From virtually out of nowhere, Xias has announced a brand spankin’ new digital audio player and, get this, a digital music store. The Xias’ PV4022 (available in Q1) looks to be your typical MP3 player with its 2.2-inch display, 4GB of flash memory, MP3/WMA compatibility, voice recorder, FM Radio, and reasonable $109 price tag.

Far more compelling is XiasLive.com, the company’s DRM-free music download store. You can browse the story using the “Music Locator” to find major and indie label artists from around the globe. Songs will cost 99 cents a pop (similar to iTunes), and Xias is aiming to launch video downloads later in the year. Intriguing. With DRM (a source of frustration and confusion for a number of music fans) on its deathbed according to Business Week, will more companies enter the battle for your digital music dollars? We’ll pick the brains of Xias’ reps when we meet with them at CES.