Nikon appeals to advanced shooters with high-end Coolpix P340 and S9700 compacts
The Coolpix P340, which replaces last year’s P330 and the S9700, which serves as the S9500′s successor, look awfully similar to 2013′s models — in many ways, those similarities extend internally, too. The P340, which includes the same 1/1.7-inch 12-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor as its predecessor, carries an identical MSRP, but adds integrated WiFi connectivity, enabling instant uploads to sharing services and compatibility with Nikon’s companion apps. It also includes an f/1.8-5.6, 24-120mm (5x) optically stabilized zoom lens, a 3-inch VGA RGBW LCD and 1080/30p and 60i video capture. Like the P330, it also offers full manual controls, with a dedicated mode dial, a function button below the lens and a secondary toggle on the top.
The S9700 also includes integrated WiFi and GPS, but so did the S9500, so there’s not much to speak of there. It has a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, an upgraded f/3.7-6.4, 25-750mm (30x) optical zoom lens, a 3-inch VGA OLED display and 1080/30p and 60i video. It retains its predecessor’s manual control offerings, including a dedicated mode dial. Like last year’s model, this camera’s strength is in its size. It’s small enough to fit in a jacket pocket, despite its “superzoom” status. It also includes a hybrid VR image stabilization mode that helps keep things steady during video capture. Expect to find a black or red S9700 in stores for $350 later this month, while the (black-only) P340 will ship in March for $380.
Nikon’s adventure-ready Coolpix AW120 and S32 snap shots on land and at sea
Nikon’s got a pair of baby bumps in store for us this year on the adventure cam front. The Coolpix AW120, which replaces last year’s AW110 and the S32, which serves as 2014′s answer to the S31. Both are rated for underwater use, but the similarities end there. If you’ve got $350 to spare, the AW120 is the camera to focus on. It’s waterproof to 59 feet (18 meters), shockproof to 6.6 feet (2 meters) and freeze-proof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius). There’s an f/2.8-4.9, 24-120mm (5x) optical zoom lens, a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 6.9 fps continuous shooting mode and 1080/30p and 60i video capture. You also get a 3-inch OLED display, built in GPS and WiFi, letting you upload pics and vids from below as soon as you come up for air.
Meanwhile, the $130 S32 carries a much more affordable price tag, albeit with a less impressive list of specs. It’s waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters), shockproof to five feet (1.5 meters) and freeze-proof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius). It has an f/3.3-5.9, 30-90mm (3x) optical zoom lens, a 13.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and a 2.7-inch QVGA LCD. The S32 is also capable of capturing 1080/30p video, and it comes along with a variety of scene modes and effects (Nikon’s pushing this as the family/beginner-friendly offering). The AW120, which is also compatible with a new chest harness (for hands-free shots), will ship next month in black, blue, camouflage and orange. The Coolpix S32 will also be available next month, with white and blue finishes.
One of London’s oldest museums will offer ‘After Dark’ tours via robot
We’ve seen telepresence robots used by everyone from doctors to check on remote patients to a student who needs to attend class. Now a robot is being used for a new purpose: museum tours. Soon you’ll able to stage your own Night at the Museum, after hours at London’s Tate Britain through a new project called After Dark.
Unlike the movie where the exhibits come to life, in this version you’ll be the unexpected thing moving around, manning one of four robots inside the museum. More spy cam than traditional tour, each robot is equipped with a spotlight that shines on exhibits heist-style as you pass by. The Workers, the creators of the project, say the robots aren’t meant as a replacement for visiting the museum, and are instead designed to show the art from a different perspective, and literally, a different light. The group recently won the IK prize, a contest for digitally innovative projects that enhance public enjoyment of art. That win that scored them £60,000 to make their robotic dream a reality. Late-night tours of the Tate are expected to start at the end of the summer. Check out a video demo of the robots in action after the break.
Via: Gizmodo
Source: Tate Britain
Tim Cook Says Apple Working on ‘Some Really Great Stuff’ in New Product Categories
Apple will launch products in new categories and the company is working on “really great stuff”, according to an interview with CEO Tim Cook in The Wall Street Journal this evening.
He demurred when asked about specific possible products, but said anyone “reasonable” would consider Apple’s upcoming products to be in new categories.
Cook has said on prior occasions that new product categories are coming for Apple in 2014 and, with this interview, he is likely looking to encourage spooked investors that Apple is still focused on growth.
Cook said in the interview that Apple remains a “growth company” and has significant opportunities in existing products as well as new ones. In addition, Apple strives to be the number one smartphone, tablet, and computer maker in the world.
He said his statement that Apple doesn’t aim to make the most phones has been misunderstood.
“I don’t view that as being satisfied with being small or however you want to define it,” he said. “I just want to say that the macro thing for us is making a great product and we must do that. If we can’t do that, we’re not going to force ourselves to hit a price point that makes us produce a product that we’re not proud of because we lose who we are in that. We’re not going to do that.”
Apple executives have repeatedly said that they are only interested in making the best products in the world, not generating revenue for revenue’s sake. Tim Cook has previously said that Apple is “focused on making great products that enrich lives” and that the company is “deeply committed to doing this and maniacally focused on it.” He said last month that innovation is “deeply embedded” at the company and that Apple has “no issue” coming up with new ideas.
Elsewhere in the interview Cook revealed that Apple has repurchased $14 billion in stock over the past two weeks, and that the company is open to making large acquisitions if it makes sense.
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Check Out the ‘Evolution of Nexus Devices’ Inforgraphic
The Nexus line. What can we say about it? It is truly the core of the Android Community. Pure stock Android on a sleek, sexy designed phone, that top OEMs have a shot at creating. With rumors that the Nexus line ending in 2015, let’s look back at the 5 Nexus phones that have graced their presence to us.
The infographic below is a very detailed description of each Nexus phone, and then it ends with comparing each one of them when it comes to size and design. It is pretty great to se the evolution of the Nexus phone, and just like any Android enthusiast; you got to wonder what the next one will look like. Enjoy the infographic.
Source: Android Me
Call of Duty moves to a three-studio rotation to keep up the quality
Many gamers are frustrated with publishers that like to release franchise sequels every one to two years, regardless of the quality — just ask the Battlefield 4 players still grappling with bugs. Activision is clearly aware of the problem, however. It just announced that Modern Warfare 3 creator Sledgehammer Games will become the third studio regularly producing Call of Duty titles, joining Infinity Ward and Treyarch. The new rotation gives each developer three years to finish a COD game instead of two; they’ll have “more time to polish” without interrupting the yearly release cycle, according to publishing chief Eric Hirshberg. The addition won’t please those who’d rather see more original games, but it’s good news for fans worried that Activision might cut corners to ship its first-person shooters on time.
Source: Joystiq
Daily Roundup: Rugby on an Oculus Rift, Sony sells its PC business, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Experience Rugby with an Oculus Rift
Virtual reality may still be in its infancy, but its influence on entertainment is sure to grow. And to prove it, the UK mobile network O2 and English rugby team combined nine GoPro Hero 3s and an Oculus Rift for the ultimate immersive experience. Click on through for more.
A peek at Firefox’s adaptive homescreen
Mozilla’s trying its hand at a Firefox launcher / homescreen for Android that’s based on its mobile browser. Though it’s just a sneak peek for now, we know the software utilizes EverythingMe’s context-sensitive app search. Click through for details.
Sony sells its PC business
Sony announced it’s shifting focus toward post-PC products, and unfortunately, part of that decision means the company letting go of its VAIO business. Click through to read more about the sale.
Google Chromebox for meetings
Earlier today, Google made a play for corporate offices everywhere by unveiling Chromebox for meetings. The $999 bundle combines an ASUS-made Chromebox with an HD camera, microphone / tabletop speaker and keyboard-equipped remote. Follow the link for more about this Hangout-esque conferencing setup.
Filed under: Misc
Firefox beta brings touch-friendly web browsing to Windows 8
After roughly a year of development, Mozilla has at last released a beta of Firefox for Windows 8. The not-quite-finished browser gives early adopters a full touchscreen interface with finger-friendly elements and gesture support. It also supports Windows 8′s window snapping and sharing features. And don’t worry if you’re running another OS — there are still a few useful upgrades in the beta for everyone, including newly enabled gamepad support and VP9 video playback. No matter what platform you’re running, you’ll find both a download and release notes at the source link.
Filed under: Internet, Software
Source: Mozilla
Wal-Mart Offering New 16GB Wi-Fi iPad 2 for $299 [iOS Blog]
Walmart is offering the iPad 2 for $299 in-store or online, a savings of $100. The discount applies to new 16GB Wi-Fi models in black or white and, according to CNET, the sale will run for thirty days.
The iPad 2 was first released in 2011 but Apple has continued to sell it for a discounted price as many educational and business customers have opted for the cheaper full-screen iPad, and it is the only iPad that Apple sells that has the legacy thirty-pin connector.
The original-generation iPad mini has been available for the $299 price as well since the Retina model was introduced back in October. It has the same processor and a smaller screen than the iPad 2, though with an identical resolution.
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Apple Repurchases $14 Billion in Shares in 2 Weeks, Company Open to Large Acquisitions
Apple has repurchased $14 billion of its own stock in the two weeks following its first quarter earnings call on January 27th, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.
The Journal spoke to Apple CEO Tim Cook who said that Apple wanted to be “aggressive” and “opportunistic” with its repurchases after Apple’s share price dropped 8 percent the day after the results were reported.
With the latest purchases, Mr. Cook said Apple had bought back more than $40 billion of its shares over the past 12 months, which Mr. Cook said was a record for any company over a similar span.
“It means that we are betting on Apple. It means that we are really confident on what we are doing and what we plan to do,” said Mr. Cook, speaking in a conference room at the company’s corporate headquarters here. “We’re not just saying that. We’re showing that with our actions.”
He went on to say that the company would share “updates” to its buyback program in March or April, roughly a year after it more than doubled its capital return program to $100 billion. Apple has bought back $40 billion in shares over the past 12 months.
Cook said that though Apple has not made any large acquisitions, it is open to making a big purchase if it made financial sense: “We have no problem spending ten figures for the right company, for the right fit that’s in the best interest of Apple in the long-term. None. Zero.”
As of its earnings call last month, Apple had $158.8 billion in cash, with $34.4 billion located in the United States. It’s likely that the repurchase was done entirely with Apple’s domestic cash.
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