MP3 player is now a cool jewel

Jewelry is the new concept for digital music players. As much as technology is important, makers are now focusing on the soft side and promoting MP3 players as a fashion accessory. “Recently, a lot of Korean celebrities are appearing on television with MP3 players around their neck. Aside from being a tool to listen to music, MP3 players have become a fashion statement, a new, cool, and not to mention expensive, piece of jewelry,” a fashion analyst said. Reigncom, a leading domestic maker of MP3 players, released a new model, N10, two months ago and has already sold more than 70,000 players. Weighing only 22 grams, the small music player is like a necklace pendant. “The metallic sheen makes it look more like a piece of jewelry and when it is turned on, the liquid crystal display flashes various colors, which is very appealing to younger customers,” Lim Yoon-jung, public relations official at Reigncom, said. Another mini MP3 player made by Samsung Electronics is also aiming at fashion trend-setters. Weighing 24 grams, the player has all the technology, including FM radio and voice recording, but is light enough to be worn around the neck as an accessory. Products made by smaller companies such as Cowon Systems, Iratech and Mpio are also incorporating similar concepts. Mpio’s “Carat” models are mini MP3 players that have panels that come in ruby, sapphire or amethyst colors. Iratech’s “Beatsound” is the size of a 500 won coin shaped like a sleek egg, and weighing only 25 grams. Contrary to the industry’s expectations, the fashion appeal has been adapted quicker by men. “When we first developed the product, we thought that women would be our main target, but a lot of our consumers have been men, who are coordinating the players on leather necklaces or silver chains,” Ms. Lim said. “Compared to a few years ago, definitely more people are wearing MP3 players as accessories and it is more notable with younger men,” said Oh Se-jeong, a fashion reporter for the magazine In Style. by Wohn Dong-hee