Toon Boom Animation has launched a new animation title, Flip Boom All-Star, aimed at teens and older users. The software can import digital images and provides drag-and-drop drawings that are ready to be added to animations. It supports text entry and handles MP3 audio files. Animations can be uploaded to portals such as Facebook and YouTube, or transferred to an iPod or iPhone.
Astak has announced the release of a standalone computer camera, the Mole on Wednesday. The wireless Wi-Fi camera can upload videos to YouTube, detect motion and alert users via Twitter or e-mail, and let them see what it sees via an iPhone or web browser. It can also record what it sees onto SD cards.
Motorola today officially took the wraps from the Droid, its flagship Android phone and Verizon's primary challenger to the iPhone. The touchscreen slider is the first Android phone anywhere to use Android 2.0 and carries its new web browser, Exchange mail and other boosts. Notably, it also introduces a beta version of Google Maps Navigation, Google's first turn-by-turn app: the service uses voice commands to provide constant, spoken driving directions.
As reported earlier, Sony Ericsson will begin shipping its Equinox flip phone to wireless provider T-Mobile on October 28th, the company announced on Monday. Full specs of the device have also been revealed, and include 3G network support, a built-in GPS sensor and a unique lightning effect that pulsates when a call or message comes in, the color of which can be customized for each specific caller.
Apple is not playing fair in terms of supporting video hosting services beyond YouTube, claims the chief technical officer of Dailymotion. Olivier Poitrey comments that the iPhone edition of Safari relies on a special plug-in for YouTube videos, allowing it to jump straight to H.264-encoded copies. Because of Apple's battery and processor worries, Flash is not supported in any form on iPhones or iPod touches.
Not normally known for capturing video itself, Memorex today upgraded its pocketable video cameras with two sleeker models. The 720p-capable MyVideo HD and standard definition MyVideo VGA emulate the same basic concept as Flip cameras but have the advantages of 2X digital zoom and longer battery life. The MyVideo HD's more demanding video gives it a still long 2.5 hours of recording time, while the VGA model can capture for up to five hours.
Google staffers have posted a video on YouTube (available below) that shows the delivery of a giant éclair to the company's California headquarters' front lawn, indicating the latest Android 2.0 update will be going live soon. The oversized éclair now sits beside other blown-up desserts, including a cupcake and donut that represent earlier updates to the open-source operating system, namely Android 1.5 and 1.6, respectively.
Acer on Wednesday made a new claim to the fastest smartphone available with the Liquid. The company's first Android phone, it's one of the first to ship with Android 1.6 but is also the first Android phone to ship with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. Using the 1GHz chip makes it faster than the 800MHz Samsung Moment and helps drive the 800x480 touchscreen as well as speed up 3D and Android's already accurate web browser.
Catering explicitly to home theater computers, GlideTV today produced an unusual controller known as the Navigator. The bowl-shaped peripheral has a trackpad for mouse pointing but is surrounded by AV controls and a directional pad that ease navigating through common apps. It can steer through Front Row and iTunes on Macs, Windows Media Center, and platform-independent apps like Boxee or SageTV.
JVC on Tuesday exported its first-ever pocket camcorder to US shores. The Picsio GC-FM1 is one of the few cameras its size to record in 1080p (albeit 4:3) at a full 30 frames per second with image stabilization. It also has a 720p, 60FPS shooting mode and a toggle to switch to 8-megapixel still image shooting. All movies are captured in H.264 (AVCHD) in a format that can be immediately sent to iMovie, iTunes or YouTube without being transcoded first.
Better known for its network storage, QNAP today rolled out the NMP-1000, its first attempt at a networked TV media player. The device on its basic level acts as a conduit for Internet and locally shared network content with the ability to access Flickr and YouTube from a TV as well as see iTunes shares and DLNA-aware devices on the local network. A 3.5-inch SATA bay lets it share its own media and play 1080p movies in most common formats, including popular ones like DivX, H.264 and XviD.
Fon today formally rolled out its once-teased Fonera 2.0n router. The new update adds 802.11n Wi-Fi speeds but is better known for adding built-in clients for several services independently of computers. Owners can upload content to Facebook, Flickr, Megaupload, Picasa, RapidShare and YouTube when the relevant computer is turned off; it can also download BitTorrents and send Twitter updates to signal when a transfer has been completed or a guest connects to the public hotspot.
Rental chain Blockbuster Video will close between 810 and 960 stores by the end of 2010, an SEC filing reveals. While putting a significant number of people out of work, and closing off some markets, the move is expected to add another $50 to $60 million to annual earnings before expenses like taxes and interest. The company has over 7,000 stores worldwide at present, scattered across Asia, Europe, the US and Australia.
JVC today brought over an Americanized version of one of its more advanced flash-based camcorders. The Everio GZ-HM400 is an upgraded version of the earlier X900 with a barrel-shaped body, a sharper 10-megapixel sensor and an improved 10X optical zoom lens. It can shoot 1080i video at the full 24Mbps bitrate of AVCHD (H.264) and brings familiar special features like 600FPS slow-motion shooting and 9-megapixel still shots.
LG today released its first smartphone based on Android rather than Windows Mobile. The GW620 teased earlier is a high-end model with a 3-inch touchscreen and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Most details aren't mentioned, but the company has already hinted the phone will have a 5-megapixel camera, 3G and a 3.5mm headphone jack, and it will come with all of Google's preloaded apps for chat, maps, YouTube and other services.
Pioneer at the CEDIA expo today provided demonstrations of its first networked media hub. The concept device shown on the floor, so far known only as the Entertainment Tap, still has a Blu-ray player but is intended for online media playback first and foremost: it can recognize media from DLNA-ready devices over Ethernet or Wi-Fi and has access to Netflix movies, Picasa photos and YouTube videos. Mobile control is also a high priority as the Tap can not only stream its content to a handheld over the Internet but could use an iPhone or iPod touch as a remote control for all of its functions.
Samsung today held a rare single-model introduction and added a new model to its 650 series TVs at the CEDIA expo. At 65 inches across, the LN65B650 is one of the largest ever conventionally-lit LCDs from the company and sits in the middle of the lineup in features, with Internet support for Flickr, Yahoo and YouTube as well as a 120Hz panel, a 4ms pixel response time and a 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.
LG on Wednesday announced that its BD390 Blu-ray player now supports video streams from VUDU. The service will allow users to view content such as movies and TV shows, with over 2,200 movies available in 1080p resolution paired with 5.1-channel audio. Other supported sources for streaming video include Netflix, Roxio, CinemaNow and YouTube.
Continuing its home theater launches for CEDIA, Sony tonight added its first truly network-aware Blu-ray player. Although earlier players have had BD-Live features, the BDP-N460 can stream videos from Netflix and YouTube as well as get music streams from Slacker, regardless of the attached TV. In a unique touch, the movie player is specifically optimized for Linksys' (Cisco's) WET610N Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi bridge and improves the stability of streaming over the wireless connection.
Sony used its turn at CEDIA to launch a raft of new home theater equipment headlined by the BRAVIA XBR10. An Americanized version of the Japanese ZX5, they have a new 60GHz Wireless HD media box that lets the TV sit completely separately from most video inputs while still playing them at full quality. It can play a 1080p picture at a full 60 frames per second without dropping frames or otherwise showing differences between this and a wired signal.
Netgear is adding to its line of set-top boxes with a low-end device that supports 720p HD but lacks a hard drive and built-in wireless. The Digital Entertainer Live relies mostly on its Ethernet-based online access and has built-in support for YouTube, pay-per-view movies from CinemaNow and live internet TV through VuNow. Resembling one of Netgear's internet routers, the small device has both the 100Mbps network link as well as two USB ports for external storage, one HDMI output for digital and one RCA for analog sources. An optional USB adapter brings 802.11n Wi-Fi for those that want it later.
Toshiba produced a surprise at IFA today with word of a touchscreen media tablet of its own. The Journe Touch is treated as a high-end mobile Internet device (MID) with an emphasis on video playback: the device can play HD video either at a reduced resolution on its 800x480 display or at full resolution through an HDMI output. Its Wi-Fi is used that way as well, as web browsing is considered secondary to streaming Internet video from YouTube or the movie service Acetrax.
Mitsubishi announced on Thursday that it has integrated VUDU support for the flagship Diamond models in its Unisen Immersive Sound range of LCD HDTVs. This will give users access to VUDU's extensive library that include thousands of HD movies and TV shows. The two Diamond Unisen models, the 46-inch LT-46249 and 52-inch LT-52249, have an Ethernet port that allows them to connect to the web. Otherwise, there is an optional VUDU wireless accessory bridge for hooking up to existing home networks.
YouTube could be forging a deal that would give it paid movie rentals, a leak this evening may have revealed. Google's video streaming site is reportedly in talks with Lionsgate, Sony and Warner to host streaming versions of titles. The WSJ source understands that a rental would typically cost $4 but that pricing would be consistent with other video-on-demand services; the standard price would be in line for Apple's new but standard-definition releases.
Sanyo today brought out a new compact HD camcorder likely destined for the US. The Xacti CG11 records at 720p like many of Sanyo's newer cameras but has built-in recognition of Eye-Fi's cards, such as the Eye-Fi Video line. The hook lets users share video over Wi-Fi to YouTube and elsewhere without having to plug in. Versus the CG10, the new device also gets a mini HDMI port to preview content at full resolution through only an optional cable.
An unnamed former Google employee claimed Friday night that Apple and Google have been in an unofficial but potentially anti-competitive agreement not to poach each other's employees. Supposedly confirmed for TechCrunch by multiple previous workers at the search engine firm, the practice hasn't been codified in writing but has been widely understood and practiced at both companies. Neither would try to directly recruit from the other, according to the tip.
Sprint today gave little time for rumors to spread by formally launching the Samsung Reclaim. The carrier's first turn at a green phone is made from 80 percent recyclable material and comes in suitably recyclable packaging. Similarly, the phone is free of toxic chemicals like BFR or PVC and abandons the paper manual in favor of a web version.
T-Mobile today marked the official release of its second Android-powered handset, the myTouch 3G. Already delivered in advance to some pre-orders and reviewed here, the device is also T-Mobile's first keyboardless Android device sports a 3.2-inch display with haptic feedback for its keyboard as well as a trackball for one-handed use. Besides access to Google apps, it gets Microsoft Exchange support from HTC and multi-IM chat support for AIM, Windows Live and Yahoo. There is a 3.2-megapixel camera capable of recording video, a Wi-Fi connection and a slot for the included 4GB microSD card.
Ustream has launched an updated iPhone app, 3GS Recorder, that allows users to upload videos from their handset. The company's previous app could only be used to view content from Ustream's website. With the addition of recording capabilities to the iPhone firmware v3.0, videos can now be sent to Ustream, Twitter, YouTube or Facebook.
Google on Wednesday morning said it would buy On2 Technologies in a $106.5 million deal that could improve the quality of YouTube videos. The acquisition gives Google access to On2's video compression methods and is expected to directly translate into one or more of Google's video websites, most likely involving YouTube but potentially Google Video as well. While the search engine giant says it can't talk about product plans, it claims to be "committed to innovation" in video quality on the web.
Panasonic this morning gave all of its Viera Cast Blu-ray players support for Amazon's Video On Demand service. The feature gives the company's more advanced disc readers from 2009, including its portable reader, the option of streaming purchases and rentals directly from the reader without needing the storage for a complete copy. Using VOD isn't dependent on having a matching Panasonic TV (which already supports the feature) and supports HD with a sufficiently fast connection.
Apple today revealed that Google chief Eric Schmidt has resigned from Apple's Board of Directors. The executive had held a position for three years but is leaving due to a conflict of interest triggered by the unveiling of Chrome OS, which now puts Google in direct competition with Mac OS X. Apple CEO Steve Jobs characterized the departure as unwanted but necessary given how often it would force Schmidt to leave Apple meetings discussing strategy.
In a rare mid-year update, Samsung this morning added a new, high-end lineup to its 8 series HDTVs. The 8500 series uses newer, pure white LED backlights with local dimming to boost the dynamic contrast ratio up to a very high 7,000,000:1, topping even the 5 million of the 8000 it replaces. A newer LCD panel improves brightness and visibility in ambient light, and a Natural mode tries to replicate the color behavior of normally more vibrant plasma displays without giving up brightness.
JVC this morning added a new, high-end HD camcorder to its mix. The Everio GZ-HM400 shoots the same 1080i widescreen, H.264 video as the GZ-X900 but has a more conventional form factor and has a sharper 10.2-megapixel sensor for shooting higher resolution photos. A new 10X Konica-Minolta lens also reduces chromatic aberration and is accompanied by extra controls to the left of the lens.
Kodak on Wednesday announced it has updated its Theatre HD Player, equipping it with the ability to view YouTube HD content, browse the web and read RSS news feeds. For this, the Theatre HD requires an Internet connection via networks over a Wi-Fi or wired link, though local photos and videos can also be played back. There is DivX, XviD, H.264 and WMV-9 video support. The updated system, Version 1.4, can now also play back 1080p videos, rather than the older setup's 720p playback.
Kodak on Wednesday announced it will soon add three new 12-megapixel digital cameras to its range, including the Z950, the M381 and M341. All also share Kodak's Smart Capture feature, which automatically adjusts focus, flash and exposure in any setting. The Z950 sports the biggest lens with 10X optical zoom and image stabilization. Framing shots is done via a 3-inch LCD, and Kodak has reduced the time between clicking the shutter button and the actual photo capture to under a third of a second. A face detection feature is built-in, and users can edit their photos and videos on the camera itself.
Microsoft and Yahoo today at last announced a partnership between the two companies for both ads and search. The 10-year deal will see Microsoft's Bing search engine replace Yahoo's own in most areas and will give the Windows developer a license to Yahoo's search technology to use for itself. In return, Yahoo will sell premium ads for both companies and will collect revenue from Microsoft for traffic sent its way during the first five years. Microsoft also vows to guarantee Yahoo's revenue for the first year and a half the new arrangements take effect in a given country. It should improve Yahoo's cash flow by about $275 million per year.
Subscribers to Verizon's fiber optic Internet and cable service, FiOS, now have access to the Widget Bazaar, which lets them check out Twitter apps and log onto Facebook right on their TVs. Users won't be able to post Twitter updates or view their friends' pages, as the young version of the app only allows users to get updates on what they're watching and standard community Twitter updates. The Twitter app remains on the screen as a vertical ticker, even when users are watching TV.
FON today significantly improved its core wireless router by launching the Fonera 2.0n. The device appropriately has 802.11n Wi-Fi for faster speeds and longer ranges than the older 11g model. More importantly, though, it adds USB and dedicated clients for multiple services directly on the router. Owners can download from BitTorrent, Megaupload or Rapidshare to USB storage without turning on a computer; they can also upload photos or videos to Facebook, Flickr, Picasa or YouTube from an attached camera.
AT&T began its week early by launching the Nokia Surge, a unique handset just for the US carrier. The device is designed like a typical QWERTY slider messaging phone but runs on Symbian S60 and gets access to the full roster of smartphone-class apps as a result. It's pitched as a social networking device and comes with a JuiceCaster app for posting both updates and media to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and elsewhere.
Electronics retail chain Best Buy and digital video recorder maker TiVo on Thursday announced a partnership that will see Best Buy carry a specially developed TiVo set-top box that will let Best Buy advertise its products and services to TiVo subscribers, among other benefits. What TiVo execs are calling the biggest marketing move in the DVR company's history, will see Best Buy committing to a multi-year deal to advertise, promote and carry the TiVo devices, though no financial details have been released.
Sony today said its Internet-aware BRAVIA TVs now have access to Netflix. Both newer sets with support built-in, as well as older sets using the add-on Internet Video Link, can access (but not add to) the Watch Instantly queue and stream movies or TV shows directly to the set. Whether or not it's capable of HD footage isn't clear.
Google's launch of Chrome OS today could create a conflict of interest that forces its chief Eric Schmidt off of Apple's board of directors. Although the two companies continue to collaborate on the iPhone, iLife and other projects, the creation of an operating system intended for full-fledged computers now means Google has products that can compete directly with two out of three of Apple's key businesses, as Android and now Chrome OS both give it a vested interest against the iPhone and Mac OS X.
Apple has been ordering enough camera sensors that every iPod except for the shuffle could have a camera with its next update, Asian sources claim. The American company is believed to be ordering cellphone-quality units worth about $10 but in too large numbers to simply apply to iPhone orders. Which models would get the update aren't specified by TechCrunch, but it's speculated that more than one iPod model would have to be covered given the sheer numbers.
Cooliris has updated its browser plug-in for viewing images and videos from Facebook, Google Images, YouTube, Flickr, or the computer desktop. Version 1.11 changes the full-screen mode from the default setting to an option. The developers also added tabbed browsing, allowing users to run multiple Cooliris windows or navigate easily between tabs. The plug-in can now be run in the background as a music player.
AgfaPhoto on Monday unveiled its new 6-megapixel DC-600uw point and shoot camera. The entry is one of the company's few rugged models and is rated to withstand submersion in water up to 33 feet deep. Other than to resistance to water, the DC-600uw can also withstand shock from drops as well as dust and dirt.
MvixUSA on Thursday announced the upcoming release and specs of its 1080p-capable Ultio networked multimedia player. The device is compatible with UPnP-standard networks and can be ordered with a 1TB hard drive. Streaming content from Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and other similar sites is supported, and MvixUSA says the device supports a record amount of video file formats and codecs, including the relatively uncommon RMVB or FLAC.
Mobile YouTube uploads have shot up dramatically with the release of the iPhone 3G S, Google claims. Whereas uploads have grown approximately 1,700 percent in past the six months, Google notes that figures rose 400 percent daily on June 19th, when the 3G S was launched in eight countries. The 3G S is the only iPhone capable of video recording, and is able to upload directly to YouTube. Apple and Google maintain a close corporate partnership.
Sony Ericsson in a quiet launch has revealed the T715. The slider is aimed at the upper mid-range with 3G over HSPA, a 3.2-megapixel camera and a partly aluminum shell. Although it doesn't have fully independent GPS, the phone ships preloaded with Google Maps for basic navigation and will geotag photos. AccuWeather and YouTube apps are also onboard.
