Commodore launches Wi-Fi media players

Comeback kid unveils 1GB and 2GB Gravel devices

Ian Williams at CeBIT in Hanover, vnunet.com 20 Mar 2007

Commodore has showcased a range of media players at CeBIT which stream content over Wi-Fi from the firm's Commodore World platform.

The Commodore Gravel range includes two small personal media players with capacities of 1GB and 2GB.

The company has also unveiled a set-top box for playback on TVs, and an in-car unit which features GPS and a touch screen.

"The Commodore name has long been synonymous with excellence and innovation in the field of consumer electronics," said Commodore chief executive Ben van Wijhe.

"Back in the 1970s and 1980s Commodore's pioneering spirit made gaming and media entertainment accessible to a large audience around the world.

"Now in the wireless era, we look forward to giving the CeBIT crowd a hands-on experience of Commodore World on Gravel products."

Mark Appel, director of product development at Commodore, told vnunet.com that the Gravel devices will be easy to use thanks to deals with Wi-Fi hotspot providers including BT Openzone in the UK.

International and local content will be provided on Commodore World via deals set up between Commodore and commercial studios. User-generated content, either for personal use or sharing, will also be available in the future.

Content will be provided on a subscription basis, with a free basic package provided with the unit.

Other content can be accessed via a combination of pay-per-view and pay monthly subscriptions. Subscriptions will range from €2 to €20 depending on the content.

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