3GSM World Congress
AlphaCell Wireless 2001 Ltd., an Emblaze Group company and a provider of customised mobile handsets for the entertainment market, has announced the imminent launch of its M5 Music model. This new mobile handset has a design and user-interface dedicated to mobile music services, which can be handpicked by operators. Visitors to AlphaCell’s stand at 3GSM (Hall 4, Stand 2K) will be able to try out the M5 Music first hand.
The M5 Music marries form with function. It is a pocket-sized device with an ergonomic design for a convenient and enjoyable listening experience. AlphaCell has designed the handset with four programmable soft keys around the screen that offer one touch access to music content and operator services.
AlphaCell has incorporated a tailored, customisable interface into the M5 Music, which gives easy access to stored artist lists, a playlist organiser and music-themed content. Complementing this is a host of further interactive connectivity features including email, MMS, SMS and Internet browsing.
The M5 Music contains an MP3 player and port for an MMC SD card, alongside advanced audio and visual effects, including a 10-band equalizer, preset sounds and ID3 tags. MP3 files can be copied to the M5 Music for ‘on the go’ listening and it can also sync with a computer in order to download favourite music clips. The handset stores up to nine hours of music and more when attaching an MMC card.
With revenues from music and media services is predicted to grow from $906 million in 2004 to $5.9 billion in 2007, according to Strategy Analytics, the M5 Music is aimed squarely at the youth market. It offers a ready-made revenue stream for operators via its tailored content and instantly accessible services. The customisable user interface is also an opportunity for brand continuity and extension.
Avner Mor, CEO of AlphaCell, explained: “We have created a phone dedicated to the rapidly growing interest in music over mobile devices. It means that operators can now develop a handset with content, services and design values that tap directly into this increasingly popular sector.”
“Instead, the M5 Music lets operators decide what content and services they will include and how they will generate revenue from the phone. We can help with this, by providing content from Emblaze Systems for instance, but the ultimate power is with the operator.”