Apple Launches New-Look iPod Shuffle

Apple has launched a new version of the iPod shuffle - its smallest digital audio player.

The iPod shuffle, which was first introduced in 2005, now sports a VoiceOver feature that 'speaks' the titles, artists and playlist names of the music playing. An ideal feature if you can't remember the name of a song or an artist.

It's bilingual too - offering 14 different languages - and will even 'speak' the battery level to you. The new shuffle is also the first to benefit from a 'Playlists' feature.

Apple claims the digital audio player is "significantly smaller than an AA battery" and with a 4GB memory is capable of holding up to 1,000 tracks. The new iPod shuffle also features a smooth aluminium casing, with all the controls now located on the earphone cord. It also features a built-in stainless steel clip, so it can be easily attached to your clothes.

"Imagine your music player talking to you, telling you your song titles, artists and playlist names," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of iPod and iPhone product marketing.

"The amazingly small new iPod shuffle takes a revolutionary approach to how you listen to your music by talking to you, also making it the first iPod shuffle with playlists."

Bundled with earphones and a USB cable, the iPod shuffle comes in silver or black, and is expected to be priced at £59(Rs.4,300).