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Micronas Introduces New Audio Equipment Concepts Based on MP3 MAS 35xx Processor Family

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Micronas, the world market leader for MP3 decoders for consumer applications, has unveiled a range of new audio equipment concepts based on its MP3 (MPEG Layer 3) MAS 35xx processor family. These innovative products aim to revolutionize the way people listen to music, offering a range of devices that can play MP3 files, eliminating the need for in-car CD changers and providing new possibilities for audio streaming.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MAS 35xx processor family is a key component in the development of MP3-compatible mobile telephones, car radios, and mobile flash players.
  • The Microdrive system is a miniature hard disk with 340 megabytes of storage capacity, which can be integrated into a CompactFlash memory card, storing over 70 hours of music.
  • The first car radios equipped with Microdrives will be available early next year, and the MP3 CD player is expected to be on the market by the end of the year.
  • The MP3 player for mobile telephones is a device that can be plugged into the handset, allowing music to be heard between calls.
  • The audio home server is a small playback unit that can store complete personal music collections in MP3 format, allowing non-PC users to also enjoy MP3 music.
  • Micronas is an international semiconductor company with over 1300 employees and annual sales of over CHF 280 Mil. in 1998.

Statistics:

  • The Microdrive system has a storage capacity of 340 megabytes.
  • The Microdrive system can store over 70 hours of music.
  • The MP3 CD player can play up to 12 hours of music.
  • Two manufacturers plan to introduce mobile telephones with MP3 functionality within the next few months.
  • The MP3 player for mobile telephones makes energy-saving and ergonomic use of the rechargeable battery, display, and keypad of the mobile telephone.

Sources:

  • "Micronas Introduces New Audio Equipment Concepts Based on MP3 MAS 35xx Processor Family," Business Wire, Nov. 16, 1999.
  • Micronas Holding AG, "About Micronas," 1999.
  • Micronas Holding AG, "Annual Report 1998," 1999.

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