Ipod Touch

The specifications as listed on Apple's website for the second generation iPod Touch are:
Screen material: Arsenic-free glass
Screen size: 8.9 cm (3.5 in)Screen resolution: 480×320 px at 163 ppi, with 3:2 aspect ratio
Input method: Multi-touch screen interface, Sleep/Wake button, Accelerometer, Home button, Volume Rocker buttons
Operating system: iPhone OS (current version 2.2)
Storage: 8, 16, or 32 GB flash memory
CPU: ARM 400 MHz for 1st gen, 533 MHz for 2nd GenGPU:
PowerVR MBX Lite 3
DRAM: 128 MB DRAMWi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
Built-in rechargeable, non-removable lithium battery with up to 6 hours of video playback, and up to 36 hours of audio playback, times vary.
Built-in audio speaker.[19]3.5 mm
audio output jackSize: 110×61.8×8 mm (4.3×2.4×0.33 in)
Weight: 115 g (4.05 oz)
Direct iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store accessWidescreen videoIncluded applications: Safari web browser, YouTube client, Mail client, Google MapsAccess to App Store (requires iPhone OS 2.0 or later)Widgets: Stocks, Weather, NotesAccess to Starbucks music (available only in selected cities across the United States)

Description

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. The iPod Touch is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g. All iPod Touch models have included the applications Music, Videos, and Photos (collectively duplicating the standard functions of the iPod Classic), iTunes (providing access to the Wi-Fi Music Store), Safari, YouTube, Calendar, Contacts, Clock, Calculator, and Settings. Later models added Mail (accessing POP/IMAP/SMTP e-mail), Maps, Stocks, Notes, and Weather, which could also be added to the earlier models with the purchase of a US$20 software upgrade. Direct links to web sites can be added to the home screen by the user (called "Web Clips").

On July 11, 2008 the iPhone 2.0 Software Update was released for the iPod Touch for US$9.95. The update allowed first generation iPod Touch devices to access the App Store, download third-party applications, in addition to a host of minor "fixes". The iPod Touch 2.0 Software Update supports WPA2 Enterprise with 802.1X authentication.

Requirements

As supplied new, the iPod Touch needs a connection to a computer for initial configuration. Officially, Apple requires iTunes to be installed on either a Mac OS X or Windows operating system based computer for configuring the iPod Touch. On either operating system, the iPod Touch must be connected through a USB port.The first time the iPod Touch is turned on, a "connect cable to iTunes" graphic will be displayed continuously until the iPod Touch is connected to a computer running iTunes.

To use the iPod Touch for buying products at the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store via Wi-Fi, an iTunes Store account must be created in iTunes and the account details then entered into the iPod.

Apple states that the following is required for the iPod Touch:
A computer running either:
Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later
Microsoft Windows XP with SP2 or later, or Vista (32 or 64-bit versions)
iTunes 8.0 (with the 2.1 iPhone OS update) or 7.6 for iPhone OS 2.0.x or earlier
Available USB 2.0 port

Ipod Shuffle 2nd Gen

All nine colors of the second-generation iPod Shuffle. The bottom row are the original colors; the top row are the "refreshed" colors (with the exception of the orange iPod). Silver units have been available throughout the life of the second-generation shuffle.

On September 12, 2006, Apple announced the release of the second generation iPod Shuffle, calling it "the most wearable iPod ever".[2] First shipments of the unit were slated for an October 2006 arrival, but actually started shipping on Friday, November 3, 2006.[3] The new generation featured a lone 1 GB model at US$79, GB£49, CA$89, AU$119 or €89 (France) in a silver brushed aluminum case similar to the second generation iPod Nano and the older iPod Mini. The new 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 claimed it was 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. The formatting of the iPod itself is new to Apple, as the 2G (2nd Generation) shuffle will only format itself to FAT32. iTunes issues a warning that the iPod is incorrectly formatted if brought to the Macintosh format HFS+. All previous iPod models have allowed the usage of either the Mac format or the Windows format.[4]

On the second generation iPod Shuffle, USB connectivity is provided via an included dock, which transfers data through the headphone jack. The second generation iPod Shuffle is also able to act as a flash drive, just like the first generation iPod Shuffle. However, unlike the first generation iPod Shuffle, the second generation does not have a built-in USB connector. This means the dock is required for connection to a computer on the second generation model.

The second generation shuffle can play MP3, MP3 VBR, AAC, Protected AAC, Audible (formats 2, 3 and 4), WAV and AIFF, meaning that the only iTunes format not supported is Apple Lossless. Using WAV or AIFF will very quickly fill the device's low 1 GB capacity. iPod Shuffle cannot play music from music video files.
 
On January 30, 2007, Apple announced the addition of four new colors to the iPod Shuffle line. In addition to the original silver, a pink, orange, green, and blue color has been made available via the Apple Store (online). Of the colors the blue, green, and pink are essentially the same hues as the second generation Minis and Nanos. The new orange color is a first for the iPod franchise. They also now come with the new redesigned headphones that were not included with the original silver model. The box was also changed to have gray text instead of the lime-green text, lime-green showing that the original headphones are included, and gray text showing that the new headphones are included.

On September 5, 2007, Apple refreshed the line with four new colors including a Product Red version. The new colors (turquoise, lavender, mint green, and Product Red) replaced the previous colors (pink, orange, green, and blue). On February 19, 2008, Apple reduced the price of the 1 GB model to $49 and announced the 2 GB version for $69 though the sale of the larger one was released later that month, The UK sale price is £32 for the 1GB version and £45 for the 2GB version.

Ipod Shuffle 1st Gen

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. It can hold up to 240 songs (1 GB model, based on Apple's estimate, of four minutes per song and 128 kbit/s AAC encoding). It used the SigmaTel STMP35xx System On a Chip, a flash memory IC, and USB rechargeable Lithium cell.

It lacks the trademark display, scroll wheel, playlist management features, games, address book, calendar, alarm, and notes capability of earlier iPods, and cannot be used with iSync. In addition, due to its lower processing power, it is incapable of playing Apple Lossless and AIFF audio files, unlike other iPod models. The iPod Shuffle has a better bass response than 4th generation iPod, according to one review published days after its release. The first generation shuffle weighed 0.78 ounces.
 
First generation iPod Shuffle with the cap removed to show the USB connector. The cap snaps onto the unit. iPod Shuffle comes with a second cap on a lanyard, which a user can wear around his or her neck.

iTunes offers some new features for iPod Shuffle. One is the ability to reduce the bit rate of songs to 128 kbit/s AAC. The conversion is done automatically, with the original file left untouched on the computer and the smaller (lower bit rate) file sent to the iPod Shuffle. Older versions of iTunes allowed an iPod Shuffle playlist to be viewed and changed while the unit is not connected; the next time the unit is connected, it can then be updated with the changed playlist. This functionality is no longer a part of iTunes as of iTunes 7.

The front of the iPod Shuffle has buttons for Play/Pause, Next Song/Fast Forward, Previous Song/Fast Reverse, and up and down volume adjustment. On the reverse, it has a battery level indicator light (activated by a button) and a three-position switch to turn the unit off or set it to play music in order or shuffled. It plugs directly into a computer's USB port (either 1.1 or 2.0), through which it also recharges its battery, which has an expected life of around 12 hours between charges. The USB plug is hidden beneath a cap. The unit also comes with a lanyard that attaches to the iPod Shuffle via an attached cap and this allows the user to wear the iPod Shuffle around his or her neck.

The iPod Shuffle can also be used as a USB flash drive. iTunes allows a user to set how much of the drive will be allowed for storing files, and how much will be used for storing music.

First generation iPod Shuffles were originally sold at US$99 for 512 MB (0.5 GB) models, and US$149 for 1 GB models. In June 2005, the price for the first generation 1 GB iPod Shuffle was lowered to US$129. In February 2006, the prices for first generation iPod Shuffles were lowered to US$69 and US$99 respectively

Ipod Nano 3rd Gen

Apple updated the Nano again on September 5, 2007. The third-generation Nano features a 2-inch (51 mm) 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. The Nano was announced in a 4 GB version at US$149 (UK£99.99) coming only in silver, and an 8 GB version at US$199 (UK£129.99) coming in silver, turquoise, mint green, black and Product Red. The battery lasts for approx. 24 hours on audio playback and approx. 5 hours on video playback. On January 22, 2008, Apple released a pink version of the 8 GB iPod Nano.

Combining elements from previous generations of the iPod Nano, the third-generation Nano has an aluminum front plate and a stainless steel back plate. The Nano also sports a new Minimalistic hold switch, similar to the iPod Shuffle's power switch, which has been moved to the bottom of the player. The 2-inch (51 mm) screen has the smallest dot pitch of any Apple product, having the same pixel count as the 2.5-inch (64 mm) display of the iPod Classic.

On October 6, 2007, Apple released a firmware update (1.0.2) via iTunes that is said to improve Cover Flow and yield faster menu navigation. The update was also released for the iPod Classic. On November 28, 2007, Apple released another firmware update (1.0.3) via iTunes, which included unspecified bugfixes. January 15, 2008 saw the release of version 1.1, which added support for iTunes movie rentals, music song lyrics support and included more unspecified bugfixes. In May 2008, Apple released update version 1.1.2. In July 2008, Apple released update 1.1.3.

Ipod Classic 6th Gen

During a special iPod-centric event on September 5, 2007, Steve Jobs introduced the sixth generation iPod and the retronym suffix "Classic". Featuring slightly thinner bodies, the sixth generation Classic also sported dramatically improved battery life, claiming up to 40 hours of music playback and 7 hours of video playback. The front plate of the iPod is now made of anodized aluminium instead of polycarbonate plastic, and "Signature iPod White" has been replaced by silver. This means that it is the first time that white is not a color option for any iPod in the iPod family. The sixth generation Classic also introduced a completely overhauled user interface, incorporating more graphics and Cover Flow. The sixth generation Classic was offered in an 80 GB (20,000 songs) model for MSRP US$249/GBP£159 and a 160 GB (40,000 songs) model for MSRP US$349/GBP£229. The U2 special edition has been dropped.

During the Let's Rock Apple Event on September 9, 2008, the 80 GB and the thicker 160 GB model were discontinued in favor of a thin 120GB version retailing for US$249/GBP£179.

Acoustics issues

According to certain tests performed both by hearing and through computer analysis of the sound, the 6th Generation iPods lack sound quality in the mid range, and produces less spatial information (i.e. stereo sound plays 'inside your head' instead of 'outside') due to higher impulse in the treble compared with 5G.Apple has not yet commented on this problem.

A firmware update, 1.1.1, released by Apple for the iPod Classic is said to, among other things, improve the sound quality.  However, no details on these improvements were given on the Apple website.

Another later update, 1.1.2, is shown to correct bug fixes, but is nonetheless another minor update.


Software issues

The first batch of sixth generation iPod Classics have been reported to crash trying to load album art and connecting to iTunes after syncing for the first time. Some people also have reported that browsing through Cover Flow, playlists and navigation is sluggish.Windows Vista users also have to download Windows Updates to fix the syncing problems. iPods of the 6th generation (as well as the iPod Nano and the iPod Touch) introduced an additional checksum in their song database, making it initially impossible (without reverse engineering) to use the iPod with 3rd party syncing programs. This limitation was soon worked around by Gtkpod, MediaMonkey and Sharepod teams.

Since its release, the iPod Classic has also suffered from an On-The-Go playlist bug that occurs when users attempt to add songs to the end of the playlist once the playlist has started playing, rendering the "On-The-Go" aspect of this function effectively unusable

Ipod Classic 5th Gen

The fifth generation iPod, called the iPod with Video, was introduced on October 12, 2005, shortly after the introduction of the iPod Nano. The fifth generation iPod featured a 2.5" 320x240 QVGA screen and a smaller Click Wheel. The fifth generation iPod is the first iPod Classic 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. A 30 GB model was offered for US$299 and a 60 GB model was offered for US$399. The 5G iPod was also offered in the U2 special edition for US$349 with 30 GB.

The fifth generation iPod plays video in MP4 (up to 2.5 Mbit/s) and H.264 (up to 1.5 Mbit/s, baseline profile only) formats. Video such as TV shows, podcasts, music videos, and movies may be purchased from online stores such as the iTunes Store, or downloaded from Google Video and other sources, then imported to the iPod via iTunes software.

Videos or photo slideshows may be played from the fifth generation iPod on a television set, projector or monitor with the use of the Apple iPod AV cable or via a dock using an S-Video cable. It is also possible to do this using some camcorder cables with an RCA connection at one end and a three-banded eighth-inch (3.5 mm) A/V plug at the other, however the red and yellow plugs (normally the audio right and video signals respectively) must be swapped around in order to achieve the correct signal.

The fifth generation iPod was updated on September 12, 2006. This update included a brighter screen, a search feature, gapless playback, support for iPod games, and newly designed earphones. The refreshed iPod also had a longer video playback time. Support for iPod games for the 5G and gapless playback for all iPods were enabled through a firmware update. An iTunes installation CD was also no longer bundled, requiring users to download iTunes from Apple's website. During this update, the 60 GB model was replaced with an 80 GB model, and prices were cut by US$50 for both the 30 GB (US$249) and the 80 GB (US$349) models.

Ipod Classic 4th Gen

Announced on July 19, 2004, the fourth-generation iPod replaced the touch wheel from the third generation with the Click Wheel from the iPod Mini, putting the four auxiliary buttons underneath a touch-sensitive scroll wheel. The casing was also slightly slimmer. Pricing was reduced and the lineup was simplified, as the 20 GB model was sold for US$299 and the 40 GB model for US$399. Notably, Apple began reducing pack-in accessories starting with the fourth generation. While a dock, carrying case, and wired remote were previously included with higher-end iPods, the higher-level 40GB iPod only came with a dock, Sennheiser-iPod earphones and an interchangeable proprietary cable capable of USB and FireWire interface. In addition to using the iPod Mini's Click Wheel, the fourth generation Classic used the more energy-efficient components of the mini, allowing the fourth generation iPod to over 12 hours of battery life while using the same battery as its predecessor.

A special U2 edition was announced on October 26, 2004. The plastic front piece was black and the scroll wheel was red. With 20 GB and the signatures of all four members of U2, the special edition iPod was priced at US$349 and also included a US$50 coupon for a US$149 collection of U2's entire back catalog.

A Special Harry Potter Edition was announced on September 7, 2005. It was released in conjunction with the Harry Potter Audiobooks in iTunes. It had a Hogwarts logo engraved on the back, and all 6 Harry Potter Audiobooks which were available at the time preloaded.

Ipod Nano 4th Gen

At the Apple Let's Rock Event on September 9, 2008, the iPod Nano 4th Generation was officially announced. It returns to the narrow form factor of the 1st and 2nd Generation model, while retaining and rotating the 2-inch (51 mm) screen from the 3G model. It is also thinner than both the 2G and 3G, measuring 90.7 mm (3.6 inches) tall by 38.7 mm (1.5 inches) wide by 6.2 mm (0.24 inch) thick, and weighing 36.8 grams (1.3 ounces). It has a curved aluminum shell and glass screen. It's form factor is similar to that of the Zune.

The six previous colors (silver, charcoal, mint, turquoise, berry red, and rose pink) have been replaced by silver, black, purple, light blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and pink. Apple markets the new colors as "nano-chromatic". Also added is an accelerometer which allows the Nano to shuffle songs by shaking it , portrait and landscape display modes can be changed by tilting the iPod left or right, and access Cover Flow when tilted sideways. Videos, however, can only be played in landscape mode. The UI has also been refreshed, adding a more stylized look in keeping with the new hardware design. It includes a new voice recording feature which starts automatically when an Apple compatible microphone is plugged in. It also includes the new "Genius" feature, introduced by Apple the same day. The Genius feature automatically creates playlists based on a selected song using an algorithm built by Apple.

It is additionally touted as "the most environmentally friendly iPod Apple has ever made", containing arsenic-free glass and a BFR-, mercury-, and PVC-free design. It is also claimed to be highly recyclable. The iPod Nano 4G is shipped in cases similar to the 2G ones with the clear view in the front, and is marketed in two models: 8 GB and 16 GB. Limited quantities of an unannounced 4 GB model have surfaced in various markets

Ipod Nano 2nd Gen

On September 12, 2006, Apple updated the Nano line. 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 Nano features "a brighter, more vibrant display", a battery life upgrade (from 14 to 24 hours), and doubled storage sizes with the new 2, 4, and 8 GB models (compared to the previous 1, 2, and 4 GB models). The second generation iPod Nanos also support gapless playback of audio files, a new search option, and a 40% brighter screen. The 2 GB model was available in silver only. The 4 GB was initially available in green, blue, silver, or pink. The 8 GB model was initially only available in black but Product Red was later added. Apple claims that the second generation iPod Nano's packaging is "32% lighter and uses 52% less volume than the first generation", thereby reducing environmental impact and shipping cost at the same time.

On October 13, 2006, Apple announced a special edition iPod Nano Product Red, with a red exterior and 4 GB of storage. For each red iPod Nano sold in the United States, Apple donates US$10 to the Product Red initiative, while retaining the regular price of US$199.On November 3, 2006, Apple introduced a red 8 GB model, due to "outstanding customer demand", while also retaining the US$249 price point of the black model with an equally large storage capacity.

Endurance

Ars Technica conducted similar tests on the second generation Nano as they did on the first generation. In their tests, the screen did not last as long; although the Nano kept working, its screen was damaged after one hard drop on concrete. A subsequent trip through a washing machine also failed to destroy it, although it did require two days to dry before returning to full operational standards

Ipod Nano 1st Gen

Advertising emphasized the iPod Nano's small size: it is 1.6 in (40 mm) width, 3.5 in (90 mm)length, 0.27 in (6.9 mm) thick and weighs 1.5 ounces (42 grams). Its stated battery life is up to 14 hours. The screen is 176x132 pixels, 1.5 in (38 mm) diagonal, and can display 65,536 colors (16-bit color).

History

Development work on the design of the iPod Nano started only nine months before its launch date. The Nano was launched in two colors (black and white) with two available sizes: 2 GB (roughly 500 songs) for US$199 and 4 GB (1000 songs) for US$249. On February 7, 2006, Apple updated the lineup with the 1 GB model (240 songs) sold at US$149. Apple also 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.


Endurance

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 (12 m) into the air and landing on concrete.


Electronics

The iPod Nano uses general-purpose integrated circuits (IC) instead of smaller, low-cost custom-developed chips, possibly to reduce time-to-market. This design, however, increases the number of electronic components and increases the cost. Japanese engineers estimated the component cost of the 2 GB Nano as between JP¥22,000 and JP¥27,000 (US$185-US$227), which was high compared to the retail price of JP¥21,800 (US$183) at the time. The cost of 2 GB NAND flash memory was about JP¥14,000 (US$118). Apple also opted for the 0603 (1.6x0.8 mm) surface mount technology which was just beginning widespread use in mobile phones in 2005.The iPod Nano uses a PortalPlayer PP5021C "system on a chip" with dual embedded 80 MHz ARM 7TDMI processors.


Consumer reactions
 
The initial consumer response to the iPod Nano was overwhelmingly positive and sales were heavy. The Nano sold its first million units in only 17 days, helping Apple to a record billion-dollar profit in 2005.

Apple's release of the iPod Nano as a replacement for the iPod Mini was viewed by many as a risky move.Steve Jobs has argued that the iPod Nano was a necessary risk since competitors were beginning to catch up to the iPod Mini in terms of design and features, and believed the iPod Nano would prove to be even more popular and successful than the iPod Mini.

Within days of the Nano's release, some users reported damage to the Nano, suggesting that the LCD screen had become so scratched that it was unreadable, even when the backlight was on. Many have reported fine scratches on their Nano caused by microfiber cloths. Other owners reported that their Nano's screen cracked with no provocation.On September 27, 2005, Apple confirmed a small percentage ("less than 1/10 of 1 percent") of iPod Nanos shipped with a faulty screen and agreed to replace any Nanos with cracked screens, but denied the iPod Nano was more susceptible to scratching than prior iPods.[19] Apple started shipping iPod Nanos with a protective sleeve to protect them from scratches. In October 2005, a class action lawsuit was filed against Apple, with the plaintiffs seeking reimbursement for the device, legal fees, and "unlawful or illegal profits" from sales of the iPod Nano. Lawyers for the plaintiffs claim that the devices "scratch excessively during normal usage, rendering the screen on the Nanos unreadable, and violating state consumer protection statutes". Similar lawsuits were later filed in Mexico and the United Kingdom. Some commentators such as BusinessWeek's Arik Hesseldahl have criticized the lawsuits. Hesseldahl dismissed them as "stupid" and suggested that they benefitted "no one but the trial lawyers," but also suggested that Apple could have avoided litigation by offering "full refunds on unwanted Nanos" instead of charging a re-stocking fee and lengthening the return period from 14 days (when purchased through Apple retail or online) to 30 or 60 days.


Incidents

In Australia, an iPod Nano flamed up while being charged on a PC.Since the limited warranty was over, the consumer was not able to get a replacement right away.

Another iPod incident happened in the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport while a man was working in the airport. His iPod Nano set his pants on fire. Apple Inc. refused to release a statement regarding this issue.

In addition, an iPod Nano sparked in Japan in January while it was still recharging.Although no one was injured during the incident, Apple Inc. is currently investigating it. It was reported on 19 August 2008 that 17 incidents of abnormal overheating with 1st-generation iPod Nano units while recharging had been reported in Japan, including cases in which tatami mats had been charred.