It’s not clear when FreedomPop might ship a case for the fifth-generation Touch. An iPhone case is expected sometime in November though, and earlier this month the company began giving out hotspots and USB dongles for free after a deposit. FreedomPop’s profits should come almost entirely from service fees, since 500MB can be consumed extremely quickly over 4G.

The post FreedomPop Announce WiMAX Case for iPod Touch – Shipping in Nov. appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Although the processor remains undisclosed, it has been revealed it will be in both 16GB and 32GB storage versions with an additional microSD card slot for a further 32GB. A VGA front-facing camera is joined by Wi-Fi in b, g, and n flavors; Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and receive power from a 2,500 mAh battery. Android 4.0 with the TouchWiz overlay also makes an appearance, as well as the Learning Hub seen in the Note 10.1 announcement.

Details relating to pricing and global release dates remains absent, but further details could come out during IFA 2012, starting later this week in Berlin, alongside the widely speculated Galaxy Note II reveal.

The post Samsung Galaxy Player 5.8 Media Player Announced appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Weighing in at 0.82lbs, the Sound To Go PLUS contains a rechargeable lithium battery capable of up to 10 hours of play. The speaker streams audio through USB, but it also has an auxiliary input allowing it to connect to audio-enabled devices. It is capable of a total power output of 1Wx2, with a 20Hz-20KHz distortion of less than one percent.

The Sound To Go PLUS comes with a soft protective carry pouch for transportation, as well as a USB cable for connecting to digital devices. Edifier’s new portable audio system is available on the Edifier website for $49.99.

The post Sound To Go PLUS – Micro Speaker for Laptops, Tablets, Smartphones appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The prices start from 12,800 yen ($156) for the S760 series, 15,800 yen ($193) for the S760K and 18,800 yen ($230) for the S760BT series with Bluetooth.

It is currently unknown if they will be selling these devices outside of Japan.

The post Sony Japan Ships Special Walkman S760 for Walt Disney’s Birthday appeared first on Takes On Tech.

A round of extra improvements make it more functional. The rear camera has been upgraded to five megapixels. It likewise claims a larger 2,500mAh battery and, in Korea, a DMB over-the-air TV tuner. Android 2.3 still ships with Samsung’s TouchWiz interface layer on top.

Versions of the 70 Plus are expected to ship to South Korea in 16GB and 32GB capacities for the equivalents of $357 and $419. Samsung hasn’t said if or when the new device would reach other countries, although the lineup has usually exported to the US and other areas. A US launch would likely have to drop the conspicuously iPod-like center button.

The post Samsung First with dual-Core Media Player appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Because the units don’t need to attach to existing Wi-Fi setups or require IP addresses, setup is simplified. Users can purchase multiple receivers and spread them throughout the home. Once linked to the transmitter on the user’s portable player (for example an iPhone), the receivers automatically pick up the signal from the transmitter and stream audio to the speakers.

The system streams audio at full 16-bit/48kHz x two channels at 20-20kHz. The units include a power supply and, in the case of the iTX transmitter, a charge cable.

The 30-pin “iTX” transmitters have a range of approximately 10 to 20 meters (30 to 65 feet), while the USB “uTX” transmitters offer a longer 15-30 meters (50-98 feet) range. The iTX transmitters will be available in mid-March, while the USB-based transmitters are available now. The Air DAC receiver portion is also available now. The iTX transmitter will work with any iPod, iPad, or iPhone device that has a 30-pin dock connector.

The setup uses SKAA technology to allow a wide range of connectable devices that otherwise wouldn’t be able to accept wireless input. Each transmitter can send audio to up to four receivers, and conversely each receiver can be linked to up to four transmitters.

The Air DAC receivers can be purchased individually for $149 with uTX transmitters available for $59 and iTX transmitters coming in mid-March for $79. Bundles that pair one transmitter with one receiver can be purchased for $179 (uTX) or $199 (iTX).

Air DAC receiver unit

uTX transmitter

iTX transmitter

The post NuForce Announces Air DAC for CD-Quality Wireless Audio Streaming appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The new activities supported include Pilates, yoga, dancing and the martial arts. Motorola is also adding the ability to set up the Wi-Fi connection directly. Previously, a user would have to set up the connection using a computer.

The Training Portal is being improved so owners can host their own competitions online. Motorola has told users that the update should be available around March 7.

The MOTOACTV launched in October. Although superficially looking like an iPod nano, it’s an exercise monitor in the form factor of a large wristwatch. It incorporates a 1.6-inch touchscreen, a GPS receiver, a built-in MP3 player. Since release, it has had multiple updates that improve the battery life and improve features.

The post Motorola Teases Flick-to-Wake Update for the MOTOACTV appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The pill is a compact 5.8-inch speaker system. The iPod drops into a holder which then closes to virtually encapsulate the audio device. The pill provides controls to shuffle the music tracks or adjust the volume. The nano also can still be managed by its touchscreen, which remains accessible.

Although posted on Gavio’s website, the company provides no detailed specifications, pricing or when the Pill might be available for order or pre-order. It appears that when launched, it will be available in silver on silver, white/red, white/blue, and silver/black color combinations.

The post Gavio’s The Pill Speakers Covers the iPod Nano appeared first on Takes On Tech.

For running, it can track basics like distance, speed, and time but also heart rate and calories; a motoactv.com page gives a parallel to Nike+ with long-term stats and rout maps synced wirelessly.

At its core, it uses a 1.6-inch weather-resistant touchscreen and can pair up with an Android phone to take inbound calls or text messages. Its signature exercise feature for music playback is a performance-generated playlist: the MOTOACTV gauges what songs produce the best performance and curates them over time. FM radio is still available as a backup.

Battery life depends on GPS use, with outdoor runs netting five hours of use at a time and more stationary indoor workouts getting 10 hours.

The MOTOACTV is up for pre-orders today from Motorola itselve and will be on shelves at Best Buy, Eastern Mountain Sports, REI, and Sports Authority on November 6. Adding GPS and other sensors hikes the costs above the Apple rivals at $249 for an 8GB edition and $299 for 16GB.

The post MOTOACTV Arrives November 6 – Motorola’s Fitness MP3 Player appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The company’s support page claiming the end to Zune HD players also returned after a temporary return following the company’s earlier confusion. The statement reinforces Microsoft’s strategy of shifting focus for the Zune’s services to Windows Phone​ as well as its desktop and Xbox 360 components.

Microsoft still hasn’t formally ended the Zune line outside of its statements, although it finished September by ending its long-running Zune Insider podcast with an abrupt notice at the end of its final episode. No mention was made at the time of the devices themselves going away, but the two key Zune team members hosting the show were moving on to other projects.

The post Zune HD Sees Phaseout As Stores Run Out of Stock appeared first on Takes On Tech.

While it’s true the company hasn’t put out a press release or separate statement, the support page made it clear the company was at least planning to wind down its MP3 players. The focus shifted to Windows Phone​ as soon as it launched in fall of last year and has seen few updates to the Zune HD in hardware and software, slowing down noticeably in the past year.

The conflicting points of view mark a mixed exit for the Zune hardware that parallels its launch. Microsoft started off the Zune in November 2006 with the ambition of cutting deeply into the iPod’s market share. Limited Wi-Fi features and what amounted to a decision to compete against Microsoft’s own music player partners quickly clouded its release. Microsoft became more aggressive and coordinated in 2007 but eventually slowed down and let the faster-moving Apple hold its lead.

Apple during its October 4 event has mentioned that most of the iPod’s 10-year history has seen it hold on to over 70 percent of the MP3 player market in the US, actually climbing higher to 78 percent this year

The post Microsoft Tweets Zune End Not Yet Official appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Software is the primary focus, as the iPod touch gets all non-phone features of iOS 5, including iCloud when it’s on Wi-Fi.

Pricing has only changed at the low end for the iPod touch, which now costs $199 for an 8GB version (down from $229). The 32GB and 64GB versions still cost $299 and $399.

The iPod nano has received more substantial updates. The interface now has the choice of larger icons with an easier, one-by-one interface for changing info mid-run. Nike+ run tracking is now completely self-contained and doesn’t need any external adapters to track calories, distance, pace, and steps. Apple has acknowledged the rush of demand for the iPod nano as a makeshift watch and has 16 new watch faces, including various analog and digital looks as well as special Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse faces.

Apple is selling the iPod nano in seven colors and has lowered the base prices, dropping 8GB to $129 and $149 for 16GB.

Both new iPods are available today at retail and in the online Apple Store.

The post iPod Touch and iPod Nano Get Minor Refresh appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The player was well reviewed when it launched in 2006, and it grabbed as much as 10 percent of the market for media players.

Microsoft Corp. hasn’t released a major update to the line in two years. Some of the look and functionality of the Zune has been moved over to Microsoft’s smartphone software, which it says in a support page ”will be the focus of our mobile music and video strategy.”

Microsoft says it will continue to support existing players.

The post Microsoft is Discontinuing the Zune appeared first on Takes On Tech.

A dedicated key on the side of the unit opens the music player, which includes a list view, cover art view, search, mood channel, and random song selection functions. The player can also generate visualizations with playback. Sony says battery life will support 20 hours of music playback. The home screen features a streamined launcher for other apps, including a web browser.

The NW-Z1000 series supports most popular video formats, including MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, .Mp4,. M4v and .WMV. It plays full 1920×1,080 HD video at 30fps. Supported music formats include MP3, WMA, ATRAC, ATRAC Advanced Lossless, Linear PCM, AAC and HE-AAC.

The player sports HDMI video out, Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth OPP/A2DP/AVRCP, and the “throw” based DLNA media sharing Sony introduced with its Android tablets. It has S-Master MX sound processing and digital noise cancellation, as well as the classic Walkman “xLOUD” function.

Sony has licensed a line of official accessories for the Walkman NW-Z1000 series including a leather carrying case, screen protector, and headphones.

Estimated retail price is 16GB NW-Z1050 is ¥28,000 ($364). The 32GB NW-Z1060 is approximately 33,000 yen ($429). The 64GB NW-Z1070 is about 43,000 yen ($559). The NW-Z10000 will be available in black and red. A white 64GB version, NW-Z1070/W, will be sold exclusively in Sony stores for 45,800 yen ($595). Sony expects the Android Walkman NW-Z1000 series in Japanese stores on December 10. The company did not release details on availability for the US market.

The post Sony Makes First Android-Based Walkman, Z1000, Official appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Both players can also reproduce video, with WQVGA resolution displays. Virtual 5.1-channel surround sound is also supported, but Samsung hasn’t revealed any more tech specs other than an 8.6mm thickness and 52g weight for the products. Whether this is for both or one of them isn’t known.

Also unspecified are shipping dates and prices. The players may not reach markets outside of Korea, although Samsung normally exports at least some of its lineup to the US.

YP-Z3

YP-R2

The post Samsung Announces Two MP3 Players with MP3 HD Support in Korea appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The 8GB A864 will be $225; the 16GB A865 will go for $267, the 32GB A866 for $352, and the 64GB A867 for $494. The new Sony Video Walkman A-Series will be available starting July 31

The post New Sony Video Walkman A-Series appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The new version has a full battery life of eight hours. It focuses on drag-and-drop to load music but has a Content Transfer app for Windows users to speed along the process; Macs should also have basic file system support. Along with MP3s, it should recognize both protected and unprotected WMA files, though Windows Media Player is needed to shuffle over the locked content.

Both 2GB and 4GB capacities will be available in August. A 2GB version will cost $60 and will come in either black or white, while the 4GB edition should be black-only and will fetch $80.

The post Sony Updates the Walkman W Series – Sports-Friendly W260s appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The recorder, which can also double as a direct USB microphone for computers, features an analog-type Mic Gain wheel, filter and compresser/limiter effects, a metronome, MP3 post-encoding, A-B repeat, Auto Gain and many other recording options. It can run on battery, AC or USB bus power, recording in WAV format up to 24-bit/96kHz or in MP3 up to 320kbps. It includes a built-in reference speaker, 1/8-inch mic/line input and headphones/line output stereo phone jacks, and even offers a high-speed USB2 card reader function.

The five onboard mics allow the unit to record in four different modes, including Mid-Side stereo, a technique widely used in film and TV production for capturing a controllable amount of ambient noise in addition to the unidirectional speaking angle; the H2n offers control for a range from 30 to 150 degrees. The unit also handles traditional 90-degree X/Y recording, and by combining mics can offer 2-channel or 4-channel surround sound recording. The package comes with Steinberg’s WaveLab LE 7 software for importing and editing recordings, though the H2n works with a variety of other audio software.

An optional accessory package will also be available, adding a wired remote control, windscreen, AC/USB adapter, USB cable, mini-tripod stand, padded-shell case and a mic clip adapter.

The Zoom H2n recorder debuts in September with a retail price of $199. It will be available directly from the company and through musicand audio retailers.

The post Zoom Shows Off the Upcoming H2n Recorder appeared first on Takes On Tech.

These second-generation devices, which work with both Mac or Windows computers, also feature a trackball for better one-handed operation. Improvements have been made to the low-noise directional microphone which reduces extraneous sounds and background noise, and can be used both as standalone, on-the-go units or as direct recording mics into a personal computer.

The DR-1200 features a push-button recording activation feature, while the other two models use a slider switch, which complements the new ergonomic design, helping users keep the unit comfortably in their hand for extended periods. The units all feature a tri-color LED to improve visual understanding of status messages, and the trackball allows the user to control their Mac or Windows machine as they would with a mouse without letting go of the Directrec device when the two are connected, improving efficiency.

The top of the line model, the DR-2300, also offers a barcode module to enable automatic allocation of voice files to client, case or patient records. Included software allows customization of five programmable buttons on the units to suit any recording environment. Olympus is also making available an improved Software Development Kit for further customizations.

Each model measures 6.1 by 1.8 by 1.2 inches, and features a long 98.4-inch USB cord. Microphone sensitivity can be adjusted to +6 or +18 dB as needed. Frequency response is rated at 100Hz to 14KHz using PCM recording, and all units have a built-in speaker for playback as well as adjustable and customizable volume control.

The Directrec lineup will be available at authorized Olympus Professional dealers starting next month. The DR-1200 is priced at $349, the DR-2200 at $379, and the DR-2300 at $399.

The post Olympus Adds 3 New Units to Its Professional Digital Audio Recorders Line appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The company explained outright that “demand has decreased” for MiniDisc and that flash-based media players had taken over. Older style MiniDiscs would still be on sale for the foreseeable future.

Sony first launched MiniDiscs in 1992 at the height of its popularity for portable music. The format eventually, however, represented the company’s sluggishness to adapt to the digital shift and an insistence on proprietary formats that had little reason to exist. Sony was still selling MiniDisc devices as serious competitors when the iPod was at its peak. Until late in their life, MiniDisc Players often required loading files using Sony’s ATRAC format rather than more popular AAC and MP3 tracks.

The format was very popular in Japan and amoing the press for recording interviews.

The post RIP MiniDisc – Sony Has Stopped Selling the MZ-RH1 appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Its size helps it last for nine hours of non-stop video and forty hours of music. As with most iRiver hardware, the format support is broad and in video includes hobbyist-friendly video formats like Matroska (MKV) and XviD along with AVI and WMV. Audio includes APE, FLAC, and OGG along with the usual MP3, WAV, and WMA. Common compressed photo formats, FM radio, and voice memo recording define the P8′s extras.

Versions are shipping with just 8GB or 16GB of internal storage, although a microSDHC slot takes up to 32GB more. The Russian site doesn’t mention pricing. Whether or not the P8 makes it to other countries is just as unknown, although iRiver’s lineup is frequently exported both officially and otherwise.

The post iRiver Release the P8 Media Player appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Anyone who wants to buy a Zune now has to opt for a retailer like Best Buy or Walmart. Best Buy is not shipping the player online.

The company has regularly been hesitant to say the Zune HD is on its way out but has given numerous signs that it’s phasing out support of the MP3 player. Microsoft hasn’t significantly updated the device since April 2010 and has been putting much more of its emphasis on Windows Phone and the Xbox.

The post Microsoft Has Stoped Taking Zune HD Originals Orders appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Either version can last for up to 20 hours on battery. They only support Audible, MP3, WAV, and WMV for video, but all can handle JPEG photos and have microSDHC slots that can add up to 32GB more space. M300 owners get FM radio missing in the M100.

Cost is the chief focus of the players. The Zen Style M100 starts off at as little as $40 for a 4GB version and moves up to $60 for an 8GB version. M300 players carry a small $10 premium at the same capacities and also bring in a 16GB version for $90.

The post Creative Announces the Zen Style M300 MP3 Player appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The latest Walkmans weigh one ounce and are under four inches long. Sony claims 18 hours of battery life and a three-minute charge time that returns 90 minutes of playback. Also making its debut with these devices is a detachable belt clip for attaching to clothes or bags.

Users can put their music library on the devices through a built-in USB port by dragging and dropping them from most any computer or by using Windows Media Player 11 or 12. Storage capacities are unspecified at this time.

The new Walkmans ship in June, though prices haven’t been announced.

The post Sony Shows Off the Walkman NWZ-B160 appeared first on Takes On Tech.

NVIDIA’s Optimus switching lets it last for up to six hours on battery, and the M14x gets some media credentials with Wireless HD support and HDMI 1.4 video out. Wireless also has the option of WiMAX for 4G, and USB 3.0 will handle faster external hard drives. The screen starts at a regular 1366×768 but can be optioned up to 1600×900.

The M11x has also been given a significant reworking on the inside. Making the necessary leap to second-generation 1.4GHz Core i5 and 1.6GHz i7 chips, along with tweaks, has jumped the battery life from six hours to 10. Options will exist not just for WiMAX but also for LTE and regular 3G.

In the long-term, the company also plans to launch the M18x as its largest ever notebook. The 18.4-inch system will be the first Alienware notebook to have a factory overclocked processor. Audio will be a strong point with Klipsch speaker audio built-in. Most details weren’t mentioned but are presumed to involve a quad Core i7 and dual graphics chipsets. Its weight rules it out for real portability at a heavy 16 pounds.

Alienware is shipping the M11x and M14x today for $999 and $1,199. The M18x is due in May and should ship for $1,999.

Alienware M14x

Alienware M14x

Alienware M14x

The post Alienware Releases M14x and M18x, Revamped M11x appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The app is free and live now in the Zune Marketplace either on the device or in the Windows-based Zune software.

The release came a year and a half after the Zune HD launched and only now is catching up to some features that shipped in the original iPod touch.

The post Zune HD Gets a Mail Client, A Year and Half After Launch appeared first on Takes On Tech.

They are some of the few pocketable media players to support Flash 10.1 and will have DLNA media sharing. Both are equally rare in having GPS and can work as true stand-alone navigators when using a GPS app with offline maps, including Google Maps 5.

The two ship with 8GB of storage built-in and have microSDHC slots to take up to 32GB more. Samsung is very pround of the fact they don’t need a sync app to load content and will work with drag-and-drop for those comfortable with manually loading their media. They support most common media formats, including the usual AAC, MP3, MPEG-4, H.264 and Windows Media but also DivX, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, and XviD.

Samsung didn’t give a ship date or a price for either Galaxy Player beyond a spring release, though they’re expected to cost much less than a Galaxy S-based phone would off-contract.

The post Samsung to Take on the iPod Touch with Galaxy Player 4 and 5 appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Steve Was There

With more than 15 million iPads sold, iPad has defined an entirely new category of mobile devices,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “While others have been scrambling to copy the first generation iPad, we’re launching iPad 2, which moves the bar far ahead of the competition and will likely cause them to go back to the drawing boards yet again.”  He also noted that Apple paid out over $2 billion to developers from App Store revenues.

The iPad 2 further gains a gyroscope, and forward- and rear-facing cameras. The front facing camera is VGA quality for FaceTime and Photo Booth, and a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video, bringing FaceTime feature to iPad users for the first time

Black and white colors will be available, and 3G versions of the tablet will support AT&T and Verizon. Battery life is rated the same as the iPad 1 at 10 hours. Uniquely, a special $39 cable will allow HDMI out at resolutions up to 1080p while still charging.

Smart Cover

The iPad 2 smart cover may be one the best tricks Apple has  going for the new iPad 2. By using  magnets that easily attach to special metal spots on the new tablet it protects the screen. Apple even claims it helps clean the screen. Now it does not appear to offer a lot of protection from dropping.

But wait,  is it a cover or stand? It is both – the smart cover has an origami-like way of folding so it can prop up the iPad in an optimal typing position. It’ll be $39 in plastic (in five colors), and $69 (also with a choice of five colors) for the leather version.

New iPad Apps

Apple also introduced two new apps: iMovie and GarageBand for iPad, both available on the App Store for just $4.99 each. With iMovie, iPad 2 users can shoot and edit videos right on their iPad and post their movies to YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo and their MobileMe gallery; watch them on their iPod, iPhone or iPad; as well as view them on their HDTV using AirPlay and Apple TV. GarageBand turns your iPad into a collection of touch instruments and 8-track recording studio, allowing you to perform with onscreen keyboards, guitars, drums and basses using multi-touch gestures–even if you don’t play a musical instrument.

Price and Availability

Pad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available on March 11 for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model, $699 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G compatible with the Verizon network will be available in the US only for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model.

Beginning on the 25th the iPad 2 will come to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Hungary, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK

The post iPad 2 is Now Real and Steve Jobs was There to Launch it appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The 16GB Zune is now down to $170, while  the 32GB version costs $200. Most custom etchings and colors are free.

Canada is so far the only country outside of the US to have ever had the Zune, but it never received the music store and is getting the Zune HD over a year later than the US.

The post Zune HD Comes to Canada Without the Marketplace appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The device uses light WEP encryption but works with both Macs and Windows PCs without having to install software. ZTE’s design has its own internal battery, although neither it nor Sprint has said how long the case lasts.

Cost for both the device and the service are core to the Peel’s design. It costs $80 without a contract and has a special plan that provides 1GB of data per month for $30. Stores will start carrying the ZTE router on November 14.

The post Sprint Confirms ZTE Peel for iPod Touch appeared first on Takes On Tech.