CES: The show's hottest music tech

The Samsung H1 is a one-of-a-kind device that has a completely transparent display casing showing the touch screen from both the front and the back. It is shown here in reverse view, and will be navigable from the back and front.

Next on the list of Samsung's wacky MP3 players is the TicToc, a device whose name evokes memories of cult classic Return to Oz. This cute gadget has a one-button control that switches functions depending on how the device is held.

The Samsung MyFit, otherwise known as the W1, garnered a Best of CES nod for its unique capabilities, namely the built-in sensors along the top edge that measure body fat and stress. The device also includes a plethora of other health tools, such as a pedometer, a calorie counter, and a meal tracker.

Add the Philips Activa to the impressive list of fitness-friendly gadgets announced at CES this year. This particular petite player features a variety of nagging voices to make sure you keep your workout going hard, including one in the form of a drill sergeant.

While not a shocking update from the original Sennheiser Sport line, the latest headphones feature a refined design that makes them even more sweat- and water-resistant than before, as well as Adidas branding. And this isn't the only partnership that went on display at this year's show.

Monster continues to team up with Dr. Dre to expand the rap mogul's headphone line, the Beats. One of the more compelling new products to arrive at CES is the Spin headphones, a cushy, full-size set with a DJ-friendly design that allows you to flip up either earcup.

Further, Monster and Dr. Dre brought even more star power on board with the addition of a line of earbuds designed by Sean "Diddy" Combs. The Diddy Beats are ultraportable, uberstylie, and come in a choice of three colors. Canary Diamond Yellow is not one of them, unfortunately.

No MP3 players from Sony this year and only one pair of new and different headphones--these first-of-their-kind Digital Noise Canceling Earbuds. They use a varying cancellation algorithm to block out more than 98% of ambient noise. Of course, they're going to cost you--about $300.

Sometimes even the smallest changes can be most welcome. Case in point: the Shure SE425 and SE535 earphones. Both pairs offer the same inner circuitry (and same excellent sound quality) of their predecessors, but the earpieces have a slimmed-down design for a better fit and they detach from the cable for easier repair.

More and more often, the gadgets that garner the most attention are those that are inspired by retro designs. Such is the case with the JVC RV-NB50, an update to the Kaboom boombox the company originally put out in 1998. (And even then, the design was inspired by units from 10 years prior.) Now, you can add an iPod dock to the CD player and FM radio functions.

Finally, a turntable with a hefty, lasting design and the ability to connect directly to USB. The Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB offers another example of taking the best from the old and adding in the new. Vinyl DJs will be hard-pressed to scoff at digital DJs with this beast as part of their setups.

In an industry-changing move, Slacker announced an update to its iPhone app that allows for caching of stations, thus letting users enjoy music without having to be connected to 3G or Wi-Fi. This of course applies to the iPhone as well, but it's a bigger win for iPod Touch owners who don't have the luxury of a constantly-available cell network.

Making a case for the "Chumby category" is the Sony Dash. This tabletop Internet gadget features a 7-inch color touch screen (measured diagonally) and has access to more than 1,000 free Internet apps, including news, calendars, weather, sports, social networking, and more via your existing home wireless connection. On top of that, you can tap into audio and video content from Sony's Bravia Internet video platform, from sources like YouTube, Pandora Internet radio, Epicurious, Crackle, Livestrong, and Blip.tv.

Blue Microphones' updated Mikey USB mic adds 3.5mm input recording to an already great gadget. Like the original, the second-generation mic offers three gain settings that control a pair of custom-tuned stereo microphone capsules. There's also a basic built-in windscreen inside the retro-styled microphone enclosure. Plus, the Mikey can create stereo recordings with the built-in voice memo recorder on various iPods.