Apple Introduces iPod shuffle
MACWORLD EXPO, SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 11, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via
COMTEX/ — Apple(R) today introduced iPod(R) shuffle, a breakthrough
digital music player based on iPod’s legendary shuffle feature which lets
users experience their music in a million different ways. Smaller and
lighter than a pack of gum, iPod shuffle comes with its own lanyard so it’s
ready to wear right out of the box. iPod shuffle works seamlessly with
iTunes’ innovative AutoFill feature which automatically selects songs from
a user’s music library to fill up iPod shuffle with just one click. iPod
shuffle is the most affordable iPod ever and is available in two models:
512MB holding up to 120 songs for just $99 and 1GB holding up to 240 songs
for just $149.
“iPod shuffle is smaller and lighter than a pack of gum and costs less than
$100,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “With most flash-memory music players
users must use tiny displays and complicated controls to find their music;
with iPod shuffle you just relax and it serves up new combinations of your
music every time you listen.”
iPod shuffle is based on iPod’s pioneering and widely-used shuffle
feature, which randomly selects songs from the user’s music library or
playlists. In addition, iPod shuffle works seamlessly with iTunes(R) and
its innovative new patent-pending AutoFill feature, which automatically
selects the perfect number of songs to fill iPod shuffle from a user’s
complete music library on their computer. And at any time, with a flip of a
switch on the back of iPod shuffle, users can choose to listen to their
music in order rather than shuffled, perfect for listening to a favorite
new album.
Users can conveniently charge and transfer music from their Mac(R) or PC
by plugging iPod shuffle directly into a USB port. iPod shuffle doubles as
a portable USB flash drive with up to 1GB of storage space to back up
personal files and exchange them between computers.
iPod shuffle is the newest member of Apple’s wildly popular iPod family
for both Mac and PC which includes the fourth generation iPod, the iPod
mini, the iPod U2 Special Edition and iPod photo. More than 10 million
iPods have been sold since it was introduced, and it is the number one
selling digital music player in the world.
The popularity of iPod has also created a booming accessory market, and
iPod shuffle is being introduced with several optional accessories. In
addition to the included lanyard, there is an optional armband that makes
iPod shuffle perfect for many athletic activities. An optional sport case
keeps iPod shuffle safely protected from outdoor elements with its clear
case and neck strap. An optional dock serves as an elegant and convenient
home base for syncing and charging iPod shuffle, and an optional USB power
adapter easily charges iPod shuffle when it’s away from the computer by
simply plugging it into any electrical outlet. Users can extend the iPod
shuffle battery life (up to 12 hours) with an optional battery pack that
holds two AAA batteries and keeps the music playing for up to 20 additional
hours.
Pricing & Availability
The 512MB and 1GB models of iPod shuffle for Mac or Windows are now
shipping for a suggested retail price of $99 (US) and $149 (US)
respectively, and include earbud headphones, lanyard and a CD with iTunes
4.7.1 for Mac and Windows computers. iPod shuffle is available through the
Apple Store(R) (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized
Resellers. The iPod shuffle arm band, sport case, battery pack, dock and
USB power adaptor optional accessories will become available over the next
few weeks for a suggested retail price of $29 (US) each.
iPod shuffle requires a Mac with a USB port and Mac OS(R) X version 10.2.8
or Mac OS X version 10.3.4 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB port, or a
USB card and Windows 2000 Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows XP Home or
Professional Service Pack 4 or later.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple
II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh.
Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-
winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife
and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music
revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music
store.