Apple joins Bono's AIDS fight with "Red" iPod nano

Apple joined rocker Bono's charitable project Red on Friday with the unveiling of red iPod nano MP3 players to raise money to battle AIDS in Africa.

The U2 frontman co-founded Red, which enlists renowned brands such as Giorgio Armani and Gap to make product lines that devote part of their revenues to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

A red version of Apple's nano, the world's most popular MP3 player, was created with Bono's help. Ten dollars of the four-gigabyte nano's 199-dollar sale price would go to Global Fund programs.

Apple also planned to sell Red gift cards for its iTunes online music and movie store.

"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," Bono said in a release.

"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."

The Global Fund was established in 2002 with the support of the world's leaders and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to increase resources to fight the three devastating diseases.

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

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