Like Joey, I, too, am at the MediaConnect IT Journo Asia event in Desaru, Malaysia. It's a great opportunity to meet other journalists (and some bloggers--shhhhh, don't tell anyone!) from the region to talk shop as well as network with various companies in an informal setting to suss out the latest news and trends within Asia.


One of these companies is EC-Asia International or ECI. At first focused on developing, manufacturing and distributing DRAM/flash memory products, it is now entering the consumer lifestyle device segment with the introduction of its new ACEplus Melody, with promises of more to come.


You would think that the consumer lifestyle market in Asia is pretty crowded, with many brands and manufacturers competing for mindshare and sales. There are the market leaders, such as Apple with its iPod, the also-rans, such as Creative with its Zen, plus many other branded and nameless models from China and Korea that offer the same functionality and portability.


But the ACEplus Melody is slightly different. Not only can you play music through a number of SD/MMC cards, it is also an integrated Bluetooth headset as well as a memory card reader. Paired to your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or computer, you can receive phone calls or Skype communications on-the-go. The Melody will automatically pause the music track for calls, and resumes after you've finished. And the unit comes with a Li-polymer battery that can be recharged via a USB cable or optional power adapter.

Just when you thought that consumer electronics companies are churning out copies, in comes something unique that would definitely be copied by others. Having an iPod as well as an iriver voice recorder/portable radio/MP3 player, the little Melody could be a welcomed addition to my small array of gadgets. It looks much more inviting than those Borg-like headsets that many people walk around with.

ECI's Sales and marketing director said that the company is targeting students, housewives and other "regular" people who aren't so fanatical about gadgets because the Melody is relatively easy to use and can blend in with your surroundings. So you can inconspicuously be in touch with loved ones as well as your music while walking down the street, without looking to much like a telesales operator in a hurry.

 

adriyanto
Level:
Indonesia

amir101
Level:

fekimoki
Level:
Indonesia

sandynata
Level:
Indonesia

thomasarie
Level:
Indonesia