Samsung's P2 Blue Wave firmware update - take 2

As promised, Samsung is prepped to deliver its second P2 update of the month. Whereas the first brought many of the Bluetooth enhancements long promised, this release is focused on tidying up the UI with tweaks both cosmetic and functional. A video "leaked" onto the web of interconnected tubes shows us new 3Dish icons up front with a album artwork navigation similar to Coverflow but done by Samsung -- in other words pretty, in the way some find the BlackJack pretty. The new firmware also brings the ability to tag a song and then loop between the point you set, enhanced EQ control, the ability to control the speed of audio playback (useful when learning a language or transcribing notes, we presume), more control over video to make the most use of that 480 x 272 display, an improved photo viewer with touch manipulation and gesture manipulation, games, an alarm clock, and more. Better yet, all the newnesss won't cost you a cent -- its all free when released later this month.

[Thanks, Pee2]

[Discosis @ Jan 29th 2008 6:41AM]

At least they're not charging $20 for the update...

[Andrew @ Jan 29th 2008 8:59AM]

At least the iPhone/iPod worked BEFORE the update.

[raven @ Jan 29th 2008 11:56AM]

Samsung P2 WORKED before the updates too, so what's your point?

go back to the TUAW... since they will appreciate how you think everything is broken except for apple products...

[Andrew @ Jan 29th 2008 6:59AM]

Nice features. Now if Samsung released this with 16Gb or 32Gb of memory and added wireless support they would improve massively on a really nice bit of kit.

[GumbyX84 @ Jan 29th 2008 6:47PM]

Need to do your research. 16 GB P2s are on their way.

http://www.anythingbutipod.com/archives/2008/01/samsung-p2-16gb-and-other-ces-news.php

(Just noticed that my reply isn't in the right spot. I was earlier today)

[ichheissesuperfantastisch @ Jan 29th 2008 7:37AM]

Samsung really hit it out of the park with this player. The 8GB might be limiting for some, but price-wise, it's a lot less expensive relative to the competition, than previous samsung players.

*actually, a quick price check suggests that the player is back to its retail price of $245, after briefly being on sale at $200. Shame.

[applefreak @ Jan 29th 2008 8:14AM]

hay, I was the one who tiped you on that... what did I do wrong?

[RoundeyeSamura @ Jan 29th 2008 8:22AM]

I am very excited about this announcement. I do so hope that they update the SMS soon though, or at least make video conversion a little 'broader'. There is little documentation about what you can and cannot convert to 'svi' for the P2. That is my only issue with the device what-so-ever. I think the iTouch has only the wi-fi advantage, and the P2 is overall a better sounding device with some pretty neat functionality (Bluetooth to phone FTW).

[patsy @ Jan 29th 2008 8:32AM]

"and then loop between the point you set"

The mind boggles at this one dimensional journey...

[Varuna @ Jan 29th 2008 8:41AM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8SCkWGL0Us

Thats the new Phone Feature in it !

I think its amazing!


AND LOOL at some one who told that it atleast doesn't coost 20 Fing bucks !

Apple is funny !

[Andrew @ Jan 29th 2008 9:02AM]

Apple's products *already* had the features, this product did not and HAD to update. At least Apple sells FINISHED products. And for $20 you got NEW features if you wanted them! This is not the same situation at all.

[Varuna @ Jan 29th 2008 9:07AM]

Maybe youre rite...
But Isn't it a great update ?

Now if Apple adds some of the features the ZEN has, it would be fair for me to say that Creative already HAD them and apple did nothing on their part ?#

[Adrian @ Jan 29th 2008 9:44AM]

The ipod touch does not have stereo blue tooth or the ability to make and recieve calls from the player it also does not have file transfer or games atm or an fm radio

in fact most of the new features that have been brought to this player would be impossible on the touch

[vjrichards @ Jan 29th 2008 11:18AM]

Calm down Apple Troll, TRY TO COPY AND PASTE WHILE I RECORD VIDEO OF MY NEW OFFICE ON MY 3G, FULL GPS, WINDOWS PHONE.

[raven @ Jan 29th 2008 11:59AM]

Apple Touch is finished product?

Selling striped down firmware is finished product?

Your ignorance over what's finished and what's a ripoff is totally scaring me...

you pay $300+ for a 8Gb Ipod touch that you need to shout an extra $20 for a patch is called what? a scam...

At least windows doesn't charge money for patches... that's something Mac and PC will never argue over...

[Robert @ Jan 29th 2008 2:07PM]

Andrew... Did you get your patch for Leopard too? Something that was suppose to work but 'required' a patch to fix over 100 holes in its spots. Seriously dude. You're starting to scare me as well. Poor guy.

[GumbyX84 @ Jan 29th 2008 9:12AM]

Need to do your research. 16 GB P2s are on their way.

http://www.anythingbutipod.com/archives/2008/01/samsung-p2-16gb-and-other-ces-news.php

[GumbyX84 @ Jan 29th 2008 9:13AM]

Need to do your research. 16 GB P2s are on their way.

http://www.anythingbutipod.com/archives/2008/01/samsung-p2-16gb-and-other-ces-news.php

[jhakmail2 @ Jan 29th 2008 9:20AM]

The only thing holding me back from buying this is the video support, otherwise this is a very slick player.

[Big Sam @ Jan 29th 2008 10:31AM]

Yes, I love my P2. This just makes it even better.

[debugy2k @ Jan 29th 2008 11:00AM]

I want to get this but can I drag and drop mp3 files into it or do I need to use their proprietary software for it?

[R @ Jan 29th 2008 12:22PM]

The P2 is drag and drop. It uses MTP, so you can use Windows Explorer, or Windows Media Player, or WinAmp, or Media Monkey, or any other software that recognizes MTP devices. If you're not using Windows, there's an easy hack you can perform to turn it into a UMS device. Search the AnythingButIpod forums.

I think you need still need the Samsung software to convert videos. The P2 plays back .SVI video files.

[Al @ Jan 29th 2008 4:16PM]

Korean firmware is required to be UMS compatible. So you can install the korean firmware, switch language to english if it is not already. And you are set to choose between MTP or UMS.

[Miles @ Jan 29th 2008 11:04AM]

Wow, another ripoff.
Good work on the innovation guys, Apple seems to be the only one doing it.

[raven @ Jan 29th 2008 12:04PM]

Ultra small USB spacing, non-replaceable battery, dodgy optical drive setup, annoying display port solution = innovation?

ignorance much?

What DID Apple innovate? I'll give them the click wheel, but if you mention Iphone, then I'll faint from the ignorance of "other" modern technologies... aka Prada phone...

The best thing Apple innovated is the ways to make people pay for things they really need, then make them pay again, just to get an update... Apple is run by economists, not evolutionists...

[Miles @ Jan 29th 2008 1:23PM]

They haven't done much hardware innovation since the 80s (screwless computer internals), but here are some things they did.

Included USB in their computers standard
Included Firewire in their computers standard
Included CD-ROM in their computers standard
Included DVD-ROM in their computers standard
Was first to bring the GUI to the public market
Brought the Mouse with it.
Brought Unix to the average computer user.
iPhone is made of old technology, but it is using it in innovative ways, such at no buttons, gestures, etc.
Made a UMPC that is cheaper and faster than the rest (Macbook Air)
Brought the MP3 player into mass popularity
Making a sleek, simple, and efficient UI for all their devices.

[Miles @ Jan 29th 2008 1:25PM]

They haven't done much hardware innovation since the 80s (screwless computer internals), but here are some things they did.

Included USB in their computers standard
Included Firewire in their computers standard
Included CD-ROM in their computers standard
Included DVD-ROM in their computers standard
Was first to bring the GUI to the public market
Brought the Mouse with it.
Brought Unix to the average computer user.
iPhone is made of old technology, but it is using it in innovative ways, such at no buttons, gestures, etc.
Made a UMPC that is cheaper and faster than the rest (Macbook Air)
Brought the MP3 player into mass popularity
Making a sleek, simple, and efficient UI for all their devices.

[4DThinker @ Jan 29th 2008 2:58PM]

Both previous comments are right on target. I'll add that with this update there is still room for improvement, and Samsung has already promised to bring us another update that will be "beyond our imagination". Can't wait!

[4DThinker @ Jan 29th 2008 6:42PM]

Hmmm. What would be better? A single 16GB P2 or two 8GB P2s?

[acTiVE21 @ Jan 29th 2008 6:50PM]

The idiots on the internet these days... do some research Miles. First of all, the Macbook Air isn't the fastest OR the cheapest UMPC around, in fact, it's the slowest Macbook ever produced, AND it's on the more expensive side of things (for a 13 inch).

Second of all, the only thing standardizing USB, Firewire, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM does is makes the laptop or desktop more expensive. At least PCs give you the option as to whether or not you want to spend more money.

Third of all, what's the point of flaming about how 'Apple's products are better than the rest' in a Samsung based topic. Maybe all of us P2 fans should go and flame all the iPod touch threads on the internet... hahahaha... wouldn't that be hilarious? Grow a pair of nuts and shut the hell up.

[bioslug @ Jan 29th 2008 11:03PM]

why does every conversation on engadget end up being the great debate of Apple vs. the world... Can't I be a PC guy who likes Apple's portable media products?

[Abs @ Jan 29th 2008 8:39PM]

This just made my day {;)

[Jshwon @ Feb 1st 2008 10:33AM]

This is pretty cool. Just watched the video and the bluetooth phone features are very cool.

But I have to say this. I have an iPhone and like Apple products but what I cant understand for the life of me is why every single comment section on Engadget about any device someone HAS to bring Apple into the comments?!!?!? Geeze! This article has nothing to do with Apple. You "trolls" make it seem like it is impossible to be an Apple fan AND of fan of tech in general. We do exist. Do us all a favor keep the Apple comments to the Apple articles. It makes you look insecure and immature.

[acTiVE21 @ Feb 10th 2008 11:48AM]

Jesus christ thank you... there are some of you out there! Heh, jk..

[BMRHOCKEY13 @ Apr 14th 2008 5:02PM]

Yeah I would be more interested in the P2 if it had wi-fi, but still this is an awesome player with the new upgrades, and cheaper than the ipod touch.