Reader tip-offs have alerted blog Engadget to the existence of mysterious 4GB Apple iPod nanos appearing on retailer’s shelves and sites.

The new nano is only available in 8GB and 16GB models so the appearance of the smaller capacity model is being reported as a mystery.

With pricing said to be around 119 euros, at least from one Dutch shop, Apple’s UK and US sites don’t list the smaller models – but we have been able to get to the bottom of why this is.

An Apple spokesperson has told Pocket-lint: “We made a limited number of 4GB iPod nanos for some international markets, but this is not one of our main configurations.”

Directvoxx muso

DirectVoxx has introduced its muso Voice Control for iPod. The muso is a small dock-connecting accessory that allows users to access their music with natural voice commands. According to the company, the device “synchronizes with the user’s iTunes library directly on first use and requires no training to understand requests such as ‘Play me some Led Zeppelin,’ ‘How about some Rolling Stones,’ ‘Gimme jazz’ or ‘Go to My Broadway Tunes playlist.’”

With current support for a wide variety of English phrases, DirectVoxx says non-English multilingual support is coming in 2009. The device is self-powered by an internal rechargeable battery offering ten hours of use under “normal operating conditions.” It includes a sync/charge cable and a remote control, and will be available for the iPod nano in December for $159, with a future iPod/iPhone compatible model planned for release “as soon as possible.”

The R4 Integrated Music System (IMS) comprises a multi format CD player, integrated iPod dock, USB playback port, DAB/FM tuner and auxiliary inputs allied to a powerful a 80W audiophile-grade amplifier and speaker system. The R4 employ either warm, tactile real wood veneers or dashing piano lacquer finishes, complemented by the cool touch that only real pressed steel panels provide. This unique, distinctive aesthetic is matched by a gorgeous sound. The R4 will be available from June starting at £499 ($1000).

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If you’re a big fan of the iPOD Nano 2G design and regret the arrival of the 3G version of this tiny DAP, you’ll be pleased to see the Zarva V1 (1GB), a Nano 2G lookalike (88×40x6.4mm, with a 1.46″ display)). It supports many audio and video codecs like: AVI (Mpeg-4), MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, APE, JPEG as well as TXT files.

Apple has announced that it is adding a “gorgeous” new pink iPod nano to the current range lineup.

Described as “much-requested” by the company, the pink iPod nano is available immediately in an 8GB model for £129.

“Customers are going to love the gorgeous new pink iPod nano,” says Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing.

“The pink iPod nano is perfect for people who want a great
new colour this spring, or who are searching for a special
Valentine’s Day gift.”

Apple is no doubt hoping to re-create the success that it enjoyed with the pink version of an older model, the iPod mini, demand for which outstripped supply in the lead up to Christmas 2004.

The iPod nano is currently also available in silver, black, blue, green and a (PRODUCT) RED special edition.