Filed under: HDTV, Portable Audio, Tablet PCs, Wearables

Straight from the rumor mill to your brain: Korean forums are buzzing about a pair of upcoming devices from iRiver, one of which is being touted as the world’s smallest DAP with a screen, while the other sounds like a W10-esque palmtop that will supposedly be running some flavor of Windows. Obviously deets are very thin at this point — and the pictured mock-ups that look like cocktail napkin sketches don’t help much — but apparently the MP3 player will be a followup to the pendant-style N10 and N11 / N12 models that are already available, and is said to “focus on size, not features,” meaning that MobiBlu and Klegg need not fear an equally-diminutive competitor with video playback (or even a color screen, for that matter). Even more interesting than the so-called N20 is a product being referred to as the J10, which could be anything from a Windows Mobile-powered PDA to a UMPC running the full version of XP Tablet Edition, and which is rumored to sport both a DMB tuner and of course the WiBro functionality that iRiver has so much love for. We wish that we had some more info for you — and, like, some real pics — but we’re committed to bringing you only the freshest of gossip, even if there’s very little evidence to support it. Keep reading to check out seven of the supposed sixteen designs that are being considered for the “J10,” and stay tuned for more details as they become available…

Read- N20 [Via DAPreview]
Read- J10 [Via DAPreview]

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Filed under: Portable Audio

Watch out Apple and Nike, because Sony’s got a new set of Network Walkmen waiting in the wings that pack a pedometer right into the players themselves, eliminating the need for a separate kit and expensive pair of sneakers. Although it doesn’t sound like the cigar-shaped, 2GB NW-S205F and 1GB NW-S203F will offer the same online experience as you’d find at the Nikeplus website, you’re still getting calorie, step, and distance counter functionality right out of the box, along with a stopwatch and FM tuner — plus an armband to keep everything secure. The nano still holds the edge in screen quality — and capacity, obviously — as the new Sonys sport but a one-line OLED display. Pricing here is pretty attractive, with the black S205F and silver S203F going for $150 and $120, respectively, when they hit stores in either September or October.

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Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio, Wearables

Even if the the Nike+iPod Sport Kit were inaccurate, unintuitive, and uncomfortable to wear — which it doesn’t seem to be — the handful of reviews we’ve read so far all agree that it possesses at least one attribute that might still make it a worthy purchase: it actually motivated the reviewers to run harder and more often than normal. Fortunately for people who also like their gear to function properly, the wireless pedometer cum personal trainer sounds like it does indeed perform as advertised, offering runners and joggers an easy setup, useful mid-workout statistics and updates, and perhaps most helpfully, a polished online interface to plot one’s progress against personal goals or compare esoteric stats with exercise enthusiasts around the world. There are a few downsides here, though, not the least of which is the fact that this is basically a disposable product; the non-rechargeable, non-replaceable battery will supposedly crap out after about 1,000 miles or a year of regular use (and that’s assuming you remember to reach into your stinky shoes and turn off the transmitter after each run). You’ll also have to shell out for a new armband to secure your nano, as most currently available options (except for those from Nike, of course) won’t hold the combination of iPod plus wireless receiver. Overall, it doesn’t seem like the kit alone is compelling enough to encourage more folks to snatch up a nano, but if you already own one of these diminutive DAPs, it’s a cheap way to give it some extra functionality — especially if you forgo the special pair of $100+ Nike sneakers for a quick and easy DIY mod to your current kicks.

Read- Cnet
Read- Shiny Shiny
Read- Tewks

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Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

Even though most FM transmitters barely have enough signal strength to reach the head unit of your car, a post-World War II-era English law that's still on the books has made these devices illegal for Brits to own and operate, as they could possibly interfere with other, legal broadcasts in some sort of Bizarro world. Well now it looks like the UK's Office of Communications, or Ofcom, has finally wised up and is poised to give the transmitters an exemption from 1949's Wireless Telegraphy Act (geez, even its name is antiquated), which currently threatens scofflaw music lovers with up to two years in prison. Ofcom is holding a "public consultation" on the matter until September, so if you're British and sick of being unable to share your Spice Girls and Gnarls Barkley tracks with pedestrians and other motorists, speak up and let your voice be heard.

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Filed under: Portable Audio

We know that not everyone shares our need to obsess over every MP3 player to hit the shelves, but anyone who has ever set foot in an electronics store can probably recognize Virgin's Digital Starter Pack as a novelty. Features on the included 256MB player look sparse, consisting of a tiny screen with color-changing backlight, a voice recorder, and the seemingly useless ability to mess with the playback speed of your music. The £30 ($52) package also comes with a booklet explaining how to get started and a coupon code for five "free" song downloads from Virgin's own online music store, but unless you're insistent upon donating to Sir Richard Branson's hot air balloon fund, you'd probably be much better off dropping the same amount of dough on Napster's 1GB player . It might not have a backlight that changes color, but it will hold a lot more than 60 songs and won't get you laughed at by the gadget snobs.

[Via Shiny Shiny]

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Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Apple rumor site Think Secret has been busy chatting it up with all those company insiders whom Misters Jobs and Gates would love to get their rich and powerful hands on, and turned those leaks into an article which dispels some of the recently-circulating iPod rumors, along with providing a few more tantalizing deets about Microsoft’s upcoming “iPod killer.” For starters, it looks like we shouldn’t be expecting the “true” video iPod until at least the annual MacWorld Expo in January — though larger capacity 5G ‘Pods may arrive in the interim — and apparently the long-rumored iPhone also won’t be coming anytime soon, as that project has reportedly been put on hold for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, when the 6G iPod is finally released, it will likely lack both the wireless capabilities and talking interface that some people have been anticipating; Apple is said to believe that the former feature would have too much of an impact on battery life, while the latter would only feed what’s seen as a marginal consumer demand. Finally, Microsoft’s so-called Zune — which is rumored to sport WiFi for communicating with MTV’s Urge service — may also come equipped with a powerful 400MHz processor suitable for gaming, as well as a built in tuner for receiving satellite radio broadcasts. Obviously all this info is just speculation from unnamed sources for now, but if the Zune does end up duping your iTunes tracks, playing high-quality games, and giving you access to Sirius or XM on the go, then Apple may be facing its first real marketplace battle in the iPod’s brief but influential existence.

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Filed under: GPS, Portable Audio, Portable Video

As portable GPS devices are doing more and costing less, fewer people are stopping at unknown gas stations for directions and more GPS companies are beefing up their product lines. Taiwan-based company d-Media has released an upgrade to their older G3 model, predictably named the G4, which we'll probably never see here in the US. That said, the new unit boasts a 4-inch 480 x 272 TFT touch screen, IR remote, microSD expansion slot, voice recorder and Bluetooth. Not wanting to fall behind the media-obsessed times, they 've also crammed in support for MP4 video, MP3 audio and digital photos your passengers can enjoy when the unit isn't giving you directions in one of its 16 compatible languages. According to the product page, all that plus features like e-compass and G sensor, which help keep those directions coming even when a tunnel takes you out of satellite range, make this a device you "can't take your eye off." Wait, doesn't this thing go on your dashboard?

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Portable Audio

Now that you can actually go out and purchase a Nike+iPod Sport Kit, you're probably wondering what exactly it is that you're getting with this package, so iLounge was kind enough to snap some photos of the unboxing process and post a few screenshots of the new menu options that will show up on your nano. Feature-wise, there's really nothing here that we didn't know already, though we did learn some more details about the kit's integration with the Nikeplus website -- besides tracking your workout statistics and long-term progress, you can also compare your performance with runners much better than yourself, providing you with an incentive to either work harder or try your hand at another sport. Also worth noting is the fact that the kit will definitely not work with any iPod other than the nano, and your device must sport the latest firmware in order to recognize the adapter. Keep reading to scope out a few of the menu screens, head over to iLounge for the full rundown, and stay tuned for a roundup as reviews start trickling out...

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Filed under: Portable Audio

So it’s starting to look like those leaked pictures we saw last month supposedly depicting an unannounced 8GB flash player from SanDisk are the real deal. You’ll recall that an Anything But iPod forum member claiming to be a SanDisk tester posted a shot of what’s generally referred to as the Sansa e280, and now the eagle-eyed editors over at ABi have discovered even more tantalizing clues on the company’s website. The most telling bit of evidence comes when you launch the 360-degree demos for either the 4GB e260 or 2GB e250, which instead of featuring the players’ respective capacities on the backside, show a model clearly adorned with an “8GB”  label — see the screenshot, right. Furthermore, the entire Sansa lineup is being hit with price cuts, which could be an indication that a product launch is imminent. If SanDisk is in fact able to get this model to market before Apple breaks us off with an 8GB nano — aluminum enclosure and all — it would seem to do more for the company’s market share than a negative advertising campaign ever could.

[Via Anything But iPod]

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Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Chinese ripoff artist DAP manufacturer Yue Qi knows that not everyone has $200 laying around to throw down on an iRiver Clix/U10, which is why the company thoughtfully stole licensed the popular design for its similar-looking LUCKYee LY-PM06. Even more amazing than the $50 and $62 pricetags for the 512MB and 1GB versions, respectively, is the fact that Yue Qi's managed to enhance the video playback from 15fps to 25fps, which had been one of the few knocks against the real Clix. Overall, we see a bright future for this fiery young firm- with its crack team of engineers, dirt cheap prices, and no need for a design team, it's not clear how Apple, SanDisk, and friends will be able to compete.

[Via DAPreview]

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Filed under: Portable Audio

Clearly it was the name “Pebble” which caused the EZAV EMP-700 music player to come up short in its attempt to usurp the iPod from its DAP dominating position. Oomi, yeah, duh, that’s the change that’s needed. That and support for PlaysForSure WMA, MP3, a 2GB capacity, voice recorder, FM radio, and a reported 12 hour battery life will almost certainly, uh, make no difference whatsoever. Here’s a hint: think ecosystem. This Korean product, made in China can be yours in the UK for about £70 or $130. Now you know.

[Via Stuff]

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Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds, Home Entertainment, Portable Audio, Portable Video, Wireless

Some more details have leaked out about Microsoft's unannounced-but-well-known WiFi-enabled digital music player that shed some light on its role in Microsoft's overall home entertainment strategy -- though you'll still have to deal with that blurry pic for now. According to sources cited by The Seattle Times, the upcoming DAP is only one of several offerings that will be part of a larger lineup of Xbox-branded products, which will also include Microsoft's upcoming online media service -- the one that will dupe all your iTunes tracks for free -- and a dedicated software media player. Codenamed Project Argo, this initiative is said to be spearheaded by Xbox co-founder J Allard, and is rumored to support the so-called XNA toolkit for allowing developers to easily port games to multiple platforms -- possibly setting the stage for that heavily-rumored Xbox2Go . There's not too much here that we didn't already know, but it's becoming increasingly clear that Redmond has a definite battle plan for waging war against Apple and others in your living room, and that the company is starting to make good on its promise of turning the 360 into a true digital hub.

[Via Joystiq]

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Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

While everyone else has been busy watching the World Cup, it appears Venzero has been in the labs, creating a new middle child for their ever-expanding One line of DAPs. At 6GB, the LilOne fits snugly between the original, full-featured 8GB model and the minimalistic, flash-based Mini version that was announced last month. Like it's siblings, the LilOne will play MP3s and WMAs (with and without DRM), with a 1.5-inch screen providing access to short videos and photos. Other features include a 20-hour battery life, a €200 pricetag and the kitschy MusicMarker feature that helps you identify songs you hear on the radio. We're assuming it was size restraints that kept this player from getting the handy retractable USB connector of the original One, but that shouldn't prevent it from giving players like iRiver's E10 and Sandisk's Sansa e260 a little gentlemanly competition.

[Via DAPReview]

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Filed under: Portable Audio

They say that you shouldn't fix what's not broken, which is probably why we see so many MP3 players on the market taking "design cues" from the iPod family, and now LG has introduced two more models that bear a striking resemblance to Apple's flash-based Shuffle (except for the color, obviously, although the original UP3 did indeed come in white). Both the UP3 Sharp and UP3 Flat pack either 512MB or 1GB of storage into that familiar looking package, with each unit supporting MP3, WMA, OGG, and ASF file formats. The differences here lie in the devices' displays (or lack thereof) and their battery life: the OLED-equipped Sharp (pictured above) gets two less hours of juice than the screen-less, 10-hour-rated Flat (pictured after the break). Expect to see both models in stores before the end of the month, but probably only in Korea.

Read- UP3 Sharp
Read- UP3 Flat
[Via The MP3 Players]

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Filed under: Portable Audio

Sporting an iPod isn’t always the care-free, non-stop dance party that Apple’s marketing department would like us to believe. We already knew that the devices could cause accelerated hearing loss, get you mugged on the subway, and take away your free will, and now it seems that the popular DAP may also make you an attractive target for the cruel wrath of Mother Nature. Seventeen-year-old Jason Bunch of Colorado was enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon mowing the lawn this past weekend, when all of a sudden he woke up in bed with burns all over his face, vomiting and bleeding from his ears. Although its not clear whether the iPod he was listening to acted as an antenna for the bolt of lightning that ran through his body, its melted earbuds and a hole in the back of the case would seem to indicate that it did indeed serve as a pathway for the harmful electricity. Not only did Bunch lose hearing in one ear and his sense of equilibrium, but even worse, the incident also forced him to stand up his date for the evening — and we doubt he’ll get another chance with this particular girl after offering such an unbelievable and lame-sounding excuse for his absence.

[Via The Raw Feed]

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Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video, Wireless

Klegg just dropped a new Bluetooth 2.0 video player into the mix with their Mini V12. The V12 sounds pretty sweet on paper with listed support for MP3, WMA, MPEG-4, WMV, DivX and AVI formats, a “bright” 1.8-inch TFT, 20 hour battery (audio only, presumably) and Bluetooth A2DP stereo audio support for cable-free listening. Prices will start at $100 for players in capacities of 1 / 2 / 4GB but only the 4 gigger includes Bluetooth. And yeah, Klegg’s still got the minerals to boast in true ambiguous terms that the V12 is “slighter smaller than an Apple iPod.” Oh, would that be the iPod nano, Shuffle, 5th gen with video or maybe some earlier generation iPod, hmm? Expect the V12 to drop mid-summer under a marketing and distribution deal with VisioNET who will provide the user interface for access to their “first-rate” media content. We say bring it Klegg… if you can.

Read — Press Release (Via dapreview)
Read — VisioNET deal

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Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

RCA-parent Thomson announced three new MP3 players for the European market today, along with a 30GB PMP called the X3030E, which should look quite familiar because it’s just a re-badge of the Lyra X3030 that we covered a few months back. First up is the 6GB EH306, also known as the Black Diamond, which is a nano-like device sporting a 1.5-inch color OLED display, MP3, WMA, WMV, and MPEG-4 file support, fifteen hours of battery life, and that old standby, the FM tuner — all for around $320 when it hits stores in October. Next we have the Lyra EM2600 (pictured), a 512MB or 1GB flash-based model which is basically a color version of the RD2312 we spotted at CES 2005, and which will cost $100 or $126 depending on capacity. Bringing up the rear is arguably the hottest model of all, a little waif of a DAP known as the EM2802. With this one you’re getting the same color screen and codecs as the EH306, but in a much smaller package and in capacities of either 1GB or 2GB — which will go for $165 and $216, respectively, upon their November launch. You’ve already seen the EM2600; now keep reading to check out all the other upcoming devices…

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Filed under: Portable Audio

Usually when MobiBlu breaks us off with a new DAP, it’s got at least one feature to set it apart from the pack — see the super-small Cube and Cube 2 or seemingly perpetual motion-powered B153 as examples. But if you were looking for the company’s new DAH-2200 to hit the scene as the “world’s biggest/smallest/best something or other,” then you’re in for a disappointment, as this flash-based player’s got nothing that we haven’t seen before. Specifically, its 1GB capacity, 27.5 gram weight, and 13-hour battery life make it neither the smallest, longest-running, nor most capacious model out there, and the tiny 2-color OLED screen isn’t all that impressive either. No word on pricing here, but since it’s likely that the 2200 will never be sold outside of Korea — and it’s not really hot enough to import — you’re probably not all that concerned with such details anyway.

[Via DAPreview]

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Filed under: Portable Audio

After a series of press shots from mobiBLU that included both hamburgers and watermelons involved in sexy poses with the slim player, we’re not really short on photos of the device. All the same, it’s nice to see the US2 out and about, and AVING has provided us with just such visions. Verdict? Ultra slim fo’ sho!

 

[Via dapreview]

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Filed under: Portable Audio

DAP manufacturer Transcend has been know to offer some rather unconventional designs over the years — see the T.sonic 310 and 620 for reference — but we’d sure like to know what went on in the focus group that convinced the company to craft their newest player like a sparsely-decorated mint tin. Besides its unusual appearance, though, the T.sonic 530 is almost exactly the same model as the much more traditional-looking 520 we saw earlier this year, sporting 512MB or 1GB of flash memory, tiny OLED display, FM tuner, digital voice recorder, and of course, the on-screen lyrics option that promises to “bring out the pop star in everyone.” The 530 is on the market now — willing and able to assist you in the occasional karoake session — and although exact pricing isn’t known, you’ll probably be able to pick up either capacity for under a hundred bucks.

[Via MobileWhack]

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Filed under: Portable Audio

Considering that exactly zero people were interested enough in the new hard drive-based RCA MP3 players we brought you last week to actually leave a comment, we doubt that even a glowing review from Cnet would convince you to pick up one of these models — but that’s a moot point, because Cnet really doesn’t have many positive things to say about the 6GB H116 they put through its paces. As you’ll recall, RCA is clearly targeting the low-end of the market with its new DAPs, as evidenced by their black-and-white screens, rather generic-looking designs, and most tellingly, their complete lack of extra features that might sway folks away from the iTatorship. In fact, the only real compliment Cnet is able to muster about their unit is the fact that it does what it advertises: play music — but not very well it seems. Combined with the buggy controls and poor quality of the FM transmitter, the sub-par audio would seem to indicate that even for the low-low price of $170, you’re still not getting what you pay for.

[Thanks, Jen B.]

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Filed under: Portable Audio

Cowon of Japan wish to remind you that they’re still shipping the iAudio U2 player. How? By bucking the trend of dropping a limited edition pink model and throwing us the 2GB pearl-white iAUDIO U2-2G-WH instead. Everything else on this popular player, which many of you dubbed the best flash player on the market, remains unchanged: MP3/WMA/WAV and OGG support,128×64 LCD, line-input sound and voice recording to MP3s, FM tuner, and 20 hour battery with fast recharge. So get ready to enjoy that, uh “color sound” starting July 7 when these hit Japan for ¥18,980 or about $163 in greenback.

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Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video, Wireless

Looks like Samsung has a new one in the works; their YP-T9 DAP just got its FCC approval and it's looking mighty nice. The Yepp player measures 0.43-inches thick, and weighs a mere 1.7 ounces, but Samsung still managed a few extras. Most notable is the Bluetooth support for using wireless headphones, but there's plenty of other stuff like FM radio, voice recording, MP3/WMA/OGG support, photo and text viewing, and two full color 3D games. You can also play back 15fps videos at a 208 x 176 resolution, be we think we'll pass, thanks. Samsung claims 30 hours of music playback and 7 hours for video, but of course we have no idea as to when Samsung is planning on releasing this thing. Keep reading for more FCC glamour shots.

[Thanks, Tuolumne]

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Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Napster isn't so shy about their new DAPs after all. We just got to spend a little time with Napster's new 1GB PlaysForSure promotional player, and we liked what we saw for the most part. The tiny device probably won't be seen outside of its current role of attracting 1-year subscriptions, but it manages a nice look, decent user interface and a commendable 40 hour battery life -- not bad for $50. Of course, the player's first role is to support DRM10 PlaysForSure files from Napster To Go, but regular old WMA files and MP3s are supported as well, and it doesn't seem that Napster has made an effort to lock down the player from other services. You can also play back MPEG-4 video on the tiny, but nice, 128 x 160 LCD, but you'll be on your own for content since Napster doesn't currently offer any vids. There's also JPEG and FM playback, and everything is accessible via a convenient and fast iPod-like menu system. We'd estimate the player is 10-12mm thick, but while it's shorter than the iPod nano, the player felt comfortable in our large hands, and the buttons were plenty easy to use. It might all come down to your preference of music service, but we can't see this little OEM player standing in your way. Keep reading for some more pics.

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Filed under: Portable Audio

While XM is already offering its customers live feeds on-the-go through the well-received Pioneer Inno and Samsung Helix, rival Sirius has been rather slow to the starting gate in this department, as its flagship S50 portable only plays back content that was recorded while it was docked. Now, however, it looks like Sirius is finally on the verge of releasing its first DAP with built-in satellite receiver, and Tech Effect even managed to snap a picture of the device when CEO Mel Karmazin briefly flashed it during his keynote at this week’s Convergence 2.0 conference. Unfortunately Mel only broke out the chunky-looking player to illustrate a point he was making about the iPod (“I wish it didn’t exist,” he said, probably only half-jokingly), so all that’s known about this unit is its size and the fact that it sports a headphone jack. Still, Mel promises that he’ll have the product in stores by the end of the summer, and since it’s reportedly in the midst of beta testing, we’re expecting to see some leaked specs and photos sooner rather than later — much sooner if any of you testers would be so kind as to drop us a line.

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