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December 13, 2005

Tao 20 GB Mp3 Player with Wi-Fi wireless

The Tao Wireless Media Player is an MP3 player with built-in Wi-Fi access, and has the ability to download music from any available wireless hotspot.

Other noteworthy features are the ability to schedule recordings of favorite programs and act as an FM transmitter and receiver. Tao users can share songs and content with other Tao users, though you still have to pay for content you haven't already purchased.

"This is a next-generation MP3 player; you no longer have to browse the Internet looking for songs to move to your player," says Marjon DeGroot. "I can't imagine all the MP3 players having wireless capability in two to three years."

Tao, which includes a 20GB hard drive and two headphone jacks, will be available later this month in a "soft launch" via the company's Web site for $399 and through partners such as Audible.com which will offer $100 off for new subscribers.

"Tao is a unique approach because it frees you up from having to use a PC and gives you a lot more flexibility," says Tim Bajarin, analyst with Creative Strategies.

"People want instant on and ready access to services, so I think they are right. In two years wireless is the direction all the players will be going."

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Posted by mp3fan at December 13, 2005 10:06 AM