Video Celebrates Pokemon Fandom
September 9, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Nintendo DS, Video Games
For more than a decade, the Pokémon video game series has had of fans of all ages across the globe. Nintendo is celebrating the continued enthusiasm for Pokémon that lives on, with games like Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver Versions for the Nintendo DS family of systems helping people discover the unique brand of social enjoyment that Pokémon delivers. In the video below, meet face-to-face with participants at The Pokémon Company’s 2010 World Championships and find out what makes this franchise a favorite for kids, teens and adults all over the world. For more information about these great games, visit www.pokemongoldsilver.com.
Nikon Rolls Out Additions to CoolPix Line
September 9, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Digital Imaging, Digital Still
Nikon recently announced the addition of several models to their CoolPix point and shoot line.
CoolPix S8100
CoolPix S8100, a stylish 10X zoom model with improved image quality in photos taken in dark surroundings and excellent performance with nighttime and dimly lit indoor shooting that often results in blurred photos.
By adopting a backside illumination CMOS image sensor for the new COOLPIX S8100, significant improvements in image quality. The camera offers a Night Portrait mode with new technologies that take advantage of the CMOS image sensor’s high-speed capability by exposing the portrait subject and background separately and immediately combining the exposures. The S8100’s effective pixel count is 12.1 million pixels. With a new image-processing engine, EXPEED C2, and a 10X optical zoom lens covering a broad range of focal lengths beginning at the wide-angle 30mm (equivalent with 35mm [135] format), the camera is capable of capture high-resolution photos. The COOLPIX S8100 is a compact camera packed full of a variety of capabilities and functions, including high-speed continuous shooting, recording of 1080p HD movies with stereo sound, and the Creative Slider function.
CoolPix S80
The S80 is equipped with a widescreen 3.5-inch electrostatic OLED touch panel with a wide viewing angle. Compared to the Approximately 288k-dot monitor built into its predecessor, the COOLPIX S70, the S80 monitor offers resolution increased to approximately 819k-dots. Performance has also been greatly increased for more natural operation with a more vivid monitor display and faster response to touch panel operations. In addition, the S80 is equipped with a variety of Nikon technologies, including a monitor with an incorporated touch mechanism, which is an on-cell touch panel, and a thin right-angled optics zoom lens, which help to make the 16.5-mm slim camera more compact and portable. The S80 is designed to be a stylish compact digital camera with an extremely functional design.
CoolPix P7000
The CoolPix P7000 is a classic compact digital camera offering advancements in image quality, shooting functions and operation over its predecessor, the COOLPIX P6000.
The P7000 offers an effective pixel count of 10.1 million pixels. It is equipped with a 7.1X optical zoom NIKKOR lens that covers a broad range of focal lengths beginning at the wide-angle 28mm (equivalent with 35mm [135] format), and makes the most of the large 1/1.7-inch, RGB CCD image sensor and optical characteristics. In addition, adoption of the latest image-processing engine, EXPEED C2, enables capture of high-resolution images with rich tonal expression. The P7000 is also equipped with a number of new functions, including Zoom Memory and Tone Level Information display, which provide greater control over shooting and resulting images. With a number of high-sensitivity shooting functions to choose from depending upon shooting conditions, high-speed response and controls that support intuitive operation, the CoolPixP7000 is designed to be the optimal tool for nature photography as well as wide variety of other scenes.
Moms Want to Help Others Develop Apps
September 8, 2010 by Laura
Filed under News, News/Events
Appsnminded, a mom-run app development company with over 40 apps in the iTunes App Store alone, has launched a new website targeting fellow women entrepreneurs. With App*solutely Easy, Appsnminded shares their success by bringing their unique insight, experience and counsel to women entrepreneurs looking to start their own app development business. The AppEasy site includes a 30-minute how-to Tutorial Video, Industry Resources, Articles, Interviews, Links and a Q&A Forum.
Intended to make the process easy and simple, App*solutely Easy takes the user step-by-step through the process of starting an app business, including: how to open a business bank account, establish an app developer account, source graphic design professionals & assets, source coding and technical professionals, develop marketing & PR strategy, establish advertising plans and more.
“We are regularly contacted by moms that have really great app ideas, but have no clue what to do with that great idea,” says Cara Hall. “We decided to share what we’ve learned because, while daunting at first, it really is a rather easy, fun and financially rewarding process, if you know what to do.”
“It was just the natural next step for our business,” added Jennifer Noonan. “We feel the app biz is a ‘perfect-fit’ for fellow moms and entrepreneurial spirits. We’re really excited to be helping other women create an exciting career for themselves!”
App*solutely Easy’s site content will be updated weekly with information for its members—the most up-to-date Apple info for developers; interviews with top producers; important contact info and much more. Members can even post detailed questions and receive one-on-one advice and support.
Jennifer Noonan and Cara Hall started making mobile apps in December of 2008. With a focus on kid-centric, mom-approved apps, Los Angeles based Appsnminded has created over 45 apps for Apple, Android and Microsoft mobile devices. More information can be found on their website at www.appsnminded.com/appsolutelyeasy
Epson Debuts New Multi-media Projectors
September 8, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Home Electronics, Projectors
Epson has introduced three multimedia projectors designed to provide businesses with exceptional image quality, convenience, reliability, and affordability. Available at leading retail outlets, the Epson EX3200, EX5200 and EX7200 offer advanced and easy-to-use features, including USB Plug ‘n Play instant setup for Windows and Mac that instantly displays images on both the projector and computer by simply connecting a USB cable.
All three models offer 2600 lumens of color and white light output for bright presentations and Epson’s latest, 3LCD, 3-chip technology for vibrant, true-to-life images. The EX3200 features SVGA resolution, the EX5200 offers sharper images with XGA resolution, and the EX7200 features widescreen WXGA resolution (16:10 aspect ratio), to fully utilize the capabilities of a widescreen notebook and HD content. In addition, the EX5200 and EX7200 offer advanced features including all digital HDMI connectivity for high-definition video and audio and PC-free presentations with direct connection of a USB memory device for viewing jpeg files without a computer.
More about the EX-Series
The Epson EX3200, EX5200 and EX7200 are designed to provide businesses with convenience, reliability and advanced features at an affordable price. Additional details include:
- 3LCD Technology: Features the latest, 3LCD, 3-chip technology to deliver amazing, true-to-life color and detail for powerful presentations; the 3LCD light engine efficiently uses available lamp light to create stunning images; in contrast to 1-chip DLP technology, 3LCD requires, on average, 25 percent less electricity per lumen of brightness
- Convenient Control: Direct Power On and Off allows for an installed projector to be powered on and off with a flip of a wall switch; Instant On/Off enables presenters to avoid delays when starting and finishing presentations and be up and running in only five seconds; A/V Mute Slide instantly turns off the sound and images to create a quick pause in the presentation, conserving lamp life and energy, and helping to save costs
- Flexible Positioning: Automatic keystone correction and digital (EX3200) or optical (EX5200 and EX7200) zoom offers greater positioning flexibility and ability to project a clear image from both short and long throw distances
- Sleek, Lightweight and Travel Friendly: Weighing 5.1 pounds, all three models include a soft carrying case and remote control for ease of use when on the road
- Extended Lamp Life: Using Epson’s exclusive E-TORL lamp technology, the lamp life can last up to 5,000 hours in economy mode, helping to maximize presentation time
Availability and Support
The Epson EX3200, EX5200 and EX7200 will be available in September 2010 for $549, $649 and $749 respectively. These models come with a one-year limited warranty that includes two elite technical support services – Epson PrivateLine phone support where projector owners can directly access an expedited support telephone line by using a phone card that is included with the product, and a Road Service projector replacement program that includes projector exchange in two business days. For additional information, visit www.epson.com.
Sony Intros New Digital Photo Frames
September 6, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Digital Imaging, Digital Still
Sony has announced three new S-Frame digital photo frames (models DPF-XR100, DPF-VR100 and DPF-D830) that are designed to let consumers keep their favorite memories close with innovative, high-quality features, including video playback and battery operated capabilities. The DPF-XR100 and DPF-VR100 models offer AVCHD video playback capabilities, allowing consumers to view detailed, realistic video with vivid colors and contrast directly on the units’ high-resolution WSVGA LED backlight LCD screen. The DPF-D830 model is Sony’s first battery operated digital photo frame, allowing for portability in the home.
The high-end XR100 and VR100 offer AVCHD video playback via media card, allowing you to conveniently enjoy your favorite HD videos without a television. The 10.2-inch diagonal high-resolution WSVGA LED backlight LCD screen provides detailed video and life-like images with vibrant colors. An advanced image processor inside the frames scales and displays content up to 256 megapixels, making these frames capable of handling footage taken with even the most advanced digital cameras or HD camcorders.
The frames also feature stereo audio, a convenient alarm mode and Sweep Panorama playback.Sony’s exclusive TruBlack technology improves how your content looks on the S-Frame XR100 by reducing reflection and enhancing contrast to ensure more natural tones. The D830 is Sony’s first digital photo frame to offer operation via a built-in rechargeable battery (up to 100 minutes, based on photos only), so the frame can become portable and easy to show off anywhere in the house when you have family or friends over. Featuring a high-resolution SVGA LED backlight LCD display, photos locked away on your computer will now come to life on the photo frame’s 8-inch diagonal screen.
With 2GB of internal memory, each of these three frames can store thousands of images. The models offer auto-resizing that downsizes photos so you can store them within the device and return your memory card back to your camera. Additionally, they’re equipped with three preloaded music tracks, but allow users to copy their own MP3 files to the internal memory.
Sony has also included eight additional S-Frame models (models DPF-A710, DPF-D710, DPF-D810, DPF-D75, DPF-D820, DPF-D1010, DPF-D95, and DPF-D1020) to its line of digital photo frames, offering a range of options for consumers on any budget. The frames vary by screen size and internal memory, and range in price from about $70 to $150. Models including DPF-D820, DPF-D830 and DPF-D1020 are also compatible with Motion JPEG (AVI and MOV) files.
All the frames offer features such as slide show variations, an auto orientation sensor to detect if your frame has been placed horizontally or vertically, clock and calendar views, and index modes so you can preview several photos at once. You can also conserve energy by using the auto power on/off setting to program when you want the frame to turn on in the morning and off at night. Functions of the digital photo frame can be managed using the included remote controller.
Digital images can be loaded onto the internal memory of the digital photo frames from several types of media cards, including Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD and SDHC Memory Card, and MMC. Photos can also be transferred to the frames from a computer via a USB cable (optional). All models support JPEG and RAW (thumbnail preview) image file formats.
Pricing and Availability
The S-Frame DPF-XR100, DPF-VR100 and DPF-D830 digital photo frames will be available in November for about $250, $200 and $150, respectively, direct at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores around the country, and through the Sony Retailer Network nationwide. Pricing and availability for the additional models are as follows:
DPF-A710 - available in October for about $70
DPF-D710 - available in October for about $80
DPF-D810 - available in October for about $100
DPF-D75 - available now for about $100
DPF-D820 - available in October for about $120
DPF-D1010 - available in October for about $130
DPF-D95 - available now for about $140
DPF-D1020 - available in October for about $150
Belkin Debuts Cases for New iPods
September 6, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Gadgets, MP3 Players
Belkin has launched new cases for the iPod touch that make it easier to access and use your iPod. Belkin has designed these cases for the always on-the-go iPod owner to complement a mobile lifestyle and also cater to the different ways an iPod is carried. They’ve identified five main ways people carry their iPod: in a pocket, in the hand, in a bag, on themselves, and while being active.
For those carrying their iPod in their pocket, Belkin’s slim cases are easy to grip, slide in and out of a pocket smoothly, and provide impact protection from everyday drops. For those who keep their iPod in hand at all times to text, game, or check their email, our line of cases are comfortable to hold, shock-absorbing, and easy to grip. Belkin also has cases that make it easy to find your iPod within a travel bag or purse while protecting it against constant contact with other items. Belkin recognizes that people typically either carry their iPod or they wear it. While working out or when you need to keep your iPod close by for intermittent, easy access, Belkin offers a range of armbands and a clip case.
Grip Cases
Grip cases protect your iPod and come in a variety of textured designs while adding style, color, and grip-ability. Grip cases’ form-fitting design lets your iPod charge while still in the case.
Shield Cases
Shield cases protect your iPod while providing increased shock absorption and impact resistance. These sleek cases add no extra bulk and offer maximum protection while allowing full access to connector, buttons, and iPod screen.
Verve Cases
These fashion-inspired leather cases protect your iPod from everyday scratches and scuffs. Tailored to be slim and form-fitting, they also provide easier and more sensitive access to the home key and inputs. Made with premium leather and contrast stitching, these cases offer sleek style.
Fit Armbands
Fit armbands are designed for the active user. Made with breathable and hand-washable fabric, these cases are easy to put on and remove, and flex with you as you move about your workout.
Overlays
Belkin overlays are designed to protect your new iPod screen from everyday scratches.
Availability
Cases in select styles will be available starting September 2010 in North America and parts of Europe. Other styles will continuously be made available for purchase throughout 2010.
Sprint Launches Another 3G/4G Phone
September 3, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Cell Phones
Sprint celebrated the arrival of America’s second 3G/4G phone Tuesday wit h the release of the Samsung Epic 4G, the only Galaxy S smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard and front-facing camera along with a brilliant Super AMOLED touch-screen. Samsung Epic 4G didn’t disappoint as it became one of Sprint’s best-selling devices for first-day sales. In addition to two Android phones, Sprint offers Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, enabling 4G connectivity for up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices, as well as five Sprint mobile broadband devices that can access Sprint 4G data speeds.
“We’re very excited by the customer response to Samsung Epic 4G and the capabilities of our 4G network,” said Fared Adib, vice president of product development for Sprint. “With its beautiful Super AMOLED touch-screen, full QWERTY keyboard and two cameras, Samsung Epic 4G is a terrific smartphone that delivers the promise of the Sprint 4G network. As we continue to build out our 4G network, more and more of our customers will realize the benefits of these amazing devices and the realities of life at these blazing-fast speeds.”
Samsung Epic 4G works on Sprint’s 3G and 4G networks. This flexibility allows customers to enjoy 4G performance in any Sprint 4G market or to use Sprint’s reliable 3G mobile broadband network when outside a 4G area. Sprint 4G is already available in 51 markets and continues to expand to new cities, bringing wireless speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G1. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.
Samsung Reveals New Fall Laptops
September 2, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Hardware, PC Hardware
Samsung has announced a series of new mobile PC products that combine Samsung’s style and performance for use at home, in the office, or on-the-go. The new QX410, SF510, RF510 and RF710 laptops and the NF series netbooks showcase Samsung’s continued dedication to innovation in mobile computing, and set a new standard for premium and functional design at any price point.
“Samsung continues to evolve our mobile PC line-up creating a sleeker, more stylish and technologically superior product perfect for professionals, students, or multimedia-focused consumers,” said Todd Bouman, director of product marketing at Samsung Enterprise Business Division. “More importantly, the technological innovations within the QX, SF, RF and NF series of mobile PCs underscore Samsung’s position as a leader in mobile computing, offering consumers the performance they’ve come to expect in an aesthetically pleasing package.”
QX410:
At just under one inch in thickness, Samsung’s new QX410 laptop combines a light-weight ultra-chic aluminum design and unparalleled battery performance to create an elegantly streamlined and efficient computing machine. Centered on Samsung’s hallmark edge-to-edge 14-inch HD SuperBright LED display, the QX410 integrates an all-new buttonless, easily configurable multi-function gesture pad, introducing users to a host of multi-finger interface commands while increasing accuracy and speed.
Additionally, the QX410 is powered by a state-of-the-art Intel CoreTM i5 processor. Further complementing the QX410’s performance is a hybrid graphics system, optimized on-the-go based on users’ needs. NVIDIA Optimus automatically switches between the onboard Intel graphics and NVIDIA discrete graphics to efficiently manage battery life for basic applications, also delivering high-quality performance for intensive activities like gaming and multimedia on-demand.
The QX410 makes use of Samsung’s new lithium polymer batteries, which achieve up to 7 hours of battery life on average. Lithium polymer batteries extend the life of the product with double the lifespan for up to 3 years or 1,000 charging cycles.
RF510 and RF710: Premium Performance
The RF510 and RF710 laptops emphasize extreme performance, while maintaining a sleek and refined style. They are accentuated by a distinctive black radial pattern on the display enclosure and a two-tone interior design.
Powered by either an Intel CoreTM i5 or i7 processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, the RF510 and RF710 take aim at gamers, multimedia aficionados and design buffs offering extreme computing power. Further complementing the processor are powerful NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics with 1 GB of dedicated memory delivering up to 30 times better performance over integrated graphics bringing hyper-realistic gaming to life or allowing for easy photos and videos editing. With these applications in mind, the RF710 notebook features two hard drive bays making the laptop capable of carrying over 1TB of storage allowing users to house their entire media library on their laptop. The RF series also introduces USB 3.0 to Samsung’s laptop line-up.
SuperBright LED displays enhance the experience with HD+ (1600×900) resolution in the RF710 and HD (1366 x 768) resolution in the RF510, making them the ultimate choice for multimedia applications. Additionally, the RF-series laptops have full, island-style keyboards with number pads for optimal gaming and graphic applications. Standard in the RF710, a Blu-ray drive allows users to watch their favorite HD movies on Samsung’s incredible SuperBright LED backlit display.
SF510: Sleek, Simple
Integrating a uniquely contoured clamshell design, the new SF510 is hip and sophisticated without sacrificing computing power or functionality. Gently cradling the ultra-sharp 15.6-inch SuperBright HD LED backlit display in an ivory exterior and chocolate interior design, the SF510 features fluid and ergonomic design. Moreover, it conveniently places control in the user’s hands, with the multi-touch gesture pad and easily identifiable quick-access buttons for volume and WiFi for simple, intuitive operation.
The SF510 is powered by an Intel CoreTM i3 processor and like the QX series, capitalizes on Samsung’s new lithium polymer batteries offering up to 7 hours of battery life for users. The SF510, with its ultra portable, stylish design and powerful performance, makes anytime, anywhere mobile computing a practical and affordable reality.
NF Series: Ultra Light, Ultra Portable, Ultra Capable
Taking a style cue from the SF-series laptops, the NF Series netbooks provide users with an ultra-portable solution to mobile computing. Encapsulated by a light-weight contoured clamshell case, the NF210, with ivory exterior and chocolate interior, features an Intel Atom N455 processor and incredible battery performance of up to 14 hours, making the NF210 an all-day computing companion.
The NF210 features a crystal clear HD LED backlit display for mobile enjoyment and work applications on-the-go. Additionally, the NF210 can quickly connect PC-to-PC over ad-hoc WiFi connections, simply and easily. For the ultimate in easy home networking, the AllShare feature allows users to share and play videos, photos, and music across a range of Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certified devices, including TVs, cameras and handsets.
The QX, SF and RF-series notebooks and the NF-series netbook will be available in Fall 2010. All Samsung mobile PC products are available through Samsung resellers and distribution channels, which can be located by calling 1-800-SAMSUNG or by visiting www.samsung.com/laptops.
Players to Compete for Honors at Wii Games
September 2, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Video Games, Wii
Participants and spectators from across the United States will come together in Los Angeles on Sept. 3-5 for the Wii Games: Summer 2010 national championship. As many as 90 winning teams from dozens of qualifying events held throughout the country will join six sweepstakes winners to participate in this first-of-its-kind tournament event. Players of all ages will enjoy the fun of Nintendo’s groundbreaking motion-control video games as they compete for prizes and celebrate the active, inclusive spirit of the Wii console. Olympic gold medalist and Dancing with the Stars champion Shawn Johnson, the official Wii Games: Summer 2010 Ambassador, will make a special appearance to lead participants in a Wii warm-up session on Sept. 3.
Winning teams representing the categories featured in the competition, such as Teen, Adult and Super Adult will receive prizes including custom Wii Remote controller-styled trophies, a Royal Caribbean family cruise, Netflix memberships, Wii prize packs and Panasonic entertainment systems during a special award presentation on Sept. 5. Throughout the tournament, families, fans and spectators will also be able to enjoy activities such as noncompetitive game demos. Full details, rules and regulations can be found at http://www.wiigames2010.com.
Half of Cell Customers Don’t Know Their Contract Details
September 2, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Cell Phones
According to a recent study commissioned by Best Buy Mobile more than half of American mobile phone owners do not know the month and year when their current mobile phone contract expires. In addition, only four in 10 say they received a reminder notice that their contract was about to expire, leaving many consumers in the dark about upgrade eligibility and the plan options available. The survey, conducted for Best Buy Mobile by GfK Roper, sheds light on consumers’ knowledge and shopping habits around mobile plans, devices, technology and accessories.
“When it comes to mobile solutions available today, many consumers are not armed with the right information to truly get the most out of their mobile phone,” said Shawn Score, president of Best Buy Mobile. “We know that there are customers out there using mobile phones that are four and five years old when they could be using a smart phone. At Best Buy Mobile, we look out for our customers and help them navigate the wide array of choices to help them make an informed decision that fits their lifestyle.”
What Matters Most
While nearly one in four shoppers (23 percent) made their mobile phone decision based on the mobile phone device itself, the majority of respondents (67 percent) selected carriers as their main purchasing influence. One in 10 selected a mobile phone based on the operating platform, such as Google’s Android or Apple’s iPhone platforms.
Survey respondents also noted that they expect multimedia capabilities as a primary function on a mobile device, though content interests differ:
- 45 percent look for multimedia capabilities including music, video and camera
- 32 percent look for GPS navigation
- 29 percent want to replace landline phone
- 26 percent want to be able to access social networking sites
- 26 percent want to be Wi-Fi enabled
- 15 percent want to make eCommerce purchases from their mobile devices
- 15 percent want to be able to download a movie
- 14 percent want to be able to play games from their smart phone