Creative's “New” Zen - A Multimedia Player in Credit Card Format

Creative, previously better known for its line of sound cards, is announcing the AAC-capable MP3/video/photo player Zen. However, don’t let the product name fool you – the new Zen is nothing like the old Zen !

The miniature multimedia player measuring a mere 55 x 83 x 12 millimeters displays images in TIFF and JPEG formats on its 2.5” OLED display with 16.7 million colors. It also plays back MPEG-4, DivX 6, WMV, and XviD videos.

The display comes with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, regardless of playback mode. Creative’s new Zen also supports the audio formats MP3, MP4 and AAC. Additionally, it can handle DRM-free music ripped from CDs in iTunes.

Aside from the pure multimedia features, the Zen also boasts an integrated FM tuner as well as a personal organizer that synchronizes with Outlook.

Data and files can either be imported from a PC or using the integrated SD-card slot, for example to view images taken with a digital camera.

While the 4 GB and 8 GB versions will be available as early as the middle of September for £109 / €159 and £135 / €199 respectively, buyers eyeing the £189 / €279 Creative Zen with 16 GB of flash memory will have to wait until October.