Audio

As one of Sprint's flagship music phone, the Fusic actually includes two audio players: an online Music Player to play songs purchased from the Sprint Music Store, and a local Media Player to play tracks stored on microSD cards.

Customers can browse, sample, buy, and download full songs over-the-air to the Fusic. With hundreds of thousands of songs in virtually every genre of music available for purchase, major labels such as EMI Music, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group have signed on to offer songs at $2.50 each. While pricier than other music services, customers actually receive two copies of each track: one high-quality version formatted to play only on the Fusic and a high-quality version to download on a PC.

Regrettably songs bought through the Sprint Music Store can only be played through the online Music Player, not to be confused with the local Media Player. Integrated with Sprint Power Vision, the music bought over-the-air have permissions stored online to restrict transfer capabilities as well as impose DRM (Digital Rights Management) limitations.

Fortunately users can load their own files onto removable microSD cards. Supporting MP3, WMA, AAC, 3GPP, 3G2, and certain MP4 formats, users can easily transfer tracks from a PC using the include USB cable. Once loaded, the Media Player can play tracks through the included wired headset. Consumers can also listen through the external speaker, but audio quality is poor. Supporting A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) profile, consumers who purchase A2DP-compatible Bluetooth headphones can stream stereo music for wireless enjoyment.

The Media Player also has an Equalizer with settings to boost various frequency ranges for optimal sound such as 3D Sound, Concert Hall, Rock, Jazz, Pop, and Classic.

But perhaps the most interesting feature on the Fusic is the FM Transmitter. By presetting the broadcast frequency (88.1-107.9 MHz), users can transmit stereo music up to 10 feet to car stereos or other FM radios. Practically, the transmission is only good within 1 foot, as considerable noise and static interfere increases as distance increases.

Conversely, the Fusic can receive FM signals as well. Users can listen to streaming music whenever and wherever they want through popular services such as MSpot, Sirius, and Rhapsody. Available through Sprint Power Vision, premium services and data charges may apply.

Overall the Media Player offers outstanding music playing capabilities, integrating an Equalizer, FM Transmitter, and A2DP Stereo Bluetooth. Strangely, the Fusic is unable to use A2DP on the Music Player (not the Media Player). Severely limiting the usefulness of buying music over the Sprint Music Store, the Music Player and Sprint Music Store have too many restricts to be useful. Consumers are better off ripping their own MP3s and playing them with microSD cards on the Media Player.

< Prev Next >

This article is Copyright 2002-2008 Mobiledia Corp. and the review in part or in whole may NOT be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from Mobiledia. For information on reproducing any part of this review (or any images) please contact us.