Yearly Archives: 2011

Shipping in October, the Carl Zeiss SonnarT E has a 24mm fixed focal length and f/1.8 aperture, with a minimum focus distance of 16 cm and a $999 price tag. With a f/1.8 aperture, the $300 E 50mm OSS does not Carl Zeiss branding, but includes built-in image stabilization and a circular aperture, promising smooth defocus. Both lenses will ship in December.

A new telephoto lens, shipping in October, the $350 E 55-210mm compensates for its slow f/4.5-6.3 maximum aperture with optical image stabilization while offering 3.8x magnification.

Also announced is Sony’s LA-EA2 A-mount adapter that lets you use your full-size Alpha lenses with the NEX cameras without losing functionality, thanks to built-in Translucent Mirror Technology and a dedicated AF motor. NEX-3, NEX-5, and NEX-C3 owners will need a firmware update to take advantage of the adaptor. Costing $400 the adaptor ships in November.

Canon U.S.A. Announces Two PIXMA Wireless Photo All-In-One Printers For High-Quality Printing From Almost Anywhere – Featuring Brilliant Image Quality and Software Upgrades to Easy-PhotoPrint EX and Full HD Movie Print

Canon U.S.A., Inc., have announced the addition of the PIXMA MG8220 and MG6220 All-in-Ones to the Company’s line of Wireless1 Photo All-In-One models with the ability to print, copy and scan images and documents. These beautifully designed, affordable printers are compatible with many of the popular wireless devices on the market today for easy printing from almost anywhere. Additionally, consumers can unlock their creative printing side with the significant software upgrades to Easy-PhotoPrint EX and Full HD Movie Print2.

As an industry leader in innovative printing, Canon has designed the PIXMA MG8220 and MG6220 Wireless1 Photo AIO printers to print from nearly any screen whether on a cell phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. The Canon Easy-PhotoPrint mobile app, for use with compatible Android and Apple smartphones and tablets3, has also been upgraded allowing users to print pdfs directly from compatible wireless devices. Furthermore, users can scan documents on the printer to be sent directly to a compatible wireless device.

With the newly developed Canon PIXMA Cloud Link, printing images and documents is easier than ever. Exclusive to these two PIXMA printer models, is the ability to print select Google Docs™ and Gmail™ attachments from any accessible device, further adding to their wireless versatility4. For registered users of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY or Picasa Web Albums, users can wirelessly access their photo albums directly through the printers without the use of a computer5 and all users will have access to exclusive printing templates including stationery, envelopes, memos, calendars and many others.

The PIXMA MG8220 and MG6220 Wireless1 Photo AIO printers are 802.11n Wi-Fi certified allowing for a faster network transfer rate. Wireless networks can be set up with the press of one button when using a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). In addition, Canon offers its award-winning service and support online for all users looking to set up any of the new Wi-Fi products at, www.usa.canon.com/wirelesshelp. Here, customers have access to manuals and video tutorials to assist in setting up a Wi-Fi device.

“Technology is changing at such a rapid pace that manufacturers need to continually upgrade features to help ensure the needs of the consumer are being met,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “We feel the upgrades made for these two PIXMA All-in-One models provide consumers with a host of new features without forgoing our high-quality output.”

With Canon’s ChromaLife 100+ ink system6, the PIXMA MG8220 and MG6220 Wireless1 Photo AIO printers utilize six individual ink tanks to produce superb results in both color and black and white. The inclusion of the gray and photo black ink provides the photo enthusiast with the opportunity for a black and white photograph to be printed with high accuracy.
Unlock the Creative Side

For the Canon PIXMA MG8220 and MG6220 Wireless1 Photo AIO models, Easy-PhotoPrint EX has been upgraded to help spark creativity when customizing and personalizing memorable images with new Fun-Filter Effects such as Fish-Eye, Miniature and Toy Camera. In addition, there is an option to change the focus of the image to have it appear softer and blur specific aspects of the background, similar to an effect which was previously only capable when using an SLR camera. These printers can also print directly on CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs for further personalization of media while creating fun photo projects at the same time.

Full HD Movie Print2 software has been enhanced as well to produce clearer images of frames from videos captured on compatible HD Canon EOS and PowerShot Digital Cameras. Users can easily tell the story of videos from memorable events, frame by frame in a more unique way than before by merging multiple images into one final shot, capturing nearly every portion of the action. There is a new layout feature as well for printing up to 72 individual images on one sheet of paper.
Intelligent to the Touch

The PIXMA MG8220 and MG6220 Wireless1 Photo AIO printers come equipped with the Intelligent Touch System which helps improve not only ease-of-use but productivity. With back-lit touch sensitive buttons, the light-guidance system eliminates buttons not in use to help reduce opportunities for mistakes. The responsive capacitive touch technology, which picks up on electricity in the users’ body when a finger glides across the touch surface, is designed to provide seamless navigation through menus and other desired commands.
Canon PIXMA MG8220 Wireless Photo AIO printer

Designed with the photo enthusiast in mind, the PIXMA MG8220 Wireless1 Photo AIO printer is ideal for the user not yet ready for a professional printer but who still values high-quality results. The PIXMA MG8220 can produce a 4″ x 6″ borderless photo in approximately 20 seconds7 utilizing a variety of fine art type papers. This new PIXMA photo printer will also deliver output at approximately 12.5 ipm for black-and-white documents and approximately 9.3 ipm for color8. In addition the printer has a maximum color resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi9. This printer is also the only current Canon PIXMA model with a Film Adapter Unit for easy converting of older slides and negatives to digital. For easy viewing of images and menu options, a 3.5-inch LCD has been included along with Advanced Media Handling options such as Auto Duplex copying, printing and a two-way paper feed, helping reduce the amount of time it takes to complete a project.

The PIXMA MG8220 will have an estimated selling price of $299.9910.
Canon PIXMA MG6220 Wireless Photo AIO printer

The Canon PIXMA MG6220 Wireless1 Photo AIO printer is perfect for the user interested in high-quality results at a more affordable price. Featuring a 3.0-inch LCD screen and similar Advanced Media Handling options as the PIXMA MG6220 Wireless Photo AIO printer, this model can also produce a 4″ x 6″ borderless photo in approximately 20 seconds7. Additionally the PIXMA MG6220 has a maximum color resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi9. This new PIXMA printer delivers output at approximately 12.5 ipm for black-and-white documents and approximately 9.3 ipm for color8.

The PIXMA MG6220 will have an estimated selling price of $199.9910.
Canon CREATIVE PARK

Extend creativity beyond just photos and document by visiting Canon Inc.’s CREATIVE PARK website at www.canon.com/c-park. The site offers free 3-D paper craft projects, scrapbooking templates and embellishments, novel greeting cards, and educational materials. As an added bonus with the purchase of select PIXMA printers, consumers will be provided with exclusive printable content through CREATIVE PARK PREMIUM11. This content includes post cards, albums, and many more projects including paintings by artists such as Norman Rockwell.
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY

CANON iMAGE GATEWAY is an exclusive online photography resource and service for owners of registered qualified Canon products. Camera owners who have registered a qualifying Canon camera via their Canon Account can upload and share up to 2GB of photos with friends and family. Members also gain access to informative photography-related articles on topics such as macro shooting, portrait photography, printing tips and print projects to get the most out of their photos. Owners of registered qualifying printers can use their photos to create greeting cards, calendars and much more with Print Projects! Printer members are provided with a wide array of helpful articles to enhance their experience with their Canon printer and to help them create inspiring projects. The Video Podcast Service – available for owners of registered qualifying camera and video products – enables those members to upload videos to be shared and viewed, which can also be used with the Apple iTunes® application and downloaded to access on a compatible Apple iPod or iPhone mobile device.

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading mobile phone provider, today announced a new naming strategy for its GALAXY range of smartphones. The creation of the new naming system is marked by the release of four new GALAXY smartphone, the GALAXY W, GALAXY M Pro, GALAXY Y and GALAXY Y Pro, all of which run on the powerful Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating systems.

Samsung has created a new and simplified system of naming its smartphones, focused on its ever-expanding portfolio of industry-leading Android devices. The naming structure will organize and group all devices into five classes, identified by a single alphabetical letter. Devices will then be further designated by an additional indicator which will identify specific functionality.

“As Samsung continues to innovate, our goal is to provide consumers with an experience uniquely tailored to their needs. We have introduced steps to ensure users can simply identify the device designed to deliver the perfect experience for them,” said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business.

“In addition to this new naming strategy at IFA this year we unveilling the GALAXY W, GALAXY M Pro, GALAXY Y and GALAXY Y Pro – designed with the professional and social consumer in mind. These products further build on the phenomenal success we have enjoyed with the GALAXY range.”

New ways to identify your GALAXY Smartphones

According to the new naming structure, new class designators refer to the specific category that the smartphone product fits into, for example a premium device, or an entry-level device. All classes will be used within the higher branding of the ‘GALAXY’ smartphones.

– “S” (Super Smart) – Devices at the very pinnacle of Samsung’s mobile portfolio. This class will only be used on flagship devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S, the award-winning smartphone that has already sold 10 million units throughout the world.
· “R” (Royal / Refined) – Premium category models, a combination of power, performance and productivity for the individual who wants to be defined by the technology they carry.
· “W” (Wonder) – High quality, strategic models, perfect for those seeking a balance between style and performance.
· “M” (Magical) –High-performance models at an economic price-point.
· “Y” (Young) – These are entry models or strategic models for emerging markets or a younger audience more sensitive to price.
Class indicators allow a more specific description of the key selling points of a device:

– “Pro” – This indicates that the device includes a QWERTY keyboard for speedier email typing and increased productivity for professionals.
– “Plus” – This indicates that the device is an upgrade from an existing model.
– “LTE” – This indicates that the device is designed to utilize LTE (Long-Term Evolution) connectivity standards, a 4G standard to provide increased mobile network capacity and speed.

Introducing the Samsung GALAXY W

Equipped with high-spec technology including a 1.4GHz Processor, HSDPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity and a large 3.7″ touch screen, the GALAXY W is the ideal solution for those who need to Live Fast and Live Smart. This powerful performance is enhanced with the inclusion of Samsung’s Game, Social and Music Hubs, providing one-stop solutions for a consumer’s gaming, socializing and listening needs. Kies Air enables additional control, allowing users who have misplaced their phone to track it, meaning complete peace of mind.

GALAXY M Pro

Providing a strong performance for high value, the GALAXY M Pro is the ideal solution for young and sociable professionals. A QWERTY keyboard provides swift, accurate typing on the go – enhancing productivity when drafting memos, documents and messages. The keyboard also simplifies communication with Social Hub allowing users to talk to whoever they want, however they want, all from their contact list. Communication history, instant messaging and updates from social networking sites are all readily available.

An optical track pad and touch screen ensures the interface is easy and simple to use. This productivity and functionality is packed into a sleek 9.97m body. Designed with professionals in mind, the GALAXY M Pro offers extensive productivity through a variety of enterprise solutions, including Exchange Active Sync, Sybase Afaria, CISCO Mobile and CISCO WebEx.

GALAXY Y

Compact but with a full range of features and allowing the ability to stay social on-the-go, the GALAXY Y is an ideal device for younger consumers. Seamless multitasking is enabled thanks to the device’s powerful 832MHz processor. The GALAXY Y includes Samsung’s Social Hub, allowing users to stay connected with their online social circles. Equipped with Samsung’s TouchWiz User Interface, the GALAXY Y delivers a simple and intuitive experience. Additionally, the inclusion of SWYPE facilitates speedy typing. The GALAXY Y is available in a variety of colors ensuring it can fit with anyone’s style.

GALAXY Y Pro

Equipped with a QWERTY keyboard as well as enhanced social and professional features, the GALAXY Y Pro Smartphone is optimized for young professionals looking to manage both their work and home lives with ease. Users can stay constantly connected with Social Hub Premium, which supports email, social network integration and instant messaging.

An optimized, intuitive touch screen interface allows an accessible and intelligent experience, while users are able to work on the go thanks to ThinkFree mobile office, enabling a variety of Office documents (Word, PPT, Excel and PDF) to be edited from the handset. Productivity is enhanced thanks to the combined power of touch screen and QWERTY keyboard inputs, enabling smooth navigation with efficient and professional input. WiFi Direct also allows faster transfer rates, allowing content to be shared quickly.

Sony adds superb responsiveness, image quality, and creative possibilities to its line of E-mount interchangeable lens cameras with the new – NEX-5N model. Housed in a rugged, light magnesium alloy body, with an intuitive touch-screen interface, the camera is just 23.3mm at its slimmest point.

“The NEX-5N camera extends the sleek, minimalist design of the acclaimed NEX-5,” said Ernesto Bravo, senior business manager of the alpha group at Sony Electronics. “But it’s also a giant step forward from its predecessor in terms of still image and HD video quality, Auto Focus and speed-of-capture performance.”

Response is accelerated even further by a release time lag of approximately 20 milliseconds, the fastest of any interchangeable lens digital camera. Combined with an improved autofocus (AF) algorithm and more efficient image processing, this results in an AF that is significantly faster than the current NEX-5 model.

The camera’s Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor with 16.1 effective megapixel resolution is complemented by a specially-optimized version of the powerful BIONZ® image processing engine, resulting in exceptionally clean, low noise images. Maximum sensitivity is also boosted to ISO 25600, the highest among mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (as of Aug 2011), allowing for very high-quality handheld shooting in low-light conditions.

The NEX-5N camera shoots smooth AVCHD™ Progressive (Ver2.0) Full HD movies with high-quality stereo sound at 60p – the same resolution and frame rate as Blu-ray Disc™ media, a first for interchangeable lens cameras with an APS-C size sensor. Faster readout from the sensor doubles the maximum frame rate to 60 fps and, when shooting at the 24p setting, movies achieve a beautifully expressive, artistic and cinematic feel. Additionally, continuous auto-focus while recording video has been improved and object Tracking Focus has been added, which allows a target object to be selected and tracked accurately via the touch-screen, even when the subject is moving.

Photographers can also fully control exposure with Program, Aperture/Shutter Priority and all-Manual modes (P/A/S/M) – just like the most advanced DSLR cameras. Stereo audio quality is improved, with revised circuitry that lowers wind noise levels, especially when shooting quiet scenes.

The NEX-5N is the first E-mount interchangeable lens camera from Sony that features an intuitive new Photo Creativity Touch interface. Background Defocus, Exposure, Picture Effect and other adjustments can be quickly and easily previewed, applied and combined via the LCD touch panel and control dial, with traditional “photo jargon” simplified for beginner shooters.
In Speed Priority Continuous mode, the NEX-5N captures fast-moving action at up to 10 fps (actual speed depends on shooting conditions and memory card performance), the fastest burst speed of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (as of Aug 2011).

Recently introduced on the new NEX-C3, Picture Effects simplifies the production of sophisticated artistic effects ‘in camera’, with no PC or post-processing needed. There are now 11 modes and 15 effects, including new HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature, Rich-Tone Monochrome and Soft High-key. A generous palette of other artistic imaging functions includes 3D Sweep Panorama™ mode, Soft Skin, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur Modes.

The camera’s 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD™ display can angle up to 80 degrees up or 45 degrees down for easy viewing in any shooting position. TruBlack™ technology assures superb detail and contrast with dramatically reduced on-screen reflections.

Enhanced by the new Photo Creativity Touch interface, the LCD makes composition, shot review and adjustment of camera settings easier and more flexible than ever.

Lenses and Accessories

The growing choice of E-mount lenses compatible with all ? E-mount cameras now includes the new Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA (SEL24F18Z), E 50mm F1.8 OSS (SEL50F18) and long-awaited Telephoto zoom E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS (SEL55210).

The world’s first mount adaptor with built-in Translucent Mirror Technology™, the optional LA-EA2 Mount Adaptorallows phase-detection AF with the majority of A-mount lenses for both still image and video shooting. The optional Electronic Viewfinder FDA-EV1S, XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ display offers high resolution/contrast and wide viewing angle. With these two unique accessories, user can adapt their NEX-5N cameras to most any shooting situation and environment.

Also new in the range of accessories, the stylish body case (LCS-EB50) and lens jacket (LCS-EL50) help protect the camera and lens from scratches, the shoulder strap (STP-XS3) fits tightly to the body and the soft carrying case (LCS-EMF) holds the E-mount camera body with attached lens as well as an additional lens or other accessories.

Pricing and Availability

The NEX-5N ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera will be available this September in black and silver with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens (model SEL1855) for about $700 and as a body-only for about $600.

The new E-mount Telephoto zoom E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS (SEL55210) will be available this October for about $350. The new Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA (SEL24F18Z) and the E 50mm F1.8 OSS (SEL50F18) will each be available this December for about $1000 and $300, respectively.

The new LA-EA2 mount adaptor and FDA-EV1S OLED viewfinder will both be available this November for about $400 and $350, respectively.

The new camera kits, lenses and compatible accessories will all be sold at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) as well as other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network.

For “sneak peak” videos of the new products, please visit www.sony.com/cameravideos.

HTML.net has just launched its latest free tutorial, on PHP. PHP is a key building block to developing dynamic, interactive websites.

For some time, HTML.net has been gaining traction as a hotspot for students, hobbyists and entrepreneurs. They’ve particularly appreciated the site’s free HTML and CSS tutorials and forums, where a host of experts regularly provide support, tips and suggestions. But thanks to the new PHP tutorial, HTML.net’s target market extends to those who are poised to convert their simple sites into more complex ones that can collect information, sell products/services, sort material, create online communities and do other tasks, according to Andreas Astrup, founder/owner of HTML.net.

With tutorials available in 11 languages, HTML.net reaches out to a wide audience, delivering all the essentials for understanding how to create a site within about an hour’s time. The site not only lends a hand to students and hobbyists; it is also a godsend for startups. HTML.net makes it affordable and simple for entrepreneurs to establish their businesses online, which is imperative to the success of almost every marketing plan today.

“There are a lot of people who have excellent business ideas, but they struggle with all the financial costs associated with startups,” says Andreas Astrup, founder/owner of HTML.net. “For example, hiring a consultant to design even a basic website can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. That’s a significant investment for many new business owners, and so HTML.net addresses this financial roadblock by giving them the tools to build their websites for free.”

“Once a basic website is up and running, that’s a great start, but it’s often not enough,” he says. “Most of the activity going on with websites today calls for more advanced tools and features. The PHP tutorial empowers people with the skills to address this need.”

“It shouldn’t cost anything for someone to take the initiative to learn PHP on their own and when it’s convenient, and that’s why HTML.net is user-friendly, accessible and free,” Astrup says.

For more information, visit http://www.html.net

Three announces a new, high speed Mobile Wi -Fi device – the Huawei E586 MiFi – which will be the first mobile Wi -Fi device in the UK to feature next generation HSPA+ mobile broadband technology.

The new MiFi will allow customers to experience significant speed gains compared to the existing award-winning MiFi. Initially around 40% faster, those figures will increase even further as Three ramps up its upgrade programme and rolls out the HSPA+ 21.1Mbps standard across its high-speed 3G network.*

The features and functionality Three’s customers have come to know and love from the Three MiFi are still there. Fast, secure Wi -Fi for iPads, laptops or handheld games consoles at the touch of a button. An OLED screen displaying key information like the amount of data used, speed of the current connection and length of browsing time, and a new look dashboard for viewing SMS and changing settings. In addition a new feature allows users to see their Wi -Fi user name and password on screen at the touch of a button for fast pairing with new gadgets.

David Kerrigan, head of mobile broadband at Three commented: “As the UK’s biggest 3G mobile broadband network, we’re delighted to introduce our high speed mobile Wi -Fi product. This joins our award winning HSPA+ dongles making us the only operator offering an entirely next generation HSPA+ enabled range of mobile broadband products. Aside from this step up in speed, the new cradle charger, which looks great, will help people get the best performance in the home.”

The new MiFi, built by Huawei, will be available in store and online from September.

Key features:

– Charging cradle
– 21.1 Mbps technical standard Download (HSDPA )
– 5.76 Mbps technical standard Uplink (HSUPA)
– Internal Memory slot for micro SD card that supports up to 32GB
– Approximately 4.5 hours battery life

* Three is aiming to have 80% of its network upgraded to HSPA+ by the end of this year, with the rest following soon afterward

SONY INTRODUCES WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL BINOCULARS WITH HD VIDEO RECORDING, ZOOM, AUTOFOCUS AND STEADYSHOT IMAGE STABILIZATION

Share the Thrill of Discovery, Easy-to-Find, Never Lose the Subject; New Models Enable 2D and 3D Image Capture/Playback with Stunning Resolution, High-performance Features

SAN DIEGO – Life’s “can’t miss” moments are now easier to observe and capture with the world’s first digital binoculars to record in AVCHD™ 2.0 format, from Sony. The new models, DEV-3 and DEV-5, are ideal for nature/bird watching, they can record Full HD video with stereo sound at the touch of a button, and even add a 3D mode that records scenes as thrilling stereoscopic video footage for playback on most 3D HDTVs.
“Now consumers can watch birds, wildlife, sports action and more in steady, sharply-focused close-up views, while capturing their subjects in crisp Full HD,” said Andy Bubala, director of the camcorder business at Sony Electronics. “These new models add entirely new levels of flexibility and convenience to viewing, recording and enjoying your favorite images and scenes.”

Sony Digital Recording Binoculars

Users can select the variable zoom on both models to scan a wide area at low magnification before zooming in seamlessly to pinpoint a subject, such as birds in a field. Turning on the digital zoom at magnification settings over 10x boosts the DEV-5 model’s total magnification range from 0.9x up to 20x digital (image quality is reduced when digital zoom is on and recording 2D video at magnifications higher than 10x), rivalling many high-powered conventional binoculars. The DEV-3 model pulls wildlife, sporting subjects and architectural details closer with a maximum magnification of 10x optical. In 3D mode, the binoculars’ maximum magnification is 5.4x optical.

Unlike traditional binoculars, electronic autofocus keeps moving subjects sharply in focus at all times. A comfortably positioned dial allows fingertip adjustment of manual focus – ideal for focusing selectively on a subject, rather than overhanging branches or other obstructions in the field of view.
Electronic autofocus allows both binoculars to focus cleanly on subjects less than half an inch away when recording in 2D (minimum of 32 inches when recording in 3D).

Separate images for left and right eyes are captured by a matched pair of precision G Lens optics by Sony with “Exmor R” CMOS sensors and powerful BIONZ® processors. Independent electronic viewfinders provide clear, detailed images for left and right eyes, offering a stereoscopic viewing experience that’s comfortable, natural and highly immersive.

The DEV-3 and DEV-5 digital binoculars feature Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization (Active mode), the optical stabilization system that’s found on Sony Handycam® camcorders and Cyber-shot® cameras. Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization helps keep images clear and stable, even when viewing at high magnifications. The binoculars can be connected via HDMI® to a Sony BRAVIA® HDTV or any HD television with HDMI input for viewing images (cable sold separately). 3D videos can be enjoyed on virtually any 3D-compatible TV, including Sony BRAVIA® models. There’s also a USB connection for transferring video clips to a PC for storing, editing and sharing.

The binoculars feature a “stealth” design that eliminates distracting buttons or external details that could reveal a user’s position to wildlife.

Both binoculars feature an ergonomic grip area that’s coated with an elastomer material for sure handling and stable operation. Top-mounted controls allow easy operation with gloved fingers, while dual buttons are provided to start recording instantly with either hand.

The DEV-5 model includes an on-board GPS receiver that automatically geo-tags video clips and photos. Tagged images can be viewed after shooting in online maps (requires compatible software).
Both binocular models come with a high-capacity rechargeable battery pack (NP-FV70) that allows up to approximately three hours of 2D recording on a single charge. Remaining battery time (minutes) is displayed in the electronic viewfinder.

The DEV-3 and DEV-5 models also include a battery charger/adaptor, A/V connecting cable and USB cable for PC connection. In addition, the DEV-5 binoculars are supplied with lens cover, finder cap, large eye cups, a carrying case and neck strap.

The new DEV-3 and DEV-5 digital recordable binoculars from Sony will be available in November 2011 for about $1400 and $2000, respectively, at http://store.sony.com, Sony retail stores and other authorized retailers nationwide. For images and information, please visit www.sony.com/news.

ThinkFlood today announced production availability of the Android version of their RedEye application. Together with award-winning RedEye hardware, the RedEye app allows consumers to control their home theater, lighting, HVAC, and other equipment using common networked devices, including smartphones, tablets, and PCs.

In 2009, ThinkFlood launched RedEye as the first universal remote control solution to leverage the power of iPhone and iPod touch devices to control non-networked electronics in the home via a Wi-Fi network.

Now RedEye customers can also use Android phones and tablets alongside iOS devices and even personal computers to control equipment in their homes.

The RedEye Android app is compatible with networked RedEye products (RedEye and RedEye Pro) and supports devices running Android 1.6 and later, including 3.0 (Honeycomb) for tablets. RedEye is currently the only remote control platform compatible with Android smartphones and tablets.

More than a Smartphone Accessory
ThinkFlood representatives say that their original intention with RedEye products was not to turn the iPhone into a remote control, but rather to enable the control of non-networked devices over the Internet.

“The iPhone was a great start for us because it is such an elegant and popular device. But it was never our goal to have an exclusively iOS platform,” said Matt Eagar, founder and president of ThinkFlood. “Instead, we designed RedEye with the idea that you can pick up any networked device – iPhone, PC, Android device – and control your system from anywhere you have a network connection.”

“When you take a multipurpose device like a smartphone or PC and attempt to use it as a replacement for a dedicated device like a traditional remote control, you can’t simply copy the functionality of the dedicated device,” remarked Craig Materick, ThinkFlood’s lead software architect.

“With RedEye, the benefits outweigh the costs,” Materick continued. “For example, phone calls never interrupt you when using a dedicated remote control, but when using a smartphone they do. Rather than let this be a problem, RedEye allows you to use any networked device as a controller – so when one phone is unavailable, you can switch to using RedEye on another device – whether it’s a tablet, laptop or another phone. This flexibility has other benefits – namely, that each person in your house can have their own controller, and they can control the system from just about anywhere.”

RedEye systems include the following optimizations for smartphones and PCs:

Multi-user support. Use any networked device (personal computer, smartphone, or tablet) to control the system.

Control from anywhere. As long as you have a network connection, you can control your system – from any room in the house, or even away from home.

Automatic synchronization. Each controller automatically detects the system configuration through the RedEye hardware, so adding a new controller is effortless. Also allows one person to pick up controlling right where another left off.

Complete customization. Organize not only common activities, but also unique button layouts appropriate for each activity, right down to the graphical look and feel.

Platform-appropriate shortcuts. On iOS, multi-touch and motion gestures and on Android and PC, keyboard shortcuts allow for easy operation without looking down at the screen when controlling.

RedEye hardware can be purchased online from ThinkFlood and is available from dealers and retailers worldwide, in more than 60 countries.

Download the latest version of the RedEye application from the Android marketplace or iTunes.

The innovative Manfrotto Photo Movie Head is the ideal solution for the new HD DSLRs with embedded video functions. A single product to take advantage of an extraordinary Photo Head and a fully featured Video Head.

Experience the best of photo and video shooting in one, with one single head!

The innovative Photo-Movie head has been developed simply to be the best and most ideal solution for the new HD DSLRs with embedded video functions. With a single product it is possible to take advantage of an extraordinary Photo Head and a fully featured Video Head. The unique Photo-Movie selector makes switching from shooting photos to videos quick and immediate, experiencing the best of both worlds. In Photo mode the head provides speed and maximum freedom in all directions, like a ball head combined with an incredibly precise, smooth and controlled movement never experienced before thanks to the fluid cartridges and friction control. In Video mode a fully featured Video Head allows precise and fluid movements for pan and tilt and includes all standard video settings, including an adjustable counterbalance control. The pan bar is reversible for right or left handed users and it can quickly be removed and fixed on a tripod leg thanks to the rest clip that’s included.

KEY FEATURES
• Photo-Movie selection: maximum speed in switching from photo to video
• Fluid cartridges for high precision movement control
• Both right and left handed use in video mode
• Adjustable friction control
• Single lock for tilt and portrait to quick lock the camera position
• Independent Pan lock for precise panoramic shots
• Counterbalance for precision and safety in controlling the camera
• Removable Pan Bar for maximum freedom in photo mode KEY BENEFITS
• One single head for both photo and video applications
• Ultra accurate and smooth
• Fast and Immediate
• Lightweight, durable materials and construction

www.manfrotto.us