Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for enabling an improved portable media player are provided. The apparatus provides improved media recording, synchronization, rendering and user interface experiences for a user. In various embodiments, portable media players are provided with a closed position for substantially protecting the media screen when music is being played, and an open position which uncovers the media screen for the viewing of video, photos, movies and the like. For instance, there is provided a portable media player with a small screen with a dual-sided cover spreading outward to reveal a large screen with wings on either side. User Interface controls may be located on the wings, and the functionality may be augmented or replaced with swappable, interchangeable wings offering cartridge like replaceable functionality.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for enabling an improved portable media player are provided. The apparatus provides improved media recording, synchronization, rendering and user interface experiences for a user. In various embodiments, portable media players are provided with a closed position for substantially protecting a media screen when music is being played, and an open position which uncovers the media screen for the viewing of video, photos, movies, and the like. User Interface controls may be located on the various embodiments of the portable media players, and the user interface controls may include a touch pad user interface component substantially in the form of an arc which may be of varying or substantially uniform predefined width. In some embodiments, various forms of an arc are provided, e.g., in the form of a quarter circle touchpad, which facilitates the discovery and navigation of media via a first natural movement of a finger.