Creative goes wild! with Bluetooth speakers for a wide range of budgets
Creative has a message for all you docking speakers out there: your days are numbered. The company's just announced additions to its line of Bluetooth speakers, which it hopes will "usher in a new era in pure music listening," according to VP (and avowed enemy of cables and docks) Joseph Liow. In addition to the ZiiSound D5 ($290), a one-piece system and recent Red Dot design award winner, and the Inspire S2 ($145) 2.1 speaker system, budget-minded consumers can get their hands on the D200 for $110 (essentially ZiiSound D5's cheaper sibling) or the D100 ($65), which is being billed as a "wireless boombox" due to its ability to be powered by either mains or four AA batteries. All but the D100 support the apt-X high performance stereo Bluetooth codec, and all have aux audio input. (You can't expect us to do away with wires that quickly, can you?) ZiiSound D5 and Inspire S2 Wireless are currently available in Singapore, while the D200 and D100 will be available there in July. PR after the break.
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CREATIVE USHERS IN A NEW ERA OF PURE WIRELESS MUSIC LISTENING WITH A FULL RANGE OF WIRELESS SPEAKER SYSTEMS
Experience the Future of Pure Music Today with Wireless Speaker Systems That Work with All Compatible Stereo Bluetooth Portable Devices
SINGAPORE – 13 April 2010 – Creative Technology Ltd. today announced the release of a full range of wireless high performance speaker systems comprising the award-winning ZiiSound D5 and Creative Inspire S2 Wireless, as well as the Creative D200 and Creative D100. This new range of speaker systems offers wireless solutions to suit different lifestyles and defines how people will enjoy music from their portable devices from now on.
The state-of-the-art speaker systems work with any compatible stereo Bluetooth device - from mobile phones, portable media players to the iPhone, the iPod†, the iPad, netbooks, notebooks and just about every Bluetooth A2DP enabled device.
Incorporating award-winning high quality wireless audio technology and speaker architecture tuned by Creative's world class audio specialists for the best wireless audio performance possible, each speaker system is engineered to deliver the purest wireless audio in its class.
"Say good-bye to docking speakers because they are going to become a thing of the past. With the emergence of so many wireless capable mobile devices in 2010, Creative is now set to usher in a new era in pure music listening where you can enjoy music with your favourite mobile device through our range of wireless speakers," said Joseph Liow, Vice President for Personal Digital Entertainment Products at Creative.
"This means that users are now free from the limitation of physically connecting or docking their mobile devices to their speakers to enjoy high quality music without wires - a new era in pure music listening has arrived!"
Listening to pure music wirelessly through a speaker system has never been easier, with 3 different ways to pair devices:
1. Connect the iPhone, the iPod† and the iPad with the iPod Transmitter (included with the ZiiSound D5 speaker system)
2. Connect via a USB Bluetooth Transmitter attached to the netboook or notebook (included with the Creative Inspire S2 Wireless speaker system)
3. Connect via the built-in Bluetooth feature on the mobile device
The ZiiSound D5 speaker system comes bundled with relevant accessories to connect to just about any Bluetooth device for the purest wireless music experience:
1. An iPod Transmitter to connect the iPhone, the iPod† and the iPad
2. An additional USB Transmitter for notebooks and netbooks during the initial launch promotion period at www.creative.com/shop
Creative Pure Wireless Speaker Systems
ZiiSound D5 – Flagship One-Piece Wireless Speaker System
At the heart of Creative's wireless speaker system line-up is the flagship ZiiSound D5 - the personification of pure wireless audio. This elegant speaker system with a contemporary look that complements any modern interior décor, is a recent winner of the prestigious German-based "red dot award: product design 2010" in the Audio Category for its outstanding design quality and product innovation selected by an international panel of top-class experts.
Incorporating award-winning Bluetooth technology*, apt-X audio codec and speaker architecture tuned for the best wireless audio performance possible, this state-of-the-art speaker system works with any compatible stereo Bluetooth device to deliver the most compelling wireless audio experience.
* Seamless wireless music streaming with any compatible stereo Bluetooth mobile phone, portable media player, netbook, notebook and just about every Bluetooth A2DP enabled device
* Works with the iPhone, the iPod† and the iPad when used with the bundled detachable iPod Transmitter
* apt-X - high performance low latency audio codec for superior stereo Bluetooth audio
* Built with premium components
* Full-frame monocoque exoskeleton for maximum rigidity
* In-house acoustics tuning and modelling ensures striking accuracy, detail and atmosphere, setting new benchmarks in one-piece speaker system design
* High performance drivers and digital amplifiers for balanced and dynamic audio clarity
* Integrated AUX-In for connecting to other audio devices
* Charges the iPhone and the iPod† while docked
Creative Inspire S2 Wireless – Award-Winning 2.1 Wireless Speaker System
The Creative Inspire S2 Wireless speaker system, winner of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group Best of CES Award 2010, exemplifies the best in the evolution of Bluetooth technology. Enjoy crystal clear audio from its two compact yet high-performance satellite speakers and the highly efficient Creative DIRECT-THROW subwoofer, which delivers dynamic mid-bass - bringing music to life instantly!
* Plug and play wireless audio with any USB notebook or PC (No software drivers required)
* Seamless wireless streaming from any compatible stereo Bluetooth notebook or mobile device
* apt-X - high performance low latency audio codec for superior stereo Bluetooth audio
* Creative DIRECT-THROW subwoofer delivers dynamic mid-bass users can feel
* Large slot type rear port tube for improved air flow
* Digital volume control with Headphone-Out for private listening and AUX-In for connecting to MP3 players
Creative D200 – One-Piece Best-in-Class Wireless Speaker System
The Creative D200, while sharing the same sonic soul as the flagship ZiiSound D5, offers similar excellent audio performance at a more competitive price. World class standard in audio tuning enables it to deliver exceptional audiophile-like smoothness in audio quality.
* Simplistic design and efficient amplifiers and precision drivers encased in a highly braced single shell chassis for a distortion-free soothing playback
* Bluetooth interoperability** allows fuss free wireless connection for music enjoyment with stereo Bluetooth compatible devices such as mobile phones, netbooks, and other mobile devices
* apt-X - high performance low latency audio codec for superior stereo Bluetooth audio
* Integrated AUX-In for connecting to other audio devices
Creative D100 – Wireless Boombox
The high-efficiency drivers encased in the rear ported enclosure allow the Creative D100 to deliver desired levels of loudness and impactful bass. This versatile and portable speaker system will be an instant hit and the best choice for an affordable wireless boombox.
* Plays high quality wireless audio and controls** music with the iPhone, netbooks and other compatible Bluetooth mobile devices
* Integrated AUX-In for connecting to other audio devices
* The Creative D100 is powered by mains power supply or 4 widely available AA batteries. It is truly portable, keeping the music going wherever users go
* Choice of vibrant colours to suit different lifestyles
Creative D100 Speaker System
Pricing and Availability
The Creative wireless speaker systems range will be available at the online store at sg.store.creative.com, The CREATIVE Stores at International Business Park and Marina Square and authorised dealers in Singapore.
* The ZiiSound D5 is currently available at the suggested retail price of S$399.00
* The USB Transmitter (Creative BT-D1) worth S$59.00 will be bundled free of charge with the ZiiSound D5 speaker system during the initial launch promotion period at the online store at sg.store.creative.com from 13 April 2010 while stocks last.
* Both the USB Transmitter (Creative BT-D1) and the iPod Transmitter (Creative BT-D5) are also available for purchase as individual accessories from mid May 2010 onwards at the suggested retail price of S$59.00 each.
* The Creative Inspire S2 Wireless is currently available at the suggested retail price of S$199.00.
* The Creative D200 and Creative D100 will be available from July 2010 onwards at the suggested retail prices of S$149.00 and S$89.00 respectively.
For more information about the entire wireless speaker system range, please visit www.creative.com/wireless.
† Excludes the iPod shuffle
* Incorporates the same Bluetooth technology found in the Creative Inspire S2 Wireless Speaker System – winner of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group Best of CES Award 2010
** Supports A2DP and AVRCP profiles
About Creative
Creative is a worldwide leader in digital entertainment products. Famous for its Sound Blaster® sound cards and for launching the multimedia revolution, Creative is now driving digital entertainment on the PC platform with products like its highly acclaimed ZEN® MP3 and portable media players. Creative's innovative hardware, proprietary technology, applications and services leverage the Internet, enabling consumers to experience high-quality digital entertainment - anytime, anywhere.
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This announcement relates to products launched in the Asia Pacific. Availability is subject to change without notice and may differ elsewhere in the world according to local factors and requirements. ZiiSound, Inspire, Creative Inspire, Sound Blaster and ZEN are trademarks or registered trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.