Tony Ibrahim

In the tradition of Ultra High Definition, HTC’s upcoming M7 flagship will feature technology dubbed ‘Ultrapixels’.

Looking to steel as many headlines as possible ahead of the Mobile World Congress (MWC), HTC has released an inforgraphic underlying how central the M7’s camera will be. The infographic, called From Copper Sheets To Camera Phones: A History of Photography, maps out the evolution of photography from 1839 up until 2013, where a question mark is captioned with the text “HTC kicks off a new sound and camera experience in 2013.”

Just yesterday, phone site GSMArena reported HTC’s new M7 flagship will have a new type of stacked image sensor they call Ultrapixels. Its sensor will have three layers of pixels stacked on top of each other, each layer dedicated to capturing one of the three primary colours at 4.3 million pixels a piece. The final image combines real readings from all three layers and eliminates the need for interpolation.

There’s not much detail on the sound experience, but the money is on the M7 inheriting enhanced amplifier technology from Beats Audio.

HTC is holding an event on February 19th and it’s believed the M7 could go on sale shortly after. We simply hope it has enough innovative features to withstand Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S4, Sony’s Xperia Z and the rest of the power-crew.

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With the introduction of Intel’s Ultrabook category, and the hype surrounding tablets, computers are being released in a variety of form factors; some great, others downright whacky.

Heck, just last week Microsoft unveiled a tablet with a soft keyboard and a kickstand. Yep, even the traditionalist software manufacturer is venturing into hardware. How times are a-changing.

Now Pioneer computers are giving a new form factor a go, and they’re marketing department has coined the series the ‘DreamBook.’

The DreamBook satisfies all of the criteria needed to be an Ultrabook, but with a detachable ten-point touch screen that can operate independently as a tablet.

Aside from the detachable screen, it still offers the same cocktail you’d get from a cutting edge Ultrabook. It features Intel’s latest Ivy Bridge processors, Intel HD 4000 graphics, Up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM and SATA3 storage ranging from 32GB to 128GB.

Connectivity is just as well equipped, with the DreamBook including a USB 3.0 port, MicroSD card reader and Bluetooth 4.0.

The tablet component features a 1.3MP front facing camera and a 2MP rear camera capable of 720p video recording. NFC and a finger print reader are also optional extras.

A bare-boned DreamBook will set you back $1,199, but almost everything is an optional extra, including the introductory Windows 7 OS which is priced at $99.

A DreamBook with a 2.6GHz i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of SSD memory, the optional Bluetooth module, front and rear camera, and Windows 7 Home Premium totals to $1,564.

At that price, Pioneer’s DreamBook is one whacky device. 

TomTom and Nike have combined their wits to produce the Nike+ SportWatch, a small watch that tracks a runner’s location and performance.

They’ve tried to keep the watch simple by including three buttons and a ‘Tap Screen’ for navigation. 

When on a run, the watch will record you’re route by capturing location information, calculate your pace, calories burned and running time. To accurately determine this information it works in tandem with the shoe-based Nike+ Sensor.

Once you’ve finished running, the watch can be plugged into a computer (Windows and Mac) where it will automatically open the Nike+ connect interface and transfer your information to nikeplus.com. The site presents a runner’s GPS mapping, total kilometres, pace and elevation data for their most recent run in an easy-to-digest fashion; one resembling the Nike+ GPS iPhone app.

“With more than 150 million runs logged since its launch in 2006, Nikeplus.com captures the pulse of the running world everyday,” said Stefan Olander, VP of Nike Digital Sport.

“Providing runners with accurate pace, distance and location information during and after their run gives them the information they need to better train and track their progress,” he added. 

Other Nike+ SportsWatch features include:
· Tap Screen for setting laps and activating backlight
· Stopwatch and alarm
· Run History with data from past runs
· Personal Records including those imported from Nikeplus.com
· Quick Start with optional shoe-based Nike+ Sensor
· Heart Rate Monitor compatibility
· Tracking options

Some of the unique motivating factors the Nike+ SportWatch GPS offer runners on-screen include:
· Recognition (or “Attaboys”) for personal records
· Run Reminders that appear after five days if a run has not been logged
· Post-run acknowledgement and encouragement

The Nike+ SportsWatch will be available early May at $199.99.

 

Adding to its repertoire of home theatre appliances, Panasonic now take another step forward producing a projector that includes Full HD capabilities with the rewards of 3D technology.The PT-AE7000U delivers Full HD with a pixel resolution of 1920 by 1080, while being the first in the world to use transparent LCD panel technology that runs at 480Hz. Combined with Panasonic’s original overdrive tech, TWICE reports the culmination of this technology reduces crosstalk in 3D applications.

 

Capable of 2D and 3D viewing, the latter is achieved through glasses that use active shutter technology.

“When we create our projectors, our goal is to produce images that mirror movie directors’ artistic vision and intent,” said Panasonic’s Solutions projectors and higher education sector director, Art Rankin.

It seems there’s credence behind that claim, with Panasonic liaising with the Hollywood Laboratory engineers who are masters in the technology used in 3D Blu-ray Discs.

 “They have taken key roles in establishing the industry standards for 3D and bringing the experience from large screens to homes,” he said.

A dual-core processing engine is responsible for the system’s power, including frame sequential technology that processes 3D signals in a fashion that maintains benefits of 2D image enhancements. It will also convert 2D to 3D images for 3D conversion if desired, offering 5 different effect modes.

“Through this joint effort, the PT-AE7000U has been redesigned from the ground up to achieve higher basic 2D performance and is packed with unique 3D features to deliver studio-grade 3D content to the consumer.”

Panasonic claim the 3D glasses used for tis current range of VIErA televisions will also work with the new projector, ensuring this is a gradual upgrade for existing enthusiast customers.

It also has some other new perks, such as a new optical engine that delivers a contrast ratio of 300,000:1 and 2,000 lumens of brightness. It also features 3 HDMI inputs, and has enough power to project a 120-inch image at 11-feet away, owed to its new 200W red-rich lamp and aperture ratio.

Australian pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the Panasonic PT-AE7000U is set to hit Japan in September at $3,499. Fingers crossed this Full HD 3D projector’s price doesn’t sting too badly.

Pentax has announced a new SLR camera that has 26x optical zoom on a low price tag. What’s the catch?

The X-5 looks professional with its protruding grip, bespoke mode dial and studded lens. The cam targets the digital camera audience who is looking to take their photography more seriously, but aren’t prepared to tackle the complexity of a SLR.

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It has a 16MP CMOS sensor with a top-end ISO 6400 sensitivity. Light reaches the sensor through a versatile lens endowed with 26X optical zoom, but it is also capable of capturing extreme close ups with a 1cm macro mode.

Photos are displayed on the 460,000 dot, 3 inch LCD monitor, which can be tilted in various angles, restoring control to the photographer when they’re trying to take photos in tight spaces.

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Photographers accustomed to the old-school way can peer through the electronic viewfinder. It can be tuned when taking photos under bright sunshine to ensure subjects remain clear.

The X-5 records videos in Full HD (1080p) resolution at 30 frames per second. It offers creative playback features that produce slow-motion movie playback and fast-forward playback.

So far, the X-5 look attractive, especially considering it delivers all of this for $299. But there is a catch.

The catch is it’s powered by four AA batteries, and although Pentax estimate the camera will snap 300 photos on a fresh pair of alkaline, that low $299 cost will compound every time you buy a fresh set of batteries.

But if you have a good set of rechargeable batteries, then head into stores come October where the X-5 will be available in black and silver.

Sennheiser is taking their experience in the pro headphone market and pouring it into their new 7.1 gaming headphones.

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Sennheiser’s PC 323D is a 7.1 surround sound gaming headset, powered by Dolby Headphone and Dolby ProLogic IIx technology. It comes with its own G4ME1 7.1 USB sound card, eliminating the need for an internal one and facilitating simple installation.

With a 7.1 arrangement, gamers can pinpoint where the action is happening according to 7 different directions. As Sennheiser say, “it’s no longer just about hearing the action – it’s about being in the center of it.”

In the thick of battle, gamers wanting a way of communicating with their online brethren will speak into a pro noise cancelling microphone. The microphone ensures clear conversations and can be easily muted by raising the boom arm.

Sennheiser aimed to make the PC 323D comfortable during long gaming sessions. It has an open design that ensures you stay cool and the ear pads rotate and automatically adjust to a gamer’s head.

The company’s Product Manager, Christian Ern, believes the PC 323D produces sound convincing enough that you won’t need a home theatre system.

“We’ve made this spectacular gaming headset for gamers who seek the highest quality in surround sound combined with great wearing comfort. With the PC 323D, you don’t need a full surround system at home. This headset has you fully covered.”

Entry level gamers looking for headphones a little lower in the product chain can also check out Sennheiser’s PC 310, which like the PC 323D, comes with the company’s 2 year worldwide warranty.

Sennheiser promise pricing and availability for these headphones will be “confirmed in the coming weeks.”

Smartphones have always been let down by inferior headphones. As a result, you’re not milking the full potential your smartphone has to offer when playing videos or music on your beloved multimedia companion.

Creative is only too happy to lend a helping hand by releasing a new range of iPhone-tailored options.

They’re in ear headphones which passively eliminate background noise and prove compatible with iOS and Android devices by coming equipped with inline controls and a microphone.

“Quality sound brings interactive digital experiences to life and our new range offers crystal clear reproduction while blocking out distracting ambient noise,” said Lorant Corba, Australia and New Zealand Country Manager at Creative.

Four new headphones make up Creative’s new range. Check out the range according to Creative’s official press release.

Creative HS-930i2 AU$119.95   

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With a sleek aluminium housing and stylish travel pouch, this in-ear headset is for those who value precision design. The tiny 6mm drivers allow the earphones to be positioned closer to the eardrums to deliver clearer sound with a full dynamic range. It is “Made for iPod, iPhone and iPad” certified by Apple.

Technical Specifications
– True-to-life reproduction from 6mm Neodymium micro drivers
– Headset can be worn either hanging down or looping around the back of the ears
– In-ear design cuts out ambient noise
– Frequency Response of 20Hz to 20kHz
– Powerful 106dB/mW sensitivity, low 16ohms impedance
– Inline volume/playback controls with omni-directional microphone
– S, M, L size soft silicone eartips
– 3.5mm 4-pole gold-plated plug
– Includes travel pouch

Creative HS-660i2 AU$49.95    

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Designed to be the perfect partner for your iPod, iPhone or iPad, this in-ear headset with soft silicone eartips (three sizes) are guaranteed to fit snugly in your ear while delivering crisp, clear sounds and deep bass. It is “Made for iPod, iPhone and iPad” certified by Apple.

Technical Specifications
– Unique tilt-pipe acoustic chamber
– High-performance 9mm Neodymium magnet drivers
– Extended 6Hz to 23kHz frequency response range
– Powerful 106dB/mW sensitivity, low 16ohms impedance
– Inline volume/playback controls with omni-directional microphone
– S, M, L size soft silicone eartips
– 3.5mm 4-pole gold-plated plug

Creative MA930 AU$119.95   

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The complete package – optimised for Android smartphones but also compatible with Apple iOS devices, Creative’s MA930 can also be used for laptop communications (e.g. Skype) via the included computer adaptor. The one-button ergonomic design and tiny micro drivers provide the perfect combination of stellar sound and intuitive design.

Technical Specifications
– Astonishingly clear sound from 6mm Neodymium micro drivers
– Handy computer adaptor splits the microphone input and audio output for laptop use
– Headset can be worn either hanging down or looping around the back of the ears
– Includes travel pouch
– In-ear design cuts out ambient noise
– Frequency Response of 20Hz to 20kHz
– Powerful 106dB/mW sensitivity, low 16ohms impedance
– Inline volume/playback controls with omni-directional microphone
– S, M, L size soft silicone eartips
– 3.5mm 4-pole gold-plated plug

Creative MA330 AU$49.95

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The only headset you’ll need for all your portable devices, the Creative MA330 is optimised for Android smartphones. Its elegant one-button inline microphone lets you easily play/pause playback and pick up or end calls. An exclusive computer adaptor enables you to use Skype or other communications apps on your laptop as well.

Technical Specifications
– Unique tilt-pipe acoustic chamber
– High-performance 9mm Neodymium magnet drivers
– Extended 6Hz – 23kHz frequency response range
– Powerful 106dB/mW sensitivity, low 16ohms impedance
– Inline volume/playback controls with omni-directional microphone
– S, M, L size soft silicone eartips
– 3.5mm 4-pole gold-plated plug

The four new headsets will all be available from 1 November 2012 from the online store at au.store.creative.com and authorised dealers in Australia. All come with a one-year limited hardware warranty.