Creative has released two new portable audio devices to go head-to-head with the Apple iPod nano and the other flash-memory MP3 players on the market. The ZEN V and V Plus offer a whole host of features in various colors and an attractive price, trying to lure you away from your iPod.

Both have 1.5-inch color OLED screen displays and support music subscription services including Yahoo! Music Unlimited, Urge, Napster To Go, and Rhapsody To Go, in addition to supporting Audible audio books and pay-per-download services including Soundbuzz. Each player includes a line-in port for direct recording from a CD player or other audio device, and a voice recorder for capturing notes on the go. Both have added scratch protection, the ability to sync with Microsoft Outlook, multiple EQ presets, and transfer music via USB 2.0.

The V is offered in 1 and 2 GB capacities while the V Plus also offers a 4 GB version. The V Plus adds video playback as well as an built in FM tuner with 32 available presets.