So Yamaha, master of all things sound, has introduced a codec for high quality audio, not just meant for mobile phones:

In recent years, sales of PNDs featuring hands-free functions are expanding. And demand for improvement of voice sound quality in mobile phones is also rising. The YMU809 improves voice sound quality of mobile devices. In addition to offering high-quality, high-performance audio processing, which is based on Yamaha proprietary AudioEngine(TM) technology, it incorporates echo-canceling and noise-suppression functions that minimize the sound-quality deterioration that occurs in hands-free telecommunication. By integrating all the necessary functions for sound, which is audio and voice, the YMU809 can offer an easy-to-use system for PND, mobile phone and other devices. [Release / June 2008]

Superior sound quality is something we all aim for. I’m not entirely sure how Yamaha intends to market this product – we’re thinking it’s one of those things you don’t really notice as a full length feature with mobile phones, but are integrated anyway. There have been efforts in the past to create really astounding audio, especially in the ambient noise dampening department. Two products have managed to achieve this: the Jawbone headset and the new Motorola phones that have built in ClearTalk technology that dampens ambient noise allowing you to have decent conversations within loud places like night clubs. Of course, Yamaha’s is an audio codec, something completely different. But it helps the same way.

[Newscom Images]

Post from: Cellphone9

Skeptical as I was, I did try it and boy were my reservations put aside. The W230 is the cheapest mobile phone with good (read: LOUD) MP3 audio playing capability. The W230 is capable of playing up to 2GB of music via microSD card. Perhaps the closest reservation I had was the fact that it doesn’t use a 3.5mm audio jack for audio. Instead it used a 2.5mm jack for audio accessories. I realize that the inclusion of a 3.5mm slot is reserved only for the ROKR series, the latest one being the ROKR E8. Hence, this is why it is called the “W” of “wow so cheap!!” series.

More features after the jump!

The special feature of the W230, apart from the very loud and crisp audio is sharing your FM radio station via SMS to others. You can also record 1 minute worth of FM radio and turn it into your alarm or SMS alert.

Oh and last but not least, the Motorola W230 is priced at PHP 2,490.00 or roughly USD $50.00. That’s without a subsidy plan!

Though it may look a bit cheap (heck it really is cheap!), it still delivers in terms of performance. Motorola’s consumer studies show that in terms of features, the camera has been moved down to number 3 with a preference for music as the second most important feature on a phone. First of course is the calls and SMS.

Features:
MP3 Player (Motorola MP3 player)
FM Radio
128 x 128 65,000 color screen
Long 10 hour battery life with 19 days of standby
File transfer Drag and Drop software
WAP 20 Dual Stack / GPRS Class 10

Post from: Cellphone9