Creative — the company that recently ” declared war ” against Apple Computer Inc’s iPod — has introduced new versions of its Zen Micro digital music player at this week’s International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new Zen Micro players — aimed at Windows users — are available in 1GB, 4GB and 6GB models.
The Zen Micro features support for MP3 and WMA formats. Other features of the Zen Micro include 12-hour battery, FM radio and recorder, voice recording and more.
While the device lacks support for music purchased through Apple’s iTunes Music Store, it does work with Windows Media Player 10 Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology. What’s more, Creative today announced the release of a firmware upgrade for the device that makes it Microsoft “PlaysForSure”-verified. PlaysForSure is a testing program that makes sure portable music players are compatible with Microsoft-based online music services including Napster, MSN Music, Musicmatch and others.
The new flash media-based 1GB Zen Micro will be released in the first calendar quarter of 2005 for US$199, and a 4GB model is coming this month for $229. A 6GB model is coming this month for $299.99 as well.