Sponsored
Engadget News |
- German court denies Apple request for preliminary ban on Galaxy Tab 10.1N and Galaxy Nexus sales
- Google Wave inches toward the grave, becomes read-only
- Upgraded DirecTiVos from WeaKnees are on deck
- Acrobatic quadrocopters hunt in packs, seduce you into submission (video)
- US Cellular intros first LTE devices: the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 4G and Galaxy S Aviator 4G
- Mushroom Networks ThirdEye makes surveillance mobile, peeping on perps goes wireless
- Gundam Statue rebuilt to guard eponymous museum
- Nikon 1 future plans revealed: 4K video, brighter lenses, picture effects
- Samsung Galaxy S Advance arriving on Three Mobile, gave no warning
- ITC judge throws out Barnes and Noble's patent defense against Microsoft
- Microsoft Kinect for Windows version 1.0 available today
- ZionEyez becomes Zeyez, wants you to know it's still watching
- Redbox refuses to push Warner movie delay to 56 days, will rent flicks as they go on sale
- Nikon Coolpix P310 hands-on (video)
- Nikon Coolpix P510 arrives in London, we go hands-on (video)
- Barnes & Noble to pull Amazon Publishing titles from shelves over exclusivity concerns
- Pirate Bay founders lose final appeal in Sweden, prison looms on the horizon
- Sharp struggles with TV competition, Q3 2011 results reveal 86 percent drop in profit
- Motorola Xyboard 8.2 WiFi-only model streaks through FCC, reveals little
- Samsung Galaxy S III to get separate launch event 'in the first half of 2012'
- RIM welcomes Office 365 users into the fold with BlackBerry Business Cloud Services
- Meet Spark, the €200 slate packing Linux-based Plasma Active UX
- Sony confirms Kazuo Hirai as new President and CEO, replacing Howard Stringer
- Sharp to cut LCD production in Osaka plant by half
- KDDI's INFOBAR C01 coming soon: ten keys and very Japanese (video)
- LG finally shows a profit from cellphones, record high flat-panel shipments in Q4 earnings
- Xbox 360 adds Crackle and CinemaNow to list of up and running apps
- Disney Mobile on DoCoMo brand launches with two new Android phones in Japan
- Nikon outs new Coolpix trio: L810 with 26x zoom, waterproof S30 and Intelligent Auto L26
- Nikon adds Coolpix S9300, S6300, S4300 and S3300 to point-and-shoot lineup
- Nikon unveils Coolpix P510 42x superzoom, P310 with f/1.8 lens
- FCC revamps Lifeline phone service, cuts the fat from carriers' bottomlines
- Megaupload users' data to be kept another two weeks, EFF to help folks retrieve it
- Engadget HD Podcast 284 - 01.31.2012
- BlackBerry London resurfaces in leak, sports matte black exterior, nonexistent OS
- T-Mobile updates FamilyWhere location tracking service for worrisome parents
- Biomask project could regrow burn victims' faces
- Sprint grants LightSquared six-week extension for FCC approval
- Screen Grabs: Big Bang Theory's Raj falls head over heels... for Siri (video)
- LG's triple SIM A290: the phone every Russian Casanova needs
| German court denies Apple request for preliminary ban on Galaxy Tab 10.1N and Galaxy Nexus sales Posted: 01 Feb 2012 10:00 AM PST  You win some, and you lose some, right, Apple? Hot on the heels of its latest victory in Dusseldorf keeping the Galaxy Tab 10.1 out of Deutschland, Apple was denied similar satisfaction in Munich today. Bloomberg's reporting that the Munich Regional Court denied Cupertino's motion to exclude Sammy's 10.1N and Galaxy Nexus from store shelves due to infringement of a touchscreen patent granted last year. While details of the ruling itself are scarce, the judge apparently rejected Apple's overtures because the patent in question is likely invalid due to the market presence of the same technology before the patent was granted. Of course, the 10.1N's not out of the woods yet, as next week the aforementioned court in Dusseldorf will pass judgment on Sammy's reworked slate. So, pop some popcorn folks, these legal fireworks are far from over. |
| Google Wave inches toward the grave, becomes read-only Posted: 01 Feb 2012 09:38 AM PST  |
| Upgraded DirecTiVos from WeaKnees are on deck Posted: 01 Feb 2012 09:17 AM PST  |
| Acrobatic quadrocopters hunt in packs, seduce you into submission (video) Posted: 01 Feb 2012 08:55 AM PST  We've kept a pretty stern eye on the development of GRASP Lab's quadrocopters, and with good reason it seems, now that the four-bladed aerial ninjas have even more alarming abilities at their disposal. In the video after the break, watch them hold a variety of complex formations like it's no thing -- even while on the move. The 'copters can also take flight, or resume position, after being thrown into the air, navigating real world obstacles with deft fluidity. It's part of Pennsylvania University's Scalable sWarms of Autonomous Robots and Mobile Sensors project (conveniently SWARMS for short), which is responsible for developing the air-born acrobats' new grouping skills. They say it's an attempt to replicate swarming habits in nature, though we're not convinced. |
| US Cellular intros first LTE devices: the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 4G and Galaxy S Aviator 4G Posted: 01 Feb 2012 08:33 AM PST  US Cellular's had its LTE network in the oven for quite some time, and we knew it was going to be showing up sometime next month. The missing part of the equation, however, was which devices would ring in the celebration. The carrier finally answered the mystery question: the first tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 4G, will be the inaugural device and is expected to arrive in March, while the Galaxy S Aviator 4G should be gracing store shelves sometime in April. We don't expect to see any surprises with the Galaxy Tab, but the Aviator definitely has us curious. At first glance, it appears to be the same design as the Droid Charge, and will offer a 4.3-inch WVGA Super AMOLED Plus display, run on Android 2.3.6 and come with a 8MP rear camera, front-facing cam and HDMI port. We're hoping to get more specs for your enjoyment, but enjoy the press release in the meantime.  U.S. CELLULAR ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF 4G LTE NETWORK NEXT MONTH ALONG WITH UPCOMING DEVICES Brings up to 10 times faster download speeds and better web browsing experience CHICAGO (Feb. 1, 2012) – U.S. Cellular, in conjunction with its partner, King Street Wireless, is launching a 4G LTE network next month that will enhance the wireless experience with countless entertainment possibilities and help customers simplify and organize their lives. The 4G LTE network will cover 25 percent of U.S. Cellular's customers and will coincide with the launch of the Android-powered Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 4G LTE mobile tablet followed shortly by the Samsung Galaxy S® Aviator™ 4G LTE smartphone. 4G LTE speeds allow customers to begin watching a movie in seconds and enjoy smoother video streaming with little to no buffering, and video chatting with family or business colleagues is seamless. With the Samsung Galaxy S® Aviator™, customers have the ability to talk and access the Internet at the same time. They can talk to their family about dinner plans while downloading an app to find nearby restaurants and simultaneously check out reviews online. The March rollout of 4G LTE includes select cities in Iowa, Wisconsin, Maine, North Carolina, Texas and Oklahoma, including some of U.S. Cellular's leading markets such as Milwaukee, Madison and Racine, Wis.; Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa; Portland and Bangor, Maine; and Greenville, N.C. U.S. Cellular is the first wireless carrier to offer 4G LTE in several of these markets. The next wave of market launches will be announced later this month. "With 4G LTE speeds, you can quickly get what you want when you need it," said Mary N. Dillon, president and CEO of U.S. Cellular. "This 4G LTE network builds upon our industry-leading network satisfaction and is the only one that comes with a valuable rewards program and other unique benefits like Overage Protection and Battery Swap that make our customers the happiest in wireless." The Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 is powered by Android 3.2 (Honeycomb) and has a 10.1-inch WXGA TFT touchscreen. It features superior multi-tasking capabilities, a video watching experience similar to TV and smooth graphics and responsive controls for faster gaming. Apps are downloaded faster on the sleek Samsung Galaxy S® Aviator™ smartphone that comes with Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread). It has a 4.3-inch WVGA s-AMOLED plus touchscreen, 8 megapixel rear camera and front-facing camera for easy video chatting. Both devices will provide download and browser speeds that are up to 10 times faster than 3G and be similar to a cable Internet connection. The 4G LTE network builds on the 3G data services that U.S. Cellular customers already enjoy on the carrier's high-quality nationwide network. U.S. Cellular has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier. For more information about the 4G LTE experience, visit uscellular.com/4G. |
| Mushroom Networks ThirdEye makes surveillance mobile, peeping on perps goes wireless Posted: 01 Feb 2012 08:25 AM PST  Mushroom Networks Unveils ThirdEye™ Wireless Mobile Video Technology Mobile System Uses Multiple Cellular Broadband Cards to Transmit High-Quality Live Video for Security Surveillance, Emergency Response, Law Enforcement and Other Applications SAN DIEGO, CA – February 2, 2012 - Mushroom Networks, Inc., innovators of Broadband Bonding™ technology, today announced ThirdEye, a highly portable video surveillance technology that utilizes inexpensive cellular broadband cards to transmit live high-quality video from any location. Designed for security, government, defense, emergency response, and other such applications, ThirdEye seamlessly integrates with leading pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) cameras delivering the first fully wireless surveillance system that can be placed along borders/roadways, inside vehicles or moved to new locations as often as needed without requiring a wired Internet connection. ThirdEye transmits live video via Broadband Bonding, a method that aggregates the bandwidth of several cellular data cards (from one or a combination of mobile carriers) into a single high-speed connection. Because the system utilizes multiple cards, video transmission is nearly infallible as the remaining cards automatically compensates if a connection is lost. In addition, the low latency nature of Third Eye allows real time control of PTZ cameras for panning, tilting and zooming the camera as needed from any remote location. "Many industries including corporate, broadcasting, transportation and many others have adopted our unique technology for combining multiple broadband links into a single high-speed connection," stated Dr. Cahit Akin, co-founder and CEO of Mushroom Networks. "With ThirdEye, we are now delivering mobile video capabilities to government and security surveillance applications as well as brand-new applications that were not possible before such as a doctor remotely viewing a patient in a moving ambulance, or a police chief remotely viewing and controlling the dash cam of a squad car." Mushroom Networks' ThirdEye employs industry standards RJ45 Ethernet to connect to the IP camera at the mobile location turning any PTZ camera into a suitable device for live video transmission. ThirdEye is completely transparent to existing video surveillance equipments and therefore simply replaces the wired Internet connection at the camera side without requiring any changes to the existing system. ThirdEye is available now. For more information please call 858-452-1031 or visit http://www.mushroomnetworks.com. |
| Gundam Statue rebuilt to guard eponymous museum Posted: 01 Feb 2012 08:03 AM PST  |
| Nikon 1 future plans revealed: 4K video, brighter lenses, picture effects Posted: 01 Feb 2012 07:39 AM PST  Tetsuya Yamamoto, Nikon's head of development was at CES talking up the future plans of the company's 1 system cameras after strong holiday sales. The 10.1 megapixel sensor inside the 1 body is sufficiently capable of shooting 2 and 4K video and bringing that functionality into the unit is planned for a future edition. There's a need for a set of brighter lenses with faster auto-focusing, although we're not sure how much bigger you can get on that petite body. It's also kicking around the option of letting V1 (i.e. more professional) users get at manual AF control and in-camera RAW editing -- while J1 users can expect plenty of features they won't use much, like in-camera effects. It's exciting stuff, but let's hope these new features don't cause the price to climb any higher, eh? |
| Samsung Galaxy S Advance arriving on Three Mobile, gave no warning Posted: 01 Feb 2012 07:16 AM PST
Intrigued by the Galaxy S Advance's more-than-middleweight specifications revealed yesterday? Well, if you're residing in the UK, you can expect to see the curved smartphone arrive on the Three network. Packing a five megapixel camera and a 1GHz dual-core processor, the Galaxy S Advance will also grace us with a four-inch Super AMOLED display. Although pricing and availability remains a closely guarded secret -- the phone hasn't reached the carrier's Coming Soon pages yet -- anyone seeking out an upgrade to their increasingly creaky Galaxy S can expect to see more details appear soon. The PR's after the break. Coming soon to Three –Samsung Galaxy S Advance. Today Three announces that the Samsung Galaxy S Advance will be coming soon to the network. With design features like a 4" curved glass display, the Samsung Galaxy S Advance has a premium look and feel. The smartphone's striking design is matched by the technology inside, with a 1GHz dual-core processor for easy multitasking and quick switching between apps. The Galaxy S Advance also features a five megapixel camera capable of shooting 720p HD video. The touchscreen display brings rich media content like videos and images to life. A wealth of downloads to personalise the smartphone experience are also available via Android Market, which has thousands of videos, apps and popular games such as Angry Birds and Cut the Rope. Sylvia Chind, head of handsets at Three said, "The Samsung Galaxy S Advance combines eye-catching design with powerful technology specs that make for an outstanding smartphone experience. Coupled with Three's fast 3G network*, videos will download quickly so you won't be left in the dark waiting for the latest movie trailers to download." Key features: · 4" curved screen · WVGA Super AMOLED display · 1.0 GHz dual core processor · 8GB internal memory · 5 megapixel camera · HD video recording and playback at 720p Information on pricing and availability will be announced soon. In the meantime, why not check out the sneak peak video on the Three Blog. Notes to Editors: *Three is rated as the best network for speed, overall quality, ease of use and customer satisfaction by UK Smartphone customers (YouGov). |
| ITC judge throws out Barnes and Noble's patent defense against Microsoft Posted: 01 Feb 2012 06:53 AM PST  Microsoft's patent dispute with Barnes and Noble is likely far from over, but the spat saw some movement today, when a judge at the International Trade Commission rejected the bookseller's patent misuse claim. In his ruling, ITC Judge Theodore Essex threw out B&N's argument that Microsoft is misusing its patents against Android, effectively nullifying the company's major defense against Redmond. Microsoft, as you'll recall, is targeting the retailer and its Nook e-reader for allegedly infringing upon a (declining) number of its Android-related patents. Essex's decision is still subject to review from a six-member panel, but Microsoft is already heralding his decision as an early victory. "Today's action by the ITC makes clear that Barnes & Noble's patent misuse defense was meritless," Microsoft Deputy General Counsel David Howard said in a statement. "This case is only about one thing -- patent infringement by Barnes & Noble's Android-based devices." Barnes and Noble, meanwhile, said it has no comment. A full trial on the case is scheduled to begin on April 6th. |
| Microsoft Kinect for Windows version 1.0 available today Posted: 01 Feb 2012 06:29 AM PST  |
| ZionEyez becomes Zeyez, wants you to know it's still watching Posted: 01 Feb 2012 06:07 AM PST 
|
| Redbox refuses to push Warner movie delay to 56 days, will rent flicks as they go on sale Posted: 01 Feb 2012 05:44 AM PST  [Thanks, Stephen] January 31, 2012 "The Redbox contract with Warner Brothers to acquire movies directly expires today (January 31, 2012). Redbox will continue to provide our consumers with affordable access to new release movies from all major studios including Warner Brothers at our more than 28,000 locations nationwide. We will work to provide Warner Brothers' movies through alternative means. Redbox maintains direct working relationships with every other major studio," said Gary Cohen, senior vice president of marketing and customer experience at Redbox. |
| Nikon Coolpix P310 hands-on (video) Posted: 01 Feb 2012 05:28 AM PST  Another important addition to the P310 is the function button on the right-hand side of the lens, which we're told will work like an assignable hot-key, giving quick access to your choice of setting. For example, if you expect that a shot is going to demand quick ISO adjustment, you'll be able to assign that to the function key -- a feature that should go some way to making up for the relatively minimal (e.g. compared to the P7100) controls on the back. As we said, there's no RAW, and there's also no hot-shoe on this small form factor, so there could be some tough decisions in picking the P310 over a more expensive and fully-featured model. It should also be said that the sensor size is underwhelming: just 1/2.3-inches, which is significantly smaller than, say, a Canon S100 or S95, and means those 16 million pixels will be seriously crowded. When quizzed over this, our contact at Nikon re-iterated that the back-lit CMOS and other low-light features make up for this. While we're not making any specific judgement prior to review time, it's not controversial to suggest that Nikon generally needs to up its game when it comes to sensor size. The P310 will land on British shelves on March 22nd priced at £299, but if you're in the US then lucky you -- the $330 price tag there defies all currency conversions. We only played with the black model, which had a nice matte finish on the metal body, but watch out for a white variant too. Mat Smith contributed to this report. |
| Nikon Coolpix P510 arrives in London, we go hands-on (video) Posted: 01 Feb 2012 05:08 AM PST  Update: We've corrected the pricing. As previously reported, the camera will reach US shores at a more wallet-friendly $430. In the hand, the Coolpix P510 feels like an SLR, if slightly lighter -- thought the lack of a battery is likely a part of this. You'll need both hands to use the device, but the legion of controls will make adjusting most settings a breeze, especially if you've dabbled with its bigger (and pricier) brothers. The tiltable screen adds some extra bulk at the back, although only works vertically. Nikon told us that adding horizontal functionality would compound the bulk issue. SLR dials are located in the typical Nikon place, while finishing on the mode dial and slick hinged screen projected a premium feel in our hands; the textured grip also felt like it would help us keep our fingers on the camera. It's a shame that we were unable to see how it handled the 42x zoom; it's also left us fascinated by how the 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor will handle it. With that level of zoom, the toggle on the side of the lens also seems well thought-out, but we'll have to see how it all comes together in the field. Sharif Sakr contributed to this report. |
| Barnes & Noble to pull Amazon Publishing titles from shelves over exclusivity concerns Posted: 01 Feb 2012 04:39 AM PST  |
| Pirate Bay founders lose final appeal in Sweden, prison looms on the horizon Posted: 01 Feb 2012 04:11 AM PST  |
| Sharp struggles with TV competition, Q3 2011 results reveal 86 percent drop in profit Posted: 01 Feb 2012 03:22 AM PST  |
| Motorola Xyboard 8.2 WiFi-only model streaks through FCC, reveals little Posted: 01 Feb 2012 02:44 AM PST  |
| Samsung Galaxy S III to get separate launch event 'in the first half of 2012' Posted: 01 Feb 2012 01:38 AM PST
Some phones are just too big for Mobile World Congress. That's Samsung's thinking, given the triumphant launch of its Galaxy S II -- in all its guises. While specifications for Sammy's next flagship are spinning rumor windmills across the web, there's nothing particularly concrete on what we'll be seeing just yet. However, in an official statement received by Techradar, the manufacturer revealed that the phone will be treated to its very own launch -- something it's also plotting for its new Google TV sets. In its own words:
At least it sounds like there will still plenty to test out later this month -- and probably a whole new raft of confusing naming conventions. |
| RIM welcomes Office 365 users into the fold with BlackBerry Business Cloud Services Posted: 01 Feb 2012 01:04 AM PST  RIM Launches BlackBerry Business Cloud Services for Microsoft Office 365 Waterloo, ON - Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced general availability of BlackBerry® Business Cloud Services for Microsoft Office 365 – a new service for business and government organizations that extends Microsoft Exchange Online to BlackBerry® smartphones and allows customers to manage their BlackBerry deployments in the cloud. The service is available at no additional charge to current medium-sized or enterprise subscribers of the Office 365 suite or standalone Exchange Online and works with BlackBerry smartphones on business or consumer data plans. "RIM is pleased to launch BlackBerry Business Cloud Services for Microsoft Office 365. This new cloud-based option allows customers to cost-effectively support mobility across their organizations and easily manage and secure their BlackBerry deployments," said Alan Panezic, Vice President, Enterprise Product Management and Marketing at Research In Motion. "We continue to build upon the end-to-end BlackBerry solution for our business and government customers with both on-premise and cloud-based solutions, a range of technical support options to suit any size organization, and a growing ecosystem of apps and services for users." "Microsoft's partnership with RIM exemplifies our commitment to providing customers with the best productivity experience across the PC, browser and phone," said Julia White, Senior Director of Microsoft's Exchange Product Management Group. "The availability of BlackBerry Business Cloud Services is great news for Office 365 and BlackBerry customers who want to get the maximum benefit from these two business collaboration services." BlackBerry Business Cloud Services offers advanced administration and flexible smartphone self-service features to support an organization's BlackBerry deployment in the cloud. Key features include: Wireless synchronization with Microsoft Exchange Online email, calendar and organizer data from a BlackBerry smartphone BlackBerry® Balance™ technology, which presents a unified view of work and personal content on a BlackBerry smartphone while keeping the content separate and secure An intuitive web-based console for IT administrators to provision, manage and secure BlackBerry smartphones from anywhere Online access to employee self-service smartphone security functions, allowing users to easily reset a device password or remotely lock or wipe a device in the event of loss or theft Managed service providers, systems integrators, carriers, resellers and other partners can also use the cloud service to manage BlackBerry deployments on behalf of their customers. The service is available today in over 50 countries. Customers can go to www.blackberry.com/cloudservices to get started. |
| Meet Spark, the €200 slate packing Linux-based Plasma Active UX Posted: 01 Feb 2012 12:14 AM PST  |
| Sony confirms Kazuo Hirai as new President and CEO, replacing Howard Stringer Posted: 31 Jan 2012 11:26 PM PST  Sony has just confirmed Kazuo Hirai as its new CEO and President, validating rumors that have been swirling for a few weeks now. Outgoing CEO Howard Stringer, meanwhile, has been appointed Chairman of Sony's Board of Directors. The Hirai era officially begins April 1st, while Stringer will assume his new role sometime in June (until then, he'll remain executive chairman). Today's announcement, coming a day before Sony's earnings call, brings an end to more than a year's worth of speculation, though Hirai's selection hardly comes as a surprise, considering his recent string of promotions. In April, he was named Executive Deputy President; five months later, he was promoted to Sony Computer Entertainment Chairman. According to Stringer, in fact, Sony has been grooming Hirai since as early as 2009, when the Board began designing its succession plans. Kaz, he says, stood out from the crowd: Kaz, for his part, acknowledges that Sony is going through some "challenging" times at this juncture, but credits Stringer with steadying the ship, and seems clear-minded about the future. "The path we must take is clear: to drive the growth of our core electronics businesses - primarily digital imaging, smart mobile and game; to turn around the television business; and to accelerate the innovation that enables us to create new business domains," the 51-year-old PSN architect explained. "The foundations are now firmly in place for the new management team and me to fully leverage Sony's diverse electronics product portfolio, in conjunction with our rich entertainment assets and growing array of networked services, to engage with our customers around the world in new and exciting ways." Click past the break for Sony's full press release. Sony names Kazuo Hirai as President and CEO; Sir Howard Stringer to become Chairman of the Board of Directors TOKYO, Japan – Sony Corporation ("Sony") today announced that Kazuo Hirai has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2012. Sir Howard Stringer, currently Chairman, CEO and President, will become Chairman of the Board of Directors in June, 2012. Mr. Stringer recommended to the Sony Board of Directors that Mr. Hirai, currently Executive Deputy President, be his successor as President and CEO. Mr. Stringer will continue as Chairman of Sony Corporation until his ascension to the Board Chairmanship, which will become effective upon Board approval following the annual meeting of shareholders in June, when the current Chairman, Yotaro Kobayashi, will retire. Mr. Hirai is also expected to be appointed to the Board at the June shareholders meeting. Comment from Sir Howard Stringer "Three years ago, I started to work with the Board on succession plans, and in February, 2009 we named a new generation of leaders to be my management team. Among them was Kaz Hirai, who had distinguished himself through his work in the PlayStation ® and networked entertainment businesses. Kaz is a globally focused executive for whom technology and the cloud are familiar territory, content is highly valued, and digital transformation is second nature. I believe his tough-mindedness and leadership skills will be of great benefit to the company and its customers in the months and years ahead. I look forward to helping Kaz in every way I can so that succession leads inevitably to success. It was my honor to recommend him to the Board for the positions of President and CEO, because he is ready to lead, and the time to make this change is now." Comment from Kazuo Hirai "As challenging as times are for Sony now, were it not for the strong leadership of Sir Howard Stringer these past seven years, we would have been in a much more difficult position. I am grateful to Sir Howard and to the Board for their confidence in me, and I look forward to working with everyone at Sony more closely than ever before to build a strong future for our customers, shareholders, partners and employees. The path we must take is clear: to drive the growth of our core electronics businesses - primarily digital imaging, smart mobile and game; to turn around the television business; and to accelerate the innovation that enables us to create new business domains. The foundations are now firmly in place for the new management team and me to fully leverage Sony's diverse electronics product portfolio, in conjunction with our rich entertainment assets and growing array of networked services, to engage with our customers around the world in new and exciting ways." Comment from Yotaro Kobayashi, Chairman of the Board "The Board is grateful to Sir Howard Stringer for all he has done to help Sony travel such a long and vital way down the road from an analogue to a digital company. He has clearly recognized the importance of connecting our tremendous products with networks and content so that our devices come fully alive in the hands of consumers. We agree with Sir Howard that Kazuo Hirai is the right man at the right time to lead Sony. He has a unique capacity to inspire people, to build teams, to make the tough decisions, and to think with clarity and foresight about the challenges we face and how to surmount them. We are also pleased that Sir Howard has accepted our request to remain with Sony after June as Chairman of the Board of Directors. His leadership and experience will be of immeasurable assistance to us all." |
| Sharp to cut LCD production in Osaka plant by half Posted: 31 Jan 2012 10:48 PM PST  |
| KDDI's INFOBAR C01 coming soon: ten keys and very Japanese (video) Posted: 31 Jan 2012 10:05 PM PST  |
| LG finally shows a profit from cellphones, record high flat-panel shipments in Q4 earnings Posted: 31 Jan 2012 08:53 PM PST  LG ANNOUNCES FOURTH-QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR 2011 FINANCIAL RESULTS Quarterly Results Reflect Record-High Flat Panel TV Shipments, Strong Appliances Revenues and Profitable Mobile Business SEOUL, Feb. 1, 2012 -– LG Electronics Inc. (LG) today announced fourth quarter 2011 consolidated revenues of KRW 13.81 trillion (USD 12.05 billion) with an operating profit of KRW 23 billion (USD 20 million). Quarter-on-quarter revenue growth reflected strong performance in home entertainment and home appliances with improved operating profit in the mobile and TV businesses. Unaudited consolidated financial results, based on IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) for the period ending Dec. 31, 2011, showed a net loss of KRW 112 billion (USD 97.73 million) in the quarter, primarily due to a loss on investments in affiliated companies and net financial expense. Full-year 2011 consolidated revenues reached KRW 54.26 trillion (USD 48.97 billion). Despite a 2011 net loss of KRW 433 billion (USD 391 million), operating profits improved significantly to KRW 280 billion (USD 253 million) from KRW 176 billion (USD 153 million) for full-year 2010. The LG Home Entertainment Company shipped a record high 8.8 million flat panel TVs from October to December, increasing revenues 17.6 percent from the previous quarter to KRW 6.31 trillion (USD 5.5 billion). While quarterly sales declined modestly from the 2010 period, a strong 2011 holiday season and more premium product mix led by CINEMA 3D TV resulted in an operating profit of KRW 150 billion (USD 130.9 million) in the fourth quarter of 2011. Full-year 2011 home entertainment sales were KRW 22.38 trillion (USD 20.2 billion) with operating profit of KRW 423 billion (USD 382 million). For 2012, LG will continue strengthening its position in 3D and Smart TVs with a broadened line of TVs with Cinema Screen design and quality content. The LG Mobile Communications Company improved its position in the fourth quarter with operating profits of KRW 12 billion (USD 10 million) and sales of KRW 2.78 trillion (USD 2.42 billion) on the strength of premium smartphones such as Optimus LTE (Long Term Evolution). For full-year 2011, the company posted sales of KRW 11.69 trillion (USD 10.55 billion), a decline of 9.9 percent from 2010. For 2012, the company will continue to strengthen its position by focusing on strategic markets with expanded smartphone line-up led by LTE smartphones. The LG Home Appliance Company posted record-high quarterly sales of KRW 2.99 trillion (USD 2.6 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2011 with strong growth in Korea, the U.S. and developing countries with more energy-efficient products. Modestly lower operating profit of KRW 65 billion (USD 57 million) in the fourth quarter reflected increased raw material costs and unfavorable foreign exchange rates. Total 2011 home appliance sales were KRW 11.11 trillion (USD 10.03 billion) with operating profit of KRW 295 billion (USD 266 million). New energy efficient appliances being introduced around the world this year are expected to contribute to 2012 revenue growth. The LG Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions Company reported sales of KRW 680 billion (USD 593 million) in the fourth quarter, essentially flat with the 2010 fourth quarter. An operating loss of KRW 38 billion (USD 33 million) was attributed to negative macroeconomic issues and product mix weakness in developing markets. For full-year 2011, the company recorded air conditioning and energy solutions revenues of KRW 4.56 trillion (USD 4.11 billion) and operating profit of KRW 58 billion (USD 52 million). The company is increasing its focus on high-efficiency air conditioning systems to help drive sales in 2012. 2012 Business Direction For 2012, LG Electronics is targeting a revenue goal of KRW 57.6 trillion (USD 53.8 billion) with plans to spend KRW 1.6 trillion (USD 1.5 billion) in capital expenditures and to invest KRW 2.6 trillion (USD 2.4 billion) in research and development. 2011 4Q Exchange Rates Explained LG Electronics unaudited earnings results are based on IFRS. Amounts in Korean won (KRW) are converted into U.S. dollars (USD) at the average rate of the three month period in each corresponding quarter: KRW 1,146 per USD (2011 4Q) and KRW 1,133 per USD (2010 4Q). Average rate of the twelve-month period in 2011 was KRW 1,108 per USD and KRW 1,157 per USD in 2010. LG expects the exchange rate in 2012 to be KRW 1,070 per USD. Earnings Conference and Conference Call LG Electronics will hold a Korean language earnings news conference on Feb. 1, 2012 at 16:00 Korea Standard Time at the LG Twin Tower Auditorium (B1 East Tower, 20 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Korea). An English language conference call will follow on Feb. 2, 2012 at 10:00 Korea Standard Time (01:00 GMT/UTC). Participants are instructed to call +82 31 810 3069 and enter the passcode 9084#. The corresponding presentation file will be available for download at the LG Electronics website (www.lg.com/global/ir/reports/earning-release.jsp) at 13:00 on Feb. 1, 2012. Please visit http://pin.teletogether.com/eng/ and pre-register with the passcode provided. For those unable to participate, an audio recording of the news conference will be available for a period of 30 days after the conclusion of the call. To access the recording, dial +82 31 931 3100 and enter the passcode 142640# when prompted. # # # |
| Xbox 360 adds Crackle and CinemaNow to list of up and running apps Posted: 31 Jan 2012 08:29 PM PST  You can't deny one of Microsoft's main goals with its revamped 360 dashboard update was to enhance the box's entertainment attributes, and now the Redmond crowd has flipped the live switch on two more vid-focused apps. Crackle and CinemaNow are joining the likes of Vudu and UFC as part of the latest additions to the Xbox app locker. Both apps are available now for those of us in the States, and while CinemaNow won't be heading elsewhere, Sony's Crackle is hitting three other markets: Australia, Canada and United Kingdom. There's no more info on when -- or if -- both apps will make way into more countries, but Microsoft did say that it'll "continue to enhance and expand" its Xbox Live offerings. We know you're eager to check out some Godzilla collections, so power on that console, head to the apps section and let the crackles set you free. Crackle Launches Voice-controlled Experience on Xbox 360 Bringing Hundreds of Free Full-Length Hollywood Movies and TV Shows, including TALLADEGA NIGHTS: THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY, YEAR ONE and THE INTERNATIONAL CULVER CITY, Calif., Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Crackle, Inc., Sony Pictures Entertainment's multi-platform video entertainment network, has launched today on the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network as a free full-length Hollywood movie and TV app, it was announced by the company. Crackle's partnership with the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft marks another exciting expansion for the brand, broadening its slate of distribution partners for its users. The Crackle app is now available in the Xbox LIVE® marketplace in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia.* (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110329/LA73035LOGO) "Crackle is the single best multi-platform source of free, ad-supported Hollywood films and television series," said Phil Lynch, VP Digital Networks and Games at Sony Pictures Television. "By our continued emphasis on cross-platform distribution, we are bringing an unparalleled viewing experience directly to Crackle's target demographic of 18-34 males through their internet-enabled devices. We are thrilled to be a part of Xbox LIVE's entertainment expansion." "Our partnership with Crackle marks a significant milestone in our vision to bring you all the film and TV entertainment you want, shared with the people you care about, made easy," said Pete Thompson, General Manager, Xbox LIVE. "By bringing Crackle to the Xbox LIVE service and adding the magic of Kinect, we are transforming the way consumers experience entertainment forever." By partnering with Xbox, and through the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360, Crackle offers consumers yet another way to enjoy free, ad supported full-length Hollywood movies and TV series. Adding the Kinect experience to Crackle's content allows consumers to interact with their favorite Crackle movies and TV shows in a more personal, seamless and effortless way. The voice- and motion-activated controls with Kinect and voice search with Bing on Xbox allow Crackle viewers to quickly find the content they want. For example, users are able to search for a movie on Xbox LIVE by stating, "Xbox, Bing: THE INTERNATIONAL," or use verbal commands to play a movie on Xbox LIVE by stating, "Play DONNIE BRASCO," in this breakthrough new way to find and watch their favorite movies. All Crackle content, which includes more than 200 films from studios including Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Screen Gems, Sony Pictures Classics and more, is now available to watch for free with an Xbox LIVE Gold membership. In addition, the Crackle service offers over 1,500 full-length television episodes in genres its audience loves best: action, comedy, crime, horror, thriller and sci-fi. A sampling of the movie and TV offerings available on Xbox LIVE in the U.S. includes: TALLADEGA NIGHTS: THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR ONE DEUCE BIGALOW: EUROPEAN GIGOLO THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES GROUNDHOG DAY DONNIE BRASCO DEFENDOR THE MESSENGERS "Seinfeld" "Married...with Children" "News Radio" "Jackie Chan Adventures" "Bewitched" Hundreds of episodes of anime including "Samurai X," "Blood +" and "Blue Exorcist" Plus over 40 Crackle originals including "Issues," "Why It Crackles," "Urban Wolf" and more, as well as the award-winning "The Bannen Way." Movie and TV shows available on Xbox LIVE in Canada, include: 88 MINUTES CADILLAC RECORDS CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON "Bewitched" "Diff'rent Strokes" Hundreds of episodes of anime including "Samurai X," "Blood +" and "Blue Exorcist" Crackle originals including "Issues," "Why It Crackles," "Urban Wolf" and more. New content will continue to premiere on the app regularly. The Xbox LIVE Crackle app is available in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia. *An Xbox LIVE Gold membership will be required to enjoy the Xbox LIVE Crackle app. |
| Disney Mobile on DoCoMo brand launches with two new Android phones in Japan Posted: 31 Jan 2012 07:47 PM PST  DOCOMO Unveils First 2 "Disney Mobile on docomo" Android Smartphones TOKYO, JAPAN, February 1, 2012 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today the first two Android™ smartphones under the "Disney Mobile on docomo" brand that it is launching in cooperation with The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. The "Disney Mobile on docomo F-08D" model will go on sale in the end of February and the "Disney Mobile on docomo P-05D" model will launch in March. Both models will be sold in Japan only. The magical world of Disney is featured throughout the two smartphones, from their outer designs to user interfaces, including main displays and screen icons. Both models are waterproof and compatible with popular DOCOMO services, such as Osaifu-Keitai® mobile-wallet services. Users will enjoy free access (excluding packet-data charges) with their smartphones to movie services, original live wallpapers, puzzle and music game applications for children and family-entertainment. Special customer benefits also will be offered from this spring in cooperation with Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, where DOCOMO is an official corporate sponsor. Pre-orders for the "Disney Mobile on docomo F-08D" model scheduled for release in late February will be accepted at docomo shops from February 17. Pre-orders for the Disney Mobile on docomo P-05D model scheduled for release in March will be announced later. Disney Mobile on docomo Smartphones (2 models) Disney Mobile on docomo F-08D Luxury smartphone with sparkling silhouettes of Mickey and Minnie. Tabletop holder featuring the world-famous Mickey Head Design. 4.3-inch high-resolution HD display with 1.2 GHz dual core CPU to experience dynamic Disney video content. Waterproof/dustproof design and compatible with Osaifu-Keitai mobile-wallet service and one-seg services. Disney Mobile on docomo P-05D Stylish smartphone designed to fit comfortably in the palm of one's hand. Two customizable Disney jackets for personalized styling. Slim 7.8 mm body combined with large 4.3-inch Organic EL display for full enjoyment of Disney content. Waterproof/dustproof design and compatible with Osaifu-Keitai mobile-wallet services. DOCOMO and Disney to Jointly Offer Smartphones and Mobile Services Under New "Disney Mobile on docomo" Brand TOKYO, JAPAN, February 1, 2012 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC. and The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. jointly announced today that they will introduce an exclusive smartphone brand, "Disney Mobile on docomo," beginning with the launch of one model in late February and a second model in March. Smartphones developed by the two companies will be sold by DOCOMO under the "Disney Mobile on docomo" brand. A variety of exclusive benefits and special services and content will enable users of these smartphones, including adult women and others, to encounter unique Disney experiences. Exclusive content and services will include: Access to Disney full-length animations, live actions and overseas dramas. Digital content from Disney, such as puzzle and music game applications for children and family-entertainment. Original Disney applications, live wallpapers and more. Various customer benefits in cooperation with Tokyo Disney Resort. |
| Nikon outs new Coolpix trio: L810 with 26x zoom, waterproof S30 and Intelligent Auto L26 Posted: 31 Jan 2012 07:01 PM PST  NIKON MAKES IT EASY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY COOLPIX VERSATILITY AND PERFORMANCE FOR STUNNING PHOTOS AND HD VIDEO Easily Capture Special Moments with Spectacular Photo Quality and Have Fun While Doing It MELVILLE, N.Y. (Jan. 31, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. introduced a new line of COOLPIX digital cameras that combine affordability and convenience with performance and versatility to create a lineup of cameras that are ideal for the modern, fast-paced and connected family. Perfect for any type of family adventure from the sidelines to the backyard, the COOLPIX L810, L26 and S30 each offer a simple, convenient and fun way to capture great photos and HD movies with ease. Expanding on Nikon's outstanding long zoom reputation, the COOLPIX L810's extremely powerful zoom (26x) offers a chance to capture every detail without giving up the convenience of a compact point-and- shoot camera. The COOLPIX S30 is a new type of camera from Nikon, providing worry-proof construction with a simple to use interface and an affordable price point so any family can enjoy photography with a camera that instills confidence. The COOLPIX L26 is ideal for casual photographers and streamlines photo- taking with intelligent Nikon technologies like automatic Scene Modes and easy-to-understand controls. All three cameras are AA battery compatible for the ultimate on-the-go convenience. "Today's family spends time together in more places than the dining room table; they are on adventures and vacations together, constantly in motion and creating memories," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "Nikon's latest COOLPIX cameras combine Nikon's renowned image quality, advanced performance and superior technology to offer simple and affordable cameras for every member of your family." COOLPIX L810: Zoom That Goes the Distance Whether at the game or in nature, users need a camera that can go the distance to get in close to the action. The COOLPIX L810 sports a powerful 26x (22.5mm-585mm) zoom that makes it possible to capture every detail with extraordinary precision. This latest affordable ultra zoom continues in a long line of superb Nikon compact long zoom cameras and features a super wide 22.5mm wide angle lens with VR image stabilization technology to help eliminate blur in photos and movies, regardless of focal length. Nineteen Scene Modes optimize camera settings automatically for picture-perfect results, while the Smart Portrait System helps make every portrait flattering and pictures priceless. Additionally, the COOLPIX L810 features a Sports Continuous Shooting mode to capture fast moving subjects. If still images aren't enough to tell the whole story, begin recording 720p HD movies with stereo sound through a simple one-touch control button and play them back on a 3-inch, 921,000-dot high resolution LCD display. COOLPIX S30: No Muss, No Fuss - Ready for Action A wonderful addition to any family, the COOLPIX S30 makes it easy and fun to preserve memories from the priceless to possibly messy, including a baby's first steps, first swim or first plate of spaghetti. Boasting a shockproof* (up to 2.6 feet) and waterproof *(up to 9.8 feet) exterior, the COOLPIX S30 affords a chance to capture all of their favorite moments without hesitation or worry. A 10.1-megapixel image sensor produces high quality images and HD video that can be easily e-mailed, printed and framed for family and friends. A 3x wide angle zoom lens, HD video capabilities and extremely easy-to-use modes like the Smart Portrait System make the COOLPIX S30 simple, durable and affordable. COOLPIX L26: The Simple Way to Great Photos and Movies Let the camera do the thinking while marveling at the great images taken with the COOLPIX L26. Simply point, shoot and let the camera do the rest with easy-to-use and intelligent automatic Scene Modes, helping bring out the user's inner photographer. Featuring a 5x (26mm-130mm) optical Zoom-NIKKOR lens for close to intermediate distance shots, the COOLPIX L26 is fun and easy to use whether snapping photos on a field trip or capturing 720p HD video of a birthday party. A wide and bright 3-inch LCD screen, vibration reduction and Smart Portrait technology make this the ideal camera for the beginner or casual photographer who might not use a camera often, but knows they want amazing image quality when they do. Price and Availability The COOLPIX L810 will be available in February 2012 for a suggested retail price (SRP) price of $279.95** in a choice of colors including Black, Red and Blue. The COOLPIX S30 will be available in February 2012 for an SRP of $119.95** in a choice of colors including White, Blue and Pink. The COOLPIX L26 will be available in February 2012 for an SRP of $119.95** in a choice of colors including Red, Black and Silver. For more information about these and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com. |
| Nikon adds Coolpix S9300, S6300, S4300 and S3300 to point-and-shoot lineup Posted: 31 Jan 2012 07:01 PM PST  NIKON'S NEW S-SERIES COOLPIX CAMERAS ARE THE SLIM, STYLISH AND SMART WAY TO CAPTURE LIFE'S GREAT MOMENTS With Super-Zoom Capabilities and Compact Design, New COOLPIX Cameras are User-Friendly and Feature Technologies to Inspire Creativity MELVILLE, NY (Jan. 31, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. introduced four new digital cameras to the COOLPIX S-series lineup to give consumers new ways to go super-zoom or super chic. These new cameras deliver on Nikon's rich optical heritage and benefit from new technologies poised to create an amazing camera experience for any user, such as GPS and enhanced resolution. The Spring 2012 line of Nikon COOLPIX cameras help capture memories with advanced features including extraordinary low-light capabilities, powerful optics and HD video recording with full stereo sound. Added features such as the built-in GPS of the COOLPIX S9300 and Easy Panorama mode of the COOLPIX S6300 bolster the S-series lineup, in addition to the easy-to-use, slim and stylish COOLPIX S4300 and S3300. These cameras also include Nikon core technologies for amazing photos, including Nikon's Smart Portrait System for flattering portraits and HD video capability across the line. "The new COOLPIX S-series cameras are super slim and easy to carry around for all of those special 'can't miss' moments that matter in a person's life," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "These cameras complement a personal style while providing amazing image and video quality easily." The Ultra-Zoom That Fits in a Carry-on The COOLPIX S9300 is deceptively slim (approximately 1.5-inch body), but hides a super-zoom secret with an outstanding 18x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens (25mm-450mm). Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization lets users capture far-off horizons or up-close action, making the COOLPIX S9300 a packing priority for any trip. The camera features a 16.0-megapixel Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor for capturing low-light images with stunning clarity and sharpness. Nikon's BSI sensor technology increases the flow of light to the sensor's surface, which improves image quality and reduces noise. Whether traveling around the globe or enjoying a night out on the town, users can also record Full HD (1080p) movies with full stereo sound and enjoy high speed frame rates for slow and fast motion effects. Further adding to the COOLPIX S9300's credibility as the ultimate travel camera, built-in GPS has been added to provide the user with accurate geotag data of adventures and even displays a map as to where the user has been. The Super-Zoom Goes Super Thin The slim COOLPIX S6300 bundles a 10x optical zoom with a compact body and VR technology, so users can quickly zoom in to the action without worrying about blurry photos. A 16.0-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor captures fast action and scenarios in challenging lighting, such as faces around a dimly-lit birthday cake or sun soaked days at the lake. The COOLPIX S6300 also records full HD (1080p) movies for memorable moments without missing a beat. Additionally, 180o and 360o views of the world, including stunning landscapes or amazing interiors, are simple to create and share with the Easy Panorama mode. Creative color options let the user add their own personal touch in-camera with effects like Low key, High key, Nostalgia Sepia, and even Selective Color, putting a little punch to images and movies. The Touch Screen to Set Trends For those looking for a no-frills touch screen camera that captures amazing photos and HD video, the 16.0-megapixel COOLPIX S4300 is the camera that fits the bill. It features a wide-angle 6x (26mm-156mm) optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens, plus VR image stabilization for maximum versatility. The 3-inch touch screen LCD makes it easy to compose, focus and capture moments quickly, and subjects come alive with 460,000-dot detail. Additionally, multiple Scene Modes immediately adjust settings for optimum results, while the Auto Scene Selector can identify scenes automatically and set the camera accordingly. The COOLPIX S4300 also features Nikon's Smart Portrait System, which includes the intelligent Smile Shutter function that automatically recognizes when a subject is smiling and releases the shutter for picture-perfect results every time. The Face-Priority AF can find and focus up to 12 faces, making the COOLPIX S4300 the ultimate party accessory. A Fashionable Zoom for Any Occasion The Nikon COOLPIX S3300 answers the call for a cost-efficient 16.0-megapixel camera with a 6x (26mm-156mm) optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens for near or far photos on any occasion. The slim design of the camera makes it effortless for traveling, while the easy-to-use interface is always ready to capture photos and video. The camera has 19 Scene Modes, including the Scene Auto Selector which analyzes a scene and automatically selects from one of six scene modes. With the COOLPIX S3300, the party can be relived in glorious HD with 720p movie recording, while optical VR minimizes the effects of camera shake for sharp, high-quality images. Pricing and Availability The COOLPIX S9300 will be available for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $349.95 in black, red and silver, while the COOLPIX S6300 will be available for $199.95 SRP in red, black, silver and blue. The COOLPIX S4300 will be available for $169.95 SRP in plum, black, silver, white and red, while the COOLPIX S3300 will be available for $139.95 SRP in silver, black, pink, purple and red. The new COOLPIX S-series cameras will be available in February 2012. For more information about these and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com. |
| Nikon unveils Coolpix P510 42x superzoom, P310 with f/1.8 lens Posted: 31 Jan 2012 07:01 PM PST  This evening's Nikon post is presented in partnership with the letter P. The Coolpix P-series welcomed a new pair today, with point-and-shoots that "pack a potent punch... and powerful performance" -- and a plentiful portion of P, as you'll notice in the press release past the break. The Coolpix P510 "breaks the zoom barrier" with a 42x 24-1000mm optically stabilized lens. It features a 16.1 megapixel BSI (backside illuminated) CMOS sensor, a 921k-dot 3-inch vari-angle LCD, can shoot 1080p HD video with stereo sound and supports ISO 100-3200 shooting with Hi1 (ISO 6400) and Hi2 (ISO 12800, monochrome) options. GPS functionality is also included, with support for tracking and photo geotagging.Those of you seeking a more-pocketable P-series may want to consider the Coolpix P310, which offers the same 16.1 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, a 921k-pixel 3-inch LCD, a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-3200 (Hi1 of ISO 6400) and a 4.2x 24-100mm f/1.8 (maximum) optically stabilized zoom lens. As Nikon's high-end pocketable model, the P310 offers advanced exposure modes, including program, shutter- and aperture-priority, along with a full manual mode. There's also 1080/30p video capture with stereo sound and in-camera editing. Both cameras will be available in February, with the Coolpix P510 shipping in black and red for $430 and the black-only P310 running you $330. Oh, and don't forget about that plenary P-PR past the break. NIKON'S NEW COOLPIX P-SERIES PAIR PACKS A POTENT PUNCH OF OPTICAL EXCELLENCE AND POWERFUL PERFORMANCE The 42x COOLPIX P510 is the Ultimate Ultra-Long Zoom Camera, While the Fast Aperture Lens of the COOLPIX P310 Makes it the Advanced Photographer's Compact Companion MELVILLE, NY (Jan. 31, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. introduced two new COOLPIX cameras into the P- series, providing photographers with amazing optics from compact offerings for their next adventure- packed outing. Breaking the zoom barrier, the new COOLPIX P510 brings the action close with an impressive 42x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens, from a wide 24mm to an amazing 1,000mm* focal range. When the adventure begins once the sun sets, the new COOLPIX P310 tackles demanding low- light conditions with a 16.1-megapixel Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor and a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, NIKKOR glass lens. From the expansive Serengeti horizon, thunderous waterfalls of the Amazon to the jazz-infused nightlife setting of New Orleans, Nikon's new COOLPIX P-series cameras enable photographers to capture any adventure with astounding clarity. "With the new COOLPIX P-series cameras, Nikon is raising the bar for performance and image quality to better accommodate the needs of advanced photographers looking for a compact companion," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "Both the COOLPIX P510 and P310 combine Nikon's legendary NIKKOR lenses and advanced features to challenge photographers creatively in environments that call for portability and easy access." COOLPIX Technology At the core of these powerful new COOLPIX cameras are Nikon's world-class NIKKOR lenses, delivering accurate detail, brilliant color and amazing clarity. Further enhancing color and sharpness, Nikon's EXPEED C2TM high performance digital image processing engine is implemented and custom-optimized for each COOLPIX model to ensure high-quality pictures and movies. The New COOLPIX P510: Setting a Higher Zoom Standard Shattering the conventional zoom barrier, the new COOLPIX P510 features a staggering 42x Wide-Angle NIKKOR glass zoom lens. The astounding zoom range of 24mm to 1,000mm with advanced optical Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization ensures that the photographer captures their intended subject with exceptional image quality. With this kind of extreme focal length, the need for superior image stabilization becomes essential for photos and HD video. Photographers are given increased stability with the additional zoom control located on the side of the lens barrel. To further enhance image quality and help combat challenging low-light conditions, the COOLPIX P510 includes an advanced 16.1-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor. Utilizing the high-speed continuous shooting performance (capture five images at full resolution in approximately one second) of the CMOS sensor and fast autofocus (AF), the COOLPIX P510 makes it possible to capture even the most spontaneous moments. This full-featured compact camera also comes complete with built-in GPS capabilities, allowing photographers to track their adventures and geotag photos. The COOLPIX P510 also includes Full HD (1080p) movie recording with stereo sound and the ability to utilize the expansive zoom range during recording with AF for dynamic videos. A 3-inch high resolution (921,000-dot) vari-angle monitor makes it easy to compose images and movies from difficult angles. Additionally, The COOLPIX P510 features a variety of advanced functions for the sophisticated user seeking smooth handling with intuitively placed controls such as the mode dial that enables easy setting of frequently used functions on the fly. The New COOLPIX P310: Low Light, No Problem The new COOLPIX P310 achieves superior image quality in low-light settings thanks to the powerful combination of a 16.1-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, wide ISO range up to 3200 (Hi1 6400 equivalent) and a fast, wide-angle maximum aperture f/1.8 lens. The COOLPIX P310 further fights blur by incorporating advanced optical VR image stabilization and makes shooting in low-light a breeze with several scene modes including Advanced Night Portrait mode, Night Landscape mode and Backlight/High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode. The Advanced Night Portrait mode combines consecutive images of the background while the subject is captured using the flash, while the Night Landscape mode combines a series of consecutive shots taken at a fast shutter speed into a single image with reduced noise. The Backlight HDR mode merges images of the same scene at different exposures to achieve a single image with a broad range of tonal detail. Designed to be the serious photographer's compact companion, the COOLPIX P310 comes equipped with several features found in D-SLR cameras including manual exposure control (P/S/A/M) and a new Zoom Memory function that enables the selection of popular prime focal lengths during shooting. Through an easily accessible top-mounted control wheel, users are able to adjust shutter speed, aperture and other settings in order to achieve their preferred look. For more creativity, the COOLPIX P310 also includes special effects and filter effects that can be added to photos in-camera for a quick artistic touch. To facilitate easy composing, viewing and playback, the COOLPIX P310 features a 3-inch high resolution (921,000-dot) LCD screen. Understanding the demand for a capable multimedia camera, the COOLPIX P310 also sports incredible video capabilities. With the ability to capture Full HD (1080p) video at 30 frames-per-second (fps) with AF, stereo sound and the use of the optical zoom while recording, the COOLPIX P310 also lets users edit movies in-camera for a seamless moviemaking experience. Pricing and Availability The COOLPIX P510 will be available in February 2012 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $429.95* and will be offered in black and red. The COOLPIX P310 will also be available in February 2012 for $329.95* SRP and will be offered in black only. For more information about these and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com. |
| FCC revamps Lifeline phone service, cuts the fat from carriers' bottomlines Posted: 31 Jan 2012 06:06 PM PST  |
| Megaupload users' data to be kept another two weeks, EFF to help folks retrieve it Posted: 31 Jan 2012 05:19 PM PST  |
| Engadget HD Podcast 284 - 01.31.2012 Posted: 31 Jan 2012 04:58 PM PST
00:13:09 - Netflix Q4 results: 220k new streaming-only customers, beats earnings estimates 00:21:20 - Tim Cook says Apple TV is still 'a hobby,' can't live without it 00:25:06 - Switched On: You tell me it's the institution 00:44:40 - WealthTV 3D joining handful of 3D networks 01:08:52 - Totally blow out the big game! Super Bowl XLVI 01:16:36 - Must See HDTV (January 30th - February 5th) Hear the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| BlackBerry London resurfaces in leak, sports matte black exterior, nonexistent OS Posted: 31 Jan 2012 04:35 PM PST  |
| T-Mobile updates FamilyWhere location tracking service for worrisome parents Posted: 31 Jan 2012 04:02 PM PST  |
| Biomask project could regrow burn victims' faces Posted: 31 Jan 2012 03:31 PM PST  UT Arlington engineer developing Biomask to aid soldiers recovering from facial burns 1/24/2012 6:05 PM EST UT Arlington engineers working with Army surgeons are developing a pliable, polymer mask embedded with electrical, mechanical and biological components that can speed healing from disfiguring facial burns and help rebuild the faces of injured soldiers. The Biomask project is led by Eileen Moss, an electrical engineer and research scientist based at the UT Arlington Automation & Robotics Research Institute in Fort Worth. Project partners include the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and Northwestern University in Chicago. The work is funded through a $700,000 research grant from the U.S. Army Medical Research & Materiel Command. "This gives our wounded warriors hope," said Col. Robert G. Hale, commander of the U.S. Army Dental and Trauma Research Detachment in San Antonio, which is part of the Institute of Surgical Research. "That's what it's all about. We're improving their quality of life." Northwestern University and the Institute of Surgical Research in San Antonio are currently involved in researching wound healing, while Moss and her UT Arlington team are focused on developing Biomask prototypes that will be tested by the other collaborators. They will be able to provide Moss with feedback to improve the device. Hale expects Moss's device to be in use at military medial centers within five years. The device also may aid in stem cell regeneration to regrow missing tissue where the Biomask is placed, he said. Moss began her work toward the Biomask as a doctoral student at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her dissertation focused on research into polymer-based microfluidic systems for biomedical applications. She joined UT Arlington in 2007 to continue the research. Current burn treatment typically involves removing damaged areas followed by grafting. The outcomes may be good, but the procedures also may result in deformities, speech problems and scarring. To aid burn victims, Army physicians have used polyethylene foam on damaged tissue that applies a vacuum to promote healing in the wounds, Hale said. "We couldn't use that on the face because topographically the face is very complex," he said. "We couldn't get a good seal." Plastic surgeons had shown Hale a three-dimensional, clear silicone mask that compressed the burns slightly to avoid lumpy scars. Engineers were called on to mesh the technologies and develop a better device. "We wanted something that blended restorative medicine and tissue engineering," Hale said. "That's where UT Arlington came in. Engineers are problem-solvers, and they're solving this one right now." The Biomask will be embedded with arrays of sensing and treatment components. The components will allow localized monitoring and localized activation of treatment that can be applied to different parts of the wound as needed, Moss said. The sensors will provide physicians feedback about the healing process and help them direct appropriate therapy to different tissues. "We think the Biomask will become the ultimate tool for treating burns," Moss said. "It's a thinking device. As the wounds heal, the Biomask will be able to adjust treatment to provide faster and better results." Moss said she and members of her team have traveled to San Antonio where Hale has shared the stories of soldiers with traumatic injuries that may benefit from her work. "That really put the research into perspective," Moss said. "It helps us keep focused on the goal, that of improving these soldiers' lives." Moss's work is representative of the groundbreaking research under way at The University of Texas at Arlington, a comprehensive research institution of 33,439 students in the heart of North Texas. Visit www.uta.edu to learn more. |
| Sprint grants LightSquared six-week extension for FCC approval Posted: 31 Jan 2012 02:58 PM PST  As Carl Icahn prepares to take the wheel, buttressed by a cushion of distressed LightSquared debt, Sprint appears close to ending its ill-fated dance with the upstart LTE provider. After granting the Falcone-backed company a 30-day extension earlier this January, the Hesse-led co is taking one last stab at making that 15-year resource sharing agreement work, giving the beleaguered network an additional six weeks to garner regulatory approval for its controversial spectrum. As it stands, the fate of LS' wholesale 4G operation lies within the FCC's hands and with no hard date for a final ruling in sight, it's easy to read this last lifeline as the end. |
| Screen Grabs: Big Bang Theory's Raj falls head over heels... for Siri (video) Posted: 31 Jan 2012 02:33 PM PST Screen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dot com.  |
| LG's triple SIM A290: the phone every Russian Casanova needs Posted: 31 Jan 2012 02:07 PM PST  Dual-SIM phones are perfect for when the carriers are desperate for your business, keeping your work life separate, or to mask your philandering -- but what if two isn't enough? LG (stands for Lucky Goldstar, now you know) is producing a phone with a third SIM slot, only one less than the ridiculously equipped OTECH F1. The A290 candy-bar throwback sports a 176 x 220, 2.2-inch display, 1.3 megapixel camera, LED flashlight and a 1500 mAh battery. Russians (for it's exclusive to the nation) looking to swell their SIM collection can do so from next month at the cost of €75 ($100). |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Engadget News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment