In view of the popularity of slim digital music players launched by Apple and Samsung Electronics, an increasing number of makers in China have been offering slim players which imitate or counterfeit the iPod shuffle and Samsung models as well as imitating Motorola and LG Electronics handsets, according to industry sources in Taiwan.

Motorola V3 and LG Chocolate series handsets are the main models being imitated by China makers, the sources pointed out. Super-slim handsets are expected to become targets of imitation later in the year, the sources noted.

In additional news, with prices of NAND flash dropping drastically, 2GB/4GB may replace 1GB/2GB as the mainstream storage capacity of digital music players in the second half of 2007, the sources indicated.