SanDisk’s Flash-player lineup has added the Connect, a WiFi enabled music player that can download tracks wirelessly or stream music live through Yahoo Music.
The $250, 4GB device features internal flash memory, a 2.2-in. TFT color screen and a microSD slot for expansion up to 8 gigs. It comes with a bunch of Yahoo-related features.
When you’re in Wi-Fi range, your Yahoo ID will get you over-the-air LAUNCHcast radio, access to Flickr, and the ability to see the music played by Yahoo Messenger friends (you can’t send IMs though.)
If you subscribe to Yahoo’s Music Unlimited To Go service, you can download straight to the device, and even pick up music that your friends are playing.
Music Gremlin, another computer-free music download device, features an 8 GB hard drive and runs about $200 while Microsoft’s $250 Zune features a 30GB digital media player but (so far) can only use the built-in WiFi to swap songs among users.
Sprint’s new UpStage (Samsung SPH-m620) is a multimedia cellphone with easy access to the Sprint Music Store (using their EV-DO service) for $.99 a pop. The $150 device (with contract), includes stereo Bluetooth, a 1.3 megapixel camera and a Micro-SD storage card.
Apple has sold 100 million iPods in five and a half years making it “the fastest selling music player in history.” The much anticipated iPhone isn’t due until June.
