If you thought sitting next to someone blasting their iPod was bad, just wait until October when Takara Tomy launches a portable karaoke system that allows would-be crooners to belt out a tune no matter where they are.
The Hi-kara is a complete karaoke system in a 7-centimeter cube. A 2.4-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) screen on the front of the box displays a video and song lyrics and users can hear the music and sing through a custom headset that includes a microphone. Or, if desired, it can be hooked-up to a pair of speakers so that multiple people can hear the song.
White and pink models of the Hi-kara, which is aimed at children of around eight years old, will go on sale in Japan on Oct. 18 and will cost ¥10,500 (US$97).
Songs can be added to the system in cartridges that will cost either ¥2,100 for 10 songs or ¥3,675 for 20 songs. Takara Tomy plans to offer both preloaded cartridges and prepaid blank ones onto which users can download songs of their choice through a planned Internet site.
Four AA-batteries will provide enough power for about four and a half hours use.
Takara Tomy hopes to sell 500,000 units of the Hi-kara during its first year on sale.
