MP3 Insider: Ep. 192: The end of an era

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 11 May 2010 05:15:23 PDT

Donald and Jasmine dedicate one final recording to the MP3 Insider podcast with a sentimental look back through the MP3 player timeline, from the very earliest Rio device, to the iPhone that brought the MP3 player category crumbling down upon itself. For video viewers, there's plenty of visual goodness with old players making personal appearances in the podcast studio. But don't fret! MP3 Insider is set to morph seamlessly into the all new Crave video podcast. Make sure you check back with us next week, same bat time, same bat channel.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 191: Where interest is PIIQ'd

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 03:10:52 PDT

This week, Rhapsody came out with version 2.0 of its app for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad and the MP3 Insiders jump at the chance to weigh in on the service's new caching capability and pricing scheme. Also on deck: some surprisingly stylish new headphones from Sony, more Apple-related leakage, and some info on finding the iPad's hidden shuffle feature. Plus, we play some voicemail and make a very special announcement.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 190: Blood in the water

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 03:16:33 PDT

This week, the MP3 Insiders discuss the rumored next-gen iPhone, which appears to be the most legit report on an unannounced Apple product in recent memory. Also, hackers break into the Zune, Apple admits to faulty Shuffle headphones, and ZDNet offers an excellent comparison of popular online music stores.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 189: Gonna make you sweat

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 03:50:19 PDT

Everybody dance now! Or, you know, do any other type of workout that appeals to you, though dancing definitely wouldn't be a stretch with Sony's latest W-Series Walkman. This week, Jasmine and Donald discuss the usefulness of this sweat-resistant MP3 player-cum-headphones as well as the expeditious availability of the new 64GB Zune. Also, join us for a brief rant about the first two phones set to run the Zune music player software.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 188: The only cure is more iPad

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 05:05:14 PDT

It's iPad mania this week as Donald and Jasmine dissect every inch of Donald's 5,000-word iPad review. Well, not really. But we do spend an awful lot of time discussing the recently-released entertainment device. However, never say we don't give the other side a fair shake: we've also got a Zune update for you, as well as some interesting Rhapsody news. Sadly, Stoic Balloon Man was not able to join us this week due to death by deflation.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 187: Full of Microsoftiness

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 04:25:16 PDT

Guess what this episode is all about? Plenty of Zune news, to be sure. First, Zune HD owners will be happy to hear that XviD support and a nifty onboard Smart DJ Mix feature are impending, amongst other things. Also, Slacker comes to the Windows Mobile OS...but does anyone care? Finally, we throw a little love the iPad's way. Oh, and we have a special guest visitor this week, but he's not saying much.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 186: The Happy show

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 02:51:15 PDT

This week, Donald and Jasmine praise an ultratiny music system with big sound and an innovative design. Also, Donald tries to convince DJs that vinyl turntables aren't the be-all, end-all to music entertainment; UMG makes a last ditch effort to save CDs; and Jasmine shakes her head in shame at Samsung's choices. Also, SanDisk launches the 32GB microSD card--anyone need a 48GB Clip+?

MP3 Insider: Ep. 185: Shameless self-promotion

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:51:19 PDT

If you manage to sit through 45 tedious seconds about Donald and Jasmine's collective weakened immune systems, you'll be rewarded with plentiful Zune HD 2 speculation, a tidy little rant on music caching for the iPhone and iPod Touch, and a lament about the name of music service MOG. Also this week, the MP3 Insiders express nostalgic delight over SubPop coming to eMusic, and Jasmine shamelessly plugs her new Tech Do's & Don'ts column.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 184: Insert lyrics here

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:03:43 PST

This week, Donald and Jasmine discuss a monumental smackdown between the Beats Solo by Dr. Dre and the Bose On-Ear Headphones. OK, maybe not quite monumental

MP3 Insider: Ep. 183: Facebook fake out

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:44:50 PST

This week, Microsoft finally launches the long-awaited Facebook app for the Zune HD, but it's wrought with bugs and naturally, the MP3 Insiders have a few things to say about that. Also, Donald mulls over the depressing fact that people are downloading less music from both P2P and legitimate music stores, while Jasmine attempts to offer solace in the form of speculation that music has always been around and will continue to be. Finally, we take a look at a disappointing new Archos product and a cool new remote accessory for the iPod and iPhone, and compare both to the excellence that is Sonos.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 182: Horrifying mistakes of portable audio past

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:23:11 PST

We know it's not Halloween, but we here at MP3 Insider figured you could use a little horror in your life anyway. OK, so maybe it's a slow news week in MP3 player land, but that just happens to be the perfect excuse to rant about all the terrible choices portable audio device manufacturers have made over the years. But first, Donald and Jasmine eviscerate the awful packaging ensconcing the equally questionable earbuds from newcomer Ankit--trust us, if you've never watched the video before, it's worth it this time. Then, take a trip with us down memory lane that starts with the worst-ever MP3 player ever reviewed by CNET, and ends with a pair of unfortunate sneakers that never made it to market.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 181: Mobile phones: 742, MP3 players: 0

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:14:28 PST

Donald and Jasmine continue the good fight of keeping the MP3 Insider and Dialed In podcasts as two separate beasts as they discuss the latest music news from MWC: that Zune features are officially coming to mobile phones at the end of the year. Also, Jasmine battles depression over the nonexistence of the perfect MP3 player, and Donald weighs the value of iTunes video versus cable as Apple teases price-cuts on TV shows. And the show wouldn't be complete without some headphone talk, specifically about the super magnificent Klipsch Image X10i. But are they worth a cool 350 smackaroos?

MP3 Insider: Ep. 180: Meet me in the clouds

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:47:51 PST

This week, Donald and Jasmine discuss Zune Marketplace disappearing acts along with potentially revealing Zune HD price drops, impressive headphones for less than $50, and the latest Mac-friendly version of RealPlayer SP (now with video transcoding). Also, find out five (or really, eight) ways to put your music in the clouds, and hear what we have to say about a potential iPad competitor from Sony. Finally, is the Zii Egg a phone?

MP3 Insider: Ep 179: Zune phones, iPads, and hippies

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:48:40 PST

With a week to get all the iPad jokes out of their system, Jasmine and Donald sit down to really figure out what's so special about Apple's controversial tablet. Zune phone rumors heat up in advance of the 2010 Mobile World Congress, and Jasmine shows off a pair of eco-friendly headphones.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 178: Jasmine says... meh

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 03:25:24 PST

This week, we discuss Apple's reported decline in iPod sales--not to be confused with the company's overall sales, which are continue to be through the roof. Also, some code in the Zune Software update has people speculating about a potential Zune phone, and a new music format might be on the horizon (which we think will have just about as much traction as Sony's proprietary ATRAC codec). Finally, we confront stylish headphones' lack of good sound, and let some listeners of questionable sobriety take over the airwaves.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 177: Tablets, clouds and Canadians

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:57:35 PST

This week, Donald and Jasmine discuss the latest Apple tablet rumors, which deal mainly with its lesser focus on music but practical usefulness for something like iTunes LPs and the theoretical iTunes music cloud. We also ponder the possible names for the imminent device. Plus, Slacker gives Canadians something to smile about, Jasmine does a celebratory dance for small-eared music listeners, and Image S4 durability issues make her shed tears while simultaneously garnering cheers for Klipsch customer service. Also, how about those ethical and legal issues when it comes to LP copying and "backing up"?

MP3 Insider: Ep. 176: Cache is king

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:38:44 PST

Donald and Jasmine throw out a few tasty leftovers from CES 2010, including an upcoming Slacker iPhone app update that will cache music offline. We check out some speaker light bulbs, an amplified helmet, and cross our fingers for XviD support on the Zune HD.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 175: CES madness

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 12:05:30 PST

Jasmine and Donald report live from the show floor on the Best of CES finalists and all of Monster's shenanigans.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 174: Nobody's Home, Happy Holidays!

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:31:01 PST

Tune in this week if you want to hear Donald and Jasmine talk about pretty much nothing. Also, Donald huffs bourbon throughout, Jasmine rants about Lady Gaga headphones, and both try to insert a little bit of news before the holiday break. But mostly, it's nothing. Be sure to check out CNET the week of January 4 for all the CES goodness, including a live podcast broadcast at 3PM on Friday, January 8.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 173: Born a ramblin' man

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:23:07 PST

This week, Donald will just not_shut_up already, so Jasmine tries to impose a word cap on his ramblings (it fails). Items that are babbled upon include the overly bass-heavy Dr. Dre Beats Solo headphones, a potential Zii war between Nintendo and Creative, an itty-bitty $9 MP3 player, and a potential HD video player from Cowon. Also, Donald shoots Jasmine with lasers, and we drool over an ultra-quiet vacuum with a built in iPod speaker.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 172: Subdued in sickness

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:16:23 PST

As Jasmine battles yet another cold, she defaults to Donald for most of the talking, though her monotone voice intervenes at a few soothing intervals. On deck for this week: an unpopular story about popular gadgets, talks about Apple acquiring music cloud site LaLa, tips on how to ditch the iPod for the Zune (without hurting anyone's feelings), and a brief look at a new video service. Also: a listener looks for a mom-worthy MP3 player.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 171: Slow news day

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:35:15 PST

Jasmine stifles yawns as Donald tries to convince her that, yes, there are worthwhile things to talk about today, such as Sony dropping the price of the 32GB X-Series Walkman to a level that it should have been at to begin with (yawn), and Microsoft announcing two new subdued colors for the Zune HD (yawwwwwn). Also this week, Donald reviews the Zoom Q3, a video recorder that's much more impressive for audio, and we answer some listener email about MP3 player life spans. Plus, some hard facts on wood enclosures.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 170: Holiday hullabaloo

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:15:07 PST

Jasmine and Donald discuss the implications of MOG's new $5 music service and lament Spotify's disappointingly slow start in the States. Also, Jasmine falls in love with a tiny speaker that is oh-so wallet friendly, and we give props to the Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide. You'll also get treated to some off-the-cuff gift suggestions from the esteemed audio editors. Finally, a listener tip on shaking up your iPod's shuffle.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 169: On wood and water bottles

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:41:00 PST

This week, Donald and Jasmine discuss the addition of Last.fm, Facebook, Twitter, and Zune Video features on the Xbox 360. Then, fake water bottle MP3 players leave us totally baffled, Jasmine dishes up some iPod accessory suggestions, and we go ears-on with an inexpensive pair of wooden earbuds.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 168: Inspired by the uninspiring

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:31:03 PST

This week, Donald and Jasmine discuss the firmware fix to the Zune HD, which can now count itself one feature short of one-upping the iPod Touch, thanks to a new Gigaware remote that adds HD radio to the omnipresent king of MP3 players. We also get to spend a little one-on-one time with the slick-but-confusing Cowon E2 and the boring-but-shuffletastic Haier America Video MP3 Player. Plus, we direct you to a couple of how tos that you may find worth your while and address some listener questions about earphones, podcast management, and iPod speaker docks.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 167: The munchies take over

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:33:24 PST

This week, Donald and Jasmine talk up the new iAudio players from Cowon and how they're going to have Apple shaking in its boots (not), and also take an inordinate amount of time to espouse upon something that has very little to do with digital music: a possible monthly subscription plan for online video from iTunes. Plus, some very unsubtle earbuds from Stonedcandy--er, Skullcandy--and some listener feedback on iPod usage.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 166: It's all digital

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:32:18 PDT

Donald and Jasmine discuss some iPod numbers as well as a troubling issue with the Zune HD that Microsoft appears to be ignoring, at least for the time being. Also on deck is a new music service from Google that's aiming to make your music hunting experience a little easier, and some first impressions on the DoubleTwist software, which has been making waves among Palm Pre and other music phone users. Plus, we have some listener curiosity and hit on the fact that we're not tech support for Dell.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 165: Ears for music

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:36:34 PDT

Donald and Jasmine discuss potential issues with the Android-based Archos 5...namely, why does the sucker keep crashing on everyone? Also, a look at the freshly-posted reviews for the Monster Turbine Pro and JayBird Tiger Eyes earphones, as well as the old-school appealing Altec Lansing inMotion Classic. Finally, big ups to SanDisk for its straightforward approach to an audio issue with the Clip.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 164: Opinionation

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:48:10 PDT

Jasmine's back, and she and Donald tackle the Android-based Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet that just landed in the office--with plenty of unboxing goodness. Also, a new Cowon player is teased in Asia, and Jasmine rants uncontrollably about the sweet new Japan-only Walkmans that she's dying to get her hands on. Finally, no MP3 Insider would be complete without a sojourn into iPod Touch/Zune HD territory, which is exactly where the updated CNET Prizefight comes into play.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 163: Numbers do not lie (or matter)

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:45:26 PDT

With Jasmine out on vacation, Donald brings CNET Labs' Eric Franklin into the studio for an epic nerd session on audio quality measurements, including recent test data from the Zune HD and iPod Touch. We've got charts, folks!

MP3 Insider: Ep. 162: The burnout

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:12:40 PDT

Jasmine and Donald are terribly tired of the Zune HD and iPod Touch, but there's nothing else to talk about (besides the wonders of fried food), so consider yourself warned. On the plus side, a cranky Jasmine is an entertaining one as she expounds upon the objectivity of spec-to-spec comparisons. Also up: Donald calls out some worthy Zune HD accessories, and several loyal listeners get to hear their musings read on the air.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 161: Zune-a-thon

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:28:00 PDT

On this, the day of the Zune HD, Donald and Jasmine naturally talk about the now-available player and its updated Zune Software and Marketplace, but the day would not be complete without some love for the next-generation Archos 5, a super sweet Internet media tablet with everything but the kitchen sink.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 160 - Appleocalypse: 2009 Edition

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:15:54 PDT

Apple's dropping bombs all over CNET...in the form of brand-new iPods and a freshly updated iTunes, that is. You know what that means: harried editors scrambling to get you all the freshest details. This week's podcast has all you want to know about iTunes 9 and the updates to the iPod Shuffle, Nano, Classic, and Touch. Plus, plenty of video demonstrating the fifth-generation Nano's many new features.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 159 - The simply superb Sansa Clip+

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:49:53 PDT

Once again, Donald and Jasmine promise a "short one" and fail to deliver. But how is it that just two devices manage to stretch on for the standard 30 minutes? We'll tell you: one of them inspires a lovefest that's saccharine enough to make your teeth throb, while the other throws Jasmine into a tizzy dripping with disappointment. This discussion on two new players--the Sansa Clip+ and the S-Series Walkman--is not to be missed. Also, the MP3 Insiders touch once again on the possibility of subscription music on the iPhone and iPod Touch.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 158 - What about the rest?

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:49:38 PDT

This week, Donald and Jasmine can't resist taunting the naysayers with yet more Zune and iPod talk, but we think you'll be interested to know that the Zune HD popped up with an app submenu during weekend demos at Best Buys across the country. And what does Microsoft have to say about that? We'll give you one guess. Also, Rhapsody gets down with the iPhone with a brand new app that is yet-to-be-approved by Apple. Plus, we take a look at the upcoming E- and S-Series Walkmans from Sony and ponder the slow death of the Bluetooth MP3 player.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 157 - Zune HD withdrawals

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 04:17:47 PDT

After a marathon Zune lovefest last week, Donald and Jasmine come down with...yet more talk about the Zune! Don't worry: it's just a brief update regarding the Zune HD presale, release date, capacity, and pricing. Oh, and of course we have to mention the three new colors that will be available. Then, it's on to a little third-gen iPod Touch rumor-mongering, followed by a trip down memory lane with some old-school MP3 players with tempting price tags. Finally, we have a mini in-studio rave with the iBlink headphones.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 156 - Zune HD under fire: the Brian Seitz interview

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:09:39 PDT

It's a very special MP3 Insider this week as Donald and Jasmine drag Zune marketing guru Brian Seitz kicking and screaming into the podcast studio for a good old-fashioned live grilling. Actually, Brian came willingly and proceeded to graciously answer a veritable boatload of questions from the hosts as well as the CNET Live audience. Now you can find out all you're dying to know about Zune HD music playback, WiFi integration, games, apps, availability, and more. And for those video podcast converts, we've got some up close and personal shots of the Zune HD's onscreen interface. Tune in to the longest MP3 Insider EVER for all the gory details.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 155 - Creative confusion

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:46:07 PDT

The Creative Zii Egg is officially announced, and Jasmine is very confused about the whole thing, and Donald's muted attempts to offer clarity are unsuccessful. Also, the MP3 Insiders have caught wind of the potential new S-Series Walkman and are none-too-taken with the Disney design leanings.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 154: That's Classic

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:00:00 PDT

Will Apple drop the iPod Classic from production when the company introduces its next generation of MP3 players in the fall? That is the chief concern of the MP3 Insiders on this week's podcast. Also, Donald and Jasmine ramble on about the best non-iPod MP3 players for Macs and the best MP3 players for podcasts, and they weigh in on a fitness-friendly MP3 player from Haier and some stupendous portable headphones from Ultrasone. Finally, SweetFM and Spotify have got Donald all hot & bothered. Find out why.

MP3 Insider: Ep. 153 - Appsolutely Fabulous

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNETTV.com) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:00:00 PDT

Donald and Jasmine talk about the top free music apps and best guitar tools for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Also, Donald rants on the transition from portable media players to netbooks, and Jasmine concedes to the fact that her cat wears the pants in the family. Finally: reader emails!

MP3 Insider Video (SD)