X-Fi, Sound Blaster, ZEN MP3 players, Speakers, Headphones, Webcams, Vado Pocket Video Cams, inPerson Video Conferencing, ZiiO Tablets, Wireless Bluetooth Speakers
Creative roll out two wireless X-Fi gaming headsets today in the US- the HS-1200 and the Fatal1ty USB HS-1000. Personally I think that Johnathan Wendel and the whole Fatal1ty brand thing is getting abit old and over-rated as I don't see how using a Fatal1ty mouse or headset will make you a better gamer. But I find the HS-1200 a rather promising and exciting product.
We first heard of it way back in January during CES 2008, the HS-1200 uses a 2.4GHz radio frequency instead of the widely adopted bluetooth technology. The 2.4GHz is a much more powerful and advance technology that enables you to enjoy undistrupted audio and voice transmission simultaneously up to a range of 22m (72 feet). It can last up to 8 hours per charge and if you run out of juice, simply plug in the cable and continue with your game. It's built-in mic allows you to chat over skype and even has a dedicated button controls for it.
Now imagine yourself enjoying your favourite game or music enhanced with X-Fi or chatting with your loved ones over Skype while walking around the house hands free. Or stop imaging and get the latest HS-1200 for only USD$99 (or if you really love Wendel, the Fatal1ty USB HS-1000 goes for a cheaper price of USD$79.99).
Creative X-Fi soundcards have been around for two years and there has been complains that the company is slow in releasing drivers for its X-Fi series of soundcard. And after the not-so-recent driver fiasco, Creative has finally gotten its act together to release vista-capable drivers that fix the hardware Dolby Digital and DTS decoding for its X-Fi cards.
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi series Driver 2.18.0004 Supported devices: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty® Professional
-Dolby® Digital and DTS® decode re-established for sound cards that included decoding in their Windows XP drivers (Not applicable for products that included a 3rd party software DVD player license in the package).
-DVD-Audio playback re-established for sound cards that included the application in their Windows XP software suite (For Windows Vista 32-bit only).Requires the latest Creative MediaSource DVD-Audio Player software. Click here to download.
Fixes:
-Resolves issue of system crash when switching to an unsupported sampling rate in Audio Creation Mode while Dolby Digital Live is enabled.
The new firmware manages your player's audio enhancements to give you the optimum X-Fi listening experience. Apparently, the new firmware makes the X-Fi effect less dramatic.
**DO NOT INSTALL THIS FIRMWARE IF YOU LIKE YOUR CURRENT X-FI SETTINGS**
Qns: Can we surf the web with the ZEN X-Fi? Ans: No, there's no in-built browser on the ZEN X-Fi. Furthermore, it would be technically impossible to surf the web on the ZEN X-Fi looking at its navigating controls. Although a worker at the Creative store told me it might be possible soon with a firmware upgrade, I believe he doesn't know what he's talking about.
Qns: How much space does the ZEN X-Fi comes with? Ans: 30.637GB although mine is a 32GB version. Should I sue?
Qns: Is there really an X-Fi chip in the ZEN X-Fi? Ans: Creative has never claimed that there's an X-Fi chip in the player and I believe there isn't. As explained below, i think they used a software to emulate the effects of the X-Fi, which worked pretty well IMO.
Qns: Is the ZEN X-Fi louder than the ZEN? Ans: In my opinion, i think and feel it is :)
Qns: Does the ZEN X-Fi have SD integration? Ans: Do pigs fly?
Qns: Does the player turn off its speaker when you plug in your earphones? Ans: Yes. And it automatically turns on the speaker when you plug out the earphones. Best of all, it remembers the volume when you're using the earphones and when you're using your speaker. You can also set your shortcut button to ON/OFF speaker.
Qns: Is the back shell of the X-Fi actually made of metal, or is it just plastic with a shiny paint job? Ans: It is plastic with a shiny paint job.
Qns: I guess the ZEN X-Fi has the "Extras > Removable Disk" option.. like the Zen right? Ans: Nope. However, it does act as a MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) removable disk and also as an SD card reader.
Qns: Do you need to install software in order to put music/vids? or is just apears as an external hd? Ans: The ZEN X-Fi is a MTP device therefore it will appear as an external hard disk. You are able to transfer music, photos (although you cannot automatically re size them as you transfer) and video (it will accept all video, however, if the format is incompatible, it also cannot be played on the ZEN X-Fi). Thus, the installation of Creative Centrale is recommended.
Qns: Youve tried the Xmod, and so have I.. now youve tried the Zen X-Fi.. Is the Zen X-Fi as good as the Xmod ? Ans: No, the ZEN X-Fi, to me, don't sound as good as the Xmod. Mainly is because with the Xmod, you can control the degree of effect the Crystalizer have on your music while the X-Fi only has ON & MAX.
Qns: Just being sure, X-Fi expand.. same as CMSS 3D rite? Ans: If the X-Fi expand is the same as CMSS 3D, couldn't they just call it "CMSS 3D"? According to the website: X-Fi CMSS-3D"expands music from your headphones outwards, so that it sounds like you're surrounded by multiple virtual speakers." while the X-Fi Expand"intelligently moves a conventional left/right earphone stereo source away from your ears, virtually expanding it for an audio experience with a breathtakingly realistic depth of field."
Qns: I would like to know if the ZEN X-Fi wireless lan needs an open network or you can use keys, like the WEP ? Ans: You can use the wireless function of the ZEN X-Fi on both open and secured network (provided you have the WEP for it).
Qns: I have been using iPods and would like to get the player, but was thinking of adding a 16GB card into it, and was wondering how it would affect me if there were no SD card integration. Ans: The ZEN X-Fi has no SD Card integration. Which means the files on your SD card will not appear in your main library. To access the songs/photos/videos on your SD card, you have to access it in a separate menu. It's just really inconvinient. But do keep in mind that you are able to download the files onto your ZEN X-Fi. So if you want to use the ZEN X-Fi as a storage device for your photos while travelling, it's good enough.
Qns: Kingone, do you think you could compare the sound quality of the Zen X-Fi to another well known DAP? For e.g. the Rio Karma or the newer iPod Classic perhaps? That would be much appreciated! Ans: Sure. I do not have or know anyone who has a Rio Karma, so i shall compare it with the ipod. Without the X-Fi on, the sound of the ZEN X-Fi sound alittle louder and richer than the iPod. But with the X-Fi on, your bass is so much deeper and the vocals are much clearer. Ok, I might not be very professional sounding here, but all i can tell you is that, with the X-Fi on, the difference is much bigger.
Qns: Can you please explain how easy or difficult is to use the messenger via Wi-fi on the Zen X-Fi, I will really apreciate your answer thanks - Ans: It's rather difficult to really chat on the ZEN X-Fi, considering the small buttons and the lack of a T9 dictionary that we are already so familiar with. Nevertheless, it is a good to have function that porvides you a quick and easy way to communicate with your friends.
Qns: I wud want to know if the zen is able to read the SD card well enough. Unlike the previous zen. Also cud u tell me if the body is scratch resistant? - Peter
Ans: The SD function on the ZEN X-Fi is almost the same as the ZEN. The back of the palyer is rather scratch resistant. However, because the front of the player is made up of glossy hard plastic, you might want to protect it with a silicon skin or a 2.5" screen protector.
Qns: Would also like to know if the SD card is truly integrated this time. This is what drove me to return my creative zen … it was very annoying not to have it integrated. Additionally - can it read video files that are encoded at resolutions greater then 320×240? Having to recode video was also very annoying on the original zen. I suspect this is still the case on teh X-Fil but hoping it is not. Finally - I can it listen to streamed files over WiFi from any Upnp server or does it have to be creative’s server?? - David
Ans: No, the SD card is not integrated. No, you have to recode your video to 320x240 to make it playable on the ZEN X-Fi. Yes, you can stream files from any Upnp server.
Qns: Anybody know if it’s possible to plug the device to the TV using a cable or somehow ? - Evans
Ans: No, the ZEN X-Fi does not support Video Out, unlike the ZEN Vision series of players.
Qns: How did you get the input to work like a phone? I tried instant messaging with it and I had to navigate using using the arrow keys to the corresponding keypad. - Optimus Prime
Ans: In the chat screen, click on the option button. Once the drop down menu is out, choose text input > keyboard input.
Qns: I love creative Players! Im glad they incorporated WiFi into this one, but they could add a simple text browser or a text and image/html/css web browser and maybe youtube support. that would be awesome. - James
Ans: Haha, me hope so too. Let's hope Creative read this blog and see your request!
Qns: Does it get TV out from the headphone jack as old ipods and zune do? - Leo
Ans: Nope it doesn't.
Qns: I would want to know if you can replace the battery easily.. unlike creative zen M or ipod - Shashank
Ans: No, you can' replace the battery for the ZEN X-Fi.
Besides the X-Fi, the other selling point of the ZEN X-Fi is its Wireless Lan (Wi-Fi) function. The Wi-Fi function here has two main capabilites. One is to stream/download media content wirelessly from your PC or to your ZEN X-Fi. The other is to chat with your friends via MSN or Yahoo! Messenger. The player's WiFi operates on the widely used 802.11b and 802.11g protocols. And it works on both secured (encryption key needed) and unsercured network. Once you successfully connect to a particular network (e.g your home network), you can save it as a (up to 10) preferred network, so that you do not have to manually key in your username and password every single time you connect.
Secured Home Network - Connecting to your home wireless network is effortless. Once you enter the player's ONLINE menu and select MEDIA SERVER, it will automatically display all detected network. Choose the one that is yours and key in your username and password and you're ready to go.
Public Unsecured Network - If you're using the free wireless at cafes or shopping mall, repeat the above steps, the only difference is that this time, there might be many more network detected.
Streaming/Downloading Media Content to your ZEN X-Fi I must admit this is one of the coolest function with the ZEN X-Fi. Because with the X-Fi, you still have to explain to your friend what the hell is xtreme fidelity and how it restores the blah,blah,blah. But once you tell them your ZEN X-Fi is able to stream your porn from your PC to say the toilet, suddenly they will all look up to you with new foudn respect.
Ok, I digress. Once you sync your ZEN X-Fi to your PC using the Creative Centrale, you are able to view (no lag) and download music, photos and video to your player. However, it will not stream ALL your videos, below is the recommended video formats for wireless streaming:
Besides your own media files, you're also able to access the Creative Mediabox. Basically, the Mediabox is like a mini ZENcast.com where you can stream podcast from many different channels in categories like "Comedy", "Education", "Envirnonment" etc. You can access this anywhere with Wi-Fi connection. However, you can't download, rewind or fastforward the podcast.
Below is a video demo of the ZEN X-Fi's ability to stream/download music, photos and videos from your computer to your ZEN X-Fi:
MSN / Yahoo! Chat on the ZEN X-Fi
To chat on MSN or Yahoo! on the ZEN X-Fi, you have to firstly register for an ZEN X-Fi Chat Account with Creative. The account will act like a gateway for your MSN or Yahoo!, so instead of the chatting interface that we are already very familiar with when using these chat services on our PC, the ZEN X-Fi's chat interface is quite different.
You can't choose a display picture for your ZEN X-Fi chat (though you can see your friend's one). However, you can create your own avatar:
Chatting on MSN:
There are two types of text input on the ZEN X-Fi: the keyboard input and the circular keyboard. Personally I like the keyboard input more as it acts almost like your handphone. The circular keyboard is more difficult to use but some might like the uniqueness of it. However I would like to stress that chatting on the ZEN X-Fi really isn't that easy as the buttons are really small and it doesn't have the T9 dictionary that we are all so familiar with. And also, while chatting, you will not be able to play songs at the same time.
Below is a video demo of how the ZEN X-Fi chat works:
Creative Centrale
Another change with the ZEN X-Fi comes in the form of its software. Unlike previous players which comes with its respective software (ZEN V Plus would have its ZEN V Plus explorer etc), the Creative Centrale is set to be the default software for all past and future Creative players. It allows you to edit the tag information, add album art, rip CDs and organise your music. The best thing about Creative Centrale is that it allows you to rip unprotected DVDs.
Personally, I find ripping DVD a chore even with the iRiverter. Therefore, I wasn't having high hopes when I heard that Creative have included a DVD ripper with the Centrale. But after toying around abit with the ripper and ripping a couple of DVDs, I do find that it does a pretty decent job although there's still much room for improvement.
Once you insert your DVD into your computer, you will be prompted to "Rip DVD with Creative Centrale". I took 28 minutes to rip a 1 hour and 51 minutes DVD. All videos will be ripped into .mpg with the resolution of 720 x 480. One major problem with Creative is that its software is not compatible with its hardware and clearly, it hasn't learnt from its mistake. Videos taken on the Creative Vado (.avi format) is not compatible on both the ZEN and the ZEN X-Fi. Neither are videos ripped using the Centrale. Instead, after ripping your DVD to .mpg, you have to convert the file (which is usually above 4GB) to .wmv to be able to transfer to the ZEN X-Fi which takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r. What I did to overcome this problem is to use the Creative Video Convertor to convert the file to .wmv which took me about 2 hours. Also, you are unable to select the resolution of the video nor subtitles for the video. Hopefully, a software update will provide an improvement in this area.
SD Slot
There are many media players in the market that supports SD intergartion, sadly, not the ZEN X-Fi. This means that files on your SD card are not accessible in the ZEN X-Fi's main library. Instead to view the files on the SD card, you have to enter a separate menu. This has dissapoint many as many of the original ZEN users have feedback that they wanted SD integration. The SD feature on the ZEN X-Fi is almost similar to the ZEN, except that it allows the ZEN X-Fi to act as an SD card reader.
Accessories
The ZEN X-Fi is available in 8GB (no Wi-Fi), 16Gb & 32GB (Wi-Fi) versions. In terms of accessories, there's the armband, leather case, silicone skin, screen protector and the Travelsound ZEN X-Fi. For me, I chose the silicone skin and the ZEN screen protector for my ZEN X-Fi.
Last Words
The ZEN X-Fi is no doubt Creative's best sounding player to date. The X-Fi feature does dramatically enhance your music quality. It's form factor is very much like the ZEN. However, we're impressed at how they managed to squeeze in a speaker, Wi-Fi chip, X-Fi enhancer and yet deliver a longer battery life. The Wi-Fi function on the player isn't perfect but we guess it's a rather good to have. However, we do hope that Creative would improve on the chat function of the player (T9 dictionary maybe?) and also integrate the SD slot with the player's library. It isn't an impossible task as many of the other players in the market already has such a function. Maybe as we listen to Creative's Sound of Prefection on the ZEN X-Fi, Creative should Listen Up, to what it's consumer really wants from them.
The ZEN Mozaic is Creative latest portable media player. Due to its similar specs, it is said to be developed to replace the aging ZEN V series. It's marketing proposition is, however, identical to the now discontinued ZEN Neeon - where its Stik-On allows you to customise the player look to suit your personal style. "Don't Blend In, Trust Your Style." Creative certainly hope that its new baby would stand out from the crowd and create a style of its own.
Design When it comes to design, you either love it or you hate it. And that can't be more true when it comes to the ZEN Mozaic. People who disliked it have called it "incredibly ugly", "yucky" and "a Sony rip off" while others have liken it for its unique and quirky design. Vallywag - Silicon Valley's top gossip rag - described it as "the first non-iPhone I've seen with real head-turning potential." and call it the "new iPod competitor so crazy it just might work". Personally I really like the design and the feel of the player. It is also Creative's first media player that has a truly creative design and credit should be given for that. Bold and unique, the ZEN Mozaic screams individuality and if being different is your cup of tea, the ZEN Mozaic is the player for you.
Functionality
The ZEN Mozaic should never have been part of the ZEN family, rather it should have been branded as a MuVo. In many ways, Creative have taken a few steps back with the ZEN Mozaic. It does not have dedicated volume control, one-button recording function, line-in recording nor does it support subscription music. Its format support for audio, video and photo is also unimpressive. For audio, it only supports MP3, WMA & Audible 4 (ZEN V supports MP3, WMA, IMA ADPCM & WMA DRM). All videos have to be transcoded with the Creative Centrale to its proprietary video format while for photo, only JPEG (other formats will be converted with software) is supported. Video playback on the player is also mediocre. With its small 1.8", 64K color screen and 128x160 pixel resolution, you can hardly see any details of your video clearly. Video viewing on the Mozaic is therefore restricted to music videos or short clips as anything longer will result in you seeing patterns (alas a mosaic, geddit?).
Battery life is pretty good at 32 hours (stated) and the built-in speaker is very loud and clear although it lack a good bass. It also comes with an FM Radio that allows you to store up to 32 presets, EQ settings, voice recorder, calendar, contact and task list (sync with your computer) and album art support. The more visual ZEN patent UI that is featured in most ZEN will also allow you to easily find your way around. As said previously, the 9 tactile buttons are responsive and have a good feel to it. Miscellaneous
The ZEN Mozaic is avavilable in Black (2GB/4GB/8GB), Silver (4GB) and Pink (2Gb/4GB) with plans of a 16GB in the pipeline. There's a 3-IN-1 skin pack, Carabiner case and armband for you to dress up your player and a Travelsound ZEN Mozaic, in case the built-in speaker isn't loud enough. In terms of accessories, you will be pretty much spoilt for choice.
Last words
The Creative ZEN Mozaic is great looking, light weight and highly affordable. If all you need is a media player with a good built-in speaker for your music, the ZEN Mozaic should do the job. However, if video viewing and photo sharing is your thing, then I suggest you look at other alternative like the ZEN X-Fi or ZEN.
The Good
-Unique, bold and a truly creative design
-Slim and Lightweight
-Scratch resistant body
-highly afordable (about USD$124 for 8GB)
-Powerful built-in speaker
-Long battery life
The Bad
-Small 1.8" screen
-Mediocre Video playback
-Limited format support for audio, photo and video
iMP3.net have managed to get their hands on the yet-to-be released ZEN Krystal. Unfortunately, we can't tell much from the photos as there ain't any photos of its user interface nor side profile. It has this really glossy surface which seems like a scratch and finger-print magnet to me. Thanks to Musik via epiZENter! [LINK]
