Technology

Altek has announced Leo, the world’s first Android-enabled 3.5G smart phone to feature an HD-capable 14-megapixel camera.

“Memorable moments usually happen when you least expect them,” observed Altek CEO, Alex Hsia. “You want to be able to capture those precious moments anytime and anywhere, and Leo is the device that lets you do just that. ” Hsia added, “Leo is the product of design know-how that comes from years of creating breakthroughs at altek in digital imaging technology, integrated with most advanced Android smartphone system.”

Leo doesn’t skimp on the features users have come to expect in today’s crowded smart phone market. That includes a generous 3.2-inch WVGA multi-touch capable display for easy input. Each phone ships installed with Google’s Android 2.1 (Eclair) mobile OS, allowing simple access to e-mail, Web browsing, and social media services like Facebook YouTube, and Flickr. Leo keeps you connected with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3.5G (HSPA/WCDMA) wireless and network protocols. Enjoy high-speed broadband connections via 5.76mbps HSUPA or 7.2mbps HSDPA.

Leo’s built in GPS makes navigation and geotagging images a snap. Accelerometer, digital compass and handwriting recognition all contribute to what this powerful smart phone can do for you. Whether listening music or watching movies, you will discover Leo supports most major audio and video formats. Don’t worry about finding room for your files; Leo’s memory is expandable up to 32GB via microSD card.

Digital imaging and video are where Leo really shows its teeth. Few smart phones can deliver a comparable set of photographic features that start with a 14-megapixel CCD and 3x optical zoom lens. High-definition, professional-quality images are always a click away. It doesn’t stop with digital photography. Leo also shoots crystal clear 720p HD digital video, capturing life’s memorable moments anytime and anywhere.

This predator has sharp eyes. Leo’s 3x optical zoom represents a breakthrough in smart phone design by delivering a feature photographers have come to expect from today’s cameras, but not from their mobile devices. It puts users right in the action, opening up a world of photographic possibilities. Whether at 36mm or full 108mm equivalent magnification, Leo takes sharp, vivid images every time. Like its feline namesake, Leo is at home in the dark. Low-light situations are not a problem thanks to Leo’s powerful built-in xenon flash and auto-focus assist lamp.

When it comes to getting the perfect image when you need it, Leo is ready to help with smile- and blink-detection technology. Why wait to transfer photos to a computer before editing them? Leo packs a suite of handy options that allow “editing on the fly,” so users have the image they want before it leaves the camera.

How does the leader in digital camera technology start a revolution in smart phone design? Altek assembled one of the most experienced and dynamic R&D teams in the industry, drawn from tier-one mobile phone manufacturers.

A dedication to excellence in design and quality has made Altek one of the largest DSC ODM companies in the personal electronics field. At the core of Altek’s camera technology is the Sunny 9 digital image processor. It is the brainchild of Altek’s crack team of design professionals-industry leaders and PhDs working to develop latest chip technology to power Altek’s cameras and smart phones.

“The challenge facing Altek’s design team was how to integrate a fully functioning 14-megapixal camera with 3x optical lens while maintaining Leo’s smart phone form factor,” said JS Liang, Altek vice president and head of R&D. “An optical lens requires precision moving parts and mechanisms that ensure the device functions properly, but it also has to be attractive and easy to use. We achieved this without compromising Leo’s look and feel.”

www.altek.com.tw/Message/NewsDetail.aspx?id=76

Review: http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/altek-Leo-Preview_id2699

HTC announced Thursday it will soon launch the HTC OpenSense software development kit, which aids developers in creating apps designed specifically to interact with HTC’s Sense software., according to Wired.

“HTC Sense is the company’s custom graphical user interface, built atop the Android platform. Because HTC is competing with other manufacturers like Samsung and Sony Ericsson — all three of which ship phones using the Android platform — Sense’s custom interface serves to differentiate HTC phones from other devices.

Instead of having the stock Android interface, for example, the company’s hardware comes with HTC’s version of many common apps. On an HTC phone, Twitter is relabeled as “Peep.” Menu screens also come preloaded with things like an HTC-branded media player, and calendar and contacts apps.

“As the devices become more and more alike, manufacturers will do anything they can to differentiate themselves,” Gartner research analyst Ken Dulaney told Wired.com.”

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/06/htc-developers-motorola/

The Crux Loaded™ is the world’s first clamshell-keyboard case to features both a remote-Bluetooth trackpad and an additional-external battery for your iPad.

Trackpad: CruxCase™ has been developing technology that allows you to navigate the iPad via a remote-Bluetooth trackpad. With the remote trackpad, you’ll be able to control your iPad’s screen using all the same multi-touch functions currently on iOS. Scroll pages, resize pictures, play games, and do many other functions without having to lift your arm to touch your iPad’s screen. The Crux Loaded™ is also the preferred tool when accessing another PC using a remote-desktop program such as LogMeIn Ignition™, Jump Desktop™, or Splashtop™.

Battery: The Crux Loaded™ features an extra-external battery within it’s base. When the battery is connected to you iPad via Apples 30-pin cord, it extends your iPad’s battery life by about 7.5 hours between charges.

Available Fall 2011

More info: The Crux Loaded™ is the world’s first clamshell-keyboard case to features both a remote-Bluetooth trackpad and an additional-external battery for your iPad.

Trackpad: CruxCase™ has been developing technology that allows you to navigate the iPad via a remote-Bluetooth trackpad. With the remote trackpad, you’ll be able to control your iPad’s screen using all the same multi-touch functions currently on iOS. Scroll pages, resize pictures, play games, and do many other functions without having to lift your arm to touch your iPad’s screen. The Crux Loaded™ is also the preferred tool when accessing another PC using a remote-desktop program such as LogMeIn Ignition™, Jump Desktop™, or Splashtop™.

Battery: The Crux Loaded™ features an extra-external battery within it’s base. When the battery is connected to you iPad via Apples 30-pin cord, it extends your iPad’s battery life by about 7.5 hours between charges.

Available Fall 2011

Eutelsat’s KA-SAT High Throughput Satellite Goes Live

Eutelsat Communications announced the commercial entry into service of its KA-SAT High Throughput Satellite, marking the official launch of its new-generation Tooway(TM) broadband service.

Eutelsat’s high-capacity all Ka-band system, combining satellite and on-ground infrastructure, opens a new chapter in the market for satellite-based IP services. As a powerful new platform for delivering high-bandwidth services to users beyond range of terrestrial networks, it can deliver cost-effective and competitive solutions that contribute to building inclusive digital economies across Europe and the Mediterranean Basin.

Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat CEO commented on the entry into service: “The entry into service of KA-SAT, the world’s most powerful spotbeam satellite, turns a new page in affordable and immediately available IP solutions, and places Europe at the forefront of high-capacity satellite technologies that can serve to quickly close the broadband gap. We look forward to working with our service and technology partners to unleash the huge potential of this new pan-European wireless infrastructure.”

Up to 10 Mbps immediately available for consumers irrespective of location

The new-generation Tooway(TM) system now running through KA-SAT, and shown live today in locations from Dublin to Athens, is a cost-effective and immediate response to users waiting to access the benefits of broadband irrespective of their location. Europe’s broadband map* shows that at least 13 million households are still beyond range of ADSL, and 17 million access the Internet at speeds below 2 Mbps, which closes the door to many media-rich applications that users today expect to use on a daily basis.

inSSIDer is FREE, open-source Wi-Fi scanning software. And yet you want to know more. Wow. you truly are our type of geek. Take a look at the features below to see what makes inSSIDer special.

What’s Unique about inSSIDer?
Compatible with Windows XP, Vista and 7 (32 and 64-bit)
Uses the Native Wi-Fi API and your current Wireless network card
Sort results by MAC Address, SSID, Channel, RSSI and “Time Last Seen”
Compatible with most GPS devices (NMEA v2.3 and higher)

How can inSSIDer help me?
Inspect your WLAN and surrounding networks to troubleshoot competing access points
Track the strength of received signal in dBm over time
Filter access points in an easy-to-use format
Highlight access points for areas with high Wi-Fi concentration
Export Wi-Fi and GPS data to a KML file to view in Google Earth.
Filter through hundreds of scanned access points

Info and download: http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

Ekahau HeatMapper is a free software tool for quick and easy coverage mapping of Wi-Fi (802.11) networks. It’s the only free, easy-to-use tool that shows, on a map, the wireless network coverage in your home or small office. HeatMapper also locates all access points.

HeatMapper also provides a real-time view to all access points and their configurations.

HeatMapper uses your built-in wireless network adapter, therefore, all you need is a Windows-based laptop with wireless.

Download and info: http://www.ekahau.com/products/heatmapper/overview.html

The ViewPad 10Pro is the world’s first dual-OS tablet that has both Windows 7 Professional and Android at your service. It is also one of the first tablets to use the latest Intel Oak Trail processor. The new Intel processor is powerful, yet offers amazing power savings which delivers the perfect combination of Windows technology in a mobile touch screen device.

Alan Chang, ViewSonic Managing Director of Europe and Asia-Pacific, said: “ViewSonic is the industry leader in launching a comprehensive range of tablet models. With cloud computing, social networking and streaming multimedia driving demand more than ever, ViewSonic is well positioned as a ‘display solution provider’ that integrates all its products and services into the best possible user experience. We have continued to invest in our strategic partnerships with Microsoft and Google. At Computex, you will see that ViewSonic is not content with standing still and are continuing to innovate with ‘display solutions’, ranging from small as three inch ultra mobile devices to large 300 inch professional display solutions, all brought to the user with the ViewSonic attention to quality and service.”

In addition to tablet PCs, ViewSonic is also announcing advanced AV solutions that include the V3D245wm-LED, a 24-inch 3D Full HD LED monitor; the W200, an ultra-thin and lightweight WXGA pico projector; the WFM851, a slim and sleek digital photo frame; as well as a range of HD digital camcorders.

Omnio WOWKeys keyboard bring QWERTY functionality to your iPhone or iPod Touch. Placing your iDevice into the docking port, will automatically begin charging and syncing with iTunes.

You can use your mobile’s touchscreen as a trackpad for your Mac or PC with an extra app.

More info: http://www.compuexpert.com/wowkeys/index.html

Canon U.S.A., Inc., has announced updated availability dates for five of its EF lenses.

*Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens is scheduled to be available in late July 2011
*Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens is scheduled to be available in late August 2011
*Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens is scheduled to be available in late August 2011
*Canon EF 500mm F4L IS II USM lens is scheduled to be available in December 2011
*Canon EF 600mm F4L IS II USM lens is also scheduled to be available in December 2011

Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens

With its unique focal length range, the EF 8-15mm f/4L USM is the world’s widest fisheye zoom lens. It delivers 180-degree diagonal angle of view images for all EOS SLR cameras with imaging formats ranging from full-frame to APS-C, and provides 180-degree circular fisheye images for full-frame EOS models. Professional photographers and cinematographers will revel in the unique perspectives afforded to them through this lens, particularly when coupled with the highly popular full-frame EOS 5D Mark II DSLR camera.

The Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens is expected to be available in late July for an estimated retail price of $1,399.

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens

The Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM is the sixth generation of a venerable family of Canon 300mm f/2.8 lenses that began in 1974, and have become famous for their exceptional sharpness, contrast and color fidelity. Ideal for a wide range of applications ranging from professional photojournalism and sports photography to nature and wildlife, Canon’s 300mm f/2.8 lenses have always led the industry with new technical advances in every generation. The EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens carries on this tradition with improved image quality, lighter weight, improved Image Stabilization and enhanced durability, making it a great option for handheld work in the field. The optical formula of the new lens has been upgraded with the inclusion of two fluorite lens elements for improved image quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by 8 percent to 82.9 oz., making it the lightest weight lens in the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 series.

The Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is expected to be available in late August for an estimated retail price of $6,599.

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens

Quintessential for many sports assignments including baseball, football, soccer and golf, Canon’s professional 400mm f/2.8 lenses provide the light-gathering capability and long telephoto reach that photographers need to freeze the action and fill the frame. The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM is the fifth generation in Canon’s 400mm f/2.8 series and the successor to the current EF 400mm introduced in 1999. The new lens has been engineered for the ultimate in optical performance through the use of two fluorite lens elements for improved quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by a substantial 28 percent from 189.4 oz to 135.8 oz, making it Canon’s lightest weight 400mm f/2.8 lens ever.

The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is expected to be available in late August for an estimated retail price of $10,499.

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Lens for Sports and Nature Photography

The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM offers professional photographers a lighter weight option for those situations that require a long focal length with improved image quality and enhanced durability over its predecessor. Great for a wide range of applications, the EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens is ideal for professional photojournalism, sports photography and nature and wildlife photography. The optical formula of the new lens has been enhanced to include two fluorite lens elements for improved image quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by 18 percent from 136.5 oz to 112.5 oz.

The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens is expected to be available in December for an estimated retail price of $9,499.

Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens for Wildlife and Photojournalism

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM is the successor to the current EF 600mm IS lens first introduced in 1999. This new lens has been engineered for outstanding optical performance and durability and includes two new fluorite lens elements for improved quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Helping photographers in the field, Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by a substantial 27 percent from 189.1 oz to 138.3 oz.

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens is expected to be available in December for an estimated retail price of $11,999.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2010†, with global revenues of more than US $45 billion and is listed as number five in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2011 list. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyose

KINGMAX has implemented the 9 Stacked Die technology for this Class 6 micro SD card. It complies with the latest SD3.0 and Class 6 specifications but is also compatible with SD Card Association’s SD2.0 specification. Although it comes in a compact size, it definitely satisfies consumer’ needs for massive multimedia data storage. Simply plug the micro SD card into mobile devices and one can instantly enjoy the convenience of memory expansion. Whether it is high-resolution or video clips, photos, mp3 files, mobile games or multimedia downloads; the 64GB micro SD card makes entertainment on-the-go possible. Moreover, with the help of an adapter, KINGMAX’s micro SD card can also be used as a SD card or USB flash drives. With its wide ranging applications from digital cameras, multimedia players, PCs, PDAs, card readers to printers, this multi-purpose tiny memory card is definitely a great value buy!

KINGMAX’s micro SD card has a built in Error Correction Code (ECC) which acts through controller to auto detects and reconstructs lost data during transmission to ensure reliable data transfer. In addition, micro SD comes with Wear leveling algorithm function which allocates all the information into different areas in the memory card to increase each area’s average usage and helps to maximize product lifetime. From multimedia files, address book, business applications to personal data, KINGMAX’s mega-capacity 64GB micro SD card makes files storage fast and easy; enabling consumers to enjoy quality and convenient on-the-go experience.

All of KINGMAX’s micro SD cards have been approved by various safety and environmental standards including CE, FCC, and RoHS; they have also been certified compatible with major OS. KINGMAX is proud to say all of its products are subjected to the most stringent quality control; all products go through rigorous testing to ensure product quality. And finally, all microSD products come with lifetime warranty to provide 100% satisfaction guarantee to customers

Product Feature:
High compatibility & reliability
Ultra fast transfer rate
plug and play

Product specifications:
SD3.0
Capacity 64GB
Speed Class6
Dimension?15 mm x11 mm x1.0mm
Wear leveling algorithm to maximize product lifetime
Built-in Error Correction Code that auto corrects data
Energy efficient, extends mobile devices’ battery lifetime

www.kingmax.com

Leica Camera has announced a new digital compact camera, the Leica V-Lux 30.

Equipped with a 15.1 MP sensor (14.1 effective), high performance Leica lens with extended 16x zoom range, built-in GPS capabilities and a new 3D mode, the V-Lux 30 guarantees images of unmatched brilliance.

The V-Lux 30 ifeatures a video recording mode that offers performance comparable to that of digital camcorders. A particular highlight of the video mode is its efficient, 1080i-AVCHD-Full-HD, recording format with the entire 16x zoom range available during video recording and an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack.

The built-in GPS feature makes archiving and organizing photos quick and easy, during or after a trip. When travelling, the V-Lux 30 can also display the sightseeing highlights of the immediate neighborhood (1,000,000 so-called “Points of Interest”). Furthermore, for photographers posting images on social networks, image portals or map sites such as Google Maps or Google Earth, the data automatically reveals exactly when and where the photos were taken.*

As a compact camera for the whole family, the V-Lux 30 achieves ease of use along with timelessly elegant styling. A new 3″ LCD touch screen allows many camera features to be controlled for the first time by touching the screen with a fingertip. Images on the screen are displayed with outstanding brilliance with a display resolution of 460,000 pixels. The V-Lux 30 also features a new 3D mode to allow users to realize fascinating, creative images in addition to its numerous automatic features and manual setting options.

The Leica V-Lux 30 retails for $749.00 and will be available beginning June 2011.

* It is possible that GPS tagging may not function in the People’s Republic of China and neighboring regions. Satellite signal reception may be impossible, depending on the location. In such cases, the positioning data may be recorded inaccurately or not at all.

Hasselblad’s 200 megapixel H4D 200MS camera is based on a 50-megapixel sensor but composites six shots to create the effective resolution. The camera relies on a piezoelectric motor to create the image and takes about 30 seconds, making it more suitable for static subjects such as jewelry, watches, cars, and paintings for reproduction.

Three Cameras in One
The H4D-200MS includes all the functionality of the H4D-50 and H4D-50MS – True Focus, Ultra Focus, digital lens Correction plus a range of top of the line features that make the H4D such an outstanding camera system – and provides three distinct capture modes in one ultimate photographic package.

Normal single-shot capture for 50Mpix resolution images of live subjects.

Four Shot, 50Mpix Multi-Shot capture for high detail images of still subjects.

Six Shot, 200Mpix Multi-Shot capture for the ultimate in still subject capture.

The H4D-200MS capture unit can also be used on a view camera by way of an H System adapter. The digital capture device can work with electronic shutters like those from Rollei and Schneider, either stand-alone using the flash sync signal from the shutter or together with Phocus, allowing full control of the electronic shutter from the computer.

Hasselblad announced the H4D-200MS last September at the Photokina show

Read more: http://www.hasselblad.com/products/h-system/h4d-200ms.aspx