2012

Fujifilm spits out crazy number of FinePix cameras

I guess all the talk that smartphones are killing off point-and-shoots really isn't true. Or, maybe, someone just forgot to mention it to Fujifilm.

Along with bringing its latest X-series camera, the 26x zoom X-S1, to the U.S., the photographic and imaging company announced 18 new FinePix models for its 2012 lineup.

Several of the cameras are variations of other models (e.g. one with GPS, one without). It's no different than what Fujifilm did the past few years for CES, but I expected fewer cameras than this simply because of the seemingly diminished demand for pocket cameras (nonenthusiast ones, anyhow).

What isn't unexpected is the concentration on long zoom lenses and rugged models, the areas smartphones can't really touch at the moment. Even the very bottom of the line has a 5x optical zoom. … Read more

Fujifilm's pricey megazoom lands on U.S. shores in time for CES

Incorporating the same 2/3-inch EXR CMOS sensor as its smaller sibling, the FinePix X10, the Fujifilm FinePix X-S1 brings a higher-end sensibility to the megazoom market--along with a hefty price and design.

The X-S1 was quietly announced in Europe last November, but doesn't yet seem to be available there. We get it this month, for $799.95; the only megazoom more expensive is Leica's $950 V-Lux 3, Leica's twin of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150.

Because it uses a larger sensor than the typical megazoom, it has a smaller focal-length multiplier--3.9x, versus 5.6x for the typical megazoom with a 1/2.3-inch sensor--and therefore its f2.8-5.6 lens needs to be physically longer to achieve its 24-624mm-equivalent focal length. So it should come as no surprise that the camera weighs over 2 pounds, compared with, say, 1.2 pounds for the FZ150, and occupies over twice the volume. It's even bigger than some dSLRs.… Read more

Say hello to TelyHD, an Android-based Skype video phone for your TV

In advance of CES, the folks from Tely Labs recently came by our offices in New York to demo the fledgling company's new $249 consumer video-conferencing solution for TVs--the TelyHD--that combines an Android-based HD video camera with a heavily skinned version of Skype.

Some TVs already offer Skype video-chatting capabilities via integrated cameras, but TelyHD is one of a few options arriving this year that will allow you to add a higher-quality HD camera with built-in Skype functionality.

From what we saw from the demo, we were impressed by the overall experience. We did a test call back to … Read more

Lenovo kicks off the CES 2012 laptop wars with several early debuts

Lenovo is starting the flood of CES news a bit early with several new laptop announcements.

While CES 2012 doesn't start until next week, as of today, you can start putting the new ThinkPad T430u ultrabook, and dual-OS ThinkPad X1 Hybrid, on your shopping list, as well as a few new ThinkPad Edge models and even a couple of budget-priced systems from Lenovo's B series. Check out photos and details for each below.

ThinkPad T430u ultrabook hits pre-CES 2012 The look and feel keeps to ThinkPad tradition, with a matte-black finish and an island-style keyboard similar to what … Read more

Lenovo's ThinkPad T430u ultrabook hits pre-CES 2012

Lenovo is nearly a veteran at the ultrabook game, putting out one of the very first ultrathin laptops in late 2011, with the 13-inch IdeaPad U300s. Now the business-targeted ThinkPad line is getting a 14-inch version, called the T430u.

Of the new system, announced just days before the start of CES 2012, Lenovo says it "equips business users with the same thin and light designs found in consumer ultrabooks without sacrificing business-class performance, and it comes at a mainstream price starting at $849."

That starting price is important, as the consumer Lenovo ultrabook started at around $1,100, making it more expensive than many of the others in the first wave of ultrabooks.

The look and feel keeps to ThinkPad tradition, with a matte-black finish and an island-style keyboard similar to what we've seen on the ThinkPad Edge line. The system weighs under 4 pounds and is 0.8 inches thick, hitting Intel's specs for a 14-inch ultrabook.

Lenovo hasn't said what the exact specs or configuration details are yet, only that you can expect, "the latest Intel Core processors and Intel integrated or Nvidia graphics," and "SSD storage or up to 1 TB of HD storage," indicating that hybrid drive options mixing SSD and HDD drives may be an option. … Read more

President Obama joins Instagram

Keeping up with his reputation as the first "Internet President," Barack Obama got in on the popular photo-sharing app Instagram this week.

The account is run by Obama 2012 staff members, who encourage users to share photos from the campaign trail using the hashtag #Obama2012.

So far, the account has posted three photos and gained more than 24,000 followers. … Read more

Ford to demonstrate MyFord Mobile app for the Focus Electric at CES 2012

Ford will demonstrate beta versions of the MyFord Mobile app for the Focus Electric at CES 2012, Jan. 10 through 13, in Las Vegas.

The new app will use MapQuest to identify the best EV charge points, and plan the most efficient routes. The app also incorporates social sharing components, such as updates to Facebook and Twitter, to the driving experience, Ford said.

Focus Electric drivers can compete against each other and earn achievements based on how far they drive and how much CO2 they save by not using gas. Leaderboards will help MyFord Mobile users track their driving results … Read more

Dubstep fans go nuts for Soundmatters' sidekick FoxLo subwoofer

The Soundmatters FoxL v2 Platinum speaker already uses an apt-X signal to dramatically improve the fidelity of wireless sound from your smartphone or Bluetooth-enabled computer, but the company just announced its newest sidekick: a compact subwoofer with industrial flavor that injects your music with 25 watts of extra-tight bass.

Judging by the press photos (Soundmatters will show me in-person at CES), the FoxLo by SoundMatters isn't much bigger than the FoxL speaker itself, and builds in similar ports for USB charging, a knob to adjust the bass, and a 3.5mm audio out jack for hooking it up to non-FoxLo sources.… Read more

Samsung's Blu-ray home theater systems get tubes, cloud DVD storage

Samsung's audio announcements yesterday included an innovative sound bar and tube-based iPod speakers, the company also rolled out its new line-up of all-in-one Blu-ray home theater systems.

Two new systems were announced, the HT-E6730W and HT-E5500W, both with a similar set of core features, including built-in 3D Blu-ray, hybrid vacuum tube amplifiers, built-in Wi-Fi, and Samsung Apps.

The higher end HT-E6730W is a 5.1 home theater system features two tall-boy front speaker, while the HT-E5500W has smaller, bookshelf front speakers. The press release mentions that the HT-E5500W has two HDMI inputs and an iPod dock; it's … Read more