smartech

Just when you were thinking that Creative has abandoned its X-Fi2 users in favor of the Zii EGG ones, the Asian corporation has rolled out a new firmware update, version 1.10.04, that reportedly includes some neat add-ons to Zen devices, but first and foremost fixes some responsive issues that bothered many users for quite some time. Besides that it brings games like Sudoku, new set of colorful icons, accelerometer usability (at last) and plenty items more. Download link is right in here, while a walkthrough demo was added right after the break.

[via DAPreview]

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Still in development, the Zii EGG prototype – which hopefully will go live somewhere next year – is one desirable media device we’d like to see floating around. With a 3.5-inch multi-touch display, WiFi, GPS, and 1080p HD support – it just can’t go wrong. In fact, it seems to be walking the right directions, with its mother company, Creative, choosing the Android 1.6 path, and making it look pretty promising on this new nifty portable bud. Too bad the entire UI is a bit sluggish and the integrated webcam is not exactly functional (not to mention the inaccurate signal marks at the top). Yet, it’d surely improve in the next build, we’re positive, very very positive. But ’till then, hit the jump and watch the video.

[via anythingbutipod]

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While vigorously pushing the limits and thereupon, making big headlines with its latest Zii EGG capacitive-compatible prototype, it seems that Creative isn’t going to give up any of its PMP lineups in favor of new ones. On one hand, Zen’s X-Fi first edition wasn’t exactly the one player we’d get ourselves over iPod Touch or Zune HD expenses, but from the other, it looks like Zen’s new version -X-Fi2 – the company has recently announced, is more of the type we’d buy for a use. Regretfully, at this point you’ll only get a 3-inch resistive touchscreen display, but nonetheless, the new device still has a lot to offer, with Creative dropping those pesky buttons out of the top, while looks and design are cleaner and sleeker. Other than that, the list goes pretty much the same, including a microSD card slot expansion, FM tuner radio, a mic, an RSS reader that syncs with your PC and three optional storage capacities – 8GB ($129.99), 16GB ($179.99) or 32GB ($229.99) to choose from. No word about availability, but full specs list is just after the break, paired with unboxing and UI demo videos for your convenient.

[via prweb]

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We’re not so sure what Creative is trying to do, and what is the final product we’re about to see in the following months, but one thing for sure, the latest Zii EGG handheld, the company has just introduced as an Android-based device, powered with the new “Plaszma” platform that was created for developers and OEMs, is really rocking our geeky brains with tons of high class features and updated specs that include a 3.5-inch 320×480 multi-touch display (Capacitive 10-point multi-gesture touch display), along with up to 32GB of internal flash memory, paired with SDHC slot (supports up to 32GB of external SDHC Card), 256MB Mobile DDR RAM (similar to the iPhone 3GS), dual cameras for video conferencing, as the front camera supports HD quality, 3-axis accelerometer, a built-in speaker, a mic, and of course, WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR connectivity are also included in Creative’s “StemCell Computing” project, to let you connect with outbound entities. Other than that, this amazing machine (which you have to admit, looks exactly like an iPhone), packs X-Fi audio processing and supports OpenGL ES and HD playback with 1080p video output (via HD cable). Creative says the platform itself is “market-ready” for OEM manufacturers and can be bundled with different outfits for retail price of $400, but until we figure out whether it will be released as an mp3 player, mobile phone or other alternatives, checkout the video demo after the break.

Update1: With so much potential, stuffed into a one small device, it’s just a matter of time until we’re going to see more neat features, demonstrating the Zii EGG phenomenal specs to the world, and as for a start, hit the jump to checkout the other video, introducing the Zii, running a racing game demo, using both its accelerometer and OpenGL ES capabilities.

Update2: You know the drill, first comes the introduction, then it’s the traditional dissection, which in this case is up, courtesy of the FCC report (and not a cracking group), that every company has to pass through, to ge its productst into the US market. Hit the break to see the inside part of the Zii.

Update3: And if web surfing is something you find yourself using quite often while on the go, mind you that Creative has officially chosen Opera as the main browser inside the Zii Egg. Good or bad, it’d be up to you to decide, once the Zii gets available.

[Via DAP Review]

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Creative is refreshing the lines, introducing a new Zen PMP which will go live in Japan on May 5th for ¥9,800 ($100) in case you’re into the 8GB model or ¥13,800 ($140) if 16GB will suit you better. Other than that, the Zen MX includes a 2.5-inch 320 x 240 display, a traditional SDHC expansion slot, and size that stands at 83.2 × 55 × 11.9mm, 66g. Different from previous Zen devices, this one can handle a limited codecs range, like MP3, WMA (DRM support), Audible 4, JPG, WMV, DivX and Creative’s own video-CMV format, so don’t expect miracles in this one for such a low price. On a different note, the company announces a substantial price cut in Zen X-Fi prices to make your recession just a little sweeter than it is right now — how thoughtful.

[via impress]

reative has officially unveiled the new Zen X-Fi PMP, coming out in Singapore at first mid-July, offering 8GB, 16GB and 32GB versions for $149.99, $199.99, $279.99 respectively. In addition, the new Zen X-Fi boasts 802.11 b/g wifi connectivity with Yahoo and MSN built-in messaging clients, a 2.5-inch LCD screen (320 × 240), an FM tuner, SD/SDHC slot expansion, 9 EQ,  9-pad keys and a speaker onboard. It will host some PDA features, including a calendar and an alarm clock and will support WMV9, MPEG4-SP, DivX 4 / 5, XviD, MP3, WMA, AAC (. M4a), WAV (ADPCM), Audible 4, JPEG file formats. Battery will be able to play 5 hours of video or 36 hours of audio, as dimensions are 83 x 55 x 12.8 mm to 68.75 g. The bundle includes a pair of EP-830 earbuds, for maximum music quality, as you listen to your favorite melodies. Moreover, Creative plans to release various accessories for the new player, like wireless TravelSound docking speaker, Silicone / Leather cases, Armbands, and more.

But wait, there’s more, Creative will offer limited edition 8GB/16GB Red Cliff versions (pictured after the break) which will include pictures of the film cast and the movie trailer preloaded – all for the same prices.

Checkout the videos and the other pictures after the break. You can read a full review in here.

[via slashgear]

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Creative announces the release of the new Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 sound card, designed for PC or notebooks. This USB 2.0 audio solution can easily enhance your audio experience and turn your music into your own personal concert or your downloaded videos into a full cinematic surround sound, thanks to the X-Fi technology that provides playback up to 24-Bit/96kHz 5.1 and CMSS-3D Surround, for maximum enjoyment. It is equipped with all needed outputs, including headphone out, RCA outputs, optical SPDIF output, microphone in and stereo line in. In addition, it supports both USB1.1 and USB2.0 interface, so if you want to upgrade your  music, games or videos by a simple USB connection, the new X-Fi Surround 5.1 can be yours for only $59.99.

[via newlaunches]

Creative wants to extend its audio lineup, introducing the X30, an X-Fi dock, designed for the iPod players. The new device sports a remote control, an S-video or an AV-output to connect your player directly to the tele, an audio output to plug a pair of speakers, and a USB hub. Unfortunately, there are no further details, but one thing is sure, the X30 won’t support any bluetooth or wireless streaming. The dock is set to be released in Europe around April for €79 ($125).

[via gmp3]