Providing phenomenally accurate positional 3D audio over headsets or speakers, the Sound Blaster Recon3D sound card is also powered by the new SoundCore3D quad-core audio and video processor.

ENGADGET: Creative doles out Sound Blaster gaming headsets, Recon3D audio platform / sound cards

It has Burr-Brown 2 Channel low-noise Op Amp, ELNA Audio Grade Capacitor and a R-core linear power supply - doesn't mean that much too you?

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If the specifications are real, the 8X would bear more in common with the Droid Incredible 4G LTE, sharing its 1.2GHz dual-core chip, 8-megapixel rear camera, Beats Audio and NFC while picking up a slightly larger 4.3-inch screen and 16GB of storage.

ENGADGET: HTC Accord may become the mid-range 8X, make a little more Sense

The solution includes an Audience Advanced Voice Processor core and a hardware accelerator engine, optimized to run computationally intensive audio algorithms with low power consumption.

ENGADGET: Audience eS515 Smart Sound Processor brings three-mic support and selective audio capture to phones

To dynamically power compelling audio playback, the new sound cards leverage the Creative Sound Core3D quad-core sound and voice processor, which is designed to work in perfect harmony with Creative's SBX Pro Studio technology and high-quality components to deliver a complete audio platform.

ENGADGET: Creative reveals Sound Blaster ZxR, Zx, and Z PCI-Express sound cards, pumps up the volume

While the ever improving processing power and always-on broadband connectivity of the smartphone are the core assets, it has been interesting to see such widespread capabilities as the camera, GPS, and even audio jack used as hooks for new FinTech solutions.

FORBES: Why The Financial Technology Revolution Is Only Just Getting Started