CES is underway and with it comes a bevy of new electronics. While we eagerly await Creative's newest player, we have one nice bit of news to share with you. Creative announced a wireless X-Fi system that will be compatible with iPods. Why iPods you say? Well with the recent settlement between Apple and Creative, allowing the latter to be part of the "Made for iPod" program, it was inevitable to have some iPod exclusive products. This is the second product that Creative has made for this program, the first being the PlayDock i.



The Xdock wireless is pretty nice looking. It definitely takes a page in design from the recently reviewed Xmod. So what does the Xdock Wireless do? Just dock the iPod in the main receiver and connect it to your stereo or home entertainment system. Plug the other receiver anywhere else in your house (up to 100 ft. away). Now with the accompanied remote you can control your music wherever you have a receiver. There is even an option to turn certain receivers off so you can listen to music in only selected rooms.

Features:

• It plays music through multiple X-Fi Wireless Receivers, which are sold separately, in different rooms of the home connected to powered speakers or a home theater system.
• It plays music in Xtreme Fidelity - music beyond CD quality.
• A line-out for connection to powered speakers, which also functions as an optical-out to your home theater for DTS surround-sound.
• S-video and composite video-out connections, so digital photos and videos stored on an iPod can be displayed on a TV screen.
• A wireless remote to navigate the iPod menu, adjust volume levels, and activate X-Fi Crystalizer and X-Fi CMSS-3D
• It docks and charges an iPod and includes line-in for connection of other audio devices.

Although the market is flooded with wireless setups for iPods, the fact that this also has X-Fi technology built-in makes it stand out. The main receiver will retail or $199, and each additional receiver will cost $99. I don't price these types of products but that sounds a bit high. The target release date is Spring 2007. The Xdock will be available in white or in black. I expect we'll see a similar product made for Creative players as well.

Press Release (via, iLounge and Crave)

Thanks, swh

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Update:



Creative @ CES

Multiple reports are finally coming in showing Creative's booth at CES. Unfortunately there was no new player to be found, Jeff, from MisticRiver asked Creative yesterday whether they'd have new players and the rep said it's only day one". Whether that means we'll see something new in the last 3 days of CES will reveal itself soon enough. One thing's for sure, Creative won't be winning a Best in Show award from Cnet. They already compiled their list of finalists on the first night.

As seen above, there are pictures of our beloved Vision:M with the Xdock Wireless. Although these aren't actual Zen models, it's a good sign that they aren't forgetting about us Creative owners. If there truly isn't a new player by the end of CES, it is not only a disappointment for us fans, but one for Creative as a company as well. Revealing a player at this event could only benefit them in my book. Not the best way to start off a new year.

via, AnythingButIpod