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Synchronization Ease of Use (4.59)
As with all iPods, the Shuffle syncs with your computer via iTunes. If you don't already have iTunes installed on your computer, it's a free download from Apple's site, available here. When the Shuffle is connected to your computer, it will appear on the Devices list in the source pane on the left. Clicking on it will show you a menu with 3 tabs in the main pane to the right. The 2nd and 3rd tabs allow you to select the music and podcasts to sync with the Shuffle. For music, you can choose to sync all music, though this will only work well if your library is small enough to fit on the Shuffle.
The AutoFill feature that was a primary synchronization option with previous Shuffle models is still there, though it will only become available if you choose to manually manage the music on the Shuffle, foregoing the automatic synchronization.
Syncing goes quickly with the Shuffle. We time how long it takes to sync our standard testing playlist, which loaded onto the Shuffle in 54.3 seconds, a respectably fast time.
You should know that you must upgrade to iTunes 8.1 to sync your music with the new Shuffle - if you don't have this version up front, you will be asked to download it once you connect the Shuffle to your computer.
Despite the bump to 8.1, there are no major functionality changes to iTunes - it is still the same friendly and all-in-one sync machine for your portable Apple media devices that is easy to use and fairly straightforward. It doesn't quite offer us as much control over syncing or library management as we'd like, but it's still quite functional and sufficient for most users.
Synchronization Features & Support (2.0)
iTunes will automatically update your library and smart playlists when new music is added, and those changes will be automatically reflected on your Shuffle when it's synced unless you have chosen to manually manage your music. iTunes supports the same file types that the Shuffle does, so you won't encounter any issues where you can play a music file in iTunes that won't play on the Shuffle. With no wireless connectivity, there are no other syncing options that will free you from the need to carry the included USB cord when you travel.
Other Synchronization Software Features (8.0)
Many people have a love/hate relationship with iTunes - it limits library management options for advanced users but is the only way to sync your Apple portable media devices, which is blessedly easy to do with it. The recently-added Genius feature, which will put together a custom playlist for you that is similar to a target song you've chosen, is neat but doesn't do anything for the Shuffle, unless you create such a playlist on your desktop and then sync it to your Shuffle. Overall, though, iTunes can do it all for most people, taking the lead on organizing your entire library for you and going as far as acting as a full-featured media player for music, audio books, and video, as well as acting as the portal to the iTunes music store where you can buy a wide variety of media to add to your library. It's not perfect, but it's pretty darned good and there is something to be said for how it streamlines the media consumption experience for many users.
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