In a move that is expected to challenge the likes of the Apple iPod and the Microsoft Zune HD, Creative have released their version of a SDK for the Creative Zen X-Fi 2 dubbed the “Application Developer Kit” or ADK.

The Lua-based development kit will allow consumers/developers to not only develop applications for the X-Fi 2 platform but to completely customize it. But unlike the iPhone Developer Program which requires a fee to create games/apps for the iPod Touch, the ADK from Creative appears to be completely free.

Once you get a copy of the 8MB install, you will get full access to the API, programmer’s guide, ZEN X-Fi2 simulator and a slew of sample applications from sudoku to a fully-fledged calculator.

If you’re a Mac-only geek, you might consider investing in a copy of VMWare Fusion because the SDK is Windows only.

We now have a touchscreen PMP with wireless and an application developer kit. Exactly when should we expect a Creative mobile phone or ZenPhone? We’re not ones to speculate…

If news of the Creative X-Fi 2’s price slash was not exciting enough, we have just a bit more news to make the X-Fi 2 the must have player. “What’s all the noise about?”, I hear you ask.

Creative have released a much needed firmware update for the X-Fi 2 which gives the player several new features. Fitted with an accelerometer, the X-Fi 2 can switch from landscape to portrait views with the flick of a wrist.

Furthermore, the user-interface has been re-organized and optimized for performance. This not only means a clean, interactive, and intuitive UI, but it is now more responsive to the human touch.

It doesn’t end there, Creative have been kind enough to include the popular Sudoku game so be prepared to waste away hours of your free time.

As the first Creative player to boast a touchscreen, it still lacks some features found in other players.  For example, there is no sign of any wireless capabilities, Internet browsing, or an application store.

[via PMPToday]

After our exclusive story of a possible Creative Zen X-Fi 2 price slash, Creative have followed through with a price-cut stateside, similar to the one seen across Europe.

Originally over-priced at $239.99, $179.99 and $129.99 for the 32GB, 16GB, and 8GB models respectively, the X-Fi 2 has had its retail price amended to a more respectable $229.99, $139.99 and $129.99.

While we anticipated a more optimistic price of $199.99, $149.99, and $119.99, the 16GB version of the player was the only model to beat our expectations. The 16GB player is now only $10 more than its 8GB counterpart making it a complete steal.

The Creative Zen X-Fi 2 is available on Amazon.

According to gmp3, the price of Creative’s new X-Fi 2 player has been slashed in France. The news will be most welcome to consumers…

Although the X-Fi 2 is the first Creative player to boast a touchscreen, it still lacks some features found in other players.  For example, there is no sign of any wireless capabilities. Both the Zune HD ($289) and iPod Touch ($279) retail for a slightly higher price yet include features like HD radio, Internet browsing, and application stores all of which are not found on the $229 X-Fi 2.

What does this mean? Expect too see a global revision of X-Fi 2 retail prices.  Considering the ratios of the price cuts in Europe, the X-Fi 2 will be retailing for $199.99, $149.99, and $119.99 for the 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB respectively (instead of $239.99, $179.99 and $129.99).

If the latest release of players (including Microsoft’s Zune HD, Apple’s new Touch or Sony’s new S540) does not tickle your fancy, Creative’s little show-stopper, the Creative Zen X-Fi 2, has raised its head on Amazon.

As anticipated, the Zen X-Fi 2 is now available for pre-order, retailing at $129.99, $179.99 and $229.99 for the 8, 16, and 32GB models respectively. No word on an exact shipping or release date.

Recall that the Zen X-Fi 2 features:

• Flashy 3-inch touchscreen with the GUI displaying in landscape format
• Support for MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, WMV9, MPEG4, DivX, XviD, JPG/JPEG and BMP formats
• Available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB storage capacities with an accompanying SD card slot
• Additional features including FM radio, voice recorder, and RSS reader. Furthermore, comes bundled with preloaded content, including an audio book and nine eMusic tracks.

Unfortunately, the X-Fi 2 still lacks that much needed wireless support, but then again who is going to complain about a solid 32GB player (let’s not forget that SD slot) retailing for $230?

Creative’s announcement of the Zen X-Fi 2 is a big one – Creative have now entered the realm of touchscreen capable PMPs. Bring on the competition…

The new PMP features a 3-inch touchscreen sitting the player at a length of 4-inches by 2.2-inches wide by 0.4-inches thick. What’s most notable about the new X-Fi 2? Instead of the GUI adopting a portrait layout, the interface utilizes a landscape layout; it seems to work well. Obviously, not at all uncommon with today’s PMPs, but it is a big step for Creative.

The X-Fi 2 carries on the great tradition of supporting a variety of file formats including MP3, WMA, AAC and FLAC, WMV9, MPEG4, DivX and XviD, plus it can display photos in JPG/JPEG and BMP formats.

Available in a choice 8GB, 16GB and 32GB, the X-Fi 2 adopts flash memory as an alternative to HDD. Storage capacity is further expandable with the available SD card slot.

Additional features include an FM radio, voice recorder, and RSS reader. The X-Fi 2 will come bundled with pre-loaded content, including an audio book and nine eMusic tracks.

With a release date set for October, prices for the X-Fi 2 will start at $129.99, $179.99 and $229.99 for the 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB respectively.

Check out the product demonstration video of the X-Fi 2 in action:

[EDIT:] The X-Fi 2 is now available through Amazon.

[via Le Journal du Geek]