i.μ Type V and Type S, Hitachi’s latest DAP ready for Valentine’s Day!

This may come as a surprise to you, but Hitachi is also known in Japan as a Mp3 manufacturer and today they announced two new DAP that will be put on sales in Japan next Monday ready for your Valentine!
Both models comes with 4GB of Internal memory as well as support of WMA and MP3 and. The high-end model, the i.μ Type V, comes with a 2” color screen with a 176×220 pixel with support of JPEG and BMP files as well as featuring a Radio FM Tuner. The i.μ Type S however comes without a color screen or a Radio FM Tuner but with a USB Thumb key design allowing you to use it for both listening to music and storing data at the same time.

Canon will exhibit at CP+ its new EF 200-400mm F4 L Zoom

 

Still under development but here you are the first official shot we took during  Canon press conference of the company upcoming EF 200-400mm F4 L Lens, so let’s wait until Wednesday to shoot some live footage (Photo and Video) of this new lens.

Canon introduce two new EF F4 L IS II USM Lens in Japan

Looking for a nice 500mm or 600mm Zoom lens prime lenses for your 7D or 5D MK II? Well it seems that you are in luck, Canon has introduced  two new prime lenses with the EF 500mm F4 L IS II USM and EF 600mm F4 L IS II USM. With the first model schedule to be available in Japan in May while you will have to wait until June for the 600mm one. Already thinking of pre-ordering one? Well good luck since these lenses are not cheap and Canon planning to ask around 1.1 Million yen for its 500mm lens and 1.4 Million yen for its 600mm.

Canon introduces two new compact cameras with the PowerShot SX230HS and IXY 31S

 

Canon added two new compact camera to its line-up with the compact yet powerful PowerShot SX230HS, a 12.1Mpix Camera with a new HS sensor where HS stands for High Sensitivity, DIGIC 4, the same technology behind the S95 and G11 for example and a nice 14x optical Lens. The S230HS also comes with a 3” screen, SD, SDHC and SDHX Support and an ISO Speed ranging from 100 to 6400. The IX31S, also comes with a 12.1Mpix HS Sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 image engine, a 4.4x optical Zoom and a 3.2” Touchscreen. Both models come with HD Video and a set of different photo mode and creative photo mode.

Pentax intros new Optio WG-1 and WG-1 GPS rugged cameras

 

Planning to spend your next spring holidays in the Amazonia and scare to get lost while fitting your way out in this maze? So why don’t you bring along with you one of Pentax’s latest Rugged cameras the WG-1 or WG-1 GPS to capture for eternity those memorable moments, or at least give some clues on what happen to you to people who may find your corp.
Anyway whatever your next holidays destination is, Pentax’s new rugged camera comes with a 14Mpix Censor, a Waterproof, shockproof and crushproof body capable to withstand the worst treatments that man can give to a camera will offering a 5x optical Zoom, a 2.7” LCD Eye-Fi support and 720p video, with optional GPS module only available on the WG-1 GPS model.

Kyocera Echo, the first dual-screen Android phone on Sprint

 

Sprint the US mobile carrier has introduced a new Android phone, the Echo. Designed by the Japanese Kyocera (Kyoto Ceramic), the Echo comes with a unique dual-screen design receiving two 3.5” (480×800) displays that once unfolded gives you a stunning 4.7” real-estate surface with a 960×480 resolution.
Powered by a 1GHz CPU the Echo runs on Android 2.2, has a 5Mpix Camera with 720p video capabilities, 3G and should be available in the US at around $199 USD.
. Sprint’s nationwide 3G network and Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)*
. Wi-Fi hotspot capability, which supports wireless connections for up to five devices
. 5-megapixel camera with flash, autofocus and digital zoom
. 720p HD camcorder to quickly capture those on-the-go memorable moments
. Corporate (Exchange ActiveSync®) and personal (POP & IMAP) e-mail, IM (Google Talk™), text messaging
. Media player with a 3.5 mm stereo headset jack
. Stereo Bluetooth® 2.1 (+ EDR)
. Full HTML Web browser with Google Search™
. 1GHz Snapdragon processor (QSD 8650 Android)
. 1 gigabyte (GB) of onboard memory and an 8GB microSD™ card for the external memory card slot supporting cards up to 32GB
. Voice and text prompts in both English and Spanish

Huawei new S7 Slim Slate/Tablet heading to MWC 2011

The guys over at Slashgear and Android Community has found a nice little piece of news with Huawei upcoming S7 Slim slate (Tablet). If unfortunately these photos comes without any specs details we have to admit that the simple lines of this new slate is quite appealing. Anyway, we will have to wait a few more days to get to the bottom of this as soon as our team reach Barcelona for this year MWC.

Kenwood announces its new iPhone/iPod friendly C-414 Compact Audio System in Japan

 

Kenwood just announced for the Japanese market its new Compact Audio System the C-414 Series. Available in three different color variations, the C-414 comes with a FM Radio tuner, CD player and a dedicated iPhone/iPod dock with DTS Envelo Technology that will give you direct access to your iPhone/iPod music library as well as both a SD Card player and USB port.
The C-414 audio systems has been tweak by DTS in order to give you’re the best out your iPhone/iPod thanks to the adoption of DTS Envelo Technology offering a boost in audio quality reproduction, regardless of the format used and store on your DAP.

Record to Direct Digital, Novac’s new LP to Mp3 recorder

 

Not sure if by now there are still people looking forward to “save” their LP on a more flexible format like MP3, WMA or WAV files, but Novac has introduced today another LP to Mp3 recorder with the “Record to Direct Digital”.
This new model gives you the choice to directly record your good old LPs on a SD Card (SD/SDHC) or on an external USB drive, but also directly on your computer thanks to a dedicated software: “Record Mate LP” that will give you more flexibility ton the way you want to save your tracks.
The “Record to Direct Digital” will be available in Japan next week at around 12,800 Yen.

Hitachi introduces its latest 3TB XL Desk in Japan

 

Hitachi brought to the Japanese market its latest series of external HDD the XL Desk and X Mobile. Available in its XL Desk version with a capacity ranging from 1, 2 and 3TB and 750GB in its more compact X Mobile version, Hitachi’s new external drive comes with an elegant casing but unfortunately only available in USB 2.0 these external drive just became immediately slightly less attractive.

Sony introduces three new Bravia Monolithic TVs with 500GB HDD in Japan

 

Sony Japan has introduced today three new Monolithic Bravia full HD TVs with the 22” KDL-22EX42H, 32” KDL-32EX42H and 40” KDL-40EX42H, all featuring Sony’s Edge LED panel and 500GB of internal HDD.
Also capable to record video on an external Drive via USB, these TVs comes with a full HD resolution panel on the 40” only while the 32” and 22” comes with a 1366×768 panel.
Not 3D compatible these TVs will be available in Japan within March 2011.

JVC introduces the GY-HM750 ProHD Camcorder in Japan

Announced earlier this month overseas, the GY-HM750 ProHD Camcorder is now making its official debut in Japan as well.
The GY-HM750 is equipped with the same 3-CCD imaging system found in the GY-HM790, JVC’s ProHD flagship camcorder, the GY-HM750 delivers 1920×1080 video in a compact, lightweight form factor. It records videos on a dual SDHC Cards slot (Simultaneous recording and relay recording) and optional SxS at a selectable data rates up to 35 Mbps and can record HD footage in 720p, 1080p, and 1080i, as well as 480i.
Like previous model the GY-HM750 records video natively in MOV files directly compatible with Apple Final Cut Pro and/or Adobe Premiere without transcoding.
Finally JVC has also improved its PreRec retro cache feature, continuously recording and storing footage in cache memory in order to prevent missed shots of breaking events by storing up to 20 seconds of footage in cache.




Fujifilm CES line-up introduced to Japanese Media and Announced X100 March Shipment!

 

Already introduced at CES, announced in Japan a few weeks ago, today and just one day before Japan CP+ Camera show schedule to take place in Yokohama, Fujifilm decided to gather the press in order to give a first hand impression of their latest products including the dead gorgeous X100, that will become available worldwide within March 2010 and sold around 128,000 Yen in Japan or $1,199.95 in the USA.
Despite our past criticism, we are glad to report that Fujifilm is doing an amazing job to improve, generation after generation, their cameras, and even if the X100, may not the camera of choice for the average user, Fujifilm has with it’s new line-up a camera for everyone for every situation.
Our personal favorites are without a doubt the X100, for its uniqueness and built quality as well as the F550EXR for its raw performances in a compact and light body and finally the HS20EXR, the perfect bridge designed for people who need the DSLR like performances without the hassle to carry a bulky camera and several lenses.
Both the F550EXR and HS20EXR will fully use Fujifilm’s EXR technology even while recording HD and Full HD video, a huge plus offering more vivid videos in every condition.
Finally, and if the Japanese line-up is similar to the one introduce at CES, both will be available however with different color variation and package.

Samsung Launches PL210, a 10 x optical Zoom Compact Camera

 

Samsung launches PL210 compact camera which has a high-resolution and slim lens with high performance. The PL210 packs a 14Mpix CCD, a 27mm wide angle and a 10 x optical zoom lens. The PL210, a 1.97cm thick camera comes with Samsung’s magic frame function allowing users to change pictures background, smart Auto (2sec) as well as several filters and photo modes. Finally the PL210 comes with a HD 720p video more at 30fps.

Sony to open its “E-mount” specification to other manufacturers of lenses and mount adaptors.

 

What a pleasant surprise! Sony has announced  that it will disclose the basic specifications of its “E-mount” for interchangeable single lens cameras, without fee, to manufacturers of lenses and mount adaptors, starting April 1st, 2011.
This opens the way for manufacturers of various lenses and mount adaptors to effectively develop products conforming to “E-mount” specifications.
Users of the Sony’s “NEX-3″, “NEX-5″, “NEX-VG10″ and other “E-mount” compatible Sony digital imaging products to be launched in the future will now be able to use interchangeable lenses from both Sony and various other manufactures, while they will also be able to attach non-Sony lenses to their Sony digital imaging products via a mount adapter.

Sigma announced the DP2x in Japan

 

Sigma Photo as introduced  a new version of its fantastic DP2, the DP2x. This model come with a 14Mpix FOVEON X3 direct image sensor comes with all features of the DP2 as well as a new high speed Auto Focus or AFE (Analog Front End) and a new AF algorithm for faster and better shots.

Samsung rolls out PL20 and ES80 compact cameras

Are you looking for a compact digital camera to bring along with you to capture impromptu moments, without being weighed down while having some money left over at the end of the month as well? Samsung might have answered your prayers, perhaps not with Micro Four Thirds technology that offers pretty close performance to DSLR shooters, but with the PL20 and ES80 compact cameras.

Both of these stylish point-and-shoot cameras will be able to capture clear, sharp images for most folks, unless your hand shakes excessively, of course. The PL20 will come with a 14-megapixel sensor, a 27mm wide angle and a 5x optical zoom, in addition to a staple these days – HD movie recording, while its Li-ion battery ensures you need not look for rechargeable AA batteries in lieu.

As for the ES80, this model is another smart point-and-shoot option for those who want a balance of affordability and value. Boasting easy-to-use features like an internal charging system that makes sure you won’t lose juice at that particular crucial moment, the ES80 has a lower resolution of 12-megapixels as well as a 5x optical zoom that lets you snap quality images in an effortlessly manner.

Both models will come in a choice of four colors – Silver, Tomato Red, Pink and Black, so hopefully everyone will find something that suits their tastes. With the two cameras carrying Samsung’s innovative Smart Auto feature, you will be able to select the best setting automatically, without having to figure out all the manual controls that tend to confound beginners.

The Samsung PL20 and ES80 will be out this March and April respectively, where the former will retail for $119.99 while the latter costs a cent less than a whole Benjamin – now how about that for value? If you’re already a pretty proficient shutterbug with regular point-and-shoot models, then you will do well to skip these two and look for a prosumer model instead, as a DSLR is surely not too far off the horizon for you.

Sprint goes DS-like with Kyocera Echo

They say that good things come in twos – any parent to a pair of twins will surely echo that sentiment, and Sprint has taken heed of such advice to introduce the new Kyocera Echo which takes a totally different route when it comes to form factor and features for a smartphone – we’re talking about having a couple of displays here instead of your usual one-screen handset.

Yeah, I do think that this is a ruse to steal some thunder away from the upcoming Verizon CDMA iPhone 4 that is said to arrive next week, since the Echo is a pioneering device where cell phones are concerned with its two displays. Powered by the Android operating system, there are no demo units available as at press time for us to look at, although future updates are already in the offing.

Most folks who are not that tech savvy might mistake this for the Nintendo DS that is notorious for having dual displays, but the Kyocera Echo intends to help you be more productive instead of spending your time playing games. After all, it lets you do two tasks simultaneously to get more done, imagine composing an email on one screen while checking out the day’s news on the other, how about viewing a video on top while texting your friend at the bottom?

With two displays, imagine going comparison shopping online with one web site on each screen – that sure as heck beats flipping between windows or panels. The Kyocera Echo boasts innovative hardware as well as optimized software that allows you to use the touchscreens in four unique ways, and they are :-

• Single-Screen Mode with all the functionality of a single-display, touch-screen smartphone.
• Simul-Task Mode with two of the phone’s seven core apps (messaging, e-mail, Web browsing, phone, gallery, contacts and VueQue) running concurrently but independently on the dual displays – e.g., reading e-mail on one screen and opening a text message on the other; checking Facebook via the browser on one screen while looking through a photo gallery on the other; or even searching the Web on one screen and checking email on the other.
• Optimized Mode with both displays supporting a single, optimized app with complementary functionality and enhanced usability – e.g., composing e-mail on one screen with a touch-screen keyboard on the other; watching a YouTube™ video on one display while browsing and queuing additional YouTube videos on the other (with a preloaded Kyocera app called VueQue); or viewing gallery images on one display while browsing image thumbnails on the other.
• Tablet Mode with one application spread across both displays for a full 4.7-inch viewing area. Tablet Mode is ideal for viewing maps, videos, websites, detailed documents, and long lists on-the-go.

Out later this spring, the Kyocera Echo will retail for $199.99 with a new two-year service agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate – any takers?

AT&T iPhone 4 Ballistic HC Series Case

So you’ve just gotten that spanking new iPhone 4, but are wondering just how the heck are you going to keep it protected and safe from all harm, drops and accidental knocks? Well, surely getting a case has been on your mind for some time already, but just which model will you choose?

Let Ballistic serve you with the AT&T iPhone 4 Ballistic HC Series Case. As its name suggests, this will work only with the AT&T version of the iPhone 4, so if you happen to own the Verizon Wireless model, you’re out of luck (for the moment, that is).

Engineered with five layers of protection, they include a built-in screen protector, an integrated holster to deliver security from drops, fingerprints, scratches, dust and any other potential mishap. The 180 degree rotating belt-clip makes it easy to tote around, where it can be yours for $29.99. Surely that is worth the money to protect your phone investment?

Mommy I’m Here Kid Tracking Device

You know that damning feeling in the pit of your stomach as you realize your toddler is no longer with you, and also out of sight. Panic sets in, and you run around like a headless chicken while saying a silent prayer that your little one has not been kidnapped.

That wouldn’t have happened if you had the Mommy I’m Here Kid Tracking Device – all you need to do is clip the bear receiver to your child’s belt or shoe, press the button on your keychain and hear the bear beep. Of course, should your child actually roam more than 25 feet away from you, said keychain will also alert you so that you can stop browsing through tonight’s dinner at the moment while getting back to the task at hand – being a responsible parent.

This audible child locator is capable of emitting sounds of up to 90 decibels, so don’t worry about not being able to hear it just like how some modern phones are so soft despite having their volume levels cranked up to the maximum.

Insignia’s Infocast – The Facebook, Internet Radio, YouTube, WiFi Alarm Clock?

I was thinking, with all the high tech stuff I have, why is it that I still have one of those alarm clocks that starts my day with a decidedly low tech “click” followed by the dreaded, increasingly louder “beep beep beep”? I mean seriously, shouldn’t I be able to do better than that?

Today I am chucking that thing out the window and getting Insignia’s Infocast, the coolest thing to hit your nightside table since, well, that’s not really any of your business is it? Anyway, Infocast allows you to instantly access your favorite Web-based content without the hassle of a computer. You can check your Facebook updates, view a slideshow of your favorite pictures, view and share photos and videos with friends and family (that also have a Chumby powered device) and you can choose from over 1,500 Web apps for news, weather, sports and games.

The Infocast also lets you listen to your favorite music, from radio stations around the world or even podcasts from a number of different sources. You can set a standard weekday alarm, that leaves you alone on the weekends, and if you’ve ever had your alarm go off at 6:00 am on a Saturday, you know what a treat that is. So go ahead, personalize your clock, wake up to your Facebook friends, check the weather, ebay, and the news. This clock will even tell you how much of your life you have left – yup, there’s an app for that.

Available at www.bestbuy.com in 6 and 8 inch models starting at around $50.00 bucks.

Interested in a new eReader, check out this Comparison Report

If you’re looking to buy a new eReader our friends over at Gizmos for Geeks have put together a great report listing the pros and cons of the most popular eReaders currently on the market. Each reader is compared based on price, battery life, dimensions, supported formats and much more.

The most popular readers are:

• Amazon Kindle
• Barnes and Noble’s NOOK
• Kobo eReader from Borders
• Sony Reader Digital Book
• Apple iPad