Category Archives: Media Players

Audio, Media Players, Video

Cowon V5 HD PMP Makes a Debut in Korea, Demoed On Video

1 Comment

Korean giant Cowon has recently released yet another touchscreen device to the Asian market, called V5 HD. Now, don’t make any mistake here, it’s not a tablet, a slate or a courier, just a small 4.8-inch PMP device with a slick White/Black body frame and crispy resistive display on top. It can easily handle 720p files without stuttering, but that of course can only be achieved through HDMI or Composite outputs the player boasts. In addition it supports wide range of audio and video formats, but storage capacity is quiet limited, up to 32GB only. That said, it’s still possible to store files inside the integrated SDHC expansion slot, so things aren’t as bad as they initially looked. Battery wise, you get 10 hours of video or 45 hours of music, while operating system – Windows CE 6.0 – packs myriad apps preloaded, amongst you’ll find an RSS reader, a world clock, voice recorder, Flash games and what appears to be a tradition, T-DMB tuner. Prices, if you’re asking, start at merely 299,000 KRW (about $255), but if you need more incentives to make a decision, hit the jump and take a look – a nice UI walkthrough video is right there.

[Cowon]

Continue reading Cowon V5 HD PMP Makes a Debut in Korea, Demoed On Video →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Digital Cube i-Station T9 Announced, Supports HD Files And WiFi Connection

Digital Cube is one of those companies that still believe in media players, that’s for sure. And despite the growing popularity of tablet/slate machines, we hear a lot about lately, it just rolled out yet another audio-video device, i-Station T9, and seems quiet ready to turn it live in the coming months. With no price or shipping dates available, the new bud sports a 4.3-inch 480 x 272 LCD screen, and actually handles any common codec files you can think of (like DivX, XviD, H.264, WMV, and MKV), including high-def formats. It boasts an HDMI output and packs both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, for third-party usage. Battery life is claimed to deliver up to 20 hours of music playback or half the time while watching videos, and that probably applies on all four colors offered.

Digital-cube-istation-t9

[via iMP3]

Audio, Media Players, Video

LG XF2 Art Cinema Player Can Handle 1080P On Your HDTV

Korean giant LG is ready and set to release a new hard-drive based media player, with a 500GB storage, somewhere around April of this year. It’s called XF2 Art Cinema, able to pump 1080p vids and 5.1 audio, whenever connected through the integrated HDMI out, and once there, display movie subtitles at any given LCD platform. You can play MPEG 1/2/4, h.264, Xvid, DivX, FLAC, WMA, AC3, WMA, PCM, ADPCM, LPCM, AC3 (5.1ch) and MPEG-1 layer 1/2/3, FLAC, MPEG-2 Layer 1/2, AAC and more, but the highlight is that you can actually take it with you wherever you go. Make sure you have 270,000 won (about $240) to shell out this one.

lg-xf2-media-player

[via Akihabara News]

Audio, Media Players, Video

Coby MP837 PMP Gets The Touchscreen Treatment at CES

Coby is one of the very few companies to introduce a new media player at the CES 2010 show in Vegas. They had one back in last year’s show and the have another, this year. The latest, which looks quiet impressive and resembles Creative Zii, is Coby’s MP837 player that packs a 3-inch touchscreen (with a very responsive display), along a revamped interface, 22-hour battery life, slick black body and wide range of formats support, including OGG, FLV, H.264 and Xvid. No word about price or availability at this point, but engadget has a video that proves our word. Check it out after the jump.

coby-mp837-pmp

[via DAPreview]

Continue reading Coby MP837 PMP Gets The Touchscreen Treatment at CES →

Audio, CES, Media Players, Video

Viliv V3 PMP Introduced, Tries To Find a New Identity

It’s really hard to figure out what exactly are you holding in your hand these days, whether it’s a media player or maybe a phone, smartphone, “superphone”, etc. And Viliv wasn’t making it easy on us either, in that matter. Therefor we were a bit in the dark when first read about the company’s P3 PMP device. Now we know, it’s a multimedia player, back then we weren’t sure, but that’s why you have the CES show to straight things up, isn’t it?  And although we still can’t tell when this thing goes upon sale and how much will it cost, we do know it sports a 3.7-inch 800 x 480 AMOLED display, paired with a strong 800MHz Cortex A8 processor and storage up to 32GB. The 1.7mm thin device also offers a microSD slot expansion at the bottom, next to a 720p TV-output, and optional T-DMB and DAB tuners within. The model that was spotted in Viliv’s booth included an Android platform but it would run a Windows CE dual-boot OS as well. Until then, stay tuned. Hands-on video right after the break.

Viliv-p3-pmp

[via engadget]

Continue reading Viliv V3 PMP Introduced, Tries To Find a New Identity →

Audio, Media Players, Video

iRiver's 3.5-inch K1 PMP Introduced, WiFi and Web Browser Included

This isn’t the best year to find new media players at the CES show in Vegas. Still, if you look closer, you just might see a few, hidden, while walking down the halls. One of them, which looks quiet similar to the Cowon S9, is iRiver’s 3.5-inch K1, also known as “Smart HD”, which may give you a sense of what it can play, besides the usual batch of formats we all know. Screen resolution is at 480 x 320 and the PMP itself boasts a DMB TV tuner,along WiFi, web browser, a built-in mic and integrated FM tuner. Internet support is definitely the trigger that caught our attention here, but mind you, it can also be used as a mini e-book reader, out of the box, the moment it comes out in South Korea at the end of the month. No price or US release info at the moment.

Update1: It looks like iRiver’s K1 PMP will go live initially in Korea only. It will be offer in variant flavors, including the basic 8GB version, priced at ₩229,000 (about $205), while a DMB mobile TV tuner add-on will run for ₩279,000 (about $250) and the 16GB model for ₩299,000 (about $265). In case you’re into the full fledged pack with WiFi, DMB tuner and 16 gigs of storage, the K1 will cost you ₩349,000, or $310 US dollars.

Update2: We’ve added a new video after the break which demonstrates the new and surprisingly cool user interface that is installed in iRiver’s K1 touchscreen player. It has variant homescreen platforms inside along Cover Flow-like albums engine and well designed circles panel up on front. Apparently, someone in Korea was paying close attention to some worldwide trends, eh?

iriver-k1-pmp_2

Audio, Media Players

Philips Activa MP3 Player Initially Designed For Couch Potatoes, Practically Can Fit Everyone

Not sure whether it’s a new trend or not, but we’ve already seen Samsung’s MyFit storming out to the pond, and now it’s Philips’ turn to get the spot. It’s a fitness MP3 device called Activa and it would tell you when to start a calories-burn activity and when to stop. The body is relatively tiny and packs either 4GB or 8GB flash storage inside, but most importantly, it would match your music playlist with the phase of your workout. As for debut, check April 20 in your diaries, 130 bucks with your banker and PR after the jump.

philips-activa-mp3

Continue reading Philips Activa MP3 Player Initially Designed For Couch Potatoes, Practically Can Fit Everyone →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Samsung's MyFit And Ice Touch PMPs Introduced, Looking Good With AMOLED Displays

It’s been a while since we last heard from Samsung anything about new media players coming out. But hey, CES 2010 is only two days ahead and that’s probably the best time to announce the release of new products. Actually, there are two: the first, an 8GB device which answers the name MyFit and suppose to target fitness junkies with integrated sensors that detect fat and stress, along a built-in accelerometer and a slew of apps to ensure your health is well (including pedometer and My Coach). The second, which boasts 16GB of internal storage is called Ice Touch, packs 2-inch AMOLED screen and a body, made of tempered glass. It supports wide range of multimedia formats, including HD content and lossless audio and runs a brand of Samsung’s TouchWiz UI called Sweep. Price and availability for both players are yet to be determined.

Update: We’ve added a short preview video of the Ice Touch after the break (courtesy of engadget).

samsung-myfit-icetouch-pmp

[via engadget]

Continue reading Samsung's MyFit And Ice Touch PMPs Introduced, Looking Good With AMOLED Displays →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Viliv HD5 PMP Spotted In The Wild, Runs 1080p And Windows CE Platform

Korean company Viliv, that already proved us it can release great MIDs and UMPCs, jumps on the PMP bandwagon with the latest HD5 which suppose to make an official appearance at CES 2010 in just few days. Until then, from the sparse details we found, it seems the HD5 player will pack a 5-inch touchscreen display (800 x 480 resolution), hiding underneath 8, 16, or 32GB of storage, SDHC expansion, a DMB/DAB tuner and an HDMI port that can upscale your video library up to 1080p. This slick 13mm device will presumably run Windows CE inside, but don’t count on it at this point. Stay tuned.

Update: We’ve added a quick hands-on video coming straight from CES 2010, courtesy of engadget. Check it out after the break.

viliv-hd5-pmp

[via gmp3]

Continue reading Viliv HD5 PMP Spotted In The Wild, Runs 1080p And Windows CE Platform →

Audio, Media Players, Video

iToos M6HD PMP Supports HD Videos For a Small Amount Of Bread

Think of getting a new media player? The kind that would both play your HD content and give your bank manager a reason to smile? iToos M6HD might be the right solution, as the Chinese PMP breaks into the market moments before 2009 ends, with a 4.3-inch 480 x 272 TFT display and an HDMI output that will pump your 1080i videos on your LCD TV. It houses 4GB of internal storage with an SD card expansion, it has an FM radio tuner, but boasts a wide range of codecs support (including H.264 and MKV). And for the best part, it would cost ya only $58.50 (kind of).

[via Akihabara News]

Applications, Internet, Media Players

Zune HD Twitter App Officially Out, Cursing Tweets Excluded

Tweet tweet, Zune HD finally gets a twitter app – now available for downloading via Marketplace, free of charge. Design wise it looks great, but once ending with registration process and firing up the application, this is where it start getting buggy and the UI performs a bit sluggish. Despite malfunctions, you can send tweets, follow your Twitter feed, view replies, search on Twitter, send direct messages and watch your favorites tab as long as you want – until it freezes up (no lists support at the moment).

Update1: Surprisingly, it forces you to be polite while using the app, otherwise your cursing tweets will snappily get trashed and brutally thrown out of the line. Stay tuned for more about that.

Update2: Microsoft has taken this Zune HD Twitter app censorship way too far from expected, and couple hours later, after setting the stage for turmoil, and getting knocked from every possible direction, it finally unleashed a statement, vowing to fix these chopped cuss words “issues” as soon as it finds a proper code line replacement. Here’s what Redmond had to say:

The recently released Twitter for Zune HD application has been abbreviating some explicit words in tweets when viewed on the device; however these explicit words do appear in their full text on the Twitter site or on any other Twitter client. We have identified the issue and are taking steps to update the application as soon as possible to ensure Twitter for Zune HD users are able to view tweets in their original state.

Update3: And one day later… Microsoft releases firmware update v1.1, which allows free Twitter expression, without any censorship or limitations. Bugs, lags and other malfunctions are yet to be fixed though.

[via Zune Insider; engadget]

Audio, Media Players, Video

iRiver's Most Stardard E30 Audio Player Starts Showing Up In China And The US

Despite market flotation, we keep seeing more and more entry-level players surface up in the wild, targeting non-deep pockets, at the time where branded ones are out of their reach.  This way or another, some manufacturers, like Korean iRiver, occasionally offer both. From one hand we have a pricey touchscreen media player such as the P7, which costs hundreds of dollars, and from the other, the E30, that represents the slim and light lineup. The late, that enters into Chinese markets these days, packs a 1.8-inch display and either 4GB ($59) or 8GB ( $79.99) capacities to choose from. Besides that it sports a 52 hours battery and runs almost every known format, available around.

Update: Amazon now has it, up for order both in 4GB and 8GB storage capacities.

[via gmp3]

Audio, Media Players, Video

RAmos' 5-inch T11TE Joins The Growing HD PMP Lineup, But Makes No Difference

Chinese corp RAmos seems to be releasing HD players on a monthly bases – our feeling only – and those of you who’ve been thinking it would slow down a bit, should think again, as the company rolls out yet another one, the T11TE, priced at $177.45 and houses a 5-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen, paired with microSD slot expansion, 16GB of flash storage, dual 3.5mm jacks(?) and of course, a 1080P HDMI output, to pump high-def videos on your tele – although it runs other common formats such as DAT, MPG, MPEG,VOB, MP4, MOV, AVI, DVD Video, ASF, WMV, MKV, TS, RM,and RMVB. Other than that, this half-inch thick PMP will record voices, thanks to its built-in mic or help you share your music around, with those integrated stereo speakers it boasts. No word whether it would make its way Stateside or not, surely it won’t keep that “new player” title for long.

Update: Checkout the video we’ve added after the break.

ramos-t11te-pmp

[via PMP Today]

Continue reading RAmos' 5-inch T11TE Joins The Growing HD PMP Lineup, But Makes No Difference →

Audio, Media Players

iRiver Hello Kitty PMP Makes a Black Debut

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It’s small, black (with golden touch) and looks like Hello Kitty, have you guessed? Well, that wasn’t hard, was it? I guess not, especially when it comes from a company – AKA iRiver – that already launched Mickey Mouse players to the pond. This time it’s a cat, THE cat, if you take Garfield out of the equation. The DAP itself offers either 2GB or 4GB storage capacities at your choice, along a USB cable and color matched ear buds bundled inside. Japan release is set for December 18, just before the holidays, with prices around ¥7,980 ($90). Miao

iRiver-hello-kitty-player

[via Akihabaranews]

Continue reading iRiver Hello Kitty PMP Makes a Black Debut →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Creative's ZEN X-Fi2 Devices Get Their First Firmware Update

Just when you were thinking that Creative has abandoned its X-Fi2 users in favor of the Zii EGG ones, the Asian corporation has rolled out a new firmware update, version 1.10.04, that reportedly includes some neat add-ons to Zen devices, but first and foremost fixes some responsive issues that bothered many users for quite some time. Besides that it brings games like Sudoku, new set of colorful icons, accelerometer usability (at last) and plenty items more. Download link is right in here, while a walkthrough demo was added right after the break.

creative-zenxfi2-firmware

[via DAPreview]

Continue reading Creative's ZEN X-Fi2 Devices Get Their First Firmware Update →

Audio, Media Players, Video

MSI MT-V887 PMP Introduced, Got HD Video Support To Brag About

MSI is about to enlarge its growing HD PMPs lineup, proudly releasing the MT-V887, which apparently follows the company’s high-def trend, packing a Rockchip RK2728B chipset that can broadcast H.264 and 720p videos, once get pumped on a tele, via composite/component outputs, already built into the chassis. However, those who prefer watching through the integrated 4.3 inch display, will have to settle with merely 480 x 272 screen resolution, which practically downgrades their view quality to usual standards and make it look less sharp, less crisp than they really are. Besides that, for an undetermined price/availability, this Chinese media player will also offer either 4GB or 8GB capacities at your choice, together with a text reader, a multi-language interface, a built-in mic, and slick robust frame, crammed with silver or black colors. Western arrival is doubtful, our desires are mute. Stay tuned for further updates.

MSI-MT-V887-PMP

[via imp3]

Audio, Media Players, Video

Newman A36HD PMP Announced, Tech World Hasn't Changed

Here we are, standing again with Chinese corp Newman, that recently announced its latest A36HD device, which apparently boasts a regular 3-inch display (no touchscreen), along a microSD card slot, 4GB or 8GB capacities to choose from, the regular audio-video lineup and a nice slick silver frame, covering it all from every possible direction. As probably figured from those “HD” initials, marked in its name, this 8mm thick PMP supports 720p videos when pumping them out on your LCD TV, through the integrated TV-output, already been included. Other than that, it packs a usual built in mono speaker, to let you share your music loud, and a 3.5mm Jack in case you want to have some privacy. No price or availability details to be mentioned yet, but be sure they will probably stay relevant for Eastern residents only.

newman-a36hd-pmp

[via akihabaranews]

Audio, Media Players, Video

Viewsonic's VPD400 MovieBook Media Player Officially Sprouts Out (Update: Along VPD500)

Viewsonic officially gets into the portable HD-compatible world, announcing the VPD400 MovieBook, a 4.3-inch 800 x 480 media player, supporting 720p video files along other common media formats, including AVI, RM/RMVB, FLV, MP4, MOV, PMP, MPG, VOD, DAT, H.264, H.263 and MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, APE, OGG for audio. Other than that, this stylish all-in-one device – sized only 113mm x 74.5mm x 13.8mm – sports 8GB of internal memory, together with a micro SD slot expansion and AV Output for full sized TV entertainment. Battery is set to work 12 hours of audio playback and six if you’re watching a video. that, as a fact, would give you the benefit of watching HD movies, view photos and read any digital book whenever on the go. Too bad it lacks a WiFi connection, but color wise you get to choose out of Black, White or Pink. No price or availability details available at this point.

Update: Checkout the unboxing video, made by the good guys at NetbookNews, and added after the break. BTW, just in case you were wondering, the VPD500 comes with a 5-inch display while the 400 version packs only 4-inch screen.  

viewsonic-vpd400-mediaplayer

[Viewsonic]

Continue reading Viewsonic's VPD400 MovieBook Media Player Officially Sprouts Out (Update: Along VPD500) →

Audio, Media Players

SAFA XING LED MP3 Player Introduced, Proves That Music and Fashion Can Get Along

Korean manufacturer SAFA has rolled out a new mp3 player, SAFA XING LED, cramming both audio and style in one  small device. The Xing LED, which comes with 27 LED lights that can be tweaked with various icons at your choice or used for playing simple enjoyable games like Rock, Paper, Scissors or Dice, packs a 12 hours battery, paired with a G-sensor mode, one USB connector, a mono speaker lump and 4-directions touch keys. Price and availability are yet to be released while storage capacity is still under examine – well, nothing that’d stop us announcing the XING as our new fashion accessory.

safa-xing-led-player

[via Safa]

Audio, Media Players

Archos 1 Vision MP3 Player Announced, Will Go Live Somewhere This Month

You didn’t really think Archos was going to give up the Vision 1 mp3 lineup, after already launching Vision 2 and Vision 3 in the past few months, did you? Well, given the fact a vision 1 device, equipped with 4GB of storage and 1.5-inch LCD display is rumored to be out at the end of this month, we’d surely say “NO”. And, despite the absolute lack of video support inside this 28 grams weight and €30 ($45) money, the added 20 hours battery, pumped in one single charge, would probably give this tiny Frenchi chap an extra fervency value.

Update: Archos 1 is now available around Europe, priced at £24.99 ($40), stores up to 4GB of content and plays almost every common format available around, like MP3, WMA, APE, WAV and FLAC for audio, and JPEG or BMP files for photos. Still no word on a US release.

[via LeJournalDuGeek]

Audio, Media Players, Video

Zune HD Firmware Update v4.3 Goes Live, Wider Keyboard and 3D Games support Included

Check this out guys, Microsoft has just rolled out firmware version 4.3 for its fabulous Zune HD players. The update, originally released in order to solve pesky playcount syncing issues, surprisingly adds/upgrades some neat UI features – amongst you can find the long awaited 3d games and applications support, together with a wider touchscreen keyboard and autofill text suggestion bot. Other improvements offer a faster browser and better webpages rendering engine, while apps and loading time have turned slightly snappier than before. The v4.3 release is now available when clicking “Player Update” in your Zune, so hurry up and make it vibrant.

Update: In addition to that new Zune HD firmware update, Microsoft has released a slew of pretty cool (and free) 3D games – already available through the Marketplace slot – amongst you can find titles like PGR: Ferrari Edition, Lucky Lane Bowling, Vans Sk8: Pool Service, Piano, Checkers, and Audiosurf. Full PR was added after the break, along with a gaming experience demo.

Zune-HD-firmware-update-v43

[Via MobileTechWorld]

Continue reading Zune HD Firmware Update v4.3 Goes Live, Wider Keyboard and 3D Games support Included →

Audio, Media Players, Operating Systems, Video

Creative Zii EGG Prototype Finally Gets The Android Treatment

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Still in development, the Zii EGG prototype – which hopefully will go live somewhere next year – is one desirable media device we’d like to see floating around. With a 3.5-inch multi-touch display, WiFi, GPS, and 1080p HD support – it just can’t go wrong. In fact, it seems to be walking the right directions, with its mother company, Creative, choosing the Android 1.6 path, and making it look pretty promising on this new nifty portable bud. Too bad the entire UI is a bit sluggish and the integrated webcam is not exactly functional (not to mention the inaccurate signal marks at the top). Yet, it’d surely improve in the next build, we’re positive, very very positive. But ’till then, hit the jump and watch the video.

creative-zii-egg-android-

[via anythingbutipod]

Continue reading Creative Zii EGG Prototype Finally Gets The Android Treatment →

Audio, Internet, Media Players, Video

SmartQ To Release The V5 MID, A Touchscreen Device Supporting 1080P

Care for a less expensive media player, the kind that looks good and serves your high-def videos exactly the way you want? Checkout SmartQ’s latest V5 MID, with no price tag or availability dates attached, but a 4.3-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen that pumps your HD files to 1080p, through an HDMI hub, built inside. Other than that, you get a strong 600MHz ARM11 processor along with 256MB of DDR2 RAM, 2GB of internal storage, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, SD expansion for bigger capacities use, and a nice slick rectangle design. Well, on second thought, it wouldn’t be that cheap if getting one involves acquiring a flight ticket to Asia – but that’s for you to decide.

Update: Looks like SmartQ’s V5 MID is finally up and available across the pond. For merely $180 you will get yourself that 4.3-inch display, hiding a 600MHz ARM11 processor underneath, paired with 256MB of RAM, HDMI output, Android, Ubuntu, and Windows CE 6.0 all preloaded inside – which makes it even more attractive.

smartq-v5-mid

[via imp3]

Audio, Media Players, Video

Newsmy A11HD Run Of The Mill PMP Gets Released

Tired of yet another Asian media player, splashed out to the pond? have no worries, we’ll make it short. Basically, we have one Chinese company, Newsmy, which used to be Newman, a new PMP device carrying the most bizarre name A11HD, a 4.3-inch 480 x 272 display, supporting 720p video files (via TV output), 16GB of internal flash storage, wide range of formats support and 64 games, coming bundled out of the box. Price stands exactly at $129.86, purchase is at your own discretion.

Newsmy-A11HD-PMP

[Via PMP Today]

Audio, Media Players, Video

Cube H600HDMI PMP Announced, 5-Inch Display IN, WiFi Connectivity OUT

Chinese company Cube already tossed some HD-compatible media players into the pile. This time it’s no different from others, but design wise, a lot more attractive. Today’s new boy on stake is the H600HDMI, which practically boasts a 5-inch 800 x 480 display on top, with a batch of refreshing specs underneath. Sized only 6.99mm thick, this skinny PMP device can literally handle any viable format you’ve ever tackled with, including 720p/1080i video files via the HDMI hub, along with RMVB, RM, AVI, FLV, MKV, DAT, WMV, MPG, MP4, MOV, PMP, VOB, H.264 (HP) and H.26, while audio range supports MP3, WMA, WAV, APE, FLAC and OGG. Regretfully, there’s no WiFi inside to surf the web, but a USB host, an FM tuner, an eBook reader, and 8GB of storage are all bundled onboard, as price goes somewhere around $73, which are approximately 499 yuan in local currency.

Cube-H600HDMI-PMP

[Via akihabaranews]

Audio, Media Players, Video

MyRacer's Q10 Touchscreen PMP Makes It Out In The Old Fashioned Way

We’ve already seen some of Myracer’s stuff in the past, but hands down, their latest Lisse Q10 PMP is one of a kind. Basically, you get everything that any other media player will give these days, including a 3-inch 400 x 240 touchscreen, 8GB flash drive, an FM tuner, an e-book reader, a mic, one TV output and microSD slot expansion. Different from others, this one comes with a stunning stylish retro design, featuring a rounded dial nub on front and three colors to choose from (black, silver or gold). Codecs wise, it will support most common formats, such as MPEG4, H.264, DivX, XviD, RM/RMVB, MP4, 3GP, MPG, WMV video, MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, OGG, FLAC audio and JPEG, BMP, GIF image files – but alas! price and dates still remain a secret. Stay tuned, more to come.

myracer-q10-pmp

[via itechnews]

Audio, Media Players

iRiver N20 Mp3 Player Surfaces In china

It’s not official yet, but word on Chinese streets says that iRiver is launching the N20 mp3 player these days, coming with either 2GB or 4GB capacities at your choice, along with a four lines greyscale PMOLED display, a built-in FM tuner, 26 x 55.5 x 13mm size dimensions and wide range of formats support – MP3, WMA, APE, WAV, FLAC and OGG audio files included. As said, nothing official from iRiver at this point, but this way or another, we hear you’ll probably have to shell out 649 yuan ($95) or 749 ($110), respectively, to have one.

Update1: Mariah Carey fans, this is your day. A special iRiver N20 edition, preloaded with  Carey’s new album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, is just around the South Korean corner. First 5000, you’re on, only $120 out of your pockets, and this LE  DAP is yours. Another image is just after the break. Hurry up!

Update2: Looks like iRiver’s N20 mp3 player, which apparently hasn’t seen Western shores ’till today, now owns a new sibling, the N15, that literally boasts the same tops and looks, only delivers less battery power (12 hours instead of 15) and skips the OGG audio format for no special reason. Flash storage capacities will keep their status at  2GB or 4GB, but price and availability are yet to be determined.

[via imp3]

Continue reading iRiver N20 Mp3 Player Surfaces In china →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Cowon iAudio 9 MP3 Player Makes Its First Apperance Online

1 Comment

Hope you’re not confusing with Cowon’s S9, which is more of a PMP rather than an mp3 player. Anyway, we’re glad to see the Koreans keeping up with the good media-players launching pace, while this time it’s the iAudio 9, which apparently packs a 2-inch LCD screen, along with a built-in microphone, an FM tuner, TV output, an integrated speaker and lots of media codecs to play, including AVI, WMV, XViD, ASF and many more. Regretfully, we’re still missing storage capacities and pricing details, but as you know we’re all over it to bring’em on.

Update1: While Western debut may  look vague at the moment, Asian release is much clearer, as Cowon’s iAudio 9 is expected to see light, in Japan, on mid-November, priced at 14,800 yen (around $160) for the 8GB model, and 17,800 yen (around $195) for the 16GB model.Stay tuned.

Update2: The guys at Le Journal Du Geek were lucky enough to put their hands on a Cowon 9 mp3 player, few weeks before its European start, which suppose to give you, for merely €180 ($265), a 16GB of internal storage, a 2-inch screen display, integrated mic, built-in FM radio, wide range of codecs support and a pocketable sized black/silver body design. Hit the break for one more footage, or click this spot for the entire collection.

Update3: Looks like Cowon’s iAudio 9 is finally up on sale in the US, with prices starting at $129 for the 8GB version and climbing up to $169 for the 16GB one.

cowon-iaudio-9-mp3-player

[gmp3]

Continue reading Cowon iAudio 9 MP3 Player Makes Its First Apperance Online →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Digital Cube's i-Station Emerald E9 Touchscreen PMP Introduced

It’s not a real player these days without a full fledged touchscreen panel hovering the entire media device from bottom to top, and South Korean Digital Cube is one company that seems to realize it pretty well with its latest i-Station Emerald E9 PMP, which practically boasts a resistive 3-inch display, clean of buttons on top. In Apple’s well-received iPod Touch tradition, the new Emerald device packs a built-in accelerometer for landscape view, along with other typical features, including an FM tuner, a mic, a video output, 7EQ, an e-book reader, and flash storage drives, sized at 4GB ($115) or 8GB ($132) capacities at your choice. Formats support looks pretty extensive, no matter what color you get to choose – either black or white – neither of them will cross western lines, soon.

i-station-e9-pmp

[i-Station]

Audio, Media Players, Video

Teclast's T56 PMP Will Pump Your Videos To 1080P Full-HD (Update: Android-based T58 Version Is On The Prep)

Details scarce on specs, Chinese corp Teclast has recently rolled out a new PMP device, which technically sports 5 inches of 800 x 600 screen resolution, on one side, but in practice can output any video file to 1080P, from the other – that, of course, cannot be achieved without the built-in HDMI socket the player boasts. Out of the box, the T56 seems to offer the usual integrated voice recorder, paired with an FM tuner radio support, a USB host, and a card reader slot , all stuffed into a nice solid metal case. Other than that, the company impressively added a  GPS navigating system, to ease your way out wherever you are. Storage capacities haven’t been disclosed , while price and availability are yet to be determined, so stick around to get’em out.

Update: Now it’s said there’s a T58 version on the prep, which presumably includes the Android OS inside, that suppose to run under a dual-core ARM9 RISC processor, with an RK2808 chipset, WiFi, GPS, 1280 x 720 touchscreen, 720p support and common formats compatibility. Still no word on price or availability, but a teasing image is right after the break.

telcast-t56-pmp

[via iMP3]

Continue reading Teclast's T56 PMP Will Pump Your Videos To 1080P Full-HD (Update: Android-based T58 Version Is On The Prep) →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Sony's OLED NW-A840 Walkman Hits The 64GB Flash Storage Mark

Sony strikes again, this time with the new NW-A840 mp3 player, which is a 7.2mm walkman device that sports a 2.8-inch OLED display, upscaled to 720×480 pixel resolution via a built-in TV output. In addition, the A840 is probably one of the first portable audio  machines we’ve ever seen, to include a staggering 64GB flash drive storage, which lets you accommodate your entire audio/video library collection on such a tiny frame. Also bundled inside the box are Sony’s premium MDR-EX300SL earbuds, which come along with a reasonable battery, claimed to deliver up to 29-hours of music playback or 9 hours of video. Scheduled to October 31st, you get to choose out of three different A-series versions – the first, 16GB NW-A845 priced at ¥24,000 (or $265), the second, 32GB NW-A846 which will cost you ¥30,000 (or $330), and THE third, a 64GB NW-A847 that will set you back for ¥40,000 (or $440) – all available either in Brown/Gold flavors (in picture) or an elegant Black.

Update: Looks like Sony just rolled out a European version of that Japanese NW-A840 walkman, which boasts exactly the same features, including a 2.8-inch OLED, paired with 7.2mm thin body and 28 hours of audio playback, but named NW-A845 and available in a 16GB “Falcon Black” version, only. Image after the break.

[Via Sony Insider]

Continue reading Sony's OLED NW-A840 Walkman Hits The 64GB Flash Storage Mark →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Zune HD Officially Goes Live, Already Considered a Hit On The Streets

It’s here! Microsoft officially rolls out its highly rated Zune HD media player, and boy this thing looks good. Yes, we know, most details are pretty much known at this point, but still deserve a round of applause, aren’t they? And just in case you missed the buzz, those fancy shcmancy specs we get, include a beautiful 3.3-inch Gorilla glass 480 x 272 OLED capacitive 16:9 aspect-ratio touchscreen, which hides underneath a built-in HD Radio receiver, seating along with a wireless WiFi antenna connection and a fine batch of accelerometer sensors for landscape use. Excited? We are, but that’s not all, since Redmond has wisely tossed in Nvidia’s mighty Tegra processor, which is technically constructed from eight different sub processors inside, that flawlessly handle their tasks at a time. Now that’s a real beast, isn’t it? OH Yeah. Storage wise, you get to choose between 16GB or 32GB flash capacities that fairly priced at $219.99 and $289.99, respectively.

zune-hd

Continue reading Zune HD Officially Goes Live, Already Considered a Hit On The Streets →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Brando’s 7-inch bmorn BM-888 Touchscreen PMP Gently Pops Up

2 Comments

Need a new media player? The kind that has a 7-inch touchscreen, costs cheap and supports 720p high-def videos? Hong Kong based Brando, is now offering one – bmorn BM-888 – which basically looks like a digital frame, but essentially packs a lot more, with an FM tuner installed inside, paired with a built-in microphone, microSDHC slot expansion (bundled with 8GB card) and this HD compatible 800×480 TFT display, we’ve already noted. Regretfully, there’s no WiFi support, so internet surfing and Youtube playing are practically out of bounds. Nevertheless, it can still easily handle many common video/audio formats like MPEG (AVI), RM, RMVB, or  FLV, along with lossless audio and image files – and if that’s what you want, you’re only $149 USD far from having one.

[Brando]

Audio, Media Players, Video

DigitalCube's iSTATION S3 PMP Breaks Into Asian Markets

Despite Microsoft’s Zune HD event, which takes place this coming Tuesday, things look just as usual around DigitalCube’s  Korean headquarters, as the company officially debuts with iSTATION S3 PMP that “surprisingly” sports a 3.5-inch 800 x 480 AMOLED display, which packs underneath an HDMI output and a strong battery, running around 20 hours of audio and up to 8 hours of video. Other than that, the new S3 supports most common files while storage wise, is being offered in 8/16/32GB capacities. Prices and dates of release are yet to be determined. Be sure we’re here to get’em right away.

istation-s3-pmp

[via Aving]

Audio, Media Players, Video

RAmos Q25ihi touchscreen PMP Finds Its Way Out In Korea

Did you miss RAmos? Well, here it is, live and kickin’ with the new Q25ihi touchscreen player, which makes a debut in Korea these days, boasting a 3.1-inch capacitive display, which means we’re going to see some multi-touch features ahead. Other than that, the new PMP packs a G-Sensor for landscape view, a built-in FM tuner radio, wide formats support (audio/video) and finally, myriad range of storage capacities at your choice, starting from 1GB and climbing up to 16GB. Still no word about pricing but Korean retailers should already have it on their shelves under RAmos’ MuMu Music moniker.

[Via iTech News Net]

Applications, Media Players, Mobile, News, Operating Systems

iPhone And iPod Touch OS 3.1.1 Is Officially Out

2 Comments

Apple has just released iPhone and iPod Touch OS 3.1.1 which is now officially up and available for downloading via iTunes, as iPhone users can easily get it for free, while iPod touch owners will need to shell out ONLY $4.95 this time. The latest upgrade seems to include a new ringtone store that offers over 30,000 ringtones, listed at $1.29 each, while the other app store, is now having a Genius recommendations system paired with new syncing features and a cool application managing support.

Update: New update is sized around 283MB. We keep hearing about wifi issues from several people who already installed the new OS. Apparently, their iPhone device has lost any connection with local wireless routers, after loading up the 3.1.1 version. Will keep you updated about this problem and others.

iphone-os-3-1-1-update

Audio, Media Players

Apple's New iPod Shuffle Announced, More Colors And a Special Edition Version Join The Lineup

With Apple’s fifth-gen nano camera player catching today’s most attention, no one had really thought a new iPod Shuffle series could actually get into Steve Jobs’ busy schedule lineup and be released  – But it did – as Cupertino surprisingly announces a refreshing batch of new colorful shuffle players, spiced with a much welcomed price cut execution that sets the numbers on $59 for the 2GB version and only $79 for the 4GB one. Flavors wise, it seems the shuffle is now being offered in blue, green or pink hues, joining the already exist black and silver tints, as well as a new stainless steel “Special Edition” model, marked as premium and priced higher than others, at $99. Other than that, it pretty much remains the same with that voice over technology reading out your songs list, and battery life that plays your stuff for 10 hours long. Stay tuned.

ipod-shuffle-colors[Apple]

Audio, Media Players, Video

iPod Nano 5th-Gen Player Announced, Video Camera, FM Radio And Bigger Screen On The Stake

Apple’s Rock n’ Roll event just went down with Steve Jobs up on stage again, this time suggesting a new colorful iPod nano lineup, available today at the online store, delivering two different storage capacities, 8GB ($149) and 16GB ( $179), to choose from. Other than that, the fifth-generation nano is now offering some neat improvements, with Cupertino unveiling a small video camera, integrated at the back of each player, allowing live video shooting in 640 x 480 video capture resolution at H.264 format, which gets up to 30fps capabilities and including 15 real-time special effects, such as Sepia, Black and White, X-Ray, 2.2Film Grain, Thermal, Security Cam, Cyborg, Bulge, Kaleido, Motion Blur and many others. Additionally, you get a bigger 2.2-inch 376 x 240 display, holding an FM tuner that has Live Pause feature underneath, sitting along with iTunes Tagging support, a pedometer element, built in speaker / microphone  and a voice over trait – all packed into a small sized 3.6 x 1.5 x 0.24-inches body frame that holds a battery which literally plays up to 24 hours of audio and 5 hours of video. Stay tuned for more to come.

Update1: Turns out the new nano camera can only handle video footage without stills. Nonetheless, it still looks pretty amazing, so hit the break and checkout the video walkthrough right away.

Update2: Hey, we know you’re all excited to take a peek at those sexy inner parts of the new nano video cam player. And as we speak, the guys from iFixit were rapidly nabbing a nice blue fifth-gen nano device, tearing it apart and showing its bowels wide. Hit the jump to watch from close, or click the link to look at the entire process done.

[Apple]

Continue reading iPod Nano 5th-Gen Player Announced, Video Camera, FM Radio And Bigger Screen On The Stake →

Media Players, News

Apple To Significantly Cut Prices Of iPod Touch, Nano And Classic PMPs (Update: iPod Touch 3G Included)

With one more hour to go before announcing some new players, Apple is now reported to quietly slash down iPod Touch, Nano and Classic iPod prices on Cupertino’s on-line store, as follows:  iPod Touch – Apparently, the 8GB model is now priced at $189 (instead of $229), while 16GB version now stands at $249 (instead of $299), and the 32GB flavor is merely $279 (was $399 before). iPod Nano – The 8GB model will now set you back for $129 (instead of $149), as the 16GB Nano is now offered for only $149 (instead of previous $199). iPod Classic – Gets the competitive price of $229 instead of $249.

Update1: Turns out a new whopping 64GB iPod Touch version is now up and available for $399.

Update2: Looks like the $249 iPod Classic player is now being offered in 160GB storage. That’s extra 40GB to its predecessor.

Update3: So it seems a new iPod Touch 3G is out after all, but regretfully without a camera inside. Prices remain the same but the UI looks a little snappier than previous gen. Surprisingly, the guys at iFixit have managed to find a potential spot for a video camera, that Apple has probably allocated in the top of the device. That said, Steve Jobs already made it clear that Apple won’t integrate any footage features at this point. Stay tuned.

Update4: The guys at engadget have thrown themselves all over the “new” iPod Touch 3G, moments before it goes live. Hit the jump to take a look.

iPods-september-nine-pricecuts

[Apple]

Continue reading Apple To Significantly Cut Prices Of iPod Touch, Nano And Classic PMPs (Update: iPod Touch 3G Included) →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Archos Android-Based Internet Tablet Spotted In Black, Coming With 160/500GB Capacities Onboard (Update: Now Official)

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So, what do we have in here? It’s Archos, hitting the online scene again, this time with a brand new Android-based Internet Tablet device, which apparently gets exactly the same looks and specs its 5-inch Archos 5 predecessor packs, only this one unsurprisingly runs a Google Android trendy OS – all over the place – while design wise, it gets darker than ever with a whole black body color, covering both the media tablet itself and its optional $130 DVR docking station. Other than that, it seems that Archos’ new kid on the block just grew up bigger, and now being offered with storage capacities starting at 160GB HDD priced at $320 or a whopping 500GB HDD for merely $420. However, in case you’re into the SSD flavor, you can choose either going with the 16GB SSD version that is listed at B&H for $294 or the 32GB SSD option that will run you back for $370. Stay tuned for even more. Meanwhile, hit the jump to see the rest.

Update1: Apparently, the Android-based Archos 5 Internet Tablet just turned official and is now available with prices ranged from $259 – $430 (depends on storage configuration). Other than that, it seems the French have taken the vanilla Android OS and managed to hover it on top of Archos’ own Linux platform. Surprisingly, the combination of both systems works pretty smooth and flawless, then we may have expected. Additionally, Archos also included some neat third-party apps, like ThinkFree Mobile for document editing, Internet browser for net surfing, and some cool navigation features that suppose to take advantage of the full-fledged GPS system inside and help you find your way with local maps, voice over guidance and even 3D landmarks. And while the new Archos 5 doesn’t seems to have any mobile phone pretensions, it still packs some very advanced specs that make it such a fun and usable device for users. You get a 4.8-inch 800 x 480 resistive screen, which responds pretty well but not as fast as a multi-touch display. You can also find a 802.11n WiFi connectivity, paired with 800MHz OMAP3440 processor, storage drives which can go up to 500GB capacity, and an optional docking cradle that lets you record your favorite shows into the Archos unit or watch your 720P video files whenever connected to an  LCD TV through the HDMI port. Press release is right after the break, along with three walk-through videos.

Update2: Looks like Amazon has finally listed the Archos 5 “Internet Tablet” device on its online store, running for either $390 (160GB) or $370 (32GB)at your choice (and pocket size).

Update3: Radio Shack seems to have a cheaper version of Archos 5’s Android-based tablet – just $249.99 –  in case those $390 bills are too heavy for you to carry. Besides those 8GB of storage, that the new version packs, you get all the good things its bigger brother has, only with 1/20 of the capacity, but that for itself shouldn’t bother anyone who uses Archos’ device mainly for emails and internet.

archos-android-internet-tablet-side

[via Archos]

Continue reading Archos Android-Based Internet Tablet Spotted In Black, Coming With 160/500GB Capacities Onboard (Update: Now Official) →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Creative Zen X-Fi2 Touchscreen PMP Announced

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While vigorously pushing the limits and thereupon, making big headlines with its latest Zii EGG capacitive-compatible prototype, it seems that Creative isn’t going to give up any of its PMP lineups in favor of new ones. On one hand, Zen’s X-Fi first edition wasn’t exactly the one player we’d get ourselves over iPod Touch or Zune HD expenses, but from the other, it looks like Zen’s new version -X-Fi2 – the company has recently announced, is more of the type we’d buy for a use. Regretfully, at this point you’ll only get a 3-inch resistive touchscreen display, but nonetheless, the new device still has a lot to offer, with Creative dropping those pesky buttons out of the top, while looks and design are cleaner and sleeker. Other than that, the list goes pretty much the same, including a microSD card slot expansion, FM tuner radio, a mic, an RSS reader that syncs with your PC and three optional storage capacities – 8GB ($129.99), 16GB ($179.99) or 32GB ($229.99) to choose from. No word about availability, but full specs list is just after the break, paired with unboxing and UI demo videos for your convenient.

[via prweb]

Continue reading Creative Zen X-Fi2 Touchscreen PMP Announced →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Samsung YP-R1 PMP Gets Official, Will Go Live In Europe Next Month

Samsung has been very active lately within the media players market, and even when we were thinking we’ve seen them all, the South Korean giant has given us yet another prove  it ain’t going to halt any production. In fact, not only the company has never stopped, it was actually shifting gear and going official with another PMP player, this time the Samsung YP-R1, which is scheduled to go live at the Berlin IFA trade show, next month, for a starting price of $180. Specs wise, the new player will presumably pack a 2.6-inch 400 x 260 touchscreen, while the TouchWiz interface will give you the freedom to enjoy any audio/video files anywhere, and the BeatDJ feature will enable users adding their own voice and sound effects to their favorite songs. Besides that, the 8.9 millimeter-thick player will eventually come with a choice of 8GB or 16GB memory capacities, while Samsung’s DNSe 3.0 digital sound engine is about to be the first to support DivX format. Regretfully, no other details, nor video previews were popping up at this point, so stay tuned for more updates to come.

Update: US release is officially set to April 2010, with prices standing at $149.99 (8GB) and $179.99 (16GB), while colors wise, you get to choose between Black or Silver.

samsung-yp-r1-pmp

[via Newswire]

Audio, Media Players, Music

Creative Zii Egg Prototype Spotted In The Wild, Excitement Was Noticed Around

Turns out a staff member named DaHarder, at DAP Review website, was lucky enough to get his hands on one of the few Creative Zii EGG multimedia prototypes available in the market, and kindly shared his recent experience on two short preview videos, that can be found after the break. From his impressions, one can learn the Zii EGG machine (that Creative was just beginning to ship), boasts a 3.5-inch screen display which “compares very favorably” to Sony’s S series OLED, with “shockingly” bright and vibrant colors, while sound quality is described as “the best sounding Creative player” ever heard “and that’s without any EQ/Z-F”. Pretty exciting, isn’t it? Hit the jump to take a look.

Update1: And, in case you were looking for one more evidence that will make you believe Creative’s new prototype machine is rockin’, the good guys at AnythingButiPod have managed to put their hands, as well, on one of those Zii EGG developer editions available at the market, and posted their impressions on a clear and bright video that can be watched after the break, still with Plazma OS only rather than Android.

Update2: It’s not out yet, but Creative has just released a firmware update for the Zii EGG machine, version 92.02, which apparently adds media playback support for SD cards, along with some other cool features, including a neat 3D “clothesline”  add-on for landscape view, and a one of a kind stretching feature for browsing lists, that may influence the way we flip long screens. Hit the break to see the news.

creative-zii-egg_2

[Via DAP Review]

Continue reading Creative Zii Egg Prototype Spotted In The Wild, Excitement Was Noticed Around →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Atree J100 Touchscreen PMP Goes Live In Korea

With strong and powerful audio brands like Cowon, iRiver or Samsung, it’s probably hard for unknown Asian companies to get their 15 minutes of fame in such an overcrowded market of dominant media players. But brands and popularity aside, sometimes you pay a lot more for much less and today, when recession keeps knocking our windows (or bank accounts), maybe it’s time for other names to make their debut. And, one of the companies that recently decided to go out with a new player is Atree, that has rolled out the J100 machine, which boasts a 3-inch touchscreen, together with a microSD expansion, DMB digital TV tuner, 4GB of internal flash storage and even an e-dictionary support. Formats wise, the J100 is compatible with MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC and APE lossless audio files while video playback will presumably run any AVI, DivX, Xvid and WMV footage. Hence, if you happen to visit the southern part of the country and find it attractive having an “anything but iPod” DAP in your pocket, you should start counting 198,000 KRW (about $158), the price it costs.

[Atree]

Audio, Media Players, Video

First Legit iPod Touch 3G Footage Released?

1 Comment

[digg-me]

First come the rumors, then you see the  mock-ups, and moments before any official announcement is made, some blurred and unfocused images surface up. Have you guessed already? Of course you did, it is a mandatory process for any Apple product to go through, before getting released, and make no mistake, iPod Touch next gen (AKA: iPod Touch 3G) is not different from others. And with so many “yes camera no camera” speculations floating around, It is for you to decide either these latest footage images are fake or legit. Hit the break to see the video.

ipod-touch-3g-camera_2

Continue reading First Legit iPod Touch 3G Footage Released? →

Audio, Media Players, News, Video

Zune HD Coming Out On September 15th, Already Available For Pre-Order

With so many rumors and speculations floating around, it’s time to organize the latest details we know about the coming release of the Zune HD. Apparently, according to a Gizmodo tipster, the official debut is now scheduled to September 15th (one week past September 8th). In addition, both Zune HD 16GB and 32GB models are already available for a pre-order in Amazon and Newegg, priced at $219.99 and $289.99, respectively (requires a $25 deposit).  From what we know, the player itself will be equipped with a tiny impressive on-screen keyboard that brings up a nice small arch graphic whenever you tap a letter, to distinguish it from its neighbors (See image after the break). Other than that, the internet browser is claimed to be an Opera one, but we can’t be 100% sure, yet. Meanwhile, until things get more clear (and there’s not much time left), checkout the latest hands-on video from CrunchGear, or the Grand Tour video (courtesy of Tech Flash Videos), featuring Brian Seitz of Microsoft’s Zune team demonstrates the Zune HD. Hit the jump, to read the updates.

zune-hd-colors

Continue reading Zune HD Coming Out On September 15th, Already Available For Pre-Order →

Audio, Media Players, Video

RAmos Tosses Out The T11 RK 720P Media Player To Asian Markets

If you can’t hold your breath and patiently wait for Microsoft’s Zune HD to make a debut on September 8th, Chinese company, RAmos has a new device, the T11 RK, that will let you play your 720P HD library in a snap, thanks to the Rockchip RK2806 processor, built inside, together with a 5-inch, 800 x 480 display, 720p TV out, 8GB of internal memory (we’d expect a lot more), and the usual FM radio tuner to set you up on the go. Other than that you should expect a wide range of HD files support, like  H.264 HD, DivX, XviD, MPG, and FLV, as you come to pay 699 Yuan (about $100) on your coming Asian trip.

Update: You can watch the RAmos T11 RK video right here.

[via engadget]

Audio, Media Players, Video

Sony's New S-Series Walkmans Surface Up In France (Update: Now In Asia)

It’s getting hard to follow Sony lately, with all its media players activity, which gets into high gear on recent weeks, especially in Europe, with the E-Series showing up almost� a month ago, and now the S-Series that was listed up on a French retailer website called Materiel’s , featuring the 8GB NWZ-S544 and 16GB NWZ-S545, both equipped with a 2.4-inch QVGA wide-screen display, along with an FM tuner, a mic, built-in stereo speakers, an integrated stand for landscape video watching, and a strong Li-ion battery that can deliver up to 42 hours of audio or 6.5 hours of video, whenever it plays one of the supported formats, including MP3, non-DRM AAC, WMA, H.254, MPEG4, and WMV. In terms of pricing, the S-Series is priced at 129 Euros (about $180) for the 8GB model and 149 Euros ($211) for 16GB flavor. Still no official announcement from Sony, nor any Stateside availability details, so stay tuned for even more to come.

Update1: Apparently Sony America has just gotten official with the S-Series walkmans. The new lineup will include the 8GB NWZ-S544 and 16GB NWZ-S545, both equipped with the aforementioned specs. Mind you, playing music via speakers will make your battery going drained after only 17 hours of audio workout or 5 hours of video playback. The good news are that Sony has plans making them available Stateside (either in black, pink, violet, or red), next month, priced at $110 and $130, respectively. Hit the jump to read the official announcement.

Update2: And if you care watching Sony’s latest sleek and thin S-series walkman in action, looks like Sony Europe’s marketing division is now up with a new promotional video footage, featuring this minuscule bad boy in all its glory. Hit the jump to see the rest.

Update3: Sony adds two more version to its all new S series of players. Both walkmans, S640 and S740 boast a 2-inch display, pumped to 720×480 screen resolution via TV-output. And while the first (S640) houses either 8GB or 16GB capacities, the second (S740) has an additional 32GB model to offer aside from the other two. Other than that, both machines are equipped with noise cancellation filters and presumably expected to go out in Japan somewhere this month, with prices ranging from ¥16,000 ($155 USD) to ¥25,000 ($278 USD). Colorful image of the new joiners is right after the break.

sony-s-series-walkman

[Via Sony Insider]

Continue reading Sony's New S-Series Walkmans Surface Up In France (Update: Now In Asia) →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Samsung To Release The YP-R0 PMP Somewhere This Year

While most details are still missing, Korean giant Samsung is about to release another PMP device to the market, this time it’s the YP-R0 player, which suppose to be available in the following months with a 2.6-inch touchscreen, a slim chassis (only 60g weight), 8GB of flash storage, an FM tuner (RDS compatible), a microSD card slot expansion and wide range of codecs support, including MP3, OGG, WMA, ASF, FLAC, WAV, AAC, MPEG4, WMV, JPEG, PNG, BMP, and GIF. In terms of pricing, you should expect shelling out about KRW 130,000 ($185) when it gets available. Stay tuned.

Update1: Word on the street says that Samsung’s R0 PMP is finally up in Korea, either in Indie Black, Techno Silver, or Rap Pink hues, and includes a 2.6-inch TFT display, along FM radio, microSD card slot, an integrated photo viewer and wide range of codecs support. Storage wise, you get to choose between 4GB and 8GB, while prices stand at KRW139,000 ($120) or KRW179,000 ($155), respectively.

Update2: US release is officially set to April 2010, where the YP- R0 will run for $99 and $129 while capacities are at 8GB and 16GB, respectively, and colors choice ranged from Black to Silver or Pink.

samsung-yp-r0-pmp

[via journaldugeek]

Audio, Internet, Media Players, Operating Systems, Video

Creative's Android-based Zii EGG Handheld Officially Introduced

6 Comments

We’re not so sure what Creative is trying to do, and what is the final product we’re about to see in the following months, but one thing for sure, the latest Zii EGG handheld, the company has just introduced as an Android-based device, powered with the new “Plaszma” platform that was created for developers and OEMs, is really rocking our geeky brains with tons of high class features and updated specs that include a 3.5-inch 320×480 multi-touch display (Capacitive 10-point multi-gesture touch display), along with up to 32GB of internal flash memory, paired with SDHC slot (supports up to 32GB of external SDHC Card), 256MB Mobile DDR RAM (similar to the iPhone 3GS), dual cameras for video conferencing, as the front camera supports HD quality, 3-axis accelerometer, a built-in speaker, a mic, and of course, WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR connectivity are also included in Creative’s “StemCell Computing” project, to let you connect with outbound entities. Other than that, this amazing machine (which you have to admit, looks exactly like an iPhone), packs X-Fi audio processing and supports OpenGL ES and HD playback with 1080p video output (via HD cable). Creative says the platform itself is “market-ready” for OEM manufacturers and can be bundled with different outfits for retail price of $400, but until we figure out whether it will be released as an mp3 player, mobile phone or other alternatives, checkout the video demo after the break.

Update1: With so much potential, stuffed into a one small device, it’s just a matter of time until we’re going to see more neat features, demonstrating the Zii EGG phenomenal specs to the world, and as for a start, hit the jump to checkout the other video, introducing the Zii, running a racing game demo, using both its accelerometer and OpenGL ES capabilities.

Update2: You know the drill, first comes the introduction, then it’s the traditional dissection, which in this case is up, courtesy of the FCC report (and not a cracking group), that every company has to pass through, to ge its productst into the US market. Hit the break to see the inside part of the Zii.

Update3: And if web surfing is something you find yourself using quite often while on the go, mind you that Creative has officially chosen Opera as the main browser inside the Zii Egg. Good or bad, it’d be up to you to decide, once the Zii gets available.

creative-zii-egg-official

[Via DAP Review]

Continue reading Creative's Android-based Zii EGG Handheld Officially Introduced →