You know you have plenty of empty PCIe slots in your system, and if you occasionally run into grounding issues with your microphone or the onboard audio doesn't do surround properly then…

Creative has announced the launch of the Creative XF1, a 2.0 desktop speaker system designed for high-end audio. Rolling out across select markets, the compact speakers pair a clean exterior with a 72W RMS power output, dual Hi-Res Audio certification, and wireless connectivity.

The XF1 features a fully active two-way bookshelf layout using digital signal processing (DSP) control and dedicated bi-amplification for each driver. The internals consist of two 3-inch woofers (26W RMS each) engineered using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), along with a pair of 3/4-inch tweeters (10W RMS each), for a combined system output of 72W RMS. Creative specs the frequency response across a 55-40,000Hz range.

Regarding connectivity, the XF1 is among the first desktop monitor solutions to support Bluetooth 6.0 and LDAC codec (alongside SBC and AAC). Physical connections include a USB-C input supporting up to 24-bit/96kHz digital playback and a 3.5mm analogue line-in. The rear panel also houses a dedicated subwoofer output with automatic mode switching, allowing users to expand into a 2.1 setup. Available in black or white finishes, each set comes with detachable acoustic cork stands that reduce desk vibrations and resonance while angling the drivers toward the listener.

Customisation is handled via the companion Creative Nexus app, which includes a 10-band parametric equaliser and more than 120 specialised EQ presets. The Creative XF1 is scheduled to hit retail starting August 6th, with an MSRP of €159.99.

KitGuru says: Interested in a pair of speakers for your setup? Will you consider the new Creative XF1?

Creative has introduced its latest soundcard, the Sound Blaster AE-X. This new PCIe 3.0 x1 desktop sound card is configured for high-resolution audio processing and dedicated headphone amplification. 

According to ITHome (via Guru3D), the sound card is built around the ESS ES9039Q2M dual-channel DAC, which utilises the HyperStream IV architecture. Also, the hardware supports playback up to 32-bit/384kHz, alongside a 130dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and direct DSD256 decoding. Headphone amplification is handled via Creative's X-amp discrete architecture, which is rated to drive high-impedance headphones up to 600ohms.

Image credit: ITHome

Physical connectivity on the card includes left and right analogue RCA phono outputs, two 3.5mm audio jacks, a digital coaxial output, and optical S/PDIF input and output terminals. For professional or low-latency applications, the device provides native compatibility with the ASIO 2.3 driver API. Software features include Scout Mode for enhanced in-game positional cues, AutoEQ headphone calibration presets, and customisable sound profiles managed through the Creative Nexus application.

The Sound Blaster AE-X has launched across several global regions, with retail pricing slightly below the 200€ mark in Europe.

KitGuru says: Would you consider getting a PCIe sound card today? Would the Sound Blaster AE-X be one you would consider?

Remember Fortnite's AI-powered Darth Vader that led SAG-AFTRA to file an unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games? Well, the studio has now revealed the latest evolution of the technology. Originally described as a "Persona device", the tech is now simply called "conversations", but the core remains the same: Fortnite developers can use conversations to create AI-powered characters with personalities and voices that can talk, react, respond to player actions, and even influence gameplay. Released with Fortnite's v40.20 update (launched on April 16), it is available in the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) and allows island creators to build AI-powered […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/fortnite-uefn-ai-npc-conversations-gemini-elevenlabs/