DigitalAudioPlayer
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iPod shuffle updated with much-needed new hues
It's been quite a while since the Shuffle has been updated, but we're happy to say that Apple has shown the tiniest of its music players some much needed love. There's only one change here, but it's by far the most important -- colors! Now the tiny PMPs will match their revamped "iTouch" brothers. Just, you know, with much less functionality. There's even a soft and subtle pink model for all those ladies out there that love being pandered to and a Project (RED) version for the socially conscious. The latest generation of the shuffle should start shipping today. Check out all the coverage at our iPhone 2012 event hub!
Apple refreshes iPod nano: 2.5-inch multitouch display, 16GB, Bluetooth, available this October for $149
With news of Apple's shining star, the iPhone 5, out of the way, the company's shifting focus to its other major pillar: the iPod. Now seven generations in, the iPod nano is getting a refresh with a 38-percent thinner profile and svelte 5.4mm thickness. The multitouch screen now measures 2.5-inches across and sports a physical home button right below. Also packed in to this evolutionary PMP leap is an FM tuner with DVR-like functionality for playback control, Bluetooth radio (for wireless streaming support), inbuilt pedometer and, of course, that slimmed-down Lightning dock connector. And, according to Cupertino, this wee media player should last for up to 30 hours, making it the longest lasting nano the company's ever built. You can snag this 16GB lil' fella in a near rainbow of colors -- seven in all -- this October when it goes on sale for $149. Official PR after the break. Check out our liveblog of Apple's event to get the latest news as it happens!
MakerBot brings back the 'Mixtape' as a printable MP3 player (video)
If you thought mixtapes died with the MP3 era, you're wrong. Sure, they've become niche, and it's perhaps cloyingly retro to break out your Walkman, but it's hard to deny the appeal. There are already USB drives and DAPs made to look like an old-school magnetic cassette, but if you want something a little more DIY, MakerBot has a kit that you purchase and assemble your own MP3-playing "tape." For $25 you get a package with all the essential internals plus plans for your Replicator to print out the snap together casing. If you're not lucky enough to have a Replicator of your own, you can upload tracks and have the company print one out for you for $40. Hit up the source link to order one now but, before you go, check out the PR and the video after the break.
Singbox SV-606's MP3 milkshake brings the portable audio love to your yard
See that line up of multi-colored, chromatic doodads above? Those are not, in fact, a host of shiny USB-powered kazoos. Le sigh, we know -- maybe next time. What are they, then? Try the super spiffy-looking Korean line of Singbox SV-606 speaker / MP3 players that pack an FM radio, microSD card reader and headphone jack into an 85mm by 35mm bullet shell-shaped design. While these digital audio players won't be useful in slaying any rainbow-obsessed werewolves, they will probably help get a few heads-a-turning as you strut your Saturday Night Fever stuff down the boulevard. Hit the source for a translated view of these sold-out beauties.
iriver U100 PMP gets official reveal, P100 and D2000 leave something to the imagination
The teases over at iriver are ready to show you what they've got: the neon-colored U100. We reported on the PMP, along with the P100 and the D2000 last month, but it looks like iriver is going to leave us guessing on the last two. The U100 sports a 3.1-inch (320 x 480) touchscreen, up to 16GB of internal memory, WiFi, microSDHC, and an FM tuner for those who still listens to the radio. It plays 720p video and touts 50 hours of battery life for audio playback and 11 hours for video. iriver isn't ready to give us all the details quite yet -- an official release date and pricing are still under wraps -- but they have provided another video to keep us interested. Hit up the source link to see for yourself.
Criminals constructing ATM skimmers from DAPs
A recent article from Brian Krebs highlights a new trend in ATM skimmers: by using parts from cut-rate audio players and spy cams, criminals are able to construct something called an audio skimmer that records the data from the magnetic strip for later playback. Also included in the device is a miniature spy cam, which captures the user's PIN. The basic methodology behind the device is nothing new (for instance, it could be found in an issue of Phrack dating back to 1992) although the use of DAPs means that the whole thing is a lot more elegant than it was in the days of the portable cassette recorder. According to a recent report by the European ATM Security Team (EAST), devices of this type have been found in five countries, two of them "major ATM deployers" (with 40,000 active ATMs or more). Please guys, don't get any ideas. PR from EAST after the break.
Ask Engadget: Best no-frills portable media player?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Cam, who don't need no stinkin' app store for his next digital audio player. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm getting quite sick of my Sansa Clip, with it deciding when and when it doesn't want to work. I'm looking for a new PMP. The only requirement is that it has at least 4GB of storage, and supports FLAC files. Expandable memory would be cool too." We appreciate the brevity, Cam. In your spirit, we'll skip the usual coaxing and just demand that those with lovable gym-certified PMPs drop some knowledge in comments below. And... go!
Sony Ericsson's facial recognition patent plays the perfect song to complement your mood
We don't expect this to be indicative of any near-term projects for the now financially hindered phone maker, but one of Sony Ericsson's recently unearthed patents paves the way for some interesting uses. From what we gather, while listening to music on your device, a picture of your face would be taken. That image would then be run through software that interprets your mood, and an appropriate next song based on those emotions would be picked -- so much for the art of mixtapes. Presumably, it'd also require a phone or device with a camera mounted on the same side as the screen, so unless mobile video conferencing takes off in a huge way, we can't see people paying extra for a phone or device with this configuration. And if you just got dumped over SMS, we hope it doesn't intepret those tears as a good time to play that Damien Rice song you two fell in love with. Hit up the read link for the full patent details. [Via Slash Gear]
Zune 2 bits and pieces, plus an in-depth interface video
We know you've heard a lot of Zune 2 info today, but we've got the word on some other details and features that we thought our loyal, highly intelligent, and downright handsome readers would like to know. Also, the folks at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer have scored some quality hands-on time with the 80GB version, and you can see breathtaking video of the interface in action after the break. But first -- here's more goods on Microsoft's newest entry into the media player world: The new players will support lossless audio of the Windows Media variety (don't go screaming FLAC just yet) The WiFi is just b/g, so no n, a or x (the sexiest form of WiFi) Microsoft is still in the testing phase for battery life and will have numbers "later" You can manually sync up the player wirelessly on battery power, but you can't do auto-sync -- you'll need the dock for that action All your old accessories are said to work with the new models The screens are glass, not plastic Green is the new brown... but brown is sticking around on the 30GB models You can connect the Zune to an Xbox 360 to create "your own soundtrack" [Thanks, Nikropht]
Creative intros the MuVo T100 music player
Feeling like you don't have enough choices when it comes to small, thin, flash-based music players? Hoping that Creative will turn something around that has a strangely familiar shape and size? Well, you're in luck, because the Singaporean company has just launched the MuVo T100, a tall drink of MP3-playin' water that hopefully won't be confused with its namesake -- the original Terminator. Unlike the robotic killing machine it shares its moniker with, the MuVo comes in 2GB and 4GB capacities, plays MP3, WMA, and Audible files, can be used as a flash drive, and comes in a variety of handsome colors like black, white, green, pink, blue, and red. Try that, you metallic devil. The players will be out (at least in Singapore) by the end of October, selling for 89 and 149 Singapore dollars (or $59 and $99, respectively).[Via epiZENter, thanks Vizion]
X-Micro rolls out EVA 220, X-VDO F510 portable media players
It's not often X-Micro pops up on our radar, but it looks like the company is still kicking it at the PMP game, with it recently introducing another pair of new players you'll likely have trouble distinguishing from the multitude of similar devices competing for your tunes. On the low(er) end, the company's got its EVA 220 MP3 player, available in 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB varieties, and boasting a 128x64 blue blacklit display, a built-in FM radio, and support for nothing more than plain old WMA and MP3 audio. Offering a few more capabilities than that its the company's new X-VDO F510 PMP, which is available in the same 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB varieties, but adds a 1.8-inch TFT display and support for video playback, among other minor upgrades. No word on pricing or availability for either of 'em just yet though, so you'll have to somehow curb your enthusiasm for the time being.Read - LetsGoDigital, X-Micro EVA 220 MP3 playerRead - LetsGoDigital, X-Micro X-VDO F510 MP4 player
Technonia announces Slimline DAP
While we're pretty sure the world doesn't need too many more thin, black MP3 players, Korean manufacturer Technonia thinks otherwise. The company has announced a rather MPIO-ish portable audio player -- the 7.5mm thick Slimline. This little guy does pretty much everything you'd expect from something in its class, and really, truly nothing you wouldn't. Those things include playing MP3 and WMV files, tuning in FM radio, and displaying your images on its 1.5-inch OLED screen. 1GB unit on sale by the end of the month in Korea for 90,000KRW (or about $97US).[Thanks, Doom]
MPIO intros 4GB MG100 DAP
MPIO's MG100 digital audio player wasn't all that remarkable when it was only available in 1GB and 2GB versions, but the company seems to think they have a winner, now bumping the player up to a full 4GB. Otherwise, the player appears to be unchanged, with the same 176x132 screen, built-in FM tuner, and support for the always-popular MTV video file format in addition to the usual MP3 and WMA audio formats. No word on price, but we wouldn't expect it to demand too much of a premium over the $165 the 2GB version cost.[Via Akihabara News]
More details revealed about Meizu's M6se PMP
If you'd been wondering when you'd ever hear anything more about Meizu's M6 Second Edition PMP, today's your lucky day. Looks like it'll officially sport a seven-millimeter thick enclosure, support MPEG4, MPEG2, WMV9, H.263/264, and RM(VB) movies at 720 x 480 resolution (30fps, too), and include TV out for piping multimedia to your tube. Additionally, the viewing angles have been improved and the screen size was bumped up a mere 0.01-inches (huzzah?), and we're told that it can purportedly last 30 solid hours playing back music or between 3 to 5 hours when watching videos. The bad news, however, is that the August ship date has slipped to Q4, and we're warned that even that may end up falling through. Way to test our patience, Meizu.[Via MeizuMe]
Sony's easy MEX-BT2500 Bluetooth car stereo pairs with almost anything
In line with a growing concern for simultaneous calling / driving dangers, Sony releases the MEX-BT2500 Bluetooth head unit -- which isn't a far cry from last summer's MEX-BT5000, except for the makeover (or should we say under?) and huge drop in price. The stereo features an integrated microphone and wireless streaming for any Bluetooth-enabled cellphone, and is capable of remembering profiles for up to five different handsets. Bluetooth-enabled DAPs can also be paired with the 4-channel, 52-watt in-dash unit, while wired players can be connected via auxiliary input; if the you prefer to play CDs, Sony's got your back with support for MP3 and WMA encoded discs. As if that wasn't enough, musicphones supporting A2DP (like, ahem, many models from Sony Ericsson) can also be paired with this one, giving you pretty much the full slate of connection possibilities. Look for the BT2500 online and in stores by March, for around $180.
Bandai's game-playing portable music player
While neither its game-playing or music-playing abilities would likely be enough to cut it on its own, Bandai is hoping the combination of the two will be enough to attract some attention to its latest device here, set to launch in Japan this month. In addition to storing 120 minutes of audio on low quality or 60 on high (it's not clear what format it uses to get those numbers) the player will also let you get in a bit of Game & Watch-level gameplay, apparently interacting to some extent with the music you're listening to. What's more, the device also includes a so-called "pleasure mode," which will let you simply sit back and watch as the tiny pixelated character dances or plays "in tune" with the music. If that's enough to sway ya, you'll soon be able to snag one of these for 7,140 Yen, or about $60.[Via Impress]
Maxfield intros MAX-IVY MP3 player
This shiny little MP3 player from Germany's Maxfield was making the rounds in early November but looks to now finally be available for public consumption (in various parts of Europe, at least). Available in 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB varieties, the player boasts a scratch-proof (but undoubtedly not fingerprint-proof) magnesium shell, a 1.8-inch TFT display, and illuminated "touch key pad" controls, with a promised battery life of 14 hours. While it bucks the trend with no apparent video support, it will let you put on a tiny photo slideshow and, of course, bust out the jams in your choice of MP3, WMA, or OGG formats. Look for this one to come in at the local currency equivalent of $185, $235, and $335 depending on how big you wanna go.[Via Tech Digest]
4GB iriver clix now available
As expected, the caps-averse iriver has finally pushed its new 4GB clix portable media player out the door, with only $200 separating it from iriver and you. The specs, in case you missed them, include a 2.2-inch QVGA display, built-in FM tuner, voice recorder, a promised 25 hours of battery life, and support for MP3, WMA, ASF, and OGG music files, as well as MPEG-4 "simple profile" QVGA video -- not to mention the inclusion of a variety of Flash games. Also available are a couple of clix accessories, including a cradle (you'll need it if you want line in/out) and an FM transmitter and car charger. The accessory sure to see the most use, however, is the screen cleaner iriver's seen fit to throw in free of charge.[Thanks, Dan C.]
Hed Kandi's candy-colored MP3 player
U.K. record label Hed Kandi is looking to extend its reach from the dance floor to your pocket with its latest offering, a self-branded MP3 player pre-loaded with a few of its own tracks. It's hard to see anyone but the most devoted fans throwing down the pounds for this one though, with the player demanding quite a premium for otherwise lackluster specs. For £69.99 (just over $130), you'll get 512MB of built-in memory, an OLED display of unspecified size, voice recorder functionality, and support for MP3s and WMAs (DRM, too), with a promised 12 hours of playback from the rechargeable battery. If that doesn't dampen your Hed Kandi obsessiveness, you can snag one of these right now.[Via Shiny Shiny]
TrekStor announces P!nk-branded i.Beat DAP
Looks like Sony's not the only one getting a little P!nk-branded merchandise, with German manufacturer TrekStor (they of the $20,000 DAP) now following Sony's lead and announcing an equally "P!nk" i.Beat digital audio player. Available in 1GB and 2GB varieties, the player packs the usual specs for a device in this range, with a 1.7-inch display, support for MP3, WMA, and WAV audio (including WMA-DRM9), FM tuner, voice and FM recording, as well as playback of the relatively uncommon SMV video format. If the all pink look's not your style, this i.Beat's also available in the more subtle option of black with pink LEDs; each measures 1.45 x 3.15 x 0.35 inches and weighs in at just over an ounce. Look for them to hit towards the end of the month at €99.00 for the 1GB and €129.99 for the 2GB ($126 and $165), with each model coming bundled with a pair of Sennheiser headphones.[Via I4U News]
