smartech

Korean giant LG is ready and set to release a new hard-drive based media player, with a 500GB storage, somewhere around April of this year. It’s called XF2 Art Cinema, able to pump 1080p vids and 5.1 audio, whenever connected through the integrated HDMI out, and once there, display movie subtitles at any given LCD platform. You can play MPEG 1/2/4, h.264, Xvid, DivX, FLAC, WMA, AC3, WMA, PCM, ADPCM, LPCM, AC3 (5.1ch) and MPEG-1 layer 1/2/3, FLAC, MPEG-2 Layer 1/2, AAC and more, but the highlight is that you can actually take it with you wherever you go. Make sure you have 270,000 won (about $240) to shell out this one.

[via Akihabara News]

Coby is one of the very few companies to introduce a new media player at the CES 2010 show in Vegas. They had one back in last year’s show and the have another, this year. The latest, which looks quiet impressive and resembles Creative Zii, is Coby’s MP837 player that packs a 3-inch touchscreen (with a very responsive display), along a revamped interface, 22-hour battery life, slick black body and wide range of formats support, including OGG, FLV, H.264 and Xvid. No word about price or availability at this point, but engadget has a video that proves our word. Check it out after the jump.

[via DAPreview]

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It’s really hard to figure out what exactly are you holding in your hand these days, whether it’s a media player or maybe a phone, smartphone, “superphone”, etc. And Viliv wasn’t making it easy on us either, in that matter. Therefor we were a bit in the dark when first read about the company’s P3 PMP device. Now we know, it’s a multimedia player, back then we weren’t sure, but that’s why you have the CES show to straight things up, isn’t it?  And although we still can’t tell when this thing goes upon sale and how much will it cost, we do know it sports a 3.7-inch 800 x 480 AMOLED display, paired with a strong 800MHz Cortex A8 processor and storage up to 32GB. The 1.7mm thin device also offers a microSD slot expansion at the bottom, next to a 720p TV-output, and optional T-DMB and DAB tuners within. The model that was spotted in Viliv’s booth included an Android platform but it would run a Windows CE dual-boot OS as well. Until then, stay tuned. Hands-on video right after the break.

[via engadget]

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This isn’t the best year to find new media players at the CES show in Vegas. Still, if you look closer, you just might see a few, hidden, while walking down the halls. One of them, which looks quiet similar to the Cowon S9, is iRiver’s 3.5-inch K1, also known as “Smart HD”, which may give you a sense of what it can play, besides the usual batch of formats we all know. Screen resolution is at 480 x 320 and the PMP itself boasts a DMB TV tuner,along WiFi, web browser, a built-in mic and integrated FM tuner. Internet support is definitely the trigger that caught our attention here, but mind you, it can also be used as a mini e-book reader, out of the box, the moment it comes out in South Korea at the end of the month. No price or US release info at the moment.

Update: It looks like iRiver’s K1 PMP will go live initially in Korea only. It will be offer in variant flavors, including the basic 8GB version, priced at â‚©229,000 (about $205), while a DMB mobile TV tuner add-on will run for â‚©279,000 (about $250) and the 16GB model for â‚©299,000 (about $265). In case you’re into the full fledged pack with WiFi, DMB tuner and 16 gigs of storage, the K1 will cost you â‚©349,000, or $310 US dollars.

We’re not used to such big players, the kind that recently announced by Aluratek at the CES show in Vegas, but that’s probably the fun part of discovering new gadgets, isn’t it? Well, maybe, depends who you’re asking and how portable it is. This one, the 8.9-inch Cinepal media player, doesn’t look so handy, especially when it’s hard to determine whether it’s a digiframe, a tablet, a PMP or just an e-reader. The answer probably falls somewhere in between. Anyway, you can get it next month for $179, that will grant you 4GB of internal storage, together with an SD / SDHC expansion slot, a 6 hours of battery time and wide range of codecs compatibility, including DivX DRM, AVI, VOB, DAT, MPEG, H.264, MKV, MP3, WMA and JPEG files support. It would also run your 720p video files wherever you go, but frankly, we can’t imagine ourselves taking it for a journey or a quick short walk. PR stuff after the jump.

[via laptopmag]

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It’s been a while since we last heard from Samsung anything about new media players coming out. But hey, CES 2010 is only two days ahead and that’s probably the best time to announce the release of new products. Actually, there are two: the first, an 8GB device which answers the name MyFit and suppose to target fitness junkies with integrated sensors that detect fat and stress, along a built-in accelerometer and a slew of apps to ensure your health is well (including pedometer and My Coach). The second, which boasts 16GB of internal storage is called Ice Touch, packs 2-inch AMOLED screen and a body, made of tempered glass. It supports wide range of multimedia formats, including HD content and lossless audio and runs a brand of Samsung’s TouchWiz UI called Sweep. Price and availability for both players are yet to be determined.

Update: We’ve added a short preview video of the Ice Touch after the break (courtesy of engadget).

[via engadget]

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Korean company Viliv, that already proved us it can release great MIDs and UMPCs, jumps on the PMP bandwagon with the latest HD5 which suppose to make an official appearance at CES 2010 in just few days. Until then, from the sparse details we found, it seems the HD5 player will pack a 5-inch touchscreen display (800 x 480 resolution), hiding underneath 8, 16, or 32GB of storage, SDHC expansion, a DMB/DAB tuner and an HDMI port that can upscale your video library up to 1080p. This slick 13mm device will presumably run Windows CE inside, but don’t count on it at this point. Stay tuned.

Update: We’ve added a quick hands-on video coming straight from CES 2010, courtesy of engadget. Check it out after the break.

[via gmp3]

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Think of getting a new media player? The kind that would both play your HD content and give your bank manager a reason to smile? iToos M6HD might be the right solution, as the Chinese PMP breaks into the market moments before 2009 ends, with a 4.3-inch 480 x 272 TFT display and an HDMI output that will pump your 1080i videos on your LCD TV. It houses 4GB of internal storage with an SD card expansion, it has an FM radio tuner, but boasts a wide range of codecs support (including H.264 and MKV). And for the best part, it would cost ya only $58.50 (kind of).

[via Akihabara News]

We’re not so sure you had that new MyRacer PMP included in this year’s holidays list, but just in case you’re still in a hunt for last moment gifts, Korean’s Lisse H10 officially gone live, with a crisp 5-inch 1,280 x 720 display and a set of ordinary specs, amongst you can find 16GB of storage, FM tuner, an HDMI output, microSD slot expansion, built-in mic and wide range of formats support, like MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, OGG, and FLAC audio files, or AVI (Xvid / DivX), WMV,ASF, RM, RMVB, DAT, MPG, MP4, VOB, SMI video files, or JPEG, BMP, and GIF images. Regretfully,both price and release date are still missing, so you might consider buying it for the next holidays season.

[via Move Player]

Despite market flotation, we keep seeing more and more entry-level players surface up in the wild, targeting non-deep pockets, at the time where branded ones are out of their reach.  This way or another, some manufacturers, like Korean iRiver, occasionally offer both. From one hand we have a pricey touchscreen media player such as the P7, which costs hundreds of dollars, and from the other, the E30, that represents the slim and light lineup. The late, that enters into Chinese markets these days, packs a 1.8-inch display and either 4GB ($59) or 8GB ( $79.99) capacities to choose from. Besides that it sports a 52 hours battery and runs almost every known format, available around.

Update: Amazon now has it, up for order both in 4GB and 8GB storage capacities.

[via gmp3]

Chinese corp RAmos seems to be releasing HD players on a monthly bases – our feeling only – and those of you who’ve been thinking it would slow down a bit, should think again, as the company rolls out yet another one, the T11TE, priced at $177.45 and houses a 5-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen, paired with microSD slot expansion, 16GB of flash storage, dual 3.5mm jacks(?) and of course, a 1080P HDMI output, to pump high-def videos on your tele – although it runs other common formats such as DAT, MPG, MPEG,VOB, MP4, MOV, AVI, DVD Video, ASF, WMV, MKV, TS, RM,and RMVB. Other than that, this half-inch thick PMP will record voices, thanks to its built-in mic or help you share your music around, with those integrated stereo speakers it boasts. No word whether it would make its way Stateside or not, surely it won’t keep that “new player” title for long.

Update: Checkout the video we’ve added after the break.

[via PMP Today]

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It’s small, black (with golden touch) and looks like Hello Kitty, have you guessed? Well, that wasn’t hard, was it? I guess not, especially when it comes from a company – AKA iRiver – that already launched Mickey Mouse players to the pond. This time it’s a cat, THE cat, if you take Garfield out of the equation. The DAP itself offers either 2GB or 4GB storage capacities at your choice, along a USB cable and color matched ear buds bundled inside. Japan release is set for December 18, just before the holidays, with prices around Â¥7,980 ($90). Miao

[via Akihabaranews]

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Some of you might be interested in a low cost media player which would literally do that same job expensive ones do, only for a cheaper price tag on front, and Haier seems to understand that more than anyone else, with its latest 3-inch Theater PMP (recently announced) which boasts a capacitive touchscreen together with an FM tuner, slick design, basic multimedia codecs support and either 4GB or 8GB flash memory capacities to choose from. Price as we’ve said is very attractive and stands at $89 and $99, respectively. That’s a capacitive screen with a built-in accelerometer, you know.

[HaierAmerica]

Just when you were thinking that Creative has abandoned its X-Fi2 users in favor of the Zii EGG ones, the Asian corporation has rolled out a new firmware update, version 1.10.04, that reportedly includes some neat add-ons to Zen devices, but first and foremost fixes some responsive issues that bothered many users for quite some time. Besides that it brings games like Sudoku, new set of colorful icons, accelerometer usability (at last) and plenty items more. Download link is right in here, while a walkthrough demo was added right after the break.

[via DAPreview]

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MSI is about to enlarge its growing HD PMPs lineup, proudly releasing the MT-V887, which apparently follows the company’s high-def trend, packing a Rockchip RK2728B chipset that can broadcast H.264 and 720p videos, once get pumped on a tele, via composite/component outputs, already built into the chassis. However, those who prefer watching through the integrated 4.3 inch display, will have to settle with merely 480 x 272 screen resolution, which practically downgrades their view quality to usual standards and make it look less sharp, less crisp than they really are. Besides that, for an undetermined price/availability, this Chinese media player will also offer either 4GB or 8GB capacities at your choice, together with a text reader, a multi-language interface, a built-in mic, and slick robust frame, crammed with silver or black colors. Western arrival is doubtful, our desires are mute. Stay tuned for further updates.

[via imp3]

Here we are, standing again with Chinese corp Newman, that recently announced its latest A36HD device, which apparently boasts a regular 3-inch display (no touchscreen), along a microSD card slot, 4GB or 8GB capacities to choose from, the regular audio-video lineup and a nice slick silver frame, covering it all from every possible direction. As probably figured from those “HD” initials, marked in its name, this 8mm thick PMP supports 720p videos when pumping them out on your LCD TV, through the integrated TV-output, already been included. Other than that, it packs a usual built in mono speaker, to let you share your music loud, and a 3.5mm Jack in case you want to have some privacy. No price or availability details to be mentioned yet, but be sure they will probably stay relevant for Eastern residents only.

[via akihabaranews]

Viewsonic officially gets into the portable HD-compatible world, announcing the VPD400 MovieBook, a 4.3-inch 800 x 480 media player, supporting 720p video files along other common media formats, including AVI, RM/RMVB, FLV, MP4, MOV, PMP, MPG, VOD, DAT, H.264, H.263 and MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, APE, OGG for audio. Other than that, this stylish all-in-one device – sized only 113mm x 74.5mm x 13.8mm – sports 8GB of internal memory, together with a micro SD slot expansion and AV Output for full sized TV entertainment. Battery is set to work 12 hours of audio playback and six if you’re watching a video. that, as a fact, would give you the benefit of watching HD movies, view photos and read any digital book whenever on the go. Too bad it lacks a WiFi connection, but color wise you get to choose out of Black, White or Pink. No price or availability details available at this point.

Update: Checkout the unboxing video, made by the good guys at NetbookNews, and added after the break. BTW, just in case you were wondering, the VPD500 comes with a 5-inch display while the 400 version packs only 4-inch screen.  

[Viewsonic]

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Check this out guys, Microsoft has just rolled out firmware version 4.3 for its fabulous Zune HD players. The update, originally released in order to solve pesky playcount syncing issues, surprisingly adds/upgrades some neat UI features – amongst you can find the long awaited 3d games and applications support, together with a wider touchscreen keyboard and autofill text suggestion bot. Other improvements offer a faster browser and better webpages rendering engine, while apps and loading time have turned slightly snappier than before. The v4.3 release is now available when clicking “Player Update” in your Zune, so hurry up and make it vibrant.

Update: In addition to that new Zune HD firmware update, Microsoft has released a slew of pretty cool (and free) 3D games – already available through the Marketplace slot – amongst you can find titles like PGR: Ferrari Edition, Lucky Lane Bowling, Vans Sk8: Pool Service, Piano, Checkers, and Audiosurf. Full PR was added after the break, along with a gaming experience demo.

[Via MobileTechWorld]

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Still in development, the Zii EGG prototype – which hopefully will go live somewhere next year – is one desirable media device we’d like to see floating around. With a 3.5-inch multi-touch display, WiFi, GPS, and 1080p HD support – it just can’t go wrong. In fact, it seems to be walking the right directions, with its mother company, Creative, choosing the Android 1.6 path, and making it look pretty promising on this new nifty portable bud. Too bad the entire UI is a bit sluggish and the integrated webcam is not exactly functional (not to mention the inaccurate signal marks at the top). Yet, it’d surely improve in the next build, we’re positive, very very positive. But ’till then, hit the jump and watch the video.

[via anythingbutipod]

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Care for a less expensive media player, the kind that looks good and serves your high-def videos exactly the way you want? Checkout SmartQ’s latest V5 MID, with no price tag or availability dates attached, but a 4.3-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen that pumps your HD files to 1080p, through an HDMI hub, built inside. Other than that, you get a strong 600MHz ARM11 processor along with 256MB of DDR2 RAM, 2GB of internal storage, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, SD expansion for bigger capacities use, and a nice slick rectangle design. Well, on second thought, it wouldn’t be that cheap if getting one involves acquiring a flight ticket to Asia – but that’s for you to decide.

Update: Looks like SmartQ’s V5 MID is finally up and available across the pond. For merely $180 you will get yourself that 4.3-inch display, hiding a 600MHz ARM11 processor underneath, paired with 256MB of RAM, HDMI output, Android, Ubuntu, and Windows CE 6.0 all preloaded inside – which makes it even more attractive.

[via imp3]