Slacker will stop building its only hardware digital streaming music player, the G2 in the second half of 2010, according to a Wednesday WSJ report. The 2GB device was launched in 2007 and grew to include 4GB and 8GB capacities. Slacker is still selling a 4GB version for $129, while Best Buy has some 8GB models in stock, priced at $249.
RCA has finished the week with three new devices all meant to modernize the company's line. The Lyra name is being revived with the Lyra Slider, a basic portable media player that uses the same concept as behind slider phones to shrink the size of the device without sacrificing controls. The black and chrome look improves on earlier designs and is matched by a handful of extras that include FM radio and voice recording. RCA is counting on pricing as it ships 4GB and 8GB versions later in the fall for $80 and $100 respectively.
Internet video-on-demand provider Akimbo today has been confirmed by NewTeeVee as having shut its doors. The company says it has so far been unable to raise enough cash to remain profitable for its video delivery services and has decided to drop all but a bare minimum of staff while it seeks a mergers and acquisitions partner to buy up the company's assets. All video services run by the company at present, including Homezone and MavTV, are still running, according to checks.
