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Apple makes it official: New iPod Shuffle on Friday

Downsized version of already-teensy music player will be available Nov. 3.

Caroline McCarthy Former Staff writer, CNET News
Caroline McCarthy, a CNET News staff writer, is a downtown Manhattanite happily addicted to social-media tools and restaurant blogs. Her pre-CNET resume includes interning at an IT security firm and brewing cappuccinos.
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Caroline McCarthy

Apple Computer announced on Tuesday that the second generation of its iPod Shuffle will be available globally on Friday, Nov. 3. The 1-gigabyte screenless iPod, which retails for $79, has been the subject of much fan speculation because of Apple CEO Steve Jobs' claim that it's the world's smallest digital-audio player--it's half a cubic inch in volume.

The new Shuffle was announced as part of an Apple "special event" in September. Jobs originally stated that the little music player would ship in October, but when most of the month went by without a definite release date, enthusiasts began to wonder what had happened to it.