Apple is no stranger to reinventing the wheel. Their new Nano-chromatic line takes everything you love about previous iPod Nanos and packs it into a vibrant, durable casing of your color choice. The new Nano kept all the features we loved in previous incarnations and has made them just a little bit better.

The new iPod Nano has revisited its roots and returned to its original elongated shape using a single piece of aluminum, no more “fat” Nano. The new Nano-chromatic “4G Nano” model is not only pretty, but functional. A few added Nano features not seen in older models include a screen-tilt motion sensor, shake-to-shuffle and the Genius playlist.

The new Nano still supports video and is environmentally friendly.

Standout Features

• Screen-tilt motion sensor
• Shake-to-shuffle
• Genius Play-list creation
• Voice-Memo
• Up to 16GB storage

Features

Nano features a slim comfortable design reminiscent of the first and second generation models. It includes a 2 inch color screen that supports portrait and landscape orientations, expanded 16GB storage, 24 hours of audio playback, and video. It also includes a motion sensor and a built-in Genius. (Now, who doesn’t want one of those?)

The new Nano includes all the features previously seen in the third generation model, but Apples pulled a few additional tricks out of their hats and borrowed a little inspiration from the Touch and iPhone. This iPod Nano also includes a smart player called the Genius and a motion sensor affectionately referred to as the accelerometer.

The Genius feature is Apple’s way of helping you find similar tracks and albums without creating hundreds of playlists. When you select the Genius the Nano analyzes the artist and the type of music that is currently playing and will then shuffle through tracks and create and on-the-fly play list based on songs similar sound qualities or genre.

The accelerometer is used most frequently for the shake-to-shuffle feature and for games. Instead of having a dedicated shuffle button you simply shake your iPod for a moment and it will randomly choose a new song in your library. With games you can use your Nano almost like a controller navigating your way through mazes and other similar games.

The accelerometer also enables the Nano to recognize its portrait or landscape orientation and display images appropriately. Just turn the Nano to its side and your playlists and library convert to Coverflow browse. This is particularly good for watching movies in widescreen.

Adding to the organizational features the Nano also has a nifty feature that allows you to record voice-memos to yourself. However, you have to purchase additional earbuds with a built-in microphone. The included earbuds do not have a microphone.

Summary of Reviews from Across the Internet

Interestingly, the largest complaint about the fourth generation Nano is something that has nothing to do with the device itself, but the required software. The new iPod Nano is only compatible with iTunes 8. It will not work with older versions of the program.

Reviewers across the board are impressed with the new 4G Nano. Some experts were a little perturbed that the bundled earbuds didn’t include a built-in microphone to take full advantage of the voice memo-feature, and the shake-to-shuffle is a little gimmicky and novel. However, the retro fitted look is nice and the additional features are overall fun, and among all that it’s still an iPod a brand that denotes ease function.

Summary

Apple still manages to get people excited about a product that been around for years, that’s gotta be something. The new Nano is a slick looking device that includes a few fancy extras but never really forgets that its number one function is to store your music.

If you purchased a new Nano last year and it’s still working out for you than maybe the price tag and motion sensor features aren’t worth it, but now is a good time to upgrade if you’re still holding on to an older model. You know, one that doesn’t support video and only holds 500 songs. We’re talking to you second gen.

To read about other iPods see our iPod Touch or iPod Classic reviews.