VoiceRecorder
Latest
Tascam DR-1 digital recorder can slow things down without changing pitch
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!
Sony's ICDUX70 / ICDUX80 voice recorders double as DAPs
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]
Sanyo's 8GB voice recorder: ready for the 1,000 hour filibuster
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]
Narae Inter intros wallet-friendly voice recorder
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]
Olympus intros six new digital voice recorders
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-4100PCRead - WS-110 and WS-210SRead - WS-311M and WS-321M
iPhone gets a voice recorder
A terminal app not quite to your liking? No worries -- as expected, unofficial iPhone apps have been flying fast and furious, and thankfully, they're getting more and more useful by the minute. Latest is a rudimentary voice recorder crafted by Erica Sadun of sister site TUAW, an app that the iPhone arguably should've never left the factory without. Notes are saved as AMR files that can be played back in QuickTime, and as Erica points out, this is a possible first step toward VoIP on the iPhone. Nice work!
Transcend's T.sonic 840 DAP jams on for 30 solid hours
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]
Logitec intros digital recorder for consumer telephones
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]
PQI shows off JoyTone U820 digital audio player
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.
Greenhouse Kana GT DAP sports voice recorder, FM transmitter
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]
Samsung YV-150 voice recorder / DAP hybrid
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]
Samson's Zoom H2 SD portable audio recorder
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.
Philips Digital Pocket Memo 9600
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]
Olympus unveils VJ-10 clock radio, touts 37GB hard drive
Although the recording industry is making quite the stink around here about satellite radio receivers with internal storage, that's not stopping Olympus from kicking out a svelte clock radio with gobs of room for backing live broadcasts up. Granted, the VJ-10 only tunes into AM / FM transmissions, but the whopping 37GB internal HDD gives users the ability to store between 1,250 and 2,500 hours of footage based on quality into WAV files. Moreover, the USB 2.0 connector allows users to access the drive from any PC if you're looking to consolidate your radio and external storage, and the SRS WOW XT stereo speakers should provide decent office enjoyment as well. As expected, users can queue up recordings based on time, and thanks to the large integrated LCD screen, all the information you need will be front and center. Currently, the VJ-10 is slated to land in Japan on March 16th for the ever elusive "open price," but it looks like an English version will only be a fortnight or so behind.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Alphacam's multi-convergent USB camera: the drinking bird lives!
We'd like to be the first to welcome the drinking bird into the 21st century. Introducing the Neo from the Alphacam kids of Korea. This multifunction device brings a 2 megapixel auto-focus webcam, laser pointer, business card reader, voice recorder, and all purpose text scanner to the show. No pricing announced but it should be shipping already in Korea, you know, in case you're in the hood. Check the Neo snapped in a few more poses after the break.
iRiver's latest super e-dictionary, the D25
We got such a great response to our post on NHC's Magic-Talker Color Personal Multi-lingual Assistant that we knew you just couldn't wait for another "does-it-all" foreign electronic dictionary. This one, however, comes from a company that's a little more recognizable: good old iRiver. The third in their series of e-dictionaries, the D25 doesn't sound like it'll be all that different from the D20 we saw last year, although the subdued black and burgundy design has been replaced by a polished white perhaps meant to fool folks into thinking they're getting a Nintendo DS. As usual, machine translation has thwarted our best attempts to learn the full specs on this one; although we do know that it sports a 4.3-inch screen, 1.3GB internal capacity, SD / MMC slot, MP3 support, and an FM radio, we can't tell how many dictionaries are preloaded (our best guess is between 22 and 51) nor what type they are (some seem to be translation, while others probably provide definitions). Either way, there's definitely some conversation helpers in there to help you pass the TOEIC exam, as well as a strange pseudo-scientific feature that uses a "periodic hazard brain wave" to help the little ones get their study on. Since there's no mention of video playback here, we're gonna stick with the Magic-Talker for now, but die-hard iRiver fans should be able to pick these multifunctional wonders up as soon as next week.[Via DAPreview]
NHC's Magic-Talker Color Personal Multi-lingual Assistant
Chances are good that if you're reading this publication you already have a pretty decent grasp of English (probably better than ours, in fact), but for the native Japanese speaker looking to brush up on his/her foreign language skills, we can't think of a device better suited for the task than NHC's rather awkwardly-named Magic-Talker Color Personal Multi-lingual Assistant. Like previous offerings we've seen from Sharp, iRiver, and Franklin, the USB 2.0-compatible Magic-Talker contains numerous dictionaries along with incorporating MP3 and WMA music playback functionality, but those goodies are just the tip of the iceberg. You're also getting tons of conversation tutorials -- complete with animated representations on the full color QVGA display -- and several practice tests for acing the TOEIC exam and impressing business colleagues with your copious English skillz. But that's not all, as this 256MB device (upgradable by 2GB with an SD card) also supports DivX and MPEG-4 video playback (with a TV out for vids up to 640 x 480 at 30fps) and sports an FM tuner (with direct recording, of course), line-in recording, and the ubiquitous voice recorder for practicing your pronunciation. Games, a calculator, and an E-Book reader are also standard, making the ¥44,800 ($386) LM-500J (as it's officially known) seem like a veritable steal compared to similarly-priced devices without nearly as many features. Throw in some WiFi, Bluetooth, and WLAN radios, and we'd even buy one, though we couldn't for the life of us tell you the difference between kanji, katakana, and hiragana.[Via Impress]
Apacer's Audio Steno AU522 flash-based DAP
What do you get when you cross an iPod Shuffle with Nokia's 7280 fashion phone? (Hint: it's not Transcend's T.Sonic 310, but good guess.) Why, Apacer's upcoming Audio Steno AU522 DAP, of course. This fairly-stylish little number comes in capacities ranging from 256MB to 2GB, supports MP3, WMA, and WAV files, and includes a memory card slot for boosting storage by another gig. A built-in USB connector allows you to use the AU522 as a flash drive or reader for all those MMCmicro cards you have lying around, and you can also record directly from the FM tuner and share your music with a friend thanks to dual headphone jacks. The two-color, 128 x 64 OLED screen is another nice touch, though it probably contributes to the player's mere eight hours of battery life. No word so far on either pricing or availability, but if you really have a desire to snatch one of these up, we're confident that you'll be able to make it happen.[Via MP3 Player Guide]
Meizu Mini Player coming to America
Ask, and ye shall receive. When we mentioned that we'd like to spend some time with Meizu's M6 Mini Player a few months back, we were pretty sure that like most foreign gadgets we feature, this one would always remain just out of reach -- so imagine our surprise when we learned that pre-ordering has already begun to bring the M6 stateside. You'll probably recall that this model, which has the nano squarely in its sights (promotional materials even warn the iPod to "step aside"), comes in either 1GB ($139), 2GB ($159), or 4GB ($220) capacities, and besides supporting the usual assortment of MP3, WMA, WAV, and OGG audio files, does the AVI playback thing on its 2.4-inch QVGA screen as well. Also included are an FM tuner, voice recorder, calendar, stopwatch, USB On The Go support, and a couple of games, which is a lot more features than the nano offers, so it looks like Apple has reason to be mighty worried come July or early August when the first shipments of these arrive. Keep reading for a few more comparison shots that show just how mini this Mini really is...
Philips announces GoGear SA9100 and SA9200 DAPs
Blu-ray players and portable media centers weren't the only thing on Royal Philips Electronics' mind today, as the company also revealed a new pair of flash-based GoGear DAPs as part of the "Holidays in June" campaign. We've already seen Philips do the flash thing before -- not to mention the hard drive thing -- but with the nano-like SA9100 and SA9200 the company has chosen to drop the low capacities of old in favor of 1GB and 2GB of storage, respectively. Both models also sport color screens for viewing photos and album art, a backlit touchpad for navigation, FM tuner, voice recorder, and a rechargeable battery promising 14 hours of playback, and both devices are also PlaysForSure-compliant. You'll be able to pick up the higher capacity model for around $200 when it hits stores next month, while the single gig unit will cost about $150 at its scheduled September release.Read- GoGear SA9100Read- GoGear SA9200
