The iPod nano is a portable media player with a video camera designed and marketed by Apple. The first generation of the iPod nano was introduced in the end of 2005. It uses flash memory, like the iPod Shuffle, but with a 2.2 inch (diagonal) QVGA display and the "click wheel" found on the iPod Classic. The iPod nano has gone through five models, or generations, since its introduction. The fifth generation (current) supports FM radio, video recording, a microphone for voice memos, a pedometer, and a slightly larger screen than that of the previous generation.
Supported audio formats
- AAC (16 to 320 kbps)
- Protected AAC (from the iTunes Store)
- MP3 (16 to 320 kbps, including variable bitrate files)
- Audible (formats 2, 3 and 4)
- Apple Lossless
- AIFF
- WAV
- MP4
First generation
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 176 x 132 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) and 4 GB (1000 songs). On February 7, 2006, Apple updated the lineup with the 1 GB model (240 songs). 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 tangled earphone cords.
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 Nano 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.
Criticism
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 Inc. 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. 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. As of early 2009, Apple is in the process of settling a court case over the scratched iPod nano screens, it has been suggested for Apple to set aside $22 million to refund users. A Judge will need to sign off the terms by April 28, 2009. 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 caught fire 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 recharging. Although no one was injured during the incident, Apple Inc. is currently investigating it. It was reported on August 19, 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.
Second generation
On September 12, 2006, Apple updated the Nano line. The second-generation Nano features scratch-resistant, anodized aluminium 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 percent 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. On November 3, 2006, Apple introduced a red 8 GB model, due to "outstanding customer demand", while also retaining the same price point of the black model with an equally large storage capacity.
On December 26-27 2006, Apple Computer's website and servers had crashed due to people downloading iTunes software since so many iPods were sold that Christmas season.
Third generation
Apple updated the Nano again on September 5, 2007. The third-generation Nano features a 2-inch (51 mm) QVGA (320 x 240) screen and a shorter, wider, heavier design, with new colors. New features include browsing via Cover Flow, a new user interface and video playback. 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 coming in silver and an 8 GB version 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 Clas
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