Panasonic To Release The First Class 6 32GB SDHC Card

NVIDIA Introduces APX 2500: The Lowest Power, High-Definition Computer on a Chip

LG Unveils Stylish LG-KF510, Interactive LG KF600, Efficient LG-KF700

Apple Releases Aperture 2

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Panasonic To Release The First Class 6 32GB SDHC Card

Panasonic today announced the release date of the world's first 32 Gigabyte (GB) SD High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Card with Class 6 speed specification. With a global release in April 2008, the new SDHC Memory Card, RP-SDV32GU1K, is meant for those wanting High Definition content,as it can record up to 12 hours of High Definition video. The new SDHC Memory Card will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $699.

The newly developed card, featuring a massive 32GB of capacity is designed for AVCHD High Definition video recording, a growing demand thanks to the recent expansion of High Definition SD Camcorders. When used with Panasonic's newly released High Definition SD camcorder, the HDC-SD9, the 32GB card can record approximately 12 hours of 1440 x 1080i High Definition video in HE mode, and approximately four hours of 1920 x 1080i full High Definition video in HA mode. With the Class 6 speed specification and maximum data transfer speeds up to 20MB/s, the 32GB card allows users to enjoy fast performance and high-quality recording.

The card is also equipped with a new user-friendly labeling feature, which allows users to write titles or comments directly onto labels on the front and back of the card. Panasonic will introduce the new labeling feature in its other SD Memory Card models, with a running changeover from the current card designs.

The new card, like all other Panasonic SD and SDHC Memory Cards, is extremely reliable even under severe temperature conditions. Since the cards incorporate an industrial-grade flash memory, they work in temperatures ranging from -13°F to +185°F, while consumer-grade flash memory only guarantees +32°F to +158°F, thus ensuring consistent performance regardless if the user is skiing or snowboarding or if the SD Memory card is left in a hot car.

Source: Panasonic

NVIDIA Introduces APX 2500: The Lowest Power, High-Definition Computer on a Chip

NVIDIA Corporation introduced NVIDIA APX 2500, an applications processor that enables intuitive 3D user interfaces and engaging high-definition video on connected Windows Mobile phones. The APX 2500 applications processor delivers 10 hours of 720p HD playback--an industry first for video quality and power consumption on a mobile device, as well as stunning HD camcorder and ultra-high-resolution photo imaging capabilities.

Development platform

NVIDIA has worked closely with Microsoft on the development of APX 2500, marking a significant milestone in a long-term relationship that has seen the companies share a passion for making interaction with technology more visual and instinctive across multiple platforms. The combined engineering efforts of the two companies will ensure that next generation versions of the Windows Mobile operating system will harness the capabilities of the APX 2500 applications processor across challenging multimedia use cases.

Landscape interface layout

The NVIDIA APX 2500 applications processor delivers:

• The industry's first HD (720p) playback and capture capability for handheld devices.
• A new ultra-low-power (ULP) GeForce core that is fully OpenGL ES 2.0 and Microsoft Direct3D Mobile compliant and the lowest power 3D hardware solution available for acceleration of intuitive 3D user interfaces.
• NVIDIA nPower technology, enabling over 10 hours of high-definition video playback and up to 100 hours of audio—more than four times the audio playback of the latest touch-screen phones.
• The connectivity and media acceleration technologies required to enable the latest Web 2.0 applications, from effortless web browsing and social networking to GPS and mapping applications.

Specifications:

Processor and Memory Subsystem:

• ARM11 MPCore
• 16/32-bit LP-DDR
• NOR and NAND Flash support

HD AVP (High Definition Audio Video Processor)

• 720p H.264, MPEG-4, and VC-1/WMV9 Decode
• 720p H.264 and MPEG-4 Encode
• Supports multi-standard audio formats including AAC, AMR, WMA, and MP3
• JPEG encode and decode acceleration

ULP (Ultra Low Power) GeForce

• OpenGL ES 2.0
• D3D Mobile
• Programmable pixel shader
• Programmable vertex and lighting
• CSAA support
• Advanced 2D graphics

Imaging

• Up to 12Mpixel camera sensor support
• Integrated ISP
• Advanced imaging features

Display Subsystem

• True dual display support
• 720p (1280x720) HDMI 1.2 support
• SXGA (1280x1024) LCD and CRT support
• Composite and S-Video TV output

The NVIDIA APX 2500 applications processor is sampling today with key customers and will enter into full production by the end of Q2 2008.

For more information on the NVIDIA APX 2500 applications processor, please visit www.nvidia.com/apx2500.

Source: NVIDIA Corporation

LG Unveils Stylish LG-KF510, Interactive LG KF600, Efficient LG-KF700

LG Electronics announced the European launch of its 2008 iF product design award winning LG KF600, a new mobile phone that is as feature-rich and easy to use as it is stylish, thanks to its unique InteractPad.

The InteractPad replaces physical navigation keys with context-specific virtual keys that change to fit the task at hand. This new interface comes in response to the need for a simple way to navigate through the multitudinous features on today's mobile phones.

The LG KF600's InteractPad and its virtual menu keys show the exact keys a user needs to complete the task at hand eliminating distractions. This is far more flexible than standard hardware keys and eliminates the need to memorize exactly which key performs what function. These virtual keys are also larger and better spaced than physical keys, improving accuracy.

The InteractPad is well-suited for controlling multimedia features like the LG KF600's digital audio player and camera. Because its controls are not tied to physical buttons, each of these functions has a custom interface that makes it incredibly intuitive to use.

To make it easier to use, the InteractPad is equipped with multi-sensorial feedback that provides users with audio, visual and tactile cues. When a virtual button is pressed it becomes larger and the phone vibrates just slightly and makes a clicking sound. This feedback is not only designed to make these virtual buttons seem more like real ones, it also makes the phone more comfortable to use and improves accuracy.

The LG KF600 includes eight dynamic graphic interface themes. These themes, many of which were inspired by the work of famed artist Keith Haring, affect all aspects of the LG KF600's interface including the InteractPad. When users choose a theme, all the layouts of each application will be reflected in menu, icons as well as wallpaper under the integrated theme.

The LG KF600's multimedia features include a 3-megapixel camera, MP3 player, video recorder, FM radio, Bluetooth and more. Basic specifications:

• Bands: EDGE 900/ 1800/ 1900;
• Size: 101.2mm (L) x 50.7mm (W) x 14.1mm (D);
• Main display: 320 x 240 pixels, 2.00", 262K color TFT;
• InteractPad display: 240 x 176 pixels, 1.5", 262K color TFT;
• Weight: 107g;
• Standard battery: Li-Ion 800 mAh;
• Standby Time, Max (hrs): 300 hrs;
• Talk Time (hrs): 3 hrs;
• Color choices: "pastel pink", "shiny pink", "wine red" and "titan".

The second novelty unveiled by LG Electronics at the 2008 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona is LG-KF510. It's a stylish, fashionable phone catering to users' demand for slimmer phones with unique design accents.

Just 10.9 mm thick, the LG-KF510 is an extremely slim slider phone. It combines a slim style with strength created by its metal frame and tempered glass. At the center of its design are metal gradation paint schemes available in "Stardust Dark Gray" or "Sunset Red".

This phone features tactile and visually interactive user interface that includes animation developed based on the LG's touch technology. According to the press release, users will especially appreciate the quality of the LG-KF510's multi-function camera and MP3 player.

The LG-KF510 will be available in major markets worldwide from March.

The third novelty is the LG-KF700, a new multimedia phone that combines three input methods to create a more intuitive user interface and provide instant access to features.

Claimed to be the world's first phone with three separate input methods, the LG-KF700 itegrates a 3-inch touchscreen, alpha-numeric keypad and Shortcut Dial. Each of these input methods is assigned to the tasks at which it is most efficient. From the phone's main screen users can flip through several handy widgets, including a calendar, scheduler, and memo pad, with the swipe of a finger. The large touchscreen also means that the phone can provide an adaptable on-screen interface, rather than tying users to a fixed, preset button layout.

The Shortcut Dial on the back of the phone quickly scrolls through six user-selected features by controlling a virtual dial on screen, rather than wasting time digging through menus. This can be done at any time, from any application, not just when the phone is idle. The Shortcut Dial can also be used to scroll through web pages or e-mails, adjust volume and perform other functions for which a wheel is naturally best.

Most of the new touchscreen phones currently available eliminate some formerly universal features like the alpha-numeric keypad. LG consumers said that consumers still wanted this particular feature, not only for its familiarity, but also because it simplifies the process of making phone calls and is excellent for typing text messages. For this reason, LG incorporated a slide-down alpha-numeric keypad into the LG-KF700.

Used together, the LG-KF700's input methods become even more powerful and efficient. When browsing the internet on the wide touchscreen, the shortcut dial zooms in and out on websites. When sending text messages, the alpha-numeric keypad provides all of the letters, while frequently used symbols are readily available on the touchscreen. These symbols change based on users text messaging habits.

One of the LG-KF700's powerful multimedia features is a full featured Web browser that provides full access to Google Search, Blogs, Gmail, Maps and Youtube. Support for HSDPA 3G networks makes web browsing extremely fast and makes other features like video telephony possible. Other features include an MP3 player, MPEG4 video player, 3.0 megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity and more. All of these multimedia features are packed into a slim and stylish package with a clean, minimalist look.

The phone will be available in Europe in mid March and will become available in other markets in the following months.

Source: LG Electronics

Apple Releases Aperture 2

Apple today introduced Aperture 2, the next major release of its photo editing and management software with over 100 new features that make it faster, easier to use and more powerful. With a streamlined user interface and entirely new image processing engine, Aperture 2 also introduces new imaging tools for highlight recovery, color vibrancy, local contrast definition, soft-edged retouching, vignetting and RAW fine-tuning, and lets users directly post their portfolios on the .Mac Web Gallery for viewing on the web, iPhone, iPod touch and Apple TV.

Featuring a new, easier user interface designed to be more intuitive and accessible, Aperture 2 now lets users navigate between Viewer and Browser modes with a single key command. Screen real estate is maximized for images with an all-in-one heads up display that allows users to toggle between library, metadata and adjustment controls in a single tabbed inspector. The All Projects view, modeled after iPhoto's Events view, provides a poster photo for every project and the ability to quickly skim through the photos inside, and the integrated iPhoto Browser offers direct access to all the events and images in the iPhoto library.

Performance has been enhanced in Aperture 2 so it's faster to import, browse and search large volumes of images. Embedded previews let photographers caption, keyword and rate images as they are being imported, and with the ability to export images in the background, photographers can continue working while images are processed to JPEG, TIFF, PNG and PSD file formats. Quick Preview allows users to browse RAW images in rapid succession without having to wait for files to load, and the Aperture library database has been re-architected to provide fast project switching and near instantaneous search results, even when working with extremely large libraries of 500,000 images or more.

Aperture 2 delivers new imaging tools for getting the most out of each photograph. Apple's next-generation RAW image processing is at the core of Aperture 2 offering uncompromising image quality and precision controls that let users fine-tune the image profile for each of their cameras. New tools for improving and enhancing images include Recovery for pulling back "blown" highlights, Vibrancy for selectively boosting saturation without adversely affecting skin tones, Definition, which offers local contrast for adding clarity to images, Vignette & Devignette filters for providing professional visual effects and a true soft-edged Repair and Retouch brush for quickly and easily removing blemishes, cleaning up sensor dust and cloning away problem areas.

Aperture 2 works seamlessly with Mac OS X, iLife, iWork, .Mac and Apple print products, so any image in the Aperture library can be accessed directly from within other applications, such as iMovie, Keynote and Pages, and even from within Leopard Mail. Now with .Mac Web Gallery support, Aperture users can publish their photos once to view them on the web, iPhone, iPod touch and Apple TV. Books in Aperture 2 feature new theme designs, layout tools, customized dust jackets (including full-bleed) and foil stamped covers.

Aperture 2 is available immediately for a suggested retail price of $199 (US). Owners of previous versions of Aperture can upgrade to Aperture 2 for $99 (US).

Minimum Hardware Requirements:

One of the following Mac computers:

• Mac Pro
• MacBook Pro
• MacBook Air
• MacBook
• Mac mini with an Intel Core Solo or Duo processor
• iMac with a 1.8GHz or faster PowerPC G5 or Intel Core Duo processor
• Power Mac G5 with a 1.6GHz or faster PowerPC G5 processor
• 15- or 17-inch PowerBook G4 with a 1.25GHz or faster PowerPC G4 processor

Memory requirements:

• 1GB of RAM
• 2GB of RAM required for Mac Pro

One of the following graphics cards:

• ATI Radeon X600 Pro, X600 XT, X800 XT Mac Edition, X850 XT, X1600, X1900 XT, 9800 XT, 9800 Pro, 9700 Pro, 9600, 9600 XT, 9600 Pro, 9650, HD 2400 XT, HD 2600 PRO, or HD 2600 XT
• ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 or 9600
• ATI Mobility Radeon X1600
• NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra, 6600, 6600 LE, 6800 Ultra DDL, 6800 GT DDL, 7300 GT, 7800 GT, 8600M GT, or 8800 GT
• NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 or Quadro FX 5600
• Intel GMA 950
• Intel GMA X3100

Minimum Operating System requirements:

• Mac OS X v10.4.11 Tiger
• Mac OS X v10.5.2 Leopard
• DVD drive for installation
• 5GB of hard drive space for the application and sample projects

More information on Aperture 2 can be found at www.apple.com/aperture.

Source: Apple

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