whatever happened to durability. I want a durable mp3 player as well please. one that drops and won't explode into tiny fragments@#%@! call it the zenman.
...in the past two days he has created accounts for vharraio charraio and pharriao... ...and the longest any of his posts was up for was an hour... ...when will these fools learn...
Welcome to epiZENter. You are seeing this message because you are either not registered or not logged in. If you're new to this site, I'll tell you what we're all about. This is a Creative fansite that focuses on their various players such as the very popular Creative ZEN. We make it our duty here to provide you with all the latest news and information to help you with your player, and to aid in your buying decision if you don't own a player yet. epiZENter is part of the DAPreview webring.
Our Forums are very friendly and include a number of different guides and resources to help you with your player. If you are attempting to see pictures but seeing a message saying image disabled, this means you aren't registered or logged in.
Once registered, you'll get full access to everything this great place has to offer. Compare our site to other Creative forums and you'll see it gets updated more, is more friendly, and is better organized.
If you signed up at Zii.com, there's a good chance you got an email to take a new survey. Except if you're me, since I didn't get invited despite signing up with two different email addresses! The Zii "Tech" survey could easily be confused for an e-commerce survey. Most of the questions relate to whether you've purchased products online, how much you're spending, and what types of credit cards you use.
There were a few more relevant questions, relating to mobile phone use, and one asking what social networks you're a part of. Will we be seeing a Zii chip inside an upcoming mobile phone? Feel free to speculate in our comments section.
Exclusive: 20 Questions with Creative VP, Phil O'Shaughnessy
We have a special treat for all the Creative fans out there. We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Creative Vice President Phil O'Shaughnessy. We, or should I say ramakandra, asked him 20 questions, some serious and others not so much. Among other things, we get to find out more about Phil's background, what he thinks about Creative founder Sim Wong Hoo, and his take on the Creative ZEN SD card integration issue. So without further ado I present our exclusive interview with Mr. O'Shaughnessy (with rama's famous ellipsis style intact)
20 Questions with Creative VP, Phil O'Shaughnessy
1...What was your first Creative product that you owned?...
My first Creative product was the Video Blaster Web Cam Go!
2...How and when did you get employed at Creative Labs?...
I came to Creative in 1999 after working as PR Manager for Sierra Sports, working on the Trophy Bass and Trophy Buck titles.
3...What sort of corporate culture does Creative have? Does "Outside the box" thinking permeate the company?...
The culture embraces new ideas, which is true to its innovative and entrepreneurial founder and CEO Mr. Sim Wong Hoo, the inventor of the Sound Blaster sound card and so much more.
4...What is the role of Creative Labs [Creative's American Subsidiary], and how is the communication between America and Singapore?...
Creative Labs handles daily sales, marketing and operations functions in the Americas, Europe and also Asia. Communication between America and Singapore is good and it happens on a daily basis - it's really a 24 hour per day correspondence.
5...Does Creative being a Singapore based company, present unique problems, and necessitate unique solutions?...
As a wise friend of mine once said, "you live in the world; you don't live in the US" So really it's great interacting with the team in Singapore and all over the world.
6...Have you ever met CEO Sim Wong Hoo, what is he like? Is he as awesome/crazy as he seems?...
I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Sim on a variety of projects over the years. He is fascinating and brilliant, and we've gone on press tours together and had great fun winning multiple Best of CES Awards. Mr. Sim's intellectual curiosity seems to have no end, and spending time with him is genuinely inspiring.
7...What do you think is the crowning achievement of Creative as a company? Is it a product, or something less tangible?...
Being an innovator with a great vision, from Sound Blaster on to introducing the NOMAD and ZEN players well before anyone believed that people would store all of their music on a PC and that the PC would become such a versatile entertainment platform. I've seen products over the years such as Voip Blaster and Sound Blaster Wireless Music that were ahead of their time in my opinion. Today our inPerson videoconferencing device is leading the charge for portable wireless videoconferencing in a compact device that everyone in a company can access. These are just a few examples. Our engineers are always thinking of something cool!
8...Much has been made of a potential "deal" that Creative turned down to be involved with Apples iPods. Were you around at that time, and do you have any insights? Do you think it would have been a positive thing or a negative thing. [There is much community debate over this...
I was here to experience the initial launch of the NOMAD players in the late '90s and then the NOMAD Jukebox at CES 2000. Since then we've sold more than 25 million MP3 players worldwide and won multiple Best of CES awards for the players, so I think Creative has established itself in the category as a leader in innovation.
9...You mentioned you were a fan of epiZENter.net. Are you aware of other Creative fansites [nothingbutcreative/mycreativefansite/pimpmyzen]? What role do you think the Internet community plays for Creative?...
I am aware of and appreciative of Creative fansites. I think the Internet plays a huge role because of the passion of the users and the immediacy that it allows for news to spread. I never take my role at Creative for granted because the Internet provides a constant view of how many people really care about Creative.
10...What do you think of The Creative Robot?...
I see that your user comments are as diverse and passionate as ours.
Creative Robot
Click the link below to see the second half of our interview
[DEAD] Amazon Deal of the Day: Creative Vado HD for $129 Shipped
Amazon's Deal of the Day is Creative's very own Vado HD. My love of this HD pocket cam is well documented in my official review. I still consider it the best all-around option if you're looking to shoot High definition video, due to its sharp images, wide-angle lens, great color reproduction, 8GB capacity, and its removable battery. I can't wait to take mine with me when I go on my Summer vacation. At $130 Shipped this deal won't last all day, so make sure to get in your order right away.
Vado HD Features
8GB Capacity - good for 2 hours of HD quality recording, or 4 hours at VGA resolutions
Records video in high-definition with resolutions up to 1280 x 720
Records using H.264 Compression
Wide-angle glass Lens for wider and clearer shots
2.0" Anti-glare screen
2X Digital Zoom
Included Vado Central software for editing movies and snapping photos
Easy uploads to Youtube and other sites
Connect to a HDTV with an HDMI connection
Removable Battery
In the box: HDMI cable, USB Extension cable, Silicone Skin
Exclusive First Look: Creative returns to PC Show!
MEGAttraction - Creative @ PC SHOW 2009
It was a major disappointment for many Creative fans in Singapore when Creative absent itself from the IT SHOW 4 months ago. But guess what? Creative is back in action this time! Calling it the MEGAttraction (now, who say Creative isn't Creative?) at the PC Show, the booth is located at Hall 601-603, Level 6, Booth B1915, Suntec Exhibition Centre and will run from 11 – 14 June, 2009.
First Look @ the new EP-630
Simply looking at the poster makes me want to buy the new EP-630! As you can see, the earphone comes in a smaller and better looking packaging. It seems to me that Creative is taking this time to refresh its existing product line while it prepares to launch its new products.
We all know how PR people likes to use words that sounds nice but don't exactly reflect the true nature of the product. But when Creative used the term "widely popular" to describe the EP-630, they certainly know what they are talking about (afterall more than 3 million units were shipped worldwide in 2008). The EP-630 has been around for ages. Besides being known for its affordability and solid audio quality, it is also widely known that Sennheiser has the exact same pair of earphones (cx300) which are selling for almost twice the price. The EP-630 now comes in 3 new colors - Pacific Blue, Atlantic Green and Mediterranean Red. And there's also a Chrome version which is called the EP-650. This is basically a color update with no change in technical specifications. I think the new EP-630 will go well with the colorful iPod Nano, while the classy EP-650 will suit your ZEN X-Fi perfectly. The new EP-630 will debut at the PC Show in Singapore on thursday at the RRP of S$45 (US$39.99, €29.99 ) while the Chrome EP-650 will be available in mid-July at S$59 (US$49.99).
Creative takes gaming seriously with new look and gaming headset
As E3 (that's Electronic Entertainment Expo for the non-gamers) is happening as we speak, Creative has unveiled a brand new look for soundblaster.com! The new site does looks pretty cool and the side bar does provide some form of interactivity for the users. However, I wish more could have been done in terms of content. It's great that Creative is embracing the social media and reaching out to its users but I can't help but feel that most of the tweets are pretty boring (which also consist of the usual suspects RT-ing each other) and I don't think people would be interested to read a blog with just 2 posts (or 1 super long one) with a default WordPress template.
Having said that, Creative has also officially released a new Fatal1ty gaming headset called the Fatal1ty Professional Series Gaming Headset Mk II (phew~)! The Mk II (which looks really good btw) is the first Creative headset to feature the Silencer Technology. The Silencer provides intelligent noise-suppression, which is kindof like the noise-cancelling technology that we already know. It also comes with VoiceFX to enable you to morph your voice into different characters. As this is not a USB gaming headset, both the Silencer and VoiceFX only works if you have the Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium series sound card.
No word on pricing yet but if you are dead broke or do not currently own any Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium series sound card, why not try your luck at winning the Creative Fatal1ty USB Gaming Headset in our monthly giveaway instead? Oh, and if you happen to be on Twitter, do follow us (@epizenter) for the latest updates on all things Creative!
epiZENter Giveaway: Win a Creative Fatal1ty USB Gaming Headset! [Update: Last Dap to Enter!]
Update: Just a reminder to let you know this is the last day to enter. We only have a handful of submissions so far, so if you want to win this great headset make sure to send in your entry soon. If you feel intimidated by the task, don't be. Anyone who has ever played video games could think of ideas for a new one, or improvements to ones they've played. Just be Creative! (note: that doesn't mean it has to be about Creative, it could about anything you want)
Are you into video games? If so, today is your lucky day. Not only is it the start of E3, the biggest gaming event of the year; it's also your chance to win a brand new Fatal1ty USB Gaming Headset (aka the Creative HS-1000) right here on epiZENter. Being the #1 Creative fansite, our contests are often a bit um....Creative! Knowing a thing or two about games won't hurt this time either.
Contest Details
We figured the best way for you to show off your creativity in a video game related contest was for you to design your own game. No, we're not asking you to actually make a game, just come up with your own original concept for one. Simply write out your best idea for a new video game. Provide us with some sort of narrative or story to tell us what your game is about. You may include information about the characters in your game, the type of gameplay it has, and how its controlled. You can even include drawings of your concept if you'd like. Once you're pleased with your entry, submit it to the email address below
Submit entries to: epizenter "at" gmail.com. Please include your username in the email Deadline: June 16th 2009 Open to: epiZENter members. Not a member yet? Sign Uptoday
Prize Details
The entry with the most Creative concept (as determined by our staff) will walk away with a brand new Creative Fatal1ty USB Gaming Headset. The headset looks awesome, and features built-in X-Fi technology, powerful drivers, and a noise-cancelling microphone. Check out the full details below: Powered by Sound Blaster X-Fi
Once you experience the advantage of Sound Blaster X-Fi technology in your gaming sound you'll never want to game without it. With realistic audio environments, and accurate 3D positional surround sound you'll be able to locate your targets before you even see them. Experience sound effects so lifelike you'll swear you're in the game. Plus, your voice communication will be crystal clear, so your teammates will no longer restrict you to radio silence. Get the secret weapon that pro gamers rely on, and enjoy the sweet sound of victory with Sound Blaster X-Fi.
Drivers Large 40mm Neodymium drivers deliver realistic explosions and the crack-crack-crack of machine gun fire.
Earphones Unobtrusive, enclosed earcups with plush velvet padding totally immerse you in the game.
Detachable Microphone Sensitive noise-canceling microphone transmits your commands clearly. When detached, you can use the headset as regular headphones.
Headband Durable and lightweight headband with generous head padding for comfortable battles.
In-Line Volume Control Adjust your sound level or mute the mic for private conversations. Unmatched gaming response With a lightning speed USB connection and high-purity Oxygen-Free Copper cabling.
Good Luck Everyone! If you have any questions, please leave a comment below, or send me a PM I plan to have giveaway contests at least once a month, so if this contest isn't up your alley, there will l be plenty more that will be.
Special thanks to the folks at Creative for providing us with this great prize!
In addition to the new ZEN MX, Creative also sneaked in an announcement for the ZEN Mozaic EZ300 last week. The only difference between the EZ300 and the original is a new design. The new look is definitely sexier, but the lack of various shades of black and gray takes away from the whole mosaic aspect. The EZ300 is available in 4 and 8GB flavors for $59.99 and $79.99 respectively.
Features:
Capacity: 4, and 8GB
Display: 1.8" TFT display (64K colors)
Audio: MP3, WMA, WAV, and Audible
Transcoded video support
FM Tuner
Voice Recorder
Built-in speakers
Battery life: 32 hours for audio
Colors: Black, and Pink
Dimensions: 79.5 mm x 40.0 mm x 12.8 mm
While I do like the makeover, I don't like the idea of having so many repetitive models. There's the Mozaic, the Mozaic LX, and now the EZ300. And that's another thing, what's up with the name EZ300? It seems so random. In fact, Google tells me EZ300 is the exact name of an RCA Pocket cam. How odd. I'd like to hear what you guys think about the new look. Since we haven't done a Mozaic review yet, we just might do an EZ300 one.
Creative ZEN Moo Plus and ZEN Krystal review by epiZENter.net
The ZEN Moo Plus and ZEN Krystal aren't the newest MP3 players by Creative, but it is the last of the low-end models that it will released in time to come. Although I don't think that the margin is particularly high for such players, there certainly is demand for it as there are people who simply wants to listen to their songs without the hassle of carrying a big player. Both are excellent players in their own ways and some might find these a better alternative than the ZEN Stone Series or iPod Shuffle. It's a pity that the players can only be purchased in China and Hong Kong. Read our review and see if its indeed a player you would like to get the next time you pass though these countries (we'll even tell you where exactly to get them!).
Also, many thanks to ssjmicheal for the help in formatting! I know this was supposed to be out a long time ago but It somehow got pushed back due to procrastination on my part and inclusion of other news. Nevertheless, hope you enjoy my first review here at epiZENter!
Some of you may have noticed some new banner ads on this site. Creative and epiZENter have joined forces to get the word out about the Aurvana Air earphones. The banners link directly to a sweepstakes to win one of 10 pairs of the newly released headphones. That contest will be open until June 21st. You can also win a pair of Aurvana Air's by signing up for Creative's Newsletter. That contest ends on May 31st. And finally, we might get a pair or two of our own to giveaway, so stay tuned for that!
[DEAD] Amazon Deal of the Day: Creative Vado HD for $129 Shipped
Amazon's Deal of the Day is Creative's very own Vado HD. My love of this HD pocket cam is well documented in my official review. I still consider it the best all-around option if you're looking to shoot High definition video, due to its sharp images, wide-angle lens, great color reproduction, 8GB capacity, and its removable battery. I can't wait to take mine with me when I go on my Summer vacation. At $130 Shipped this deal won't last all day, so make sure to get in your order right away.
Update: Just a reminder to let you know this is the last day to enter. We only have a handful of submissions so far, so if you want to win this great headset make sure to send in your entry soon. If you feel intimidated by the task, don't be. Anyone who has ever played video games could think of ideas for a new one, or improvements to ones they've played. Just be Creative! (note: that doesn't mean it has to be about Creative, it could about anything you want)
In addition to the new ZEN MX, Creative also sneaked in an announcement for the ZEN Mozaic EZ300 last week. The only difference between the EZ300 and the original is a new design. The new look is definitely sexier, but the lack of various shades of black and gray takes away from the whole mosaic aspect. The EZ300 is available in 4 and 8GB flavors for $59.99 and $79.99 respectively. 
Creative ZEN Moo Plus and ZEN Krystal review by epiZENter.net
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