Digital Gadgets

True video iPod to sport 3.5-inch display, touch-screen click wheel

This video iPod, which has been in development and on the table since before Apple released the 5G iPod last year with video playback, will feature a display that will occupy the entire front face of the device. Sources who have seen the device report that it features a digital click wheel, one that overlays the touch-sensitive display and appears when a finger touches it and disappears when the finger is removed.

It was too good to be true. Just when we thought we might actually have a day free from Apple rumors (after all, doesn’t Microsoft deserve to have the rumor mill to itself for at least a little while?), ThinkSecret has hit us with word that the “true” video iPod is still coming, and that it will have a 4-inch display, rather than the 3.5-inch one that was claimed in earlier rumors.

Apple has been working with at least two other companies to perfect the digital click wheel display technology. While not all the engineering was completed in-house by Apple, sources have said Apple could hold an exclusive license on the technologies it borrowed from other developers for a period of time, limiting the ability of competitors to copy Apple’s design.

Additional details concerning the new iPod have yet to be confirmed, including capacity and a release date, although all indications point to the Spring, possibly as early as late March or early April. During the Macworld Expo in San Francisco, Apple CEO Steve Jobs alluded to a major announcement on or around April 1, Apple’s 30th anniversary as a company.

ThinkSecret also reports that the video iPod is on target for a March or April release, pending content deals with studios (which we assume will come through, given that Steve Jobs basically owns Disney now). Of course, even if the video unit is delayed, we assume Stevie will still schedule another big press conference sometime in the next few weeks.

Like previous iPods, sources insist that this video iPod will lack any sort of wireless connectivity, and will continue to connect to televisions using the conventional cabling solution of current models.

While Apple no longer publicly releases the numbers for how many specific iPod models it sells, Think Secret has learned exclusively that during Apple’s most recent December quarter, the company moved 3.9 million 5G iPods, exceeding internal estimates and confirming that strong demand remains for higher capacity, higher priced iPod models, especially with additional functionality. By comparison, 8 million iPod nanos were sold during the same period.

After all, Apple has yet to announce the Intel-powered eMac and the pleather case for the shuffle.

Casio UK Introduces Exilim Zoom EX-Z60 and EX-Z850

Casio will introduce two digital cameras, the 8.1- megapixel Exilim EX-Z850 Zoom (left) and the 6-megapixel Exilim EX-Z60.

The EX-Z60 has a 3x optical zoom in a small form factor with nicely rounded edges. It has a 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder and a startup time of just 1.4 seconds.

Exilim models, the EX-Z60 and EX-X850. Typical of Casio pocket cams, both models are less than an inch thick and boast over 30 scene modes. And typical of consumer point-and-shoots, both cameras sport 3x optical zooms with a 35mm equivalency of 38-114mm, 2.5” LCDs, and significant resolution—the EX-Z60 offers 6 megapixels, while the EX Z850 offers 8.1. Pricing and US availability has yet to be determined.

As an upgrade to currently available Z750, the Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z850 comes with an impressive 8.1 megapixel sensor, a 0.003 second shutter lag, and some great anti-shake DSP. Get those close-up pics with the 3x optical zoom, and check out your shots on the 2.5-inch LCD. Storage comes in the way of SD cards.

Incorporating Casio’s SUPERLIFE battery, the EX-Z850 can capture 440 shots from a single charge. Revive shot is designed to be used for digitising photographs; it restores colours that may have faded. Several flash modes are found in both EXILIMs. Rapid Flash takes three flash pictures per second and Soft Flash prevents overexposure in close-up shots. The EX-Z850 includes High Power Flash, which can illuminate subjects 12m away.

Otherwise, it’s the same 3x optical zoom and 2.5-inch LCD we’ve seen before. The 6 megapixel EX-Z60 does away with the glass viewfinder on the Z850 yet fails to increase the LCD beyond 2.5-inches or lens beyond a 3x zoom in attempts to keep the all-metal package slim.

The Z60 provides 33 scene modes for the point-and-shoot enthusiast; if this is not sufficient, users can focus manually, select from three metering options of center, multi-pattern, or spot, select sensitivity from ISO 50 to 400, adjust the flash mode among 5 options and manually adjust white balance (or select from 7 presets including Auto). Like many compacts this year, the EX-Z60 also offers Anti-Shake; there is an additional ISO 800 setting available when coupled with this feature.

The higher-end Exilim EX-Z850 Zoom features an 8.1 megapixel CCD and 3x optical zoom. Aimed at more advanced photographers, it also offers manual settings with both aperture- and shutter speed-priority options. It also includes image stabilization, which Casio calls Anti-Shake DSP. No ship date or pricing was available yet on either of these cameras.

Canon launches EOS 30D

Addressing the needs of a wide range of photographers ranging from wedding and portrait specialists to photojournalists and advanced amateurs, Canon’s new EOS 30D Digital SLR redefines the mid-range of the growing DSLR market and achieves new standards of excellence for features, durability, versatility and even affordability.

Canon is pleased to announce the new EOS 30D, replacing the award winning EOS 20D. Retaining the 5fps, 8.2 Megapixel performance of its predecessor, the upgraded camera enjoys a larger, wider viewing angle 2.5in LCD, extended 100,000 shutter cycle durability, spot metering, and a variety of refinements designed to enhance the photographic experience.

Canon also expands its digital SLR lens offerings with new EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM lenses. Whether tracking the trajectory of a bridal bouquet from its ceremonial over-the-shoulder launch to its unceremonious diving reception, freezing the action on a hot news story or capturing the essence in the eyes of a portrait subject, Canon’s 8.2 megapixel EOS 30D delivers.

The EOS 30D model builds upon the virtues that made the EOS 20D Digital SLR the number one camera in its class virtually from day-one, including Canon’s proprietary 8.2-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor, powerful DIGIC II Imaging processor, fast five fps shooting capability and field-tested tough construction. This new EOS 30D Digital SLR takes professional photographers even closer to the upper reaches of Canon’s pro digital SLR line, incorporating input from users and features and innovations from the EOS 5D and even the EOS-1D Mark II N Digital SLRs, at a fraction of their respective prices.

Top lining the improvements that set the EOS 30D Digital SLR apart from its worthy predecessor are:

* 8.2 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor
* 5fps and 30 large JPEG frame burst
* 2.5in/230K pixel LCD screen with 170deg wide viewing angle
* Picture Style image processing parameters
* Spot metering and High Precision 9-point AF system
* DIGIC II image processor with 0.15 sec start-up time
* Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
* 100,000 cycle shutter durability and rugged magnesium alloy body
* Simultaneous RAW and JPEG recording
* Wide 100-3200 ISO range
* E-TTL II Flash
* PictBridge compatibility
* Complete compatibility with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites
* USB 2.0 Hi-Speed and Video Out connectivity

Some notable enhancements include a new 2.5-inch 230K color LCD, Canon’s more flexible Picture Style menu, an increased burst depth, and the welcome ability to change the ISO while looking through the viewfinder. Those of you looking for more than a refined 20D will have to wait and see if we get the rumored 10 megapixel 35D announcement before the day is up. More pix after the break. With a street price rumored to be $1399, the newest member of the EOS lineup is nicely priced. The question is, does it offer enough of a feature upgrade for current 20D users? Time will tell.

Increasing the new camera’s flexibility and ease of use, the ISO speed can now be set from 100 to 1600 in 1/3 stop increments, rather than full stops (and can be pushed to 3200 with ISO expansion). What’s more, users can see the ISO setting in the EOS 30D SLR’s viewfinder while changing it (and not simply on the monitor display as on the EOS 20D model), which in turn permits photographers to keep their eyes on their subject.

Recognizing the need for efficient and effective work flow controls - particularly for professional photographers - the EOS 30D Digital Camera has improved folder management, providing manual folder creation and raising the number of images in each folder to 9,999 (from 100 as it was on the EOS 20D model). The unit offers enhanced camera-controlled direct print features and incorporates both direct print and direct download capabilities with the single press of the camera’s print/share button.

Viliv P1 PMP to tackle iPod Video in the US

The viliv P1 has to looks of the bastard child of a Sony PSP and an iPod. PVP4U reported about the viliv P1 when it appeared in Korea last summer. Now Episodic Media Inc. informed me that they will be selling the viliv P1 with a 30GB hard-drive beginning in March in the US and Canada.

If you had told us last year that the Viliv P1 PMP would soon be available in the US, we would have laughed in your face (well, OK, maybe we would have been polite and chuckled into our hands).

It was originally released to the Korean market last summer. Developed by Yukyung Technologies, the Viliv P1 comes with a good-sized 4-inch widescreen TFT display, which can show off everything from Macromedia Flash to MPEG 1/2/4.

If the 30 gigabytes of on-board memory isn’t enough for you, you can throw in a compact flash card to keep the “unlimited excitement” (as labelled under the screen) going. Audio support comes in the way of MP3s, WMAs, and even OGGs, as well as FM radio reception.

Episodic Media launched goviliv featuring a stylish flash featuring a great looking gadget model and the features of the stylish viliv P1. After all, not only does the device have a suspiciously familiar controller, but it’s also from Yukyung Technologies, a company with zero US presence.

The viliv P1 PMP comes with a 30GB hard-drive, 4 inch 16:9 wide-screen with 480×272px TFT screen, Macromedia Flash player, FM-Tuner, Voice and audio recording, Speaker, CF Slot, Video and Audio Out, 6 hour video viewing battery life and 11 hours for audio. The video player supports DivX, Xvid and MPEG1/2/4. The audio player supports MP3, WMA and OGG.

But this is one case where we’re happy to be proven wrong, since the player will apparently make its North American debut on March 1 via a dedicated e-store. Specs include a 30GB drive, DivX and Xvid support, 4-inch display, FM radio and CF slot. And, yes, it does still have that round, white controller, but we’re willing to overlook that (though we don’t know if you-know-who will do the same). Battery life is pretty good, with 6 hours of video viewing, or 11 hours of audio. This DivX and Xvid playing PMP should be hitting American and Canadian shelves sometime this March.