SINGAPORE – May 19, 2005 – Creative Technology Ltd introduces a refreshing breed of MP3 players – the charismatic Creative Zen Neeon – that empowers fashionable MP3 users to carry an ostensibly different player everyday through the application of Creative Stik-On™ skins, reflecting their different personalities, styles and moods.  

With an elegant, reflective black piano finish, this lightweight, charismatic pint-sized wonder packs a surprising large 5GB storage capacity, built-in FM tuner, voice recorder and even line-in recording capabilities in a package of just the size of a small match box.

But what really sets it apart from other MP3 players is its ability to change its looks easily, thanks to Creative Stik-On skins, which adhere securely to the Zen Neeon, yet peel off easily when the inclination for change strikes. The initial launch of Creative Stik-On skins will feature 16 designs, with more to come in the near future. New designs will be available at asia.creative.com/zen.

As further testament to Creative’s drive to offer more choices to our customers, the Zen Neeon comes in 10 different brushed metal backplate colours. Coupled with 7 changeable LED backlight colours, the Zen Neeon offers a large degree of customizability, making it appeal to a broad consumer segment.   

“Consumers who have always wanted to carry a different digital music player every day will find the Creative Zen Neeon and Creative Stik-Ons a boon to their lives, as they can conveniently store all their songs in the same player, yet personalize it every day with a different decorative Stik-On to match their favourite outfit or mood for that day!” said Joseph Liow, vice president and general manager of Creative Labs Asia.

Key Features of the Creative Zen Neeon

• Pint-size – measures just 79.9mm x 46.9mm x 15.9mm,
• Weighs only 75g, 
• Integrated FM radio & recorder, 
• Built-in microphone for voice recording, 
• Direct line-in recording, which enables users to record directly from other audio sources such as CD/DVD players, turntables, and cassette tape players, 
• Works as a plug-and-play removable portable mass storage class drive that stores all sorts of data files,
• Easy drag-and-drop of files between PC and player,
• No software installation required, except for Windows 98SE. Drivers are included,
• 7 user selectable LED backlight colours.  

Accessories Available

Creative Stik-On skins are available separately in the form of a 2-piece pack and 4-piece pack. The design themes currently available include Eden, Kawaii, Funky, and Safari. New designs will be available at asia.creative.com/zen.

In addition, consumers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting accessories to accompany their Zen Neeon. Immediately available are speakers including the I-Trigue 3400 2.1 speakers and SBS Vivid 60 2.0 speakers, both available in 10 exuberant colours and which enable users to transform their Zen Neeon players into mini sound systems for their living rooms. Alternatively, consumers can choose the Creative EP480 Earphones which are also available in 10 cool colours.  

Software

The bundled Creative MediaSource software suite provides full audio ripping and organizing functionality, delivered via an easy-to-use interface for consumers to find, play and manage their personal music collection. Moreover, Creative MediaSource also has enhanced features that enable consumers to search, sample and buy tracks from Soundbuzz Music Store – Asia’s largest digital music service provider featuring over 250,000 songs from major music labels – and transfer them directly to their Creative MP3 players. Users simply have to install the free Soundbuzz Music Store Plug-in for Creative MediaSource from http://www.soundbuzz.com/or http://www.sg.creative.com/soundbuzz.

Pricing and Availability

The Creative Zen Neeon is now available at a suggested retail price of S$329.00. The standard package includes the Zen Neeon, High-Fidelity Earphones, USB 2.0 Cable, Line-In Cable, Pouch, Neck-Strap, Quick Start Guide, Installation CD, and one Creative Stik-On skin. 

Creative Stik-On skins are available at S$9.90 for a 2-piece pack and S$15.90 for a 4-piece pack.  

About Creative

Creative (Nasdaq: CREAF) is a worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for PC users. Famous for its Sound Blaster audio cards and for launching the multimedia revolution, Creative is now driving digital entertainment on the PC platform with products like its highly acclaimed NOMAD Jukebox. Creative’s innovative hardware, proprietary technology, applications and services leverage the Internet, enabling consumers to experience high-quality digital entertainment – anytime, anywhere.

This announcement relates to products launched in Asia Pacific. The product names, content, prices and availability are subject to change and may differ elsewhere in the world according to local factors and requirements.  Creative and the Creative logo are registered trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd. in the U.S. and other countries.  All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.