SanDisk firmware update adds OGG, FLAC support to Clip and Fuze
The ultimate ultracompact MP3 player.
(Credit: SanDisk)Awhile back, SanDisk released some fairly major firmware for both the Sansa Clip and the Sansa Fuze. Well, technically, the update for each is a different piece of software, but most of the fixes and enhancements are similar, so I'm treating the two as one here.
I finally got around to installing the new firmware on the Clip and I have to say that it's definitely a worthwhile install (most firmware is). If you haven't done it already, make sure you do--I've included some basic steps for updating Sansa players below.
Perhaps the most exciting thing for audio format nerds is the addition of support for both Ogg Vorbis and FLAC file types. This added feature certainly gives the Sansas a leg up on the competition, as only a handful of other MP3 players offer such playback. (Cowon is a notable example.) In addition, the players now support the most advanced Audible AAX format (type 4), and they include enhanced control over audiobooks and podcasts.
For more information on features and bug fixes offered by the firmware, head to SanDisk's Web site to read all about Sansa Fuze Version 1.01.15 and Sansa Clip Version 1.01.29.
Now with more features and a brighter screen.
(Credit: SanDisk)Read the SanDisk Sansa Fuze review.
Read the SanDisk Sansa Clip review.
Updating the SanDisk Sansa player's firmware
- Download and install the Sansa Firmware Updater.
- Attach your player to the computer and open the app.
- Check the Firmware box and click Download Now.
- Unplug the player when prompted to finalize the upgrade.
The entire process should take under 10 minutes. Be aware that at least 6MB of free space is required for the Clip's firmware.
For more than five years, Jasmine France has covered a variety of tech products for CNET--from scanners to keyboards to GPS devices--but she's happiest where she is now: sitting atop a pile of MP3 players, "testing" every music service known to man, and jamming a variety of earbuds in every shape and color into her absurdly small ears. E-mail Jasmine.
Donald Bell is an electronic musician, a veteran record store employee, and a fearless hardware hacker. He's also CNET's Senior Editor for MP3 and digital audio.
Jasmine France is CNET's resident digital audio doyenne, writing and editing product reviews, crave blogs, and feature stories on all things MP3. And if you need advice on headphones, she's your girl.
But all in all, this is a worthwhile upgrade to an already nice device.