Author: Kat Hannaford

Sony’s announced a glut of new cameras today at CES, but instead of going through all 20-odd of them, I’m only going to show you the best. You deserve the best. Here’s two of them, the DSC-W370 and DSC-W350.

The 14-megapixel Cybershot DSC-W370 and DSC-W350 have CCD image sensors with Sweep Panorama for capturing places like the Grand Canyon in one big movement. The W370 takes 243 degree shots and the W350 takes 268-degree shots, with the images coming in 7152 x 1080 size. Both models have 7x zoom lenses, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, and can record video in 720p (with a HDMI output for connecting to a TV.)

The W350, which takes slighter better Panorama pics, is also Sony’s smallest camera for the year. It has a 2.7-inch LCD screen, 26mm lens and 4x optical zoom. The W350 is on sale this month for $200, and the W370 will be on sale a few months later, in March, for $230. [Sony]

Lenovo has really impressed at CES this year, with the UI hybrid and Skylight, and now its first smartphone, called LePhone. Despite its French-sounding name, this baby is destined for China only.

Interestingly, the 3.7-inch touchscreen Android phone comes with a dock, which then gives it a QWERTY keyboard, long-life battery and inbuilt speakers. Again, like the UI Hybrid tablet/laptop, this LePhone gives two options for use.

The LePhone will be on sale in China in the first half of 2010, and running Android 1.6 it’ll also have Lenovo’s skin over the top. Internally it’s all running on a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, which is certainly he flavor of the past few months for smartphones. Two cameras, one forward-facing and one back-facing,

Located on the side of the LePhone is a button which turns on gesture support, which can be used with Google Maps. Moving the phone around in front of you will determine the angle in which you see the map.

It’s an exciting first move for Lenovo, and hopefully we’ll see it given a release date outside of China. [Information Week]

Image Credit: Pocket-Lint

Last year, Sony threw us the Webbie mini camcorder. This year, it’s the Bloggie. Will next year’s pico-camcorder be called the Tweetie? The RSSfeedie? The Faxmachinie?

There’s three Bloggie models this year, the MHS-PM5, MHS-PM5K and MHS-CM5. All three film in 1080p video and take 5.0-megapixel photos. The CM5 brings a much-needed feature to the pocket-cam set—an optical zoom (in this case, 5x). Finally!

The lenses of the PM5 and PM5K swivel in 270-degrees for that perfect “MySpace snap” that the Bloggie users will be craving, and are connectable via USB to both PC and Mac. What separates the PM5 and PM5K is that the latter can shoot 360-degree videos, via a lens adapter. All three accept either SD or Memory Stick, which is good because none have any internal memory.

SteadyShot image stabilization is only available when shooting in the 720p resolution with 30fps, so watch out for those shaky hands when shooting in 1080p with 30fps. 6-inch LCD screens feature on all models and the CM5 one also has an HDMI connector. Update: The Bloggie line will be available in February, with the CM5 going for $200 and the PM5 coming in at $180. [Sony]

All three new camcorders from Panasonic—the SDR-H85, SDR-T50 and SDR-S50—have 33mm wide-angle lenses and 78x zooms, and while pricing and availability hasn’t been announced yet, they sound decent enough. That aforementioned 78x zoom is enhanced optical, but true optical is 70x. Panasonic’s also updated the range with a Wind Noise Canceller which detects and cancels wind noise when filming, something that’s much-needed in my experience with them.

Announced today was Samsung’s support of SDXC cards, and these three camcorders use those along with the usual SD and SDHC. The SDR-H85 also has an 80GB HDD and the SDR-T50 has 4GB flash storage. The H.264/AVC format is used for all three models, and YouTube uploading also. As said before, no word on pricing or availability, but if you’re at all familiar with Panasonic’s camera range.

Full release as follows:

oday, Panasonic introduced three additions to its 2010 standard definition camcorder lineup – the SDR-H85, SDR-T50 and SDR-S50, designed to be portable, durable and high-performing. These camcorders may be small in size, but they have impressive features: a 33mm(*1) wide-angle and a long, powerful 78x ultra zoom – giving them remarkable range for capturing video both far and wide. Panasonic’s new camcorder models are packed with enhanced features to help make shooting quality video easy, including the new Active mode for the Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), helping to suppress blur even if the user is moving and when the powerful zooms are extended.

The SDR-H85, SDR-T50 and SDR-S50 all feature a 70x optical zoom lens with an Enhanced Optical 78x Zoom function – meaning the camcorder uses the effective area of the CCD to further extend zooming power at the wide-angle setting. This makes it possible to capture images of vast landscapes and pull in distant subjects for dynamic close-ups. The new Wind Noise Canceller automatically detects and suppresses wind noise to maintain natural sounds. All three camcorders also feature Advanced O.I.S. which detects and corrects hand-shake at a rate of 4,000 times per second to help capture stable images.

“The 2010 lineup of Panasonic standard definition camcorders meets the needs of all users, offering compact bodies for mobility, a stylish look and feel, versatility and top-of-the-line features, including enhanced zoom capability, easy recording and convenient uploading and playback,” said Chuck Kirkman, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronic Company. “The advanced, intuitive features of these new models make the video capturing experience, easy and enjoyable.”

The 33mm Wide-Angle setting found on these camcorders is especially useful when shooting video indoors or in tight spaces – making it possible to shoot at a close distance from the subject while still fitting the surrounding area into the frame. The Wide-Angle setting also has the added benefit of allowing the subject’s voice to be clearly captured, which is an important element of recording videos. The new Wide-Angle setting captures beautiful images of wide landscapes and allows large groups of people to fit into the frame, making it highly versatile for use in all kinds of shooting situations.

All Panasonic camcorders can record to SDXC, SDHC, or SD Memory Cards. In addition, the SDR-H85 records onto an 80 GB(*2) hard disk drive, which stores approximately 74 hours and 30 minutes of data (in LP mode) – making it ideal for recording long events and for use on extended trips. The H85 also protects data with its durable memory storage system that requires no drive mechanism, and an Anti-Shock Shield that helps protect the built-in hard disk from external impact. Additionally, the H85 simplifies the process of copying recordings from a memory card or hard disk to a DVD by simply connecting the camcorder to a DVD burner.

Panasonic’s Twin Memory Camcorder – the SDR-T50 has built-in memory of 4 GB (holding 3 hours and 20 minutes) and is equipped with a relay recording function that automatically changes the recording media to the SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card when the built-in memory becomes full to ensure uninterrupted recording. The tough, compact bodies allow for easy transport and high resistance to impact. The SDR-S50 has a compact body, superb resistance to external impact and portability for use anywhere and records to SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards only. Video clips recorded on an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card are supported by the VIERA Image Viewer function so they can be played by simply inserting the card into the card slot of a Panasonic VIERA® HDTV(*3) for large-screen viewing.

Other features found on all three camcorders include, iA (Intelligent Auto) with AF/AE Tracking, 1.9-sec(*4) Quick Power-On, Long Recording Mode, and Easy YouTube Uploading. The iA function, which automatically selects the most suitable shooting mode, has evolved even further and now includes an AF/AE Tracking feature, which tracks a moving subject to continuously optimize image quality. A new Intelligent Contrast Control, which automatically adjusts brightness to maintain the best possible contrast, has also been added to the three advanced functions from previous models, including Face Detection, Advanced O.I.S., and Intelligent Scene Selector.

Panasonic’s Quick Power-On feature helps capture candid shots, while also saving energy by allowing the user to keep the LCD closed and the power off when not shooting. Long Recording Mode, which allows for double the record time as the normal record mode, is made possible by the camcorders’ support of the H.264/AVC format with its higher compression ratio. Available on all three Panasonic camcorders, YouTube(*5) Uploading makes it fast and easy to upload clips by simply installing the VideoCam Suite software, which is included with each model.

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic SDR-H85, SDR-T50 and SDR-S50 camcorders will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. All models will be available in black and the SDR-H85 and SDR-S50 will also have silver and red options. For more information on these models, please visit: www.panasonic.com/CES2010.

No pricing, no exact date and no further confirmation on specs or games, but word came from Microsoft direct. No idea on countries either, but we’re presuming US first, other territories to follow.

3M only updated their pico projector range last August, claiming it was their “second generation” model. Meet their third-gen pico: the MPro150. The resolution is still just VGA quality, but there’s now 1GB of internal storage.

There aren’t as many changes between the MPro120 and the MPro150, though the lamp is now 15-lumens. A microSD card slot and USB input are alternatives to the 1GB of internal memory, and Office applications along with Adobe PDF, photos and the usual video are able to be displayed. Integrated stereo speakers just like the MPro120 are also squeezed on.

3M hasn’t confirmed the battery life on the MPro150, but with the previous model having six hours, I’d expect this latter model to be the same. Available on pre-order now, for $395. [3M via BusinessWire]

AT&T’s announced an SDK for the BREW platform, which is available today over at sdk.developer.att.com under the blazing headline ‘Apps for All.’

As they say:

“Apps for ALL is AT&T’s plan to get the development community’s help to create cool, innovative applications for the two-thirds of devices on our network that are not smart phones and are underserved by apps.”

Think of all those poor, app-less phones out there languishing on AT&T, needing your help.

Working with Qualcomm’s BREW platform, the SDK supports cross-platform APIs, with the process listed on the Apps For All site sounding pretty straight-forward. They’re even offering a pre-approval process for anyone unsure of the strength of their app, with AT&T giving you feedback on whether it’s likely to be approved.

Revenue share is apparently a 70/30 split, if you’re into this kind of thing. [Apps For All]

Boy, that Satoru Iwata has been awfully mouthy recently. In addition to sounding off about the next DS having a motion sensor, he also told Asahi that it’ll have a higher-resolution screen. A HIGH DEFINITION screen.

Upgrading the 256 x 192 DS, the next DS incarnation—after the DSi XL—will have a 1024 x 768 screen according to several sites, which is very close to a decent 720p res. Iwata also confirmed Nintendo is in talks with several networks for connected DS consoles, which is something he mentioned a few months back when he touched upon the likelihood of allowing ebooks to be downloaded over 3G. [Asahi via Fast Company]

Coming from the womb of Philips’ Research Labs, Liquavista is working on a full color ereader. Specifications aren’t offered as yet, but you can tell by the picture above that it’s very much angled at magazine and newspaper reading.

Building upon their LiquavistaBright platform, the new reader uses their LiquavistaColor technology for that full color screen and “electrowetting” display technology.

The ereader prototype sounds pretty promising for now, but with plenty of ereaders being let out of the bag this week, Liquavista’s conservative 2010/2011 launch estimate will have to be brought forward to actually gain any traction. Particularly with tough competition from that little-seen Nook. [Liquavista]

Big news from the Sony camp today—they’re embracing 1999’s flash-in-the-pan fad and have launched their first line-up of SD cards. Hopefully that spells the death of the evil Memory Stick and sliding disinterest in their propriety formats.

There’s five SD/SDHC cards and three microSD/microSDHC cards on offer, all class-4-speed. The 2GB SD is $14.99, and for SDHCs the 4GB is $29.99, 8GB is $44.99, 16GB is $79.99, 32GB $159.99.

The 2GB microSD is $14.99, 4GB is $29.99 and 8GB is $44.99. All come with adapters and the possibility of a heart-attack being brought on as Sony losing a little more of its stubbornness. [Sony]

For those moments when you just can’t control the urge to dip your phone in a jar of honey, Seal Shield has announced the world’s first dishwasher-friendly phone. Yes, really. Pair it with your dishwasher-safe keyboard!

Let’s make it clear—dishwasher safe obviously goes hand in hand with butt ugliness. Just look at that thing. It’s dual SIM, with a 2.0-megapixel camera, has GPS and GPRS connectivity. Not exactly brimming with top-notch spec under that water-resistant casing, but some sticky-fingered cretin out there is bound to consider this a Very Good Idea. [Seal Shield]

They stormed their way into our hearts last year, and at CES this week have announced a further line of products, throwing out the $40 cases needed per phone with their new swappable batteries.

Owners of HTC, Blackberry, Nokia, LG, Samsung, Motorola and Sony Ericsson phones no longer need Receiver cases, instead Powermat is offering up batteries which can be inserted into the back of the phone, and charge wirelessly just by sitting on a mat. If you still need a Receiver, they’re now offered in silicone.

The Powermats themselves have been given an overhaul, now coming with enough space for either one, two or three gadgets, conveniently named the Powermat 1X, Powermat 2X and Powermat 3X.

Those Powermats also come in portable sizes for moving between between countries, in single and double options they come with a carrying case and international power plugs.

A charging station for netbooks, called the Powermat 3X Netbook, charges both a netbook and two other gadgets at once. Car owners will rejoice at the news of the Powermat Car Charger, unless of course their car already comes with a charger—or a lighter. No prices or availability deets yet. [Powermat]

You bought your iPhone to be able to tell the time, right? Knowing that one day The Sharper Image would create an iPhone dock complete with Roman numerals and free downloadable app just for you?

True, it pumps out music like any generic iPhone dock, but you’re obviously buying this $59.99 dock for the clock function, when it’s so overbearingly in-your-face. You sad, sad person.

That freshly-popped Popbox media streamer looks as good connected to a TV as we were hoping for yesterday. Shown off at the CES Unveiled stand, the size difference between the last model was noticeable, and yup, the price is $130.

I had a quick fiddle with the remote on the stand, with the screen-hopping proving fast and the interface just as fresh as the Popcorn Hour. There are little tweaks on the interface, animations that you’re not quite expecting—like in the weather—which made me quite shocked that they’re only asking $130 for it.

Netflix, Facebook and Twitter are supported, and as you can see from the screengrabs over here it’s laid out in a really nice, clean manner. Further driving the point home was the popcorn machine on the stand, as you can see in the last pic. Smells gooood.

A buncha new stuff from LaCie today, with the updated LaCinema Mini HD, Network Server and dinky-looking USB sticks.

That Mini HD supports 1080p video over 802.11n Wi-Fi, and has an HDMI output alongside an internal hard drive and USB port for whacking in one of those key-shaped sticks with some “special” movies, TV shows and photos. You know the sort. It supports DivX, AVC and MKV codecs. It’s compatible with PCs, Macs or NAS.

The Network Server is primarily for small businesses, running on Windows Home Server with five drives and gigabit Ethernet. Backup is done via LaCie’s brilliantly-named Wuala cloud-based service.

Those key-shaped USB sticks? Not much has changed since the last batch, but the CooKey and WhizKey models are made from metal with the gold SIP connectors being water and scratch-resistant. Available in anywhere up to 32GB of storage, owners will get an extra 4GB through the Wuala cloud-based storage. [LaCie]

Are you a member of the dating site BeautifulPeople.com? We expect all Giz readers to be suitable. If you happened to put on a bit of weight over Christmas though, bad news—you’ve been thrown off.

The dating site for purely those good looking (and conceited) enough to join booted 5,000 members off after Christmas for “letting themselves go.”

Robert Hintze, site founder flexed his business mind with these powerful words:

“As a business, we mourn the loss of any member, but the fact remains that our members demand the high standard of beauty be upheld. Letting fatties roam the site is a direct threat to our business model and the very concept for which BeautifulPeople.com was founded.”

And they weren’t just snacking on hamburgers and fries, with 1,520 being thrown off from the US, and a healthy representation from the yorkshire pudding-munching UK, maple syrup-guzzling Canada, then a smaller number from Poland, Germany, Italy, France, Denmark, Turkey and Russia. Never fear, however—there are plenty of dating sites out there that cater to BeautifulPeople rejects. [CNN]

Image Credit: Malingering

Cobra Electronics has expanded its line of radar detectors with the world’s first touchscreen models, which will let you know of upcoming radar and speed cameras. They’ve also got the first model for under $200, which unfortch isn’t touchscreen.

The two touchscreen models, the XRS 9970G and XRS 9965 have 1.5-inch color interfaces. The former also works with Cobra’s AURA Camera Driving Hazard Database and has IntelliView Pro which displays a pictorial alert with the speed you’re traveling at. They’ll be under $379.95 in price when they go on sale in March.

That $200 model I mentioned is the XRS 9550G, which can detect all radar, laser and safety cameras. It works with the AURACamera database which keeps GPS coordinates of cameras and other hazards online, for future avoidance of those nasty fine-issuing devices. [Cobra]