Kickstarter “Pebble” Shipping 23rd January

Chris Hare
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0

Today Pebble made an announcement at CES that the First of the Pebbles will be starting to ship first to the 85,000 Kickstarter Backers on the 23rd January. There will be making 15,000 Pebbles a week the delivery should be complete within 6-8 weeks. The e paper display which is 144 x 168 pixels and it’s made to be readable in direct sunlight. The polyurethane, 22mm watch band is interchangeable, and is “water-resistant through five atmospheres”. It withstands running in the rain, doing the dishes everyday tasks. The Pebble will come in Red, White, Black, Orange and Grey options, There’s a Bluetooth 4.0 module inside the watch its recharged by  a tiny USB cables that snaps on your Pebble, that helps maintain the water-resistant rating for the watch.

Pebble e Watch

There’s also an ambient light sensor built-in, the smartwatch supports, Android 2.3.3 and up and iOs 5 and up. “It works even better in iOS 6”, as Apple added a new Bluetooth profile, users will have a pebble account at go.getpebble, which will manage push notifications, Android Intent API system will allow third-party apps to push notifications to the watch. iOS app integration is coming, too. Incoming phone calls, Pebble will vibrates when the call comes in and you can cancel the call with the touch of a button. The SMS features allows you to view texts on the Pebble, You can change the font size directly on the pebble device, of course other settings include date and time.

underwater pebble

The Pebble comes stocked with several watch faces, but you also install additional ones. The Pebble app for iOS and Android which will let you manage watch faces and control other settings when you select a new face to install on your phone, it will show up on your Pebble shortly after. To turn on the backlight on the Pebble, you tap the watch, and it will trigger the accelerometer to brighten things up. Pebble will continue notifying Kickstarter backers on the latest manufacturing and software updates every two to three weeks.

pebblecolors

You can order one today from GetPebble

 

 

CES 2013: Netgear Spotlights Smart Home

Jim McCarthy
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CES 2013: Netgear Spotlights Smart Home

Netgear’s CES announcements revolved around the smart home, covering their new 802.11ac router, a new home surveillance camera system, a new range extender and a Google TV with Slingbox support, among other things!  Read on for details.

D6200_HiRes

Netgear’s CES announcements revolved around the smart home, covering their new 802.11ac router, a new home surveillance camera system, a new range extender and a Google TV with Slingbox support, among other things!  Netgear’s focus was on how their products can simplify and improve the smart home experience.  Of course, they talked about their new 802.11ac router, and explained how beamforming can help to minimize dead spots in the home, but the real surprises to me were a new surveillance camera with cloud recording support, designed for ease of installation, and the new Google TV with Slingbox support.  Here is the press release:

NETGEAR SPOTLIGHTS THE SMART HOME AT 2013 CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW

CES Innovations Award double-winner offers look into innovative tech products for streaming entertainment, cloud-based video monitoring and high performance connectivity

LAS VEGAS — January 7, 2013 — NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR) (www.netgear.com), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, today unveiled a roster of powerful new connectivity solutions for the “smart” home at a press conference held in conjunction with the opening of the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES®) in Las Vegas. NETGEAR launched a number of new WiFi, networking and media streaming products that demonstrate the company’s leadership in technologies that are transforming the connected home and entertainment experience. You can read today’s other CES-related announcements from NETGEAR at netgear.com/about/press-releases/.

NETGEAR is focused on leading the revolution in how people around the world use connected devices that take advantage of “cloud computing” whether they’re at home, at work or on the go. The industry clearly recognizes this aim, as NETGEAR is a double-honoree this year in the CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards competition, the industry’s highest accolade, for VueZone® Add-On Night Vision Camera (VZCN2060) and NeoTV® MAX Streaming Player (NTV300SL).

“NETGEAR has always been dedicated to helping you simply do more with your home network, and thanks to new mobile devices that work in the cloud, your connectivity options have expanded from fundamental to fantastic,” said Patrick Lo, CEO of NETGEAR. “This year at CES, we shine a spotlight on how we’re ensuring seamless connectivity and control of your home network. This includes more products that take advantage of the cloud to incorporate mobile controls and apps so that you can monitor, set, manage and do more, wherever you are — and with the performance, ease-of-use and reliability that you’ve come to expect from NETGEAR. We help you to connect TVs to the Internet, supercharge and extend the reaches of your network, and monitor what’s going on at home via the cloud, whether you’re at home or away. We want to help you make your house the smartest home in the neighborhood.”

Monitoring Your Home and Streaming Your Favorite Entertainment Content
NETGEAR has expanded the NETGEAR VueZone Home Monitoring product line with the NETGEAR VueZone Add-On Night Vision Camera (VZCN2060), a CES Innovations Award honoree. It’s a two-part system: a powerful AC-powered infrared lamp along with the only wire-free night vision camera that lets you see in the dark. The camera is suitable for both daytime and nighttime use and can be set to automatically detect motion, record an event and send an alert. You can play back your recorded videos from anywhere on Apple iOS or Google Android™ smartphones and tablets, or on PCs or Mac computers. Use your smartphone to easily keep an eye on children, elderly relatives, pets, property, vacation homes or businesses, from anywhere at any time. For more information, please visit www.netgear.com/nightvision.

Building on the features of the NETGEAR NeoTV, NeoTV PRO and NeoTV MAX family of streaming players, the new NETGEAR NeoTV PRIME with Google TV (GTV100) streaming player extends your entertainment experience beyond just streaming video or even basic TV viewing. It enables you to easily find what you love to watch —whether it’s on live TV, streaming entertainment, apps, or the web— using one small NeoTV player. NeoTV PRIME opens up the world of apps from Google Play, delivering access to a growing library of entertainment including movies, TV shows, and music from streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, Crackle, Flixter, Rhapsody, Pandora and many more. Visit http://www.netgear.com/gtv100 to learn more about NeoTV PRIME with Google TV.

NETGEAR has also added Sling Media’s SlingPlayer® to a growing list of hundreds of existing streaming channels on the NETGEAR line of NeoTV Streaming Players — NeoTV (NTV300), NeoTV PRO (NTV300S), the 2013 CES Innovations Award honoree NeoTV MAX (NTV300SL), or the just-announced NeoTV PRIME with Google TV™ (GTV100). With the combination of a NETGEAR NeoTV Streaming Player and a Slingbox®, you can now easily enjoy streaming of your favorite live TV shows, sporting events, recorded programming and even premium movies on any TV using your Internet connection. Find more information on NeoTV Streaming Players at www.netgear.com/landing/stream/tv/#neotv.

Accessing Entertainment on Your Home Network and Mobile Devices Through the Cloud

At CES, NETGEAR is debuting the NETGEAR Universal Dual Band WiFi Range Extender, Wall-plug Edition (WN3500RP). It amplifies both WiFi network frequency bands, giving you a greatly improved wireless experience throughout your home for WiFi connected devices including tablets, laptops, smart TVs, smartphones and more. It’s the first WiFi range extender that can also be directly connected to speakers for music streaming using AirPlay® from devices such as the iPhone® and iPad®, or DLNA® for wireless audio streaming from Android™ smartphones, while at the same time amplifying an existing network connection. To learn more about the NETGEAR Universal Dual Band WiFi Range Extender and the family of easy-to-use WiFi range extenders, please visit: www.netgear.com/home/products/wireless-range-extenders/WN3500RP.aspx.

CES2013: Linksys Updates Smart Wi-Fi Portfolio

Jim McCarthy
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0
CES2013: Linksys Updates Smart Wi-Fi Portfolio

Linksys introduced several new devices, applications and features for their smart wi-fi line at CES2013.  Read on for details.

EA6700_top_reflection

Linksys introduced several new devices, applications and features for their smart wi-fi line at CES2013. The goal of the Smart Wi-Fi line is to simplify installation, to provide high-speed full coverage of your home, and to expand the usefulness of your internet connection by integrating cloud capabilities and by linking your mobile devices to your smart router.  Here is the Linksys press release:

New Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Solutions Revolutionize Home Wireless for Consumers with New Features, Higher Speeds, Longer Ranges and Additional Apps

LAS VEGAS, January 7, 2013 – Cisco Linksys today announced the expansion of its Linksys® Smart Wi-Fi portfolio with three new 802.11ac powered Smart Wi-Fi Routers, a new compact 802.11ac USB adapter, new features and new Smart Wi-Fi Apps. Together, these innovations give consumers a smarter way to control their wireless home network and connected devices.

With the new Smart Wi-Fi Routers, consumers will enjoy incredibly fast Wi-Fi speeds with exceptional in-house Wi-Fi coverage. Consumers will also notice simplified installation that can be completed in a matter of minutes. Additionally, the routers offer new tools for home network monitoring and control, and new mobile apps for anytime, anywhere remote access of files, photos, videos, music and more. The new Smart Wi-Fi Routers and compact USB adapter are expected to be available in the spring.

“Today’s smart homes and smart devices deserve a smart home network,” said Brett Wingo, vice president and general manager, Cisco Linksys Home Networking. “With the introduction of our new powerful Smart Wi-Fi routers that deliver unprecedented speed and range, and include game-changing Smart Wi-Fi tools and apps for simple management of today’s smart home, Linksys once again is leading the category with innovation, quality and simplicity. As the router becomes the hub of the smart home, these products allow for simple control of kids’ screen time, delivery of top-quality video, and easy ways to centrally store and serve up music and video, all controlled from your smartphone or tablet wherever you are.”

Smarter Routers for Smart Devices
With more smart devices entering the home, consumers need Wi-Fi that is powerful, easy to use and can maximize their connected experiences. Linksys’ latest additions to its Smart Wi-Fi Router portfolio include the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC1200, AC1600 and AC1750. All three of the new dual-band Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers are equipped with the latest 802.11ac technology, offering fast wireless speeds—up to three times the speed of Wireless-N, excellent range and backward compatibility with existing wireless 802.11b/g/n devices.1

Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1750 HD Video Pro, EA6700– The most powerful Smart Wi-Fi Router in the Linksys portfolio, the AC1750 is designed for today’s power users with 10 or more connected devices and streaming HD in the home. The dual-band AC1750 delivers Wi-Fi speeds up to 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and up to 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. This router also offers broad compatibility with the latest devices including smartphones, tablets, e-readers, laptops, game consoles, Smart TVs, Blu-ray players and wireless cameras, among other devices.

Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1600 Video Enthusiast, EA6400– The dual-band AC1600 is an ideal option for homes with five to seven connected devices. This router has Wi-Fi speeds up to 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.

Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1200 Advanced Multimedia, EA6300– Offering up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz band and up to 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band, the dual-band AC1200 is the perfect fit for a small home with three to five connected devices such as a PC, smartphone and Smart TV.

All three of the new Linksys routers are also equipped with Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 ports. The USB ports allow for storage devices such as USB flash drives or hard drives, to be connected to the router. With Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 ports the routers can rapidly transfer files between the connected storage and other devices – ideal for using the router’s USB storage capabilities to back up media from consumers’ smartphones, tablets or notebooks.

Linksys is also adding beamforming technology to all new 802.11ac routers to deliver better network range and faster Wi-Fi speeds in the home. Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers with beamforming technology are designed to precisely adjust, steer and monitor the direction and shape of the Wi-Fi signals in order to send data back and forth over the optimal path.

The Linksys AC 580 USB Wi-Fi Adapter allows consumers to easily upgrade the Wi-Fi in their laptops or computers to 802.11ac and enjoy the benefits of this new technology on existing devices.

Easier Management and Setup

To make home networks easier for consumers to monitor and control, Linksys is also introducing a smart network map, a new Smart Wi-Fi tool that will be free for new Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers. The smart network map displays a visual representation of the home network and all of the connected devices to give users valuable information about network connectivity and current bandwidth usage so they can easily control devices, resolve issues, and get the most out of their home network.

To further simplify setup, Linksys’ new Smart Wi-Fi Routers can be installed from most tablets and smartphones or from a browser on a PC, without the need for a setup CD. Consumers simply connect to the router with their computer, tablet or smartphone, and then follow the simple set-up wizard to complete the installation. An optional Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account can be created following the set-up process to provide easy control of the home network, including settings, connected devices and Smart Wi-Fi tools on virtually any device, anytime, anywhere.

‘Black Ops 2’ Revolution DLC Preview Trailer Unveiled

Chris Hare
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1
‘Black Ops 2’ Revolution DLC Preview Trailer Unveiled

Black Ops 2 has been given a new trailer by Activision for its DLC.

The latest  video features a preview of the upcoming ‘Revolution’ DLC map pack featuring  four multiplayer maps, a co-operative map and game mode for Zombies and a new weapon.

The four multiplayer maps are called ‘Hydro’, ‘Grind’, ‘Mirage’ and ‘Downhill’,  while the new Zombies map is titled ‘Die Rise’.

‘Hydro’ will take place  on a hydroelectric plant with a waterway that can flood during matches that can  wash players away.

‘Grind’ is set in a skate park, with the map formed  mostly out of half pipes and curved ramps for a unique arena.

‘Downhill’  is the first snow-covered map for Black Ops 2, with players fighting  over ski slopes with open areas and high vantage points for  snipers.

‘Mirage’ takes place on a sandswept resort in the Gobi desert,  with sand dunes and indoor environments giving the map a lot of terrain  variety.

The popular Zombies mode receives the new ‘Die Rise’ map, which  offers a vertical descent through towers with new dangers as players climb down  elevator shafts.

There is also the new ‘Turned’ game mode for zombies,  where players actually control the zombies trying to defeat a single human  player. Defeating the human lets players respawn as the new human, where they  have to defend against the other zombies for points.

The new weapon,  meanwhile, will be called the Peacekeeper, and will function as a cross between  an SMG and an assault rifle.

The ‘Revolution’ DLC map pack will be  available first on Xbox Live from January 29, with releases on other platforms  to follow at an unspecified date.

Black Ops 2 is available on  Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U and PC.

Value Confirms Its Will Release its Own Steam Box

Chris Hare
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0

Valve co-founder Gabe Newell has revealed  new details about the Steam-based gaming device commonly referred to as the  ‘Steam Box’.

One prototype for the Steam Box, codenamed  ‘Piston’, was revealed at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas  from PC manufacturer Xi3. However, in an interview with The Verge, Newell has since clarified  that Valve will ultimately create its own gaming hardware.

Steam Box xi3 prototype

“We’ll come out with our own and we’ll sell it to consumers by ourselves,”  Newell said. “That’ll be a Linux box, [and] if you want to install Windows you  can. We’re not going to make it hard. This is not some locked box by any stretch  of the imagination.”

While Valve will release its own system, it is also  interested in having multiple Steam Boxes on the market. The company has been in  talks with multiple PC manufacturers, including Xi3, to help them design their  own Steam-optimized hardware.

“It’s much more like herding cats, so we  try to take the pieces where we’re going to add the best value and then  encourage other people to do it. So it tends to mean that a lot of people get  involved. We’re not imposing a lot of restrictions on people on how they’re  getting involved,” he said.

“It’s been surprisingly difficult when we say  to people, ‘Don’t put an optical media drive in there’, and they put an optical  media drive in there and you’re like, ‘That makes it hotter, that makes it more  expensive, and it makes the box bigger. Go ahead’.”

Sony Shows off New TV Hardware at CES 2013

Chris Hare
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0

Sony  has showcased its upcoming television at CES 2013.

The electronics giant  revealed a prototype model of a 56-inch 4K OLED TV, claiming that it will be the  largest display of its kind when it arrives on the market.

sony-4k-oled

 

Sony also announced 55- and 65-inch LED Bravia sets at the trade show, as well  as four new ranges of Full HD televisions.

The firm’s W900A series  headlines its Full HD offerings, backed by X-Reality Pro technology, Triluminos  Display, one-touch mirroring with NFC and support for the Sony SideView tablet  and phone app.

Available in 55,46 and 40-inch variations, the TVs are  also backed by Active 3D, Motionflow XR 800Hz and the Sony Entertainment  Network’s media library.

The W802A range is a passive 3D-sporting  alternative, available in 55, 47 and 42-inch variations, while the low-end W650A  and W600As do not support 3D technology and come in 42, 32 and even 24-inch  models.

Sony’s new full HD lines will be available in April, while the  new Bravia sets are scheduled for the spring.

Huawei Unveils First Windows Phone 8 Device

Chris Hare
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0

Huawei Device has today announced its first ever Windows Phone 8 smartphone, the Huawei Ascend W1, backed by UK launch partner O2. Huawei was not among the hardware partners for Microsoft’s latest smartphone operating system when it launched last year, but the Chinese technology giant confirmed that it was interested in getting on board with the platform.

huawei-descend-smartphone-back blue huawei-descend-smartphone-front blue

At the CES 2013 show in Las Vegas this week, Huawei officially announced the  Ascend W1, running the  revamped Windows Phone 8 software.

But as the new device is billed  as a “powerful entry-level smartphone”, this indicates that Huawei still views  Google’s Android as its primary operating system for more premium handsets.

The Ascend W1 has a 4-inch IPS LCD touchscreen, which is the same size  as the iPhone 5, but seems rather modest compared to the  6.1-inch screen-toting Android phone also announced at CES by Huawei.

The screen also boasts a rather modest pixel resolution of 480×800, but  comes with full lamination technology, claimed to provide “brilliant visibility  under any lighting condition”.

Huawei has fitted the phone with the  Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM8230 dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and Adreno 305 GPU.  The 1950 mAh battery is claimed to give 470 hours of standby time, the longest  among all smartphones in its class.

The 10.15 mm thick phone’s design  appears similar to the  Windows Phone 8X by HTC, and also comes in multiple colour options,  including blue, red, black and white.

huawei-descend-smartphone-back white huawei-descend-smartphone-front white

The phone has a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, and 4GB of on-board memory  expandable to 32GB via microSD card.

“Inspired and powered by people,  the Ascend W1 is a combination of Huawei’s user-centric design philosophy and  Windows Phone 8 software, bringing consumers a truly compelling alternative,”  said Richard Yu, the chief executive of Huawei Consumer Business Group.

“The addition of the Ascend W1 to our smartphone portfolio gives  consumers access to an even wider range of Huawei smartphones.

“At a  price that makes sense to consumers, Ascend W1 underscores our commitment to put  smartphones within reach of every consumer, no matter who you are or what you  want from your phone.”

Windows Phone Division corporate vice president  Tyson Myerson added: “We are excited to be working with Huawei to further expand  our device portfolio to new locations and price points, allowing more people to  experience Windows Phone 8 while enjoying the Ascend W1’s unique features.”

The Huawei Ascend W1 will be available in China and Russia from January,  with Western Europe, Middle East, the US and other selected countries to follow  in Q1 2013.

In the UK, O2 has agreed a deal to become the launch partner  for the Ascend W1. The mobile network will offer the phone in blue and  ruby-pink, with pricing and availability to follow.

Samsung Announces New Smart Camera Range at CES 2013

Chris Hare
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0

Samsung has expanded its range  of smart compact cameras with new hardware announcements at CES 2013.

The  manufacturer unveiled a host of devices equipped with Smart Camera 2.0  technology, which offers a range of shoot, share and editing options.

Samsung WB250F

samsung-wb250f-camera

samsung-w800f-camera

Samsung WB800F

 

Samsung’s new smart snappers have been built with smartphone users in mind. The  AutoShare feature enables images to be automatically sent to a handset over WiFi  immediately after they have been captured.

Moreover, a dedicated app for  iOS and Android turns handsets into a remote viewfinder for the  camera.

The WB250F spearheads the new compact range, featuring an 18x  optical zoom, 24mm lens and 14.2 million pixel CMOS sensor. The WB200F will also  be available as a CCD sensor-packing alternative.

Samsung’s WB800F is a  mid-range offering, sporting a 21x optical zoom, a 16.3 million pixel CMOS  sensor and touch-screen functionality.

samsung-st150f-camera
The Samsung WB30F is a slimline alternative, a 17mm thick snapper with a 10x  optical zoom and 24mm wide angle lens, as well as special features including  Magic Frame and Live Panorama modes.

Samsung’s DV151F is a WiFi-enabled  snapper with a 1.48-inch front LCD screen ideal for capturing self portraits,  and a range of in-camera effects such as the Beauty Palette feature and Smart  Filter 3.0.

The Samsung ST150 rounds off the new line of smart compacts,  coming with an f/2.5 lens, 5x optical zoom, 25mm wide angle lens and a 16.2  million-pixel CCD sensor, as well as WiFi connectivity.

Pricing and  availability for the new camera is yet to be announced.

Nikon Launches Two New 1 NIKKOR Lenses

Chris Hare
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0

Nikon launches two new 1 NIKKOR lenses

Ultra Wide-Angle & Powerful 10x Zoom

 Nikon has also launched Two New Nikkor Lenses.

RRPs and sales start dates:

VR_6.7_13_BK VR_6.7_13_SL

6.7mm – 13mm: £459.99 / €579.00

 

10_100_BK 10_100_WH

10-100mm: £479.99 / €599.00

 

Nikon launches two new lenses in the 1 NIKKOR range: the 1 NIKKOR VR 6.7–13mm f/3.5–5.6 ultra wide-angle zoom lens and the 1 NIKKOR VR 10–100mm f/4.0–5.6 powerful 10x zoom lens.

Previously announced in 2012, the two new lenses extend the 1 NIKKOR range at different ends of the spectrum. The 1 NIKKOR VR 6.7–13mm is an ultra wide-angle zoom lens, while the 1 NIKKOR VR 10–100mm is a powerful 10x zoom lens. Both lenses feature Nikon’s Vibration Reduction system that corrects image blur to ensure that stills are sharp and movies stay steady. Both products have a retractable lens mechanism that allows you to retract the lens when not in use for superior portability.

Simon Iddon, Product Manager, Nikon 1 Compact System Cameras, Nikon UK says: “The 1 NIKKOR lenses have played a big part in making the Nikon 1 range such a great success by empowering people to explore their full photographic potential. These two new lenses bring the 1 NIKKOR line-up to a total of eight.”

He continues: “The compact 1 NIKKOR VR 6.7–13mm is the first ultra wide-angle zoom lens in the 1 NIKKOR range—a smart choice for people who want to shoot beautifully sharp pictures of stylish interiors, or fit their whole family into a group photo. At the other end of the range, the 1 NIKKOR VR 10–100mm is a portable all-round performer that’s ideal for use on holidays or weekends away when you need versatility, but want to avoid taking multiple lenses with you.”

1 NIKKOR concept

1 NIKKOR lenses capture life with exceptional sharpness. Designed with active lifestyles in mind, the growing range covers a wide range of scenes, and each lens is optimised for movie recording. Combined with the portability, power and speed of Nikon 1 cameras, the small size of 1 NIKKOR lenses truly sets the Nikon 1 system apart.

Both lenses feature Nikon 1 optimised optics, and deliver edge-to-edge sharpness with aspherical lens elements and ED glass elements to ensure superior resolution and contrast. Their compact size and light weight contribute to the Nikon 1 system’s convenient portability, without sacrificing image quality. When you shoot through Nikon glass, you can be sure that you’re capturing amazingly sharp images with vividly rendered colours, and deep contrast.

1 NIKKOR VR 6.7–13mm f/3.5–5.6 ultra wide-angle zoom lens

View a shot taken with the 1 NIKKOR VR 6.7–13mm lens and you’ll feel like you’re actually there, right in the heart of the action. The first ultra wide-angle zoom lens for the Nikon 1 system lets you get closer to your subject and still fit everything in.

Like all 1 NIKKOR lenses, it provides the perfect balance of portability, power, speed, and quality. With a focal length range of 6.7–13mm (35mm equivalent: approx. 18-35mm), and a 100° angle of view—the widest of all 1 NIKKOR lenses—this lens is ideal for emphasizing the sheer scale of an impressive landscape, great for fitting the whole family into a group shot, and tailor-made for capturing beautifully sharp compositions of stylish interiors.

This lightweight, ultra wide-angle zoom lens is available in silver or black, and has an attractive, compact design with a high-quality metallic exterior. It helps you take hand-held shots and movies with confidence, thanks to the Vibration Reduction stabilization system that prevents image blur. The smooth aperture mechanism glides effortlessly between soft and sharp backgrounds to make your subject stand out more, even when shooting a movie.

1 NIKKOR VR 10–100mm f/4.0–5.6 powerful 10x zoom lens

The world’s smallest,¹ “carry-anywhere” 10x zoom lens has a powerful zoom range that makes it the natural choice when you want to get closer to a distant subject. Versatile and portable enough to take with you wherever you go, the 1 NIKKOR VR 10–100mm lens can handle anything from close-up portraits to distant sporting action with ease.

This all-round performer is equally at home with wide-angle and telephoto shots, with a focal length range of 10–100mm (35 mm equivalent: 27–270mm) and maximum apertures of f/4.0–5.6. The Vibration Reduction stabilization system ensures that stills stay crisp and movies are always steady, even at maximum zoom.

 

Available in black, silver, and white, with a classy, compact design and high-quality metallic exterior, this is an indispensable all-round lens that you’ll always enjoy using. Take it with you wherever you go, and you’ll have the perfect lens to capture the action, whatever the situation.

Accessories

The CL-N101 Lens soft case protects your 1 NIKKOR lenses from dust and scratches, while the HB-N106 bayonet hood attaches to the lens hood to protect your 1 NIKKOR lens, minimise stray light, and reduce lens flare and ghosting. The hood can be reversed and mounted on the lens when not in use, and has twist-lock mounting for extra security. The HB-N105 bayonet hood is included with every purchase of the 1 NIKKOR VR 6.7–13mm.

The 1 NIKKOR line-up

The current 1 NIKKOR line-up consists of the compact, lightweight 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens that lets you make the most of every shooting opportunity; the 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 compact telephoto zoom lens; the 1 NIKKOR 10mm f/2.8 slim wide-angle fixed focal length lens; the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 PD-ZOOM lens equipped with a power drive mechanism and recommended for movie recording; the super-slim 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 2.5x zoom lens; and the 1 NIKKOR 18.5mm f/1.8 fixed focal length lens with fast maximum aperture. The addition of the two new lenses brings the total line-up to eight.

Footnotes

¹World’s smallest: Among zoom lenses with a zoom ratio of 5x or higher for digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of this lens’ announcement on January 8, 2013, based on Nikon’s research of volume comparison when the lens is retracted.

Nikon Unveils New Cameras at CES 2013

Chris Hare
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0

Nikon has announced new camera hardware at CES 2013, expanding its Nikon 1 series of  snappers as well as its Coolpix line.

A pair of mirrorless  interchangeable lens cameras, the Nikon 1 J3 and the Nikon 1 S1, headlined the  photography giant’s presentation at the Las Vegas trade show.

nikon-1-j-3 nikon-1-s1

The Nikon 1 J3 measures in at just 101mm x 60.5mm x 28.8mm and packs a powerful  image processor capable of capturing 60fps, limited to 20 frames in a single  burst. An improved hybrid autofocus system offers a speedier shooting  performance than its predecessor, the J2.

Available in black, white,  beige, red and silver, the camera supports wireless media transfer via the  Wireless Mobile Adapter accessory, which must be purchased  separately.

Nikon’s 1 S1, featuring a 10.1-megapixel image sensor and an  ISO range of between 100 and 6,400, can handle up to 60fps, limited to 15 frames  per shot.

The 1 S1 comes with lower specs and a simpler user interface  than the 1 J3, and is geared towards relative novices looking to make the  transition from a compact camera to an interchangeable lens  shooter.

Nikon also expanded its Coolpix line of compact cameras at CES  with the unveiling of the WiFi-enabled Coolpix S6500 and the stylish S2700.

nikon-coolpix-s6500

The former comes with a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, a wide-angle NIKKOR 12x  optical zoom lens covering a 35mm equivalent focal range of 25-300mm, and WiFi  connectivity for media transfer.

Nikon’s S2700 comes with a lightweight  20.7mm body and 6x optical zoom, as well as features such as motion blur  reduction and in-camera retouching, but is not WiFi-ready.

S2700_BK_front_lc

 

The Final Hours of Tomb Raider Episode 4 : Multiplayer Edition

Andrew Edney
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0
The Final Hours of Tomb Raider Episode 4 : Multiplayer Edition

SQUARE ENIX and Crystal Dynamics have released The Final Hours of Tomb Raider Episode 4.

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In the 4th episode of The Final Hours of Tomb Raider, Zachary Levi goes behind the scenes on one of the most radical additions to the Tomb Raider franchise, the addition of Multiplayer.

Zac travels to Montreal to sit and chat with some of the key team members from Crystal Dynamics about the rationale and direction for this new feature, and introduces you to the team from Eidos-Montréal.

The team talk about the core focus to ensure they injected attributes from the single player with a multiplayer twist, such as team survival, verticality and the inclusion of environmental threats.

Multiplayer in Tomb Raider sees the island’s indigenous Scavengers pitted against the crew members from the shipwrecked Endurance. Set in some of the island’s hostile landscapes, players will use traversal and hunting skills from single player, plus trap setting to create fast-paced combat in a selection of versus gaming modes.

Here is episode 4:

I am a huge fan of the new Tomb Raider game, and you can check out both our preview of the first three hours of the game and also some new gameplay footage.

CES2013: Ford Announces Mobile Device App Development Initiative

Jim McCarthy
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0
CES2013: Ford Announces Mobile Device App Development Initiative

Ford announced the Ford Developer Program at CES2013, bringing the ability for mobile device app developers to target apps at your Ford vehicle.  Read on for details.

developerprogCES_570

Ford announced the Ford Developer Program at CES2013, bringing the ability for mobile device app developers to target apps at your Ford vehicle. Announced apps include location sharing app Glympse, Amazon Cloud Player for music streaming, USA Today for news, and others as well.  Included in the program is a complete SDK and even support for developing AppLink-compatible apps.  Here is the press release:

Ford Launches App Developer Program Marking New Course for Customer-Driven Innovation and Value Creation

  • Ford launches the automotive industry’s first open mobile app developer program enabling software developers to integrate their apps with SYNC® AppLink™
  • The Ford Developer Program provides a software development kit, technical support from Ford engineers and a developer community

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2013 – Providing developers the information and tools needed for the creation of relevant, voice-activated experiences inside the car, Ford Motor Company today announces the launch of the Ford Developer Program (http://developer.ford.com) at the 2013 International CES.

Utilizing the SYNC® connectivity system and AppLink™ application programming interface (API), Ford becomes the first automaker in the world to launch an open developer program that enables software developers to directly interface with the vehicle and create apps that will enhance the driving experience.

“The Ford Developer Program marks a dramatic shift in how we will innovate new features and add value to our vehicles throughout the ownership period,” said Hau Thai-Tang, vice president of Engineering, Ford Global Product Development. “Opening the car to developers gives consumers a direct voice and hand in the creation of apps that can help our products remain relevant, up to date and valuable to our customers.”

According to a recent Nielsen survey, more than half of all American mobile subscribers now use smartphones of some kind and two-thirds of newly activated phones can run apps. Globally, there are now more than 1 billion smartphone users, a population that is expected to double by 2015. More than 55 billion apps have been downloaded from the leading digital markets, and American users have an average of 67 apps on their devices.

“When we first introduced SYNC in 2007, there was a need for an appropriate way to connect and control cellphones and digital music players in the car due to the massive consumer adoption trend,” continued Thai-Tang. “Offering voice control so drivers can keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road has proven to be popular with our customers. Now, with an even faster adoption rate of smartphones, there is a need for a renewed focus on voice control for the unique capabilities of these devices, especially for the use of apps.”

A recent Frost & Sullivan study shows one in five survey respondents acknowledge using apps while driving with absolutely no connection to the vehicle. While SYNC provides connectivity and voice control for phones and music players via Bluetooth® or USB, AppLink provides a voice-activated interface, allowing drivers to control smartphone apps without the need to pick up their devices. First launched in 2010, SYNC AppLink provides industry-leading voice command and control of mobile apps including popular services like Pandora personalized radio, Stitcher smart radio, NPR News, iHeartRadio digital radio and Scout personal navigation.

“The car presents an all-new opportunity for developers, especially the millennial market, and we’re looking forward to seeing what results,” said Thai-Tang. “Engaging innovators outside of the company is a key part of our strategy to be consumer-driven in all aspects of our business, helping us not only satisfy what’s going on today, but setting us up for innovative solutions to the challenges coming in the future.”

Millennials – those aged 18-33 – are particularly interested in customizing their experience with consumer products. Four in 10 respondents to a survey of millennials by Edelman 8095 want the opportunity to influence the products they use. Selecting and using apps is one of the easiest ways to personalize the functionality of both communications devices and vehicles they connect to for a unique user experience.

Ford Developer Program
Ford has been in a beta test with a group of invited developers as they work out details of the software development kit (SDK), documentation and technical support systems. With more than three dozen AppLink-compatible apps publicly available on Apple iOS and Google Android, the SDK is now mature enough that Ford engineers are ready to let the vast ecosystem of developers try it out.

The Ford program is similar to those at technology companies including Apple, Google and Facebook. App developers who want to enable their creations for AppLink can now register at http://developer.ford.com to download the AppLink SDK. The SDK contains code libraries and documentation for the APIs that enable two-way communication between mobile apps and the vehicle including voice commands from the driver.

“Since launching AppLink, we’ve worked with developers ranging from a two-man startup at Roximity to large organizations like National Public Radio and Major League Baseball,” said Julius Marchwicki, global product manager for Ford SYNC AppLink. “The experience we gained from these projects as well as supporting hackathons at TechCrunch Disrupt and Facebook has helped us refine the development and testing process.”

In addition to the libraries and documentation, developers will have access to technical support directly from Ford engineers and online discussion forums where they can share lessons learned with other developers.

CES2013: Ford, Eaton, SunPower and Whirlpool Team Up for Electric Energy Initiative

Jim McCarthy
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2
CES2013: Ford, Eaton, SunPower and Whirlpool Team Up for Electric Energy Initiative

Ford has announced an electrical energy initiative, designed to leverage data relative to their electric vehicle business to save homeowners money by more efficiently consuming electricity.  Read on for details.

myenergi_sm final

Ford has announced an electrical energy initiative, designed to leverage data relative to their electric vehicle business to save homeowners money by more efficiently consuming electricity. Ford has developed a database of electricity pricing which allows them to predict the manner in which you can consume electricity, moving energy-intensive uses like running your refrigerator’s ice maker at night during off-peak hours to save.  Ford developed the database to assist electric vehicle customers in minimizing their electricity spend, and decided to collaborate with appliance and electrical panel manufacturers with the data to help manage your electrical spend and usage.  Here is the press release from Ford:

Ford, Eaton, SunPower and Whirlpool Team Up for Electric Energy Initiative

  • Ford launches MyEnergi Lifestyle® collaboration to show how a typical American family can significantly reduce their electricity bills and CO2 footprint by integrating today’s home appliance and plug-in vehicle technology
  • Georgia Institute of Technology computer model predicts a 60 percent reduction in energy costs and savings of more than 9,000 kg of CO2 (55 percent reduction) from a single home when changes from a MyEnergi Lifestyle product are incorporated; if every home in the U.S. were to implement these energy-saving technologies, it would be the equivalent of taking all the homes in California, New York and Texas off the power grid (32 million homes)
  • Ford and its business associates will highlight MyEnergi Lifestyle technologies and detailed modeling results at the 2013 International CES in Las Vegas, Jan. 8-12

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2013 – Ford Motor Company today announces a strategic collaboration that will demonstrate how a typical American family can significantly reduce their electricity bills and CO2 footprint by integrating home appliance technology with a plug-in vehicle to achieve an energy-efficient lifestyle.

The Ford-led MyEnergi Lifestyle® collaboration – comprised of leaders in the home appliance, renewable energy and power management industries – includes Eaton (NYSE: ETN), SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR) and Whirlpool (NYSE: WHR). Additional featured companies include semiconductor provider Infineon (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY) and Nest Labs, with its latest learning thermostat represented in the research and implementation phase of the collaboration.

Specifically, MyEnergi Lifestyle showcases how combining renewable energy generation with “time-flexible” loads optimizes energy consumption across a plug-in vehicle and home appliances.

Ford and its business associates worked with researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology to create a computer model that calculates the electricity usage of a typical single family in their home for one year and the associated savings with moving to an energy-efficient lifestyle. The cumulative results predict a 60 percent reduction in energy costs and more than 9,000 kg of CO2 (55 percent reduction) saved from a single home. If every home in the U.S. were to implement these energy-saving technologies, it would be the equivalent of taking all the homes in California, New York and Texas off the power grid (32 million homes).

Additional results from the Georgia Tech computer model, including in-depth associate product savings, will be revealed at Ford’s display during the 2013 International CES in Las Vegas, Jan. 8-12.

To create a real-world example of how attainable, affordable and convenient a sustainable lifestyle can be, MyEnergi Lifestyle collaborators also announce plans to award a typical American family with delivery and installation of energy-saving products from each company, along with other leading energy-efficient products. All contest and promotion details will be included in a separate announcement soon.

“More than ever, cars are sharing the same energy source as the home,” says Mike Tinskey, global director of Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure, Ford Motor Company. “The time is right for the home appliance and transportation sectors to converge if we are going to tackle a myriad of sustainability challenges in a rapidly changing world.”

The average American home uses more than 11,000 kWh of electricity a year, says Warwick Stirling, global director for Energy and Sustainability, Whirlpool Corporation. “But with recent technology advancements in our appliances, a family can use energy smarter and more efficiently,” he adds.

“SunPower is offering Ford plug-in vehicle owners the world’s most efficient solar power systems to ensure they maximize emission-free power generation for use at home and for their vehicles,” says Ken Fong, SunPower general manager, Americas. “SunPower systems offer the industry’s best warranty, so homeowners can count on 25 years or more of clean power to support their sustainability goals and generate significant annual savings on their electricity bills.”

“As innovation in home electrical technology advances, so does the need for safe, reliable and efficient power distribution,” says Joanne Edwards, vice president and general manager, Residential Division, Eaton. “At the same time, giving homeowners the tools to tap into the details of distributed power for their homes allows them to modify their behavior and further reduce energy consumption.”

Driving change: Technology trends

A plug-in vehicle is the largest electrified product most people will ever buy, and it serves as a catalyst for adoption of products that reduce CO2 and save money. Recent advancements in several technologies make this an ideal time to demonstrate the benefits that can be achieved by optimizing a home energy footprint.

Key factors driving MyEnergi Lifestyle include:

  • Electric vehicles, like the all-new Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, are more efficient and can charge during the low-cost electricity hours
  • Appliance efficiency has improved dramatically over the past decade
  • Hot water heaters are more efficient and use nighttime electricity
  • Connected appliances can use less energy during peak periods
  • The Nest Learning Thermostat programs itself and automatically saves energy when a homeowner is away
  • Efficient, reliable and affordable rooftop solar systems enable families to generate renewable energy and save money on utility bills
  • Connected devices enable smarter use of energy

In addition to the energy benefits directly received from the latest product offerings of Ford, Eaton, SunPower and Whirlpool, the widespread deployment of smart meters (now in more than 40 million homes across the U.S.) enables households to take advantage of off-peak rates.

CES 2013 : Elgato announces EyeTV Mobile with Lightning Connector

Andrew Edney
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2
CES 2013 : Elgato announces EyeTV Mobile with Lightning Connector

Elgato today announced a Lightning version of EyeTV Mobile, its highly acclaimed TV Tuner for iPad and iPhone. While using the same compact enclosure as the original EyeTV Mobile, the new model will connect directly to Apple devices featuring the ultra-slim, durable Lightning connector.

EyeTVMobileLigthning Device_03

EyeTV Mobile connects directly to iPad with Retina display, iPad mini, and iPhone 5. It receives digital TV via its supplied miniature telescopic antenna. EyeTV Mobile doesn’t need an internet connection so users can watch, pause and rewind live TV without touching their data plans. The hardware ships with different aerial options to deliver the best possible reception both on the move and at home. The EyeTV Mobile app is free and is available on the App Store.

EyeTVMobileLigthning Device_01

The new EyeTV Mobile is showcased for the first time at International CES 2013. It will be available later this quarter at major retailers.

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