Creative launches NFC wireless speakers, colorful Hitz headsets

Creative may hope to rival Jawbone's Jambox with its new colorfully geometric Bluetooth speakers, the Airwave and Airwave HD. NFC-enabled Bluetooth speakers aren't exactly news, so Creative is playing catch-up with its NFC-capable Airwave series. Users can pair NFC-equipped devices to the Airwave by simply tapping the phone against the speaker, while an integrated microphone allows for use as a speakerphone -- devices not packing NFC can connect via Bluetooth manually. The Airwave HD can support two NFC-connected devices but it sacrifices about five hours of playback compared to the less powerful Airwave, which can go 12 hours between charges.

Creative is taking a fresh approach with its styling by offering the Airwave line in a variety of colors including pink, blue, green, and red. This new design theme is echoed in Creative's Hitz headsets, which will feature an in-line microphone housing playback and volume controls. Though there's no word yet on a stateside release, the Airwave and Airwave HD will be available in Singapore in June for SG$129 (US$103) and SG$199 (US$160) respectively and the Hitz line will launch in July, with prices ranging from SG$49 (US$39) to SG$89 (US$72). For more information, see the full press release after the break.

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CREATIVE INTRODUCES THE AIRWAVE™ HD AND AIRWAVE™ - PORTABLE BLUETOOTH WIRELESS SPEAKERS PACKED WITH CLEVER FEATURES
Designed to Simplify Users' Experiences with Features Including Near-Field Communications for One-Touch Pairing, Micro-USB Charging and Multi-Point Connectivity

Creative Airwave HD Wireless Speakers
Creative Airwave HD
Wireless Speakers

Singapore - May 14, 2013 - Creative Technology Ltd today announced the new
Creative Airwave™ HD and Creative Airwave™ portable near-field communications (NFC) Bluetooth wireless speakers, specifically designed with clever features that fit into and simplify users' audio experiences, while being the first of several products that reflect the company's incorporation of a fresh new design theme that will cut across many of its speakers and headsets this year.

The bold new triangular speakers clearly stand out anywhere. Apart from sleek black and classic grey, the speaker also comes in a range of vibrant energetic colours - red, blue, pink and green. Special attention has been paid to getting just the right two-tone contrast between the metallic grill and back of the Airwave HD, and the shiny gloss of its sides and top. Similar thought was put into the design of the Airwave, with the speaker sporting glossy sides accompanied by a smooth pearl finish on its front and back.

Creative Airwave Wireless Speakers
Creative Airwave
Wireless Speakers

"Here at Creative, we take a total design approach that encompasses both audio and aesthetics. In keeping with modern trends in industrial design, we've incorporated a bold triangular design into this year's product lineup. We also understand that in today's fast-paced world, the average consumer can be stressed and pressed for time. That's why with the introduction of the Creative Airwave HD and the Creative Airwave wireless speakers, we paid special attention to ensure the speakers are the simplest, most hassle-free companions for any phone or tablet," said Mac Aw, Director for Worldwide Marketing at Creative Technology Ltd.

The speakers are the first of several new Creative products that feature the latest NFC technology. The feature enables users to simply tap their NFC-enabled smart device on the speaker and the two are connected instantly.

Another clever feature is micro-USB charging. This means users are not restricted to using and carrying around a heavy proprietary charger, allowing them to charge their speakers via a regular smart device charger, standard micro-USB connection to a PC or even to an external battery pack.

The Creative Airwave HD wireless speaker also features Multipoint Connections so users can connect up to two smart devices with the speaker, simultaneously – ideal for users who possess a smartphone and a tablet. It also has an integrated Creative Super Charged amplifier, which allows it to sound louder than speakers twice its size.

The speaker drivers are tilted up at a 30-degree angle, firing powerful audio straight at the listener's ears. Bluetooth wireless audio quality is also ensured through support for both aptX and AAC codecs on the Creative Airwave HD, and aptX codec support on the Creative Airwave. Designed for use with iOS and Android devices, both speakers also feature an integrated microphone for convenient use of the speakers as a speakerphone.

The speakers sport a sleek, contemporary geometric design, which optimises audio performance in addition to making a strong style statement. The Creative Airwave HD is available in black and red, and the Creative Airwave is available in blue, grey, pink and green.

Clever Technological Features of the Creative Airwave Wireless Speaker Series:

NFC connectivity greatly reduces the amount of time and effort taken to pair and connect smart devices via Bluetooth
Micro-USB charging removes a dependency on a proprietary charger and allows for convenient charging via a standard micro-USB connection commonly used in today's smart phones or from a PC or even an external battery pack
Multipoint Connections allows users to simultaneously connect up to two smart devices with the Creative Airwave HD wireless speaker, removing the hassle of having to disconnect one device before manually connecting another
Integrated Creative Super Charged amplifier allows the Creative Airwave HD wireless speaker to produce amazingly loud sound despite its size and power rating, without compromising on the mid bass and bass – a common problem with other portable speakers

The Creative Airwave Wireless Speaker Series

Creative Airwave HD

Priced at SGD199, the Creative Airwave HD wireless speaker provides a bigger sound and smaller footprint than the Creative Airwave wireless speaker. Featuring the Creative Super Charged Amplifier™ (SCA) tuned to and matched dual premium full-range drivers, the Creative Airwave HD delivers superior sound to speakers twice its size. The Creative Airwave HD will be available in black or red. The Creative Airwave HD is powered by its built-in rechargeable Li-Ion battery which provides up to 7 hours of audio playback. Its Creative Multipoint technology enables connection of up to two Bluetooth-enabled devices to the Creative Airwave HD simultaneously. For the lowest possible Bluetooth latency and highest possible audio quality, the Creative Airwave HD features the aptX audio codec and AAC codec support.

Creative Airwave

Priced at SGD129, the Creative Airwave wireless speaker features two efficient full range-drivers to enable sound reproduction that equals much larger speakers. Designed for stunning sound and looks, the Creative Airwave speaker will be available in blue, grey, pink and green. The Creative Airwave speaker is powered by its built-in rechargeable Li-Polymer battery which provides up to 12 hours of audio playback. For the lowest possible Bluetooth latency and highest possible audio quality, the Creative Airwave features the aptX audio codec.

Pricing and Availability

The Creative Airwave HD and the Creative Airwave wireless speakers will be available at the online store at sg.store.creative.com and authorised dealers in Singapore from June 2013 onwards at the following suggested retail prices:
Creative Airwave HD wireless speaker SGD199
Creative Airwave wireless speaker SGD129

For more information about the Creative Airwave HD and the Creative Airwave wireless speakers, please visit www.creative.com/speakers.

CREATIVE INTRODUCES FUN, COLOURFUL HITZ™ HEADSETS
Creative Meets Mobile Users' Needs by Introducing In-Line Microphones on Every Product in the Hitz Lineup

Singapore - 14 May 2013 - Creative Technology Ltd today gave a significant nod towards the importance of mobile communications by announcing the fun and colourful new Creative Hitz™ headsets, with each product in the lineup having an in-line microphone for calls, and a fresh, modern, triangular design that cuts through many of the products in Creative's new lineup.

Creative Hitz MA2600
Headsets
Creative Hitz MA2400
Headsets
Creative Hitz MA2300
Headsets
Creative Hitz MA350
Earphones

"We understand that the mobile phone is the center of mobile users' universe. They use it for everything - to watch movies and videos, listen to music, or play games. On top of this, the phone is used primarily for communications. With that in mind, we decided that it is time that even our most basic audio products are designed to be communications-friendly", said Mac Aw, Director for Worldwide Marketing at Creative Technology Ltd.

The Creative Hitz headsets also reflect the company's incorporation of a fresh new design theme, with the headsets sporting a unique and sleek triangular design found on each individual cup. A two-tone contrast is also prominent on each headset, which showcases a high gloss premium finish. The headsets, along with other products in Creative's new lineup, represent a company-wide recognition of sleek design as an integral part of a product's identity.

Beyond enabling call controls, the in-line microphone also houses playback controls, so users of the Creative Hitz headsets can easily manage their music and phone calls. The headsets also feature flat, tangle-free cables.

Within the headsets are powerful Neodymium drivers for crisp high frequencies and deep bass. Gold-plated 3.5mm plugs provide a superior connection for great sound quality from any tablet, digital media player or smartphone. They are available in a variety of colours and feature ergonomically designed head band padding and ear pads for comfort even with prolonged use.

Clever Technological Features of the Creative Hitz Series Headsets:

Even the most basic Creative Hitz headset comes with a high-quality in-line microphone for communications
In-line microphone houses playback and volume controls for easy music and call management
Sturdy L-shaped gold-plated 3.5mm plugs deliver high-quality wired connections
Flat, tangle-resistant cables provide for convenient, easy storage

Creative Hitz Series Headsets

Creative Hitz MA2600 Headset Technical Specifications
On-ear Headset

Drivers: 40mm Neodymium magnet
Frequency Response: 10Hz ~ 20kHz
Impedance: 32ohms
Flat-fold ear cups for easy stowage or storage

Microphone

Type: Omni-directional
Impedance: <2.2kohms
Cable Length: 1.2m
Input plug: L-shaped 3.5mm 4-pole gold-plated plug
Product Weight: 225g

Creative Hitz MA2400 Headset Technical Specifications
On-ear Headset

Drivers: 34mm Neodymium magnet
Frequency Response: 15Hz ~ 20kHz
Impedance: 32ohms
Flat-fold ear cups for easy stowage or storage

Microphone

Type: Omni-directional
Impedance: <2.2kohms
Cable Length: 1.2m
Input plug: L-shaped 3.5mm 4-pole gold-plated plug
Product Weight: 140g

Creative Hitz MA2300 Headset Technical Specifications
On-ear Headset

Drivers: 30mm Neodymium magnet
Frequency Response: 15Hz ~ 20kHz
Impedance: 32ohms
Flat-fold ear cups for easy stowage or storage

Microphone

Type: Omni-directional
Impedance: <2.2kohms
Cable Length: 1.2m
Input plug: L-shaped 3.5mm 4-pole gold-plated plug
Product Weight: 138g

Creative Hitz MA350 Earphones Technical Specifications
Earphones

Drivers: 9mm Neodymium magnet
Frequency Response: 6Hz ~ 23kHz
Impedance: 32ohms

Microphone

Type: Omni-directional
Impedance: <2.2kohms
Cable Length: 1.2m
Input plug: L-shaped 3.5mm 4-pole gold-plated plug
Product Weight: 13g

Creative Hitz series headsets are compatible with smartphones and tablets with a 3.5mm 4-pole connector (CTIA standard). Functions may vary among models.

Pricing and Availability
The Creative Hitz MA2600, Creative Hitz MA2400 and Creative Hitz MA2300 headsets will be available at the online store at sg.store.creative.com and authorised dealers in Singapore from July 2013 onwards at the following suggested retail prices:
Creative Hitz MA2600 headset SGD89
Creative Hitz MA2400 headset SGD59
Creative Hitz MA2300 headset SGD49

The Creative Hitz MA350 earphones will be available at the suggested retail price of SGD49 at the online store at sg.store.creative.com and authorised dealers in Singapore from June 2013 onwards.

For more information about the Creative Hitz series headsets, please visit www.creative.com/headphones.