Have you ever wondered how an iPod knows when you flip it over or how it can respond to a game you’re playing on the screen? This piece of technology is called an accelerometer, and it’s a vital piece of the iPod puzzle. The accelerometer inside iPod touch uses three elements; An electric current, silicon mass, silicon springs. When these elements come together, they provide the user with an amazing gaming experience. The silicon springs measure the position of the silicon mass and cause a fluctuation in the electrical current. The springs do this by measuring where the electrical current moves through the mass of silicon. When the silicon moves, the current changes and the LCD screen receives a different signal. This variation then sends a signal to the iPod telling it to adjust the game or whatever is on the screen. iPod touch detects when you rotate it from portrait to landscape and automatically changes the screen accordingly. By simply turning the device to a portrait or landscape view, you can instantly view a full web page, control a game using just your movements, or view a photo in the proper aspect ratio.

Accelerometer technology also works in connection with other devices. For example, in April 2008, Nike and iPod partnered for Nike + iPod. Nike + iPod lets you track your workouts and receive progress updates like distance and calories burned through your headphones. A small device is placed in your shoe and the device interfaces with your iPod and allows you to upload your workout stats to your iTunes library for future use.

Plus, the Nike+iPod combo lets you create client workouts and you can even interact with your training team. Treadmills, elliptical machines and stationary bikes made by some of the largest equipment manufacturers now have the ability to record cardio workouts directly to users’ iPod device.