Today

US computer giant Apple has joined forces with U2 frontman Bono and Bobby Shriver to launch a new red iPod nano that will promote an Aids charity.

The red 4GB iPod nano, which has the storage capacity to hold 1,000 songs and 25,000 photos, will cost $199 in the US.

Apple said it would contribute $10 from the sale of each red-colored iPod nano to the Global Fund to help fight Hiv/Aids in Africa.

The California-based firm will also donate some of the proceeds from a $25 iTunes Red gift card to the charity.

"We're ecstatic that Apple is giving their customers the choice to buy a red iPod nano and help women and children affected by Hiv/Aids in Africa," said Bono.

"It's wonderful to see this incredible level of commitment from companies that are willing to lend their creativity in the fight against Aids in Africa, the greatest health crisis in 600 years."

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs added: "Now customers can buy the best music player in the world and do something to help the world at the same time.

"We're honored to work with Bono and this team to contribute to an incredibly important initiative and help change the way people think about AIDS in Africa."

The iPod nano is the slimmest of the firm's range of iPods, at just 6.9mm.

It offers a graphical clock, 24 hours of battery life, stopwatch, games, a calendar, a contact list and a screen lock that uses the click wheel like a combination lock.

The new device uses USB to connect to either Mac or PC computers.

Apple has sold more than 45 million iPods since the first model was launched in October 2001.

The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria was established in 2002, with the support of the world's leaders and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, to dramatically increase resources to fight three of the world’s most devastating diseases.

To date, the Global Fund has committed around $5.2bn to more than 363 programs in 131 countries.