The first MP3 player (1998)

11 years ago Eiger Labs introduced the MPMan. It had a storage capcity of 32MB (about 10-20 songs) and sold for $69.

World's First MP3 Player (1998): MPMan 32MB. Via: Boingboing

Cube-Shaped MP3 Player

The neat thing about this minuscule, G4-looking MP3 player is it uses motion controls, like turning it on one of its side or tapping a corner, to turn on/off, skip forward/backward, etc.

Hacked Gadgets uncovered this device, which is built from scratch by an Japanese engineer calling himself ChaN. The MP3 player uses a three-axis accelerometer, enabling it to sense tilt, inclination and shock. The device features no buttons, and has a SD card slot, and a small, 2.1w speaker for playback. Plus it has an audio jack to attach a second speaker.

If you turn the player so that the speaker is face down, it turns off; lift the speaker side off the table and it back on. If you tap one of the corners against the table, it will skip forward a track. Tapping the corner on the opposite side will make it skip back a track.

You can also roll it on to its sides horizontally adjacent to the speaker to increase or decrease volume. Obviously, for some of these controls, buttons seem easier, but it's a cool demonstration of what you can do with simple technology and a good idea. LINK