Filed under: iPod Family
Bizarro World: Creative to sue Apple?
No, the iPod isn't coming in green now, Creative just introduced the Zen Vision:M (with video) which bears a striking resemblance to that little white (or black) mp3 player we all know and love. The resemblance isn't only skin deep though, and Engadget has some pics to prove it. Check out that UI, look familiar? That's right, why reinvent the wheel when Apple has come up with a pretty darned good system. Way to go, Creative.
But wait, there's more! It seems that Creative is planning on going after Apple for patent infringement, since Creative claims that they patented this hierarchical menu system first. Luckily Apple has a well fed and trained legal team that is backed by all that sweet, sweet iPod money so I wouldn't expect a quick resolution to this one, kids.
Thanks, Joshua
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alain said 10:55AM on 12-08-2005
The fact that Creative is trying to capitalize on Apple's success is just plain sad.
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Bahloo said 11:01AM on 12-08-2005
Way to go Creative. If you can't design a better MP3 player than the iPod then why not sue Apple instead. This way, you don't actually need to design anything worthwhile buying and can keep pumping all the ugly MP3 players you have been making for the longest time.
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JT said 11:14AM on 12-08-2005
Am I hearing despair?
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Peter Koritschan said 6:45PM on 12-08-2005
soooo wrong... this shows weakness...
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filthy said 11:42AM on 12-08-2005
Wow, a menu system that incorporates a battery meter, and folders for music, video and pictures. Honestly, when you're designing a handheld device that plays music and videos it's hard to stray from the thin, rectangular and sleek look. I'm not saying that creative didn't copy some ideas from Apple, but this device is original enough on it's own that i don't think they just ripped off the iPod. No one is going to go out and buy this mistaking it for an iPod, lets just leave it at that.
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Jon said 11:43AM on 12-08-2005
Apple's iPod is a brand now.. kind of like Nike per say.. Even tho there are tons of people who buy generic shoes, Nike still sells tons of name brand shoes.. maybe Nike was a bad comparison based on quality.. but you get my point :P
The iPod is slick and pretty.. Apple has always crafted their products to awe the customer as well as function great.
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superjeff said 11:50AM on 12-08-2005
Is it really a good idea for Creative to be suing their Product Development Department?
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Ahmed said 12:11PM on 12-08-2005
Oh wait a minute and copying the form factor, the curves on the sides, the shape of the screen and replacing the all famous click wheel with this weirdo controller is not copying the design of the whole iPod on Creative's part? I wouldn't be surprised if apple's legal team go and sue creative for copying that, they're basically risking Apple's 'branding' of the all famous iPod and making a very close mockup that could cause customer confusion...go go Apple legal!
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Brady J. Frey said 12:52PM on 12-08-2005
Futura for the menu, eh?
We Anderson would be proud, but it's not the best outside of print:
http://www.marksimonson.com/article/87/royal-tenenbaums-world-of-futura
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Dinesh said 1:17PM on 12-08-2005
Well, It sounds like they are choking. I hate those companies who dont try to innovate by themselves, they are not fit to be a technology company. I just read a forbes news about Microsoft entering music player market ... wonder how many times you would have to restart and virtual memory increases and Blue screen of death !! - http://www.forbes.com/2005/12/08/microsoft-apple-earnings-1208markets06.html?partner=yahootix
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The Colonel said 10:34PM on 12-08-2005
Quote:-------------------------------------------------
2. Way to go Creative. If you can't design a better MP3 player than the iPod then why not sue Apple instead. This way, you don't actually need to design anything worthwhile buying and can keep pumping all the ugly MP3 players you have been making for the longest time.
Posted at 10:58 AM ET on Dec 8, 2005 by Bahloo 0 stars
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That's how Apple does their business, why not give them their own taste of it?
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IanC said 8:28AM on 12-09-2005
Good old Creative... If you cant beat em, sue em!
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Mike Chan said 12:26PM on 12-09-2005
This is CREATIVE?
then What is "COPY CAT"
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