DigiHunter

Cowon to expand product categories

Oct 5, 2009 12:23

Cowon, better known as a leading brand and manufacturer of MP3P/PMPs worldwide, is looking to expand its product portfolio with new products. Also, its marketing strategy has changed from the past as well.

Cowon recently released the USB memory stick called UM1, a completely new product segment from its past lineup which is reminiscent of iriver's Domino USB memory. UM1 is available in two colors--Glossy Gold and Chrome Black--and in 2GB to 16GB capacities. UM1 is waterproof and dust-free. I'm not too sure if this USB memory device will be available overseas.



I don't know if the company ever ran teaser pages for its upcoming models in the past, but it is starting to do this starting with the iAudio E2. This is a simple type of MP3 player and looks like an upgrade model of its previous necklace-type T2. The E2 teaser page was removed from the Web site, and none of the information has been released until today.



Another teaser page has come up for the iAudio 9 which is a replacement model for the iAudio 7 which been out for years as its flagship MP3 player with a touchpad UI. The iAudio 9 is much slimmer and this time there's an added speaker to the front panel for user convenience. But the LCD size is only 2 inches, which is annoyingly small for viewing considering that it supports various video codecs. The iAudio 9 also has TV-out, which makes me think this is a bit over-specced for this type of device.

Actually, my main interest in the Cowon is its MID (mobile Internet device). The Korean firm has been leaking information about its MID since early this year, but none of the information has been released until today. Its last call for the MID was that it will be out to market by the fourth quarter. I assume Cowon may release its first MID with a Linux OS rather than Windows XP. Cowon has one of the best Linux developers and they have worked with several Cowon PMP products in the past, so they would find it easier to deal in the Linux environment and differentiate themselves from other MIDs in the Korean market which are based on Windows XP.

Also, Linux OS can reduce retail cost. However, it's been their experience that the Linux OS does not really attract customers even though there is WiFi on the Cowon Q5W. Korea's Internet access is limited by ActiveX which has been a stumbling block for the Linux OS for portable Internet devices including laptops.

Let's see when Cowon is going to launch a teaser page for its first MID, and if it is really going to release all three models in Q4. Wow, it is driving hard to secure market share after the success of the Cowon S9 and O2.

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