|
Despite all the new cellphones around with advanced multimedia
capabilities, portable MP3/MP4 players are still popular. That's because they
focus on doing one thing only-entertain. Among the new crop of devices, there's
a constant toss-up between trying to offer a more portable device and one which
offers a decent viewing experience for video. Probably the best balance has been
struck by devices like the Creative Zen X-Fi. And for it's multi-faceted, PDA-esque
functionality, the iPod Touch 2nd gen is great too.
We can't imagine going a day without portable music or entertainment. While
your beloved TV will still be waiting for you in your drawing room, and your
favorite iPod is also there at its fav position, inside the pocket of your jeans
with earphones plugged into your ears. But do you know what more you can expect
from these tiny devices called MP3 players or iPods, next year? Here is what we
expect:
1More storage: MP3 players are no longer just meant for listening to
music or watching videos, rather they are being also used a mass storage
devices, photo viewers, and even as radios. In MP3 players, 2 GB memory was the
norm two years back. In 2008, the trend shifted towards 8 & 16 GB, though a
couple of them like the older iPod offered 80 GB and 160 GB too. This high
capacity trend and fight for extra storage in a smaller package seems to have
become a norm now and should continue into next year.
2Better displays: Most of the MP3 players with video compatibilities
sport decent screens, but they will soon be replaced by more capable OLED screens
which offer higher resolutions, better viewing angles and lower power
consumption.
|
 |
| I see the MP3 player becoming
more of a convergence device it already is. Large memory, large display
screen, more touch functionality, video streaming, sleek form factor,
greater connectivity...I think this would be the way forward.
R Zutshi, Dy MD, Samsung India |
3More connectivity options: Bluetooth is already there in a couple of
MP3 players, and a few like the Creative Zen also boast of WiFi. Expect both
these functionalities in other MP3 players too.
| LD's dream MP3 player
It should be a combination of the Cowon A3 and
Apple iPod Touch. It should have a screen as large as Cowon's gorgeous 4”
display (with a higher resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels) coupled with the
iPod's multi-touch interface. Like the Cowon, it should be able to record
video from any source right out of the box with native support for all the
video codecs out there without any conversion. But it also be able to record
and play full HD video. It should have USB host functionality to connect any
digicam or external memory device. WiFi and Bluetooth are a given of course.
So is FM with recording, voice recorder and 250 GB of storage. |
4Slimmer and snazzier designs: As is the case with all the devices
these days, slim, light, and trendier MP3 players will be in.
5More format support: MP3 (MPEG Layer 3), WMA (Windows Media Coding),
MPEG, MOV, WMV, and AVI formats are common. Expect more format compatibility.
| Hit MP3/MP4 device of 2008 |
Flop MP3/MP4 device of 2008 |
|
 |
 |
| The new iPods have a lot going
for them; for starters there's the 2nd gen iPod Touch. Then there's the
all-new 4th gen iPod Nano with accelerometer and the maxxed out 120 GB
Classic. |
The Creative Muvo T200 was
plagued with average quality earphones, poor bass as a result of that, and
poor FM reception. Plus it was priced the same as the Zen Stone. |
|