Ultimate Ears (by Logitech, we'll have you know) has introduced two new MetroFi earbuds here in Las Vegas, and both of 'em promise 16 decibels of noise isolation and offer up a single-driver, in-ear design. The 220 ups the ante with a swank titanium-coated speaker for more detail in the highs, though both sets are pushing a red-colored right earphone (so you don't get confused, or something) and three sizes of silicon ear cushions. We're also told that both sets will eventually be available in vi models ($10 extra) that boast an integrated microphone, but those uninterested in that can snag the vanilla versions for $50 (170) / $80 (220) next month.[Via iLounge]Filed under: CES, Portable AudioUltimate Ears adds in MetroFi 170 / 220 headphones originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

It looks like the plush gray carpet in the Coby booth at CES isn't the only thing that might make you stumble. Coby's flagship PMP here at CES is the MP836, and it's safe to say it rubbed us the wrong way. The device itself wasn't that horrible to look at, but the interface and general aesthetics were both major turnoffs. The Coby reps said that it has multitouch, but there wasn't any actual implementation to be found. It'll be available in 4, 8, and 16GB variations when it does eventually hit the marketplace, but we couldn't get a solid MSRP from the very confused booth staff. Be sure to check out our vids of the device "in action" (if you can really call it that) and the gallery as well. But hey, if lackluster three inch displays and unresponsive touchscreens are your thing, be sure to hit Coby up.Gallery: Coby's MP836 hands-on: when 'not quite ready for primetime' is a gross understatementContinue reading Coby's MP836 hands-on: when 'not quite ready for primetime' is a gross understatementFiled under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoCoby's MP836 hands-on: when 'not quite ready for primetime' is a gross understatement originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

A definite highlight of iriver's CES booth was the P7 PMP and of course we had to get up close and personal with it. The 4.3-inch PMP was chillin' in a docking station among the other P series devices, and we managed to grab some snaps. Just like the WAVE-HOME we caught before it, the interface seemed super smooth. The UI made the most of that expansive (and gorgeous) screen, and the FM tuner seemed to do its job. We got a walkthrough of the device on video after the break, and don't forget to check out the gallery below that shows the device in all its "in the wild" glory.Gallery: Video: hands-on with the iriver P7Continue reading Video: hands-on with the iriver P7Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoVideo: hands-on with the iriver P7 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sirius XM has already merged some of its channels and, as expected, it's now taken advantage of CES to roll out its very first interoperable satellite radio: the MiRGE (clever, Sirius XM, clever). In addition to letting you switch between Sirius and XM signals with ease, this radio will display three other channels as you view your current channel, and let you pause and rewind up to 60 minutes of live programming, among other standard features. What's more, XM Sirius has also rolled out a new "Sirius Everything plus XM Everything" package to go along with the radio, which will run you $19.99 a month and seemingly give you everything you'd get by subscribing to the two separate services. Look for the radio to be available early this spring for $250.[Via Orbitcast] Filed under: Portable AudioSirius XM rolls out interoperable MiRGE satellite radio originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

S1 Audio has shown up in Las Vegas with a plethora of new items to share, so share we will. Right out of the gate, we've got the neck-friendly NxSET Music 1 and NxSET Music 2 models, which are joined by the similar Mobile 1 and Mobile 2 models add Bluetooth for handsfree calling and the like. Moving on, we've got the SuperBudz 1 and Hypnos 1, both of which take the more traditional in-ear approach and include in-line volume controls and a completely stellar Turbo Boost for instant volume increases. Lastly, S1's wrapping things up with its dual purpose BudBud line, which is comprised of the Solo (a mono communications headset that converts to stereo earbuds), the MP3 (morphs from a single pair of 'buds to two complete pairs via the piggy-back design) and the Mobile, which includes a microphone for yelling at that guy who just yesterday was considered your best friend.Filed under: CES, Portable AudioS1 Audio debuts litany of earbuds / mobile headphones at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Really, RCA? You come all the way to Vegas to unload a slightly more capacious version of your already unexciting Lyra Slider MP3 player? As of today, consumers waiting on pins and needles for this here DAP to arrive with 16GB of memory built-in can thank their lucky stars, as the SL5016 offers just that. 'Course, we have no idea why you'd pay $119.99 for it, but maybe the bundled easyRip software is some amazing value-add that we just can't comprehend.Continue reading RCA dishes new 16GB SL5016 Lyra Slider MP3 player, we yawnFiled under: CES, Portable Audio, Portable VideoRCA dishes new 16GB SL5016 Lyra Slider MP3 player, we yawn originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ah, ha! Now we're cooking with gas. iriver teased us here at CES with a few ho hum offerings, but the real punch comes courtesy of its new networked line of devices. The outfit is getting super official with its long (long!) awaited W10 WAVE WiFi phone, which will boast a 3-inch WQVGA (480 x 272) touchscreen, 4GB of NAND memory, USB 3.0 connectivity, an FM radio module, web browser and all the usual cellphone amenities. Moving on, we've got the P35 PMP, which brings with it a 4.3-inch WQVGA touch panel, the outfit's SPINN platform, built-in mic / speaker, TV output, 16GB of storage, a microSD slot, USB 2.0, WiFi, DMB mobile TV (in certain regions) and support for basically every file format imaginable. Lastly, we've got the totally intriguing D50N Multimedia Networking Device. The MID-like unit serves primarily to surf the web and facilitate IM conversations, as it touts a 4.8-inch WVGA (800 x 480) touchscreen, full QWERTY keyboard, 16GB of NAND Flash and an e-dictionary (among other things). Pricing / availability have yet to be announced, but all the other juicy details are just beyond the break.Gallery: iriver gets proper with WAVE WiFi phone, D50N PMP and P35 MIDContinue reading iriver gets proper with WAVE WiFi phone, D50N PMP and P35 MIDFiled under: Cellphones, CES, Handhelds, Portable Audio, Portable Video, Networkingiriver gets proper with WAVE WiFi phone, D50N PMP and P35 MID originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

It's a little tough to rip our eyes away from the bizarre WAVE-HOME, but the 4.3-inch P7 is a darn good diversion. Said unit is flying high atop iriver's line of portable media players in Vegas this year, packing a 4.3-inch WQVGA (480 x 272) touchscreen, 4/8/16GB of NAND Flash memory, a microSD expansion slot, SRS WOW HD audio enhancement, a battery good for around 50 hours of audio playback, FM radio, voice recorder, seven equalizer presets and a curiously vague "full movie codec support." Following this guy is the E50, E100 Season II and Mplayer Eyes, all of which we had already known of during the run-up to CES. At any rate, all of the official details are just past the break, though pricing and availability are still being sorted.Gallery: 4.3-inch P7 highlights iriver's CES 2009 PMP lineupContinue reading 4.3-inch P7 highlights iriver's CES 2009 PMP lineupFiled under: CES, Portable Audio, Portable Video4.3-inch P7 highlights iriver's CES 2009 PMP lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/The_Android_iPod_touch'; We just spent some quality time playing with GiiNii's Movit Mini WiFi Android tablet, which might be one of the best things we've seen at CES so far -- think of it as the Android version of the iPod touch and you'll get why we're so stoked. The unit features a 4.3-inch, 480 x 272 resistive touchscreen (sigh), and it's got a soft keyboard for text entry -- they couldn't tell us if it's running Cupcake or not, but the keyboard worked just fine as we were playing with it. A built-in mic and front-facing camera lend themselves to out-of-the-box Skype support, there's also Bluetooth and a built-in speaker. Sadly, there's only 256MB of internal storage, but there's an microSD slot for expansion. All we got for pricing was "less than the iPod touch" -- we'll see how close GiiNii gets when this guy and the planned 7-inch Movit Maxx hit sometime in the middle of the year.Gallery: GiiNii Movit Android tablet hands-onFiled under: Handhelds, Portable Audio, Portable VideoGiiNii's Movit Mini WiFi Android tablet hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rounding up all the non-HDTV, non-P4600 devices showcased at Samsung's CES 2009 event, we managed to get a closer look at the HMX-H106 camcorder, HZ10W camera, P3 PMP, and HT-BD8200 soundbar, none of which were really in the mood to play. That didn't stop us from snapping some glamor shots, which you can peep in the gallery below. Gallery: Samsung HMX-H106, HZ10W, P3 PMP and HT-BD8200 soundbar on display at CES 2009Filed under: CES, Digital Cameras, Home Entertainment, Portable Audio, Portable VideoSamsung HMX-H106, HZ10W, P3 PMP and HT-BD8200 soundbar on display originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sony's press event is just about to start, but we managed to sneak away and grab some snaps of the heavily-guarded new OLED touchscreen Walkman NWZ-X1000. It's under some major glass and lights and we were working fast, so we apologize for any blurriness, but that's the price of exclusives, kids. Check back soon for the official shots during the presser -- and don't worry, we're on the hunt for the VAIO P.Gallery: Sony touchscreen Walkman NWZ-X1000 OLED player hands-on!Continue reading Sony touchscreen Walkman NWZ-X1000 OLED player hands-on!Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoSony touchscreen Walkman NWZ-X1000 OLED player hands-on! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

We just snuck a quick look at the new Linksys home media gear, the Wireless Home Audio system and Media Hub NAS, and it's pretty much what you'd expect. For all of Cisco's talk of platform and back-end and consumer love, the end product is actually pretty humdrum. We can't speak to the actual setup and content integration -- which will naturally be Cisco's strong suit -- but the actual hardware doesn't seem to scream consumer love. The interface on the Touchscreen Remote is pretty slow and a far cry from the polish of the Sonos system -- the unit's natural competitor -- especially compared to the iPod touch control App, and everything looks and feels bulky and gray. We do have to hand it to Cisco for working in the iPod dock, a CD player, iTunes server and Rhapsody all into one cohesive centrally-controlled system, but we'll see how much traction this gathers in the market... Cisco's talking like a uniter, but right now this just looks like more fragmentation.Gallery: Linksys Wireless Home Audio and Media Hub NAS hands-onFiled under: Home Entertainment, Portable AudioLinksys Wireless Home Audio and Media Hub NAS hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

A ton of Samsung news just went out, including the P3 PMP, Series 6 / 7 LCD TVs, and Series 6 / 8 plasmas, but in order to keep our front page sensible during CES we're going to be linking out to the individual posts from roundups like these from now on. Hit the read links for all the good stuff! Read - Samsung stuns with 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series LED LCD HDTVs Read - Samsung's Series 6 / 8 plasma HDTVs are well connected Read - Samsung properly introduces Series 6 / 7 LCD TVs Read - Samsung gets official with P3 PMP at CES 2009 Read - Samsung's DVD-H1080 looks like a large pebble, plays DVDs Read - Samsung delivers HT-BD7200 / HT-BD1250 Blu-ray HTIB systems, HT-BD8200 BD soundbar Read - Samsung trots out BD-P4600 / BD-P3600 Profile 2.0 Blu-ray players at CES 2009 Read - Samsung's CES household appliance lineup: everything but the kitchen sinkFiled under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio, Portable VideoSamsung CES roundup -- P3 PMP, new plasmas, LCDs, even appliances originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Samsung's P3 has been official in other parts of the globe for awhile now, but the outfit has decided to wait until CES to make it so here in the States. As anticipated, the PMP arrives with its "evolutionary" EmoTure user interface, 4/8/16/32GB of internal storage, haptic feedback, a 3-inch WQVGA display, DNSe 3.0 sound enhancement technology and a Music Hot Touch Key that enables users to instantly access favorite music features / selections without having to wade through multiple menus. The device itself is just 0.39-inches thick, and it also boasts a voice recorder, FM radio and Bluetooth support. Check it sometime during the first half of this year in matte black / matte silver motifs.Gallery: Samsung gets official with P3 PMP at CES 2009Filed under: CES, Portable Audio, Portable VideoSamsung gets official with P3 PMP at CES 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Memorex's portable media players aren't exactly always attention-grabbers, but it looks like the company's new TouchMP model could be a slight exception, if only for the fact that it's a full-on touchscreen PMP for $99 (and no doubt less after retailers start their usual discounting). For that price, you'll get a 2.8-inch QVGA display, along with 8GB of storage, a microSD card slot for additional expansion, an FM radio, and all the usual media playback options, including podcast support. Somewhat notably, the device is also "adaptable" to both portrait or landscape modes, although it's not clear if it actually makes use of an accelerometer or not. Look for this one to hit all the usual sources sometime in March. Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoMemorex introduces TouchMP portable media player originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

digg_url = 'http://digg.com/hardware/Sony_Walkman_with_3_OLED_Display'; Just as rumored, Sony's indeed showing up at this year's CES with a touchscreen Walkman, the NWZ-X1000. Front and center is a beautiful 3-inch touchscreen OLED display, which means lower power consumption and a wider color gamut than a traditional LCD, and Sony also worked in WiFi and headphone-independent noise cancellation. The player will come in 16GB and 32GB flavors. Details are otherwise scant at this moment -- we're particularly interested in the software specific and price, which we're guessing Sony will be announcing at its press conference this evening -- but let's just say that faux granite shell is a definite mark in the "please, yes" category.[Via OLED-Display]Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoSony unveils Walkman NWZ-X1000 OLED touchscreen player originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

It's been awhile, but Ooma's next generation release just made its way to CES. The Telo offers unlimited, free VoIP calls over the Internet across the US and features a new, cordless handset offering high-def DECT 6.0 voice, a connected phonebook, mobile transfer, speaker phone and musical ringtones. The kit is expandable to six handsets and judging from the base unit, we're looking at an answering machine as well. Apparently Telo also integrates your cellphone into the mix somehow, something the current Ooma can't do. According to Rich Buchanan, Ooma's chief marketing officer, Telo "helps combine the home phone and cell phone so you can enjoy the benefits of both without any compromises." We'll figure out how once the floor show opens tomorrow. Telo will be available in the first half of 2009 for an undisclosed price.Filed under: Cellphones, Portable AudioOoma's Telo steps up to DECT 6.0 for free calls across the US originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

We reckon this whole "new Pacemaker" thing is becoming an annual occurrence for Tonium, as it has just introduced a revamped Pacemaker DJ system nearly a year to the day after we toyed with its prior iteration. The new flavor sports a "completely reworked" user interface, one that's supposedly user-friendly and "extremely intuitive" for the first-timers. Additionally, Tonium engineers have added in auto beat match for seamless track blending along with a 60GB hard drive that should store around 15,000 tracks. No price is mentioned, but it ought to be on store shelves across the US this Spring. Check the full release just after the break.Continue reading Tonium updates Pacemaker DJ system with revamped UI, auto beat matchFiled under: CES, Misc. Gadgets, Portable AudioTonium updates Pacemaker DJ system with revamped UI, auto beat match originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

iLuv has been on a serious roll here lately, and just when you thought it couldn't possibly pump out another iPod clock radio, well, it couldn't. Instead, it's offering up a 9-inch portable multimedia player which accepts content via USB, SD card or MMC card. The i1166 is DivX certified and features video output, a 3-way power source (AC, DC car adapter and the built-in Li-ion battery) and an iPod charging / remote control. The price is still being determined, but the ship date is set in stone for March. Full release, per usual, is after the break.Continue reading iLuv keeps it flowing with i1166 9-inch portable multimedia playerFiled under: CES, Home Entertainment, Portable AudioiLuv keeps it flowing with i1166 9-inch portable multimedia player originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Oh, heaven help us all. Just when we thought SanDisk had taken a hint and stopped promoting its slotMusic initiative entirely, in flies this. Quite honestly, we weren't aware that it could get any worse, but this friends, is worse. The Sansa slotRadio player includes a fairly intriguing 1.5-inch OLED display, a useful FM tuner and a slotRadio card with 1,000 hits that were "handpicked from the Billboard charts." Oh, and we hope you dig 'em (all of 'em), because there's no way to remove or alter them. For real. The device itself is expected to ship to three or four suckers early this year for $99.99, and additional 1,000 song, genre-specific slotRadio cards will be offered up separately at $39.99 apiece. And we thought the NOW That's What I Call Music! theme was a train wreck -- way to show 'em what a real disaster looks like, SanDisk.[Via OLED-Display]Filed under: CES, Portable Audio, Portable VideoSanDisk slotRadio player comes with jam-packed card: like NOW, but infinitely worse originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sony is expected to unveil this new wearable Walkman here at CES according to SonyInsider. The W-series device is said to feature 2GB of memory with a price in the range of $50 to $75. Magnetic connectors keep the 13.5mm EX earphones with built-in MP3, AAC, DRM'd WMA and PCM player tidy and heart-shaped when not in use. The Walkman charges to 90 minutes playback after just 3 minutes on the mains -- 30 minutes will give you 12 hours. Sounds good, but we'll have to check these out in person to measure the dork-factor.Filed under: Portable Audio, WearablesSony hearts its new wraparound Walkman W-series originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

It's not exactly the first time Shure has dipped into sub-$100 territory with its earphones, but it looks like its new SE115 earphones could well attract a bit more attention than the company's other budget offerings, and not just because they're available in four snazzy colors. According to Shure, these sound-isolating phones make use of a new "breakthrough" dynamic driver that promises to deliver better sound than was previously possible in such a small form factor, with the usual Shure fit kit ensuring that the earphones fit just right. It seems that you'll have to wait a bit longer to actually judge 'em for yourselves, however, as they'll only be available at some unspecified point this spring. Filed under: Portable AudioShure debuts colorful new $99 SE115 earphones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

iHome certainly isn't starved for iPod docks or speaker systems these days, but it looks like the company just couldn't pass up the opportunity of expanding its line-up at CES, and this new so-called iP1 system looks to be leading the way. At first glance, this one sure seems to hit most of the right marks, with it packing 100W of power, two four-inch woofers, two one-inch tweeters, and Bongiovi Acoustic's proprietary Digital Power Station processor, which iHome says helps make this the most advanced speaker system they've ever developed. You'll also get a standard AUX input to accommodate your other devices, plus an A/V output and, of course, a remote control. Unfortunately, there's no word of a price or release date just yet, but we're guessing iHome won't be holding onto those details for too much longer.[Via iLounge] Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable AudioiHome debuts iP1 iPod / iPhone speaker system originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

While Phil hasn't mentioned it in the keynote just yet, it looks like iTunes might be getting a big catalog overhaul, with most major labels finally offering up DRM free tunes. Our tipster mentioned DRM free goodies from Virgin, Sony BMG, American Recording and more (iTunes Plus has mainly been limited to EMI and some independents so far), and that most previously purchased songs are now upgradable for the same old price of $0.30 a song. We're still digging around on the iTunes Store trying to figure this out -- it's offering to upgrade our library, but the transaction won't go through yet -- and we'll obviously know more if it gets a keynote mention. Let us know if you have any luck picking up those non-EMI MP3s on your end.[Thanks, Greg]Update: As you've you probably noticed in the liveblog, Apple just made this very much official, and announced that some 8 million songs from all the major labels will indeed be DRM free, with a full ten million planned by the end of the quarter. As if that wasn't enough, it's also announced a new pricing structure for tracks, including a new $0.69 tier and a $1.29 one, which music companies will apparently be able to use at their own discretion. And, to keep things really spicy, the company has also announced that music store downloads are now finally available over 3G, and at the same price and the same quality.Filed under: Portable AudioiTunes going primarily DRM free? (Update: yes, it is! 3G downloads, too) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

We all yearn for a life lived sans wires, yet many of us still find our media players dangling from the things. Mono Bluetooth headsets are already everywhere, but this could be the year that those of the stereo variety take off, and Altec Lansing's hoping its new BackBeat series will be a contender. They're made in partnership with earpiece-guru Plantronics, so callers will find integrated voice dialing, omnidirectional microphones, 7 hours of talk time, and AudioIQ to boost volume when you're in a noisy situation. For the music listener the sets include tune-channeling, canal-sealing buds, a behind-the-head band, and support for A2DP, AVRCP, HSP v1.1 and HFPv1.5. For those devices that list doesn't cover (we're looking at you, iPhone), the $130 BackBeat 906 includes a small transmitter. Everyone else can opt for the otherwise identical but transmitter-less BackBeat 903, which is $30 cheaper. We look forward to getting our ears on these at CES -- hopefully after they've had a thorough cleaning. [Via iPodNN]Filed under: Cellphones, Portable AudioThe word is on the street about Altec Lansing's BackBeat Bluetooth headphones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

We're still not sold on the merits of "5.1" sets of cans, but Psyko Audio Labs is looking to push doubters over the edge with its incredibly heinous 5.1 Directional Audio Headphones. Supposedly, the company uses a special alignment technology that delivers accurate surround sound to each ear "in a natural 3D sound field." In case you weren't skeptical enough, there's also a "subwoofer" in each ear cup, which sounds like a feat you'd truly have to hear to believe. Yeah, we guess the built-in amplifier -- which lets gamers "customize volume and bass levels" -- is pretty nifty, but for $299.99, they'd have to knock our equilibrium clean out of balance. Full release is after the break.Continue reading Psyko Audio's 5.1 surround sound headphones actually look psychoFiled under: CES, Portable AudioPsyko Audio's 5.1 surround sound headphones actually look psycho originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Samson isn't bothering to wait until NAMM kicks off on January 15th; instead, it's bringing its newest handheld recording device to Las Vegas. The Zoom H4n takes off where the H2 and H4 left off, offering up an improved user interface, built-in X/Y stereo condenser mics, a digitally controlled mic preamp and the ability to use internal and external mics simultaneously for 4-channel recording. You'll also find a spacious LCD, a Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) compatible time stamp, track marker functions and audio recording at up to 24bit/96kHz on SD/SDHC media. Unfortunately, there's no word on a price, but we are told that its rugged exterior can handle even the rowdiest of shows. Full release is after the break.Continue reading Samson delivering Zoom H4n handheld recording device at CESFiled under: CES, Handhelds, Portable AudioSamson delivering Zoom H4n handheld recording device at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Remember that proof-of-concept you saw way back in June of last year? You know, that one involving SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone? Here at Macworld, Sling Media is doing its darnedest to take the spotlight away from the looming Apple keynote by announcing that said app is almost ready for consumption. It'll be demonstrating a functional version in San Francisco, and it's planning to submit the software to Apple for certification sometime this quarter. In case you couldn't care less, it'll also unveil a prototype SlingPlayer for Mac HD, which will enable Mac-using Slingbox PRO-HD owners to stream high-def material to their Mac. As for the good stuff, pricing has yet to be determined for the SlingPlayer iPhone app, but the SlingPlayer for Mac HD will be made available gratis. Full release is after the break.Continue reading SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone, SlingPlayer for Mac HD make debutsFiled under: Cellphones, HDTV, Home Entertainment, Portable AudioSlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone, SlingPlayer for Mac HD make debuts originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

As you know, we've been hearing some mind-blowing Zii hype lately. If this latest rumor has any weight to it, among earth-shattering revelations unearthed in Creative's booth at CES will be a Zii-powered Zen. Of course, screenshots like these can be faked all too easily -- but really, why would anyone bother? What we have here is something that resembles previous Zen interfaces, formatted landscape rather than portrait, with what appears to be a widescreen display. Really, guys? Is this what passes for "revolutionary" these days? Call us jaded, but it's rather hard for us to believe that any PMP would have the power to "better lives beyond our imagination." Unless, of course, you're talking about the MySpace MP3 player. We so want one of those.[Thanks, Oscar M.] Filed under: CES, Portable Audio, Portable VideoCreative Zen Zii screenshots unearthed, possibly faked originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Man, iLuv's on a roll like no other. Practically every week since the onset of December '08 the company has pushed out a new alarm clock of some kind, and it has apparently saved the big boy for CES. Announced today, the iMM183 Hi-Fi Dual Dock Alarm Clock with Weather Band Radio promises to charge both you and your lover's iPod / iPhone 3G while providing NOAA emergency alerts of impending weather-related doom. There's also an obligatory auxiliary input for non-Apple devices, and the LED warning indicator should do a decent job of telling you what sort of catastrophe is looming. Just remember -- HURRICANE ALERT =/ Rock You Like A Hurricane. Full release is after the break.Continue reading iLuv's iMM183 dual dock iPod alarm clock also does weather alertsFiled under: CES, Home Entertainment, Portable AudioiLuv's iMM183 dual dock iPod alarm clock also does weather alerts originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Watch out, MP3 -- you've got a formidable opponent creeping up on you. All kidding aside (yes, we were kidding), Fraunhofer IIS is hoping that at least four people will turn from their MP3 / AAC addictions and embrace yet another one of its audio formats at CES, which is simply christened MPEG Surround. Harald Popp, head of the Multimedia Realtime Systems department at the company, has asserted that the firm believes that "MPEG Surround will become a major online distribution format when downloading music, movie and TV content," noting that it offers "the music industry a way to sell iPod-compatible surround content through the existing stereo download infrastructure." We suppose the multi-channel aspect is at least somewhat noteworthy, but we still see a hard road ahead for it to gain "global acceptance" in 2009.Filed under: Portable AudioFraunhofer IIS to push MPEG Surround as next big downloadable audio format originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

You think we're kidding, but after spending around £800 ($1,164) on Denon's absolutely stunning AH-D7000 over-ear headphones, are you really about to squeeze your sweaty noggin in there without feeling the slightest bit guilty? The cans, which vaguely remind us of Audio Technica's ATH-ESW9, tout wooden ear cups made from natural mahogany, microfiber diaphragms, Acoustic Optimizer technology, a cloth-wrapped cable, gold-plated connector, magnesium frame / duralumin slider and leather ear pads. You'll also get a fanciful box to house 'em in when you're not enjoying the sweet sounds of twin 2-inch drivers, but sadly, a set of handcuffs aren't included for wearing them while waltzing through the occasionally dodgy streets of London. Two more looks are after the break.[Via TechDigest]Continue reading Denon's luxurious AH-D7000 headphones are nearly too pretty to useFiled under: Portable AudioDenon's luxurious AH-D7000 headphones are nearly too pretty to use originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chinavasion's latest piece of steaming trash is actually very un-trash-like, as it thoughtfully meshes a number of in-car technologies into one single cigarette adapter doodad. The Plug-In Car MP4 Player with LCD Display manages to bundle an MP4 / MP3 player, 1.5-inch LCD and 4GB of memory into a device that plugs neatly into your car's cigarette adapter, and the inclusion of an FM transmitter means that you won't even need to bring your own DAP to get tunes flowing in the car. Moreover, the SD card slot enables even more jams to be loaded on if you're embarking on a serious road trip, and the USB socket makes PC-to-whatchamacallit transfers a cinch. We're truly impressed with just how awe-inspiring this thing is for €21.57 ($29); too bad we don't trust the quality one bit.[Via Slashgear]Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Portable AudioChinavasion's plug-in MP3 player / FM transmitter / etcetera seems surprisingly useful originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

While the hype is bubbling over surrounding Creative's Zii "stemcell computing," the outfit obviously doesn't think whatever it is will turn things around. Instead, it has chosen to cut some 2,700 jobs -- nearly half of its workforce -- as "demand for its music players tumbled." According to a report filed to Singapore's stock exchange on December 31, 2008, the company had 3,100 full time employees at the end of June 2008, which is around 47% lower than what was posted a year prior. 'Course, we suppose the cuts aren't all that surprising after posting a net loss of $19.7 million on the lowest revenues in five years, but it still makes us wonder just how confident the company is about this whole Zii dealio.[Thanks, Grayson]Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoCreative axes 2,700 jobs, simultaneously lowers expectations for Zii originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 03:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ainol's V6000HDB is about six times better than the V1000 and roughly twice as awesome as the V3000, but we suppose those metrics are really neither here nor there. The Chinese portable media player packs a 4.3-inch 480 x 272 resolution display, 4GB of internal storage space, support for RMVB, AVI and FLV video files and HD (720p) output. Outside of that, the nitty-gritty is lost in translation, but for just 399 yuan ($58), we've heard plenty.[Via PMP Today]Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoAinol serves up 4.3-inch V6000HDB portable media player originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Well, here's an interesting twist to this story. That mysterious and completely enraging "Zune bug" that cropped up on the final day of 2008 may not have been restricted to Microsoft PMPs. A much smaller cadre of Toshiba Gigabeat users reportedly experienced similar issues, and some even noted that the whole "discharge and re-date" rigmarole fixed their unit right up as well. Upon further investigation, it seems that the issue may actually reside in the Freescale MC13783 processor, which -- coincidentally enough -- is used in the Zune 30 and a few of Toshiba's alternatives. We suppose it's a little late to ask, but did any non-Zune owners experience similar issues just prior to the dawn of '09? Or were you too busy, um, partying like it was 1999?[Thanks nywytboy68]Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoY2K8 Zune quirk really a Freescale bug? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pretty big talk, Creative, for such a mysterious product. According to information gleaned from an email that's making the rounds, Zii is "revolutionary" -- in fact, it's about to change everything you know. Everything. The company says they've invested over 10 years, over one billion dollars, and 10,000 man-years (that's a lot of men! and years!) on "stem cell-like silicon that is able to grow and multiply into different solutions and ecosystems," which will "better lives beyond our imagination." Has your mind been blown yet? No? Just wait until you "discover incredible recession-friendly business opportunities that enable you to thrive and prosper." Just what we need in the midst of these turbulent times. Of course this begs us to ask the question: if life as we know it is over, couldn't they have spent a little time coming up with a name other than Zii? And might there be a better place to announce this epoch-making discovery than booth #30651 at CES?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoCreative sheds some hype on Zii 'stem cell computing' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

There's certainly plenty of reasons not to turn a pair of iPods into some portable speakers -- difficulty, inevitably poor sound quality, pains of regret -- but we're guessing that the sight of the creation above will prompt at least a few folks to start scavenging for parts. Apparently taking some lessons learned from previous Altoids tin speaker mods, Jordan Horwich crafted these for a total cost of $100, which includes the cost of some front and back iPod panels and some rather extravagant shipping rates. As you might expect, the entire project is a tad tricky, and involves a good bit of soldering, plus some Dremel work to make everything fit just right. Hit up the link below for the complete details and parts list. Filed under: Portable AudioSpeaker mod turns iPods into shells of their former selves originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Well, that was a wild way to end 2008, but Zune 30 users should be back in the saddle now that 2009 is here, as of about 7 am EST. In case you missed Microsoft's sage advice on the issue, you'll need to let the player completely drain its battery, then plug it back into a power source and all should be right as rain. Hopefully you didn't do anything drastic like removing the battery (voids the warranty) or use up all 10 of your free Zune Pass songs during those dark, dark hours of Zunelessness.[Via Zunerama]Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoWelcome (back) to the Social originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Well, it's been a bit of a long time coming, but it looks like the Kleer-based DigiFi Opera wireless earphones are now finally available in the US, and directly from Kleer itself, no less. From the looks of it, these are the exact same phones that folks in Korea have had at their disposal for quite a few months now, with them still promising to provide CD quality sound over a 2.4GHz wireless link, and let up to three other folks listen to a single source. According to the company, you can also expect to get up to ten hours of playtime, with a USB cable provided to handle the charging duties. If that sounds like the wireless fix you've been looking for, you can snag the earphones right now in your choice of black or white for just under $100 by hitting up the link below.[Via iPodNN] Filed under: Portable AudioKleer now offering DigiFi Opera wireless earphones in the US originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments