Creative has announced a pair of Android 2.1 tablets. The Ziio 7 and 10 both make audio their strong points and combine Creative’s usual X-Fi audio processing with the use of apt-X’s new audio codec. The format allows high-quality audio over Bluetooth with reduced lag, making them better fits for wireless headphones and speakers than the usual compressed sound.
The two are defined by their screens. The Ziio 7 has a high-color but 800×480 seven-inch screen, while the 10-inch Ziio has a low color, 1024×600 display. Both use a resistive touchscreen instead of capacitive to trade some p
recision for a lower price. A stylus is shipped with the units to make up for the reduced finger accuracy. There is a front-facing camera and an HDMI out that takes advantage of the Zii ZMS-08 chip to decode 1080P video on a TV.
Creative’s tablets are getting a worldwide launch and should be available at the very end of the year. US pricing isn’t yet listed, but 8GB versions of the Ziio slates will cost the equivalent of $279 and $333 for the seven- and 10-inch models in Singapore. The company also plans 16GB versions but is limiting those to its online store for roughly $302 and $357.
