iRiver released an upgrade to the MTP firmware (primarily US) today. Special thanks to Scott for the heads-up on the news. Sadly, the upgrade doesn’t include support for Flash Lite 2 , but we’ll take what we can get.

A couple of really great U10 ‘hacking’ posts over on Justin’s blog:
H4X0R1Ng the U10 Interface
U10 Dots Background

Found this and more on a Chinese fan site (iriverFans.com).

I recently purchased the U10 Cradle Kit from Jeff over at MisticAudio and am fairly happy with it so far. It comes neatly packaged and seems to be well made, though the instruction booklet is in Korean. Thankfully, the features of the cradle are pretty intuitive, so settup went smoothly.

Docking with the cradle works the same as it does with the standard U10/USB cable. If docked with the power OFF, the device will default to ‘Charging’ mode. If docked with the power ON, the user is give the option of ‘Power Only’ or ‘Power and Data’ and will default to the latter after a few seconds of indecision*. I should point out that while docked, the U10’s D-Click nav is disabled**, so you may want to lock the screen before docking.

All navigation is performed via the included IR Remote Control. This is generic piece of plastic that, while similar in styling to the U10/Cradle, is of lower quality. The buttons are awkwardly spaced, can be difficult to press and offer only the most basic functional control - power/volume/4-way select.

The Stereo Speakers, though serviceable, are a bit of a disappointment. They are definitely ‘tinny’ and offer very little separation, but will do in a pinch. Fidelity can be improved by placing the cradle in (or on) a wooden cabinet or table and adjusting the U10’s audio settings. Volume levels 25-35 seem to work best - I haven’t messed with the surround/eq settings.

The Snooze button is a nice addition, but is only necessary because the D-Click nav is disabled. I would much rather have direct access to access to Power/Volume/Nav.

Other features include Audio Line In/Out jacks. These work as expected, but unfortunately require (provided) low-profile dongle/cables - an example of form over function. Hopefully, the next version of the cradle will eliminate the need for these added adapters.

Lastly, the USB cable (and corresponding cradle port) appears to be a ‘Standard’ USB-A/Mini USB 5 affair, so there may be some after-market options available - at your own risk, of course

Overall, I have mixed feelings about the U10 Cradle. Build quality is generally good (excluding the Remote Control) and everything works as expected - though FM Radio is tragically disabled when docked. However, for the price ($80 after shipping) I would expect more than a pair of subpar Speakers, Audio In, a Remote Control and a Snooze Button. On the otherhand, if you NEED these features or are fortunate enough to get the Cradle bundled with your U10, you’ll likely be pleased with what you get.

*In ‘Power and Data’ mode, all navigation including Remote Control is disabled.

**All U10 controls are disabled when docked witht the exception of the Power ON button (Power OFF is disabled).

Do you know the fate of your U10. Where it will be a year from now? 5 years from now? I knew the future of mine before I bought it. I promised my wife that I would give her my 1GB U10 as soon as the 2-4GB models are available in the US (soon? ). Then at some some point in the future when an even newer and more improved U10 is released, she will pass her 1GB U10 down to our daughter (who is already infatuated with it) and take my 2-4GB U10. Finally, when the 1GB U10 dies of exhaustion, it will be passed back to me for experimental dissection and spare parts. Fait accompli.

Thinking that a blog is the best way to deliver more topical/time-sensitive dialog regarding the U10 and U10DO.com. Will be experimenting with the Semiologic CMS plugin for WordPress.