[Rictor]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4223938.stm

Originally posted by Rictor, a day and a half ago

One solution would be to increase HD storage space while making them smaller, which will certainly happen, don't get me wrong. I'm looking forward to having the functionality of an iPod in a cellphone within a few years. But at some point, people will figure that there is simply too much data out there, good stuff that you want to get your hands on at any point, that storing everything locally is redundant and inefficient.

Except that I underestimated the pace of progress, as everyone usually does.

[BlackDove]

Not withstanding that iPod is a piece of ****, this has been possible for well over a year or two now, just in reverse.

I think Siemens was the first to introduce an .mp3 player on one of its mobile phones. It's just that you weren't able to hold that many songs, but then again, technology was 1-2 years older then.

[Fineus]

Whatcha want, a cookie?

(Oh and "yay". Something even more expensive that people can mug eachother for).

[karajorma]

A phone that can play mp3s. You'd have to be a f**king idiot to have not predicted them what with the fact that they already exist and all

On top of that.

At the moment owners can only use them to play music downloaded into the gadget from a computer.

This makes sense because most mobile operators charge by the megabyte so downloading a track while out and about would add a premium that most would be unwilling to pay.

It might take time for mobile operators to change data pricing regimes which would help to convince consumers that downloading is worth it.

So basically it's a phone and a I-pod shuffle stuck together duct tape. No integration between the two.

[Grey Wolf]

The new iPod Nano is a better idea. Flash memory should be starting to take over the 4-8 GB MP3 market.

[LtNarol]

Great, now you can spend 300 USDs on a new gadget you don't really need, OR, you could just dish out 30 bucks for a Lexar MP3 player and grab one of those free phones everyone's offering with service plans.

[aldo_14]

Originally posted by Rictor
I'm clairvoyant.

You're stating the bloody obvious, that's what you are.  Myself, I've been recently wondering how tough it would be to implement a small local-area broadcast 'radio' thing for bluetooth mobiles.

[Rictor]

My accomplishments will not be downplayed! Away with ye, mortals; I have greater matters to attend to.