Creative launched its assault on the iPod Shuffle today, with the introduction of the Zen Stone.
Offering 1 GB of storage space and claiming it can hold up to 500 MP3s (at 64kbps recording levels), it manages to undercut the iPod Shuffle, costing you a mere US$39.99. The iPod Shuffle typically sells for around $80-$100.
The Zen Stone will be released in a range of colors such as black, red, pink, green, blue, and white, and Creative claims the battery will last 10 hours on a single charge. The controls on the player allow you to either play songs or randomize them, and if you have different folders set up, then you can also skip between them.
Creative is also releasing a number of accessories for the player such as the Zen Stone Skin protective case ($15), the Zen Stone Armband and Skin set ($29), and the Zen Stone Keychain Case ($25). In July, the company is also releasing the Creative TravelSound Zen Stone, which is a speaker docking station you can use for 20 hours on two AAA batteries.
The tiny player is being aimed at the more active among us, and Creative expects the Zen Stone to be used at the gym or while you play your favorite sport.
