Review Samsung YP-W1 (S Pebble or Muse)

[lebellium]

Hey guys,



I reviewed the new YP-W1 (S Pebble) for the French website GMP3 (generationmp3).
I don't think I will translate it into English for ABI as that's the kind of DAP almost nobody is interested in here (tell me if I'm wrong) so I just provide here the original link and the google translation link. Enjoy

Review in French
Review in English

The S Pebble has only been released in Germany, Italy & UK yet.
I don't know if it will be released in the US.

[skip252]

I haven't laughed that hard about a DAPs lack of features in a long time. I had a vision of someone at Samsung saying "No folder advance on this one. That will help them exercise their fingers." I can't think of any other reason you would have a player at this capacity with no folder advance.

Some type of voice over at would help. Hmm, maybe voice over is patented by Apple? Wouldn't want another lawsuit.

The USB host feature is kind of interesting. I can't think of any situations where I would use it now. If I wanted to make an on the go change and spare my more expensive phone some wear and tear during a workout it might come in handy.

[lebellium]

Originally Posted by skip252

I haven't laughed that hard about a DAPs lack of features in a long time. I had a vision of someone at Samsung saying "No folder advance on this one. That will help them exercise their fingers." I can't think of any other reason you would have a player at this capacity with no folder advance.

I can't understand this choice either, but I remember that the Cowon E2 was also released without "skip by folder" feature and after Cowon read the ABI review, they added that feature via a new firmware!
The thing is that contrary to Cowon, Samsung never add new features with firmwares, firmwares are only there to fix bugs. I'll send the improvement suggestion to the R&D though, one never knows...

Some type of voice over at would help. Hmm, maybe voice over is patented by Apple? Wouldn't want another lawsuit.

lol

The USB host feature is kind of interesting. I can't think of any situations where I would use it now. If I wanted to make an on the go change and spare my more expensive phone some wear and tear during a workout it might come in handy.

I find USB-Host cool and fun but that's just a gadget in the end. I used it 4x for the review and will probably won't use it again until long time.

[YP-Migsu]

I want one! lol

Is out of stock in amazon.com

But, it work without S III right?

[lebellium]

Of course it does.
Look at the review! Even if you don't speak French there are enough pictures to understand how it works

[WalkGood]

Lebellium, forgot to tell you I like the review & pics, nice job While I find the look very cool it's not for me per our irc discussion

[lebellium]

I'm a bit surprised but it seems that the YP-W1 will finally reach the US market!

The product page is ready: http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cel...s/YP-W1NAL/STA
While it is called "S Pebble" in the other countries, Samsung decided to rename it "Muse" for the US market. A strange decision since "Muse" is also the friendly name of Philips DAP SA3MUSXXS...

You can also notice it is considered as a "cell-phone accessory" on Samsung US website while in most other countries it is sold as a normal MP3 player.

Moreover, Samsung US provides a free dedicated app "Muse Sync" on the store https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...usesync#?t=W10
This app only works with Galaxy S3 and Note2 unfortunately, I can't install it on my Galaxy S2. That said, I'm not sure it's really worth it. I personally like copy&paste transfers, no need for a sync software.

The version sold in the USA should be the latest revision with touch keys a bit redesigned (bottom) compared to my early version (top):


Available in Pebble Blue et Marble White colors for $49,99.

Conclusion: Really different marketing strategy for the US but still the same product

[djpaul79]

Hi!
I got one, it had problems connecting with S3 solved just now with the last firm 1.09. It could be useful to have the firm installer also for this model to solve the known connections problems. I guess is useful fot hose who have also the phone, i paid 20 euros for it, not so much

[lebellium]

Where are you based on/do you live?

What was your previous firmware? As far as I know the latest firmware 1.09 is totally useless, it only adds volume cap to comply with European legislation. Compatibility issues were said to be fixed with previous firmware 1.05.

[sfidelisrp]

Hello guys. I sent both of you a PM in regards to some serious help with this player. I hope you can help me, thanks.

Originally Posted by djpaul79

Hi!
I got one, it had problems connecting with S3 solved just now with the last firm 1.09. It could be useful to have the firm installer also for this model to solve the known connections problems. I guess is useful fot hose who have also the phone, i paid 20 euros for it, not so much

Originally Posted by lebellium

Where are you based on/do you live?

What was your previous firmware? As far as I know the latest firmware 1.09 is totally useless, it only adds volume cap to comply with European legislation. Compatibility issues were said to be fixed with previous firmware 1.05.

Edit lebellium: Another thread merged here:

Originally Posted by sfidelisrp

Make a long story short I just purchased a YP-W1AW aka Muse aka Pebble. I formatted it because I thought it wasn't working and lost all the system files on it. Formatted to FAT32 which is what I've read is correct. So now when I put music on it and try to listen, nothing plays. I can hear all the button presses just fine so I know there's audio output, but it won't play any MP3s. It also won't connect to Kies, so I can't update firmware, which is way out of date. Would anyone have this player and be able to get me these files? Can you also tell me the file folder structure on your device. I'm going crazy here. Thanks.

[lebellium]

Like almost any mp3 player, the W1 uses an hidden partition for system files, not available to the user so that when you format your device, you only format the user partition, there is no risk of deleting the firmware. After formating the device, it should automatically recreate the directory tree in the user partition, that is to say the Music and System folders.
Yes, there is also a System folder on the user partition but it only contains minor files such as SwitchKeyCount.txt and SYSTEM.VER, it's not the *true* system.
I attach you the files but honestly I don't think that will help you much.

Your problem looks strange to me. I don't understand how that can happen. Maybe you wrongly formatted it, I don't know.

Anyway, what I suggest to you now:
-Try to upgrade the firmware. You don't need Kies for that (actually you don't need Kies for anything). Just download the latest firmware 1.11 here: http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/co...-KR-00-MA2.zip
Extract the archive, put the YP-W1.rom file at the root of your device. Then disconnect it. Then wait until the blue (I guess) LED turns off. That means the firmware has been upgraded.

-If the issue goes on, I would recommend flashing the device. Fortunately, Samsung made a mistake and included in the firmware 1.11 archive the Recovery Tool which is supposed to be confidential and for Samsung internal use only. The Recovery Tool is the Muonizer.exe and updater.bin files. I wanted to make a good Tutorial to use this recovery tool but I haven't had time for that yet.
Basically you should execute Muonizer.exe, tick the box Upgrade Firmware, Format User and Hidden (I wouldn't try Low Level unless that doesn't work without). In the ROM file path select the firmware 1.11.
Then comes the tricky step: connect the W1 to the computer in recovery mode. Make sure your W1 is OFF. Now You have to press reset while connecting it to the PC with the cable. It's difficult because the reset button is not easily accessible because of the clip. I remember last time I tried, I needed 4 or 5times until it worked. Once it works, the red Start button in Muonizer becomes blue. Just click on it and wait

Oh and just one thing: you can only hear the button presses on pause mode. So make sure you're on play mode

[sfidelisrp]

Awesome man. I'll try this and let you know my outcome. Also what do you mean by play and pause mode?

[lebellium]

I mean music playback: pause or play.
The touch key in the middle is play/pause.
If you hear button presses when touching previous/next or volume up/down that means your music is on pause so of course you don't hear it. I hope you don't mix up "nothing plays" with "pause", which is normal behavior

[sfidelisrp]

Ok, so I upgraded the firmware and it did the trick. Thank's a lot for all your help. I was actually trying to use the Muonizer.exe file to upgrade to 1.11 but I couldn't figure out how to get the Start button to change from red. Life saver man. I appreciate it.

[lebellium]

Originally Posted by sfidelisrp

Life saver man.

I just remind you we are talking about a $50 device
but you're welcome

Although the W1 release has been covered by many media because at the time it was announced along with the Galaxy S3 as an accessory, it seems to me that it doesn't really sell well and it's pretty rare to see a new user here.

[sfidelisrp]

Yeah, I know, but I hate to waste money and I was determined to get it working. Thanks again.

[djpaul79]

Originally Posted by lebellium

Like almost any mp3 player, the W1 uses an hidden partition for system files, not available to the user so that when you format your device, you only format the user partition, there is no risk of deleting the firmware. After formating the device, it should automatically recreate the directory tree in the user partition, that is to say the Music and System folders.
Yes, there is also a System folder on the user partition but it only contains minor files such as SwitchKeyCount.txt and SYSTEM.VER, it's not the *true* system.
I attach you the files but honestly I don't think that will help you much.

Your problem looks strange to me. I don't understand how that can happen. Maybe you wrongly formatted it, I don't know.

Anyway, what I suggest to you now:
-Try to upgrade the firmware. You don't need Kies for that (actually you don't need Kies for anything). Just download the latest firmware 1.11 here: http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/co...-KR-00-MA2.zip
Extract the archive, put the YP-W1.rom file at the root of your device. Then disconnect it. Then wait until the blue (I guess) LED turns off. That means the firmware has been upgraded.

-If the issue goes on, I would recommend flashing the device. Fortunately, Samsung made a mistake and included in the firmware 1.11 archive the Recovery Tool which is supposed to be confidential and for Samsung internal use only. The Recovery Tool is the Muonizer.exe and updater.bin files. I wanted to make a good Tutorial to use this recovery tool but I haven't had time for that yet.
Basically you should execute Muonizer.exe, tick the box Upgrade Firmware, Format User and Hidden (I wouldn't try Low Level unless that doesn't work without). In the ROM file path select the firmware 1.11.
Then comes the tricky step: connect the W1 to the computer in recovery mode. Make sure your W1 is OFF. Now You have to press reset while connecting it to the PC with the cable. It's difficult because the reset button is not easily accessible because of the clip. I remember last time I tried, I needed 4 or 5times until it worked. Once it works, the red Start button in Muonizer becomes blue. Just click on it and wait

Oh and just one thing: you can only hear the button presses on pause mode. So make sure you're on play mode

You explained exactly what samsung service have done with mine.
I guess your post is one of the most helpful!

[zibetto]

Originally Posted by lebellium

Extract the archive, put the YP-W1.rom file at the root of your device. Then disconnect it. Then wait until the blue (I guess) LED turns off. That means the firmware has been upgraded.

May I ask you what do you mean with the root?
I have these four folders:
System
Music
Lost dir
Manual-Pc Program
Thx

[lebellium]

The root directory is where all these folders are.

[zibetto]

Thank you, so just putting the rom file in none of them (folder).