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Video: Hands-on iriver's SPINN, the first true iPod killer
We've seen iriver's SPINN (above between the HTC Touch Dual and iPhone 3G) floating around Korea in pics and video for a few weeks now. But damn if this little 3.3-inch DAP doesn't make a distinct impression in person. Of course, you've heard the term "iPod killer" tossed around for years with obvious effect. But this, this little SPINN with brilliant OLED display and up to 16GB of storage looks to be device-for-device superior to the bigger iPod touch. The SPINN navigation is very well implemented and allows for natural and precise one-handed operation with heavy tactile control -- touchscreen too if that's your preference. Of course, making an iPod killer is about more than just the device -- it's the ecosystem of PC software, third party accessories, and daunting global distribution and retail model which faces any upstart vendor. On sale now in Korea, iriver hopes to address the latter piece of the puzzle as they prepare for a global (US, UK, and Europe) launch in September or October -- assuming they can sort out the necessary distribution / retail channels this week at IFA. Remember, it's already got FCC's nod of approval.%Gallery-30729%
iriver P20 media player and M3 GPS navigator headed to IFA
While traditionally known as a forum for HDTVs, the big IFA show in Berlin is also shaping up as a showcase battle for Korean DAPs. Hot on the arching heels of Cowon's S9 Curve comes this, the (re)announcement of iriver's P20. While we first saw the P20 as a plastic prototype at CES, we're desperately hoping for a fully functional, 80/120GB media player this time around. The device is still spec'd with a 4.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen display capable of pumping 12-, 9-, or 8-hours of music, video, or DMB TV at a clip, respectively. It's also likely sporting a SPINN UI judging by that thumb-wheel. Also on deck is the M3 portable GPS navigator / media player with 3.5-inch touch screen LCD. More details on Friday when trade show floor opens its doors.
iriver Spinn gets the hands-on treatment
We just caught sight of a video of iriver's sleek new Spinn media player the other day, but if you've been hankering for an even closer look at the device, you can now hit up Crave's UK site for a thorough hands-on look at it. That includes, as you can see, a comparison with a slew of other devices (the Spinn is the shining beacon of silver in the middle), as well as some pics that give a better indication of the device's fit and finish (and unfortunately non-standard USB connector). What's more, while they're reserving final judgment for their full review, the folks at Crave certainly seem to be impressed with the unit, saying that AMOLED screen is "unbelievably crisp," and that the player itself is "well worth the excitement." [Thanks, Andew]
iriver's Mplayer ties one on
Eww. Clearly, the jaded, nicotine-stained Engadget editor in his big-boy trousers is not the target for the latest incarnation of the iriver Mplayer. While the 1GB innards remain unchanged, iriver has slathered the ¥14,800 (about $137) MP3 player in a healthy crust of Swarovski and silk to invoke the little girl trapped inside us all. Clap clap, bounce bounce, curtsy... a few more samples after the break. [Via AVING]
iriver Spinn caught on video, kills without words
Oh yes it is. iriver's 3.3-inch Spinn media player with AMOLED display has finally been captured on video. That gives us a first look at the new SPINN Wheel controller and how it assists with navigating the touch-screen display with haptic feedback. Gotta say, the navigation looks extremely impressive causing our want factor to burrow a bit deeper down into our wallets. Check the UI in action after the break.[Via iriverfans.com]
iriver's touchscreen Spinn gets priced for pre-order
You read that title correctly, iriver's Spinn is apparently touchscreen (not D-Click as mentioned in the FCC leaked user manual) and features haptic feedback to boot. Now that it's officially spec'd on iriver's Korean site, we're also seeing a slightly degraded audio lifespan of 24-hours (not 27) and the apparent removal of the mini SD slot -- it's no longer mentioned in the specs and we don't see a suitable slot on any of the pictures. Otherwise, it's the same sleek slab of 10.7-mm thick metal and plastic sporting a 3.3-inch, 480 x 272 pixel AMOLED display, T-DMB TV, Bluetooth, and new analog SPINN Wheel we've seen kicking around since CES. Currently on pre-order for South Korea with the 4GB model fetching 259,000KRW (about $259) or 8GB for 299,000KRW (about $299). That's right, it maxes out with just 8GB of flash. Check the gallery while we all anxiously await iriver's international launch plans including the rumored August UK release. %Gallery-28669%[Via DAP Review, thanks Al]
iriver's Spinn hits the FCC, means nothing
Sure, it doesn't look like much thanks to the FCC's staunch aversion to photo glam, but that's iriver's Spinn PMP, a product which had us at a full, rigid swoon back at CES. While this would generally be good news, the model approved features a DAB radio and DMB television tuner -- in other words, it's not intended for US consumption. The user manual also confirms a FM radio, Mini SD slot, Bluetooth, D-Click System interface, 27 hours of audio and 5 hours of video, and support for SWF (Flash), TXT, MP3, WMA, OGG, JPG, AVI, MWV file formats. With FCC approval out of the way, the rumored UK August release date is presumably in the bag.
iriver's Lplayer now on sale in America
You've seen it toyed with, you've seen it unboxed and you've read the review. Now, the moment of truth has arrived. iriver's Lplayer is officially on sale here in the USA, with the 4GB models going for $109.99 and the 8GB editions demanding $159.99. You'll also have to choose between white, pink and black, but don't sweat the details, okay?[Thanks, Jenn]
Speedo Aquabeat MP3 player sinks, floats, and is terrible at the butterfly stroke
If anyone is going to make a decent waterproof MP3 player this time around, it would have to be someone like the tight bathing suit-producing Speedo brand. The Speedo Aquabeat -- made by Iriver -- contains 1GB of storage, plays for nine hours on one charge, come in three colors, and weighs just 35 grams. So what's so Speedo about them? These players (and earphones) are good for up to 3 meters below the surface and they float -- so you can just leave the things floating about while you go mix another margarita. Retail price is $145, available now from your local Speedo dealer or high school coach -- just listen for the whistle.
iriver's cute little Lplayer gets reviewed
iriver's Lplayer, which we just got done handling ourselves, made it over to the review crew at PC Magazine. As expected, both design and interface were smiled upon, and critics also felt the price was fair. Upon using the admittedly wee device, they seemed to have problems getting the click buttons to respond like they wanted, but aside from that, hardly anything negative was said. The broad codec support was praised, the built-in equalizer worked as advertised and the FM tuner / voice recorder were welcome extras. All in all, it was seen as a worthy rival to the iPod nano, and if you're the type that prefers something different in the pocket, this puppy just might be the ticket.
iriver rolls out discreet Domino flash drives
iriver sure does know how to cut away the excess on its products, and it looks like its new Domino flash drive is no exception. Available in 2GB and 4GB capacities, this one packs one of those sliding USB connectors that iriver seems to be increasingly fond of these days, and is available in your choice of white, silver, black, chocolate, pink or coral pink color options. No word on a release 'round these parts, unfortunately, but those in Korea can apparently get their hands on one now for the local equivalent of $21 or $34, depending on the capacity.[Via AVING]
iriver Lplayer hands-on and unboxing
We unwrapped iriver's new US-bound Lplayer from its space age packaging and took it for a whirl. It must be said, iriver's design chops really shine when comes to these tiny little D-Click experiences -- perhaps the E100 is just too much canvas to work with. The 2-inch QVGA screen is plenty sharp, even if it could withstand a stronger backlight, and the interface is as intuitive as ever. Codec support is just dandy, with MP3, WMA, ASF, FLAC and OGG Q10 for audio, and MPGE, WMV9, XVID for video -- no AAC, though. Sound is decent enough with the included headphones, but plugged into our regular home stereo setup the player pushed out very little low end. FM worked fine, as did voice recording, but there aren't many other frills here. The 4GB version will go for $110, while the 8GB is slotted for $160 (the same prices its much larger E100 counterpart goes for), and both should be available in the States on June 24.%Gallery-25103%
iriver T7 Volcano DAP now shipping
We first spotted iriver's Volcano back at CES, and it looks like the stick-shaped DAP is finally shipping in Europe under the T7 model number. Specs are the same as we had in January: 2 or 4GB, OLED display, MP3 / WMA / ASF/ Ogg, FM, and voice recording in a variety of colors. €35 ($54) for the 2GB, €50 ($77) for the 4GB. Let's hope we get word on an official US release with some more dollar-friendly pricing soon, eh?[Via DAPreview]
iRiver Spinn gets a release date, fleshed out details
We haven't heard much about iRiver's shiny new Spinn PMP since it was unveiled at CES earlier this year, but Crave has now turned up a couple of fresh new details on the device, including word of the all important release date. That'll apparently come sometime in August (in the UK, at least), although there's unfortunately still no word on prices. Otherwise, Crave has confirmed that the player will still be arriving in 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB varieties, and that it'll be shipping with built-in DAB radio in the UK, as well as built-in Bluetooth and a dedicated (but unspecified) 3D acceleration chip to spice up the interface a bit. In case you missed 'em the first time around, you can find our shots of the device (under glass) here.[Thanks, Alsyl]
iriver's KKClay Mplayer ads make even the toughest toddlers cry
Is it us or does iriver's new Mplayer advertising campaign send the wrong message? "Find Pluto and you have found my murderer!" Ceremonial aftermath pictured after the break.Warning: The KKClay will get you too.
iriver P10 launches at last, D5 lands on our shores
It took 'em a year, but iriver is finally ready to unleash its P10 touchscreen mega-PMP upon the world -- or at least Korea. The player rocks T-DMB, an 800 x 480 4.3-inch LCD, 33GB of storage and quite unique UI. There's also an included stylus and built-in handwriting recognition, with dictionaries for English, Chinese and Japanese. For about $312 US you can get a DMB-free unit, or spring for mobile TV at a $390-ish pricepoint, but again, those are both Korea only. If you're looking to spice up your life this side of the Pacific, iriver is also bringing its D5 clamshell multimedia dictionary to the States, at $300 for 2GB and $350 for 4GB.Read - P10Read - D5
iriver's E100 to lose the speakers, add some aluminum, resurface as E150 and E200?
Apparently reviewers weren't the only ones not totally satisfied by iriver's new E100. Crave UK has gotten wind of an upcoming revision from iriver already in the works that will get rid of that built-in speaker and redo the casing in aluminum -- which would certainly be a nice switch from that weightless plastic of the E100. The lackluster screen is also getting swapped out for a "much brighter" version. No word of slimming the device down, but hopefully that's in the works as well. Word is we can expect the E150 and E200 sometime later in the summer, but obviously none of this is official just yet.[Thanks, T.I.]
iriver's W7 portable media player gets reviewed
Yeah, we had our fun just toying with the W7 at iriver's CES booth earlier this year, but the lucky souls at Pocketables were able to secure one long enough to write up a full-blown review. Straight out of the packaging, critics found the design to be attractive enough, albeit a tad chunky; particularly with this device, we'd say opinions on sexiness will vary widely depending on what floats your boat. Nevertheless, reviewers found the touch panel easy enough to navigate, and thankfully, the perceived audio quality was dubbed "great." Those interested in the video capabilities will be delighted to know that all was well on that front too, as the slew of welcome extras (FM tuner, text viewer, e-dictionary, etc.) were all praised. Now, if only this critter would show up in America, we'd have yet another solid choice when it comes to pocket-friendly media players.[Thanks, Jenn]
iriver E100 is now for sale, still kind of chubby
We weren't terribly impressed by the iriver E100's size or functionality, but at $110 for a 4GB player with this size of screen, it's certainly hard to complain. For $50 more you can get an 8GB player, and both sizes come in pink, black, blue and brown and white flavors. You can pick it up now at Amazon.com or J&R, and we're sure other online retailers will be quick to jump on board.[Thanks, KC]
iriver E100 hands-on
We just got a special surprise on our doorstep this afternoon in the form of an E100 from iriver. You've already seen the review, so we won't bore you with a full rehash, but suffice it to say that this thing is well built but feels suspiciously lightweight -- not to mention inexplicably thick. The software is all nice and responsive, though it takes a bit of getting used to the d-click interface, and while you're certainly not going to get much mileage out of the built-in speaker, it is a nice touch. The screen is great straight on, but suffers from some viewing angle woes. We really can't fault the player for much, but there's nothing too compelling here to make us leave any members of our current assortment of DAPs. Video is after the break.%Gallery-19840%
