Merging the iPod shuffle with a phone, Motorola and Apple launch the new ROKR E1 iTunes handset, initially to be carried by mobile network operator Cingular Wireless.
Motorola and Apple today announced the availability of the world's first mobile phone with native iTunes support, to be known as the ROKR. Featuring a user interface designed in tandem by Apple and Motorola, the ROKR will enable the transfer of up to 100 songs from a Mac or PC running Apple's iTunes client, but will not provide the ability to download or purchase songs over-the-air.
Scheduled for market introduction worldwide in time for Christmas, the ROKR sees its first availability through mobile network operator Cingular in the US. In the UK, the handset will first be available through the Carphone Warehouse in mid-September and then with mobile network operators O2, followed by Orange, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile and other retailers through September and October.
In France and Italy, the device is expected to arrive in late september through retailers, whereas in Germany, distributors and operator channels will offer the ROKR in the fourth quarter. Other markets include Canada, which will see introduction in mid- to late September with Rogers Wireless; Hong Kong in late september through retail and operator channels; Australia, Singapore and the Philippines in late September and early October; and Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and 'other markets throughout the world' in the fourth quarter.
Features of the ROKR will include a dedicated music key for lanching the iTunes software, as well as the ability to view album art, dual built-in stereo speakers and stereo headphones that also serve as a handsfree kit. Users will be able to randomly autofill or manually fill the mobile phone with playlists of music, audiobooks and Podcasts from their iTunes library via USB, with the handset pausing automatically when users initiate or receive calls. Also, the ROKR will be capable of playing music whilst using other features of the handset.
The Motorola ROKR with iTunes pre-installed is available immediately for $250 USD with a two-year service agreement from Cingular Wireless. Its expected pricing in other markets is as of yet unknown.
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