Dell is not hearing the music. The Round Rock, Tex.-based computer maker is squashing any rumors reported in recent weeks about plans to release an MP3 player.
The speculation has centered on Zing Systems, a California-based startup Dell acquired last year. Observers suggested Dell might use Zing to release a new version of its DJ Ditty, a music device offered in 2006.
“As we said a few months ago, our strategy focuses on content offerings and delivery platforms that mix Zing software, remote access, and preconfigured media bundles across all of our devices, including licensing agreements with entertainment distributors,” said Jay Pinkert, Dell’s consumer group representative, in a Dell blog post Monday. “It has never been about a music player.”
Speculation Warranted
It isn’t clear what Dell’s plans are for Zing, which had supplied technology to companies like SanDisk and Sirius Radio. Zing shipped in SanDisk’s Sansa Connect mobile music player. Zing connected with Sirius on its Stiletto 100 and Stiletto 2 products, which allow users to record and listen to live Sirius Satellite Radio shows.
Dell had a prototype of a mini-MP3 player based on Zing entertainment software and was in the midst of testing the prototype, reported The Wall Street Journal, basing its story on someone “familiar with the matter.” Dell was also said to have delayed the anticipated fall release of the MP3, but then decided to scrap it, according to the Journal.
Pinkert did say that the music and movie bundles Dell launched a few weeks back are examples of what’s going on inside Dell on digital entertainment.
“We’re very proud of our emerging role as a change agent, so stay tuned as we continue to generate new ideas and new approaches to personalization,” Pinkert wrote.
Upcoming Releases
While Dell quells rumors about an MP3 player this holiday season, it’s also broadcasting that it has a slew of new products and new features to existing products ready for holiday shoppers.
Dell said it has tweaked its Studio 15 and Studio 17 laptop products by adding Centrino 2, touchpads that allow circular scrolling, and LED displays. Also on the list of changes is an upgrade of Dell’s XPS One product. Dell has added a 24-inch full display and an Intel quad-core processor.
Buyers of Dell’s greenest personal computer, the Studio Hybrid, now can personalize the PCs with bamboo or leather sleeves.
“Next week we will expand our desktop portfolio with four systems based on the new Core i7 architecture,” Pinkert said. Three of the systems will be targeted at die-hard gamers while the fourth will be targeted at buyers who like the below-$1,000 price.