AH - New ELECTRONIC and GADGETS

Fujifilm's FinePix X100 compact, announced on September 20, has added a new dimension to the challenge posed to traditional DLSRs by mirrorless digital cameras – It features a 12.3 MP APS-C sized sensor without interchangeable lens! Fujifilm has been thinking out of the box lately, as it proved with its FinePix F300EXR compact super-zoom – a compact camera that boldly forayed into traditional DSLR territory by offering phase detection autofocus! The F300EXR actually features a hybrid focus that automatically switches between contrast detection and phase detection depending on the light conditions. With the FinePix X100, Fujifilm is yet again thumbing its nose at DSLR vendors like Nikon, Canon, Olympus and Panasonic by offering a compact with a APS-C sized sensor. So far high end compact cameras have featured puny sensors, at best sized 7.6 x 5.7 mm. In comparison, the X100 sensor measures a massive 23.4 x 15.6 mm. Sensor size is critical to a camera's ability to t...

The Pentax K-5 announced on September 20, features a new 16.28 MP sensor and imaging engine with sensitivity range from ISO 100-12800 and full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel, 25 fps video recording. Other improvements include faster autofocusing speed and an upgraded HDR (High Dynamic Range) function now usable in handheld shooting. Improved Sensor The camera's new APS-C, 23.7 x 15.7mm sensor facilitates much faster data readouts than on the K-7. Pentax claims the sensor is as capable as the one fitted on its Pentax 645D medium-format digital camera. Sensor sensitivity can be increased to ISO 80 - 51200 via a custom function. Action photography support has been improved with burst mode of upto 22 stills at 7fps. Improved Autofocus The K-5 features a redesigned, wide-frame SAFOX IX+ autofocus system with 11 sensor points. Contrast detection autofocus using the live view has been improved thanks to the new sensor and improved algorithms. Improved HDR The camera's HDR mod...

Panasonic announced the Lumix GH2, the successor to GH1, on September 21. The camera's outstanding features include 16MP Sensor, 3D Interchangeable Lens and Multi-touch screen. The GH2 will become Panasonic's flagship mirrorless camera - Panasonic more correctly calls it Digital Single Lens Micro (DSLM) camera - replacing the GH1. Here is a quick roundup of GH2 features: Sensor and Image Processing Engine The camera features an improved 16 MP, 17.3 x 13.0 mm, 4:3, CMSO sensor and image processing engine. The sensor supports much higher readout rates than the one on the GH1, allowing for 5fps burst mode still photography and improved video capability. Sensor sensitivity range has improved to ISO 160-12800. (ISO 100-6400 in GH1). Like the GH1, the GH2 features an oversized sensor (18MP) that allows you to shoot using different aspect ratios while maintaining the same diagonal. Video Capabilities The Lumix GH2 can now record full HD 1920 x 1080 videos in smooth...

A Samsung official in Ireland has confirmed the company plans to launch a 10-inch Galaxy Tab in the first half of next year. Samsung's General Manager in Ireland, Gary Twohig, casually revealed the company's plans while speaking to the press. There had been unconfirmed reports earlier that Samsung, which announced the 7-inch Galaxy Tab in Berlin on September 2, is working on a 10-inch tablet. The launch date for Samsung's iPad sized competitor was speculated to be end of 2010. It is possible Samsung wants to eliminate any Android Froyo related display issues with large sized tablets before going to market with their larger tablet. A Google official recently said Android 2.2 Froyo is not the right OS for a tablet as it may not run well on tablet devices for various reasons such as form factor and the limited number of pixels. According to EndGadget, Samsung's 10-inch tablet will include the V8 JavaScript Engine and will likely feature Android 3.x (Gingerbr...

Samsung has announced a musical treat for trendy young women, who want the latest fashion gadgets . Tic Toc , a fashion themed Mp3 player with motion control is a beautiful little and handy fashion gadget for music lovers. Available in pink, blue, black and Hello Kitty theme color, Tic Toc is a palm sized Mp3 player with a motion control, that can skip songs just by holding the device horizontally and shaking it left or right, volume is changed by holding the player vertically and clicking up and down, and three clicks skips to the next album on your playlist. In addition to that, Tic Toc can recognize the speed of tracks and will play either fast or slow songs when asked to, depending on whether you want fast tracks for running or a slower beat for relaxing. Due to the lack of a display, the Samsung Tic Toc will read out song names – just like the iPod shuffle – using Samsung's Digital Natural Sound Engine. The Tic Toc has a UK release date of September with a choice...

Piling up what we are expecting from quality headphones we end up with durability and reliability, comfort and high performance. Those are the qualities Philips and O’Neill were keeping in mind as they collaborated to produce a new series of reliable headphones that won’t shut down on you in a dire condition. Tested for quality performance, shock resistance, flexibility and durability, Philips O’Neill Headphones boast trendy designs coming in different versions like the in-ear Specked, the Snug flat-folding model, and the in-ear Covert with iPhone control. They are going to hit stores in the US and Europe before this month is over.

Apple ’s latest iPod Nano model with a 1.5-inch color display of 240 x 240 pixels comes fairly small, and a couple of companies decided to come up with a special wrist band that will allow you to wear it instead of a watch – or on the other arm. The wrist band turned out by iLoveHandles is called the Rock Band . It is tailored to engage the clip of the new iPod Nano version and retails at $19.95. Country Comm also gave a thought to this useful accessory . Their iPod Nano fitting band – the 22mm Maratac Nylon band – is available in several color combinations to match the new iPod’s seven color choices. Apple’s iPod Nano is equipped with custom home screens, multi-touch input, song and playlist controls, and FM radio.

What about an air filter that stretches all over your walls and cleans the air in rooms by perimeter? Sounds better than your average filter gadget , doesn’t it? And then again, you won’t have to buy wallpaper, for wallpaper and filter is the same thing.This eco-friendly 2-in-1 wallpaper is called Saratech Permasob Wallpaper and was manufactured by the German company Blucher Technologies . Its surface is dotted with a great number of tiny spherical absorbers, each with a complex net of ramifications where pollutants will be stored. Similar to the structure of lungs, the wallpaper will be breathing in particles of dust and dirt, leaving you with a roomful of clean air .Information on the price and the release date is yet to be expected.

Self-massage? Tiring and less efficacious without those wonderful Vibrating Massage Gloves . Easy and penetrating with them. The gloves’ fingertips can vibrate at the speed of up to 18,000 pulses per minute making them 4 times more potent than your old hand massaging gadget . You’ll get an excellent deep-reaching treatment that will chase tension from every square inch of your body. There’s a detachable controller for each glove allowing you to choose either five finger massage all over your body or two finger vibration to relax your eyes.The Vibrating Massage Gloves are imitation suede and available in two sizes. You can feed them from the wall outlet or make them run on batteries. These gloves are UK-manufactured, so a plug adapter may be necessary outside the UK.

Listening to your music outside isn’t always a stream of pure uninterrupted pleasure, and music lovers are always on a lookout for excellent earphones that will allow them to bathe in clear sound. Here’s a gift for them from Logitech – the Logitech Ultimate Ears 100 . These new in-ear headphones provide good noise isolation (coming with ear cushions of four different sizes) and are reported to be durable. Available in a choice of colors (Green Cells, Red Blossom, Purple Splatter, Gray Industry and Blue Robots), the Ultimate Ears were designed to embody various music genres. The starting price has been announced at $19.99.

Those who sit up until very late working at their computer are sure to appreciate some additional soft light that will help you see your keyboard better and take your bearings on your desk without having to turn room lights on. Here is the Rose lamp , rose referring to the shape and not the color which you can choose to your liking from white, pink, purple, red or blue.The Rose lamp is a USB -connected, 37cm high desk accessory that is flexible and can be set any way you want it.

An evolutionary upgrade over its predecessor E-3, the E-5 features technological advances made since the E-3 was introduced in 2007. The E5 features a new 12.3 MP (10.1 MP in E3), Four Third (7.3 mm (H) x 13.0 mm (V) ) sensor, and a new image processing engine - TruePic. It supports 5 fps still photography and ISO sensitivities up to 6,400 (3,200 in E3). It can record 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) HD video at 30 fps with continuous auto-focus, the last being a feature that is still relatively rare in DSLRs. It retains its predecessor's imager shift image stabilization, allowing a max of 5 EV steps compensation. It features a fully articulated 3-inch (2.5-inch in E3) LCD with 960K pixels. Its user interface has been improved and brought in line with PEN cameras. It retains the magnesium alloy case of the E3. The housing is resistant to water splashes, dust and multiple pressure constraints. Other important features include: 11 point autofocus, Artistic filters, HDR Renderi...

The Samsung NX100 retains most features of the NX10, Samsung's first mirrorless camera, but dramatically introduces support for a new line of i-Function lenses. We will go over the evolutionary changes, before dwelling on i-Function lenses. The 14.6 MP, APS-C (23.4×15.6mm) sensor on the NX100 comes with improved sensitivity of ISO 6,400, as compared to ISO 3,200 on the NX10. The camera introduces creative filters such as the vignette, soft focus, fish-eye, or miniature effects. Mirrorless cameras are handicapped by slow contrast detection autofocus, when compared with traditional DSLRs that use the much faster phase detection autofocus. The NX100 is claimed to feature one of the fastest AF amidst mirrorless cameras on the market today. The NX100 supports HD movie recording at 720P and features a 'Sound Picture' mode, which can record audio when a photo is taken enriching the experience. i-Function Lens The revolutionary change in the NX100 is its support for ...

The Canon PowerShot G12 introduces 720p HD Video with stereo sound and High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture, besides other iterative improvements over its predecessor - the G11. Like the G11, it features a 10MP, 1/1.7 inch (7.6x5.7mm) CCD sensor with Canon's DIGIC 4 Image Processor. The camera's HDR mode lets you capture a scene with dark tones and bright highlights, by taking three sequential pictures using normal, under and over exposure and then blending them into a single optimized image. The G12 retains the HS System to take clear, exceptional images in low-light settings without the use of flash. Other features include: Multiple aspect ratios, Electronic Level, Tracking AF and a Front Dial. As you would expect from a high end compact camera priced at $500, the G12 has a lot of creative controls on its body. It has a fully articulating 2.8" TFT Display with 461K pixels. The G12 also features Canon's Hybrid IS technology that compensates for angular ...

Canon PowerShot SX30 has redefined the compact super zoom category with its 24-840mm lens with Optical Image Stabilization, featuring a mind boggling 35x zoom. Max lens' brightness varies from f/2.7 to f/5.7 within the zoom range. It features a 14.1 MP, 1/2.3" CCD with Canon's DIGIC 4 image processor with a sensitivity range of ISO 80-1600. The SX30 features a variable angle, 2.7-inch LCD for easy composition when holding the camera overhead or low to the ground. The camera uses a Lithium ion rechargeable battery rather than the standard AA batteries found on previous models, making powering up much easier. A Zoom Framing Assist button allows the user to zoom out, find the subject and then zoom back in, alleviating some of the difficulty associated with super zoom photography, wherein handshake can make you lose the subject easily and the narrow field of view at high focal lengths makes it difficult to re-acquire it. The estimated selling price of the PowerS...

The Nikon D7000 lives up to the high expectations from the reputed brand, and aggressively advances DSLR technology. Mirrorless DSLRs may or may not be the future, but Nikon isn't quite finished with wowing us with what traditional DSLRs can do at reasonable price points. The D7000 features a new 16.2 MP Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor and a new EXPEED 2 image processing engine that increases sensitivity range to ISO 100 to 6400. For action photography, it can shoot up to 100 stills at 6fps and features full 1,920 x 1,080/24p HD video with stereo sound and servo mode AF to track moving subject continuously. Nikon first introduced servo mode AF with the Nikon D3100 entry level DSLR launched in August, 2010 A newly developed high density AF system detects and tracks subjects precisely with 39 focus points. Other features include: 3-in., approx. 921k-dot, TFT LCD with brightness adjustment. Pentaprism viewfinder with 100% frame coverage. Light and rugged magnesium alloy body ...

The Galaxy Tab will be available on all four leading US networks - AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon - in the coming months, Samsung announced on September 16. Samsung officially announced the Galaxy Tab Android 2.2 tablet computer and smartphone with 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity in Berlin on September 2. The device features PC like browsing in a form factor that easily slips into your coat pocket, or purse. All four US versions will feature 3G connectivity. Other than the Sprint version, they will also feature Wi-Fi connectivity. Samsung has officially announced that it will release a Wi-Fi only version of the device in the US. Samsung's press release of September 16 also announced the availability of the following Galaxy Tab accessories. A Keyboard Dock with full-size keyboard and stereo audio output jack that also doubles as a charger for $100. A Desktop Dock that lets you view movies display as a digital picture frame and listen to music. Priced at $50, it has a H...

Samsung has created a flash based microsite to explain and demo the i-Function feature that it introduced with the NX100 mirror-less DSLR on September 14. The microsite is accessible from a link on the NX100 page on Samsung's website. Though live, the microsite is still work-in-progress, but the iFunction feature demo is fully functional. The Samsung NX100 retains most features of the NX10, Samsung's first mirrorless camera, but dramatically introduces support for a new line of i-Function lenses. An i-Function lens allows users to control their camera through the lens for the first time. It lets you to manually set the camera using a single focus ring. An i-Function button on the lens allows you to quickly scroll through manual settings - shutter speed, aperture, EV, WB, and ISO - and then make changes using the focus ring. The lens communicates the setting to the camera body. Typically, you grip the camera body with your right hand and wrap the left hand aroun...

The Pentax K-r is a mid level DSLR with fast framerate, high ISO sensitivity, responsive autofocus, an improved 12.4 megapixel low-noise sensor and widescreen HD video capture. Its APS-C, 12.4 MP CMOS sensor offers a sensitivity range from ISO 100-256000. (The K-x offers a max ISO of 128,000.) The combination of high sensor sensitivity and Shake Reduction will ensure sharp images in low light conditions. The camera features a 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus that tracks moving subjects, with dedicated AF assist lamp. It can capture 25 images in a single sequence at 6 FPS (4.7 fps in K-x) and records Widescreen 720p (1280 x 720) HD video at 25 FPS. It features Large 3 inch (2.7-inch in the K-x) LCD with 921,000 dots of resolution. A maximum 1/6000 second shutter speed. Other important features of the new K-r models include Dust Removal In-camera image processing Special effects filters. Dual-power-source. (The rechargeable lithium-ion battery can be swapped for ...

A Google official has said Android 2.2 Froyo is not the right OS for a tablet. Speaking with PaidContent UK, Hugo Barra, Google's mobile product development director, suggested Froyo may not run well on tablet devices for various reasons. "It could be any number of things - form factor, the limited number of pixels, does it have a GPS on it?" "We're concerned that users will get a good experience at the end of the day." "You can have Android if it leads to a good implementation. We have to make sure that every device meets the criteria for a good experience for Android Market." Barra's statements clearly imply that tablet manufacturers cannot assume they will be licensed to use Android; they would need to come up with a compelling implementation with good user experience. Dell and Samsung have already launched Android tablets, but Google looks upon the 5-inch Dell Streak and the 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab as scaled up smartphones. ...

Those in need if carrying some kind of light about will find the Solar Lantern designed by Jesper Jonsson a fetching and convenient gadget . When you are using it, the Solar Lantern looks a little like an old-world paper lantern fitted with a solar panel that lets it recharge in the sunlight. You can carry it in your hand or hang it up anywhere by the magnetic strap. At the moment it has charged or you want to move on, you just fold the thing up turning it around into a slim case that will slide into your pocket easily and won’t take up much room. It seems to be a fun and cool device to have on you anyways!

Another cool (and pink!) computer accessory comes from Juicy Couture to blaze on your desk. The Juicy Couture Pink Jelly Wireless Keyboard is its name and $58 is its price. The new pink wireless keyboard is flexible, stylish with a gothic font, has low-profile keys for low noise and USB jump drive . It comes with 2 batteries and an installation disk and will take up 17 x 5.5 inches space.

Money, or rather its circulation, is fast developing towards a wholly digital control. For the time being we are at the Plastic Stage wherein we gain access to our digital bank accounts via plastic credit and debit cards. But we may be moving on to the Digital Stage fairly soon; designer Fredrik Palmblad is already looking forward to universal changes in money handling with his Digital Wallet (that has also stopped looking like a wallet and looks more like a small flash drive instead). The new digital wallet may lead to cash and plastic cards being completely disposed of, what with its safety, ease and speed with which it will perform transactions, both with bank accounts and other personal wallets like that one. How many years more life will we give credit cards as soon as this new gadget catches on?

The new scale , somewhat ominously (or truthfully) called Omron Body Fat Monitor Scale , stands for feeding you rather more information than your average scale. (For an odd credit its pinky prettiness may bring in a cheering note to your room’s color scheme, but if you frown at gadgets that tend to look tawdry you can always get one of a more modest color.) The Omron Body Fat Monitor Scale is here to give you a super accurate estimation of how you are managing your body . By the way, don’t forget that what makes the most of your weight is the muscle not the fat. The Monitor Scale is designed to measure your Body Mass Index quickly and store information for you and three more family members. Besides, you can treat all your friends to a weigh-in using the guest function. Sold at the price of $89.95, the Omron is available in a chrome or steel version.

To be a kitchen wizard and turn out marvelous and memorable meals for the family can be made a much easier task once you are able to get complete cooking information at a glance. There has appeared a gadget – aptly called Co-Chef – to keep you informed about every part of the processes that are going on, like whether you are using fresh fruits and vegetables and whether the temperature of the dish is right. This smart kitchen assistant was designed by Bram Shreuders for Philips as one of their Domestic Appliances Project concepts and developed at the Deft University of Technology. The idea lies in using small wireless sensors that come in a great variety for almost any item (there are spoon or pan sensors, fruit sensors and s.o.). As you stick the sensors into the food the base unit reads the information on ingredients, temperature, freshness and feeds you the necessary information. Philips Co-Chef is a great gadget for women who enjoys cooking. It’s perfect to glid...

Samsung says it shipped 1 million Galaxy S smartphones to retail outlets in the US in the first 45 days since its launch. The shipment figure may appear underwhelming when compared with the 1.7 million iPhone 4 units sold by Apple within the first week of its launch, but analysts believe the popularity of Galaxy S is an indication that Google Android based devices are starting to be looked upon as viable iPhone alternatives. Galaxy S sales have probably been spurred by a backlash over Apple's vice like control over applications that can be run on the iPhone. "No question there is an anti-Apple, pro-Android movement afoot," says Jack Gold, principal analyst at J.Gold Associates. [via Computer World] "It's not just about price. It's also about having an open alternative with much less dictatorial control of what the user can do with the device." Gold believes sales of Android devices will surpass Apple iPhone sales by 2011. In the US, Sams...

Samsung officially announced its Galaxy Tab Android 2.2 tablet computer and smartphone in Berlin on September 2. The device features PC like browsing in a form factor that easily slips into your coat pocket, or purse. The Samsung GALAXY Tab will be launched in Europe in mid September, and in other markets including Korea, the US and Asia in coming months. Almost all the features of the device had been leaked earlier; their official confirmation today provided assurance that Samsung truly had a formidable competitor to Apple's iPad.

Toshiba launched its Folio 100 10.1 inch, Android 2.2 (Froyo) based tablet at the Internationale Funkaustellung (IFA) trade show in Berlin on September 2. Powered by a NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, the device features a capacitive Multi-Touch display with 1,024 x 600 pixels. It comes with 16 GB onboard storage with support for SDHC memory cards up to 32GB. To begin with, the device will support Wi-Fi based internet connectivity. A Mobile Broadband model with 3G support will be launched later in the year. A front facing 1.3 MP webcam allows for video chat, but the device lacks a main camera. The Toshiba FOLIO 100 will be available in the UK from October 2010 for £329 inc VAT. Specifications: CPU: NVIDIA Tegra 2 25.7cm (10.1'') capacitive Multi-Touch display with 1,024 x 600 pixels Based on Android 2.2 (Froyo) On-board storage capacity: 16 GB Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR, WLAN (802.11 b/g/n), Mobile Broadband (available Q1 2011) DLNA compatible 1 x mini HDMI, 1 x USB 2.0 (client a...