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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]
iriver P7 ships in South Korea, Americans look longingly across the sea
Sadly, we're still no closer to understanding when iriver will allow its striking P7 to escape the chains of "pre-order status" here in North America, but geeks in South Korea can now feel free to indulge. 4.3-inches of luscious screen real estate slapped onto an 8GB PMP will set you back just under ₩200,000 ($160), and we're guessing the more capacious 16GB variant will cost just a wee bit more. So yeah, we're going out on a limb here and assuming that a homeland launch foreshadows a splashdown on US soil -- don't let us down, iriver.[Via PMP Today]
Chuwi's W3000 MID comes to life, likely matters not
After spotting renders of this here device last week, we have to say -- the real Chuwi W3000 MID is a looker. Boasting an ARM processor, GPS module, support for MP3, WMA, OGG, AVI and RMVB files (among others) and a built-in WiFi chip, this touchscreen beauty is tailor made to deliver the best of the web without a keyboard. Oh, except for the teeny, tiny fact that someone thought to equip this with WinCE 5.0, thus eliminating any chance whatsoever of it being relevant. Too bad, really.[Via MP4Nation]
Portable HD Radio prototype gets pictured, coming this summer for under $50
Details are rather scant on this little gem right now, but here's what we can tell you: you're looking at the world's first HD Radio portable device prototype, and it's slated to do just about exactly what you expect. In other words, it'll slip into your pocket, tune into HD Radio as well as standard analog FM broadcasts and connect with any set of cans that use a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack. Unfortunately, the manufacturer is being kept under wraps, and there's no Bluetooth headset support baked in. That said, you can expect it to land in an undisclosed "big box retailer" this summer for under $50.
HifiMAN HM-801 PMP promises to make audiophiles happy, wallets hurt
Audiophiles can be a particular bunch when it comes to portable media players and, at the very least, can often be found carrying a not-so-discreet portable amp around with their PMP. This new HifiMAN HM-801 device aims to make their lives a tad easier, however, with it combining a Burr-Brown PCM1704 DAC and a OPA627 op-amp in a single modular unit that'll also let folks swap in their own amp of choice if they so desire. As you might expect, however, while it doesn't cut any corners when it comes to sound quality (including full support for FLAC and lossless WMA), it's pretty no frills otherwise, with no video support or other media-related features to speak of, and no internal storage of its own (you'll have to rely on SDHC cards). At $700, it unsurprisingly also doesn't come cheap, although Head-Fi.org forum members that pre-order it in advance of the June release can at least save $100.[Via SlashGear]
Sony's X-series OLED Walkman now priced in real American dollars, ships mid-June
Sony has yet to offer us official US pricing or availability on its eagerly awaited X-series of OLED Walkmans. As such, we have to grasp at whatever bits of desperate information we can as this 3-inch Walkman with built-in noise cancellation makes its way West following the Japanese launch. Amazon lists the little guy at $399.95 (32GB) and $299.95 (16GB) which just happens to be the same pricing as Apple's iPod touch, for whatever that's worth. It's not in stock but you can pre-order now if dare. Update: And just like that, it's official. Sony's 16GB NWZ- X1051 with 32GB NWZ- X1061 will be priced $299 and $399, respectively, when they go on sale nationwide Stateside in mid-June. As a surprise, they'll also feature embedded apps for YouTube and Slacker Radio for all the free video and audio you can consume over WiFi.[Via OLED-Info]
Sony X-series OLED Walkman priced, hitting UK tomorrow
We don't see an official press release yet but Pocket-lint and other UK sites are claiming that Sony's OLED Walkman will hit the UK high streets starting tomorrow. The hotly anticipated X-series Walkman will be priced at £209 for the 16GB model or £279 for the 32GB model. We'd translate those numbers to US dollars but we don't want to scare the natives with the UK markup for consumer electronics. We'll update you with official US numbers just as soon as they're out.
Chevy Camaro evidently nabs Microsoft Zune support
You've heard of Chevrolet, right? You know -- that struggling automaker underneath the General Motors umbrella? For those who've long given up their ties to muscle cars in favor of the kid-friendly minivan or Earth-friendly hybrid, you may not even know that a revitalized Camaro is just around the bend. Based on some hands-on time with a production vehicle at an undisclosed dealer, Microsoft's Zune integrates perfectly into the sound system, and said integration is supposedly a standard feature on the car. What's more is that we're told some 27 other GM models will also include Zune support from the factory as they launch in the US, Europe, Asia and Australia through 2011, though details beyond that are scant. Hope they cooked in support for the Zune HD, ya dig?[Via Zune Insider]
Sony's OLED Walkman priced in the US... sort of
We wouldn't carve this in stone quite yet, but we'd say that points-to-dollars conversion from Sony's official 'Rewards' site is pretty legitimate. The outfit's highly anticipated OLED Walkman, which we had the pleasure of toying with earlier this week, is now listed in 16GB and 32GB forms at SonyRewards. While no ship date is given, we are told that the smaller of the two will run members 29,995 points, while the larger one demands an extra 10,000. For those who only speak real currency (you know, like Schrute Bucks), that translates to $299.95 and $399.95, respectively. Furthermore, the first official OLED Walkman accessories have popped up, proving that a leather case / kickstand, clear screen protector and a hard plastic shell will be made available. Oh, and Sony -- any moment now would be great for a confirmation.[Via SonyInsider]Read - 16GB OLED WalkmanRead - 32GB OLED Walkman
Sony OLED Walkman impressions
Considering that we're holding a Japanese unit in our hands, our impressions of Sony's OLED Walkman will be somewhat limited. That said, we figured it prudent to pass along our initial judgments until the US model shows up sometime between tomorrow and next century. After giving the flashy PMP a photo shoot yesterday, we spent the rest of the day (and night, we won't even front) toying with Sony's most hyped Walkman in quite some time. Eager to hear just how fantastic / horrible this critter is? Follow us past the break for our two pennies.
Video: Sony OLED Walkman (NWZ-X1050) hands-on
We got a chance to peek Sony's succulent OLED Walkman way back at CES, but we've waited for what seems like forever to hold one in our supple paws without a booth attendant breathing down our neck. The model that arrived today on our doorstep is the 16GB NW-X1050 (or NWZ-X1050), which just launched in Japan last week. There's still no telling when this beauty will hit the US, but we can already guess that it'll cause some serious buzz when it does. We'll just come right out and say it: this is the best looking display on any PMP that we've ever seen. If you'll recall, Cowon's S9 also shipped with an OLED panel, but we've got to give the edge to Sony here. Also of note, we were never fans of the dark granite border in the press shots, but it's downright stunning in person. We're going to be hosting up a video walkthrough of the menus and such just as soon as it uploads (sigh) as well as some more thorough impressions in the coming days. For now, however, feel free to peruse the gallery below.Update: Video's live! Check it after the break.
Cowon's 32GB S9 PMP goes on sale in America
We knew you'd do the right thing Cowon, we just knew it. Barely a fortnight after the company introduced its most capacious S9 to date over in South Korea, said player has made its way stateside... at least that's the impression that we get. Listed now as "in stock" on Amazon, the 32GB Titanium / Black unit is shown as being sold by JetAudio, which just so happens to be Cowon's official online home for sales. If you surf over to the S9 section on JetAudio's website, however, the 16GB model is still listed as the largest one available. We're guessing the latter's admin hasn't had time to update things between that Friday night rave and that six pack of Dos Equis on Saturday, but we hear Amazon has a pretty good reputation, anyway.[Via PMP Today]
Archos 2 gets official in US, new color leaks out
Oh sure, you could already get your paws around the Archos 2 flash-based PMP if you really, really wanted to, but we're still thrilled to see the company come clean and begin offering it up on its own website. As of now, prospective buyers in the United States of America can "soon" select the 8GB version in black or white for $59.99, while the 16GB model arrives in the same color options for $40 more. In related news, ArchosLounge has shots of a new blue model, though there's obviously no way to procure that bad boy just yet. Then again, there's always Colorware... [Via ArchosLounge, thanks Bernard]
Crapgadget: No wonder the economy sucks edition
While we here at Engadget are doing everything in our power to get this philosophical "economy" back "on track," it's items like these that aren't doing anything to help. No innovation. No stimulating capabilities. No utility at all, really. Just a webcam that scans business cards, an MP3 player shaped like a cow and a flash drive that's absolutely not certified for circulation by the Democratic National Committee. Though, we must say that they're all tailor made for Crapgadget, which is (just barely) good enough for us -- drop your vote for the lamest below! Read - CowCow MP3 player Read - 4-Port Soccer Ball USB Hub Read - MSI StarCam Flip Webcam Read - USB Bird Fan Read - Bling Bling USB Card Reader Read - Obama Flash Drive %Poll-29537%
ANTARES smashes earbuds and MP3 player together, produces KPMP316
Not that we haven't seen MP3 players integrated into earbuds before, but we've yet to see any that give us more inspiration than these. Seriously, just look at this guy above -- pumping iron, resisting the urge to shoot up a fine dose of 'roids and getting all the motivation he needs from the Rick Astley jams that are undoubtedly streaming through. ANTARES' KPMP316 DAP consists entirely of two enlarged earbuds and a cord to keep 'em close; as you can imagine, the 1/2/4GB of internal capacity, play / pause button and volume rocker are all positioned just millimeters away from the actual drivers. Folks over in Asia can supposedly snag one in yellow, green, orange, blue, purple or black, but we've no idea what kind of outlay you'll be looking at.[Via PMPToday]
MSI unveils army of cheap PMPs for China
Taking a break from thin laptops and all-in-one desktops, MSI's announced five PMPs for China. On the lower end is the 198 yuan (US $29) MV622, with a 2.4-inch LCD screen, 2GB storage and three colors to choose from (pictured). The MV651 has a larger, 3-inch screen with 400 x 240 resolution, TV-out, FM radio, and 4GB capacity for 299 ($44) yuan. The MV652 adds touch screen -- the only one to do so, it seems -- and e-book reading functionality, all for a price tag of $51 for 4GB / $58 for 8GB. The 4.3-inch MV881 lacks touch screen but otherwise boasts similar specs to its predecessor -- it'll set you back $58 (4GB) to $73 (8GB). The only one sporting 720p video and S-video out is the 8GB MV882 for $58. All units support e-dictionary, some game functionality, and a hefty number of audio / video codecs. Call it a hunch, but we don't expect a good lot of these -- if any -- to be making a stateside appearance anytime soon.[Via PMP Today]
Sony's Walkman E-series lets music nerds play dress up
Think USB sticks are fashion statements? Then listen up nerds, Sony's get a sackful of Walkmans to match your technicolor style. The Walkman E series will get to poppin' next month in 2GB (NW-E042), 4GB (NW-E043), and 8GB (NW-E044) capacities starting at ¥8,000 (about $80, tax inclusive) on up to ¥13,000 (about $132). Each stick ships with a second front panel / cap combination for a quick color swap. Spec-wise, you're looking at a 3-line color LCD display, FM radio, quick 3-hours on 3-minute charge (or 90 minute full charge for 28 hours of MP3 playback), and Sony's excellent earbuds with 13.5mm driver. Japanese launch video demonstrating the finer points of handbag matching posted after the break.[Via Impress]
LEGO MP3 player: another brick in your kid's wall of sound
So this is pretty out-of-the-ordinary looking. LEGO's recently-announced MP3 player -- produced through a partnership with Digital Blue -- fits in nicely with the rest of the company's kiddie gadget offerings, though we'll admit that this is probably the first one we're truly tempted to check out for ourselves. These bad boys have 2GB of storage, LCD displays, and unlimited attitude. It's got that sweet brick shape that brings to mind memories of our olden days while staying on top of the latest tech that kids today demand... you know, MP3s of Miley Cyrus and stuff. Right? The MP3 players -- in multi-color and pinkish (for girls) -- will be available sometime this summer for $39.99
iriver, Speedo suit up for new Aquabeat underwater MP3 player
Another Spring, another opportunity for iriver Japan and Speedo to sell a few MP3 players designed for underwater use. Yes friends, the Aquabeat you've grown to know, love and disassociate with overly tight swim trunks has a successor, the Speedo LZR Racer. Design wise, you won't notice a lot of differentiation from the first, but this waterproof-to-three-meters device has twice the internal memory (2GB) and a built-in rechargeable battery good for around eight hours of continuous playback. It's said to be shipping now in Japan for ¥12,800 ($128), though we hear it won't be coming to America without first nailing down a Michael Phelps endorsement. Not that said task will be too tough or anything.[Via Impress]
Samsung YP-Q2 and YP-U5 hands-on
Samsung has rounded out its line of DAPs with the new YP-U5 and YP-Q2, both squarely targeted at what have come to be well-defined DAP categories in recent years. The Q2 (pictured) has a friendly icon-based interface, with familiar touch-sensitive controls below the screen -- though we found ourselves futilely tapping at the large bright icons out of habit. The interface is fast, the screen is great, and the feature set builds on Samsung's typical kitchen sink, now including DNSe 3.0 sound enhancement -- though we'd say the 50 hour battery life steals the show. The U5 looks thoroughly dated, though it's more ergonomically friendly to those athletic types among us than some thumb daps. The teensy black and white OLED screen makes it a bit of a chore to run through the functions, but at least it's there.
