Creative’s ZEN X-Fi Wi-Fi player

Posted in Creative by Conner Flynn on June 29th, 2008

Creative’s ZEN X-Fi Wi-Fi player
Creative’s ZEN X-Fi player is different and it appears to be targeted at Apple on both the hardware and software fronts, according to leaked information by epiZENter. The X-Fi changes the look of the original ZEN drastically, with an aluminum-and-chrome look that seems to be inspired by the iPhone.

This new ZEN features a nine-point directional pad to take advantage of integrated Wi-Fi. Users will be able to IM on Windows Live or Yahoo Messenger, typing without a touchscreen or a full QWERTY keyboard. Another feature of the device is that it will have access to a host computer’s own content so users can play it in another room. And an Internet-based media pool of some sort will give users access to some content at other Wi-Fi hotspots. No official release date yet, but word is it will be in July.

Amp follows you around, plays your tunes

Posted in Robots by Conner Flynn on June 21st, 2008

Amp follows you around, plays your tunesThis bot makes Sony’s Rolly look like the lame dancing egg that it is. AMP stands for Automated Music Personality, from Hasbro’s Tiger Electronics and Sega Toys, and it’s here to dance, follow you around with music and look just plain awesome.

It’s got Segway-like legs that dance to the beat of any MP3 player via a 3.5mm jack. Also sports 49 LEDs that shine nicely too, because bots have to have lights. The A.M.P. has touch-sensitive DJ scratching pads and 62 sound effects built in so you can jazz up your songs, and an IR sensor so he will follow you from room to room and keep the music with you at all times.

Fugliest MP3 player ever is a real dog

Posted in MP3 by Conner Flynn on June 18th, 2008

Fugliest MP3 player ever is a real dogWhen it comes to MP3 design, you’re generally more concerned with things like what features it has, or whether it’s slim enough and has enough memory. With this one you’re concerned that it’s fugly little face might come alive and kill you quickly. This is the CJ7 Dog Doll MP3 Player with Built-in Speakers and yes, it seems like the crack pipe was passed around liberally at the design meeting that day.

It looks like a flower humped a tiny dog and the two mutated together. It has 1GB of internal memory, built in speaker and charges through the USB port, which is in the dog’s butt. The headphone jack is in the front. It’s $18.67 worth of wtf.

Newman’s Cool Man MP3 player

Posted in MP3 by Conner Flynn on June 5th, 2008

Newman’s Cool Man MP3 badge
You’ll feel like Seinfeld with this PMP that can pin onto your clothes. When a thief rips it off of you, you’ll have no choice but to just grit your teeth and say “Newman”, since you knew that would happen anyway. The Cool Man MP3 player is Newman’s latest PMP.

The idea is that it’s convenient to be able to attach it to yourself. Here’s to hoping said thief doesn’t pull your whole shirt off. I’m not sure a thief would even want this, since he can just snag that other guy’s iPod. It has a basic OLED display, MP3/WMA compatibility and built-in microphone with a plastic looking casing that resembles a face. No price yet but should be available in 1GB.

iPhone or iPod touch rotating alarm clock

Posted in iPhone Accessories by Conner Flynn on June 1st, 2008

iPhone or iPod touch rotating alarm clock
Here’s a pretty decent looking and unique alarm clock setup for your iPhone or iPod touch. It was designed specifically for both devices, taking advantage of their screen. This way you have your device and a slick looking clock both on display. Just like all the other docks, the iH41 will charge the player and throw out the audio.

The interesting feature here is that when you turn it on its side to view your device horizontally, the clock on the dock rotates so you can still read the time. The dock has an auxiliary jack that should be compatible with just about any MP3 player if you haven’t jumped on the iWagon yet. It will cost you $79.99 and it ships in July.

MP3 Players preloaded with tunes

Posted in MP3 by Conner Flynn on May 29th, 2008

MP3 Players preloaded with tunes
The REDI is a 1 GB mp3 player no doubt geared toward those who can’t figure out computers or are too lazy to go get the music themselves and put it on their mp3 player. They come with about 250 tracks already on them, which would give you about 6 hours of listening time. (There’s bound to be a ton of what you don’t want, just like buying CDs)

It sports a USB mini jack so you can upload your MP3’s should you actually know how to boot up your PC, or if your grandchild comes over to help. Since we don’t all have the same tastes, the REDI comes in a several different flavors. You can get an Ultimate Workout Mix, Golden Classics, Ultimate Rock N’ Roll Collection, the R&B Soul Collection to name a few. They’ll cost you $39.99 each.

Guitar amp iPod speaker

Posted in Speakers by Conner Flynn on May 24th, 2008

Guitar amp iPod speaker
It seems that the guitar mania that has engulfed the geek world with games like Guitar Hero and Rockband is here to stay. So you may as well embrace it and get yourself this iPod speaker amp. You probably already have the Guitar Rocker and the catbox 360 after all. I’m sure this will make your life complete.

Just plug in your MP3 player and you are ready. It’s not just for your mp3 player either, you can also use it as a computer speaker. It has working treble and bass knobs and a 5-watt output. It can be powered from your computer via USB, or by using 3 AAA batteries.

Concept lets you take your music for a walk

Posted in Concepts by Conner Flynn on May 21st, 2008

Concept lets you take your music for a walk
If you lack a pet that you can walk and find yourself feeling somehow left out, fear not. If designer Inbal Tyagi has her way, you’ll be taking your music for nice romantic walks in the near future. Inbal Tyagi likes to design clean, smart and simple things. So naturally she gave the boom box some wheels.

And what we have is a large vacuum cleaner sized boom-box that is a rechargeable MP3 player powered by energy-batteries and a dynamo. Great in concept, but I have better things to do then push a wheel around and avoid awkward stares all day.

Sony Rolly finally hits the U.S.

Posted in Robots by Conner Flynn on May 20th, 2008

Sony Rolly finally hits the U.S.
Everybody’s favorite whacked out, dancing, escape pod looking robot from Sony is finally making its way from Japan to the USA. The small egg-like bot can blast tunes from it’s built-in speakers, move its cute little flippers to the music and spin around. Is it useful? Hell no. And we like it that way.

The bot comes with pre-choreographed routines for songs. (”Also Sprach Zarathustra,” Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend”, Earth Wind and Fire’s “Boogie Wonderland”) You can also use the choreography software to create dances for own tunes. The 2GB bot can be had in black or white, and found online or in Sony stores for $400.

Napster lays claim to largest digital music store

Posted in Handheld Entertainment by Shane McGlaun on May 20th, 2008

Napster Claims Over 6 million TracksNapster has walked onto Apple’s beach and kicked sand in the face of iTunes. Napster now claims to have the largest MP3 store around with 6 million tracks. Napster also claims that its tracks are iPhone and iPod compatible.

Napster says that its MP3 store is 50% larger than any other MP3 store and has the largest major label catalog of any digital music store. It also claims to have the largest catalog of independent music available as well.

Mobiado Professional 105 ZAF Luxury Phone

Posted in Mobile Phones by Conner Flynn on May 20th, 2008

Mobiado Professional 105 ZAF Luxury Phone
The Mobiado Professional 105 ZAF luxury phone claims to be the most anorexic luxury phone in the world. Measuring just 10.6mm thin, large pieces of sapphire crystal were used to construct the phone from front to back, and it even has a patent pending single-unit sliding mechanism for a battery cover, not to mention an anodized aircraft aluminum frame with stainless steel buttons.

Some other features include a 2 inch 16 million color display, 2MP shooter, 1GB of internal memory, Bluetooth connectivity and microUSB port. The mobile phone supports MP3, AAC and eAAC+ audio formats. No word on pricing or availability yet.

iPod Lamps combine music, with a lamp…

Posted in iPod Accessories by Conner Flynn on May 15th, 2008

iPod Lamps combine music, with a lamp…
Look at those silly iPod lamps all gathered together and having a great old time. All colorful and retro looking. They think they’re pretty special. I don’t have the heart to tell them that they offer nothing new. I mean, that would just be cruel. But, the thing is, they aren’t all that special. Sure, they’re retro looking, but get this. I’ve been listening to music with a lamp on at the same time for practically my whole life.

Don’t get me wrong, I like the colors, but I like you, already own a lamp. On the other hand, if lighting is something new for you and you want an iPod dock to go along with your foray into electricity, it retails for $150 and comes in white, pink, black and brown colors.

Newman M8000 has tons of storage space

Posted in Portable Meda Players by Conner Flynn on May 9th, 2008

Newman M8000 has tons of storage space
The Newman M8000 looks pretty nice. Even better when you find out it has 250GB of hard drive inside! That’s a TON of space to carry around all of your entertainment, and it will likely take you quite a while before you use it all up.

If budget is a consideration, you can choose from the 80GB, 120GB, and 160GB models. Some features include: 4″ TFT display at 320 x 240 resolution,TV out, Supports MP3, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 formats, 1.3 megapixel camera, SD memory card slot, Game emulation and PVR functionality

Magnetic Knob MP3 Player keeps it in your pants

Posted in MP3 by Conner Flynn on May 8th, 2008

Magnetic Knob MP3 Player keeps it in your pants
You’ve got your MP3 player in your pocket. It’s comfortable and secure. Problem is it’s not easy to manipulate your controls while keeping it there. Plus, it makes it look like you’re playing pocket pinball and scoring big. Well, if someone takes this magnetic control concept and brings it into the real world, it could make life a tad easier in this situtaion.

The Pocket Pal knob is outside of your clothing, while it’s magnetically fixed to the body, which is inside your pocket. The control is easy, and you would be able to adjust volume or skip songs. The only problem I see is losing the knob. I’m not sure this is a great solution for the real world, but I like how they think.

Alien Mini-Speaker is happy, creepy

Posted in Speakers by Conner Flynn on May 7th, 2008

Alien Mini-Speaker is happy, creepy
It should be noted that I don’t trust anything that smiles constantly. Especially when it looks like this. The thing looks like it’s wearing some kind of gruesome death mask meant to be ironic when it kills you.

But if, unlike me, you find these little terrors cute, this Happy Alien Mini-Speaker can attach to your iPod, MP3, or MP4 player. With a USB rechargeable Li-ion battery, you can extend or retract its neck to change the volume. The speaker also features a 3.5mm stereo audio connector and comes in orange or blue. Get one for $11.90.


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