Earlier this month Apple updated their range of iPods, adding more features and changing the way we use the nano and shuffle. After years of rumours and speculation, the iPod Nano finally became a touch screen device – although not in the way that many were expecting.
In a fairly drastic change of direction, the iPod nano touch (as some are calling it) is now all about the music. There’s no camera, no video recording – in fact you can’t even watch videos on it any more!
The screen has shrunk in size and is now a 3cm touch screen – this makes it easier to use than the dated click wheel found on previous models. Unusually though, the iPod nano touch interface doesn’t run on iOS – this means no apps and no games – but then considering the size of the screen that’s probably a good thing.
The new iPod nano is really, really small, so if you’re planning on upgrading your current iPod nano to the new one not all of your accessories will work with it. Standard accessories such as docks and headphones will be fine, but cases and screen protectors certainly won’t.
There aren’t many iPod nano 6G accessories available just yet, but I thought I’d take a look at some of the cases, screen protectors and other essential accessories that are available now. I’ll be covering iPod nano 6G cases in more depth in a future post.
Martin Fields Screen Protector – iPod Nano 6G
With the new iPod nano being so small, there’s every chance it’s going to spend a lot of it’s life in your pocket with coins and keys. Over time, they’re going to cause damage to the screen. A screen protector is the best way of keeping your iPod nano looking like new. Martin Fields screen protectors are extremely clear and can be fitted in seconds. They’re easily removed and won’t leave any sticky mess behind either.
Martin Fields Screen Protector - iPod Nano 6G
iPod Nano 6G Silicone Case – Clear
In the same way that keys and coins in your pocket are going to scratch the screen, they’re also likely to damage the metal housing of the nano too. A simple silicone case is all you need to stop your iPod from getting scratched and scuffed. It leaves the screen, switches and clip accessible, but leaves the screen exposed, so I’d only recommend using this with a screen protector. They aren’t very bulky, but if you want something even smaller to protect your nano, take a look at the InvisibleSHIELD Full Body Protector.
iPod Nano 6G Silicone Case - Clear
Incipio Linq band for iPod Nano 6G – Black
One of the more interesting styles of case for the new iPod nano is the wrist strap. While this might seem like an odd place to mount your iPod, it makes sense at the same time. When you’re not listening to your music you can use it as your watch, and when you are, it’s close to hand when you want to change track or adjust the volume.
Incipio Linq band for iPod Nano 6G - Black
Skullcandy Titan Headphones – Black
If you own an iPod nano, one of the first purchases you’ll want to make will be for a new, more powerful set of headphones. The earphones in the box are ok, but as with any music device, the standard headphones in the box aren’t normally that great. The Titan Headphones from SkullCandy are a comfortable, high quality upgrade to the standard earphones. They’re the ear-canal design, so are less likely to fall out of your ears and have flexible rubber eargels for extra comfort.
Skullcandy Titan Headphones - Black
This is probably one of the least exciting accessories you can get for your iPod nano, but it’s also one of the most useful to have. It’s a cable that allows you to connect your iPod into any powered speaker unit – this can be anything, just look for a 3.5mm line in or aux in port on your stereo. A lot of new car stereos have one of these ports on the front too, which makes it an ideal way to play your music in the car with the minimum of fuss and expense.
3.5mm to 3.5mm Audio Cable
It’s still early days for iPod nano accessories, but over the next few weeks the range of accessories should grow significantly so look out for an updated post in the next few weeks