Meizu's iPod-ish Mini Player shows Apple a thing or two

Normally we would frown on another cheap iPod rip-off from China, but in the case of Meizu's Mini Player, it looks like they've actually managed to make an improvement on the oft-copied design. Sure, that control scheme might not have any scroll action in it, but it does make room for 2.4-inches of QVGA screen in a form factor smaller than a 5G iPod. We can't complain about the price either, with versions ranging from a $87 512MB unit, all the way to a $200 4GB model. The unit supposedly supports video and playback, though we're not sure of the extent of codec support. We do know that the Mini Player has 20 hours of claimed battery life for music playback, which doesn't sound bad at all for the tiny 0.4-inch thick device. We don't really expect to see it in the States any time soon, but this is one iPod look-alike we actually wouldn't mind spending a bit of time with.

[Via Engadget Chinese]

[JMatt @ Apr 25th 2006 11:26PM]

Looks nice and cool, but you're screwed if you're left handed or want to use it with your left. I guess that's something Apple plans to fix with the touch screen digital touchwheel.

[Matt @ Apr 25th 2006 11:54PM]

I suppose holding it upside down for a moment would be out of the question?

I think it looks pretty swell, I'm curious if the 4 gig model uses a microdrive or flash storage. Either way, the form factor should be considerably smaller than a 5G iPod. With some bumped up storage options and competetive battery life, I'd buy one:)

[jonty @ Jun 17th 2007 11:13AM]

need meizu player mail me

[e-mail]

[Matt E. @ Apr 26th 2006 12:22AM]

iPod rip-off? Yes.
worth the money? Not to me...

BUT, it does indeed bring some form factor inginuity to the table.

But the downsides and limitations overpower the good aspects. Still, freshness from the blatent, crappy fakes of the cheap Asian market is nice to see, and does indeed produce a slight chuckle; part haughtly, part humble.

[ryan @ Apr 26th 2006 12:36AM]

"Looks nice and cool, but you're screwed if you're left handed or want to use it with your left."

Why would that be an issue? If you've ever touched a console controller you know that even your non-dominant hand is adept enough at pushing a small number of buttons.

[Kamisamanou Burgess @ Apr 26th 2006 12:58AM]

Specs: * Easy access with dynamic GUI and touch keypad
* 2.4-inch 260,000-color QVGA 320 x 240 TFT-LCD screen
* 512MB/1GB/2GB flash memory capacity optional
* Supports MP3, MP2, WMA, OGG audio files
* Supports SRS, WOW, TruBass, 3D surround sound effects
* FM radio with FM EQ and FM/voice recording
* Supports OTG (USB host) function
* Photo album + slide show: BMP, JPG, GIF formats
* Movie player: AVI format
* Game and calculator
* Text viewer
* Optional external AAA battery case
* Alarm with real-time clock
* USB 2.0 ultra fast data transfer
* Supports Microsoft MTP
* Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery, plays up to 20 hours
* Supports button song
* Software upgradable
* Dimensions: 79 x 48.2 x 10mm
* Weight: 57g

[Matt @ Apr 26th 2006 1:37AM]

Looks pretty cool but i dont think that i purchase one. I still think the ipod is overall ipod is still much better

[Eli @ Apr 26th 2006 1:59AM]

Usually Chinese players have ridiculously good and varied codec support, so it'll probably take almost anything you throw at it.

[Hans @ Apr 26th 2006 2:33AM]

everything looks like an ipod look-alike to you guys. i love apple. but other companies can be innovative too.

[darren @ Apr 26th 2006 2:52AM]

ooooo look its got a screen

ooo look the buttons are aranged like

BUTTON
BUTTON BUTTON
BUTTON

must wanna b an ipod....everything looks like an ipod to engadget

[Me @ Apr 26th 2006 3:13AM]

That GUI is completely ripped off the Zen Vision:M

[dj @ Apr 26th 2006 3:19AM]

How the hell is it an iPod ripoff?? Are you guys blind or just biased?

- ipod and macbook user

[oz @ Apr 26th 2006 3:20AM]

well.. lets see:

one black, one white
rectangular, soft edges,
a music device with audio and video capabilities launched after apple defined the market.

humh? interesting.

[kaius. @ Apr 26th 2006 3:34AM]

its a square with a screen and normal play buttons - iPOD RIP-OFF!

the end of the world is nigh!

[David T @ Apr 26th 2006 4:12AM]

there's a black version and a white version... so it's an iPod ripoff? WTF?? this is hilarious. give the company some credit for originality, guys.

this is the shape of things to come out of China: a slow change from mere knockoffs to great originality. think Japan between WW II and now and you get the idea.

[rky @ Apr 26th 2006 4:21AM]

oooh, Microsoft MTP support. that means it'll play anything you throw at it as long as you have the codecs on your PC, yes?

[DM @ Apr 26th 2006 4:34AM]

...or maybe its an iPod ripoff because its rectangular [/sarcasm]

#5 Matt, "I still think the ipod is overall ipod is still much better"

I'm going to ignore your atrocious english for a while, and ask you to elaborate on your statement. How exactly is the ipod better? And please dont talk about how iTunes is the "best software in the world" bullcrap ok?

[Marcin Lasica @ Apr 26th 2006 4:36AM]

Since its maximum capacity is 4GB shouldn't it be compared to the iPod nano sizewise? It isn't smaller or lighter then. Of course it has a much bigger screen which is nice but only if you enjoy watching video on a 2.4" device :)

And isn't completely obvious that its design is ripped off the iPod? You must be pretty biased to deny it.

Still a nice device, usually iPof rip-offs look much worse.

[darthbane2k @ Apr 26th 2006 4:46AM]

Exactly! @ #12

Its alarming how many people Apple have brainwashed and forced into buying those sub standard, under-specced excuses for an mp3 player, and to manage their music using that restrictive P.O.S iTunes (you know if it was Microsoft producing that software and ipod products, everyone would hate)

Want proof of just how people are complete morons when it comes to apple.... two words

ipod SHUFFLE

Pathetic.

[Lcd @ Apr 26th 2006 5:17AM]

This Mini Player is the demon race reforms the high tech video and music product start, while originally MP3 domain maintenance domestic products high-quality goods route, the Mini Player birth went out especially has been solid step.

[Matt @ Apr 26th 2006 5:40AM]

Left handed? You can probably flip the screen around so the buttons are on the left side and the screen is "upside down"

[TZK @ Apr 26th 2006 6:21AM]

a) people who bitch about something being right-handed or left-handed only are dickheads.

b) this dosnt remind anyone of an ipod - except for engadget.

c) This dosnt NEED software - like iTunes. Just drag and drop it. So enough with the software bullshit being GOOD about anything.

d) HAPPY HUMPDAY!

[mike @ Apr 26th 2006 6:23AM]

i love apple. but other companies can be innovative too.

---

Even if Apple made this, it wouldn't be innovative.. the hold up on video is the CONTENT. This thing has.. none of the revenue sharing that Apple will bring, hence, there will be no streamlined experience (since file types on pirate networks will offer all different bitrates, formats, etc etc.. )

And most important of all.. relying on stealing content means the selection is spotty.

[weatherman @ Apr 26th 2006 6:24AM]

I'm usually the first to point out that a screen above a circularly arranged pattern of buttons isn't an ipod ripoff, but in this case I think it's a pretty derivitive design. It's not just the white or black color with the grey d-pad, but also the fact that they're half chromed on the bottom.

Size-wise this is better compared to a Nano than a 5G though - it's wider and thicker, but shorter.

[PodcastRant.com @ Apr 26th 2006 8:46AM]

4GB!? Are you serious? Who in their right mind, that considers themselves tech-savy, would buy this when you can have 30 and 60GB?

Have fun changing out your content way more times than necessary.

[yuppicide @ Apr 26th 2006 9:06AM]

@ comment #1: Unless you're planning on playing games, you're not screwed. Are you saying your other hand is completely useless and incapable of doing anything?! You might as well chop it off.

[Tim @ Apr 26th 2006 9:08AM]

Most of the time I only watch a video ones, so 4GB for a video players may not be such a bad idea... Different story for music of course.

[Scott @ Apr 26th 2006 9:26AM]

This thing is "ipodish" because it has a white or black glossy face and a chrome back, and has a touchpad. It also has similar dimensions and contours. Its too bad it doesnt have a bigger memory. Video with 4 gigs?

[Zadillo @ Apr 26th 2006 10:19AM]

#20: You know, for some people at least, the ability to use software to keep your music library synched with your MP3 player IS a benefit. I don't know about you, but I recall having to manually copy back and forth mp3's to a drive on my desktop being kind of a pain in the ass (I'd have to hook up my MP3 player, navigate to wherever I store my music, remember what new music I had that I wanted to put on my MP3 player, copy it over, etc.). And if I got sick of some music and deleted it, I had to remember to delete it twice; once from my computer, and then again later from my MP3 player. This isn't just an iTunes thing; I see this as a benefit with ANY software that helps keep your music libraries synched. I happen to think iTunes does a pretty good job of it though, and also does a good job of managing Smart Playlists and the like. You can dismiss this if you like (and if you do dismiss iTunes, then I agree, there isn't a significant difference between the iPod and many competing players). But it isn't exactly reasonable to call the iPod a POS and say everyone is an idiot for liking the iPod, then asking someone to explain why they prefer the iPod, and THEN telling them not to mention iTunes, as if it was irrelevant. This is really the attititude that is keeping other MP3 players down, frankly. People dismiss the iPod and can't fathom why various other players haven't been as successful even after adding in support for more music codecs, FM radios and other features, while ignoring the software interface side of things. Fortunately, some companies at least do realize that they need to get the software experience down to, and seem to be working on that.

[Zadillo @ Apr 26th 2006 10:22AM]

#22: Don't be silly. The appeal of a Flash device is the size, lack of moving parts from the hard drive, etc. Remember, Apple makes iPod Nanos in 1/2/4GB capacities. For those people, the issue of swapping out music, or just not being able to carry their whole library at the same time, isn't such a big deal. Personally, I do like having my whole library with me, so I can listen to whatever I feel like no matter what my mood is. But I can easily see the appeal of a smaller Flash-based device that is easier to take around anywhere, and where you just fill it to capacity either with your favorite music (which might not be as large as your whole library), or just fill it up randomly, or fill it up based on some rules such as "music you haven't listened to in a month" or whatever.

[Brian @ Apr 26th 2006 10:42AM]

The deal about iTunes and the iPod is that you have to use iTunes to manage the content on your iPod. I have an iAudio X5L and while it does come with management software, I also have the option of just plugging it into any computer and using it just like a large external harddrive.

And don't even get me started on the subpar audio output from the iPod.

[Brian @ Apr 26th 2006 10:45AM]

And the reason why the iPod is so huge is because of all the marketing push and now the huge base of existing customers. iPod gets the popularity vote.

[Aaron @ Apr 26th 2006 10:57AM]

Looks kinda cool. I think if they lowered the price a little on the 4 gig model, it would be pretty appealing to a lot of people.

After looking at the other pictures in the link, I actually like it better than the iPod in some ways.

I'm really hoping that picture at the top is just a really shiny render, and that the real one is more durable and scratch-resistant than the iPod. With the 5G iPod, I don't really feel like I can just slip it in my pocket anymore (I didn't mind doing that with the 4G; it seemed a little tougher to me).

[Zadillo @ Apr 26th 2006 11:33AM]

#28: That simply isn't true; there are plenty of third party tools for managing the iPod if you don't want to use iTunes itself. #29: Yes, obviously the marketing and now the large installed base helps the iPod remain successful, but it is an oversimplification to say that that is the sole reason. If the iPod was fundamentally a piece of crap that people didn't like to use, all the marketing in the world couldn't help it. It would be something that was successful for a couple of years and then died out - again, if it was so terrible and riding solely on marketing (as opposed to factors like a user interface that many people like), then people would get tired of it and not buy the newer models. I keep seeing people bring this up, that the iPod is only successful because of marketing or because it is "trendy", but products don't remain that dominant solely because they are trendy or have good marketing (if nothing, quite the opposite, as people get sick of them). Why is it so hard to acknowledge that there are some merits to the iPod itself and the iTunes software and the iTMS that have won it a large and loyal following? Is it easier to just dismiss the whole thing and believe that every single iPod owner in the world is just a blind follower who keeps buying them because they're trendy, and no-one is buying them because, just maybe, they actually prefer using them to other devices?

[Zadillo @ Apr 26th 2006 11:35AM]

#30: I'd highly recommend getting a case for the 5G iPod, makes it much easier to feel comfortable to just stick it in your pocket and not be nervous about scratching it. I'm currently using the Contour Design Showcase, which is excellent and barely adds anything to the bulk of the device as a whole, but there are plenty of options.

[diulei @ Apr 26th 2006 11:39AM]

I'm going to have to agree with those wondering how this is an iPod ripoff. Similar? Yes. Ripoff? No.

I don't think this company was out to make people think this unit is an iPod, like many of the other knockoffs.

Perhaps just because they're offered in white and black models? Sheesh.

And yes, I own a PowerBook and 3 (yes, THREE - one for the home, one for the car, one for on-the-go) iPods, I think they're great players but no, not everything is a ripoff.

[Mike @ Apr 26th 2006 11:52AM]

I have been to China. From Beijing to Shanghai during my visit. Apple and ipods are not popular. Neither are U.S. automobiles. American products are considered over-priced, not a good value for your money, and poorly made and designed.

[Forrest @ Apr 26th 2006 12:37PM]

My nano is the singular best piece of technology I have ever owned. I swore off Apple when I was an early adopter of the Newton. Iended up throwing out the car window at 70mph swearing to never uy from Apple again. But I saw a nano in use and fell in love. Since then I have bought an IMAC and about a thousand songs from Itunes.
My comment on this meizu player, simple, replaceable batteries and an external AAA batery case. BRILLIANT! Apple, wise up. I travel a lot and I am sick of my tunes being dead half way between timbuktu and booneville. I really do not care about the visuals. And for me to find a decent FM station is whereaminow is a rareity, which is why I carry an Ipod anyway. Now, if it had XM radio....
I do not consider it a rip off anymore than I consider GM a rip off of Ford....

[ede @ Apr 26th 2006 1:04PM]

#32: "I have been to China. From Beijing to Shanghai during my visit. Apple and ipods are not popular. Neither are U.S. automobiles. American products are considered over-priced, not a good value for your money, and poorly made and designed."

I live in Shanghai. You're right, Apple and iPods are not very popular, but that's mostly because they are so expensive versus competing Chinese products.

U.S. automobiles, however, are in fact popular, GM (Buick & Chevy) especially. Buick's marketshare in particular is growing fast. American products may be expensive, but that doesn't mean they are considered a poor value, and they are CERTAINLY NOT considered poorly made and designed.

[pnarse @ Apr 26th 2006 1:50PM]

This is an iPod rip off?
Just because it plays music and doesn't look turd doesn't mean it's an iPod rip off, it's just yet another PMP that isn't quite perfect, like the rest of them.

This hasn't even got even a vague attempt at the iPod's unrivaled scroll action!

(Don't get me wrong with that last statement, the iPod is far from perfect too. The EQs are terrible, the volume is capped too low, battery life could be better and so could the codec support. I'm not interested in a video iPod if I have to convert everything first!)

[Thom @ Apr 26th 2006 2:59PM]

@ TZK:

"a) people who bitch about something being right-handed or left-handed only are dickheads."

No, people who bitch about something being right-handed or left-handed only are left-handed. People who bitch about left-handed folk for wanting left-handed things are dickheads.

That said, the "console controller" analogy is appropriate. As a leftie, I take no issue with using my right thumb for controls. Dexterity issues tend to occur when you're using your fingers and/or wrist, anyway.

[Poopyshooz4u @ Apr 26th 2006 4:18PM]

Ok What kind of a pansy-ass do you have to be to question your coordination controlling 4 closely spaced buttons with your less dominant hand?

Fer christ's sakes, dont be such a sissy.

Speaking of which.

Engadget staff, does every article you post have to come with some comparison to Apple products and iPods? Give it a rest will you? It's getting really old. Just give us the details and STFU already with the flame-bait.

[Chris Robinson @ Apr 26th 2006 8:05PM]

#41, for simple commands as pressing buttons I would agree. On the other hand, given the rotational nature of the scrollwheel control system, I find rotating my left thumb significantly more difficult than pressing multiple buttons with it. Is this a potential advantage of more conventional control systems (not that this has any real effect on the iPod control, since it doesn't limit you to your right hand)?

However, I write all this as a righty, and I can imagine a righty using lefty equipment in a right hand world is different from a lefty using righty equipment in a right hand world.

[Jay @ Apr 26th 2006 9:44PM]

I have a squarish, white toaster so it's totally an iPod ripoff.

And by the way...they also make it in black. RIPOFF!

[amoeba @ Apr 26th 2006 10:02PM]

You people do realize you can use the ipod like an external hard drive right.

[James @ Apr 28th 2006 5:14PM]

engadet staff: please get over yourselves and stop calling everything an ipod wannabe or copy. this clearly isn't. people attemtping to defend apple and say that this is a copy are pathetic.

[Jedediah Johnson @ May 7th 2006 2:08AM]

There's some really REALLY rude comments here. Its kinda depressing to see people act like this. Putting it aside though I can easily see the iPod similarities. I don't even have to read the title to get the impression.

The biggest noticeable similarities be the most obvious. Glossy white and black paint jobs for starters. Not everything that has such paint-jobs is a iPod rip off but the iPod did make it popular among portable players and a bit of a fade to copy. Just check out what MP3 players looked like before then and then after the iPod craze. Thats evidence enough.

Next be the metal sides and backs. Something the iPod kinda has exclusively for its looks. So being the same glassy paint job and then having the same style for the side and back does make it seem really close to the iPods style. (You be easily sued for such copy cat paretics in the states) I would think that be easy enough to put together but it seems to drive some people into a demonic anger. Which is troubling.

To me though, I think this Chinese company knows what's the most popular portable for it's market and also knows that looks is a big key to a success. So with some simple observation they apply the most obvious style to the iPod look. Glossy white/black paint job, metal sides/back, take photos of unit sitting virtually. (Even though its a horizontal unit) I mean its not hard to miss. Style wise it is a rip-off. (That last sentence alone will most likely through allot of people into rant mode. Be adult guys, not heathens.)

[Rainforests of the Sea @ May 18th 2006 6:00PM]

I think it should not be iPod rip off. Just the player that have same function with iPod. It is more affordable and worth compare with iPod.

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[cheater @ Jul 30th 2006 9:07PM]

the m6 is a ipod killer becouse of is it big screen, fm radio, eq, and a good price. Ipod nano 2g is 170 and meizu m6 2g is 150. theres no comparison