Many have complained about the 6th generation iPod nano’s new design claiming that the removal of so many features has made it an inferior design to previous iterations. Gone are the video camera, touch scroll wheel, microphone and video playback with the only addition being a touch screen interface and a clip. So why do I think this is the best iPod yet, well its down to a feature that Apple didn't even design themselves.

The size and touch interface allows the new iPod nano to be clipped on to a watch strap and setting the screen to display a clock when awake allows the iPod to function as a watch. This however is not just a gimmick and may lead to Apple rethinking the future of the nano and the path it takes. The 6h generation nano was supposed to be a more mobile iPod, the addition of the clip and the Nike+ app was to create a good option for those that like to exercise regularly without having to carry larger iPods and iPhones in their pockets that can easily fall out or pull ear phones out. Turning your nano into a watch allows even greater portability and ease of use to quickly navigate songs regardless if you are exercising or not without having to remove the device from your pocket and with the functionality more greatly focused on music there is less to navigate through. Smartphones phones these days can play games, record videos, take pictures,organise your schedule and much more so there is less need for an iPod to do these things instead providing a simple dedicated music player. Apple will likely continue to develop portability and ease of use for the nano as well as targeting the fitness market and not add on features that are unlikely to be used.

A few features that should be added to make the next iPod even better would be good Bluetooth functionality that doesn’t drain the battery so music can be played through wireless earphones and speakers, the watch strap should be included and a basic speaker/vibration to be used as an alarm. Who knows it might only be a matter of time before the iPod Watch comes out and they scrap the nano all together.