Click to see the Cowon S9 photo gallery.
(Credit: Nate Lanxon/CNET U.K.)
Cowon’s S9 touch-screen MP3 player has arrived, bringing the expected music, video, and photo playback, and extras such as FM radio, Bluetooth, voice/radio/line recording, a Flash player, and a text reader. So far, I’d say the S9’s design is spot-on, with a slight curved back and a bright 16:9-formatted OLED screen set at a 480×272-pixel resolution. The user interface is also quite impressive, combined with Cowon’s choice of a capacitive touch screen, the onscreen control is about as attractive and responsive as you can get without investing in an iPod Touch.
The Cowon S9 comes in 8GB and 16GB capacities priced at $199 and $239, respectively. The cost could be worth it if you’re a real stickler for sound quality, as the S9 is Cowon’s first player to include the suite of BBE+ sound enhancements. The BBE+ suite improves on the already impressive BBE effects included in CNET faves like the D2 and iAudio 7, adding more than 30 presets in addition to a five-band EQ with independent bandwidth control.
Now for the bad news. The first drawback I’ve noticed on the Cowon S9 is that it just feels kind of cheap–which is a complaint I rarely have with Cowon. Unlike the glass and steel design of the iPod Touch, the S9 uses an all-plastic design that–though lightweight–has a hollow and flimsy feel. Even the all-plastic Samsung P2 feels a little more durable and substantial.
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Finally, a pair of video glasses that don't make you look like an extra on an '80s sci-fi B movie.
(Credit: Vuzix)
There’s little doubt that as we inch closer to the technological singularity, video-enabled glasses will play a part. Unfortunately, manufacturers have yet to produce …
Originally posted at CES 2009
Continue reading about Sneak peek at Vuzix Wrap 920AV glasses
If you’re thinking about going green in 2009, the Baylis Revolution wind-up MP3 player may let you inch down your carbon footprint ever so slightly.
Click for Baylis Revolution photo gallery.
(Credit: CBS Interactive)
I know it’s unforgiveably anachronistic to have a hand-crank slapped on the side of …
Beats for your brain.
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)
In the final MP3 Insider of 2008, Donald and Jasmine discuss Dr. Dre’s super stylish in-ear headphones, a way-too-pricey iPod dock from DLO, some touch-screen alternatives to the iPod Touch, and a gaggle of gear for the Creative Zen family.
Plus, find out how to follow Jasmine and Donald while they cruise around CES 2009.
Listen now:
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Originally posted at MP3 Insider
Continue reading about MP3 Insider 128: 2008 gives up the ghost
The Bluetooth-enabled LUXE, is one of three new MP3 players being unleashed by Philips. Click to see a photo gallery of other new Philips MP3 players.
(Credit: Philips)
Interested in buying a Philips SA1948? How about a Philips SA1929? No. What about a Philips Raga? If that last one sounds …
Continue reading about Philips relents, gives MP3 players real names
The Cowon S9 portable media player.
(Credit: Cowon)
Despite rumors of shipping delays, Cowon America has announced their S9 touchscreen media player will arrive in the U.S. before the year is out. If all goes as planned, The S9 will be available to order by December 19th from Cowon’…
According to a post on the Sony Insider blog, Sony is gearing up to release a touch-screen Walkman to contend with Apple’s iPod Touch (get in line Sony). The blog post, which cites no sources and saw fit to post their own product mock-up, claims the new Walkman includes …
Originally posted at MP3 Insider
Continue reading about Touch-screen Sony Walkman? Don’t hold your breath
You don’t see many iPod video docks these days–and for good reason. Starting in 2007, Apple locked down video accessory support for the iPod, while simultaneously releasing a product that made such accessories arguably obsolete: the Apple TV.
Click for a photo gallery of the DLO HomeDock HD.
(Credit:
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Continue reading about Review: DLO HomeDock HD, last of a dying breed?
I wasn’t blown away by the photos that surfaced earlier this week of the upcoming Cowon S9 media player’s touch screen interface. Today, we’ve got a video of the S9 interface in action, showing off an encouraging amount of system responsiveness and graphic user interface sophistication.
Despite
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The Numark TTi rips vinyl to your iPod.
(Credit: Donald Bell/CNET Networks)
Donald and Jasmine announce the winner of the Gears of War II Special Edition Zune 120, but first you have to listen to them talk about Apple’s new In-Ear Headphones, some pricey single-minded iPod accessories, Donald’s one year Zuniversary, a roundup of the top budget headphones, and a cool and creative reason to have a Rhapsody subscription.
Also this week: think up a creative Twitter alias for Jasmine for CES and get a chance to win a JBL On Stage Micro.
Listen now:
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Originally posted at MP3 Insider