The PENTAX RZ10 brings you closer to your subject with color and style.

The PENTAX RZ10 brings you closer to your subject with color and style. Featuring a 10X zoom and HD video, this slim, stylish camera offers the perfect balance between size and zoom. Powerful yet easy to use automatic shooting modes include PENTAX Auto Picture. Vivid color choices include Classic Black, Pure White, Lime, and Violet.

* 10X Zoom, 14.1 megapixels, 2.7" LCD
* Sensor shift Shake Reduction
* 720p HD video at 30 FPS

Buy @ pentaximaging

Samsung NX100 hands-on (video)

We're expecting to get our grubby paws on an NX100 later today for some longer-term testing, but for now, we wanted to go ahead and get you our initial impressions after handling the new mirrorless compact for a couple of minutes following Samsung's Photokina 2010 press event. The device itself is far smaller than the NX10 of last year, but it's still decidedly solid, if not a touch thick.

The 20mm pancake lens on the model we tested was well built, and the i-Function capabilities were downright impressive. It took us a tick to grok how it works, but a good 30 seconds of learning presented us with loads of on-the-fly flexibility. You simply tap the i-Function button with your right hand in order to select what type of setting you'd like to change (exposure, ISO, shutter speed, etc.), and then rotate the wheel on the lens in either direction in order to change the value.

Despite our doubts, it actually worked beautifully, and now we're eager to see this type of technology on even more cameras (even if its reserved for Samsung's range). The 3-inch AMOLED on the rear was also stunning, sharp and bright, and the whole thing fit in our hands well. We're still fond of our DSLR for most things, but we could totally see a unit like this making the most sense for amateurs who aren't fond of lugging around something so gigantic. Ergonomics, design and i-Function.

Via : engadget

First Picture of the BlackBerry Storm 3?

We were just sent a picture of what is supposedly the BlackBerry Storm 3. Our tipster wishes to remain anonymous but it looks legit. According to the tipster the Storm 3 will have a 3.7 inch display and 8GB of internal memory. This device is also rumored to have mobile Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.

Via : berryreview

Fujifilm outs X100 rangefinder-esque compact

Fuji has announced the development of a new rangefinder styled compact with a 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor (with what looks like offset micro-lenses to improve peripheral illumination), fixed 35mm-equivalent f/2 Fujinon lens, HD movie option and hybrid optical viewfinder. It's expected to be released early in 2011, but there's no word yet on price. In case you're wondering, no, that's not a Nikon compatible hotshoe.

FUJIFILM Corporation is pleased to announce the new FinePix X100, a high-grade digital compact camera featuring an APS-C CMOS sensor, a Fujinon 23mm fixed focal length lens and a newly developed Hybrid Viewfinder, due for commercial release in early 2011.

The FinePix X100 is aimed at the professional photographer or keen enthusiast looking for exceptional quality pictures from a compact camera. It is designed to appeal to the millions of DSLR users who need a slim back-up camera for high quality in-fill shots when the use of a bigger SLR system is either inconvenient or impractical. Or, of course, it can be used as a professional's only top-end camera, if size and versatility are the primary considerations.

Fujifilm has closely studied the current line-up of professional cameras and feels that there is a strong need for a compact high-quality (APS-C based) camera as a counterpoint to an SLR. Using the experience of working with generations of photographers using famous emulsions like Velvia, Provia, Astia etc., Fujifilm engineers distilled this knowledge into months of careful study to create the perfect compact-sized professional camera.

The priority for this model is picture quality, so it was decided to make the highest quality possible lens and sensor combination, built from the ground-up. The lens chosen is a fixed, prime F2 lens, made by Fujinon, manufactured to perfectly match the APS-C custom sensor. Added to this is the newly-developed EXR Processor, which combines all the latest image processing technology Fujifilm has technology built up over the years.

Other cameras on the market look to fill the need for the ultimate ‘compact’ professional camera, but the Fujifilm development team believe that, having listened to the marketplace, the FinePix X100 offers a number of technical developments that will set this camera apart from other contenders. The main technologies employed in this camera are as follows:

Hybrid Viewfinder (New Development)

The Hybrid Viewfinder on the FinePix X100 combines the window-type “bright frame” optical viewfinder found in high-end film cameras such as 35mm or medium-format cameras, and the electronic viewfinder system incorporated in fixed single lens or mirrorless digital cameras.

By using integrating a prism for the 1,440,000 dot LCD panel image on the viewing screen in the reverse-Galilean optical finder, the Hybrid Viewfinder can show both the shooting frame and a variety of shooting data. Of course, it can also be used as a high-quality electronic viewfinder to compose or playback shots. With this ability to instantly switch between optical and electronic viewfinder images with simple “one touch” control. The new Hybrid Viewfinder offers users expanded freedom in the composition and enjoyment of photography in a range of challenging shooting conditions.

Read More @ digitaljournalofphotography

PlayStation Move Teardown

Sony’s plan to change gaming forever is a light wand with seven buttons, a compass, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a vibrator motor. Oh, and they threw in a safety strap for good measure. Sony is claiming that the Move “only does everything,” so we took one apart in an effort to see how exactly it could possibly accomplish such a lofty mission.

The PlayStation Eye camera bundled with Move is nothing new: Sony’s been shipping it since October of 2007. So we focused our attention on the Move controller, which ended up being super-easy to take apart.

We awarded it an 8 out of 10 Repairability score (10 being easiest to repair) since all one needs to do is remove a few Phillips screws to pop it open. Inside we found other easily replaceable components: the battery can be removed by unplugging its connector, and the trigger comes out as one unit. It looks like you may not have to toss your $50 controller in the trash if it runs out of juice.

Teardown highlights:

* The Wii and PlayStation use different methods of locating their controllers. The Wii Remote has an infrared (IR) sensor built into the controller, and uses triangulation from the IR emitters on the sensor bar placed near the TV to locate itself. PlayStation Move, unlike the Wii, can locate the motion controller in 3D space. The PlayStation Eye camera visually recognizes the X/Y position as well as the relative size of the glowing sphere on the motion controller to pinpoint the controller’s location.
* The Move contains many of components found in today’s smartphones: a processor, accelerometer, gyroscope, Bluetooth transmitter, vibrating motor, and even a MEMS compass. It’s an amazing amount of tech for the money, even though we still think it’s steep to pay $50 for a controller. Compared to a $40 WiiMote, though, it’s quite the bang for the buck.
* The sphere at the top of the Move lights up via LEDs inside the controller. The LEDs are capable of putting out any color, which makes it easy to differentiate between players. They can also change colors mid-game, creating another source of user feedback. The color of the orb also changes in response to its environment, ensuring optimal visibility and detection by the PlayStation Eye.
* The internal lithium-ion rechargeable battery lists a minimum capacity of 1320 mAh at 3.7 Volts. The battery gets brownie points for being able to be disconnected from the Move without any soldering. Just unplug the connector and plug the new one in.
* The vibrator motor lifts off, however it still remains connected to the motherboard. It’s definitely smaller than the two vibrating motors stuffed into a Sony DualShock 3 Controller.
* The Move motherboard loses points on repairability due to the vibrator motor, LED, charge contacts, and EXT cables being soldered down.
* We were not able to identify the gyroscope manufacturer from a surface examination, but we suspect that it is the white-labeled part #Y5250H.
* As LEDs get warmer, their brightness decreases. Having a heat sink in the LED assembly not only keeps the LEDs at the optimal operating temperature, but also increases the longevity of the diodes. The clear plastic lens on the far left helps diffuse the light from the LEDs to light up the orb uniformly.

Via : ifixit.com

Peek Reloaded: Smarter. Faster. Stronger.

Peek's mission from Day 1 has been to do a few things very well, and dispense with junk. Peek 9 takes that mission and runs with it.

We re-engineered the software to make email faster and more reliable, connect to corporate mail, and deliver the web apps you love. And with our brand new custom cloud applications, you can empower front line staff and first time users with a powerful, affordable mobile device that proves that simple is smart.

• No contract commitment - Just buy a Peek and get started
• As low as $10/month - Compare to $130/month for all-in-one phones
• No overages - Peek cuts the chit chat and personal calls, so no shocking bills
• Tough design - No fragile glass or breakables - drop it and don't think twice
• Productivity-focused - No distractions means you get more done
• Great battery life - Peek's battery lasts days, not just hours

Via : getpeek.com

Firmware update clocks Motorola XT720 CPU to proper 720MHz

Pay no attention to the Motorola technician behind the curtain - he's just upgrading the CPU in your Motorola Milestone XT720 to run at 720MHz with a firmware update. And while he's at it, he'll throw in some DLNA support too and share some camera tips.

Motorola lists the CPU speed for the XT720 as "up to 720MHz" and it turns out that the Cortex A8 processor inside the Motorola Milestone XT720 has been ticking at the modest 550MHz up until today.

The new software update, which is available for the UK and Germany, "overclocks" it to those promised 720MHz (the maximum frequency of that particular chip is 800MHz). The update also adds DLNA support for good measure.

Here are 5 tips from Motorola for making the best photos and videos with your Motorola Milestone XT720.

The tips are pretty general, so you can benefit from them even if you don't have an XT720.


Via : gsmarena.com

Motorola overclocks the XT720 – UK and German owners get 720MHz upgrade

Here’s something interesting for owners of Motorola’s chunky XT720 Android phone – the company has released a software update that upgrades the stock processor speed to 720MHz. So it ought to feel a little quicker in operation. Plus the patch also introduces DLNA compatibility, for those of you into sharing your HD media with all your gadgets.

Here’s the explanation from Motorola:

"XT720 of either UK or German origin can now download new software that increases the processor speed (to 720mhz) and also introduces DLNA functionality. We have also produced a top 5 tips and tricks video to maximise the camera functionality of the device."

The XT720 shipped with its processor locked to 550MHz according to Motorola’s tech specs, so this is quite a leap. On the offchance there are any XT720 owners in the house, do let us know what difference it makes.

Via : eurodroid.com

Motorola boosts XT720 CPU

When Motorola launched the XT720 Android smartphone in the UK, it was thoroughly lambasted for dropping the CPU speed from its designed 720MHz to 550MHz - but has now reversed that decision with a firmware update.

Released late last week, the free update unlocks the full potential of the smartphone's CPU by increasing the clock speed from a somewhat paltry 550MHz to a more acceptable 720MHz.

It's a move that Motorola really had to make: with many new handsets being released with 1GHz or faster processors, a 550MHz chip in even a mid-range handset was a source of embarrassment for the company - and frustration for its users.

As well as unlocking the CPU, the latest firmware also adds support for the Universal Plug and Play-compatible DLNA media sharing system, which means that the XT720 gets the ability to stream audio, video, and photos to and from other DLNA-compatible devices, including Sony's PlayStation 3 console.

To upgrade, either choose System Updates from the About Phone menu of your handset, or visit Motorola's update page and select the XT720.

The update shouldn't wipe any settings on the handset, but it's always a good idea to create a backup before proceeding - and if you're an XT720 owner who decides to take the plunge and upgrade, it would be interesting to hear if the speed boost has any impact on the battery life of your device.

Are you pleased to see that the UK now gets the 'phone that Korea has been enjoying in the Motoroi since launch, or just confused as to why Motorola would change their minds on the CPU speed? Share your thoughts over in the forums.

Via : bit-tech.net

We7 Android app takes on Spotify

UK music streaming service We7 is the latest to announce that it has launched an Android app for music fans looking to listen to their favourite tracks on the go on devices from HTC, Motorola and Samsung.

Users are able to play music by searching for their favourite songs, artists or albums and access and build playlists directly from their smartphone say the company for the same price as Spotify's premium app - £9.99.

"There is no limit to the amount of music that can be streamed each month and favourite content can also be cached, meaning users don’t need internet connection to listen to their favourite music," say We7.

However in a slightly different approach, users will be able to trial the service for two weeks before having to stump up any cash, something that Spotify currently doesn't offer, but has expressed an interest in, to Pocket-lint, previously.

"We know that many consumers have been frustrated with mobile music apps in the past, generally, they download ‘free apps’ but cannot play songs without paying for a subscription. We wanted to resolve this, that’s why we’ve included the free trial so users can sign up and immediately play music. Users just need to go to The Android Marketplace and download it, we’re confident that they’ll love it!”

The new Android we7 application has had a significant facelift from its iPhone counterpart and includes features such as a new user interface and off-line mode so you can play music when there is no connection.

Android users interested in trialling the app should visit the Android marketplace from their handset and search for we7.

Then, they simply need to follow the instructions to receive a two-week free trial ahead of deciding whether they want to access the full application.

Via : pocket-lint.com

HTC Desire HD exclusively coming to Australia via Vodafone and 3

Officially presented by HTC last week alongside the HTC Desire Z, the Desire HD will be available in lots of markets around the world starting October.

One of these markets is Australia, where the new smartphone will be exclusively sold by Vodafone and 3 (while Telstra and Optus may get the Desire Z). The handset’s price in Australia has not been announced, but Vodafone could offer it for free on select plans.

The Desire HD is HTC’s latest high-end Android smartphone. It features a 4.3 inch WVGA touchscreen display, Android 2.2 Froyo, Sense UI, HSPA, Wi-Fi, GPS, 8MP camera, HD video recording, 768MB of RAM, and 1GHz processor.

Vodafone Australia currently sells four other Android handsets: HTC Legend, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini, and LG Optimus.

Via : unwiredview.com

WowWee Rovio Mobile Webcam Review

Modern home networking technology solutions integrate all types of home appliances and security devices that can be monitored from any smartphone connected to the internet around the world. WowWee wanted a piece of the home security action and introduced the Rovio mobile webcam at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2008.

Their goal with the Rovio was simple -- create a wireless and movable webcam that could be manipulated and viewed from any PC or mobile device 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We got to test drive one for several weeks, and after some initial issues during installation, we actually had a pretty mixed experience with the Rovio. Read more about our evaluation period with this device to see if it will be a good device to integrate into your own home security system.

The WowWee Rovio has three wheels that actually include 10 smaller wheels on each wheel hub that helps it move in any direction you want to go. The camera on the Rovio outputs to 640x480 resolution, which is pretty clear under well-lit conditions when it streams to the internet. The VGA camera is mounted to the "head" of the Rovio that can be configured in three different positions to allow users to see right in front of them at floor level as well as at a 45-degree angle.

WowWee Rovio Mobile Webcam Features

• Easily control Rovio remotely 24/7 from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Use any web-enabled device: PC or Mac, cell phone, smartphone, PDA or even your video game console.
  
  
• Rovio detects your computer settings and guides you through the setup process.
  
  
• Its head-mounted moveable camera and wide range of vision enable you to see and hear exactly what Rovio sees and hears, on your screen.
  
  
• Set waypoints so that Rovio can navigate itself around your home, without having to control each step yourself!*
  
  
• At the click of a button, send Rovio back to the charging dock using its self-docking capabilities - even when you are not at home!*
  
  
• Guide Rovio through dimly lit locations with the aid of its built-in LED headlight.
  
  
• Rechargeable NiMH battery included
  
  
• 1 x Charging dock with built-in TrueTrack Beacon
  
  
• 3 x Omni-directional wheels
  
  
• 1 x Head-mounted VGA camera
  
  
• LED illumination
  
  
• 1 x Speaker and 1 x microphone for 2-way audio
  
  
• USB connectivity
  
  
• Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b and 802.11g)

Via : pcper.com

Pentax launches K-r to take on the Canon T2i

The Pentax K-x was in many ways a breakout product for the company; it delivered exceptionally fast performance, low-noise images, and a robust feature set in a rainbow of colors, all for such a low price that it couldn't help but make waves in a market heretofore locked up by Canon and Nikon. In some ways it's easy to beat them, since they don't release new models at the bottom of the food chain--they just tend to let older models sink in price.

So what's an underdog to do for an encore in the murky step-up market? There you have to compete with Canon and Nikon's current-generation products, plus you have to offer obvious advantages over your cheaper product, but without incurring significant cost increases. Pentax seems to play it safe with its new K-r, basically preserving what's good about the K-x with just enough improvements to attract the more price-elastic buyer.

That amounts to using the same body and sensor, but incorporating an enhanced version of its autofocus system, a larger and higher-resolution LCD, and support for a dual lithium ion/AA battery design. In addition, Pentax has updated the viewfinder to display the focus points (yay), implemented the now-popular multishot Night Scene HDR mode, bumped the maximum shutter speed to 1/6,000 second, and will provide SDXC support via a firmware update later in the year. And, naturally, it still comes in colors, albeit a smaller selection of black; black and white; and red and black.

Via : news.cnet.com

Pentax Introduces PENTAX K-r Digital SLR Camera

The DSLR camera provides various functions and features to easily capture high-quality images. It also features a range of tools for delivering more creative and personalized images. The camera incorporates a 3” color, high-resolution LCD monitor. The DSLR camera delivers shooting with high sensitivity at ISO 25600, through a custom function. Other features of the camera include continuous shooting at a speed of about six images every second, movie recording at HDTV-proportion, and reproduction of high-quality images with about 12.4 megapixels. The DSLR camera features a dual-power-source design that provides an option between a set of AA batteries and rechargeable Li-ion battery.

The PENTAX K-r camera delivers high performance and flexibility, enabling the photographer to handle various photographic needs easily. The camera is compatible with the IrSimple infrared data transmission system to transfer data wirelessly to units that are compatible with IrSimple.

Via : azooptics.com

Join ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.

Casio have announced today the newest model in the Exilim range of digital cameras – the EX-ZR10. Powered by the new Exilim Engine HS that integrates high-speed shooting and high-speed image processing, the EX-ZR10 creates amazingly artistic photographs using Casio’s high dynamic range (HDR) technology. This next-generation high-speed camera represents a dramatic advancement beyond existing digital cameras.

The wide-angle 28 mm 7X optical zoom lens achieves zoom performance equivalent to 14X optical zoom with Casio’s Multi Frame SR Zoom, which actually combines a number of still images to create a sharp, clear photo. In addition, the dual image processing circuits built into the new engine dramatically reduce the interval between shots, and ultra-high speed burst shooting captures crucial moments at a maximum speed of 40 shots per second. These functions make sure you’ll never miss a shot.

The EX-ZR10 comes with the new Exilim Engine HS and a high-sensitivity, 12-megapixel, back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Its high-speed burst shooting brings a professional touch to basic camera functions like shooting, viewing and recording. The high speed engine enables the user to record high precision videos and detailed continuous shooting with the support of its multiple CPU’s, a reconfigurable processor, and dual image processing circuits.

With Casio’s HDR technology, several exposures will be combined to create a single sharp image at the press of a button. This ensures that both light and dark areas are clearly visible in the photograph and minimises washed out or overly dark areas.

The wide range of shooting options also includes Premium Auto which takes beautiful photos with just a press of the button, and Slide Panorama that allows users to easily capture 360-degree panoramic images. The camera also offers a full range of movie functions. In addition to high-speed movie recording at up to 480 fps for slow motion movies, the EX-ZR10 also takes full HD movies (H.264). While shooting a movie, users can also capture still images with the optical zoom and burst shooting function.

New Exilim ENGINE HS with high-speed shooting and high-speed image processing
The EX-ZR10 incorporates the newly developed Exilim ENGINE HS for high-speed shooting and high-speed processing. Equipped with multiple CPUs, a reconfigurable processor, and dual image processing circuits, the engine can handle parallel operations such as movies and continuous shooting in a way that was impossible before. Further, the compositing function using high precision image analysis and processing records highly detailed images without losing any of the fine texture with high speed.

HDR technology accurately represents living colour
With Casio’s HS HDR technology, each press of the button actually takes several shots with different exposures and instantly combines them into a single image with a high dynamic range. This ensures that both light and dark areas are vividly reproduced in the photograph, minimising washed out or overly dark areas, reproducing the scene just as seen by the human eye. The EX-ZR10 uses algorithms that expand the dynamic range while maintaining sharpness, even when shooting subjects in strong contrast situations.

HDR ART creates artistic photographs
HDR ART combines continuous shots with differing brightness, performing high precision image analysis to locally change the contrast and the level of colour saturation. This allows users to create truly artistic photographs radically different than anything possible on conventional digital cameras.

Zoom up to 14X while maintaining refined image quality
The wide-angle 28 mm 7X optical zoom lens offers zoom performance equivalent to a maximum of 14X optical zoom while maintaining the image quality needed for high-resolution photography. This is achieved using multi-frame super-resolution technology which makes a composite image.

Ultra-high speed burst shooting captures crucial moments at a speed of 40 shots per second
The EX-ZR10 can take up to 30 shots of 10 megapixel high-resolution images with high-speed burst shooting at a maximum speed of 40 shots per second. What is more, if the camera is set to Prerecord Continuous Shutter, users will not miss a single critical moment even if they press the shutter a little late, since the camera starts shooting when the shutter button is only depressed halfway.

High-sensitivity, 12-megapixel, back-illuminated CMOS sensor
The EX-ZR10 uses a back-illuminated CMOS sensor. With 12-megapixel, high-resolution images, the EX-ZR10 achieves low-noise, high-quality photography even in dim lighting. The model also comes with CMOS-shift image stabilisation.

Premium Auto produces beautiful photos with just a press of a button
Premium Auto enables the camera to automatically analyse the scene being photographed — including distinguishing night scenes, back lighting, a blue sky, green trees or a sunset — as well as sensing whether there is a face in the frame, the movement and position of the subject, and whether a tripod is being used. It simultaneously optimises settings for exposure, ISO, sensitivity, focus location, photo blur correction, tonal range and colour balance, and level of noise reduction. Images are analysed pixel by pixel to apply different correction to people and backgrounds. Premium Auto delivers an advanced level of full auto photography, ensuring high quality photos with just a press of the button

Slide Panorama for capturing 360-degree panoramic images
This function makes it easy to take panoramic images, simply by panning the camera across the scene with the shutter button pressed.

High-speed movie recording at up to 480 fps for dramatic, ultra-slow motion movies
The EX-ZR10 can record high-speed movies of motion that is ordinarily too fast for the human eye to see (480 fps, 240 fps, 30-240 fps,).

Beautiful high-resolution full HD movies
The Full HD Movie function records beautiful videos at a size of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. While shooting a movie, users can also quickly capture still images with the Still In Movie function which uses the optical zoom and continuous auto focus.

Via : ephotozine.com

Samsung F10M review

The Samsung F10M is unique in being the first true LED projector to reach 1,000 lumens brightness. We previously saw the 2,000 lumen Casio XJ-A135, but that uses a laser to supplement the LED light source. The F10M is aimed squarely at business users. Its old-fashioned 1,024x768 resolution is better suited to presentations than movies, plus the claimed 30,000 hours of lamp life make it ideal for meeting room use – it could run for a full working day, every day, for over 10 years.

Unlike the XJ-A135, the F10M shines its LED light source through three separate LCD panels, rather than reflecting it off a DLP chip. LCD is an odd choice for a business projector, which is most often used under bright lighting, as DLP-based projectors tend to be both brighter and more compact.

At only 1000 lumens it was no surprise to find that the F10M's image looked best when the lights were turned down. The image presets - such as Film, Presentation and Game - were mostly either overblown or too dark, so as usual we found ourselves working from the basic User setting. There are contrast and brightness settings, plus colour temperature and colour gamut, but it's the latter that caused the most extreme changes to image quality.

Colour temperature settings generally include one or two warm and cold settings, plus a neutral or sRGB setting. In this case however, there was no neutral setting; instead, the sRGB option was found under Colour Gamut, but choosing it resulted in unnaturally dark colours. The Normal setting was slightly better, while the Wide setting produced wildly over-saturated colours, with violently strong reds. Thankfully, the colour temperature controls also include fine control of gain and offset, so those who need accurate colours can use these to tweak to their heart’s content.

With the lights on, the LED lamp's 1,000 lumens has a hard time creating the necessary contrast. We found boosting colours helped, as did moving the screen closer. The F10M’s short-throw lens projects a large image, filling our 70in inFocus screen at a distance of just 1.9m, with a throw ratio of 1.48:1 to 1.78:1. You'll need to place the projector directly in front of the screen, as there's no lens shift.

Connecting to a laptop via VGA, we noticed tearing in one test that was corrected by re-running the analogue auto-configure routine. Connecting via HDMI was straightforward, producing a clear, pixel-for-pixel desktop. Our presentation tests posed few problems for the F10M, with crisp text and graphs and good colour reproduction.

You can connect an external hard disk or memory stick via USB, which is handy if you don't want to carry a laptop around with you (however, at 5kg the F10M could hardly be considered a portable projector, and it's more suited to a ceiling mount). The USB menu lets you browse and display documents, videos and photos.

Document format support is good, with Word, PowerPoint and Excel files all supported, plus PDFs. More importantly, it will display PowerPoint files as well as JPEG slideshows. Video playback is limited to standard definition (720x480) with DivX, XviD and WMV9 supported. Not all our test videos in these formats played properly, so you’ll probably need to re-encode your videos to its rather particular needs.

Via : expertreviews.co.uk

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab revealed as one of Verizon’s Android tablets

A few weeks ago, we caught wind of Verizon’s Android plans for the fall and early 2011 thanks to a leaked roadmap. In addition to more Droid devices, the roadmap revealed two mysterious Android tablets for the carrier — one from Samsung, and another from Motorola.

Now thanks to updated information from Verizon’s systems, it appears that the shadowy Samsung tablet is in fact the Galaxy Tab, according to the mobile device site Boy Genius Report.

The news isn’t entirely surprising, since the Galaxy Tab has been one of the worst kept tech secrets of the past few months. At this point, we can say for certain that it will be 7-inch tablet running Android 2.2 “Froyo”, and it appears to have a front-facing camera for video conferencing. Test units have popped up all over the world — most recently Engadget reported on a unit that sported a CDMA sticker, making it compatible with Verizon and Sprint’s cellular network.

One of Samsung’s online portals also revealed a slew of accessories for the Galaxy Tab, including a dock with HDMI video and audio ports, as well as a keyboard attachment, and a leather case. That Samsung is readying accessories is a good sign — a decent selection of accessories is usually one of the more compelling reasons to pick up an Apple device like the iPad.

We first caught word of the Galaxy Tab when Samsung revealed its ambitious plans for its Galaxy S Android phones, which are currently available on AT&T and T-Mobile, and are coming soon to Sprint and Verizon. Despite being a latecomer to the Android “superphone” party, Samsung has the potential to be one of the first manufacturers to bring out a compelling Android tablet.

There’s no firm release date for the Galaxy Tab yet, but I would expect more details from Verizon and Samsung soon, and a potential release by November.

Via : venturebeat.com