Big Day for ZiiLABS, including Trinity phone
It’s a massive day for ZiiLABS, with their Shenzen conference beginning today. So far, we’ve seen several new interesting devices, including the Trinity smartphone, and a pretty nifty set of apps called ZiiLife. Check the latest news over at ZiiEGG.com. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday here in the States, I was unable to update this blog with info about the new Vado HD 3rd Generation or the X-Fi2 Firmware update (big one), but I will have an in-depth article for each up shortly.
Briefly: Creative to License Technology to Acer for Gaming PCs
Acer has a gaming PC? Who knew? In any case, Creative has licensed the THX TruStudio and EAX Advanced HD 5.0 technologies to the up-and-coming vendor for an unknown sum. In any case, it’s a bit of money for the company, and Acer isn’t really their competition, so there’s no real bad side to this that I can see. Keep reading for the full press release and link. (more…)
Zii Powered Phone, Netbook, Tablet PC To Headline Zii Summit
As the blitzkrieg of Zii news continues, this perhaps is the biggest news of all. Yeah, I said that yesterday, but this update from ZiiLABS further clarifies what will be showcased at the Zii Summit in a few weeks. And these are the big dogs- a tablet pc, netbook, and what I think is the biggest of all, a mobile phone. Now, these are said to be ‘OEM-ready’, so it seems that no manufacturers will be showcasing their finished versions of said products. However, it does bode well that there are so many applications already implemented. The page also lists a web-box, a security camera system (presumably a version of partner Grandeye’s), speakers, a piano keyboard, and a precursor to the MediaBook.
Additionally, there will be a demonstration of the new ZiiMeet software which appears to be HD-optimized software for meetings. We’ll see all these and more on December 1st. For both Creative fans and stockholders alike, it can’t come soon enough.
Creative, ZiiLABS to Host First Zii Summit In First Week of December
When I read the Singapore Business-Times article over on epiZENter yesterday, there was a curious mention of demonstrations at a ‘Shenzen conference’. Not being particularly great with China’s second busiest port city, I thought it was just an industry conference. However, that has changed with the press release from ZiiLABS today, which announced a ‘Zii Summit’ for December 1-2 in Shenzen. According to the press release, Creative CEO Sim Wong Hoo, in addition to the head of ZiiLABS, Hock Leow, will be giving keynote addresses on the first day in addition to a press conference. More importantly, however, is the seminar that will be held over the two days to showcase the ‘technology, platforms, products, services, and content’ of the Zii ecosystem. Simultaneously, however, is the real point of the summit- to showcase the full range of Zii-powered devices. The wording in the press release, which is copied below, is overwhelmingly positive as all press releases are, mentions multiple Zii-powered products. The door has been locked shut on any leaks thus far to upcoming devices, but it seems that this will open the floodgates. I’m certainly excited. (more…)
Creative Leaving Recession?
Creative’s FY2010 Q1 results were made official just a short while ago. Pretty much good news all around except in one major category: net sales, which were down nearly 50% over Q1 2009. This might typically be cause for alarm, but with a worldwide recession and no real products introduced during the quarter, it’s not entirely unexpected. The bigger news, however, is the net loss: down to $1 million US. Last year at this time, the company lost $40.8 million. Here’s the rest: (more…)
MediaBook- Creative Intros eBook+ For Singapore Market
Creative’s always done a “side project”. Over the company’s history, they’ve done some projects that never fanned out very well: digital video cams, video cards, wireless cards, PC components, and internet telephony devices. This seems like it could be a more successful venture, and it’s the ‘in’ thing for 2009. It appears to be an e-book reader.
But according to epiZENter, it’s far more. (more…)
Creative SoundBlaster and X-Fi Windows 7 Compatibility List
Excited about Windows 7 but not sure which Creative sound cards work with the operating system? Fear not, for here is a list of ones that officially work according to Creative. It’s pretty extensive and covers pretty much every sound card made by the company dating back to the Windows 98SE era. The Compatibility Center on Microsoft’s site is a bit out of date- here’s the latest we got from Creative. If it is listed as not compatible, it may still work- just try the Vista drivers on the Creative support site. (more…)
Android Hitting Zii EGG This Week?
GenerationMP3 is reporting on an Android update this week to the Zii EGG- exciting news!
Inspire S2 Wireless: Bluetooth Hits Your Speakers
Creative’s made wireless speakers before. So why are the Inspire S2 Wireless speakers spiffy? Aside from the fact that they are way cool, they feature Bluetooth technology for the connection, enabling you to stream music from your Bluetooth-enabled audio device directly to the speakers. Most smartphone and music-oriented cell phones have a Bluetooth chip installed on them somewhere, and the technology is becoming more popular on DAPs- the one that springs to mind is the Samsung P3. According to the specs, you’ll be able to get up to 30′ from the unit and still get it to work; but as always your results will vary based on location characteristics. Also sporting Bluetooth is ZiiLABS’ Zii EGG, and while it’s not fully implemented yet, don’t be surprised to see these Bluetooth speakers being demoed using a Zii at CES 2010. If you have no Bluetooth devices, fear not, as the speakers come with a dongle to allow use with your PC, as well as a standard AUX IN jack.
Among the other less intriguing features is the apt-X codec, which Creative licensed a while back, Mac OS support (a new theme for the company), and Energy Star certification. I dunno if they’ll make any sales based on the “Energy Star” rating, but yay environmentalism.
Inspire S2 Wireless on Creative US
Inspire S2 Press Release (269)ZiiLABS Press Release ZiiLABS Announces Graphics and HD Video Acceleration for Adobe Flash Player, AIR Support
More good news on the Zii front. HD Video acceleration and full Flash support have officially been announced by ZiiLABS. On a more surprising front, AIR support will be coming to the Zii EGG platform. Read more for the entire lowdown. (more…)
