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Nikon 1 V2 announced

Nikon Inc. announced the new 14.2-megapixel Nikon 1 V2, the latest addition to the revolutionary Nikon 1 Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens System. Designed for the creative consumer who seeks stunning images and HD video, the V2 incorporates a myriad of new features aimed at improving the shooting experience, including a new ergonomic grip for familiar handling, a built-in flash and the addition of a Command Mode Dial to provide easy access to features and controls. Nikon also introduced the new SB-N7, an optional compact speedlight that offers versatile lighting possibilities for Nikon 1 V1 and Nikon 1 V2 shooters.

The new Nikon 1 V2 is designed to be compact and delivers astoundingly rapid Autofocus (AF) and shooting response, incredible image quality, sharp Full HD video and advanced yet easy-to-use shooting options. The V2 offers a new 14.2-megapixel CX-format super high-speed CMOS sensor that has been engineered to allow for amazing image quality that exhibits eye-catching colors, rich hues and striking detail. The upgraded sensor combined with the blazing fast Advance Hybrid AF system allows users to shoot up to 15 frames-per-second (fps) while maintaining full AF tracking that allows the capturing of fast moving subjects. Other new and noteworthy features include versatile and fun shooting modes such as Best Moment Capture Mode and the new Live Image Control that lets a user preview their creative vision, pre-capture.

“The recent additions to the Nikon 1 System, including the new V2, demonstrate Nikon’s dedication to delivering a camera system that meets the needs of creative and expressive consumers looking for an easy-to-use camera that is portable enough to take on any life adventure,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience. “With a grip and control layout that is familiar to photographers, the V2’s incredible speed, versatility, ease of use and portability can be used in various situations to shoot amazing images and sharp HD video.”

Enhanced Design Lets Creative Freedom Flow

The new V2 sports an enhanced design that includes a comfortable traditional grip as well as a textured camera body and thoughtfully placed mode dials. With easy access to the new top-placed Command Dial, V2 shooters will be able to make camera adjustments quickly and easily, even when framing photos in the camera’s 1.4-million-dot electronic viewfinder. The camera also includes a new Direct Setting Control that enables quick access to settings in manual exposure modes (P,S,A,M), so that settings can be changed without taking an eye off the electronic viewfinder or the high-resolution 921,000-dot 3.0-in LCD display. To get creative in challenging light, a built-in pop-up flash supplies extra lighting when capturing images in low-light situations or to provide a fill flash to eliminate shadows. The camera also features a Nikon 1 i-TTL hot shoe port, affording the use of optional lighting and camera accessories with the Nikon 1 V2.

Though compact and portable, the new Nikon 1 V2 boasts incredible performance and features that will be easily embraced by all levels of photographers. In addition to the 14.2-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor, the camera also includes the new EXPEED 3A image processing engine, both specifically designed to produce still images and HD video with stunning clarity and color. Additionally, the new EXPEED 3A has improved image-signal processing capability as well as high-speed readout.

A wide ISO range (160-6400) allows the V2 to perform brilliantly in tough lighting conditions, while the highly responsive Advanced Hybrid Autofocus (AF) system provides users with superfast shooting speeds, allowing them to capture fast action with crisp focus, whether at a football game or dance recital. The Nikon 1 V2’s 73 point AF array ensures accuracy and super precise focus, even on moving subjects. The camera also provides high-speed continuous shooting with continuous Auto focusing letting users capture approximately 15 fps up to 45 frames. High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 60 fps for up to 40 frames is also possible.

Get Creative with Advanced Features

The new Nikon 1 V2 offers various shooting modes and controls that will help photographers flex their creative muscle while providing new ways to be expressive in still images and HD videos. With the new top-placed Mode Dial, V2 users will be able to access the camera’s Auto Mode as well as full manual controls on the fly. The camera is also equipped with an Enhanced Motion Snapshot Mode, which users can utilize to capture fleeting moments with a short, slow-motion movie sequence in addition to a single defining still image. A Motion Snapshot can be saved as a four second MOV file and JPEG image file separately or it can also be saved as a 10 second movie file without a separate JPEG image file, making it easy to share with others. Furthermore, Motion Snapshots can be combined into a continuous slideshow seamlessly within the camera.

The Nikon 1 V2 also includes Best Moment Capture Mode, an advanced creative mode that allows individuals to use Slow View to slow down a moment they are capturing, in real time. By simply pressing the shutter button halfway down when focused, users can capture live action (approx. 1.33 seconds), while the view of the subject is displayed at five times slower than normal speed (approx. 6.66 sec). The action is replayed repeatedly as long as the shutter-release button is half-pressed. Fast action sports and events are transformed to slow motion right on the LCD screen, letting the user capture once-in-a- lifetime moments with confidence.

Additionally, original Nikon 1 features like Smart Photo Selector are still available on this new camera, and are accessible through the Best Moment Capture Mode. When using Smart Photo Selector, V2 users can capture up to 20 shots with a single press of the shutter button, and the camera will then automatically select the five best images to keep based on factors such as exposure, focus and facial recognition. The Nikon 1 V2 also includes an Advance Movie Mode that allows for the simultaneous shooting of 1080p Full HD video and high-resolution stills of the same subject or scene. Slow motion movies at both 400 fps and 1200 fps can also be captured, plus full manual exposure controls are accessible while in Advance Movie Mode.

Image effects and image-creation functions such as in-camera HDR and the innovative Live Image Control allow users even more ways to customize their photos. Live Image Control gives users the ability to see end-result images before capture by incorporating effects of various camera settings on a scene. With Live Image Control, real time adjustments to motion control, brightness control, Active D-Lighting and background focus are seen on the LCD screen or the electronic viewfinder prior to capture to help ensure the user’s creative vision is fulfilled.

Expanding the Reach of the Nikon 1 V2: Accessories for the Nikon 1 System

The V2 is compatible with the optional WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter1. When connected to the WU- 1b, the camera can shoot high quality images and movies and transfer them to smart devices, making it easy to stay connected and share content wirelessly to social networks. Users of the free Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility application for AndroidTM2 platform smart devices as well as iPhone® and iPad®3 mobile digital devices will also have the ability to remotely control the camera from a smartphone or tablet.

Like the other Nikon 1 system cameras, V2 shooters will have access to a growing lineup of incredible 1 NIKKOR lenses, Nikon 1 accessories, as well as F-Mount NIKKOR lenses when connected to the FT-1 Mount Adapter. These lenses and accessories will allow individuals to build a system that truly complements their creative lifestyle.

Alongside the Nikon 1 V2, the new optional SB-N7 speedlight will inspire shooters to take their creative vision to new heights with an extremely versatile yet compact and lightweight flash unit. When connected to the Nikon 1 accessory port of the V2, the SB-N7 will provide opportunities to explore lighting options including i-TTL support. Additionally, the flash head tilts up to 120 degrees for situations that call for bouncing the flash output. The new speedlight is easy-to-use and travel friendly, and also uses common AAA batteries. The speedlight provides a guide number of 18 meters/59 feet (at ISO 100), as well as a supplied external wide flash adapter for wider shooting coverage.

Price and Availability

The Nikon 1 V2 camera with the 10-30mm lens will be available in late November 2012 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95*. The SB-N7 speedlight will be available in January 2013 and will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $159.95*. For more information on the V2 and SB-N7 or other Nikon 1 series products, please visit www.nikonusa.com

WebPlatform.org guide to building the open web

WebPlatform.org is a collaboration between Adobe, Apple, Facebook, Google, HP, Microsoft, Mozilla, Nokia and Opera pool educational resources to create a comprehensive, frequently updated guide to creating HTML5 and other content for the open web.

WebPlatform.org will have accurate, up-to-date, comprehensive references and tutorials for every part of client-side development and design, with quirks and bugs revealed and explained. It will have in-depth indicators of browser support and interoperability, with links to tests for specific features. It will feature discussions and script libraries for cutting-edge features at various states of implementation or standardization, with the opportunity to give feedback into the process before the features are locked down. It will have features to let you experiment with and share code snippets, examples, and solutions. It will have an API to access the structured information for easy reuse. It will have resources for teachers to help them train their students with critical skills. It will have information you just can’t get anywhere else, and it will have it all in one place.

The founding members of Web Platforms Docs have all already provided a lot of content for the site to help get this effort off to a strong start. However, collectively, we’ve barely scratched the surface. We decided that it would be better to open up Web Platform Docs to the community as early as possible, so that everyone – including you – can help expand and refine the documentation, and ultimately define the direction of the site.

More info: http://blog.webplatform.org/2012/10/one-small-step/

Three Mobile launches Galaxy Note II

The Samsung GALAXY Note II with it’s massive 5.55″ Super AMOLED HD display helps to unleash your creative side by letting you discover information faster, capture ideas, and express them more efficiently. Using the new S Pen allows you to be more precise and gives a writing experience that feels like writing with pen and paper and with Air View you can hover the S Pen over emails, picture and video galleries to preview them.

The Galaxy Note II also brings features such as Smart Stay and Best Picture from the Galaxy S III. This means that the phone will know when you’re reading an ebook or browsing the web and keep the backlight on. Additionally when you’re using the 8MP camera you can snap multiple shots and the Galaxy Note II will choose the best one for you.

Available in marble white and titanium grey, the super-fast Samsung Galaxy Note II comes with a powerful 1.6GHz quad-core processor and because the Galaxy Note II is HSPA+ compatible, you’re able to enjoy faster internet speeds and quicker downloads. Plus with a longer-life 3100mAh battery you can stay glued to your phone for longer.

Sylvia Chind, Head of Devices at Three said, “”With its range of cutting edge features, the Samsung Galaxy Note II is perfectly suited to those looking for innovation without compromise. Coming to life on the only network that was built for the internet, the Galaxy Note II combines the productivity of a PC in a handy smartphone size.”

The Samsung Galaxy Note II is available for £34 a month with an upfront cost of £69 on the Ultimate Internet 500 plan with a guarantee of no surprise out-of-bundle data charges or £36 a month with an upfront cost of £69 on The One Plan.

The device is also available on Pay As You Go for £499.99 plus a top up. All in One 15 costs £15 and gives 30-day access to all-you-can-eat data along with 300 any-network minutes and 3,000 texts. Or All in One 25 costs £25 and offers 500 minutes, 3,000 texts and all-you-can-eat data for a 30-day period.

Key features:

• 5.5″ HD Super AMOLED HD display
• 1.6GHz quad-core processor
• 8 megapixel camera with best shot feature
· S Pen functionality
• HSPA+ compatible

The Samsung Galaxy Note II is now available online at www.three.co.uk and in all Three stores.

Google drops more services

Senior Engineering Director, Yossi Matias announced Google is retiring more online services including:

“AdSense for Feeds was designed to help publishers earn revenue from their content by placing ads on their RSS feeds. Starting October 2, we’ll begin to retire this feature—and on December 3 we’ll close it. Publishers can continue to use FeedBurner URLs powered by Google, so they won’t need to redirect subscribers to different URLs. For more information visit the AdSense Help Center.

Classic Plus is a Google Search feature that lets people upload or select images to use as a background on Google.com. Users won’t be able to upload new pictures starting from October 16, and we’ll turn the service off in November 2012. You’ll continue to have access to any images you’ve uploaded.

Google storage in Picasa and Drive will be consolidated over the next few months, so users will have five GB of free storage across both services. If you’re paying for storage, your free storage will now be counted towards your total. So if you buy a 100GB plan, it will give you 100GB of total storage instead of adding to what you already had. We believe this approach will make it much easier for users. For both free and paid storage, people at or near their current storage limits will have the same amount of storage after this change.

Spreadsheet Gadgets were designed to allow people to add customized features to Google Spreadsheets. But most popular gadgets have now been added directly into charts in spreadsheets. So we will slowly start turning off Gadgets in Spreadsheets next year.

Starting on October 15, we’ll stop issuing and displaying Google News Badges, as well as showing Recommended Sections. People can still tailor their Google News experience by adding custom sections or adjusting the frequency with which news sources appear.

We’ve merged Insights for Search into a revamped Google Trends. You can now see search trends and compare search volume patterns across specific regions, categories, time frames and properties in a single place: google.com/trends. We will no longer support Trends for Websites, which allowed people to compare traffic to and audiences of different websites.

Places Directory was an Android app that helped people find nearby places of interest. We’ve removed the app from Google Play and are taking down the Places Directory site because users can find everything in Google Maps for Mobile, which offers a much better user experience.

We introduced +1 Reports in Webmaster Tools to help publishers measure +1 activity on their pages. Given that webmasters now use Social Reports in Google Analytics to get a wider view of social activity (including +1’s), we’ll be discontinuing the stand-alone +1 Reports on November 14. Measuring social media remains a priority for Google Analytics, so stay tuned for future improvements.”

http://googleblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/more-spring-cleaning.html

Pantech Vega R3 announced

VEGA R3 Features 5.3″ Large Screen Operable with One Hand and a Quad-Core CPU, 2,600mAh Battery & Natural IPS Pro LCD

Pantech is showing its rising confidence as Korea’s no. 2 smartphone manufacturer by introducing the Vega R3 featuring a powerful performance, a fancy UX, and luxury design in the fourth quarter, where all major competitors are showing off their best products. The company held a media day event at ‘M Stage’ near Gangnam Station in Seoul on September 24, and introduced its strategy smartphone Vega R3 (model name: IM-A850S/ 850K/ 850L). The model will be available through all 3 mobile telecommunication carriers beginning on September 25.

Pantech’s Vega R3 is equipped with 3 powerful features: a 5.3″ large screen operable with one hand and a quad-core CPU, a super battery pack allowing users extended use with peace of mind, and an IPS Pro LCD deploying naturally colored, bright and clear images.

5.3″ large screen operable with one hand… Pantech’s unique zero-bezel technology is applied

Despite having a large 5.3″ screen, Vega R3 comes in a compact size which comfortably fits into one hand.

This is enabled by Pantech’s new ‘Zero Bezel Tech’. The technology allows users to hold the smartphone and operate the screen with just one hand. It provides optimum grip for a typical Korean hand.

The front side of the Vega R3 applies the dia-cutting technique, which is used in designing high-priced accessories like watches or rings to feature an overall strong and luxury image.

Super battery pack…… Maximum capacity of 2,600mAh, fast recharging and 2 port recharger

Pantech concentrated all the capabilities of its R&D center to develop a battery allowing greatest convenience to smartphone users. Featuring the country’s largest 2,600mAh battery capacity and quickest recharging time among all smartphones available in the domestic market, the battery pack is ideal for the busy lifestyles of modern users.

Vega R3 features the large 2,600mAh capacity battery first among Korean LTE smartphones. Pantech applied Qualcomm’s quad-core SnapDragon S4 Pro to minimize current consumption and improve power efficiency. As a result, the smartphone deploys more than 360 hours of continuous standby time and 14 hours and 30 minutes of continuous calling time, the longest of all LTE smartphones.

Pantech also kept their capabilities focused on expanding battery capacity to 2,600mAh and reducing recharging time to drastically improve the utility of the smartphone. Pantech’s R&D Center applied the 2A recharger to reduce the time to fully recharge the battery to around 100 minutes. It represents a 1.6 times faster recharging time than competing products with a similar capacity which take around 3 hours. It also provides the industry’s first 2-port recharger which can recharge the smartphone and a battery simultaneously.

Perfect presentation of natural colors…… Natural IPS Pro LCD

Vega R3 features Sharp’s latest 5.3″ (Natural) IPS Pro LCD that displays natural colors with brighter and clearer images.

It also particularly creates a natural white color which reduces eye fatigue and greatly improves outdoor legibility by eliminating the difficulties of viewing the screen clearly under outdoor or bright light. Moreover, the 16:9 ratio HD (1280 X 720) resolution allows users to replay HD TV or movie contents in full screen without a black screen or image stretching.

“Pantech has had the philosophy that smartphones must be operable with one hand. Vega R3 is the realization of that philosophy. We are confident that Vega R3 provides more user friendly features than the iPhonn5,” Jun-woo Lee, VP of Pantech Business, said. He added, “With Vega R3 featuring the best specifications and functions to represent the Vega brand, we will solidify our position as the no. 2 manufacturer in the Korean market in the 4th quarter.”

Combination of Pantech’s top level technology and best parts…Leads to best performance being created

The Vega R3 is equipped with a CPU, GPU and RAM of the highest performance available. Quad-core Qualcomm SnapDragon S4 Pro features a 40% higher performance rate than the existing quad-core chip. The high performance of the CPU is backed by GPU ADRENO320 to ensure fast and smooth screen transitions. Furthermore, 2GB of RAM has been added to deploy a complete multitasking environment to execute multiple applications simultaneously.

The company has also enhanced the 13 million pixel camera it first introduced in July, first among all smartphones in Korea. Vega R3 also introduces innovative functions like ‘Best Face’, voice recognition, continuous recording, and tracking focus so that it can reliably substitute a regular digital camera.

Innovative user environmentfunctions such as text action and … Useful and joyful best face

Vega R3 provides innovative functions allowing a useful and joyful experience to the users.

1. Text Action
Text action allows handwritten content to be easily imported into e-mail, Kakao Talk, Note Pad, and messages. With the Quick Action function, users can run Quick Dial, Web search, alarm setting, and music replay with a single tap.

2. Best Face
Best Face is a function that allows multiple people take multiple pictures and select the best facial feature for each one to create a picture that can satisfy everyone.

3. Canvas Talk
Canvas Talk is a function that can send texts or images even during a voice call. It allows users to send emotive feelings that may be difficult to express verbally.

4. Emotional Bubble Message and Hand-writing Mode
Emotional Bubble Message recognizes the emotion contained in the text message to send the appropriate facial expression in a bubble. The Hand-writing mode is a sensory function allowing text messaging from hand writing.

5. Mini-window
Video and mini sketch are added to existing music, terrestrial DMB, electronic dictionary, and notepad. The video can be linked with the electronic dictionary so that a user can select a word in the subtitle during the replay of a video and quickly check its meaning. The screen size can also be freely adjusted.

6. Apps Play, Vega Cloud Live and Vega Media Live
Apps Play is an app store specializing in the game content provided by Vega. It provides popular high performance games like Modern ComPat3 and Asphalt7 for a discount or free of charge for Vega R3 users. Vega Cloud Live provides the functions like real-time synchronization of pictures and videos and smartphone personal configuration backup as well as up to 16GB of storage free of charge. For Vega R3, the ‘pad’ file created by a user can be automatically backed up to Cloud Live so that it can be reviewed anywhere and anytime. Vega Media Live is an on-screen service. Users can easily view the media content in the user’s PC from Vega R3 or smart TV with simple operation. In addition, users can download the media content to the user’s PC and search the contents of up to 5 connected PCs or smartphones simultaneously and import the music content from the user’s PC or friend’s phone into the user’s play list.

BT to offer free YouView box

BT has announced today that it will offer a free YouView set top box* with no TV subscription to new BT Infinity customers. Broadband customers not in an Infinity enabled area will also be able to get a free YouView box* when they subscribe to TV Essential, starting at £4/month. Both offer a massive saving on the retail price of the YouView set top box, which is priced at £299 at retailers across the country.

With YouView from BT customers can enjoy:
• More than 100 digital TV and radio channels
• Seven day catch-up TV allowing customers to scroll back and catch up across all the channels from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
• On-demand content from BBC iPlayer, ITV player, 4OD, Demand5, Milkshake and NowTV with more content providers on the way
• Access to BT Vision, the largest library of video on-demand on YouView, with over five thousand programmes, including blockbuster and classic films, the best UK and US TV shows, kids shows, sports and the only place where you can find the latest HD films and music videos on YouView.
• Self-install YouView HUMAX box – customers with BT broadband can be up and running as soon as it arrives
• BT’s YouView box comes with 500Gb hard drive, able to store up to 300 hours of SD TV or around 125 hours of HD TV
• All of this with market leading broadband, up to 8x faster than the UK average**

YouView’s unique programme guide lets users go back in time, so they can watch shows from last night or last week even if they forgot to record them, as well as record, pause and rewind live TV.

With the simple-to-use search facility viewers can find on-demand content by programme or genre.

YouView from BT will be available with all of BT’s TV and broadband packages and will launch on 26 October. Existing customers can also upgrade to YouView for £49 ***.

Customers who register their interest in YouView in advance (with no obligation) at www.bt.com/youview will have the opportunity to be first to place their order for YouView, during an exclusive window between October 19-26. These customers will be sent an e-mail invitation with a link to a special web site.

Alex Green, director TV, BT Retail, said: “This is a fantastic offer. Customers will now be able to enjoy BT’s super-fast fibre broadband with a YouView box and TV Essential pack all for £18 per month. With YouView from BT not only can customers experience a great new way to watch TV they will also be able to access a huge range of on-demand content from BT Vision. The launch of YouView from

BT is another piece of exciting news about BT’s plans for TV.”
YouView is backed by some of biggest names in British TV and broadband: the BBC, BT, Channel 4, Channel 5, ITV, Arqiva and TalkTalk. The YouView set top box integrates content delivered by broadband and television aerial.

* £49 activation charge, £6.95 delivery charge for the hub and line rental applies. To get a free YouView box you’ll need to sign up to BT Infinity/BT Broadband and BT Vision Essential (rising to £5/month on 5 Jan) both with a 12 month minimum term. You’ll also need a fast-enough line and a BT Home Hub. Quality of content depends on local transmitter, suitable rooftop aerial and availability of digital channels (www.youview.com). We’ll charge you for some On Demand content. Terms apply.
** Speeds based on Infinity Option 2 average customer speed and UK average from Ofcom report, July 2012
*** £6.95 delivery. Existing customers will need to be out of their minimum term

Slashdot, Freecode and SourceForge sold for $20 million

Dice Holdings, Inc. a provider of specialized career websites, and Geeknet, Inc. announced that Dice Holdings has acquired Geeknet’s online media business, including Slashdot and SourceForge.

“The acquisition of these premier technology sites fits squarely into our strategy of providing content and services that are important to tech professionals in their everyday work lives,” said Scot Melland, Chairman, President & CEO of Dice Holdings, Inc. “The SourceForge and Slashdot communities will enable our customers to reach millions of engaged tech professionals on a regular basis and significantly extends our company’s reach into the global tech community.”

The sites include:

Slashdot, a user-generated news, analysis, peer question and professional insight community. Tech professionals moderate the site which averages more than 5,300 comments daily and 3.7 million unique visitors each month.

SourceForge, a destination for technology professionals and enthusiasts to develop, download, review and publish open source software, much of which they use in their own organizations. Approximately 80 percent of its roughly 40 million monthly unique visitors are outside the U.S.

Freecode, one of the largest indexes of Linux, Unix and cross-platform software, as well as mobile applications generates nearly 500,000 unique visitors each month.

The acquisition builds on Dice.com’s rich history in providing the best content to help technology professionals succeed in their careers and reinforces the company’s commitment to deliver unique and valuable information to foster engagement in each of its communities.

Ken Langone, Chairman of Geeknet, added, “We are very pleased to find a new home for our media business, providing a platform for the sites and our media teams to thrive. With this transaction completed, we will now focus our full attention on growing ThinkGeek.”

Dice Holdings acquired the business for $20 million in cash. In 2011, the online media properties generated $20 million in Revenues.

SME announce BlackBerry Cloud File Manager App

SMEStorage has updated their BlackBerry Cloud File Manager App to enable easy management of Storage Clouds such as Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, Box, WebDav, Amazon S3 etc.

The App also supports SaaS services that enable storage such as BaseCamp for example. In total, over 35 Storage and SaaS Clouds are supported.

SME also provides a free 5GB free storage hosted on Amazon S3 for every user that purchases the App.

Managing files spread across multiple cloud services can be challenging and can involve numerous different applications, if indeed such services are supported at all. With the SME BlackBerry App copying a file to the device or between services is as easy as selecting to copy it to the clipboard and then pasting to another service.

Cross-Cloud service search is a further unique feature of the App. This feature enables an end user to search for files and receive a set of results for files that are stored across all cloud services.

Files can easily be uploaded from the BlackBerry to any of the Cloud Services by simply changing directory to the relevant Cloud Service in the file tree.

Files from different clouds can be opened directly in the device with any associated application.

Other features include the ability to sync BlackBerry notes directly with a nominated cloud service.

CEO Ian Osborne commented, “We continue improving our support for BlackBerry devices and this update to the Cloud File Manager for BlackBerry improves on the prior version with a number of new features and supported clouds, as well as new support for our European server. We also recently rolled our a rich mobile client for the BlackBerry Playbook which we have seen to be very well received.”

The SME Cloud File Manager is available now from BlackBerry AppWorld.

AppWorld link:
https://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/12305/

Lensbaby Announces Spark Selective Focus Lens

Spark is geared toward young photo enthusiasts who are looking for a creative spark to help break out of the box of traditional photography. It retails for $80 and is available for Canon and Nikon DSLRs. Spark lets photographers capture creative images in-camera that have a sweet spot of focus surrounded by beautiful artistic blur. It is a manual focus lens that provides a fun, tactile shooting experience. Photographers squeeze to focus, and tilt to move the “sweet spot” of focus around the image.

“Spark sprouted from Lensbaby’s fun and creative roots,” said Craig Strong, Lensbaby Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder. “We crafted Spark for photographers who look to go beyond their predictable kit lens and experiment with visual spontaneity in-camera.”

This new Lensbaby speaks to youthful, adventurous photographers looking for fun, creative tools to help tell their unique story. Indomitable photographers who harness energy and inspiration by capturing the magic of fleeting moments through their camera lenses will find a kindred spirit in Spark. Whether documenting their experiences on vacation or their daily escapades in their own hometown, Spark is designed to help young, creative photographers express themselves. Spark is a lightweight lens with a unique 50mm selective focus multi-coated glass doublet optic. The optic features an f/5.6 fixed aperture providing ease of use for new Lensbaby enthusiasts.

Lensbaby Spark Product Specs:
? Focal Length: 50mm
? Aperture: fixed f/5.6
Optic: multi-coated glass doublet
? Focus type: manual
? Sweet spot, selective focus lens (creates a sweet spot of focus surrounded by gradually increasing blur)
? Available for Canon and Nikon mount DSLRs
? Focusing range: approximately 13″ (33 cm) to infinity
? Compatible with Lensbaby Optic Swap System and all Lensbaby 37mm threaded accessory lenses

Spark will be available starting September 18, 2012 from amazon and select specialty photo stores worldwide and from www.lensbaby.com. For more information,

Canon announces EOS 6D DSLR with full frame sensor and WiFi

Canon U.S.A., Inc.,, today introduced the EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera, a versatile mid-range full-frame camera with the durability and performance professionals require and the creative imaging options serious photographers crave. Canon has coupled the incredible image quality of a newly designed 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+ Image Processor with the creative potential of built-in wireless transmitter and GPS features. The camera also includes an 11-point AF array and 63-zone dual-layer iFCL metering sensor together with 1080p Full HD video capabilities, in an affordable camera body. Building upon the qualities that made the EOS 5D Mark II camera so successful, the EOS 6D bridges the gap for budget-minded photographers, videographers and cinematographers who are eager to step up into the world of full-frame imaging.


EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera

“The introduction of this camera completes a well-rounded ecosystem from input through output for Canon, allowing us to provide the right combination of features for every level of photographer. We believe the EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera along with our new PIXMA Pro printers will help unlock the creative vision of so many who aspire to capture and display their artistic abilities,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

Designed for advanced amateurs and videographers making the move to a full-frame Digital SLR, the EOS 6D fits neatly into Canon’s professional imaging system with an advanced feature set including full manual options for creative control in addition to new and intuitive automatic settings to help even novice photographers capture great images. The camera’s construction helps meet the needs of professionals with a 100,000-cycle shutter durability and EOS Integrated Cleaning System for high-quality vibration-based dust removal. Among the many advancements in Canon’s new EOS 6D is the Company’s proprietary DIGIC 5+ Image Processor that powers the camera’s fast 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion for exceptionally smooth color tones and gradation. The camera offers a full-frame, 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and continuous shooting up to 4.5 frames per second (fps).

Thanks to the combination of its new CMOS image sensor and the powerful DIGIC 5+ image processor, the EOS 6D provides a wide ISO range from 100-25600 with a low setting, L: 50 and two high settings, H1: 51200 and H2: 102400. These outstanding low-light capabilities allow the EOS 6D to easily capture dimly lit scenes such as wedding ceremonies, indoor corporate events, or landscapes at dusk. To support the ample sensitivity of the new camera’s sensor, the EOS 6D camera’s Auto Focus (AF) system includes a newly-developed 11-point AF sensor featuring a high-precision center cross-type point with an exceptional EV -3 sensitivity rating for accurate focusing even in extremely low-light conditions.

The EOS 6D has a large 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor with 1,040,000 dot VGA resolution and 170 degree viewing angle, with high-transparency multicoating for maximum protection and clarity when viewing images or navigating menu screens. When used for Live View shooting, the camera’s bright high-performance LCD screen provides 100 percent coverage, for easy focusing and framing.

Full-Frame 1080p Full HD Video

Videographers, student filmmakers, and creative independent spirits will appreciate the full-frame video capabilities of the EOS 6D in an affordable and compact body. Borrowing from the best of the EOS 5D-series, the EOS 6D provides full manual control over exposure and audio levels while recording video. The camera features NTSC and PAL video modes at multiple frame rates, recording 1080p at 30 (29.97), 24 (23.976) and 25 fps, 720p at 60 (59.94) and 50 fps and standard video at 30 (29.97) and 25 fps. The camera provides up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds of continuous recording (with 4GB automatic file partitioning) in selectable All i-frame or IPB compressions with embedded timecode. Especially when used with large aperture lenses, the EOS 6D camera’s full-frame sensor offers a tremendous degree of creative control over depth-of-field, helping users to achieve pro-quality cinematic effects in Full HD video recordings.

Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS

For the ultimate in DSLR connectivity and control, the EOS 6D features a built-in wireless transmitter which allows the camera to share images and video with the user’s choice of wireless devices such as select PowerShot cameras, smartphones, or tablets, as well as cloud-based destinations including social networking sites through the Canon iMAGE GATEWAY . A very intuitive and useful wireless feature is the new, free Canon EOS Remote app available for iOS and Android systems which will allow a smartphone or wireless device such as a tablet to remotely connect, control and operate the connected EOS 6D . This seamless connection and control will open new opportunities for professional photographers shooting weddings or remote wildlife, without the need for tethered operation or accessories.

For on-location shooters, landscape photographers or enthusiast photo travelers, the EOS 6D features a built-in GPS receiver to record longitude, latitude, elevation and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) as EXIF data for seamless geo-tagging while shooting. The GPS coordinates are appended to each image and easily syncs with Canon software or mapping apps on social network sites to show image locations. Use of UTC data allows images to be chronologically mapped and trails plotted and recorded.

Boundless Creativity

To help photographers unlock their full creative potential and explore all the different avenues of digital photography, the EOS 6D includes several creative modes for image capture. First is the HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode allowing the camera to capture three separate exposures and combine them in-camera for a stunning image capturing both enhanced shadow detail and bright highlights. Next is the camera’s Multiple Exposure mode where users can combine up to nine individual images into a single composite image, with no need for later computer post-processing. 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 6D will even allow photographers to specify a previously captured RAW image as the starting point for a new Multiple Exposure composite image. In addition to HDR and Multiple Exposure modes are Canon’s standard Scene Intelligent Auto and special scene modes to capture great images with ease. The camera is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards including the new Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) cards.

Pricing and Availability

The EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $2,099.00 and it will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $2,899.00. Both configurations are expected to be available in December 2012.

Canon announces Powershot G15, S110 and SX50 HS

Designed for photographers of all levels, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announces the addition of three feature-packed digital cameras – the PowerShot G15, PowerShot S110, and PowerShot SX50 HS digital cameras – providing advanced features, greater focusing speed and multiple-shot speed in sophisticated, compact camera bodies. All three models include advancements in auto focus (AF) technology for high-speed responsive AF systems that capture the moment as it happens, with significantly reduced lag time . Both the PowerShot G15 and PowerShot S110 models include a newly designed 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor for exceptional light gathering and image quality. In addition to improvements to focusing speed and shooting speeds over their predecessors, each camera offers unique high-end features, such as an f/1.8-2.8 5x optical zoom lens on the PowerShot G15. The PowerShot S110 includes Wi-Fi connectivity for the ultimate in image quality and on-the-spot sharing, while the PowerShot SX50 HS boasts the world’s first 50x optical zoom in a digital camera to date.


Powershot G15, S110 and SX50 HS

“Art is the by-product of creativity and inspiration. With the introduction of the advanced features in these three new PowerShot models, our customers will have the right tools to put their creativity into action and produce images that they will share for a lifetime,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

PowerShot G15 Digital Camera

The powerful new PowerShot G15 builds upon the success of the G-series providing some of the most advanced features in Canon’s PowerShot lineup. The PowerShot G15 continues this tradition with a new 28mm wide-angle f/1.8 – f/2.8 lens with 5x optical zoom, great for low-light shooting or dramatic shallow depth of field. The PowerShot G15 includes Canon’s HS SYSTEM where the camera’s DIGIC 5 image processor and newly designed Canon 1/1.7-inch 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor work in tandem to enhance low-light image quality at a maximum ISO speed of 12800. Enabling creative video capture, the PowerShot G15 shoots 1080p Full HD video with a built-in stereo microphone for great sound and zooming is enabled for optimal framing while recording.

The PowerShot G15 also features advancements in Canon’s AF system with improved AF times and reduced lag over previous G-series models. These AF improvements also enhance the High-Speed Burst HQ mode allowing for continuous capture of up to 10 frames at 12.1-megapixels. While shooting still images or recording video the camera also utilizes Canon’s Intelligent IS to stabilize the image and provide crisp photos and steady video.

The PowerShot G15 retains an accessory shoe for Speedlites and an optical viewfinder as an option to the bright 3.0-inch 922,000-dot LCD display. For even more creative options, the PowerShot G15 can accommodate additional optional accessories such as the Tele Converter Lens, a Conversion Lens Adapter to allow the attachment of a Macro Ring Lite or Macro Twin Lite to the camera, and a threaded Filter Adapter for 58mm lens filters. For the wet and wild underwater adventurer the new PowerShot G15 also has an optional WP-DC48 Waterproof Case, capable of diving to depths of up to 130 feet.

PowerShot S110 Digital Camera

Style, performance and wireless connectivity fit into your pocket with the new PowerShot S110 digital camera. Built-in Wi-Fi features allow the camera to share images and video to social networking sites through the Canon iMAGE GATEWAY or to Wi-Fi enabled devices such as iOS or Android smartphones and tablets with the free download of the Canon CameraWindow app , or to other select PowerShot cameras, or to a PC. The advanced wireless features let the camera act as a wireless network and record GPS data acquired from a smartphone using the free download of the Canon CameraWindow app , or send images directly to a Wi-Fi compatible printer.

The PowerShot S110 includes a 24mm wide-angle lens with 5x optical zoom and bright f/2.0 aperture ideal for low-light photography or soft backgrounds with shallow depth of field. Featuring Canon’s HS SYSTEM, the PowerShot S110 camera’s DIGIC 5 image processor and newly designed Canon 1/1.7-inch 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor work together to enhance low-light image quality at a maximum ISO speed of 12800. As with the PowerShot G15, the PowerShot S110 also features advancements in Canon’s AF system with improved AF times and reduced lag over previous S-series models. These AF improvements also enhance the High-Speed Burst HQ mode allowing for continuous capture of up to 10 frames at 12.1-megapixels. The video capabilities of the PowerShot S110 are equally impressive with 1080p Full HD video, built-in stereo microphone, optical zoom while shooting, and convenient playback via HDMI output. Camera menu navigation, image playback and viewing has been made simple and intuitive with a 3.0-inch wide capacitive touch panel LCD screen, along with Canon’s Touch Shutter feature, which makes shooting easy and interactive.

The camera’s Intelligent IS system matches the shooting conditions with one of six stabilization modes for smooth video and sharp images. Diving and underwater enthusiasts will enjoy the new optional PowerShot S110 waterproof case, the WP-DC47, capable of diving to depths of up to 130 feet.
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PowerShot SX50 HS Digital Camera

The new PowerShot SX50 HS includes a high-powered 50x optical zoom (24-1200mm) and 24mm wide-angle lens with Optical Image Stabilization for clear steady images even at full telephoto. To help maximize the potential of the 50x zoom lens, are incredible 1080p Full HD video capabilities of the PowerShot SX50 HS with stereo sound and optical zoom while recording. The PowerShot SX50 HS includes Canon’s HS SYSTEM where the camera’s image processor and CMOS image sensor work together to enhance low-light image quality at a maximum ISO speed of 6400.

The PowerShot SX50 HS also features advancements in Canon’s AF system with improved AF times and reduced lag over previous SX-series models. These AF improvements also enhance the High-Speed Burst HQ mode allowing for continuous capture of up to 10 frames at 12.1-megapixels. For those tricky overhead or low-angle shots, the camera features a new 2.8-inch vari-angle LCD screen (461,000 dots) and Zoom Framing Assist to help users locate, track and capture subjects while using the extreme telephoto on the PowerShot SX50 HS. By pressing a button, the Zoom Framing Assist Seek function remembers your previous zoom position, zooms out to let you locate your subject, and zooms right back into the saved position when the button is released. A second Zoom Framing Assist Lock button allows the camera to lock the Image Stabilization onto the center of the frame for additional compensation of camera movement, making it much easier to keep the intended subject in frame.

The camera also features an electronic viewfinder, ideal for shooting in bright outdoor conditions. To help make photography simple, Canon’s Smart AUTO mode intelligently selects optimal camera settings from 58 pre-defined shooting situations.
The PowerShot SX50 HS can be set to capture 12-bit RAW + JPEG image files for instant file back-ups and great latitude with post-processing and image modification. A hot shoe allows for optional accessories such as Canon Speedlites or additional lighting options.

Pricing and Availability

The new PowerShot G15, PowerShot S110 and PowerShot SX50 HS digital cameras are expected to be available in October 2012 for an estimated retail price of $499.99, $449.99 and $479.99, respectively.

For more information, visit: www.usa.canon.com/powershot

Google discontinuing support for Internet Explorer 8 in Google Apps

Google announced it is discontinuing support for Internet Explorer 8 in Google Apps, including its Business, Education, and Government editions on November 15, 2012, reports thenextweb.com.

“As we announced last year, we support the latest version of Google Chrome (which automatically updates whenever it detects that a new version of the browser is available) as well as the current and prior major release of Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari on a rolling basis. Each time a new version of one of these browsers is released, we begin supporting the update and stop supporting the third-oldest version.

In August 2011, Google killed support for Firefox 3.5, Internet Explorer 7, and Safari 3.”

Read more: http://thenextweb.com/google/2012/09/14/google-kills-internet-explorer-8-support-google-apps/