Flash memory and consumer device specialist SanDisk is shipping the first portable multimedia player (PMP) able to download music directly via WiFi, without the use of a PC. The “Sansa Connect,” which runs embedded Linux and Mono, connects directly to online music services via WiFi, according to sources.

The Sansa Connect reportedly is the first iPod-style portable music player designed to interoperate directly with web services. Users can purchase and download music directly to the device, without having to boot up a PC, or transfer files via USB. The device also comes with a Flickr photo browser. The device also plays Internet radio.

The device sports a 2.2-inch color LCD screen, and a built-in 4GB hard drive for multimedia storage. It measures 3.58 x 2.05 x 0.63 inches and weighs 2.72 oz. Formats supported include MP3, WMA, and Protected WMA.

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