Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Uproar over new Shuffle



So, what do you think of the new Shuffle? There is an uproar over the relocated controls to the earbud cord.

I don't understand why people are so upset. Apple routinely make design changes to appeal to their customers. For the vast majority of us who use shuffles (that includes myself and the wife), the notion of using a simple three button controller makes sense. It's always oriented in the same way if it's on the cord, and I don't see it as difficult to use! One click for play and pause, two clicks to advance. It's simple! And I think we are unnecessarily looking down on the general population to think they can't easily learn how to use the voice over feature.

I do understand the complaint about having to use the earbuds. But Apple and 3rd party manufacturers have already said that there are solutions coming out.

I just don't get it. You buy the shuffle so that it will be as out of the way and simple as possible - not to hook into your stereo! What's your take?

1 comment:

Stitch said...

I'm sure no matter what Apple comes out with there will be some people who complain that the changes make no sense. Remember the complaints when the Shuffle came out. No screen. Oh my gosh, it is going to flop. Well we know it didn't since they are still selling them.

The change in the controls to me is not a biggy. It does make sense to have them easily accessable so the on headphone contols make sense. I'm sure it makes even more sense if you in a cold weather place where you have to wear a coat.
I think the bigger innovation is the way it speaks the tracks. Sort of makes up for the missing screen. Plus who wants to have to glance at a screen all the time. Music is all about sound. No screens necessary. I think this will sell well.
I read a rumor that the way Apple keeps shrinking the Shuffle that eventually it will just be like those bluetooth headsets which attach to your ear. Of course with stereo it may be a problem but I'm sure Apple will come up with the fix.