Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Your 2 hourly digest for Engadget

Engadget
Engadget
WTO ruling revives debate over China's rare earths trade
Jan 31st 2012, 14:37

China suffered another setback at the WTO yesterday, thanks to a ruling that could spell trouble for its controversial rare earths industry. In a decision issued Monday, a WTO panel determined that the Chinese government has been acting in violation of international trade rules, due to export restrictions on a number of raw materials. These restrictions, the panel said, allowed Beijing to inflate global market prices, while giving an advantage to domestic producers. As a result, China will likely have to adjust its trade policies to comply with WTO regulations. In a statement, the country's Ministry of Commerce said it "deeply regrets" the decision, but confirmed that the People's Republic will adhere to it. This week's ruling applies to materials like bauxite, coke, magnesium, manganese and zinc, but, most notably, does not apply to rare earths -- a group of 17 elements critical to the production of tablets, smartphones and myriad other gadgets.

China has maintained a rather tight grip over the world's rare earths market, thanks to a slew of export controls, quotas and government-erected barriers to entry. The country has come under intense international pressure in recent years, with the US, EU and Mexico filing complaints with the WTO, arguing that China's price-inflating restrictions violate international trade agreements. Beijing, for its part, has long maintained that its export controls are designed to minimize the environmental impact of rare earth mining, while meeting the country's surging domestic demand. It's an argument that's come up a lot during this debate but one that the WTO, on Monday, deemed illegitimate, stating that China has thus far been "unable to demonstrate" the environmental benefits of its policies. The decision won't have any immediate bearing on these policies, but some observers are hopeful that it may be a sign of things to come. Michael Silver, CEO of rare earth processor American Elements, told Reuters that the ruling "confirms the existence of the two-tiered price structure that has caused so much concern," with EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht adding that the decision should force China to remove restrictions on both the aforementioned raw materials and rare earths, alike. Others, however, aren't so optimistic, pointing out that, with a full 95 percent of the rare earths market under its aegis, China could realistically afford to ignore any decisions handed down from the WTO in the future.

WTO ruling revives debate over China's rare earths trade originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceReuters  | Email this | Comments

HTC Ville gets hands-on en Francais, is presumably practicing its Spanish for MWC (video)
Jan 31st 2012, 14:13

HTC Ville gets hands-on en Francais, is presumably practicing its Spanish for MWC (video)

While we're still a few weeks away from annual phone festival, MWC, it's these weeks in the run-up that often draw out blurrycam appetizers of what we'll see over in Barcelona. This time, it's no other than the HTC Edge Ville, that rumored divergent mix of quad-core processing bulk and slimline form-factor: something we don't typically see the unibody-armored HTC family. In the leaked video, you'll be getting a look at a heavily disguised version of Ice Cream Sandwich, covered in contentious (but new!) Sense sauce. The mysterious handset mole is also kind enough to pay a visit to the phone's specification list, confirming, at least if this is the finished article, an eight megapixel camera, 4.3-inch qHD display and a 1.5GHz dual-core processor. Alas, it looks like this isn't going to be the rumored quad-core debut from the Taiwanese phone maker, although going on past form, it won't shock us if the company reveals a whole line-up of handsets for us to meddle with next month. Take the tour yourself -- it's right after the break.

Continue reading HTC Ville gets hands-on en Francais, is presumably practicing its Spanish for MWC (video)

HTC Ville gets hands-on en Francais, is presumably practicing its Spanish for MWC (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink SlashGear  |  sourceHTC-Hub  | Email this | Comments

Apple releases updated Final Cut Pro X, brings multicam support, broadcast monitoring love
Jan 31st 2012, 13:59

Apple releases updated Final Cut Pro X, throws pros a bone with multicam support, broadcast monitoring support
The X version of Final Cut Pro was supposed to be all things to all people -- easier and more power for the serious amateurs and yet refreshing and comprehensive for the pros. In reality it seemed that neither camp quite saw it that way, but Apple has at least been listening. Today the company has announced version 10.0.3, which finally adds the one feature everyone's been clamoring for: multicam support. But that's not all. Join us after the break for a deeper look.

Continue reading Apple releases updated Final Cut Pro X, brings multicam support, broadcast monitoring love

Apple releases updated Final Cut Pro X, brings multicam support, broadcast monitoring love originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceApple  | Email this | Comments

Sony's 3D Experience channel tops 10 million views, some people like the extra dimension
Jan 31st 2012, 13:44

Sony's 3D Experience channel tops 10 million views, some people like the extra dimension

Since kicking off its free 3D Experience channel, Sony has managed to notch up 10 million viewers in just short of six months. The channel offers up samples of music, movies, sports and documentaries for free, in an effort to tempt viewers into ponying up cash for the full experience. The channel, available on its Bravia 3DTV range and Blu-ray players, has now expanded from its five initial launch countries to 60. It's currently offering tastes of forthcoming Sony titles like The Amazing Spiderman and content from last year's World Cup, with a total of around 100 free snippets to peruse on the Japanese iteration of the channel. You hear Sony well up with pride in the PR below. Well, it's had a pretty tough time recently.

Continue reading Sony's 3D Experience channel tops 10 million views, some people like the extra dimension

Sony's 3D Experience channel tops 10 million views, some people like the extra dimension originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceSony Japan (translated)  | Email this | Comments

Google clarifies what isn't changing with new privacy policy
Jan 31st 2012, 13:19

Google Privacy Policy
As you may remember, roughly a week ago Google issued a major overhaul of its privacy policies -- condensing some 60 scattered terms of service into a single document covering a vast majority of its internet empire. Of course, this raised concern, confusion and led to stories circulating the web about the inherent danger of the revised TOS. Truth be told, most of the wild-eyed fear mongering was done by those who either had not read or had not understood what the simplified policies mean (though, we hardly fault them for being suspicious). Google is looking to allay those fears however, and has released the full text of a letter written to congress clarifying the new TOS. The important information here is presented on the Google Public Policy Blog as bullet points and that is what's not changing. Users will still be able to search without signing in, opt out of targeted ads, export their data and maintain fine-grained control over their private data. Oh and Google will never, we repeat never, sell your information to advertisers. Hit up the source link if you're still in need of more details.

Google clarifies what isn't changing with new privacy policy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceGoogle Public Policy Blog  | Email this | Comments

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com.
If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Your 2 hourly digest for Engadget

Engadget
Engadget
McAfee updates Mobile Security to 2.0, keeps you protected on the go (video)
Jan 31st 2012, 12:40

McAfee updates Mobile Security to 2.0, keeps you protected on the go
If you tend to exercise a bit more caution when using your mobile machine, we imagine you'll welcome McAfee's Mobile Security 2.0 with open arms. The Intel-owned security connoisseur has just introduced its refreshed apps, designed to protect Android handsets and slates, along with BlackBerry and Symbian smartphones. All users can take advantage of features such as Complete Anti-virus, Anti-spyware, Anti-phishing Protection, Call and SMS Filtering, while Android owners can also try out App Protection, which is said to interpret "how apps are accessing and possibly transmitting personal data," in order to keep your privacy under control. If you've been a paranoid -- or smart -- user since the first release, then the update will come at no cost, while those of you looking to jump aboard the secured ship for the first time will need to fork over the $29.99 subscription fee. You'll find all the details you need in the press release just past the break.

Continue reading McAfee updates Mobile Security to 2.0, keeps you protected on the go (video)

McAfee updates Mobile Security to 2.0, keeps you protected on the go (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink PC World  |  sourceMcAfee  | Email this | Comments

RIM: It's okay, we have superheroes
Jan 31st 2012, 12:10

It's a common human trait that, when faced with a series of calamities, the brain will retreat into a fantasy world in which everything is the exact opposite of reality. Could this be the inspiration for RIM's four new cartoon characters, which the company hopes will spread its "Be Bold" marketing message? The pattern certainly seems to fit. From left to right: there's GoGo Girl, who "saves the day with a brilliant strategy" (translation: we don't have a strategy). Then comes Justin Steele, who's "always ready to stick up for his friends" (translation: we don't have friends). Trudy Foreal "isn't afraid to call it as she sees it" (translation: our shareholders are complaining). Finally, the adventurous Max Stone is "able to jump out of a plane" (translation: we're going to crash).

RIM: It's okay, we have superheroes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink PocketLint, MobileSyrup  |  sourceRIM  | Email this | Comments

T-Mobile brings Square to select small businesses, does the mobile payment thing
Jan 31st 2012, 12:00

T-Mobile is throwing some of its weight behind the mobile payment movement this morning, becoming the first carrier to offer Square credit card readers to a handful of retail outlets. Under the company's new campaign, stores equipped with T-Mobile smartphones will be able to use Jack Dorsey's readers to finalize transactions from the comfort of their palms. This should come in handy for cash-only businesses, in particular, as T-Mobile emphasized in its announcement today. It's all part of the provider's lineup of small business offerings, though not every retailer will be involved at launch. To see the full list of Squared-up outlets, check out the source link below.

Continue reading T-Mobile brings Square to select small businesses, does the mobile payment thing

T-Mobile brings Square to select small businesses, does the mobile payment thing originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceT-Mobile  | Email this | Comments

LG Optimus L3 appears in Sweden, packs entry-level style
Jan 31st 2012, 11:34

LG Optimus L3 appears in Sweden, packs entry-level style
It's not every day that we come across an entry-level Android smartphone from LG, especially one that packs this much style. The LG Optimus L3 (aka E400) recently popped up on Swedish retailer CDON's website and appears to be slotted right below the Optimus Hub (successor to the highly popular Optimus One). Specs include Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) with LG's Optimus UI, a 3.2-inch QVGA (320x240 pixels, ouch) capacitive touchscreen, a three megapixel camera, dual-band (2100 / 900MHz) HSDPA 3.6Mbps and quadband EDGE connectivity, WiFi / Bluetooth / GPS / FM radios and a microSD card slot. While there's no word yet on what kind of processor powers the handset, we're guessing it's likely the same 800MHz CPU found in the Optimus Hub. Availability remains a mystery, but the Optimus L3 lists for 1290SEK (about $192) contract-free. See, style doesn't always have to cost a fortune.

LG Optimus L3 appears in Sweden, packs entry-level style originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Android Central, GSMArena  |  sourceCDON (translated)  | Email this | Comments

Samsung faces EU antitrust investigation over mobile patents
Jan 31st 2012, 10:36

Samsung's European legal woes don't look to be abating anytime soon, as the EU today formally launched an investigation into the Korean manufacturers' competitive practices. At issue are, not surprisingly, a collection of patents that Samsung has used to launch a series of lawsuits against rival companies. The manufacturer maintains that these patents are essential to complying with European mobile standards, but the EU says Samsung may be in violation of a promise it made more than ten years ago. Back in 1998, the firm said it would license these essential telephonic patents to competing manufacturers, under the terms outlined in FRAND. The Commission explained the obligation and its potential ramifications in the following statement:

The Commission will investigate, in particular, whether in doing so (seeking injunctions on patent infringements in 2011) Samsung has failed to honor its irrevocable commitment given in 1998 to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute to license any standard essential patents relating to European mobile telephony standards on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. The Commission will examine whether such behavior amounts to an abuse of a dominant position prohibited by Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.

No word yet on how long the investigation may take, but we'll be sure to keep you updated going forward.

Continue reading Samsung faces EU antitrust investigation over mobile patents

Samsung faces EU antitrust investigation over mobile patents originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Reuters  |   | Email this | Comments

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com.
If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Your 2 hourly digest for Engadget

Engadget
Engadget
Fujitsu slashes profit target by 42 percent, blames Thai floods
Jan 31st 2012, 10:14

NEC revealed its financial woes to the world yesterday and now Fujitsu is doing the same. The Japanese computer giant originally expected to make ¥60 billion ($790 million) in the fiscal year ending March 31st, but its latest estimate suggests ¥35 billion ($460 million) may be closer to the mark. Whereas NEC admitted there'd been a fall in demand for its products, Fujitsu has so far put the blame squarely on the recent flooding in Thailand, which hit PC sales by disrupting supplies of HDDs.

Fujitsu slashes profit target by 42 percent, blames Thai floods originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceBloomberg  | Email this | Comments

MasterCard reveals roadmap for our electronic payment future: EMV in, magnetic strips out
Jan 31st 2012, 09:42

MasterCard reveals roadmap for EMV electronic payments It's been over fifteen years since MasterCard, Visa and Europay developed EMV technology to make your credit cards more secure, but it has yet to really catch on here in the US. However, MasterCard has created a master plan to help usher in the EMV era and sound the death knell for the magnetic strip. Why? The EMV infrastructure is far more fraud-resistant because each transaction is authenticated dynamically using cryptographic algorithms and a user-specific PIN. That's why MasterCard plans to help build out the EMV POS infrastructure by April of next year and have its secure e-payment system functioning at ATMs, online and with its myriad mobile payment options as well. For now, the nuts and bolts of how the credit card firm plans to bring its plan to fruition are few, but more details will be forthcoming, and there's a bit more info at the source and PR below.

Continue reading MasterCard reveals roadmap for our electronic payment future: EMV in, magnetic strips out

MasterCard reveals roadmap for our electronic payment future: EMV in, magnetic strips out originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceMasterCard  | Email this | Comments

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com.
If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Your 2 hourly digest for Engadget

Engadget
Engadget
German court upholds ban on original Galaxy Tab 10.1
Jan 31st 2012, 08:28

German court upholds ban on original Galaxy Tab 10.1

While Samsung was more than willing to redesign its flagship tablet in the face of the German court's ruling last year, the higher regional court in Dusseldorf maintains that the original still can't be sold within its borders. As Samsung and Apple continue their legal fisticuffs worldwide, the claim from Cupertino that the 10.1-inch Android tablet is too similar to its own iPad has seen more attention than most. Samsung returned the favor by counter-suing over mobile technology patents, although it's been just as unfortunate here, losing two out of the three infringement claims. The final case will be ruled on in early March. Today's decision will also encompass the Galaxy Tab 8.9, although given that this ruling is based on Germany's own unfair competition law, it makes it unlikely to be replicated elsewhere. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab 10.1N remains on shelves -- and very desperate tablet fans just a short drive away from neighboring countries still able to sell the original.

German court upholds ban on original Galaxy Tab 10.1 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceReuters  | Email this | Comments

Sky will launch an internet based TV service in the UK in the first half of 2012
Jan 31st 2012, 07:05

UK pay TV service Sky has just announced its quarterly results, and despite adding 100,000 subscribers as well as notching its "highest ever first-half adjusted operating profit" it will launch a new internet TV service, available to anyone in the country with a broadband connection. Sky describes the new over the top (OTT) service as being aimed at the 13 million UK households who don't currently subscribe to pay TV, with access available via "PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, games console or connected TV." Initially, it will offer Sky Movies on demand joined by sports and entertainment options later, with access based on either monthly unlimited subscription or "pay-as-you-go" pricing. As far as the company's basic services, it will continue to develop its existing Sky Go product for standard pay-TV subscribers and zeebox iPad companion app, although this seems to initially be a worth competitor for things like Lovefilm and recent UK entrant Netflix. We have plenty of questions about what it will offer cord-cutters and cord-nevers in the UK when it launches in the first half of this year, we should find out more on the earnings call shortly. Until then, hit the PDF link for more detailed financial breakdowns, or check out the IPTV service press release after the break.

Continue reading Sky will launch an internet based TV service in the UK in the first half of 2012

Sky will launch an internet based TV service in the UK in the first half of 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceEarnings (PDF)  | Email this | Comments

Green Charge: an app that helps your EV talk to you (video)
Jan 31st 2012, 07:00

Green Charge: an app that helps your EV talk to you (video)
The maker of PlugShare is determined to satisfy your EV needs with a new app that'll feed the data from your Leaf or Volt straight to your iOS device. GreenCharge monitors your battery data, charging speed, efficiency of recent journeys and environmental impact and keeps it to hand in handy graphical form. You can chart your price-per-mile (compared to using petrol) and monitor your environmental impact -- sending all this data to your friends over Facebook or Twitter. If you're considering dropping some cash on an EV but don't trust the salesman, sync it up to a demonstration vehicle and it'll give you the deep dish without any fluff. You'll be able to pick it up from the App store today for $10 (equal to three days gas, but then you did just save $1,000 on your new Volt) and if you're not convinced, we've got a cornucopia of treats to whet your appetite after the break.

Continue reading Green Charge: an app that helps your EV talk to you (video)

Green Charge: an app that helps your EV talk to you (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceGreen Charge  | Email this | Comments

ARM boosts profits by 45 percent, strengthens grip on the universe
Jan 31st 2012, 06:45

The British chip designer continued last year's growth streak with a 45 percent surge in quarterly normalized pre-tax profits compared to Q4 2010. Revenues also rose by 21 percent to £137.8 million ($217 million) -- not bad for a company that started out with twelve engineers in a barn. There's nothing complicated about CEO Warren East's explanation of the results -- he simply says that his company sold more designs to "more new customers" and also raked in more royalties from existing deals. Unless the global economies suffers badly in 2012, ARM says it expects to meet market expectations, targeting an annual profit of $860 million this year.

ARM boosts profits by 45 percent, strengthens grip on the universe originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceNasdaq  | Email this | Comments

Apple hires former Dixons CEO John Browett as senior VP of Retail
Jan 31st 2012, 06:37

More than six months after Ron Johnson's departure, Apple has finally found a new retail chief to replace him, in one John Browett. The Cambridge- and Wharton-educated Browett will be coming to Cupertino in April after serving nearly five years as CEO of Dixons -- the Taj Mahal of British retail. Before that, he held a smattering of obscurely defined "executive positions" at Tesco plc and advised retail clients at Boston Consulting Group. In a statement, Apple CEO Tim Cook lauded his company's latest appointee, citing his "incredible retail experience" and commitment to customer service. Read more in the PR after the break.

Continue reading Apple hires former Dixons CEO John Browett as senior VP of Retail

Apple hires former Dixons CEO John Browett as senior VP of Retail originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com.
If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Your 2 hourly digest for Engadget

Engadget
Engadget
Koobe's Jin Yong Reader gets Mirasol, brings color to Taiwanese hearts
Jan 31st 2012, 05:42

Koobe's Jin Yong Reader gets Mirasol, brings color to Taiwanese hearts
It's no accident that Koobe's Jin Yong Reader bears a striking resemblance to Kyobo's eReader and Shanda's Bambook which we toyed with back at CES. But while those e-readers brought Mirasol to their respective South Korean and Chinese markets, Koobe's entrant will do the same for Taiwan. As for the trio's striking resemblance, know that they're all based on the same Qualcomm-heavy reference hardware, which pairs a 1GHz Snapdragon S2 with a 5.7-inch 1024 x 728 XGA Mirasol display. For those unaware, the addition of the latter part means the e-readers boast limited color on their non-backlit displays, all while retaining an E Ink-like low power draw. The trinity also feature a highly customized layer atop Gingerbread, and in Koobe's case, come pre-loaded with 15 novels by, you guessed it, Jin Yong. Naturally, pricing and exact availability have yet to be announced, but we're told they'll be available "soon." PR for those interested awaits after the break.

Continue reading Koobe's Jin Yong Reader gets Mirasol, brings color to Taiwanese hearts

Koobe's Jin Yong Reader gets Mirasol, brings color to Taiwanese hearts originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com.
If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Your 2 hourly digest for Engadget

Engadget
Engadget
Panasonic announces pricing for entry-level Lumix CES point-and-shoots
Jan 31st 2012, 04:00

Panasonic's slew of low-end Lumix point-and-shoots may have slid in under your radar during CES, but now the Japanese camera maker is back to refresh your memory -- this time with pricing and availability in tow. We'll outline the models just below, which are all set to ship in March, but feel free to jump past the break for the Panasonic press release.
  • Lumix DMC-S2 - $109.99
  • Lumix DMC-FH6 - $129.99
  • Lumix DMC-FH8 - $149.99
  • Lumix DMC-SZ1 - $179.99
  • Lumix DMC-SZ7 - $199.99

Continue reading Panasonic announces pricing for entry-level Lumix CES point-and-shoots

Panasonic announces pricing for entry-level Lumix CES point-and-shoots originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Panasonic introduces Lumix DMC-ZS20 and ZS15 compact superzoom cameras
Jan 31st 2012, 04:00

We've seen Panasonic's 2012 lineup of ruggedized and entry-level point-and-shoot cameras, but now the Japanese-based manufacturer is unleashing a pair of compact "Traveler Zoom" cams to the 2012 mix. The Lumix DMC-ZS20 and ZS15 include 20x (24-480mm) and 16x (24-384mm) optically stabilized zoom lenses, respectively, 3-inch 460k-pixel LCDs, 1/2.3-inch High Sensitivity MOS sensors and a 10 fps burst shooting mode (5 fps with continuous AF). The higher-end ZS20 features a 14.1 megapixel sensor and 1080/60p video shooting while the ZS15 captures 12.1 megapixel stills and 1080/60i HD clips. Both cameras include 0.1-second "Light Speed Autofocus" and top sensitivity levels of ISO 3200, though you'll need to opt for the ZS20 to take advantage of GPS with map logging and a noise-canceling stereo mic. The pair will ship in March, with a black, red, white or silver ZS20 running you $350, compared with a $280 price tag on the black or silver ZS15. As always, you'll find the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Panasonic introduces Lumix DMC-ZS20 and ZS15 compact superzoom cameras

Panasonic introduces Lumix DMC-ZS20 and ZS15 compact superzoom cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Panasonic adds Lumix DMC-TS4 and DMC-TS20 to ruggedized camera line
Jan 31st 2012, 04:00

Panasonic has helped lead the market for ruggedized cameras, which have been a hit among adventurous photographers for years, and now the company has two new additions to add to its water/shock/freeze/dustproof cam line. Described as "the optical outdoor companion," the Lumix DMC-TS4 is Panasonic's new ruggedized flagship, replacing the TS3 and packing a 12.1 megapixel CCD sensor, 1080/60i HD video capture, a 4.6x 28-128mm optical zoom lens and 2.7-inch LCD. Naturally, it can withstand just about everything you'll throw its way, considering that it's waterproof to depths of 40 feet, shockproof to 6.6 feet and freezeproof to temps as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The TS4 also includes GPS, compass, altimeter and barometer functionality, logging all this data to supplement your photos with a full weather and location readout. Panasonic has also added full manual control, letting you adjust both aperture and shutter speed when shooting in manual mode.

The TS4 may offer a respectable spec list, but it doesn't come cheap. The TS20 is an attractive alliterative, however, with a slim profile, 16.1 megapixel sensor, 720p HD shooting, a 4x 25-100mm optically stabilized zoom lens and a 2.7-inch LCD. It's waterproof to 16 feet, freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive drops from up to five feet. There's no manual option on this lower-end model, but it does include Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode for more accurate shooting. The TS20 will ship in late-February in orange, blue, black and red for $180, while the flagship TS4 will be available in orange, blue, black and silver for $400 when it ships in mid-March. You'll find both press releases after the break.

Continue reading Panasonic adds Lumix DMC-TS4 and DMC-TS20 to ruggedized camera line

Panasonic adds Lumix DMC-TS4 and DMC-TS20 to ruggedized camera line originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Samsung brings us more to love, offers Galaxy Note engraving in South Korea
Jan 31st 2012, 03:04

Sure, you can draw whatever the heck you want on the front of your Galaxy Note, but what about that blank blue or white canvas 'round back? With north of a million 5.3-inch pocketable slates in circulation around the world, you'll need to get a bit more creative to truly make it yours -- and Samsung is willing to help. If a trip to South Korea is on the books between now and March 31st, you can now deck out your Note with custom messaging on the back, with the company letting customers "engrave wished letters on the backside of their own device with laser beams." And we can all agree that laser beams boost the appeal of any device -- even the Note. So what would you tattoo on your Note's backside? We'll share a few staff picks just below, but let us know your plans in the comments.
  • "Large is just a matter of perspective"
  • "Yes, I can make phone calls"
  • "It's not a STYLUS"
  • "Size DOES matter"
  • "More to Love"
  • "Wide Load"

Samsung brings us more to love, offers Galaxy Note engraving in South Korea originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Android Community  |  sourceSamsung (Flickr)  | Email this | Comments

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com.
If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions