Sunday, August 30, 2009

Official: Sony Walkman S Series with built-in speakers


Sony has announced the launch of its latest addition to their Walkman portable video / music players. Believe it or not, the new S Series is the first ever Walkman video MP3 player with built-in stereo speakers. Ultrathin at just 10.2mm thick, the new S Series will be available in four colours: black, pink, violet and red. It features a bright, high resolution 2.4-inch LCD screen, and is designed to play videos in landscape format with a supplied stand accessory. More info and full press release right after the jump…

Monday, August 24, 2009

How to use the iPhone on Verizon


US readers, fed up with running at a slow pace on your iPhone’s AT&T data network? You can consider this alternative, try Verizon.Verizon’s “MiFi” is a possibility if you are really in need of a stable data network that is dependable (for example if you’re a frequent traveller). But MiFi does come at a cost and you may find yourself being charged as much as $60 per 5GBs of data. Check out how it works after the jump…

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Sony unveils new Cyber-shot cameras TX1, WX1 with near DSLR specs for under $380




Sony has unveiled two very non-pricey, highly affordable point and shoot Cyber-shots with high end specs. The DSC-TX1 and DSC-WX1 are both new additions to Sony’s Cyber-shot range. Sony has blessed the TX1 and WX1 with a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, the Exmor R. If you’re wondering why the duo will have near DSLR specs, its mainly because of its sensor.Their sensors will be based on those found in Sony’s DSLRs, this promises to deliver optimal low-light performance without help from a flash or tripod - something that not many point and shoots are doing so well at the moment.




Both 10.2 megapixel TX1 and WX1 will be under the stunning budget price of $380. The $350 WX1 features the exact same G Lens, low-light optimized Exmor R CMOS sensor and Sweep Panaroma mode as seen in Sony’s $500 HX1 mega zoom camera.




On the other hand, the rather slimmer $380 Cyber-shot TX1 falls in step with other T series model with a 3.0 inch touch screen on the back panel. Though without the Sony G Lens on the WX1, it still boasts low-light optimized Exmor R CMOS Sensor and Sony’s new Twilight mode. Twilight mode works simply by combining a range of shots taken at various exposures to produce photos with greater dynamic range, this again hopes to enable users to get the most out of low-light photography. The TX1 has a shutter button, but all other controls are via the touch screen, which also lets you flick through images with a finger.
Both new Cyber-shot cameras will be able to record 720p HD (MPEG-4 @ 30fps).

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Kodak Zi8 pocket HD video camera


Kodak has announced the latest Zi8, which is a new pocket size HD video camera / camcorder. Zi8 is probably their best pocket video camera so far. It features Flip Ultra HD with 1080p recording, an electronic image stabilizer and a SDHC card slot. It is basically an improved version of is predecessor, the Zi6.More details after the break
Other specs of the Kodak Zi8 includes an external mic jack for better audio recording, the capability to shoot 5-megapixel still images and track faces of subjects.
The most important feature which makes the Kodak Zi8 stand out is, according to Kodak, the ability to see sharper details with greater colour accuracy in low light. No doubt, low light recording has so far been the main concern of Flip-class camera.
The Flip UltraHD costs the same as Zi8, while only shooting 720p and has no removable external storage. It looks like the Zi8 will be a competitive rival from Kodak.
The Kodak Zi8 will bare a pricetag of $180. For more details, check out the following press release below…


Rochester, NY, July 29, 2009 - Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today announced an exciting new addition to its popular line of Digital Video Cameras – the KODAK Zi8 Pocket Video Camera, featuring a sleek design, high-quality full 1080p High Definition video capture, and built-in electronic image stabilization.
“Images and video have tremendous power to help us stay connected to family and friends,” says Phil Scott, Worldwide Director of Marketing, Digital Capture and Devices and Vice President, Consumer Digital Group. “The KODAK Zi8 Pocket Video Camera makes it easy to spontaneously capture HD video – of heartwarming moments, of ‘can you believe that?’ moments, and of just plain laugh-out-loud moments – and then quickly and easily share them.”
The slim and stylish KODAK Zi8 Pocket Video Camera is designed to meet these needs at the touch of a button — no lens cap, dials to turn or settings to adjust. The new camera’s range of advanced features includes:• Full HD 1080p video capture wherever you go;• Built-in electronic image stabilization for sharper videos and reduced blurring;• Vivid 2.5″ color LCD;• Flexible swing-out USB arm for fast uploading, sharing, and charging;• 5 MP 16:9 widescreen HD still pictures;• Easy upload to Facebook and YouTube;• Compatible with PC and Mac operating systems;• Record up to 10 hours of HD video* with the expandable SD/SDHC card slot that can hold up to 32 GB;• Capture family and friends in their best light with smart face tracking technology;• See more details and accurate colors in low light;• External microphone jack;• In-box HDMI cable;• Record from a distance or playback on your TV conveniently with optional KODAK Pocket Video remote control;• Grab attention and define your style with the ultra compact design, stunning looks, and a range of colors.
Uploading to Facebook and YouTubeThe KODAK Zi8 Pocket Video Camera provides one-button upload to Facebook, the premiere social networking and sharing website. Content can also be quickly and easily uploaded to YouTube, the world’s most popular online video community. The built-in software on the camera allows seamless upload of your video and pictures from the same desktop interface used for video editing and movie creation.
AccessoriesA range of accessories are available for the KODAK Zi8 Pocket Video Camera, including:• KODAK SDHC Memory Cards, available in 4, 8, and 16GB capacities customized for optimal video capture;• KODAK Pocket Video Remote control;• KODAK KLIC-7004 Lithium Ion batteries;• KODAK Flexi-tripod;• KODAK Adventure Mount for helmet, handlebars and more;• KODAK cases, camera bags and neck straps.
Pricing and AvailabilityThe KODAK Zi8 Pocket Video Camera will be available in aqua, raspberry and black** from September, 2009, and retail for US$179.95 MSRP.
*Record approximately 20 minutes per 1GB at HD 30fps.** Color availability may vary.