iRiver preparing to launch its own handset; Shows some very “familiar interface” on CES

I do believe the pure media players are counting their last days. There may be room for video-centric devices with larger screens even in the future, but having a separate music/MP3 player is kinda obsolete these days. iRiver knows that, hence they’re working on their own handset.

According to PC Magazine, they’ll be rolling out their first mobile phone in the coming months. The iPhone like device will feature the 3″ 480×272 touchscreen, 4GB of flash store, 2 MP camera that can also record video, built in GPS and some (unspecified) mobile TV receiver. We’ve no idea what radios iRiver will put inside the phone, but given the fact they’re competing with Apple (NSDQ: AAPL), it’s better for them to bundle both 3G and WiFi radios inside. Finally, iRiver’s Owen Kwon promises the upcoming device will be “more affordable” than the iPhone. Now let’s just wait and see what these guys can do…

Almost forgot, at the CES – iRiver demoed its device with “very familiar” interface. According to the iRiver people, the showcased UI was only meant to demonstrate what the phone was capable of, not a finalized version of the OS.

[Via: Engadget Mobile]