Piper Jaffray's biannual Teen Survey, in its eighth year, shows a serious drop off in interest for the Zune and Sansa. From last year's not-great 15% figure to this year's unfathomable 0%, it's just ugly.

But are these numbers accurate? For one, SanDisk had some decent numbers around 2007, but this survey says they peaked at 4%. It's certainly possible that SanDisk sold all of its products to adults and not teens, which would explain the discrepancy, but it still seems a bit fishy.

But in any case, Apple has just got to love seeing numbers like this. The age of iPod's total dominance over the PMP scene won't last forever, but with numbers like this it isn't ending anytime soon either. [Apple Insider via Crave]

In reality, it appears to be just another mediocre PMP with no real distinguishing characteristics. But the company shrewdly named it an MP7 player to trick the tech-unsavvy portion of the public into thinking that if MP3s are good, MP7s must be better. And it probably worked.

The MP7 player can be yours for the unreasonably-high price of $70. [Product Page via Technabob]

The cans have wooden housing for improved sound quality. They operage in a 5Hz to 30kHz frequency, feature 64Ω impedance, an overpressure value of 101dB/mW and support a maximum input of 1,500mW. The whole package weighs in at about 13.5 ounces, which means they'll cost you about $54 per ounce when they go on sale in Japan next month. Worth it? [Engadget]

In theory, being able to buy 1,000 good songs on a microSD card for $40 is great. You'd be able to pop it into various phones and MP3 players and you wouldn't have to deal with any of the hassle of downloading or ripping or any of that stuff. It would be perfect for people who aren't tech-savvy or huge music buffs.

But in practice, the entire thing has been so crippled that it's basically worthless. Yeah, you get 1,000 songs, but there's no way to actually sort through them. There's no back button. If you hear a song you like, the only way to hear it again is to hit the skip button 999 times. Seriously, who's idea was it to not include a back button? Can you think of a more disastrous interface choice on any portable music player ever?

There are more device design flaws: There's no play/pause button either, so you have to turn the thing off to stop it. BUT, if you turn it off, the 1,000-song playback starts at the beginning. At least, at the beginning of the genre (hip-hop, country, alt rock, classic rock, etc.). So you had better like the songs at the beginning of the fixed-order queue a lot. (Yep, no shuffling either.) If you use your own DRM-free music, you still have to obey these silly playback rules.

In addition, if you want to play the songs on any other device, you can't. There are plans to bring firmware updates to Sansas and some Windows Mobile devices in the future, but you can't use them in your computer and it definitely isn't a simple process to pop it out and put it in other devices. You can't pull the songs off, you can't make your own playlists, you can't add your own songs. You can't really do anything.

Obviously most of these restrictions are demands from the major record labels, all of which contribute songs to the $40, 1,000 song packs. That's why these songs are so cheap: you don't really own them. Sure, there are no subscriptions and you technically "own" the songs forever, but SanDisk showed its hand at its press conference with a screenshot of a Windows Mobile phone running slotRadio. Under each song was a "Buy Song" option. Wait, didn't you already buy the song? You want people to buy it again so they can, you know, actually use it how they want? That's a pretty shitty move, SanDisk.

Sure, some people may be conned into buying this thinking that it's a simple way to acquire a lot of music. But you've got to think that people will want to have more control over songs they listen to than this, even when they aren't too particular about their music.

Maybe eventually the major labels will loosen up a bit and sell song packs like this without the insane, device-murdering restrictions attached, but until then we're going to keep seeing garbage like the slotRadio coming out. And nothing promotes music piracy like being tricked into paying for songs that you don't really own.

Yes, Sandisk's newest Sansa makes acquiring music easier than ever, with 1,000 songs "handpicked from the Billboard charts" coming on a microSD card for use with the player. If you get bored of those songs, you can grab genre-specific 1,000 song bundles for $40 more.

It's a neat idea, what with the bundles bringing the costs of music down to a delicious 4 cents per song and cutting downloading out of the equation, but you've got to wonder what percentage of said songs will be ones you'll care about. I mean, I love music, but I love specific music, not just music in general. But hey, there are people out there who listen to light rock radio all day at work just to create background noise, so maybe there's more of a market for this stuff than I think. And hell, there's an FM radio integrated in there for those folks as well.

Oh, and the catch, if you were wondering, is that those $0.04 cent songs are locked to the card. No pulling them off onto your computer, no playing them on other devices, no backing up. Eep.

In any case, the Sansa slotRadio will be available in "early 2009" for $100 (1,000 song card included) at RadioShack.

The SE110 uses something called a balanced armiture driver, easy to shrink down so customers don't stretch your ear canal just because they like their damn music. Trouble was, some people didn't think there was enough bass there. When the guys went to build the SE115, the technology was finally available to shrink down the more traditional—and bass happy—dynamic driver. This is what the old E2 model had, but those were big and for some reason couldn't use the same foam ear padding; the new dynamic driver, using neodymium magnets, a fancy new voice-coil winding system and a new diaphragm material, could be fit inside earbuds that look just like the SE110, and be given the same comfortable padding.

Audiophiles will still want to go up the ladder. Shure says that the armiture-equipped SE210 will still have a more balanced "flat" frequency response, while the SE115 will be admittedly more "fun." Perhaps to emphasize this, in addition to austere black, the buds will come in red, blue and pink. (You know, nothing says "I like to party" like hot pink sound-isolating earphones.)

As a fan of the SE110, I'm surprised to hear that something I thought was nearly perfect is only getting better. I have yet to try them, of course, but I look forward to it, and so should many of you. Shure says the SE115 will go for around $100 on the nose, without a lot of discounting at first. But for people who don't care a whole lot about the extra low-end boost, the SE110 sells for $90 or so now, but will stay on the market for the time being, and could very well start selling for even less. [Shure]

Shure Blends Brilliant Sound and Color with New SE115 Sound Isolating Earphones

LAS VEGAS, NV; SAN FRANCISCO, CA; and NILES, IL, January 6, 2009 – At the Consumer Electronics Show and Macworld Conference and Expo, Shure Incorporated today unveiled the SE115, the newest, most affordable, and most colorful member of the Company’s acclaimed family of Sound Isolating™ Earphones. The SE115 arrives in four vivid hues – Blue, Pink, Black, and Red – and at a $99 price point. Already a likely icon for its aesthetics and affordability, this newest earphone, like the Company’s other SE models (SE210, SE310, SE420, and SE530), is most remarkable for how it reproduces sound.

During the past five years, Shure has delivered a personal listening experience unlike any other, making the brand synonymous with exceptional sound quality. While many have tried, none have been able to achieve the same combination of reliability, comfort, portability, style, and audio performance without compromising one requisite for another. Now, with the SE115, creative Shure engineers have achieved a new breakthrough and fit a dynamic driver capable of delivering incredibly rich bass into the sleek, compact form factor once only attainable with a smaller driver.

“There’s no doubt about it – for decades, Shure has set the standard for superior audio and unparalleled design,” said Mark Karnes, Executive Director, Global Marketing, Shure. “Now, as MP3 players, smartphones, portable gaming systems, and laptops break new ground in functionality and style, our engineers have blasted even bigger sound into a smaller and more beautiful package than ever before.”

Additional SE115 features include:

• Superior Sound Quality: The Second Generation Dynamic MicroSpeaker delivers detailed, warm sound with enhanced bass.
• Color and Style: Blue, Pink, Black, and Red create a personal fashion statement for any user.
• Isolation from Background Noise: Unique Sound Isolating technology prevents outside noise from interfering with the user’s listening experience.
• Superior Comfort and Flexibility: The included Shure fit kit provides interchangeable earphone fit and cable options that deliver unmatched personal customization.

Pricing and Availability

At a $99.99 retail [$119.99 MSRP], the SE115 Sound Isolating Earphones will be available to consumers in spring 2009 and will carry a two-year limited warranty. The SE115 and all Shure Sound Isolating Earphones and inline accessories can be purchased online at www.shure.com, as well as at select retail partners. Check www.shure.com for a complete list of Authorized Dealers.

This guy affixed two iPods to the front of his guitar; one runs Itouch Midi's Matrix app and the other is running my beloved Bloom. He then plays the guitar with a bow to make hazy, formless music. It's a neat idea, but I can't help but think physically attaching the iPods to the guitar is unnecessary. But hey, what do I know? I'm no musical genius like this guy. [Matrixsynth via Make]

Yes, the rumor has it that the new Walkman will feature a 3-inch OLED touchscreen. It sounds like a direct competitor to the iPod Touch, as it supports Wi-Fi and will have a built-in browser, as well as a bunch of other web-based features.

While most of the usual menu structure of the current Walkman series will be retained in this new model, there are several new exciting features included. For example, upon listening to an artist, you may click on the artist name and watch music videos of the artist on YouTube through Wi-Fi (WPA and WEP support included). Additionally, there will be a Youtube icon on the main screen that will allow full access to the website - search, pause, FF/RW included very similar to Youtube access on the iPhone/iTouch. Additionally, this new Walkman will be able to subscribe to audio podcast and Crackle video feeds; this means automatic download of new updates, the ability to delete old feed content, all over Wi-Fi.

Interesting! If this is true, and the OS and touchscreen is usable and responsive, we might have a strong competitor to the Touch. We'll find out soon enough, as CES is less than a month away. [Sony Insider]

The headphones in question are the Dr. Dre Beats headphones, a nice pair of over-the-ear cans with noise cancellation and a cellphone mic built in.

Now, Monster and some guy names Ron Herman are offering up white versions of the Beats in a limited edition run. The price for the new paintjob is $699. That is the only difference between the two sets of headphones: the color.

Seriously Monster, I know you like money, but good lord, at least try to disguise your unquenchable greed a little bit. [CrunchGear]

Sure, it can take up to 8GB of memory via an SD card expansion, and its version 2.4.19 Linux-based OS will make it pretty bloody hackable...but if you line it up against modern smartphones, or even handheld games machines, it doesn't actually live up to the "the ultimate, portable multimedia device" banner it's being touted under by makers Imovio. Then you discover that it's cost will be around $170, and the Eee PC and its ilk loom over it in terms of cost, specs, battery power and only slightly lesser portability.

Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, possibly expecting a lot from a device with such a lofty name, and maybe it'll appeal to people after really ultraportable not-quite-a-BlackBerry, not-quite-an-iPod computing needs—read the press release below to make up your own mind.[viaGadgetLab]

London, 20th October, 2008: A device that offers consumers an alternative to a smartphone or mini-PC has today been launched by IMOVIO. The iKIT is a Pocket Mobile Companion that at 95mm by 65mm and only 15.5mm high is as portable as a mobile phone. Yet the WiFi enabled device comes with a full QWERTY/AZERTY keyboard, an 8GB SD card slot, a 2.8 inch QVGA display and an option to convert the USB for use with an HSDPA dongle, making it a fully functional communicating and browsing device and a viable substitute for a laptop.
iKIT open
iKIT open

The stylish iKIT is a dedicated chat, email and internet accessory and unlike smartphones it is fully optimised for that purpose. The clamshell design provides users with a full keyboard and landscape screen that don’t have to be compromised for voice calls. Dedicated hotkeys for all of the applications, including a music and video player and webcam, coupled with the elegant design mean that iKIT is the ultimate, portable multimedia device.

The suggested retail price of approximately £99 or €130, combined with the functionality, make the iKIT a very attractive device for a youth audience, as well as appealing to travelers who need a quick and easy-to-use messaging alternative. By buying the iKIT, consumers will be able to save up to £500 on an iPhone* or mini-PC** and with potential operator subsidies the savings may be even greater.

“Many consumers can’t afford the latest smartphone or mini-PC gadget, while others simply can’t use or just don’t like the existing form factors. This means that large groups of people still don’t fully utilise mobile data,” said Dr Jack Torobin, CEO of IMOVIO. “These users, mainly women and teens, still want to have the ability to send emails, browse the web and update their on-line profiles whilst they are out and about.”

“We designed the iKIT to be an alternative to a smartphone or mini-PC,” said Nigel Newby-House, Head of Design at IMOVIO. “It’s a beautifully designed mobile device that provides all the multi-media and messaging capabilities a mobile consumer needs. But at a much better price.”

For mobile and broadband providers, the iKIT is the perfect device to complement their existing range and can be offered to consumers as an add-on device to go with the existing choice of phones, laptops or HSDPA cards. Alternatively, the iKIT can be used to increase customer retention or reduce churn by offering it as a subsidised device for users signing up or renewing broadband or mobile data packages.

Dr. Torobin continued, “the iKIT will allow operators to target the demographics that are currently not well served for mobile data. And as an HSDPA enabled device, it offers a great entry level product for operators to increase usage of their high-speed networks.”

Some of the many operator benefits of the iKIT include:
- The iKIT is brandable to match an operator’s existing portfolio of devices
- For mobile operators, the iKIT will increase take up of new unlimited data plans on the new high-speed networks, without users having to change from their much-loved handset
- For broadband providers the iKIT is the ideal second device that can be used to share the home network, providing the messaging capabilities needed without the high cost of a new laptop
- The iKIT opens up a market to a previously disenfranchised demographic that can neither afford, or fully utilise a smartphone or laptop
- The suggested retail price of approximately £99 or €130 means that the iKIT is the perfect device for consumers to purchase as an add-on device – increasing the number of transactions and therefore loyalty
- Operators can now offer teens and other key demographics, like senior citizens, a device that offers exactly the right amount of functionality without the price, commitment or unnecessary processing power of either a laptop or smartphone

On top of the Linux 2.4.19 operating system (OS) the iKIT runs the multi-media and communication tools required by the teen and youth audience. Browsing is optimised for the form factor with Opera Mini 4.1 and the device uses a standard mini-USB port for headphones, charging and synching the device. With storage for over 2,000 contacts and a stand-by battery life of up to 250 hours, the iKIT belies its lightweight, stylish appearance.

# # #

Notes to Editors

Price comparisons are based on the following information, current as of 17th October, 2008.
*Apple iPhone on an 18-month contract at £30 per month, plus £159 handset purchase gives a total cost of ownership of £699
** Vodafone Notebook (Dell Inspiron Mini) on a 24-month contract at £25 per month gives a total cost of ownership of £600
# # #

iKIT Specifications

General

Processing
- Processor: Marvell PXA270 312MHz
- Operating System: Linux 2.4.19
- User Interface GUI: Proprietary plus Trolltech QT/E 2.3.8

Connectivity
- Bluetooth® 2.0 with EDR, supports wireless stereo headset
- (A2DP) & DUN profile
- WIFI® IEEE 802.11 b/g
- Optional USB connection configured for HSDPA dongle

Keypad
- QWERTY/AZERTY + numeric keys, other languages optional

Memory Internal
- ROM: 128 MB, RAM: 64 MB SDRAM
- User data: 12MB, User media files: 23MB

Memory External
- Micro SD (up to 8GB)

Display
- 2.8 inch QVGA, TFT, 260,000 colors, landscape

Dimensions & Weight
- 95mm (L) x 65mm (W) x 15.5mm (H)
- 113g (with battery)

Connector
- Mini-USB 1.1 used for charging, PC data exchange and wired stereo headset.

Battery
- 1050 mAh, Li-ion
- Standby Time: up to 250h
- Power-up Time: up to 3h (25% data download per hour)
- Gaming Time: up to 4h (java game)
- Charging time: 2.5-3.5 hr to full charge from flat with device power off

Colors
- Velvet Black, Satin White – other colors available to order

Multi-Media

Browser
- Web browser Opera Mini 4.1

Messaging
- POP3 / IMAP / SMTP email protocols
- Supports MSN IM

Audio
- Supports MIDI, WAV and MP3 formats
- 16mm speaker built-in, monophonic

Imaging
- Supports JPG, BMP, GIF and PNG formats
- 0.3 MP fixed focus camera (Option)
- Digital zoom: Up to 3X smooth digital zoom with 7 steps

Video
- 3GP, MP4 and AVI format, Maximum size QVGA
- 25 fps video playback for QVGA size video clips
- Support full-screen display

Java
- JTWI / JSR75 compliant

Professional

PC Sync
- With Outlook 2000/2003 & Outlook Express v6 (emails, contacts, calendar)

Personal Features
- Calculator
- Media folder
- Notepad
- World clock
- Alarm clock
- Stop Watch
- Countdown Timer

Contact List
- Maximum 2,000 records

Calendar
- Maximum 1,000 events

In the Box

- iKIT
- Battery
- Mini USB / USB cable
- USB stereo earpiece
- Charger
- User guide and CD

The S-series has a 2-inch QVGA screen, that not only plays back WMA, AAC and MP3 audio formats, but also WMV and MP4 video. SensMe is featured on a Walkman player for the first time, previously only on Sony Ericsson Walkman-branded phones. For those unfamiliar, the SensMe engine analyzes a song for various qualities and maps it on an X-Y chart. From there you can select what type of music you want to listen to according to "mood". The S-series is only 7.5mm thick, has 40 hours of audio playback and 10 hours of video playback on a single charge.

The E-series is Sony's mid-range Walkman offering, which features the same audio and video playback the S-series offers, but lacks the noise cancellation and SensMe features. Unlike the S-series, the E comes in multiple colors, including black, red, blue and pink. It has 45 hours of audio playback and 8 hours of video playback. The E-series is also available in 4 GB and 8 GB sizes.

The B-series is Sony's no-nonsense line of Walkman players that only play music. But in addition to audio playback, the B-series also serves as a voice recorder and FM radio. It has 16 hours of battery life and also comes in multiple colors like the E-series. The B-series plugs directly into your USB port for drag and drop file transfer and comes in 1 GB and 2 GB sizes.

All the players above are expected to be available in September. The 4 GB S-series will cost $150, while the 8 GB will cost $180. The 4 GB E-series will cost $100 and the 8 GB $140. Lastly, the 1 GB B-series will sell for $45 and the 2 GB will be $60. [Sony]

SONY RAISES THE CURTAIN ON NEW WALKMAN PLAYERS THAT DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO AND VIDEO

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 28, 2008 – From noise-cancellation for frequent travelers to affordability for customers on a budget, Sony today unveiled three new Walkman® players (series S, E and B) that have something to offer nearly every customer segment.

“Whether the fit and finish, the engineering or the integration of unique technologies, each of these new series has different points of appeal,” said Mitch Li, product manager for Walkman players in the Digital Imaging and Audio Division at Sony Electronics. “These new Walkman players satisfy the need of consumers who don’t want to sacrifice sound quality for the digital music and MP3 experience.”

S-Series Walkman Players

The top-end, format-friendly Walkman S-series broadens options for enjoying tunes from multiple sources, including many download stores and personal music collections. The supplied Content Transfer software even simplifies “drag and drop” transfer of non-DRM music, videos, podcasts and playlists from online music services to Walkman players. If you’re migrating your personal collection of ripped tracks from another MP3 player, there’s no need to re-rip all your tunes from your CDs.

Support for popular audio and video codecs is enhanced because the S-series Walkman devices play Windows Media Video (WMV) files with DRM, allowing you to enjoy rights-protected movies and video clips from other media collections.

Additionally, the S-series Walkman players are the first MP3 players with Sony’s SensMe™ Channels function, which automatically creates channels that can align with a user’s preferences. Based on Sony’s SensMe Channels function, the S-series players analyze a user’s music collection and suggest channels based on each song’s speed, mood and rhythm. They create a choice of 11 themed channels from upbeat pop to emotional ballads.

In-Flight Noise Cancellation

Whether commuting, flying high or just listening to music at home, the new S-series Walkman players help diminish background noise while improving your overall listening experience. The top-end S-series Walkman players feature integrated active noise cancellation with supplied 13.5mm EX noise canceling headphones and an accessory cable that extends the noise canceling functionality of the device. On airplanes, travellers can – for the first time – connect the S-series player directly to a plane’s audio video system with the included accessory cable and enjoy regular in-flight entertainment with the bonus of high-quality noise cancellation.

Just 7.5mm thin, the super-light S-series is the slimmest Walkman player in any of the new series. It has a bright, high-contrast 2-inch QVGA LCD screen (measured diagonally) that has an ultra-quick response time, with smooth playback at up to 30 frames per second and selectable horizontal/vertical viewing. The interface can be personalized with the user’s choice of 10 pre-installed wallpaper images or their favorite digital photo.

E-Series Walkman Players

The E-series combines high-quality video and audio performance to create the perfect device for enjoying favorite photos and video clips. Like the S-series, all E-series models are format friendly, easily playing back ripped tracks from your personal music collection, music store downloads and rights-managed video clips. Non-DRM files can be transferred by “drag and drop” from online music services to Walkman players.

Support for popular audio and video codecs is enhanced because the E-series Walkman players can also support Windows Media Video (WMV) with DRM, allowing rights-protected movies and video clips from other media collections.

B-Series Walkman Players

The affordable entry-level Walkman B-series player offers the high-quality sound that users have come to expect from Sony. The ultra-portable devices can connect to your PC’s USB port for easy “drag and drop” file transfers. Like all other Walkman models, open support for Windows Media Audio (WMA) and MP3 codecs enables users to buy, copy and manage music to fit their needs.

The stylish design is enhanced by an illuminator that pulses in time with the music when the bass button is pressed. The device has an FM radio for enjoying favorite stations and a voice recorder that’s great for capturing memos, shopping lists or random thoughts while you’re on the move.

Battery Life

The battery life is up to 40 hours of music playback for S-series, up to 45 hours for the E-series and up to 16 hours for the B-series. The battery life is up to 10 hours of video playback for S-series, up to 8 hours for the E-series. The battery life is also up to 30 hours of audio playback for the S-series when the noise-cancellation feature is activated. Actual battery life may vary upon usage patterns, product settings, battery and environmental conditions.

Sony’s Open Platform Means More Choice

The E- and S-series Walkman players support an open platform, providing more choices for downloading and managing music and video collections online. The devices can support security-enhanced Windows Media Audio (WMA), as well as non-secure AAC, linear PCM and MP3 music formats plus JPEG files for photos, in addition to the WMV with DRM, AVC (H.264/AVC) Baseline Profile and MPEG-4 video codecs.

Pricing and Availability

The S-series of Walkman noise canceling video MP3 players come in two different storage capacities in black:

* The NWZ-S736F has approximately 4GB of internal storage and will cost about $150.
* The NWZ-S738F has approximately 8GB of internal storage and will cost about $180.

The E-series of Walkman video MP3 players will be available in the following configurations:

* The NWZ-E436F comes in black, red, pink, blue, has approximately 4GB of internal storage and costs about $100.
* The NWZ-E438F comes in black, red, pink, has approximately 8GB of internal storage, and costs about $140.

The B-series of Walkman MP3 players come in two different capacities and four colors:

* The NWZ-B133F player has approximately 1GB of internal storage; comes in black, red and blue and will cost about $45.
* The NWZ-B135F player has approximately 2GB of internal storage; comes in black, red and pink and will cost about $60.

Presales have begun for the new Walkman models online at www.sonystyle.com/walkman and at Sony Style stores. The players will be available in September across the country at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

J&R is taking pre-orders on another iPod Nano protection scheme. Instead of a case they are offering Nano's custom painted with X2 scratch resistant liquid plastic coating. The iPods are cleaned, painted and cured under UV light to apply the coatings which come in six different color combinations. The process adds about $65 to the price of the Nano, so it comes close to what a normal case might cost.

iPod Nano X2 [J&R]