Submitted by We’ve talked about Creative’s brand-new Stemcell computing platform before. They developed a new processor, the ZMS-05, which consists of two ARM-926 cores, and 48 programmable ‘processing elements’ which can develop in real-time into performing any of the specialised acceleration functions needed by modern computing. In addition, the system-on-chips, called Zii, could be linked together freely, achieving teraflop speeds on a sheet of A4 paper. Back then, they claimed that a Zii could easily playback HD content (even on HDTVs). They put the Zii in a iPod Touch-like device, and their promises turned out to be true.
They call it theZii EGG handheld, the first device running on the Plaszma open source platform (built on top of Linux) and utilizing the ZMS-05 chip. Apart from the amazing Zii stuff, it also comes with an accelerometer, WiFi, GPS, BlueTooth, 32GB internal storage, and an SD expansion slot. This being Creative, it also comes with Creative’s X-Fi audio processing chip. Pretty darn impressive.
The Zii EGG can run two operating systems: the Plazma operating system (Linux-based), and Google’s Android. Plazma takes much more advantage of the device than Android does, but Android has the better mindshare and applications, of course.
The Zii EGG will be offered to developers and OEMs only for now (but you can order a developer package for USD 399), as a means to get them acquainted with the hardware. Android is not yet working optimally on the Zii EGG, so for now, the Plazma OS will ship with the device, but buyers will get Android later on, with the ability to load either OS on the device.
Oh, detailed specifications and more information. There are also two videos showing off the device.
But can you make calls with it?
But will it blend?
Don’t breath that! The stem cells are toxic!
I actually bought one of those blenders… totally worth it.
Of course! Just connect to the net using Wi-Fi and make as many VOIP calls as you want I’m actually thinking of getting one.
well createive didnt develop squat, 3d realms extend their OLD processor the DMS-02.
the dual arm is nothing new and the zms-05 is not all that exciting compared to any other arm licensee’s SOC. They are not even using new arm cores just old 926’s.
the newer TI cores are more interesting than the zii.
the dms-02 was interesting at the time but didn’t score any major design wins and so far, neither has the zms-05. creative is all about the hype “stemcell computing! rawk!” and no meat “lets make an iphone touch clone!”
it needs a) a die shrink, b) speed increase, c) expanded memory address space (1gb? pshaw).
Hey Itouhg that was very interesting, but if you say so… Can you point to more information about these processors?? :]
nice! a standard usb connection! if it’s free from (as in required) proprietary software/protocols, I may keep an eye at it!
Seriously, I’ve never seen paper do a whole lot of computing.
It’s nice that they’ve finally figured out that the casing was not the next generation iPod touch or iPhone.
It should be interesting to see if this works well. I wouldn’t bet on an iPod touch killer but then, Creative hasn’t mentioned such a thing.
The OP compares the two possible dev choices as on the one hand Plazma being linux-based and otoh Google Android. But since Android is just as well Linux based, why shouldn’t it make the most advantage of the device? Does Plazma include a modified Linux kernel using the 48 processing cells more efficiently?
Edited 2009-07-31 07:40 UTC
If so, they’d be crazy not to add that to their android distribution – it wouldn’t be that difficult for them.
If they able to put in a 3G connection, this gadget would be perfect…
..if they put a GSM chip along with the 3G they would have a iPhone killer…
..without these they have a toy… a very good one though ..
The Zii is available in Germany, Spain, UK and Italy. Where is France you ask?
The sales support just answered: “We encourage you to check our website for the latest list of countries for delivery.”
This time Creative is creative, but they still have some issues with geography. I encourage them to continue working on good hardware and fire the support team
So the Zii uses X-Fi for sound and can use two Linux-based OSes. Does this mean that the Linux kernel will have X-Fi support from now on, or at least binary-only modules?