Apple and Sony launch new players

Apple and Sony look set to go head-to-head in the MP3 market as both announce new products.

Apple has released a new super-small iPod named the Nano.

Featuring a colour screen, there are two size options - 2GB (which holds around 500 songs) for £139, and a 4GB model (which holds around 1000 songs) for £179. Both are available in either black or white.

The players weigh just 42g and are the thickness of a pencil.

Apple, often criticised for the iPods’ poor battery life, claim these will run for 14 hours on a full charge.

Meanwhile, Sony has relaunched its Walkman brand with 6GB and 20GB options.

The 6GB model costs £169, while the 20GB unit costs £199.

As predicted, Apple has also launched an iPod phone in conjunction with Motorola. The phone is set for a US-release first.