Those in attendance at CES last week got a sneak peek at HandHeld Entertainments new ZVUE 260 Personal Media Player, its entry-level next generation media player. The ZVUE is comparable to the Video iPod in size, at 4.16- X 2.4- X 0.5-inches and 3.93 ounces.

The ZVUE 260 features a 2.5-inch active matrix TFT backlit screen and supports videos running at up to 30 frames per second (fps) at resolutions of up to 320X240 pixels. The ZVUE 260 is also the first ZVUE player to feature a built-in audio speaker. The ZVUE will have SD memory storage capabilities, and will have at least two different SD memory configurations upon official launch.

The device is powered by a lithium-ion battery, and is compatible with Windows Media Player 10 with Microsoft's secure Digital Rights Management (DRM). The ZVUE 206 will support both Windows Media Video (WMV) and Windows Media Audio (WMA) formats, as well as other video, audio and image formats.

The ZVUE 260 is expected to be available in mid-2007. Final pricing has not yet been decided on, although it has been suggested that the entry level model be made available for $99 retail.

Wingspan announced today that they will support the recently unveiled Apple iPhone. iLoad users will be able to simply plug their iPhone into the iLoad device, insert a CD, and copy it directly to the iPhone without the need for iTunes or a computer. The device will also work with other iPod products, such as the iPod video and iPod nano.

The iLoad device is currently available for pre-release orders at the company's website - www.iload.com. The device will not ship until February, and is available for $299.

The new Belkin TuneStudio for iPod is the first four-channel audio mixer that allows you to create high-quality digital recordings directly on your iPod. TuneStudio is designed to work with 5th generation iPod Video devices, and allows the input of up to four different instruments or audio sources and records the audio onto your iPod for instant playback.

Bands can plug in instruments or microphones directly to the device, and record jam sessions directly to the iPod.
Podcasters can use the TuneStudio to directly record their podcasts to their iPods. It can also act as an external sound card, allowing the input of audio from a PC source as well as output to a PC from any of TuneStudio’s connector inputs.

The Belkin TuneStudio for iPod will be available in the U.S. in summer 2007, with launches in Asia, Europe, and Australia following shortly thereafter. The suggested retail price is $179.00.

iLuv has introduced the new i199 Mini Audio system, which allows you to play your music from your iPod, CDs, MP3 CDs, USB, or AM/FM radio.Utilizing the device's Bluetooth capabilities, you can also sync music from an audio device, mobile phone, or computer, allowing it to play through the iLuv i199 mini audio system.

You can also use the Bluetooth function to listen to music in your room wirelessly on Bluetooth enabled headphones or speakers. The audio system will also display the song titles and artists on MP3 tracks (as long as they have an ID3 tag). With the included audio/video cable, you can also send video content from an iPod to a TV. While plugged into the iLuv i199 mini audio system, your iPod will also charge. Other nice features of this system include AM/FM radio, digital clock, and the ability to program the clock to wake up to your iPod, USB, CD, radio, or a buzzer.

The iLuv i199 Mini Audio system will be available in March 2007 for just $229.99.

Since Apple has not yet made iPods with Bluetooth like everyone has been asking, Motorola went ahead and created the Motorola D650 Bluetooth Adapter for iPod. This new device works with any iPod that has a 30-pin connector, and Bluetooth headsets.

The D650 Bluetooth Adapter easily connects to the 30-pin connection at the base of your iPod. It is small and lightweight enough that your iPod can still fit easily in a pocket or purse while connected to the Bluetooth adapter. With this adapter, you'll now be able to listen to your iPod without clumsy wires getting in the way.

The Motorola D650 Bluetooth Adapater for iPod requires no batteries, and has a blue indicator light for power and pairing. It is Bluetooth 1.2 compliant, and will work seamlessly with Motorola's brand new Bluetooth headset. It is expected to be available in the first half of 2007. Pricing is not yet available.

Express Office Automation Co. has come up with a neat little device that allows you to transmit your mobile phone calls and MP3s stored on your phone through your FM radio.
If you are interested in this device, the company has put up a demostration video on YouTube that will give you a good idea of how this works. It is designed to work with Nokia and Motorola phones.

At the CES show today, iZAP introduced its new line of iZAP Lithium batteries for use with the Apple iPod.
These lithium battery packs are designed to specifically work with the iPod, and extend the playback time of these devices.

iZAP's Portable Energy charges and power packs are designed to work with the iPod, including the iPod mini, Shuffle, Nano, and Video. When used with the iPod shuffle, the iZAP battery cane extend the playback time 60 hours. That means you can go for days without having to recharge.

The iZAP line of lithium batteries for the iPOD can be recharged up to 1000, and has up to four times the power of conventional batteries. ZAP is best known for their line of electric cars, and surprised CES-goers this year with their venture into mobile devices. The iZAP lithium batteries for the iPod will be available for purchase soon at www.zapworld.com.

Introducing the new Motorola S9 Bluetooth stereo headphones.

Weighing just barely an ounce, the Motorola S9 Bluetooth Active Headphones S9 claim to be discreet and so comfortable that you will forget you are wearing it. These headphones can be used for both voice calls and for listening to your music.

The S9 Bluetooth headphones are compatible with Bluetooth enabled stereo music phones, as well as iPod players equipped with the naviPlay Bluetooth Stereo Adapter for iPod (sold seperately). Convenient buttons on the headphones allow you to take and make calls, and control volume and tracks.

The Motorola S9 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones are expected to be available in the first half of 2007. For pricing and availability, check with your local Motorola representative.

SanDisk, the second largest seller of MP3 players in the United States, introduced the new Sansa Connect WiFi Enabled mp3 player at today's CES show.
The MP3 is WiFi enabled to allow consumers to enjoy music and recommend music from almost anywhere. Users can "un-tether" themselves from their PCs by using the MP3 player's wireless capabilities to download music and photos from wireless hot spots.

The Sansa Connect WiFi MP3 player allows you to contact to a wide range of music through subscription services and streaming internet radio, without having to connect to a PC. It is specially designed to work with premium internet services, and can recommend music and photos with the click of a button and a live internet connection.

The Sansa Connect player is works seamlessly with popular music formats, including MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) in both unprotected and protected files. The device also uses an open digital rights management system that allows users to purchase songs or access subscription download services. It will support Microsoft PlaysForSure subscription music and is designed to work with Microsoft Vista when it ships.

SanDisk's Sansa Connect MP3 player provides superior audio playback, and comes equipped with a microSD card slot (microSD card must be purchased seperately). The MP3 player is on display at the SanDisk booth at the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas through January 11, 2007. It will hit U.S. retail stores in late March, with a suggested price of $249.99. It will be available in Canadian stores in the later part of 2007.

Philips introduced two new iPod Screens this week at CES, the DCP750 and the DCP850, which allow you to connect your Video iPod and watch your videos on a 7 or 8.5-inch screen.
The device also allows you to play DVDs and content from memory cards, making this a very versitile portable movie player.

The Philips DCP750 and the DCP850 iPod screens also come with car adapters so you can watch your movies on the road, as well as a rechargeable battery for those times when electricity is not easily found. The batteries have a life of about 2 hours. While your iPod is plugged into the devices, the iPod recharges, so there is no need to worry about your iPod running out of juice.

The cost of these new gadgets is pretty affordable at just $150 and $200.

Samsung is rolling out some great products this year in time for CES, and their latest MP3 player, the Samsung T9B, is no exception.
The new MP3 player is compact in size, and loaded with all kinds of innovative features, including Bluetooth-enabled wireless stereo and headphones, and advanced remote functions on the headsets.

The device can be paired up with a Bluetooth enabled cell phone, and if you're listening to your music when a call comes in, the Samsung T9B will alert you that you have an incoming call. So no longer will you miss a phone call because you had the music up too loud! While synced up with your mobile, you can have your mobile tucked away in a bag, and talk to the caller through an embedded microphone on the MP3 player. When your call ends, the player takes you right back to where you left off with your music.

The Samsung T9B MP3 player will be available in two sizes: a 2GB model, and a 4GB model. It will be available in black and deep purple. Pricing will not be revealed until a later date.

SanDisk Corporation unveiled an affordable, cable-less, flash-based MP3 player designed for the value conscious consumer - the Sansa Express. It packs 1GB of storage, and stands out amongst its competition as an affordably priced device with a number of features found on more high-end players.

Features of the SanDisk Sansa Express MP3 player include an FM tuner, microSD expansion slot, data storage, recording capabilities, and a direction connection to user's computer - no USB cable required! You can expand the memory capacity of the player up to 3GB by utilizing a 2GB microSD card. The device is about the size of a pack of gum.

The SanDisk Sansa Express is currently on display at CES 2007. If you are in town, stop by the SanDisk booth (#36206) South Hall 4. It will be available for purchase in Marcy 2007 in the United States and Europe for the very affordable price of $59.99.

In conjunction with the annoucement of its new iPhone, Apple also announced a Bluetooth headset to go along with the iPhone. Keeping with their trademark minimalistic design, the new Apple Bluetooth headset is a slim, black bar shaped device. It is very small, and features only one button.





Also revealed today were a new set of Apple headphones that will work with the iPhone for both phone and audio/video capabilities. The headphones look pretty much like the iconic white iPod headphones that we're all used to by now, however, in the middle of the cord they feature a small white box with an intergrated microphone and "squeeze" switch to control answering and hanging up calls.

RCA has updated their portfolio by launching a new Gem Line of Flash Based MP3 Players. The first in line is the RCA Jet Stream which promises to deliver "seamlessly deliver crystal clear music" via wireless headphones. The MP3 Player is not really for the audiophiles and includes; 1.5-inch OLED display, an FM tuner, and 1GB of storage capacity, 12 hours of battery life etc. Fitness freaks can use the the player too as it includes a stopwatch and a body mass index calculator. This one would retail for $149.

Another cool iPod accessory doing the rounds at CES (sorry Zune) is the RCA RS2130i Bookshelf Audio System with Universal Dock for iPod (whew, thats a mouthful). The Speaker System provides a much needed relief from all those cheapo white iPod speakers and sports a 160-watt digital amplifier.

The RCA RS2130i Bookshelf Audio System comes bundled with an Universal Dock with inserts compatible with dockable iPod models and also serves as a charging cradle. I like the fact that one can also operate the iPod via the included RCA remote control.

If you still have CDs lying around the house, then you can play it on the RCA RS2130 as the system has five-disc CD changer that reads conventional CDs and CD-R/RW discs with mp3 and WMA files. In fact the system also has the ability to rip CD music to other types of mp3 players, The RCA RS2130i Bookshelf system will be available in May at a suggested retail price of $169.99.

Finally something at the CES for all us iPod Junkies!! RCA unveiled its new Dual Wake Clock Radio which will surely give a jump-start to sleepy heads like me! The RCA RP5500i Dual Wake Clock Radio with universal Dock playbacks your fav tunes which sure beats those god-awful alarm sounds!

One just needs to dock their iPod in a slide-out drawer on the front of the unit, which comes with eight iPod dock inserts to fit all dockable iPod models. One can also view the current Eastern Standard Time and other time zones can then be selected with the flip of a switch. Then there is a feature called Dual Wake which stores two separate alarm settings for different users. The alarm dock also has a USB which allows for mp3 land WMA playback from any mass storage class digital audio player.

The RP5500 sleep timer plays the radio, iPod or files from a connected USB drive for up to 2 hours before shutting off automatically. The radio is housed in a sleek, modern cabinet and radio channels can be selected easily via the digital radio frequency readout. The RCA RP5500i Dual Wake Clock Radio will be available in May at a suggested retail price of $79.99.

Looks like Microsoft Zune has finally has caught the radar of 3rd party brands and now Memorex plans to make the Zune cooler (can Memorex succeed where MS failed?) by launching a whole new series of cases for the Microsoft Zune™ digital media player. The cases cover the whole design spectrum and include; the Memorex Silicone Sleeve, Sport Band and Leather Show Case.So which one is ideal for your Zune? For that lets just run over the 3 cases quickly!

The first in line is the Memorex Leather Show Case which not only protects the Zune but also integrates hands-free viewing. The top-loading case is made of premium leather and one also comes across suede inner lining and clear screen protector.The Memorex Leather Show Case has a suggested retail price of $29.99.

If you are one of those folks who live on adrenaline, then check out the the Memorex Sport Band which securely holds the Zune when on move via its form-fitting design and also includes an embedded screen protector and reflectors for safety at night. The Memorex Sport Band has a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Last in line is the Memorex Silicone Sleeve which is made of fit and durable silicone material with anti-dust coating and includes a screen protector.The Memorex Silicone Sleeve has a suggested retail price of $19.99 and it also includes an adjustable armband, providing hands-free portability.

http://www.memorex.com

And so it came to past, ipod accessory maker Griffin has announced Journi - its portable mobile speaker system and it promises great sound in a portable package. An innovative "Wrapstand," wraps around the iPod and protects it while on the go then flips oen to create its own stand revealing the speakers.

Another innovate feature is Dual Fuel technolohy which is its ability to be powered by your computer's USB port (not that's a great feature I haven't seen in portable speakers of late). It also runs on internal Lithium-ion batteries that can last 8-10 hours per charge.

Sound processing is based on SRS Lab's WOW digital signal processing. Other features include iTunes library syncing, adjustable dock connecters for all iPod models, and a companion remote control.

The device will make an appearance at Mac World San Francisco next week, but details on pricing and availability have yet to be announced.

The Novomax JoyPot C210 may be dismissed as the poor man's Shuffle, but we shall not go here! The MP3 player lacks any sort of display and includes a USB 2.0 interface. It weighs just around 25 grams and runs on a single AAA battery which is capable of 10 hours of continuous music playback. It accepts SD/MMC/Mini SD cards and comes in following capacities; 0/64/128/256/512 MB or 1GB.

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There is a new MSI MP3 Player on the horizon. however this one is truly different! The MSI Mega Player 529 is still in its development stage, however according to industry insiders, MSI was able to successfully integrate itself to a laptop palm rest.

The player has been design to make use of Microsoft's SideShow to play music, media files, open PowerPoint presentations, get email alerts etc. The MSI Mega Player 529 is also rumored to have a 320 x 240 resolution display, built-in DAC, 1GB of memory and an USB interface. Battery life is said to be around 3 hours. No word on pricing or availability.

Here is something look forward to in 2007. Walletex has announced the Wallet MP3 Player which is the World’s slimmest MP3 player and is currently in the development process! The company is known for making wallet friendly products which fit right into any wallet !

The Wallet MP3 Player will have SB 2.0 (1.1 compatible) connectivity and will be available in storage capacities ranging from 128MB to 2GB for a competitive price range. The player will include a double sided USB connector with three-in-one functionality: USB communication, Charging, and Audio jack. One will also be able to print their company logo or any artwork on the player itself! The Wallet MP3 will be available on the market by June 2007 .

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The iHolic besides Dacos Technology beside a clever name, has nothing exceptional to offer! However the MP3 player with DMB support may juts fit right in with those who want a break from the Zunes and the iPods of the world!

On the spec front, we get to see features like; 2.4-inch TFT-LCD, T-DMB receiver, audio/video playback, image viewer, SD card slot and voice recorder . The iHolic measures 83x50x18.5mm and is available in capacities like; 512MB, 1GB and 2GB. The player includes built in speakers and comes bundled with a cradle and a remote control. No word on pricing or availability.

The i-Station mini "DX" is yet another MP3 player which suffers from the iPod hangover! Available in colors like White and Black, the DMB-capable PMP from Digital Cube is equipped with a 2.4" color display had supports formats like MP3, WMA, OGG, and FLAC audio, MPEG and WMV video. One also comes across a USB interface and features like microSD slot for expansion and a FM tuner. While IGB and 2GB models are currently available in Korea, one has to wait for the 4GB model.

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Dyne has released two more MP3 players, the Tuny 9 and the Tuny 11. Though the names sounds extremely loony (sorry couldn't resist showing off my bad rhyming skills), the players actually look promising!

First of is the Tuny 9 which is a flash based player and is available in capacities like 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB. Measuring around 45 x 82 x 14 mm, the Tuny is not exactly Tiny but it does makes us warm and fuzzy with the on board Bluetooth support and the cool TV out feature! Battery life is around 18 hours for music and 8 hours for video playback and one also comes across a 2 inch display with a 176 x 220 px resolution. The Tuny 9 supports MP3, WMA, OGG audio, MP4 video at 10 FPS and includes ; Voice, FM, and Line-in recorder (in MP3 format).

Next is the Tuny 11 which is sleeker than the Tuny 9 and measures 80 x 36 x 7.9 mm. This one too is available in capacities of 12 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB models and sports a 1.7" display. Other features include; 8 hours of audio battery life, 3 hours for video, MP3, WMA, and WAV audio, SMV video support and FM radio, voice recorder. No word on pricing or availability.

Product Pages:
Tuny 9 | Tuny 11