Neuros Digital Audio Computer Announces Availability of Positron for Linux Platform Support and Ogg Vorbis Playback
[Posted June 30, 2003 by cook]
( BW)(IL-DIGITAL-INNOVATIONS) Neuros Digital Audio Computer Announces
Availability of Positron for Linux Platform Support and Ogg Vorbis
Playback
Business Editors/High-Tech Writers
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 30, 2003--
First Digital Audio Device Manufacturer to Collaborate with the
Open Source Community; Offers Unlimited Possibilities for
True Third-Party Application Integration
Digital Innovations, maker of the revolutionary Neuros(TM) Digital
Audio Computer, today announced the availability of Positron, an open
source synchronization application that allows consumers to transfer
digital audio files from a Linux workstation to the Neuros device.
Positron represents the first deliverable from Digital Innovations'
ongoing joint project with Xiph.org, founders of the Ogg Vorbis file
format. Next month the two companies will unveil the second phase of
the venture, offering integrated support for Ogg Vorbis playback on
the Neuros. Digital Innovations is the first digital audio device
manufacturer to offer these valuable capabilities with direct support
from the open source community.
"Adding support for Linux, Ogg Vorbis, and other operating systems
and file formats to MP3 players is expected to extend the lifecycle of
the MP3 player market as it begins to mature, said Susan Kevorkian,
senior analyst at IDC. "This is an important way for manufacturers to
appeal to previously untapped segments of the user base."
In providing support for the Linux platform, the Neuros offers a
number of clear advantages over other digital audio players that lack
such utility. Open source developers have the flexibility to create
unlimited third-party applications that other users can use, free of
licensing restrictions. Several developers have already begun to build
applications that expand Neuros' capabilities beyond its original MP3
file playback functionality. One such application will offer voicemail
retrieval capability, while another is designed to randomly select
tracks for download from the user's digital music collection based on
pre-selected preferences.
Today's announcement further empowers consumers to enjoy their
music as they wish. The Ogg Vorbis format's superior sound quality and
increased storage capacity gives users the opportunity to collect more
music on their device and enhance their listening experience.
"From its initial stages, the digital audio phenomenon was largely
a product of creative, independent developers with a vision for
technology and devices that speak directly to consumers and their
music. We're harnessing that same spirit to further broaden the appeal
and function of Neuros," said Joe Born, Chairman and Chief Technology
Officer of Digital Innovations. "The initial reaction we've received
from the open source community has been overwhelmingly positive, and
certainly suggests a considerable demand for Linux and Ogg Vorbis
support - we're thrilled to be the first vendor to work with Xiph to
integrate it into our device."
"The relationship we've formed with Digital Innovations is quite
unique, as it represents the industry's first partnership between a
device manufacturer and an open source development group with a common
goal," said Jack Moffitt, CEO of Xiph.org. "In developing a direct
link from Neuros to the Linux platform, we're giving developers their
first opportunity to create interactive applications for a
ground-breaking digital audio device. The possibilities are truly
endless."
The Neuros Digital Audio Computer couples compact design and
device usability with new levels of digital music personalization and
compatibility to deliver an unprecedented music experience. The device
includes several unique features including MyFi, which provides
wireless playback capability through any FM radio, and HiSi, an
automatic song identification system.
Current Neuros users can download the Positron application
directly from www.neurosaudio.com. Ogg Vorbis playback capability,
currently available in beta from the Website and scheduled for final
release next month, will be accessible via a software update during
the Neuros synchronization process. Both are offered free of charge.
For more information about Digital Innovations' work with the open
source community, please visit http://open.neurosaudio.com. Neuros can
be purchased online directly from the company's Website and from J&R
Music & Computer World at www.jr.com, and will be available at select
retail outlets including CompUSA beginning in September 2003.
About Xiph.org
The Xiph.org Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated
to designing, implementing, and promoting royalty-free, open standards
for Internet multimedia. The first of these standards is the Ogg
Vorbis audio codec, providing a royalty-free and superior alternative
to MP3. For more information visit http://www.xiph.org.
About Digital Innovations
Digital Innovations, established in 1995, is committed to
providing breakthrough, easy-to-use products to enhance consumer use
and enjoyment of technology. More than two million of the
award-winning SkipDoctor line of CD, DVD and game disc scratch repair
devices have been sold worldwide. For additional information on
Digital Innovations and an interactive demonstration of the Neuros
Digital Audio Computer, please visit www.neurosaudio.com.
--30--MP/bo*
CONTACT: Greenough Communications
Laureen McGowan, 415/434-3200 x15
lmcgowan@greenoughcom.com
KEYWORD: ILLINOIS
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE SOFTWARE ADVERTISING/MARKETING
AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCT
SOURCE: Digital Innovations
©2003