In the fast-paced world of technology, certain innovations leave an indelible mark, shaping the landscape of an entire industry. One such innovation was the iPod Shuffle 2nd Generation, a miniature marvel introduced by Apple in 2006.
In September 2006, Apple revolutionized the music scene with the launch of the iPod Shuffle 2nd Generation. Boasting the title of the world’s smallest digital music player at the time, this sleek device incorporated Apple’s groundbreaking shuffle feature, offering users a seamless blend of their favorite tunes wherever they went. Pioneering a compact design, the iPod Shuffle weighed just half an ounce and sported an aluminum body with a built-in clip, making it the most wearable iPod ever conceived.
Steve Jobs, the visionary CEO of Apple at the time, aptly summarized the device’s allure, stating, “It’s hard to believe the new iPod is a real music player when you first see it.” Despite its diminutive size, the iPod Shuffle 2nd Generation packed a punch, holding up to 240 songs in its one-gigabyte flash memory.
Whether users craved a random mix of tracks or preferred to listen to albums in sequence, the shuffle feature catered to all preferences, offering a versatile listening experience. Moreover, with a battery life of up to 12 hours, music aficionados could immerse themselves in their favorite tunes for extended periods without interruption.
One of the iPod Shuffle 2nd Generation’s key strengths lay in its seamless integration with iTunes. Users could effortlessly sync their music library with the device using the AutoFill feature, ensuring a tailored selection of songs with every sync. With access to over 3.5 million songs from the iTunes Store, music lovers were spoilt for choice, enhancing their listening experience with a vast array of tracks.
Designed to cater to diverse preferences, the iPod Shuffle 2nd Generation offered two distinct modes of operation: “shuffle songs” and “AutoFill” mode within iTunes. The former treated users to a serendipitous medley of tracks, while the latter allowed for personalized playlist creation or random song selection. Navigation was intuitive, courtesy of a simple control pad on the front and a convenient slider on the back, ensuring a user-friendly experience for all.
As with all good things, the reign of the iPod Shuffle 2nd Generation eventually came to a close. On January 30, 2007, Apple discontinued the device, marking the end of an era. However, its legacy endures, with its impact on the realm of portable music players still palpable to this day.
Today, 17 years have passed since the iPod Shuffle 2nd Generation graced the world stage, yet its influence remains palpable. With its compact design, innovative features, and seamless integration with iTunes, this iconic MP3 player left an indelible mark on the music industry. While it may no longer be in production, its legacy as a pioneer in portable music devices will continue to resonate with music enthusiasts for generations to come.
iPod shuffle 2nd Generation Details
| Introduced | September 12, 2006 – 17 years ago |
| Discontinued | January 30, 2007 – 17 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 140 days (4 months) |
| Model Number | A1204 |
| EMC | 2125 |
| Order Number | MA564LL/A |
| Original Price | $79 |
| Colors | Silver |
| Weight | 0.55 oz. – 15 Grams |
| Dimensions | 1.07” H x 1.62” W x 0.41″ D 2.71 cm H x 4.11 cm W x 0.83 cm D |
iPod shuffle 2nd Gen Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Samsung ARM-based chip |
| Processor Speed | Unknown |
| Architecture | Unknown |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Cache | Unknown |
Storage
| Storage | 1 GB |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
| Resolutions | N/A |
Media
| Audio Formats | AAC MP3 MP3 (VBR) Audible WAV |
| Photo Formats | None |
| Video Formats | None |
Connections
| Ports | 1 – 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack |
| Camera | None |
Controls
| Controls | Play/Pause Next title Previous title Volume |
Software
| Maximum OS | 1.0.4 |
| iTunes | iTunes 7.0 or later |
| System Requirements | Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 Windows XP Home or Professional |
Accessories
| Accessories | Earbud headphones Dock |
Power
| Battery | Built-in rechargeable Lithium Ion |
| Battery Capacity | Unknown |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
| Charge Time | Up to 4 hours |
| Power | Charging via USB dock |
Further Reading and References
- iPod shuffle (2nd generation): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils the New iPod shuffle – Apple Newsroom
- iPod Shuffle – Wikipedia
- 2nd Generation iPod shuffle – Low End Mac
- iPod shuffle (2nd Generation) – Apple History
- Apple iPod Shuffle second generation review – CNET
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
