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Exclusive: Are these the first screens of the ZEN Zii?

In just three days, CES 2009 will be upon us. Of all the things I'm looking forward to seeing, the Creative Zii is at the top of the list. Since the official release of the teaser last week, the buzz surrounding the Zii has been overwhelming. Being an editor at a Creative fansite, I am both excited and concerned over this new chip. I feel Creative may have turned up the "hype dial" a bit much and it'll be hard for them to live up to their claims.

From what I know, the Zii is some kind of silicon chip. Where the "stemcell" aspect comes in, I'm still not sure. Whatever it is, Creative believes it's a recession-proof solution, and they're hoping other businesses buy into it. Still, you have to wonder why Creative would debut the Zii at a Consumer electronics show, if their primary goal was to form new partnerships. I think it would make a lot of sense for Creative to show off consumer implementations of the Zii, and what better way to do that then putting it in their own MP3 players. That's the same strategy they took with their X-Fi sound chip. After patenting their X-Fi technology, Creative first put it in their sound cards, headphones, and DAP's. Now the chip is being used by other companies through OEM partnerships.

So with that said, let me get on to the actual topic of this article. A few days ago someone sent in these pictures to me:

[ image disabled ]

They're supposedly the first screenshots of an upcoming ZEN Zii. The interface isn't too different from previous players in the ZEN series. The main menu is navigated horizontally, rather than vertically. The screens also appear to be from a widescreen display, rather than the typical 4:3 screens found on previous models. If these screens are to be believed, the player will also have built-in WiFi (like the ZEN X-Fi). That's about as much speculation as I can say right now. I have no idea whether these screens are authentic, or someone's lame idea of a joke. The lack of a "Photo" and "FM tuner" option on the main menu is one sign that these may not be real. So before you get all excited, take these screens with a grain of salt until we hear something more concrete. I think we'll inevitably see a ZEN Zii in our future, the big question is when.

Update: Okay so when I saw these screens I assumed they were for a possible ZEN Zii. Well the source that provided them has replied back and stated that they're for a Creative device, but not necessarily a Zen player. So now we can speculate even further as to what these screens are for. Netbook? Stereo? Navigation device? Your guess is as good as mine!

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comment: 46 | Monday, January 05 (2009) 01:47AM | Posted by: ssjmichael

Comments

tomaskn
Jan 05 (2009) 11:55AM

the WIDESCREEN PMP is back woo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i hope its not a shop

but it has that typical creative ui style

ltTHREE
Jan 05 (2009) 12:03PM

WIDESCREEN :O
doesn't look like touch though, which is alright.

it's not too exciting though, judging from these screens, cause it looks like a revamped ZEN interface..

ssjmichael
Jan 05 (2009) 12:06PM

Yeah not too different at all. I have heard lots of rumors about touchscreens, and more WiFi features from Creative so we'll see.

I think the biggest differences with a Zii player would be in the specs department. Things like battery life might be improved. And it may reduce costs for them too.

ltTHREE
Jan 05 (2009) 12:09PM

What makes me think is:

1) the absence of the battery meter
2) Photos

Could it be that this device is able to change into different types of devices? Could it be solar powered? Could the pictures be fake?

ssjmichael
Jan 05 (2009) 12:13PM

lol, quite possibly fake as mentioned.

I did not get this from my regular sources so I'm not confirming these are real at all. I think we would have heard more by now if Creative was going to release a new flagship player.

So I think this is either a fake, or possibly a screen from a prototype player that will be used to demonstrate the Zii.
[ edited Jan 05 (2009) 12:14PM ]

ltTHREE
Jan 05 (2009) 12:17PM

The Creative Zii Spinn

ssjmichael
Jan 05 (2009) 12:21PM

I wish they could release something as nice as the spinn!

ramakandra
Jan 05 (2009) 12:44PM

...widescreen makes me happy...
...grain of salt on standby...

alcalde
Jan 05 (2009) 02:00PM

I think the e-mail they sent out lends credence to my idea that the Zii chip has some type of embedded FPGA... or IS an advanced FPGA... or, given the hype, might just be Barack-Obama-on-a-chip (tm).

I'm so excited about the Zii I accepted a free 4GB Creative Zen I was offered and turned down last week, so now that I'm a Creative owner I feel like I have more of a stake in the outcome!

The CES may be the "Consumer" electronics show, but it is closed to consumers.

There will be representation from many OEMs at the show and, of course, press coverage - you know, to help crank up the volume on the understated Zii hype.

Does it make sense for Creative to both sell DAPs and sell chips to others to make DAPs? I'm thinking the Zii could have applications in many areas, including GPS navigation units and settop boxes - which also ties in to the idea of an SoC with FPGA for hardware customization to the product its being utilized for.

My feeling is that while Creative may be showing the Zii running in different units (my guess is multiple different types of units), that these will be for prototypes for show purposes and there won't be anything near a formal, final, fully spec'ed-out Creative Zii shown.
[ edited Jan 05 (2009) 02:01PM ]

omarceja_s
Jan 05 (2009) 02:42PM

exciting.
I hope it is a true product and not a hoax or just a prototype.
Still wondering what zii would do for the player and if it could do the x-fi thing or if it could have both chips inside. or if zii is the next x-fi then it has to be better.
if they really get into the touchscreen market they better come out with something real good.
I like the interface in the pics, it looks familiar to all other creative players, specially the newest ones. I really like zen's UI, even though there are similarities with other players, ipods, for instance, I just don't like their ui's. maybe I'm too used to creative's but there are little things that make the experience better and you don't get in player like ipods.
creative's ui can still improve though.

00ZEN
Jan 05 (2009) 03:11PM

I'm thinking these are fake screens cuz of the reason that Lyon gave
Like I said before even if there are no new players for CES 2009...there will be somewhere down the line

Raider Red
Jan 05 (2009) 03:12PM

I'm going to go with hoax for now for two major reasons- Creative has ALWAYS called their podcast section ZENcast, and I don't have Audio Books on the music section. I think it's more likely that its a user interface demo to mock up what the Zii processor can do.

ssjmichael
Jan 05 (2009) 03:16PM

Yep, about the zencast thing too.

I wonder though, if someone went through the trouble of making these screens, wouldn't they at least get things like "Zencast"and including "Photo" correct? I guess those are things that can be easily overlooked.

I debated whether to even post them, but I figured I might as well let the public decide.

Ashra
Jan 05 (2009) 03:32PM

EXCITEMENT!!

Varuna
Jan 05 (2009) 05:32PM

Nah ! Don't think so.
Zii is hardware.. this is just a photo of a UI.

Sylencer
Jan 05 (2009) 05:54PM

I call bullshit

Dopamino
Jan 05 (2009) 06:23PM

Really suspicious stuff:
No clock
No battery meter
No radio
No photos
No Zencasts
Same icons as Zen
Very low titlebar
Crap image quality
Audiobook and composers sections
Options menu way too simple. Creative is always smarter than putting "other"
And the big one: Zii is supposed to be a type of chip, not a new media player.

I'm definitely calling BS on this.

Damo.
Jan 05 (2009) 07:04PM

Regarding the Zencast thing, why would it have Zencast, it's not a Zen.

omarceja_s
Jan 05 (2009) 07:15PM

Regarding the Zencast thing, why would it have Zencast, it's not a Zen

Because we are assuming it is the interface of a new player, the zen zii (it´s in the post)
[ edited Jan 05 (2009) 07:15PM ]

Raider Red
Jan 05 (2009) 07:17PM

I've speculated that it could be because Creative's phasing out the ZEN line and are dropping support for ZENcast as they cut back, but it's a supposed ZEN Zii, which would keep the name ZEN. I still think it's a demonstration of the processor and UI, not a full fledged player. It could be the beginnings of a ZEN Zii, with immature firmware that they only just started and got the basics in the firmware- I'd want to have the music, videos, podcasts, and wireless all setup for a demo over a FM radio, clock (which is optionally on in newer Creative players) and new iconset. We're speculating on a Zii-powered ZEN, not a new player called the Zii.

ssjmichael
Jan 05 (2009) 08:10PM

Well the source I'm in contact with replied back and stated that it's for a Creative device, but not necessarily a Zen. The assumption that this was a ZEN interface was my speculation. I thought it was a safe bet, but perhaps Creative has another type of device in the works?

The DarkSide
Jan 05 (2009) 08:16PM

All I'm gonna' say is, if this is a solid new player, I'm glad I didn't get the S9. I'm selling off players for after CES, and if this is the shizzle, Creative will DEFINITELY get my cash!!!!

ramakandra
Jan 05 (2009) 08:32PM

...look!...
...its engadget!...
...they are being lame again!...
[Linky]

tmc
Jan 05 (2009) 09:19PM

Creative has alot to prove with any new incarnations of the "Zen" lineup.. they've lost confidence in many of the Zen faithful after the M & W lineup. Electronics are not recession proof.. they've seen a 20% haircut this past holiday season. Several electronics stores are hurting.. not as bad as the auto industry.. but you try living on 20% less expected revenue and see how it hurts.

Let's just say, anything Creative releases ***MUST*** trump EVERYTHING out there today.. and go beyond, just a smidge flawlessly.. just to gain any attention. What would a "Zii" do that a Ipod Touch, Archos, Cowon, or Zune won't?, Huh? Could it run windows XP(lite) at around 600-1,000mhz? Have plug-n-play usb compatability with nearly all devices a laptop or netbook could?

00ZEN
Jan 05 (2009) 09:23PM

I'm not gonna even gonna use a single brain cell to guess
It's only a few days away til we know lol

And Rama...yes as lame as engadget usually is...they bring up a good point with their line "Of course, screenshots like these can be faked all too easily -- but really, why would anyone bother?"

they don't have my total respect for that line but IMO it makes sense

this can very much be real(or a friggin skin on a current zen model!) but only a few more days til we know!!!!

EDIT: I just realized that they didn't credit Epizenter for this
NOW THATS LAME

[ edited Jan 05 (2009) 09:27PM ]

Dopamino
Jan 05 (2009) 09:28PM

WTF is up with Engadget? They never give Epizenter any credit.

00ZEN
Jan 05 (2009) 09:29PM

Engadget never learns
[ edited Jan 05 (2009) 09:30PM ]

DapFinder
Jan 05 (2009) 09:33PM

I figured it out. (I think)

The device pictured is going to be sort of a set top box. Supporting HDTV and being a media center. It will wirelessly sync with your PC, and provide some enhanced sound features. It will be based on the new chip, and also use XFI

The chip, however, seems to be the real big deal, though, and we have all read the speculation regarding that.

Thats my guess. It will be fun to find out!

tarZen
Jan 05 (2009) 09:43PM

Seriously. Excited?

Does your Zen say "Zen" on its interface on every screen? Does Windows Vista say "Vista" on its taskbar? Does every peanut you eat have the word "peanut" printed on it?

ltTHREE
Jan 05 (2009) 09:53PM

The Zii line?

:O Wacky idea: Stem cell computing huh? everything in the world is about to change, huh?

it will be a chip that you can place on any object and turn that object into a media player :O

Raider Red
Jan 05 (2009) 10:08PM

DapFinder, that's what my thoughts were- but there aren't enough features shown in this demo shot that would make the Creative entry competitive in a market that's already fairly saturated with Apple TV, Windows Media Centers, and Windows Media Extenders.

MrWaffles
Jan 05 (2009) 10:18PM

I'd like to beleive that those images are real but i'm almost definitely sure they are fake

domokuniya
Jan 05 (2009) 10:40PM

i love epizenter and nothing but creative ...

Varuna
Jan 05 (2009) 11:01PM

Hmm.. Okay guess what that got me thinking and I agree that is some sort of TV device.
Everyone remember the XDock HD??
[Linky]

what the hell happened to it?
why no production?

isnt it pretty much same how the interface is??
Thats my best bet if the pics are real.
if real, its mostly a tv device that uses Zii chip!
[ edited Jan 05 (2009) 11:06PM ]

Utew
Jan 05 (2009) 11:22PM

Those pics look plausibly Creative-like.. and if they are fakes, I think Creative need to hire the person that did them.. nice looking design overall.. especially if it is a horizontal ribbon type interface.

Lack of a battery meter/clock etc, would explain these as a multimedia interface for a PC/Media Box well enough.

Still, a GUI/Menu does not a "revolutionary" device make (at least these days) unless we are talking some super-gee-whiz touch screen device.. and it looks like we're not.

Oh, the mystery of it all..

omarceja_s
Jan 06 (2009) 12:55AM

maybe there's no battery indicator because the new chip is so energy efficient that it doesn't need an indicator since you won't need to charge the player ever.

It does make sense that if it is real and the final UI version, then it´s not a zen or any kind of pmp device but some other type that needs to be plugged in order to get energy and be on, hence the lack of battery bar, clock, playmode, bluetooth or any other type of icon on top or bottom of the screen.

Xenon2434
Jan 06 (2009) 01:47AM

I am actually going to CES this year with my dad!
I will definitely be investigating the Creative booth, and will report on what I find, take pictures and all that if I can!

domokuniya
Jan 06 (2009) 02:25AM

wow, i thought its a trade show? what does your dad do? Pls take some pics! sneak in early if u must!

tomaskn
Jan 06 (2009) 03:02AM

yeah we want pics or even better, a vado hd movie :d

dreamer
Jan 06 (2009) 04:28AM

"stemcell" may denote the chip's ability to be "grown" into different types of devices.

I guess what they are launching during CES is the first device that makes use of this new chip, while new devices are possible to be manufactured through partnerships.

fmac
Jan 06 (2009) 02:39PM

But... this will be the technology or device that will change our lives?? LOL CREATIVE

ssjmichael
Jan 06 (2009) 03:09PM

Yes lets use these three rumored screens as the explanation for what Zii is and what it can do. LOL fmac.

Woembah
Jan 06 (2009) 03:19PM

Varuna wrote ...

Hmm.. Okay guess what that got me thinking and I agree that is some sort of TV device.
Everyone remember the XDock HD??
[Linky]

what the hell happened to it?
why no production?

isnt it pretty much same how the interface is??
Thats my best bet if the pics are real.
if real, its mostly a tv device that uses Zii chip!

That video really made me think it's fake. It's just the interface of the Xdock HD with a diffrent Background and a Zii logo in the left bottom corner. If this really is what Zii is all about, it's not really life-changing.

[ edited Jan 06 (2009) 03:20PM ]

ssjmichael
Jan 06 (2009) 03:34PM

Ah it's definitely for an Xdock then from the looks of it. Could be fake, or could just be an upcoming version since that original XDock HD has not even been released yet.

Woembah, you and others need to realize that one Zii device does not mean that's the only application the Zii is capable of. I think generalizing the potential of a chip based on seeing one possible example of it is not right.

[ edited Jan 06 (2009) 03:37PM ]

PowerTorsk
Jan 06 (2009) 06:40PM

Anyone other than me notice those yellow circles that look like eyes? Reaaly stupid and annoying... if it were some sorta media center, I would hope the backround at least was animated.

ssjmichael
Jan 06 (2009) 06:47PM

It looked like an infinity symbol to me. Anyway it's a wallpaper that can be changed to anything.

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