Apple Store Grand Opening - Eldon Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne UK. Fun was had by all.
Many thanks to Dan for sharing this footage with me and my viewers. You can find Dan's website at http://www.technolicio.us/
Toss a Pancake for Sanyo
I hope you haven't forgotten, today is National Pancake Day! Now I was so tempted to make a video myself, as I love tossing pancakes, but I made a bunch and my kids scoffed the lot. So now it is up to you. To celebrate Pancake Day this year Sanyo have launched a competition to find Britain's Biggest and best Pancake Tosser. Take a look at http://pancaketoss.com and get you YouTube entry in for your chance of winning a Sanyo Xacti Dual Camera.
HTC Trio... Sense, Legend & Desire
HTC Corporation, a global designer of smartphones, today introduced an enhanced HTC Sense experience that will be available on two new smartphones that take Android to the next level, the HTC Legend and HTC Desire.
“At its essence, the mobile phone is the most personal item you have in your possession. HTC Sense was created to magnify your ability to create and define your own unique mobile experience,” said Peter Chou, chief executive officer of HTC Corporation. “HTC Legend and HTC Desire take Android to another level in both substance with HTC Sense and style with HTC Legend’s revolutionary crafted aluminum uni-body design.”
HTC SENSE
HTC Sense is a user experience focused on putting people at the centre by making phones work in a more simple and natural way. This experience revolves around three fundamental principles that were developed by observing and listening to how people live and communicate. These core tenets of Make It Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected continue to be the key to the new HTC Sense experience.
The new HTC Sense experience continues to focus on improving your interactions with your most important people. This begins with a new HTC application and widget called HTC Friend Stream that seamlessly aggregates all of your social communication including Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr into one organised flow of updates. This simple aggregation makes it easier than ever to focus on what friends are doing as well as to view the images and links that they share. In addition to Friend Stream, people can be organised into specific social circles, such as groups of friends, colleagues or any other way that makes sense.
The new HTC Sense experience also introduces broad improvements to applications including the browser, email client and others. In addition, the new version of HTC Sense includes a new newsreader application and widget, as well as a new seven-screen ‘Leap’ thumbnail view for quick and easy access to specific screens.
HTC Legend
Built around a newly enhanced HTC Sense, the HTC Legend boasts a unique design with a smooth, continuous surface, machined from a single aluminum block into a seamless compact frame. To complement its looks, the HTC Legend includes a stunning 3.2 inch, AMOLED HVGA display. The traditional trackball has also been replaced with an optical joystick, surrounded by a narrow button to improve usability without interrupting its unique design.
HTC Desire
The HTC Desire (pictured) is the richest way to visually experience news, friends, photos, favourite places and whatever else is important on a mobile phone. With one of the most advanced displays available on a phone today, HTC Desire is designed with a large 3.7 inch AMOLED WVGA display to enhance and maximise content, whether it is pictures and videos, browsing the Web or checking on friends’ status updates. HTC Desire is powered by a one gigahertz Snapdragon processor and is Adobeâ Flashâ 10.1 ready. As with the HTC Legend, the HTC Desire also includes an optical joystick.
Patrick Chomet, Group Director of Terminals for Vodafone said, “HTC is a valued partner for Vodafone and has made a strong contribution to the growth of the mass market appeal of smartphones. Vodafone endeavours to offer our customers the widest and most compelling choice of smartphones and to that end the HTC Legend, the HTC Desire and the HTC HD Mini will be ranged in selected Vodafone markets across our footprint. I’m particularly pleased that through our collaboration with HTC, Vodafone customers will experience a differentiated experience on the HTC Legend which will come customised for them with pre-loaded Vodafone 360 Internet services.”
Availability
The new HTC Legend will be available in Europe through Vodafone and in the direct channel beginning in April. It will roll out to other parts of the world including Asia in early Q2. HTC Desire will be broadly available to customers across major European and Asian markets in early Q2. The HTC Desire will be exclusively available in Australia through Telstra. The enhanced HTC Sense experience will also be offered as a free upgrade on the HTC Hero in Europe and Asia.
Panasonic’s New 3MOS High Definition Camcorders Are Here
Continuing to push the boundaries, Panasonic, the UK’s leading brand in High Definition Camcorder (1) , is pleased to introduce three new models to its award winning portfolio of 3MOS High Definition Camcorders. With technical specifications to be proud of - including full HD recording (1920 x 1080, 50 progressive scan), an ultra wide 35mm wide-angle lens, the well renowned advanced 3MOS system, and newly developed POWER O.I.S and Face Recognition – Panasonic’s HS700, TM700 and SD700 are streets ahead of its competitors.
Recording Format... The 700 series models differ by their recording format only. The hybrid-type HS700 records data onto both its large 240-GB HDD and an SDXC, SDHC, or SD Memory Card. The twin-memory TM700 records onto its 32-GB built-in memory and an SDXC, SDHC, or SD Memory Card. The SD700 offers SDXC, SDHC or SD Memory Card recording only – allowing a slimmer and more compact design. Users can select from the three camcorder types based on their preferred media.
Advanced 3MOS System... The newly developed, high-sensitivity 3MOS system provides effective motion image pixel count of 9.15 million (3,050,000 pixels x 3). This new triple image sensor separates the light received through the lens into the three primary colours - red, green and blue - and processes each colour independently. As a result, it offers beautiful images with significantly better colour quality, detail and gradation than the 1MOS sensor system. The large-diameter F1.5 lens, newly developed Crystal Engine Pro, and the high-sensitivity sensors have improved the light collection rate, increased sensitivity, and reduced noise by one-half to provide users with bright, low-noise recording even in dim lighting.
The new models can shoot 14.2-megapixel still images (in Still Image mode) as well as to take 13.3-megapixel still images whilst a movie image is being recorded (simultaneous recording). Even with this high pixel count, newly developed technology increases sensitivity and reduces noise by one-half to achieve bright images with minimal noise when shooting under low light conditions. This maximizes the 3MOS features of excellent colour reproduction, high resolution, and rich gradation, and lets the user capture vividly coloured images in both bright and darkly lit places. Only Panasonic incorporates 3MOS for consumer HD models.
There is a lot more to read about the new series, so please check them out at the Panasonic website.
Panasonic’s ‘Classroom of the Future’
The New Year saw Panasonic UK Systems Group unveil the ‘Classroom of the Future’ at BETT 2010, the world’s largest ICT and education technology event. Despite the snow, the Panasonic stand was a buzz of activity for the entire show, with attendees intrigued by a groundbreaking array of technology solutions aimed to help deliver a better primary, secondary and further education.
Cutting Edge Education Technologies Exhibited for the First Time
Within the Classroom of the Future there were three product debuts, including the UB-T880 elite Multitouch Interactive Whiteboard with the integrated PT-ST10E short throw projector solution, a High Definition Visual Communication System and a Gesture Recognition Technology Demonstration.
The UB-T880 enables teachers to allow up to three students to interact with multimedia content from the integrated Easiteach software, making for a more exciting and engaging lesson. The demonstration of the UB-T880 whipped up a frenzy of interest amongst the shows estimated twenty nine thousand visiting education professionals, perhaps for one reason because of its ability to stand up to classroom wear and tear which was demonstrated by Panasonic staff.
Certainly UB-T880’s wondrously responsive touch sensitive interface also pulled the crowds to the Panasonic stand; “What distinguishes Panasonic from other suppliers is our insight into future technology that will be released and our willingness to listen to education professionals and offer them the best technology solutions that serve them. This is a basic principle we applied when designing and developing the UB-T880” said Brennan Peyton, General Manager at Panasonic Systems Networks Europe.
The Classroom of the Future
Anyone fortunate enough to visit the Panasonic stand this year will have had the chance to see how they could improve their learning establishment with the cutting edge Panasonic technology solutions on show. Demonstrations of tools such as gesture recognition, a system that recognises student’s faces and raised hands allowing teachers to profile classroom response and instantly monitor pupil attention levels was one of the highlights. Education professionals were also interested in the systems future potential to automatically carry out pupil registrations.
Groups of establishments could also benefit from cost and efficiency the HD Visual Communication System which enables high definition audio and visual information exchanges between two universities or schools anywhere in the world. The system allows lectures to be broadcast via the internet in lag free, in full high definition even if they are as far apart as Ulverston and UAE, for universities seeking to add value and attract students through specialist lecturers the system could prove invaluable in minimising the total cost of hiring specialist lecturers as costs can be split between sites.
With every possible technological need on show at the stand from Toughbook mobile computing solutions to the ever-present and ever reliable, landline phone systems, multifunction printers and projectors, Panasonic demonstrated their capability to provide every educational establishment in the country with the technology to make them top of the class.
Geekanoids - New Website Launch
Over the past week I have been a busy busy beaver, working on a new design (and host) for the Geekanoids website. The previous design had been in use for the last five years and was looking a little dated. Well, the transition to the new website is now complete. A much cleaner design, more modern and hopefully easier to navigate and find things.
I must admit that Squarespace, who now host my website, made things a whole lot easier. The tools they provide are nothing short of awesome and their tech support guys and girls really were a great help.
I hope you enjoy the new website. Please leave me some feedback in the comments.
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Apple releases Aperture 3
Apple today introduced Aperture 3, the next major release of its powerful photo editing and management software, with over 200 new features including Faces, Places and Brushes. Building on the innovative Faces and Places features introduced in iPhoto ’09, Aperture 3 makes it even easier and faster to organise large photo libraries. Aperture 3 introduces new tools to refine your photos including Brushes for painting image adjustments onto parts of your photo, and Adjustment Presets for applying professional photo effects with just one click. Stunning new slideshows let you share your work by weaving together photos, audio, text and HD video.
“Millions of people love using iPhoto to organise, edit and share their digital photos”, said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Aperture 3 is designed for both professionals who edit and manage massive libraries of photos and iPhoto users who want to take their photos further with easy-to-use tools such as Brushes and Adjustment Presets”.
“Aperture 3 gets it right”, said National Geographic photographer, Jim Richardson. “The image editing tools are exactly what I have been asking for, they’re so easy to use and give me a level of control that I never even thought possible”.
“I chose Aperture because it was the most powerful archiving application around, but it’s now an unbelievable imaging tool as well”, said Bill Frakes, Sports Illustrated staff photographer. “I am beyond impressed with the massive changes made in Aperture 3”.
Aperture 3 allows you to organise large photo libraries with even more flexibility using Projects and the new Faces and Places. Faces uses face detection and recognition to find and organise your photos by the people in them. You can view faces across your entire photo library or view just the faces that appear in selected projects. In a new view that speeds up the organisation process, Aperture 3 displays faces that have been detected but haven’t yet been named. Places lets you explore your photos based on where they were taken, and like in iPhoto, Places automatically reverse geocodes GPS data into user-friendly locations. In Aperture 3, you can assign locations by dragging-and-dropping photos onto a map or by using location information from GPS enabled cameras, tracking devices or your iPhone photos.
The new Brushes feature allows you to add professional touches to your photos by simply painting effects onto the image. Aperture 3 includes 15 Quick Brushes that perform the most popular tasks like Dodge, Burn, Polarize and Blur, without the complexity of layers or masks. Brushes can automatically detect edges in your images to let you apply or remove effects exactly where you want them. Aperture 3 includes dozens of Adjustment Presets that apply a specific style or look to the entire image with just a click. You can create your own custom presets or explore the techniques of other photographers by importing theirs.
Aperture 3 makes it easy to share your work with stunning slideshows that weave together photos, audio, text and HD video. You can select one of six Apple designed themes or choose your own transitions, background, borders and titles, and even add your own soundtrack. You can export your slideshows directly to iTunes to take with you on your iPhone or iPod touch. You can also share photographs as beautiful prints, create custom-designed hardcover books and publish to online photo sharing sites like Facebook and Flickr, right from Aperture 3.
Pricing & Availability
Aperture 3 is available through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers for a suggested retail price of £169 (inc VAT) and existing Aperture users can upgrade for a suggested retail price of £79 (inc VAT). A downloadable 30-day trial version is available at www.apple.com/uk/aperture/trial. Aperture 3 runs as a 64-bit application on Mac OS X Snow Leopard on Macs with Intel Core 2 Duo processors. Full system requirements, online tutorials and more information on Aperture 3 can be found at www.apple.com/uk/aperture.
Forthcoming - Olympus E-PL1 Review in-depth
A couple of days ago, I brought you news of the new Olympus Pen E-PL1 digital camera. To say that this new era in digital photography excites me is an understatement. The exciting news for me (and yourselves) that I can now confirm that I will be bringing you a series of in-depth reviews of the E-PL1 Double Zoom Kit.
Mid-to-late March I will be kicking things off with an unboxing & product tour. This will be followed a series of videos looking at the various features of the E-PL1. I cannot wait to get my hands on this little beauty to take a look how the in-body image stabilisation performs, those superb art filters and of course the VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) that you can add to the unit. The VF-2 is reported to be a wonder in itself with a superb clarity due to the high resolution. The double zoom kit comes supplied with both 14-42mm and 40-150mm zoom lenses, so I will be sure to bring you photo results from both. Following the initial series of videos, I will then move onto the video performance. The E-PL1 can capture 1280x720 video at 30 frames per second... again very impressive stuff. It even has a direct video button to make recording really quick to access and live view on the 2.7-inch screen to complete the experience. Far to much to report here, other than to say... watch this space and keep an eye on the Geekanoids Channel for full coverage.
Forthcoming - Apple iPad Review
A little snippet of news, to keep you all updated. The Apple iPad is causing a lot of buzz in the tech world at the moment and rightly so. It has had a mixed reception so far, but how can anyone really pass judgement until they review it first hand. Well, I wanted to let you know that I will be bringing you a review in March of one of the first batch of iPad Wi-Fi versions to hit the UK. Keep an eye on the Geekanoids website and of course the Geekanoids YouTube Channel for a really in-depth series of videos. I will be testing it with a Mi-Fi wireless dongle too and then some comparisons with the 3G version late April too. In the meantime check out my hands-off impressions.
Sanyo VPC-SH1 - HD Camcorder with Style
Big news on the HD camcorder front. The second half of February should see the UK availability of the VPC-SH1 HD Dual Camera. I am bringing you this news early, as I am uber excited that I will be bringing you a series of reviews covering the product features and performance. This will be followed by my regular reviews being recorded with the SH1 so you get a good idea of what sort of picture and sound it delivers.
The VPC-SH1 is approximately 190cc in volume, 204g in weight, and 43mm in thickness. Its excellent portability dramatically expands the situations in which a video camera can be used. In fact, the actual dimensions are very small measuring just 42.8mm wide by 117.9mm long and 59.2mm high. It looks pretty snazzy to in black/silver or a black/silver/red combo.
It also sports something Sanyo is calling a "Double Sub REC Button"... what this basically offers is extra recording buttons (in addition to the regular ones) at the upper front part of the body. So you can hold the camcorder low down and still easily start/stop recording and take pictures from a creative angle.
It may be small, but it still captures full HD video at up to 1920x1080 pixels and at up to 60 frames per second. The bitrate is decent too, maxing out at 16Mbps. On top of this you get 10 megapixel still capture, which sounds pretty cool. All captured onto SD memory cards, with SDHC and SDXC support. A 35mm wide angle lens, with 23x optical and 30x advanced digital zoom, plus a 2.7-inch full colour screen round off what sounds like a very compelling package. I certainly cannot wait to get my hands on one. In the mean time, head on over to the Sanyo website to take a look.
Olympus Announce new E-PL1
Wow, this is fantastic news from Olympus. I am so excited about this one, rest assured, some way or another I will bring you a full review of this new camera. Press release as follows...
In today’s world you’ve got to give the people what they want. And they’re going to want the new Olympus E-PL1. Not only does it deliver extraordinary digital images, it’s the perfect tool for anyone who hesitated to buy SLRs because they find them too complicated. The possibilities are virtually endless with this easy to use retro look model. With great features like HD movie shooting and impressive Art Filters, you too can take exceptional pictures. Its 100% stabilised body even lets you shoot blur-free with all lenses. Combining SLR performance and a lightweight design, PEN lets you create exciting, innovative shots, preserving those moments in life you want captured forever. The ultimate democratising force in quality photography, the E-PL1 is available from March 2010 at a retail price of just £549 for the single lens kit and £699 for the twin zoom kit.
The high-tech mirrorless construction of the PEN means it’s small and easy to use, yet it produces ‘big camera’ results. That’s the genius of the E-PL1, now fine-tuned with these new features:
- Easy to understand, non-technical Live Guide with simple direct control over key image effects
- Direct one touch video button
- Convenient integrated flash
- 4 bold colours to choose from: black, white, champagne, red
- 6 intriguing Art Filters for stills and movies
- E-PL1 plus 14-42 Single Zoom kit £549
- E-PL1 plus 14-42 plus MMF-1 E System adapter and 40-150 E-TeleZoom (total range 28-300mm equivalent) £699
A hybrid of SLR performance embodying the latest technologies and compact comfort, PEN constitutes a new class of camera. The E-PL1 with integrated flash houses a 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, producing beautiful, razor-sharp photos and HD movies, and the TruePic V engine guarantees superior image quality at up to ISO 3200. Mechanical in-camera image stabilisation provides shake protection of up to 3 EV, effective regardless which lens you decide to use. The high definition AVI format movie option is available at 30fps and 1280x720p resolution – recording up to 7 minutes of film in a single shot. And all this top drawer technology comes in a neat pocket-sized camera.
Helping you take your best photos the new Live Guide speaks plain language, making it easier than ever to change difficult SLR camera effects like depth of field. These can then be monitored on the 2.7” HyperCrystal LCD. i-Enhance, for example, makes sure all colours in your picture spectrum are vivid and rich. It is automatically applied in conjunction with i-Auto mode, which recognises what kind of scene or subject you’re taking and adjusts settings accordingly, or can be used alone. And e-Portrait gives your subjects a quick facelift by glossing over impurities. With the abundance of supportive features and excellent technology, feeling like a pro is a given.