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Creative: being good isn't enough
Do you know what irks me about this Press Release from Creative? The fact that even though they have the best mp3 players, receive awards in major tech websites and events, they still get trampled by Apple's fancy-looking iPod.
Last christmas I acquired a Creative Zen Micro 6GB, despite the existing hype around the just-released iPod nano. I did so because analysing the pros and cons, I came to the conclusion that getting the Zen was a wiser choice. Bigger capacity, bigger compatibility (sketchy issue, with new firmwares supporting Windows Media PlaysForSure), more features, cheaper, etc. and since I couldn't care less for the photo capability or the color screen of the nano, Zen was – and still is, if you ask me – the wisest of the choices.
Most people I talk to about this subject end up agreeing with me, but some of them still manage to grunt an But I'm still buying an iPod...
by the end of the conversation. It's the power of the great strategy lead by Apple's marketing department. Apple managed to conquer a market that hardly ever enters the equations of tech companies. The Average Joe. While you see old ladies in the subway wearing their iPods proudly, you won't see the same with Creative products. Creative managed to convince the tech crowd, apparently – see the awards in the press release linked above –, but there are far more people listening to music thanus tech heads.
Creative, get your stuff together. You have good products, so get out there and sell your stuff to the wider audience. I don't remember seeing a Creative Zen in a tv show or a movie, but I do remember the 10 second close-up of Jodie Foster and an Apple 23-inch Cinema Display in the movie Inside Man. Get the Hint?
(This post is more of a rant than it is an information; most of you already know iPod is the market leader of Mp3 players, but that doesn't mean it's the best – with all the subjectivity that comes with that term. Just think about that if you're thinking about getting a new player, will you?)
ps: sorry for my absence. Been busy with a project I shall be releasing soon.
meechwings on mon, 8 may 2006 10:57
But my Zen Micro has useful features that the iPod doesn't (or at least not without buying a $20+ "accessory"). I can charge my Zen Micro anywhere I want, as long as there's a normal USB connection - no driver installation necessary, and no weird cable required. If I want, I can record off the built in microphone, listen to the radio (or record from it). And if my battery stops working or the thing crashes? I can just take the battery out. Yes, the iPod is the "cool" thing to have. But I'd take the better features for the same price any day (I just wish they'd come out with the Zen Vision / Video models sooner).
I'm with you on the rant - I find when I make these arguments, people who own iPods still say, "It doesn't matter, my iPod's still better." And I find myself saying, "uhhh, ok then..."
Steve Williams on wed, 10 may 2006 14:53
iPod is the obvious choice, and there are a lot worse mp3 players out there, so why take the risk?
meechwings on wed, 10 may 2006 21:36
andr3 on thu, 11 may 2006 07:18
You mentioned the battery... I missed that. It was also one factor that i took into consideration when I was choosing between the two. Batteries aren't eternal, and if they die I want to be able to replace it without having to send the equipment to the supplier...
Steve, I don't exactly agree. I don't think people actually know what they're getting with the iPod. Most people don't even think about the features or bother to check for alternatives. It's pretty, well publicized and it's a status object. You have an iPod = you're cool. If people knew what they were getting with the iPod they'd be able to tell they're paying extra for less features.
Then again, not all people actually give a damn about features. That's where the advertisements come into play.
The day after making this post, I received a mail from Creative Labs announcing they would be sponsoring a music festival here in Portugal... Super Bock Super Rock. Nice. But still comes across as a shy attempt on their behalf. It's a start... too bad it comes months and months after the product's actual release date.
Badas on thu, 11 may 2006 10:35
Sure it's pretty and fashionable, but in some cases, is the best choice. I do prefer something with no moving discs inside. Furthermore, I'll install the Rockbox firmware and then I can hear lossless formats like ape and flac.
What would you buy in this scenario?
andr3 on thu, 11 may 2006 18:37
But you see, I can understand the reasoning behind your choice, which is something that it's hard to do when someone stomps their foot and says . A nano sounds just the perfect toy to strap in an armband and don't even notice it's there. So if I were in your shoes -- and could afford the little bugger -- i'd get a nano too. I also despize Creative nano/muvo interface. It's so clunky.
meechwings on thu, 11 may 2006 21:32
Just visited the Creative website. In the case of a Creative Nano vs. an iPod Nano, I'd take an Apple too. Bigger storage capacity, better interface, color screen? (though the Creative version does have FM / line-in /voice capability, which I am a fan of)
I read recently that Apple has control of 80% of the U.S. music player market. I might've read it wrong, but if that's true, it's, as they say, major pwnage. Isn't that crazy?
Civ2boss on sat, 13 may 2006 11:25
It’s the smallest mp3 player and yet it holds 2GiB. It’s got voice recording and FM radio. So even though it’s no iPod, I would think there’s still a cool factor for this player. Plus it includes a tiny cube protective case.
Also iRiver has a few designs that are in a way iPod-inspired, but not a copy. The E10 and the U10 .
meechwings on mon, 15 may 2006 16:17
(maybe I'm thinking older models)
meechwings on mon, 15 may 2006 16:19
By Ina Fried
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
Published: May 15, 2006, 3:19 PM PDT
Singapore-based electronics maker Creative Technology said Monday that it has filed two legal actions against Apple Computer, charging the popular iPod infringes on its patented technology.
In a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission, Creative is seeking an injunction that would stop Apple from selling the iPod and iPod Nano in the United States. Separately, Creative said it has also sued Apple in U.S. District Court in California, seeking an injunction and damages.
In both cases, Creative says that the iPod and iPod Nano infringe on a patent the company has for the interface in its Zen media player, a patent granted last August.
Creative CEO Sim Wong Hoo said in December that the company would "aggressively pursue" those that infringed on its patent.
An Apple representative was not immediately available for comment.
Creative is not the first to seek a cut of Apple's iTunes and iPod revenue, citing patent issues. Pat-rights, a Hong Kong company, has said Apple's digital rights management technology infringes on its intellectual property, while another company, Contois Music & Technology, said the iTunes interface uses its patented technology.
(CNET )
andr3 on mon, 15 may 2006 20:17
Oh, and if nothing else, the lawsuit will at least get them some press.
And that Mobiblu looks awesome. Tiny and functional. Me likey. :) The iRiver U10 looks pretty cool as well. Great variety in mp3 players... people just have to learn to see beyond the iPods. :)
meechwings on tue, 16 may 2006 11:02
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