New Creative Zen to Improve MP3 Playback

The major improvement in Creative’s Zen X-Fi is of course the X-Fi Crystalizer, which is a new proprietary audio technology that returns the peaks and the lows that are lost when music gets converted into a digital format to allow for greater portability. The technology is compatible with MP3, WMA and unprotected iTunes AAC files. It’s Creative's answer to the poor digital music quality problem they say many artists have complained about.

The wireless version of the Zen X-Fi features another innovation that allows you to stream and download audio, photos and video to your portable player from a home wireless network. That means you can save space on the unit by storing much of your music on your PC and still accessing it from your patio, pool or deck. This is an interesting way to extend your home music into surrounding areas like your garden or the terrace. It even lets you to instant message your friends on MSN and Yahoo, as well as synchronize with Microsoft Outlook for to-do lists, calendars, contacts and more.

Both units come with EP-830 premium in-ear headphones for great sound right out of the box. They also feature an in-unit speaker, so you can share your tunes with your friends.

Getting music to the unit is easy with the built in SD-card slot allowing you to keep an unlimited amount of music, video and photos on hand. The 2.5" screen allows you to view those videos (WMV, AVI, MJPEG, MPEG4-SP, DivX 4 and 5 and XviD), photos and album art while the built in FM radio and microphone extend the usefulness of the unit beyond just media playback.

The Zen X-Fi with Wireless is available online at Amazon, Fry's, Buy.com and of course Creative.com.