Will the vAMP replace the CD?
January 18, 2008 by Lisa Zyga
The vAMP MP3 player by MediaStreet.
While some people might argue that the CD has already been replaced by the MP3, music stores want to think otherwise. The digital device manufacturer MediaStreet has recently announced a product that it hopes will replace the CD and get music fans back in stores.
The new device, called the vAMP (virtual album MP3 player), is like a cross between a CD and MP3. Technically, itīs an MP3 player, but it comes pre-loaded with a particular album, and you buy it in stores. The vAMP doesnīt have a screen, but it has a front sticker containing album art and a back sticker containing the track listing and liner notes. MediaStreet claims that itīs the smallest (0.7 ounces) and thinnest (3 mm) fully functional MP3 player.
The vAMP has 1 GB of space, so consumers can add additional songs to the device, as well as transfer the vAMPīs pre-loaded songs to a computer. Consumers will also have access to Beyond.FM and MyDigitialContent.com to download songs.
The vAMP has a suggested retail price of $27.99 each (or you can buy a blank vAMP for $19.99). It may be about the cheapest MP3 player you can get, but itīs still quite a bit pricier than a single CD or downloading individual songs.
Nevertheless, MediaStreet and the music stores are hoping that the vAMP and a compelling marketing campaign will lure music fans back into stores. Certainly, the device provides a more tangible collectible item than single MP3s. But whether people who already own iPods will be interested remains to be seen.
via: ChipChick
Jun 12, 2008 |
not rated yet |
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TOO LIMITED.
the only difference is that this only costs $30, not $150.
The Sound of Music Stores Whistling Past the Graveyard
An MP3 player is an MP3 player. They're just trying to reduce features on them, and sell them like CDs.
I agree. I can almost see the logic in thinking that when you can't sell $10-$18 CDs you should have not problem selling $30 albums...
And everyone would be sure to be a repeat customer- I mean, we all need a new one of these for each album right? Wait a minute, there's extra space in these? Now where am i supposed to get the extra MP3s to fill it up? Oh, yes, I'll just DRIVE my car down to a store so I can buy a few MP3s...
Apart from the extra cost of gas, the inconvenience factor, the ridiculously high price, the infinitessimal chance of people buying more than one, the question of batteries/maintenance, breaking into highly saturated/established markets and a few other quibbles I can't see how this won't work. I mean, there is actual album art printed on the thing...
Well, at least this may be a distraction from the intense 'litigate our customers to death' campaign.
With decisions like this its no wonder why artists are steering away from the labels and doing everything themselves. With today's technology even a child (or a Speares) can make a quality sounding product, with or without talent.
The record industry is suffering from a severe case of denial.