This are the buttons you get
You see, having a single button that performs so many different commands kinda defeats the purpose, imagine having an application with a single button to perform all the activities
update: Gizmodo calls it Morse code, I like it
5 comments:
I guess on the other hand though if you're going to use it mainly when you can't really look at it (when running, or biking etc.) you wouldn't want to look at what you're pressing but just feel..
Reminds me of the interface on my bluetooth handsfree:
To turn on - press and hold till you hear the startup tune
To turn off - press and hold till you hear the shutdown tune
To redial last number - press the button
To hang up - press the button
And the startup and shutdown tunes are too similar...
Even worse, to conserve power the light turns off after a while so you can't tell if it is turned on. The only way to tell is to press the button, which wakes it up but then immediately starts dialling your last called number - aaargh.
What's wrong with a good old fashioned power switch? I hate these soft touch buttons on modern electronics. Would rather pay a little extra money and get a proper tactile control...
Justin-
So what was wrong with the previous integrated control?
danio-
yup!, freaking morse code control!
I have one of the first generation shuffles that I use for running etc. It was cheap and I didn't want my more expensive iPod getting sweaty and gross. The first generation shuffle is still pretty big compared to the new one (with no clip etc). I've noticed that it's big enough that it can sometimes get in the way. The new one is perfect because it is so small that I would barely notice it. If they were to place the controls on it I'd have a hard time pressing the right button. I'd constantly be 'fat fingering' (too many controls in a small area). I think the controls on the wire would be good since the wire is always dangling right under your chin so it would be easy to find with your hand while running. You wouldn't have to look down to try and find the thing and then press the button.
I agree the new shuffle would suck if one where to use it at the office etc. There's no screen, big buttons etc. But for exercising I think it's a good fit. Small and out of the way
actually the tests indicate that is much harder to operate now, check it out
iPod shuffle review
"Since one of the major uses of the shuffle is for exercise, we had to take it on a 30-minute run, testing usability in active conditions. Although the clip is fine, the controls are pretty crappy. The stock headphones suck because the controls are up on the right hand cord, up near the ear. You pause, forward, rewind and seek by hitting the middle button in various ways. This is fine when you're sitting, but when you're running, it's really hard to hold your arm still up in that awkward position to change tracks."
Post a Comment