Ditching the Screen: My Journey to a Dedicated Music Player (and a Hidden Gem Find!)

Lately, I've been on a mission to reduce my screen time. It's so easy to get sucked into the endless scroll, even when all I really want is to listen to some music or a podcast. That's why I decided to go old-school and invest in a dedicated media player. My primary goal? A device purely for listening to music, podcasts, and my favorite radio show recordings, free from the distractions of notifications and social media feeds.

I figured this would be a pretty straightforward search. My mind immediately went to the classic brands – Sony, Philips, Transcend. Surely they'd have a range of MP3 players still on the market, right? Well, much to my surprise, it seems the dedicated MP3 player, at least from these "OG" brands, has largely vanished! A quick online search confirmed my fears; their offerings have either been discontinued or are incredibly difficult to find new.

Then I ventured into the used marketplaces. Facebook Marketplace, eBay – you name it, I scoured it. And while there were some options, most were not in great shape, and the prices for anything halfway decent were surprisingly high. It felt like trying to find a unicorn!

Just as I was starting to lose hope, I stumbled upon a brand I hadn't heard of before: Audiocular. They seemed to have a focus on high-resolution audio players, and to my delight, they offered a model in a budget-friendly segment. Intrigued, I decided to take the plunge.

And so, I got my hands on the Audiocular M31 High-Res Media Player.
Specs are-

Brand Name: AUDIOCULAR	Model: M31	Product Name: Portable Music Player	Display: 2.4 inch (240*320px)	Display Type:LCD Touchscreen	Storage:32GB/16GB internal [Support 128GB (not included)	Color:black/ blue
Music Format Supported: MP3/FLAC	Recording Format: WAV/MP3	Video Playback Format : AMV	Recording : Yes	Battery : 300mAh Lithium Polymer Battery	FM Radio Support : Yes	Picture Formats:JPG/JPEG/BMP file.

Box content : Player, clear case, headphone, usb type c charger cable, aux cable, user manual

This little gadget has quickly become an essential part of my daily routine, and here's why:

Audiocular M31: A Closer Look

The M31 boasts some impressive features for its price point, making it a fantastic alternative to carrying around my smartphone for audio.

• Lossless Audio Support: One of the biggest wins for me is its support for lossless FLAC files. If you're an audiophile or just appreciate high-quality sound, this is a game-changer. Pairing the M31 with a good quality pair of headphones or IEMs (in-ear monitors) truly elevates the listening experience. You can really hear the difference that lossless audio makes.

• Excellent Battery Life: This player is a road warrior! The battery backup is incredibly good, making it perfect for long journeys, commutes, or just extended listening sessions without constantly worrying about finding a power outlet.

• Versatile Connectivity: Whether you prefer the classic wired connection for your headphones or the convenience of Bluetooth, the M31 has you covered. It supports both wired headphones/ IEMs and Bluetooth headsets, offering flexibility in how you choose to listen.

• FM Radio: For those times you want to tune into live broadcasts, the M31 also supports FM radio with surprisingly good reception. Just remember that you'll need to plug in wired headphones to act as an antenna for this feature.

Under the Hood: What Powers the M31

It's worth noting that this small device is powered by an Action Semi single-chip solution ATJ2157 chip and uses high-speed USB storage. While these may not be the most cutting-edge options available on the market, they certainly get the job done perfectly for its intended purpose. It's a testament to efficient engineering.

What I've found impressive is that Audiocular offers several models with similar specifications, so you can easily choose one that best fits your specific needs and preferences. For anyone looking to unplug from their smartphone and rediscover the joy of dedicated audio, the Audiocular M31 has proven to be a surprisingly capable and budget-friendly option. It's a testament that sometimes, the best solutions are found off the beaten path, away from the big-name brands.

Have you considered a dedicated media player to reduce your screen time? I'd love to hear about your experiences!