Engadget is reporting that the Slacker player, which we know will feature a 4-inch screen, will also be rocking a scrolling touch strip and will debut this summer.The Slacker storage capacity will be available in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB versions all the way up to 120GB (!!!) for a price between $150 and $350.
Slacker (which I guess is the name of the service as well as the device?) will have the ability to download your audio content via either WiFi and USB. And you'll be able to purchase tracks for $1.
Engadget also reports that there will be a docking station for home or in the car, so Slacker content is accessable while on the move or if you're out of WiFi range.
[Engadget]
120GB!!!!! I'm getting more and more interested. I'm sure this service will have growing pains, but man, this is going to be interesting over the next year or two.
I wonder if there will be any kind of portable kit?
seems to me that this is a "gap filler" between terrestrial radio and the SDARS and the iPod. both SDARS offer many personailities and different moods/feels for their music channels, while this sounds more like a "playlist" over the air. also, is this music only, or will live talk radio be na option? my guess is something similar to podcosts is more likely depending on how much badwidth they have leased. a 10,000 song list seems a little shy of the millions of songs in the SDARS libraries.
I don't expect this to be an iPod killer, or even a Zune killer. But i really think the Slacker portable is really just touching upon a different segment of the market. I have been using the slacker web player since it's release in March and have to say if the hardware is upto par with the software then they will have a great combo. Also noted that if they can get the third party support then i think they will have a good following. Slacker also stated that it would not be affected by the recent internet radio royalty price hikes (for now). 10 more days, and we'll let the reviews come rolling in. Also check out http://www.slackersocial.com Seems to be a good start to a social backing. I'll try to post an unboxing and complete review as soon as it arrives.