Tag: #creative

Tech Review – Creative Live! Meet 4K

The Creative Live! Meet is a 4K UHD  conference Webcam with an auto-tracking camera speakerphone with AI Technology inbuilt,  This comprehensive kit has touch buttons on the top of the speaker and houses 4 pairs of ultra-sensitive omnidirectional microphones. With a wide-angle field of view (FOV) of up to 115°, this conference speaker exudes solidity, weighing 734g and providing a stable presence on any table.

The touch buttons on the unit allows adjustment of camera angles, zoom, and focus, while volume control and mic muting can be effortlessly managed by tapping the top panel of the Creative Live! Meet 4K. Additionally, the kit includes a remote control, offering convenient access to the main features, with the most common functions prominently located on the front of the remote and the top of the conference speaker. The package also includes in the packaging a QR code linking to the website with all the key features and performance controls

Contents:

1 x Creative Live! Meet 4K

1 x USB-C to USB-A cable

1 x Quick Start Guide

1 x Remote Control*

1 x Power Adapter

* Batteries not included

 

Specification

 

Overview

Remote

 

Setup:

The setup is plug-and-play, requiring no additional driver installation, and only necessitates a power supply cable plugged into the Creative Live! Meet 4K and a USB 2.0 connection to a laptop running on Windows or macOS platforms. During testing on an MS Teams call, the kit excelled in terms of audio from the mic, with the 5W speakers delivering impressive sound. The clear and physically large buttons on the device facilitated easy operation, with the unit’s color changing to red when switched off. However, there were occasional discrepancies in color changes when muting or turning off the camera within the Teams app, leading to a less favorable experience in multi-user calls. The on-screen display provides clear text indications, although it defaults to mirror mode when viewed by the user, but displays correctly for the other call participants The creative app was downloaded to the laptop and tested with very few features adapted to the review.

The AI function when enabled worked well in terms of this following the presenter’s head around even when moved from one site to the other side of a room up to 115°. The 7X digital zoom worked via the remote control allowing one to focus on eg a particular area in the room.

Additional features in terms of hand gestures, allowing the trigger specific actions by gesturing in front of the Creative Live! Meet 4K!

Warranty and Niggles:

The Creative Live! Meet 4K is backed by a 2-year limited hardware warranty for EU countries and a 1-year limited hardware warranty for non-EU countries. However, some minor niggles were encountered, such as issues with the user guide QR code and the absence of batteries in the remote, which detracted slightly from the overall experience. Additionally, discrepancies in color changes and default mirror text mode were observed, albeit without significant impact on the unit’s functionality or call quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Creative Live! Meet 4K offers an array of impressive features, including a responsive camera, clear buttons, and remote indications of call status. The AI capabilities add an extra dimension with gesture control, while the auto-tracking feature and excellent audio from the 4 built-in omnidirectional microphones, coupled with the depth of the speaker audio, provide a compelling conferencing experience. The 4K UHD resolution, powered by the Sony STARVIS IMX415 CMOS Imaging Sensor, delivers a premium video experience, further enhancing the unit’s appeal. Despite minor setup nuances, the remote’s responsiveness and effective zoom functionality make the Creative Live! Meet 4K a solid choice for those seeking a feature-rich conference solution

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Video Review

Tech Review – Creative Zen Hybrid Pro SXFI Headphones

Gaming headphones are a big deal these days and there is plenty on the market to pick from and come in all price brackets so there is something for everyone here, As a user of Creatives products some years it is a brand I know I can trust with their audio products and even not being the huge gamer I once was and now a casual user  with all the consoles, Creative is a brand you will most likely see on my big head be it headphones or earbuds for gaming and not only gaming but audio in general as they are well build solid products offering you great value for money and more via their apps which enhances any experience.

The Creative Zen Hybrid Pro SXFI boasts an array of core features, including Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode, giving users the flexibility to fully immerse themselves in their audio or stay attuned to their surroundings with modes that seamlessly adapt to any environment. It also comes equipped with custom-tuned 40 mm, powerful yet light Neodymium drivers, which ensure every note is reproduced with power and precision, delivering a rich and captivating sound experience. We take a look at all this in the video review below and also the apps which gives you enhancements like no other and I tested these on my machines here at home to see what is on offer this time around.

The build quality again is robust and solid yet lightweight which for the more avid gamer is critical, the soft cups rest nicely on the ears and the headband is comfortable as well you also get a removable mic which for me is the best option to go over the fixed ones we see as it is something I personally would not use much as I game on my own rather than go into multiplayer online rooms etc.

You get the RGB effects thrown into the  mix too which gives a little flair to what otherwise looks like a regular set of gaming headphones and makes these stand out and the look sleek and clean, you also have other controls on them too such as the power on/off which doubles as a broadcast search and pairing mode, mic mute control, volume wheel and ANC/Ambient control button and trust me the ANC on with the volume maxed out you will hear nothing outside, I mean nothing. Within the SXFI app you have EQ settings and the magic SXFI can be turned on and off. You also get music controls such as play and pause skip and reverse tracks so you can use these not only for gaming but your music and it all plays out well.

RGB Lights on the headphones

The sound is what people are after lets get to it, You need to do the head mapping it only takes a few minutes and you will need someone to help you, you have an EQ to suit your needs and two apps to use what more do you want here, the ANC is great the volume is LOUD and when gaming you wont miss a beat or a footstep and if you do use the mic it works well I done a quick test for audio and it was well received after calling up a buddy or two to waste their time for a few mins to test the headphones, they dont mind and know what I am like but sorry lads no time for gaming right now. BUT that is going to change going forward.

For the money you will fork out here you are onto a winner in short with plenty of features and great audio no matter what they might be plugged into.

The Apps 

For the money you will fork out here you are onto a winner in short with plenty of features and great audio no matter what they might be plugged into.

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Video Review 

Tech Review – Creative Pebble V3 Artisan Edition Speakers

Back in 2021 we reviewed the Creative Pebble V3 and for me did not think it was that long back but moving on there is a new version of the speaker now available called the Artisan Edition which is a new collaboration with the brand which is great to see and it is one of several brands we are now working with that have collabs going on and brings colour and art to the mix over the typical stock colours of products released and it is cool.

All round though these speakers are much the same as before that pack a powerful punch look good and sound great with really nice bass not drowning out the music no lag latency and no tinny sound when maxed out at all, these sound great anywhere in the house and are super easy to connect, you also get a bluetooth dongle in the box and you can connect via BT via phone or laptop once they are powered up, speaking of you just need to plug them into your USB-C port or use the adaptor provided and you can also connect your phone if you wish to do so.

There is good B&O speakers on my laptop but with these plugged in they sound drown them out and you will see this in the demo below both connected to the laptop via USB-C and then a separate test connected to a smartphone.

The Creative Artisan Edition bridges the worlds of sound and art to offer limited edition products that not only deliver exceptional sound quality but also double as art pieces.

The launch of the Creative Artisan Edition marks the beginning of a series of partnerships with talented artists worldwide, and Creative is thrilled to kickstart this journey with Lester Lim, a Singapore-based artist and a true creative maven. Lester Lim’s transition from a movie poster apprentice to a dynamic artist speaks volumes about his talent and dedication. Among his captivating works, JELILO stands out as a masterpiece, drawing inspiration from the elegance of the jellyfish. More notably, the anti-bully story behind JELILO sends out a powerful message that people can be bigger than their fears. This narrative behind the art holds profound significance and has the power to resonate with people universally.

Features 

  • Wireless Bluetooth® 5.0 streaming and AUX-in connectivity
  • USB Audio for power and audio
  • Clear Dialog audio processing
  • Automated high gain switch for amplified audio without distortion
  • Larger 2.25″ full-ranger drivers for 50% louder and richer acoustics than the original Creative Pebble
  • 45° elevated drivers that directs audio straight to your ears
  • Powered entirely by USB for a fuss-free setup (no wall plug required!)
  • Small form factor that packs a mighty punch
  • Perfect for computers and laptops

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Video Review

Creative’s Christmas Gift Guide for the tech geek in your life

Over the years we have been using pretty much all of what Creative have to offer when it comes to tech and this Christmas perhaps you should check out the latest on offer from the company which we can certainly stand by and recommend this year for a gift for yourself or a loved one in the family. Gamers should take note of what the company has to offer too and there is a wide range of affordable products on offer this year and below is some of the deals they have to offer.

For the gamers

Zen Hybrid Pro SXFI (£134.99) Review soon

The launch of Creative Zen Hybrid Pro headphones marks the start of a new era in wireless audio, utilising LE Audio to deliver pristine audio quality, ultra-low latency streaming, and the versatility of multi-streaming for a truly elevated audio experience.

 

Extra features of the Zen Hybrid Pro SXFI include:

  • Bluetooth LE Audio

  • BT-L4 Bluetooth LE Audio SXFI Transmitter

  • Boom Mic

For the chilly, scenic walks

Outlier Free Pro+ (£119.99) – See our review

The Creative Outlier Free Pro+ features an IPX8 waterproof rating, allowing it to withstand all kinds of activities and weather, including swimming and rain. With a built-in 8GB MP3 player, enjoy your music without needing your phone or the internet.

 

The Outlier Free Pro+ also features:

  • Lightweight silicone

  • Titanium memory alloy

  • Adjustable transducers

Share the joy of Christmas music

Pebble V3 Artisan Edition (£54.99) See our Pebble V3 review

The Creative Pebble V3 Artisan Edition offers a fresh and inspiring initiative aimed at empowering the creative community through collaborations with talented local artists from around the world. With two designs from Lester Lim, a Singapore-based artist, the speakers talk volumes about his talent and dedication.

The Creative Artisan Edition is a unique commitment to empowering the creative community. By continuing to develop artist partnerships, Creative aims to transform everyday technology into limited-edition art pieces that will remain exclusive and not be restocked once sold out. We will have our review of these soon too.  Stay tuned.

 

Other features include:

  • 1.2m USB Type-C cable with a USB-A converter

  • 1.35mm molded cable connecting left and right speakers

  • Compatibility with both Windows and iOS

Creative launches the Aurvana Ace and Aurvana Ace 2, its latest true wireless earbuds featuring groundbreaking solid-state, all-silicon MEMS-based drivers.

Creative Technology today announced the release of the much-anticipated Creative Aurvana Ace and Creative Aurvana Ace 2, the latest true wireless earbuds featuring the groundbreaking solid-state, all-silicon MEMS-based drivers. 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.

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.

                                      Creative Aurvana Ace                                                                   Creative Aurvana Ace 2

Introducing the gold standard in true wireless audio with the Creative Aurvana Ace and Creative Aurvana Ace 2

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.

Creative Aurvana Ace Series – Your Gateway to Sonic Excellence

For an all-encompassing audio experience, the Creative Aurvana Ace series features a remarkable two-driver system that harmoniously blends the power of xMEMS technology with custom-tuned 10 mm dynamic drivers. Together, these dual drivers can deliver a wide range of natural sounds with remarkable precision, spanning from crisp highs to rich bass and dynamic treble. So, whether users are savoring their favorite music, diving into a movie, or engaging in a call, the duo driver system ensures a rich, intricately detailed, and distortion-free audio experience that stands in a league of its own.

Beyond the exceptional audio capabilities, Creative Aurvana Ace and Creative Aurvana Ace 2 offer an array of features that elevate the audio experience. With Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode, users can fully immerse themselves in their audio or stay aware of their surroundings, adapting seamlessly to any environment. These earbuds also come equipped with six built-in microphones powered by Qualcomm cVc (Clear Voice Capture) noise cancellation technology, ensuring crystal-clear calls even in noisy environments. With up to 24 hours of total playtime, they are perfect for long commutes, workdays, or extended listening sessions. Furthermore, being IPX5 certified, these latest earbuds are sweatproof and ideal for users with active lifestyles.

Both models also 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.

Adding to the allure, Creative Aurvana Ace showcases a sleek matte black finish with a hint of copper, while Creative Aurvana Ace 2 boasts a modern smoked translucent design with a striking copper highlight. This fresh look and feel perfectly complements the groundbreaking technology within.

Picking the Perfect Pair –  Creative Aurvana Ace vs. Creative Aurvana Ace 2

While both Creative Aurvana Ace and Creative Aurvana Ace 2 share the key features mentioned above, there are some noteworthy distinctions that set Creative Aurvana Ace 2 apart.

Featuring Qualcomm Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 possesses the intelligence to adapt and fine-tune noise cancellation levels in real-time based on specific environmental conditions and earbud fit. This innovative capability ensures a perfect balance between noise isolation and situational awareness, making them perfect for diverse listening environments.

Coupled with the latest Qualcomm aptX Lossless codec, Creative Aurvana Ace 2 delivers lossless, hi-fidelity audio at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz, akin to a CD-level experience where every musical element is faithfully recreated, closely resembling the original recording, providing a superior listening experience for audio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

“xMEMS drivers represent a significant leap forward in audio technology,” said Song Siow Hui, CEO at Creative. “They enable the Creative Aurvana Ace and Creative Aurvana Ace 2 to reproduce sound with stunning accuracy and fidelity. Users can expect a level of immersion and clarity that redefines their perception of premium audio.”

Pricing and Availability

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

Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is priced at US$149.99 and is available at Creative.com.

Pre-order will be available from 10 November 2023, visit creative.com/aurvanatws for more information.

Creative launches Pebble V3 in collaboration with international artists

Creative Technology is excited to unveil the Creative Artisan Edition, an inspiring initiative aimed at empowering the creative community through collaborations with talented local artists from around the world.

Handpicked products from Creative will be reimagined and elevated into exclusive art pieces, serving as a canvas for artists to convey their unique visions. With this initiative, Creative is looking to not only showcase the talents of local artists but also provide them with a platform to shine. By merging technology and art, Creative is opening new avenues for creativity and celebrating the diversity of artistic expression.

The Creative Artisan Edition bridges the worlds of sound and art to offer limited edition products that not only deliver exceptional sound quality but also double as art pieces.

The launch of the Creative Artisan Edition marks the beginning of a series of partnerships with talented artists worldwide, and Creative is thrilled to kickstart this journey with Lester Lim, a Singapore-based artist and a true creative maven. Lester Lim’s transition from a movie poster apprentice to a dynamic artist speaks volumes about his talent and dedication. Among his captivating works, JELILO stands out as a masterpiece, drawing inspiration from the elegance of the jellyfish. More notably, the anti-bully story behind JELILO sends out a powerful message that people can be bigger than their fears. This narrative behind the art holds profound significance and has the power to resonate with people universally.

By merging Lester’s artistic vision with the top-selling Creative Pebble V3 desktop speakers, Creative looks to reimagine technology as an art form, which not only elevates the product but also highlights the immense talent that resides within the local creative community.

In essence, the Creative Artisan Edition is a testament to the unwavering commitment to empowering the creative community. By continuing to foster more meaningful artist partnerships, Creative aims to transform everyday technology into limited-edition art pieces that will remain exclusive and not be restocked once sold out.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Pebble V3 Artisan Edition is priced at £54.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/Artisan

Creative launches newest audio interface, Live! Audio A3

Creative Technology today announced the release of the Creative Live! Audio A3, the latest USB audio interface poised to transform the way users experience audio in their creative pursuits. Featuring high-resolution 24-bit recording and playback, versatile I/O connectivity, onboard level controls, and zero-latency direct monitoring, the Creative Live! Audio A3 serves as an essential tool for live streamers, content creators, and musicians seeking professional-grade audio quality.

The Creative Live! Audio A3 stands out with its high-resolution 24-bit recording and playback capabilities, ensuring that users experience exceptional audio clarity and fidelity for all types of content, from music to podcasts and voiceovers. Moreover, the 3.5 mm Mobile Audio I/O Jack minimizes caller input disruptions during remote interviews and podcast recordings, which allows users to seamlessly mix-minus audio to mobile devices while maintaining crystal-clear communication.

Elevate your sound and simplify your craft with the Creative Live! Audio A3

Tailored for a diverse range of users, the Creative Live! Audio A3 caters to the needs of musicians, podcasters, and content creators alike. It comes equipped with dual headphone jacks, each with individual volume controls, enabling users to fine-tune their listening experience. Furthermore, the interface includes a dual combo jack featuring a built-in mic preamp and Hi-Z switch, ensuring seamless compatibility with microphones, line-level devices, and instruments. On top of that, the integration of balanced stereo outputs eliminates common issues like electromagnetic interference to deliver clearer sound quality.

With the Creative Live! Audio A3, users can enjoy comprehensive audio control right at their fingertips with individual output and input volume controls, complemented by user-friendly indicators that make audio adjustments a breeze. Moreover, the zero-latency direct monitoring offers immediate sound feedback, a standout feature that strikes a chord with live streamers and musicians alike.

With high-resolution recording, seamless mobile audio integration, and intuitive controls, the Creative Live! Audio A3 shines as the ultimate audio solution for live streamers, content creators, and musicians looking to take their craft to the next level.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Live! Audio A3 is priced at US$299.99, UK£329.99 and is available at Creative.com. For more information, visit creative.com/LiveAudioA3

Creative launches Live! Meet 4K webcam

Creative Technology today announced the release of Creative Live! Meet 4K, the latest conference webcam sporting an array of nifty features that sets the stage for a stunningly clear and seamless virtual conferencing experience. Equipped with an expansive wide-angle field of view, adjustable digital zoom, stunning 4K UHD resolution, and cutting-edge Sony STARVIS IMX415 CMOS imaging sensor, this latest conference webcam serves as the ideal tool for hosting virtual meetings, guiding online classrooms, and even exploring creative endeavours.

With 4K UHD resolution, backed by the Sony STARVIS IMX415 CMOS Imaging Sensor, the Creative Live! Meet 4K transforms virtual interactions into vivid experiences, teeming with intricate details, vibrant colours, and outstanding clarity. To complement this visual prowess, the Creative Live! Meet 4K also boasts an expansive wide-angle field of view, spanning up to 115°, making it an exceptional choice for accommodating numerous participants in a boardroom setting or capturing a wide range of visual content, such as whiteboard presentations. Moreover, this latest conference webcam offers an impressive 7X digital zoom capability, enabling users to zero in on crucial details without compromising image quality.

The Creative Live! Meet 4K is not just about crystal-clear visuals; it also features four pairs of ultra-sensitive omnidirectional microphones, ensuring comprehensive audio capture from all directions. This makes it the perfect to-go choice for recording or hosting conferences in large meeting rooms. What sets it apart is its automated microphone gain, which accurately picks up sound sources even from a distance, ensuring that every participant’s voice is heard loud and clear. Additionally, the conference webcam incorporates 40 mm Neodymium magnet speaker drivers to offer greater audio clarity and depth to enhance the overall communication and audio experience.

On top of that, the latest conference webcam comes with built-in AI tracking and framing technology, which automatically tracks the subject’s face based on AI facial recognition features. This intelligent technology ensures the subject remains consistently centred within the frame, even when they shift positions, providing users with a stable and hassle-free visual experience. Coupled with hand gestures, users can easily trigger specific actions by simply gesturing in front of the Creative Live! Meet 4K.

For added convenience, the conference webcam also comes with a remote control and accessible mic mute button, providing a seamless way to make quick adjustments without any interruption to ongoing conversations.

Setting up the Creative Live! Meet 4K is also a breeze, as it requires no additional driver installation and is compatible with all laptops and computers running on Windows and macOS platforms. Users can also leverage the SmartComms Kit that is available via the Creative App to access a suite of smart communication features such as VoiceDetect and NoiseClean-Out to ensure clearer communication whenever and wherever.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Live! Meet 4K is priced at US$299.99, UK£329.99 and is available at Creative.com. For more information, visit creative.com/LiveMeet4K

Tech Review – Creative ZEN AIR DOT

The Creative ZEN AIR DOT are the companies most affordable earbuds to date and come in a very small package overall and I have been testing these little guys out some time now and we are about to discuss what they have and what they do not have, when it comes to earbuds these days the cost to performance ratio is getting better and these come in at just 30 euro..

So do you get value for your 30 euro or are they fit for the bin? Well at this price there is obviously going to be things omitted from these earbuds but its down to the audio experience for most people these days and some like to have a certain level of functionality and for the price these will keep those people happy.

Remember now the price. So what is missing. No app access, no wireless charging, no auto play/pause, no option to each side when one is charging bar the left side, though to be fair this is common even on high end earbuds but just pointing this out and there is no volume control and the battery life is on the low side up to 24 hr hours depending on how you like your volume levels but again remember the price..

Creative ZEN AIR DOT true wireless – techbuzzireland

What do they have then.  Call controls skip and reverse tracks, voice assistant access and reset options are all present which is enough and we have got large drivers for small earbuds and dual mics so is that enough for your 30 euro?

They are small earbuds so sleep and fit well in the ears and look good, the case is tiny and fits in any pocket and overall in general one of the smallest cases this year so far and earbuds with a tiny stem that sport touch controls that worked really well for me on my testing. For calls these are surprisingly good for what you pay here with ENC built in and calls can be controlled easily on them too.

How they sound though given they have custom tuned 13.mm neodymium drivers  is what is important and having no app access at this time they are quite loud and super punchy, we have no EQ to deal with unless you have a third party app on your phone which most are utter rubbish but this is a pair of earbuds that just get the job done out of the box and no fiddling around with and give a pretty decent audio experience, they are not bassy not flat not sound tinny or distort on maxed out volumes and in general will keep most people who are not fussy happy and for the price what more do you really want.

Features 

Environmental Noise Cancellation

Dual Microphones

Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity

IPX4 rating

13 mm Neodymium drivers

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Video Review