Samsung reveals Pixon - new phone for photography addicts

Samsung made a bunch of interesting announcements this year, including Samsung Instinct, Omnia and others. This time they announced new cell phone model, Samsung Pixon, which is aimed at camera functionality, and is made in the same form factor as Instinct or Omnia. Not only phone has a camera boosted up to 8 megapixels, it also has a lot of other interesting features, like handwriting recognition and others. Details follow...

Samsung Pixon, previously named Bresson, is a new model in the Samsung cell phone lineup, and carries model number M8800. Although it looks like Omnia, it is a simple phone with no smartphone functionality. However, it is a feature packed phone indeed. It features big bright 3.2 inched LCD with 240 x 400 resolution, Bluetooth, GPS features, microSD slot for memory expansion, office viewer for Office files, accelerometer (it looks like it is a new fashion nowadays - placing accelerometers in mobile multimedia devices).


However, the main function of this phone is its camera, which is by far the most superior part of this gadget. Its resolution - 8 megapixels, is enormous for a mobile phone, and other parameters are amazing as well. Overall, it has 8 megapixel camera with autofocus, double LED flashlight, image stabilization feature, smile and face recognition, geotagging and video recording - ability to record videos in WVGA (720 x 480) and VGA (640 x 480) resolution in 30 FPS. It also has ISO 1600, which is a very high sensitivity for mobile devices. Phone works on a TouchWiz interface, same is on Omnia, except that it is not a Windows Mobile shell.

Music lovers won't be discouraged either: phone is multimedia oriented so there is a FM radio with RDS inside, alongside with a multimedia player that supports many audio and video formats. It is interesting, how such number of features became united in this size - 107.9 x 54.6 x 14.9 mm and weight - 110 g. Unfortunately, it lacks Wi-Fi support, so user is limited to EDGE or 3G connectivity only. Maybe this move was made to promote Omnia, which is almost the same, only it is based on Windows Mobile and has Wi-Fi.

This curious model is scheduled to release in the beginning of November. Announced price is 550 Euros (800 USD) which is pretty expensive. Maybe it is better to purchase Windows Mobile communicator for almost the same price? If you want hugely increased functionality over boosted camera - this is the best choice.

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Sony is launching a900 – first DSLR full-frame camera with 24,6 Mp in the world

DSLR Sony a900 camera sets a new standard for those who are excited with photos and who need an unsurpassed quality and creative photographing.

The top product of aDSLR series benefits of the first CMOS full-frame sensor that has 24,6 mp. Specially developed by Sony this innovative sensor of a very high resolution and big dimensions equivalent with a movie frame of 35 mm offers an extraordinary image details and a wide dynamic range.


a900 offers an unmatched image quality, creativity and performance, criteria that are absolutely necessary for professional photographers.

* Superlative images, full of details with the help of CMOS Exmor full-frame sensor, 24,6 of effective mega pixels.
* Light viewfinder that covers 100 % of the field of vision
* Improved image stabilization - SteadyShot INSIDE that offers
* Very fast photographing and faultless images with little noise due to two BIONZ image processors
* Image visualization on LCD Xtra Fine screen of 3 inches and high resolution
* Very fast and sure auto focus system with 9 points of focus and 10 points of assistance
* Continue photographing on 5 frames per second and 24,6 mp maximum resolution


Sensor of a new generation capture faultless images with an unprecedented loyalty in live colors, with very realistic textures and subtle color tones graduations. Filling a very high native resolution of a sensor, Exmor technology realizes on-chip analog/digital (A/D) conversion of a signal and reduces the noise in two steps. This guarantees an obtaining of images with an extremely low noise that benefit of high-precision lenses.

To disclose the creative potential of a full–frame sensor of 24,6 mp, two advanced BIONZ image processors can manage a huge quantity of information at a very high speed. Powerful algorithms of noise reducing are being applied as before data conversion in RAW mode, so during the image processing, resulting impeccable images, full of details with a minimum noise level. Two BIONZ processors contribute to a very high reaction speeds allowing continue photographing with 5 frames per second at a 24,6 maximum resolution.

Quality without compromises of the camera is highlighted by a high precision focus system that ensures a small number of failed images. 10 points of assistance contribute to detections of subjects, improving of unclear objects detection, all these is for removing lost time for a perfect focus and also a dedicated F2,8 sensor for rising of focus accuracy for very illuminated objects.

A very high resolution of the LCD screen (921.000 pixels) allows clear visualization even in very illuminated spaces. There exist multiple visualization options for simplification of the process of selecting the best images in addition with the possibility of adding of a RGB histogram and other information on photographing.

By pressing a single button, LCD screen passes in Quick Navi – a fast navigation mode and allows camera settings adjusting without interrupting the photographing process. New intelligent preview function simulates the white balance effect, the exposure level directly on the LCD without effective photographing. After a simple confirmation camera uses new settings for next images. It simplifies a sure control on the final image.

Already made images can be watched also on a connected HT TV set. PhotoTV HD mode offers a possibility of image visualization with a fantastic clarity in colors that are very close to reality on compatible BRAVIA TV sets. HDMI connector offers a possibility to watch images in HD format on each compatible TV set.

Designed for a perfect functionality even in challenging environments a900 has a robust design with a very flexible aluminum chassis with edges made of magnesium alloy. Lenses, place for a memory card, buttons and other sensitive zones are protected from dust and humidity by a rubber gaskets, offering an experience of usage without worries. The interior of the device is protected by an anti-dust system that takes care of the full-frame sensor and does not allow infiltration of unwanted particles when you change lenses.

Allowing a stable and comfortable handling as in a portrait mode photographing so in a landscape mode an optional vertical handle can include two high capacity batteries to extend the autonomy of the camera. It offers at the same time an access to all important control functions of the camera and it is designed from the same high quality materials – magnesium alloy and rubber parts.

Today it is available on the market a large number of compatible lenses with what users can make the most of the potential offered by the full-frame sensor of the camera.

Premium G series of optical equipment offered by Sony consists of a high performance SSM telephoto (70 - 400mm) F4-5.6 endowed with a powerful Super Sonic wave engine that is created for a fast and silent auto focus.

Also Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lenses of a 16-35 mm F2,8 ZA SSM is a fast super-angular zoom, ideal for capturing images inside, landscapes and complicate photo-reportages.

The device was completed with a new strong HVL-F58AM (GN58) flash that has an innovative Sony Quick Shift Bounce technology, offering an increased control of the highlights, direct illumination corners during the photographing in portrait mode for the light reflections keeping and obtaining of a more natural and pleasant illuminations of the subject. For photographing in studio Wireless Auto Flash Control function can command up to three flash groups, establishing different illumination reports simplifying by that light complexes set-up management.

DSLR full-frame a900 model will be available since the next month.

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AMD introduces ATI Radeon HD 4600 graphics plaque series

AMD redefines with Radeon 4670 and Radeon 4650 what means mainstream graphic plaques.

AMD fulfill their promises and launches officially a new series of graphic plaques - ATI Radeon HD 4600 that intend to offer an exceptional performance for games and HD multimedia, at power consumption lower than one of a bulb. And all these at a very attractive price for graphic plaques from mainstream category.


4600 graphic plaque series are practically limited versions of 4800 series, with what AMD succeeded to overcome those from Nvidia. They are based on TeraScale graphic processor, realized in 55 nm and with 320 stream processors that is a modified RV770.

ATI Radeon HD 4670 works at a 750 MHz nuclear frequency, 2 GHz memory frequency, has a memory interface on 256 bits, and can include 512 MB or 1 GB of GDDR3 memory.

Less powerful version, ATI Radeon HD 4650, has a 600MHz nuclear frequency, 1GHz memory frequency, memory interface on 128 bits and includes 512 MB of GDDR2 memory.

Both of these plaques have 320 stream processors, 32 texture units and support DirectX 10.1, include Unified Video Decoder (UVD) 2.0 for HD video processing and HDMI 7.1 surround sound audio.

Plaques have a reduce power consumption, 60 W for 4670 and 50 W for 4650. Prices are extremely attractive, being smaller than initial estimations. So, HD 4670 with 512 MB of memory costs 80 dollars (version with 1 GB will appear later), and HD 4650 has a price of 60 dollars.

From initial reviews performance of these gadgets seems to be excellent, considering low power consumption and price. So HD 4670 is situated somewhere among Radeon HD 3650 or GeForce 9500 GT and Radeon HD 3850 or GeForce 9600 GT/GSO in some tests even overcoming them.

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ASUS presents R50 gadget – a powerful and ultra-mobile mini-computer

New ASUS R50 sets a new performance level in portable equipment operating. The gadget weighs just 520gr and benefits of a spacious LCD screen with a diagonal of 5,6 inches and being of a dimension of a passport.

ASUS R50 represents a sure and powerful mini-notebook which offers an invaluable portability and advanced communicative facilities (as WiFi and HSDPA 3.5G).


R50 integrates facilities for a global communication, orientation and entertainment anywhere where it is placed on the glob. Mini-computer integrates a Premier GPS gadget thanks to navigation in real time is extremely easy.

ASUS Photo Navigator allows to the users to process images even during the travel. Users will have calculating power, portability and optimum performances to operate in any place in the world.

R50 offers work and entertainment environment without constraints. Integrating all the power and functionality of a notebook, this miniature gadget weighs just 520 grams and allows Internet navigating due to complete communicative facilities. R50 presents a Sun Read touchscreen which is able to show clear and contrasting images, as in open spaces, in sunshine, so in illuminated offices. An incorporated video camera allows to the users to communicate visual with friends and family without any complications anywhere it can be connected online.

R50 represents an ideal solution for those who want to work and to travel in any place as in chaos of urban traffic, so in the country roads or in a very special mountain landscape. It is enough to put out of the pocket your R50, to set it on the windscreen and to get immediately the details about the arriving to the destination. ASUS R50 is always prepared to work near the user to which it allows to photograph and to register through the camera with a sensor of 2 mega pixels and an auto focus function. The pictures that are made can be immediately digitally processed and can be associated to the other information.

R50 is a mini-notebook with which you can entertain even on the road. Due to mobile theater system and with an optional TV tuner users can watch TV programs and favorite movies in conditions offered by the Microsoft MCE system. The panoramic screen improves the quality of visual experiences offering a multimedia entertainment satisfaction during the travel.

R50 uses one of the surest methods of recognition of identity, protecting the information by using of a fingerprint reader. This integrated gadget will immediately recognize the authorized person, the security system is being almost impossible to penetrate. The user can be relaxed in connection with data security.

Specifications:
* Platform Intel UMPC Menlow
* Processor Intel Silverthrone 1.33G
* Network connection Intel 3.5G WWAN /or DVB-T
* Operating system Microsoft Vista Home Premium/ Business/Ultimate
* Touchscreen 5.6” WS.VGA 1024*600 LED-backlit
* Storage capacity 1.8” SSD 32GB
* RAM memory DDRII-400, integrated memory: 1,024MB
* Connectivity without cable: 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
* Integrated GPS
* 0.3MP+2MP Dual Camera
* 3 USB ports (Keyboard/Slave/STD); 1 microSD slot
* Dimensions: 19.9 x 9.7 x 2.84 cm, 520g (with 2 cells battery)

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Apple Let's Rock Event - new iPod Nano, iPod Touch 2G and iTunes 8

Apple Let's Rock event was very anticipated by every Apple fan or gadget lover, because this is the place to announce new products, models and services. And this time it was really worth waiting for: new iPod Nano 4G, redesigned iPod Touch, small update of Classic and a lot of new colors for Shuffle... Firmware update for iPhone along with iPod Touch, which carries number 2.1, and new version of iTunes program - these announcements would be enough for several events! However, they all came together at once, and this is the small roundup of all announcements made at this Apple event.

Pictures of new iPod Nano made a big buzz in the Internet not so long ago, making this announcement the most anticipated. New Nano was certainly worth waiting for. It is now taller than 3G, and the sides are slightly curved. But what is really different is the screen layout - now it is portrait instead of landscape. Built-in accelerometer controls the display and turns image if iPod is turned on side, making the movie playback more comfortable.


Controls are also shifted to match the image on the screen. It supports all iPod Nano 3G games, however, they must be played in landscape mod. New Nano has totally revamped interface, somehow resembling that seen on the iPod Touch. Battery life was increased, and now it is 24 hours for music and 4 hours for video. Even with a hardware upgrade, Nano 4G remained very thin, thinner than any other music player on the market. Prices were announced too - 8 GB will be sold for 149 USD, 16 GB - for 199 USD.

With its new model lineup, Apple introduced a new and interesting feature for all of its music players - Genius mode. This is a feature that will be familiar to all Last.fm users - it can make up smart playlists from songs that go great together. When turned on in the iTunes, it sends information from your music library to Apple, synchronizing with their online database and making a playlist that is made perfectly for your taste. Maybe it won't make the perfect playlist the first time, but it will evolve as more songs are collected in the online database. All new player models have that feature in menu - iPod Nano, Classic and Touch.

Classic upgrade was least interesting than others, because the only change is its capacity - now it is 120 GB. It supports all new features including Genius mode, has improved battery life and that's all. Prices are already available - 120 GB model will be sold for 250 USD. Same for Shuffle - it will have no hardware updates at all, Apple just increased the amount of color options, so you can select from four new colors - vibrant blue, green, pink, and red.

iPhone and iTouch firmware upgrade is almost completely a bug-fix release, which removes existing bugs, enables Genius mode, improves battery life and backup speed. It will be free for all iPhone users, but if you own iTouch you will need 10 dollars to buy this upgrade. iPod Touch also had some small update - WiFi antenna looks much better integrated, internal speakers sound better, and it is even thinner now.

iTunes was also reworked, and new, 8 version of famous music manager brings a lot of new interesting options. First of all, it supports brand new Genius feature, helping to collect data for this service to operate correctly. Another new feature found is new method of browsing your music collection, named Grid view. It can display all your albums in grid and gives you possibility to change the size of grid elements so you can navigate through your collection more comfortably. New Genius sidebar can offer you songs from iTunes Store based on your musical tastes, so you would easily discover new music that you will probably like. Visualizer was also improved, now it is way more beautiful and entertaining.

This year's Apple Let's Rock event was rich for new announcements. New and greatly improved interface of iPod Nano, new Genius function, firmware update for iPhone and iTouch, and a new version of iTunes program - many updates for one event, don't you think? Unfortunately, iPod Classic update was very minor, but does it have the need in major redesign? Don't fix what is already working great, that is the main strategy for Apple at this point. Even if new Nano looks so similar to Microsoft Zune, it is still Apple, and it does have many things Zune hasn't - including huge worldwide fan base. So let's wait for other big announcements from Apple - maybe they will include the clipboard ability in the iPhone at last?

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