iRiver
iRiver was a South Korean consumer electronics company specializing in portable media players and related products. Founded in 1999 as ReignCom, it rebranded as iRiver in 2003. The company was known for its stylish designs, high-quality audio playback, and support for a variety of file formats.
iRiver's product line included MP3 players, digital audio players (DAPs), portable media players (PMPs), e-readers, and headphones. The company gained significant popularity in the early 2000s with its "iMP" series of CD-MP3 players and later with its "iFP" and "H" series of hard drive-based players. These devices were often praised for their innovative features, customizable interfaces, and superior sound quality compared to competing products.
iRiver faced increasing competition from Apple's iPod and other brands throughout the 2000s and 2010s. While it continued to release new products, it struggled to maintain its market share. Ultimately, iRiver shifted its focus towards high-end audio players and accessories, catering to audiophiles seeking premium sound experiences.
In 2014, iRiver was acquired by SK Telecom, a South Korean telecommunications company. As a subsidiary of SK Telecom, iRiver continues to develop and market audio products under the Astell&Kern brand, specializing in high-resolution audio players and related accessories.