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September 08, 2005
Steve Jobs unveils Apple Rokr
Steve James of Apple has revealed details of Rokr – a device that combines the iPod music player with a mobile phone. Rokr will be able to store 100 songs and play them randomly like the iPod Shuffle.
The gadget, which was developed by Motorola for Apple, will first be available on the network of US mobile operator Cingular. It is silver in colour, has a colour-screen, stereo speakers and includes a VGA quality camera.
Apple has developed a version of its iTunes music store for the phone, enabling users to manage the tracks they store on it. Smart software on the handset pauses music if a phone call is received.
Users can download tunes to Rokr via a USB cable. It can be filled manually, or an autofill option enables the phone to be filled with pop music. Rokr will be available in Cingular stores from 8 September and is expected to cost $249.99. Buyers must also enter into a two-year contract. It should be available in the UK and Europe in late September.
Although Apple hopes to repeat the success it has had with the iPod, several factors could affect sales of the Rokr. Owners may choose to only use the device to play music downloaded into it from a computer. This is because most mobile operators charge by the megabyte so downloading a track while out and about would attract an additional charge.
Also, it might take time for mobile operators to change data pricing regimes which would help to persuade consumers that downloading is worthwhile.
Posted by at September 8, 2005 11:47 AM
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