Snortblog

I have a Creative Muvo TX FM MP3 player that I’ve been really happy with. It’s cheaper then most iPods (iKidYouNot), uses flash memory (for fewer moving parts), uses a non-proprietary battery (AAA) and has FM radio. I use it a lot to listen to the radio, podcasts, and occasionally even music. Recently, it’s been malfunctioning–turning off inexplicably and locking up when I try to navigate among the MP3s I have stored on it. Consequently, I wanted to upgrade the firmware in an attempt to fix the problem. However, upon visiting Creative’s dysfunctional website (it’s broken for Firefox users), I finally found the firmware upgrade. In reading the fine print, I discovered that they’ve removed the ability to record from FM. Presumably, this is yet another victory by the RIAA against consumers. This feature was prominently advertised. Retroactively removing it is a ripoff. Ultimately, I found an older version of the firmware, version 1.13.03, and was able to install it. It seems to be working better and I’ve just recorded my first FM program, just to make sure it still works. Ironically, I probably wouldn’t have ever used this function without the RIAA’s presumed attempts to take it away. This is old news, also see a post on engadget.com.