Updated 18 May, 2013, 5:10 pm IST

Apple iPod: One Decade Later

25 Oct, 2011 | by Naina Khedekar

Apple celebrated the iPod's 10th birthday recently. Here's a quick look at its adventurous journey and evolution from being the first "i" device to make it out.

iPod Shuffle (2005 - 2010):
Several reasons may have compelled Apple to dish out what we now call the Shuffle. This most affordable device of the lot weighing in at a mere 22 grams launched in January 2005 was the first to employ flash memory. Just a year later, the company unfurled the second generation of this minuscule device which had the USB connector replaced by a docking station (for data transfer and recharging). It also garnered accolades for its clip-on design making it exteremely convenient for the avid gym enthusiast and others who liked keeping their hands and pockets free. Soon enough, in 2007, Apple decided to push in four new colors. In the same year, the lineup was refreshed with more color options as well as Product Red.

The first time the iPod 'flashed' you

In March 2009 came a design overhaul and the much talked about VoiceOver functionality that read artist names, albums, playlists and more. The Apple earphones integrated with the remote didn’t really seem to appeal to many Apple loyalists. The lack of physical keys on the device could also have been one of the reasons it didn't fare as well as the others, but there was no denying the fact that in the design segment it was as chic as they came. Moving into the fourth generation, Apple decided to go back to the older form but in a much sleeker profile with a Voice-over button. Though the third generation Shuffle was available in 4GB, the most recent iteration can be picked up in 2GB storage capacity as well.

iPod Touch (2007 - 2011):
Arguably the most celebrated iPod, the iPod Touch entered the tech terrain in September 2007. It was initially available in 8GB, while 16GB and 32GB models were added later. It took forth the large touchscreen fad with a 3.5-inch capacitive display not very unlike the iPhone's. In 2008, Apple decided to rock it with the second generation iPod Touch that had a sleek new chrome back and frame alongside a few notable differences. The third generation iPod Touch roped in the newer version of the operating system (needless to say) and also enhanced internal components. Last year in September, the fourth generation iPod Touch came with the now much reknowned Retina display, a front facing camera for Apple's Face Time chat app and a rear camera that was capable of 720p recording. At the Let's talk iPhone event, the company delved into details of the latest iPod Touch to ship with iOS 5 and an angelic white option apart from the regular slick black coloration.

Can touch this!

Whether one may agree or not, Apple has created a niche market for its products and has an exetremly loyal fan base. After the recent birthday bash, it would be interesting to know what the company has on the iPod platter for future.

Here's another quick look at the timeline of the iPod -