Apple has upgraded its low-end iPod line with a new 4GB shuffle that includes software that speaks the name of tracks being played.

The new iPod shuffle is similar to older models in that it has no screen, but is about half the size. The device includes software that will tell the user verbally what track is playing, and vocalise playlists and the amount of battery life remaining.

"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."

All controls for the device are contained on the headphones. The voice software is installed on the user's computer and downloaded to the device so that it can speak in 14 languages: English, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish.

The device, available in silver and black, is $10 (£7.25) more than the older 2GB shuffle it replaces. Apple will continue selling the 1GB shuffle for $49 (£35) but will phase out the 2GB version.