e.Digital Corporation (fka EDIG)

[Tinroad]

OT: MPuls3 ...Digital Audio For The Internet Generation
http://www.mpuls3.com/overview.html

Free Music or Fee Music
Obtaining music through download is a new way of acquiring and enjoying music. This form of music offers many benefits: creating personal and customized play-lists and the ability to export these play-lists to portable devices, CDs or MP3 players. These files on the Internet are mostly "free" tracks, but increasingly there will be a "fee" or subscription service with music from major artists. These "free" tracks come in the ubiquitous MP3 format, while the major artists will come in a variety of encrypted formats.

MP3 Basics
MP3 music derives its name from MPEG, layer 3, a standard used to compress audio files to roughly 1/10th of their normal track size. Thus they are much easier to manage and transfer. MP3 quality can vary and depends on the sampling rate used to convert the original track. The higher the sampling rate (normal is 128 Kbps), the better the sound obtained but the larger the file size. Indeed, high sampling tracks are similar to CD quality. The lower the sampling rate (FM quality is 44.1 Kbps) the poorer the quality, but file sizes are smaller. Audio text files, e.g. speech, can be clear at a low sampling rate; a concerto would be unintelligible at this rate and requires a minimum of 128 kbps. MP3 files may also be legitimately created for your own use from your CDs, LPs, or audiocassettes. These original music files can be "ripped" into the MP3 format.

The Next Thing
Major record companies will offer "Fee" or "Subscription"music in an encrypted format. This is like an envelope with special opening instructions. The authors or copyright holders will determine how the music can be downloaded, enjoyed and exported to portable devices. Such tracks may also be date-stamped or encoded, permitting only so many plays. Such music accords with SDMI standards (Secure Digital Music Initiative, an industry association). Portable devices, which can play such music, are "SDMI compliant". These devices can also play the regular MP3 format. There are various formats within SDMI and each music company may choose to offer a different format. (See Audio FAQ for more details)

What We Do
MPuls3 is a leading manufacturer of digital audio devices. We offer several categories of product: an MP3 accessory for cell phones, compact flash based digital audio players as well as an MP3/CD player. These players offer users of different levels of skill the opportunity to enjoy the music of their choice, in the location of their preference. All products come in complete kits.

Our Current Program
Our current_program includes standard MP3 players, fully featured with removable compact flash media. There is no memory on board and the user is able to store music on the compact flash (CF) disks and exchange music with friends and peers. This removable medium also allows the CF disks to be used in conjunction with appropriate CF digital cameras and PDAs.

In June 2002 MPuls3 will launch SyMphony3, an SDMI-compliant device that will allow the export of encrypted music to our portable player. This device will initially play the Liquid Audio format -- including the current MP3 format -- and later work with other popular formats supported by the music industry, WMA and proprietary formats. The music industry has announced that music from Billboard artists will be increasingly available from March 2002.

Note: standard MP3 players will not be able to play this 'secure music'

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SigmaTel™ D-Major™ Audio Decoder Selected for MPuls3 MP3 Player Attachment for Cellular Phones
http://www.mpuls3.com/press_090701.html

AUSTIN, TX, September 07, 2001 - SigmaTel, a provider of digital consumer audio and wireless infrared integrated circuit (IC) solutions for the home and small business markets, announces that MPuls3 has selected the D-Major audio decoder solution to power its latest MP3 player attachment for cellular phones, MPower3.

"This design-win is a major step for SigmaTel as an emerging design leader for the portable audio marketplace. We are establishing a strong market position with products that are high in quality, low in cost and rich in features such as the MPower3 player," says Alan Hansford, vice president of marketing at SigmaTel. "The uniqueness of MPower3, with a small form factor of only 21 square cm along with its integrated power source, showcases the flexibility and features that SigmaTel's D-Major solutions deliver."

The MPower3 player contains an independent AA battery to preserve cellular phone battery life, giving the listener both more music enjoyment and cellular phone talk time. MPower3 is available in 32 MB and 64 MB models and contains a USB interface for easy upload capabilities. The incoming call feature, paired with included microphone earbuds, permits the user to toggle between MP3 audio music and cellular phone communications.

"The SigmaTel D-Major single-chip solution has enabled us to accelerate design time and incorporate the features that the portable audio and cellular phone market demands," says Randy Kemp, VP Marketing of MPuls3 LLC. "As these markets mature, having an adaptable supplier like SigmaTel who offers solutions that fit the market demands becomes increasingly important in maintaining a competitive advantage."

The MPower3 MP3 player is now available for purchase online and soon will be available at electronics retailers nationally and internationally. Visit www.mpuls3.com/buy.html for purchasing information. The suggested retail price for the 32 MB MPower3 is $99, where the larger capacity 64 MB model retails for $129.

Additional information on the SigmaTel D-Major line of audio decoder products is provided on the SigmaTel Web site at: www.sigmatel.com.

About Mpuls3:
MPuls3 is a California based company specializing in Internet audio products. Incorporated in 1999, MPuls3 offers a broad range of products in retail and OEM packaging. These products are designed with users in mind that range from the beginner to the most advanced audiophile user. The current product broadens the offering to cellular phone users. All products come in full kits with software, cables and flash memory. Accessories are also included. Technical support via email and a constantly updated FAQ on the website offers the user easy installation, use and music enjoyment. MPuls3 contact: Priya Sharma, MPuls3 LLC, [e-mail]. For more information, visit Mpuls3's website at www.mpuls3.com.

About Sigma Tel:
SigmaTel, a provider of integrated circuit (IC) design, is converting the real world into a digital experience with its innovative mixed-signal solutions for the digital consumer audio and wireless infrared markets. Since its inception, SigmaTel has built a strong reputation as an innovative developer of mixed-signal ICs, by being first to market with several highly integrated designs. The privately held company, based in Austin, Texas, is committed to providing customers with high performance products along with superior customer service. For more information, visit SigmaTel's Web site at www.sigmatel.com.

SigmaTel™ and D-Major™ are trademarks of SigmaTel, Inc. Press Contact: NATE LONG
MARKETING COMMUNICATION MAGANGER
SIGMA TEL
512 381 3913
EMAIL: [e-mail]


Company Contact: ALAN HANSFORD
VP MARKETING
SIGMA TEL
512 381 3716
EMAIL: [e-mail]

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Symphony3 SDMI Compliant Internet Audio Device Answers Music Controversy
http://www.mpuls3.com/press_030701.html

SAN MATEO, CA, MARCH 07, 2001 - Events of the last few months have shown the copyright concerns of all parties in the distribution of music over the Internet. As the Internet becomes a major vehicle for the music industry, the need to build copyright security has also become of paramount importance. SDMI, The Secure Digital Music Initiative, an association of the music, software, hardware and Internet security companies, was created to develop a protocol for the secure download of music and export to portable devices. Several companies have developed Digital Rights Managers (DRMs) that provide encryption and transportation technologies. Music from the leading recording companies will be encrypted and offered for download. Special software is required to decrypt music.

Symphony3 is a portable audio device designed to work with the leading DRM technology companies: Liquid Audio, Microsoft’s WMA, Intertrust, IBM and several lesser known companies. Initially, Symphony3 is designed to work with Liquid Audio’s SP3 technology. Compatibility with Microsoft’s WMA and Intertrust’s Digifiles will follow by the end of April 2001.

This new generation Internet Audio player can also play regular MP3 and WMA files. Based on the latest programmable DSP from Texas Instrument, Symphony3 has 0 MB on board and uses Compact Flash media of type II and I. Compact Flash Type I capacities range from 4 MB to 512 MB. The IBM Microdrive with capacities of 340 MB, 512 MB and 1 GB represents type II. This flash type is very commonly used by digital cameras, PDAs and some sub-notebooks. All such media is readily interchangeable between these devices increasing functionality and offering better value for money.

Symphony3 offers superior features and functionality: a large backlit LCD, 3 lines, 13 characters showing full track ID, battery status, volume and mode. A high signal to noise ratio of over 95 dB, volume controls, repeat and random play. Symphony3 ‘s design is forward compatible. By downloading a driver, new formats can be easily recognized as they are developed. Transfer of music files to the portable device is achieved through a fast USB connection. An USB micro connector on board the device allows plug 'n play ease.

Symphony3 is one of a series of portable devices in the MPuls3 range of products. Other products are the Nymph3, a standard MP3 player with compact flash removable memory and USB transfer capability. The Ampigo3 completes the trio of audio devices. It also uses compact flash media but music transfers are accomplished with a parallel port connection.

The Companio3 is a MP3 CD player. A CD-R can be burned with MP3 tracks to provide over 12 hours of playback on a single CDR disk. This device also plays regular CDs.

MPuls3 is a California company specializing in Internet audio products. Incorporated in 1999, MPuls3 offers a broad range of products in retail and OEM packaging. All products come in full kits with software, cables and compact flash memory. Accessories are also included. Technical support via email and a constantly updated FAQ on the website offers the user easy installation, use and music enjoyment.

MPuls3 products are available in Europe from local stocks.

Contact: RANDY KEMPS
MPULS3 LLC
1021 S CLAREMONT ST., SAN MATEO, CA 94402
650 212 0500 FAX: [phone]
EMAIL: [e-mail]