Kodak has added a new model to its EasyShare lineup, the P712, with 12x optical zoom and 0.07-second click-to-capture rate. It features Schneider Variogon lens with optical image stabilization, 7.1-megapixel sensor, 2.5-inch LCD and hot shoe flash connector. The P712 also offers 30 fps VGA video capture. The camera will sell for USD 500 with availability expected for July.
Immersion has announced a new version of its TouchSense vibration technology compatible with motion control and tilt sensing features of next-generation consoles. Sony recently confirmed that it was dropping vibration from the PlayStation 3 controllers due to interferences with its tilt sensors. According to Immersion, the revamped TouchSense supplies improved synchronization with audio and graphics as well as backward compatibility, while keeping current power consumption levels.
Japanese Seiko Epson has developed a prototype electronic paper display capable of QXGA resolution (1,536x2,048). According to the company, the A6 plastic sheet (7.1-inch on the diagonal) further proves the potential for thin, light and flexible devices, which could enable a newspaper that updates in real time, for instance. Epson’s e-paper, which offers a 10:1 contrast ratio, uses a series of proprietary technologies such as low temperature polysilicon thin film transistors (LTPS-TFT) and surface free technology by laser ablation (SUFTLA).
In a pre-opening E3 event, yesterday, Sony for the first time demonstrated its upcoming PlayStation 3. The company also confirmed the console will sell for USD 499, with a 20 GB hard drive, and USD 599, with a 60 GB HD. The PS3 will be launched on November 11 in Japan and six days later in the U.S., Europe and Australia. It is based on a multicore Cell processor and Nvidia’s RSX graphics chip. Features include a Blu-ray drive, four USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, wireless controls, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), HDMI output and three-in-one card reader (SD, CF and Memory Stick), but some of them will be available only in the high-end model. Sony is also preparing a free online service.
Casio will launch in June a new 10.1-megapixel model to its Exilim Zoom lineup of compact digital cameras. The EX-Z1000 packs a 2.8-inch ultra-bright wide LCD (maximum of 1,200 cd/m2), features a 3x optical zoom and includes an anti shake DSP built into the image processor. Casio claims the first shot can be taken 1.3 second after switching on and a time lag of only 0.002 second after the push of the shutter. Available in silver and black, the EX-Z1000 measures 3.62x2.3x0.88-inches, while weighing 4.9 oz. It uses MMC and SD cards and takes up to 360 shots on a single battery charge. Suggested retail price is USD 400.
Nintendo this week revealed the official name of its next-generation console known until now as Revolution. The chosen brand, Wii, is both a reference to the word “we” and, graphically, to two people playing together. Based on a PowerPC-derived processor and ATI GPU, the machine features a new one-handed controller, which Nintendo see as capable of changing current gaming concepts. The Wii is expected to be formarly introduced during the E3 expo (May 9-12).
Sony has launched a new series of flash-based Walkman audio players. Available in six colors, the devices hold 512 MB, 1 GB or 2 GB and promise lightning-fast charge in three minutes, enough to provide threee hours of playing time. A regular charge allows up to 28 hours of operation. The players feature a single-line OLED display, five-band equalizer and optional FM tuner for the 1 GB and 2 GB models. MP3, ATRAC and WMA files are supported.
Dell has announced a definitive agreement to buy high-end PC maker Alienware. The move is largely seen as its first step into the AMD market and away from its exclusivity deal with Intel. Alienware offers a variety of systems featuring processors from both chipmakers. Dell, however, said that Alienware will maintain its own brand, product development, marketing, sales and technical support. Terms of the deal were not made public.
Texas Instruments today announced a power management circuit said to “significantly improve” energy efficiency in consumer electronics and AC power adapters. The 8-pin UCC28600 increases efficiency in operating conditions by up to 88% and decreases consumption in standby mode. The controller can be used in products such as LCD and plasma TVs and in AC adapters for notebooks and gaming devices.
Transcend has just released their a new model of their T.sonic 610 MP3 player with 2 GB capacity. Other features include FM radio, digital voice recorder, ability of using it as an USB flash drive, “Karaoke-type” lyrics display function and bright color OLED display. With the addition of the 2 GB version, T.sonicT 610 MP3 Player is now available in 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB and 2 GB flavors.
