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``Creative is no stranger to the musical instrument industry. Our subsidiary E-mu/Ensoniq has for years provided Hollywood studios and popular bands with professional musical instruments and solutions under the EMU and Ensoniq brand,'' said Sim Wong Hoo, chairman and chief executive officer, Creative Technology Ltd. ``With BlasterKey MP3, we can combine our music and audio expertise to provide the online music industry with an affordable, powerful and complete MP3 music solution for the mass consumer market,'' he added.

Internet-centric and Internet-ready with support for MP3 and downloadable

content

Enabled by its built-in MP3 authoring software, Creative BlasterKey MP3 is Internet-centric and Internet-ready. Users can download new musical content, loops and ``fun-mixes,'' and software upgrades from http://www.blasterkey.com. The website will also feature latest news, promotions, demos, shopping, support and more.

Educational software makes music-learning fun

Creative BlasterKey MP3's software suite comes with a series of easy-to-use features, including a ``music tutor'' mode, an ``intelligent chord'' mode which provides automatic chord accompaniment to any melody played, and a ``fun'' mode which allows jamming using pre-produced drum grooves and loops. Even without formal music training, users can create their own compositions and perform as a ``one-man-band.''

Completes the range of MP3 and Internet-related music solutions from

Creative

With Creative BlasterKey MP3, users can employ the ``song teaching'' mode to learn new songs and easily record or encode their creations in MP3 format using the Sound Blaster® Live!. These original creations can be published or uploaded to the web and shared with friends. They can also be downloaded to portable digital audio players, such as Creative's NOMAD® II Digital Audio Player, for playback. Compatible with Creative's LAVA!(TM) technology, users can also create customized interactive 3D MusicVideos.

The launch of Creative BlasterKey MP3 will be supported by an extensive campaign targeting dealers in USA, starting early February. An attractive incentive program will subsequently be launched in March. For a limited period only, buyers can look forward to a special introductory offer, a free 5-CD SoundFont collection called ``Module Mania'', when they purchase the BlasterKey MP3. Featuring the hottest 128 Presets from the Proteus 1,2,3, Vintage Keys and Planet Phatt series of sound modules, this collection is worth US$100. For details, visit www.blasterkey.com.

    Features & Benefits

    -- One-touch button for MP3 recording without complicated settings;
    -- One-touch button for connecting and downloading music lessons and songs
       via the Internet;
    -- Accompanying software comes with a simple, effortless one-click
       installer, allowing quick access to the MIDI and PC-based music;
    -- Ergonomic and user-friendly design with reprogrammable buttons for
       changing instruments and rhythms;
    -- Instantly connectible to the PC without the need for an external MIDI
       interface;
    -- Built-in MIDI output for connection to additional MIDI gear, such as
       E-mu's sound modules;
    -- Powered directly from the sound card, needing only a single cable
       connection from PC to keyboard; and
    -- First keyboard designed to connect to and work directly with Creative's
       Sound Blaster Live!

Pricing & Availability

Creative BlasterKey MP3 will be available through Creative's subsidiary E-mu/Ensoniq at an estimated street price of US$99. Available in Spring 2000 at music retailers across the USA and at http://www.blasterkey.com.

About Creative Technology

Creative Technology Ltd. develops, manufactures and markets a wide array of advanced multimedia solutions for the PC, entertainment, education, music and productivity tools markets. Creative's products are marketed through the OEM, systems integrator and retail channels under a variety of trademarks, including the ``Blaster'' family name. With the new Sound Blaster® PCI Standard, Creative has produced a solution that utilises a combination of hardware and software for near-perfect compatibility with existing DOS and Windows titles. Creative's corporate headquarters and primary manufacturing are based in Singapore, with sales, distribution and research and development being carried out through an extensive, global network of subsidiaries located in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. For more information, visit Creative's website at www.creative.com.

This announcement relates to products being launched in the United States of America. The product names, contents, prices and availability are subject to change and may differ elsewhere in the world according to local factors and requirements.

NOTE: Sound Blaster and Blaster are registered trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd. in the U.S. and other countries. E-mu Systems®, EMU®, ENSONIQ (R), the E-MU / ENSONIQ logo, are trademarks owned or exclusively licensed by E-MU / ENSONIQ, registered in the United States as indicated by (R) and in numerous other countries worldwide. Creative®, BlasterKey(TM) and LAVA!(TM) are registered trademarks registered worldwide, owned or exclusively licensed by Creative Technology Ltd. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE: Creative Technology Ltd.