Samsung intros K3, Bluetooth-equipped T9 players

Electronics giant Samsung tonight kicked off its CES unveilings by formally announcing its YP-K3 media jukebox. Previously revealed in the CES honorees list, the K3 is a direct challenger to Apple's iPod nano in size and features: measuring only 0.27 inches thick, the flash-based player still finds room for a 1.8-inch color OLED screen an FM tuner, Samsung says. Format support extends to MP3 and WMA songs (including PlaysForSure subscriptions) as well as JPEG photos. As with the earlier YP-K5, all navigation is handled through LED-lit touch controls. Samsung hopes to ship 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB editions of the K3 in March for an as-yet undetermined price.

Following the announcement of the K3 is news that Samsung will finally bring its YP-T9B player to US shores. While the company has already released the player in its basic YP-T9 form, the company revealed today that it will now sell the Bluetooth version of the player -- previously limited to Asia -- in North America. The transmitter lets the player relay sound to wireless headphones and speakers without needing a separate adapter. Launch and pricing details for the T9B have not been made public.

Click through for larger photos of the K3 and T9B.