The iPod mini gets a Maxi Update

iPod mini owners rejoice! Your mini now has (almost) the same features as a maxi 4th generation iPod. Apple yesterday released the the iPod Updater 2004-11-15 which offers the following updates to the mini’s firmware:

• Compatibility with iTunes 4.7 and the iTunes Music Store
• Create multiple On-The-Go playlists
• Shuffle and play song library with one click
• Delete songs from On-The-Go playlists
• Select reading playback speed for audiobooks
• Hear Click Wheel clicker through headphones
• Sync and go with improved disconnect performance

The main improvements here are the multiple On-The-Go playlists, and, especially, the Shuffle Songs menu item which now appears at the top level of the iPod mini’s menus. If you’re an audiobook fan, you may appreciate the ability to change the playback speed. As for owners of previous iPods, there are a couple of minor fixes for you in this update as well.

If you’re a Mac user, you can download this update from the Software Update pane of the System Preferences. Windows users can go here to download the update.

Now, the iPod mini and the 4G iPod have almost exactly the same features and menus. (The iPod mini still can’t record, nor can it use media adapters to store photos.) It’s about time!

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