User Friendliness
Due to its easy use, Apple's iPod became a popular product for consumers. The design and functions of the iPod, iPod Nano, and iPod Shuffle allow users to navigate easily through their stored information. The iPod has developed into a user-friendly device that provides much entertainment for any purchaser.
The “Apple Click Wheel” is most unique feature on the iPod, distinguishing its easy usage beyond other similar devices. This wheel is the circular touch-sensitive pad below the main screen. By the stroke of a finger across it, users can easily access their files and utilize the iPod's functions (i.e. track selection or volume). The most purposeful function of the wheel is operating through the menu items to retrieve information from the music, photo, or video libraries.
Navigating through the iPod's menu and accessing files is very simple. By dragging a finger across the click wheel, a user can access any of the menu options. Depending on the purchased options, these menu items can include: Music, Photos, Videos, Extras, Settings, and Shuffle Songs. Each menu item leads to another directory.
The Music option on the Main Menu provides a list of items that helps the user find the desired audio track. That is, users can search for Artists,
Songs, Composers, Albums, Genres, and Playlists. Furthermore, they can listen to Podcasts and Audiobooks under this menu. Podcasts are broadcasted radio-style shows that include ABC News and ESPN. Users will need to subscribe to most of these channels. With Audiobooks, users can jump to chapters and set the speed at which a book is read. Despite the growing number of alternate uses for the iPod, music listening remains the primary function of this device. Users have the ability to easily make playlists as a current song is playing. Also, they can rate songs, and create playlists based on their favorites.
From the main menu, the Photos item leads to a directory of stored pictures. A user can view an individual photograph from the entire library or a favorite photolist. Furthermore, they can create a slideshow to show off. A user can access their video library by clicking the Videos item on the main menu. They have the ability to watch full videos, music videos, TV shows, and video Podcasts. The Extras menu item leads the user to many special options. These include a calendar, address book, world clock, screen lock, notepad, stopwatch, and games. The screen lock allows a user to protect the iPod using a four-digit combination. The clock feature includes a sleep timer and an alarm clock (that can be set to your favorite song). The Settings feature from the main menu allows the user to access ways to customize sound and visual affects for the iPod. Finally, the Shuffle Songs item on the menu provides a one click access to all of the variety of music on the particular device.
