Apple has intorduced a smaller version of its popular iPod Shuffle music player with a new feature that announces songs to its user.

The new 4 gigabyte Shuffle will be priced at $79 in the US and carry up to 1,000 songs, twice as many as the last generation of Shuffles.  

"The third-generation iPod shuffle is significantly smaller than an AA battery, holds up to 1,000 songs and is easier to use with all of the controls conveniently located on the earphone cord," Apple said.

"With the press of a button, you can play, pause, adjust volume, switch playlists and hear the name of the song and artist."