Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

Since it became an official standard in 1991, Moving Picture Experts Group -1 Audio Layer 3 (or MP3) has proven popular due to the fact that it is easily transferable, good quality and cheaper than hard copies.  So far it has been unpopular with record companies as a result of the close links it has to piracy, but recently Atlantic Records said that over 50% of their revenue was coming from digital sales.

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Samsung recently announced their successor to the P2 PMP, the P3.  The P3 is set to be formally introduced at CES 2009, but they have announced a few details to keep some of their fans excited for the new device.  It is similar to the P2, but does bear several differences.

First, the device measures out at 102mm x 52.7mm x 9.9mm and weighs 85g.  It also comes with a 3-inch WQVGA screen with 480 x 272 resolution.  A nice thing about the P3 is that you will most likely to find the model that fits your needs because it comes in models such as 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and all the way up to 32GB.  So, whether you just need a small storage device, you can get the 4GB model, or if you have a lot of media, you can get the 32GB.  Continued after the break.

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And with SanDisk, the hits just keep on coming.  They have the 1GB, the 2GB, the 4GB Sansa Clips, and now the 8GB flash-based player.  It may be teeny-tiny in size, but it certainly isn’t in the capacity of songs this baby can hold.  Try up to 4,000 on it’s rechargeable battery which will run for 15 hours.  Not bad, eh?

The player obviously gets its name from the clip it sports on the back.  It lets users attach it to their clothing, backbacks, etc., which is great for when you are on the go.  However, if you want to detach the clip, you have that option as well.  Another nice thing about the Sansa Clip is that is has an OLED color screen, which lets you pick which songs you want to listen to; you don’t have to listen at random.  More after the break.

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Popular science just awarded Pacemaker, a mp3 player that turns anyone into a DJ, as a “Best of what’s new” winner in the Gadgets category.  The device is part of a larger platform that encompasses a user community which provides legal uploading and mix sharing as well as a desktop application.

The Pacemaker at its gadget-y heart is a 120GB mp3 player with display and touchpad.  Various inputs allow some crazy stuff, all in a very mobile little unit.  The device features multifunction buttons that allow different inputs on the touchpad.  I am certain it is easier to use than the diagram which outlines all the functionality shows. 

Keep reading to find out some more about the Pacemaker.

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Look out Apple, there could be a company in town with a player to kill the iPod.  In all seriousness, MySpace might enter the MP3 player department, a place where Apple’s iPod has dominated for quite a while now. 

At the Web 2.0 Summit meeting on Thursday, MySpace co-founder and Chief Executive, Chris DeWolfe, shed some light on the fact that MySpace could develop a music player, but nothing is set in stone. 

MySpace has used music a lot to make their site bigger and bigger.  Many small (and large) bands use MySpace as a way to share their music.  They even launched a new service, called MySpace Music, which works with popular music labels including Sony BMG Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group.  More after the break.

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Sections: Apple, Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video, Web, Downloads, Websites, Online Music/Video

  This is where we call out the tech moves that seem odd, out of touch or just plain straight up smokin’ crack.  This week sees posturing, positioning and flat out insanity.  Here is what caught my eye this week:

Follow to see me call out:

• LG and its ridiculously square phone
• AT&T thinks Android is on crack
• Sprint thinks we want to watch football (American) on our phones.
• Moto wants to be on crack
• and our own Natesh who finds more than his share of obscure gadgetry

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In case you were in the market for a new PMP, Cowon just made the decision for you a little bit easier.  On PMPs such as the F2, D2, Q5W, I7, U5 and the A3 the prices have been significantly reduced.  Unfortunately, the pricing on the O2 will remain the same. 

Read all the details after the break.

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You may know of Dane-Elec has one of the main distributors of Meizu’s M6, which is a phone similar to the iPhone.  Now, they have decided to venture into the PMP market themselves and they recently introduced 4 of their first PMP’s - the Music Mediatouch, the Music Touch, Music Pix and the Music.  Definitely some interesting names for PMP’s, in my opinion.

First, let’s talk about the Music Mediatouch.  It comes with a 4.3-inch touch screen with 480 x 272 resolution, TV out, FM Tuner, and support for many audio and video formats including AVI, WAV, and MP3.  It also comes with support of WMA, WAV, APE, FLAC, JPG, GIF, and BMP.  The Music Mediatouch will be available in 2 models, a 4GB and an 8GB.  The 8GB will sell for 150 Euros, or $202.  I imagine the 4GB to sell a bit less than that.

Plenty more details after the break.

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Usually, MP3 players serve only a few purposes such as playing audio and probably video.  It is pretty rare to find good Bluetooth embedded in an MP3 player.  However, Philips has recently announced their new MP3 player that incorporates Bluetooth 2.1 technology for hands free calling. 

The GoGear LUXE is a MP3 player that pairs to your handset via Bluetooth.  If you play a lot of music on your phone, you know what a battery drain that can be—the LUXE would alleviate that problem.

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Christmas is for the kids, right?  Better get them crossed off the shopping list first.  I checked out a few of the wish lists floating around and thought I would share them with you.  Wouldn’t you know, they are filled with electronics.  We have plenty of shopping days til the holidays.  That is, unless your kids want Elmo Live, which is already selling out.

What are your kids asking Santa for? Keep reading to see.

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