If you can't beat 'em, copy 'em. Creative Technology today began selling an updated version of its MuVo2 hard drive-based music player in five alternative colours reminiscent of Apple's iPod Mini.

The MuVo2 FM contains a 5GB hard drive, up from the current MuVo2's 4GB unit. With a removeable, rechargeable battery that Creative claims can provide up to 14 hours' playback, the device can output WMA, MP3 and WAV audio through a four-band equaliser with four pre-sets and a custom EQ option. The player operates at a signal-noise level of 98dB.

As the name suggests, the player now comes equipped with a built-in FM radio. There's a voice recording feature in there, too, which can also save radio programming.

Each player sports a 132 x 32 pixel display with a blue backlight. The five colours on offer are white, black, pink, blue and green. The devices measure 6.7 x 6.6 x 2cm and weigh 103g. They use USB 2.0 for data transfer to a host Windows machine.

Creative isn't alone in attempting to take on the iPod Mini. Fellow MP3 player maker Rio Audio this week began shipping its 5GB Rio Carbon, and European PC provider Packard Bell is preparing a 5GB model of its own.

The last two are one-colour models - so far Creative appears to be the first music player company to follow Apple's lead down the multi-colour route. However, Kyocera recently began shipping a line of digital cameras decked out in iPod Mini hues.

In Japan, the players will retail for around ¥26,800 (£136/$245) a pop. There's no word yet on UK or US availability. ®

Related stories

Rio pitches Carbon player at iPod Mini
Packard Bell preps iPod Mini clone
Creative MuVo 2 4GB MP3 Player
Kyocera offers iPod Mini-matching digicams