Technology For Everyone

Samsung YP-MB2

Samsung is soon going to release what should be the first true competitor to the Apple iPod touch to use Android. The YP-MB2 would have identical features as the Galaxy S but targeted at MP3 players. This gadget would center on the same large, outdoor-friendly four-inch Super AMOLED screen and 1GHz processor but would use Wi-Fi only to get online.

The YP-MB2 will use Android 2.1 with Samsung’s customized TouchWiz (now 3.1) interface layered on top, but it should get extra features to compensate for the absence of a phone. Built-in storage should double to 32GB, and the Korean model will get DMB over-the-air TV tuning. Unusually for this class of device, GPS would remain intact and could give this gadget an edge when navigating with offline apps.

In Korea, the YP-MB2 should release August 11. It hasn’t been formally unveiled but is likely to reach other countries.

The existence of this gadget is significant to the MP3 player field as, until now, no major electronics firm has based an MP3 player on the platform. Google’s stock media playback features are currently basic and often miss out on multiple formats and common features on even basic MP3 hardware, including podcast support. Without significant opposition, Apple has dominated the touchscreen MP3 player category where competitors such as Samsung and iRiver often have little sway.

Most Android devices are either pure smartphones or else tablet-sized devices such as the Dell Streak or Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Tab.