The newly updated iPod nano brings a host of new features that include video capture, voice recording and FM radio.
ON THE outside, the iPod nano 5G doesn’t feature any drastic exterior design changes, although it now sports a fresh coat of paint with a glossy metallic exterior that’s available in nine different colours.
Available in 8GB and 16GB iterations, there are relatively few physical changes to the iPod nano’s design though eagle-eyed users may notice that the new nano’s screen is slightly bigger and wider than last year’s model, approximately 0.2in larger to be exact.
The slightly wider screen isn’t just for show as it now comes with LED backlighting and a larger 376 x 240-pixel resolution.
Other changes include a smaller click wheel. While it is still as sensitive and responsive as it has been in the past, the smaller and narrower click area may be difficult for those with large fingers to use.
In terms of features, the nano comes with a few enhancements courtesy of the recent iTunes update. Genius Mixes is a new feature that automatically categorises your music into playlists that fits into a specific genre.
The feature works well if you want to listen to some random selection of music and it is fairly convenient since the software decides the song selection for you.
Admittedly the grouping isn’t perfect as I could still find several songs in my collections being placed in groups or genres that they didn’t belong to.
SUPER SLIM: The nano slim form factor makes it perfect for travel and workouts. Video capture
The built-in video camera is by far the single most significant update to the new nano that’s worth talking about.
Situated at the back of the player, it comes complete with a small microphone for recording sound. Strangely though, the video camera is placed on the bottom left corner of the device which certainly doesn’t help as your hand can easily obstruct the camera lens when you’re holding it.
The camera captures videos at a maximum resolution of 640 x 480-pixels and records in iTunes-friendly MP4 videos with H.264 formatted video and AAC audio. This makes the videos perfect for YouTube.
However, you cannot take still photos with the camera.
Surprisingly, the video quality is quite remarkable for such a small camera. General image movement is relatively smooth and the sound quality is pretty decent.
Still, the camera isn’t perfect as videos captured in low light conditions generally don’t show up well on screen and are fairly grainy.
We compared nano video footage with a similar clip taken by an iPhone 3GS and it definitely looks just about on par with the 3GS’ camera.
There is better detail shown on 3GS videos while those shot on the nano come off blotchy when reviewed on a monitor. Still, the nano stands on par with the iPhone when it comes to capturing subjects in motion.
Aside from shooting normal videos, you have the option to capture videos in 16 different scene modes by holding down the centre button for two seconds while in camera mode.
We particularly liked the Terminator-inspired cyborg effect, bluish security camera effect and film grain effect.
The camera also takes advantage of the nano’s accelerometer so you can record both in portrait and landscape mode. However, we found videos recorded in portrait mode to be fairly useless considering most videos are displayed landscape view, even on YouTube.
Speaking of YouTube, you can easily transfer videos to your computer for uploading without having to go through iTunes. The process is made simple as the iPod will appear as an external drive where you can drag out the videos from.
RECORD THIS: Now you can record videos on the nano and even apply cool real-time effects over videos. Voice memos
Along with the ability to record videos, the nano can record voice memos thanks to the built-in microphone.
Despite its small size, the microphone picks up sound very well and voices sound astoundingly clear during playback. The microphone itself is pretty sensitive so even though if it isn’t facing a subject, it can still pick up the subject’s voice well.
To listen to your recordings, the new nano features a tiny built-in speaker placed at the bottom of the nano, so you can’t really see it. But you can hear it so you can now listen to your music, videos and voice recordings without earphones.
Naturally, the quality of the speaker leaves much to be desired and it doesn’t go up very loud even when it is at maximum volume. Needless to say, it is no substitute for a pair of earphones.
Still, for its intended purpose, the speaker gets the job done when called upon to play your audio recordings.
Radio on the iPod
For reasons unknown, Apple decided to include a built-in FM radio receiver in the new iPod nano. It is an added convenience that does away with the need to purchase an FM radio add-on at long last.
It isn’t exactly a groundbreaking feature but if you do feel the need to listen to some local radio, the option is finally opened to you.
In order to use it, you’ll need to connect a pair of headphones to the iPod nano to act as an antenna for the device.
The iPod nano’s radio does things differently however — it has a Live Pause feature that allows you to pause a radio programme for up to 15 minutes. As long as you remain on the same station for 15 minutes you can rewind to an earlier recording to listen to a song or part of the programme.
However, Live Pause recordings cannot be saved in anyway and are immediately erased after you listen to them.
After testing it out with our local radio stations, I found the FM reception to be rather mediocre at best as it tended to fluctuate even when I stood still.
Conclusion
The improvements to the new iPod nano 5G, especially the built-in speaker and microphone, certainly make it feel more like a full feature music player like the iPod touch.
The added advantage of video capture certainly makes it a tempting offer for music lovers looking for a simple integrated video camera for casual recording.
The array of funky real-time effects, decent video recording and most importantly, portability, make it great for music lovers who want more than just listen to music.
Still, the lack of WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity means you’re still limited to linking up to a PC before you can share your videos online.
On the flip side, you don’t need iTunes to transfer videos out, so you can share videos on virtually any computer.
Voice recording and FM radio, while not new, are nice additions to the nano considering that you now no longer need to purchase add-ons that give you those features.
Overall, the iPod nano 5G feels more like an update to an already great music player. With prices starting at RM599, the nano is great deal for someone looking to get an iPod.
However, the new nano isn’t that big a leap forward for those tempted to upgrade from last year’s model.
Pros: Small and portable; decent video recording; voice recording; wider and brighter screen.
Cons: Videos are grainy in low light conditions; FM radio quality isn’t great; no wireless connectivity.
iPOD NANO (5TH GENERATION)
(Apple)
Portable digital audio player
Video camera: H.264 VGA video, 640 x 480 pixels (30fps)
Supported audio formats: AAC, MP3, AIFF, Apple Lossless, AIFF, WAV
Supported video formats: H.264, M4V, MP4, MOV
Storage: 8GB/16GB
Interface: USB2.0
Battery: Built-in lithium-ion
Other features: Pictures, games, stopwatch, calendar, notes, voice memos, built-in accelerometer, pedometer, FM Radio Cover Flow
Bundled accessories: Earphones, USB cable, dock adaptor
Dimensions (H x W x D): 90.7 x 38.7 x 6.2mm
Weight: 36.4g
Price: RM599 (8GB), RM719 (16GB)
Review unit courtesy of Apple Malaysia, (03) 2711-1888.
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