Archive for the ‘Brands’ Category

New HD camcorders: Canon LEGRIA HF M56, M52, R38, and R36

Wednesday, March 28th, 2012

Canon has introduced its new LEGRIA camcorder lineup with social sharing capabilities. The new LEGRIA HF M56 (S$1,349), HF M52 (S$1,549), HF R38 (S$1,099), and HF R36 ( S$899) camcorders feature enhanced low-light performance and wireless connectivity.

Available in Singapore mid-April.

Canon takes LEGRIA social with its slew of 4 new camcorders.

Canon takes LEGRIA social with its slew of 4 new camcorders.

Canon Singapore today unveiled its new high definition LEGRIA HF-M and HF-R series that allow users to directly share their videos on social networking sites, without the need to transfer them to a PC.

Bring the LEGRIA HF-M camcorder underwater with the WP-V4 Waterproof Case.

Bring the LEGRIA HF-M camcorder underwater with the WP-V4 Waterproof Case.

Offering Full HD recording in a compact and lightweight body, the new camcorders offer consumers new features like Wi-Fi connectivity, the option to capture videos in MP4 or AVCHD file format, and full Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certification to support the sharing of videos through DNLA-certified HDTVs, and mobile devices.

The HF-M series also features an enhanced version of Canon’s HD CMOS PRO sensor to deliver uncompromised professional-quality full HD video, even in extreme low-light conditions.

The Canon HD video lens and a powerful 51x advanced zoom in the HF-R series ensure that users can easily capture the action anywhere, even from far distances.

More detailed descriptions of the features can be found below.

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Seagate achieves 1 Terabit per square inch in hard drive storage

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

That’s one trillion (1,000,000,000,000) bits in one square inch of the disk.

That’s more than double the number of stars in the Milky Way, which astronomers estimate to number between 200 and 400 billion.

Seagate has squeezed 1,000,000,000,000 bits into every square inch.

Seagate has squeezed 1,000,000,000,000 bits into every square inch.

Seagate has become the first hard drive maker to achieve the milestone storage density of 1 terabit per square inch.

“The growth of social media, search engines, cloud computing, rich media and other data-hungry applications continues to stoke demand for ever greater storagecapacity,” said Mark Re, senior vice president of Heads and Media Research and Development at Seagate.The technology demonstration promises to double the storage capacity of today’s hard drives upon its introduction later this decade.

Don’t be surprised to see 3.5-inch hard drives with an extraordinary capacity of up to 60 terabytes over the 10 years that follow.

Seagate reached the landmark data density with heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), the next- generation recording technology.

The current hard drive technology, Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (PMR), is used to record the spectrum of digitized data – from music, photos, and video stored on home desktop and laptop PCs to business information housed in sprawling data centers – on the spinning platters inside every hard drive.

PMR technology was introduced in 2006 to replace longitudinal recording, a method in place since the advent of hard drives for computer storage in 1956, and is expected to reach its capacity limit near 1 terabit per square inch in the next few years.

“Hard disk drive innovations like HAMR will be a key enabler of the development of even more data-intense applications in the future, extending the ways businesses and consumers worldwide use, manage and store digital content,” added Mark.Hard drive manufacturers increase areal density and capacity by shrinking a platter’s data bits to pack more within each square inch of disk space.

They also tighten the data tracks, the concentric circles on the disk’s surface that anchor the bits.

The maximum capacity of today’s 3.5-inch hard drives is 3 terabytes (TB), at about 620 gigabits per square inch, while 2.5-inch drives top out at 750 gigabytes (GB), or roughly 500 gigabits per square inch.

The first generation of HAMR drives, at just over 1 terabit per square inch, will likely more than double these capacities – to 6TB for 3.5-inch drives and 2TB for 2.5-inch models.

The technology offers a scale of capacity growth never before possible, with a theoretical areal density limit ranging from 5 to 10 terabits per square inch – 30TB to 60TB for 3.5-inch drives and 10TB to 20TB for 2.5-inch drives.

TODAY! Nikon COOLPIX P310, P510, and L810 available in Singapore

Monday, March 26th, 2012

The Nikon COOLPIX P310 (S$549), P510 (S$739), and L810 (S$399) hit the shelves in Singapore today.

Nikon COOLPIX P310 (S$549), P510 (S$739), and L810 (S$399)

Nikon COOLPIX P310 (S$549), P510 (S$739), and L810 (S$399)

The three 16.1-megapixel COOLPIX compact cameras were first unveiled on 1 February as part of Nikon’s COOLPIX Spring 2012 collection of 14 camera models.

All three cameras features Nikon’s Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) function to produce sharper images with less motion blur.

Below are the details:

Nikon COOLPIX P310, S$549 Nikon COOLPIX P310

S$549

  • Black or White
  • 16.1-Million Pixel Backside Illumination CMOS Sensor
  • 4.2x Optical Zoom
  • Focal range from 24 to 100 mm (35 mm equiv.)
  • Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) Function
  • COOLPIX Picture Control – Optimising Images Prior To Shooting
  • Record Customisable Full-HD Movies With Optical Zoom
  • Bright And Ultra-Clear 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT LCD Monitor
Nikon COOLPIX P510, S$739 Nikon COOLPIX P510

S$739

  • Black
  • Red
  • Dark Silver
  • 16.1-Million Pixel Backside Illumination CMOS Sensor
  • 42x Optical Zoom
  • Focal range from 24 to 1000 mm (35 mm equiv.)
  • Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) Function
  • COOLPIX Picture Control – Optimising Images Prior To Shooting
  • Record Customisable Full-HD Movies With Optical Zoom
  • Bright And Ultra-Clear 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT LCD Monitor
Nikon COOLPIX L810, S$399 Nikon COOLPIX L810

S$399

  • Black
  • Red
  • Bronze
  • Blue
  • 16.1-Million Pixel Backside Illumination CMOS Sensor
  • 26x Optical Zoom NIKKOR Lens
  • Focal range from 22.5 to 585 mm (35 mm equiv.)
  • Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) Function
  • 19 optimised scene modes
  • 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT LCD Monitor
  • 3D Photography

I tried out Zinio on the BlackBerry PlayBook

Sunday, March 25th, 2012

The free Zinio app was released on BlackBerry App World on Tuesday, 20 March. I’ve tried it out for the past few days to read the two free magazines that came with the “magazine stand” app.

Zinio stocks over 5,000 titles in more than 30 languages.

Zinio stocks over 5,000 titles in more than 30 languages.

Installation was easy and fuss-free. Fire up App World on the PlayBook, search for Zinio, click the Download button.

The 1.8 MB app is downloaded and installed in a jiffy (depending on your bandwidth) and you’re set to go.

Zinio starts you off with two free magazines when you first install the app.

Zinio starts you off with two free magazines when you first install the app.

Starting up Zinio, you’re prompted to sign in if you have an existing account with Zinio (which is also available through a browser and via apps for iOS and Android tablets), or sign up for a new account.

All you need to sign up is an email and a password. Once logged in, you remain logged in on the PlayBook until you log out.

Once in, you get to the library with two free magazines for installing the app. At this point, you get the March 12 issue of Esquire and April 12 issue of Elle.

Click on the thumbnail to download the magazine. Once downloaded, you can read the magazine even when offline.

View two pages at a time in landscape mode, with navigation interface when you tap on the screen.

View two pages at a time in landscape mode, with navigation interface when you tap on the screen.

The user interface is simple and intuitive. In portrait mode, you view one page at a time. In landscape mode, you view two pages on the screen.

Pinch to zoom out and spread the fingers to zoom in.

View one page at a time when in portrait mode.

View one page at a time when in portrait mode. Shown with navigation thumbnails below and options above.

Double-tap to zoom-in quickly and single tap to display options, such as a row of scrollable thumbnail pages at the bottom for quick navigation.

Navigation was easy and smooth and the app has been stable in the few days that I’ve played with it.

Want more magazines? Hit the online shop. The categories are listed to the left, and the magazine covers in the category listed to the right.

Selecting a magazine will bring you to the details page where you can choose to purchase either a single issue or subscribe for a number of issues.

After that, it’s the typical payment transactions, with entry and verification of credit card details.

Zinio has more than 5,000 titles (magazines and newspapers) in more than 30 languages from around the world.

Publications purchased or subscribed to can be perused on any compatible device as long as the user is logged in with the account used to make the purchase, and a version of the magazine compatible for the OS is available on Zinio.

Visit the Amazon on Google Street View

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

Ever fancied taking an adventure tour of the Amazon River to explore its nature and culture? Now you can – right from your armchair in the comfort of your home.

Armchair explorers can now trek through the forests of the Amazon Basin from the comfort of their home.

Armchair explorers can now trek through the forests of the Amazon Basin from the comfort of their home.

In conjunction with World Forest Day on 21 March, Google has brought more than 50,000 photos of the Amazon Basin onto your computer in the form of immersive, 360-degree panoramic views within Google Street View.

Spot a critter while cruising down the Amazon river.

Spot a critter while cruising down the Amazon river.

Cruise down Amazon river, trek through the jungles, try to spot a forest critter, or peer into life in the local community.

Many areas of the Amazon, including Rio Negro Reserve, are under the protection of the Brazilian government with restricted access to the public.

Many of us would therefore not have the chance to visit these areas even if we wanted to.

Google’s photographers were invited by Amazonas Sustainable Foundation (FAS), the local non-profit conservation organisation to collect ground-level images of the rivers, forest and communities in the Rio Negro Reserve.

Check out the depths of the Amazon via Google Maps Street View.

Check out the depths of the Amazon via Google Maps Street View.

These images are now available in Google Maps via its Street View feature.

The images were collected by a Street View trike, and a tripod camera with a fisheye lens—typically used to capture imagery of business interiors —to capture both the natural landscape and the local communities.

The apparatus allows access to rugged terrain inaccessible to the usual Google Street cars.

A similar trike was used to capture 360-degree street-level images of iconic landmarks in Singapore last year.

TODAY! D4 and D800 available in Singapore

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

The two new top DSLRs from Nikon hit the shelves in Singapore today. Flagship D4 (S$9,799) and 36.3-megapixel D800 (S$4,488) go on sale today.

D4 (S$9,799) and 36.3-megapixel D800 (S$4,488)

D4 (S$9,799) and 36.3-megapixel D800 (S$4,488)

Nikon’s new flagship D4 was first launched in Singapore on 6 January 2012, while the D800 was launched on 7 February.

D800E will likely be available only later in April (price TBC, possibly 10% more than the price of D800).

A write-up on the launch, specs and brochure for the D800 can be found here, while the brochure for D4 can be viewed or downloaded here.

The key specifications and features for the D4 and D800 are summarised below.

Nikon D4

S$9,799

Nikon D4 DSLR, S$9,799

The next-generation flagship digital SLR camera is equipped with a new Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor (36.0 × 23.9 mm) and EXPEED 3, the latest image-processing engine specifically optimized for digital SLR cameras.

Designed with versatility and functionality that offers superior image quality rich in detail along with excellent high-speed performance.

The Nikon D4 has an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, and offers superior image quality under a broad range of lighting conditions with its image sensor supporting an incredible range of sensitivities from ISO 50 to ISO 204800.

  • New Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor.
  • Support for an huge range of sensitivities, from ISO 50 to ISO 204,800.
  • New EXPEED 3 image-processing engine with superior, high-speed processing capabilities.
  • 91K-pixel RGB sensor for the more accurate Advanced Scene Recognition System.
  • Faster and more accurate AF with 51 focus points.
  • Multi-area Mode Full HD D-movie with three image area options.
  • Smooth workflow from initial setup to image transfer.
  • The new compact Wireless Transmitter WT-5 with simple connection to the camera (available separately).
  • Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.3 for significantly faster processing.

Nikon D800

S$4,488

Nikon D800 DSLR, S$4,488

The D800 is Nikon’s newest FX-format DSLR.

Its huge 36.3 megapixels and the powerful new EXPEED 3 image processing engine offers imaging potential that rivals some of the best studio cameras.

If your workflow demands broadcast quality video with high-fidelity audio recording, D-Movie will satisfy even your most demanding needs.

The D800 shoots 1080p Full HD in both FX and DX based formats, offering cinematographers newfound versatility.

  • 36.3 Megapixels.
  • ISO range of ISO 100 to 6,400, expandable to ISO 50 to 25,600.
  • Optical low-pass filter optimized for sharpness.
  • New image-processing engine EXPEED 3.
  • Newly developed 91K-pixel RGB sensor.
  • Approx. 921k-dot, 3.2-in. LCD monitor.
  • Dual card slots for a CF card and SD memory card.
  • High-speed data transfer with USB 3.0 supported.
  • Full HD video quality (1920 x 1080/30p).
  • High-fidelity audio recording control.

WD ships its first external Thunderbolt hard drive

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Western Digital’s My Book Thunderbolt Duo dual-drive storage system comes in capacities of 4TB (S$799) and 6TB (S$899).

My Book Thunderbolt Duo is Western Digital's first external hard disk based on Thunderbolt technology.

My Book Thunderbolt Duo is Western Digital's first external hard disk based on Thunderbolt technology.

Thunderbolt technology brings a new way to connect high-speed storage devices to any desktop or notebook computer with a Thunderbolt port while delivering unmatched speed for multitasking activities such as, editing video/music, 3D rendering, and completing other high definition graphics-intensive projects.

The new My Book Thunderbolt Duo promises creative professionals and Mac enthusiasts improved performance, double-safe data protection and flexibility.

Additional features found on the My Book Thunderbolt Duo include out-of-the-box compatibility with Mac OS Time Machine and formatting for HFS + Journaled for Mac; capability for multi-stream workflows; and a 3-year limited warranty.

The datasheet for the drive can be viewed/downloaded below:

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New Android smartphones: Sony Xperia S, P, U, and sola

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

Sony has showcased its latest NXT series of Xperia smartphones in Singapore. All are on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) at launch but will be upgraded to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) in the second quarter of 2012.

Update: Price & Availability here.

Sony Xperia U - stylish, compact but powerful.

Sony Xperia U - stylish, compact but powerful.

The Xperia S is already available (S$898 without contract) while the Xperia P, U and sola will be available in Q2 of 2012.

Sony Xperia S - avail now at S$898 without contract.

Sony Xperia S - avail now at S$898 without contract.

The Xperia S was first unveiled during CES 2012 as the first smartphone in the new Xperia NXT series after Sony bought over Ericsson’s 50% stake in the former Sony-Ericsson joint venture.

The slew of Xperia smartphones will be able to share content with other electronics devices from Sony – such as tablets, notebooks and smart TVs.

Sony is hoping the ability to leverage Sony’s extensive range of IT and lifestyle devices will be a selling point to attract consumers to the Xperia smartphones sold by the wholly owned Sony Mobile Communications (former Sony Ericsson).

Here are the key characteristic of each model:

  • Xperia S offers a HD experience boasting a brilliant screen for superior viewing.
  • Xperia P delivers outstanding screen brightness using Sony “WhiteMagic” display technology.
  • Xperia U packs powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design.
  • Xperia sola allows easy access to apps and quick launch of actions with NFC and Xperia SmartTags.
Sony Xperia P - brighter display with "WhiteMagic".

Sony Xperia P - brighter display with "WhiteMagic".

All the Xperia NXT smartphones are designed with an interesting “transparent element” encircling the base of the phone which illuminates when receiving calls, texts and notifications.

The colour of the element is based on whatever is displayed on the screen so that the entire colour scheme is always in harmony.

Paul Mah, a friend who blogs with CIO.com initially thought the colour was based on the mood of the caller. Now that would be something innovative! Stay away when the phone is glowing red.

A new album, video player and music player will deliver compelling entertainment experiences and the new UI design also allows consumers to access their favourite application direct from the lock-screen.

Xperia SmartTags – Switch your smartphone settings with a single Swipe
`Sony Xperia sola

Sony Xperia sola

The Xperia S, Xperia P and the Xperia sola are NFC enabled.

The Xperia S and Xperia P and come with two NFC Xperia SmartTags in the box, while the Xperia sola comes with four.

Simply swipe the phones on a SmartTag and the pre-configured profile will be launched automatically.

These profiles can be easily personalised to reflect any taste, designed to save consumers’ time and make their lives easier.

Below are the key features for each of the models.

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New smart TVs: Sony Bravia HX, NX, and EX series

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

Sony has launched its new Bravia TVs in Singapore. First unveiled during CES 2012 in January, the models range from the flagship HX to the mid-range NX and entry-level EX.

The Bravia HX855, HX750, EX650 will be available in Asia Pacific from May 2012 and the NX650 from the third quarter of 2012.

Sony has launched the new HX, NX, and EX series Bravia TVs in Singapore.

Sony has launched the new HX, NX, and EX series Bravia TVs in Singapore.

Picture quality of these new TVs is enhanced by Sony’s X-Reality PRO and X-Reality digital video processors.

X-Reality, Motionflow XR technology, as well as Internet connectivity via DNLA or Wi-Fi.

X-Reality, Motionflow XR technology, as well as Internet connectivity via DNLA or Wi-Fi.

The dual-chip X-Reality PRO picture engine optimises video sources by utilising a vast database of signal patterns and comparing incoming signals with ideal scenes to display greater detail and impressive colour.

The single-chip X-Reality engine separates incoming video into its constituent parts of outline, texture and colour/contrast, and then applies image enhancements to deliver its outstanding picture.

Bravia HX855 series is Sony's flagship LED LCD HDTV.

Bravia HX855 series is Sony's flagship LED LCD HDTV.

Sony’s newest version of Motionflow XR technology reduces blur caused by quick camera movements, enhancing sharpness and creating a smoother viewing experience for fast-paced sports and movie programming, as well as gaming.

Select models incorporate Dynamic Edge LED with local dimming and deliver a brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture with increased brightness and outstanding contrast, particularly in best-in-class deep blacks.

Bravia NX650 series LED LCD HDTV.

Bravia NX650 series LED LCD HDTV.

Sony’s OptiContrast panel elevates the picture to the front surface of the TV and creates a dark background for rich, vibrant, high contrast pictures even in well-lit rooms.

All the new models enjoy one-touch access to additional content on the Sony Entertainment Network, as well as Internet content from YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

They are also Skype-ready, although you’ll need to connect an additional camera and microphone.

Below are the key features for the new models.

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Lifestyle concept demo by Sony

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

Sony hosted a concept demonstration of how their slew of electronic products can connect easily and seamlessly together to cater to the digital lifestyle needs of the modern consumer.

New Bravia TVs and Xperia smartphones were also launched at the event.

Sony connectivity demo at ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa.

Sony connectivity demo at ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa.

At ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa, tablets, VAIO notebooks, Xperia smartphones and Bravia TVs were interconnected with each other to The Xperia smartphones under Sony Mobile Communications (former Sony Ericsson) return to the Sony stable.demonstrate how media and content can be seamlessly networked and shared between the various devices.

The event is also an apt welcome of Sony Mobile Communications back to the fold of Sony Electronics.

Sony had recently acquired the other 50% of Sony Ericsson and the connectivity event serves to remind consumers of the connectivity and ecosystem that Xperia customers can expect to enjoy with other Sony devices.

The showcased Xperia smartphones are the first range of devices under Sony Mobile Communications.

Sony's pre-release Google TV set-top box with remote control.

Sony's pre-release Google TV set-top box with remote control.

The new range of Bravia TVs that were first unveiled during CES 2012 in January, as well as a whole range of Xperia smartphones were also showcased.

The three new series of Bravia TVs include the flagship HX, high-end NX and the entry-to-mid-level EX.

Xperia smartphones that were exhibited included the Xperia S, P, U, and sola.

Sony media box

The 2-sided remote control reminds one of in-flight entertainment controllers.

The 2-sided remote control reminds one of in-flight entertainment controllers.

There was a sneak preview of an upcoming set-top box for the second generation Sony Google TV, that was also unveiled during CES 2012.

Sony did not dwell on this set-top box though, which was connected to the Google Play store.

The remote control for the media box comprised a keyboard on one side, with additional controls (D-pad, Menu, Home, Back buttons and a trackpad) on the other side.