(21 September 2006 8:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Apple has introduced the new iPod shuffle, nearly half the size of the original, it claims to be the world's smallest digital music player. It is half a cubic inch in v olume, weighs just half an ounce and features a all-new aluminum design and a built-in clip.

The new iPod shuffle contains one gigabyte of flash memory which holds up to 240 songs, and is more affordable than ever at Rs. 5,600.

"It's hard to believe the new iPod is a real music player when you first see it," said Apple's CEO Steve Jobs. "But it is real, and holds up to 240 songs in an incredibly compact and wearable design that weighs just half an ounce."

iPod shuffle is based on Apple's popular shuffle feature which lets users enjoy their songs in random order. Or listeners can simply flip a switch to listen to their songs in order, such as when listening to a new album. iPod shuffle features up to 12 hours of battery life.

The new iPod nano models are now available through Apple authorized resellers across the country for Rs. 5,600 (INR).