Nikon introduces an impressive entry-level DSLR in D3000

Within days of unveiling the high-end D300s, Nikon introduced a second DSLR today intended for the entry level segment previously occupied by the D40x and D60. The D3000 still shoots at 10.2 megapixels but has the more modern imaging system of the D5000 and gets 11-point autofocus (up from just 3-point). The active D-L

ighting system improves dynamic range and both 3D matrix metering as well as 3D tracking. Nikon also throws in a special Guide mode – which should be extremely helpful to new users, as it lets the user pick shot settings based on icon-driven menus that reflect common situations rather than simply adjusting aperture, ISO or shutter speed.

In terms of features, the new D3000 even goes beyond the recent D5000 at times. It brings a Miniature mode that facilitates the rotation of

the lens relative to the image plane, called tilt, and movement of the lens parallel to the image pl

ane, called shift. One additional stop-motion mode lets photographers link many related photos together into a single video for either its namesake mode or time-lapse shots – as reported by Electronista.

But don’t think it gives you everything and takes nothing. It takes away the video recording of D5000. It also has a much reduced light sensitivity range. Like the D5000, the D3000 has a dust removal system for its sensor but doesn't own an internal autofocusing motor and thus needs users to buy AF-S lenses with their own motors.

The D3000 comes with an 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 VR lens at a price of $600. It is expected to ship by late August.

Links

http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/07/30/nikon.d3000/

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30TB transfered in just 1 second !!!

Well, after reading the heading of this article, the first thing that might come to your mind is that, is it really possible? The answer is Yes, thanks to a new technology developed jointly by KDDI R&D labs and Japan's National Institute of Information and Communication technology. They have together managed to make the most advanced fibre optic cable in the world that can transfer data up to 10-times faster than the existing cables. Currently, the cables can transfer upto 3TB/sec but this new technology will be able to achieve speeds of 30TB/sec. It means one can transfer the content of approx. 720 DVDs (2 hours each) in just 1 second. KDDI hopes to commercialize this technology and connect all the major cities of Japan with this cable.

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Epson Stylus Photo PX650 printer launched

Epson has recently added a new model to their already existing Stylus Photo line. The new printer is called the Epson Stylus PX-650 all-in-one. This printer is highly sophisticated and is targeted towards digital photographers as it produces long lasting and rich color prints. A great feature of this device is that it need not be connected to a PC. The printer has a 2.5-inch LCD screen which makes it easy for the user to make minor tweaks to the photo. It also has the features like PictBridge support, a memory card slot, copying and a scanning function at 1,200DPI resolution.

The printer uses Claria Photographic Ink, which Epson claims can make prints last for 200 years. Enough for a lifetime isn’t it. Users also get a pack of photo paper to get started right away. The Epson Stylus Photo PX650 will be available from September 1^st for about $215 in the UK. The US release can be expected a bit later.

Links:

http://www.slashgear.com/epson-stylus-photo-px650-printer-announced-2750448/

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Philips’ first Android phone revealed

There has been a multi-fold increase in popularity of Google’s Android platform, first on phone, then it spread to netbooks also. German electronics giant Philips apparently is planning its own such mobile phone. According to the report by pconline.com.cn, this is Philips’ first Smartphone, powered by Google Android OS.


The V808, as it is called, does typically have a touchscreen, advanced graphics and Internet capabilities, mobile phone users will be able to view the e-mail, browse the Web, search web site and watch video programs, heck it runs an OS that can be said as an integration of all a single platform for Web applications.

They posted some pictures on the site in which the phone was power off, so we are not able to see what the UI looks like. But it sure looks gorgeous – with the two call buttons and the navigation palced in the middle.


The Philips V808 has a 3.2” 320×480 HVGA display and a 3.2 megapixel camera, and features video recording. The dimensions are 115×61x14mm. In addition the machine also features a special focus on GPS and the latest version of the bundled GPS navigation map, GPS car holder and car charger.



Android
Google introduced Android in 2007 as an Operating system for phones. Android is based on Linux, an “open-source” operating system that’s free and developed by hundreds of engineers worldwide. Microsoft offers an operating system for handsets called Windows Mobile, for which they don’t reveal the coding. As customer-centric marketing concepts prevail these days, and companies trying to woo customers with the maximum commands at the customers’ end – open-ended softwares have been gaining a lot of appreciation.

Links

pconline.com.cn

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How to use your pen drive to increase system performance

This post will guide you on how to use your pen drive as a virtual memory to boost system performance especially for computers having low RAM. I have tried this simple yet effective trick on many of my friend’s PC and off course my own PC (valid for both laptop and desktop).

1) Connect your pen drive to your PC [pen drive should be at least 1 GB or more]

2) Make sure the pen drive is empty and formatted.

3) After your PC has finished with its detection work, open the start menu.

4) Right click on the My Computer icon placed on the desktop and select the properties.

5) Click on the ‘Advanced’ tab, then click on the ‘Settings’ button under the performance label.

6) Click on the ‘Advanced’ tab once again and then click on ‘Change’ button under the virtual memory label.

7) Select the pen drive from the list and click on custom size " Check the value of space available "

8) Enter the same in the Initial and the Maximum columns (this size is equal to the amount of space you want to dedicate as virtual memory for use by windows on your pen drive).

“You just used the memory of the PenDrive as a Virtual Memory!!!”

Now restart and your system and Bingo your PC performance just improved without adding extra RAM to it.

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New Samsung Watchphone looks slim and sexy

Samsung has unveiled a new and rather huge watch phone - the S9110. At 11.98 mm, it happens to be the slimmest watch phone around. This phone is probably set to act as a competitor to arch rival LG who has its own version of watchphone in the GD910 that was launched not very long ago.

The S9110 has a 1.7” touchscreen display panel with a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, 262k color TFT TSP display, voice recognition, comes with a leather strap and a stainless steel body. It has a 40MB internal memory. Samsung even threw in a decent music player and an e-mail client. There is Bluetooth facility for those looking for wireless freedom. This 91g watch with a 630mAh battery has a dimension of 57.5 x 41.1 x 11.98mm.

The S9110 was flaunted first in the recent CES, but will be available only from this month. It’ll come to you at a whooping 450 euros ($671).

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The new Nokia 5530 XpressMusic vs 5800 XpressMusic

The 5800 XpressMusic got a huge reception upon launch. It soon became one of the fastest and best-selling mobile phones from Nokia. Now on the heels of that success, the Finnish Paper-mill-turned-cellphone manufacturer is planning to launch the second member of the XpressMusic family – the brand-new 5530 XpressMusic.

The Nokia 5530 XpressMusic sports a 2.9” display with touch interface, stainless steel frame, 3.2MP camera with LED flash, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and available in 5 different colors. However the Nokia 5530 XpressMusic is virtually the same as the 5800 XpressMusic but leaves out 3G and relies on Wi-Fi.

Nokia 5530 XpressMusic is based on Symbian Series 60 Touch, as the name suggests it's a musical phone alright – and so the stereo FM radio, the 3.5 mm headset jack and the 3D stereo speakers on the front panel. Nokia includes a 4 GB memory card in the package, which can of course be replaced with up to 16GB. The redesigned touch-resistive screen user interface provides instant access to conversations with the 20 most important contacts directly on the standby screen and the media button is new as well, as it provides direct Windows Live Messenger, YouTube, Ovi Share, Facebook, MySpace and VOX support.

Now for some comparisons –

· Biggest drawback- No 3G connectivity, instead the 5530 relies on EDGE and WiFi.

· Close second – No GPS, although they never say you can’t install one on your own.

· The 5530 has a smaller touchscreen (2.9” versus 3.2”).

· The 5530 is significantly smaller and lighter with a dimension of 104 x 49 x 13 mm (68 cc) weighing 107g against the 5800 which is versus 111 x 51.7 x 15.5 mm (83 cc) and 109g.

· Different homescreen. The 5530 has a 20 person contact carousel, instead of the fixed four person homescreen of the 5800.

· Different box contents. The 5530 has a different headset, no TV Out cable, no spare stylus or plectrum, a smaller memory card and no carrying case.

Cost - the 5800's stated cost at launch was $396 compared to $284 for the Nokia 5530. That's nearly a 30% difference. It’s planned to be released by Q3. Bottom-line is if you don’t use 3G, and don’t care much about finding your way to the local grocery store – the 5530 can offer you a great value for money.

Links

http://faadke.wordpress.com/2009/07/12/nokia-5530-xpressmusic-touchscreen-due-lauch-india-tis-q3/

http://www.phonesreview.co.uk/2009/07/13/how-is-the-nokia-5530-xpressmusic/

http://www.celladdictblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/nokia-5530-vs-5800-xpressmusic-phones.html

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What would Microsoft's upcoming Retail Stores look like??? Find out here...

Microsoft recently announced that it was planning to open a number of retail stores to compete against Apple’s consumer electronics stores. This announcement was made by company's COO Kevin Turner at the Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference keynote. It seems as if Microsoft is speeding up things to get the stores up and running by fall this year.

Gizmodo has managed to get its hands on a leaked presentation that has details about the concept store going to be started by Microsoft. The presentation is by Lippicott, a design and brand strategy consultant firm with extensive retail experience. Microsoft seems to have hired Lippicott to do the designing for their upcoming stores. According to the presentation Microsoft is taking the best elements from the Apple Store, Sony Style, and other "flagship" stores and combining it to buid a store that offers users an ever lasting experience. The main focus will be on Windows 7, Xbox, PCTV (Windows Media Center) Surface, and Windows Mobile.

The brief of the entire presentation is given below:

· There's going to be a Digital Media Wall--a massive screen--that wraps around the entire store showing various messages.

· Personalization is something they're stressing big time, with fancy areas devoted to customizing computers and gadgets using an "Xbox style" interface at various kiosks.

· Lots of Surface demos Stage areas for Windows 7, Windows Media Center (PCTV) , Windows Mobile and netbooks.

· Some of the stores they profiled for ideas are Nike, Nokia, Sony, Apple and AT&T.

· They're already planning out huge demos and events around Project Natal and their secret mobile project Pink.

· A fancy Microsoft shopping bag

· You can pay to have your birthday party at the Microsoft Store

For a complete version of the presentation click here.

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