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June 14, 2006

rivals

iPod competition, or just another MP3 player?

Posted Jun. 14, ’06, 1:26 PM PT by Scott Silverman
Category | Apple » Rivals

GremlinAs Apple/iPod fans, it’s too bad we never hear about the latest “iPod Killer.” Oh, wait a minute, we always hear about the latest device slated to slaughter the iPod, and this one is no exception. Perhaps, however, it’s a little different.

MusicGremlin today released a portable music player paired with an integrated online music service. The music service includes two options, a $.99 per download purchase price, or a $14.99 per month unlimited rental plan. The online music store features over 2 million tracks from the four major record labels and thousands of independent labels.

The player itself (creatively titled the Gremlin MG-1000) features a color screen, 8 GB hard drive, and integrated Wi-Fi connection. This Wi-Fi connection allows users to download music directly to their player from anywhere there’s wireless internet. It also allows two players to connect and browse each other’s music libraries. Subscription-based users can actually swap music between devices, completely legally.

The device however, can only connect to PCs, so Mac users are stuck using the Wi-Fi features of the device. What do you think, does this device threaten iTunes and the iPod?


2 Comments

Cark M. Thomas said:

Nice features. Ugly package. Small screen. Not a killer. Just an ugly brute looking to date the prom queen.

June 15, 2006 8:03 AM
Luke Miller said:

Interesting ideas for the file swapping and Wi-Fi download capabilities. Not an iPod killer by any means, has nothing on the visual appeal or space storage. But with some upgrading and re-design, it COULD potentially be a bit of a threat.

June 17, 2006 1:57 PM

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