Users navigate the iPod nano's menus using the device's 1.54 inch touch screen display.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images
The iPod nano is Apple's mid-range MP3 device, giving consumers that want more storage and frills than the iPod shuffle offers an alternative to the massive iPod classic and extra-laden iPod touch. There are two types of software used with the iPod nano, the device's software and software used to manage the media files on the device, both of which are continuously updated through software updates issued by Apple.
Device Sofware
The software that runs on the iPod nano itself is very similar to the iOS software that runs on Apple's iPhone and iPod touch devices. The software makes use of touch screen icons to control everything on the device, from selecting songs and applications to changing settings and adjusting the device's output volume. To software has four "home screens" that the user can switch between by swiping their finger across the screen. Each home screen contains either buttons to control the music being played or applications that can be used on the device, including the "Genius" playlist application and "FM Radio" tuner application.
Desktop Software
ITunes is the desktop software used to manage the songs stored on the iPod nano. To use the software with your iPod nano, launch the program and connect the iPod nano to the computer with the USB connection cable that came with the device. From here, drag the songs you want to store on the iPod onto the device's icon, located under the "Devices" heading. ITunes can be downloaded for free from Apple (see "Resources").
Determining the Software Version
To determine the software version your iPod nano is using, tap the "Settings" icon on the device followed by the "About" option. Here, the software version will be listed. Alternately, you may view the device's software version in iTunes. Connect the iPod to a computer, launch iTunes and click on the device under the "Devices" heading. From here, click the "Summary" tab and the iPod's software version will be listed next to the "Software Version" subheading. To check the version of iTunes you have installed, launch iTunes, click the "Help" tab and select "About iTunes" from the drop-down list. Mac users will need to click the "iTunes" tab and select the "About iTunes" option. The version of iTunes you are running will be the first thing listed in the scrolling text that appears.
Updating the Software
To update the software on your iPod nano, you must first update iTunes to the latest version. To do so, click the "Help" tab and select the "Check for Updates..." option. If any updates are found, the computer will prompt you to install them and restart after the installation is complete. On a Mac, click the "iTunes" tab and select the "Check for Updates..." option to update the software. With the latest iTunes software installed, connect the iPod to the computer. Once the iPod is connected, if there is a new software version available iTunes will prompt you to install it. Confirm the installation and iTunes will begin the update process.
References
Resources
Photo Credits
- Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images
