Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/04/creative_pitches_xmod/
Creative yesterday said it plans to offer an external sound module incorporating its X-Fi audio enhancement system, a technology it claims can make even lossy compressed audio formats like MP3 and AAC sound better than the CDs they were ripped from - and, indeed, the studios they were recorded in.
Dubbed the Xmod, the dongle connects between an iPod, PMP, Mac or PC's sound socket and your earphones or speakers. The signal's re-digitised to enhance the low and high frequencies that are usually the first to suffer in the compression process. The unit also provides a virtual surround sound system, essentially by taking the stereo signal and widening the channel spacing, though Creative claimed it smartly anchors audio elements like movie dialogue in the centre.
It's not, alas, a mobile product - users hooking the Xmod up to an MP3 player will need to plug the Creative gadget into the mains. When connected to a computer, it draws power from the USB chain.
Creative hasn't said when the Xmod will ship in the UK, but it's due in the US around the middle of the month, priced at $80 (£42/€63). ®
Mystic mixes media player and VoIP phone (1 November 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/11/01/rimax_mystic_pmp_voip_phone/
Meizu's marvelous Mini Player is Europe-bound (27 October 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/27/dane-elec_imports_meizu/
Archos connects PMP PVR with Wi-Fi (20 October 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/20/archos_604_wifi/
Sony launches leaked noise-cancelling Walkman line (12 October 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/12/sony_launches_nw-s700f_dap_line/
Brits buzz off with OhMiBod iPod-driven vibrator (9 October 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/09/hw_ohmibid_ipod_vibe/
Apple admits iPod Nano colours may 'change over time' (5 October 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/05/hw_ipod_nano_discolour/
Vendor unveils USB Serial-ATA dongle (5 October 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/05/novac_usb_sata_dongle/
Creative boosts Zen V Plus to 8GB (3 October 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/03/creative_ups_zen_v_plus/
Creative launches widescreen Zen Vision in US (14 September 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/09/14/creative_launches_zen_vision_w_in_us/
Creative launches Live! Cam Voice webcam (6 September 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/09/06/creative_live_cam_voice/
Creative adds wider screen to Zen Vision PMP (30 August 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/30/creative_updates_pmp/
Dell quietly switches off own-brand MP3 player line (24 August 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/24/dell_stops_making_mp3_players/
Apple pays $100m to settle iPod patent clash lawsuits (24 August 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/24/apple_settles_with_creative/