Entries Tagged 'Portable Audio' ↓

You can never go far wrong with having a projector handy, especially one that fits in your pocket.  With the Earth Trek Handy Projector, presentations and home cinema are a cinch when you can bring them with you.  The unit measures 105 x 58 x 25 mm and is equipped with a 2-hour lithium battery, SD/Transflash card slot and integrated speaker.  All in a 160 gram package!  No note regarding brightness though.

Amidst rumours of new iPods Nanos and such, the competition is continuing to churn out new and cool looking music playing devices. I for one can’t complain - let’s take a closer look at some of them:

Sony Network Walkman NWD-B100

This USB-plug type MP3 player is coming to Europe in August (no US release date yet) and the best thing about is that Sony have finally gotten rid of their proprietary ATRAC format, in favour of more conventional MP3 and WMA. Now we can finally ditch the dismal Sonic Stage for transferring songs. The NWD-B100 comes in 1GB and 2GB models, and features a FM tuner, mic/voice recorder, up to 12 hours of battery life.

Microsoft Zune, Take 2

One million units later, the Zune still isn’t doing very well according to the critics. Hoping to address that concern, Microsoft will be releasing a new version in time for the holiday season. The details and features are a little sketchy (read entirely based on rumours and heresay), but one of the cool things planned is upgradable firmware for future-proofing the device in terms of new software features.

Cowon iAudio 7

Engadget has a roundup of reviews of this portable media player, which has supposedly “better audio quality” than the iPod. With 4GB and 8GB versions, and an interesting looking “swing touch” interface, and FLAC and OGG support, there’s a lot to like about this little fella.

Toshiba Gigabeat MET401

Not much here, but the latest Gigabeat portable music player from Toshiba has been filed with the FCC. One noteworthy feature is that it is equipped with Wi-fi, ala Zune, but hopefully not as lame.

Yamaha BODiBEAT

I’m still undecided whether to throw this one in the gimmicky or useful bucket yet, but this music player from Yamaha claims to be “the first music playback device that synchronizes your music to the movement of your workout”. Apparently it monitors your pulse and then selects a song that matches the pace of your exercise.

Finally, if all that hasn’t satisfied your appetite for the latest portable music players, here’s a roundup review article from Wired of the latest flash players. Enjoy!

Rumours of a new iPhone model have been making tracks around the blogosphere - that a iPod Nano based model sporting a circular touch pad as opposed to a touch screen, will be arriving by the end of the year, with a price tag of around $249 to $299 US. Some say that the iPod platform is due for a major upgrade too, that each successive model has just been an evolutionary upgrade in terms of functionality, instead of a something revolutionary.

I sure hope though, that they won’t be combining the two products into one, and that the iPod Nano as a music player will continue to exist. Why? Well firstly, in terms of sheer size and portability, an iPod Nano simply can’t be beat - it’s hard to imagine anything smaller or sexier, yet having the same functionality. Turn it into an iPhone though, and I’m sure the touchscreen and phone hardware will add bulk.

Secondly, the iPod Nano is an excellent music player and I would like it to remain that way. The problem with convergent devices is that the added functionality often adds complexity, at the expense of usability. Take the current slate of Windows Mobile phones for example - if I were to be brutally honest, yes they can do everything and then some, but they don’t excel at any one particular function. There are even reports that the current iPhone isn’t that good as a phone.  As the old adage goes - jack of all trades, but master of none.

By all means, improve it, give it a touchscreen with cool gestures and such.  But please, Apple, please let my iPod Nano remain an iPod Nano. What’s your view?

I know I get sick of the droning engine sound when I’m listening to my iPod on the bus, so the new MDR-NC50 noise cancelling headphones from Sony are a welcome sight indeed. They claim to reduce “white noise” by an amazing 80 percent, using a built-in microphone that detects environmental noise from low-frequency sources (20-1500hz), and creating an equal an opposite sound wave.

Sounds a lot like the Final Fantasy movie, if you ask me. Sony tests indicate that the MDR-NC50 headphones offer a 14db reduction of sounds at the 300hz level.

The headphones feature 40 mm drivers, a reflective, midnight blue finish, padded earpieces, an easily adjustable headband, and an easy to pack-and-take carrying case - all for about $200(USD). They will be available in June from www.sonystyle.com.

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The iJet iPod Wireless Remote Controls have hit Australia’s fair shores. These iPod remote controls boast a whopping 150ft control range - will give you more freedom to do what you want without the messy wires! Other great features are the 5 button/ 9 function remote, water resistant remote, rechargeable battery and packaged belt clip.

Check out iPodlounge’s review of the iJet Wirless RF Remote

As I was doing my regular Gizmodo squiz, I came across these iPod bags with integrated speakers. Are these really practical? I mean you wouldn’t use these in the train or any type of public space unless you have a total disregard for people’s private audio space. And when at home I’m sure iPoders would prefer to use their surround sound PC or stereo speakers. Perhaps the designers had students in mind who like to sit on the grass with their favourite tunes blasting away from their bag? A definite attention grabber no matter if you think it’s useful or not!