smartech

With one more hour to go before announcing some new players, Apple is now reported to quietly slash down iPod Touch, Nano and Classic iPod prices on Cupertino’s on-line store, as follows:  iPod Touch – Apparently, the 8GB model is now priced at $189 (instead of $229), while 16GB version now stands at $249 (instead of $299), and the 32GB flavor is merely $279 (was $399 before). iPod Nano – The 8GB model will now set you back for $129 (instead of $149), as the 16GB Nano is now offered for only $149 (instead of previous $199). iPod Classic - Gets the competitive price of $229 instead of $249.

Update1: Turns out a new whopping 64GB iPod Touch version is now up and available for $399.

Update2: Looks like the $249 iPod Classic player is now being offered in 160GB storage. That’s extra 40GB to its predecessor.

Update3: So it seems a new iPod Touch 3G is out after all, but regretfully without a camera inside. Prices remain the same but the UI looks a little snappier than previous gen. Surprisingly, the guys at iFixit have managed to find a potential spot for a video camera, that Apple has probably allocated in the top of the device. That said, Steve Jobs already made it clear that Apple won’t integrate any footage features at this point. Stay tuned.

Update4: The guys at engadget have thrown themselves all over the “new” iPod Touch 3G, moments before it goes live. Hit the jump to take a look.

[Apple]

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In case you haven’t heard, South Korean iRiver has just released a new PMP device for the Asian market, with minor chances to hit some western shelves in the near future. Nevertheless, the new B30 device is claimed to have a 2.8-inch QVGA display, along with an FM tuner, T-DMB connectivity, a microSD expansion slot, and either 4GB, 8GB or 16GB storage capacities to choose from. Additionally, this wide range codecs-compatible unit is offered in various flavors, including Black, White or Silver hues, while battery should provide up to 40 hours of audio playback or 5.5 hours of video time – all competitively priced at $155 (4GB) and $183 (8GB), with flight costs excluded.

Update1: Checkout iRiver’s B30 promotion video after the break.

Update2: You should also check the other video in the line, featuring iRiver’s B30 UI , navigated via the touch sensitive buttons

Update3: Looks like the B30 is now available on a UK online shop, DAD, listed for £139. Hit the link for more images.

[iriver via dapreview]

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After an unsuccessful effort to get into the mp3 players world with the 105 mediocre device, French company Archos is retrying to take a foothold within this category by releasing two flash players out of the blue, to be available in different hues and different capacities. First one, which already is available in Amazon for few hours and known as the Archos 2 packs either 8GB ($60) or 16GB ($92) capacities, together with a 1.8-inch 128 x 160 display, a microSD slot expansion, an FM tuner, a mic and a battery that can play up to 12 audio hours or 4, in case you prefer video files. The second, which is yet to be revealed, also known as the Archos 4, and is expected to have a 4-inch display with up to 32GB capacity inside. Other than that, there are no further details to share, so stay tuned for more to come.

Update1: Looks like Archos2 just turned official and is now available for purchasing  at the company’s website, as the 8GB version, which is still in “coming soon” status goes for $59.99, while the 16GB model will set you back for $99.99. Additionally, a blue version should be released somewhere this year, but we have no specific date to share yet.

Update2: Checkout Archos 2 video preview from Charbax, after the break.

Update3: Archos has re-branded both the 2 & 4 players, which are now called 2 Vision and 4 Vision. Both devices will go on a UK sale very shortly, a 1.8-inch display with optional 16GB capacity and a £50 ($80) price tag, and a £20 ($32) release, in case you settle with the 2GB version.

[via ArchosLounge]

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Now that Cowon’s S9 PMP is already out to the market with its stylish curvy design and sharp 3.3-inch OLED display, the Koreans have decided to release a limited version for those who want to distinguish themselves from others. The few lucky ones will get a 16GB model, adorned with Chrome-Black hues, which give the player a prestigious look from bottom to top.  Other than that, it’s the same S9, sporting the same specs, including FM tuner, T-DMB TV, A2DP Bluetooth 2.0 connection, TV output, G-Sensor accelerometer, strong battery, delivering  up to 55hrs of audio playback or 11hrs of video, and wide range of codecs support. Regretfully, no other details to share at this point, but as far as we know, whenever you catch a “Limited Edition” release, you always pay more.

[via Akihabaranews]

Only a month after releasing its unattractive Archos 10 netbook model, the French corporation is looking forward, announcing a new generation of ultra-portable Mini PCs, which is expected to be released somewhere in April this year. The fresh Archos 10S lineup packs a 20mm chassis together with 3.5G functions, 1GB of RAM and up to 160GB hard drive. In addition to the 10S version, Archos plans to release in 2009 a 9-inch tablet PC with a virtual keyboard plus handwriting recognition feature that will join Intel’s Menlow-based Atom Z5xx processor and the 160GB HDD. Further more, Archos claims that both new portable computers will support high-def video playback, VOD and digital TV, while revolutionary 9″ tablet is said to have even more stronger edition, powered by Intel’s Moorestone MID platform that will presumably make a debut in 2010.

Update1: Archos officially rolls out the 10S  Mini PC and the 9-inch Tablet PC, both to be available somewhere this Fall.  The new 10S netbook will apparently include a 0.866’’ Ultra-thin chassis, packing a 10.2-inch display, an Intel ATOM 1.6 Ghz CPU with 1 GB of RAM, and 80GB hard disk storage.  Price wasn’t given up to this point but we’ve added a new image to the post.

Update2: First video of the Archos 10S is finally up, courtesy of Charbax. Hit the break to take a look.

[Archos][PDF link]

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Only days after launching the Archos 10 netbook, the guys at ArchosLounge have taken it for a closer roundup. From their impression, it’s just another version of MJ125 Hase, featuring specs like 1.6 Ghz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 3 cells battery, and 160GB hard drive, along with the usual 10/100 M Ethernet controller, 802.11b/g WiFi, 1.3MP webcam, or a 4-in-one card reader. Nevertheless, the potential is there, specially if you load inside a 6-cells battery and Ubuntu Satanic instead of the dull Windows XP system. Hit the link below for more images.

[via ArchosLounge]

For many of us, the name Archos relates to advanced multimedia players with quality video display and robust frame. But the French brand has already realized that the trends shift to some other directions, binding them to move forward and to be straightened with global tendencies. As a result, the company has joined the overcrowded market, introducing the Archos 10, a 10.2-inch netbook with ordinary specs like 1.6 Ghz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 3 cells (6 optional) battery, 160 GB hard drive and Windows XP onboard. Nothing special in terms of design, but you also get a 1.3MP webcam, a card reader (4 in 1), 3 USB 2.0 ports, and the usual internet connectivity stuff. Still no word on price or availability, but we sure hope to hear more from this direction.

Update1: Archos 10 is now official and ready to go. The specs remain similar to those we’ve already noted up . In addition, you get 10/100 M Ethernet controller, 802.11b/g WiFi, PCI-E interface, 2 stereo speakers, VGA output, and a mic. Archos also loaded up various software, including Lotus Symphony Working Suite, XnView photo editor, Vtuner Web Radio & TV Player, BitDefender Antivirus 2009 and Parental Filter. As for the numbers, the Archos 10 is priced at $399 for the 3-cell battery version, or $449 in case you’re a 6-cell avid.

Update2: The Archos 10 is now available to order, starting at $399 for the basic package.

Update3: In case you’re keen of Barbie style, the French company has just released a Pink Archos 10 edition, to be available across Europe with the same specs and prices we’ve already mentioned earlier.

Update4: Now you can get even more, as Archos 10 Ubuntu Edition is up and available for 375 Euros (around $525), including the same specs, only with Ubuntu Linux OS inside, paired with 2GB of RAM, and a 500GB hard drive.

[via archoslounge]

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Remember Cowon’s S9 PMP that was first introduced at IFA 2008 in Berlin? Turns out it will make a debut in Korea on December 16th in 4GB / 8GB / 16GB versions, for 219,000 won ($150), 259,000 won ($178), or 309,000 won ($213), respectively. Truth to tell, we were skeptical about this one, specially after discernible delays in the European launch and due to the lack of information concerning a US release. However, Cowon has proved it can live up to its promis and according to yesterday’s official announcement, the Korean company will deliver the goods, despite some “problems in production”. In other words, we are expected to see the S9 player landing on western shelves, somewhere around the beginning of 2009.

In any case, this stylish curvy 3.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen player boasts some impressive specs, including a strong Dual Core processor, an FM tuner, T-DMB tuner, A2DP Bluetooth 2.0 connection, a TV output and even a G-Sensor accelerometer (probably for future games). Furthermore, it supports MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, WAV audio formats and MPEG-4 SP, WMV9 SP, H.264 BP video formats, while the battery provides up to 55hrs of audio playback or 11hrs of video playback.

Additionally, first GUI screen shots imply for a wide range of usability, and  plenty of touchscreen features that Cowon plans to bring into the S9, as some of them resemble the iPod touch and some carry their own identity. Stay tuned for more to come.

Update1: checkout the new video and full specs after the break.

Update2: UK release is scheduled to December 15th. Price wise, the Cowon S9 will be priced at £169 ($252) for the 8GB and £199 ($297) for the 16GB.

Update3: forget the delays, Cowon has officially announced that the S9 US release will go live on December 19th, priced at $199.99 (8GB) / $239.99 (16GB). You will be able to find it at Amazon.com, eBay.com, Newegg.com, B&H, and ZipZoomFly.com.

Update4: Cowon has already issued the first S9 firmware update, fixing some bugs and UI corrections.

Update5: You can get over 250 flash games for your S9, in 3 packs, compressed in RAR. Just open the files and copy to the flash library -  Game Pack 1 ; Game Pack 2 ; Game Pack 3

Update6: April 16, Cowon releases a 32GB version in South Korea, to be available for ₩379,000 ($287). Still no word about a US release for this one.

Update7: May 3rd – Cowon’s 32GB S9 PMP finally arrives Stateside and can be found at Amazon.com for $299.99, either in Black or Titanium flavors.

Update8: As if any of you had any doubts about the possibility that someone out there will eventually open up this sleeky device and start playing with the inner parts, think twice, as the guys at Anything But iPod recently introduced in their Cowon forum some neat images of the S9 cracked open and dissected into small parts, offering a rich look of the touchscreen PMP from the inside. Hit the link for more pictures of the disassembled unit.

[via AnythingButiPod]

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The new Cowon O2 will make its way to the market in early November. Meanwhile, we get a chance to look at some of the early images that popup from different directions. First impression unveils an elegant look with a nice 4.3-inch 480 x 272 touchscreen, sans buttons, and a traditional Cowon slot that contains an SD port, a TV output and a mini USB connection. Format wise, the O2 supports almost every available codec on earth, including MP3, WMA, FLAC, OGG, AAC, ASF, WAV, APE, WavPack, True Audio Lossless, MusePack, Monkey’s Audio, AVI, WMV, MPEG-4 SP, MKV, OGM, MPEG-2, DAT and MTV. As for storage, the flash-based PMP offers 8GB/16GB or 32GB capacities to choose from. Hit the jump to catch the video, presenting the UI.

Update: It is now available on JetMall, Amazon, NewEgg and others, priced at $219.99 (8GB), $249.99 (16GB) or $299.99 (32GB).

[via Crave]

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Following Apple’s steps, French multimedia manufacturer, Archos, has just released a 13 minutes guided tour video, introducing its latest Internet Media Tablet lineup, together with some of the main key features and the optional plugins/accessories you can get, in order to enhance your experience. It is the first time that Archos releases such a video tour, as part of its new global marketing strategy, to push forward the new Archos 5 and the Archos 7 media tablets. Checkout the video after the break.

[Archos]

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Korean company MobiBlu has released their latest T20 media player, coming with a 2.4-inch 320 x 240 display, an FM radio, a voice recorder, and flash storage, ranged from 1GB up to 8GB. It is compatible with MP3, WMA, FLAC, AAC, APE, RM / RMVB, AVI, JPG, BMP, TXT file formats and already available in Asia for around $200 (8GB). I guess there are some other alluring alternatives to spend the money on. Meaning, we need a better price.

[via gmp3]

With Apple, it’s all about enigma, spiced with some mystery and tidbits that show up in the wild from time to time, make you wondering if it’s fake or real, specially when unofficial images emerge to the cybernetic medium, introducing new ipod Nano and ipod Touch players with a refreshing design and mint dimensions.

This time, these are the guys from iLounge who break the news with sketchy pictures of the presumable future devices, that will probably make it official at the Apple event on Thursday the 9th this month. From those pictures, we learn that Apple plans to release a 4th generation iPod nano and a 2nd generation iPod touch, while the new Nano measures at 90.75mm x 38.75mm x 6.08mm (compared to 90mm x 40mm x 6.5mm 2nd Gen nano), and the new iPod touch looks like the iPhone 3G, with a curved back and tapered edges, sized at 111mm x 61.8mm x 8.4mm (against 110mm x 61.8mm x 8mm at the first ipod touch version) with the same headphone jack and dock ports. Mind you, these are unofficial images, so you’d better hold your breath for the real thing next week.

[via iLounge]

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Assuming those images are real, and we do get a confirmation from B&H they are, then Microsoft is about to launch two fresh Zune models, including a 16GB flash player and a 120GB HDD-based version, already available for pre-order for $249.95. Still, no info when exactly these new players will hit the stores but i guess it’s just a matter of month or so. Stay tuned for more to come.

[via zunited]

Onda has introduced its latest VX787 PMP, coming up with a 4.3-inch touchscreen (480 x 272), a microphone, a speaker, an FM tuner, 7 EQ, microSD slot, a TV output and storage capacity, ranged from 2GB up to 16GB. This player, which is about to make a debut in September, supports wide variety of formats, including MP3, WMA, ASF, WMV9 SP, MPEG-4 SP, RM / RMVB, AVI, FLV, ASF, MP4, MPG, MOV, WMA, WMV, 3GP, SWF, TXT, JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG, and plays 30 hours of audio against 10 hours of video. Count $200 for the 16GB version. There’s a video preview after the break.

[via mp4global]

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Following Sony’s recent Walkman lineup revelation, the company has decided to go official, introducing “S”, “E”, and “B” Walkman players, to be released in the coming September with prices ranged from $45 up to $180.

The S series

Includes the 4GB NWZ-S736F and 8GB NWZ-S738F Walkmans, coming up with a light 7.5mm thick design, a 2-inch QVGA LCD display, an FM tuner, noise-cancelling technology, drag-and-drop file management and wide formats support, like MP3, WMA, AAC, Linear PCM, JPEG, and MPEG-4. Battery life is very impressive and can deliver up to 40 hours of audio playback or 10 hours of video.

[via cellphonehits]

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It’s not official yet, but word on the street says that Samsung is about to announce their latest YP-Q1 media player at the IFA 2008 in Berlin. The new YP-Q1 is expected to have a 2.4-inch QVGA screen, together with a microphone, an FM RDS tuner, 4GB/8GB or 16GB capacities to choose from, and USB2.0 connectivity. It will support wide formats range, including MP3, WMA, WAV, Ogg, FLAC, MPEG4 or WMV and suppose to deliver 30 hours of audio or 4 hours of video. No word on price or availability, but Samsung will offer the Q1 black, white, silver or pink flavors. Stay tuned for more to come.

Update: Samsung has officially confirmed the new YP-Q1player, to go live in October, together with the YP-U4 version that is already available. Checkout the video after the break.

[via gmp3]

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Moments before the beginning of IFA 2008, Korean company Maxian announces the release of a new media players lineup, including the L900S, T2 and the M1, coming up with hefty storage capacities and wide screens.

Maxian L900S

Packs a 4.3-inch WVGA TFT LCD screen (800 x 480), T-DMB tuner, 160GB HDD capacity and wide codex support, including MP3, WAV, WMA, OGG, AC3, AAC, FLAC , EPA, MKA, TTA, AVI, JPG, WMV, ASF, DAT, VOB, MP4, TS, MKV, and JPG.

[via gmp3]

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Moments before the beginning of IFA 2008, Korean company Maxian announces the release of a new media players lineup, including the L900S, T2 and the M1, coming up with hefty storage capacities and wide screens.

Maxian L900S

Packs a 4.3-inch WVGA TFT LCD screen (800 x 480), T-DMB tuner, 160GB HDD capacity and wide codex support, including MP3, WAV, WMA, OGG, AC3, AAC, FLAC , EPA, MKA, TTA, AVI, JPG, WMV, ASF, DAT, VOB, MP4, TS, MKV, and JPG.

[via gmp3]

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It’s been a while since we last heard from Trekstor. This time, it announces the release of some new players, including the company’s flagship PMP, the Vibez, coming up with a new 32GB flash memory version, coated with the same shape and features. The other players include the i.Beat Organix, available in 4GB/8GB versions, 55 hours of battery life, a small OLED display and four colors to choose from, while the i.Beat Nova, which is considered to be the smaller in the group, comes with a tiny OLED screen, 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB flash capacities and a USB stick design. Prices start from €29 ($43) for the Nova models and climb up to €129 ($191) for the high-end Vibez, when they will be launched across Europe around September.

[Via DAPreview]

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It’s been a while since we last heard from Trekstor. This time, it announces the release of some new players, including the company’s flagship PMP, the Vibez, coming up with a new 32GB flash memory version, coated with the same shape and features. The other players include the i.Beat Organix, available in 4GB/8GB versions, 55 hours of battery life, a small OLED display and four colors to choose from, while the i.Beat Nova, which is considered to be the smaller in the group, comes with a tiny OLED screen, 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB flash capacities and a USB stick design. Prices start from €29 ($43) for the Nova models and climb up to €129 ($191) for the high-end Vibez, when they will be launched across Europe around September.

[Via DAPreview]

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