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High Grade Nikon Binoculars

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:05:30 GMT

Nikon’s high-grade HG L series binoculars bring everything into focus and uncover the beauty of the world around you. Topping off Nikon’s acclaimed lineup of binoculars, the six HG L series models are designed for unparallelled performance and comfort. Advanced lens and prism construction delivers sharp, bright images that intensify your viewing experience. Other elements, such as the user-oriented optical and mechanical design, work together to reveal fine details you’d have otherwise missed. And in 42mm objective diameter models, the weight has been significantly reduced. What’s more, environment-friendly materials extend the quality of the HG L series even further.

Pakistan Air Force Introduces iPad Rival: the PAC-PAD 1

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:07:27 GMT

Guess who just entered the tablet wars? The Pakistani air force and Chinese company INNAVTEK are teaming up to bring Pakistanis an iPad knockoff called PAC-PAD 1.

The tablet is being developed at the Kamra air force base in northern Pakistan. This 7-inch touch tablet runs on Google Android 2.3 Gingerbread and weighs a mere 13.5 ounces. And while “PAC” is now associated with the resurgence of super PACs in the 2012 United States elections, this PAC actually stands for the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra where the device is being made.

The price? A whopping 15,500 rupees–which is approximately just under $200 but a hefty price tag for the region. Other products by PAC include an eReading device and laptop called PAC eBook1 and PAC nBook 1.

Supporters of PAC-PAD 1 say it will boost Pakistan’s economy, as well as the nation’s self-esteem. We’re not so certain, given the tablet’s high cost in a nation where only a minority can afford it. Not to mention, India recently unveiled their $35 tablet, Aakash, with comparable specs.

Panasonic's New Lumix Range Ups The Ante

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:49:03 GMT

Recognising dreary jargon in a press release would fall short of articulating the colour, vibrancy and clarity of their cameras, Panasonic decided to recruit several technology journalists and fly them down to Norfolk Island, where they would have the opportunity to properly experience their photographic capabilities.

A number of Panasonic executives showcased a vast variety of cameras which ranged in price from an introductory $129 to a range topping $1,799. However the three cameras that left a long lasting impression was their top-of-the-range TZ30, their pistol-grip WA2 video camera and the FT4 tough cam.

The TZ30 is the latest addition to Panasonic's traveller cams and sports a 14.1MP MOS sensor which works hard to reduce noise and render quality images in conditions riddled with poor lighting. Autofocus is over within 0.1 seconds which proved handy when trying to snap images on the moving tour bus.

With the megapixel count idling at mediocre, the TZ30 banks on its 20 x optical zoom, its suite of photo settings and its perceptive sensor. The reality is too few will ever need to print an image at such a resolution, and ultimately their efforts poured into honing the camera's other abilities have paid dividends.

'Upgraded Aakash to be launched at same price'

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:35:54 GMT

'Aakash', the world's cheapest tablet, will be fully indigenous soon and its improved version will be launched by the government at the same price. Telecom and HRD minister Kapil Sibal said Datawind - the manufacturer of the product - will not be associated with it anymore and the Government has roped in C-DAC and ITI in further development of the tablet computer.

"There have been some problem with Datawind I must confess. Therefore, I have got into the act. IT ministry has got C-DAC and ITI into the act and I am going to ensure that this product is fully indigenous and truly an Indian product," he said. On whether the new tablet will be available within the same price range as that of the earlier product, he said, "Yes that's what we hope. It is to be upgraded."

On the possible timeline for launching it, he said, "Well, 2012 should seen the sun... Aakash-II should be launched. There have been some hiccups in the way.Remember when you do a project of this nature and when your dream is as big as this, things are never that smooth."Welcoming competition from market for development of the tablet, he said the ultimate objective is to give a quality product to the children.

"I think its a great thing if there is competition. Ultimately my objective is to get a quality product in the hands of the children. I have set the benchmark, it has changed the mindset of the world, I can tell you that," the Minister said. Everybody now wants to produce a tablet which is of quality and which is reasonably affordable, he noted.

"So if the whole world wants to produce, I don't care who produces, if ultimately it is produced by somebody for children," he underlined. The Aakash tablet is priced at approximately USD 49 (Rs 2414).

Solar Charger Sticks to Car Window to Power Gadgets

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:44:54 GMT

Solar chargers for gadgets are becoming more common, and convenient. There's the mPowerpad that charges multiple devices, for example. But for those that want a little style, there's the XDModo Solar Window Charger.

It's sleek and sticks unobtrusively to a window using silicone pads (basically suction cups). It's a good way to free up that cigarette lighter for plugging in other devices. (Does anyone actually light cigarettes with those anymore?)

The charger has USB and mini-USB outputs. Odds are most people will use the USB since that's the charger end of most smartphone cables – be they for Android, iPhone or others. The battery inside has a 1300 mAh capacity – most smartphone batteries average around 1500 mAh, so it's pretty close to the full charge. That said, after it charges up during the day, it can keep your phone going through the night, or supplement the battery when it runs low. The output is five volts at 500 milliamps, plenty for charging anything but an iPad. The maker, Xindao, is in Europe. You can purchase it online for about $65 but you'll have to shell out for shipping to the U.S. – about $65 as well.

Nikon D800 Full-Frame DSLR Packs 36 Megapixels

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:25:22 GMT

Nikon today announced its second new full-frame DSLR of the year, the Nikon D800, which offers the same-size sensor as the Nikon D4 announced at CES 2012. The Nikon D800 will sit below the D4 at the high end of Nikon's DSLR line, offering more than twice the pixel density of the top-of-the-line D4. Nikon says that the D800 will eventually replace the Nikon D700 in the company's prosumer DSLR lineup, and that the new camera offers the highest-resolution Nikon sensor yet.

The D800's FX-format full-frame sensor captures 7360-by-4912-resolution images (36.15 megapixels), and its size, in-camera features, and target buyer all differ slightly from those of the 16-megapixel Nikon D4. Whereas the D4 is geared more toward high-speed shooting and low-light performance, the Nikon D800 puts image resolution front and center with its 36.3-megpixel sensor. Nikon says the D800 is built with wedding photography, portraits, and fashion spreads in mind. The combination of pixel density and sensor size should make the D800's output about as crop- and billboard-friendly as it gets outside a medium-format camera.

The D800's image resolution translates into a slower burst-shooting speed at full resolution when compared to the D4 (the D800 snaps 4 frames per second versus the D4's continuous shooting speed of 10 fps) and an ISO range that isn't quite as expandable as the one found in the D4 (the D800 caps out at ISO 25,600, while the D4 is expandable to a whopping ISO 204,800). Both new DSLRs offer a hot shoe for external flashes; but unlike the D4, the Nikon D800 also has a built-in pop-up flash, which can serve as a commander flash to control external Speedlight flashes. The D800 is also significantly smaller than the D4, at 5.7 inches wide, 4.8 inches tall, and 3.2 inches deep, as compared to the D4's 6.3-by-6.2-by-3.6-inch frame.

In addition to the similar sensor sizes, the D800 and the D4 share a few notable similarities, as well: Both are built around Nikon's latest Expeed 3 image processor; both offer 91,000-dot color-matrix metering; both employ a 51-point autofocus system; and both feature a "Dual Live View" mode that retains manual exposure settings while toggling between still- and video-capture modes.

The Nikon D800 looks as though it will be a popular DSLR for videographers, thanks to manual exposure controls in video mode; 1080p recording at 30, 25, and 24 fps (as well as 720p video at 60 fps); and the ability to feed uncompressed video to a monitor or recording device via HDMI as it's being captured. A 3.5mm stereo mic jack supports recording audio with an external microphone, and the D800 offers the same in-camera audio monitoring and headphone jack as the D4.

In addition to the expected RAW mode, manual exposure controls, aperture-priority, and shutter-priority modes for a camera of its class, the D800 will have an automated HDR (high dynamic range) mode, automatic scene-recognition features, and an Active D-Lighting feature to bring out highlights in shadowy areas.

To speed up transfers of bulky 36-megapixel image files and 1080p videos, the D800 has a high-speed USB 3.0 connector (which will also work with USB 2.0 cables at a slower transfer rate). Storage is handled by two separate card slots--one for SDHC/SDXC cards, and one for CompactFlash cards--and shooters can define target cards for photos and videos separately, set one of the cards as a backup drive, and automatically jump between storage cards without interrupting video recording if one of them fills up.

The Nikon D800 is due in March at $3000 for the body only--about half the price of the higher-end Nikon D4. A second version of the D800, called the Nikon D800E, will also arrive in April. The D800E will eliminate the D800's integrated low-pass filter; Nikon says the filter-less D800E will provide a further boost to detail and image resolution at the expense of a visible moire effect in some images. The Nikon D800E will be priced at $3300 for the body only.

Apple’s iPhone 5 ‘Most Anticipated Gadget’ of 2012

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:50:52 GMT

It must be nice to be a part of Apple Inc.’s sales team since marketing the iPhone and iPad can’t be a very tough sell. A poll conducted by SodaHead — an opinion-based community on the web — found that the iPhone 5 “is the most anticipated gadget of the year” with 35 percent of the votes.

“As if there was any doubt,” the website declared. In the poll that attracted 513 responses, the iPad 3 ranked as the second most anticipated tech product in 2012 with 20 percent of the votes. Interest in Apple’s future tablet was followed by Google’s tablet (16 percent), the PlayStation Vita (12 percent), the Wii U (11 percent) and Amazon’s Kindle Fire 2 (7 percent).

It’s possible that Apple will release the iPhone 5 later this year, but the pundits have to wonder whether the consumer electronics giant has adequate incentive to do so. Demand for the iPhone 4S continues to be strong: A ChangeWave Research survey conducted late last month of 4,000 consumers in North America found that 54 percent of respondents plan to buy an iPhone in the next 90 days.

“Apple has never dominated smart phone planned buying to this extent more than two months after a major new release,” ChangeWave Research said.

Samsung announces Galaxy Tab 2 with Android 4.0 ICS

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:55:40 GMT

Color us confused. Unless we're missing something, Samsung has installed Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich on a chubbier, slower version of the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus and rebranded it the Galaxy Tab 2. I hate to open a post with such an accusatory tone, but I've read (and reread) today's press release and that's precisely what I see comparing the specifications between each "generation."

The Galaxy Tab 2 shaves some bulk off the original 2010 design, measuring 10.5mm thick and weighing 344g (down from 11.98mm and 380g), but it's a tad thicker than September's Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus (9.96mm). Assuming it uses the same chip architecture, the Galaxy Tab 2 also downgrades the Tab 7.0 Plus' 1.2GHz processor to 1.0GHz (which is in line with the original Galaxy Tab 7.0).

Other innards are virtually identical to the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus. This includes a 7-inch WSVGA (1024x600) PLS TFT touchscreen, a 3-megapixel rear camera and VGA front camera (downgraded from the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus' 2-megapixel front camera), 1GB of RAM, and 8GB to 32GB of storage (another 32GB via microSD). Select models have 3G support alongside Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0.

Along with Google's latest snack-themed OS, the Galaxy Tab 2 will feature Samsung's new AllShare Play service, which lets you stream multimedia content between compatible devices. Neither piece of software is enough to justify a new model and the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus is expected to get ICS sometime this spring anyway -- presumably around the time the Galaxy Tab 2 hits shelves.

The only way we can make sense of this: the Galaxy Tab 2 will be priced low enough to compete with the Kindle Fire (despite lacking Amazon's library). Unfortunately, the company hasn't shared official international pricing yet, but PCWorld reports that Samsung Sweden claims the Wi-Fi model will cost €270 (roughly $350). SammyHub reports even higher figures at ~$450 with a $100 premium for 3G. Hopefully Samsung clarifies its plans for the Galaxy Tab 2 at Mobile World Congress in two weeks.

Review: Sony HMZ-T1 Personal 3D Viewer

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:39:14 GMT

REVIEW: Sometimes in the PC World office, testing gadgets starts to get a bit ordinary. You test smartphone after smartphone, tablet after tablet, laptop after laptop. But then one day you strap a head-mounted display to your head like it's a super-futuristic visor.

Sony's HMZ-T1 Personal 3D Viewer is a niche product that works phenomenally well. To set it up, you plug the headset - which has a five metre cord attached, no wireless technology here - into a pass-through box and plug that box into anything with an HDMI output, like a Blu-ray player, or better yet, a PlayStation 3. I ran it through a PS3 and found that we had to turn the viewer on first, then the PS3, because the console detected whether a 3D device was attached only when first switched on. Once that was sorted, however, the headset would detect whether 3D was available from the video source and switch it on and off automatically.

Even in 2D mode, the picture is shiny and crisp. It is, essentially, like sitting alone in the middle of a cinema - the display takes up almost all of your field of vision, and once you pull the headphones down over your ears, you've got great, built-in surround sound. Watching a 3D Blu-ray with the headset was, if anything, actually clearer than watching a movie in a theatre where HD video is often blown up so much that it doesn't look like HD anymore.

That was impressive enough, but then I started playing Wipeout HD - a colourful, high-speed racing game involving hovercrafts - and first-person shooter Resistance 3 with the 3D depth cranked right up, and both blew me away. For the first 20 seconds or so I felt a little eye strain, but after that it was a comfortable and clear experience. The viewer provided what is almost the most immersive gaming experience one can have - with a couple of caveats.

Unfortunately, there are no shades on the device to block out light coming in from the sides, and the lenses do reflect a lot of that light back into your eyes. The constant flickering took me out of the experience and can only be resolved by DIY shades. A bigger problem, however, is the way the device is weighted.

For something that gets strapped to your head, the viewer isn't lightweight, and the bulk of that weight is in the front of the headset. I found my head being dragged down by the viewer, which isn't great for your neck and puts enormous pressure on your nose. A counter-weight might have worked, but we suspect keeping the weight of the device as a whole down was a priority. Because of the way the viewer is weighted, it can't be comfortably worn for extended periods.

The HMZ-T1 is awesome. Really, it is, and I didn't want to give it back. But I can't justify telling you to go out and buy one with a price tag of $1200, even if you love 3D movies or gaming. I'm waiting for the lighter, more balanced follow-up product, with attached (or detachable) shades. Now that product I might even buy for myself.

Gadget News Digest – Nikon’s Future 4K Point and Shoot, Kuel Stylus Pens, Intoxicase iPhone Case and More

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:35:59 GMT

A lot of new devices, gadgets and accessories are being announced every single day, and our Gadget Digest series will try to keep you up to date with the most interesting things. Here's what we've got for you today:

Nikon is already experimenting with a 4K sensor in a compact camera
Nikon's 1 system, an ultra-compact ILC camera that was designed completely from the grounds up, is capable of shooting 2K and 4K video already, and the company is planning on bringing the feature to a future model sometimes this year. The J1 is the first of the series and it's pretty popular with the buyers, and 4K video recording would make it even more flexible, plus it would make the camera much more impressive, as well.

Kuel shows off the H10 and H12 styli
Kuel has just entered the stylus market, which is going to explode soon, and their H10 and H12 styli (or is it styluses?) look very simple, elegant and functional. The H12 is a full sized version that resembles a normal ink pen and works perfectly on any capacitive digitizer, be it a tablet, smartphone or laptop (if you didn't get the news, the newest business laptops now get touch panels, too). The H10 is a shorter version that is presumably intended for smartphones and is easier to carry with you everywhere. Both styli come in multiple colors, and cost only $12.99 and $19.99 for the H10 and H12, respectively - check them out if you want a simple and functional stylus.

The Intoxicase case lets you open beer bottles
There’s many things that the iPhone can do for you, but opening beer bottles is definitely not one of them. Eh, who are we kidding? Of course it can, it just needs a special case for the purpose! The Intoxicase and Intoxicase Plus are exactly what you need to get intoxicated with alcohol at any time if you only have your iPhone with you. Just use one of these cases instead of your usual one (you do have one, right?), and opening bottles will not be an issue. The cases are high quality, and the opener mechanism looks sturdy enough to withstand any kind of use – pretty ingenious, I might say.

RIM gives away free Blackberries to interested Android developers
RIM has pulled a lot of tricks out of their magic hat to market their devices, but there's one thing that will always work - giving away free stuff. That's exactly what the company decided to do with their Blackberry PlayBook tablet - if you are an Android developer with a good app on the marketplace and you happen to want a nice Playbook, all you have to do is port your app to their platform, get it accepted and RIM will be shipping the $200 device to you for free - a pretty sweet deal, considering you'll also probably get more customers.

The Intoxicase case lets you open beer bottles
There’s many things that the iPhone can do for you, but opening beer bottles is definitely not one of them. Eh, who are we kidding? Of course it can, it just needs a special case for the purpose! The Intoxicase and Intoxicase Plus are exactly what you need to get intoxicated with alcohol at any time if you only have your iPhone with you. Just use one of these cases instead of your usual one (you do have one, right?), and opening bottles will not be an issue. The cases are high quality, and the opener mechanism looks sturdy enough to withstand any kind of use – pretty ingenious, I might say.

Avid Studio for iPad has just been released
In software news, Avid Studio (yes, from the same company that makes the professional desktop version) has just arrived on the iPad 2, and it’s ready to kick iMovie to the curb and take its place. Thanks to Avid’s know-how, the app has a lot of great video editing features, and it truly is a great competitor to iMovie – it’s a bit more complicated, though, so you’ll have to get used to it first if you want to edit HD videos on your iPad 2.