Archive for August, 2009
Sony India Launches 2 Slim Cyber-shot Cameras
Sony India has introduced two slim Cyber-shot W series cameras – the DSC-W190 and DSC-W180.
Available in metallic red, black and silver, the cameras sport a brushed metal chassis that is only 18.7mm thin and feature enhanced Face Detection, Smile Shutter and Digital SteadyShot technologies, automatically optimising image settings for quality photo finishes.
With a 1/2.33-type Super HAD CCD sensor and up to 12.1 megapixel resolution, combined with 3x optical zoom and up to 18x Smart Zoom, the W series cameras enable large format printing of photos with high resolution and vivid detail. Face Detection allows the cameras to easily detect up to 8 faces in a scene and automatically adjusts focus, exposure and white balance, creating optimal capture settings for high quality photos. Digital SteadyShot reduces the effects of camera shake by recording two images in rapid succession and then superimposing the images to reduce the appearance of camera shake. This results in clear photos even under difficult shooting conditions.
With Smile Shutter activated, users have to simply focus on a face and the camera shoots automatically when the person within the frame smiles. A high sensitivity mode of up to ISO 3200 also eliminates blur when shooting in dimly lit environments or when capturing fast-moving subjects. Catering to different shooting environments, the new W series also offers seven scene selection modes: High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Snow, and Beach, that adjust and optimise camera settings automatically for the user’s environment, making beautiful images easier to capture.
Users can easily transfer their images and videos onto their computers via USB. In addition, the new cameras are bundled with Picture Motion Browser ver. 4.2.01 software for effortless photo and video management. One of the new functions available in this version is eDeco, which allows users to easily add unique, mood-enhancing elements to their photos and videos. This includes matching photo frames, background music, text and sound effects. Another new feature is Movie Tracer, which allows the user to construct a panoramic images using a combination of movie frames.
The new Cyber-shot W series cameras will be available at Sony authorized dealers and national retail partners across the country at Rs. 8,990 for the DSC-W180 and Rs. 9,990 for the DSC-W190.
Panasonic Launches 12.1 MP Slim FP-series Digital Camera
Panasonic has announced the new Lumix DMC-FP8 digital camera as part of its new FP-Series.
The Lumix FP8, with 12.1 megapixels, features a 28mm wide-angle, 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD and 4.6x Leica DC lens with folding optics in a stylish body.
The FP8 also features advanced functions including high-speed Auto Focus (AF) and Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) suite of technologies. It has a high-speed start-up of only 0.95 seconds and iA now includes Power Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) which features double the repression power compared to the previous image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S. The hand-shake generated when pressing the shutter button, or when shooting at night with a slow shutter speed, is significantly minimized by the improved Power O.I.S. to help reduce blurry photos.
“We realize that consumers are looking for fashionable and slim digital cameras that still take high-quality photos and feature advanced photo settings,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With the Lumix DMC-FP8, we are giving users that sleek and compact design, while not compromising the advanced, yet easy-to-use features and technology for which the Panasonic Lumix line of cameras is known.”
The FP8′s design has intricate detailing which features blue LED cursor buttons that glow when pressed, and it has a centered back panel. In the Face Recognition mode, up to three people can be simultaneously recognized to show their names on the monitor once registered.
Other features of the DMC-FP8 include:
- HD Movies with VIERA Link Networking – Records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). With HD component output capability, the user can enjoy watching photos and video in stunning HD quality by simply connecting the camera to a television via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).
- Scene Modes – Twenty-seven scene modes are available with the FP8, including the High Dynamic mode which helps to capture a scene with moderate exposure, even though the scene may contain both bright anddark areas together.
- PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 – Included with the FP8, this software allows users to view, edit and archive captured photos and videos with greater ease. The new PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 features dramatic speed-up of operation and also allows users to store and sort for photos by a specific, recognized face in the image.
The Lumix DMC-FP8 will have a suggested retail price of $299.95 and will be available in September 2009 in black, red and silver.
Sony Ericsson Launches Two New Walkman Mobile Phone Handsets
Sony Ericsson has just added two more handsets to their popular Walkman range of music handsets. The new handsets – W205 and W395 are both of the slider variety which seems to be SE’s forte.
At the launch of the new phones, Sudhin Mathur, General Manager, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications India said, “Being the pioneer in the music phone category, our ‘Walkman’ phone range has universally been lauded for the quality music experience offered. The basic premise behind the launch of the affordable Sony Ericsson W205 and W305 Walkman phones is to further extend this experience to those who love portable music but have never had the Walkman phone experience.”
The W205 will enable users to share the handset with family and friends and still maintain a certain privacy level with its multiple phonebook feature that lets up to four users create personalized contact lists that are kept separate. The lower end W205 Walkman phone also features:
- a 1.8-inch display sporting a 128 x 160 resolution and 65K colors
- GPRS/EDGE
- 1.3 megapixel camera
- FM radio with recording
- TrackID
- Bluetooth
- M2 card support
The second handset the W395 Walkman is slightly more higher ended than the W205 with features like:
- a 2 inch TFT LCD with a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels and 256K colors
- support for GPRS/EDGE
- Bluetooth with A2DP
- built-in stereo speakers
- Motion gaming support
- FM radio
- TrackID and PlayNow
- A 2 Megapixel camera
- M2 card support
The W205 comes with HPM-64 Bass Reflex headphones and the W395 has the HPM-62 stereo headset and are priced at Rs. 5,795 and Rs. 8,395 (MRP) respectively. Both handsets are also bundled with 1GB memory cards.
SONY Playstation PS3 Price Cut Hits India
Earlier on in the day we contacted Sony India regarding the PS3 price cut but didn’t get any answers since the relevant people were out of the country. Now suddenly out of nowhere I get a press statement regarding the PlayStation 3 price drop that by the way should be implemented today itself and it goes something like this:
For all those who have been patiently waiting, the new price for the PlayStation 3 80 GB model has been announced. The PlayStation 3 80 GB prices have been set at Rs 19,990, a clear 20% drop in price. To make the purchase even more attractive, the PS3 80 GB will be offered with two Free Games: Uncharted : Drake’s Fortune and GT5 Prologue.
Here’s what Atindriya Bose, head of Sony PlayStation India had to say, “We stand committed to develop gaming as a coveted interactive entertainment avenue for the Indians. The high adoption of Playstation by the Indian consumers will be further fuelled by the new prices and offerings before the Indian festive seasons. The new sub – 20K price on PS3 not only positions it as an attractive gaming console but makes it perhaps the best value for money Blu-Ray entertainment device for the family. ”
So there you have it. A PS3 and two games for twenty grand. Are you happy with the price cut? Will you now go ahead and buy a PS3? Share you happiness or sorrow in the comments section below.
Airtel Digital TV Expands Bouquet to 164 Channels
Digital TV, the DTH service from Airtel, today announced the addition of 14 new entertainment and news channels to its bouquet – taking the total to 164 channels in 11 languages across the country. With the addition of these channels, the Airtel digital TV language line up will now have 45 Hindi, 45 English, 6 Punjabi, 3 Oriya, 13 Tamil, 9 Malayalam, 9 Kannada, 7 Bengali, 3 Gujarati, 7 Marathi, 2 North East and 10 Telugu channels. The new channels will be available across various subscriptions plans starting July 20, 2009.
“We remain committed to offering magical entertainment to our customers across the country and are pleased to announce an additional twelve new channels to our bouquet – offering a good mix of news, entertainment, music and movies – something for every member of the Airtel digital TV family.”
The 14 new channels include the following: News Channels – ET Now, DD Bangla, DD Oriya, CNEB News, India News, ETV UP, Asianet News, Indiavision; Movie Channels – Bindaas Movies; Music Channel – ETC Punjabi; Entertainment Channels – Bindaas, Amrita, Kasthuri, Siripolli. These channels will be added automatically to the subscription plans for all new Airtel digital TV customers across the country.
Existing customers will have to add the relevant top ups.