‘Dell to release music player’

Computer maker Dell is reportedly developing a digital music player.

According to Reuters, the Wall Street Journal has cited officials from the company, claiming the device, which could retail from September, features a small screen and basic buttons for navigation.

The player would connect to online music service via a Wi-Fi connection and would probably be priced under $100 (£50), the newspaper said.

Dell’s vice-president of consumer sales Michael Tatelman told the Journal that if the company decides to sell the device they will adopt a different strategy to that of the DJ Ditty player, released in 2003, which had to be withdrawn after disappointing sales.

Software for a range of portable PCs that will let users download music and films from the internet is currently being developed by Dell, the newspaper added.

In other digital music player news, Creative has unveiled the Zen Krystal.

Designed for sporting enthusiasts, the device comes with a stop watch, calorie counter and a pedometer capable of tracking both speed and distance.