iPod Nano 6 Review: A Look at the Screen, Playback, Battery Life, and Changes in the iPod Nano 6th Generation
What’s in an iPod Nano 6 Review?
The iPod Nano 6th generation is finally out and it has blown away the entire pretense it has in the past. When first released, the iPod Nano existed as a less expensive miniature option for those who wanted an iPod without the frills. Once the iPod Touch and iPhone went mainstream and the iPod Shuffle met the baseline requirements, the iPod Nano’s basic lack of features lacked appeal. Now with the iPod Nano 6th generation, we see a device that acts as a “barebones” version of the iPod Touch. With a touch screen and miniature design, we see something that has not been done with an iPod yet: a touch screen that is defined by media and not apps. Here is an iPod Nano 6 review, looking at how this device stands out from its history.
Multi-Touch Screen (4 out of 5)
Many of the iPod Nano 6 reviews focus on the Multi-Touch screen, which is an interesting feature because it is built around functionality for the music and not for new application features. With the 1.5 inch square touch screen, you are going to be allowed the necessary controls for the audio playback, as well as high quality display for things like album art. Since the iPod Nano 6th generation’s Multi-Touch screen requires so little, it seems a little excessive to have the 240x240 pixel display, but it is nice. In general, you are going to find that the touch screen here does not do much for the use of the iPod Nano except make it run smoother and give you a few more visual elements.
Music and Audio (4 out of 5)
In general, the audio playback is great, and the accompanying headphones will give you what you need. The audio files that are accepted by
the iPod Nano 6 are limited by what Apple allows through iTunes, but it is still relatively significant compared to the video files accepted by the iPhone or iPad. The major addition is the FM radio feature that allows you to go beyond your MP3 playlists and actually hear a live feed from a local radio station. You actually hold the ability to have a pause and start feature for this live radio feed, but it is only in a fifteen minute buffer area.
VoiceOver, though not a feature that is used excessively by American customers, comes in a full 29 languages. This is going to force the iPod Nano 6th generation into the international sphere, or at least make the international users stateside a little more approachable by Apple.
Battery Life (5 out of 5)
The iPod Nano battery life for the 6th generation is quite reliable, and you can expect to listen to music for 24 straight hours when the iPod is at full battery position. You can get the iPod Nano battery life up to full capacity with a three hour charge, but you can also do the fast charge to get it about eighty percent there in an hour and a half. Since the iPod Nano battery life does not reduce tremendously when not in use, you can expect to really keep a charge in between uses.
Storage Space (3 out of 5)
The size of the iPod Nano 6th generation, however, is not the pride of most iPod Nano 6 reviews. There are two size options: the 8GB and 16GB models. This is less than could be hoped for, especially with the decline of the iPod Classic. It would have been nice to see the iPod Nano 6 actually double those options, but that may be an option for the iPod Nano 7.
Overall (4 out of 5)
The iPod Nano 6 is really built on the framework of the original iPod, which is a reliable and high quality portable music player. As the iPod framework divides between those that support internet and applications like the iPod Touch and those that are just built around media playback, the iPod Nano is going to replace all others. With the 6th generation we have seen the future of what to expect from this specific device and we can hope that the physical design and new features will lead to an entire niche whereby quick access, features, and music playback will carve out a place for itself in the future.
The 8GB model comes in at $149 and the 16GB version is $179, which is a smaller price differential than with other iPods.
References
Source: Author’s own experience.
