Creative Technology, have announced an agreement that will provide users of regular, host audio with a simple and cheap (apparently) upgrade option to a Sound Blaster.
"Under the agreement, Creative will market a Sound Blaster-enhanced audio upgrade to Analog Devices' integrated audio. This will allow end users to enjoy the Sound Blaster experience on products from many PC OEMs and mainboard manufacturers who use audio chips from Analog Devices. This experience includes state-of-the-art audio such as voice-enabled applications, enhanced music experiences, home theatre-quality DVD movies, and next-generation game audio."
Apparently these new upgrade solutions will be available in the fall of 2004.