Panasonic rolls out the 4K, full-metal LX10 compact camera
Today, Panasonic is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its Lumix series with a new camera, the LX10. This compact shooter, which the company says is designed to fit in most jean pockets, features a 1-inch, 20.1-megapixel sensor and 24-75mm f/1.4-2.8 fixed Leica lens. The LX10 has a full metal body, giving it a premium look that you don’t often see in other $700 cameras. Of course, being a Panasonic product, it shoots 4K video at 24, 25 and 30 fps.
In addition to the LX10, Panasonic’s introducing the Lumix FZ2500, a bulky DSLR-like camera with a 20-megapixel sensor (also 1-inch) and a 20-48mm, 20x zoom Leica lens. Like its sibling LX10, the FZ2500 captures 4K as well, although it does so in both cinematic resolution (4,096 x 2,160) and UHD (3,840 x 2,160).
According to Panasonic, the LX10 isn’t replacing the LX100 from 2014, noting that the priority with the latest was to have a bigger sensor. On the other hand, the FZ2500 could appeal to many videographers — although its fixed lens is certainly a limitation. Still, it’s better specced than, say, Sony’s RX100 IV.
The LX10 is set to hit stores in November for $699, while the FZ2500 will arrive in December for $1,200.
Panasonic targets budget 4K videographers with the Lumix G85
Video shooters were excited about Panasonic’s Lumix G7 camera when it launched last year as an $800 alternative to the lovely, but pricey GH4. Just over a year later, the company has launched a successor, the G85. Like the last model, it captures 4K video, has an OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF), a 16-megapixel sensor and a tilt-and-swivel screen. The big change is a new shutter that cuts vibration 90 percent, along with a 5-axis optical image stabilizer that further reduces the odds of blurry photos or shaky video.
The design mirrors the previous model’s DSLR-like look, with a chunky handle and similar button placement. However, it looks a touch more compact than the G7 with fewer sharp angles. As before, it has dust- and splash-proof construction, a 3-inch 1,040K-dot free-angle LED screen, a 2,360K dot EVF and max 25,600 maximum ISO. The contrast AF system can focus in .07 seconds, allowing burst capture up to 9 fps.
If you’ve already got a Lumix G7, the G85 probably isn’t different enough to justify an upgrade. However, folks who were looking to buy a G7 will probably want the new model now instead, since it has a better shutter and 5-axis OIS.
The camera is arguably aimed less at photographers than videographers. Those folks can shoot at 4K with 30fps (either in 8-bit 4:2:0 to a high-speed memory card, or 8-bit 4:2:2 to an external recorder via the real-time HDMI output), or 60fps in 1080p. All video modes have full time, continuous autofocus. Like the G7, the G85 has a 3.5mm microphone input, but no headphone output, unfortunately.
Panasonic has tried to make its 4K video useful for still photographers, with several 4K Photo modes. The function lets you shoot 4K, 8-megapixel images at 30fps for five seconds, giving you a wider choice of potential images. By stacking the images, you can also use the “post-focus” feature to select a different focal point after you’re taken the image, or change the depth of field.
If you’ve already got a Lumix G7, the G85 probably isn’t different enough to justify an upgrade. However, folks who were looking to buy a G7 will probably want the new model now instead, since it has a better shutter and 5-axis OIS. It’ll arrive in October for $900 (body only) and $1,000 with a 12-60mm lens.
Panasonic’s GH5 arrives in mid-2017 with 6K video capture
As expected, Panasonic has unveiled its much-anticipated successor to the Lumix GH4, the GH5, and the focus is once again on video. The flagship model, set to arrive in mid-2017, ups the video capture capability to 6K at 30fps and brings 10-bit, 60fps shooting at 4K. 6K capture may sound like overkill, but it’ll give filmmakers more options in terms of reframing, and allow for a better final 4K image. The GH5 will also be much better for slo-mo shots compared to the last model, which topped out at 30fps. At the same time, 10-bit capability will let professional videographers capture billions instead of millions of colors, giving far more latitude for color correction.
The camera will pack Panasonic’s new 18-megapixel sensor, which supports up to 8fps in regular burst mode, or up to 60fps in Panasonic’s “4K Photo” mode. The company also plans to add 8K, 32-megapixel capture to future models in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. We don’t know a lot else about the GH5, since we’ve only seen an early prototype, and it’s not set to go on sale until the middle of next year. However, 6K capture and 10-bit video are huge additions, and should put the camera at the top of the list for videographers looking for new gear in 2017.
Engadget UK giveaway: Win an iPhone 7 courtesy of Mobilefun.co.uk
It’s that time of year again. Do you upgrade to a new iPhone or hold out for next year’s models? Or, do you just let us make that decision for you? Thanks to our friends at Mobilefun.co.uk, we’ve got a silver iPhone 7 (32GB) to give away this week, complete with one of the accessory specialist’s cases “for life.” Even if you don’t win, you can take advantage of this promotion and get a free, clear shell for your 7 or 7 Plus by signing up to the retailer’s newsletter. Once you’ve received your cover, you can always unsubscribe if you’re not interested in the tips and offers, and you’ll still be able to claim another free iPhone case every time you upgrade (hence the “for life” clarifier). As always, you can enter the competition up to three times via the widget below — after you’ve read the rules, that is.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
- Entries are handled through the Rafflecopter widget above. Comments are no longer accepted as valid methods of entry. You may enter without any obligation to social media accounts, though we may offer them as opportunities for extra entries. Your email address is required so we can get in touch with you if you win, but it will not be given to third parties.
- Contest is open to all residents of the UK, 18 or older! Sorry, we don’t make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so direct your anger at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
- Winners will be chosen randomly. One (1) winner will receive one (1) iPhone 7 and case for life.
- If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Make sure that the account you use to enter the contest includes your real name and a contact email or Facebook login. We do not track any of this information for marketing or third-party purposes.
- This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. Apple, Mobilefun.co.uk and Engadget / AOL are not held liable to honour warranties, exchanges or customer service.
- The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
- Entries can be submitted until September 23rd at 11:59PM BST. Good luck!
Source: Mobilefun.co.uk
Samsung begins replacing Galaxy Note 7 handsets in the UK
Although Samsung acted quickly to stop the bulk of Galaxy Note 7s making their way to consumers before its recall in the UK, units were delivered before the official launch. Now that it’s had to time to prepare, the company today kicked off its Galaxy Note 7 Exchange Programme, allowing those affected to swap their defective unit for a brand new one.
Samsung says that after a thorough inspection, it’s confident that the battery issue, which caused some units to explode when on charge, has been “completely resolved” in the new stock arriving in the UK this week. The new devices have been updated to show a new “green” battery icon, which replaces the older white icon to signify that it’s not affected by the same power issues.
“Our absolute priority is the safety of our customers – that’s why we are asking all Galaxy Note 7 customers to act now and exchange today. We would like to apologise to our Note 7 customers for not meeting the standard of product excellence that they have come to expect from Samsung and we sincerely thank them for their understanding and patience,” says Mobile VP Conor Pierce. “We are confident that by exchanging their existing device for a new Note 7, customers can expect to enjoy a smartphone experience of the very highest quality.”
By now, UK providers and operators should have contacted owners to arrange an exchange. Samsung’s customer support team is also handling replacements and can be contacted on 0330 7261000.
Tweetbot 4.5 for iOS 10 Gets Richer Notifications and Profile Notes
Popular iOS Twitter client Tweetbot has been updated to version 4.5, adding new functions for iOS 10 users as well as a few other improvements.
The update, which is free to existing users, means Tweetbot users on iOS 10 will see slightly richer notifications. The update also introduces a new feature called Profile Notes, which lets users add brief notes to the profiles of people they follow – to remind them why they did so in the first place, for instance.
Developers Tapbots explains that Users’ Profile Notes remain private and sync with iCloud. To access them users should tap the gear menu when viewing a Twitter account profile they follow.
Version 4.5 also brings improved scrolling and a new verified timeline filter that limits the tweets users see to those posted by verified accounts. Additionally, the app’s mute filters have been updated to match accented text characters – so a filter to block Pokemon will mute Pokémon too.
Tweetbot 4.5 is available on the App Store for iPhone and iPad for $9.99. [Direct Link]
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Samsung could bring forward S8 launch in wake of exploding Note 7
Samsung is expected to bring forward the launch of the Galaxy S8 smartphone to regain consumer confidence after the fiasco of the exploding Note 7. The launch was previously touted for Mobile World Congress in February 2017, but we could now see it well before that.
The Galaxy S8 should come in flat and curved designs as we’ve seen with the S6/S6 Edge and S7/S7 Edge and currently has the model numbers SM-G950 and SM-G955. The S7 had the model number SM-G930, and it’s reported Samsung is skipping SM-G940 because the number 4 is seen as unlucky in South Korea.
- Official US recall of Note 7 fully reveals how many have exploded
Specs are said to include Samsung’s new Exynos 8895 processor which can run at up to 3GHz and have a power consumption of just five watts. Samsung is predicting the new processor will be more powerful than the A10 chip found in the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.
There’s no word on when the Samsung Galaxy S8 will be unveiled and there’s always the possibility it will still be unveiled at MWC 2017 as this is just a rumour for now.
- Samsung Galaxy S8: what we want to see and what’s the story so far?
- Samsung Galaxy S8 to have dual camera like iPhone 7 Plus
- No flat bezel Samsung Galaxy S8 for 2017, tipped to have Edge screen only
So far, Samsung has acknowledged 35 of 92 reports of overheating Galaxy Note 7 smartphones. Customers who believe their phone is faulty can head to Samsung’s official Note 7 recall website to find out if they can get a replacement.
Samsung’s Battery Crisis Began With Rumors of a ‘Dull’ iPhone
Samsung pushed suppliers to meet tighter deadlines for an earlier launch of the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7 after hearing that the iPhone 7 would have no major design changes, according to a new report published today.
The Bloomberg report cites multiple sources indicating that executives at Samsung saw rumors of Apple’s apparent lack of innovation this year as an opportunity, and quickly approved a slew of new features for the Note 7 after getting hold of an early version of the device.
According to one person familiar with the matter, the select group of top managers “gushed over the upgrades and praised each other’s work”, and approved a launch date 10 days earlier than last year. Samsung’s unveiling was August 3 this year, compared with August 13 in 2015.
As the launch date approached, employees at Samsung and suppliers stretched their work hours and made do with less sleep. Though it’s not unusual to have a scramble, suppliers were under more pressure than usual this time around and were pushed harder than by other customers, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter. One supplier said it was particularly challenging to work with Samsung employees this time, as they repeatedly changed their minds about specs and work flow. Some Samsung workers began sleeping in the office to avoid time lost in commuting, the supplier said. Samsung declined to comment on whether deadlines were moved, reiterating that products are only introduced after proper testing.
When the phones got into customers’ hands, reports of exploding handsets began. According to Bloomberg, executives at Samsung headquarters were in shock. Internally, there was a debate over whether to do a full-blown recall or to take less dramatic steps, like a battery replacement program. In the end, Samsung mobile chief decided on a full recall.
Samsung has drawn criticism for the steps it took next. Blindly driven by good intentions, the company announced the recall plans publicly before working out how millions of consumers in 10 countries would actually get replacements.
Then it sent mixed signals about what customers should do. First, Samsung told people to shut off their phones and stop using them. A few days later, it offered a software patch to prevent batteries from overheating, signaling consumers could keep using the phones.
But Samsung moved so fast it got ahead of regulators who help organize such programs. In the U.S. for example, companies are supposed to notify the Consumer Product Safety Commission within 24 hours of uncovering problems. Instead, Samsung went public on its own and consumers didn’t have clear guidance on how to exchange their phones.
Asked to confirm that launch deadlines for the Note 7 were shifted, Samsung told Bloomberg that release dates are determined by “the proper completion of the development process and the readiness of the product for the market.”
Meanwhile sales of Apple’s iPhone 7 appear to have exceeded analysts’ expectations, particularly demand for the larger 7 Plus, which was all but sold out across the globe on launch day. The company’s choice of black handset color options has also piqued interest among consumers, despite concerns about the lack of a headphone jack on the new devices.
You can read more of the Bloomberg story here.
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Samsung begins handing out new Galaxy Note 7s in the UK
Exchange program hits its stride in the UK starting today — but no new Note 7 sales yet.
From today, Samsung will start swapping out potentially dangerous Galaxy Note 7s with new, safe units in the UK. In line with the company’s announcement a couple of weeks back today’s the day anyone with an early Note 7 unit in the UK can get a new replacement.
Samsung halted sales of the Galaxy Note 7 right before the official UK street date of September 2, so the only people with UK devices will have been pre-order customers who took advantage of Samsung’s offer to get the phone three days early. (A significant number, but far fewer than would be out there had the retail launch gone ahead as planned.)
Samsung says customers should get in touch with the place they bought their Note from in order to arrange an exchange, if they haven’t already been contacted.
UK customers will be contacted by the provider or operator from which they purchased the product in order to arrange their device exchange. If customers have not been contacted before 19 September they should contact the provider or operator themselves to arrange the exchange.
There’s still no word on exactly when new sales of the Note 7 will begin; a Samsung told AC “Our first priority is to support current Note7 owners who are participating in the Product Exchange Program. We will confirm new in store dates shortly.”
Independent retailer Clove says stock has been delayed until “early October,” while Carphone Warehouse is more pessimistic, saying October 21.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
- Galaxy Note 7 recall: Everything you need to know
- Samsung Galaxy Note 7 review
- The latest Galaxy Note 7 news!
- Here are all four Note 7 colors
- Complete Galaxy Note 7 specs
- Join the Note 7 discussion in the forums!
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Wow, you can get an Amazon Fire TV Stick for under £10 if you’re very quick
We now know that The Grand Tour, the long awaited TV show starring former Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, will be available to Amazon Prime members from Friday 18 November.
It will then run for the following 11 weeks, with each new episode appearing on Amazon Video on subsequent Fridays. Exciting times.
However, you might be wondering how you can watch it on your TV at home, because unless you have a Smart TV with the Amazon Video app or a connected device that features the service, you could miss out.
Luckily Amazon is offering a cheap way to ensure you can watch the series. It has reduced the price of its Amazon Fire TV Stick to just £9.99 for Prime members for the next two days.
- Amazon Fire TV Stick review: Stick it to ’em
- When is The Grand Tour on TV and how can I watch it?
The Stick is a small dongle you plug into a spare HDMI port on your set and it gives access to Amazon’s entire streaming video line-up. It also has apps for rival service Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, Demand 5 and many other streaming platforms. Plus, there are plenty of games and other applications to enjoy.
You’ll have to be quick to make use of the offer though as it expires in the UK at 23:59 on Tuesday 20 September. You need to head to a dedicated page on Amazon.co.uk, sign up for a year of Amazon Prime membership and you’ll get £25 off an Amazon Fire TV Stick (normal RRP is £34.99).
Unfortunately, the offer is not available to existing Prime members.
Amazon Prime membership costs £79 for the year and as well as give access to a vast library of TV shows and films to stream on demand, including Mr Robot, it enables you to get free next-day delivery on millions of items, even same-day in many cases.
It also includes Prime Music, a music-streaming service, unlimited cloud photo storage and the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library, which offers free access to more than a million eBooks.
AIVAnet 