SanDisk Launches New DAP for slotMusic Cards

SanDisk has just unveiled a new DAP - the Sansa slotMusic Player. The plug and play, portable music player was specially designed for use with their slotMusic cards that were launched in the US. In addition to the Sansa-branded player, SanDisk has created personalized, branded slotMusic players for popular artists such as Robin Thicke and ABBA. It weighs in at a little over two ounces and has dimensions of 2.75 (W) x 1.4375 (H) x 1.4375 (D) inches.
"With no need for computers or cords, the Sansa slotMusic Player gives consumers more time to play, and less time to worry about managing or downloading their music," said Daniel Schreiber, senior vice president and general manager for SanDisk. "SanDisk is all about building products that are easy for consumers to enjoy. Just insert your favorite artist's slotMusic card into the Sansa slotMusic player and press play."

The player doesn't require a PC or the Internet for managing music. Consumers can choose their slotMusic or music-filled microSD cards and can pop it into the device. In addition to slotMusic cards, this convenient MP3 player can play songs from any microSD card with music encoded as MP3 and WMA (DRM-free only) files. SanDisk has also developed a special line of Sansa slotMusic Player accessories, including a Sansa card wallet, an armband, and additional slotMusic player "shells" for customizing a player to one's own tastes.The Sansa-branded players ship with a customizable black shell, earphones and battery. The new Sansa slotMusic Player, both Sansa-branded (without cards) and artist-branded (including cards with additional content that may include liner notes, album art and other one-of-a-kind content personally chosen by the artist), is expected to be available from retailers in Europe and other regions of the world in 2009 for an MSRP of about Rs. 954 ($19.99) and Rs. 1, 900 ($34.99) respectively.

Sandisk Launches HD Video Flash Card Line

As the first of a new category of storage media, SanDisk launched the Video HD cards to be available in SDHC (high-capacity) and Memory Stick PRO Duo formats, and will be identified by minutes of recording time as well as by capacity."The SanDisk Video HD line takes the mystery out of selecting the proper memory for these new camcorders," said Susan Park, senior product marketing manager for SanDisk's Cards and Accessories Division. "The bright red packaging and the bold labeling of recording times give consumers an easy way to select memory cards for video." The cards are designed to be high performance and optimized for high-definition camcorders, but they can also be used in recording standard video. "Further, the cards work well in point-and-shoot digital still cameras that have video capabilities", she added.

The market for flash-enabled camcorders is expected to grow in popularity. Research company IDC predicts that by 2011, some 37 percent of global camcorder shipments will be models that record onto memory cards, and well over half of camcorders will feature HD video capture. "With HD video quickly penetrating the category, it will be critical for vendors to provide seamless recording experiences," said Christopher Chute, research manager of IDC's worldwide digital imaging practice. "The SanDisk Video HD card is well-positioned to service this expanding market by simplifying the memory message for consumers," he added.
The SanDisk Video HD cards are expected to be available starting in March for North America and shortly afterwards for Europe. They will be offered in 60-minute (4GB) and 120-minute (8GB) times – on the HD Standard setting – for both SDHC and Memory Stick PRO Duo formats. Suggested retail prices are $79.99 and $139.99, respectively, for the 4GB and 8GB SDHC cards, and $79.99 and $149.99, respectively, for the Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.Source

New MP3 Player - Sansa Fuze by Sandisk

SanDisk has unveiled a new MP3 Player, the Sansa Fuze, in 2, 4 and 8 GB capacities.In addition to playing music, video, photos, FM radio and audiobooks, the Sansa Fuze includes a microSD card slot to add and transfer content, a voice recorder and a 1.9" color screen that allows users to navigate their music or watch videos in landscape mode.The Sansa Fuze MP3 player gives users access to subscription download services from sources, including Rhapsody To Go, Napster, eMusic and others. It supports playback of a wide range of popular music formats such as MP3, WAV, Audible (for audio books) and Windows Media Audio (WMA) in both unprotected and protected files and supports MPEG-4 video and JPEG photos. Its internal rechargeable battery can play up to 24 hours of audio and five hours of video.The MP3 player works with computers running Windows XP or Windows Vista and Mac and Linux operating systems (under MSC mode).
"The Sansa Fuze is an eye-catching player that consumers will enjoy for its looks, capabilities and incredible value," said Eric Bone, vice president of product marketing for Sansa, SanDisk’s audio/video product line. "This new MP3 player combines some of the best features found on other Sansa products, including great sound quality. It’s yet another strong offering by SanDisk in the sub-$150 music player market."
The Sansa Fuze is expected to be available in U.S. stores in early April, in Canada and Europe in late spring, with other regions of the world to follow.
The 2GB version, available in black, will cost $79.99, the 4 GB version, available in black, red, pink or blue, will cost $99.99 and the 8 GB version, available in silver, will cost $129.99.Source

Delhi prepares for Mobile Asia 2008....

Mobile Asia 2008, India’s largest consumer exhibition on mobility will be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from February 29 to March 3, 2008. The expo will showcase innovative new products and services being offered by telcos and handset manufacturers. Among those displaying their products and services will be the likes of Airtel, ASUS, i-mate, Intex, LG, Molife, Motorola, Nokia, Nuance, Radical Software, RPG Cellucom, Samsung, SanDisk, Sony Ericsson, Vodafone, World Phone and World Space Radio. Users will also be able to avail of attractive offers on a variety of products and services, which will be available at the event.
Mobile Asia 2008 will be inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Sheila Dikshit on February 29, 2008. The theme running through the event will be GenNext, as exhibitors will showcase products and technologies that will change lives not just today but in the coming years too. Explaining this, Pankaj Mohindroo, National President ICA (Indian Cellular Association), said, "The next wave of growth in mobile subscribers will be primarily from the younger generation. Mobile Asia 2008 therefore aims to provide a platform for the industry and trade to interact and communicate with GenNext.”Mobile Asia 2008 is the fourth in the line of mobility expos organized by ICA, which is committed to protecting the interests of the industry players as well as the consumers.
Speaking about Mobile Asia 2008, Mr. Lloyd Mathias, Chairman, Mobile Asia, said: This year, Mobile Asia will focus on GenNext to ensure consumers see the latest in mobiles - the world's largest convergent device.
Apart from newly launched and innovative handsets and mobile services, Mobile Asia 2008 will also showcase the latest innovation in various technologies related to the mobile industry.Source