The Zen Master of MP3s and Videos

It looks like a lot of multimedia device makers have anticipated Apple’s third generation of iPod Nano. The new Zen media player from Creative is the first player to offer support for AAC-encoded songs.


The sizes of the device are 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.2cm and the storage capabilities are of 4, 8 and 16 GB of storage (the 16 GB version is beyond the size of any player in its class). The player is able to play MP3, WMA, WMA DRM audio files (and AAC tracks), DivX videos, and to display JPEG photos, all rendered on the 2.5” screen of 16.7m colors. Another advantage from the storage point of view is that the new Creative Zen has an SDHC card slot (and you can use it also a card reader in this case when you connect it through the USB 2.0!) in which you could insert the card of the desired size in GB and use that as additional space for some extra videos and audio files.

The feature that makes the Zen an outstanding program is the internal FM tuner with 32 preset stations and the microphone (so you can use this as a voice/sound recorder too), and if that is not enough to beat the new Nano from Apple, let me tell that according to Creative, this player’s battery offers five hours of video play or 25 hours of music listening, so an extra hour of music listening compared to the new Nano iPod. The Zen also has an Organizer with calendar, contact and task list.

The prices are £100 ($201) for the 4GB model and £140 ($281) for the 8GB version, while the price for the 16GB model hasn’t been set yet. As accessories, you can get the precision ZEN Aurvana in-ear earphones. On the 16GB series you can tore up to 8000 WMAs (at 64 kbps) or 4000 MP3s (at 128 kbps). The included software can convert the pictures and the videos you wish to upload to the device.