Apple Gadgets

The iPod Nano is one of most popular media players in the world by Apple. It is the midrange model in Apple's iPod family. The first generation was introduced in 2005. It uses flash memory, like the iPod shuffle, but with a Miniaturized version of the display screen and "click wheel" found on the iPod Classic. The model has been updated twice since its introduction. Shortly after release, the iPod Nano became the highest-selling MP3 player in history, besting its sibling, the iPod Mini.

Instead of the hard disk which is used in the iPod Classic, the Nano uses flash memory. This means there are no moving parts, making the iPod Nano resistant to skipping due to sudden movement.

The iPod Nano works with iTunes on Mac OS X or Microsoft Windows (third-party software is available for platforms that Apple does not support, such as Linux. It connects to the computer via the same proprietary dock connector as all models since the iPod 3rd Generation (with the exception of the iPod Shuffle), using USB 2.0. Although it uses the same connection as Apple's FireWire iPod Cable and can charge its battery over FireWire, the iPod Nano does not support synchronization over a FireWire connection. The iPod Nano includes a stop watch and a multiple time zone clock function. There is also a combination lock feature that makes use of the click wheel to lock the iPod, and serves to secure the user's calendar and contact information as well as the volume limit function.

Like previous iPod models, the first and second generation iPod Nano include some pre-installed games: Brick, Music Quiz, Parachute, and Solitaire. The third generation iPod Nano includes pre-installed games, but can also run games which Apple makes available for purchase in the iTunes Store. The three pre-installed games are variations on the Brick, Solitaire, and Music Quiz games found in the first and second-generation iPod nanos. Brick is now called Vortex and there is now a circular playing field. Solitaire is now called Klondike with minimal differences. Music Quiz now includes Movie and TV Show trivia along with a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Unlike the preceding iPod Mini, its battery is soldered to the printed circuit board of the device, making it harder to replace manually, although replacement batteries are readily available. The flash memory chips used are surface mount devices, making any attempt to upgrade the Nano's storage capacity impractical.

Unlike previous iPods, the iPod Nano does not synchronize or connect over FireWire. Also, the lack of the remote connector found on the top of many previous models means that a number of third-party accessories do not work with the iPod Nano. The first generation iPod Nano did not support voice recording; the second and third generation Nanos function with third-party recording attachments. It did not function with either Apple's iPod Camera Connector or other camera connectors from third-party manufacturers.

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 8GB 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.