Music and Video Players Add Wi-Fi Access

Built-in Wi-Fi access hasn't done much to sell Microsoft's Zune or the less-well-known Music Gremlin. But Wi-Fi-equipped digital audio players are here to stay, and a new generation of devices from companies like AOL, Archos, iRiver, and Sandisk should expand the capabilities of these connected music players.

The Zune makes only limited use of its networking capability. Zune owners can share songs with each other, but the recipient can play the tracks just three times over a maximum of three days.

That left critics asking lots of questions: Why isn't there an online store that you could access without a PC? Where's the wireless syncing? And what about Internet radio? In coming months, connected audio players should have all of those features and capabilities, and more. As a result, Microsoft may well be forced to play a little bit of catch-up. Here, then, is a rundown of the forthcoming devices.

Connect in March

Anyone who is eager for a Zune alternative but who isn't too concerned about limited storage capacity should check out Sandisk's $250 Sansa Connect device. Arriving at the end of March, this 4GB player will work with a service called Zing to enable users to share playlists, stream Internet radio stations, and download tracks directly to the Sandisk portable as long as they have a Wi-Fi connection.

In addition to packing 4GB of flash memory, the Sansa Connect includes a microSD card slot for adding storage, and it supports PlaysForSure downloads and subscription services. Sandisk's player also permits you to view photos, though not video, on its 2.2-inch color screen.