Keepin' it real fake, part CCXIV: Fake iPod shuffle offers most of the minimalism, none of the perks

The current generation iPod shuffle is a funny beast in its own right, but the "Clip-On Mp3 Shuffler Player" from Digital Rise really takes the form factor to new comic heights. There appear to be two physical buttons, a presumptive hold switch, and no headphone controls to speak of. At the same time, the player packs in FM radio, audio recording, an equalizer, a bevy of playback modes and even tempo adjustment. We're sure Digital Rise has solved the usability problems here with unwavering elegance.

[Via PMP Today]

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 2:49AM]

At least this one costs much closer to the real production cost.

[Lundmark Posted May 28th 2009 3:41AM]

Yeah, because Apple payed for the R&D and marketing.

[chispito Posted May 28th 2009 4:07AM]

Okay, try this one on for size:

As woefully inadequate as two buttons are for an MP3 player, it beats the hell out of just one.

[Tiptup300 Posted May 28th 2009 2:52PM]

Dude, if this one has more then just a on/off button, I'd rather get this one.

[Adamgs Posted May 28th 2009 2:51AM]

I dont know why but the iPod Shuffle actually makes me angry.

Its like Apple are giving us the finger, "We are Apple, we can do what we like, if we want to give you a second rate interface design we will, and you will like it."

The shuffle reminds me of the Apple Puck mouse, it was pretty but was a b*tch to use.

Theres a fine line between innovation and stupidity. The clickwheel was innovative, the shuffle was/is stupid.

[ChrisK15 Posted May 28th 2009 2:51AM]

More like most of the minimalism, and even more perks. How is this not better than the new Shuffle in every way? What I want to know though is how they could have an equalizer in that.

[RageTek Posted May 28th 2009 3:02AM]

Atleast we can use our own 3.5mm headphones and still be able to change the volume/tracks...

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 3:03AM]

This is from the product page..

"MP3 players have built in FM Radio, voice recorders, and the ability to display music lyrics in sync with the music. This 3g Clip-on is only 14grams (.5oz) and manages to pack all these hot features in a tiny compact....."

Umm this this thing doesn't have a screen so how am I supposed to read the lyrics in sync with the music???

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 6:18AM]

When a song is playing, you'll hear the lyrics perfectly synced with the song through the smart voice interface - how could Apple possibly top that :))

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 11:30AM]

I'm wondering how the eBook .txt feature works.

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 3:07AM]

Looks better than the shuffle. APPLE IS NOT GOD ENGADGET.

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 3:25AM]

the ipod shuffle has perks? who knew?

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 8:38AM]

-Zing!-
Im right there with ya.

[insky Posted May 28th 2009 3:47AM]

Just in case you want your MP3 player to look like your lighter.

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 4:32AM]

Apple should take some pointers... physical buttons is a start.

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 4:46AM]

Moar liek Digital Rice amirite?

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 5:35AM]

looks like a modded bic lighter

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 5:48AM]

It looks slightly bigger than the iPod Shuffle...

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 8:47AM]

i bought a KIRF shuffle a while back. it was sweet because it looked almost identical and didn't use itunes. though its initial 3 hour battery life followed by never being able to recharge was a bit of a problem. It's a $5 lesson I'll probably repeat again.

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 9:14AM]

I can't wait till minimalism is no longer so trendy, or seen as a feature.

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 8:00PM]

Minimalism never was either trendy or a feature for me

[Shunnabunich Posted May 28th 2009 2:19PM]

Remember how I said nobody else was dumb enough to make an MP3 player without controls? Yeah, I was wrong.

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 6:24PM]

It looks like a damn lighter LOL

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 15th 2009 6:50PM]

I actually jsut got them they are quite nice. If anyone wants to read more I've posted some photos and a review here: http://blog.warll.com/2009/ipod-shuffle-3rd-gen-knock-off-review/