Cambrige, UK based CSR has launched a reference design that cuts cost of Bluetooth-enabled MP3 player design. With an electronic bill of materials (eBOM) of less than $10, BlueCore Player is designed for listening to music without wires, or for sharing music by streaming to two headsets simultaneously. Plus, it also enables direct streaming of MP3 files to reduce power consumption. BlueCore Player is based on CSR's leading BlueCore5-Multimedia chip with embedded DSP co-processor and 16-bit stereo codec to ensure high quality stereo sound.

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The BlueCore Player reference design includes all the circuit diagrams, software, gerber files, and hardware needed for a high performance MP3 player in a compact form factor less than 45 x 60 mm. It supports the Bluetooth Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) to control stop and start playback and volume control, and the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for high quality audio streaming. Also, included in the eBOM is an organic LED (OLED) color display, supporting both Asian and Arabic fonts, a lithium battery with more than 14 hours of playback, an on-chip charger and a mini-USB charger connector.

The BlueCore Player also contains an audio navigation menu enabling the user to run through the tracks, artist names and playback modes without the need for a screen, thus reducing the eBOM costs further. This function utilizes the latest Text to Speech (TTS) technology and runs on BlueCore's DSP.

Tracy Hopkins, vice president of CSR's Consumer Business Unit, commented, "The low-cost end of the MP3 player market is very competitive and it is absolutely critical for designers to be able to differentiate their products and add value, without adding cost. Bluetooth functionality is a clear differentiator for MP3 players and is a feature that consumers are demanding."