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Tech Review – Creative Zen Air Plus Earbuds

The Creative Zen Air Plus Earbuds are one pair of a duo recently announced and of course we have both which is the Zen Air Plus and Zen Air Pro to check out just like the Aurvana Ace duo recently reviewed here on site and YouTube.

The Creative Zen Air Plus comes in a really nice case which is a good start and is a creamy hue color and comes with wireless charging and the flip top lid has a unique opening compared to others. It will fit in any pocket has a matt finish to the touch and just looks really nice. There is a USB-C charge port LED light and reset/connect button.

The earbuds themselves have a really nice fit and give a great seal straight away and these will not fall out of the ears either once the right tips are applied as I always advise people to do. The better the seal the better the sound and this is all before you even touch ANC mode.

You have the choice of two apps here these are SXFI ready and with Creative this has been a favourite of mine some years now, you also have the standard Creative app and there is where you find all your functions and features to get things going and set up to your personal requirements.

The controls are touch controls on the earbuds and work really well and as expected from the brand if you are familiar with the company you will already know there touch control game is on point and still is.

You have all the features you would expect to find here like skip and reverse tracks volume and call controls and voice assistant access plus more which you will see in the video review below.

Highs lows and mids are fine with decent volume and nice bass no lag latency or tinny sound or disconnecting during my testing and overall a pleasing sound which anyone would enjoy, battery life is quite good to for such small earbuds and overall there is little to complain about here and they come in a fantastic case and colour.

Creative APP

Creative SXFI APP

Features

NEXT-GEN BLUETOOTH LE AUDIO-Improved wireless audio performance at lower bitrates and power consumption. Plus, seamless audio sharing via Broadcast mode, changing how you engage with audio
CRAFT YOUR SILENCE AND AMBIANCE WITH HYBRID ANC AND AMBIENT MODE-Together with 10 mm neodymium drivers, enjoy deep bass, balanced tunes, and a low latency (~55 ms) for seamless audio playback
BATTERY LIFE THAT LASTS MORE THAN A DAY-Up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge and up to 32 hours in total with a fully charged case. USB-C cable included for charging
BE HEARD CLEARLY-Effectively analyze and filter out background noise, while delivering clear voice input and superior call quality with six microphones and ENC technology
COMPACT CHARGING CASE-The Creative Zen Air Plus, weighing 48.6g / 1.71 oz with IPX4 rating, features Bluetooth 5.3 and touch controls, making it perfect for active use

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Video Review

Creative Zen Air SXFI earbuds & Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI headphones launched

Creative Technology today proudly unveils its latest True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds and headphones, 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.

Renowned for its ability to recreate the expansive soundstage of a high-end multi-speaker surround system, Super X-Fi now shines in the latest Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI, enriching users’ listening experience with spatial audio. With Super X-Fi activated, users can transcend the boundaries of traditional stereo sound, immersing themselves in a three-dimensional audio world teeming with heightened realism and depth. Whether it’s the thunderous roar of a cinematic explosion, the subtle rustle of leaves in a forest, or the precise positioning of footsteps in a game, Super X-Fi delivers unparalleled spatial accuracy and depth, allowing users to truly feel like they’re part of the action.

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.

Zooming in on their primary features, the Creative Zen Air SXFI boasts custom-tuned 10mm Neodymium drivers, ensuring crystal-clear highs and well-balanced mids for an exceptional audio playback experience. With a total playtime of up to 39 hours (with ANC OFF), along with IPX5 water resistance and wireless charging capabilities, it’s perfect for those on the move.

The Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI features custom-tuned 40mm Neodymium drivers, delivering precise highs and deep lows for an elevated audio experience. With an impressive total playtime of up to 70 hours (with ANC OFF), users can enjoy extended listening sessions without any interruptions. Its foldable headband design adds to its portability, and support for analog line-in offers versatile connectivity options. Additionally, the built-in mics with ENC (Environment Noise Cancellation) ensure clearer communication during calls and voice commands, enhancing the overall user experience.

Pricing and Availability

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

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

For more information, visit here

Creative announces the latest Next-Gen audio profile with Super X-Fi Gen4

Building on the foundation of its award-winning Super X-Fi Headphone Holography, Creative Technology will be unveiling the all-new Super X-Fi Gen4 audio profile. This latest release boasts significant enhancements in dynamic range, clarity, and spatial awareness. The Super X-Fi Gen4 isn’t just raising the bar; it’s redefining the standard for immersive audio experiences. With this latest update, users can enjoy an expanded dynamic range, delivering richer, more detailed audio reproduction. Coupled with improved clarity, users can indulge in crystal-clear sound that captures every subtle nuance, while the refined sense of space offers a more expansive and lifelike soundstage.

Super X-Fi technology elevates the audio experience for users by recreating the immersive soundstage of high-end surround speaker systems within headphones, further personalized by the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for a remarkably natural listening experience. Since its debut at CES 2019, users and critics have been impressed by the realism of personalized audio, which is tailored according to their anthropometric profiles. From immersing in the heart-pounding action of a blockbuster movie to feeling the raw energy of a live concert or delving into the captivating world of gaming, Super X-Fi can bring it all to life with breath-taking detail and precision.

Super X-Fi For Speakers

Originally engineered for headphones, Super X-Fi has elevated personal audio to new heights with its personalized spatial holographic experience. Now, this innovative technology is poised to transform the home entertainment landscape by bringing the same revolutionary experience to speaker systems. The debut of Super X-Fi for speakers brings a new dimension to home entertainment, effortlessly turning any living space into a vibrant concert hall or theatre. With every note, beat, and sound resonating with captivating realism and depth, users can expect an immersive listening journey, mirroring the satisfaction long enjoyed by Super X-Fi headphone users.

Super X-Fi Gen4 will be rolled out worldwide in June, with users simply needing to configure and download their new profiles through the SXFI APP.

Expanding Super X-Fi Ecosystem

Soon, Creative Technology will unveil the integration of Super X-Fi technology across its upcoming product line-up, spanning from True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds to premium headphones and speakers. This expansion will enable users to seamlessly tap into the world of Super X-Fi across their preferred streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify, even on compact earbuds and speakers—a pioneering feat for Super X-Fi technology.

“Our user community has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of Super X-Fi, providing valuable insights and data that have refined our AI engine. With Super X-Fi Gen4, we’re advancing further, delivering an even more immersive listening experience that breaks free from the limitations of flat and lacklustre audio. Moreover, we are also thrilled to announce the upcoming integration of Super X-Fi technology across our product line-up, offering users seamless access to spatial audio no matter where they are,” said Lee Teck Chee, Chief Technology Officer at Creative and inventor of Super X-Fi.

For more information on Super X-Fi technology and products, visit sxfi.com.

Tech Review – Creative Pebble X Plus

Previously reviewed on techbuzz the Creative Pebble X which for me are worth every cent their big brother the Creative Pebble Plus outdo those which i did not think would be possible however the Plus sign here unlike phone is worth the name on the end and these pack even more of a punch and notable if ran side by side but the configuration is different and the there is some difference between the Pebble X.

This time around we get a subwoofer which is super solid and has some decent weight to it meaning it will not wobble around even when maxed out on volume and they do get seriously loud too. The woofer has no lighting at all however the speakers retain the RGB lighting that is customizable to your own requirements

The design of the speakers is the same but lacks the radiators on the side, these have moved onto the box if you will giving you a centre stage sound but mighty, the controls and ports remain the same as the Pebble X and set up is the same again and fairly simple, there has been some updates to the app since my testing and you most likely will need to update when you pick them up, this will prompt you to remove the cable and when setting up again holding down the RGB button and plugging in the USB-C cable at the same time and things go back to normal..

Overall here if you have the extra few quid to spend I would spend it on these but if not the Pebble X is more than good enough, the sound on these is louder more punchy excellent bass and you do see me get a little excited in the full video review below. If you want great sound for more than a reasonable price for your Laptop/PC or Phone this is where it is at and easy to recommend. You can see a software demo here but we have a good look below in the video review.

Click to enlarge

Taking the audio game up a notch, the Creative Pebble X Plus sports a sleek subwoofer with dual passive radiators, designed to be compact enough to sit seamlessly on any desk setup. With added features like Dialog+ and BassFlex, these latest speakers can deliver powerful bass and crystal-clear spoken dialogues without compromising volume.

Despite their small footprint, these speakers can envelop users with an acoustic power output reaching up to 15W RMS and a peak of 30W when plugged into a PC port. When connected to a 30W (or higher) PD adaptor*, these speakers truly shine as it can deliver a peak power of up to 60W, unleashing their complete audio potential for an outstanding listening experience.

Creative App offers the following features for the Creative Pebble X series.

Ability to apply different Sound Modes, Equalizer and Acoustic Engine settings.
Configure the lighting effects on the speaker.
Configure the Microphone Equalizer.
Perform firmware or software upgrades.
Creative Pebble X Plus is priced at US$129.99, UK£134.99, EU€139.99 and is available for pre-order at Creative.com

For more information, visit creative.com/PebbleXPlus

Video Review

Tech Review – Creative Aurvana Ace 2

The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 are the next step up from the Creative Aurvana Ace which we recently reviewed here on techbuzz and given the shape and size of the case are the same the looks are not giving us a peep inside of the technology, transparent tech is now a thing and we have check quite a few bits of tech showing their inner glory. Though this one has a slightly smoked tint to it which still looks great.

The inside of the case is also surrounded in a copper colour which looks really neat and matches the earbuds looks and gives them a premium look there is a USB-C port on the bottom and indicator light and a button for pairing/resetting.

The fit is the same as before so no difference there at all and give a good seal with the right earbuds again I always say this with any earbuds and the better the seal the better the fit and the better the sound. These are again IPX5 rated so for outdoor use is no issue here at all where half of my testing was done anyway.

The tech inside this time around gives you more although they still use 10mm drivers but have the all new xMEM technology inside which really gives your earbuds a boost which they did with the Aurvana Ace. There is 6 mics this time over the Aurvana Aces 3 mics giving you crystal clear calls and from my testing both ends seemed top notch here and powered by Qualcomm cVc (Clear Voice capture) noise cancellation technology.

In case you are wondering both models support a variety of audio codecs, including LE Audio featuring the LC3 Codec for superior wireless audio quality, SBC, AAC, AptX, and AptX Adaptive, ensuring compatibility with various devices and offering high-quality audio streaming.

Coupled with Qualcomm for the integration of Snapdragon Sound’s aptX Lossless technology, the audio codec delivers hi-fidelity audio at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz, providing a CD-level experience that faithfully recreates the original recording right in your ears.

Overall there is not much difference between the Ace and Ace 2, the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 supports AptX Lossless audio codec and has Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and you can tell the difference if you are a regular user of earbuds and can hear the distinct intricacies with the sound and you will not be disappointed by any means here at all and the same goes for the Ace too, you can’t go wrong for the money here with what you pay for either.

Check the video review below for more.

The Creative App

Creative Aurvana controls – techbuzzireland

Features and specs

Driver Frequency Response: 5–40,000 Hz / Type: xMEMS Solid-state x 2 Type: Dynamic x 2

Bluetooth Version/5.3

Wireless Codecs / LC3, AptX Adaptive, AptX Lossless, aptX, AAC, SBC

Profiles / (HFP) Hands-free Profile, (A2DP) Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, (AVRCP) Audio / Video Remote Control Profile, TMAP, HSP

Operating Frequency/ 2402–2480 MHz

Operating Range/ Up to 10m / 33 ft*, *Measured in open space. Walls and structures may affect range of device. Battery Life / Up to 24 hours total (ANC / Ambient Mode off), Up to 16 hours total (ANC / Ambient Mode on), Up to 6 hours per charge (ANC / Ambient Mode off), Up to 4 hours per charge (ANC / Ambient Mode on) Based on moderate volume level. Actual battery life will vary with usage settings and environmental conditions.

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Video Review

Tech Review – Creative Pebble X

The Creative Pebble X and Pebble X Plus are here for review and over the last while we have put both to the test but today we are looking at the Pebble X which are the cheaper of the two, recently we checked out the Pebble V3 Artisan Edition here and these are quite a bump up from them when it comes to sound and slightly larger packing a serious punch.

These have enhanced custom-tuned 2.75″ full-range drivers for a truly immersive listening experience. The two models boast the iconic 45° elevated design, meticulously angled for an optimized listening experience and are slightly larger giving more space to thump out the tunes and if you like bass you are in for a treat.

There is rubber ring underneath and an option to mount them if required the build quality is excellent and there is simple controls up front as before being an RGB control and a switch mode between bluetooth and PC connections also the volume dial acts as a voice control to turn it on or off. On the rear is the two USB-C ports one being PD which we had no charger to test, I do have one somewhere in the house but it has gone for a walk and there is also an aux port.

Once set up on your PC this is where the games changes, there is options on the mobile app but too however the PC app is where it shines most you will most likely get an update when connected, be sure to install the app first then the connect your speakers via cables provided.

In the app you will see below all the features at hand to custom tune the looks and sound and the sound is what people want to know about here.

They pack a serious loud punch highs lows and mids are great and for the concerning person who likes to customize things the app allows you to do so.

In short these are an excellent pair of speakers and well worth the money here and better than previous models and takes things to a new level you will not be disappointed with the sound and the features even for the most concerning audio folk.

Creative App offers the following features for the Creative Pebble X series.

Ability to apply different Sound Modes, Equalizer and Acoustic Engine settings.
Configure the lighting effects on the speaker.
Configure the Microphone Equalizer.
Perform firmware or software upgrades.

Creative Pebble X software – techbuzzireland

There are 6 modules in Device:

Sound Mode
Acoustic Engine
Equalizer
Mixer
CrystalVoice
Lighting

See the full list of features here there is that many to feature however we go through them in the video review below.

To unlock the full potential of the speakers, users can easily download the Creative app on Windows. This app grants users’ access to the Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine audio technologies, such as Surround, Smart Volume, Bass, Crystallizer and EQ. Users can also personalize the RGB lighting and other features using the Creative app’s modules, which are available on Windows, the Apple App Store, and the Google Play Store.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Pebble X is priced at US$89.99, UK£84.99, EU€99.99 and is available at Creative.com

For more information, visit creative.com/PebbleX

Video Review

Tech Review – Creative Aurvana Ace earbuds

The Creative Aurvana Ace earbuds are the latest on offer from a duo announced not so long ago and we have been putting them the test over the last while and have been eagerly awaiting to do so due to the new xMEMS drivers that come inside them.

The design and build are pretty standard and this also applies to the ACE 2 which has a smokey transparent finish, the case is an average size and same for the buds themselves which have small stems and sit in the ear perfectly giving a secure fit and some passive noise isolation so in short ideal for anyone.

The earbuds are touch controlled and have settings to adjust them to your needs which is good to see you have all the features required from a pair of earbuds here such as play and pause skip and reverse tracks and of course your voice assistant plus an EQ in their app which is simple to use and navigate which you can see in the video review below.

There is 3 mics each side and there is 10 mm drivers inside these which might seem small for some but average for earbuds but they have solid state xMEMS drivers which gives you better sound quality and aptX and for the money the sound is excellent here and decently loud too which is how I like it.

There is also a low latency mode for gamers here and overall with the sound you can here more instruments and distinguish between the highs lows and mids and other noises you might not pick up on other earbuds giving more clarity all round and an enjoyable listening experince overall with no lag latency noted either or tinny sound when maxed out as how I use my earbuds, calls also crisp and clear both ends during my testing.

The Creative Aurvana Ace series, powered by xMEMS drivers, has been expertly tuned to deliver remarkable audio clarity with a wider frequency response ranging from 5 Hz to 40 KHz. With this comprehensive range, users will get to enjoy a truly immersive and lifelike audio experience, whether it’s for music, movies, or conference calls

The App

Creative App – Aurvana Ace -techbuzzireland

POWERED BY xMEMS DRIVERS – Enjoy a rich, detailed sound profile across all genres, from booming bass to crisp highs. Coupled with high-quality aptX Adaptive audio codecs, the Creative Aurvana Ace deliver great audio performance on the go
UNINTERRUPTED AUDIO STREAMING – the next-generation Bluetooth LE Audio offers exceptional wireless audio quality with lower bitrates and power consumption, delivering a more immersive high-definition listening experience
NOISE CONTROL FEATURES – Tune out with Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), allowing you to enjoy your music without interference. Tune in with Ambient mode lets you connect to the world around you
LONG BATTERY LIFE – Comes with a battery life of up to 24 hours total playtime, 6 hours on a single charge, and recharge via the included USB-C cable
BE HEARD CLEARLY – Featuring a total of six built-in microphones and powered by Qualcomm cVc (Clear Voice capture) noise cancellation technology, these integrated mics ensure crystal clear voice calls

Creative Aurvana Ace is priced at US$129.99 and is available at Creative.com.

Video Review

First Look – CREATIVE Aurvana Ace earbuds with xMEMS drivers

These latest wireless earbuds also feature LE Audio with LC3 codec, Bluetooth 5.3, and Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) plus Ambient Mode, along with up to 24 hours of total playtime, making them the definitive choice for audio enthusiasts seeking the very best in true wireless earbuds. We have the latest in for review here at techbuzz so if you have any questions feel free to ask as usual while we test the latest from Creative out.

Experience the Power of xMEMS Drivers

At the heart of the Creative Aurvana Ace and Creative Aurvana Ace 2 lies the cutting-edge solid-state MEMS-based drivers, which play a pivotal role in delivering a truly natural and lifelike sound experience. These specialized drivers, expertly integrated into each earbud, showcase an innovative design with tiny flaps meticulously mounted to silicon chips. What makes this technology stand out is how it replicates sound when these flaps swiftly respond to short electrical signals. In doing so, these drivers are able to generate sound waves that closely mimic the way users naturally hear sounds in the world around them. This results in an audio experience that is not only pristine but also remarkably lifelike, akin to having the performers right beside the users.

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Unboxing Video

Creative Technology launches the Creative Zen Air Pro and Creative Zen Air Plus

Creative Technology today announced the release of the Creative Zen Air Pro and Creative Zen Air Plus, the newest additions to the Creative Zen Air family. Designed to enhance users’ everyday audio experience, these latest earbuds are user-friendly yet innovative. Featuring LE Audio with LC3 codec, 10 mm dynamic drivers, Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with Ambient Mode, Bluetooth 5.3, and AAC audio codec, as well as extended battery life, these earbuds provide users with a truly upgraded audio experience without breaking the bank.

Spark joy in your daily beats with the latest Creative Zen Air Plus and Creative Zen Air Pro.

Paving the way for the future of wireless audio and at the same time, expanding the ecosystem, the Creative Zen Air Pro and Creative Zen Air Plus incorporate Bluetooth LE Audio to allow users to enjoy a superior wireless audio experience at significantly lower bitrates and power consumption. Beyond that, LE Audio also supports Broadcast, allowing users to enjoy seamless audio sharing to an unlimited number of compatible devices, providing enhanced connectivity for the perfect movie night with family and friends. Devices that support LE Audio enable users to unlock these features and explore the full potential of LE Audio.

Equipped with 10 mm custom-tuned dynamic drivers, both the Creative Zen Air Pro and Creative Zen Air Plus deliver an immersive audio experience with deep bass and balanced tunes for an all-encompassing audio experience. The integration of Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode also allows users to seamlessly dive into their favorite tunes or stay aware of their surroundings, effortlessly adapting to any environment with the touch of a button.

Designed for those on the move, the Creative Zen Air Plus and Creative Zen Air Pro are primed for action. The Creative Zen Air Plus, with its IPX4 rating, can handle a splash or two, while the Creative Zen Air Pro takes durability up a notch with an IPX5 rating. Featuring extended battery life, the Creative Zen Air Pro boasts an impressive total playtime of up to 33 hours, closely followed by the Creative Zen Air Plus, which offers up to 32 hours of total playtime.

While both models share nifty features, the Creative Zen Air Pro stands out with its Ultra-Low Latency Mode. Easily activated via the Creative app, this mode seamlessly synchronizes audio and video, significantly reducing latency to as low as ~20 ms, enhancing the overall movie, gaming, and music experience for users.

Additionally, the microphone configuration sets the Creative Zen Air Pro apart, boasting a total of six microphones—four for detecting and filtering background noise with ANC on and two for clear communications. The integration of advanced AI-powered Deep Neural Network (DNN) noise cancellation technology enhances call experiences by eliminating unwanted background noise in real-time.

On the other hand, the Creative Zen Air Plus features six microphones (three on each side) with ENC technology, analyzing and eliminating unwanted background noise for a clearer voice call experience.

In a nutshell, the Creative Zen Air Pro and Creative Zen Air Plus offers an audio boost to users’ everyday soundscapes, making them the ideal go-to pair of earbuds for an elevated audio experience anytime, anywhere.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Zen Air Plus is priced at GBP54.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/ZenAirPlus

Creative Zen Air Pro is priced at GBP59.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/ZenAirPro

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