The SwiMP3 player is a waterproof MP3 player with 256MB internal memory. That's approximately 60 songs, and the player has a 10-hour lithium ion battery. The device charges via USB and can be synced with both Windows (98SE, 2000, ME, XP, Vista) and Mac-based PCs (OS 9, OS X, or higher), and it even works with iTunes. Supported audio formats include MP3 and WMA files. Here's a full list of technical information including iTunes and Windows Media setup.
(Credit:
FINIS)
According to FINIS, the SwiMP3 "attaches easily to any swim goggle or snorkeling mask. For audio playback it relies on bone conduction of sound. When the device is placed on any bones of the skull (the cheekbones or the mastoid tip), it leads to vibration of the fluid in the inner ear. Thus swimmers can enjoy clarity of sound with the SwiMP3 device that was never before possible. Bone conduction is a safe, well-established hearing mechanism in humans that the SwiMP3 player leverages to enhance aquatic activity. FINIS' application of the technology brings an entirely new level of experience to swimmers of all abilities."
To be able to listen to the Jaws theme or any music underwater would be pretty cool. But at $149.99, I think they may take a bite out of you before you get wet.
(Credit:
Newlaunches)
Iriver has thrown its latest digital music player into the deep end, quite literally, and ensured that it floats.
The Speedo Aquabeat is a waterproof player that can hit depths of up to 3 meters and, if detached from the user, is easy to retrieve thanks to its floatable and lightweight 35-gram design. Naturally, this comes bundled with a pair of waterproof earphones that we reckon can do double duty as plugs to seal out water too.
Other than these pool-friendly features, the Speedo Aquabeat--an accessory made specifically for the swimwear brand--offers pretty basic MP3 features: fixed 1GB storage, USB charging, Playlist Editing Software, and a built-in battery capable of 9 hours' playback, according to Newlaunches. There's no LCD screen. But if it still floats your boat, you can get it in lime, black, or pink for $145 from online stores in selected markets.
(Source: Crave Asia)
(Credit:
CNET Asia)
We've seen MP3 players for swimmers, but JVC's Digital Audio Player XA-AW33-W is the first we've seen that's custom-made for the bath. At least, it's the first one we've seen that's made to float.
The player holds up to 256MB of songs, and is battery-powered so that you won't need to worry about frying yourself in the tub. Its stand lets you listen to the player in unfloating mode, and the song-loading process is handled by a USB connection to your PC--when it's out of the tub, of course.
On the downside, it looks a bit like a musical urinal puck. Then again, that means you can find creative ways to show the player what you think of it, if you're less than pleased.
Call us old-fashioned, but we still cringe at the idea of taking anything electric into the water. But then again, we won't swim until an hour after eating either.
So we might be willing to take a chance on the Hydra, a water-resistant MP3 player scheduled to go on sale next month (pictured at top). The USB player, which includes a multicolored LCD display and FM radio tuner, is designed to work with both Windows and Mac operating systems and comes in 1GB and 2GB sizes for $40 and $60. No matter what your opinion on the necessity or wisdom of waterproof music players, the Hydra definitely has at least one advantage: It doesn't look like the RelacON shown at bottom.
(Photos: Ultra Products, Akihabara News)
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