Philips rolls out two new digital music players

Philips today introduced two new digital music players that offer higher capacities, color screens and PlaysForSure compatibility to compete with Apple's iPod. The GoGear HD1630 and HDD6330 are to offer 6GB and 30GB storage capacities, and both use a backlit touchpad with Philips SuperScroll technology that allows quick navigation through song collections, according to BetaNews. Both players provide the ability to browse JPEG photos one at a time, several as thumbnails, or view them in a slideshow that can be set to music. An FM tuner and voice recorder are also included, and Philips boasts a battery life of 15 to 18 hours with the ability to charge up to 70 percent capacity in one hour. Both models support protected content in Windows Media Format, can be used with subscription services such as Napster, and will be available in October.

Zen Neeon MP3 players shipped with Windows worm

Some 3,700 Creative Zen Neeon MP3 players that shipped in late July contain a mass-mailing worm, known as "W32.Wullik.B". Creative said in a statement that the worm is believed to have spread from machines used during the manufacturing process, according to the report from eWEEK.com. The worm was located in a file named "Winfile", which is part of the MP3 players file system. While the worm doesn't pose a serious threat of spreading, but it can potentially infect Windows systems that are connected to the Neeon, according to anti-virus company F-Secure. Infected systems have been removed from the manufacturing plant, and Creative said it recalled infected Neeons from stores. Specific infected models are the Zen Neeon 5GB players with serial numbers between M1PF1230528000001M and M1PF1230533001680Q.

Apple to launch iTunes phone with O2 in UK

Apple will launch its iTunes mobile phone in Britain in the next few weeks in conjunction with mobile operator O2, according to The Times. "Apple is expected to unveil the new technology in the United States in partnership with Cingular Wireless next week. A British launch is expected shortly after, with the new devices available in time for the Christmas shopping season. A spokesman for the British mobile phone operator declined to comment on the company’s relationship with Apple, saying only: 'Music plays an important part of our overall portfolio.' But it is understood that confirmation of the partnership could come as soon as today. O2 will have a period of exclusivity on the latest version of the new iPod."