Creative Sounds Out The Android Tablet Market

Creative has launched two tablets, a white seven-inch and black10-inch, which clearly target the audiophile home user but could attract business interest. The company is best known for its audio products and the tablets are being seen as an extension to its media player lines.

The ZiiO tablets are based on Android 2.1, rather than the current 2.2 release, and have built-in Bluetooth support for headphones or remote speakers. Creative claims that the sound quality is superior to other tablets and that would make the larger device ideal for sales presentations.

Creative’s Sound Investment

The sound device is based on Creative’s X-Fi Crystalizer and Expand technologies that, it says, clarify the sound and allow a deep and wide sound field. The sound system is paired with the company’s ranges of speakers and headphones which are offered as optional extras.

Each model has two variants based on memory capacities of 8GB and 16GB. This can be upgraded using MicroSD cards for the ZiiO seven-inch and standard SD cards for the 10-inch model. Both have a front-facing camera and Wi-Fi connectivity.

“Now everyone will be able to have a house full of entertainment instead of a house full of wires,” said Ting Lai Chu, Creative’s vice president for its Advanced Multimedia Group.

Display resolution for the smaller tablet is 800×400 pixels and the larger screen is 1024x 600.  Both have HDMI sockets for connection to high definition televisions and monitors.

There are three supplied Zii applications for playing music video and displaying photos plus the Pure Android Audio application with a status control bar. The Zii applications can be supplemented by any Android 2.1 compatible app downloaded from the Android Market or other online app stores.

Both devices will be available in December. The 7-inch ZiiO will cost £199.99 for the lower memory option and £20 more for the 16GB version. Similarly the 10-inch model will be £249.99 or £269.99.