SLRs soon obsolete, replaced with mobiles

According to Reuters, Anssi Vanjoki, the executive vice president at Nokia, said that mobile phone cameras will replace conventional cameras. "They will in the very near future revolutionise the market for system cameras," he said. Vanjoki then pointed to a professional SLR camera used by a photographer nearby and said "there will be no need to carry around those heavy lenses."

HD video recording on mobile phones was another feature that Vanjoki touted, with the technology set to appear on Nokia's phones over the next year. Other manufacturers with phones currently on the market with HD video capabilities include Samsung's HD Icon and Sony Ericsson's Vivaz, both recording at 720p.

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Samsung To Embed Skype with Broadband HDTVs

It looks like the new Samsung LED 7000 and 8000 will come with something innovative as they will feature embedded Skype software which means people can make video and voice calls via these TV sets. These new HDTV sets will begin shipping in the Korean market but will be made available worldwide by the first half of 2010 as well.

The debut of Samsung’s Skype-enabled televisions reinforces Skype’s commitment to making its video and voice calling capabilities available on a full range of Internet-connected devices, including TVs. Televisions with built-in Skype software were first introduced at the International Consumer Electronics Show in January 2010.

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Galaxy Spica and Modern Warfare 2 Communicator

I got androids from a different galaxy and pixelized army men in the tech news today for you!

Samsung's Android: Galaxy Spica

I say it once and I'll say it again: Android will rule the mobile world; whether it be through smartphones, eBook Readers, or anything else. It's no surprise that Samsung is presenting its newest Android powered mobile phone called the Galaxy Spica.

Samsung Galaxy Spica provides an exceptional multimedia experience by supporting DivX for the first time on Android-powered phones to eliminate the hassle of file format conversions. Equipped with DNSe 2.0 for better sound quality and 3.5 mm ear jack, the Galaxy Spica offers the fully comprehensive multimedia feature set. Moreover, a long enough battery life (1500mAh) allows its users to enjoy all the applications and multimedia content. The phone also boasts its slim and compact design with mere 13.2 mm thickness.

Yes folks, you read it right: there is DivX support in this one. I'm expecting good quality videos once this little baby rolls out.

Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Throat Communicator

I know that a majority of you techies are gamers too and with that knowledge, I know that you have Modern Warfare 2 set up. Since this is priomarily a tech blog, we'll discuss some gadgets that can be associated with the game. Here's one that we were able to check out on: The XBox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Throat Communicator.

It may look uncomfortable, but according to reviewers at Amazon, it works great!

1) The neckpiece fits nice and snug. It is not adjustable as it's suppose to be in good contact right by your throat. I'm of average build and it fit perfectly. Even if you're a bit skinnier or heavier I'm sure it will fit comfortably still.
2) The earpiece also fit nicely. Unlike most earbud headphones, these do no have different sized ear pieces to make it fit any better in your ear. The size you see on the box is the only size you get.
3) The earbud goes to your left ear which felt weird at first being that I was used to an OEM headset for the last 4 years.

Samsung Galaxy Spica Press Release
Xbox 360 MW2 Communicator

Samsung Revitalizes Notebook PC Market with Launch of New Premium Portables

Samsung Electronics today unveiled a variety of new notebook PC products, signalling its commitment to grow its regional market presence in the mobile computing segment. The new premium, high-performance line-up includes five different models from the X and R Series notebook PCs and N Series mini notebooks that will cater to a wide spectrum of consumers and business users.

Building on Samsung's success to date, the company's foray into the notebook PC market is a strategic move to extend its leadership and propel regional growth in the IT segment. Samsung is already the market leader in monitors and the number two player in A4 laser printer market in Southeast Asia and Oceania. By expanding its IT product offerings to include notebook PC, Samsung intends to tap on the dynamic growth of this region and enhance its presence in the regional IT industry.

Despite the slowing economy, global notebook PC shipments grew 10 per cent year on year in the first quarter, according to iSuppli. IC Insights' Integrated Circuit Market Drivers Report 2009 further projects that notebook PC shipments will rise 13 per cent to 156 million systems this year. In particular, Display Search is forecasting a 66 per cent year on year growth in the mini notebook category to exceed 27 million units globally in 2009.

With its track record in providing the best-in-class hardware and software solutions for optimal performance and its partnership with Microsoft, Samsung is well-placed to capture market share in this growing segment.

Notebook PC:

• X Series Notebook PCs - Built for maximum portability, the 14.1-inch ultra-thin and light X460 packs the world's first 2950mAh six-cell battery for an unrivalled 10 hours of computing use. The X460's secure biometric fingerprint and trusted platform module authentication system makes it a key choice for mobile professionals.


• R Series Notebook PCs - Samsung's R420 and R470 come with 14.0-inch LED widescreen displays. Both models feature an innovative water-tight seal around the chassis to prevent damage if liquid is spilt on the notebook PC. The R Series also comes with SuperSilent Mode© for noise-sensitive environments.


• N Series Mini Notebooks - Comprising the N120 and N310, the lightweight and eye-catching Samsung N Series Mini Notebooks built with HSPA, WiMAX and WiBro technologies can provide more than 10 hours of battery life for extended surfing and entertainment. The N Series is ergonomically designed with large keyboards for greater user comfort.

Press

Samsung MultiXpress SCX-6545N Laser Copier Released

Samsung delivers another potential heavy duty printer for use in business, in the MultiXpress SCX-6545N, a monochrome multifunctional printer that can print up to 45 ppm. This new printer from Samsung should be one of the ideal printers needed today in mass production of papers and documents to aid in providing service and upholding the traditional niche.

The whole printer costs about $4,990.00, a small investment that can certainly serve its purpose.

Features:

• Fast 45 PPM (max pages per minute) print and copy speeds
• Standard duplex printing
• Unparalleled reliability with up to 200,000-page Monthly Duty Cycles
• Up to 4,800 x 4,800 dpi enhanced scan resolution
• High speed gigabit network-ready connectivity (Ethernet 10/100/1000)
• 800 x 480 7-inch wide color touch screen LCD with user-friendly interface
• Maximum 3,240 sheets of paper storage (through multiple configurations)
• Collate documents using optional 2-bin finisher and 4- bin mailbox
• 80GB HDD manages and monitors network print jobs
• Compact, ergonomic design
• Printer noise at a quiet 37dBA (standby), 55dBA (print) and 57dBA (copy)
• SyncThru Admin 5 and SynxThru Web applications are solutions that increase productivity and manage costs.

(Source) Press http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090721006343/en

Blockbuster and Samsung Bringing OnDemand Services to American Homes

This is the time when it feels great to have a Samsung product under the home theater niche. Thanks to this agreement between Samsung Electronics and Blockbuster OnDemand Services, American consumers will be getting a treat if their select Samsung products such as HDTV, home theater systems or blu-ray players are counted among the product lines under this deal.

OnDemand Services is a global leader in entertainment and this tie-up will take effect in the Fall. Once a customer rents or buys a movie, they simply press play to begin instant viewing. Blockbuster's adaptive streaming technology ensures quality viewing with immediate and uninterrupted playback. The special service is expected to provide millions of homes across America access to Blockbuster's digital library of movies.

Samsung NC10 Netbook with Built-in Mobile Broadband

Vodafone UK is the first UK network operator to offer the Samsung NC10 ultra-mobile netbook with built-in mobile broadband connectivity.

Free on both a 24 month contract for £25 a month with 1GB of data and a 24 month contract for £30 a month with 3GB of data, the Samsung NC 10 netbook has a Vodafone SIM and mobile broadband software pre-installed meaning customers won't need to use a USB modem to connect to the web. Commuters, bloggers and those that rule their life from their handbag, briefcase or laptop bag will be able to connect to Vodafone's fast and reliable mobile broadband network, whether on the road, or on-the-go, while surfing the Web, chatting with friends, or enjoying their favourite online videos and music.

Weighing in at only 1.33kg, the netbook comes in black and includes a built-in webcam, a bright 10.2-inch glossy LED display and a normal-size, PC-style keyboard. It also boasts a 3 in 1 memory card reader for simple file sharing, 1GB memory and Microsoft Windows XP. Users will also appreciate the increased battery life and network reception that integrated mobile broadband offers when compared to using a separate USB modem with a notebook or laptop.

The Samsung NC10 Netbook is available at http://shop.vodafone.co.uk/shop/mobile-broadband-devices/samsung-netbook and by calling Vodafone telesales on 08080 408 408.

Also available is this season's statement accessory, the PPQ for Vodafone Netbook Bag. Sleek, stylish and designed exclusively for Vodafone, the bag is the ultimate fashion item for style conscious urbanites and tech-savvy fashionistas on the go. Inspired by PPQ's signature Gabriel bag and in deep red croc-print, it's lightweight and on trend for summer 2009. The ultra-slim case is sized for a netbook and features a padded interior for protection and a pocket for daily essentials. Staying connected on the move has never been so chic.

Samsung Announces Samsung SPH-W8550 Mobile in Korea

Samsung Electronics has just announced a new phone for the Korean market with the release of the Samsung SPH-W8550 Mobile. Supposedly with infrared capabilities, the Samsung SPH-W8550 is Samsung’s latest haptic phone made especially for the Korean market.

Features:

• 3.5” WVGA Amoled screen
  


• 5Mpix AF camera


• DMB
  


• GPS
  


• 3.5” Jack-in
  


• Samsung’s latest 3D UI
  


• Support DviX video
  

The Samsung SPH-W8550 will come in these colors:

• Rose Black
  


• Snow White
  


• Valentine Pink

Akihabara News

Samsung LED TV Series Launched

It’s a TV! “That’s not a gadget” we hear you sigh, but when a TV is as clever as this Samsung LED TV, it most definitely is. At first glance we were taken by its stylish look. A large screen set into a glass look piano black frame always looks the part and when you put that on a crystal necked stand, it really is quite striking. But that aint new.

Once turned on the picture quality is most definitely High Def and runs at 100mhz, to help reduce that edge blur effect you get in big fast action sequences. But again, nothing new. It is pretty new and mighty impressive when you consider the screen itself is only 1.2” thick! Now things are starting to look up. On closer inspection we found out that this stunning beast also has a multitude of connection possibilities. These stack up to an impressive 4 x HDMI ports, 2 x USB ports, a DTV Tuner, wireless LAN and internet TV. Yup, we did say wireless Lan and internet TV. It comes in a 40”, 46” or a 55 and has been designed as a single moulded piece of tech (like the ipod). Oh, and apparently its “green” and has a much smaller “footprint” than other tellies.

Why do I want it?
Unless you have a pretty special TV already, this would definitely be a “trade up”. For starters it looks sexier than a strip club to a monk and is thinner than a supermodels lunchbox. 1.2” thick for a TV is insane! To put it in context (sort of), it is thinner than the centre finger bone of the average mans middle finger (don’t try and work that out while drunk). Because it is so thin it easily fixes to your wall, allowing you to mount this piece of tech art anywhere that has a solid(ish) surface. Once powered up it has fantastic picture quality with a great refresh rate.

When you couple this up with the HDMI connections it possesses it really does scream Hi-Def gaming to us. Bored of watching films and gaming? Simply connect to the internet and view some much loved comedy YouTube clips. These Samsung LED TVs certainly beats being sat at your PC in the dingy study, and could make watching those “special” movies you like, that little bit more “satisfying”. Still think its not worthy to be classed as a gadget? Didn’t think so.

Source

Black at&t Samsung Eternity a867 Phone

This AT&T phone can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T's 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the dual-band UMTS 850/1900 MHz network, which provides download speeds ranging from 700 Kbps to 1.7 Mbps, and upload speeds ranging from 500 Kbps to 1.2 Mbps. This makes it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services, and it gives you the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services.

In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it's fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go. You'll also enjoy quad-band GSM connectivity, which allows you to make calls in more than 190 countries and access data applications in the more than 135 countries where AT&T offers international data roaming.

With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access AT&T's Video Share service, which enables you to send a live, one-way video stream to another compatible phone during a standard voice call. The service also allows you to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call. (Customers must be in an area served by the company's 3G network and have a Video Share-enabled phone.) A majority of users in the architecture, engineering and construction industries rated the ability to share live video through Video Share highly, according to research commissioned by AT&T. Video Share lets you see progress on a job site or review the day's work without having to drive from an office or other site to do so.

You can take advantage of the AT&T Navigator GPS software and service, a full-featured premium navigation application that includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps (additional charges applicable). AT&T Navigator offers several other features to make your commute more enjoyable and reliable, including mobile access to Yellowpages.com. Additionally, AT&T Navigator is the only mobile phone-based GPS service that provides integrated speech recognition for address entry and points of interest search.

With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access AT&T's Cellular Video (CV) service and the Internet while on the go. Cellular Video features content from CNN, The Weather Channel, iFilm, Comedy Central and exclusive premium content from HBO and much more. And you get access to AT&T Mobile Music, which enables you to buy tracks while on the, access the Napster and eMusic subscription music services, stream music video, discover what's playing with Music ID song-recognition software, and find out what's hot with The Buzz music news portal. (A MEdia Max subscription bundle is recommended for accessing AT&T's Internet, video, and music services.)

The phone has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T's MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more.

AT&T Mobile TV
AT&T Mobile TV with FLO is a revolutionary video service that delivers full-length television content and sporting events from top networks to your phone while you're on the go. Joining with MediaFLO USA's award-winning FLO TV service, AT&T Mobile TV with FLO provides an intuitive program guide that makes it easy to flip from one channel to the next. The service includes more than 150 simulcast and/or time-shifted programs, as well as live sports events, from CBS Mobile, Comedy Central, ESPN Mobile TV, FOX Mobile, MTV, NBC 2GO, NBC News2Go and Nickelodeon. Additionally, the Mobile TV service includes two channels exclusive to AT&T users:

* PIX, from Sony Pictures Television, offers a variety of contemporary films, including comedies, cult classics, action films and family favorites from the studio's vast library.
* CNN Mobile Live provides users with access to 24 hours of breaking news with live streaming anchored coverage from CNN.com Live as well as CNN's most popular programs, including American Morning, Lou Dobbs Tonight, CNN Election Center, Larry King Live, Anderson Cooper 360°, and CNN International.

AT&T provides several packages for accessing Mobile TV, and it offers parental controls that provide content filtering and purchase blocking on your phone so that you can restrict access to content that may be inappropriate for younger viewers.


Price: $399.99

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Samsung Ultra Mobile PC

Imagine staying in touch with everything and everyone without having to lug a heavy laptop around. Weighing less than 1.5lbs, it features an ultra bright 7" touch-screen and Intel's Ultra Mobile CPU. So you can run all your Windows software, open all your files, check your email and open all your attachments, watch movies, play music, update your presentation, take photos, have a video chat, etc. With a Q1 Ultra Premium, more choices mean you never have to settle. With the 32 GB solid-state drive, the NP-Q1U/SD1 no longer has any internal moving parts, making it a more rugged and durable solution for your business trips or vacation. Also, the SSD option means less waiting for boot up/shut down and improved battery life. The Q1 Ultra Premium reflects the latest in mobile technology integration by showcasing its new ultra-bright LED backlit touch-screen LCD featuring 1024 x 600 native resolution. With the touch-screen you can just tap the icons to open up your favorite programs or just use the stylus to take down notes and have them converted into text or drawings. It offers latest communication technologies with 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11b/g wireless and Bluetooth 2.0 as standard while the microphone allows you to make VOIP or Skype calls. It's the ultimate tool for the road warrior who wants to bring it all without carrying it all. With the Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium, it's not hard to imagine. 7 WSVGA (1024 x 600, 300 nits) Touch-Screen LCD with LED Backlit Display Two Webcamera (0.3MP Front, 1.3MP Rear) and Dual Array Microphone Intel GMA 950 with up to 128MB Shared Video Memory Built-in 802.11B/G Wireless Integrated Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR AuthenTec Fingerprint Reader 10/100Base-TX Ethernet LAN 2-in-1 Memory Slot (SD, MMC) 2 x USB 2.0, Headphone out, Audio Jack, VGA, RJ-45 LAN Approximate Unit Dimensions - 8.96? (W) x 0.93? (D) x 4.88?(H) Approximate Unit Weight - 1.44 pounds

Price: $1,049.00

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Switching from CRT to LCD Monitors

It is obvious that people would want to get in the times and switch to the vast available LCD monitors today that not only emphasizes on screen resolution but space management as well. Seeing that these products are selling just like pieces of cigarettes in Taiwan in my last trip to Taiwan last December, it was obvious that seeing them had a reason. The time to get myself an LCD monitor of my own!

I will forever regret of not buying one when I was in Taiwan. The priced has a difference of around $40 compared to the local retailers. The brands available there included Asus, Samsung, Pioneer and AOC. Pressed for time and with my mind spinning from the available products there, I chose not to get one and postpone my purchase through my friend and associate who could send the monitor to me at any time I would wish.

But once I got back home, it took me only 24 hours to use my old AOC CRT monitor and it got busted as quickly as I used it. While I remember what my friend told me, I needed a monitor badly since I had a lot of pending jobs in the form of article writing and blog entries to catch up on. My solution? What else but to buy a new monitor. Apparently, it was the Christmas Rush so I really had problems of transporting a large CRT monitor to my car as parking was really a drag.

I came across this Samsung SyncMaster 740N LCD monitor which I bargained until I could afford it. I ended up getting one for $200.00. If I got one in Taiwan, I would have gotten it for $150.00! Nevertheless I just considered it as a Christmas gift for myself. Besides, its been a while since I bought something worthwhile, and being able to buy my very own LCD monitor has its fulfillment in a way.