Commodore pushes Wi-Fi for mobile media

News

Stuart O'Brien Jul 31 2007, 5:15pm

Commodore looking to shake up mobile media market with new Wi-Fi device.

A new concept sporting an old brand has been launched into the UK market - today’s Commodore describes itself as a wi-fi entertainment platform.

The launch follows a growing trend of non-cellular devices pitching themselves as connected 'mobile media' platforms - not least Sony's PSP and PocketSurfer.

Commodore's aim is to do away with storage and have everyone stream their media live over Wi-Fi.

The launch product will be the Commodore Gravel In Pocket, a device with a 2.8-inch TFT screen and full wi-fi connectivity.

It is designed to access the CommodoreWorld media portal via wi-fi and stream video and audio from it.

Commodore has deals with Boingo – a hotspot aggregator that provides flat-rate access to public hotspot providers – and FON – a wi-fi community in which people share access to their personal wi-fi.

It is estimated that the Gravel will retail for around £200, a price that will include a router and, initially free, access to CommodoreWorld.

Commodore sales director Frank Akihary said: "This is a completely new concept. By emphasising streaming and video-on-demand we’re changing the way content is accessed."