Apple's latest iPods: What you need to know

03.09.2010

Only the iPod nano has this feature.

It's true that Apple has ditched buttons on the iPod nano (with the exception of physical volume buttons). Instead, the nano now offers touchscreen controls. You navigate the device's menus and control it by scrolling and tapping, just as you would an iPod touch or an iPhone. You can also control playback using the inline remote control on Apple's (now-optional) earbuds with remote/mic or any compatible third-party headphones.

Sadly, Apple no longer includes its "premium" earbuds--the ones with the inline remote and mic. Instead, the new iPod models include the company's basic earbuds. For the iPod shuffle, this is likely a fair tradeoff, as the new model regains its physical buttons. But it will present challenges for the iPod nano and iPod touch, especially for those who use these iPods for active pursuits. We'll have more to say about this once we've had hands-on time with the nano and touch.