The Olympus Stylus 1050SW features a rugged body that is shockproof, waterproof, and even freezeproof and includes perhaps the most unusual control system we've ever seen. Based around a ten megapixel image sensor and 3x optical zoom lens with a rather tight 38mm wide-angle, the Olympus 1050SW also includes a 2.7-inch LCD display, 41.6MB of internal memory, and xD-Pic... Read More
Monday, August 25, 2008
New Panasonic compacts include TZ5 superzoom with HD
Today Panasonic unveiled a raft of new compacts including the successor to the Lumix TZ3, one of our favourite compacts of last year. The new TZ5 features the same excellent 28-280mm stabilised zoom lens in a compact case, but upgrades both the sensor and 3in screen resolutions to 9.1 Megapixels and 460k pixels respectively. The big new feature is HD movie recording at 720p / 30fps, and HDTV connectivity with an optional component cable; this also featured on the new Lumix FX55 slim compact. The TZ5 rounds this off with an improved Intelligent Auto mode. For full details of all the new models, check our Panasonic compact camera page. Read More
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 / TZ4 with 10x Wide-Angle Zoom
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 / TZ4 with 10x Wide-Angle Zoom
Panasonic has today introduced two new Lumix digital cameras, 9.1-megapixel DMC-TZ5 and 8.1-megapixel DMC-TZ4, each featuring a 28mm wide-angle 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens (equivalent to 28-280mm on a 35mm film camera). The DMC-TZ5 newly integrates the capability of recording 720p HD (high-definition) motion pictures together with its direct output function allowing users to enjoy watching both still and motion pictures in HD quality on a large-screen HDTV. See full story...
Panasonic has today introduced two new Lumix digital cameras, 9.1-megapixel DMC-TZ5 and 8.1-megapixel DMC-TZ4, each featuring a 28mm wide-angle 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens (equivalent to 28-280mm on a 35mm film camera). The DMC-TZ5 newly integrates the capability of recording 720p HD (high-definition) motion pictures together with its direct output function allowing users to enjoy watching both still and motion pictures in HD quality on a large-screen HDTV. See full story...
Electrical rubber could be used as synthetic skin for robots
Electrical rubber could be used as synthetic skin for robots
Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a material with the texture and flexibility of rubber, but possessing more than 570 times the electrical conductivity. Made by grinding carbon nanotubes with an ionic liquid and adding it to rubber, the material could be used to make intelligent steering wheels and mattresses, stretchable television displays, or sensitive e-skin for robots...
Tags: Prosthetics, research watch, Robot
Related Articles: 
Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a material with the texture and flexibility of rubber, but possessing more than 570 times the electrical conductivity. Made by grinding carbon nanotubes with an ionic liquid and adding it to rubber, the material could be used to make intelligent steering wheels and mattresses, stretchable television displays, or sensitive e-skin for robots...
Tags: Prosthetics, research watch, Robot
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Olympus announces SP-565UZ
The Olympus SP-565 UltraZoom takes the SP-570UZ model from Spring 2008, and updates it with a redesigned body that's slightly smaller and lighter. The Olympus SP-565UZ has a ten megapixel imager, and an Olympus ED-branded 20x (!!) optical zoom lens. The SP565UZ also offers sensor-shift type m... Read More
Sigma DP1 - full review and video tour
Sigma DP1 - full review and video tour
The Sigma DP1 is one of the most unique and highly anticipated compact digital cameras on the market. It's the World's first compact to house a full-sized DSLR sensor, which should allow it to avoid the noise artefacts which plague modern compacts. It also shuns zoom lenses in favour of a fixed focal length model with an equivalent wide-angle coverage of 28mm. On top of this you get full manual control over exposure, manual focusing capabilities and unusually for a camera with a DSLR sensor, a movie mode. So has Sigma really managed to squeeze DSLR quality into a compact body? Find out in our Sigma DP1 review and as always, to see a demonstration of its highlights, check out our Sigma DP1 video tour
The Sigma DP1 is one of the most unique and highly anticipated compact digital cameras on the market. It's the World's first compact to house a full-sized DSLR sensor, which should allow it to avoid the noise artefacts which plague modern compacts. It also shuns zoom lenses in favour of a fixed focal length model with an equivalent wide-angle coverage of 28mm. On top of this you get full manual control over exposure, manual focusing capabilities and unusually for a camera with a DSLR sensor, a movie mode. So has Sigma really managed to squeeze DSLR quality into a compact body? Find out in our Sigma DP1 review and as always, to see a demonstration of its highlights, check out our Sigma DP1 video tour
Canon PowerShot S5 IS full review and video tour
Canon's PowerShot S5 IS is an 8 megapixel super-zoom camera with a 12x optically-stabilised zoom, flip-out screen and a great movie mode. The large number of cameras released by Canon during 2007 forced us to bypass the S5 IS when first released, but it's since become one of the most popular super-zooms on the market and remains a current model in the latest 2008 range. So by popular demand, we're pleased to present our Canon PowerShot S5 IS review, as always accompanied by a demonstration in our video tour. Read More
Intel-powered Yahoo! TV Widgets screenshots
Intel-powered Yahoo! TV Widgets screenshots
These are some pictures I took from the show floor just after the Yahoo! TV Widgets announcement during the Intel Developer Forum San Francisco 2008:
And below a zoom in the Yahoo! TV Widgets area:
And more pictures of different TV Widgets:
This box is based on the new Intel Media Processor CE 3100, pairing an Intel Pentium M processor core at 800MHz and 256K L2 Cache, with multi-stream high-definition video decoding and processing hardware, including support for MPEG-2, H.264 and VC-1 with HDMI 1.3a output, and featuring advanced 4-field per pixel motion-adaptive de-interlacing and 9-tap, 128-phase, independent horizontal and vertical scalers.
It also adds a 3-channel 800 MHz DDR2 memory controller supporting tiled memory mapping and channel interleaving, dedicated multi-channel dual audio DSPs with support for 7.1 surround sound implementing advanced audio codecs, including support for Blu-ray requirements.
The media processor also features a 2-D/3-D Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 supporting multi-threaded dual universal scalable shader architecture for pixel/vertex processing, accelerated BLTs/Alpha BLTs, programmable anti-aliasing and compliance with industry-standard APIs: OpenGL ES 1.1, Open GL ES 2.0 and Open VG 1.0.
These are some pictures I took from the show floor just after the Yahoo! TV Widgets announcement during the Intel Developer Forum San Francisco 2008:
And below a zoom in the Yahoo! TV Widgets area:
And more pictures of different TV Widgets:
This box is based on the new Intel Media Processor CE 3100, pairing an Intel Pentium M processor core at 800MHz and 256K L2 Cache, with multi-stream high-definition video decoding and processing hardware, including support for MPEG-2, H.264 and VC-1 with HDMI 1.3a output, and featuring advanced 4-field per pixel motion-adaptive de-interlacing and 9-tap, 128-phase, independent horizontal and vertical scalers.
It also adds a 3-channel 800 MHz DDR2 memory controller supporting tiled memory mapping and channel interleaving, dedicated multi-channel dual audio DSPs with support for 7.1 surround sound implementing advanced audio codecs, including support for Blu-ray requirements.
The media processor also features a 2-D/3-D Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 supporting multi-threaded dual universal scalable shader architecture for pixel/vertex processing, accelerated BLTs/Alpha BLTs, programmable anti-aliasing and compliance with industry-standard APIs: OpenGL ES 1.1, Open GL ES 2.0 and Open VG 1.0.
QuickTime for Windows - Sound Stutters or is Distorted
If audio played in QuickTime for Windows or iTunes sounds stuttered, try this tweak. ... Read More
2talk Around the World
2talk Around the World
Hello folks,
Following on from my previous review of 2talk here I thought I would follow up with my experiences from using it via softphones and via the callback service in Canada and the UK.
All in all it's been an extremely great service. I used it mainly with the X-lite softphone and have never had any major issues. I found that using the G721 codecs gave the best quality when I was on a stable connection and didnt care about bandwidth usage. Using free softphones meant I wasnt able to use the G729 codec but apparently it is supposed to be quite good. I have also used Ekiga and SIP Communicator which both work very well.
The call quality from both Canada and here in the UK have been excellent. The latency is pretty much unnoticable so long as I'm on a semi decent connection (not too hard in North America/UK!) and I havent had any dropped calls or interuptions (bar those caused on my end by useless laptop batteries or accidental cable pulls!).
I did have some small issues with billing - their system wasnt recognising some Canadian caller IDs properly and billing them as Mobile calls, but a quick email to their support team had it sorted out quick smart with a credit to cover the issues.
On that note, their support team seems to be quite proactive and responsive, although I imagine they have the advantage of being a fairly small outfit at the moment.
The callback feature is extremly useful. Basically saves having to use calling cards etc. All I do is call my 028 number, wait for it to ring, and then it calls me back (so long as they received a caller ID which can sometimes be a bit dodgy internationally), I enter a PIN and then I get a dial tone and make a call as if I was in NZ. Its great for avoiding horrendous Telecom/VF roaming charges and to avoid making toll calls from friends' phone lines etc. I have it set up on my 028 number to call back all numbers and ask for a PIN seeing as I also have an 04 number which people call me on, but you can also set it up to only call back certain numbers with/without a PIN. The call quality using the callback seems to generally be much better than using calling cards and sometimes even better than just direct dialing on a landline from here.
The other great thing is the LocateMe & OneNumber feature where up to 3 external numbers + up to 5 VoIP phones can be rung simultaneously and you pick up which ever one you are closest to and the call connects to you. Works a treat while travelling or not at a computer. I have it set up to call my NZ cell and my temp Canada/UK cell and I give out my 2talk number instead of my 027 number so that when people call me the most I pay is 30c per min by answering on my UK cell instead of 1.50/min thru Telecom roaming!
One group of people I would definately recommend it to are either businesses or families who have staff/family members spread around the country. You can have multiple lines in different regions set up on one account, and calls are free between those numbers so effectively you can set yourself up a world wide PBX that isnt tied to particular desks or offices. There are also flexible options for redirecting calls to a head office or other staff member on no answer or busy. They also have support for 0800 numbers now.
Things I would like to see from them:
- A desktop interface/director that works with hardware VoIP phones that integrates with outlook etc to control calls (particularly useful for businesses if it could integrate with CRM type software for call tracking etc)
- Have Slingshot drop iTalk and migrate users to 2talk and offer it as part of the NDSL package
- Development or support of cell/smartphone apps that can automate dialing etc.
- Support for IP Phones to have centralised XML directories stored on 2talk servers with outlook integration and web based interface.
- Push for national (and international) SIP peering with other VoIP providers to bypass the PSTN as much as possible
- Push for IP Peering with other ISPs to make VoIP traffic free/cheaper
- Develop the faxing side a bit more with software to allow seamless faxing from desktop apps rather than via email
- Offer ADSL/Cable routers preconfigured with QoS settings to maximise VoIP experience
Hello folks,
Following on from my previous review of 2talk here I thought I would follow up with my experiences from using it via softphones and via the callback service in Canada and the UK.
All in all it's been an extremely great service. I used it mainly with the X-lite softphone and have never had any major issues. I found that using the G721 codecs gave the best quality when I was on a stable connection and didnt care about bandwidth usage. Using free softphones meant I wasnt able to use the G729 codec but apparently it is supposed to be quite good. I have also used Ekiga and SIP Communicator which both work very well.
The call quality from both Canada and here in the UK have been excellent. The latency is pretty much unnoticable so long as I'm on a semi decent connection (not too hard in North America/UK!) and I havent had any dropped calls or interuptions (bar those caused on my end by useless laptop batteries or accidental cable pulls!).
I did have some small issues with billing - their system wasnt recognising some Canadian caller IDs properly and billing them as Mobile calls, but a quick email to their support team had it sorted out quick smart with a credit to cover the issues.
On that note, their support team seems to be quite proactive and responsive, although I imagine they have the advantage of being a fairly small outfit at the moment.
The callback feature is extremly useful. Basically saves having to use calling cards etc. All I do is call my 028 number, wait for it to ring, and then it calls me back (so long as they received a caller ID which can sometimes be a bit dodgy internationally), I enter a PIN and then I get a dial tone and make a call as if I was in NZ. Its great for avoiding horrendous Telecom/VF roaming charges and to avoid making toll calls from friends' phone lines etc. I have it set up on my 028 number to call back all numbers and ask for a PIN seeing as I also have an 04 number which people call me on, but you can also set it up to only call back certain numbers with/without a PIN. The call quality using the callback seems to generally be much better than using calling cards and sometimes even better than just direct dialing on a landline from here.
The other great thing is the LocateMe & OneNumber feature where up to 3 external numbers + up to 5 VoIP phones can be rung simultaneously and you pick up which ever one you are closest to and the call connects to you. Works a treat while travelling or not at a computer. I have it set up to call my NZ cell and my temp Canada/UK cell and I give out my 2talk number instead of my 027 number so that when people call me the most I pay is 30c per min by answering on my UK cell instead of 1.50/min thru Telecom roaming!
One group of people I would definately recommend it to are either businesses or families who have staff/family members spread around the country. You can have multiple lines in different regions set up on one account, and calls are free between those numbers so effectively you can set yourself up a world wide PBX that isnt tied to particular desks or offices. There are also flexible options for redirecting calls to a head office or other staff member on no answer or busy. They also have support for 0800 numbers now.
Things I would like to see from them:
- A desktop interface/director that works with hardware VoIP phones that integrates with outlook etc to control calls (particularly useful for businesses if it could integrate with CRM type software for call tracking etc)
- Have Slingshot drop iTalk and migrate users to 2talk and offer it as part of the NDSL package
- Development or support of cell/smartphone apps that can automate dialing etc.
- Support for IP Phones to have centralised XML directories stored on 2talk servers with outlook integration and web based interface.
- Push for national (and international) SIP peering with other VoIP providers to bypass the PSTN as much as possible
- Push for IP Peering with other ISPs to make VoIP traffic free/cheaper
- Develop the faxing side a bit more with software to allow seamless faxing from desktop apps rather than via email
- Offer ADSL/Cable routers preconfigured with QoS settings to maximise VoIP experience
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Griffin iTrip Universal streams anything with a headphone jack to an FM radio
August 14, 2008 The downside to prior FM transmitters for the iPod is that they only work with an iPod. The new iTrip Universal from Griffin adds an FM transmitter to any audio player with a headphone jack...
Tags: Audio, Automotive, iPod, MP3
Related Articles: 
Read More
Tags: Audio, Automotive, iPod, MP3
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- Audio, Radio, internet radio and podcasting trickery
The Future of Telecommunications - Some Thoughts
“Different methods of communication and of identifying users on communication networks will become irrelevant. I use many different methods of electronic communication, including a home phone, a mobile phone, e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, online forums and social networking sites and so on. Why should I have to distinguish between these forms of communication and they way they identify their users – why should I have to have an e-mail address, several phone numbers, several usernames of different services – why can users not just have a single user name or number which can be used to reach them however you like? Why should I have to use multiple devices such as a home phone, a cell phone, a computer and a laptop to communicate – why not have one device that can utilise all methods of communication but that comes in many different shapes and sizes – something desk-sized like a computer, something portable and then something pocket-sized. We need to take the focus out of the “how” and turn it more to the “who” and “what” of communications.”
From the section on the future of telecommunications from my thesis (of sorts). Thoughs/feedback welcome/requested 
Adobe hopes Lightroom intercepts photo trends
Adobe hopes Lightroom intercepts photo trends
With Adobe Systems' release of version 2 of its Photoshop Lightroom on Monday night, the company no doubt hopes customers will be drawn by a number of new features in the software for sorting, cataloging, and editing photos.
But the company believes an external factor will also help the software: the booming sales of high-end SLR cameras. These high-end models are helping usher in many of digital photography's biggest changes, and Adobe is trying to intercept the trend with Lightroom.
From 2007 to 2008, digital SLR shipments increased a dramatic 41 percent to 7.5 million units, according to market researcher IDC. And though plenty of those cameras went to gadget-happy doctors or to snapshooters who won't exploit the cameras' full features, plenty of others went to the photography enthusiasts at whom Lightroom is aimed.
Lightroom 2.0 is geared for editing flexible but complicated 'raw' images taken directly from higher-end cameras' image sensors. (Click image to enlarge.)
(Credit: Stephen Shankland/CNET News)"Prices are coming down, so more people with entry-level SLRs are experimenting," said Tom Hogarty, the Adobe senior product manager in charge of Lightroom. "If you pick up the camera for the sake of creating an artistic thing and not just recording a family event, you've really taken the plunge into serious photography. Anyone at that level is an ideal Lightroom customer."
One significant feature common to SLRs is the ability to shoot "raw" photos--the images taken directly from the image sensors without the camera baking in its own assumptions about what's right. ...
Comfortable, wide neoprene style camera strap just �7
Comfortable, wide neoprene style camera strap just �7
ePHOTOzine has extended its range of branded merchandise.
ePHOTOzine has extended its range of branded merchandise.
Maperture plug-in announced
Ubermind have released a new plug-in for Aperture, called Maperture. Read More
Sony KDL32P3020 Tv
Sony KDL32P3020 Tv
Sony rolls out some high standard high definition LCD TVs that quite frankly, knock our socks off.
Sony rolls out some high standard high definition LCD TVs that quite frankly, knock our socks off.
Unleash your Vodafone iPhone
We all know the Vodafone iPhone is not SIM or network locked. You can purchase the handset outright, paying full price and just use it with a prepay SIM card or any other network's SIM card.
We also know that because of its current APN configuration it will only have voice and SMS on prepay. The current APN configured in the iPhone is not "visible" to prepay accounts.
But there's a very legal way around this. You can change the configuration on your iPhone by visiting UnlockIt - APN changer for iPhone.
The author LennonNZ has posted some UnlockIt statistics in our forums.
So many people benefited from it, and so little was paid back. I recommend you make a donation if you use the site to "unlock" your Vodafone iPhone.
Read More
We also know that because of its current APN configuration it will only have voice and SMS on prepay. The current APN configured in the iPhone is not "visible" to prepay accounts.
But there's a very legal way around this. You can change the configuration on your iPhone by visiting UnlockIt - APN changer for iPhone.
The author LennonNZ has posted some UnlockIt statistics in our forums.
So many people benefited from it, and so little was paid back. I recommend you make a donation if you use the site to "unlock" your Vodafone iPhone.
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