DailyTech - Creative Labs Settles with Apple, Introduces Wireless iPod Accessories

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Gadgets Creative Labs Settles with Apple, Introduces Wireless iPod Accessories
Anh Tuan Huynh (Blog) - January 9, 2007 11:36 AM

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11 comment(s) - last by Donegrim.. on Jan 10 at 8:41 AM

Xdock Wireless music distribution system powered by Analog Devices

Creative Labs has jumped on the iPod dock bandwagon with its latest Xdock Wireless shortly after settling its differences with Apple. The Xdock Wireless is a certified "Made for iPod" accessory that serves as an audio enhancing dock and music distribution system. Audio enhancing features include X-Fi Crystalizer, CMSS-3D and DTS surround sound.

As a standard iPod dock the Xdock Wireless delivers audio and video connectivity. Creative has equipped the Xdock Wireless with an analog audio input for other MP3 players and audio devices to take advantage of the integrated audio processing. A USB input is also available. On the video side of things the Xdock Wireless is equipped with S-Video and composite video outputs.

When used with optional X-Fi Wireless receivers the Xdock Wireless can broadcast music to multiple zones up to 100ft away. This is an independent wireless broadcast that does not require a wireless 802.11b/g network. Up to four X-Fi Wireless receivers can be connected. While up to four X-Fi Wireless receivers can be connected, song selection is only available on the main Xdock Wireless; however, each individual zone will have its own volume control and independently adjust the audio enhancing features.

Creative Labs touts the Xdock Wireless as having the following key 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.
Expect the Xdock Wireless to arrive Spring of 2007 starting at $199. The optional x-Fi Wireless is priced at $99.99 while a package with the Xdock Wireless and X-Fi Wireless is expected under $300.

Apple and Creative spent more than three months in court over no less than four motions in a tit-for-tat battle over intellectual property with regard to MP3 players. The end of epic legal battle left Apple forking over $100M to Creative, with Creative simultaneously joining the "Made for iPod" accessory consortium.

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'Xtreme Fidelity'

By Axbattler on 1/9/2007 2:40:14 PM , Rating: 2

"It plays music in Xtreme Fidelity - music beyond CD quality"

I do think the X-Fi is a good card in it's own right (particularly for games/movies). But I can't help to shudder everytime I see that statement.

I also find it interesting that Creative makes available on the iPod something that can not be found on their own player. In the short term, I reckon that it'll pay off. But could this suggest that Creative are not determined to significantly gain on Apple on the DAP market? It would make sense, if they were serious in competing in the DAP market to differentiate themselves by integrating X-Fi features into their players (if I am not a big fan of the Crystalizer, but I know many like it - and I wouldn't object to it as long as it's optional).

RE: 'Xtreme Fidelity'

By OCedHrt on 1/9/2007 9:45:01 PM , Rating: 2

It is available for their own players: via the analog jack.

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Sound Blaster!

By Zulli85 on 1/9/2007 11:56:41 AM , Rating: 3

That is pretty awesome, its basically a portable SB XFI sound card for your Ipod.

S/PDIF Out!!!

By itlnstln on 1/9/2007 5:04:27 PM , Rating: 2

The S/PDIF out seals it! I am buying this ASAP. I have been looking for a way to connect my iPod to my HT Receiver digitally for years (I have a 4G), and this one doesn't cost $1,000 like the other system that came out last week (can't remember the name; don't care, anyway). Thanks, Creative!!! (<- never thought I would say that, either... :O)

You know what would be awesome...

By Donegrim on 1/9/07, Rating: -1

RE: You know what would be awesome...

By Heron Kusanagi on 1/10/2007 2:42:49 AM , Rating: 2

http://www.x-fi.com/products/xmod/

Perhaps you are a little slow on the updates Creative has on its products, yeah?

What would be awesome is Creative releasing better and lightweigh drivers for their stuff...

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RE: You know what would be awesome...

By Donegrim on 1/10/2007 8:41:35 AM , Rating: 2

Alright I stand corrected, but that x-mod is only a stereo soundcard. I suppose for most laptop users stereo would be fine, but something that would perform well in a docking station linked to a surround sound system would be good.

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