How the MP5 Player & MP6 players Differs from Other MP Players
If you don’t keep up with technology, the terms MP5 player or MP6 player may seem synonymous. In fact, they are probably the same as all the other MP media players out there, right? In fact, each new number represents an evolution in the technology of these hand held media players. Many companies incorporate all the latest features for these devices, but the designation of MP plus the number indicates that it also includes the latest technology. Here is a rundown of the differences.
MP3
The mp3 player is the original handheld music player. It used to be a simple device you downloaded music to and stuck your headphones in. It is the base for this technology, offering the ability to play digital audio files in the popular mp3 format. What is the mp3 format? It is the acronym for the MPEG-I and II audio layering technology. In layman’s terms, it is a form of audio compression used for the transfer and playback of digital audio files. It uses something called lossy data compressing, which essentially uses the least amount of data (smaller file size) possible while still recreating a true sound.
MP4
The mp4 player is the acronym for the next evolution in the MPEG technology, or MPEG-4. It allows the user to do what its predecessor does, but also has the ability to house and stream digital and audio files. In addition, the mp4 format allows the user to keep a library of photos or similar data.
MP5 or MP6
This designation appears to have no correlation with new technological evolutions of the MPEG format. Popular media claim it is a label given by Chinese manufacturers to differentiate and market their multimedia devices. Each device has the capabilities of the mp3 technology at the least, but may vary in its features after that. An mp5 or mp6 player has the same technology as the mp4 digital player in that it decodes multiple video formats without transcoding.
This goes back to the basic concept of using the least data possible to provide the best version of whatever is being downloaded, ultimately creating smaller file sizes. Note, these are not small files, but the technology makes downloading these otherwise huge data streams possible while still delivering excellent quality.
How the Computer Sees it
In terms of how the different designations affect communication with your Mac or PC, there are only two formats recognized; .mp3 or .mp4, and the user can typically designate which they want to use for identification. Common file name extensions, especially for iTunes, are .m4a or .m4b for podcasts and audio files. The .m4a does not allow the listener to go back to the same spot they stopped at, whereas the .m4b does.
For the popular iPhone, the extension .m4r is used for ringtones, while .mp4 is used for all other audio. Another extension used for raw video data is .m4v. Other mobile devices use .3gp and .3g2 file extensions, in addition to the .mp4 designation.
The Future
Although the MP5 label is not an official file name, many models offer new features. Color displays often provide a sharper image, additional flash memory may be available, and MP5′s typically have advanced still and video capture capabilities.
Additional features included to differentiate the product from the mp3 or mp4 acronyms may include stop watches, FM radio tuners, game apps and audio recording. MP6 players tend to have all of these and available internet connectivity.
So the latest evolutions of the mp 3 are intended to be an all inclusive experience. They combine the best of all media sources; internet surfing, audio and video downloads, applications for everything from tracking workouts to a simple calendar and gps navigation. In this sense each future evolution of this device will lean toward providing more user needs in one place, at the highest quality possible.
To illustrate this, one needs to look no further than the Apple iPhone. These devices do everything the traditional handheld multimedia player does, and is an advanced mode of communication as well. It is so advanced that face to face telephone conversations are no longer the stuff of science fiction.
The future of the mp5 player is sure to be a faster, clearer version of itself, with room for a great deal more data. With any luck, brand new gadgets will be added to the already impressive array of features this technology provides. Today, new designs include wristband mp3 players with slide screens to reveal controls. Bluetooth technology is used to transmit sound, and the unit is constructed of rugged polycarbonate. Worn like a watch, this design is sure to include gps navigation for walkers, runners and hikers in the future. With innovations like this, the sky is the limit.