Creative Labs, a company that is always on the edge of technology when it comes to multimedia products, has launched a teaser about Zii, claiming that Stemcell computing (whatever it might mean) is going to change everything as we know it (check image below). Whatever it is, you might want to register for further news by going on www.zii.com or www.creative.com. Let's hope it is really some sort of revolutionary new technology, not just a marketing ploy to launch a new gaming console (does it remind you of any console in particular?).

After having given the issue it's fair share of thinking, and trying to dig up what all this could be about, I leave the console option open, however I am also considering the that the Zii could well be an add-on card based on the Cell processor - a branch (stem) of the Cell processor - therefore - Stemcell. The IBM PowerXCell 8i processor (or a similar CPU, in single or multi-unit configuration) will allow super-computing power to the normal desktop PC (and who knows... maybe even a notebook). This would work somewhat like the nVIDIA Tesla add-on cards/systems. The system could allow for new unexplored territory for the standard computing, typically - enhanced decoding for multi video streams in HD for HD TV reception (picture in picture split screen... etc. - will marry well with that hi-def TV you just got for Christmas). It would probably also allow high quality video stream upscaling (for DVD and Youtube/internet videos) for the PC. It could also boost gaming performace, both where it comes to graphics and also in sound. Probably there would be different models, targeted at different audiences/market segments, like it has always been with many other Creative products. 

It could appear as different devices/add-ons, typically:

• A PCI-e add-on card for desktop PCs
• A USB add-on for notebooks/PCs
• A totally dedicated HTPC
• A gaming console???

In the meantime, we welcome your comments on what you think this new product is going to be.