Writing for TechExtreme , Lou Hirsh says that e.Digital Corp. is hoping to compete with Apple’s iPod with its new MXP 100 digital music and voice recorder. The new device was recently profiled in an article entitled Look, No Hands: Voice-Activated Music Player Listens Back.
The MXP 100 does have a few nifty features not present on Apple’s iPod, including voice recognition and the ability to act as a voice recorder. e.Digital claims that MXP 100 users can navigate directories on the MXP 100 by calling out to it. The small box uses Lucent-based voice recognition software and a chip from Texas Instruments to accomplish the feat.
While the MXP 100 is small and light (4.3 by 2.5 by 0.87 inches, and 4.9 ounces), it’s pretty pricy for the capacity — ranging from US$339 for a 340MB model to $449 for a 1GB model. It uses removable IBM MicroDrives to store data. Apple’s iPod is $399, but its 5GB capacity is in a fixed, sealed enclosure.
e.Digital COO Jim Collier said the MXP 100 is “going to be very competitive with the iPod,” and added that the company plans to introduce Mac support by the end of the first quarter of next year.