Philips Readies Android PMP, iPod Speakers

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 1/30/2012

LAS VEGAS — Philips Consumer Lifestyle went to International CES with its next-generation Androidbased portable media player (PMP) and a quartet of iPod/iPhone-docking speaker systems.

The new PMP is the GoGear Connect, which runs on Android 2.3 and features a capacitivetouchscreen model like its predecessor. The new model will be available in 8GB and 16GB versions in April at a suggested $169 and $199, respectively.

Compared to its predecessor, the new model adds larger screen at 3.5 inches compared to 3.2 inches, adds capacitive touch technology, front-facing video camera for Skype video chats, MicroSD card slot for expanded memory, and Bluetooth 3.0 compared to Bluetooth 2.1+EDR for lower power consumption.

Other features in the new model include embedded speaker and virtual surround technology to expand the sound stage for headphone listening.

Like its predecessor, the new GoGear Connect features stereo Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, web browser, preloaded apps, ability to download apps from the Android Market, 720p video storage, DLNA server capability and built-in speaker.

Among four new iPod/iPhone-docking tabletop speakers, all offer clock radio features and FM tuner. All also feature auto clock synchronization when an iPod/ iPhone is docked, 3.5mm aux input, sleep timer, time and alarm battery backup, dual alarms, and free Philips clock-radio app.

The two models that look more like traditional clock radios are rated at 4 watts RMS and 10 watts, respectively. Price and ship date were unavailable.

The other two tabletop speakers are larger models with different cosmetics, larger speakers and bass-reflex speaker system for deeper bass. They are also rated at 4 watts and 10 watts RMS, respectively. Price and ship dates were unavailable.