Creative Releases Half Price Shuffle Competition
05.03.07 - 01:48pm
After reporting another net loss (fourth in five quarters) Creative sources said that they were aiming to recoup lost revenue by generating more iPod accessories. Yet it would appear Creative is still aiming to compete with Apple rather than promote them with accessories as they have announced the launch of their new small-capacity MP3 player with the same amount of storage as the Shuffle, but for half the price.
Called the Zen Stone the player will store 250 to 500 songs depending on the bitrate chosen, in MP3 or WMA format. The battery lasts for about 10 hours.
The player will retail for around $39.99, while the shuffle retails for around $79. The Stone will be available in black, red, pink, blue, green or white. The Shuffle is available in white, pink, blue, green or orange.
“The Creative ZEN Stone, at just $39.99, opens up a huge new market for MP3 players,” said Sim Wong Hoo, chairman and CEO of Creative. “This is an incredible price for everyone to get a superior quality MP3 player capable of holding up to 250 songs. Whether it’s your only player or a second player to take with you anywhere, the low price lets you think of MP3 players in a whole new way. You can loan it to a friend just like you would a CD or a mix tape and not have to worry about it, but you’ll like it so much that you’ll want another, so you always have one with you.”
The Zen Stone will also have its own docking speaker system in black or white, called the Creative TravelSound(TM) Zen Stone which will be out in July, also for $39.99.
Zen Stone Skins that comes with Clips in five fun skin colors will soon be available as well as a keychain you can clip the Stone on and an armband. Currently only the black model is available with the colors to be released shortly.
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