Author: Serkadis

By Ashlee Vance and Matt Richtel, Reporters, New York Times

To the dismay of safety advocates already worried about driver distraction, automakers and high-tech companies have found a new place to put sophisticated Internet-connected computers: the front seat.

Technology giants like Intel (INTC) and Google (GOOG) are turning their attention from the desktop to the dashboard, hoping to bring the power of the PC to the car. They see vast opportunity for profit in working with automakers to create the next generation of irresistible devices.

Read the rest of this post on the original site

Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]

Read Original Article

By Kelly Jackson Higgins, Senior Editor, DarkReading

The researcher who conducted a successful spear-phishing experiment with a phony LinkedIn invitation from “Bill Gates” is about to reveal the email products and services that failed to filter the spoofed message — and that list includes Microsoft (MSFT) Outlook 2007, Microsoft Exchange, Outlook Express, and Cisco (CSCO) IronPort.

Joshua Perrymon, CEO of PacketFocus, had previously revealed that the iPhone, BlackBerry, and Palm Pre smartphones had all fallen victim to the spear-phishing exercise.

Read the rest of this post on the original site

Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]

Read Original Article

Voices familiar with GM’s efforts to develop new products hinted a few days ago that the US-based manufacturer will showcase at the 2010 North American International Auto Show the new GMC Urban Utility concept.

Seen as a product that would give us a glimpse into GMC’s new direction in the auto industry, the concept will include the three main attributes that are supposed to set it apart from the rest of the market: "Efficient. Compact. Fashionable," as General Motors sa… (read more)

(This guest post originally appeared at the author’s blog)

The steady improvement in jobsdata remains one of the primary drivers of equity prices.  As we mentioned last week, the recent dramatic improvement in claims is likely to lead to jobs gains in the coming months.  We think gains could come as early as Friday.   The consensus is currently calling for no change in jobs and a 10.1% unemployment rate.   JP Morgan thinks the risks lie to the upside:

The forecast looks for the economy to finally begin a true expansion in 2010 as business gradually starts adding workers, lifting spending on equipment and software, and eventually rebuilding inventories.

Next Friday’s labor market report is expected to mark a milestone in this transition with the first month of payroll growth since December 2007. To be sure, the December forecast looks for modest job growth of only 40,000 and for
the unemployment rate to hold at a lofty 10.0%. But continued declines in initial jobless claims since the week of the December labor market survey and improvement in most employment surveys point to a gradual increase in
monthly job gains in coming months.

Leading indicators of unemployment suggest that there are two offsetting effects at work. On one side, the drop in continuing jobless claims indicates that unemployment among people out of work less than six months is still probably moving down. On the other side, longer term unemployment has not shown any signs of even leveling off. Also, participation rates have fallen very sharply in recent months, and as the labor market begins to improve there is a risk that job searchers will return to the market, thereby pushing up measured unemployment.

Recent data points to stronger jobs markets.  The ISM manufacturing showed an improvement in employment to 52 from last month’s 50.8.  ISM non-mfg showed a more dramatic increase this month to 44 from 41.6.  Yesterday’s Challenger report showed a similar trend to claims.

Challenger said layoffs fell to 45K from 50,349 in November and compared against 166,348 in December 2008.   Continuing jobless claims also show improving trends in joblessness.

Of course, it’s important to keep things in perspective.  The recovery on Main Street remains largely non-existent or tepid at best.  The severity of the problems we are confronted with are best visualized in the jobs market.  Although we might actually produce a gain in jobs this month it is a drop in the bucket compared to the number of jobs lost during this recession.  The road to recovery remains a long and difficult one.

From a purely anecdotal perspective I have to say that the job market is certainly improving.  For the first time in many months I have been witness to hiring and a definite loosening in corporate purse strings.  The capex recovery is certainly spreading to the jobs market.  Despite this, the true strength of the economy remains a mystery as government influences provide a false sense of security.  We likely won’t get a real sense of the economy until H2 when the government begins to pass the baton to the private sector, but for now, the jobs market appears to be following the “better than expected” theme that has been driving markets for the last 6 months.

Read more market commentary at The Pragmatic Capitalist — >

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• HSBC Chairman: Taxpayers Will Be Saddled With Banker Debts And Rising Unemployment For Years
• ADP: 84,000 Jobs Whacked In December, Worse Than Expected
• CHART OF THE DAY: How The Government Payroll Replaced Goods-Producing Jobs

GameStreamer and Alcatel-Lucent will demonstrate the first streaming delivery of a video game to an in-vehicle entertainment system over a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Passengers in the program’s LTE Connected Car will be able to browse, purchase and play a game all from the in-vehicle entertainment system.

The Connected Car concept vehicle is based on a 2010 Toyota Prius. Alcatel-Lucent’s multi-scre… (read more)

American electric vehicles manufacturer Tesla announced it has hired former Fiat executive Cristiano Carlutti to head the company’s European operations. Carlutti already began working for Tesla as vice president of European sales and operations.

"Cristiano has a solid track record of success at one of the world’s largest automakers and an affinity for leading dynamic, entrepreneurial organizations – a rare combination that makes him a great fit at Tesla as we expand," T… (read more)

Finally, global markets seem to be taking a little bit of a breather, with Asia leading the way.

Bloomberg: The MSCI Asia Pacific Index fell 0.3 percent to 123.68 at 5:20 p.m. in Tokyo. The Shanghai Composite Index lost 1.9 percent as the People’s Bank of China offered 60 billion yuan ($8.8 billion) of bills at a yield of 1.3684 percent. The yen fell after new Japanese Finance Minister Naoto Kan said he would like the currency to fall “a bit more.” Standard & Poor’s 500 futures fell 0.333 percent. The Dow Jones Stoxx 600 slipped 0.5 percent to 256.58. Oil slid 0.6 percent after 10 days of gains.

Chinese central bankers said yesterday that they would focus on controlling the record expansion in lending and curbing inflation. While growth estimated at 8.5 percent last year led the recovery from the first global recession since World War II, Premier Wen Jiabao said on Dec. 27 that last year’s doubling of new loans had caused property prices to rise “too quickly.” Liu Mingkang, the nation’s top banking regulator, said this week that “structural bubbles threaten to emerge.”

Of course you shouldn’t take too seriously the stuff about curbing record expansion in lending. Top Chinese bankers say this JUST ABOUT EVERY WEEK and for some reason it’s always treated as news.

At some point, yes, there must be a slowdown, but it will likely come when it’s least expected — and not directly related to some US directive.

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• China’s Mercantilist Policies Are Screwing Us Out Of 1.4 Million U.S. Jobs
• Michael Pettis: China Has No Idea How Vulnerable It Is To A Trade War
• Niall Ferguson: How China’s Insane Fiscal Policies Pumped Up Chimerica And Crushed America

Olympus is debuting new cameras at CES this year. Well, what did you expect—Zeus and Co. coming down from the peak to sing a version of Doncha Wish Your Girlfriend Was A God Like Me, whilst smashing plates?

There are a bunch of different types (you can tell I’m trying to get these up as quickly as possible, but with three press releases to get through, and a gallery on this new-fangled editor that Giz has got, maaaan it’s hard). Okay, I’ve counted ’em up now. Six newies.

On top of the previously mentioned Stylus Tough 3000, a 12 megapixel, shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof compact that finally adds HD video (720p) for $229, there are 5 others.

A trio of Stylus cameras (Styli?), the 7040, 7030 and 5010 have HD video, 14 megapixels, wide-angle zooms, and HDMI control. Dog tracking (see above), Magic Filter (ditto), and Dual Image Stabilization also free. FREE! with these three, and they range in price from $200 to $250, and come in a spectrum of shades. The 7000 series cameras have more zoom and the 7040 has a slightly bigger 3-inch screen over the 2.7-incher in the other two.

Finally, there are a pair of FE cameras. The 4020 and 47 have 14 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, AF Tracking technology, same old Magic Filter schtick, and can shoot AVI movies with sound. Available in a bunch of pretty colors for $150 and $119.

All six cameras will be available on your side of the pond next month, and just for good measure, I’ve stuck the three press releases below.

RETURN FROM LIFE’S EVERYDAY ADVENTURES WITH HIGH DEFINITION PROOF: THE NEW OLYMPUS STYLUS TOUGH-3000

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 6, 2010 – Olympus unveils the STYLUS TOUGH-3000, a shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof compact camera designed to capture all of life’s adventures from the extreme to the everyday. As the first Stylus Tough camera with High-Definition (HD) video, features like Magic Filter that expand your creativity and AF tracking to keep subjects in focus, the STYLUS TOUGH-3000 is as smart as it is durable. It’s also the first of several Stylus Tough cameras to be launched in 2010.

The STYLUS TOUGH-3000 also offers a new graphical user interface (GUI) for intuitive operation and new OLYMPUS [ib] software for rapid downloading and enhanced photo organization with Geotagging and Face Recognition functionality.

“The STYLUS TOUGH-3000 is the latest in the Stylus Tough series, a family of compact cameras designed for the places where families really go, like the pool, the slopes and the great outdoors,” said Nadine Clark, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “With HD video and 12 megapixels of resolution, you’ll relive life’s adventures.”

HD Videos and HDMI Control for a Home Theater Experience
The STYLUS TOUGH-3000 shoots gorgeous 720p HD videos using a dedicated one-touch button, so you’ll always capture the scene. Playback is also a breeze. Now, you’ll be the hit of the party or any family function when you proudly display your brilliant images and videos on high-definition televisions. Simply connect the camera to an HDTV with an HDMI™ cable, which can be purchased separately at any consumer electronics store. With HDMI Control, you can use your HDTV’s remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera’s menus from the comfort of your favorite couch.

AF Tracking for Friends and Man’s Best Friend
AF Tracking technology locks your fast-moving subject in focus, and continuously adjusts focus and brightness. This enables you to keep in focus fast-moving and unpredictable subjects like snowboarders on your favorite mountain, tropical fish while snorkeling or children at play anywhere in the great outdoors to capture the perfect shot. There’s even a specially designed AF Tracking “Pet Mode” for animal lovers.

Express Your Inner Artist with Magic Filter
In-camera Art Filters debuted on Olympus E-System DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras last year. Similar technology, called Magic Filter, has been developed for the new STYLUS TOUGH-3000. The Magic Filter enables the user to enhance and customize images as they’re being captured. This translates into more fun and flexibility as customization is no longer limited to using expensive and time-consuming computer software.

The new Magic Filter includes:
· Pop Art – Enhance and saturate colors to create vivid, high-impact pictures that express the joyful, lighthearted feeling of the Pop Art style of the 1960s;
· Pin Hole – Reduce the peripheral brightness of an image as though it were shot through a pin hole, connecting the viewer intimately with the subject at the center;
· Fish-Eye – Emulate the wide-angle of a fish-eye lens by taking extremely wide, hemispherical images and magnifying the center of the frame; and
· Drawing – Turn your image into a sketch outline for children to color.

Nothing Can Shock This Tough Camera
Afraid the mountain wind might sweep a camera out of your hands and dash it on the rocks below? Never fear, the STYLUS TOUGH-3000, available in fun and sporty red, pink, blue and green, can withstand a five-foot drop thanks to the Stylus Tough series’ shock-absorbing technology, which minimizes the impact on the lens and circuitry.

Point-Dunk-and-Shoot Cameras
Stylus Tough series cameras perform as well underwater as they do on land because their lightweight, yet durable exteriors are matched with interior rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal out the elements. The STYLUS TOUGH-3000 can be submerged up to 10 feet underwater. The inclusion of four preset underwater scene modes makes this camera perfect for taking photos while swimming, snorkeling or simply having worry-free fun in the pool. It can also capture HD movies underwater. The camera features a water-repellent lens coating to prevent water droplets from forming on the lens and enabling you to get crystal-clear shots no matter how wet the shooting environment.

Freezeproof for Arctic Adventures
Whether you’re in the arctic tundra or building a snowman in your backyard, the STYLUS TOUGH-3000 camera can still perform when the temperature dips well below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius). Stylus Tough cameras continue to enable you to capture great images in freezing situations where most traditional cameras would fail.

Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Captures It All
The STYLUS TOUGH-3000 features a 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom (28-102mm equivalent in 35mm photography, f3.5-5.0) so that even more of the subject makes it into each shot – perfect for underwater photography. The lens does not protrude from its body so it is further protected from harsh conditions.

Cut Out the Blur with Dual Image Stabilization
Dual Image Stabilization combines two technologies – mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization – to provide one powerful anti-blur solution for capturing great images whether the photographer or the subject is moving. Olympus’ mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the internal image sensor to compensate for camera movement, even in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. Additionally, Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject.

Hit Them with Your Best Shot: Tap Control
The Stylus Tough cameras can be controlled with a simple tap on their top, back or sides, which is made possible thanks to their internal 3D accelerometer that detects the direction of the force on the camera’s body. In adverse climates, Tap Control ensures fast adjustment of settings even if you are wearing gloves that make pressing traditional buttons nearly impossible.

12 Megapixels for Superior Image Quality
The STYLUS TOUGH-3000 camera offers a 12-megapixel image sensor enabling consumers to achieve consistently sharp and vivid images when producing large-format prints or cropping/enlarging a portion of an image.

Can’t Hide with Face Detection!
Portrait and group shots make family reunions live beyond the short event, and with Face Detection you’ll capture even the shyest relatives. The STYLUS TOUGH-3000 detects up to 16 faces within the frame and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure to capture sharp, brilliant portraits and group shots. Thanks to the unrivaled durability of the Stylus Tough series, you’ll capture amazing photos even if your next family reunion is at a national park, a water park or a ski slope!

Intelligent Auto Thinks for You
Skating at night? You won’t be the last one on the ice setting your camera. Intelligent Auto Mode automatically identifies what you are shooting (i.e., Portrait, Night + Portrait, Landscape, Macro and Sports) and adjusts the camera’s settings to capture the best quality results. First-time users can jump into this quick and hassle-free feature that does the thinking for them and produces incredible images.

Broaden Your Horizons with In-Camera Panorama
The places you can take Stylus Tough cameras – the rocky terrain of the Grand Canyon, the arctic glaciers of Alaska or the volcanic sand beaches of Hawaii – are locations where you want to capture as much of the scene as you can. In-Camera Panorama mode makes it easy by capturing three images and stitching them together to create one amazing panoramic picture. Simply press the shutter button and slowly pan across a panoramic scene. The second and third images will be captured automatically and stitched together with the first image – resulting in one seamless panorama-size picture. To create the ultimate panoramic picture, consumers can use the OLYMPUS [ib] Software to stitch up to 10 images together.

TruePic™ III Image Processor
Olympus developed its exclusive TruePic III image processor for the demanding performance of digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures crisp, clear images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.

OLYMPUS [ib] Software and In-Camera Manual
All Spring 2010 digital compact cameras, including the Stylus Tough series, will offer the new OLYMPUS [ib] software. The new software includes photography workflow, browsing, editing and unique photo organizing functions. You can organize your photos by person with automatic face recognition technology, by location with a Geotagging function or by event. You can easily view photos on an HDTV or on the camera’s LCD with the Photo Surfing or Slideshow functions. The name [ib] stands for image bridging, image browsing and brighten images. The new software will be available for Windows operating systems only.

The STYLUS TOUGH-3000 will come equipped with the instruction manual saved on the camera’s new internal memory. This translates into easily referencing instructions while shooting on the go. The internal memory also enables in-camera image playback in an organized fashion. Eliminating a paper or CD-Rom instruction manual is part of Olympus’ ongoing environmental commitment to conserve natural resources and reduce its carbon footprint.

SD Compatibility
Olympus’ new Spring 2010 digital compact cameras offer SD capability for up to 32 gigabytes of capacity.

Availability
The STYLUS TOUGH-3000 will be available in February 2010. It includes: wrist strap, camera WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, Li-Ion rechargeable battery, warranty card and manual and OLYMPUS [ib] Software on the camera.

U.S. Pricing
STYLUS TOUGH-3000 Estimated Street Price: $229.99 (U.S.)

For more information, review units, product specifications and high-resolution images of the new Stylus cameras, contact Jeff Hluchyj, Mullen Public Relations, 617-226-9939 or [email protected], or Jennifer Lyons, senior manager, public relations, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034, ph: (484) 896-5350 / (800) 622-6372 or the Olympus Web site: www.getolympus.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances people’s lives every day. These include:

· Digital Cameras
· Professional Digital SLR Imaging Systems
· Related Underwater Products and Accessories
· Digital and Microcassette Recorders
· Digital Media
· Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

Specifications: STYLUS TOUGH-3000*
Image Sensor
12 Megapixels (effective), 1/2.3″
Focal Length
5.0 – 18.2mm (28 – 102mm equivalent in 35mm photography)
Lens Configuration
10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 2 Aspherical Lenses
Aperture
f3.5 (W) / f5.1 (T)
Zoom
3.6x Optical Zoom + 5x Digital Zoom
Display
2.7″ LCD, 230,000 dots
2 Steps Brightness Adjustment
Focus System
CCD Contrast Detection
Focus Range (from lens surface)
Normal mode: 19.7″ – infinity (0.5m – infinity)
Macro mode: Wide: 3.9″ – infinity (0.1m – infinity)
Tele: 11.8″ – infinity (0.3m – infinity)
Super Macro mode: 0.79″ – 19.7″ (0.02m – 0.5m)
Focus Mode
iESP Auto, Spot AF, Face Detection AF, AF Tracking
Shutter Speed
1/2000 sec. –1/4 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
Exposure Metering
Digital ESP Metering, Spot Metering, Face Detection AE (when Face Detection AF is selected)
White Balance Control
Auto, Presets (Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten and 3 Fluorescents)
Exposure Compensation
±2 EV steps in 1/3 EV steps
Image File Format

Still Image: JPEG
Movie: MP4
Number of Recorded Pixels

12MP (3,968 x 2,976)
5MP (2,560 x 1,920)
3MP (2,048 x 1,536)
2MP (1,600 x 1,200)
1MP (1,280 x 960)
VGA (640 x 480)
16:9 (3,968 x 2,232)
Motion Blur Suppression
Dual Image Stabilization
Shooting Modes
25 Shooting Modes;
Intelligent Auto, Program Auto, Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization, Panorama, Beauty Mode, Magic Filter, Scene Modes (1. PORTRAIT, 2. LANDSCAPE, 3. NIGHT SCENE. 4. NIGHT+PORTRAIT, 5. SPORT, 6. INDOOR, 7. CANDLE, 8. SELF PORTRAIT, 9. SUNSET, 10. FIREWORKS, 11. CUISINE, 12. DOCUMENTS, 13. BEACH & SNOW, 14. UNDERWATER SNAPSHOT, 15. SNOW), HD Movie

Magic Filter(Pop Art, Pinhole, Fisheye, Drawing)
Panorama
In-Camera Panorama, PC Panorama (Up to 10 frames automatically stitchable with [ib] software)
Shooting Assist Functions
Perfect Shot Preview, Histogram, Frame Assist, Voice Recording
Movie Mode
HDMI
1080i
720P
480P
Image Processing
TruePic™ III Image Processor
Noise Reduction
Set automatically at shutter speeds of 0.5 second or longer in specific scene modes
Image Playback
Still Image: Single, Index Display (4×3, 6×5), Collection, Event, Event-Play, Collection-Play, Collage, Up to 10x Enlargement, Slideshow, Rotation, Protection, Histogram, Voice Playback
Movie: Normal, Fast-Forward, Reverse, Frame-by-Frame, Voice Playback
Playback Edit Effects
Still Image: Red-Eye Fix, Shadow Adjustment Edit, Beauty Fix, Resize, Cropping, Black & White, Sepia, Calendar, Saturation
Flash
Built-in
Flash Modes
Auto (for low light and backlit conditions)
Red-Eye Reduction
Fill-in
Off
Self-Timer
12/2 Seconds
Internal Memory
1GB (632MB for shooting)
Removable Media Card
SD/SDHC Card
Outer Connectors
Multi-Terminal (USB Connector, Audio/Video Output)
Auto-Connect USB
USB 2.0 High-Speed (USB Mass Storage)
System Requirements
Auto-Connect USB: Windows® 2000/XP/VISTA/7 with USB port, Mac OS X 10.3 or later with USB port
Software: Windows® 2000PRO/XP/VISTA/7, Mac OS X 10.3 – 10.5
Operating Temperature
Operation: 14° – 104°F (0° – 40°C)
Storage: -4° – 140°F (-20° – 60°C)
Operating Humidity
Operation: 30% – 90%
Storage: 10% – 90%
Power Source
Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-42B)
F-2AC Adapter
Battery Life
(CIPA DC-002)
160 Shots
Approximate Charging Time
2.5 Hours
Dimensions
3.8″W x 2.6″H x 0.9″D
(95.9mm x 65.0mm x 23.4mm)
Weight
4.4oz (125g) without batteries and media card
Proof
Shockproof: MIL-STD-810F Shock Equivalent (5ft/1.5m)
Waterproof: Equivalent to IEC60529 IPX8/JISC0920 (10ft/3m)
Freezeproof: MIL-STD-810F Low Temp Equivalent (-10oC/14oF)
Dustproof: Equivalent to IEC60529 IP6X/JISC0920

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR CLOSEUP? THREE OLYMPUS STYLUS CAMERAS ZOOM IN WITH STYLE

Express Yourself with HD-Video, 14 Megapixels,
In-Camera Creative Filters and More

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 6, 2010 – Olympus unveils today its most powerful lineup of premium Stylus cameras offering beautiful High-Definition (HD) video, 14 megapixels to capture brilliant images, features like Magic Filter that transform average photos into works of art, and AF tracking so your subjects are always in focus. With so many impressive features, the only question consumers will ask themselves is how powerful they want their wide-angle zoom lens to be: 7x on the STYLUS-7040 and STYLUS-7030 or 5x on the STYLUS-5010?

The Stylus power is balanced with a new graphical user interface (GUI) for easy operation and new OLYMPUS [ib] software for rapid downloading and improved photo organization with Geotagging and Face Recognition functionality. The new Stylus family also comes in a range of colors to suit your individual style.

“These Stylus cameras are the best of all worlds with high-definition video, stunning high-resolution stills and a powerful zoom range,” said Nadine Clark, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “In-Camera Creative Filters let your inner creativity shine, while Shadow Adjustment Technology, In-Camera Panorama and AF tracking make it easier than ever to capture exceptional images.”

Variety of Wide-Angle Zoom Lenses
With the new Stylus family of cameras, you can choose the wide-angle zoom that best suits your needs. The STYLUS-7040 and STYLUS-7030 offer a 7x (28mm – 196mm equivalent) lens that gives you the versatility for close and distant subjects alike. If you prefer a slimmer body with a shorter zoom, the STYLUS-5010 has a wide-angle 5x (26mm – 130mm equivalent) zoom that will suit your needs.

HD Videos and HDMI Control for a Home Theater Experience
The STYLUS-7040 and STYLUS-5010 shoot gorgeous 720p HD videos, so you’ll never miss the chance to capture the scene. Activating HD recording is incredibly easy with a dedicated one-touch button, and playback is also a breeze. Now, you’ll be the hit of the party or any family function when you proudly display your brilliant images and videos on high-definition televisions. Simply connect the camera to an HDTV with an HDMI™ cable, which can be purchased separately at any consumer electronics store. With HDMI Control, you can use your HDTV’s remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera’s menus from the comfort of your favorite couch.

14 Megapixels for Superior Image Quality
All three Stylus cameras offer a 14-megapixel image sensor enabling consumers to achieve consistently sharp and vivid images when producing large-format prints or cropping/enlarging a portion of an image.

AF Tracking for Friends and Man’s Best Friend
AF Tracking technology locks your fast-moving subject in focus, and continuously adjusts focus and brightness. This enables you to keep fast-moving and unpredictable subjects like small children and pets in focus for the perfect shot. There’s even a specially designed AF Tracking “Pet Mode” for animal lovers.

Express Your Inner Artist with Magic Filter
In-camera Art Features debuted on Olympus E-System DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras last year. A similar feature, entitled Magic Filter, has been developed for the new Stylus cameras. Magic Filter enables the user to enhance and customize images as they’re being captured. This translates into more fun and flexibility as customization is no longer limited to using expensive and time-consuming computer software. The new Magic Filter includes:

· Pop Art – Enhance and saturate colors to create vivid, high-impact pictures that express the joyful, lighthearted feeling of the Pop Art style of the 1960s;
· Pin Hole – Reduce the peripheral brightness of an image as though it were shot through a pin hole, connecting the viewer intimately with the subject at the center;
· Fish-Eye – Emulate the wide-angle of a fish-eye lens by taking extremely wide, hemispherical images and magnifying the center of the frame; and
· Drawing – Turn your image into a sketch outline for children to color.

Blur-Free Photos Two Ways
Dual Image Stabilization combines two technologies – mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization – to provide one powerful anti-blur solution for capturing great images whether the photographer or the subject is moving. Olympus’ mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the image sensor to compensate for camera movement, which often occurs in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject. By combining the two technologies, users of the new Stylus cameras are able to take crystal-clear images in any shooting situation.

Never Miss a Detail with Shadow Adjustment Technology
Shooting outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlit areas. While the human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and light and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have not been quite as sensitive. These Stylus cameras address this challenge head-on with Shadow Adjustment Technology, which compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. With this technology, users can preview and capture images with the same contrast as the naked eye.

In-Camera Panorama for the Ultimate Vista
In-Camera Panorama mode captures three images and stitches them together to create one amazing panoramic picture. Simply press the shutter button and slowly pan across a panoramic scene. The second and third images will be captured automatically and stitched together with the first image – resulting in one seamless panorama. To create the ultimate panoramic picture, consumers can use the OLYMPUS [ib] Software to stitch up to 10 images together.

TruePic™ III Image Processor
The Stylus cameras feature Olympus’ exclusive TruePic III image processor developed for the demanding performance of DSLR cameras. Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures crisp, clear images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.

OLYMPUS [ib] Software and In-Camera Manual
All Spring 2010 digital compact cameras, including the Stylus series, will offer the new OLYMPUS [ib] software. The new software includes photography workflow, browsing, editing and unique photo organizing functions. You can organize your photos by person with automatic face recognition technology, by location with a Geotagging function or by event. You can easily view photos on an HDTV or on the camera’s LCD with the Photo Surfing or Slideshow functions. The name [ib] stands for image bridging, image browsing and image brightening. The new software will be available for Windows operating systems only.

The new Stylus cameras will come equipped with the instruction manual saved on the cameras’ new internal memory. This translates into easily referencing instructions while shooting on the go. The internal memory also enables in-camera image playback in an organized fashion. Eliminating a paper or CD-Rom instruction manual is part of Olympus’ ongoing environmental commitment to conserve natural resources and reduce its carbon footprint.

SD Compatibility
Olympus’ new Spring 2010 digital compact cameras offer SD capability for up to 32 gigabytes of capacity.

Sleek Portable Bodies in a Range of Colors
The sleek, lightweight metal bodies of Stylus cameras come in a variety of colors to suit everyone’s style. The STYLUS-7040 and STYLUS-5010 are available in titanium, pink and light blue, and the STYLUS-7030 comes in titanium, blue and purple.

Availability
The STYLUS-7040, STYLUS-7030 and STYLUS-5010 will be available in February 2010. They include: wrist strap, camera WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, Li-Ion rechargeable battery, warranty card and manual and OLYMPUS [ib] software on the camera.

U.S. Pricing
STYLUS-7040 Estimated Street Price: $249.99
STYLUS-7030 Estimated Street Price: $199.99
STYLUS-5010 Estimated Street Price: $199.99

For more information, review units, product specifications and high-resolution images of the new Stylus cameras, contact Jeff Hluchyj, Mullen Public Relations, 617-226-9939 or [email protected], or Jennifer Lyons, senior manager, public relations, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034, ph: (484) 896-5350 / (800) 622-6372 or the Olympus Web site: http://www.olympusamerica.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances people’s lives every day. These include:

· Digital Cameras
· Professional Digital SLR Imaging Systems
· Related Underwater Products and Accessories
· Digital and Microcassette Recorders
· Digital Media
· Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

Specifications*
Image Sensor
14 Megapixels (effective), 1/2.3″
Focal Length
STYLUS-7040 and STYLUS-7030: 5.0 – 35.0mm (28 – 196mm equivalent in 35mm photography)
STYLUS-5010: 4.7 – 23.5mm (26 – 130mm equivalent in 35mm photography)
Lens Configuration
STYLUS-7040 and STYLUS-7030: 8 Lenses in 7 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses
STYLUS-5010: 7 Lenses in 5 Groups, 5 Aspherical Lenses
Aperture
STYLUS-7040 and STYLUS-7030: f3.0 (W) / f5.9 (T)
STYLUS-5010: f2.8 (W) / f6.5 (T)
Zoom
STYLUS-7040 and STYLUS-7030: 7x Optical Zoom + 5x Digital Zoom
STYLUS-5010: 5x Optical Zoom + 5x Digital Zoom
Display
STYLUS-7040: 3.0″ HyperCrystalTM II LCD, 230,000 dots
STYLUS-7030 and STYLUS-5010: 2.7″ HyperCrystalTM II LCD, 230,000 dots
Focus System
CCD Contrast Detection
Focus Range (from lens surface)
STYLUS-7040 and STYLUS-7030:
Normal mode: 27.6″ – infinity (0.7m – infinity)
Macro mode: Wide: 3.9″ – infinity (0.1m – infinity)
Tele: 23.6″ – infinity (0.6m – infinity)
Super Macro mode: 0.79″ – 27.6″ (0.02m – 0.7m)

STYLUS-5010:
Normal mode: Wide: 23.6″ – infinity (0.6m – infinity)
Tele: 39.4″ – infinity (1.0m – infinity)
Macro mode: Wide: 5.9″ – infinity (0.15m – infinity)
Tele: 23.6″ – infinity (0.6m – infinity)
Super Macro mode: 2.76″ – infinity (0.07m – infinity)
Focus Mode
iESP Auto, Spot AF, Face Detection AF, AF Tracking
Shutter Speed
1/2000 sec. –1/4 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
ISO Sensitivity (SOS: Standard Output Sensitivity):
STYLUS-7040 and STYLUS-7030: Auto, High Auto, fixed: 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
STYLUS-5010: TBD
Exposure Metering
STYLUS-7040 and STYLUS-7030: Digital ESP Metering, Spot Metering, Face Detection, AF Tracking
STYLUS-5010: Digital ESP Metering, Spot Metering, Face Detection AE (when Face Detection AF is selected)
White Balance Control
Auto, Presets (Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten and 3 Fluorescents)
Exposure Compensation
±2 EV steps in 1/3 EV steps
Image File Format

STYLUS-7040 and STYLUS-5010:
Still Image: JPEG
Movie: MP4
STYLUS-7030:
Still Image: JPEG
Movie: AVI Motion JPEG
Number of Recorded Pixels

STYLUS-7040 and STYLUS-5010:
14MP (4,288 x 3216)
12MP (3,968 x 2,976)
5MP (2,560 x 1,920)
3MP (2,048 x 1,536)
2MP (1,600 x 1,200)
1MP (1,280 x 960)
VGA (640 x 480)
16:9 (4,288 x 2,416)

STYLUS-7030:
14MP (4,288 x 3216)
12MP (3,968 x 2,976)
5MP (2,560 x 1,920)
3MP (2,048 x 1,536)
2MP (1,600 x 1,200)
1MP (1,280 x 960)
VGA (640 x 480)
16:9 (1,920 x 1,080)
Motion Blur Suppression
Dual Image Stabilization
Shooting Modes
24 Shooting Modes;
Intelligent Auto, Program Auto, Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization, Panorama, Beauty Mode, Magic Filter, Scene Modes (1. PORTRAIT, 2. LANDSCAPE, 3. NIGHT SCENE. 4. NIGHT+PORTRAIT, 5. SPORT, 6. INDOOR, 7. CANDLE, 8. SELF PORTRAIT, 9. SUNSET, 10. FIREWORKS, 11. CUISINE, 12. DOCUMENTS, 13. BEACH & SNOW, 14. PET), HD Movie

Magic Filter(Pop Art, Pinhole, Fisheye, Drawing)
Panorama
In-Camera Panorama, PC Panorama (Up to 10 frames automatically stitchable with [ib] software)
Sequential Shooting
Yes
Shooting Assist Functions
Perfect Shot Preview, Histogram, Frame Assist, Voice Recording
Movie Mode
STYLUS-7040 and STYLUS-5010:
HDMI
1080i
720P
480P

STYLUS-7030:
AVI Movie with Sound
640×480 (30/15fps)
320×240 (30/15fps)
Image Processing
TruePic™ III Image Processor
Noise Reduction
Set automatically at shutter speeds of 0.5 second or longer in specific scene modes
Image Playback
Still Image: Single, Index Display (4×3, 6×5), Collection, Event, Event-Play, Collection-Play, Collage, Up to 10x Enlargement, Slideshow, Rotation, Protection, Histogram, Voice Playback
Movie: Normal, Fast-Forward, Reverse, Frame-by-Frame, Voice Playback
Playback Edit Effects
Still Image: Red-Eye Fix, Shadow Adjustment Edit, Beauty Fix, Resize, Cropping, Black & White, Sepia, Calendar, Saturation
Flash
Built-in
Flash Modes
Auto (for low light and backlit conditions)
Red-Eye Reduction
Fill-in
Off
Self-Timer
12/2 Seconds
Internal Memory
STYLUS-7040: 2GB (1.8GB for shooting)
STYLUS-7030 and STYLUS-5010: 1GB (829MB for shooting)
Removable Media Card
SD/SDHC Card
Outer Connectors
Multi-Terminal (USB Connector, Audio/Video Output)
Auto-Connect USB
USB 2.0 High-Speed (USB Mass Storage)
System Requirements
Auto-Connect USB: Windows® 2000/XP/VISTA/7 with USB port, Mac OS X 10.3 or later with USB port
Software: Windows® 2000PRO/XP/VISTA/7, Mac OS X 10.3 – 10.5
Operating Temperature
Operation: 32° – 104°F (0° – 40°C)
Storage: -4° – 140°F (-20° – 60°C)
Operating Humidity
Operation: 30% – 90%
Storage: 10% – 90%
Power Source
Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-42B)
F-2AC Adapter
Approximate Charging Time
3 Hours
Dimensions
STYLUS-7040: 3.7″W x 2.2″H x 1.0″D (94.5mm x 55.5mm x 25.9mm)
STYLUS-7030: 3.7″W x 2.2″H x 1.0″D (93.2mm x 55.5mm x 26.2mm)
STYLUS-5010: 3.7″W x 2.2″H x 0.8″D (94.7mm x 55.8mm x 19.9mm)
Weight
STYLUS-7040: 5.1oz (144g) without batteries and media card
STYLUS-7030: 4.9 oz (140g) without batteries and media card
STYLUS-5010: 4.4oz (126g) without batteries and media card

THE NEW OLYMPUS FE SERIES JUST MAY
BE THE WORLD’S SMARTEST ENTRY-LEVEL CAMERAS

More Megapixels, Autofocus Tracking and In-Camera Creative Filters
Make These Smart Compacts the Fun and Easy Choice

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 6, 2010 – Today, Olympus introduces the two newest cameras in its popular FE series, designed for effortless picture taking for users of all ages and skill levels. The new FE-4020 and FE-47 come with 14 megapixels for super-high resolution, up to 5x optical zoom and a host of in-camera features to make photography simple so you can keep your mind on the action when you’re in the middle of it. Intelligent Auto mode plus Shadow Adjustment technology automatically selects the settings you need so you know the shot will come out right without making adjustments. AF Tracking keeps kids, pets and other fast-moving objects continually bright and in focus so you can easily capture great shots.

“Whether you’re snapping photos of a backyard soccer game or a get-together with friends, these new FE cameras do the thinking for you so you won’t miss a moment,” said Jennifer Schmell, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Intelligent Auto automatically chooses the right mode for your picture, while Magic Filter turns your images into works of art.”

With 14 Megapixels Get More for Your Money
Both FE cameras come out shooting with 14 megapixels of resolution. Now, you can enlarge your favorite images with crystal clear detail intact. Isn’t it time you started decorating with your own artwork?

Always Stay Focused
The AF Tracking technology locks your subject in focus, and continuously adjusts focus and brightness whether you or your subject is moving. This enables you to keep fast-moving, unpredictable subjects like small children in focus for the perfect shot. There’s even a specially designed AF Tracking “Pet Mode” for animal lovers.

Because everyone who was there deserves to be in focus, all FE cameras feature Advanced Face Detection, which reduces the chance of blurred subjects in pictures by distinguishing between people’s faces and the background. It tracks up to 16 faces within the image area and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures (ideal for large family or group photos).

Capture More of the Photo You Want
Being unable to back away from your subject has always been a challenge. Now, thanks to wide-angle zoom lens technology, it’s easy to capture everything and everyone – including group shots at weddings, family reunions and dinner parties. The FE-4020’s versatile lens starts extremely wide and goes to 4x (26mm – 105mm equivalent in 35mm photography). The FE-47 features a 5x (36mm – 180mm equivalent) zoom lens.

Develop Your Inner Artist with Magic Filter
In-camera Creative Filters, called Magic Filter, enable users to enhance and customize images as they’re being captured. This translates into more fun and flexibility as customization is no longer limited to using expensive and time-consuming computer software. The new Magic Filter includes:

· Pop Art – Enhance and saturate colors to create vivid, high-impact pictures that express the joyful, lighthearted feeling of the Pop Art style of the 1960s;
· Pin Hole – Reduce the peripheral brightness of an image as though it were shot through a pin hole, connecting the viewer intimately with the subject at the center;
· Fish-Eye – Emulates the wide-angle of a fish-eye lens by taking extremely wide, hemispherical images and magnifying the center of the frame; and
· Drawing – Turn your image into a sketch outline for children to color.

Intelligent Auto Thinks for You
The FE cameras’ ‘Intelligent Auto Mode’ automatically identifies what you are shooting (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro or Sports) and adjusts settings to capture the best quality results depending on the situation. Keep your eyes and mind on what’s in front of you, let your camera do all the technical thinking and take incredible shots like a pro.

Easy Operation and Help Guides
Enhanced Help Guides are built right into the cameras to make learning about digital photography simple for users of all skill levels. The Menu and Scene Guides display a brief description of camera settings and features on the LCD to make more advanced techniques such as adjusting ISO and white balance settings using the Program Auto mode fun and easy. Additionally, Exposure Compensation enables users to preview and select various exposure effects on a live, multi-frame window on the LCD before snapping the shot, allowing users to see precisely what an image will look like when adjustments are made. Program Auto and Exposure Compensation are great modes that enable novice users to get results like the pros while learning about the effects of different photography techniques. Menus are available in English, Spanish and 37 other languages for convenient operation.

AVI Movie with Sound
With these FE cameras, users can capture AVI movies with sound that are easy to share with family and friends via email or on social networking websites.

OLYMPUS [ib] Software
All Spring 2010 digital compact cameras, including the FE series, will offer the new OLYMPUS [ib] software. The new software includes photography workflow, browsing, editing and unique photo-organizing functions. You can organize your photos by person with automatic face recognition technology, by location with a Geotagging function or by event. The name [ib] stands for image bridging, image browsing and image brightening. The new software will be available for Windows operating systems only.

SD Compatibility
Olympus’ new Spring 2010 digital compact cameras offer SD capability for up to 32 gigabytes of capacity.

Sleek Portable Bodies in a Range of Colors
The new FE cameras are as high fashion as they are easy to use. The FE-4020’s sleek double-layered crystal shell utilizes silk printing and a pearlized mirror finish to give the cameras an elegant, transparent feel. The cameras come in a variety of colors to suit everyone’s style. The FE-4020 is available in warm gray, pearl white, light pink and light blue, while the FE-47 comes in silver, black, red and blue.

Availability
The FE-47 will be available in January 2010 and the FE-4020 will be available in February 2010. The FE-4020 camera includes a Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery, and the FE-47 includes two AA alkaline batteries. Both cameras also include a USB Cable and Charger, Audio/Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Quick-Start Guide, OLYMPUS [ib] Software and Instruction Manual CD-ROM, and Warranty Card.

U.S. Pricing
FE-4020 Estimated Street Price: $149.99 (U.S.)
FE-47 Estimated Street Price: $119.99 (U.S.)

Journalists interested in additional information, review units, product specifications and high-resolution images of the FE cameras should contact Jeff Hluchyj, Mullen Public Relations, 617-226-9939, [email protected] or Jennifer Lyons, senior manager, public relations, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 484-896-5350, [email protected], Olympus Imaging America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, Pennsylvania 18034 or the Olympus Web site: www.getolympus.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances people’s lives every day. These include:

· Digital Cameras
· Professional Digital SLR Imaging Systems
· Related Underwater Products and Accessories
· Digital and Microcassette Recorders
· Digital Media
· Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

Specifications*
Image Sensor
14 Megapixels (effective), 1/2.3″
Focal Length
FE-4020 : 26 – 105mm equivalent in 35mm photography
FE-47 : 36 – 180mm equivalent in 35mm photography
Lens Configuration
FE-4020 : 7 Lenses in 6 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses
FE-47 : 6 Lenses in 5 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses
Aperture
FE-4020 : f2.6 (W) / f5.9 (T)
FE-47 : f3.5 (W) / f5.6 (T)
Zoom
FE-4020 : 4x Optical Zoom + 4x Digital Zoom
FE-47 : 5x Optical Zoom + 4x Digital Zoom
Display
2.7″ LCD, 230,000 dots
2 Steps Brightness Adjustment
Focus System
CCD Contrast Detection
Focus Range (from lens surface)
FE-4020 : Normal mode: Wide: 23.6″ – infinity (0.6m – infinity)
Tele: 39.4″ – infinity (1.0m – infinity)
Macro mode: Wide: 7.9″ – infinity (0.2m – infinity)
Tele: 23.6″ – infinity (0.6m – infinity)
Super Macro mode: 1.57″ – infinity (0.04m – infinity)
FE-47 : Normal mode: Wide: 23.6″ – infinity (0.6m – infinity)
Tele: 39.4″ – infinity (1.0m – infinity)
Macro mode: Wide: 7.9″ – infinity (0.2m – infinity)
Tele: 23.6″ – infinity (0.6m – infinity)
Super Macro mode: 1.18″ – infinity (0.03m – infinity)

Focus Mode
iESP Auto, Spot AF, Face Detection AF, AF Tracking
Shutter Speed
1/2000 sec. –1/4 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Candle Scene mode)
ISO Sensitivity (SOS: Standard Output Sensitivity):
Auto, High Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 (equivalent)
Exposure Metering
Digital ESP Metering, Face Detection AE (when Face Detection AF is selected)
White Balance Control
Auto, Presets (Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten and 3 Fluorescents)
Exposure Compensation
±2 EV steps in 1/3 EV steps
Image File Format

Still Image: JPEG
Movie: AVI Motion JPEG
Number of Recorded Pixels

14MP (4288 x 3216)
12MP (3,968 x 2,976)
5MP (2,560 x 1,920)
3MP (2,048 x 1,536)
2MP (1,600 x 1,200)
1MP (1,280 x 960)
VGA (640 x 480)
Motion Blur Suppression
Digital Image Stabilization
Shooting Modes
21 Shooting Modes;
Intelligent Auto, Program Auto, Digital Image Stabilization, Magic Filter, Scene Modes (1. PORTRAIT, 2. LANDSCAPE, 3. NIGHT, 4. NIGHT+PORTRAIT, 5. SPORT, 6. INDOOR, 7. CANDLE, 8. SELF PORTRAIT, 9. SUNSET, 10. FIREWORKS, 11. CUISINE, 12. DOCUMENTS, 13. PET), Movie

Magic Filter(Pop Art, Pinhole, Fisheye, Drawing)
Panorama
PC Panorama (Up to 10 frames automatically stitchable with [ib] software)
Sequential Shooting
N/A
Shooting Assist Functions
Perfect Shot Preview, Frame Assist, Voice Recording
Movie Mode
AVI Movie with Sound;
640×480 (30/15fps)
320×240 (30/15fps)
Noise Reduction
Set automatically at shutter speeds of 0.5 second or longer in specific scene modes
Image Playback
Still Image: Single, Index Display (4×3, 6×5), Up to 10x Enlargement, Slideshow, Rotation, Voice Playback
Movie: Normal, Fast-Forward, Reverse, Frame-by-Frame, Voice Playback
Playback Edit Effects
Still Image: Red-Eye Fix, Lightling Fix Resize, Cropping
Flash
Built-in
Flash Modes
Auto (for low light and backlit conditions)
Red-Eye Reduction
Fill-in
Off
Flash Working Range
FE-4020 : Wide: 15.7ft (4.79m) at ISO 800
Tele: 6.9 ft (2.11m) at ISO 800
FE-47 : Wide: 12.2ft (3.72m) at ISO 800
Tele: 7.6 ft (2.32m) at ISO 800
Self-Timer
12/2 Seconds
Internal Memory
18MB
Removable Media Card
SD/SDHC Card
Outer Connectors
Multi-Terminal (USB Connector, Audio/Video Output)
Auto-Connect USB
USB 2.0 High-Speed (USB Mass Storage)
System Requirements
Auto-Connect USB: Windows® 2000/XP/VISTA/7 with USB port, Mac OS X 10.3 or later with USB port
Software: Windows® 2000PRO/XP/VISTA/7, Mac OS X 10.3 – 10.5
Operating Temperature
Operation: 32° – 104°F (0° – 40°C)
Storage: -4° – 140°F (-20° – 60°C)
Operating Humidity
Operation: 30% – 90%
Storage: 10% – 90%
Power Source
FE-4020 : Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-70B)
F-2AC Adapter

FE-47 : NI-MH (AAx2)
Battery Life
(CIPA DC-002)
FE-4020 : 180 Shots
FE-47 :120 Shots
Approximate Charging Time
FE-4020 : 3 Hours
FE-47 : N/A
Dimensions
FE-4020 : 3.7″W x 2.2″H x 0.9″D
(95.0mm x 56.2mm x 22.8mm)
FE-47 : 3.8″W x 2.4″H x 1.1″D
(97.6mm x 60.7mm x 27.3mm)
Weight
FE-4020 : 4.5oz (128g) without batteries and media card
FE-47 : 6.1oz (174.2g) without batteries and media card

Lotus made a true philosophy out of making light cars and they are not stopping now. Following its quest for lightweight, the British car manufacturer has submitted a patent application for a lighter, more compact dual-clutch transmission.

These applications are as vague as possible in order to prevent copying, therefore there’s not much detail we can share with you, as it is hidden in the abstract writing below. Whatever they’re working on, we’re sure it’s going to be good.
… (read more)

A few months back, the Mozilla Labs team launched a Jetpack extension contest for developers to spur interest in the community and also to showcase some of the emerging platform’s advantages, notably its ease of use and simplicity. Mozilla now announced the winner of an Asus Eee PC netbook, developer Davide Ficano for his JetColorTab jetpack, as well as the other notable entries.

“With over 50 entrants to the 50-line challenge, there were more than enough good jetpacks to choose from. Jetpack developers continue to forge ahead in creating new and different jetpacks,” the Mozilla Labs Jetpack team wrote. “This time, Davide’s jetpack mojo pushed him ahead of the pack for the win! Davide will receive a slick ASUS Eee PC netbook for his effort.”

The contest was introduced along with Jetpack 0.5 in September. The scope was to design the most interesting jetpack extension within 50 lines of code or less. Quite a few developers entered their creations, but the Mozilla team managed to work down to just three apps which stood out. The three developers and their jetpacks are:

– Makoto Terada’s JetpackFeatureInstaller
– Davide Ficano’s JetColorTab
– Aurélien Manca’s JetTabs

The winning jetpack isn’t exactly the most useful or the most practical … (read more)

We had a feeling that after Microsoft removed the draconian OEM requirement from Windows 7 Media Center that we’d see more CableCARD tuners and we’re glad to say we were right. The original ATSC/QAM HDHomeRun was love at first sight for us three years ago, so we were very pleased to learn that the crew over at Silicon Dust was working on a network based CableCARD tuner. The dual tuner model in development will require just one CableCARD and one coax input, but will allow you to record two HD shows at once, and all for $249 — less than the single ATI CableCARD tuner sells for today. The nice thing about the networked tuner approach that has made the HDHomeRun so popular, is that even if you have your heart set on a small form factor PC like the Dell Zino HD, you can still have access to premium content even without any empty PCI-E slots. The only bad news is that the press release after the break has no mention of when this little guy might be available.

Continue reading HDHomeRun developing a dual CableCARD network tuner for $249

HDHomeRun developing a dual CableCARD network tuner for $249 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]

Article

Working to be an even more pocketable pocket camcorder, Sanyo’s shrunk the front of its latest Xacti model to measure just 1.06 inches at its widest point while still recording 1080p video. The VPC-CS1 captures in MPEG-4 AVC / H.264 and is currently undergoing official certification to support iFrame. Images tout 8 megapixels, zoom up to 10x, and storage via SDXC cards. Release date and price? Let’s just say February and a penny under $300.

Sanyo’s Xacti VPC-CS1 HD camcorder vies for ‘world’s smallest’ title originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Akihabara News  |  Sanyo PR  | Email this | Comments

Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]

Article

We have now received an official confirmation from a Sony Ericsson spokesperson that the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2, which was meant to be exclusive to Vodafone UK, has now been officially dropped.

The statement reads as follows:

Sony Ericsson can confirm that the X2 will not be released by Vodafone in the UK. The delivery date of the product has slipped due to extended testing and the product, which was exclusive to Vodafone in the UK, no longer fits within their planned portfolio. The handset is available in other Sony Ericsson markets however. Sony Ericsson is disappointed not to make this phone available to consumers in the UK but in 2010 the company will be offering a number of innovative, stand-out products in the market.

While most of our readers will not miss the device, it is of note that at present there is no Windows Mobile phone with an 8 megapixel camera, and that the Xperia X2 corrected most of the deficiencies of the X1, meaning its loss will leave somewhat of a hole in the whole Windows Mobile ecosystem.

Given Sony Ericsson’s history with the X1 and X2, would our readers trust them with another handset? Let us know below.

We already knew that China is a top market for all carmakers out there and sales figures that have been emerging since January 1 come to confirm this. Ford for instance performed at least impressive in China, with the US-based manufacturer recording a 44 percent increase in 2009 as compared to the previous year.

Ford and its joint-ventures in China sold a total of 440,619 units last year, according to official figures. Ford Motor’s passenger car joint-venture in China, Changan For… (read more)

Off road military vehicles manufacturer Polaris announced today it is ready to unleash onto the public roads their first electric low speed vehicle (EV LSV), to be used by the military, civilians and federal government agencies. Well, "unleash" is a bit of an overstatement, as the Polaris can only reach 25 mph (40 km/h)…

But, in the end, is not the speed that matters. The EV LSV is built as an electric off-roader, with a 1,000-pound payload capacity, 1,250 lbs. of towi… (read more)