iPod Nano Software Update Enhances Sleep Button Controls

[MacRumors]

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.

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

[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]

Originally Posted by Fainer

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

Buy a refurb.

[room237]

Originally Posted by pmz

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by iScott428

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]

Originally Posted by Fainer

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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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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...

Originally Posted by 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?

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

[iScott428]

Originally Posted by 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?

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!