Apple announced a new iPod shuffle today, retailing for $79 with 4GB of space. The new model is similar sized to a stick of gum and has no visible controls as the new included headset acts as the remote. As with the old shuffle, a clip is still on the back ready to grip onto anything; to spruce it up, Apple changed the clip to stainless steel. The new shuffle, available in black or silver, uses “VoiceOver” technology for the mp3 player to speak to you. A click and hold of the earbud button says the track name, while a long hold allows you to select different playlists. The VoiceOver feature works in almost every language, though the voice switches from the standard OS X Leopard voice, Alex, to a more robotic female voice when the iPod user syncs with a PC (so to get that smoother tone, you gotta go buy a Mac along with your new iPod shuffle – classy move Apple.) The old 1GB model is still available for $49. Debates over whether this switch to no buttons is good have already started, let us know what you think in the comments.

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