IPod nano

The iPod nano is a series of small portable media players designed by Apple Computer (later Apple Inc.). It was marketed as the mid-range model in the iPod family. It used flash memory, like the iPod shuffle, but with a 15-inch (2.5 inch on the 7th generation) diagonal QVGA display and the "Click Wheel" (1st to 5th generation) also found on the iPod classic. The model was updated six times since its introduction in 2005. Shortly after release, the iPod nano became the highest-selling MP3 player in history, becoming more successful than its discontinued sibling, the iPod mini.

Features
Instead of the hard disk used by the original iPod classic, the iPod nano uses flash memory. This means there are no moving parts, making the iPod nano resistant to drive failure due to sudden movement.

The iPod nano works with iTunes on Mac OS X or Microsoft Windows (third-party software is available for platforms that Apple does not support, such as Linux). It connects to the computer via the same proprietary 30-pin dock connector used by other iPod models since the 3rd-generation iPod (with the exception of the iPod Shuffle), using USB 2.0. The iPod nanos do not support syncing over FireWire, but the first three generations can be charged via a FireWire power adapter. The iPod nano includes a stop watch and a multiple time zone clock function. There is also a combination lock feature that makes use of the click wheel to lock the iPod, and serves to secure the user's calendar and contact information as well as the volume limit function.

Unlike the preceding iPod mini, its battery is soldered to the printed circuit board of the device, making it harder to replace manually, although replacement batteries are readily available. The flash memory chips used are surface mount devices, making any attempt to upgrade the Nano's storage capacity impractical.

The lack of the remote connector found on the top of many previous models means that a number of third-party accessories do not work with the iPod nano; newer versions using the dock connector have been made. The first generation iPod nano did not support voice recording; the second and third generation Nanos function with third-party recording attachments. It did not function with either Apple's iPod Camera Connector or other camera connectors from third-party manufacturers.

Gaming
Like full-sized iPod models Click Wheels, the 1st and 2nd-generation iPod nanos included some pre-installed games: Brick, Music Quiz, Parachute, and Solitaire. The 3rd-generation iPod nano added the ability to install additional iPod Games made available for purchase through the iTunes Store. It came with three pre-installed games that were variations of games included with previous iPod nanos: Brick was superseded by Vortex with a circular playing field. Solitaire was superseded by Klondike with minimal gameplay differences. Music Quiz added Movie and TV Show trivia along with a more aesthetically pleasing look. The 4th-generation iPod nano also included Maze, which used that model's accelerometer to move a ball around a maze to try and collect glowing orbs by tilting the iPod.

1st generation
Marketed as the successor to the popular iPod mini, Apple introduced the 1st-generation iPod nano at a media event on September 7, 2005. At the beginning of the event, Steve Jobs pointed at his watch pocket from his pants and asked the audience: "Ever wondered what this pocket was for?" describing the size of the iPod nano. The screen on the original Nano was only 1.8 inches but the stated battery life lasted up to 14 hours.

Battery risk
Around November 2011, Apple announced that the 1st-generation iPod nano had a battery issue, where small and metallic particles were accidentally introduced in the battery, which may cause it to overheat or explode. This was announced due to the occurrence of accidents with the music player over the years. 1st-generation iPod nano owners could report their unit and exchange it for a 7th-generation iPod nano with 16 GB in a silver finish.

2nd generation
The 2nd-generation iPod nano was released on September 12, 2006, a year later than its older brother. The new iPod nano was encased in an anodized aluminum enclosure that resembled the iPod mini line. It was available in several different colors, (Silver, Green, Pink, Blue, and Black) but unlike the 2nd-generation iPod mini and the 1st-generation iPod nano, the click wheel is gray on the iPod nano second generation except for the black edition. Improvements are that the screen size is bigger, and the battery life grew from 14 hours, to 24 hours.

On October 13, 2006, Apple announced a new iPod nano with 4GB of storage. On November 3, 2006, Apple released an 8 GB version of the red nano due to popular demand. For any red iPod nano purchased in the United States, Apple donated $10 to the charity.



3rd generation
Apple released the 3rd-generation iPod nano on September 5, 2007. New improvements included a new 2 inch display, a new interface, and a shorter wider design. A pink version of the iPod nano was released on January 22, 2008.

4th generation
On September 9, 2008 at the Lets Rock Event, Apple released the 4th-generation iPod nano. It returned to the taller design of the 1st and 2nd-generation iPod nanos and was available in many different colors. Apple claimed that battery life for music playback would last 24 hours while video playback would only last 4 hours, unlike the previous generation's 5 hours. The iPod nano also introduced an accelerometer so when you tilted it sideways you could search the cover flow, which had a totally different interface like the iPod touch cover flow. The version was only available through Apple's website and retail store.

5th generation
On Apple's Lets Rock Event in 2009, the 5th-generation iPod nano was introduced. It resembles the previous 4th-generation model with a slightly larger screen, glossier case, and a video camera with microphone on the back corner. This was the only click wheel and non-iOS iPod to feature a speaker, microphone, and camera.

6th generation
The 6th-generation iPod nano features a smaller design resembling the iPod Shuffle with a 1.54-inch multi touch screen. The new user interface looks more like a simplified version of the popular iOS. The new iPod nano removes the click wheel, video recording, and support for music video playback. Voice recording can be accessed by plugging in a microphone accessory, which will cause a voice memos app to appear. Videos and pictures can be synced to the iPod nano, but playback is limited to the tiny screen. However, iPod nano 6th generation battery has not improved over the previous generation. There is a small clip to allow listening to music while walking, jogging, or at the gym. The clip can be replaced with wrist bands to use it as watch-like device before the introduction of the Apple Watch.



7th generation
The 7th-generation iPod nano was announced on September 12, 2012. It features hybrid design combining elements of the iPod touch and the iPod mini with a 2.5-inch multi-touch screen and. The icons resemble iOS icons, except that they are circle shaped. Its home button also featured a circle icon instead of a rounded square. It also featured the new Lightning connector.

Reception
The initial consumer response to the iPod nano was overwhelmingly positive and sales were heavy. The Nano sold its first million units in only 17 days, helping Apple Inc. to a record billion-dollar profit in 2005.

Apple's release of the iPod Nano as a replacement for the iPod Mini was viewed by many as a risky move. Steve Jobs argued that the iPod nano was a necessary risk since competitors were beginning to catch up to the iPod Mini in terms of design and features, and believed the iPod nano would prove to be even more popular and successful than the iPod mini.

Within days of the Nano's release, some users reported damage to the Nano, suggesting that the LCD screen had become so scratched that it was unreadable, even when the backlight was on. Many reported fine scratches on Nanos, caused by microfiber cloths. Other owners reported that their Nano's screen cracked without use of excessive force. On September 27, 2005, Apple confirmed that a small percentage ("less than 1/10 of 1 percent") of iPod nanos shipped with a faulty screen and agreed to replace any that had cracked screens, but denied the iPod nano was more susceptible to scratching than prior iPods. Apple started shipping iPod nanos with a protective sleeve to protect them from scratches. In October 2005 a was filed against Apple, with the plaintiffs seeking reimbursement for the device, legal fees, and "unlawful or illegal profits" from sales of the iPod nano. Lawyers for the plaintiffs claimed that the devices "scratch excessively during normal usage, rendering the screen on the Nanos unreadable, and violating state consumer protection statutes". Similar lawsuits were later filed in Mexico and the United Kingdom. In early 2009, Apple was in the process of settling a court case over the scratched iPod nano screens. It was suggested that Apple should set aside $22 million to refund users. At the time, it required a Judge's sign-off on the terms by April 28, 2009. Some commentators such as Arik Hesseldahl from  have criticized the lawsuits. Hesseldahl dismissed them as "stupid" and suggested that they benefitted "no one but the trial lawyers," but also suggested that Apple could have avoided litigation by offering "full refunds on unwanted Nanos" instead of charging a re-stocking fee and lengthening the return period from 14 days (when purchased through Apple retail or online) to 30 or 60 days.