The MP3 Players

It seems that people would prefer iRiver’s U10 rather than Zen Micro Photo. Will it still a iPod Photo-killer? Some words for Creative: “Don’t be too late!”

{ via iMP3.net }

Even though the price of Zen Micro Photo was annouced at CES 2005, the company spokesperson told the medias that the pricing is not confirmed yet. Creative had proposed the retail price of US$299 for 5GB version and US$349 for 6GB version. However, Apple introduced the 30GB version of iPod Photo at the price of US$349, which as at the same line as the Zen Micro Photo.

Creative’s Zen Micro Photo is the award winner of “Best of CES” in the “Audio to Go” category. The device comes with 1.5″ OLED screen, which captures 262,144 colors. It allows users to watch and share slideshows of photos while playing the music at the background.

{ via BetaNews } { Product Page }

Update: More pictures of Creative’s Zen Micro Photo

The users may upgrade that Zen Micro players that have the firmware v1.02.05 or earlier, or Zen Micro PlaysForSure firmware 2.00.12 or later.

The new firmware fixes:

• Prevents battery drain when the player is charged with an AC adapter already plugged into a live power outlet
• Restores proper functionality after disconnecting the power adaptor or transferring content using Zen Media Explorer
• Redirects playback properly when skipping to the beginning of a WMA track
• Allows you to quickly charge your player from your computer’s USB port when player drivers are not installed. Slide the Power switch towards the Lock icon before charging your player.

The enhancements of this version are:

• Improves the look of the volume control bar
• Improves the appearance of the Lock icon
• Adds a 4GB option in Removable Disk Mode (for 5 or 6GB players only)
• Adds support for the Russian language

{ Info; Download }

BoxWave offers now metal Armor Cases for the Creative Zen Micro 4GB, 5GB and 6GB.

It is made of durable, protective aluminum, with a soft black foam interior to keep the Zen Micro safe.
A clear Plexiglas window protects the screen. The BoxWave Armor Case also gives you accessibility to all the necessary openings for access to the button functions, display and the headphone jack. Apparently the Creative Zen Micro 4GB, 5GB and 6GB versions are different as Boxwave offers a separate case for each model.

{ Source }

Solid protection for Zen Micro. But, personally I don’t like it! It made the player looks dump and heavy even thought its made with lighweight anodized aluminum.