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February 28, 2007
MP3 Player Patent Lawsuit
Texas MP3 Technologies has filed a patent suit against Apple, Samsung, and Sandisk in Marshall, Texas; a plaintiff state. The eastern Texas city is fast becoming one of the leading locations of patent infringement lawsuits in the U.S. thanks to speedy trials and juries that more often than not find in favor of the plaintiff," the report said. All three companies are being sued over a patent covering an MPEG portable sound reproducing system, based on the report.The complaint specifically cites US patent 7,065,417, which was awarded in June 2006 to multimedia chip-maker SigmaTel and sold the US rights to the patent a little over a month ago. Apple's media player products have used both SigmaTel and Samsung multimedia decoding processors. But, it seems that Apple’s second-generation iPod shuffle is rumored to be using a Samsung decoding processor for its multimedia functions instead of the SigmaTel chip they were expect to use.
"Because these are such basic patents to digital music, we believe it will be difficult to design around these patents and have a commercially viable player," SigmaTel said in a statement when it announced the sale of the patent.
Via MacNN
Posted by eric at 6:06 AM
February 27, 2007
Quantum's New Nav Handheld PMP
Quantum and AvMap have lock hands to create the Linux-based QTM 1000 Nav, which they’ve coined the “world’s first” DVB-H capable Pocket TV with SAT NAV functionality, they announced at the 3GSM.The Nav boasts a 4.3-inch WQVGA widescreen display, 400:1 contrast ratio, 80-degree viewing angle, DVR functionality, 128MB of Flash memory, 64MB of onboard RAM, an SD card slot, dual stereo speakers, a four-hour rechargeable battery, SiRF Star III receiver, Tele Atlas maps, and USB 2.0 connectivity. The DVB-H signals at 25 frames-per-second, allows viewing / purchasing of Pay TV channels, and supports H.264, MPEG4, AAC, MP3, JPEG / GIF / PNG, M4V, and AVI files.
We have no word on the price or availability. But, when it arrives, it’s worth considering.
Via engadget
Posted by eric at 7:46 AM
February 25, 2007
The Wolverine ESP PMP
The Wolverine ESP Multimedia player lugs a hefty 160GB of storage on its back, the largest amount of storage space available on a portable player. You can easily store video, music files, data and your entire house on this thing.This bulky, yet rugged wolf weighs in at a hefty 10.2 ounces, including the battery. Speaking of the battery, it gives the device enough life to handle more than three full-length movies. The 320 x 240 screen device easily supports MPEG-1, MPEG-4, WMV9 and XviD and DivX formats. Movies, video and photos can easily be streamlined to your PC via the USB port.
This device is riddled with other features such as, a 7-in-1 flash memory card reader, audio/video playback capabilities and storage convenience, a not-so-bad FM radio, MP3 files as well as, WMA, OGG, WAV, AAC, CDA, JPEG, TIF, text and RAW images support. Grab the optional cradle at $69 if you want to directly record video from a TV, DVD or camcorder. But, get the unit first for $549.99.
Via Gizmodo
Posted by eric at 6:14 AM
February 22, 2007
Teclast New T59 PMP
It seems that Chinese manufacturers are lured to the attraction of the iPhone concept and cloning, with lackluster originality, is the way to go.But, maybe Teclast’s impending T59 may side-step similar concepts, stylings, and specs -- and possibly include a Windows CE-based 3G device with GPS, WiFi and FM, along with a VGA screen, an exceptional secondary display and other goodies -- without overstepping Apple’s legal boundaries. We’ll probably end up pulling this one up from our archives in the future.
Via engadget
Posted by eric at 5:12 AM
February 20, 2007
iRiver's New x20 PMP
We’ve got the 411 on the iriver’s X20 portable media player. Along with the date and price, here’s the lowdown on the features this little number has to offer.Available in China, the 2GB, 4GB and 8GB models are priced at ¥18.800 / $157, ¥22,800 / $191, and ¥29,800 / $250 respectively. The surprisingly smudge-free, portable player sports an audio and video player with a 2.2-inch, 260k color, 320 x 240 display; a built-in FM radio; microsSD expansion.
The Japanese market can expect to pounce on this player around March.
Via engadget
Posted by eric at 7:59 AM
February 17, 2007
Samsung's New YP-T9b
Apple is expected to launch the much-anticipated iphone in the UK around Christmas 2007. But, while you’re saving up for one of those puppies, you might want to check out the Samsung’s ultra smart YP-T9b.Accompanying mouth-dropping prices, the features on this player easily smother the Apple’s competitor -- with prices starting at £89 for a 1 GB, £119 for 2Gb and £149 for 4Gb. The sound quality can be upgraded for a sharper sound, though. But, besides that this piece sports a YP-T9b navigation system; a bright 1.8 inch screen; FM radio; built-in Bluetooth for headsets; voice recorder (up to 128kbps), FM-recorder, flash-based games, text viewer, audio decoding for mp3, WMA-DRM, OGG and WAV, a photo viewer; 30 hour of playback; and a MPEG4 video playback.
Lots of choices, but you have some time to make the right one for you.
Via VNUNET
Posted by eric at 5:49 AM
February 16, 2007
Kedcom's New T-DMB Pocket TV
It’s entertaining and convenient to sport a TV in the palm of your hand that boasts visual clarity and helps you forget back the long trip ahead.The Kedcom pushes out its portable T-DMB pocket TV 'Podi' to Korea market. It features 3.2-inch LCD ad weights only 77g. You can install the antenna to a docking station or a dashboard; and you can synchronize it with a car audio wirelessly. You can also utilize the car audio as watching DMB in a car. It has an internal stereo speaker and runs for up to 4 hours on lithium-polymer battery.
Via AVING
Posted by eric at 5:38 AM
NVidia’s GoForce 6100
Check out the new NVidia’s first GoForce 6100 multimedia applications processor. The phone lugs 250MHz ARM processor with serious acceleration for intense multimedia and security functions (read: DRM).This communicator is able to deliver H.264 and WMV9/VC-1 video at up to VGA resolution and 30fps. Not stopping there, it can even integrate 802.11b/g WiFi with WPA2 security and Oos; and supports USB 2.0 hosting and camera sensor up to 8 megapixels.
The real take on this beauty is "any applications processor available on the market today." Look for it in 2007/2008.
Via engadget
Posted by eric at 5:34 AM
February 13, 2007
Sony Enters The Ring Against The Nano
Word is seeping through the cracks that Sony has lifted its head from its mighty PS3 (for the moment) and it has turned its attention to creating a player that challenges the iPod nano and SandDisk Sansa.This Sony’s contender sport features similar to its NW-A3000 and NW-A1000, but without the curves, and it’s a bit thinner. But, the feature that really stands out is 8 to 10 hours of video playback; long battery life that Sony is known for and that Apple’s nano lacks.
This 2, 4 and 8GB capacity player’s screen will be a landscape design and larger than the nano’s. But, the buttons should be the same as the A3000 series. At launch, expect this player sport an array of colors such as violet, black, blue and pink. If the rumor is true, prepare to pick from the Sony tree in March.
Via engadget
Posted by eric at 7:24 AM
February 10, 2007
Hold Nascar In Your Hand
It’s NASCAR season! So, grab a FanView scanner for rental or purchase at Nascar or Nextel. These puppies are going for $470 online or $415 trackside and you’ll still need to put out $10 for a race-weekend activation. Features included on this scanner are live video and audio of the race, real time data and stats, and audio replay.You can also treat yourself to in-car cameras from up to seven drivers. You can rent one of these devices for $50 a day or just $70 per weekend.
Via engadget
Posted by eric at 6:13 AM
Large Screen Tomato PMP
It’s time to take the vegetable-named company, Tomato, seriously. Okay, get food off your mind. We’re talking about a company who has created a new DAP worth mentioning: The U7.The generous-sized, 1.8-inch screen LCD, 2GB DAP is gorged with features like MP4 and WMP video playback, 512MB, 1GB and 2GB of flash, FM/ voice recording, photo albums, ebooks and games, and a rechargeable battery. Though sized at 0.5-inches thick and 2.5 inches long - a bit bulky – at 89,900 won ($96 US) who’s complaining?
Via engadget
Posted by eric at 6:09 AM
February 7, 2007
X-Micro GPS and PMP
X-Micro introduced new products at the 2007 Consumer Electronic Show, namely Digital Photo Frames, GPS Car Navigator, new models of Digital MP3 & MP4 players and WLAN products. Here’s a snapshot of what you can look forward to this year from X-Micro.The GPS Navigator is a pretty high-end navigational system for the fraction of the cost, that also plays MP3, video and view photos. The new Digital Photos Frame is able to auto play up to 1800 photos, supports SD, MMC or Sony Memory Stick card, with editing and lots more to offer. The GP3000 offers functions of a first-class portable form-factor in-dash system at a fraction of the cost, with an in-car navigation, voice-motivated per turn direction system, and three-dimensional view. In addition to these features, the GP3000 can play MP3, video and view photos.
"X-Micro continues to deliver its promise to develop innovative new products & technologies at competitive prices. Best example is our latest product, GPS Navigator" said Luis Lin, President of X-Micro.
Via Hartware
Posted by eric at 4:43 AM
Cowon's iAudio D2 PMP
Cowon’s iAudio D2 multimedia player received CNET Asia’s Editor’s Choice award and an ‘excellent’ rating of 8.4 out of 10. Rightfully so, after we tell you what we learned about its awesome features. The D2 issues a sharp, precise and intuitive touch screen that works well with the included stylus, but can work just as fine with your fingers. This peculiar looking stylus also acts as a stand for the D2, giving it a double benefit.You’ll also fully appreciate the fact that it can expand from the on-board 4GB to 8GB through the available SD/MMC card slot. This must-have supports all the other audio formats, including OGG Vorbis, FLAC, and APE.
How about a whop’n 46 hours and 23 minutes of battery life and a transfer speed of an almost instant 5.33MB per second? Who cares about the slight picture delay and the hit or miss radio frequency? Even if we did, it’s not coming anywhere near North America.
Via engadget
Posted by eric at 4:40 AM
February 4, 2007
The TurboLinux Wizpy PMP
Once only admired on picture, The TurboLinux Wizpy has join the PMP population and its not bad at all. Though there’s not a lot of information on this one, we’ll give you what we’ve got.All we’ve got on this one is that Impress Watch is in control of this Linux player and pushing it out with about 4GB of action at a price tag of 33,800 yen ($280 US). If that’s too steep for your wallet, then TurboLinux also comes in the 2GB version for 29,800 yen ($247 US). These babies will be waiting for your grab them on February 23rd.
Via engadget
Posted by eric at 6:27 AM
February 3, 2007
Zune Screens Crack Under Pressure
A tipster has it that Zune is cracking under pressure. You mean there is something wrong with the Zune, say it isn't so! Story has it that when it’s left charging overnight, the Zune screen just – cracks. From what we know, the lithium ion battery resides right beneath the top portion of the screen and puts pressure on the screen causing it to overheat… and then POP, and there you have it… a screen all cracked up.Sadly, Microsoft won’t own up to it and states that the damage is outside the warranty coverage. So, users are pretty much SOL (sadly out of luck, so out of luck… anything but what you were thinking).
This could be an exaggeration, or users could be calling in and weaseling up a lie to get a free repair or replacement. That leaves the question… Who else out there are all cracked up?
Via engadget
Posted by eric at 6:33 AM
February 1, 2007
The Sleek Oppo V5 PMP
Oppo has introduced the V5 portable video player. This light and fluffy player is a credit card sized 11mm thick, with a 3” LCD. On first glance you could take the LCD for a touch screen, but the company has carefully attached the controls along the edges helping to keep the main display uniformed.This talented player includes 16:9 ratio, 320 x 240 resolution LCD, and 2GB of storage. There’s no word yet on availability or price. We’ve got our ears to the ground.
Via The MP3 Players
Posted by eric at 5:14 AM
The New Apple... I Mean Meizu M8
Check out this Apple… no… yeah, it’s an Apple… Uh… Our bad! It’s Meizu’s Apple motivated creation, the M8. Apple’s design appears to be a free-for-all in China. But, hey! Whatever makes them a profit, right?This slender device measures in at 57X105X11.5mm and features both a GSM and Chinese TD-SCDMA 3G radio, a 3.3-inch 720x480 pixel display, Bluetooth, a 3 megapixel camera, and an ARM11 CPU that can record video at 30fps at the device's full 720 x 480 resolution. Don’t believe it? You don’t have to.
Just know Apple duplicates are running rampant in China and it’s nothing that Apple’s legal team seems to be able to do about it.
Via engadget
Posted by eric at 5:12 AM