From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Creative ZEN
Creative ZEN
The Creative ZEN (formerly known as Creative NOMAD of August 2011 which fixes some of the freezing and Blue-
Jukebox Zen) is a range of digital audio players (DAPs) and tooth issues the player had when it was launched with its
portable media players (PMPs) made by Creative Tech- initial firmware.
nology. The players evolved from the now-defunct
NOMAD brand through the NOMAD Jukebox series. Three ZEN Touch 2
of its players won the Best of CES award[1][2][3] from 2004 The first ZEN with Android 2.1 on board. (Upgradeable to
to 2006 in their respective categories, with one winning 2.2) Has a microSD card slot, Bluetooth, wifi, and is avail-
the overall award.[3] The ZEN series has a strong foothold able in 8 GB with GPS, or 8 GB or 16 GB without GPS.[4]
in Asian markets, especially in Singapore, the company’s The player comes bundled with the popular EP-630 in-ear
headquarters. earphones from Creative. A GPS version is also available
All players are compatible with MP3 and WMA, while in the 8 GB capacity.
various models support WAV and Audible files. They are A firmware to update the player to Android 2.2 was
bundled with device drivers and Creative MediaSource, released by Creative on the 26 of April. With the update,
a media player that includes transferring and syncing the ZEN Touch 2 now support Flash and also Audible con-
abilities exclusively for the players. Some models are tent for certain region.
PlaysForSure-certified for being compatible with Win-
dows Media Player via Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) ZEN X-Fi Style
and supporting the Janus DRM. They are natively com- The release of the ZEN X-Fi Style series was announced
patible with Windows, while the current players exclu- on April 8, 2010.[5] It was created as a more affordable
sively support Windows XP and Vista. version of the X-Fi2, with removed Wi-Fi capability and
touchscreen. The X-Fi Style comes in capacities of 8, 16,
Current players and 32 GB. The player features a 2.4-inch display, video
out, X-Fi technology, a built-in speaker, FM radio, alarm
ZEN X-Fi3 clock, calendar and voice recorder. The battery life is rat-
The ZEN X-Fi3 is Creative’s 3rd MP3 player to feature its ed at 25 hours for music and 5 hours for video. However,
proprietary X-Fi audio tecnology. With X-Fi Crystalizer, the expansion slot is omitted.
the audio quality of the mp3 files are restored to its orig-
inal quality while X-Fi Expand allows you to experience ZEN Style 100/300
surround sound effect on your earphones. The player al- The ZEN Style series was announced at the same time as
so has Bluetooth capability which is further enhanced the X-Fi Style.[5] The series is available in 4, 8, and 16 GB
with the licensed apt-X audio codec. Other features of the capacities. Both the 100 and 300 models have the same
player include FM radio, photo and video playback, on- portrait design similar to Creative’s ZEN Mozaic, as well
the-go playlist creation, built-in speaker and microphone as the same sized screen as the Mozaic, at 1.8-inches. The
and microSD slot (integrated). The player is expected to series features an alarm, calendar, voice recorder, and
be released at the end of October. video and photo support. The Zen Style 300 also includes
a built-in speaker and FM radio. The battery life is rat-
ZEN Style M300 ed at 32 hours for music and 4 hours for video. Unfortu-
The ZEN Style M300 is a compact and lightweight Blue- nately, the Zen Style is not compatible with Napster-To-
tooth MP3 player with a 1.4" screen and capacitive touch Go feature.
controls. Despite its small form size, the player has a full
range of features including FM radio, photo and video ZEN X-Fi2
playback, built-in microphone as well as a microSD slot to The ZEN X-Fi2, announced September 2, 2009[6] is a fea-
expand your music and photo library on the player. The ture update to the X-Fi. It includes many features of the
player comes in 4 colors (Black, White, Yellow and Red) X-Fi, including flash memory, X-Fi audio enhancements,
and 3 capacities (4, 8 and 16 GB). At U$49,99 for the 4 GB and expandable memory. However, there are several no-
version, the ZEN Style M300 is one of the most affordable table differences between the two. The X-Fi2 features a
Bluetooth MP3 player in the market. A non-Bluetooth/ full touchscreen user input mode, unlike the original’s
FM radio version - the ZEN Style M100 is also available. keypad-esque input method. Also, the X-Fi2 no longer
Creative released an updated firmware (1.00.16) on the 11 has wireless networking features, and trades the SD input
for a microSD card slot. Added to the player is support
1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Creative ZEN
for the lossless, open-source FLAC codec, A/V output to stores, selling in capacities of 8 GB (without Wi-Fi), 16 GB,
a TV, and offline RSS reader support. Compared to simi- and 32 GB.
larly featured models from competitors, it is lower priced
as well. It comes in 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB varia-
tions. As with most other models, the Zen X-Fi 2 charges
via USB port, but can also be charged using a separately
available wall adapter. An Application Development Kit
based on the Lua programming language is offered[7] for
homebrew applications and games.
ZEN
ZEN
Main article: ZEN (portable media player)
The flash-based player was released on September 14,
2007,[9] in capacities of 2, 4, 8, and 16 GB. A 32 GB model
was announced on December 4, 2007, setting a record for
Zen X-Fi 2 storage capacity among flash-based players. The 32 GB
model is now available for purchase.[10] The player is
0.44-inch thick,[11] making it the slimmest ZEN player so
ZEN MX
far. It is the first ZEN to have an SD card slot, support for
Main article: ZEN MX unprotected iTunes-encoded AAC, and a 24-bit screen.
The ZEN MX is a derivative of the ZEN, released in 2009. The ZEN is not to be confused with the ZEN Micro-based
It shares the same form factor as the ZEN, but a few cos- player of the same name.
metic changes in addition to a few changes in firmware
resulted in a fairly stripped down, and thus cheaper re-
tailing version of the player. Discontinued players
ZEN Mozaic NOMAD Jukebox Zen series
The ZEN Mozaic is a flash player that was released on Au- Main article: Creative NOMAD
gust 3, 2008, in capacities of 2, 4, 8 , and 16 GB. The Moza-
ic features a 1.8-inch video screen, a keypad that resem-
bles a mosaic pattern, and a built-in speaker (also in a
mosaic pattern). It also includes features such as a built-
in FM radio, voice recorder, and picture viewer. The ZEN
Mozaic has two derivatives, the ZEN Mozaic LX and the
ZEN Mozaic EZ300. The ZEN Mozaic LX is a more afford-
able model which lacks an FM Radio and built-in speak-
ers. The ZEN Mozaic EZ300 is nearly identical in terms
of function to the original Mozaic, but supports plug and
play and only comes in solid colors (black, silver or pink).
ZEN X-Fi
The ZEN X-Fi was officially confirmed on July 10, 2008.[8]
The player’s design is based on the ZEN and includes new NOMAD Jukebox Zen players feature easily replaceable batter-
features such as X-Fi technology, Wi-Fi, and online chat. ies
The package includes a set of EP-830 headphones, and a
built in speaker. It also supports wireless media stream- The first models branded as a "Zen" were then released
ing from a home network, similar to a Windows Media under the now-defunct NOMAD line, and have an an-
Center Extender. The player is now available at online odized aluminium case. The 2.5-inch Fujitsu hard drives
2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Creative ZEN
range from a 20 (NOMAD Jukebox Zen), 30 (Zen NX, Zen lithium ion battery, a USB cable, and a pair of standard
Xtra), 40 and 60 GB (Xtra). Unlike the earlier NOMAD earbuds. The Zen Xtra does not support the FM tuner
Jukebox players, which looked like CD players, these have from the original Zen and does not have recording func-
the appearance of a cassette player. tionality.
The Xtra is notable for being the first DAP to support
NOMAD Jukebox Zen Real Networks’s Helix DRM, but through a tailored
Announced on October 14, 2002, the NOMAD Jukebox Zen firmware. The SanDisk Sansa e200R would later be the
was the first player to include the "Zen" branding. It had only other player to have this feature.
the distinct ability to connect via USB 1.1 or FireWire,
while subsequent releases had connectivity to USB 2.0. Zen Touch
Up to 14 hours of continuous audio playback is achieved
by the rechargeable battery, and an optional wired re-
mote gives the player an FM tuner and microphone.
NOMAD Jukebox Zen NX
The Zen NX, as it was later called, was released on August
20, 2003,[12] is an upgrade to the old NOMAD Jukebox Zen,
with a removable battery and a slightly smaller size. In-
cluded with the player was MediaSource, the music man-
agement software that would be used with subsequent
Zen players.
Creative ZEN Touch
The redesigned 40 GB Zen Touch was released on June 7,
2004.[14] The model incorporated major changes in de-
sign, functionality and technology.
The Zen Touch has a smaller form factor and larger
backlit blue display in a curved industrial design. In ad-
dition, the device uses a touch-sensitive vertical strip
on the front of the unit for easier file navigation. These
changes were enabled by the use of Hitachi’s smaller
1.8-inch hard drives. The Touch is available in capacities
of 20 and 40 GB. Unlike the previous two generations, the
Zen Touch does not have a removable battery, and plays
NOMAD Jukebox Zen Xtra audio for approximately 24 hours. Even though the bat-
tery is not removable, it can be replaced rather easily
NOMAD Jukebox Zen Xtra since the case is closed with screws only and the battery
The NOMAD Jukebox Zen Xtra, or the Zen Xtra (renamed attaches with a connector.
by Creative for commercial reasons) was released simul- The Zen Touch has a brief uncredited appearance in
taneously with the Zen NX.[13] The player was presum- Pepsi’s new commercial which aired during Super Bowl
ably named Xtra, thanks to the larger screen. The pack- XL.[15]
age includes the player, a leather case with belt-clip, a
3
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Creative ZEN
Zen Portable Media Center
Zen Portable Media Center
The Zen Portable Media Center, announced on January
8, 2004 and released eight months later,[16] is based on
Microsoft’s Portable Media Center interface, runs Win-
dows Mobile and supports WMV, WMA, and MP3, and can
display JPEG images; other video formats are supported
through transcoding. This device was the first to exclu-
sively support Microsoft’s Media Transfer Protocol, and
was presented at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2004,
winning the TechTV Best of CES Award in the Portable
Audio and Video category.[1] The player uses a 1.8-inch
20 or 40 GB hard drive from Hitachi. The Zen Portable
Media Center has been replaced by the ZEN Vision and
the ZEN Vision W.
ZEN Micro
The ZEN Micro was released on November 12, 2004,[17] ZEN Micro glowing in the dark
and is a microdrive player available in 10 colors. It is also
the first ZEN release that sports the new branding, in- The ZEN Micro is much smaller than the Touch and
cluding capitals for all letters in Zen. shares a similar interface and controls (including the
touchpad, without the ’OK’ button. Making a selection
would be done by tapping the touchpad). The Micro has
a removable battery rated to last for up to 12 hours of
continuous playback. In addition, the player has an LED-
backlit LCD, a glowing case, and offers hard disk capaci-
ties of 4, 5 and 6 GB.
The Micro also features a built-in FM tuner/recorder,
voice recorder and microphone, partitioning for data
storage (i.e. acting as a removable hard drive for PCs),
and the ability to synchronize contacts, tasks and calen-
dars with Microsoft Outlook. Accessories for the ZEN Mi-
cro include matching color speakers, wireless headsets
and a wired remote control.
The first 35,000 units shipped worldwide were pack-
aged as a "Limited Edition" package that came with an
additional rechargeable battery. Asian models of the
Limited Edition included the extra battery and a wired
remote control.
At CES 2005, it was announced that the ZEN Micro line
would be expanded to include 4 and 6 GB models.
ZEN Micro with the included earphones
4
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Creative ZEN
The ZEN Micro optionally supports the Microsoft Me- also accompanied by a new marketing campaign, Put a
dia Transfer Protocol and the PlaysForSure certification Face to Your Music, with emphasis on a whole new range
with updated firmware. of customizable "Stik-Ons", which are decal stickers that
can be placed and removed from the face of the unit.
ZEN (micro-based hard drive player)
The ZEN was released on April 6, 2005,[18] and is slightly ZEN MicroPhoto
larger than the ZEN Micro with a 20 GB hard drive ca-
pacity. The ZEN, however, has a magnesium back-casing
and the battery is unremovable. This model was initially
available in the Asia-Pacific region, but soon became
available in the US through Cambridge SoundWorks, a
subsidiary of Creative.
ZEN Neeon
ZEN Neeon
The ZEN Neeon was released on May 17, 2005.[19] It is a
throwback to the old Zen Xtra, but in a much smaller size. ZEN MicroPhoto with a custom wallpaper
The 5 GB model has an SNR of 98 dB and a battery life
of 16 hours (19 hours with new firmware version). The The ZEN MicroPhoto, released on July 28, 2005,[22] shares
front has a piano black finish, and the back is anodized the same features of the ZEN Micro except Audible.com
aluminium that comes in ten colors. and the LCD screen support (reinstated in firmware versions 1.31.01 and
has a 7 color backlight. above), and adds an upgraded 262,144-color (18 bpp)
The Creative ZEN Neeon was criticized highly at the OLED screen for displaying photos. To fix the lack of bass
time of release for having a slow interface, more specif- with the ZEN Micro, Creative also implemented a Bass
ically slow start-up, menus and song switch. As well, the Boost feature, now available in most subsequent players.
first released models came with a Windows virus.[20] A The 8 GB player is available in the same colors of the
later firmware update provided a much quicker start-up Micro and is advertised to store "thousands of JPEGs"
time and interface. or "4,000 songs". Due to its larger battery, the player
Like the Zen Micro, this unit has an FM tuner and a can play up to 15 hours of continuous playback, 3 hours
microphone, but also has a line in record function. This longer than its predecessor.[23] The MicroPhoto is the
model does not use proprietary USB drivers; it is a stan- first of many subsequent players with expanded cus-
dard USB mass storage device. tomization, with the ability to use a picture as a custom
On November 17, 2005, the microdrive player was up- wallpaper, with color themes to change the tones of it,
dated to 6 GB and a new flash range was launched in ca- and six color schemes.
pacities of 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB.[21] The revised device The player was first announced at the 2005 Consumer
is equipped with a dual-tone OLED screen. The device is Electronics Show, where it won the G4TV Best of CES
5
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Creative ZEN
award in the Audio To Go category.[2] On November 2005, tems, e.g. require users to have access to Microsoft Win-
the player was the CNET Editor’s Choice award on dows XP (SP1 or higher).
CNET.com. Like past models, the ZEN Vision comes with an FM
tuner, a voice and FM recorder, and a calendar and orga-
ZEN Sleek nizer that can be synchronized with Microsoft Outlook.
The ZEN Vision has a 3.7-inch, trans-reflective VGA
TFT-LCD screen. It has a video output (PAL or NTSC) port
and a CompactFlash slot which can be used to transfer
the contents to the player. An adapter for other memory
card types is also available as an accessory. The ZEN Vi-
sion also supports an optional infrared remote.
ZEN Sleek Photo
The ZEN Sleek Photo was released on October 6, 2005. It
is the color-screen equivalent of the Sleek, with the extra
ability to view JPEG photos on an OLED screen.
ZEN Vision:M
Main article: ZEN Vision:M
ZEN Sleek
The ZEN Sleek was first available on August 30, 2005,[24]
and is an upgrade of the ZEN with a 20 GB hard drive,
FM radio, built-in microphone, and sports an aluminium
casing. Like its predecessors, it can synchronize with Mi-
crosoft Outlook’s calendar, address book, and memo
functions. The player has a battery life of up to 20 hours.
ZEN Vision
ZEN Vision (Black)
The ZEN Vision was released on October 1, 2005.[25] Since
its launch, it is the winner of several awards, including
Best of Digital Life 2005 and the Red dot design award. Un-
like its predecessor, the ZEN Vision does not have Mi-
crosoft’s Portable Media Center interface. It supports au-
dio (WMA-DRM, WMA, MP3, WAV), video (WMV, Motion
JPEG, MPEG 1/2/4, DivX 4/5, xvid) and picture (JPEG)
playback. The ZEN Vision utilizes a 30 GB 1.8-inch Toshi- ZEN Vision:M (Black)
ba hard drive and can partition a part of its hard drive
to work as a removable disk (up to 16 GB) for any oper- The ZEN Vision:M, launched on December 8, 2005,[26] is
ating system. There are some features of the ZEN Vision adapted from the earlier released ZEN Vision. The
which require compatibility with certain operating sys- 2.5-inch, TFT LCD display has a resolution of 320 by 240
6
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Creative ZEN
pixels (QVGA), and is capable of outputting 640 x 480 us- ZEN Neeon 2
ing a composite video cable. The player has an estimat-
The ZEN Neeon 2, a successor to the Neeon, was an-
ed battery life of 16 hours for audio, and five hours for
nounced on August 2, 2006.[29] The player has a 1.5-inch
videos (tested under continuous playback). Album art is
CSTN-LCD display in a resolution of 128x128. The 1 and
shown during playback, and image-viewing is enhanced
2 GB models are available in a black, silver, blue, pink or
with pan, zoom and rotation abilities. The 30 GB model is
orange backplate, accompanied with a piano black front,
available in white, black, green, blue and pink. Like the
while the 4 GB model comes only in black and silver. The
other players in the Vision and Micro lines, this model is
Neeon 2 supports MP3, WMA, and WAV, display JPEG im-
known for its glowing button symbols.
ages and plays AVI videos which are transcoded upon
The ZEN Vision:M has won a number of accolades, in-
transfer. Also, the player has an FM tuner, built-in micro-
cluding the "Best of Show" and "Best Portable Audio &
phone, and line-in recording in WMA. The rechargeable
Video Device" awards at the 2006 Consumer Electronics
lithium-ion battery plays up to 20 hours of continuous
Show,[3] as well as the Red Dot Design Award.[27]
audio playback and up to 8 hours of video playback, the
On August 31, 2006, Creative announced the availabil-
highest for any Creative digital audio player.
ity of an upgraded player with 60 GB capacity. This ver-
Like its predecessor, decal stickers called "Stik-Ons"
sion has a USB host adapter cable, which enables users
are sold separately to customize the look of the Neeon
to transfer photos from a digital camera directly to the
2’s frontplate, though they cannot be interchanged. The
player. It is only available in black and white, and was ini-
players and their "Stik-Ons" are only available in Aus-
tially slightly thicker than the 30 GB model. On March 11,
tralia, Singapore and several other Asian countries.
2007, the 60 GB model was upgraded with a new slimmer
profile - the same thickness as the 30 GB version.
ZEN Vision W
Appearances in media Main article: ZEN Vision W
The ZEN Vision:M has made an appearance in an Orville The ZEN Vision W was released on September 17,
Redenbacher’s commercial, first broadcast during the 2006.[30] A variant of the ZEN Vision, the portable media
2007 Golden Globe Awards.[28] The familiar blue interface player has a 4.3-inch, widescreen (16:9) TFT-LCD display.
and black color of the model are indicators. The player comes in black and is available with 30 or
/ 60 GB capacity. Like the ZEN Vision:M, a built-in micro-
phone and an FM tuner are included, as well as support
ZEN Nano/ZEN Nano Plus for the same media formats, a similar graphical interface
and the ability to sync organizer data from Microsoft
Outlook. It also includes a CompactFlash reader for extra
capacity and the direct upload of images.
ZEN Stone
The ZEN Stone, released on May 3, 2007,[31] is a small and
screenless 1 or 2 GB player. Coated in glossy plastic, the
player is available in black, white, blue, pink, green, and
red. The ZEN Stone is compatible with the MP3, WMA,
and Audible formats, is UMS compliant, and the battery
lasts up to 11 hours.
ZEN Nano Plus (1 GB Blue) ZEN Stone Plus
Although it is slightly larger than the ZEN Stone, the
The ZEN Nano and the ZEN Nano Plus were released in-
ZEN Stone Plus is identical in design. However, the ZEN
ternationally on June 1, 2006. The player is a rebranded
Stone Plus has a monochromic OLED screen, a built-in FM
MuVo N200. The ZEN Nano Plus is a USB mass storage
tuner, a stopwatch (the first ZEN player to have this abil-
device, and does not require proprietary drivers. It has
ity) and a built-in microphone. The ZEN Stone Plus plays
a battery-life of up to 18 hours using an AAA battery.
approximately 9.5 hours of continuous audio playback,
Like the Micro and the MicroPhoto, the Nano is available
and comes with the same colors as the ZEN Stone in a
in ten colors: black, pink, red, orange, green, light blue,
2 GB capacity. A 4 GB model was subsequently released
blue, purple, gray, and white.
on June 29, 2007.[32] A built-in speaker version was also
The ZEN Nano Plus is a Nano with an FM tuner with
released. Both versions support MP3 and WMA, with the
30 custom presets, plus voice, radio, and line-in record-
built-in speaker version also supporting iTunes-encoded
ing. Recorded audio is encoded in WAV (ADPCM), except
AAC and Audible formats.[33]
for line-in, which encodes to MP3.
7
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Creative ZEN
version, green trim for 2 GB, and black with blue trim for
the 4 GB version and later an 8 GB version. The ZEN V
Plus plays video and has an FM tuner, while the ZEN V
does not. The players support the same formats as the Vi-
sion:M, while the videos will be trans coded upon trans-
fer. There are also built-in microphones for voice record-
ing, as well as wires for line-in recording. The recharge-
able lithium-ion battery has a life span of up to 15 hours
of continuous audio playback.
The ZEN V Plus won the CNET Editor’s Choice award
during that month.
On September 29, 2006, Creative announced that the
blue-and-black ZEN V Plus had been upgraded to 8 GB.
Four days later, the company joined forces with the Na-
ZEN Stone (White) tional Breast Cancer Foundation to release a pink version
of the 2 GB model, now available in most areas.[36] In
ZEN Wav Europe and Japan, the 8 GB version is now available in a
red-and-black color.[37]
The ZEN Wav was released on May 25, 2007.[34] The flash-
On August 8, 2007, Creative released a 16 GB model of
based player has built-in stereo speakers and supports
the ZEN V Plus,[38] making it the highest capacity flash-
the MP3, WMA, and WAV formats. It is the first player in
based player until the ZEN beat its own record with the
the ZEN line to have the following features: a 16-bit color
release of its 32 GB model.[10]
screen, unlike other ZEN players, which are 8-bit; a bat-
tery life of 30 hours (20 with the speakers), which was the
longest than any previous ZEN player; the ability to read Hardware
e-books; and the ability to show 3 different time zones "at Most models are built with Texas Instruments’s
a glance". The ZEN Wav comes in capacities of 2 and 4 GB. TMS320DA25x ARM architecture and digital signal
processor that makes up the CPU, while the operating
ZEN V/ZEN V Plus system used is Texas Instruments DSP/BIOS.[39] The pe-
Main article: ZEN V ripheral circuits take care of all media decoding without
any accelerator chips. The touchpads are managed by Sy-
naptics controllers.
The newer ZEN players uses SigmaTel’s STMP3700
ARM, described to be "designed specifically for portable
devices".[40] Nucleus RTOS makes up the base of their
OSes.[41]
Marketing campaign
In November 2004, Creative Labs announced a $100 mil-
lion marketing campaign to promote their digital audio
products, including the ZEN range of MP3 players. In
particular, the company was heavily publicizing the Zen
Touch and ZEN Micro. These two products had been fea-
tured in an increasing number of television commercials,
print ads, and urban billboards.
Many celebrities were seen with the ZEN Micro, in-
cluding Paris Hilton, pop group Maroon 5 and Aero-
smith’s Steven Tyler.
ZEN V (Green/Black, 2 GB)
Legal issues
Creative’s first flash-based portable media player was re-
leased on June 20, 2006.[35] The scratch-resistant models Creative Labs, the American subsidiary of Creative Tech-
have an OLED display with a resolution of 128×128. They nology, was awarded a patent on a music management
come in white and black with orange trim for the 1 GB interface (now commonly seen on audio players, includ-
ing the Apple iPod) by the US Patent and Trademark Of-
8
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Creative ZEN
fice on August 25, 2005,[42] after applying for it on Jan- • Notmad Explorer, a software suite from Red Chair
uary 5, 2001.[43] Apple filed for a similar patent on Octo- Software that allows for file and playlist
ber 22, 2002 but was rejected.[44] Along with the launch management for ZEN players.
of the Vision:M, Creative announced that it will "aggres-
sively pursue" respect of its patents, addressing "all man-
ufacturers that use the same navigation system."[45] So
See also
far, Creative has only addressed Apple’s infringement of • Comparison of portable media players
its patent. Creative announced on May 15, 2006, that it
has launched a lawsuit against Apple for the infringe-
ment of the ZEN patent[46] (Creative also asked the US
Notes and references
Trade Commission to investigate whether Apple was [1] ^ "Creative Wins Second Consecutive "Best Of CES"
breaching trade laws by importing iPods into the US),[47] Award At Consumer Electronics Show" (Press
which was then counter-sued by Apple on the same day, release). Creative Technology. 2004-01-12.
filing two lawsuits for infringing their patents.[48] Since http://creative.com/corporate/pressroom/
then, Apple and Creative have reached a settlement, with releases/welcome.asp?pid=12013. Retrieved
Apple paying $100 million, and Creative joining the 2007-12-03.
"Made for iPod" accessory program.[49] [2] ^ "Creative ZEN Micro Photo Wins "Best of CES"
Award" (Press release). Creative Technology.
2005-01-10. http://creative.com/corporate/
Software pressroom/releases/welcome.asp?pid=11929.
Retrieved 2007-12-03.
Official software [3] ^ "Creative ZEN Vision:M Wins “Best of CES” Award
Creative distributes official software with many of their in MP3 and Portable Video Category and also Wins
players to help users manage their player. overall “Best in Show” Award". Creative
• Creative Centrale Technology. http://creative.com/press/releases/
• Creative MediaSource welcome.asp?pid=12297.
• Creative Media Explorer - Each player has their own [4] Creative.com Creative ZEN Touch 2 Mp3 Player
version of Media Explorer to comply with format product description page.]
compatibility. [5] ^ "CREATIVE DELIVERS PURE MUSIC ON-THE-GO
• ZENcast Organizer - A Podcast organizer WITH ZEN X-FI STYLE PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER:
• Creative Video Converter TAKING THE AUDIO GOODNESS OF ZEN X-FI2 TO A
NEW LEVEL OF AFFORDABILITY" (Press release).
Alternative software Creative Technology. 2010-04-08.
Third-party alternatives have been developed to enable http://sg.creative.com/corporate/pressroom/
legacy OS compatibility as well as compatibility with oth- releases/welcome.asp?pid=13149. Retrieved
er operating systems. 2019-05-05.
• Free software: [6] "Creative touches the sound of perfection with the
• Amarok, a Linux media player [6] ZEN X-Fi2". epiZENter.net. 2009-09-02.
• Rhythmbox, a Linux music player [7] http://www.epizenter.net/
• Banshee, another media player for Linux [8] comment.php?comment.news.495. Retrieved
• Gnomad2, which can transfer files to ZEN players 2009-09-06.
with an FTP-like interface for Linux [9] [7] "ZEN X-Fi2 Application Development Kit (ADK)".
• KZenExplorer, a synchronization tool for KDE[50] Creative.com. http://www.creative.com/zenxfi2/
• XNJB, a synchronization tool for Mac OS X[51] adk/. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
• A generic USB mass storage device driver allows [8] "CREATIVE INTRODUCES THE ZEN X-FI AND THE
hassle-free transfer of music on older OSes ZEN X-FI WITH WIRELESS LAN - THE ONLY
• Proprietary software: PLAYERS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF MP3
• Legacy OS Driver, a Creative driver that gives MUSIC PLAYBACK WITH X-FI AUDIO
compatibility to PlaysForSure-certified ZENs for TECHNOLOGY". Creative. 2008-07-10.
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External links
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/ • Creative ZEN product line (Singapore)
4510044.stm. Retrieved January 2, 2010. • Creative ZEN product line (US)
• "Find Your ZEN" advertising campaign (US)
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Creative_ZEN&oldid=469567298"
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