Headphones not included.

Samsung and Bang and Olufsen have combined forces once again, releasing a “music mobile phone” that combines an MP3 player with a sophisticated mobile phone. As usual, with B&O products, it looks awfully attractive and the technical specs are certainly appealing, but I think it’s a case of too little too late.

Designed by David Lewis with 4GB of memory and 13 hours of playback time when using headphones, a high speed USB connection, and a 2.26” color LCD display, but no headphones. According to B&O, “the built-in speaker will deliver an outstanding sound for both. Advanced audio engineering and top notch speakers are only partly to explain for the impressive performance. Bang & Olufsen’s ingenious acoustics are the other reason, featuring two high-quality speaker units which, controlled by advanced digital signal processing, deliver precise reproduction of what’s being said at the other end of the line – or played from your list of favourite tracks. That’s in addition to ICEpower amplifiers which enable a surprisingly powerful sound to emanate from such a small space.”

But, come on Mr. B&O, who on earth wants to inflict their musical choice on all and sundry. Is it just me, or is this one of the most annoying current trends. There you are, enjoying a cup of coffee at a local Starbucks and the next thing you know, you are listening to three other people’s musical preference. And no matter which way you look at it, it is just not possible to achieve quality sound from a speaker box this size. Buy some decent headphones people.