Slim Devices ships networked MP3 player, donates profits to EFF

November 20, 2003

GristyMcFisty used our news submit to tell us that Slim Devices, a PC-to-hi-fi music streaming specialist, has yesterday introduced its latest networked MP3 player, the Squeezebox. The Squeezebox's server software runs on a broad array of systems like Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, BSD and Solaris.

According to The Register the software which is used for this, Slim Devices' SlimServer, is now available as version 5.0. This latest release features tighter integration with Apple's iTunes and it can also stream to other networked PCs running players, including iTunes or WinAmp:

The $ 299 unit incorporates an 802.11b wireless adaptor but also supports wired Ethernet. Server software installed on the host PC allows Squeezebox to reach out across the airwaves and grab MP3, CD audio and WAV files and pump them through you living room hi-fi. The device sports digital optical and coaxial outputs, as well as standard RCA jacks and a headphone socket.

Squeezebox has its own two-line bright LED display, so there's no need to connect it to a TV before you search through your music archive for the album or track you want to hear. The unit is operated using a bundled remote control.

What's interesting is that Slim Devices has also announced that it will donate 10% of its net profits to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). The EFF is the leading civil liberties organization working to protect consumer' rights in the digital world.

"Every day the digital rights of citizens are under attack by special interests that want to protect antiquated business models rather than embrace the opportunities created by new technologies," said Sean Adams, president of Slim Devices, Inc. "EFF is at the forefront of this consumer rights issue, and we are pleased to do our part by mobilizing our customers. We hope that this will encourage other corporations to actively protect the digital rights of their customers."

Slim Devices' support of EFF will include:

donating 10% of net profits generated from sales on the www.slimdevices.com website of its new product Squeezebox(TM);
inserting informational pamphlets on behalf of EFF in its products' packaging;
promoting EFF's projects and programs on Slim Devices' website;
sending periodic alerts to customers on pending EFF issues; and
encouraging customers to personally support EFF through donations.

The foundation is involved in several lawsuits against the Recording Industry Association of America, where EFF is defending the right of consumers to access digital content for appropriate personal use.

"It's great to see companies like Slim Devices, Inc., show corporate leadership and take an active interest in protecting the rights of their customers," said Shari Steele, Executive Director of EFF. "We hope they can help us bring together more companies to expand this outreach in a systematic manner."