Yearly Archives: 2013

Todoist 2.1 now uses the power of Google Now for adding new tasks to those lists of reminders.

When you open Google Now (or just say “OK Google” in Android KitKat) and say something like, “note to buy bread,” a “Buy bread” task will be created automatically, without ever having to enter the actual app.

In DashClock, enable the Todoist extension and— without having to unlock your device— get a glimpse of how many tasks you have for the day, overdue tasks, or tasks for the whole week.

Todoist free app:
• Synchronize your tasks across all your devices!
• Save your todo list to the cloud (Todoist.com)
• Add and manage unlimited tasks and sub-tasks
• Get organized with powerful features such as due dates, recurring dates, sub-tasks, task priorities, and colored projects
• Organize tasks into projects and sub-projects
• Access your task manager while being offline
• Leverage amazing widgets, actionable notifications, and advanced settings

More info: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.todoist

Sony’s new Cyber-shot RX10 camera adds a high-zoom model to its premium line of Cyber-shot RX series cameras.

The new camera features a 1.0-type, 20.2 effective megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor combined with an impressive 24-200mm (35mm equivalent) F2.8 Carl Zeiss® Vario Sonnar T* zoom lens to deliver the ultimate combination of performance and versatility in a high-zoom camera, giving photographers the ability to shoot impressive high-resolution still images and crisp, clear full HD videos with ease.

This unique pairing of large, high-resolution sensor and premium zoom lens is complemented by an advanced BIONZTM X processing engine and AF system, ensuring that all content shot with the new RX10 camera – still images and full HD videos alike – is richly detailed, crisp, and continually in focus.

“The innovative new RX10 high-zoom camera is a natural extension to our popular RX family of products, carrying on its legacy of balancing compact size and high- performance imaging in the ultimate package,” said Patrick Huang, director of the Cyber-shot camera business at Sony Electronics. “It’s an unparalleled all-around performer that will leave enthusiasts, hobbyists and even professionals reaching for their DSLRs less and less.”Sensor and Lens

The new RX10 camera shares the same high-resolution, 1.0-type 20.2 megapixel Exmor ® R CMOS sensor used in Sony’s popular RX100 II compact camera. About 4x the size of a standard compact camera sensor, it excels in producing high quality images in all types of lighting conditions. The BIONZ X processor is about 3x faster in processing speed compared to previous BIONZ predecessors, and reinforces the impressive image quality of the sensor by applying new detail reproduction technology and area-specific noise reduction.

It also utilizes diffraction-reducing technologies, which compensates for the lens diffraction at smaller apertures.

The fixed Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* 24-200mm lens offers superb clarity and resolving power, with a wide F2.8 maximum aperture across the entire zoom range that delivers extra brightness and bolsters low-light capabilities. The wide aperture combined with a seven-bladed iris diaphragm allows for easy creation of professional-looking photos with smooth, defocused backgrounds.

AF System, EVF Viewfinder and LCD

The new Cyber-shot RX10 camera features an extremely speedy and responsive new contrast-detection autofocus system thanks to a new-generation Direct Drive SSM (Super Sonicwave Motor) mechanism that works with the Exmor R CMOS sensor and powerful BIONZ X processor.

Additionally, the camera has lock-on AF that accurately tracks moving subjects, even if they disappear momentarily from the frame. Users also have a choice of three selectable sizes for the spot AF frame, cutting the risk of accidental focus errors with very small subjects. It also has an upgraded ‘Eye AF’ that ensures crisp portraits focused accurately on the subject’s eyes.

The new RX10 high-zoom camera can shoot at up to 10 frames per second with continuous autofocus. This capability combined with the advanced AF and versatile 200mm, constant aperture F2.8 lens makes it an outstanding choice for shooting fast action and sports.

The camera also features a high-contrast OLED Tru-FinderTM that provides crisp edge-to-edge visibility and a wide viewing angle of about 33°, as well as a clear, bright 3.0- type White MagicTM LCD tilts up or down for easy framing for even more compositional freedom.

Impressive Full HD Video Shooting

The Cyber-shot RX10 camera has a host of advanced HD video shooting capabilities,

including the ability to capture full HD video either 60p (AVCHD progressive) or a cinematic 2

24p frame rate, with full control over P/A/S/M exposure modes. Additionally, the camera can read and process data from every one of the large sensor’s pixels to create extremely smooth, highly-detailed Full HD videos. It also has a ‘clear’ HDMI® output which allows footage to be reviewed on an external monitor or recorded to a separate storage device.

The RX10 has an audio level meter with adjustable levels to ensure that movies sound as good as they look and there’s a microphone jack and headphone output for accurate level monitoring. Further, the RX10 model is compatible with the XLR-K1M adapter, which takes users into the world of pro-quality sound recording and allows for the addition of an external microphone via a balanced XLR terminal.

Design and Control

Aesthetically, the new Cyber-shot RX10 features a variety of fully customizable controls and settings that offer DSLR-like flexibility for advanced users. The lens itself has a manual control ring that can be used for zoom or focus control, as well as a dedicated aperture ring that can be set to ‘stepped’ (clicking) or smooth and silent (very useful for movies) when making adjustments.

The camera has six different customizable buttons plus a top-mounted LCD for instant confirmation of exposure and other key settings. The camera has a premium feel thanks to its light, rigid magnesium alloy build, and is also dust- and moisture-resistant for use in outdoor situations.

Wi-Fi and Other Convenient Features

The RX10 model has on-board Wi-Fi for easy connection with any iOS or AndroidTM smartphone, and features NFC (Near Field Communication) one-touch for simple connection to NFC-enabled Android devices. Consumers can share photos wirelessly on a connected mobile device, HD TV or home networked devices. Additionally, a connected phone can be used as a smart remote control to fire the camera’s shutter.

The new camera plays back high-resolution still images directly on a connected 4K television, offering four times the detail of Full HD. It also features support for3

TRILUMINOSTM Color, delivering an impressive variety of rich, natural colors when content shot with the camera is played back on a compatible BRAVIATM television with TRILUMINOS Display.

There’s a range of compatible accessories for the RX10 camera including the new LCJ-RXE premium jacket case that protects the camera from dust and knocks. Additionally, the ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone can be attached via the camera’s Multi Interface ShoeTM for crisp dialogue and ambient sounds while shooting HD video, and the HVL-F43M flash and HVL-LEIR1 Video IR light ideal for capturing subjects and taking creative shots in low light.

Pricing and Availability

The Sony Cyber-shot RX10 high-zoom camera will be available for purchase this November for about $1300.

The new camera and all compatible accessories will be available at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.

Sony’s new A7 and A7R digital cameras are the world’s smallest full-frame interchangeable lens models2. Highly anticipated by professional photographers and imaging enthusiasts alike, the two new cameras offer an unmatched combination of creativity, customizability and portability.

The 7R model features a 36.4 effective megapixel 35mm Exmor® CMOS sensor – the highest resolution sensor in the history of Sony’s ? line – with no optical low pass filter for added resolving power and increased image detail. The ?7 model boasts an impressive 24.3 effective megapixel 35mm Exmor® CMOS sensor and an innovative fast Hybrid AF system.

Each camera is equipped with advanced imaging features including a powerful new BIONZ® X processor; fast AF capabilities; a clear, bright XGA OLED Tru-finder, full HD 60p video recording, Wi-Fi® and NFC connection, dust-and moisture- resistance and more.

“With these new A7 camera systems, Sony has completely redefined the look and feel of a professional-grade digital camera,” said Mike Kahn, director of the interchangeable lens camera business at Sony Electronics. “The ?7 and ?7R cameras are significantly smaller, lighter and more portable than any other full-frame interchange lens camera yet deliver image quality, power and performance that professionals and enthusiasts crave.”Both cameras feature full customization and control to meet the needs of the most demanding photographers. There are 9 different customizable buttons and 46 assignable functions that can be adjusted based on shooting preferences, including fully customizable front and back dials, a rear control wheel and an exposure compensation dial. Users can preview all changes to photographic settings in real-time on the high-contrast, 2.4 million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder or the high-resolution tiltable 3” LCD screen.

The new cameras share a powerful new BIONZ X processor that accurately reproduces details in textures in real-time via extra high-speed processing capabilities, and allows for exceptional low noise performance in all types of lighting conditions.

Additionally, the powerful processor combined with the advanced, high resolution sensors allow both cameras to shoot pro-quality Full HD video (AVCHD progressive, 1920x1080p @ 60p) with richly detailed colors and ultra-low noise.

Clear Image Zoom has been enhanced for video recording as well, allowing for powerful close-up shots without sacrificing pixel count. Other pro-style movie features include an audio recording level control and display plus a “live” HDMI® output for passing through video to an external monitor or recording device.

The new cameras both have on-board Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities for instant image sharing and transfer to compatible smartphones and tablets. The ?7R and ?7 models can access Sony’s platform of PlayMemoriesTM Camera Apps, allowing users to add new effects, filters, utilities and more. This platform includes new ‘Multiple Exposure’ app, which automatically combines sequential exposures into one creative shot, and ‘Smart Remote Control’4, which allows for direct control of exposure and shutter speed from a connected smartphone and is particularly useful for self-portraits or group shots5. Find out more at www.playmemoriescameraapps.com .The new ?7 and ?7R cameras each have a tough, magnesium alloy build and are dust and moisture resistant for standing up to some of the toughest weather conditions.

A7R Camera

Designed for professional photographers and highly advanced enthusiasts, the new ?7R model is the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame interchangeable lens camera2.

It has an impressive 36.4 effective megapixel full frame sensor and no optical low pass filter, ensuring that the extraordinary resolving power is fully realized and resulting in an unprecedented level of detail and clarity in images.

The camera features a new Fast Intelligent AF technology that delivers blazingly quick, accurate autofocus. Additionally, there are a total of three selectable sizes for the Flexible Spot AF frame, minimizing the risk of accidentally focusing on the wrong target.

A7 Camera

Offering an exciting entry into the world of full-frame photography, the A7 camera features an advanced 24.3 effective megapixel full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor paired with the powerful new BIONZ X processor.

The exciting new camera has an innovative Fast Hybrid AF system that combines phase- and contrast-detect AF methods to ensure speedy, accurate autofocus. It can also shoot at up to 5 fps continuously with non-stop AF tracking, allowing it to keep pace with fast- moving athletes, wildlife or energetic children.

New Sony Lenses and Accessories

There are a total of 5 new full-frame E-mount lenses designed to take full advantage of the powerful imaging capabilities of the ?7R and ?7 cameras, including mid-range zoom lenses from Sony and Carl Zeiss, two bright Zeiss Sonnar T*TM prime lenses and a premium- quality G LensTM telephoto zoom. Sony’s growing E-mount interchangeable lens lineup now consists of 21 different lenses including the new full-frame models.

In addition to the new lenses, there are also two new-generation mount adaptors that give photographers the ability to utilize full-frame Sony A-mount optics on the ?7 and ?7R cameras. The LA-EA3 adapter simply adds compatibility for existing A-mount lenses the new cameras, while the LA-EA4 model adds the ultra-fast focusing and shooting capabilities of Sony’s innovative Translucent Mirror Technology.

There is also a new vertical grip (VG-C1EM) that offers greater comfort during vertical shooting and can accommodate two separate NP-FW50 batteries for extended battery life and shooting time. A new BC-TRW compact external battery charger that quickly charges batteries and is great for travel, and FA-CS1M off camera shoe allows the use of external flashes (HVL-43M, 20M) in off-camera wired applications. Additionally, the new3

LCS-ELCA premium soft leather carry case protects the ?7 and ?7R cameras from scuffs and marks while being carried.

Pricing and Availability

The Sony ?7R and ?7 full-frame interchangeable lens cameras will be available for purchase this December.

The ?7R camera will be offered as a body-only for about $2300.

The Sony ?7 compact system camera will be offered with a 28-70mm F3.5 – F5.6 full- frame lens (model SEL2870) for about $2000. It will also be offered as a body-only for about $1700.

The versatile new LA-EA3 and LA-EA4 mount adapters will be available in December for about $200 and $350, respectively.

The new VG-C1EM vertical grip and LCS-ELCA premium case will also be available in December for about $300 and $ 140, respectively.

The new camera and all compatible accessories will be available at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.

Pixpa introduced a new and enhanced version of its user interface called the Pixpa EasyStudio, in an effort to strengthen its position as a premium portfolio website builder. This easy-to-use online admin tool has gone through several months of extensive development and is expected to make the process of portfolio building even easier for its users. This new upgrade aspires to reach the next level of user experience design with sleek design and fluid navigation.

Features:
Intuitive Design: The new EasyStudio intends to make the website building and maintenance process as simple and intuitive as possible so that even the people with no technical know-how can manage it with ease. The interface has a three column structure which makes it easier to access different sections without having to load multiple pages.

Fast and Easy Navigation: The internal navigation is much smoother now so as not to create any difficulty for new users in locating the necessary options. All the major categories are visible on the screen and they have been categorized logically to enable efficient management.

Better Creative Control: The EasyStudio allows complete creative control over web content, the SEO drives, the social media accounts as well as the website analytics in an elegant and efficient manner.

“The new EasyStudio is not a small upgrade but a significant re-imagination of the entire interface. We hope it paves the way for more state of the art design upgrades in the near future”, reiterated Gurpreet.

While the existing Pixpa users will now be able to access this new EasyStudio, the new users can also experience the same by just signing up for a 15 day free trial http://www.pixpa.com/signup