Intel launches MP3 player

Intel will launch a portable MP3 music player in the US next month as part of a drive by the chip giant into the consumer market.

The digital audio device, called the Pocket Concert Audio Player, features a 128 megabyte flash memory that will hold up to four hours of downloaded music and FM stereo.

Intel said it plans to a build a version of the player for the European market but could not provide a timescale. The US version of the Pocket Concert, priced $299.99, does not comply with European power standards or FM tuners.

An Intel spokeswoman said: "We have every intention of building a player for the UK at a later date, but we are not specifying a timeframe."

Pocket Concert is encased in an aluminium case, weighs less than 113 grams and requires two AAA batteries, which Intel claims will power about 10 hours of play. The company's StrataFlash memory will allow double the flash memory of other small MP3 devices currently on the market, Intel said.

Don Whiteside, general manager of the Intel connected products division, said: "The player is designed to deliver longer playing times, better sound quality and the ability to enjoy music in a more versatile format now and in the future."

According to reports, the Pocket Concert will be the first in a number of new products from Intel aimed at the consumer market. Two other products are the ChatPad, an instant-messaging and email device, and a WebTablet, which will enable people to access the internet using a hardcover book-sized wireless screen.

More information is available from www.intel.com/home/audio