Produced by Diamond Multimedia, it was introduced September 15, 1998[1] as the first in the "Rio" series of digital audio players, and it shipped later that year.
The device has controls for skipping tracks forwards or backwards, repeat, random play and four preset equalizer settings.
An upgraded version was later released, which is colored translucent green and equipped with a larger 64 MB internal memory, at a cost of $250.
RioPort was the first digital music service to license secure, single-track commercial downloads from major record labels.
The metal hinge used to hold the compartment to the base of the unit would put strain on the plastic casing, causing cracks around the SmartMedia slot.
The silver colored coating on the main central control button in the original 32 MB unit would often peel and flake off with use.