Creative's
Zii EGG may be snagging the majority of headlines for the company these days, but it looks like it's not about to let its regular PMPs fall by the wayside, and it's now announced its new Zen X-Fi2 player that ditches the few buttons found on the original
Zen X-Fi in favor of full touchscreen controls. That, of course, also comes with an increase in screen size (to 3-inches), and a new interface that seems to include a few elements from that
patent filing we saw a while back. Otherwise, the specs aren't too far off its predecessor, including the same 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB options, a microSD card slot for further expansion, a built-in microphone and FM radio, an RSS reader (which must be synced up with your PC). Still no firm word on a release date, unfortunately, but you can now pre-order it from a number of retailers for $129.99, $179.99, or $229.99, depending on the capacity. Not convinced just yet? Then perhaps smooth jams of the videos after the break will change your mind.
[Thanks, Sim]
posted Sep 2nd 2009 1:17PM
I can't wait to get one, gotta love expandable memory.
If it's similar to the old X-Fi, the external memory isn't integrated AT ALL - music placed on the memory card isn't integrated into the music library etc, which made external memory pretty much completely useless...
It is integrated with this one....They've learnt from there mistakes. Really could do with Wi-fi though
Expandable memory is great, but it won't save the player. I have the Creative Zen (4gb), the one with the d-pad. The expandable storage doesn't integrate well with the core player. If you wanted to listen to songs on the micro, you'd have to located that directory itself and play the songs from there; it doesn't add to the main library of songs. Only good thing about the player was it was cheap, had radio, and mic recording.
1. Lacks hardware buttons to skip tracks (no?)
2. Smooth UI PLEASE
3. Screen resolution?
$230 for 32gb + microSD is a really nice offer but I want a fast UI as well. It manages to move from image to image much faster than it moves screens in the menu, so there's still hope.
4. Remote control?
Horizon Smoker:
That was my main gripe with the X-Fi as well, but apparently that's been fixed in this version.
Wow, could Microsoft be less original? The first thing I though of when I saw the screen shot was I-phone - but with a smaller screen and more boring graphics - and I am not an Apple guy. Where has creative originality gone in digital tech?
Microsoft?
did you just come here to hate? That's not even a MS Product, its Creative
Thank you Matt, I thought I was taking crazy pills.
When did Microsoft buy Creative? It's a CREATIVE product. And damn, when will you're trollish comments become CREATIVE? Rather then the same old song and dance?
OH, yeah, aside from the pricing, which isn't too bad, this thing is full of well, I hate to say it, Fail. Why oh why did they never come up with an acceptable upgrade to the Vision M?
Thanks for all the fish!
When did Microsoft buy Creative? Missed that one...
iPod Touch killer
you mean clone
@art
Yes, because Apple totally invented the touchscreen and touch interface MP3 players.
This does not look responsive at all. Night and day from the ZuneHD.
I'm just going to guess that the expandable memory isn't integrated, once again.
I love Creative products, but they HAVE to fix this.
If you watch the video, there's an option "Import All" which basically transfers the files to the main library. Not exactly fully integrated, but better than the previous models.
Lol at the use of Engadget's Zii EGG post in the RSS reader
Oh please say there is a decent video codec support. I am looking for something that can replace my Creative Zen Vision M.
WMV9, MPEG4-SP3, DivX3 4/5 and XviD3
Up to 640 x 480 video size
MP3, WMA (DRM9), WAV (IMA-ADPCM) Audible4, AAC4, FLAC4
From here: http://uk.store.creative.com/products/product.aspx?catid=213&pid=18965&nav=1
sure looks better than my xfi, still similar...buuuut i think ill wait for the zii
cool device. Creative definitely has an appealing product on their hands. after watching both vids the music got a bit repetative though ;)
That doesn't look like an iPhone. The chrome trim is something Apple has never, ever, ever done, or will ever do. The shiny blackness of everything else is completely original too. This completely original product whose form factor in no way resembles any competitors' products, because as we said earlier, this is a totally original product, stuns the part of my brain which recognizes and reacts to aesthetics. It is so beautiful, tears spatter my desk, for it is the masterpiece I have always dreamed in the flesh! The Jesus Christ of all PMPs!
You didn't get the memo?
According to fanbois across the globe, any new PMP, cell phone or handheld gaming device is instantly a iPhone clone regardless of how it looks.
My response was supposed to be in reply to Brian.
Srsly, Engadget, can you fix this comment mayhem?
It doesn't look like the iPhone or iPod Touch. Not even close.
@Brian Oh trust me, I know. But neither does the ODOID(http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/android-based-odroid-handheld-gaming-concept-debuts-hurts-our-e/)
As @BigD145 said early on in the comments, "Looks like an iPhone with a skin."
Every article regarding a PMP/Internet tablet/Netbook/blah blah is getting compared to iPhones. Its getting ridiculous.
No Wifi with web-browser... No deal...
Zii or bust!!!
True that, wifi is a must. Though I'm stoked that they finally figured out how to integrate the microsd into the main library, that's pretty huge. If thats in the Zii as well I'll definitely buy one.
How thin is it? I have the Creative Xen W and my only complaint is that its a freakin brick. I'd happily upgrade if it has the same video codec capability a the Zen W but the thin-ness of the ipod touch
Meh, boring. I mean come on, look at how the screen lags. Creative should just focus on the Zii instead fo wasting time doing this.
I agree, UI seems way to laggy for a 2009 touchscreen PMP.
^ agreed, if it doesnt have zii technology its junk.
Which brings me to the point again of "What is the EGG supposed to be anyway?"
I own a Zen Xfi and if you're looking to get it for the Xfi feature skip the Xfi PMP. they only serve to reduce sound quality. unless this new one uses a new chip or what not.
i agree.
i have a 32 gb zen xfi with wifi support and absolutely *HATE* it.
worst mp3 player i've ever owned. i dont feel like ranting into the number of reasons why i think it is a crappy player...
i'm never going back to creative...
the included headphones were OK..i guess thats a plus? lol
1st - This is hardly an iPod Touch/Zune HD killer, NOR is this the consumer version of the Zii EGG
2nd - One would certainly hope that they fully integrate the expansion slot this time.
3rd - Nice to have another player with wide-ranging audio/video codec support.
4th - I'd wager that Fry's Electronics will be selling the 32gb for well under 200.00 US by the 09 Holiday Season.
I think that with toutchscreen It's slower to manipulate the player. Maybe toutchsceen is useful for mobile phones, but I think that it is not useful for music players.
Cool is that there is big screen.
Probably people will love this player, but for people who are used to generally listen music and switch between songs without looking on player, will not be happy to use this kind of players.
It's only my opinion...
Point well taken, but...
You've apparently not experienced the Sony X-Series' touch screen which is (arguably) the fastest, most responsive yet implemented on a DAP/PMP, it's a pleasure to use, and if one does feel the need for hardware controls, they're right there on the top of the player.
After seeing the Zune HD in action, I'd also place the player very high on the list of the very best touch screen players.
Ultimately, it boils down to what you prefer... though I don't believe that Touchscreens are going anywhere anytime soon.
so with everything published that I've seen on the Zii Egg it's not meant for consumers, it's meant for Developers so if and when it ever hits the market, will it be called the Zii Egg or will it be rebranded by whoever develops on it? The Zii Egg looks like an egg-cellent PMP but in its current form it doesn't appear to be consumer oriented
No, the Zii EGG is not a consumer product.
It merely a development platform for the Zii technology, though it is very well-made, and the features that have been implemented thus far are very good - especially the outstanding sound quality.
I'm eagerly awaiting the release of Android for my ZiiEGG so that I can really cut loose on developing some interesting Education related apps.
cool
@HorizonSmoker
0:50
Try again creative, FAIL.
Id rather buy dat beautiful zune hd or archos 5, anything less is crap.
good effort...but a bit too late and what?? no WIFI? RSS is essentially crippled... no real time updates.