Samsung's P3 unboxed and caught on video

Word on the street has it that the Samsung P3 will be getting its official launch at CES in January, and to whet your appetite we've got a video unboxing for you courtesy of those crazy kids at Generation MP3. Apparently the same form factor as the venerable P2 (but in an all aluminum enclosure), the PMP sports haptic touch, WQVGA 3-inch (480 x 272) display, Bluetooth, microphone, speaker, FM tuner, plays all the expected media formats, and will be available in 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB. Also in the video, we get a pretty extensive look at those widgets everyone's been talking about. But don't take it from us -- you can see for yourself after the break.

[who? @ Dec 1st 2008 11:57AM]

¡Coolio!

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Dec 1st 2008 12:02PM]

Looks okay but I'm disappointed that they didn't go after the ipod touch. Like no new features. Even a we browser would have been nice.

[Brandon @ Dec 1st 2008 12:10PM]

Really, I think people can live without a web browser on their MP3 player, I'm pretty sure that's what a computer is for? Idk about you but whenever I'm within range of a wifi hotspot I usually have access to a computer :-\

[OCEAN 'CLAK' 20th @ Dec 1st 2008 12:20PM]

'i' just wish that samsung would design their own products, they keep copying apple's itouch screen, looks, interface etc its just starting to get embarrassing now, 'i' really feel sorry for these copy cat company palm, blacberry, samsung, htc, lg and more for copying apple's touch screens

[Phoenix @ Dec 1st 2008 12:31PM]

...HTC and quite a few of those others had touch screens LONG before the iPhone was even a twinkle in El Jobso's eye.

[Gnormie @ Dec 1st 2008 12:40PM]

Because Apple was obviously the first company to use a touch screen... oh wait they weren't and they're just as much of a 'copycat' as anyone else in the electronics industry. Everything Apple has done others have done before, and usually better.

[Brandon @ Dec 1st 2008 12:50PM]

I'm sick of these Apple fan boys thinking that Apple did everything first. They didn't make the first touch screen phone, google it! Maybe if you dug your heads out of Steve Jobs' a** you would be able to see that not everyone is trying to copy the all mighty Apple, other devices are allowed to have touch screens and slick interfaces too. The P3's interface barely resebles the iPhone's, I'd say it's closer to Android's if anything.

[gad get @ Dec 1st 2008 1:44PM]

How about we just ignore the trolls from now on. They don't listen to reason anyway; it doesn't matter how many times you prove your point, it just goes in one ear and out the other. The good news is, if you don't respond to their taunts, they'll have no choice but to go elsewhere to feed their addiction to disapproval. Everyone wins. Well, we win....

[Christopher @ Dec 1st 2008 1:52PM]

Do you people not realize that ocean clak just wants to get a rise out of you guys? (S)He is pretty successful in it, too ... I'm betting that ocean or clak isn't even an Apple fanboi, just someone who gets some laughs out of you all yelling at him/her, and voting them down.

Regardless, if you don't feed the trolls, they usually go away.

[BigJohnz @ Dec 1st 2008 8:41PM]

If you want to harp on Fanboys, take a look at Engadget. Biggest Apple Fanboys ever! All hail everything Apple does and for anyone else, let's write a bad review and throw negative criticism at our viewers.

[onetruetechie @ Dec 1st 2008 3:49PM]

Yeah, I am disappointed they didn't opt for putting in wi-fi. It would definitely call for hundreds of new usable features, especially if your computer's horrible, and it could rival the iPod touch. And the buttons should have stayed on the side.

[HOOPER @ Dec 1st 2008 9:34PM]

If it had wifi I'd be replacing my iPod Touch.

[e_man_88 @ Dec 1st 2008 12:08PM]

The UI looks nice and seems promising, but I really hope they optimize the thing before the actual release.

At the current state, the interface seems to be too unresponsive and slow.

[ai4281 @ Dec 1st 2008 12:10PM]

why is the interface so sluggish?
does it run on windows mobile 5?

[gad get @ Dec 1st 2008 1:53PM]

It's probably because of all the unnecessary fancy animated widgets they've got on the home screen. Just clear those off, and I bet it would speed up dramatically.
Anyway, it's great they have a large selection of widgets, to meet everyone's tastes. I can tell you right now, as long as it sounds as good as the P2, I want it, badly. That new aluminum body looks much more durable than the painted metal body of the P2, which scratches up like crazy.

[Flashpoint @ Dec 1st 2008 12:10PM]

What I think is so funny is how Samsung, LG, and a bunch of other companies have released a SLEW OF PHONES trying to match what's offered in the iPhone and the iPhone3G.

[narniafrek @ Dec 3rd 2008 12:18AM]

And none of them can do what the iPhone can do...that's why they had to release "a SLEW OF PHONES," because you would have to juggle a dozen phones to have the functionality of the iPhone...maybe a Dell Mini with 3G would come the closest...but then you need a cell phone...idk, if i could afford an iPhone then i would get one.

[bolezhinkov @ Dec 1st 2008 12:54PM]

you know this isnt a phone though, right? and its not really trying to compete with anyone. the P2 had a pretty unique feature set when it came out at the time, the P3 just carries on with that.

[Mark Anderson @ Dec 1st 2008 12:57PM]

@Flashpoint

1) The LG Prada pre-dates the iPhone
2) STFU

[Shinigami @ Dec 1st 2008 2:26PM]

I don't want to say anything bad about iPhone but my FS LOOX pocket PC, that was purchased back in 2004, has VGA screen resolution and a *touch screen*. Please remind me in what year did we see iPhone...

[ihate(m)applefanboys @ Dec 1st 2008 6:15PM]

asian markets been saturated with touchscreen/handwriting-recognition enabled phones for good four-five years. its just that american market wasn't up to speed till the iphone came out (without 3g features, at first) now that all the american carriers want the touchscreen, the samsung/lg/sony are just unleashing all their products that never made it to us at once. hell, i bet your iphone cant do videochat

FACTS:
1)P2 came out before iphone
2)Prada phone features handwriting recognition touchscreen, came out before iphone
3)apple fanboys like you are the plague of this world. go f*ck your self

[The Joker @ Dec 1st 2008 12:25PM]

Seems slow.

I just bought a Zune.

Yes, make fun of me if you must ... but there's something to be said for controlling the hardware AND the software.

OMG, I just plugged Apple.

[bolezhinkov @ Dec 1st 2008 12:53PM]

I broke my p2 just the other day, I am considering this as the replacement. UI looks a little 'done up' I like simplicity on my devices. I am sure there is a theme that you can use to get rid of all the crap . . . butterflies are exactly my thing. and the guy in the video sucks at using touch devices.

[Vishnu Vadlamudi @ Dec 1st 2008 12:53PM]

umm.. not an apple fan here but I don't thnik anyone has ever done a capacitive glass touch screen on a mobile or even an mp3 player..

[Shadowfox952 @ Dec 29th 2008 2:50PM]

Cowon S9 is capacitive

[Scott @ Dec 1st 2008 12:54PM]

I'm diggin the jazz flute at the end of the video

[Rex @ Dec 1st 2008 1:06PM]

Very Nice. I may have to switch from being a Creative guy to a Samsung guy, soon. Although I'm reluctant to do so, I hope Creative has something in store for us in Q1 of next year as I feel the need to replace my Zen.

[holycow @ Dec 1st 2008 1:31PM]

Absolutely loved the P2, and this seems better! The best thing about Samsung is that they released constant updates with useful features, unlike some other companies we know.

[Shinigami @ Dec 1st 2008 2:22PM]

Unlike Sony who almost never release new firmware for their players.
Oh, wait, they don't have bugs either...

[n30g30 @ Dec 1st 2008 3:11PM]

In regards to the P2, Samsung didn't release updates for major bugs but for features like applications, and themes.

[Shinigami @ Dec 1st 2008 2:21PM]

I guess none of you tried to touchscreen in gloves... yes, its a great pleasure.

[Félix @ Dec 1st 2008 3:06PM]

At least it's good to see a 32 GB version !
I've been looking for an affordable player with 32Gb memory at least AND .flac support (just this) for like 1 year now..
(yes yes yes I know the X5L did this but hey just sell me one already ! plus it's getting old and big...)

[rita hainsworth @ Dec 1st 2008 3:46PM]

Well i wish it didnt look like the Iwhatever...cant we have something new?

[Dan Heath @ Dec 1st 2008 3:48PM]

I'm a P2 user and I love the functionality it provides. P3 seems to be just a revamped version of what is already good. I supposed if it ain't broke...

I'd like to just say one thing about the whole fandom surrounding touchscreen products and people saying they are copying another brand: How else exactly do you imagine a touch screen product to be?! It's just gunna be a screen on box so it's gunna look a lot like many other devices!

Anyhoo, that aside, I like the P2/P3 for the fact it is a lot smaller than similar products on the market. Not having certain features like software allowing web-browsing means the hardware can be toned down and then of course the whole package made a little smaller.

It's a good MP3/Video player for on the move, you can't fault it, and based on the price of P2s in the UK, its the best touchscreen player you can get.

[R @ Dec 1st 2008 4:31PM]

The P3 looks pretty awesome. But Samsung has a weird habit of not releasing the higher capacity versions of their players in the US. They offer a 16GB version of the P2 in Canada, but not here. Sadly, I think it will be the same when the P3 comes out.

I hope I'm wrong. I would love to get the 32GB version.

[jupiterthunder @ Dec 1st 2008 4:53PM]

Loved my P2. This is looking like a buy for me.

[marc @ Dec 1st 2008 5:14PM]

It looks real cool, and I must commend Samsung for it's innovation in MP3 technology throughout the decade. Dig the Bluetooth and the nice touchscreen, but a lot of us do not use these while commuting on mass transit, exercising on the gym eliptical, or walking the streets.

I need BUTTONS for fast forwarding and adjusting volume while running, climbing, and snowboarding. Most of these fancy players are too complicated to navigate on the go. I'd like to upgrade from my chubby, non-Bluetooth flash Rio Cali for something sleeker and slimmer, but it keeps taking the lickings like a Timex.

[jason @ Dec 1st 2008 5:34PM]

I thought they would have at the least added wifi


I dont know what they are aiming for

in all honesty why would someone pick this over the ipod touch?

I know this has bluetooth, but that really doesnt seem like it is worth a webbrowser and an enormous amount of apps.

[Félix @ Dec 1st 2008 5:44PM]

I suggest you take a close look at the formats it can read and the battery.

[bleh @ Dec 1st 2008 6:15PM]

cuz itunes is a b*tch

[Kent @ Dec 1st 2008 6:35PM]

Why would someone pick this over a ipod touch?
Well maybe people are more concerned with what a MP3 player sounds like! I am a P2 owner and I have tried the Ipod touch, the sound quality is nothing compared to my P2! I would rather have a MP3 that sounds fantastic than one with wifi.

[HOOPER @ Dec 1st 2008 9:38PM]

yes bluetooth is worth it

[thenumber81 @ Dec 1st 2008 6:17PM]

That's pretty friggen sweet :)

[Saad Rabia @ Dec 1st 2008 6:31PM]

You are still alive after that episode?? You should be doing things differently by now!

Did you cry? Did your brain explode for hearing some truth? Can I come drink your tears?

[Vulpix @ Dec 1st 2008 9:38PM]

Man, I love my P2. Perfect size, widescreen, amazing sound quality, so good that I sold my Touch when I bought the P2 for fun.

[Digivate @ Dec 2nd 2008 6:16AM]

In so many ways this PMP looks great - really nice form factor, up to 32Gb capacity and brilliant codec support - but then it gets turned on and I absolutely hate some of the things going on with that user interface.

The background wallpaper (which I know is probably really easy to amend) is just plain garish. I don't want a daisy, lightbulb, butterfly and ginger-bread man cluttering up my home screen. A clock and calendar is welcome enough, but it could be a bit more subtle ... these things seem really large compared to the regular icons and take up so much space that you have to scroll sideways to get everything in. I'm pretty certain they could compfortably fit all the icons on one screen.

Maybe I'm a bit anal, but they've taken a really sleek looking player, and made it look like a bloody jumbled mess when you turn it on. I like things clean, simple and sleek, annd as others have said, these things seems to slow the P3 down and make it a bit clunky. Anyone know if it's possible to switch to a simple clean layout?

I'm not an Apple fan-boy - I've never owned one and I doubt that I ever will - but credit is due for having an attractive and, at the time of the iPhone/iTouch release, ground-breaking interface. Things like coverflow really did look impressive when I first saw it for the first time, even if it was just a gimic.

Plucking the petals off of a dasiy doesn't have quite the same appeal for me.

I'm not saying the interface is the most important thing by a long shot (I'd put sound quality, codec support and capacity first) but it is a factor that will effect my choice, and based on what I've seen of the P3 so far I'm just not getting excited. I'll wait and see what Sony or Cowon have to offer before I make any choice on my next PMP. They're all known for having good sound quality, and Cowon is also very good at codec support (though interfaces aren't there strong point either).

Hopefully early 2009 / CES will see a raft of new 32Gb PMPs coming on to the market, but if it wasn't for the ugly interface on the P3 I'd already be panting with anticipation.

[Renesis @ Dec 3rd 2008 12:48PM]

I'll agree that the interface shown isn't the mots functional, but that's just one of them. The previous P2 had several interfaces to choose from, so if the background (any picture will do) and that 'jumbled' interface is a problem, there's no need to worry.

[Steve @ Dec 6th 2008 11:02PM]

I really don't get what the huge fuss about having WiFi on an MP3 becomes a must. I have owned both the Samsung P2, iPod Touch 1G&2G and liked both equally. Sure its nice to have something like WiFi when your out or at home, but lets think about this, WiFi drains the living crap outta your batteries and cuts the life in half, same went for bluetooth on the P2. Lets face it, an MP3 player is suppose to play music, and I rank A/V Quality & Battery Life before i rank Misc. options.
As for the P3, it looks really sick, I would like to try out the DNSe 3.0, hopefully it will help AudioQuality enough to use it unamped like the P2, but I don't think i can wait until January >< (I'm very impatient lol). Probably going to get my hands on a Archos 5 before this.

Anyways thats my 2 cents, Flame Shield Up!

[Dez @ Dec 17th 2008 2:30PM]

I have to say, watching this video was straight up infuriating. I can't believe I got through the whole thing, watching that guy fumble with it. Seriously, if you are going to demo a product, if its a video game, or an mp3 player, or anything, spend something more than 5 minutes with it before hand. ugh.