Creative Announces Jaw-Dropping Black Friday Discounts

Creative Technology has announced massive discounts as part of its Black Friday deals for 2024. From innovative earbuds and headphones to amazing soundbars, customers can buy their favourite gadgets this Black Friday at a discounted price.

Here’s the list of the best deals in the UK for Black Friday 2024 available for customers from 8th November to 2nd December 2024:

 

  1. Aurvana Ace 2 

 

 

The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 integrates a remarkable two-driver system that combines the prowess of xMEMS technology and custom-tuned 10 mm dynamic drivers. The duo is capable of delivering a wide range of natural sounds with remarkable precision, spanning from crisp highs to rich bass and dynamic treble.

See our review

 

Original Price – £164.99

Black Friday Price – £84.99 + Free Shipping

 

  1. Outlier Go 

 

 

The Outlier Go boasts an open-ear design that keeps users aware of their surroundings, making it ideal for outdoor activities like jogging and cycling. The adjustable fit with soft silicone ear hooks ensures comfort during long music sessions.

 

Original Price – £54.99

Black Friday Price – £44.99 + Free Shipping

 

  1. Katana SE

 

 

From intense gaming sessions to watching blockbuster movies, or even just relaxing to music, enjoy an immersive experience with the Sound Blaster Katana SE right from the comfort of your own home!

See our review

 

Original Price – £299.99

Black Friday Price – £209.99 + Free Shipping

 

  1. Zen Hybrid SXFI

 

 

The Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI takes the audio experience to another level with its custom-tuned 40mm Neodymium drivers. These drivers provide precise highs and deep lows, creating an elevated audio experience. Users can enjoy up to 70 hours of playtime (with ANC off), allowing for long listening sessions without interruptions.

See our review 

 

Original Price – £89.99

Black Friday Price – £64.99 Pounds + Free Shipping

 

  1. Sound Blaster GS3

 

A step-up from your built-in desktop or laptop speakers, the compact Sound Blaster GS3 offers an immersive soundstage with pronounced bass that belies its size. Your audio experience will also come alive with SuperWide™ technology-engineered for the ultimate movie and gaming experience.

Original Price – £49.99
Black Friday Price – £39.99 + Free Shipping

To know more about Creative’s irresistible Black Friday deals, please visit https://uk.creative.com/blackfriday/

Sound Blaster G8: Versatility Redefined

Creative Technology today proudly announces the release of the Sound Blaster G8, the latest external gaming DAC designed for those seeking a superior listening experience beyond standard audio. Building on the Sound Blaster legacy, the Sound Blaster G8 brings something new to the table as the first external gaming DAC to feature dual USB-C inputs with mixing capabilities, ensuring seamless connectivity for users. Coupled with ultra-high-resolution 32-bit/384 kHz playback and a proprietary Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplifier, the Sound Blaster G8 sets to deliver outstanding audio clarity and precision, making it a must-have for gamers, audio enthusiasts, and content creators.

A New Standard in Audio Performance

The Sound Blaster G8 breaks new ground as the first external gaming DAC to offer dual USB-C inputs with mixing, allowing users to connect two devices—such as a PC and console—at the same time without sacrificing audio quality. This handy feature eliminates the need for additional mixing devices, while keeping the desktop space clutter-free.

Unlike most amplifiers on the market, Creative’s proprietary Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplifier drives the left and right headphone channels individually, resulting in a smoother, more detailed audio experience. Boasting a dynamic range of 130 dB, the Sound Blaster G8 brings music, movies, and games to life, letting every subtle sound and explosive moment be heard with remarkable clarity. Additionally, with the ability to support headphones with an impedance range from 16Ω to 600Ω, the Sound Blaster G8 offers exceptional sound quality and connectivity across any setup, whether for everyday listening or with high-end gear.

The Sound Blaster Advantage

For gamers, the Sound Blaster G8 is more than just a sound card—it’s a tool to gain a competitive edge. With the Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine, users can customize audio settings via the Creative App, tailoring everything to their preferences. The 10-band equalizer allows for precise adjustments, from chest-thumping bass to crystal-clear highs, allowing gamers to create a signature sound profile that matches any gameplay.

On the flip side, the Scout Mode boosts critical audio cues like footsteps, giving players an edge in situational awareness, while CrystalVoice technology ensures clear communication by reducing background noise and echo. Plus, the GameVoice Mix feature makes it hassle-free to balance voice chat and game audio for the perfect in-game experience. Mission-critical controls, including SBX acoustic engine/scout mode, DSP/direct mode, headphone/speaker mode, and Game-Voice Mix, are conveniently located on the top panel for quick access.

All-in-One DAC

Connecting devices to the Sound Blaster G8 is also effortless. Users can easily link their gaming console, mobile device, PC, and more via USB-C, enabling seamless audio mixing and streaming. Adding to that, the HDMI ARC makes it easy to integrate into any console setup. And to sweeten the deal, the Sound Blaster G8 comes with support for Dolby Digital, allowing users to experience an immersive soundstage filled with greater depth and realism.

Lastly, the launch of the Sound Blaster G8 strengthens the Sound Blaster G series, offering a comprehensive line-up of gaming DACs designed to cater to diverse needs. With enhanced connectivity options, the Sound Blaster G8 serves as the ideal upgrade for existing Sound BlasterX users, delivering an elevated audio experience that adapts to every gamer’s setup.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster G8 is priced at GBP129.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/SoundBlasterG8

See our creative reviews 

How AI is Shaping the Future of Creative Writing Tools

Alright, let’s dive into something super exciting and a little bit mind-bending—**AI in creative writing**. Now, if you’re a writer (or someone who’s even dabbled a little), you probably know the struggle of staring at a blank page, waiting for that *one* genius idea to strike. Writer’s block is no joke, and sometimes it feels like creativity decides to take a vacation right when you need it most. But what if I told you that artificial intelligence (yes, robots!) is stepping up to lend us creative humans a hand? Or, well…a few hundred lines of code.

Let’s face it: AI is slowly seeping into every aspect of our lives. We’ve got smart homes, self-driving cars, AI assistants that can remind you to drink water (because apparently, we forget), and now—creative writing tools powered by AI. It sounds a bit crazy, right? But believe me, it’s happening, and it’s shaking up how we approach writing. AI isn’t just for crunching numbers or playing chess anymore. It’s creating, innovating, and helping writers push boundaries in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

So, let’s get into it. How exactly is AI shaping the future of creative writing tools, and should writers be celebrating or side-eyeing these advancements?

1. Breaking Through Writer’s Block

You know those moments where you’ve got the beginning of a brilliant story, but halfway through, you just…freeze? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Whether it’s writing a novel, a blog post, or even a short poem, getting stuck happens to the best of us. AI is like that friendly nudge you need to keep going.

Enter AI-powered plot generators like squibler, tools designed to help you get unstuck in your creative process. With just a few inputs, these systems can spit out ideas, generate plot twists, or help you develop characters in ways that might surprise you. It’s like having a brainstorming buddy that never runs out of juice or needs coffee breaks. Pretty neat, right?

And before you start thinking, “Oh, great, now AI is going to write my entire story for me,” hold up. AI isn’t here to replace writers. It’s more like a trusty sidekick—like Robin to your Batman. It helps kickstart your imagination, but you’re still the one in control of the steering wheel.

2. Personalized Writing Assistants

You’ve probably heard of **Grammarly** or **Hemingway Editor**, right? These tools use AI to polish your writing, catch pesky grammar mistakes, and suggest ways to improve readability. But we’re now moving way beyond just catching spelling errors.

Imagine an AI that understands your unique writing style, can analyze your voice, and suggests edits that don’t just fix grammar but enhance your flow and creativity. That’s where the future is headed. Personalized AI writing assistants could soon learn your favorite phrases, your tone, and even the genres you like to write in. They’d adapt to you, making the editing process a whole lot smoother.

Writers are already using AI-driven assistants to speed up their work and make their prose shine. And while nothing can fully replace a human editor’s nuanced touch, AI is getting frighteningly good at offering instant feedback and ideas. It’s like having an editor-in-chief sitting on your shoulder, minus the judgemental looks.

3. Experimenting with New Forms of Writing

Okay, this is where things get really interesting. AI is not just enhancing traditional forms of writing; it’s also pushing the boundaries of what we think of as “writing” altogether. AI-generated poetry, screenplays, and even interactive fiction are already in the works.

You’ve got platforms where you can input a few basic elements—like setting, characters, and a theme—and the AI takes it from there, crafting entire stories or scenarios. Writers are using AI to explore new kinds of narrative structures, testing out plotlines and character arcs that they might not have thought of otherwise. Sure, sometimes the results can be a little wacky, but that’s part of the charm, right? Creativity is all about experimentation, and AI is giving writers a playground full of possibilities.

Even big-name writers are getting in on the action. Novelist **Robin Sloan** (author of “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore”) has openly talked about using AI to co-write parts of his novels. He feeds the AI writing prompts, sees what it churns out, and then tweaks it to fit his own style. The result? A blend of human intuition and machine creativity. Sounds like the future is already here, doesn’t it?

4. Collaborative Writing with AI

Speaking of collaboration, one of the coolest things about AI is that it can actually *work with* writers in real-time. There are AI platforms where writers and AI can co-write a story together. How it works is simple: you write a paragraph, the AI generates the next one, and you build from there. The AI might suggest surprising plot twists or new character developments you hadn’t even considered. It’s like having a brainstorming session, except your partner is a super-fast, idea-generating machine.

And let’s not forget that AI doesn’t get tired, doesn’t lose focus, and never misses a deadline. While you’re off getting your second cup of coffee, AI is ready to keep churning out words.

5. Helping Writers Become More Efficient

One of the biggest perks of AI is how it helps writers become more productive. From outlining to drafting and even editing, AI can speed up various parts of the writing process. Think about all the hours we spend outlining story arcs, researching character backstories, or fact-checking our own work. AI can assist with all that.

For instance, there are tools that can help organize your notes, research for you, or even automate some of the more tedious parts of the writing process. And when you combine those tools with AI-powered brainstorming platforms like a **plot generator**, you’ve got yourself a powerful writing toolkit that’s designed to make the process faster and more efficient.

It’s not about cutting corners; it’s about freeing up more time for the part of writing we all love—the actual creation. AI handles the mundane, so we can focus on crafting those heart-pounding action scenes or perfecting that witty dialogue.

6. The Future is (Mostly) Bright

Of course, the rise of AI in creative writing comes with its fair share of skeptics. There are worries that relying too much on AI might lead to a loss of originality or that machine-written content could saturate the market with lifeless, cookie-cutter stories. But let’s be real: creativity is a deeply human trait. Sure, AI can assist, suggest, and even co-write, but it’s the human touch—the emotion, the lived experience—that makes a piece of writing truly special.

The key is finding a balance. Using AI as a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it. Writers who embrace these technologies will have an edge in productivity, experimentation, and efficiency. But ultimately, it’s still up to the writer to weave the magic that makes readers laugh, cry, and keep turning those pages.

Wrapping It Up: AI as a Creative Co-Pilot

AI might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of creative writing, but it’s fast becoming a game-changer. From overcoming writer’s block with tools like a plot generator to experimenting with new narrative forms, AI is pushing creative boundaries in all kinds of unexpected ways. While it’s still early days, the future of creative writing could be a fusion of human imagination and machine efficiency. 

So, should you be worried? Nah. Should you be curious? Absolutely. Because in the end, AI might just be the spark that takes your writing to the next level.

 

Creative Technology Launches New Sound Blaster GS5

Creative Technology today announced the release of the Sound Blaster GS5, a sleek and compact soundbar designed to elevate the audio experience while taking up minimal space. With versatile connectivity and exceptional audio performance powered by SuperWide™ technology, the Sound Blaster GS5 creates a wider, more immersive soundstage—perfect for intimate gaming sessions or cosy movie nights with family and friends.

Despite its compact size, this soundbar packs a punch with deep bass and crystal-clear sound. It is powered by advanced full-range racetrack drivers and a built-in port tube with a peak power output of up to 60W, making every sound—from subtle whispers to dramatic explosions—come alive.

Coupled with SuperWide™ technology, the soundstage expands to make the audio experience even more immersive. The Sound Blaster GS5 features two SuperWide™ modes—Near Field for desktop use and Far Field for larger spaces—ensuring an optimal audio experience no matter the setting.

Connectivity is also a breeze with a range of options, including USB-C, AUX input, optical-in, and Bluetooth 5.3, allowing for a seamless plug-and-play setup with TVs, PCs, and gaming consoles. Additionally, the customisable RGB lighting adds a touch of flair, and the included remote control allows for quick adjustments on the fly. With its slim profile and array of nifty features, the Sound Blaster GS5 truly shines as the ideal audio upgrade for any setup.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster GS5 is priced at £59.99 and is available at Creative.com.

See our creative reviews 

Tech Review – Creative Zen Air SXFI

The Creative Zen Air SXFI are the latest on offer like their latest headphones we checked out the Zen Hybrid SXFI headphones which are fantastic and the question asked most is how these compare to the headphones and it was easy to answer, again they are superb.

The case is cool again on this one just like the Creative Zen Air Plus earbuds which has a nice matt finish the colour is also nice and this time around the case has a premium finish on the inside which looks great. The case also has wireless charging USB-C and 4 led light sup front for charge status, there is also a pair/reset button here too.

The earbuds are a perfect design like previous offerings and sit well in the ears and it is important you check out the tips for the correct size to get the best results.

Not to linger on too much about the sound it is up there with their latest headphones and cater for everyone’s needs and with access to their apps it just enhances the experience even for gamers.

Creative Zen Air SXFI – techbuzzireland

Put yourself in the center is the easiest way to put it with these earbuds and just sit back and enjoy movies music and gaming after checking out their app and setting things up which you should do and not skip over it.

Highs lows and mids all great great bass trebles and in action you have great directional sound too there is nothing to complain about along with good ANC thrown into the mix.

The touch function works well too as always with creative and can be changed to suit your needs and check out the video below as we take a look at the app. The Creative Zen Air offer up to 6 hours of playtime on a single charge, and up to 18 hours of total playtime but this will vary per user and how your EQ and volume settings are, there is no lag latency and actually during my testing this feature got an update, and there is no tinny sound on max volume.

 

Super X-Fi technology recreates a professional, multi-speaker system experience in your headphones so you can hear sounds naturally like how it’s meant to be heard. Creative Zen Air is a certified SXFI READY* headphone that is specially-tuned for optimum performance with devices and apps in the SXFI READY ecosystem, like the SXFI App. By utilizing the SXFI App on your mobile, you can enjoy a preview of Super X-Fi Spatial Holography on local content and enjoy cinematic audio even while on the go! Read more about raved-about technology and its numerous accolades.

The App

Creative Apps – techbuzzireland

The features on board

Overall if you want earbuds that do not cost a fortune look no further that offer all the requirements and spatial holography  and more check these out, like any other creative product we have tested and stand by they have another hit like their latest headphones.

See our other Creative reviews

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Video Review

Tech Review – Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI headphones

The Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI headphones are the latest of a duo we have been testing out for some time now and for me this is one of if not their best pair of headphones to date so lets just get that out of the way now.

First up the build quality is robust and tough and I have let these fall a few times however not a mark nor issue with them this was due to where they have been used the last while and kept falling off my locker as it is crammed with tech right now as we are in busy season.

They are comfortable to wear and light with soft plush padding on the headband and the earcups so which means they can be worn for hours on end and something I am custom too anyway even for gaming.

The controls are all on one side and worked really well over the review period and what I like is the dedicated SXFI and ANC buttons.

Before you get going you will need to map your head with these even if you have a mapped head profile already and it is worth the effort and does not take long to do all it entails is taking a photo of each ear and your face and you would be better off getting someone to do this for you bar the face part.

With the app the SXFI logo is now seen in the creative app and this can be toggled on/off in the app or on the headphones then you have ANC to test out and it is excellent.

The sound is what you would expect from Creative especially with the SXFI ( Super X-Fi) technology and the 40mm Neodymium drivers  if you have not tried this out yet now is the time especially with these headphones. Super X-Fi technology recreates the same expansive depth, details, and soundstage of an immersive multi-speaker system on headphones. Utilizing advanced computational audio, it personalizes audio according to your head and ear anthropometry, optimizing the audio just for you. Hear every nuance and subtlety like how they are meant to be heard.

No lag latency noted nor was there any tinny sound on max volume as I always use though advise people not to do so but with these you have to go to the max in all aspects.

The volume is great highs lows and mids are fine and the overall audio experience puts you in the center stage here and with the app to customize even more you are in control and for gamers you are also in for a treat. When they say a new sound awaits they mean it..

 

The Apps 

 

Specs 

Driver Frequency Response: 20–20,000 Hz Type: Neodymium x 2

Bluetooth® Version 5.3
Wireless Codecs AAC, SBC
Profiles (HFP) Hands-free Profile, (A2DP) Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, (AVRCP) Audio / Video Remote Control Profile, HSP (Headset Profile)
Operating Frequency 2402–2480 MHz
Operating Range Up to 15m / 49.2 ft^ ^Measured in open space. Walls and structures may affect range of device.

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Video Review

First Look – Creative Zen Air SXFI earbuds & Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI headphones

The all new Creative Zen Air SXFI earbuds & Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI headphones have finally arrived and we will be testing these out over the coming weeks but today we give you a quick tour of the new duo from Creative who have been on a roll of late with their product releases.

Recently review have been the Creative Aurvana Ace series and the Creative Zen Air series earbuds which are really solid products now we have an all new ZEN SXFI series to contend with which I look forward to checking out.

The Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI, designed to transport users into the immersive world of Super X-Fi. With a simple tap, users can expand their soundstage and be engulfed in every detail of their preferred content across platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube, all powered by the built-in SXFI technology.

Boasting additional features such as Adaptive Hybrid ANC and Ambient mode, Bluetooth 5.3, low-latency of up to ~100 ms, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI are poised to redefine how users engage with their favourite content.

Coupled with the SXFI APP, available on iOS and Android phones, the full potential of Super X-Fi can be further unlocked by personalising Super X-Fi to users’ exact head and ear shape for an even more precise rendition.

Beyond the Super X-Fi integration, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI are packed with nifty features to cater to today’s diverse users.

With Hybrid ANC, Adaptive ANC, and Ambient mode, users can seamlessly switch between the three modes, adapting to different environments and choosing to immerse themselves in music or stay aware of their surroundings.

Moreover, the low-latency mode ensures audio stays perfectly synced up, whether users are gaming or watching movies. And with Multipoint connectivity, users can easily switch between two Bluetooth devices without missing a beat.

 

Any questions drop them in the comments or ask on our social media handles.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Zen Air SXFI is priced at £69.99 and is available for order at Creative.com.

Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI is priced at £89.99 and is available for order at Creative.com.

For more information, visit here

Unboxing and Tour

Creative Triumphs at EHA Awards 2024 with Double Accolades for Innovative Products

Creative proudly announces its recent triumph at the prestigious European Hardware Awards (EHA) 2024. Both Creative Aurvana Ace 2 and Creative Pebble X Plus have received top accolades, cementing the brand’s position as a frontrunner in the technology industry.

The EHA Awards are regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in the European tech landscape, uniting over 100 of Europe’s most respected technology journalists from prominent publications to recognize the year’s best hardware innovations. Celebrated for a decade of highlighting top technology hardware, the awards draw expertise from editors at leading tech publications across Europe, including Hardwareluxx (Germany), Geeknetic (Spain), KitGuru (UK), Cowcotland (France), PurePC (Poland), IO-Tech (The Nordics), Hardware Upgrade (Italy), Technology Insider (The Netherlands), and Lab 501 (Romania). Together, they ensure that the awards represent a comprehensive view of the best in the market.

The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 clinched the Best Earphones award, a testament to its superior sound quality and innovative design. Powered by xMEMS technology, the Aurvana Ace 2 unleashes the full potential of lifelike sound. It offers superior CD-quality clarity and precision, enhanced by Snapdragon Sound with Qualcomm aptX Lossless technology and Qualcomm Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation. These premium features are beautifully complemented by an aesthetically pleasing translucent compact charging case, perfectly blending performance and style.

In the Best Speakers category, the Creative Pebble X Plus stood out for its exceptional sound clarity, compact design, and powerful audio performance. Boasting an impressive RMS power of up to 30W and a peak power of up to 60W, both the 2.0 and 2.1 configurations promise a superior listening experience for music, movies, and gaming. In addition to its audio prowess, the Pebble X Plus features customizable RGB lighting, allowing users to create a pulsating light show to match any mood. With both wired and wireless modes, these speakers are an excellent choice for those seeking a premium desktop audio upgrade.

“We are thrilled and deeply honoured to receive these prestigious awards from the European Hardware Association,” said Song Siow Hui, CEO of Creative. “The recognition of the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 and Creative Pebble X Plus underscores our commitment to innovation, quality, and delivering outstanding products to our customers. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”

For more information about their award-winning products, visit their website at Creative.com

See out latest Creative reviews

Tech Review – Creative Zen Air Pro SXFI earbuds

The Creative Zen Air Pro SXFI earbuds with LE Audio is another new pair of earbuds from the brand that are affordable with great sound and features on board.

Recently we tested the Zen Air Plus which are really great value for money and worth looking at if you are unsure of what your requirements are. There is slight differences between the pair and to be honest either pair is great with the price you pay.

Again we have access to their apps which enhances the audio experience on a budget giving you the SXFI experience too which is great if you have not tested it out yet. On setting up there was an app update so be sure to do this before you move on to get the best features.

The case is a standard affair not as nice as the Zen Air Plus but still nice with the creative logo on the front and a button and on the  bottom is the USB port you can also charge these wirelessly too which for me is a win.

The earbuds again have a small stem and sit nicely in the ears giving a good seal so check you have the right tips for the best experience. The earbud is on the larger size but still fits well.

Creative Zen Air Pro – techbuzzireland

Sound is up next and again it’s good to report it is excellent slightly outdoing the sister product and anyone that does decide to check them out will be happy. Highs low and mids all good decent volume and with app access you have options. . No tinny sound when using with full volume lo lag latency or distortion noted either again here which just solidifies the product as before.

Creative App

Creative SXFI App

Features

  • NEXT-GEN BLUETOOTH LE AUDIO – With Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio, high-quality LC3+ (ULL), LC3, AAC and SBC audio codecs, delivering rich and uninterrupted audio streaming all day long
  • NOISE CONTROL FEATURES- Hear what you want with Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode, the Creative Zen Air Pro is decked with a total of 6 microphones
  • LONGER BATTERY LIFE -Offer up to 9 hours of playtime on a single charge, and up to 33 hours of total playtime when placed in a fully charged case
  • 6 MICS FOR ULTRA-CLEAR CALL EXPERIENCE – Creative Zen Air Pro is also further enhanced by advanced AI-powered Deep Neural Network (DNN)
  • POWERFUL AUDIO WITH IPX5 RATING – Equipped with 10 mm Dynamic drivers to accompany you through your gym workout or outdoor jog

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Video Review