Tiny S'pore-made MP3 player that?s easy on the wallet
ON A tight budget, not brand conscious but still want music on the go?
A home-grown company has come up with what it is pitching as a cheap alternative to Apple's tiniest digital-music player, the iPod Shuffle.
Barely the size of a thumb, the Kube (right) measures 23mm by 23mm and weighs 18g.
The company behind the player, Blue Tree Electronics, wants to make MP3 players affordable for everyone by pricing the Kube at only S$34.90.
It is also selling it at 7-Eleven stores so as to reach out to a wider clientele. Despite its light weight, the player can pack in six hours of performance, with just an hour of charging needed, said Blue Tree.
Despite launching the product at all 450 7-Eleven stores, Blue Tree insisted "we are no Creative", referring to one of the most successful companies in Singapore, Creative Technologies, well known for its line of MP3 players.
The company, set up by a group of long-time friends in 2004, initially went into designing electronic products for other companies.
Last year, the group decided to make and market its own MP3 player.
Ms Goh DjongDjong, Blue Tree's sales manager, said: "We felt the time was right. Three years ago, everyone just wanted the iPod, which was deemed cool.
"Now, people are probably more used to it and, maybe, are looking for cheaper alternatives."
She also pointed out how the iPod Shuffle, with its basic functions, is much pricier.
Ms Goh said: "People love to buy the Shuffle because it's by Apple, but the price - the outdated Shuffle still costs $79 - just isn't there."
Blue Tree is targeting children aged 10 to 16 and "young working adults and aunties who are watching their spending".
On the choice of 7-Eleven stores as sales outlets, Ms Goh said: "We could have gone the conventional route and sold it at places like Harvey Norman, but we didn't see the point of fighting for attention beside giants.
"It's a trial for now...but we have elements in place, good audio quality, good value for money, and good looks."
