NEWS: CES UNVEILS WI-FI PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYERS OFFERING CONSUMERS ACCESS TO THOUSANDS OF INTERNET RADIO STATIONS by GRANT

GODDARD

www.grantgoddard.co.uk January 2007

Wi-fi enabled portable media players and home hardware, offering users access to thousands of internet radio stations, were in strong evidence amongst the product launches at last weeks Consumer Electronics Show [CES] in Las Vegas. Chip maker Frontier Silicon generated significant interest in its new integrated circuit that combines analogue, digital and IP radio reception and is predicted to herald the arrival of under-50 portable internet radios by this summer. Steve Evans, the companys VP for digital audio, explained: With audio content increasingly becoming available online, audio receivers must embrace wi-fi connectivity to avoid obsolescence within a few years. While the majority of audio products today rely on broadcast technology, we are now in the transition decade where consumers will increasingly demand access to digital content from the Internet. This chip will accelerate the introduction of the new generation of home audio systems by bringing internet radio and streaming into mass market radios and audio systems. We believe that it is essential for the manufacturing community to ensure that their products are scalable to meet the evolving demands in both broadcast and IP radio. Its already happening in TV, and its going to happen in radio on a global scale. SanDisk, the second largest seller of portable media players in the US, used CES to launch its Sansa Connect, which combines a flash-based mp3 player with wi-fi connectivity. Eric Bone, the companys audio product marketing director, said: "The Sansa Connect is a new music experience focused on convenience, instant gratification and social connections." It will be available from Easter in the US for $249. Polaroid launched two wi-fi media players that support wireless downloads and music file exchange. Jim Koestler, the companys VP of product management, said: Adding a wi-fi enabled portable media player ensures Polaroid customers will have the latest technology available in an approachable, fun-touse product that makes accessing music, video and photos [easy] whenever, wherever they may be.

[First published in 'The Radio Magazine' as 'Portable Wi-Fi Radio Ready By Summer' [sic], #771, 17 January 2007]

Grant Goddard is a media analyst / radio specialist / radio consultant with thirty years of experience in the broadcasting industry, having held senior management and consultancy roles within the commercial media sector in the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia. Details at http://www.grantgoddard.co.uk

News: CES Unveils Wi-Fi Portable Media Players Offering Consumers Access To Thousands Of Internet Radio Stations page 2 2007 Grant Goddard