Technology

California photographer Matthew Bamberg introduces HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography to beginning photographers and others who have an interest in creating fine art images with sharp details throughout the processed image.

HDR—High Dynamic Resolution photography, an art that brings fine detail throughout an image by combining several images shot at different exposures has been perceived to be only for skilled photographers who are adept using Photoshop and/or other HDR image creation programs. This false perception is one that automatically excludes beginning digital photographers. In the book Beginning HDR Photography, author Matthew Bamberg takes beginners into the world of HDR photography with several different programs (Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Photomatix) by reviewing basic photography concepts such as f-stop and shutter speed at the same time as guiding them step-by-step through the HDR production process from shooting the photo sets to combining the photos in HDR processing programs to tweaking the resulting photo afterward.

The book also includes an in-depth analysis of the advent of HDR photography to clarify how the technique works to how it’s been used in the past. It assists photographers in both shooting better images and manipulating them in a number of ways to create the desired WOW factor.

Beginning HDR Photography is an opportunity for beginning and intermediate photographers to create compelling images with attention paid to the fine details in the shadows and highlights that are not seen in traditional photography. The software is simple and automated so that photographers with little experience can indulge in the creation of dynamic art.

“The emphasis of the book is to create sharp, detailed photographs that suit the photographers’ tastes, giving them a choice that ranges from subtle enhancement to major transformations of both merged sets of photographs and single photographs,” Bamberg explained.

He added, “HDR photography and software are in their infancy, an art that photographers are still defining and one that can include new photographers interested in the craft.”

Bamberg sees HDR photography as a new way to express artistic thought. Strong opinions exist about the nature of HDR photography in terms of how it can make photographs appear over processed without considering the multitude of new applications of the craft in art and design. “At this time everyone from programmers to photographers are experimenting with the medium,” Bamberg said.

Bamberg’s book, New Image Frontiers: Defining the Future of Photography has received outstanding reviews and has had high rankings from Amazon.com for several weeks. His recently released Photography Applications for Cloud Computing is the first book of its kind to hit the photography book market. He has taught The History of Fine Art Photography and Beginning HDR Photography for UCR-Extension and Cal State-Extension. He has a Masters in Creative Arts from San Francisco State University’s Inter-Arts Center.

This is the tenth book about technology and photography from Matthew Bamberg, a writer and photographer whose company by the same name has produced published products for education and technology for nearly a decade.

Book: http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-HDR-Photography-Matthew-Bamberg/dp/1133788777

Brammo, Inc., the designer and manufacturer of world leading electric motorcycles, revealed pricing and production plans for the Empulse and Empulse R while giving motorcycle enthusiasts in Los Angeles a first look at the stunning new design.

Brammo Empulse Electric Motorcycle

At this unique electric vehicle industry event, Brammo has demonstrated to consumers and motorcycle insiders alike the advancements in electric motorcycling and is providing a glimpse of what is to come in the future. The Empulse is the only electric motorcycle to include a 100-mile range and 100-mph top speed as well as a breakthrough battery and powertrain system enabling a great zero-emission experience.

At the launch party, Brammo announced the Empulse and Empulse R will cost $16,995 and $18,995 respectively with financing available from Sheffield Financial. Through this financing, customers will be able to purchase the new Empulse and Empulse R from Brammo dealers as follows:

Empulse: 8.9% for 72 months at $303, 6.9% financing for 60 month at $334 and 3.9% for 36 months at $499

Empulse R: 8.9% for 72 months at $339, 6.9% financing for 60 month at $373 and 3.9% for 36 months at $558

Availability of each model will vary based on demand for the Empulse and Empulse R. Production for the Empulse R will take place first with limited availability in June 2012 and in volume by Q3 2012. The Empulse will be available in Q1 2013.

Research conducted by Brammo with both customers and dealers has driven the development of the Empulse and Empulse R. As a result, these motorcycles now come with a water-cooled AC motor and fully integrated IET™ six speed transmission, seating for two, regenerative braking and on board J1772 Level 2 charging capability. To ensure the highest quality performance and design, Brammo works with internationally renowned manufacturers for superior components of their motorcycles. This close attention to the supply chain ensures the durability, reliability and ultimately future resale value of Brammo products.

“It was important to Brammo to create a great motorcycle and we paid attention to customer feedback to create just that,” said Craig Bramsher, CEO and president of Brammo. “From concept to production the Empulse product has evolved quite a bit. We are bringing you a different motorcycle that promises to be more than what our riders expected.”

The two models vary as follows:

The Empulse body work is all plastic, has semi adjustable front suspension and semi adjustable rear suspension.

The Empulse R uses carbon fiber for headlight shroud, front and rear fenders, top panel and the rear light housing.

Brammo promised that of the first 1000 people who pre ordered an Empulse, one would be selected at random to receive their motorcycle free of charge. Last week from the first 1000 orders six finalists were selected. At the event, Craig Bramscher rolled a dice and Jueiming Chen was the lucky winner.

True to Brammo’s devotion to zero tailpipe-emission transportation, the Empulse launch event was carbon-neutral. Brammo has worked with Carbonfund.org to purchase carbon offsets to mitigate the greenhouse emissions generated by transportation, electricity use, and other resource-intensive activities associated with this event.

In additional efforts to reduce travel and carbon intensity of the event, Brammo will stream the launch event live to tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts, who will be able to experience the launch party across the nation and afar in Asia and in Europe.

FreedomPop has announced a $99 WiMAX-equipped 4/4S iPhone case that shares up to 500GB of free data per month via an embedded WiFi module. The case also extends battery life by six hours and enables FaceTime everywhere you go.

FreedomPop is the nation’s first wireless Internet provider committed to delivering 100% FREE 4G mobile broadband Internet access. FreedomPop’s partnered with leading wholesale 4G Wimax and 4G LTE mobile broadband networks to deliver the fastest high speed Internet available and offer the flexibility of wireless Internet. Replace your at home DSL and cable broadband Internet service today and enjoy the speed, mobility and low cost of FreedomPop’s 4G wireless broadband Internet service

More info at: http://www.freedompop.com/preorder.htm

Pogoplug, creators of Personal Cloud hardware and software that allow users to host their own cloud storage at home, announced today that they are expanding their product line with a brand new cloud storage solution optimized for small to medium-sized businesses and teams within large organizations. The new product, called “Pogoplug Team,” is delivered via software that can be downloaded onto any existing office or home computer to empower small teams to access files remotely and back up and share work files securely and privately. The product is completely customizable to fit the company’s needs and requires no new hardware. All files remain securely on the office computer: not on third party servers.

Pogoplug Team features include:
• Easy setup

o Install Pogoplug Team software on an office computer or file server. No
network configuration necessary.

• Access all files from any device, anywhere

o Quick and secure access from any computer, Web browser, mobile
device or tablet.

• Share and collaborate on files with anyone inside or outside the company.

o Send large files and folders instantly-no upload required.

Customizable, branded interface

o Customize the Pogoplug Web interface and emails to match your
brand. Share files with clients from a branded interface.
Secure, on-site storage for files

o Files remain secure and private on-premise rather than using 3rd-party
hosted storage.

Mobile and PC backup to office computer

o Automatically back up files and folders from a PC or mobile device
(iPhone, iPad or Android device) to folders on the office computer.
Unlimited storage expansion

o Expand as your business grows-add as much storage as you need with
no additional fees.

Pogoplug corp site: www.pogoplug.com
Pogoplug blog: http://blog.pogoplug.com

Making tablets and Bluetooth-enabled smartphones more functional than ever before, iHome announced the availability of its new Executive Work Station, the iDM5. Its compact footprint features a full size QWERTY keyboard accompanied by built-in speakers, a microphone, and two USB ports for charging multiple devices simultaneously. The iDM5 is a space-saving Bluetooth-enabled desktop solution that delivers office quality accessibility wherever you choose to work.

“Whether video conferencing, typing up reports, making calls or streaming music, the iDM5 is the perfect product for the multi-tasker.”

“In addition to using their tablets and smartphones for entertainment purposes, people are relying on them to perform more intricate office tasks as well,” said Evan Stein, Director of Marketing, iHome. “Whether video conferencing, typing up reports, making calls or streaming music, the iDM5 is the perfect product for the multi-tasker.”

A 2012 CE Innovations Honoree, the iDM5 is a full sized, ergonomically angled QWERTY keyboard speaker system that lets you comfortably type on your tablet or smartphone, while simultaneously streaming your favorite music, all via a wireless Bluetooth connection. The built-in mic allows you to use the unit as a speakerphone for video conferencing, while two USB ports ensure your other devices never run out of power. You may also play music from any audio device through the universal 3.5mm aux line-in jack.

The iDM5 is now available for $129.99 at retailers nationwide and on www.ihomeaudio.com. For detailed product information, please visit https://www.ihomeaudio.com/iDM5B/.

About iHome

iHome was established in 2005 as a division of SDI Technologies to develop and market iPod compatible audio products. The first iHome product introduced, the iPod Clock Radio, was an exceptional success that became the top-selling iPod accessory for the year, and firmly established iHome as the premier brand in the iPod electronics market. Since then, iHome continues to be the #1 brand in iPod/iPhone/iPad clock radio and speaker systems according to NPD data and has been at the forefront of design with a growing lineup of award-winning iPod-compatible audio products that includes alarm clocks, clock radios, portable and home speaker systems, and headphones, as well as new licensed lines of computer accessories and New Balance sport/fitness headphones.

Acknowledged for its innovative features, unique designs, and advanced technology, iHome has garnered several prestigious industry awards including CES Innovations Awards, numerous Editor’s Choice Awards and iLounge’s “2011 Clock Radio Speaker of the Year.”

iHome supports its franchise with national print, broadcast and online advertising campaigns, and the company’s products can be found worldwide in 70 countries or on the web at www.ihomeaudio.com, on Facebook (facebook.com/iHome), or follow @iHome on Twitter .

Datalight announced that it has released Reliance Nitro 2.7, the first full-featured file system for Android. The new Android file system combines strong read and write performance with fast mount time, rock-solid reliability, a comprehensive tool set, and support by a dedicated team of in-house engineers.

Makers of embedded products need flexibility and access to professional support, as mobile and embedded devices continue to grow in complexity. The pressure is on OEMs to focus on their core competencies and rely on vendors for specialized components and expertise. Device manufacturers require the full catalogue of features to include performance, reliability, flexibility, tools and support as part of the complete file system package.

The Reliance Nitro 2.7 SDK for Android assists developers with every step of file system integration. Standard Linux utilities include tools to validate hardware (DCLTest, DevIOTest, and RelTest), test performance (FSIOTest and FSStressTest) as well as perform standard file system preparation activities such as formatting (relFsVolFormat) and integrity checking (relFsChk). Of particular utility are FSIOTest and FSStressTest – platform independent performance and reliability testing tools that can be used with any file system. Also included is a Reliance Nitro Windows Driver for seamlessly moving data between an Android System and a Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7-based system.

Reliance Nitro has a unique tree-based metadata and transactional extent-based architecture for fast file performance, and employs a system of configurable transaction settings the company calls Dynamic Transaction Point™ technology to balance performance with the amount of user data at risk for a wide variety of different use cases. It is also capable of working with virtually any storage medium, and is highly efficient whether an OEM is designing with hardware-managed or software-managed storage media.

“Our goal was to deliver a comprehensive and compelling set of features to Android developers,” said Datalight VP of Engineering Ken Whitaker. “With Reliance Nitro 2.7, OEMs using Android no longer have to choose between performance, reliability, a full set of tools and professional support.”

Reliance Nitro file system and FlashFX Tera flash media manager comprise the Datalight flash file system solution. Reliance Nitro was designed from the ground up for high performance applications. Dynamic Transaction Point™ technology provides 100% immunity from file corruption, even after unexpected system interruption. Reliance Nitro goes through extensive functional and reliability testing, including 20,000 random power cycle tests without a failure. Embedded applications can benefit from faster boot times that remain consistent for the life of the product, regardless of disk size. FlashFX™ Tera features pre-written support for over 300 flash parts, including MLC, works with virtually any NAND controller, and features wear leveling, bad block management, and background compaction for unrivaled performance. Datalight flash file system products are available on VxWorks, Windows Embedded CE, Linux and many other operating systems.

About Datalight
Datalight, Inc. headquartered just north of Seattle, Wash., develops technologies to enable risk-free mobile data. Datalight file system and device driver software ensures reliability, performance and flexibility, and is used worldwide on many of today’s most well-known devices. For more information, visit our embedded Android solutions page at http://www.datalight.com/solutions/operating-systems/android or call 800.221.6630.

Dropbox, a free service that lets people bring their documents, photos, and videos anywhere and share them easily, today announced an even easier way for people to instantly share the things that matter most, with just a link. Now documents, photos, and videos can be shared simply by creating and sending a link to friends, family, or colleagues, whether they are Dropbox users or not.

“We’re always looking for ways to make life easier and solve the basic problems people face everyday,” said Drew Houston, CEO and co-founder of Dropbox. “Sending files has always been a painful process, but now with Dropbox, sharing with friends, family, and colleagues is effortless.”

Dropbox links allow people to easily view documents, photos, and videos in a beautiful full-browser display without any setup. Business presentations, home movies, and even entire folders can be opened and viewed instantly without having to sign in, download anything, or open files separately.

How it works
From the Dropbox desktop, web, and mobile applications, the “Get link” button generates a unique link to a file or folder. The link can then be quickly sent to another person. For Dropbox users, opening a link will provide the option to instantly save the file to their Dropbox.

“Today we’re excited to add instant sharing to Dropbox,” said Jeff Bartelma, Director of Products. “We’ve simplified the process of sending files to just a few seconds and eliminated the need for email attachments.”

Dropbox has been refining this feature in beta since last year and today, with many improvements, it is available to all users. For more information, please visit www.dropbox.com/links/features

California photographer, Matthew Bamberg guides photographers in learning to use cloud services such as Dropbox, Carbonite, iCloud, Flickr, Picasa and Amazon Cloud Drive to host and publish their photography in the new book “Photography Applications for the Cloud,” which hits the bookshelves in early May.

Topics covered include photo resolution, cropping, saturation, portfolios, hosting, file types (including audio files) and sizes. “’Photography Applications for the Cloud’ is an opportunity for beginning and intermediate photographers to explore how to make all of their photos available online so that they can be accessed with any device—ipads, mobile devices and laptops,” Bamberg explained.

He added, “The book presents information on a variety of photography topics to assist photographers in creating an online venue for their photographs, detailing the best and most affordable ways to manipulate, manage, share and publish new and existing images.”

The book details the best ways to ensure that photos remain at their original resolutions throughout the uploading, editing and downloading process (including working with Raw files). The book explains how the cloud’s hardware and software infrastructure work together to safely store and manage a photography portfolio and how to use various cloud platforms by giving step-by-step directions for a variety of online photo storage, sharing/hosting, editing and management platforms.

Bamberg sees photography storage and hosting as a method to record history and family activities of this and past generations who experienced the photographic process. Also, by taking advantage of state-of-the-art Internet “Cloud” technology, photographers have an excellent opportunity to share their photographic vision to a large audience now and in the future.

Bamberg’s last book, “New Image Frontiers—Defining the Future of Photography” has received outstanding reviews and has had high rankings from Amazon.com for several weeks. He has taught The History of Fine Art Photography and Beginning HDR Photography for UCR-Extension and Cal State-Extension. He has a Masters in Creative Arts from San Francisco State University’s Inter-Arts Center.

This is the eighth book about technology and photography from Matthew Bamberg, a writer and photographer whose company by the same name has produced published products for education and technology for nearly a decade.

Contact:
Matt Bamberg
[email protected]
Palm Springs, CA
Ph: (760) 322-4388
New Book: http://www.amazon.com/New-Image-Frontiers-Defining-Photography/dp/1435458575
www.matthewbamberg.com

Adobe is unveiling the next versions of virtually all of the applications in its Creative Suite, and also launching its Creative Cloud online offerings, reports Techcrunch.

“This marks a major change in how Adobe is selling and marketing its flagship product: while the company will continue to offer a shrink-wrapped version of CS6, it’s also introducing a subscription service with this update. For $49/month with an annual subscription or $79/month for month-to-month memberships, users can now get full access to any CS6 tool, including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere Pro and AfterEffects. The suite will also include Adobe’s new HTML5 design and development tools Muse and Edge, and will be deeply integrated into the company’s tablet apps. Users will be able to download and install these apps on up to two machines.

Photoshop, the most popular application in the suite, will also be available through a stand-alone subscription for $19.99/month with an annual membership and $29.99 without.

Adobe will also offer a student and teacher edition of Creative Cloud for $29.99/month. Current CS3, CS4 and CS5.5 users will qualify for a special introductory offer of $29.99/month. In the coming months, Adobe will also launch a version of Creative Cloud for teams, though the price for this one hasn’t been determined yet.

Read more

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) announced that it will launch “nasne™,” a new networked recorder and media storage device with built in 500GB hard disk drive (HDD) and digital terrestrial and satellite broadcast tuners. “nasne” will become available in Japan on July 19, 2012, for a recommended retail price of 16,980 yen (including tax).

By connecting “nasne” to their home network, users will be able to watch and record digital terrestrial and satellite broadcast through dedicated applications such as “torne” for PlayStation®3 (PS3®) and “VAIO TV with nasne” for VAIO. Users will also be able to access recorded content from PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita), “Sony Tablet” and Xperia™. In addition, “nasne” will be able to stream live or recorded television programs simultaneously onto two of these supported Sony products, allowing multiple users to view the same content within the same home network.(1) “nasne” will also link with “G GUIDE TV OUKOKU CHAN-TORU”, a television guide web service for PC and smart phones provided by So-net Entertainment Corporation. Through “G GUIDE TV OUKOKU CHAN-TORU”, users will be able to schedule recordings of television programs on the go from their PS Vita, PC, tablet PCs, and smart phones.

In addition, “nasne” functions as a media storage device, allowing users to store their movies, photos and music on its 500GB built-in HDD, which can be enjoy on any DLNA compatible device connected to their home network. Users can also expand storage memory by connecting external HDD to “nasne.” (2)

“We are offering a seamless and unique Sony experience through ‘nasne,’ which serves as a home entertainment hub that connects to Sony’s various network products,” said Kazuo Hirai, Representative Corporate Executive Officer, President and CEO of Sony Corporation and Chairman of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “‘nasne’ will give users more freedom to enjoy television in new ways by enabling them to watch programs on various Sony products through dedicated applications. We will continue to offer attractive products and services that inspire customers around the world and spark their curiosity, by further enhancing collaboration within Sony groups.”

“nasne” will deliver the following features through its combination with Sony products.

PlayStation®3
PS3 users will be able to watch and record (3) digital terrestrial and satellite broadcast through LAN cable by installing “torne” version 4.0, a dedicated application for PS3, which will come bundled with “nasne.”

By connecting a maximum of four “nasne” units to their PS3, users can simultaneously record up to four television programs. Those who already have a “torne” device connected to their PS3 will be able to connect a maximum of four “nasne” units to their PS3 and record up to five television programs.(4) Details of “torne” version 4.0 for PS3 will be announced separately.

PlayStation®Vita

PS Vita users will be able to watch and record digital terrestrial and satellite broadcasts through “torne for PS Vita” (tentative name), a dedicated application for accessing “nasne” from anywhere within the same home network via Wi-Fi connection . “torne for PS Vita” will become available within this calendar year.

By leveraging the ability of “nasne” to simultaneously create an export file while a television program is being recorded, users can quickly transfer recorded content through Wi-Fi connection and easily enjoy them on the go on their PS Vita’s beautiful 5-inch OLED. Details of “torne for PS Vita” will be announced in due course.

VAIO PC
VAIO PC users will be able to watch and record digital terrestrial and satellite broadcasts through “VAIO TV with nasne” (beta version)(5), a dedicated application for accessing “nasne” from anywhere within the same home network via Wi-Fi connection or LAN cable. “VAIO TV with nasne” (beta version) will become available concurrently with the release of “nasne.”

Key features of “VAIO TV with nasne”:

Recorded television programs on “nasne'” can be copied to Blu-ray Disc and DVD, or transferred to VAIO PC’s HDD or State Solid Drive (SSD).
Up to eight digital terrestrial and satellite broadcasts can be simultaneously recorded by connecting a maximum of eight “nasne” hardware units to VAIO PC.
Television programs can be searched by keywords.
“VAIO TV with nasne” will become available for Windows 7 equipped VAIO PCs (6) through “VAIO Update,” an automatic free update service for VAIO PC users.

“Sony Tablet” / Xperia™
Sony Tablet(7) / Xperia(8) users will be able to watch and record digital terrestrial and satellite broadcasts through dedicated applications for Sony Tablet / Xperia for accessing “nasne” from within the same home network via Wi-Fi connection. Users will be also able to schedule recordings of television programs through “G GUIDE TV OUKOKU CHAN-TORU.”

SCE will continue to aggressively expand the new world of entertainment through the combination of “nasne” and PlayStation platforms as well as other networked Sony products.

Product Outline

“nasne™”

Product name
nasne™
Product code
CECH-ZNR1J
Release date
July 19, 2012
Recommended retail price (RRP)
16,980 yen (including tax)
Product color
Black
External dimension
Approx. 43 × 189 × 136 mm (width × length ×height)
Weight
Approx 460g
RF tuners
Terrestrial: ISTB-T × 1
Satellite: ISDB-S × 1
Channels
Terrestrial: VHF 1-12ch, UHF 13-62ch, CATV C13-C63ch
Satellite: BS/CS110°digital (1032-2071MHz)
Internal HDD
SATA 2.5 inch (Capacity:500GB)
Inputs/Outputs
LAN port (100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)
ANTENNA IN connector
ANTENNA OUT connector
EXT HDD connector (USB 2.0, Type A)
B-CAS card slot
Buttons
Power button
IP RESET button
Indicators
Power indicator
REC indicator
IP status indicator
HDD access indicator
Power
AC 100V, DC 12V.1.5A
Power consumption
Recording and streaming two videos: 9.5W
ECO mode in stand-by: 1.5W
Network Recorder features
DTCP-IP support
Live streaming / recorded content streaming of digital terrestrial / satellite television program (for home and mobile devices)
2 recording mode (DR and SLP) support
Registration as remote PVR device to be accessed through the internet
Trick play / scene search support
Resume play
Media Storage Device features
Media server features
– DLNA 1.5 support
– Live tuner (terrestrial / satellite broadcasting) and DMS streaming of recorded programs
– Support image / music / video formats and metadata as PS3® (will be supported by “nasne” system software version 1.50. Some formats not supported)
– DMS streaming of image / music / video files on the media server (will be supported by “nasne” system software version 1.50)
– Support multiple DLNA devices (up to 2 DTCP-IP content streaming or 1 live streaming)
File server features
– Shared directory configuration
– Workgroup configuration
Other features
“nasne HOME” web browser application
Support an external hard drive
ECO mode (Stand-by after 10 minutes without an access)
Support “nasne” system software update
Included
“nasne” × 1
AC adaptor × 1
Power cable × 1
LAN cable × 1
RF coaxial cable × 1
B-CAS card × 1
Digital terrestrial broadcasting watching/recorder application for PS3® (Blu-ray™ Disc) × 1
Quick start guide × 1

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes, develop and markets the PlayStation®2 (PS2®) computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system and the PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) portable entertainment system. SCEI has revolutionized home entertainment since they launched PlayStation in 1994. PS2® further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP® is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games with high-quality full-motion video and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3® is an advanced computer system, incorporating the powerful Cell Broadband Engine and RSX processors. PS Vita is an ultimate portable entertainment system that offers a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context. SCEI also delivers the PlayStation® experience to open operating systems through PlayStation®Suite, a cross platform and cross device initiative. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI, along with its affiliated companies, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC., and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and its division companies, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan and Sony Computer Entertainment Asia develops, publishes, markets and distributes hardware and software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide.

“PlayStation” and “PS3” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

“nasne” and “torne” is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

VAIO and “Sony Tablet” are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Corporation.

“Xperia” is a registered trademark or a trademark of Sony Mobile Communications AB.

Windows is either a registered trademark or a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

“nasne” will stream two recorded television programs through DTCP/IP simultaneously. As media storage devices, “nasne” will be able to share stored content with up to 63 connecting devices.
DLNA Functionality will become available by installing the system software update of “nasne” version 1.50.
To enjoy satellite broadcasting, users will need to install a satellite broadcasting antenna or establish an equal environment.
Up to four satellite broadcasting can be simultaneously recorded.
VAIO TV with nasne” Beta version will become available at the release timing, and no support will be available.
Details of supporting models will be announced in due course.
For Sony Tablet, “RECOPLA” provided by Sony Corporation will need to be installed on the device. “RECOPLA” will become available through “Select App” icon on “Sony Table” or Google Play Store for free download. Sony Table system software as well as “Media players” supporting “RECOPLA” will need to be updated.
Some models of “Xperia” will support “nasne” within this calendar year. Details will be announced on the Sony Mobile Communications AB web site in due course.
SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

John Browning writing on Engadget has posted an interesting article “How-To: Set up a home file server using FreeNAS” a walkthrough on setting up an open source storage platform called FreeNAS as a “digital bookshelf”.

FreeNAS is an operating system based on FreeBSD that hasweb interface for management, and all the protocols you need to share files between Windows, Mac and Linux.

Read more at: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/how-to-set-up-a-home-file-server-using-freenas/

SmartWatch from Sony connects to Android smartphones via BluetoothTM giving you the ability to control key functions without removing your smartphone from your pocket or bag. With just a tap, touch, and swipe, SmartWatch turns from a watch displaying the time to a remote information center for your Android smartphone.

A growing number of apps are available for download through Google Play – including those for social updates, workouts and music – all customized for the 1.3-inch OLED SmartWatch touch screen. While SmartWatch works with these existing apps, Android developers can create apps specifically for the device. SmartWatch works with most Android (2.1 and above) smartphones.

“SmartWatch is the first of many Smart Extras that seamlessly connect and expand the smartphone’s reach and user experience,” said Paul Hamnett, President and Head of Customer Unit, North America, Sony Mobile Communications. “Designed to break free from the single screen experience, SmartWatch provides access to live content and entertainment on the go.”

The durable SmartWatch is dust proof and splash proof and comes with a black rubber wristband included in the box. Wristbands in five additional colors are available for purchase. SmartWatch’s design includes a rear mounted clip, so it can be removed from the wristband and attached to clothing or a belt.

At launch, SmartWatch has a suggested retail price of $149.99 and will be available at http://www.sony.com/smartwatch and Sony stores. SmartWatch availability at additional retailers will be announced soon.

SmartWatch is part of Sony Mobile Communications’ strategy to create Smart Extras that make Android smartphones smarter.

Key Features of Sony XperiaTM SmartWatch:
Dimensions: 1.42 X 1.42 X 0.3 in
Weight: 0.55 oz
Display: 1.3″ OLED display, 128 x 128 pixels
Compatibility: BluetoothTM 3.0 and AndroidTM 2.1 or above Connectivity: Standard USB charging
Battery life: Up to 4 days
Language support for: English, Spanish, French, Chinese (Traditional), Portuguese, Swedish, Russian, Danish, Polish, Japanese, Czech, German, Modern Greek, Dutch
Notifications: Display notification or vibration
Apps: All events (displays in chronological order), Messaging (SMS/MMS), corporate E-mail (for SonyTM and Sony Ericsson Android phones), Gmail (for all other Android smartphones) Calendar Notifications, FacebookTM, TwitterTM, Music Player, Call handling (call, mute, reject, or answer and send pre-defined SMS), Pre-defined SMS, e.g. missed calls – I’m busy, messaging – call me, email – ok, Battery strength, Find phone, and Weather widget. Plus lots of apps on AndroidTM market.

Additional SmartWatch bands available in pink, white, mint, grey and blue

For full details on all products news, please visit the press room and the product blog: http://blogs.sonymobile.com/products/. For full Android smartphone compatibility, please visit http://sonymobile.com/smartwatch