New Virgin Player 5GB ''PlaysForSure'' with Microsoft's Windows Media Player 10

Business Wire, Oct 12, 2004

LOS ANGELES -- Earlier this morning, Virgin Electronics announced its new sleek and lightweight digital audio player, the Virgin Electronics Player 5GB. The Virgin Player is verified with the PlaysForSure logo for easy setup and compatibility with Windows XP, Windows Media Player 10 and services built using Windows Media technologies.

Microsoft showcased the Virgin Player 5GB at its Digital Entertainment Anywhere launch event as part of a new class of next-generation portable devices available this holiday season. The Virgin Player 5GB offers support for the PlaysForSure program, the Windows Media Player 10 Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) offering easier driverless device set up, and Auto Sync for easy transfer of music content. The Virgin Player also supports new scenarios for syncing with music subscription services using Windows Media DRM 10.

"Microsoft WM DRM 10 for the first time allows subscription music to be played on our new Virgin Player," said Joe Sipher, senior vice president of marketing for Virgin Electronics. "This revolutionary concept frees music lovers to carry more than 1,200 songs at a time from the huge digital music service libraries on our 3.1 ounce device. Best of all, customers don't have to worry about per song download fees. Untethered music subscriptions are a revolutionary idea that will forever change the way people take their music with them."

"We're thrilled to have a world-class brand like Virgin join our PlaysForSure initiative and commit to providing the best digital entertainment experience for consumers on Windows XP," said Chad Hodge, group product manager of the Windows Digital Media Division of Microsoft. "The Virgin Player 5GB provides unique features for people who enjoy digital music, and it introduces a whole new level of diversity in the category."

About Virgin Electronics

Virgin, one of the most respected brands in the world, is involved in planes, trains, mobile phones, soft drinks, music and more. Virgin Electronics is the electronics arm within the Virgin Group focused on creating world-class personal, portable, simple and connected digital products for consumers. For more information, visit www.virgin.com/electronics or www.virgin.com.

Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.