Palm have posted the complete video of their press conference announcing the Palm Pre and Webos online in high quality so you can now watch it in all it’s glory in one piece and with great sound quality. If you don’t want to watch it in your browser you can download it also. The link to the web page is here and the direct download is here.
Greg Sullivan, Product Manager at Windows Mobile, talks us through how resourceful phone manufacturers have been in making Windows Mobile more usable by the average person. the technological advance they have made, the features they have introduced and the connectivity they are utilising to bring this relatively old operating system a refresh. I feel like giving him a pat on the back because Windows Mobile was pretty awesome in its day but … Sony Ericsson, Samsung and HTC have really worked hard to make the OS accessible and rival the iPhone.
Gizmodo managed to pin down Microsoft’s Robbie Bach to ask him about the future of Windows Mobile. As usual not very much is given away except that Windows Mobile will becoming more consumer orientated in the future. Another story that has just appeared is a Microsoft product road map that shows Windows Mobile 7 beta to be released this year with a full release in the future, strangely no mention of Windows Mobile 6.5 but maybe that is because it will not be a significant update, we shall see and hear more hopefully at MWC Barcelona in February. Video and road map after the break.
It’s actually a question that we get asked frequently about Camcorders here at tracyandmatt; "Does this camcorder work properly with YouTube?".
While the answer to that question is invariably ‘yes’, it normally depends on the software that you use to process video but Samsung aim to simplify the process and are releasing the SMX-F34 which has a YouTube optimised recording mode.
Samsung, leaders in innovation and digital imaging, is pleased to announce the launch of the SMX-F34 digital camcorder – the successor to the company’s popular VP-MX20 compact edition – offering users substantial battery life of up to three hours, world-class Schneider optics, as well as added features and functionality, including built-in memory, digital still photo capability, and Samsung’s 42x Intelli-Zoom.
Image Processor
Featuring a high-performance 680K pixel CCD sensor, the SMX-F34 delivers a resolution of 720×480 and also incorporates Samsung’s new image processor which drastically enhances the overall digital imaging experience for the end user. Samsung’s new image processor yields higher-quality video, 3-D Noise Reduction, Face Detection for up to five subjects, a brighter 2.7 inch LCD display, as well as H.264 compression. It also reduces power consumption, which translates to longer battery life. On a single charge, consumers can record up to three hours of uninterrupted video – a beneficial feature for those who wish to shoot for extended periods of time.
Web & Mobile shooting mode
The SMX-F34 is also the ideal camcorder for the YouTube™ videographer who shares their content with friends and family by uploading video to the Web. Featuring a Web & Mobile shooting mode, users can set the SMX-F34 to record in the exact format and resolution required by YouTube™, resulting in faster upload times. By selecting the Web & Mobile mode, the camcorder’s resolution is automatically adjusted to 640×480 (H.264 / AAC / MP4) and optimized for use on Web sites. Furthermore, unlike other camcorders, users can easily import video from the SMX-F34 and play it on MP3 players and other portable multimedia players supporting H.264, without having to convert the files.
Still Photos
An additional feature that separates the SMX-F34 from its VP-MX20 sibling is its ability to capture digital still photos. A dedicated Photo mode allows consumers to use the SMX-F34 camcorder as a digital camera, snapping 800×600 resolution images. When coupled with the camcorder’s high-quality, Schneider lens, and improved Advanced Image Stabilization, users can rest assured that they’ll be able to capture life the way they see it, with stunning colour and clarity
On-board Memory
The SMX-F34 features a memory card slot for SD/SDHC and MMC+ and also offers 16GB of internal flash memory. Samsung is the first digital imaging company to apply H.264 compression to standard definition video, which considerably extends record times. Thanks to H.264 compression, users can record up to eight hours of standard definition video directly to the camcorder’s internal 16GB flash memory without having to rely on a memory card.
“With the SMX-F34, Samsung has given consumers of any skill level the ability to incorporate digital video into their everyday lives with style,” said Steve Mitchell, General Manager Marketing, Samsung Digital Imaging Division.
“This is a camcorder that anyone can pick up and use without feeling intimidated, and which offers a full suite of features that would typically demand a higher price tag. Without breaking the bank, Samsung gives consumers the ability to leverage high-performance optics and imaging technologies that will enhance their overall digital imaging experience and encourage them to explore digital video for all that it has to offer.”
The SMX-F34 will feature Samsung’s exclusive swivel hand-grip, which effortlessly adjusts for regular and low angle shooting. The SMX-F34 will be available from leading high street and online retailers from March 2009. Customers requiring further information should call 0845 726 7864 or visit samsungcamera.co.uk
Posted by: Matt
Skype today announced the release of a lite version of Skype, a ‘thin’ client for Skype that can be downloaded on Android-powered devices, as well as more than 100 other Java-enabled mobile phones. This launch builds on successful public testing last year and the incorporation of user feedback to an earlier beta version which was only available on a limited number of mobile devices. The updated beta now makes Skype software broadly available to millions of mobile users worldwide, including for the first time, mobile users in the U.S. The lite version delivers core Skype capabilities including:
Phonescoop lived up to their name and have managed to get some hands on time with the Palm Pre that was announced yesterday at CES. They have put together a short video demonstration of the phone and Web Os in action and we have it after the break. A little more information is coming out now on this device and its not all good. For example old Palm OS applications won’t work on Web OS directly, but Palm did say that a third party developer is working on an emulator to enable such compatibility. More info and the hands on video after the break.
Welcome to the first eXpansys Friday deals of 2009!
Friday Deals are only accessible exclusively via the links below and are active between 11am and 4pm UK time on Friday 9th January*. Normal pricing will resume at 4pm.
Nokia E71 Special UK Email Offer
Normally £314.99, special offer price £279.99, save £35
http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=177691&partner=tracyandmatt
HTC BH M200 Bluetooth Headset Special UK Email Offer
Normally £44.99, special offer price £19.99, save £25
http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=173690&partner=tracyandmatt
Tele Atlas McGuider Maps on 2GB Micro-SD with SD Adapter
Normally £44.99, special offer price £34.99, save £10
http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=177692&partner=tracyandmatt
Novatel Wireless U530 3G Wireless PC Card Special UK Email Offer
Normally £24.99, special offer price £9.99, save £15
http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=173693&partner=tracyandmatt
*Voucher codes do not apply with these deals. Limited to 2 units per customer, available while stocks last.
Prices and availability subject to change, www.expansys.com website price and availability always applies.
Posted by: Matt
[ Post Tags: expansys, deals, special offers, tracyandmatt.co.uk ]
In their press announcement at CES, Sony have announced that they are entering the digital photo frame market with a range of models from 7" up to 10". Sony have even taken the technology from their Bravia HD LCD televisions in order to include advanced image processing as well as some cool features such as red-eye reduction and soft filter to give your photos a more professional look.
New photo frames by Sony: pretty as a picture
Beautiful images, great design, fun features… and so easy to use
- New-generation Super Photo LCD panel (up to 10-inch) for unmatched detail, contrast and brightness
- Biggest-ever 2GB capacity stores up to 4,000 images
- Expanded choice of Auto Touch-up functions corrects common picture problems
- Friendly user interface & easy-to-use new picture search finds stored photos in moments
- Creative & wide range of slideshow, calendar, clock and fun viewing modes
Now there are even more reasons to show off your treasured memories. The new range of ‘S-Frame’ digital photo frames by Sony boasts best-ever HD picture quality plus a wide range of fun, easy-to-use viewing features.
With luxurious styling and a choice of screen sizes – from 7 inches up to a massive 10 inches – you’ll find the perfect photo frame to flatter any interior.
Just slip in the media card from virtually any digital camera or connect a PC to transfer your photo collection. X-Series frames include an extra-large 2GB memory, capable of storing up to 4,000 photos (NB: images are saved at 2 megapixel resolution to increase effective capacity).
Range-topping X-Series models feature a Super Photo LCD panel. This newly-developed LCD displays incredibly natural, detail-packed images with extremely high contrast and reduced glare. You’ll see the difference with deep, rich, blacks and opulent shadow tones, even in bright viewing conditions thanks to the Jet black feature.
Featured on all X- and V-Series models, the BIONZ imaging processor brings your pictures to life with exquisite detail, vivid colour and natural tones. This powerful image processing engine also accommodates large image files with ease, displaying the highest-resolution photos in moments when other photo frames struggle to keep up.
Powered by the BIONZ processor, Auto Touch-Up (X- and V-Series) now fixes an even wider range of common image problems. Red-eye, soft focus, skin blemishes and other faults can be fixed instantly to give your pictures even more sparkle, with no PC needed thanks to the Exposure correction.
Viewing options are wider and more accessible than ever before. There’s a huge range of new slideshow modes, including clock, calendar, ‘time machine’ (slideshow with date of photo), scrapbook and creative view modes to show off your images. You can even create your own calendar with the desired picture for each month and add a reminder (for example birthday or anniversary) via icons or directly add text
Easy-to-use new picture search functions (X- and V-Series) make it easy to track down your favourite photo from hundreds or thousands. Stored images can be browsed by events, markers or folders, helping you pinpoint the right picture in moments. If you copy a folder from your PC it will keep the name making it much easier to find the picture of your holiday in the Caribbean.
All S-Frame models feature an auto-orientation sensor. This intelligently ‘flips’ images so they’re always displayed with correct orientation, whether the frame is placed in portrait or landscape positions.
A new alarm clock function lets you wake up to your favourite pictures. There’s also a new auto-dimmer (X- and V-Series) that reduces panel brightness when room lighting levels are reduced so no waste of energy, in term of eco friendly as well you can choose the time when you want it on or off.
X- and V-Series models can be connected to any HD Ready television, letting you enjoy big-screen slideshows with musical accompaniment.
The new range of S-Frame digital photo frames by Sony is available from April 2009.
Naturally, we’ll be trying to get our hands some of these photo frames to review.
Posted by: Matt
The guys over at Pocketables managed to get a video of the Palm CES press conference and have posted the event over five seperate YouTube videos. Pretty good quality too with sound so if you want to see how all the Palm news unfolded today along with the demo of the OS check out the videos after the break.
Palm, Inc. today unveiled its groundbreaking Palm webOS mobile platform, built from the ground up to be constantly connected to the web, and the new Palm Pre, the first phone based on the new platform. Pre is scheduled to be available exclusively from Sprint in the first half of 2009. Palm webOS is a brand-new kind of platform, invented exclusively for mobile use. webOS recognizes that you want your people, calendars and information to move with you, wherever you are, wirelessly, as opposed to being bound to a personal computer. Palm webOS is the first mobile platform to automatically bring your information from the many places it resides – on your phone, at your work or on the web – into one simple, integrated view. The new Palm Pre and webOS are designed to be so in sync with your needs that it feels like Pre is thinking ahead for you. Loads more after the break.
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