The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Digital devices that fit into your pocket

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 15, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Digital devices that fit into your pocket

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: It is small enough to fit in your palm and tinier than most mobile phones. It can store thousands of your favourite songs. MP3 players which store music in a compressed form have become very popular with the `Generation Next' in Indian metros.

On Wednesday, the Korean company ReignCom launched here its iRiver range of products which are already marketed in the U.S. and Europe. The vice-president of the company, Henry Kim, said the focus now was on new and emerging markets such as SAARC nations, West Asia and Africa. The entry into India is through a tie-up with Salora International Ltd., a leading technology and entertainment company, he said.

Salora with experience in consumer durables, telecom and IT and with an extensive distribution network reaches 20 States; the iRiver products are being launched initially in Bangalore and Delhi and in the next phase in Mumbai, Pune and Chennai.

"IDC projects that by 2007 the revenue for digital MP3 devices will exceed $ 44 billion, amounting to an annual growth of 20 per cent. India will be a major contributor to this," Mr. Kim said.

The digital devices market in India is expected to cross one billion by 2009. The iRiver product range spans portable digital audio-visual and storage devices and portable videos to play movies and games, digital convergence products and multi-media content such as music videos and live footage.

They also come with features like FM radio, the current rage and long life batteries.

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