IFA 2006: Samsung launches K5 MP3 player with slide-out speaker

1 September 2006 10:19 GMT / By Amber Maitland

Samsung waited until IFA 2006 to launch several new products, including what the company is calling a new concept in mobile phone design.

The K5 music player has as slide out speaker that seems to work similarly to the sliding keyboards on several smartphones. Samsung promises that it delivers great sound, “no distortion, great volume, and a defined deep bass”.

The OLED display, set in glossy black, resembles the screens on mobiles like LG’s Chocolate, so that you can’t see it until you turn it on, and when the speaker slides out, it changes from a vertical to a horizontal view automatically.

Other features of the new DAP, which comes in 2GB and 1GB versions, include touch controls rather than traditional keypad buttons, USB 2.0 connectivity, and compatibility with Microsoft’s PlaysForSure technology.

It's a great-looking device and one that seems set to become a style icon.

In related news, Belkin has announced a range of accessories for the new player at IFA 2006. In an exclusive worldwide partnership with Samsung, Belkin will offer a range of accessories for the Samsung Z5, K5, and T9 players, including an FM transmitter, car chargers, and cases

Customers will be able to get a dedicated version of Belkin's TuneCast Auto for T9, that allows you to transmit music from the player to a car radio. Other accessories include protective cases and charging stations.