We've never been big fans of giving your tween some Nickelodeon-ized gizmo when you can simply hand down your current gear and use it for an excuse to upgrade, but apparently not everyone sees it that way. Nickelodeon, Viacom and Imation have jointly announced the latest line of kid-friendly Npower gizmos, which includes a digital voice recorder, a digicam and a webcam based on the "breakout hit" iCarly. Additionally, the outfit is churning out SpongeBob SquarePants-themed speakers, boomboxes, MP3 players and digiframes, and there's even a few Dora the Explorer toys thrown in for good measure. All the (inflated) prices and shipping details are down there in the read link -- we won't bore the uninterested any longer by fleshing it out here.

[Via Electronista]

There's no shortage of microphones for one's iPod, but Logitec is looking to earn the business of those still on the hunt with its LIC-iREC01. Put simply, this dock connector appendage is said to work on "all generations of iPods" (with dock connectors, obviously), and provides a built-in stereo mic for voice recording on the fly, an additional audio input for connecting something more sophisticated, and a mini-USB port for keeping your PMP synced while this thing is plugged in. At the moment, pricing details are unknown, but those camped out in Japan can look for it to land in their neighborhood later this month.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Olympus, who seems to be single-handedly keeping the digital voice recorder market alive and well, has cranked out yet another duo in the sector today, and neither of 'em come cheap. The DS-5000 and DS-5000iD both offer up support for dual memory cards (SD / SDHC and microSD) and feature a backlit LCD, digital dictation software, USB connectivity, up to 28 hours of battery life and a new QP recording mode for enhanced sound quality. The latter also features an integrated fingerprint scanner for the super sleuths in the crowd, and there's even an optical barcode scanner if you're looking to really transform your voice recorder into something MacGyver would approve of. Sure, both units come with a transcription kit, USB cradle, carrying case and 512MB microSD card, but we're still a little hesitant to lay down $499.99 / $599.99 to pick either of them up.

At first glance, the Tascam DR-1 doesn't seem too different from all of its other digital recorder buddies out there, but let's see the other guys record WAV / MP3 straight to SDHC. Yep, this critter can save 24-bit, 48 kHz WAV files directly to SD or SDHC, and it also features a built-in Li-ion good for around seven hours, a simple (albeit useful) LCD and the inclusion of Variable Speed Audition, which enables it to playback recordings slower than they were inputted without augmenting the pitch. Per usual, mum's the word right now on price / availability.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Update: Looks like it's $299, thanks Mike!

Looks like Sony had its thinking cap on with these two -- after all, who wants to lug around a voice recorder these days that, you know, only records voices? Thankfully, the ICDUX70 and ICDUX80 include 1GB / 2GB (respectively) of internal storage space as well as the ability to play back MP3 files and record in MP3 stereo format. According to Sony, you can capture some 290 / 581 hours of audio in LP mode, and rather than supplying a AAA of your own, owners can just plug it in to any spare USB port and let the rechargeable cell within regain its strength. No word on a price at the moment, but you can keep an eye out for the UX70 in black / pink or the UX80 in black / silver to land later this month.

[Via Pocket-Lint]

Not that anyone was actually keeping track, but Sanyo just announced the world's largest capacity MP3 voice recorder. That's 8GB kid with a hefty ¥43,000 (about $375) price to match. For that you get up to 12 hours of PCM stereo recordings or up to 1,000 hours of lowly MP3 compression. The flash memory can also be divided into 4GB of encrypted recordings (accessed with a PIN) and 4GB of general purpose rants or music including DRM'd WMA tracks from your fave PlaysForSure music store. The ICR-PS390RM (aka, DIPLY TALK) launches in Japan later this month.

[Via Impress]

It's not too tricky to get your palms around a relatively diminutive voice recorder these days, but finding one this convenient is definitely a rarity. This gem from Narae Inter measures in at just 6.5-millimeters in thickness and shouldn't take up much more room than a few useless credit cards in your wallet. Furthermore, it features 1GB of built-in storage, a flip-out USB connector, and flush-mounted controls to boot. Click on for a closer look.

[Via EverythingUSB]

Keepin' things fresh in the digital voice recorder realm is Olympus, which just unveiled six new devices on the European frontier. The compact WS-311M and WS-321M units sport 512MB and 1GB (respectively) of internal memory for loading up music files when not playing back lecturers, boast USB 2.0 connectivity, and offer up six recording qualities to boot. The 256MB WS-110 and 512MB WS-210S simply double as a LCD-equipped USB flash drive when not tuning into voices, and the 256MB VN-4100 and VN-4100PC flavors throw in voice activation, four recording options, a built-in display, and a recording timer for good measure. Granted, the September launch dates keep them from being of any real value during the earlier parts of next semester, but be sure and click through to take a look at the rest of the family.

[Via Pocket-Lint]

Read - VN-4100 and VN-4100PC
Read - WS-110 and WS-210S
Read - WS-311M and WS-321M

We'll admit, the last iteration of T.sonic DAPs were just a sliver above atrocious (and that's being exceedingly kind), but apparently Transcend's design team broke out of their slump on the T.sonic 840. The sleeker, sexier player touts a 1.8-inch 220 x 176 resolution color LCD, supports MTV, JPG, BMP, MP3, WMA, WMA-DRM10, and WAV file formats, and also includes a customizable equalizer, FM radio / recorder, a 13-language interface, digital voice recorder, and world clock to boot. Additionally, this 70-gram device comes in your choice of white (2GB) or black (4GB), and claims to last a respectable 30 hours before requiring a recharge. You can snag either iteration right now, and while the 4GB edition will run you €122 (167), the half-sized (capacity wise) flavor will demand €91.30 ($125).

[Via FarEastGizmos]

Personal voice recorders simply aren't likely to start up any serious controversy anytime soon, but Logitec's latest spin on taping audio just might raise a few hairs. The LIC-TRA056SD is a "private telephone recorder" that plugs right into your home phone and captures conversations conveniently on the built-in 128MB of storage. If those 50 hours of capacity aren't enough to catch someone red handed, you can also throw in a spare SD card and create an audio archive of every phone call you'll ever make. Additionally, the USB connectivity ensures that extracting dubious MP3 / WAV files won't be a chore, and considering that everything looks to be password protected, the digital eavesdropping crowd will be out of luck. Unfortunately, there's no word just yet on how much this dodgy device will run you, but it should hit the shelves of Japan before the month's end.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Looks like ginormous SSDs aren't the only products PQI's been cranking out of late, as the firm's latest DAP was showing off its sparkle at Computex. The JoyTone U820 features a glossy black exterior, 1.5-inch 128 x 128 resolution LCD, ID3 tag support, MP3, WMA, and SMV playback, a photo viewer, digital voice recorder, and USB connectivity. Unsurprisingly, there was no word as to when the U820 would find its way from the show floor onto store shelves, but as you already know, more pictorial delight awaits you after the break.

We've watched Greenhouse's wee Kana grow up from its early Kana-SD stages and evolve into the entirely more mature Kana D, and now the next logical growth spurt is in order as the device makes the leap to include a voice recorder and FM transmitting capabilities. The Kana GT packs the same 1GB of internal memory that was seen in its predecessor, still lasts just seven hours on a full charge, handles MP3 and WMA files, and connects to your PC via USB 2.0. This iteration, however, also includes an OLED display, up to 140 hours of voice recording potential, a built-in FM tuner and FM transmitter, a dedicated antenna, and even a car cigarette USB charger to keep the music flowin' on lengthy road trips. The newest Kana will come in black, red, and silver motifs, and should land in mid-June for an estimated ¥7,980 ($66).

[Via Impress]

Sure, it's possible to add voice recording functions to a tried and true digital audio player, but Samsung's making your life a lot easier by wedding the two into one highly pocketable device. The YV-150 measures in at just 33- × 97- × 18.3-millimeters, weighs a mere 40-grams, and can last a purported 20 hours on a pair of AAA batteries. The device comes in both 512MB and 1GB flavors, sports built-in speakers, and plays back MP3, WMA, and FM radio. Additionally, this unit can record your memos or replace your ears in lecture hall when you're just too tired to remain alert, and it supports a number of quality levels to fit your circumstances. Samsung also threw in software that converts text to MP3 files for those who prefer aural learning, and while we've no idea if the YV-150 is destined for America, you can snag the half gigabyte rendition in China for 1,249CNY ($163) or double the capacity for 300CNY ($40) more.

[Via EverythingUSB]

Although the amount of voice recorders hitting the market has definitely tapered off in recent years, the ones that do make it out are fairly well-spec'd in their own regard. The latest to show up is Samson's Zoom H2 handy recorder, which claims to be the "world's only portable recorder with 3 mic capsules on board for mid-side recording," and moreover, the device purportedly decodes the audio instantly to bring together a probably unnecessary level of "superb stereo imaging." Interestingly enough, the device even allows for users to record at various angles and frequencies in case you're trying to assemble a 5.1 track (saywha?) without all the proper equipment, and it even touts gain controls right on the side for on-the-fly tweaking. The unit stores recordings on an SD flash card, features USB 2.0 connectivity, a 1/8-inch stereo output, backlit display, four hours of usage on a pair of AA batteries, time stamp / track marker functions, integrated chromatic guitar and bass tuner, and a variety of status LEDs to boot. Of course, such extravagant niceties on a portable audio recorder don't come without a premium, but users serious about capturing those lecture notes (or ad hoc jingles) can snag one in May for around $200.

If you don't have a personal stenographer, voice recorders are a great alternative, however utilizing the technology beyond playback is often more of a hassle than a convenience. Philips' new Digital Pocket Memo 9600 offers some nice perks like DSS-Pro file encoding, password protection and encryption, voice command for hands-free use, one-touch key assignment, and 1.71-inch back-lit display, but what really sets it apart are its accessories. The LAN docking station eliminates the need for a PC or intermediary application, allowing dictations to be directly uploaded to a company network or any web address. For those who wish to link dictations to other digital material, the Barcode Module can scan barcode information and directly attach it to the corresponding dictation, intended to increase efficiency and prevent mix-ups. So maybe you're a busy professional looking for the latest in voice recording tech, or maybe you just really like to hear yourself talk -- either way, the Digital Pocket Memo 9600's new bells and whistles might be worth a try to relieve transcription and application woes.

[Via Gizmag]