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Creative Unveils ZiiSound D5, Inspire S2 Wireless, D200 and D100 Wireless Speaker Systems

Sony Ericsson Announces Zylo and Spiro Walkman Mobile Phones

Sony Optiarc Ships External DRX-S77U, Internal AD-7260S Optical Drives

ASUS Rolls Out Bravo220 Graphics Card with Light Sensor, Remote Control

A-DATA Releases USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive NH01



Creative Unveils ZiiSound D5, Inspire S2 Wireless, D200 and D100 Wireless Speaker Systems

Creative Technology today announced the release of a full range of wireless high performance speaker systems comprising ZiiSound D5, Inspire S2 Wireless, D200 and 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.

The Creative's wireless speaker system line-up is led by the flagship ZiiSound D5. This elegant speaker system with a contemporary look that complements any modern interior decor, is a recent winner of the prestigious German-based "red dot award: product design 2010" in the Audio Category for its design quality and product innovation.

Creative ZiiSound D5 features:



  • 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;
  • Full-frame monocoque exoskeleton for maximum rigidity;
  • In-house acoustics tuning and modelling ensures accuracy, detail and atmosphere;
  • 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;
  • P/N: 51MF8080AA000;
  • Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR;
  • Supported Bluetooth profiles: A2DP (Wireless Stereo Bluetooth), AVRCP (Bluetooth Remote Control);
  • Frequency: 2.4 GHz;
  • Operating Range: up to 10m (Measured in open space. Walls and structures may affect range of device);
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 42.5cm x 11.0cm x 9.0cm (11.7" x 4.3" x 3.5");
  • Weight: 3.8kg / 8.4lbs.

The Creative Inspire S2 Wireless speaker system is the winner of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group Best of CES Award 2010. It features two compact yet high-performance satellite speakers and the Creative DIRECT-THROW subwoofer which delivers dynamic mid-bass.

Creative Inspire S2 Wireless features:



  • 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;
  • 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;
  • P/N: 51MF0390AA000;
  • Speaker power: 7 Watts RMS per channel (2 channels), 19 Watts RMS subwoofer
  • Frequency response: 40Hz ~ 20kHz;
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 75dB;
  • Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR;
  • Supported Bluetooth profiles: A2DP (Wireless Stereo Bluetooth), AVRCP (Bluetooth Remote Control);
  • Frequency: 2.4 GHz;
  • Operating Range: up to 10m (open space);
  • Dimensions (DxWxH): 7.4x7.3x10.3 cm speaker, 23.2x18x20 cm subwoofer;
  • Weight: 320g speaker, 1kg subwoofer;
  • 1-year limited hardware warranty.

Creative D200, while "sharing the same sonic soul" as the flagship ZiiSound D5, offers similar audio performance at a more competitive price.

Creative D200 features:



  • Simplistic design and efficient amplifiers and precision drivers encased in a highly braced single shell chassis;
  • 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.

The high-efficiency drivers encased in the rear ported enclosure allow Creative D100 to deliver desired levels of loudness and impactful bass. This versatile and portable speaker system is claimed to be a hit and the best choice for an affordable wireless boombox.

Creative D100 features:



  • 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;
  • Powered by mains power supply or 4 widely available AA batteries;
  • Choice of vibrant colours to suit different lifestyles.

Prices and availability:

  • 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.
  • Creative Inspire S2 Wireless is currently available at the suggested retail price of S$199.00.
  • 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.
  • 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.

USB Transmitter
(Creative BT-D1)
iPod Transmitter
(Creative BT-D5)

Source: Creative


Sony Ericsson Announces Zylo and Spiro Walkman Mobile Phones

Sony Ericsson today announced a new duo which continues the Sony Ericsson Walkman phone legacy. Aside from music features, the Zylo and Spiro provide convenient social networking features: from Twitter to Facebook, consumers can catch up with friends at just a touch of a button while still listening to their favourite music on the Walkman player. Another key function available on both phones is TrackID which allows consumers to access the name and artist of a track they hear playing wherever they are.


Zylo Spiro

Sony Ericsson Zylo and Sony Ericsson Spiro also feature the human curvature design that is now consistent across the whole Sony Ericsson portfolio. That and an ergonomic keypad which makes the handset easy to use.

Sony Ericsson Zylo with Walkman features:

  • 2.6-inch 262144-color TFT, 240 x 320 pixels (QVGA), scratch-resistant;
  • Size and weight: 103 x 52 x 11.5 (16) mm, 115 g;
  • Phone memory: up to 260MB;
  • Memory card support: microSD, up to 16GB;
  • Supported audio file formats: MP3/AAC/AAC+/eAAc+/WMA/FLAC;
  • 3.2Mp camera (geotagging, photo feeds, photo fix, video recording);
  • FM radio with RDS;
  • Java;
  • Google Maps;
  • Bluetooth;
  • Modem;
  • USB mass storage (USB 2.0 support);
  • Talk time up to 4 hours (GSM/GPRS/EDGE), 3 hours 30 min (UMTS, HSPA);
  • Standby time up to 339 hours (GSM/GPRS/EDGE), 403 hours (UMTS, HSPA);
  • Video call time up to 2 hours (UMTS, HSPA);
  • Bundled: battery, stereo portable handsfree, charger, documentation;
  • Optional: Motion Activated Headphones MH907, Snap-on Speaker Stand MS410.

Consumers can play their favourite tune in the background while chatting away on their handset. The Sony Ericsson Zylo with Walkman also comes preloaded with sounds so consumers can pretend they are still at work, walking on the street or in a restaurant. The FLAC format, which debuts on this handset, allows consumers to experience superb sound.

Sony Ericsson Zylo with Walkman supports UMTS HSPA 900/2100 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS HSPA 850/900/1800/1900 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900. It will be available in selected markets from early Q3 in the colors Jazz Black, Chacha Silver and Swing Pink.

Sony Ericsson Spiro with Walkman features:

  • 2.2-inch 262144-color TFT, 240 x 320 pixels (QVGA);
  • Size and weight: 92 x 48 x 16.75 mm, 90 g;
  • Phone memory: up to 5 MB;
  • Memory card support: microSD, up to 16 GB;
  • Supported audio file formats: MP3/AAC/AAC+/eAAc+;
  • 2.0Mp camera (video recording);
  • FM radio with RDS;
  • Java;
  • 3.5mm audio jack
  • Bluetooth
  • USB mass storage (USB 2.0 support, Micro USB connector);
  • Bundled: battery, stereo portable handsfree, charger, documentation;
  • Optional: Outdoor Wireless Speaker MS500, Hi-Fi Stereo Headset MH710;

With the press of a button consumers get instant access to TrackID where they can discover millions of songs in seconds. Easily log onto Facebook or Twitter or chat via SMS with its easy-to-read conversation bubbles.

Sony Ericsson Spiro with Walkman supports GSM GPRS/EDGE 900/1800 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/1900. It will be available in selected markets from early Q3 in the colours Contrast Black, Sunset Pink, Spring Green and Stealth Black.

Source: Sony Ericsson


Sony Optiarc Ships External DRX-S77U, Internal AD-7260S Optical Drives

The external DRX-S77U lets you write to DVD±R/RW media at 8X, to DVD±R DL and DVD-RW at 6X, to DVD-RAM at 5X, and to CD-R/RW at 24X. The USB 2.0 drive is bundled with Nero 9 and is compatible with Microsoft Windows 7. The novelty comes in a few colors: black, white, pink, golden.

The internal AD-7260S has the same write speeds as AD-7240S released in March 2009: 24X DVD±R, 12X DVD-R DL and DVD-RAM, 8X DVD+RW, 6X DVD-RW, 48X CD-R, 32X CD-RW. Two bezel colors are available: black and white. Note that the drive supports LightScribe.





By the way, Sony Optiarc claims that the aforementioned AD-7240S was the first optical drive to write to DVD±R at 24X. Lite-On wouldn't agree to that, having rolled out similar optical drives in February 2009, about a month before AD-7240S was introduced.

Source: Sony


ASUS Rolls Out Bravo220 Graphics Card with Light Sensor, Remote Control

Today, ASUS rolled out a new passively cooled graphics card based on the GeForce GT220 GPU. Bravo220 SILENT/DI/1GD2 is claimed to be 21% more power-efficient than its counterparts.



Other features include 128-bit memory bus, 1GB GDDR2 of video memory. GPU/shader/memory clock rates are 525/1360/800 MHz. The graphics card is also equipped with an EMI shield to reduce emissions, comes with a remote control and has D-Sub, DVI-I (HDCP-compliant), HDMI outputs.



One interesting feature is the ASUS Splendid Plus technology that optimizes image brightness, colors and contrast based on data supplied by the bundled light sensor. Splendid Plus is also called to reduce noise and artefacts.



Naturally, ASUS recommends to use Bravo220 in home theater PCs. Especially given card's low profile and the bundled remote control. Bravo220 SILENT/DI/1GD2 is available for ordering for €70. By the way, MSI and SPARKLE are also offering similar low-profile graphics cards.

Source: ASUS


A-DATA Releases USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive NH01

A-DATA Technology started shipping NH01, its first 2.5-inch portable hard drive equipped with the latest USB 3.0 interface, following its debut at CES back in January. A-DATA NH01 is designed to deliver data transfer rates up to 88 MB/s (read) and 81 MB/s (write).



Specifications:

  • Up to 88/81 MB/s read/write performance;
  • USB 3.0 interface;
  • 2.5-inch 5400rpm SATA HDD;
  • 320GB (ANH01-320GU3-CBK, €70), 500GB (ANH01-500GU3-CBK, €88) 640GB (ANH01-640GU3-CBK, €110);
  • Sized 134.0x82.0x15.7 mm, weighs 240g;
  • Bundled with a USB 3.0 cable;
  • Elegant and stylish glossy front panel;

All A-DATA portable HDDs are backed by 3-year product warranty.

Source: A-DATA Technology


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