My first thoughts a few months ago when the rumors started flying about a Nano with video recording was simple: That is stupid. I figured it was all rumor too. But on September 9, 2009, Apple befuddled us all with an iPod Nano with built-in video recording. But let’s hold off on that part of the Nano for a second. The new Nano gives us a few other features as well. We now have a built-in Pedometer that works with Nike Plus, a voice recorder and an FM radio tuner!
Let’s start with the Pedometer. First, for those that don’t know, a pedometer is normally a little device you clip to your belt to measure the steps you take in a day. This is now built into the iPod Nano. It works by using the accelerometer and the Nike plus software. This is probably the most used feature of the Nano. I turn it on, put the iPod on hold and let it do its counting as I do my work. When I get home from work, I plug my Nano into the computer, sync it with iTunes and I get sent to the Nike+ website to see my progress! It keeps track of everything. The site makes it fun by the goals it sets for you, and you can even share your status on Facebook. Pretty slick, and I would consider this a free feature.
These next two I will cram in one section, because there really isn’t a whole lot to say about it. The built-in memo recorder is based off of the iPhone version. It allows you to record memos, notes and lectures and keep in your pocket. You can listen to your notes via headphones or even the built-in speaker. The Nano now has built-in speakers. Oh, and if you haven’t figured it out, there is a built-in mic too, but that is because of the video. Ok. Enough on memos. Now for probably the dumbest feature on the Nano: Radio. Ok, to some it may be a great thing. I personally do not listen to the radio at all. I have listened to nothing but an iPod in my car for the last 3 years. Though Apple has made it worth listening to radio on the Nano for the simple fact that you can tag songs you like and download them from iTunes later. That is, of course, if your local stations support tagging. The downfall to the FM radio is you have to use headphones to listen to the radio. This is of course because the Nano uses the copper in the headphones as an antenna to receive the signal.
Ok, and now for the drumroll! VIDEO!!! So this is a feature that I thought was stupid. But after playing with it, I have to say I really like it. Unfortunately the video that I shot to show the quality really doesn’t do a ton of justice to the actual quality. I have been very impressed so far. Of course it isn’t great in low light, But it has satisfactory quality for me. It has replaced my flip video for the simple fact that it is easier to carry around and I already have it on me. When retrieving the video from the Nano, just open up iPhoto and you are set. However, if you are going to edit the video at all, you should export the video using the export tool. I say this because some video sites for whatever reason will not recognize the files audio when you upload it with out doing a proper export. Another tip when exporting from iPhoto is that when you export it will try to export it as a JPEG, you want to export the Original file. Otherwise you may not get the results you want.
I have to say for the price of the last Nano, this is a good deal. If you don’t care about these features then don’t upgrade, But if you just want one of them, you might as well go for it. I am happy I spent the money. The iPod Nano comes in two sizes and several colors you can pick up the 8GB version for $149.99 and the 16GB version for $179.99.
For more information on the iPod Nano with Video please visit the apple website
