Archive for May, 2007
Palm’s thunder has been stolen recently by the BlackBerry and Apple’s iPhone, but they have come back with an attempted bang. The new Palm Foleo is billed as a smartphone companion, but actually resembles a tiny laptop.
It boasts a full size keyboard, but only has a 10inch screen, which in some ways is a throwback to notebooks of ten years ago.
The Foleo is designed to let users manage and edit their e-mails and other documents by communicating with their smartphones through a wireless Bluetooth connection. However, it has received a lukewarm reception from many critics who say that it adds nothing to an already exiting smartphone sector.
Running the Linux OS, Foleo doesn’t actually have a hard drive, but instead can synchronise with a smartphone via a Bluetooth or wireless connection. In fact, it is getting a slightly warmer reception from the Linux community than from those in the cellphone arena. “This could become the first commercially viable portable Linux system,” said Tim Bajarin, an industry analyst at Creative Strategies.
Palm Foleo will be available in the summer at a suggested price of $599 before an introductory rebate of $100.
May 31st, 2007
Creating High Definition (HD) home movies is now super-simple with the introduction of the HR10 High Definition Camcorder from Canon U.S.A., Inc. This Canon HD camcorder calls on the Company’s optical heritage, proprietary CMOS image sensor and HD expertise to help users effortlessly create and share High Definition movies on convenient DVD discs.Consumers who are looking for the ideal camcorder to interface with the ever-expanding home entertainment environment and provide more High Definition content, need to look no further. The Canon HR10 HD Camcorder offers the benefits of top-notch broadcast quality lenses and photographic heritage by providing users with a Genuine Canon 10x optical zoom lens, a Full HD 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensor and the AVCHD video format. The HR10 HD Camcorder also helps users obtain the sharpest High Definition video possible, with the assistance of Canon’s exclusive Instant AF focus system and Super Range Optical Image Stabilization to help provide “rock solid” images at any focal length.
The Canon HR10 HD Camcorder features the ability to capture three megapixel still images, the new Multi-Angle Vivid LCD and the look and feel of film with the 24p Cine Mode. The smooth curves of the Camcorder fit snugly into the user’s grasp, allowing for easy, smooth, one-handed operation of nearly every function of the camcorder.
“Research shows that consumers are looking for the convenience of DVD, as well as high-quality HD video when choosing a camcorder. With the introduction of the Canon HR10 High Definition Camcorder, we provide consumers with a better way to record and preserve their memories in High Definition,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. The Canon HR10 HD Camcorder enhances our offerings to the home theater aficionado, who demands nothing but the best in image quality, expands our product portfolio and strengthens our market leadership.”
The Easiest Way to HD…
Consumers should not be fooled by the small stature of the Canon HR10 High Definition Camcorder. Even though the HR10 Camcorder may be dwarfed by a wide-screen HDTV, the handheld camcorder holds its own among high-end home theatre hardware, including towering surround-sound speakers, Blu-ray players and game consoles. Through the use of the ultra-efficient Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD), the Canon HR10 High Definition Camcorder records 1080 HD video to conventional 3-inch (8cm) DVD discs. The AVCHD codec allows HD video to be captured in a variety of compression rates, using less storage space, and recorded to DVD discs, including high-capacity dual-layer discs for longer recording time. This allows consumers to play back their footage on many AVCHD compatible DVD players, including most Blu-ray disc players2.
Through a single cable, the HR10 HD Camcorder can connect directly to the latest High Definition televisions through the all-digital HDMI interface for convenient playback of High Definition video on HDTVs.
While it is true that the image quality from the HR10 HD Camcorder can be described as stunning, the camcorder includes many advanced features to help users make their videos even more impressive. The Canon HR10 High Definition Camcorder’s 24p Cine Mode enables aspiring moviemakers to achieve a professional “film-look” by changing the camcorder’s frame rate to 24p, which provides the same frame rate as movie film. In addition, the Canon HR10 Camcorder’s Cine setting changes the color and tonal characteristics, evoking the look and feel of a theatrical film. For added flexibility, these settings can be used together or independently. Users will also be able to shoot with confidence knowing that they have the support of Canon’s Instant AF System and Super Range Optical Image stabilization.
Canon HD Optical Technology
Focus is a critical component when shooting in High Definition, which Canon addresses with the potent one-two punch of a powerful 10x optical zoom lens with aspherical elements and coatings that reduce flare and ghosting, as well as the revolutionary Instant AF focusing system for sharp focus of moving subjects. The Instant AF system uses an external sensor, to help users achieve crisp focus, even in extreme bright or low light conditions.
Canon’s Super Range Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) helps correct camera shake during hand-held filming or when the camera is in motion. Canon’s OIS is even more beneficial while zoomed in on a subject when even subtle camera movement can rattle an image. In addition, the OIS system is operational when shooting still images, which helps to produce sharp and blur-free pictures when photographing as well.
Canon’s Full HD CMOS Image Sensor (1920 x 1080) and DIGIC DV II HD Image Processor
Designed, developed and manufactured by Canon, the 1/2.7-inch CMOS image sensor, similar to the EOS line of digital SLR cameras, acquires image information at a resolution of 1920 x 1080, producing life-like High Definition movies and photos. Additionally, Canon’s Full HD CMOS Sensor features on-chip noise reduction technology, to help ensure the signals from each pixel are as pure as possible, with minimal “noise” or other image distortion even in dimly lit scenes. What’s more, the CMOS sensor incorporates an RGB Primary Color Filter with a Bayer placement to help deliver sharp, High Definition images in true vibrant, accurate color.
Canon’s proprietary DIGIC DV II HD Image Processor, is the brains behind the HR10 High Definition Camcorder recognizing the different color requirements of video and photos for optimal image quality. The DIGIC DV II processor’s improved color reproduction and noise reduction is what powers the HR10 High Definition Camcorder’s ability to capture stunning imagery in low light, bright light and difficult-to-shoot situations.
Get the Big Picture with the New Multi-Angle Vivid LCD
The enhanced 2.7-inch widescreen LCD screen of the HR10 High Definition Camcorder makes it easier than ever before for users to compose their videos and pictures, thanks to a variety of enhancements. The crisp LCD screen is viewable from up to 135 degrees at any angle and offers the widest color gamut on any Canon consumer camcorder to date. The screen is also treated with a new glare-resistant coating that helps display colors faithfully with minimal darkening or distortion for easy viewing in various light conditions. This is especially useful when shooting a scene such as a wedding reception, where users can view every detail of an ornate wedding dress and the subtle contrast on a black tuxedo directly on the camcorder’s LCD during shooting.
Life does not wait for the camcorder to power up, which is why the HR10 HD Camcorder utilizes Canon’s “Quick Start” feature. Quick Start allows the camera to go from standby mode to shooting in a fraction of a second, helping to ensure that those special moments are not missed.
Adding to the professional look of the High Definition video captured by the Canon HR10 HD Camcorder is the Smooth Zoom Speed Control. Canon’s Smooth Zoom Speed Control provides users with a choice of three pre-set zoom speeds to help control the pace of the zoom no matter how hard the user may press the zoom lever. Furthermore, the Canon HR10 HD Camcorder provides an easy-to-read level marker or grid superimposed over the camcorder’s 2.7-inch widescreen LCD display.
Advanced Photo Features for Still Pictures
As a digital still camera, the HR10 HD Camcorder excels with all of Canon’s best digital camera features. Users can accurately focus their shots with nine-point autofocus and then take vibrant 3.1 megapixel images to a miniSD card. While shooting video, users can capture two-megapixel photos to the card, or extract two-megapixel images later from the video itself, providing users with a second chance to snap that once in a lifetime image.
Available in August, the Canon HR10 HD Camcorder will have an estimated selling price of $1199.*
May 7th, 2007
Research In Motion today introduced the BlackBerry CurveT smartphone - the smallest and lightest full QWERTY BlackBerry smartphone. With its smooth and friendly design encompassing a large display, easy-to-use keyboard and intuitive trackball navigation system, this powerful new smartphone makes it easy to stay connected to the people and information that matter most.
“The BlackBerry Curve offers a unique blend of communications, multimedia and web features to provide people with an exceptional mobile companion for both work and leisure,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at RIM. “The BlackBerry Curve delivers RIM’s industry leading email and messaging capabilities in a highly approachable smartphone design that is packed with consumer-friendly features including a 2 megapixel camera, enhanced media player and high-performance browser.”
SMOOTH DESIGN & EASY TO USE
The BlackBerry Curve features a liquid silver finish, chrome highlights, smooth edges and soft curves. It is a full-featured smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard and large display and yet it boasts an impressively small and lightweight design at 4.2′’ x 2.4′’ x 0.6′’ and approximately 3.9 oz. The ultra-bright 320×240 display brings images and video to life and includes RIM’s light sensing technology that automatically adjusts backlighting levels for indoor, outdoor and dark environments. The handset also features RIM’s innovative trackball navigation system that makes scrolling and selecting fast and easy.
MULTIMEDIA TO GO
The BlackBerry Curve comes with a 2 megapixel camera, complete with 5x digital zoom, built-in flash, self-portrait mirror and full screen viewfinder. The camera can capture images in up to three picture quality and size resolutions that can be shared instantly by email, MMS or BlackBerry® Messenger and transferred over Bluetooth® or USB cable. Photos can also be immediately set as a unique caller ID or Home Screen image.
The audio system is crisp and clear, playing music and videos through the handset’s integrated speaker or through the 3.5 mm stereo jack. The Bluetooth stereo audio profile (A2DP/AVRCP) is supported, and dedicated volume controls are conveniently located on the side of the handset.
A powerful new desktop media manager is also included with the BlackBerry Curve. The Roxio® Media Manager for BlackBerry®, which was developed with Sonic® and based on the award-winning Roxio Easy Media Creator® 9, introduces a new level of simplicity, allowing users to easily search for media files on their computer, view and organize them, create MP3 music files from CDs, add audio tags, create playlists and automatically copy or convert pictures, music and videos for optimal playback on the BlackBerry Curve.
The media manager also includes Roxio Photosuite® 9 LE, a comprehensive tool that makes it easy to edit pictures and create photo albums. With PhotoSuite, pictures can be cropped, rotated and straightened, and flaws can be fixed by removing redeye or changing the brightness, contrast and saturation levels. Pictures can even be enhanced with color filters and special effects.
The media player on the BlackBerry Curve has been refined, allowing users to search for music by simply typing the title, genre, artist or album name. Videos can also be played in full screen mode.
MORE STORAGE FOR YOUR TUNES, FLICKS AND PICS
For added storage of music, videos and pictures, the BlackBerry Curve comes with a microSD expansion slot. It supports up to 2GB cards that are available today and will automatically support 4GB cards that are expected to become available later this year.
BRING THE WEB WITH YOU
The BlackBerry Curve features a high-performance browser that can download and display HTML web pages quickly and efficiently. Users can bookmark their favorite sites and set up RSS feeds to stay connected to the timely news and information that matters most during their day. The highly responsive browser, large and vivid screen and super-easy trackball navigation provides an exceptional mobile experience.
FULL FEATURED PHONE
The BlackBerry Curve offers many convenient phone features including Speaker Independent Voice Recognition (SIVR) for Voice Activated Dialing (VAD), Bluetooth® 2.0 support for hands-free use with headsets, car kits and Bluetooth peripherals, quad-band operation for global roaming(2), dedicated ’send’, ‘end’, and ‘mute’ keys, smart dialing, speed dialing, conference calling, call forwarding, noise cancellation technology to offset background noise, a low-distortion speakerphone for hands-free conversations and support for polyphonic, mp3 and MIDI ring tones.
INDUSTRY LEADING EMAIL & MESSAGING
The BlackBerry Curve delivers all the renowned BlackBerry email and messaging capabilities and even features a new integrated spell checker with a user-customizable dictionary to help maintain spelling accuracy on the go. The BlackBerry Curve is supported on BlackBerry® Internet Service, giving users access to up to 10 work or personal email accounts (including most popular ISP email accounts), as well as BlackBerry® Enterprise Server, enabling advanced security and IT administration within IBM® Lotus® Domino®, Microsoft® Exchange and Novell® GroupWise® environments.
ACCESSORIZE
The BlackBerry Curve also comes with a variety of accessories: a stereo headset, travel charger, carrying pouch and USB cable are all included in the box. Additional accessories for BlackBerry handsets, including premium leather holsters and totes, an automotive charger, and Bluetooth headsets are available through retail outlets or online at: www.shopblackberry.com.
AVAILABILITY
The BlackBerry Curve (model number: 8300) will be available through wireless carriers around the world, including AT&T in the U.S., beginning this spring.
May 5th, 2007