Macworld: Apple introduces iPod shuffle

***AppleInsider*** · 01-11-2005, 04:15 PM

Apple today introduced iPod shuffle, a digital music player based on iPod’s shuffle feature which lets users experience their music in a million different ways.

Smaller and lighter than a pack of gum, iPod shuffle comes with its own lanyard so it’s ready to wear right out of the box. iPod shuffle works seamlessly with iTunes’ AutoFill feature which automatically selects songs from a user’s music library to fill up iPod shuffle with just one click. iPod shuffle is the most affordable iPod ever and is available in two models: 512MB holding up to 120 songs for just $99 and 1GB holding up to 240 songs for just $149.

"iPod shuffle is smaller and lighter than a pack of gum and costs less than $100," said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. "With most flash-memory music players users must use tiny displays and complicated controls to find their music; with iPod shuffle you just relax and it serves up new combinations of your music every time you listen.”

iPod shuffle is based on iPod's widely-used shuffle feature, which randomly selects songs from the user's music library or playlists. In addition, iPod shuffle works seamlessly with iTunes and its new patent-pending AutoFill feature, which automatically selects the perfect number of songs to fill iPod shuffle from a user’s complete music library on their computer. And at any time, with a flip of a switch on the back of iPod shuffle, users can choose to listen to their music in order rather than shuffled, ideal for listening to a favorite new album.

Users can conveniently charge and transfer music from their Mac or PC by plugging iPod shuffle directly into a USB port. iPod shuffle doubles as a portable USB flash drive with up to 1GB of storage space to back up personal files and exchange them between computers.

iPod shuffle is the newest member of Apple’s wildly popular iPod family for both Mac and PC which includes the fourth generation iPod, the iPod mini, the iPod U2 Special Edition and iPod photo. More than 10 million iPods have been sold since it was introduced, and it is the number one selling digital music player in the world.

The popularity of iPod has also created a booming accessory market, and iPod shuffle is being introduced with several optional accessories. In addition to the included lanyard, there is an optional armband that makes iPod shuffle perfect for many athletic activities. An optional sport case keeps iPod shuffle safely protected from outdoor elements with its clear case and neck strap. An optional dock serves as a convenient home base for syncing and charging iPod shuffle, and an optional USB power adapter easily charges iPod shuffle when it’s away from the computer by simply plugging it into any electrical outlet. Users can extend the iPod shuffle battery life (up to 12 hours) with an optional battery pack that holds two AAA batteries and keeps the music playing for up to 20 additional hours.

Pricing & Availability

The 512MB and 1GB models of iPod shuffle for Mac or Windows are now shipping for a suggested retail price of $99 (US) and $149 (US) respectively, and include earbud headphones, lanyard and a CD with iTunes 4.7.1 for Mac and Windows computers. The iPod shuffle arm band, sport case, battery pack, dock and USB power adaptor optional accessories will become available over the next few weeks for a suggested retail price of $29 (US) each.

iPod shuffle requires a Mac with a USB port and Mac OS X version 10.2.8 or Mac OS X version 10.3.4 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB port, or a USB card and Windows 2000 Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows XP Home or Professional Service Pack 4 or later.

lhvide · 01-11-2005, 05:13 PM

Sweet! Have a 40gb and a mini, just bought the shuffle 512!

m01ety · 01-11-2005, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lhvide
Sweet! Have a 40gb and a mini, just bought the shuffle 512!

Gotta catch 'em all?

Or just have too much money lying around?

godrifle · 01-11-2005, 05:56 PM

Wow, this thing acts as a USB drive also. So, subtract out the cost of a 512MB or 1GB USB drive, and you've got the coolest $40 MP3 player in the galaxy. <--- how's that for drama!

lhvide · 01-11-2005, 05:59 PM

Definitely gotta catch em all. The 40 holds my entire collection which I only use on road trips and as my home entertainment music server. The mini I bought for everyday. I had to have the shuffle for jogging and excercise, where a display and 1,000 songs is just to much and still a bit heavy. The suffle is perfect. Make an awesome playlist and go.

Placebo · 01-11-2005, 06:01 PM

Sorry, but I'd at least want a 3 line screen. But I'm still tempted.

Nobody Special · 01-11-2005, 07:52 PM

I just bought one from the Apple Store in San Francisco. Demand is so high that there is a employee standing at the door with cartons of the 512MB model* handing them out as people walk in, and instead of asking, "Do you want one?" he's asking, "How many do you want?" The line at every cashier is at least 15 people deep, and everyone is clutching the little green package—many are buying three or four.

*The 1GB in not in stock.

**hmurchison** · 01-11-2005, 07:56 PM

I'm going to buy my mother an iPod ..I still can't decide on if I want to get her this or a mini.

I expect that with iTunes 5.0 we'll have good support for AAC Plus and maybe an option to on the fly compress your 128k files to like 64k for the iPod shuffle. This would double your songs without harming the audio too much. Great for someone who works out and can't discern the fidelity differences of 128 vs 64k

jaslu81 · 01-11-2005, 09:24 PM

Isn't there a way to switch CF cards? I have 2GB cards for my camera and it would be nice to be able to buy the $99 model and pop in my own card.

RageX · 01-11-2005, 10:18 PM

I ordered one as well, going to give it to my brother for his birthday, after I play with it of course

MacGregor · 01-12-2005, 02:09 AM

I think this, though not the biggest announcement (the Mac mini is ... and Steve's off the cuff remark to "Mr Sony" about maybe working together on computers and music!!!), but it is the best executed. $99!! That's better than the forums were hoping for.

I only wish it weren't white. Why not go for copper and chrome or even the shiney red like the Scandisk one. Something that looks like a Ferrari around your neck.

PB · 01-12-2005, 10:03 AM

Now my wife too wants one of them.

NateIam · 01-12-2005, 10:23 AM

I just watched the new commercial for the iPod Shuffle and really enjoyed it. Does anyone know what song was used in the ad?

mattjohndrow · 01-12-2005, 10:40 AM

so, where's the nearest apple store to/in New England. i want one!

Telomar · 01-12-2005, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NateIam
I just watched the new commercial for the iPod Shuffle and really enjoyed it. Does anyone know what song was used in the ad?

Jerk it Out by Caesars. Simple answer is just grab a phrase from the song and google it with the word lyrics. That's how I usually find songs I don't recognise.

lhvide · 01-26-2005, 11:54 AM

Remember how Steve said that flash players just end up in the drawer? After using my shuffle for a couple weeks I gotta say that what Jobs left unsaid is this: "which is why the flash player that we are working on is going to be so simple, so elegant, and so perfect, that the people of the world will bring our flash player with them wherever they go, just like car keys, cell phone, and a wallet. An essential acessory for your life....."

01-11-2005, 04:15 PM	#1
*AppleInsider* Kasper's Automated Slave Join Date: Nov 1997 Posts: 6,581	Macworld: Apple introduces iPod shuffle Apple today introduced iPod shuffle, a digital music player based on iPod’s shuffle feature which lets users experience their music in a million different ways. Smaller and lighter than a pack of gum, iPod shuffle comes with its own lanyard so it’s ready to wear right out of the box. iPod shuffle works seamlessly with iTunes’ AutoFill feature which automatically selects songs from a user’s music library to fill up iPod shuffle with just one click. iPod shuffle is the most affordable iPod ever and is available in two models: 512MB holding up to 120 songs for just $99 and 1GB holding up to 240 songs for just $149. "iPod shuffle is smaller and lighter than a pack of gum and costs less than $100," said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. "With most flash-memory music players users must use tiny displays and complicated controls to find their music; with iPod shuffle you just relax and it serves up new combinations of your music every time you listen.” iPod shuffle is based on iPod's widely-used shuffle feature, which randomly selects songs from the user's music library or playlists. In addition, iPod shuffle works seamlessly with iTunes and its new patent-pending AutoFill feature, which automatically selects the perfect number of songs to fill iPod shuffle from a user’s complete music library on their computer. And at any time, with a flip of a switch on the back of iPod shuffle, users can choose to listen to their music in order rather than shuffled, ideal for listening to a favorite new album. Users can conveniently charge and transfer music from their Mac or PC by plugging iPod shuffle directly into a USB port. iPod shuffle doubles as a portable USB flash drive with up to 1GB of storage space to back up personal files and exchange them between computers. iPod shuffle is the newest member of Apple’s wildly popular iPod family for both Mac and PC which includes the fourth generation iPod, the iPod mini, the iPod U2 Special Edition and iPod photo. More than 10 million iPods have been sold since it was introduced, and it is the number one selling digital music player in the world. The popularity of iPod has also created a booming accessory market, and iPod shuffle is being introduced with several optional accessories. In addition to the included lanyard, there is an optional armband that makes iPod shuffle perfect for many athletic activities. An optional sport case keeps iPod shuffle safely protected from outdoor elements with its clear case and neck strap. An optional dock serves as a convenient home base for syncing and charging iPod shuffle, and an optional USB power adapter easily charges iPod shuffle when it’s away from the computer by simply plugging it into any electrical outlet. Users can extend the iPod shuffle battery life (up to 12 hours) with an optional battery pack that holds two AAA batteries and keeps the music playing for up to 20 additional hours. Pricing & Availability The 512MB and 1GB models of iPod shuffle for Mac or Windows are now shipping for a suggested retail price of $99 (US) and $149 (US) respectively, and include earbud headphones, lanyard and a CD with iTunes 4.7.1 for Mac and Windows computers. The iPod shuffle arm band, sport case, battery pack, dock and USB power adaptor optional accessories will become available over the next few weeks for a suggested retail price of $29 (US) each. iPod shuffle requires a Mac with a USB port and Mac OS X version 10.2.8 or Mac OS X version 10.3.4 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB port, or a USB card and Windows 2000 Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows XP Home or Professional Service Pack 4 or later.

01-11-2005, 07:56 PM	#8
hmurchison Global Moderator Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 10,574	I'm going to buy my mother an iPod ..I still can't decide on if I want to get her this or a mini. I expect that with iTunes 5.0 we'll have good support for AAC Plus and maybe an option to on the fly compress your 128k files to like 64k for the iPod shuffle. This would double your songs without harming the audio too much. Great for someone who works out and can't discern the fidelity differences of 128 vs 64k Mac mini - 2 , iPod Nano- 1 G4 Cube - 5 , iPod Shuffle -1 Bloggity Blog

01-11-2005, 10:18 PM	#10
RageX Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NYC Posts: 122	I ordered one as well, going to give it to my brother for his birthday, after I play with it of course "I'll either make this world a better place or bring it to its ruin. Destiny will determine that"

01-12-2005, 02:09 AM	#11
MacGregor Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Stumptown, with the nation's highest concentration of brewpubs, stripclubs, volcanoes and bookstores! Posts: 1,339	I think this, though not the biggest announcement (the Mac mini is ... and Steve's off the cuff remark to "Mr Sony" about maybe working together on computers and music!!!), but it is the best executed. $99!! That's better than the forums were hoping for. I only wish it weren't white. Why not go for copper and chrome or even the shiney red like the Scandisk one. Something that looks like a Ferrari around your neck. The Mother of all flip-flops!! Support our troops by educating yourself and being a responsible voter. Democracy and Capitalism REQUIRE Intelligence and Wisdom if they are to be worth a damn beyond the next election or quarterly earnings report! And the lessons of the 20th century are that neither the state nor the free market hold a monopoly on Wisdom.

01-12-2005, 10:40 AM	#14
mattjohndrow Funk Punk Rocker Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: VT (Big State) Posts: 1,595	so, where's the nearest apple store to/in New England. i want one! I think I think...therefore, I think I am. We get to think of life as an inexhaustible well. Yet everything happens only a certain number of times, and a very small number, really. How many more times will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood, some afternoon that's so deeply a part of your being that you can't even conceive of your life without it? Perhaps four or five times more. perhaps not even that. How many more times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps twenty. And yet it all seems limitless. -Paul Bowles

01-11-2005, 05:13 PM	#2
lhvide Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Miami Posts: 64	Sweet! Have a 40gb and a mini, just bought the shuffle 512!

01-11-2005, 05:56 PM	#4
godrifle Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ft. Thomas, KY Posts: 166	Wow, this thing acts as a USB drive also. So, subtract out the cost of a 512MB or 1GB USB drive, and you've got the coolest $40 MP3 player in the galaxy. <--- how's that for drama!

01-11-2005, 05:59 PM	#5
lhvide Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Miami Posts: 64	Definitely gotta catch em all. The 40 holds my entire collection which I only use on road trips and as my home entertainment music server. The mini I bought for everyday. I had to have the shuffle for jogging and excercise, where a display and 1,000 songs is just to much and still a bit heavy. The suffle is perfect. Make an awesome playlist and go.

01-11-2005, 06:01 PM	#6
Placebo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: http://tinyurl.com/fswz7 Posts: 5,725	Sorry, but I'd at least want a 3 line screen. But I'm still tempted.

01-11-2005, 07:52 PM	#7
Nobody Special Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 168	I just bought one from the Apple Store in San Francisco. Demand is so high that there is a employee standing at the door with cartons of the 512MB model* handing them out as people walk in, and instead of asking, "Do you want one?" he's asking, "How many do you want?" The line at every cashier is at least 15 people deep, and everyone is clutching the little green package—many are buying three or four. *The 1GB in not in stock.

01-11-2005, 09:24 PM	#9
jaslu81 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 39	Isn't there a way to switch CF cards? I have 2GB cards for my camera and it would be nice to be able to buy the $99 model and pop in my own card.

01-12-2005, 10:03 AM	#12
PB Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 3,796	Now my wife too wants one of them.

01-12-2005, 10:23 AM	#13
NateIam Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2	I just watched the new commercial for the iPod Shuffle and really enjoyed it. Does anyone know what song was used in the ad?

01-26-2005, 11:54 AM	#16
lhvide Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Miami Posts: 64	Remember how Steve said that flash players just end up in the drawer? After using my shuffle for a couple weeks I gotta say that what Jobs left unsaid is this: "which is why the flash player that we are working on is going to be so simple, so elegant, and so perfect, that the people of the world will bring our flash player with them wherever they go, just like car keys, cell phone, and a wallet. An essential acessory for your life....."

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