The smallest iPod Shuffle was launched last week. It features proprietary headphones which will replace the buttons on the music players body. There is no screen on the 3 G iPod shuffle. There will also be new voice over controls for navigation.

 

The control buttons are removed from the iPod Shuffle body and have been ported onto the headphones. Battery level indicator and control functions are part of these stock headphones.

The navigation and playback controls have become very complicated. The voice over controls will take some getting used to as well.

 

The voice over control backs up user navigation. Status of the action is updated by a human like voice. It will give you information like “ To play a track, click the center button”

 

The details of voice over controls are on the Apple site. There is also an authentication chip on the new iPod Shuffle headphones.  This means a major chunk of the portable music market that did not belong to Apple will now move to Apple.