MP3 player
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Devil DAP scares off seekers of genuineness
At first glance, we assumed the completely misnamed Christmas MP3/MP4 player was merely a mephistophelean covering for an older iPod nano, but apparently, Putian Hengwang Trade Company put in the legwork and actually knocked off a DAP (or at least an interface) from Apple's past. This creature fittingly arrives in red or black and features 1GB, 2GB, 4GB or 8GB of storage, a 1.5- / 1.8-inch display, optional FM tuner and built-in speaker, a rechargeable Li-ion and support for MP3, WMA, WAV and ASF file formats. Sadly, there's no mention of a price, release date or pickup location, but there's a decent chance you'll find 'em awkwardly stacked up beside the Cross MP3 Player somewhere in Beijing.[Via PMPToday]
COLOSSAL MP3 Player stays true to its name
It's quite likely that the COLOSSAL MP3 Player has somehow managed to stay largely hidden from view for some time now, but it is apparently popping up in a number of locations and begging to be purchased as the ultimate tech gag gift. Apparently, these things come in a number of hues, check in at about five to ten times larger than your prototypical DAP and include a USB cable, earphones and 256MB of built-in memory. The humongous units get their juice from four AA cells and can be found at random drug stores (and probably elsewhere) for under $20. Needless to say, this is the stocking stuffer buster you've been looking for.[Thanks, Marcus]
Evergreen's card-styled DAP: it's business time
As far as we know, Evergreen's Business Card MP3 Player doesn't come pre-loaded with Flight of the Conchords' most relevant jam, but you can't deny it'd be a great fit. This all-white, ultra-simplistic DAP checks in at 86- x 55- x 6-millimeters, weighs just 36-grams and includes 1GB of storage space. You'll also find a flip-out USB 2.0 connector, internal speaker and some sort of recording function. Slip one into your tight leather jacket pocket for a steep $126.19 -- it should make sorting the recycling much less tedious.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Old gear gets steampunky new life with "Ambience Enhancer"
While it's not quite on the level of some of the steampunk gear we've seen, devientART member porkshanks' so-called "Ambience Enhancer" is at least considerably more practical than some of those previous contraptions, and it recycles some gear that would otherwise have been discarded, or has already been discarded. That bit of kit is an MP3 player that was apparently found on the ground near a bus station, which got spiffed up with some brass and leather and then got paired with a set of vintage Cannonball Empires headphones, whose innards were replaced with those from a set of some decidedly more recent Sony MDR-006 phones. The whole thing was then, naturally, made wearable with a handy wrist strap.[Via Gadget Lab]
Transcend intros T.sonic 650 DAP
Transcend certainly seems intent on keeping its T.sonic line of digital audio players well fleshed out, with it recently adding yet another model in the form of the T.sonic 650. Like all the company's other DAPs, this one's a flash-based player (packing 4GB, specifically), and it includes all the features you'd expect in a unit of this sort, including an FM tuner, an OLED screen, and support for MP3, WMA, and WMA-DRM10 file formats. Slightly less common is a so-called "Voice Activation Detection" function, which we presume is exactly what it sounds like. No word on a price just yet, but we wouldn't expect it to put too much of a hurt on your bank account.
MPIO's MG200 gets a price, ship date
Last seen struttin' its stuff at IFA, MPIO's stylish MG200 is making waves again thanks to the price tag and release date it's now carrying along. Just to bring you back up to speed, this thing features a 128 x 128 resolution OLED display, FM tuner, a voice recorder, rechargeable Li-ion good for 18- / 4-hours or so (audio / video playback) and support for WMA, MP3, and MTV file formats. Now, on to the good stuff: 1GB and 2GB versions will both land on December 1st for ¥7,980 ($72) and ¥9,980 ($90), respectively, while the 4GB unit will arrive sometime before the year's end for ¥12,980 ($118).
uRock DAP poses as miniature guitar
Guitar-shaped DAPs are nothing new, but this uRock creation looks the part more than usual. Said to be "crafted and detailed in miniature replica-grade quality," the guitar itself features 1GB of internal storage, a rechargeable battery, USB connectivity, MP3 / WMA format support and six equalizer modes. Additionally, you'll get a pair of earphones, a lanyard, uRock guitar pick (huzzah!) and a matching mini amplifier that doubles as an external speaker. Granted, this all looks a tad gimmicky from here, but those interested can pick up the set for £49.99 ($101) in around a fortnight.[Via ChipChick, thanks James]
BenQ rolls out multimedia-centric C30 handset
Looking to give candybar (the style, not the food) lovers something new to chew on, BenQ has unveiled the C30 multimedia phone. The GSM handset boasts up to four hours of talk time (250 hours on standby), an integrated camera, a 1.8-inch 160 x 128 resolution display, movie clip recording functionality, support for MP3 / AAC / WAV formats, an FM radio, and a microSD slot for loading up your tunes. No word yet on pricing or availability, but it shouldn't demand too terribly much. Click on for a couple of closeups.
RCA Jet Stream, Kleer wireless headphones hit the FCC
We got a chance to check out RCA's Jet Stream MP3 player and accompanying Kleer wireless headphones way back at CES in January, but it looks like they've both now finally landed in the FCC's hands, which means we should be seeing an actual launch before too long. The player itself is a pretty basic deal, with a tiny OLED screen, 1GB of storage, an FM tuner, and a promised 12 hours of battery life -- not to mention a less than eye-catching design. The real interest is in the headphones (check 'em out after the break), which use Kleer's proprietary technology instead of Bluetooth to wirelessly shoot tunes over a distance of 5 to 6 feet. As we found out for ourselves at CES, the quality turned out to be surprisingly good, with no interference even in a place flooded with RF signals. What's more, assuming nothing has changed in the past few months, you can expect to pay just $129 for the combo. Still no official word on a release date though.Read - RCA Jet Stream FCC filingRead - Kleer headphones FCC filing
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]
Credit card sized MP3 player ups your street cred
Looking for a small, light, credit-card-esque flash drive... which doubles as an MP3 player... which is covered in a "liquid" print? Well you're in luck, kiddies, because some anonymous Chinese electronics maker has got you covered on all fronts. Enter the "USB Flash Card MP3 Player," an ultra-thin, 2GB device that plays MP3s and WMAs, functions as a USB flash drive, and will give you absolutely no information about the song you're listening to. Hey, if you wanted information, you would get a screen -- this thing fits in your wallet. Available right now for the bargain basement price of $42.
Zicplay's Microkey MP3 player is barely there
We've seen a lot of DAPs claiming to be the "world's smallest MP3 player," but Zicplay's Microkey take the concept to a whole new level, featuring 1GB of storage in a package just 1.7 inches long and a half-inch wide -- slightly longer than an iPod shuffle but half as wide. The half-ounce player gets six hours of playback off its lithium-ion battery, and apparently just shows up as a USB 2.0 flash drive -- no media software required. No word on pricing or availability, but these were just shown off at IFA, so should be soon now.
Takara Tomy's Transformers MP3 player gets photographed
Yeah, we've got a soft spot for all things Transformers, and while Takara Tomy's Transformers MP3 player isn't the most advanced DAP on the block, the fun factor is undeniable. Thankfully, the folks over at PrimeDiary were able to wrangle one of these bad boys up for themselves and snap a few photographs. Needless to say, we're envious, but go on and click through for a couple more shots of the MP3 player fanboys just have to have.
UK juror won't go to trial over hidden MP3 player
A juror on a murder trial in the UK who allegedly listened to music on an MP3 player while the court was in session will not have action taken against her, says the British Attorney General. According to reports, juror Ruhela Khanom was listening to a music player hidden underneath her hijab (or headscarf) while key evidence in the case was being delivered. Defense lawyers claim they caught a glimpse of a wire underneath the juror's headscarf, and the presiding judge says that he thought he had heard "tinny music" being played, but dismissed it as his imagination. Eventually, Khanom was discharged from duty as a juror for not paying attention, and although signs point to her having used a music player during the trial, it appears that the courts don't have enough evidence to bring charges against her. When reached for comment, Khanom said that she had been "unable to stop listening to music in court," due to the release of "the new Hillary Duff record."
SAFA showcases DIA media player in Korea
It's good to see SAFA back in the saddle after a long bout with silence, and the firm's latest PMP looks mighty fine, we must say. Dubbed DIA -- presumably in reference to the diamond shaped control pad -- this diminutive device boasts a 2.4-inch color LCD, plays nice with audio and video files, comes with four mini games, and is available with up to 4GB of internal capacity. Moreover, users can load the rest of their files on a miniSD card, and there's also a FM tuner and voice recorder to go along with the eight equalizer presets. Word on the street puts the 2GB iteration at ???139,000 ($151), while the 4GB version will only run you ???60,000 ($65) more. Check out a few more angles after the jump, and don't say that oh-so-shiny rear doesn't look familiar.
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
Thomson touts A1 media player as "world's smallest"
Tired of bulky media players? Hate having to lug around your iPod Nano? Well, welcome to the Thomson A1, a tiny PMP that the company claims is the "world's smallest," (which of course we recommend you take with multiple grains of salt). Truth be told, it is rather petite, clocking in at just 3-inches and weighing only 87 grams. Somehow, they managed to slap on a 16:9 display and cram 4GB or 8GB capacity into the little guy, and of course it plays all your favorites, like MP3, WMA, WAV, and AVI, plus it rocks an FM tuner. The only real question is this; what are those colored "nubs" in the photo, and what exactly are they doing? The A1 will hit China first, going for around $106 for the 4GB and $120 for the 8GB, but no word on when or if we'll see this Stateside.[Via Tech Digest]
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]
iRiver's Mickey Mouse Mplayer gets unboxed, reviewed
We know you've all been waiting with bated breath for someone to get their hands on iRiver's Disney sanctioned Mickey Mouse Mplayer music jockey and unbox the hell out of it. Well, luckily for you, Pocketables is just as excited about the tiny, cartoon-shaped DAP as you are, and they've given us a full breakdown of the school-girl's dream gadget. Point yourself to the read link for a proper box thrashing and semi-unimpressed review.
Hacha readies ultrathin PC20 portable media player
Although the amount of iPhone knockoffs flying out of foreign ports has died down substantially over the past few weeks, we can't help but note the resemblance between Apple's handset and Hacha's latest PMP. Of course, we're not kvetching about the ultrathin enclosure and expansive three-inch screen, but we sure wish we knew a bit more about its mysterious internals. Still, it ought not be too long of a wait before final details are loosed, but click on through for an alternate shot in the meantime.[Via TheMP3Players]
