Gizmodo
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creative
Creative "Zii" Moniker Resurfaces On Mysterious Touchscreen Media Player
Creative hasn't really been doing much at all for the last year. Except this, apparently: here's an FCC filing for a Zii touchscreen PMP, which shares a name their unusual system on a chip announced in January. More »
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By John HerrmanComment by Dayv: Looks to me like they're ripping off the iPod Touch form factor and the Wii name. I guess it's... 5 Responses | Other threads
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gaming
Creative's Fatal1ty-Branded MKII Headset Won't Make You a Better Gamer, but It Probably Sounds Nice
Creative says their Fatal1ty Gaming Headset is professional grade gaming equipment, with 40mm neodymium drivers and 20-20,000 Hz range. Respectable specs, sure, but I'm not sure it will transform you into a headshot god. More »
4,939
Comment by üli von strüple: is it just me or does that voice morphing thing sound really really said i can just see the shut ins... 3 Responses | Other threads
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Palm Beware
Apple's Bloodiest Patent and Copyright Clashes
If Palm ends up in court over the Pre's multitouch, it'll join a prestigious line of firms that have tussled with Apple, which loves a good legal battle almost as much as sexy aluminum. More » -
ces 2009
Confirmed: Zii StemCell Computing Is Media-Savvy System on a Chip
The smoke surrounding Creative's rumored offshoot, ZiiLabs, cleared today at CES, where it was revealed to be a media-application processor developer with a very slick system-on-a-chip, less consumer product than building block for many. More »
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Comment by telepheedian: which comes out of the acquisition of the company formerly known as 3DLabs. The Voodoo LIVES! 3 Responses | Other threads
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mysteries
Creative's Zii is Actually a Processor, Still No Idea What "Stemcell Computing" Is
The mystery surrounding Creative's Zii "stemcell computing" technology is at least partially solved. Apparently, this MP3 player revolution they are proposing will come in the form of a processor that will debut at CES. More »
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By Sean FallonComment by Andrew Zautcke: What they mean with stem cell computing is that its a processor that can be used in many different applications... 4 Responses | Other threads
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mysteries
What is Creative Zii Stemcell Computing? Your Guess is as Bad as Mine
A teaser for something called Zii was sent out by Creative, a company known for soundcards, mentioning the ambitious sounding and pretend terminology "stemcell computing". Updated 3:47pm: iTunes Competitor?
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By Brian LamComment by Nongeek: I dislike how other companies are copying Apple in creating suspense for their products. Sony is 'trying' with their new... 8 Responses | Other threads
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camcorders
Creative Vado HD Pocket Camcorder Now Available
The latest entrant into the compact, cheap camcorder running crew currently spearheaded by the Flip and all of its variants is now available—the Creative Vado shoots 720p, has HDMI-out and costs $200. -
Zen Moo
Have a Cow With Creative's Zen Moo Moo-sic Player
Holy cow! Just in time for the upcoming Year of the Ox, Creative has released its Zen Moo line of mp3 players and speakers in China. Based on the Zen Stone, you can get either the Zen Moo or the Zen Moo Plus. Both come with 2GB storage, support for MP3 and WMA, a 20 hour lithium battery and a built-in speaker. The Plus adds a translucent blue OLED display, FM radio reception, MIC voice recording and an alarm clock. Prices weren't available on the site, but I bet it wouldn't be too hard to find if you hoof it to China. [iMP3.com via Epizenter]
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By Elaine ChowComment by The Magnificen7: If they released something like this anywhere else, goodbye credibility. Creative makes some good stuff, but this would make them... 6 Responses | Other threads
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nvidia
Nvidia Quadro CX Accelerates Adobe CS4 Up to 11
Along with their 9600M GT card for portables announcement with the MacBook Pro, Nvidia has also announced their new Nvidia Quadro CX. The $1,999 PCIe card, which according to them has been "specifically designed and optimized the Quadro CX to enhance the performance of Adobe Creative Suite 4", will accelerate all most common operations in Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere and H.264 encoding. More »
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By Jesus DiazComment by Giz Has Lost It: Up to 11? Is that a Spinal Tap reference? 5 Responses | Other threads
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lawsuits
iPod Knockoff Maker Hires Knockoff Lawyers, Files Monopoly Suit Against Apple
Apparently emboldened by a minor, years-old success against Apple's lawyers in Taiwan, iPod knockoff manufacturer Luxpro has decided to sue Apple, claiming that the company has monopolized the MP3 player market with a variety of unfair "schemes." Some of their arguments are somewhat compelling, namely when they bring up Apple's attempt to countersue Creative after their initial interface infringement suit, a move which notably backfired. More »
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By John HerrmanComment by DisposableInterloper: WTF is it with this culture of entitlement that everyone seems to be clinging to these days? 3 Responses | Other threads
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photography
Ball-And-Socket Lensbaby Composer Adds to Distorting Bendy-Lens Line
Lensbaby has just revamped its line of creative bendable "distorting" lenses at Photokina, and added a new type. This new Composer disposes with the bellows bend/focus system of earlier Lensbabies and has ball-and socket twisting with a focusing ring at the front to let you select the in-focus sweet-spot in your photos. It's also got a new Optic Swap system which lets you swap out the lenses inside for different options: these include standard lenses and a Holga-alike plastic lens. The Lensbaby original is replaced by the similar Muse, with the new swap system, the Control Freak which replaces the Lensbaby3G has it too. Both Composer and Control Freak will cost $270, while the Muse is $150. Check out the press release below. More »
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By Kit EatonComment by 15sunrises: I guess I would have to see it applied correctly, most of the shots I've seen ended up just looking... 6 Responses | Other threads
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creative
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi, Wireless Audio for Notebooks
Creative, not sure what to do next with sound cards, has decided to toss its wireless, sound enhancing X-Fi technology into the batter. Their newly announced an $80 X-Fi sound card for notebooks allowing wireless audio streaming to up to four Creative wireless receivers for distances of 100 feet. It's not necessarily a bad idea, but we'd prefer a simpler device, like a Wi-Fi speaker, for universal audio streaming. Oh, and each receiver will cost$270$70. So the fully decked-out system is over $1000 before speakers. More »
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By Mark WilsonComment by Tonicboy: Am I just dumb at math or how does $89 + $99 = $1000? more » | Other threads
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creative
Creative Special Event Due September 17th, Invite Teases X-fi Products
Looks like Creative is getting set to unveil something new on September 17th: invites have gone out for a special event, bearing this mysterious image. Those darkened shapes in the image bear an X-fi logo, but that, apart from the "I am heard everywhere" slogan is all the info there is on exactly what's going to be demonstrated. Dare we connect it with Creative's internet tablet/camera/pmp device patent from yesterday? I think we dare. [Thanks Brandon!]
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By Kit EatonComment by slibville: "Are you hear yet?" Somewhere, a copywriter is getting fired. I know it's supposed to be an awful, awful play... 2 Responses | Other threads
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creative
Creative Patent Looks Like an Internet Tablet, Digital Camera and More!
This newly discovered patent by Creative, whether actually in production or not, looks like a pretty neat device. Because from what we can make out from the diagrams, it appears to be much more than just a another media player. Internet tablet seems to make sense, with that right oval on the side being a logical (OK, remotely possible) indication of a Wi-Fi antenna. But we've seen stuff like this before. Flip it around to the backside, however, and surprise! There's a camera. More »
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By Mark WilsonComment by Late_Night: @Mark Wilson : How can you deduce that's a Wi-FI antenna? Maybe you're more skilled from following these leaked patent... 2 Responses | Other threads
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ipod nano
Apple Is So Creative
One of the things I was really blown away by yesterday was the sheer number of colors in the new iPod rainbow. I don't think I've ever seen that many hues of an MP3 Player. Where did they get them all?? More »
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Comment by Ike_Skelton: Oh shit, AND the ZEN Micro has an FM Tuner. Eat that Apple! ..Seriously, not having an... 5 Responses | Other threads
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battlemodo
Ultimate Cut-The-Crap In-Ear Headphone Battlemodo
Why do music lovers put up with cheap stock earbuds? You've spent hundreds of dollars on an MP3 player then effectively nullify your investment with headphones that suck the soul out of the music that you love. Choosing a higher-end set of earphones is almost impossible, since there are way too many, and they are deliberately marketed to blur the distinctions from best to worst. I tried out $2,000 worth of in-ear earphones—16 pairs made it to my final evaluation—and since I like you, I will share the results of my hours of ear penetration. More » -
vista drivers
Creative Finally Releases Fixed Vista Drivers For X-Fi
Creative's finally put that whole driver fiasco behind them and released Vista-capable drivers for their X-FI cards. What took them so long? Who knows, but they've added DVD Audio playback, which is nice, I guess. Grab yours now if you haven't broken your X-Fi in half already. [Creative via X-Fi]
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By Jason ChenComment by skinned: I thought the original EMU10K based X-Fi music was a great card. I wish I could use it outside Windows... more » | Other threads
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flip ultra
Dr. Ashen Reviews The Flip Ultra and Creative Vado
Benny may have reviewed a bunch of cheap camcorders for our cheap camcorder Battlemodo, but he's much less British than we'd like. Good thing for us Dr. Ashen of Vii, PolyStation 3 and various other shitty gadget fame has decided to put two of them head-to-head. Spoiler alert: The Creative Vado sucks, even in the UK. Oh, and Ashen's couch is slightly dirtier than last time. [Dancing Yak - Thanks Sean!]
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By Jason ChenComment by PAHNATION: the non-profit I work for - Christopher Coppola's PROJECT ACCESSIBLE HOLLYWOOD - uses the flip ultra for our free new... more » | Other threads
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pmp
Creative Decks Out Zen Range with Patterned Mozaic PMP
Creative is clearly in some kind of rush to get new media players out into the world: first the X-Fi, then the Krystal and now the Mozaic. It's a pretty standard offering, with music and video playing function, a 1.8-inch screen, FM radio and voice recorder, but, like the Nokia Prism, it's its keypad that makes it a teeny bit different. It's a mosaic-themed one, which you may either think is a tasteful dash of creativity, or a daft way of confusing the controls. In black, silver and pink colors, it's in either 2, 4 or 8GB versions for $99, $129 and $unknown. [NothingbutCreative] -
zen crystal
Creative's Zen Krystal MP3 Materializes Out of Nowhere
It kind of looks like a Zen Stone, and it is certainly a far cry from the Zen X-Fi, but this little MP3 player has been discovered hiding on Creative's Hong Kong site. Apparently, the 4GB Zen Krystal is designed to be a sports player with a pedometer that functions similarly to the Nike+ line. It also includes games like "Hurdle Race, Catch & Dodge and Dice Roll" as well as a Blue 0.7" OLED, FM radio, and 10 hours of playback. A price and a release date have not been made available. [Creative via anythingbutipod]
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By Sean FallonComment by Collins1: @Th3Chos3n0n3: Thank god you told us you have an iPhone, without which we would have no quantified value with which... more » | Other threads
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pmp
Creative Zen X-Fi Gets Launch Timing, Price
We brought you some leaked info on Creative's upcoming PMP not long ago, and now it's official. The credit-card-sized player will come in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB versions, and the larger two will support 802.11 b/g wi-fi for wireless syncing of music, video and photos and an IM chat function. It's got a 2.5-inch, 320 × 240 pixel TFT screen and a SD/SDHC slot, for a max of 32GB of expansion. There's also an FM radio, some PDA functions, and a built-in speaker to support its alarm clock option. Sound quality is given special treatment with Creative's own "crystalizer" and "expand" options. Out in Japan at first mid-July for $166, $213, $307 for the 8GB, 16GB and 32GB versions. [AV Watch]
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By Kit EatonComment by kmanfactor: Why is this cheaper than the regular Zen? On Creative's site, the X-Fi 32GB is $280, the regular Zen... more » | Other threads
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Zen X-Fi
Creative's Zen X-Fi to Enter Ring Dominated by iPod Touch, Zune
New details have been leaked about Creative's answer to the iPod touch and Zune, a wireless music player with Wi-Fi media sharing capabilities called the Zen X-Fi. Pictures show the device sporting a chrome-and-black plastic look that's vaguely reminiscent of the iPhone, along with a nine-point directional pad. Besides certain internet features, X-Fi will also come with an SD card slot and a built-in speaker. More »
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By Elaine ChowComment by slibuntu: @SuperSan: Yeah, all those 'phone's that I see Creative producing really don't match Apple..... @kaneshadow: @Ubik2501: Take a listen to X-Fi,... more » | Other threads
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reviews
The Ultimate Cheap Camcorder Battlemodo
Ever since the world caught wind of the Pure Digital Flip cam's success, super-cheap digital pocket camcorders have sprouted up everywhere. With everyone and their mother trying to become the next Lil Show Stoppa or Soulja Girl, people need a cheap and easy way to capture those magic moments. I tested six of these cams—from Creative, RCA/Audiovox, DXG and Pure Digital—all $180 or less. Here are samples of all of their videos in various conditions, and an overall look at how they stack up: More » -
camcorders
Creative Vado Official, Way Better Looking Than Flip
Creative today confirmed the existence of the Vado camcorder, one with specs almost exactly identical to the popular Flip, with VGA vid resolution and 2GB of internal flash memory for two hours of film, plus a $100 price tag. It works as a USB drive, but if you want, the optional software will give you instant YouTube posting and other features. We ran a phoney pic of the thing before—these pics here are the real deal. Jump for details. More » -
microsoft zune
Zune Hits 2 Million Sales, Drinks Creative's Milkshake
Industry numbers group NPD has just confirmed that Microsoft's Zune's sold 2 million units, just slightly under one year after it sold its first million. Where is Microsoft getting the marketshare for the extra million? Mostly from Creative, who dropped from 4% marketshare to 2% from Q1 '07 to Q1 '08. Apple's also gone down from 72% to 71%, so there might be some defectors in the fruit squad as well. Total marketshare for Microsoft now stands at a decent 4%. [PMP Today via Tech Digest]
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By Jason ChenComment by RobotVampire: @B: You just made my head asplode. more » | Other threads
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flip
Creative Clones the Flip Camcorder: Why the Hell Are They Calling It Vado?
The most impressive thing about the ultra-basic Flip camcorder (to me anyway) is that it's managed to steal 13 percent of the camcorder market. Creative is hoping to bottle some of that magic with a $100 Flip clone called Vado (which sounds more like a failed Star Wars character than a cheapo camcorder). The leaked specs are barely discernible from the Flip Ultra's. (To be super duper clear, this a bad Photoshop of the Flip Ultra, not Creative's product.) More » -
update
Creative Zen Getting Bubblegum Pink Makeover
Looks like the Zune isn't the only PMP to be getting a color makeover, Creative's Zen is in on it too. The new model was spotted at Wal Mart, where it is retailing at $69.99 for a 2GB unit, with no other capacities listed. As far as we can tell, the pink Zen is ready for immediate shipping, despite the fact it is not available at Creative's own online store. The new addition has me thinking it is time for a pink gadget in my arsenal; admit it, you want one as well. [Wal Mart via Geek&Hype; Thanks, pickupjojo!]
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By Haroon MalikComment by swerdfeger: @legacye: Ahh, I just looked, and you are correct. Thanks. Poorly planned product shot then... more » | Other threads
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creative
The Conclusion: Creative Backs Down Against Driver Modder, Reinstates Posts
The story of Daniel_K vs. Creative reaches a temporary conclusion as Creative reinstates the deleted forum posts by Daniel that helped other users get their sound cards working under Vista. The company did this as a result of angry forum and blog posts (some here as well), mostly all siding with Daniel. More »
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By Jason ChenComment by Hello_Newman: I wouldn't be in the sound card business for all the money in the world. Even when they make a... more » | Other threads
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creative
Daniel_K, Creative Fixer-Upper, Responds to Corporate Shunning
Remember Daniel_K, the good guy who took it upon himself to fix Creative's craptastic Vista drivers and ended up getting threatened with legal action as thanks for his work? Well, he's spoken out, and he's not happy about Creative's dickish treatment of him. More » -
corporate greed
Creative Presents Cease-and-Desist Note to Developer Hero
After Vista's release, Creative's Audigy Sound Blaster series lost a lot of their in-built functionality. Developer, good-guy and all around hero, Daniel_K stepped up to the challenge, putting together his own drivers and asking for non-obligatory donations in recognition of his effort. Daniel_K's drivers restored functionality, and added some extra features to boot. That's great news, right? Apparently not; Creative is pissed. More »
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By Haroon MalikComment by joltdude: Creative is resorting back to their own tricks... Im predicting that they are going to take a playbook from Logitech... more » | Other threads
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reality distortion
Just Seeing an Apple Logo Makes You More Creative, Says Study
Ask someone to describe an Apple advert and I bet you they'll say "different," "artistic," and maybe even "funny," and that's all very nice for Apple (we'll ignore those who'd respond "irritating.") But according to a study due for publication next month, years of seeing those funky ads may have had an unexpected psychological side effect. Apparently showing someone an Apple logo —even subliminally— will make them use more creative thinking to perform a task. That's something I bet even Steve himself couldn't have predicted: a real Reality Distortion Field. More » -
mp3 players
Creative Zen Stone Upgrades Flaunt Integrated Speaker
The popular cheap-as-chips Zen Stone/Zen Stone Plus are set for an upgrade this year. The V2.0 devices will have an integrated mono speaker—pretty exciting, eh? Check out the gallery for some shots of the new MP3 players. More »
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By Haroon MalikComment by bungee: @tranquility_bass: MP3 players with built-in speakers are nothing new. I'm sure the Samsung YP-K5 has a much louder set of... more » | Other threads
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nano accessories
Creative TravelSound i80, a Tight-Fitting Home for iPod nano
The Creative TravelSound i80 is small sheath that you can just slide your iPod nano into. Ooo, that's a tight fit, baby. Once it's nestled inside, its mini speaker blasts the tunes, sounding crystal clear for its size. More »
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Comment by Hackoff: Sweet. No you just need a personal wearable subwoofer connected to the speaker via bluetooth! more » | Other threads
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By Sean FallonComment by StormJenkins: Just about every criticism I have read about the Creative InPerson is true and supportable. Now for the big "however!"... more » | Other threads
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wireless
Hands On: Creative's HS-1200 Wireless Headset Featuring New Bluetooth Alternative
Creative's new HS-1200 wireless headset features a new, as yet unnamed proprietary compression technology developed by Avnera that rivals the Bluetooth standard. Some of the advantages of the new technology include a greater data transfer rate than Bluetooth as well as lower energy consumption (9 hours to a charge.) The HS-1200 also features duplex technology that allows users to do multiple things at once, like stream full stereo music and use VoIP at the same time. Another nice feature is a dock right on the receiver, so you don't need a separate charger. More »
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By Sean FallonComment by Out2gtcha: Nice, and without the BT lag. Hmmmm...........wish I could find a BT headset similar to this that wasnt full ear... more » | Other threads
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home entertainment
Hands On: Creative's Xdock HD Streaming iPod Dock
We already know that Creative's upgraded Xdock is the first iPod dock that allows users to upconvert their video to HD resolution and music to X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity, as well as one of the first docks to work with new iPods —and a hands on has revealed that it does this job quite well. We also felt that the addition of a navigation menu was a nice upgrade over the previous version. However, there were a few caveats. More » -
videoconferencing
Creative Officially Unveils the inPerson Wi-Fi Video Conferencing Device
The Pitch:We got the jump on the InPerson back in December thanks to the FCC, but now we have learned that the product is actually being positioned as a portable wireless videoconferencing device as opposed to a phone, as was reported previously. Creative hopes that the inPerson will become an affordable replacement for the extremely expensive videoconferencing units often used in boardrooms. More »
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By Sean FallonComment by OMG! Ponies!: Add 5 bluetooth earmuff-style headsets. This thing needs to be dorkier. more » | Other threads
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home entertainment
Creative's Xdock Upgrades to Glorious HD
The Pitch: Creative's Xdock has gotten a significant upgrade that allows users to upconvert their video to 720p or 1080i resolution and your music to X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity. That means that the Xdock HD can play video on an HDTV in full DTS surround sound and wirelessly play music through X-Fi Wireless Receivers connected to speakers anywhere in the home. Plus, it plays nice with the new iPod Nano and even previous-generation iPods —so you don't need to upgrade your player to enjoy the show. Available in Spring 2008 for $399.99. More » -
gadgets
Creative Wi-Fi inPerson Video Phone Looks Promising
There's little to no official detail available on this Creative Wi-Fi Video phone, called the inPerson, but the FCC has both pictures and the manual available for just anyone to peep through. The specs look beefy: VGA video at 2Mbps, "excellent low light performance," a wide-angle lens, dual microphones, Wi-Fi, rechargeable battery, h.264 video, SIP support, TV-out and remote control. More »
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By Jason ChenComment by The Brain: Price will be important on this one since I'll probably end up buying the receiver for the people I want... more » | Other threads
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zen so soon
32GB Creative Zen Available Now, Really?
A few weeks ago Creative confirmed that the 32GB Zen was coming, but sadly would not see the light of day till the second quarter of 2008. Well, it appears that Creative's US site is showing the 32GB Zen in stock and available for shipment. For some reason the Zen product page doesn't show the 32GB model in stock when selected in the drop down menu; but when placed in the cart, it shows that it is indeed available. So if you were planing on layin-down $349.99 on the largest capacity Zen when it was finally available, your time has come. Oh, and as a bonus you might actually be able to get this in time for Christmas, if you order soon. [Creative]
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Comment by JewelAstyoche: reeflections: It can play media straight from the SD card but the interface for the SD card is extremely limited. You... more » | Other threads
creative
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