MP3 Insider

There is little doubt that the hottest trend in MP3 players is wireless, but how it is implemented varies from device to device. Some players, such as the Zune HD and the Sony X-Series Walkman, have integrated Wi-Fi that allows for Web browsing and music-streaming capabilities (among other things). Other manufacturers go about things a bit differently, giving users the option to add wireless headphones to their devices via Bluetooth.

Unlike Wi-Fi, Bluetooth is neither good for transmitting information over a distance nor is the best way to transfer large amounts of data. However, Bluetooth requires less power and it's cheaper to operate, so it makes perfect sense for portable devices. Thanks to the proliferation of cell phones as music devices, there are plenty of decent stereo Bluetooth headphones on the market today, so if you despise wires, it's time to start considering an MP3 player with built-in Bluetooth. MP3 players with Bluetooth are getting rarer these days, but we managed to scrounge up a few that are worth your hard-earned dollars.

Six Bluetooth MP3 players

As CNET's Senior Editor for MP3 player reviews, you'd think I'd be losing sleep over the fact that the majority of the mobile phones on the market include some form of integrated music playback. But in spite of manufacturer's efforts to fashion the mobile phone into a portable music powerhouse, there's still a lot of confusion out there when it comes to transferring music from a computer to your phone. Sure, most of us can figure out how to transfer music from iTunes to an iPhone, but what about loading music on your sister's LG enV Touch, or your dad's old Blackberry?

There's no fool-proof method for getting music onto any mobile phone, but I've put together a video and slideshow demonstrating a handful of techniques that should come in handy in most cases. Feel free to share other recommendations in the comments section.

How to load music onto a mobile phone

X-Series Walkman takes on the Samsung P3

Q: I am finally ready to cross that bridge and get me a touch-screen player. I wanted to know your expert opinion on the Samsung P3 and the Sony Walkman X-Series. I purchase all my music from Napster, Amazon and some from Rhapsody. I use Window Media Player 11, so I need a player that is compatible with that. Please let me know what you think. -- bensworld411, via e-mail

A: Although I've only used a preproduction sample of the X-Series Walkman, I can tell you that I favor it over the Samsung P3. Granted, the X-Series is quite a bit pricier, but I personally prefer the onscreen interface and touch-screen implementation (though the P3's is certainly flashy). I also straight-up love the fact that the Walkman has tactile buttons on the top for controlling playback (say, while you have the player in your pocket). Both devices will work equally well with the system you use for music, and both offer excellent sound quality.

Really, I would narrow it down to two things: price and whether you prefer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. If you want a cheaper device that includes the ability to sync up Bluetooth headphones, go with the P3. If you want something with a slicker interface that has Wi-Fi and built-in Slacker capability (free music!), go with the Walkman. Better yet, if you can hold off a few more days, I'm expecting a retail unit of the X-Series to be delivered to my desk tomorrow, which means we'll have a full review up for you very soon.

Donald and Jasmine bow to listener pressures and dedicate (almost) an entire episode to Bluetooth. On deck: a description of A2DP Bluetooth technology in detail, some fascinating info about the iPod Touch/iPhone's partially crippled BT functionality, and product shout-outs for Bluetooth-capable headphones and MP3 players. Also, consider yourselves warned: the hosts spend several minutes discussing the ousted "porn" app that was released in the iTunes App Store last week (not overly explicit).

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Q: What is the best all-around Bluetooth speaker adapter if I want to connect my laptop to some good speakers that are not equipped with Bluetooth?--Tom, via e-mail

(Credit: GE)

A: What you would want is a Bluetooth receiver, which can be a challenge to find; actually, we don't review them at all at this time, so I can't give you a personal opinion on any specific product of this kind. Generally, I get questions from people who are looking for a Bluetooth transmitter, which will allow you to connect a non-Bluetooth audio device with headphones or speakers that do have the technology built in.

In fact, many of the Bluetooth "receivers" I've come across in my search are actually mislabeled transmitters, so you'll want to pay particular attention to the feature and spec listings when searching for this product. However, it looks like the GE Bluetooth Home Stereo Transmitter and Receiver would do the trick. It won't come cheap--the unit will set you back about $100--but if you really want a no-nonsense wireless set-up, it's probably a safe bet. (I welcome other suggestions--please comment below.)

As programmers continue to pick apart the code underlying Apple's iPhone 3.0 OS, details are surfacing that point to possible new hardware features for both the iPhone and iPod Touch. One of the first details unearthed from the code is the addition of stereo Bluetooth-audio streaming--a feature that current (second-generation) iPhone and iPod Touch owners will be able to take advantage of once the new OS is available this summer.

The Apple iPod Touch (second generation).

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)

Of course, some new features will be available on the next generation of the iPod and iPhone hardware only (ain't that always the way?). Case in point: rumors of high-speed 802.11n Wi-Fi capabilities, as well as FM radio transmission. The combination of stereo Bluetooth, improved Wi-Fi speeds, and short-range FM transmission, are compelling and competitive features on a phone, but they'll really put the iPod Touch in a class of its own when it comes to portable media players.

Not everyone will be thrilled with the changes. Accessory manufacturers such as Belkin, Griffin, and DLO, have been churning out iPod-compatible FM transmitters for years. If integrated FM transmission really does come to the iPod Touch (and perhaps other iPod models down the line), the effect could mean the end of stalwart products like the iTrip. There's always a chance that Apple will require users to purchase FM transmitter Apps to enable the functionality (just like they did with voice recording), in which case third parties can still get a cut. With the playing field leveled, however, a Griffin-branded FM transmitter App faces the same chances at being downloaded as a free App from a rogue upstart. I'm drifting into a speculation tangent here, but needless to say, it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Cheer up, Griffin. FM transmitters like the iTrip may be on their way out, but we'll always need in-car charging adapters.

As for Wi-Fi speeds, the current iPhone and iPod Touch models support 802.11a networks (5GHz), or 802.11b/g networks (2.4GHz), which are becoming increasingly common on portable devices (Zune, PSP). Apple already includes 802.11n support on its Macbooks and AirPort Base Stations, so it's a natural move to add it to the iPhone and Touch. The increase in speed should be noticeable, provided you're on a Wi-Fi network that supports the 802.11n standard. Those of us still surfing on common b and g routers will still be getting the same old Wi-Fi speeds, though. In fact, since lots of people are still in the dark about 802.11n and dual-band routers, I expect there will be an opportunity for Apple to market their latest dual-band Airport Extreme Base Station as a must-have accessory for every iPhone and iPod Touch user.

If the iPod Touch is really to become the mobile-gaming platform Apple wants it to be, the boost in Wi-Fi speeds may open up some interesting gaming possibilities. Specifically, online multiplayer games may become more viable, as actions between players would be communicated with less latency.

Online video streaming and downloads will also benefit from the possible increase in Wi-Fi speed. Common gripes such as download speed, video quality, and streaming bandwidth would all be eased with a little 802.11n thrown in the mix.

So what do you guys think? Are any of these rumored wireless technologies enough to sway you to the next-generation iPod Touch or iPhone? What else could Apple throw in to sweeten the deal (am I the only one who wants a camera on the Touch)? Share some feedback in the comments section.

Stereo Bluetooth audio is coming to the iPod Touch, said Apple's Greg Joswiak at Tuesday's iPhone OS 3.0 preview event. The added Bluetooth functionality will come by way of the OS 3.0 upgrade, due out this summer. While iPod Touch owners clearly win from the addition of Bluetooth support (a $9.95 upgrade fee is required), they may be a little peeved to learn that the second-generation iPod Touch hardware has probably supported Bluetooth all along.

Will OS 3.0 unlock the existing Bluetooth capability of the iPod Touch?

A Broadcom BCM4325 chip revealed in iFixit's teardown of the second-generation iPod Touch back in September of 2008 was originally thought to be used strictly for the device's wireless Nike+ support. It turns out the chip is most likely capable of full-fledged Bluetooth audio and data transmission, but has been purposefully left dormant by Apple. After being unlocked by the OS 3.0 upgrade, the iPod Touch (second-generation only) should be capable of Bluetooth features such as A2DP, wireless accessory control (including gaming), and peer-to-peer connections.

In the end, adding Bluetooth functionality to the iPod Touch is worth every penny of the $9.95 OS upgrade, and makes the device more competitive against iPod alternatives such as the Samsung P2 (soon to be the P3) and the Cowon S9. Still, existing Touch owners must feel a little burned that Apple purposely withheld the feature up until now.

(Via iLounge)

A new firmware update to the Zune allows you to indulge in two-player games by linking two Zunes over Wi-Fi.

Donald and Jasmine discuss the latest Zune firmware, as well as their opinions on the current state of Bluetooth technology.

Also this week, an iPod concept that takes fashion gadgetry to another level, cute and tiny travel speakers from Sony, and thoughts on HD radio. Plus, the winners of our Burton prize giveaway are announced.

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All signs point to a new crop of iPods in September, and while I'm as interested in the rumors and blurry "leaked" photos as the next fanboy, I'm also preparing myself for disappointment. Deep down, I know there are iPod features that will never see the light of day. Sure, Apple always trots out a few iPod-related surprises like iTunes movie rentals and Cover Flow, but I've all but given up on the following innovations.

1. Subscription music

You're telling me that Apple sees potential in subscription music just as one of the industry's biggest names put their service on the back burner in favor of an MP3 store? You must be high.

If the rumors are right, I'll be chewing my toes on this one, but I just don't see any motivation for Apple to take up a subscription music model. Could they make it work? Absolutely. Apple's closed iTunes/iPod universe is the perfect playground for DRM-encrypted subscription music that needs to be escorted and licensed between computers and devices. After using the Zune and its proprietary Zune Pass music subscription service for about a year, I have a pretty good idea how a similarly seamless iTunes subscription music model would operate. It would be awesome, and you may never want to "buy" music again--and that's the problem.

If you think Apple's iPod business is profitable, you should check out the money they make selling you music at 99 cents a track. iTunes is the most recognized name in online music retail and they make a killing at it. The idea that Apple has any motivation to tweak its golden formula for success is preposterous. In fact, an iTunes subscription music model could be a disaster for Apple.

Last week, I heard Tag Strategic's Ted Cohen lecture Rhapsody's David Krinsky on the Achilles heel of the subscription music model and I've never been so convinced that a successful music retailer like Apple wouldn't touch subscription music with a ten foot pole. The problem: It's not in the best interest for subscription music companies to have their users downloading too much music.

Putting a camera on the iPod Touch would be awesome, but Apple is probably reserving the feature for its star attraction.

(Credit: CNET Networks/Corinne Schulze)

Politely discouraging users from gorging on unlimited music will be tough for iTunes, considering the retail efficiency they've honed after years selling songs piecemeal. Without a total overhaul of the iTunes store or a revolutionary approach to subscription music, offering consumers an all-you-can-eat music plan at a flat-rate would cause Apple to bleed money into the pockets of record labels.

It would also be a PR disaster for a music retailer just coming out from the shadow of Fair Play DRM to dive back into a rights-managed music scheme. Sure, Apple would create lifetime customers who are locked into monthly/yearly subscription plans for fear of bricking their music collection, but the risk of burning consumers again with DRM just isn't worth it.

2. Camera/GPS (aka phone-less iPhone)

With the 8GB iPhone 3G's $199 up-front price, there's a fine line Apple has to tread not to cannibalize sales of their iPod Touch (and vice-versa). Make the iPod Touch too good, and people might settle for a cheap phone and an awesome media player; make the iPod Touch too restricted (or too pricey) and people feel like idiots for buying it over the iPhone.

Including A2DP Bluetooth on the iPod would be nice, but letting third-party vendors tackle the feature allows Apple to maintain high marks for battery life.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

For someone like me who's around Wi-Fi most of my day, a less expensive iPod Touch with a camera, GPS, and maybe even a speaker, would be an easy win over the iPhone--which is exactly while we'll never see it. The iPhone 3G is the star of the show these days, and Apple won't let it be upstaged by the iPod.

3. Bluetooth (A2DP)

With more and more Bluetooth-enabled speakers, car stereos, and headphones hitting the market, Apple is ripe to finally roll wireless audio capabilities into their iPods, right? Not likely. Bluetooth is everywhere, but it's a big drain on battery life and it still confuses people. If Best Buy is making money by having a Bluetooth-pairing kiosk at its stores, than the technology just isn't ready for prime time on the user-friendly iPod. I'm sure Apple has considered adding Bluetooth to the iPod, but honestly, this is one of those features that's much better for the accessory market to figure out (although we haven't seen a great one yet).

If you want a radio so bad, go buy the Apple Radio Remote accessory. It will never, ever, come included.

(Credit: Apple)

4. FM radio

I think most of the people holding their breath for this one have finally collapsed. At this point, Apple has to keep radios out of their iPods simply on principle. They've dismissed the idea of adding an FM radio to the iPod for years, and with the recent accolades over the addition of Internet radio to the iPhone and iPod Touch, Apple can't be feeling much regret over the FM snub. Anyhow, if having a built-in FM radio is such a hot feature, Apple's gotta wonder why radio-wielding competitors haven't made much traction.

5. Song sharing

The wireless device-to-device song-sharing feature on the Microsoft Zune is a brilliant feature stuck on the wrong player. For a feature like this to be any fun, you need to have a critical mass of active users to share with in your daily life. The iPod and its 70 percent domestic market share is really the only MP3 player that can pull off casual device-to-device song sharing--but it never will.

It's not easy to get Social with your Zune's built-in Wi-Fi, because the user base just isn't there. The ubiquitous iPod would be the perfect player for a device-to-device sharing feature, but don't keep your hopes up.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

Why? Because pulling off a song-sharing feature requires a shedload of the DRM-encryption Apple is trying so hard to distance itself from; iPod Touch Apps like Last.fm already get the job done without waiting around for files to transfer; and adding Wi-Fi to the Apple Nano or Classic lineup would zap precious battery life.

The sure bets

So what's left for Apple to bring to the table? Well, I think the rumors of a full-point upgrade for iTunes rings true. That behemoth is long-overdue for an upgrade. iTunes has been stuck in Version 7 since 2006! With any luck, Apple will streamline iTunes, boost its performance, and somehow integrate it with their MobileMe service (c'mon remote MP3 locker!).

I also agree with the rumors that Apple will move away from the squat design for the iPod Nano, and go with a sideways screen orientation similar to the Flash Zune. The reason behind this isn't to stop the chubby jokes, but to allow for a wider screen capable of showcasing the iTunes store's increasing amount of widescreen format video content.

Beyond that, the iPod Classic will stay "classic" and probably receive a price drop and the iPod Touch will receive an overdue price slash (I'm thinking 8GB for $199), maybe a slightly bigger screen to differentiate it from the iPhone, and a few bundled Apps and games (Spore, maybe?).

If you've got other predictions, be sure to share them in the comments section.