Recently, I went in search of a generic Android iPod Nano replacement, and here is what I came up with. Working well, so far.
I have been listening to audiobooks and podcasts on an iPod Nano since 2006. My first generation 2 model gave up the ghost about nine years ago. And I replaced it with a seventh generation model, which died last month. Still works, but no longer connects over the Lightning connector. So, I can’t charge it or upload new files.
Too bad, because Apple discontinued iPod Nano in 2017. I had no choice but to find an iPod Nano replacement.
At first, I tried using my current or previous generation Samsung Galaxy phones, but not ideal for three reasons. First, I am not the kind of person who carries a phone with me all the time. Second, my smart phone is also our home phone, connected to cordless base phones over Bluetooth. Third, it’s a lot heavier and bigger than the Nano.
So, I decided to try some of the cheaper MP3 players on Amazon. The first one did not work. The second worked, but did not play MPEG-4, a popular audiobook format. I could make it work only by converting files first. I kept searching for my iPod Nano replacement. Fortunately, Amazon has a good returns policy.
Then, I found the Timmkoo Q5 play which handles MP3 and MP4 quite nicely. I combined this Android device with some Tagry XO8 Bluetooth earbuds. A nice combination for under CDN $80.
iPod Nano Replacement Functions Well
How does my generic device work as an iPod Nano replacement? Quite well. Now, I can bypass iTunes and just upload media files over a USB connection to the PC. All the folders show up on my Windows 10 PC and file transfer is fast and simple.
The Android HiBy player app takes a bit of getting used to with no (English) instructions but not too difficult. My Tagra Bluetooth earbuds connect easily and the charging station is really good for long use. The hall-effect control buttons are a bit flakey, but I am getting used to them.
The iPod Nano devices were quite reliable and easy to use, until they weren’t. We will see how the Android solution holds up over time, but I am happy so far.