it does indeed work?

It has a built in pedometer which can sync "workouts" :

[iScott428]

I thought that Nano6 did not support Nike+?

Even asked at the Apple Store in SF Downtown and got that answer.

Any owners out there able to confirm that yes, it does indeed work?

Yes it does support Nike+, although you will need to purchase the Nike+ Kit with the receiver that plugs into the back.

I use mine all the time for Nike+ing, as well as the pedometer all day every day!

[mcdj]

I am one of those people who gets new iPods every generation, and I have to say, this is my least favorite since the iPod 3rd Gen with the separate touch-buttons.


I am one of those people who gets new iPods every generation, and I have to say, this is my most favorite period.

[RMo]

Good. All 6 Nano owners have a benefit.

This was the stupidest Apple product ever made, because of price alone but also because of how it neutered a product and charged the same for a LOT less.

Actually, the small size IS valuable to many, especially people like me who use it at the gym. (The screen, by the way, makes it worth a heck of a lot more than the iPod shuffle to me.) It's not bad in the car, either, hooked up to my FM transmitter.

I don't see the problem. If you really want an old one, go buy the previous gen refurbished, save your money, and quit complaining--better for us all. :D Otherwise, you probably want a different model.

[mosx]

Double clicking the sleep/wake button? Really? The way these buttons fail so easily they're actually doing that?

The 6th generation nano is the coolest music playing iPod so far. But its also the most prone to failure. I'm on my third one now. If it hadn't died just a couple of weeks passed the return period it would have been returned to the store and not replaced.

[ikir]

New Nano = Crap

For you. It is small, handy with a incredible little monitor. We sold in our shop more 6G nano than any other iPod in the past. Many uses it like a watch with music.

[Madhawk]

Will this thread be nothing but trolling and pointless responses to the trolling?

New Nano still = crap

I had a 5th gen iPod nano for the gym, which was pretty good. But this new nano with the clip thingy is the BEST for someone who needs something with a SCREEN and the the size of a dust particle. :)

New Nano still = crap

This was the stupidest Apple product ever made, because of price alone but also because of how it neutered a product and charged the same for a LOT less.

+ 1

As for people who don't like the new Nano, why are you even interested enough to post ?

New Nano still = crap

For you. It is small, handy with a incredible little monitor.

New Nano still = crap

[aplqna]

I Have not gotten the new update yet, but could there be a setting that allows you to sort the podcasts the way you want, essentially reverse the current order.

It also now just plays the next podcast on the list after the the one you are listening to is finished - which is annoying to me because if it does that and I don't want to listen to the next podcast, it erases the blue dot as if it has been played in full. They should have left well enough alone.

Have you downloaded the update and been able to find anything for podcast settings because I haven't?

[bukalemun]

New Nano still = crap

Madhawk still = troll

You really want to hear it from us, don't you?

I think the new Nano is perfect for my needs and I love it since the day I bought it. I suggest you found a company to compete with Apple and create a better product, instead of wasting your precious time and mind repeating the same sentence on forums.

[aplqna]

Madhawk still = troll

You really want to hear it from us, don't you?

I think the new Nano is perfect for my needs and I love it since the day I bought it. I suggest you found a company to compete with Apple and create a better product, instead of wasting your precious time and mind repeating the same sentence on forums.

He acts as if saying the same thing over and over will effect those of us who already have formed an opinion by owning it and enjoying it.

[bukalemun]

He acts as if saying the same thing over and over will effect those of us who already have formed an opinion by owning it and enjoying it.

Well he was nearly succeeding at it. I was going to throw the nano away just because in my head I started to hear voices whispering "nano is crap, nano is craaaap". He is probably using some kind of voodoo magic. :p

[pika2000]

How about shuffle-by-album, a feature that existed in all the previous iPod nanos, but gone on this 6th gen?

[iEvolution]

I'd like to see the ability to customize the now playing info button screen.. like be able to list the artist songs instead of album songs if you want.

For a music player I actually dig this release even though I was a naysayer before. Its not too bad navigating with the touch screen since you can pin it where you can see the screen easily.

Definitely needs to be enlarged next version because even with average sized hands I have bumped the wrong portion of the screen a couple of times, I think this would resolve some navigation issues.

Though I must admit I couldn't see anyone actively "pressing" functions on this while running because of its size and the fact it would be pretty hard to hit the right spot when you are moving.

The price point is way off, should be set at least at $150 for 16GB (even that may be considered steep for a device that only plays music now) and the 8GB should be at $100. If they were going to keep the price points where they are now they could have at least thrown in a capacity update. Lets face it though, they are trying to push everyone towards the iPod Touch, I think they'd honestly be better off making this device a TRUE iOS device and enlarging the screen. It could still prove useful for some apps, and more profit for apple.

Anyway, nice update..and really..its about time it gets something since its been almost 6 months since its release. Though I must admit it is probably one of the most stable 1.0 firmwares I've ever seen apple release.

[coder12]

I LOVE my iPod nano. This software upgrade will make it even cooler! Wearing it as a watch attracts all the ladies, and it makes a fine replacement for my battered iPod Mini that lasted throughout all these years.


If you're complaining about the size of the screen, wait until the next generation. I'm putting money on Apple extending the screen again (making it widescreen) and bringing back video.

[RMo]

I just got a chance to install the update today, and it's working nicely. I like double-pressing the sleep button to skip tracks without having to turn on the device and press the ">>" button (which I have actually gotten pretty good at doing without looking--good as I can be on a touch screen, anyway).

I couldn't find this listed anywhere, but the new update also has a fade animation when the background artwork changes between songs. I think the previous version had a sliding transition. Can't say I prefer one over the other, although I think I liked the slide slightly better (but maybe they changed it because it would get "stuck" sometimes if it it was thinking too hard).

Additionally, you now have to wait a few (esimated) milliseconds longer for the display to turn on after pressing the sleep/wake button. This is obviously a consequence of the new double-pressing feature, but it's definitely a noticeable delay. Thankfully, my #1 reason for turning on the display--skipping a song--has now been eliminated as a result of this very change.

[MrXiro]

I just got a chance to install the update today, and it's working nicely. I like double-pressing the sleep button to skip tracks without having to turn on the device and press the ">>" button (which I have actually gotten pretty good at doing without looking--good as I can be on a touch screen, anyway).

I couldn't find this listed anywhere, but the new update also has a fade animation when the background artwork changes between songs. I think the previous version had a sliding transition. Can't say I prefer one over the other, although I think I liked the slide slightly better (but maybe they changed it because it would get "stuck" sometimes if it it was thinking too hard).

Additionally, you now have to wait a few (esimated) milliseconds longer for the display to turn on after pressing the sleep/wake button. This is obviously a consequence of the new double-pressing feature, but it's definitely a noticeable delay. Thankfully, my #1 reason for turning on the display--skipping a song--has now been eliminated as a result of this very change.

I hope they add that double click to skip track feature to the iPod touch! I know I can use a remote headphone... but it doesn't come with one anymore... and my better sounding ones don't have the dedicated iOS mic and buttons.

[kaielement]

I like now that we can turn off the Nano. The only thing I don't like is that it won't save your place with the last thing you were listing to ):