S1 MP3 player

S1 MP3 players are a type of digital audio players based on many different kinds of chipsets. The popular ones include Actions and ALI chipsets. They are sold under dozens of different other brand names and in a variety of case designs. The players were very widespread around 2005–2006 and have since been superseded by more advanced models.

Note that the below information varies by chipset version and manufacturer.

There are also several models which carry no brand name or model number on the device or packaging, and a few sold under counterfeit trademarks such as Sony, Samsung, iPod, and others that use the same spelling in their brand name yet different brand styling, with inverse effect to established brands that offer similar or unrelated products.

Generic name

Linked brands

Others

Around 8 hours on models using a AAA battery (Alkaline or NiMH).

Others have a rechargeable battery which charges via USB host connection.

Many turn off automatically when idle for even 30 seconds.

Note also that charge duration varies widely between playback and recording modes.

Available utilities for Microsoft Windows include an ACT to WAV file converter (for files recorded on the device), a basic desktop editor to enter contact details for the device's phone book function and device drivers for Windows 98. An 8 cm CD-ROM containing some or all of these is included with some versions of the device.

The firmware used in various S1 MP3 players differs significantly, but this is not widely understood. Problems have arisen as consumers have attempted to upgrade their players using incompatible firmware with a higher version number. This can damage the players almost permanently. However, a 'dead' player can sometimes be recovered by opening it, shorting some pins and uploading a full firmware from the PC.

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