iTWire Technology Feature - 
TAG | Can Samsung succeed with mp3 S2 Pebble and the S3 Slim? |
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| by Alex Zaharov-Reutt | |
| Saturday, 26 April 2008 | |
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Page 1 of 3 iPod haters naturally don’t agree, but then, that’s their problem, and I’m sure they’ll vent their rage in the comments section – indeed, I challenge them to, because it’s fun and most entertaining to see them raving on and on, with heaped up, frenetic lashings of 128kbps compressed sound and fiery fury that ultimately signify... nothing. Or at least, little effect on Apple’s sales – something that is both good and bad, for Apple does need challenging so it remains on its toes and on that competitive and innovative edge they’ve dominated so successfully over the past few years. But the real challenge is for Apple’s competitors to come up with mp3 and media players that people actually want to buy, that are equally as – or even more – cool, and don’t just rely on extra features that iPod owners don’t really care about, anyway – for if they did, they wouldn’t buy iPods. So it should come as no surprise that Samsung’s press release starts off by evoking cool. Why wouldn’t they? Technology and fashion are heavily intertwined, no-one wants to be seen with an electronic brick, now do they? As opposed to Apple’s tight and non-numerous line of models, Samsung notes that it has an ‘expansive line’ – aiming to cater to as many people as possible – with its latest two models “weaving together elements from the latest trends in modern fashion design”, while “while upholding Samsung’s dedication to providing consumers with top-notch audio quality and multimedia playback”. Samsung also calls them “true fashion accessories that can be used to accentuate anyone's personal style” – available in a “range of colours” at that, much like the market leader. But lest anyone think I am criticising Samsung for bothering to make mp3 and media players, nothing could be further from the truth. I’m really having a go at iPod haters, who I’ve crossed paths with in previous articles about new mp3 players, an experience which was hard to forget, the poor little babies that they are. Samsung’s new mp3 and media players are actually pretty cool, and are worthy alternatives to the mp3 hegemony ruled by Apple. Samsung themselves are excited, and rightly so. Reid Sullivan, Vice President of Digital Audio and Video Marketing at Samsung Electronics America said that: “Samsung is excited to reveal our newest portable media players with designs that offer consumers a unique, yet subtle way to express themselves while enjoying their favorite mobile entertainment. With the S2 and S3, consumers now have more compact and thin MP3 and portable media player options to choose from without needing to sacrifice overall functionality or multimedia playback.” So, what are the new players actually like, what do they look like, and what are their features? Please read onto page 2 for photos and more info. |
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