Creative Unveils NOMAD II Portable Digital
Audio Player Offers Host of New Features Including USB
Connectivity and Multiple Codec Support
October 11, 1999
Creative Technology has introduced the next-generation Creative NOMAD II portable
digital audio player at the 1999 Fall Internet World convention in New York. The
NOMAD II is one of the exciting new devices that make up Creative's Personal Digital
Entertainment (PDE) Internet solutions.
A key feature at the core of the NOMAD II is its programmability, designed
to be virtually future-proof. By incorporating this upgradeable feature, the NOMAD
II can be programmed to support multiple digital audio formats such as MP3 and
Microsoft Windows Media or software extensions that will be made available on
www.nomadworld.com. In addition, NOMAD
II is designed to enable consumers to download support for future digital rights
management technology, including future SDMI compliance requirements, enabling
the NOMAD II to play digital music in secure formats.
The NOMAD II is designed for the active consumer, with features that emphasize
quick setup and mobility. The new NOMAD II comes equipped with a Universal Serial
Bus (USB) connection for faster transfer rates and hot-plugging connectivity,
a wired remote for accessing the playback controls while on the move, a high-quality
backlit LCD, and SSFDC (Solid State Floppy Disk Card) compliant flash memory card
support in all configurations. And like the current NOMAD, the next-generation
NOMAD II features a built-in FM tuner, MP3 playback and voice recording capability.
Creative will, for the first time, include built-in support for the secure CD-quality
audio of Windows Media in its next-generation NOMAD II.
"Our goal at Creative is to continue leveraging our expertise in digital
audio to offer the best solutions for the ever-changing audio market," said
Hock Leow, chief technology officer at Creative. "We are committed to incorporating
the most cutting-edge features and to providing access to the widest variety of
audio content utilizing popular formats such as MP3 and Windows Media Audio. This
next generation NOMAD digital audio player offers consumers flexibility, mobility
and programmability - which is similar to the programmable nature of the highly
acclaimed EMU10K1 audio processor on Sound Blaster Live! It is a product that
will change as the industry continues to evolve."
Key features not currently found in other portable players include:
- Programmable Portable Audio Platform: Upgradeable firmware via the
Internet designed to permit future compatibility with multiple digital audio formats
or software extensions.
- Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connection: Offers faster transfer rates
and "hot-plugging" ability for quick connectivity and setup to the PC.
- Memory: The NOMAD II continues to support the flash memory card standard
in a variety of configurations to match any lifestyle or activity. NOMAD II memory
cards will be SSFDC compliant, allowing consumers the flexibility to exchange
their memory cards with other devices such as digital cameras without the burden
of reformatting for each use. The NOMAD II will come bundled with a 64MB flash
memory card.
- FM Tuner: A popular feature among consumers now stores up to 20 preset
stations.
- Voice Recording: Allows users to conveniently record voice-quality
audio and upload voice recordings to the PC for easy storage and archiving.
- Design: A stylish, high-tech look with a contoured finish for easy
button access and with a shape designed to easily fit in the palm of one's hand.
Strengthened plastic casing and reinforced LCD screen allows for optimum durability.
Additional feature support found in the NOMAD II includes:
- Optional Docking Stations: Optional docking stations provide the flexibility
to recharge batteries and cable-free connectivity.
- Icon-based LCD: Large screen and backlighting allows consumers high-quality
LCD viewing in any environment.
- Remote Control: A custom designed wired remote gives quick access to
the playback controls.
- Bass-Enhanced Stereo Backphones: Bundled with bass-enhanced stereo
backphones that are contoured to fit the back of the head and optimized for high-quality
sound during all activities.
- NOMAD Manager Software: Lets users easily download MP3 and Windows
Media files from their PC to the NOMAD II in a matter of seconds.
- The Creative Digital Audio Center by MusicMatch: Allows users to encode,
decode and archive high-quality MP3 files and Windows Media files, as well as
convert an unlimited number of CD tracks from personal CD collections and catalog
them according to preference. When used with Sound Blaster Live!, Creative Digital
Audio Center allows MP3 content to be enhanced with Environmental Audio. Such
enhanced content can be downloaded and enjoyed on the portable player.
Industry Support
Creative supports the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and
its Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI). The company has been an active member
of SDMI since its inception in December 1998. Creative is working with SDMI to
help develop and implement the recommendations of SDMI and create a standard for
digital audio distribution that is acceptable to the recording industry as well
as the PC industry and Internet community.
Creative's overall focus is to satisfy current consumer demand by adapting
to the changing industry. As new digital audio formats are introduced to the market,
Creative will evaluate and consider them for updating its line of digital audio
players.
Pricing and Availability
The Creative NOMAD II will begin shipping in volume in Q1 2000. It will be
available at under US$400.00.
For more information on the NOMAD line of prodicts, visit www.nomadworld.com.
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