CSR Bluetooth enabled MP3 player design for low cost differentiation

Cambridge, UK - November 19, 2007 - CSR today announced the launch of BlueCore Player, the world's lowest cost Bluetooth enabled MP3 player with an electronic bill of materials (eBOM) of less than $10. Designed for listening to music without cumbersome wires, or for sharing music by streaming to two headsets simultaneously, BlueCore Player also enables direct streaming of MP3 files to reduce power consumption. BlueCore Player is based on CSR's market leading BlueCore5-Multimedia silicon with embedded DSP coprocessor and 16-bit stereo codec to ensure the high quality stereo sound.

As well as including full gerbers, software and circuit diagrams, the BlueCore Player example design includes all the hardware needed for a superior MP3 player in a space that is less than 45x60mm. It supports the Bluetooth Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) to control stop and start playback and volume control, and the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for high quality audio streaming. Also included in the eBOM is an OLED colour display, supporting both Asian and Arabic fonts, lithium battery with on-chip charger and mini USB charger connector which supports more than 14 hours of playback.

CSR's BlueCore Player is also available with audio menu navigation to run through the tracks, artist names and playback modes without the need for a screen and thus reducing the BOM costs further. This function utilises the latest Text to Speech (TTS) technology running in the on-chip DSP.

BlueCore Player is based on CSR's BlueCore5-Multimedia External silicon, integrating the 64MIPS DSP and interfaced with 32Mbit of external flash memory it supports enhanced audio applications and different language fonts. BlueCore5-Multimedia External is Bluetooth v2.1 ready and also supports v2.0+EDR of the Bluetooth specification.

Tracy Hopkins, Vice President of CSR's Consumer Business Unit, commented. "The low cost end of the MP3 player market is very competitive; that is why it is absolutely critical for designers to be able to differentiate their products and add value, without adding cost. Bluetooth functionality is a clear differentiator for MP3 players and is a feature that consumers are demanding." Hopkins continued, "Our philosophy is to make it simple for designers to be able to bring competitive products to market as quickly as possible and, using BlueCore Player, OEMs and ODMs can have a low cost Bluetooth enabled MP3 player on the shelves in a matter of weeks."

BlueCore Player joins a stable of CSR example designs which also includes internet radios, VoWiFi handsets, stereo headsets, in-car Bluetooth systems and Wi-Fi enabled mobile handsets.