Press Releases

Press Release: Spoil Your Dad with a Picture Perfect Gift for Father’s Day

5^th May 2009 – If you’re shopping for a unique and affordable Father’s Day gift, whether your dad is an avid sports fan who loves getting close to the action, or is obsessed about getting the latest must-have gadgets, Samsung has a camera to suit.

Best for Sporty Dads

A camera for dads with a passion for action, the 12 megapixel ST50 features a 2.7″ QVGA (230K) TFT LCD screen and Samsung’s new "Smart Scene Recognition" technology. "Smart Scene Recognition" has 11 optimized picture pre-settings such as Portrait, Night portrait, Macro, Macro Colour, helping to take the perfect shot regardless of the conditions. He can also use these settings when sorting through his photos – making it quick and easy to find all the portrait, outdoor or macro images he’s taken.

Samsung ST 50

Samsung’s innovative Face Detection technology can automatically detect faces and adjust auto focus and auto exposure to ensure better composition and image quality for portraits – whether he’s pointing at the referee or the star player. The premium quality stainless steel ST50 also features Samsung’s Digital Image Stabilization system, compensating for unwanted camera movement and subject blur – so pictures are always crisp and sharp focus, no matter which side is winning.

Best for Gadget Fans

And if your dad is a gadget geek, the 5x Optical zoom PL60 is the perfect gift, presented in a slim compact design that doesn’t compromise on great photographic features.

The 10 megapixel PL60 uses Samsung’s new "Smart Scene Recognition" technology with 11 optimized picture pre-settings such as Portrait, Night portrait, Macro and Macro Colour, helping him to take the perfect shot regardless of the conditions. 

Samsung PL 60

The camera also features Samsung’s unique Digital Contents Management system (DCM); a contents management program within the camera itself that significantly reduces the time it takes to find his favourite photos – so it’s quicker and easier to store and manage his photo collection. The clever navigation program automatically organizes photos based on the date they were taken, their contents, colour, or themes – so he’ll be able to share and enjoy his pictures easily with every member of the family.

The ST50, priced at £179, is available in mid grey, arty red and blue black from leading high street and online retailers. Samsung Cameras include a two year warranty. Customers requiring further information should visit samsungcamera.co.uk or call 0845 726 7864.

The PL60, priced at £129, is available in grey and black from leading high street and online retailers. Customers requiring further information should visit samsungcamera.co.uk or call 0845 726 7864.

Posted by: John

The fastest, the furthest, and everything in between

This film demonstrates how Shell pushes the boundaries of both performance and efficiency in an epic journey across Europe. It highlights Shell’s technical partnership with Ferrari, as well as its hosting of the annual Eco-Marathon, whose record holders covered over 3300 km on the equivalent of 1 litre of fuel!

The Shell Eco-marathon challenges the world’s greatest young engineering minds to design, build, and test vehicles that travel further using less energy.
Watch the video of the epic journey across Europe, showing Shell’s involvement with the fastest, furthest and everything in between.

Posted by: Matt

Whole world in your hands PSP

I just came across this cool video that reminded me of the cool creations that you used to see on that TV show Art Attack!

Posted by: Matt

Press Release – New Samsung SMX-C10

The Samsung SMX-C10 is Samsungs latest digital camcorder. We will try to get our hands on one of these for review but until then here is the press release.

Samsung SMC-C10

SAMSUNG INTRODUCES NEW DIGITAL MEMORY CARD CAMCORDER

New Samsung SMX-C10 Offers Industry-Leading Style, Design and Ease-of-Use

30^th April 2009 – Samsung, leaders in innovation and digital imaging, today extended its family of digital camcorders announcing the launch of the SMX-C10, the new ergonomically designed, compact digital camcorder offering industry leading style and design.

The new SMX-C10 features Samsung’s stylish design with a touch of colour that was first introduced in the company’s flat panel HDTVs. With a touch of colour design, a hint of colour is naturally blended into a deep black body for an attractive appearance.

The SMX-C10 is ideal for the on-the-go consumer and offers an impressive 10x optical zoom paired with Hyper Image Stabilization, a feature which helps reduce blurry footage. The SMX-C10 also uses a 230,000-dot, swivelling 2.7-inch wide LCD screen, allowing you to effortlessly frame your subjects and review your footage.

Similar to the full-HD HMX-R10, the new SMX-C10 boasts Samsung’s Active Angle Lens. This unique design helps reduce fatigue by allowing consumers to grip the camcorder in a more relaxed manner, easing the overall stress on your wrist and elbow. Unlike traditional camcorders, the relaxed grip also removes the LCD screen from your line of sight, enabling you to always keep an eye on your subject while recording.

The SMX-C10 also incorporates Samsung’s play-edit-sharing program called intelli studio. The built-in intelli-studio program allows consumers to connect the camcorder to any computer via USB and edit and play your video without having to install supporting software. Intelli-studio also facilitates the process of uploading your content to popular video sharing Web sites and for convenience, a one-touch “upload” button provides a direct connection to YouTubeT, further reducing the number of steps needed to upload footage. In addition, the camcorder also allows basic on-camera editing, including the ability to merge and split video files.

"The SMX-C10 is a truly unique camcorder, starting with its eye-catching design,” said Paul Scott, Camcorder Product Manager at Samsung Electronics.

“With its ultra-compact, ergonomic and stylish design, the camcorder offers a host of advanced, yet easy-to-use capabilities that encourage you to integrate video recording into your everyday digital lifestyles.”

Thanks to H.264 compression, which drastically enhances recording times when used with standard definition video, you can record over three hours of high quality video footage on the 8GB card. In addition, the SMX-C10 also offers substantial battery life providing more than two hours and 40 minutes of record time on a single charge.

Samsung also enhances the video recording experience for end-users thanks to several unique features, including time-lapse recording, animated thumbnails and a versatile charging system. Time-lapse recording allows you to program the camcorder to record at a pre-set interval of one image every one, three, five, 10, 15 or 30 seconds. Time-lapse recording is especially useful for condensing extremely long events, such as rolling clouds on a sunny day, into a short, easy to-view video.

Samsung’s animated thumbnail feature simplifies the way you search for video clips. Each video clip saved on the camcorder is represented by a small thumbnail on the LCD screen. When scrolling through one’s videos, each thumbnail will provide a short playback of the video file when highlighted. The SMX-C10 also features a versatile charging system; you can either recharge the battery by connecting the camcorder to the supplied AC adapter or via USB while the camcorder is connected to a computer.

The SMX-C10 will be available from leading high street and online retailers from May 2009. Customers requiring further information should call 0845 726 7864 or visit samsungcamcorder.co.uk/

Posted by: John

Press Release: Samsung Tocco Lite

Jumping in on the success of the Tocco range Samsung have now launched a LITE version of the handset.

Samsung Tocco Lite

Samsung launches new addition to the Tocco family – Samsung Tocco Lite

London, UK, April 29, 2009 – Samsung Mobile UK today announced the launch of the Samsung Tocco Lite, in the UK market, the latest addition to the Tocco family. The Samsung Tocco Lite has enhanced social media features and will continue Samsung’s leadership in the touch screen market, delivering the style and features consumers come to expect from Samsung, at an ultra competitive mid-range price.

“The incredible success of the Samsung Tocco handset last year has paved the way for this latest addition to the Tocco family,” said Mark Mitchinson, Vice-President Samsung Mobile UK and Ireland. “With its vivid and responsive full touch screen, the Tocco Lite will appeal to consumers who want to access their social media sites in a simple and colourful way.”

The Samsung Tocco Lite uses online widgets to ensure users can keep their Facebook status up-to-date, log on to their Myspace page or browse YouTube for the latest videos, all from a simple one touch interface on the main menu screen. Users can also tag photos of their contacts on the device, as well as uploading their favourite shots to their own social networking sites.

The Tocco Lite offers all the multimedia features consumers would expect from a Samsung full touch device. The slim body incorporates a 3 Megapixel camera designed to capture spontaneous moments with family and friends, using enhanced features such as smile and face detection.

Featuring an FM radio, high quality 3.0″ WQVGA touch screen, music recognition and Samsung DNSe 2.0 (Digital Natural Sound engine) which ensures natural, high quality sound, the Tocco Lite is a multimedia phone that keeps users entertained wherever and whenever.

The Samsung Tocco Lite is set to launch in UK stores mid May and will be supported by a £1.5 million marketing campaign.

Samsung Tocco Lite Specifications:

• GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
• Dimensions: 104 x 53 x 11.9 mm
• Weight: 93.5 g
• Display Type: TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K 240 x 400 pixels, 3.0 inches
• Accelerometer sensor
• Handwriting recognition
• Gesture lock
• DNSe (Digital Natural Sound Engine)
• Card slot     microSD (TransFlash), up to 16GB
• GPRS Class 12 (4+1/3+2/2+3/1+4 slots), 32 – 48 kbps
• EDGE Class 12
• Bluetooth  Yes, v2.1 with A2DP
• USB v2.0
• Camera: 3.15 MP, 2048×1536 pixels
• Video: QVGA@15fps
• WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
• Stereo FM radio with RDS
• Java MIDP 2.0
• Shazam Find Music service
• Battery: Li-Ion 1000 mAh
• Stand-by     –
• Talk time     –

So what are the main differences between the Tocco F480 and this new Lite version?

Posted by: John

Using a BMW Z4 as a paintbrush!

In their latest TV commercial for the BMW Z4, artist Robin Rhode uses the roadster as a 306hp paintbrush to create a performance that’s as colourful as it is unique.

Posted by: Matt

Orange launch UKs first PAYG Blackberry

Until now, if you wanted a Blackberry device you had to have a pay-monthly account and have a Blackberry subscription. Orange are about to change that though as from February they will be offering the Blackberry Pearl for just £145 with their Blackberry Internet Service for just £5.

Orange today announced it will be bringing the BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8120 to its Pay As You Go (PAYG) customers. The smartphone, which provides exceptional phone; email, messaging, organiser, web browser and multimedia capabilities, will be priced at £145, with customers now able to take out a BlackBerry® Internet Service that provides email, messaging and web access whilst on the move. The new offering comes as a result of the growing demand for a BlackBerry® smartphone with PAYG service.

With a quick set up, the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 connects customers to Facebook®, MySpace®, Flickr™ and Windows Live Messenger (MSN® Instant Messenger), meaning you’ll never miss out on a friend’s update or party invitation. Webmail users are also catered for, with easy access to Hotmail®, Yahoo!® Mail and Gmail®.

To take advantage of the Orange PAYG BlackBerry smartphone offer, customers must first purchase the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 for £145, which is exclusive to Orange in indigo. They can then choose one of Orange’s existing PAYG Animal packages, offering a choice of free rewards before taking out Orange’s PAYG BlackBerry Internet Service for just £5 per month, on a monthly rolling subscription.

The BlackBerry Pearl 8120, combines chic styling with full BlackBerry smartphone functionality. Features include a 2 megapixel camera with LED flash, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi® and  media player (MP3, video, etc.); it’s designed to help you do everything you want with your life.

Pippa Dunn, Director of Pay As You Go, Orange UK said, “With nearly two thirds of UK mobile customers now using pay as you go , we are really pleased to be bringing  one of the most popular email  and multimedia devices to the masses as the first operator to offer BlackBerry on pay as you go in the UK . At Orange, we’ve always been known for innovation and great value, and with the launch of this service, we continue to lead the market – giving UK pay as you go customers the choice they deserve.”

The BlackBerry 8120 is available from early February for just £145, for more details visit Orange shops or www.orange.co.uk/shop

Posted by: Matt

Press Release: MOTOZINE ZN5 – Motorola & Kodak

Looks like Motorola are well and truly back on the mobile phone scene with the release of this their latest mobile phone. The Motozine ZN5 unfortunately is only available in the US for the moment but never the less it is a nice looking handset with a nice 5MP camera.

Motorola Motozine ZN5

Shoot, Share and Show Off: MOTOZINE™ ZN5 Debuts in North America at T-Mobile USA
Mobile imaging experience redefined with Motorola and Kodak technology
LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. — Nov. 3, 2008 –Motorola (NYSE: MOT), a leader in wireless communications will bring the mobile imaging powerhouse, MOTOZINE™ ZN5, to North America today, available exclusively for T-Mobile USA customers. Created in collaboration with Kodak (NYSE: EK), the world’s foremost imaging innovator, MOTOZINE ZN5 combines a high-quality phone and camera experience to help users click together and share the memories they capture.
MOTOZINE ZN5 delivers a picture-perfect camera and mobile experience. ZN5 is the first mobile phone to combine Motorola’s ModeShift technology and KODAK Imaging Technology. Together, they redefine the quality, convenience and connectivity of mobile imaging devices. The dedicated, simple share key allows one-touch sharing with friends and family while on the go through access to: picture messaging, T-Mobile

MyAlbum, Kodak Gallery and compatible Bluetooth enabled printers.
“The arrival of the MOTOZINE ZN5 at T-Mobile provides a new opportunity for customers to instantly capture and share each special moment in their lives,” said Dennis Burke, vice president, Sales, Motorola Mobile Devices. “The MOTOZINE ZN5 simplifies mobile imaging while empowering users with the tools they traditionally rely on in a digital camera.”
“The MOTOZINE ZN5 is a terrific phone for T-Mobile customers who value instant connections with loved ones,” said Travis Warren, Director of Device Marketing at T-Mobile. “Who wants to lug around several tech devices during the holidays when
one – the ZN5 – will suffice, making it easier than ever to snap and share photos with family and friends.”

Built to Shoot
ZN5 puts image capture first with a high-resolution screen and one of the fastest click-to-click times available. To launch the camera, simply slide open the lens cover to transform the phone into an ultra-fast, natural-feeling 5 megapixel imaging device. Unlike most “camera phones” on the market, the ZN5 has the feel of a digital camera with the shutter button, flash and viewer in the standard placement consumers expect. Plus, with auto focus for sharp, vivid pictures, a Xenon flash, an included 1 GB memory card (with 4GB of optional external memory support) to store favorite images, optimized settings for low-light environments and red-eye reduction, there is no longer a need to carry two devices. ZN5 is both a phone and a digital camera.
Built-in KODAK Imaging Technology ensures that every picture taken with ZN5 looks its best. When KODAK Imaging Technology is combined with KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology, images become brighter and more vivid on the spot. Multiple capture modes, like multi-shot and panorama, which automatically stitches together continuous shots taken on the horizon line into a single, extended image, makes taking photos fun.

Built to Share
With one click, photos can be viewed right from the home screen; no menus, no searching. This multimedia device provides a fun, quick and easy way to share favorite photos with friends and family. Using high speed Wi-Fi or GSM networks, full resolution pictures can be wirelessly uploaded in one simple click to the KODAK Gallery (www.kodakgallery.com)¹. Consumers also have additional options for sharing, whether sending over MMS¹, transferring to a computer via USB, showing slideshows on a TV (TV output/AV cable included in box), or using Bluetooth wireless technology². T-Mobile customers who purchase a ZN5 will receive 50 free prints from Kodak Gallery (www.kodakgallery.com).

Built to Talk
In phone mode, ZN5 features Motorola’s patented CrystalTalk™ technology to help callers hear and be heard, even in noisy environments. With dual compatibility for GSM and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), users can connect in more areas around the world³ and enjoy high-speed wireless connections to surf the Web¹ via a full HTML browser. To complete the communications experience, ZN5 also supports SMS, MMS, IM and personal e-mail¹.

Availability
MOTOZINE ZN5 is available today at select T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.t-mobile.com. For more information on the MOTOZINE ZN5, please visit www.store.motorola.com or www.t-mobile.com.

I have to openly admit that I’m not the world’s greatest fan of Motorola on the Mobile Phone front but reading through what this device can really do does kind of sway me a little.

Motorola Motozine ZN5 Back View

At this stage we still don’t know if it will ever be available in the UK but at just $99 on a two-year contract I’m sure it well sell well out in the states before Christmas.

Posted by: John

Press Release: T-Mobile G1 Hits the UK

Folks I feel like I have been neglecting you all when it comes to news and reviews on the G1 front. Let me start off by saying that the UK wait is finally over and there are some very lucky people out there just now playing happily with their brand spanking new T-Mobile G1 handset. I have pestered the life out of HTC and T-Mobile and hopefully we should have one of these next week to play with (fingers crossed). I know that what is seen below is a lot to take in but I think it’s a worthwhile post and would like to hear your comments and thoughts on the G1.

G1 in Black

London, 30 October: The T-Mobile G1 – the phone built for the Internet and the first to run on the innovative Android open source mobile software platform – went on sale in the UK today prompting a queue of gadget enthusiasts outside T-Mobile’s Central London store stores eager to get their hands on this year’s most anticipated mobile phone.
Queues began at 5:00 am at T-Mobile’s Oxford Street store which opened early to allow shoppers to get their hands on the T-Mobile G1.

Exclusive to T-Mobile, the G1 offers a completely new mobile internet experience with full touch screen plus QWERTY keyboard for easy online communication and high speed internet with popular Google services already on board. The T-Mobile G1 also offers access to innovative application downloads from the new Android Market, 50 of which are available now to download for free. These initial applications enable you to do everything from compare prices to mix a cocktail and even measure the earth’s movements.
Andy Burgess, a software programmer from Farringdon, London, was the first to emerge from T-Mobile’s Oxford Street store with a T-Mobile G1. He said: "Being the first person in the UK to own this mobile phone is amazing – I’m going to be popular at work! I’ve been waiting for this phone for months and I knew I had to be the first to own it."

Jim Hyde, CEO, T-Mobile UK said:  "With the richest web experience ever seen on a mobile and thanks to the Android Market, the unprecedented ability to make your mobile work just the way you want, the T-Mobile G1 is set to revolutionise the way we use our phones. And judging by early reports coming in from our stores today, people are enthusiastically embracing this revolution and signing up for the T-Mobile G1."

The T-Mobile G1 is available for free on T-Mobile Combi and Flext price plans from £40 a month, including unlimited fast mobile internet browsing powered by T-Mobile’s award-winning network.

The G1’s full QWERTY keyboard makes it simple to write exactly what you want to say and navigating is even easier using the touch screen and trackball.  There’s also one touch access to all your favourite Google applications including web search, Google Maps, Google Talk and Google Mail. So whether it’s email, instant messaging, social network updates or even calling and texting, the T-Mobile G1 is perfect for whatever form of communication you prefer.

With Google Maps, T-Mobile G1 users can instantly view maps, satellite imagery, find local businesses and get driving directions. And Google Maps synchs with the built-in compass – an industry first – to allow users to view locations and navigate 360 degrees by simply moving the phone with their hand.

The 50 applications available to download for free at Android Market include Wikitude, which displays local information from Wikipedia live on-screen when scanning your local surroundings using the phone’s camera. There are also a number of applications designed to help consumers make their money go further including ShopSavvy, which uses the G1’s camera to ‘scan’ product barcodes and then searches the web using the browser to find the best available prices. Other applications help users indulge their interests. SplashPlay teaches users how to play the guitar by streaming video over the web, whilst Cooking Capsules and Cocktail! comb the web to provide recipes and instructions based on the contents of your kitchen or drinks cabinet.

So much has happened since the release stateside of the G1 starting with the fact that an exploit had been found and then there was the ability to unlock the handset by IMEI. number making it open for use on any network.

G1 in White

The phone itself is available on the following T-Mobile G1 Price Plans:

Combi: get the T-Mobile G1 free with 800 minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited* mobile internet browsing for a total of just £40 a month

Flext: get the T-Mobile G1 free on Flext with web’n’walk plus for just £40 per month including unlimited* mobile internet browsing and up to 1,250 minutes or up to 2,500 texts or any mix of the two

Vital statistics: The T-Mobile G1

• Available in two colours – black and white
• GPS and compass
• Rich HTML email client which seamlessly synchs email with POP3 or IMAP services
• 3.5G (HSDPA/HSUPA) and Wi-Fi connectivity
• 3 Mega pixel camera
• MP3 music player
• Pre-installed 2 GB Micro SD memory card (device supports up to an 8 GB card)
• Bluetooth-enabled
• Up to 130 hours standby and up to 5 hours talk time
• Dimensions: 117.7 x 55.7 x 26.5 mm
• Weight: 158g

Applications available free on Android Market from 30 October

Shopping

• Barcode Scanner v2.1 – Scans and recognises the barcode of any product
• ShopSavvy – Compares prices online and on the high street
• CompareEverywhere – Scans barcodes and gives directions to local stores using Google maps

Lifestyle

• Mandelbrot Map – Map viewer
• Krystle II – Pet your phone
• Pocket Seismograph – Monitors the phone’s accelerometer
• Translate – Translation tool
• Pro Football Live! – Football news / information
• BreadCrumbz – Navigate via user-generated pictures
• e-ventr – Event organizer and friendship scout
• iMap Weather(tm) – Weather application
• Ecorio – Track and reduce your carbon footprint, "green community"
• Cocktail! – Database of cocktails
• Cooking Capsules Taster – Cooking application
• Wikitude – AR Travel – Mobile travel guide
• AccuWeather.com – Global weather

Multimedia

• Shazam – Identify music, store and buy music
• PicSay  – Personalize pictures with text
• Panoramio – Finds pictures of interesting places in your area
• TuneWiki – Next generation social media player
• BlueBrush – Draw with friends, share the same canvas
• Video Player v.01 – Plays video files off of the G1’s SD card
• Photostream – Photo browser for Flickr
• Ringdroid – Create ringtones
• SplashPlay – Music application

Productivity

• QuickList – To do lists
• WikiMobile Encyclopedia – Wikipedia for mobile devices
• Maverick – IM compatible to Google Talk

Tools

• Radar – Draw a bearing between the user’s current location and latitude/longitude
• Task Switcher – Search-Space is the new "Alt-Tab"
• Spare Parts – Android developing tool
• Text-To-Speech Translator – Text-to-speech services
• Any Cut v0.5 – Home shortcuts to "anything" on your web or your phone
• Locale – Manages phone settings based on conditions (e.g. location)
• Contacts De-Duper – De-duplicate your contacts to streamline your contacts folder
• Shutter Spead – Detailed camera settings to make the most of the in-built camera and web access
• DiskUsage – Utility to examine SD card content to manage what you store on your phone
• Rings Extended – Replaces standard ringtones

Games & Puzzles

• PAC-MAN by Namco
• Metamath Solitaire
• MisMisMatch
• Anagrams v0.2
• Slide Puzzle
• Divide and Conquer!
• CB Black jack
• Bubble Bash
• Bonsai Blast
• Balls 2 The Wall
• Tetris
• Android Says

Posted by: John

O2 XDA Orbit official press release

Here is the official O2 press release for the XDA Orbit.

IT’S THE END OF THE ROAD FOR DEDICATED SAT NAV UNITS

WITH THE NEW SLEEK O2 XDA ORBIT 

With over 41 million Britons admitting to getting lost in the UK,

O2 unveils the new O2 Xda Orbit with integrated GPS

London, UK. 27 November 2006: O2 today announces the launch of the O2 Xda Orbit, the first O2 Xda to offer built-in GPS and seamless door-to-door navigation, in an ultra-slim, stylish portable device. Using the latest technology, the O2 Xda Orbit features a 2.0 mega pixel camera, MP3 player, radio and WiFi functionality whilst combining the latest Windows Mobile® OS 5 software, ensuring users benefit from mobile Internet, e-mail and the same easy-to-use format as Microsoft® Office.

With O2’s recent research revealing that over 86% of UK adults get lost on the roads in the UK*, the O2 Xda Orbit’s in-built GPS system helps users remain on course throughout their journey. Bundled with the popular and latest CoPilot Live sat nav package from ALK Technologies, navigation has never been so easy on an O2 Xda.   Simply type in your chosen destination on the large, bright, 2.8 inch colour TFT LCD touch screen and the O2 Xda Orbit will direct you to your chosen destination quickly and safely. Ideal for pedestrians as well as car travellers, the O2 Xda Orbit makes dedicated navigation systems unnecessary.

CoPilot Live navigation software is supplied on an easy-to-install memory card that has complete maps of UK and Ireland preloaded, accurate down to house number, point of interest or seven-digit UK postcode. Detailed routes are calculated in seconds and turn-by-turn directions are provided on-screen and spoken, all the way to the destination. There’s a choice of map views, including ‘non-distracting driver-safety’, ‘itinerary’, ‘where am I?’ and 3D ’bird’s eye’ view. If a turn is missed CoPilot recalculates the best new route immediately.

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone, Pocket PC, Tracy & Matt, O2, HTC Artemis, XDA Cosmo, XDA Orbit, HTC P3300]