Monthly Archives: October 2011

21 posts

Dropbox for Teams Announced

Internet

Dropbox, a free service that lets people bring their documents, photos and videos everywhere and share them easily, today introduced Dropbox for Teams. More than 45 million people already depend on Dropbox, and with Dropbox for Teams, businesses can now experience the same ease-of-use along with new administrative controls, centralized billing, phone support, and plenty of space for everyone on the team.

“People in over a million businesses around the world trust Dropbox for its simplicity and reliability,” said Sujay Jaswa, vice president of business development and sales at Dropbox. “Now, Dropbox for Teams will give businesses the control and freedom to rethink how they work.”

How Dropbox for Teams Works

Dropbox for Teams delivers the same user experience as the free Dropbox service. Adding and updating files is as easy as saving any document, photo or video to the Dropbox folder. Changes sync immediately across all devices which have Dropbox installed. Dropbox is compatible with nearly every computer and smartphone operating system, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and BlackBerry.

With Dropbox for Teams, administrators get new features including centralized billing, phone support, and controls allowing them to add or delete users. Dropbox for Teams is priced at $795 annually for five
users, with additional seats available for $125 each. The base plan includes 1,000 GB of storage, and each additional seat comes with 200 GB.

Like Dropbox, Dropbox for Teams is a secure solution. Files are stored encrypted on Amazon S3 in secure data centers and also remain on users’ Dropbox-synced computers for added backup.

Visit www.dropbox.com/teams for more information.

About Dropbox

The mission of Dropbox is to simplify life for people around the world. Dropbox lets people bring their documents, photos and videos everywhere and share them easily. The service has more than 45 million
users in 175 countries saving one billion files every three days. Dropbox was founded in San Francisco in 2007 by Drew Houston and Arash Ferdowsi and has received a total of $257.2 million in funding.

Samsung MV800 Announced

Technology

The Samsung MV800 compact camera is packed with features that will help you shoot great self-portraits, but the folding screen and phone-style software make it more than just a toy for narcissists.

The MV800’s 3.0″ Display flips up and down so you can frame shots at any angle without having to twist your body or bend your back. Snap a high-angle shot over a crowd to effortlessly capture a street performance, or get waist-level candids of your dog. Take low angle shots without getting on the ground, or spin the display all the way around for dazzling self-portraits.The LCD lets you stand the camera so everyone can enjoy from a comfortable position. Life’s more fun when you can cover all the angles.

Engineered for the style-conscious, the MV800 has a slim, sleek, minimalist form that’s as impressive as its photographic functions. From the bolts to the lens barrel, the camera’s striking, sensuous front case is uniformly crafted from shimmering metal. All complements by the stunning 3.0″ touchscreen.

Egg-On-Egg Corporation Release Calendar G for Google Calendar

News

Calendar G is a handy desktop tool to edit Google Calendar. It helps users from opening a browser and handling confusing menus. It is a freeware with advertisements but they can be removed with an Address Key (US$5) offered by Egg-On-Egg Corporation.

In the last decade Google Calendar became one of the personal necessities not only in the company but also in the personal life. This movement is being accelerated by the spread of smartphones these days. Reflecting such circumstance, there is a growing body of request “More Handy,” “More Quick.” Calendar G might have the answer for these demands.

Calendar G’s first window is quite simple. There are only five textfields. They are Date, Beginning time, Ending time, Title and Description. It’s enough for users who input one’s schedules. There is an area to input the Google Calendar’s reminders under the textfields. The Google Calendar’s reminder sends Email/SMS or pop-ups a dialog box to notify the user ahead of time. Placing this area in the first window is one of the Calendar G’s unique features.

Clicking the button “View” on the right, a side window comes up. The calendar-view and the list-view can be selected in this side window. The existing events can be updated or deleted using this side window. As an aside, the appearance of the side window is a kind of door action. Users may get a brief glimpse of developer’s obsessiveness.

Calendar G is an application created with Adobe AIR known as an animation software. Calendar G seems to inherit characteristics from Adobe’s tool in its graphical design and motions. In general the installation of AIR application need the AIR runtime as a plug-in software. But using the Express Install provided at the Egg-On-Egg Corporation’s web site, Calendar G can be installed seamlessly without troublesome tasks.

Egg-On-Egg Corporation mainly provides the applications that assist Google’s web services (i.e., Gmail, Google Calendar). Some of them are freewares with advertisements and some are sharewares. They offer Address Key – a kind of license key – to remove the advertisements and restrictions. Of special note is the Address Key is common for all Egg-On-Egg Corporation’s applications. Here are the brief information about their applications.

– Synchronicity: An Editor and Backup-tool for Gmail address book.
– Photo Drag: Icon entry tool for Gmail address book.
– XCross Drag: Address exchange tool for Gmail address book.

Why is the Address Key common? Because it is the key not for the application for the Google account. If one has a Google account [email protected], an Address Key is created to the Google account. It is available to log in Google services using Egg-On-Egg Corporation’s application. As of today 10/27/2011, Egg-On-Egg Corporation provides up to two Address Keys with one purchase (US$5).

Egg-On-Egg Corporation is the software company. It mainly provides Adobe AIR applications related to Google web service. Its applications are adapted in English, Chinese and Japanese, and also available for Google Apps, too.

URL:http://www.egg-on-egg.com/

Nest The Learning Thermostat

News

Tony Fadell, Apple employee from 2006-2008 and best known to the world as the “Father of the iPod”, is the man behind a new thermostat idea that programs itself by learning which temperatures you prefer and when, as well as adjusting itself downward if you’re not in the house. The design is simple and beautiful in the way you would expect an Apple product to be, and you can even control it over wifi from your computer or smartphone.

“And it’s about more than looking pretty,” Fadell said in the company’s blog. “Heating and cooling make up half your energy bill. Everyone’s thinking green, switching their light bulbs, but that’s a drop in the bucket compared to what your thermostat could save. And when you realize that over 10 million thermostats are sold each year in the U.S. alone…” www.nest.com

Google Website Rating Guideline Insights

Media

The Daily SEO Blog has published an interesting article “16 Insights into Google’s Rating Guidelines” referencing a leaked Google document on http://searchengineland.com/download-the-latest-google-search-quality-rating-guidelines-97391 outlining Google’s official guidelines for quality raters.

Daily SEO Blog’s 16 Insights are:

(1) Relevance Is A Continuum

I think the biggest revelation of the document, in a broad sense, is that Google’s view of relevance is fairly sophisticated and nuanced. Raters are instructed to rate relevance along a continuum with 5 options: “Vital”, “Useful”, “Relevant”, “Slightly Relevant”, and “Off-topic”. Of course, there is always a certain amount of subjectivity to ratings, but Google provides many examples and detailed guidelines.

(2) Relevance & Spam Are Independent

Relevance is a rating, but spam is a flag. So, in Google’s view, a site can be useful but spammy, or it can be irrelevant but still spam-free. I think we see some of that philosophy in the algorithm. Content is relevant or irrelevant, but spam is about tactics and intent.

(3) The Most Likely Intent Rules

Some queries are ambiguous – “apple”, for example, can mean a lot of things without any context. Google instructs raters to, in most cases, use the dominant interpretation. What’s interesting is that their dominant interpretations often seem to favor big brands. In specific examples, the dominant interpretation of “apple” is Apple Computers and the dominant interpretation of “kayak” is the travel site Kayak.com.

Other interpretations (like “apple” the fruit or “kayak” the mode of transportation) automatically get lower relevance ratings if there’s a dominant interpretation. I think the notion of a dominant interpretation makes some sense, and it may be necessary for a rater to do their job, but it’s also highly subjective. In some cases, I just didn’t agree with Google’s examples, and I felt that the dominant interpretation unfairly penalized legitimate sites. Most people may want to buy an iPad when they type “apple”, but a site that specializes in online organic apple sales is still highly relevant to the ambiguous query, in my opinion.

(4) Some Results Are “Vital”

The “Vital” relevance rating is a special case. Any official entity – a company, an actor/actress, a politician, etc., can have a vital result. In most cases, this is their official home-page. Only a dominant interpretation can be vital – Apple Vacations will never be the vital result for “apple” (sorry, Apple Vacations; I don’t make the rules). I suspect this is a safety valve for checking the algorithm – if “vital” results don’t appear for entity searches, many people would question Google’s results, even if the SEO efforts of those entities don’t measure up.

Social profiles can also be vital, if those profiles are for individuals or small groups. So, a politician, actress or rock band could have multiple “vital” pages (their home-page, their Facebook page, and their Twitter profile, for example). Interestingly, Google specifically instructs that social media profiles for companies cannot be considered vital.

(5) Generic Queries Are Never Vital

Obviously, Walmart.com is a vital result for the query “walmart”, but Couches.com is not a vital result for the query “couches”. An exact-match domain doesn’t automatically make something vital, and some queries are inherently generic.

(6) Queries Come in 3 Flavors

Query intent can be classified, according to Google, as Action (“Do”), Information (“Know”) or Navigation (“Go”). Like ice cream, queries can come in more than one flavor (although Neapolitan ice cream should never substitute banana for vanilla). This Do/Know/Go model comes up a lot in the document and is a pretty useful structure for understanding search in general. Relevance is determined by intent – if a query is clearly action-oriented (e.g. “buy computer”), then only an Action (”Do”) result can be highly relevant.

(7) Useful Goes Beyond Relevance

This is wildly open to interpretation, but Google says that “useful” pages (the top rating below “vital”) should be more than just relevant – they should also be highly satisfying, authoritative, entertaining, and/or recent. This is left to the rater’s discretion, and no site has to meet all of these criteria, but it’s worth nothing that relevance alone isn’t always enough to get the top ratings.

(8) Relevance Implies Language Match

If a search result clearly doesn’t match the target language of the query, then in most cases that result is low-relevance. Likewise, if a query includes or implies a specific country, and the result doesn’t match that country, the result isn’t relevant.

(9) Local Intent Can Be Automatic

Even if a query is generic, it can imply local intent. Google gives the example of “ice rink” – a query for “ice rink” should return local results, and clearly non-local results should be rated as off-topic or useless. This applies whether or not the location is in the query. Again, expect Google to infer intent more and more, and local intent is becoming increasingly important to them.

(10) Landing Page Specificity Matters

A good landing page will fit the specificity of the query. A detailed product page, for example, is a better match to a long-tail query for a specific item. On the other hand, if the query is broad, then a broader resource may be more relevant. For example, if the query is “chicken recipes”, then a page with only one recipe isn’t as relevant as a list of recipes.

(11) Misspellings Are Rated By Intent

If a query is clearly misspelled, the relevance of the results should be based on the user’s most likely intent. In the old days, targeting misspellings was a common SEO practice, but I think we’re seeing more and more that Google will automatically push searchers toward the proper spelling. It’s likely Google is only going to get more aggressive about trying to determine intent and even pushing users toward the dominant intent.

(12) Copied Content Can Be Relevant

This may come as a surprise in a Post-Panda world, but Google officially recognizes that copied content isn’t automatically low quality, as long as it’s well-organized, useful, and isn’t just designed to drive ad views. Again, this is a bit subjective, and it’s clear that you have to add value somehow. A site with nothing but copied content (whether legitimately syndicated or scraped) isn’t going to gain high marks, and a site that’s only using copied content to wrap ads around it is going to be flagged as spam.

(13) Some Queries Don’t Need Defining

Dictionary or encyclopedia pages are only useful if a query generally merits definition or more information. If most users understand the meaning of the query word(s) – Google gives the example of “bank” – then a dictionary or encyclopedia page is not considered useful. Of course, tell that to Wikipedia.

(14) Ads Without Value Are Spam

One quote stood out in the document – “If a page exists only to make money, the page is spam.” Now, some business owners will object, saying that most sites exist to make money, in some form. When Google says “only to make money”, they seem to be saying money-making without content value. It’s ok to make money and have ads on your page, as long as you have content value to back it up. If you’ve just built a portal to collect cash, then you’re a spammer.

(15) Google.com Is Low Relevance

By Google’s standards, an empty search box with no results displayed is off-topic or useless. Ironic, isn’t it? Joking aside, the document does suggest that internal search results pages can be relevant and useful in some cases.

(16) Google Raters Use Firefox

I said no secrets, but I guess this is a little bit of inside information. Google raters are instructed to use Firefox, along with the web developer add-on. Do with that as you will.

ViewSonic ViewPad 7e Android Tablet

News

ViewSonic Introduces New Sub-$200 Android-Based Tablet

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today expanded its ViewPad tablet lineup to include the new ViewPad 7e.

Created with the economical consumer in mind, while offering the newest and most in-demand features, the ViewPad 7e is ViewSonic’s latest addition to the successful ViewPad tablet lineup. This convenient 7″ Android™ 2.3 Gingerbread tablet combines a powerful 1GHz processor that is excellent for flash video and web browsing. The included Amazon Services for Android and Amazon Kindle™ for Android applications create a great tablet and e-reading device. With pre-installed apps like Twitter, TuneIn Radio and WildTangent games, a service for convenient browsing, downloading and purchasing of online and social games, the ViewPad 7e delivers a layered, intuitive experience that is sure to please all ages and wallets.

ViewSonic has further improved the Gingerbread experience with its exclusive ViewScene 3D interface to deliver an intuitive home screen layout with holographic visual effects. With the new ViewSonic user interface, usability and navigation is unparalleled. Users can quickly get up to speed and customize their favorite apps, delivered directly from the Android storefront.

With its RiteTouch technology and multi-touch capability, it’s easy to write directly on the ViewPad 7e’s 800×600 LED backlit screen. It is perfect for note taking in the classroom, or highlighting excerpts within a novel or textbook. RiteTouch technology makes it easy to swipe across content, zoom in and out, and scroll through emails using either a fingertip or a stylus. Texting couldn’t be easier with the built-in Swype™ keyboard, making typing lightening fast right out of the box.

Whether experiencing 1080p video playback via the Micro HDMI connection, enjoying Flash 10.3 based applications, or engaging in video chats or taking photos using the dual cameras (3MP rear, VGA 0.3MP front), the ViewPad 7e delivers a robust yet cost-effective multimedia experience. In addition to 4GB of internal storage, the ViewPad 7e offers up to 32GB of additional storage capacity via the micro SD card slot. Teamed with Wi-Fi® 802.11 g/b/n and Bluetooth® support, consumers are able to stay connected to all their favorite multimedia content wherever they go. For added convenience and functionality, the ViewPad 7e offers ViewSonic’s AirSync® technology to ensure that tablet owners will receive over-the-air device updates as they are rolled out, from feature add-ons to software updates.

The ViewPad 7e will be available in North America at the end of October for an ESP of $199.99. Latin America will follow with product availability in November.

GoPro Launches HD HERO2 Camera Announces Wi Fi Remote Control and Video Streaming

Technology

2x More Powerful in Every Way, The HD HERO2 Democratizes Professional Image Capture and Broadcast with Support for Remote Control and Live Video Streaming from Virtually Anywhere to the Web

GoPro today announced the release of its new HD HERO2® camera. Twice as powerful as GoPro’s original HD HERO camera, the HD HERO2 enables consumers and professionals to capture and broadcast their lives most exciting moments in professional quality 1080p HD video and 11 megapixel photos. The new HD HERO2 is now available at GoPro.com, specialty retailers around the world, and at Best Buy for MSRP $299.99.

Arguably the most versatile camera in the world thanks to its innovative mounting system, renowned durability and small form factor, the HD HERO2 surpasses its predecessor with several technology upgrades. The HD HERO2’s new processor delivers twice the processing power, taking full advantage of a new high performance 11 megapixel sensor that delivers more than twice the image detail along with professional low light performance. A totally redesigned wide-angle lens was required to take full advantage of the HD HERO2’s increased image processing, resulting in a lens that?s twice as sharp as the previous model. And with the arrival of GoPro’s new Wi-Fi BacPac™ and Wi-Fi Remote products slated for release this winter, the HD HERO2 will enable video remote control via the Wi-Fi Remote, smartphones and devices, tablets and computers as well as enabling live GoPro video broadcast from anywhere there is Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot.

Famous for its globally best-selling HD HERO line of wearable and gear mountable cameras, GoPro spared no expense developing the HD HERO2.GoPro created a new category of camera with the HD HERO back in 2009, and it?s gone on to become one of the best selling video cameras in the world,” says Nicholas Woodman, GoPro?s founder and CEO. “With these big shoes to fill, we invested massively in engineering the HD HERO2 to be one of the greatest, most versatile cameras of all time. We think we?ve achieved our goal and we?re very excited to see the content our customers around the world capture and share with their powerful new GoPros.”

2x as Powerful in Every Way:

The HD HERO2 benefits from a complete redesign that results in dramatically enhanced image
quality and ease-of-use:

List of HD HERO2 Feature Enhancements:

• Professional 11MP Sensor
• 2x Faster Image Processor
• 2X Sharper Glass Lens
• Professional Low Light Performance
• Full 170º, Medium 127º, Narrow 90º FOV in 1080p and 720p Video
• 120 fps WVGA, 60 fps 720p, 48 fps 960p, 30 fps 1080p Video
• Full 170º and Medium 127º FOV Photos
• 10 11MP Photos Per Second Burst
• 1 11MP Photo Every 0.5 Sec Timelapse Mode
• 3.5mm External Stereo Microphone Input
• Simple Language-based User Interface
• Compatible with Wi-Fi BacPac™ and Wi-Fi Remote™
– Long Range Remote Control of up to 50 GoPro Cameras per Wifi Remote
– Wi-Fi Video/Photo Preview, Playback and Control via GoPro App
– Live Streaming Video and Photos to the Web

Visit http://gopro.com/hd-hero2-cameras/ for more information on the HD HERO2, Wi-Fi
BacPac and Wi-Fi Remote products.

Upgraded Professional Photo Quality and Features

The HD HERO2?s photo capture performance has also been significantly upgraded. In addition to much improved low light performance, the HD HERO2 can capture up to ten 11 megapixel photos in a one second burst mode as well as automatic time-lapse photos with quick .5 second timing between photos. This dramatically increases the success-rate when attempting to capture magazine cover quality photos during fast action sports and activities.

Simplified User Interface

GoPro also placed a priority on redesigning the HD HERO2?s user interface for dead simple ease-of-use. The HD HERO2 features a totally new, straightforward language-based user interface that eliminates the need for instructions.

“The HD HERO2 is much, much easier to use than the original HD HERO. If you know how to use a traditional camera, you can use the HD HERO2 straight out of the box without instructions. This makes the HD HERO2 very powerful as an every day, easy to use consumer camera while retaining all of the features, modes and performance that has made GoPro the best selling small form factor HD camera to Hollywood,” said GoPro?s Director of Product Definition, Rudy Samuels.

Specialized Right Down to the Packaging

The HD HERO2 sells in three bundled-accessory configurations, each containing the necessary
mounts for particular genres of use or activity. The HD HERO2 is backwards compatible with all
existing GoPro mounts and accessories.

HD HERO2: Outdoor Edition – $299.99

HD HERO2: Motorsports Edition – $299.99

HD HERO2: Surf Edition – $299.99

The original 1080p HD HERO camera is now available for MSRP $199.99 – $239.99 (USD) (pre-
viously $259.99 – $299.99) through GoPro.com and GoPro?s worldwide authorized dealer network. The Wi-Fi BacPac and Wi-Fi Remote are also compatible with the original HD HERO camera, but functionality is limited to remote control only. Video and photo streaming is not supported.

iSMEStorage Enables Users to Edit Documents in Over 30 Clouds Using iPad or Iphone

Internet

iSMEStorage, the popular Cloud and Local File Manager for iPad and iPhone, now supports over 30 Storage Clouds and can enable direct editing of documents in popular iOS office editors such as iWork and Office2 HD, using it’s unique CloudDav feature.

CloudDav enables a WebDav layer over any Cloud that is added to a SMEStorage Account, and works whether the underlying Cloud supports WebDav or not. This means that popular Clouds such as DropBox, Amazon S3, Google Docs, SkyDrive etc are able to be directly accessed using the WebDav protocol in popular editing Applications.

CEO Ian Osborne stated, “Users have this feature enabled for free when they purchase the iSMEStorage App, but the feature can also be separately purchased and added to a free SMEStorage Web account.”

“We find users don’t necessarily want to swap their Cloud Storage just to be able to work in the manner they desire and a big part of our platform is adding such features where they are deficient or not supported from Cloud Storage Providers.””

“We continue the same thing into the desktop and in our Cloud File Server offering for business, where we offer native Cloud Drive support for over 30 Clouds for every operating system and every major mobile platform, as well as a host of other complimentary features, such as adding FTP to any Cloud, again whether they support it or not, using our unique CloudFTP feature.”

“We also offer a free plugin for OpenOffice / Libra Office and Microsoft Office in which users can load documents on their desktop from any of 30 clouds, edit it, and then save it straight back to their Cloud of choice. This enables users to easily access and edit documents from any Cloud whether at their desktop or on the road using their favourite editing tools.”

ZTE Warp Android Smartphone Announced

Technology

Available beginning Nov. 2, ZTE Warp boasts the largest touchscreen and the highest megapixel camera in the Boost Mobile Android lineup

Boost Mobile, ranked Highest in Customer Service Performance and Purchase Experience among Non-Contract Wireless Providers by J.D. Power and Associates, and ZTE Corporation, a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, today introduced ZTE WarpTM, ZTE’s first smartphone offering for Boost Mobile.

Boasting a large 4.3-inch display, 5MP camera and Boost’s exclusive Mobile ID service, the addition of ZTE Warp complements Boost Mobile’s existing lineup of Android smartphone devices. Customers will benefit from a large screen that offers a vibrant viewing experience delivering great picture quality and rich content all powered by the Sprint Nationwide Network.

“Boost Mobile is very excited to partner with one of the fastest growing and largest handset makers in the world, to introduce the ZTE Warp,” said Andre Smith, vice president-Boost Mobile. “ZTE Warp delivers a powerful Android device for Boost Mobile customers searching for a big screen experience to capture and view higher quality photos and video.”

Featuring Android 2.3 Gingerbread, a 1GHz processor and an expandable memory slot that supports microSD cards up to 32GB (2GB card included), ZTE Warp’s chipset and memory configuration supports everyday functions, multitasking and data-intensive applications. Its 5MP camera with auto-focus and LED flash allows for user-friendly, point-and-shoot photography.

Additional key specifications on ZTE Warp:

GPS-enabled
Stereo Bluetooth® technology
Easy access to Gmail™ and Google Talk™
Wireless Web enabled
Mobile ID and Boost Zone

ZTE Warp also comes preloaded with Mobile ID, an exclusive service from Boost that allows customers to download and install “ID packs.” The packs deliver a complete mobile experience, including applications, widgets, ringtones and wallpapers, in a few simple clicks. ID packs are designed to meet a customer’s individual lifestyle or interests, such as sports, entertainment, fitness and music. ID packs that can be loaded on the device include MTV Music Pack, E!, Socially Connected, Professional, Entertainment, Lo2Yo Latino, Lo2Yo Mujer and Lo2Yo Futbol.

Additionally, ZTE Warp is the first Android device in the Boost Mobile lineup to feature ‘Boost Zone,’ a centralized place on the device where Boost Mobile customers can access their account, pay their bill, get assistance with their phone, and stay up-to-date on Boost Mobile’s products and services. Boost Zone will be coming soon to all Boost Mobile Android devices.

“ZTE knows there is a market for customers who want to explore the benefits of a smartphone but do not want to make a significant cost commitment to a device or service plan,” said Lixin Cheng, CEO, ZTE USA, and president, North America Region, ZTE. “Boost Mobile, with its award-winning service and customer experience, is an important partner for us as we work to put the most popular technologies into more consumers’ hands.”

Pricing and availability

ZTE Warp will be available Nov. 2 for $249.99 (excluding taxes) at Boost Mobile’s exclusive retail stores, select independent wireless dealer locations across the country and at www.boostmobile.com with free shipping.

ZTE Warp customers also have the opportunity to take advantage of Boost Mobile’s $55 Android Monthly Unlimited plan with Shrinkage where the longer you stay, the less you pay. For every six on-time payments, the cost of Boost Mobile’s Android Monthly Unlimited plan will shrink by $5, eventually getting down to as low as $40 a month. Payments do not need to be consecutive to qualify for the next savings milestone.

Phone insurance

Customers can also protect their ZTE Warp and other Boost Mobile Android devices with phone insurance that is now available for Boost Monthly Unlimited customers. For $5 per month customers are covered if their device breaks, is lost, stolen or damaged – even by liquid. Go to www.boostmobile.com for more information.

Canon Announces EOS-1D X

Technology

Canon U.S.A. Introduces The New Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera, Re-Designed from the Inside Out – Featuring a Completely New 61-Point Autofocus, Fast Shooting up to 12 fps, 18-Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, Full HD Video Recording and Much More

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, introduce a completely revolutionized EOS-1D series camera, the Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera.* As the new leader in Canon’s arsenal of professional DSLRs, the EOS-1D X will be a high-speed multimedia juggernaut replacing both the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV models in Canon’s lineup. Enhancing the revolutionary image quality of the EOS-1Ds and speed capabilities of the EOS-1D series, the EOS-1D X DSLR features an 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processors, 14-bit A/D data conversion and capable of shooting an incredible 12 frames-per-second (fps). Canon’s EOS DSLR cameras and accessories have a long-standing legacy of providing high-quality results to professionals in a wide range of markets, including sports, nature, cinematography, wedding and commercial studios. The addition of this new model will help take this tradition to a whole new level.

The EOS-1D X announcement comes on the heels of Canon’s recent manufacturing milestone with the production of the Company’s 50-millionth EOS-series SLR camera in September of 2011. Furthermore, Canon will achieve yet another milestone at the end of this month producing the 70-millionth EF lens.

“The EOS-1D X represents the re-invention of the EOS-1Ds and EOS-1D series, combining new proprietary Canon technologies with the culmination of customer feedback and requests from the field. We are proud to introduce this camera to the worldwide community of professional photographers and cinematographers with the features and capabilities they need to capture the great moments that display their talent,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Camera With Three Brains

The EOS-1D X features three DIGIC processors, including Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors capable of delivering approximately 17 times more processing speed than DIGIC 4, and a dedicated DIGIC 4 for metering and AF control. In conjunction with the newly developed high-performance 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS image sensor, the Dual DIGIC 5+ processors provide high-speed continuous shooting, lower noise, and a significant increase in data processing speed than previous EOS-1D models. This new level of data processing speed allows the EOS-1D X to perform many functions including chromatic aberration correction for various Canon EF lenses in-camera instead of through post-production software. The DIGIC 4 processor utilizes a new 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor for enhanced exposure accuracy with color and face detection, and works together with the camera’s new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF.

The EOS-1D X employs a completely new imaging sensor, producing the lowest noise of any EOS digital camera to date for stunning portraiture and studio work. The new 18-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor utilizes large pixels – 1.25 microns larger than those in the EOS-1D Mark IV sensor and .55 microns larger than those in the EOS 5D Mark II sensor – together with gapless microlenses to achieve enhanced light gathering efficiency, higher sensitivity and less noise at the pixel level. The new sensor has improved on the already very high signal-to-noise ratio of sensor output of earlier EOS models for outstanding image quality, even in extremely low light. When combined with the Dual DIGIC 5+ imaging processors the results are stunning. The images produced with the EOS-1D X camera’s new sensor are so clean that files can easily be up-sized if necessary for even the most demanding high-resolution commercial applications. The EOS-1D X will also feature new Ultrasonic Wave Motion Cleaning (UWMC), Canon’s second generation self-cleaning sensor unit, which utilizes carrier wave technology to remove smaller dust particles from the sensor and it includes a new fluorine coating on the infrared absorption glass to help repel dust.

The low-light capability of the EOS-1D X is evident in its incredible ISO range and ability to photograph in extremely low-light conditions. Adjustable from ISO 100 to 51,200 within its standard range, the new model offers a low ISO 50 setting for studio and landscape photography and two high settings of 102,400 at H1 and 204,800 at H2, ideal for law enforcement, government or forensic field applications.

New 61-Point High Density Reticular AF

The EOS-1D X includes a brand new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF, the most sophisticated DSLR AF system Canon has ever released. The 21 focusing points in the central area are standard precision cross-type and effective with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, depending on the lens in use. The center five points are also high-precision diagonal cross-type points for maximum apertures as small as f/2.8. All 61 points are sensitive to horizontal contrast with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6 and 20 of the outer focusing points function as cross-type points with maximum apertures as small as f/4.0. Other innovations of the new 61-point High Density Reticular AF include expanded AF coverage area, superior focusing precision and low light sensitivity, and greater low-contrast subject detection capability compared to earlier EOS AF systems. (See image below for AF point configuration)

All AF functions now have their own menu tab for quick and easy access (formerly AF custom functions in previous EOS models). A new AF Configuration Tool allows for customized setting of tracking sensitivity, the acceleration and deceleration of tracking subjects, and AF point auto switching, all of which are easily accessed and adjusted via the new AF menu tab. A built-in Feature Guide advises photographers on which settings to use according to subject matter.

Similar to the AF point selection options offered in the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera, the EOS-1D X offers six AF point selection modes: Spot, Single Point, Single Point with surrounding four points, Single Point with surrounding eight points, Zone selection and Automatic AF point selection. (See image below AF point selection options.)

EOS iTR AF: Intelligent Tracking and Recognition Enhances AF Performance

The Canon EOS-1D X features incredible new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF options ideal for wedding and event photography as well as sports and photojournalism. The default AF mode for the EOS-1D X uses phase detection AF information, while a new second option uses Face Detection technology to track recognized faces in addition to color information, ideal when shooting events such as tennis or dancing where facial recognition of the original subject will help keep that person in focus throughout the scene.

Exposure Control

For the first time in a Canon DSLR camera, a DIGIC processor is used exclusively with the metering sensor for fast, accurate exposure control. The Canon DIGIC 4 processor takes advantage of the EOS-1D X’s 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor and utilizes 252 zones for general metering or 35 zones for low-light metering to help ensure accurate evaluative ambient or flash exposure. The new subject recognition capabilities enhance nearly all of the camera’s automatic functions, helping to adjust exposure, autofocus, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Automatic Picture Style to the scene being captured for enhanced image quality.

Multiple Exposure Modes

The EOS-1D X is the first EOS Digital SLR to feature Multiple Exposure capability. The camera can combine up to nine individual images into a single composite image, with no need for post-processing in a computer. Four different compositing methods are provided for maximum creative control, including Additive, Average, Bright and Dark. Compositing results can be viewed in real time on the camera’s LCD monitor, and there is a one-step Undo command that allows photographers to delete an image and try again if desired. The EOS-1D X’s Multiple Exposure mode even allows photographers to specify a previously captured RAW image as the starting point for a new Multiple Exposure composite image.

Super High Speed Mode

The Canon EOS-1D X camera breaks new ground in the world of digital SLRs, offering a Super High Speed Mode which increases shooting speeds up to 14 fps at full 18-megapixel resolution in JPEG mode. The new camera is also capable of shooting RAW, JPEG, or RAW+JPEG at speeds up to 12 fps in One Shot AF or AI Servo AF for enhanced performance in sports photography and other applications requiring high-speed digital capture. This new level of performance is made possible by the combination of the EOS-1D X’s 16-channel readout CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors, and a completely new reflex mirror mechanism that has been engineered by Canon to combine high-performance with exceptional precision and reliability.

Enhanced EOS HD Video – New Compressions, Longer Recording

Centered around an all-new full-frame CMOS sensor with larger pixels than those found on the EOS 5D Mark II image sensor, the EOS-1D X utilizes new HD video formats to simplify and speed up post-production work. The two new compression formats offered on the EOS-1D X include intraframe (ALL-i ) compression for an editing-friendly format and interframe (IPB) compression for superior data compression, giving professionals the options they need for their ideal workflow. Answering the requests of cinematographers and filmmakers, the EOS-1D X includes two methods of SMPTE-compliant timecode embedding, Rec Run and Free Run, allowing multiple cameras or separate sound recording to be synced together in post production.

Canon’s all new full-frame CMOS sensor ensures that video footage captured on the EOS-1D X will exhibit less moiré than any previous Canon model, resulting in a significant improvement in HD video quality. A desired feature for many documentary filmmakers using Canon DSLRs was to enable recording beyond the four gigabyte (GB) file capacity and the EOS-1D X is the answer. The new camera features automatic splitting of movie files when a single file exceeds 4GB. The new file splitting function allows for continuous video recording up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds across multiple 4GB files; no frames are dropped and the multiple files can be seamlessly connected in post production, providing filmmakers the recording time they want in the same convenient DSLR form factor. The camera records Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards.

The Canon EOS-1D X also includes manual audio level control, adjustable both before and during movie recording, an automatic setting, or it can be turned off entirely. A wind filter is also included. Sound can be recorded either through the internal monaural microphone or via an optional external microphone through the stereo mic input.

Enhanced Ergonomics & Optimized Design

Photographers familiar with Canon’s EOS 1D-series of cameras will notice the control configuration of the EOS-1D X takes a different approach to button placement. The re-designed exterior and ergonomic button configuration feels comfortable in your right hand, allowing seamless navigation through menu options.

The Live View Button has been conveniently placed near the user’s thumb for one-touch switching between Live View and Viewfinder shooting. The Quick Control Button and menu navigation controls will allow users to change camera settings using only their right hand, for fast, simple one-handed control using their thumb on the scroll wheel. The new multi-controller is positioned by the right hand thumb when the camera is held for vertical shooting and enables the same level of control to camera operators when shooting vertically as they have when shooting horizontally. On the front of the camera are four user assignable function buttons, two for vertical shooting and two for horizontal shooting, allowing customizable button control when shooting in either position. The camera also features a level of weather resistance equivalent to earlier professional models such as the EOS-1D Mark IV.

Canon has answered the request of many professional EOS photographers and incorporated Dual Card Slots into the new EOS-1D X DSLR camera. The dual CF card slots will allow photographers to carry only one memory card format and still achieve instant image back-ups and enhanced storage capacity.

This camera also features a new shutter design with even greater durability and precision. Rated to 400,000 cycles, the new carbon fiber shutter blades are more lightweight and durable, allowing the EOS-1D X to achieve over 100,000 cycles more than the shutter of the EOS-1D Mark IV. A new shutter motion and new motor help further reduce vibration in the camera. The EOS-1D X also features an electronic first curtain, new to the EOS-1D series DSLRs, for minimal in-camera vibration during image capture.

Connectivity

For professional photographers who prefer a wired workflow and transfer system, Canon has included a built-in LAN connection in the EOS-1D X DSLR. The built-in LAN connection features a gigabit Ethernet Jack capable of 1000BASE-T transmission speeds, offering photographers a stable wired connection for ultra-fast data transmission. If the network were to go down, the camera will attempt to resend images until the files are sent. The EOS-1D X also features a direct image transfer function whereby images can be selected for transfer, and only sent once a LAN or USB connection is established.

Accessories

Designed exclusively for the EOS-1D X, the new Canon WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter* features wireless LAN support for 802.11n network transfer rates providing users with increased communication speed when compared to previous models. With this new dust and weather resistant model, professionals can synchronize clocks on multiple cameras and use the unit to support linked shooting when utilizing multiple cameras. In addition, Bluetooth-compatible equipment can be easily linked to the device as well.

The EOS-1D X also offers an optional Canon GP-E1 GPS Receiver*, which can be easily integrated into the camera’s body. Powered by the camera, this GPS receiver provides the same weatherproof resistance as the EOS-1D X, even at the connector. With an electronic compass on-board, the GP-E1 will log movement – latitude, longitude, elevation, and the Universal Time Code – and allow viewing of camera movement on a PC after shooting. The receiver will also record camera direction when shooting, even when shooting vertically.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera is scheduled for March 2012 availability and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $6,800.00. The compact, lightweight WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter is scheduled to be available in March 2012 and have an estimated retail price of $600. Availability for the GP-E1 GPS receiver is expected in April 2012 with an estimated retail price of $300.

Canon EOS-1D X first hands-on: http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/canon-eos-1d-x-hands-on-video/

Crestron Announces Mobile Apps for Android

Technology

Crestron Mobile Pro® For Android™ Now Available on Market – Control Your Crestron System from Any Android Mobile Device

Crestron announced that the new Mobile Pro Control App for Android™ is now available on the Android™ Market. Mobile Pro turns any Android device into a fully functional Crestron touch screen, allowing homeowners to control lighting, thermostats, entertainment, security systems and other connected systems from anywhere, anytime.

“Whether you have an iPhone®, iPad® or Android mobile device, there’s a Crestron control solution for you,” said Crestron VP of Technology, Fred Bargetzi. “We’re fanatical about keeping our customers on the cutting edge by offering a variety of solutions that bring the latest, most popular home technology into their lives. Our new Android App is just the latest example of that commitment. We don’t make you choose, we make it easy.”

Mobile Pro displays real-time status of room temperatures, shade positions, lighting levels and metadata including cover art, song and artist. You can even view streaming video from web-based security cameras right on your mobile device. Using the home Wi-Fi® network locally or powerful cellular networks remotely, a virtual Crestron touch screen is always in the palm of your hand no matter where you are.

Crestron provides cross-platform flexibility for the entire family. “Mom can have the same control interface and functionality on her iPad that Dad has with his Samsung Galaxy,” Bargetzi says. “You can switch carriers or get a new mobile device without calling in a programmer to reprogram the system. Just connect your new device, and you’re ready to go…you have the freedom to choose whatever device you want.”

Crestron provides the infrastructure that is the foundation for home control, while providing an open platform for development that supports PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android. The popular R2 Control for Crestron app, created by id8 Group, was the pioneer in providing the first Android solution for Crestron and is available for download from the Android Market.

Download Crestron Mobile Pro® for Android™ or go to www.crestron.com/mobileapps to learn more about Crestron Mobile® solutions for Apple and Android devices.

Motorola Announces Rugged ET1 Android Tablet

Technology

Motorola Solutions Introduces Its First Tablet Computer Built for Enterprise Users

Motorola Solutions, Inc. today unveiled the ET1 tablet, the first in an emerging category of enterprise-class tablet computers designed for a variety of vertical markets. The ET1 brings the familiarity and popularity of a consumer-class user experience to a true enterprise-class device that includes enhanced durability, an optional barcode scanner and magnetic stripe reader, hot-swappable battery packs, and secure system software. Key industrial-strength accessories such as secure multi-slot recharging stations are also available.

Intended for demanding day-long use, the Wi-Fi-enabled ET1 is password-protected so it can be easily shared and instantly provisioned for each employee according to his or her level of responsibility and access rights. Based on log-in information, managers can automatically control and monitor use of approved applications to help ensure on-the-job productivity is not compromised.

ET1 KEY FACTS

Retailers can seamlessly and securely run a variety of applications developed by Motorola’s extensive partner and independent software vendor (ISV) community, including:

Assisted selling
Mobile point of sale (mPOS)
Manager electronic dashboards
Planogram management and compliance
Item locator

Running an enterprise-ready hardened version of the Android operating system, the ET1 tablet is designed to be used 24 x 7 by multiple staff members.

Supported by Motorola’s portfolio of enterprise-grade software modules including RhoElements, a new HTML5 application enablement framework, businesses can now quickly and cost-effectively develop enterprise applications once and deploy them on both traditional Windows Embedded Handheld™ and Android-based Motorola devices, allowing for consistent user experiences.

The ET1 incorporates a durable Gorilla Glass™ 7-inch color display, designed for customer-facing applications containing video and images. In addition, the screen bezel can be customized to match the retailer’s brand.

Motorola’s ET1 tablet offers a comprehensive suite of enterprise-class features and accessories including:

Durable design to withstand multiple bumps and drops during a workday

Optional integrated bar code scanner and magnetic stripe reader

Hot-swappable rechargeable battery pack, with memory back-up battery to retain RAM data for up to 15 minutes when the main battery is removed

Single- and multi-slot tablet and battery chargers

Front- and rear-facing cameras

Availability of Bluetooth-connected handheld bar-code scanners, mobile-payment readers and mobile printers

Optional hand strap for comfortable full-shift handling

The ET1 tablet will be available with Motorola’s Service from the Start with Comprehensive Coverage program, providing coverage for normal wear and tear as well as accidental damage to internal and external components, significantly reducing unforeseen repair expenses.
Motorola Solutions’ ET1 tablet will be available in the fourth quarter of 2011.