Thursday, August 07, 2008

Toshiba launches 32GB embedded NAND for PMPs and handsets

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/358387009/

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Look out memory nerds, as Toshiba has just announced a more capacious embedded NAND flash memory device than you ever thought possible. The new 32GB chip boasts full compliance with eMMC and eSD standards, is fabricated with Tosh's 43-nanometer process technology, includes a dedicated controller and should slip right into your favorite handset / PMP of tomorrow. Samples are slated to hit couriers in September for an undisclosed price, while mass production will get going in Q4. So, how long 'til you guys and gals repeat this news with "64" or "128" in place of that lowly "32?"

[Via Electronista]
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Intel announces industry's smallest SSD chips


The picture says it all, Intel's going crazy small with its latest SSD chips, but it's certainly not leaving capacity behind. The new Intel Z-P140 PATA SSD chips come in 2GB and 4GB capacities, are extendable up to 16GB, and weigh less than a drop of water. We're already impatient for phone manufacturers and DAP makers to start cramming these into their devices, and the RAID opportunities are really sinful. Intel should be showing the chips off at CES in January, no word on when we'll see 'em hit the market.

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Addonics Portable Dual Drive enclosure lets you RAID on the go

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/358567964/

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We've seen a couple tiny / portable RAID enclosures, but Addonics's new Portable Dual Drive enclosure is the smallest we've seen so far, with a compact stacked design that allows you to easily swap drives. The eSATA / USB 2.0 box supports RAID 0/1 and several other disk configs, and Addonics is hyping compatibility with SATA-to-CF adapters that'll let you build a crazy SSD RAID. Out now for $99.
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REDFLY now available for $499, purpose even less clear

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/358786110/

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Sure, we just saw the Celio REDFLY unboxed last month, but come on -- you know you really wanted one of the Foleo-like WinMo "companions" all to yourself, and now you can have one -- for $499. Yep, 5 bills to use WinMo 5 or 6 on an 8-inch screen -- and you can't use it at all if you don't have your phone. Or, you could spend your money on something 1000x more useful and get one of the million netbooks that have been released since this thing was first announced, but hey -- don't let a silly thing like common sense stand between you and your phone's desire to be loved. One more short unboxing vid after the break.

Continue reading REDFLY now available for $499, purpose even less clear

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E-Passports Can Be Hacked and Cloned in Minutes [E-passport]

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/357844752/e+passports-can-be-hacked-and-cloned-in-minutes

Tests conducted for the UK's Times Online have concluded that the new high-tech e-passports being distributed around the world can be hacked and cloned within minutes. A computer researcher proved it by cloning the chips in two British passports and then implanting digital images of Osama bin Laden and a suicide bomber. Both passports passed as genuine by UN approved passport reader software. The entire process took less than an hour.

Initially, the assumption was that cloned chips would be spotted because their key codes would not match those stored in an international database. However, only 10 of the 45 countries participating in the e-passport program have signed up to for the Public Key Directory (PKD) code system, and only five are currently using it. On top of all that, the research also suggests that biometric data could also be manipulated and implemented into fake passports.

At this point, there has been no evidence to suggest that an e-passport has been successfully cloned and passed off as genuine in a real life situation—but it is bound to happen unless every country buys into the PKD. Even then, I still have my doubts about long term security. We all know that its only a matter of time before someone figures out how to manipulate the system. [Times Online]


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Nikon Fall Point-and-Shoots: 14.5-Megapixel S710, S610c With Built-In Wi-Fi, and Budget S560 [Digital Cameras]

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/358050243/nikon-fall-point+and+shoots-145+megapixel-s710-s610c-with-built+in-wi+fi-and-budget-s560

Rounding out Nikon's fall point-and-shoot lineup—feast your eyes on the headliners above—we've got four other pieces of camera newness:

•The S710 crams 14.5-megapixels into a tiny body. Sounds like a recipe for noise stew, but it'll do up to ISO 12,800 at a resolution of 3MP (maybe 3MP of white fuzzies, but still). The 28-101mm 3.6x zoom lens doesn't sound shabby though. Out next month for $380.
S610c and S610 will be drop-kicking the S52 and S52c. The "c" means it's got built-in Wi-Fi, which will work at any Wayport hotspot for free. They're both 10-megapixel cams with a 3.6x zoom lens and 3-inch LCD, plus lotsa modes to take the work out of taking pictures. $330 with Wi-Fi, $280 without.
•The 10-megapixel S560 is for your teen: It's $250, comes in pastel colors has more scene modes than you can count (really, like 15), and the auto scene selector if you can't decide.

NIKON BLENDS SLEEK STYLING AND ADVANCED PHOTO FEATURES IN NEW 14.5 MEGAPIXEL COOLPIX S710 CAMERA
New Technology Makes Its Way into Stylish S-Series

MELVILLE, NY (Aug. 7, 2008) - Nikon Inc. today announced the chic COOLPIX S710, a premium compact camera that not only masters the ease-of-use a compact camera offers, but also successfully incorporates many of the functions creative photographers demand from their traditional SLR cameras like Program, Aperture, Manual and Shutter priority modes. Further expanding the Style series of COOLPIX cameras, the S710 features 14.5 megapixels of ultra-sharp resolution, the precision optics of a 3.6x Zoom-NIKKOR wide-angle glass lens and the contours and fine finish of a stainless steel body.

"With the S710, Nikon is further distinguishing itself ! as a lea der in design and innovation," said Bill Giordano, general manager Marketing, COOLPIX products for Nikon Inc. "The COOLPIX S710 answers a consumer demand to offer familiar creative options available to digital Nikon SLR users in the compact, easy-to-use design of a COOLPIX camera."

For sharp photos, the COOLPIX S710 has four features to reduce image blur: full-time Optical VR Image Stabilization technology, which compensates for camera shake; a new Motion Detection feature, which automatically adjusts the camera to a higher ISO sensitivity setting and shutter speed, enabling the user to capture sharper images of moving subjects; Best Shot Selector, which snaps multiple frames and automatically selects the best one; and a high ISO range. The S710 leads the COOLPIX S-series of cameras with outstanding ISO capabilities up to 12,800*, providing a superior range for low-light performance.

The S710 also provides users with creative options for composing and capturing life's varied moments, thanks to the addition of exposure modes and a new Scene Auto Selector Mode. Once only available to users of Nikon's SLR and COOLPIX P-Series cameras, the S710 now offers Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-priority Auto [S], Aperture-priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] modes. The new S710 also includes Scene Auto Selector Mode, which automatically selects the right scene mode for the image you are shooting for trouble-free photography. The camera will select between six common scene modes: Close-up, Portrait, Landscape, Backlight, Night Portrait, and Night Landscape.

In line with previous COOLPIX cameras, Nikon has incorporated user-friendly imaging innovations into the new S710 that are designed to make the photo-taking process fun and easy. These technologies, referred to as "Nikon In-Camera Innovations" include In-Camera Red-Eye FixTM, D-Lighting, and Face Priority AF. In-Camera Red-Eye FixTM automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common condition that occurs in flash photography. Nikon's new enha! nced Fac e-Priority AF automatically finds and focuses on up to 12 faces within one frame. This feature also provides faster and sharper focus to produce clear, crisp portraits wherever the subjects are positioned in the frame. In playback mode, D-Lighting compensates for excessive back-light or insufficient flash in images.

For sharing and easy composing, the S710 features a huge, bright 3.0-inch LCD monitor with an anti-reflective coating and viewing angle of 170 degrees, easing the composition of photos, even in direct sunlight.

The new S710 camera is compatible with new high-capacity SDHC cards, and utilizes a new slim EN-EL12 rechargeable Li-ion battery. The S710 also comes bundled with the COOLPIX Software Suite for editing, organizing and sharing images. The S710 will also be featuered in three new ultra-cool colors; Graphite Black, Deep Red, and Brilliant Silver.
The Nikon COOLPIX S710 will be available nationwide beginning September 2008 at a MSRP of $379.95.** For more information about the S710 and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

NIKON CONTINUES LEADERSHIP IN WIRELESS COMPACT CAMERAS WITH THE ADDITION OF THE COOLPIX S610c

New Wi-Fi Camera and Agreement with Wayport Allows Users To Share Photos Anytime, Anywhere

MELVILLE, NY (Aug. 7, 2008) – For fast and easy photo sharing on the go, Nikon is pleased to introduce its sixth generation of Wi-Fi enabled cameras, the new COOLPIX S610c. From the introduction of its first wireless cameras in 2005 to the current COOLPIX S610c digital camera, Nikon has been the worldwide leader in Wi-Fi integration and innovative ways to share memories.* With each new digital camera generation, Nikon continues to streamline the photo-sharing process through wireless technology, making it easier than ever to share and send pictures without the confines of wires, cables or computers. New to this generation of Wi-Fi cameras, the S610c's wireless service is provided by Wayport®, allowing consumers to share their imag! es and v ideos from over 10,000 locations nationwide including over 9,700 participating McDonald's® restaurants and major hotel chains . As with previous generations of Nikon Wi-Fi cameras, the COOLPIX S610c can also take advantage of users' home wireless networks to email and store pictures on my Picturetown, Nikon's photo storage and sharing service.

"Because of it's innovative and easy-to-use Wi-Fi feature, the COOLPIX S610c is the ultimate camera for the consumer who loves to share their images," said Bill Giordano, general manager marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon, Inc. "Through our agreement with Wayport, we are further expanding the wireless capabilities of this camera, allowing consumers to share their images faster and easier than ever before."

The COOLPIX S610c is the first Wi-Fi camera to utilize the Wi-Fi Protected Set-up (WPS), making it easier than ever to send and store images and videos via Wi-Fi. By using the S610c's One Touch Email button and Nikon's my Picturetown, consumers can take advantage of several avenues for sharing their images and videos. Not only can images and videos be emailed directly to friends and family from the camera through my Picturetown, but images can also be sent to the photo community sharing website Flickr®, blogs and social networking sites. Each S610c ships with a free subscription to Wayport's Wi-Fi service valid until August 31, 2011, allowing consumer access to the service's 10,000 hotspots nationwide.

In addition to an innovative Wi-Fi sharing feature, the S610c boasts 10 megapixels, a 3.6x Zoom-NIKKOR wide-angle glass lens, and a huge, bright 3.0-inch LCD screen. To help ensure the consumer will be able to capture stunningly sharp images, the S610c features an Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization system and ISO up to 3200, enhancing the camera's low-light performance. A leader in speed, the COOLPIX S610c starts-up in 0.7 seconds, a class leading start up time.**

For capturing great portraits with e! ase, the COOLPIX S610c includes Smile Mode, which programs the camera to automatically take a picture when a subject is smiling, and Active Child Mode, which can focus and track fast moving subjects for perfect, in-focus images. Like all cameras in the COOLPIX product line, the COOLPIX S610c will feature Scene Auto Selector Mode, which automatically selects the correct scene mode for a shooting situation for effortless photography and Motion Detection, which automatically selects the camera's ISO for perfect, in-focus action shots.

The COOLPIX S610c comes bundled with the COOLPIX software suite for transferring, organizing, editing, and sharing images. The camera utilizes a rechargeable Nikon EN-EL12 Li-ion battery and is compatible with a wide array of SD and SDHC memory cards.

The COOLPIX S610c digital camera will be available in Midnight Black nationwide beginning September 2008 with an MSRP of $329.95.*** For more information the S610c and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

NIKON'S NEW COOLPIX S560 OFFERS EASY-TO-USE TECHNOLOGY AND A DAZZLING CAMERA DESIGN

New Features like Scene Auto Selector Mode, Smile Mode, and Smile Indicator Make Capturing Great Images a Snap

MELVILLE, NY (Aug. 7, 2008) – Nikon Inc. is pleased to introduce the COOLPIX S560, a stylish new compact camera that offers photographic performance and easy-to-use features and controls. Sporting 10 effective megapixels, a 5x Zoom-NIKKOR lens, Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization technology, and 15 user-friendly scene modes, the COOLPIX S560 is the perfect camera for photographers looking for a compact, lightweight camera that is user-friendly with great creative power.

"With the COOLPIX S560, consumers will be excited to discover the power that it packs in its compact camera body," said Bill Giordano, general manager marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. "The S560 delivers cutting-edge performance and features, a beautiful compact design, and easy-to-use controls allowi! ng consu mers to look stylish while taking stunning photos."

Making it easier for consumers to capture beautiful pictures, the new COOLPIX S560 comes with Nikon's new Scene Auto Selector mode, which automatically selects the right scene mode for the image you are shooting for trouble-free photography. The camera will select between six common scene modes: Close-up, Portrait, Landscape, Backlight, Night Portrait, and Night Landscape. The S560 also contains several other unique shooting modes like Smile Mode, which automatically releases the shutter when the selected subject smiles; Food Mode, which automatically adjusts the white balance when capturing close-ups of food; and Portrait Mode, which contains two features: Smile Indicator, which automatically gauges the strength of a subject's smile before shooting; and Blink Warning, which detects that a subject has blinked, offers a quick, magnified visual confirmation, and allows the shot to be retaken immediately to get the desired results.

In addition to these unique shooting modes, Nikon has added two modes designed to help enhance yet simplify consumers' photo sharing experiences: Auto Sort Mode, which automatically categorizes images into folders for easy access, and Favorite Pictures Playback Mode, which takes selected photos in the Favorite folders and makes them an easily viewable slideshow.

The S560 comes equipped with Optical VR Image Stabilization technology, which compensates for the effects of camera shake. The S560 sports a powerful 5x Zoom-NIKKOR lens, which has the ability to cover normal through telephoto focal ranges, as well as macro shooting as close as four inches. The S560 has ISO capabilities as high as 3200*, adding the power to shoot sharper, more natural-looking photos in lower lighting conditions, as well as capture fast-moving subjects with outstanding clarity. Additionally, Auto ISO control can be set to automatically select the optimal sensitivity across a range of ISO 64-800 before taking a photo.

The new CO! OLPIX S5 60 showcases stunning quality through its elegant camera body design. The camera body of the S560 features a distinctive contrast of gorgeous curves and artistically sculpted lines, as well as large controls and a comfortable thumb rest that provide simple operation. The S560 also incorporates an amazing 2.7-inch LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating, as well as new and improved shooting displays with revised icons designed to make menu navigation even easier.

Like all cameras in the COOLPIX line, the S560 has Nikon's unique image innovations including: enhanced Face-Priority AF, which automatically finds and focuses on up to five faces within the frame; In-Camera Red-Eye FixTM, which can automatically detect and correct red eye in a photo; and D-Lighting, which compensates for excessive backlight or insufficient flash in images.

The new S560 is compatible with new high-capacity SDHC cards and utilizes the new slim EN-EL12 rechargeable Li-ion battery. The camera comes bundled with the COOLPIX Software Suite for editing, organizing and sharing images. The S560 will also be featured in new ultra-cool colors: Graphite Black, Cool Blue and Cherry Blossom.

The Nikon COOLPIX S560 will be available nationwide beginning September 2008 at a MSRP of $249.95.** For more information about the S560 and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

[Nikon]


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Nikon S60 Digital Camera: No Buttons or Knobs, Just 3.5 Inches of Touchscreen [Digital Cameras]

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/358041489/nikon-s60-digital-camera-no-buttons-or-knobs-just-35-inches-of-touchscreen

Okay, the S60 actually has two buttons: power and the shutter. Everything else is done on the massive 3.5-inch touchscreen, but a lot of the functions are actually automagical—auto-scene selection, one-touch portrait zooming, which automatically zooms in and frames a portrait, and an autofocus and exposure lock. The camera also comes with a stylus for doodling dirty words on photos in a super-basic editor. Oh yeah, it's actually a camera too: 10 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, up to ISO 3200 and image stabilization. In lots of colors! It'll be $350 next month. Check out its totally smooth, knob- and button-free back.


NIKON INTRODUCES THE ULTRA-STYLISH COOLPIX S60 WITH A 3.5-INCH TOUCH-SCREEN LCD

New Compact Digital Camera Offers a Sophisticated Design, Fun Features and an Intuitive Touch-Screen Control

MELVILLE, NY (Aug. 7, 2008) – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the COOLPIX S60. Representing the cutting edge of elegant design and intuitive operation, this stylish compact camera introduces an entirely new, amazingly innovative, 3.5-inch TOUCH-SCREEN LCD and a new graphic user interface that places shooting and playback controls at the user's fingertips.

"We are very excited to introduce the COOLPIX S60," said Bill Giordano, general manager marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. "When consumers asked for a bigger LCD screen, we listened and created a camera that not only takes great pictures, but is extremely fun to use as well."

To accompany its new TOUCH-SCREEN LCD, the COOLPIX S60 features several innovative shooting modes that are seamlessly integrated into the camera's interface. The camera's only "physical" buttons include the power and shutter release, leaving all the camera functions to the TOUCH-SCREEN display.

For ! crisp, i n-focus pictures, the COOLPIX S60 offers consumers the ability to lock the autofocus and exposure on a subject by simply touching the corresponding location on the LCD screen. For great portraits, the S60 features a new Portrait One-Touch Zoom function, which commands the camera to automatically zoom in and capture a subject with the right amount of framing and focus. Adding to the camera's ease of use, the COOLPIX S60's TOUCH-SCREEN is customizable with a choice of three different "HOME" screens with large icons that make fingertip selecting of camera modes simple and accurate.

Touch controls also bring a new dimension of fun to viewing images. In playback mode, S60 users have the ability to use their fingertips to scroll through images and zoom in on their pictures by simply touching the screen. The camera also features Auto Image Rotation, which automatically rotates the images for optimal viewing depending on the horizontal or vertical position of the camera. The camera comes equipped with a stylus for a variety of tasks including: the Draw Function, which allows users to write memos or add drawings on their images, and the Paint Function, which allows fun frames and stamps to be added to images. Images will be saved as copies, allowing access to the original image. The new HD Pictmotion function, combined with HDMI connectivity, allows high-quality playback of images and slide shows on an HDTV for the ultimate photo sharing experience.

In addition to the aforementioned features and the new TOUCH-SCREEN interface, the COOLPIX S60 features 10 megapixels, a 5x Zoom-NIKKOR lens, Nikon's hallmark imaging processing concept, EXPEED™ and Optical VR Image Stabilization technology for steady shots. For capturing sharp images in low-light situations, the S60 features ISO capabilities up to 3200 and an auto ISO selector mode which allows the camera to select the optimal ISO settings for different shooting situations.

New to this line of COOLPIX cameras is the Scene Auto Selector mo! de, whic h creates a carefree shooting experience by automatically selecting the scene mode appropriate to certain shooting situations such as Portraits, Landscapes and Macro photography. For great portraits, the S60 also features the Smile mode, which automatically releases the shutter when the camera detects a smile on the face of the subject, and Blink Warning, which displays a message when it detects that a subject has blinked, allowing the shot to be retaken or saved according to the user's preference.
All of the features listed above are elegantly packaged into Nikon's compact wave-surface design and are available in a choice of Crimson Red, Espresso Black, Arctic White, Burgundy, Champagne Pink, and Platinum Bronze. The COOLPIX S60 utilizes a rechargeable EN-EL10 battery and SD/SDHC memory cards. The camera will come packaged with the COOLPIX Software Suite for editing, sorting and sharing images.

The COOLPIX S60 will be available nationwide in September 2008 at an MSRP of $349.95*. For more information about the S60 and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

[Nikon]


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Nikon P6000 Flagship Point-and-Shoot: 13.5MP, Built-In GPS Geotagging and Yes, RAW [Digital Cameras]

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/358050242/nikon-p6000-flagship-point+and+shoot-135mp-built+in-gps-geotagging-and-yes-raw

Nikon's flagship P6000 point-and-shoot is official, and pretty much everything we heard. Besides long-awaited RAW support (not on Macs, sorry), the 13.5-megapixel shooter has built-in GPS geotagging, Nikon's DSLR controls, manual pop-up flash (which is so fun to play with it's almost worth the $500 price of admission by itself) and other pro-ish features for more manual control. The lens is a 4x wide-angle, and it'll do up to ISO 3200 at full resolution, or 6400 at three megapixels. The most oddball feature? An ethernet jack. So it's like a free trip to 2001 to boot. Here's all the details and another shot.

NEW COOLPIX P6000 OFFERS DIGITAL SLR SHOOTING CONTROL IN A COMPACT CAMERA
New Performance Series Camera Enables Users to Test the Photography World with Creative Control and "Geo-tagging" Capabilities with built-in GPS

MELVILLE, NY (Aug. 7, 2008) - Nikon Inc. today introduced its newest flagship COOLPIX compact camera, the COOLPIX P6000. Featuring 13.5 megapixels, a new, built-in global positioning system (GPS) unit, my Picturetown connectivity and the power of Nikon's exclusive EXPEEDTM image processing concept, the P6000 offers the perfect photographic tool for the photo and camera enthusiasts seeking the creative control of a D-SLR in the compact body of a COOLPIX camera.

"We are eager to see the response to the integration of the new capabilities for COOLPIX cameras, as the demands of our consumers are always a priority in product design," said Bill Giordano, general manager marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. "The P6000 is an exciting product offering for Nikon's COOLPIX line, as it not ! only pro vides expanded creative control for photo enthusiasts, but also empowers them with GPS functionality and my Picturetown connectivity."

The P6000 knows where the "best shots" are taken, thanks to the integration of the new GPS unit. With the added GPS function, P6000 users will be able to record "geotags" of the location where their images are captured based on latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates. This further heightens the photographic experience, allowing users to pinpoint the location via maps available in Nikon ViewNX Software, my Picturetown, Nikon's photo sharing and storage website, or any other software or website that recognizes GPS data.

Additionally, the P6000 makes my Picturetown connectivity for uploading and sharing photos simple and easy, thanks to added wired LAN support via a dedicated Ethernet port built-into the camera. Users can upload their images and data directly from the P6000 with an Ethernet cable to the secure Picture Bank service on my Picturetown.

In line with other COOLPIX P-Series cameras, the P6000 includes intuitive controls via dedicated command and mode dials, providing easy access to shooting controls and exposure mode settings. The P6000 offers Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-priority Auto [S], Aperture-priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] modes granting users the ability to tap into the creativity of D-SLR functions while maintaining the simplicity of COOLPIX functionality. Owners can utilize two user-defined settings, a shooting menu, an efficient, tabbed menu interface, as well as customizable Function buttons to quickly switch between camera settings.

Additional shooting innovations engineered to maximize image quality and offer greater control over the final results include Nikon's original COOLPIX Picture Control System and a new NRW*(RAW) support. The COOLPIX Picture Control System features intuitive controls that enable users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome and apply twea! ks to im age sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Furthermore, images shot in the all-new NRW* (RAW) format can be opened and viewed in Nikon ViewNX Software (available early October 2008) for increased editing abilities.

Adding even more synergy between D-SLR cameras and compact COOLPIX cameras, the P6000 incorporates a pop-up flash, optical viewfinder for easy composition and the added bonus of system expansion with an optional convertor, Speedlights, and wireless remote control. Nikon's new 0.76x Wide-angle Convertor WC-E76 offers users the option to utilize focal lengths as wide as 21mm (35mm format equivalent). P6000 users can also take full advantage of Nikon's Creative Lighting System with the built-in accessory shoe that supports Nikon's i-TTL flash control, which enables wireless control over one group of remote Speedlights including the newly announced SB-900 Speedlight.

The P6000 features a quality finish and a front panel constructed of solid Magnesium alloy, as well as a comfortable grip and well-placed controls for streamlined performance. The new P6000 camera is compatible with new high-capacity SDHC cards, and utilizes a Nikon EN-EL5 rechargeable Li-ion battery. The P6000 also comes bundled with the COOLPIX Software Suite for editing, organizing and sharing images.

The Nikon COOLPIX P6000 will be available nationwide beginning September 2008 at a MSRP of $499.95.** For more information about the P6000 and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

[Nikon]


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Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Watch Buzz Around any Topic in Real Time with Spy

Source: http://www.labnol.org/internet/blogging/watch-buzz-around-topics-with-spy/3935/

If you use blogs, FriendFeed or Twitter to monitor buzz around your favorite topics (say iPhone launch) - do check out Spy.

Spy looks for conversations happening on Twitter and FriendFeed around any search topic and presents them in an auto-refreshing vertical timeline.

To get an idea, check the following time-lapse video of Spy that captures iPhone related conversations.

Related: Techmeme Time Lapse Video


Watch Buzz Around any Topic in Real Time with Spy - Digital Inspiration by Amit Agarwal

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Use Sleipnir Web Browser as Portable Internet Explorer

Source: http://www.labnol.org/software/browsers/sleipnir-browser-portable-internet-explorer/3954/

change-browserYou may have never heard of Sleipnir but it is one of the most popular web browser in Japan that is now also available in English.

The browser is extremely fast and supports the rendering engine of both IE & Firefox so you can change engines on the fly if you encounter a website that supports only one particular engine.

Here are some screenshots of Sleipnir:

sleipnir-picture 

Almost every feature in Sleipnir is customizable and the browser is therefore especially popular among geeks and advanced users who can fine-tune it according to their needs.

When you select some text on a web page, there’s a nice magnification lens that appears after a brief interval allowing you to do more things with that text selection.

sleipnir-text-selection 

IDG says that Sleipnir has a 9% share in the web browser market of Japan. I’ll probably not dump IE, Firefox or Opera for Sleipnir browser but it’s definitely a good attempt and worth keeping a watch.

And for mobile profession who like to carry their computer on a USB Drive, the portable edition of Sleipnir (download page) may just do the trick - it runs on the IE engine by default though you also have the option to use the Firefox Gecko engine.


Use Sleipnir Web Browser as Portable Internet Explorer - Digital Inspiration by Amit Agarwal

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Microsoft trueSpace: Free Alternative to 3ds Max, Google Sketchup

Source: http://www.labnol.org/software/microsoft-truespace-free-alternative-3dsmax-sketchup/3965/

3d software

trueSpace is a 3D modeling and animation software for Windows that lets you create realistic 3D scenes from scratch, walk-throughs, games, etc. You can also import characters created in other software like AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Adobe Illustrator, etc.

trueSpace used to sell for $600 but then Microsoft acquired the company and released trueSpace as a free download probably in response to SketchUp that’s owned by Google.

truspace-3d

The idea is to let users create building and landscapes for Virtual Earth just like one can use SketchUp to create 3D models for Google Earth (SketchUp review).

If you are from the education community, you’ll especially love trueSpace for simulations.

Like with any other 3D authoring software, there’s a steep learning curve involved with trueSpace but if you are looking for a good alternative to 3DS Max or Blender, Microsoft trueSpace is available at a price that may be hard to beat.


Microsoft trueSpace: Free Alternative to 3ds Max, Google Sketchup - Digital Inspiration by Amit Agarwal

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The Difference Between Google Knol & Wikipedia Encyclopedia

Source: http://www.labnol.org/internet/favorites/compare-google-knol-wikipedia-encyclopedia/3961/

google knol wikipedia  

Google today introduced Knol, a Wikipedia style encyclopedia that anyone can edit but with some major differences:

a) Wikipedia has one page per topic but that limit is relaxed on Google Knol - multiple authors can write on the same topic at different places.

b) Wikipedia is currently free of advertising but contributors at Know do get an opportunity to monetize content that they share on Knol through Google AdSense.

c) All content on Wikipedia is available under "GNU Free Documentation License" but Google Knol users can pick any of the Creative Commons licenses for their articles.

d) On Wikipedia, you cannot create pages for self-promotion while that’s not the case with Knol as their content policy clearly says - "You may use Knol to create articles for your business or to promote your lawful products or services."

e) Anyone can edit (most) pages on Wikipedia but with Knol you have an option to invite only selected reviewers / experts to change pages that you have created. This prevents vandalism though the scope is limited only to experts whom you know.

f) Anyone can rate articles on Knol or even leave comments just like a blog. That’s missing in Wikipedia.

For more, read the Google Knol - Quick Start Guide or check out some detailed coverage from Wired and SEL.


The Difference Between Google Knol & Wikipedia Encyclopedia - Digital Inspiration by Amit Agarwal

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Laptop with data about 33,000 Clear card applicants lost at SFO

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/356611037/laptop-with-data-abo.html

The TSA says a laptop with the personal information of 33,000 Clear card applicants was lost at San Francisco Airport on July 26.
cler-card.jpg The TSA has suspended new enrollments in the program, known as Clear, which allows passengers to pay to use special "fast lanes" at airport security checkpoints.

The laptop belonged to a privately run company known as Verified Identity Pass Inc., which operates the program at 17 airports nationwide.

Security Breached At SFO Due To Stolen Laptop (CBS5)

Previously on Boing Boing:
ETech phone snapshot: Anil Dash's trusted traveler card


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Five Mushrooms Searches Several Recipe Sites at Once [Cooking]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/355414009/five-mushrooms-searches-several-recipe-sites-at-once

fivemushrooms_th.pngWhen you're looking for a recipe with certain ingredients or by a particular chef, hit up Five Mushrooms, a multi-recipe site search engine which includes results from Allrecipes.com, the Food Network, Yahoo! Food, Cooking.com and Epicurious among others. Search by ingredients—like carrot celery onion—or specific quantities, like 1 egg, or by chef and ingredient, like emeril beef. You can even use advanced operators like the minus sign to exclude results (i.e., cookies -"chocolate chip"). Where do you turn when you need a good recipe for dinner? Let us know in the comments.


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HearWho Converts Text to MP3 [Reading]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/356287890/hearwho-converts-text-to-mp3

Free webapp Hearwho converts text you enter into an MP3 audio file you can download. Select from a male or female voice, English or Spanish text conversion, and choose the quality of the resulting file at Hearwho. Similar to previously covered VozMe, the results are no substitute for a professional actor hired to read an audio book, but if you've got text you'd like to listen to while commuting or working out the results aren't bad at all.


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