Aehso’s Output

Creative Zen Firmware ‘update’ removes FM recording feature.

I know people who bought a Creative Zen player instead of an iPod because they have FM tuners. The Zen players are also cheap and they can timeshift radio by recording FM broadcasts - handy for picking up news or current affairs when it suits best - some of the users I know are sports nuts that just want to listen to programs like the sports shows on NewsTalk 106 or Gift Grub on their own time.   I almost bought a Zen recently but instead I upgraded my phone to a k800i to get both MP3 playback and FM receiver into one pocket device. (Alas, Sony being members of the OMA implement OMA DRM 1.0 in the k800i so recording from the radio is a no-no.)

Today there is a storm brewing because Creative, at the bidding of the RIAA apparently, have released a software update that removes the player’s FM recording feature. How about that for an update, something that removes functionality! Man, I’d be pretty annoyed if I owned one. Hybrid software/hardware devices and their draconian EULAs eh, who needs them. Me, I’d want my money back. I also wouldn’t buy Creative again.

2 Comments to Creative Zen Firmware ‘update’ removes FM recording feature.

1. 

   I’ve got a Meizu M6 (miniplayer) and there was an issue with one of their firmware upgrades as it removed MP3 support. This was because Meizu hadn’t paid for a license. What Meizu did instead was have different firmware per region. If you want to get MP3 support you could simply grab the Chinese firmware et volia MP3 support. This put the responsibility on the user not the company.

   I see no reason why Creative couldn’t do something similar but yeah I’d be pissed if one of the main reasons I bought the player had been removed.
Johnny K on October 18th, 2006
2. 

   Good choice JK, Gizmodo def give it the thumbs up anyway - http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/portable-media/meizu-miniplayer-reviewed-verdict-your-ipod-nano-is-a-turd-208848.php
aehso on October 20th, 2006

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