Remember the hullabaloo over the fact that Windows 8 will drop the Start button in the ‘Consumer Preview’? Well, according to Paul Thurrot, it’s not going away anytime soon. It’s just no longer on the taskbar, that’s all.

Thurrott notes that Microsoft is planning to make the Start button a physical button. Why? Well, remember that Metro design for the Start screen? Well, that’s where Microsoft is heading, so it’s a bit redundant to have something on the taskbar to launch the screen where you can simply just press a button.

Also, it’s not like the keyboard isn’t going to change. See that Windows key on the keyboard? It’s still there, so press that and you’ll be taken to the Start screen. Or, alternatively, you can do the ye olde method of CTRL + ESC (as Thurrott notes).

Just because the magical button is going away on screen, it’s not the end of the world.

Canon has announced a new camera joining the PowerShot line with the SX260 HS. It promises to deliver stunning image quality, even at a distance, thanks to its 20x optical zoom – a big feat for a camera at that size.

It has a 12.1-megapixel lens that is optimal, apparently, for low-light shooting; and also records in 1080p HD video. Other features include GPS geotagging, elevation information to help you plot exactly where you took the photos, and high-speed burst shooting at 10.3 frames per second. It will ship in March for a pricetag of US$349.99.

No word on Australian availability. Galley is below.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 320 HS

The PowerShot line is about to be expanded with the new announcement of the ELPH 530 HS and the ELPH 320 HS by Canon today. The three new cameras promise powerful optical zoom, Wi-Fi functionality  and excellent image quality despite being in a pocketable size.

The ELPH 530 HS and 320 HS will both have Wi-Fi functionality which allow users to upload images and videos instantly to its iMAGE GATEWAY service, which will then cross post them to Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. The ELPH 530 HS will also include a 12x optical zoom; a 10 megapixel CMOS sensor lens that can also take 1080p video; and a 3.2-inch LCD touch screen display to navigate. It is expected to be out in black or white for an estimated retail price of US$349.99. It ships in April.

The ELPH 320 HS, however, has a 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with 5x optical zoom and records 1080p HD video. It also comes with a 3.2-inch LCD touch screen; and comes in four different colours (black, silver, blye and red). The digital camera will be out with a price tag of US$279.99 and ships in March.

No word on Australian availability with both.

Canon has announced a brand new sporty digital camera. Called the PowerShot D20 digital camera, it is being touted as a sturdy camera for extreme sports or for trekking outdoors. Canon claims that this camera is waterproof, shock proof and freeze proof – and can easily switch to different modes at ease even with gloves.

Because, that’s a big feature that everyone wants.

The camera features a 12.1-megapixel lens with a 5x optical zoom and can record in 1080p full HD. It also includes a 3.0-inch LCD screen, GPS capabilities for geotagging, and includes wind reduction technology to capture audio even in breezy conditions.

Canon is touting a May 2012 shipping date with a price tag of US$349.99. No word on Australian availability.

Train Trapper

This app is nothing short of the best Melbourne public transport app. It is fast to load and picks the closest station to your current location and presents you with a list of which train will depart when, and to where. This is extremely handy when you are roaming around the city, wander into a train station and want to catch the next train without any hassle which we had plenty of experience doing during CES.

This app also displays whether the train is cancelled or delayed and a short explanation as to what happened. Unlike the Metlink, featured later, it is really easy to read and interpret allowing for easy commuting around the Melbourne Rail network.

You can download it for free here: http://tgau.co/traintrapper 

Metlink

This app, put nicely has a horrible UX (user experience). It is just horrible. It just feels overcomplicated, is ‘thick’ menu wise and looks like something made by an amateur. In terms of functionality, it is pretty good at telling you when a bus is leaving, when a train will arrive and so on. Though that is about it. I have tried using its Journey planner many a time, only for it to produce the most incomprehensible, unreadable, irrelevant garbage.  So please, for the love of God, don’t use this app for anything other than an interactive timetable!

Though, do note that this app is still in beta so fingers crossed this Metlink work on this app and improve it to something a little more usable.

You can download the app for free here: http://tgau.co/metlinkapp

Metro Trains Mobile Site

Breaking the unwritten rules of an app wrap-up, this is actually a mobile website. There is nothing new here but this is where you go for an overview of the status of the Metro train network. Basically, the website only contains one useful webpage, which is the summary page so I can’t blab on here too much. This website also links to the Metlink app; an online timetable; a news page; and a 404 page. How nice of them.

Unlike Metlink, Metro have done quite a nice job with this website, making it also very readable and interpretable on the move. This is something I can see coming in handy in a time of chaos and confusion.

You can access the website here: http://m.metrotrains.com.au/

Tram Hunter

This is an app, which I have played with, but haven’t used on the go. Like Train Trapper, it is able to detect nearby stops (well as far as I know), browse by tram route, search for stops, and view stops on a map.

I am not a regular tram commuter so I don’t think I will ever clock up much experience with this app. though from playing with it, it is able to tell you when the next tram will leave, where and at which stop. This app is on par with the Train Trapper app in terms of design and functionality. I decided to include this because a friend recommended it to me, and I can see it being useful for some commuters.

You can download the app for free here: http://tgau.co/tramhunter

So that is it for my public transport apps. It is a little disappointing that both Metlink and Metro Trains haven’t been able to produce something that I am happy to use and able to commit to. Then again, when has the government done anything properly that they haven’t been forced to do… NBN… Sigh. Anyway, hope this helps!

The Nokia Lumia 800 - its first new smartphone running WP7

Despite reporting an operating loss of over 1 billion dollars, Nokia managed to pull off a feat to mollify the investors – 1 million Lumia Windows Phone device sales. That’s actually quite a respectable result considering the device has yet to make a showing in markets such as North America and Australia.

But aside from that, Nokia’s future doesn’t appear to be looking any brighter than it was a year ago, in fact maybe it’s even a little bleaker. What Nokia use to have in the market was exclusivity and scale. The tandem of those two factors ultimately led to Nokia’s commanding success.

Nokia has neither of these two factors today, aside from the exclusivity of being a 100% committed Windows Phone partner, but really that’s only working for Microsoft. The N9 running Meego Harmattan was certainly an exclusive, but with the promised commitment to run full steam with Windows Phone, Meego Harmattan’s potential may never be realised, or at most, a peripheral pursuit.

Of course, it’s not like Meego Harmattan had a big chance anyway.

And scale, is something Nokia simply can’t obtain given the R&D required to build any good smartphone, especially if you’re Nokia and really trying to deliver with a bang. Nokia’s now signature polycarbonate shell in the N9 and Lumia 800, 900 models is a feat of engineering that simply couldn’t have been achieved if the company had floored it and delivered a tsunami of Windows Phones in generic form factors and hardware variations.

The only segment where any economy of scale is possible, is in feature phones, once Nokia’s money-reeling gem but now declining precipitously in developed markets. Of course, there’s still money to be made there, and with most cellphone vendors relaying their focus to encompass smartphones 100%, Nokia is really in a position to take full control of the feature phone market. But there’s a reason why the world and the industry is stepping with both feet into the smartphone pool, it’s because not doing so would be committing to a world that will cease to exist in a very short time.

For Nokia, it’s even more crucial than this. As a company undergoing a brand image overhaul, investing excessively into feature phones would do nothing but hamper Nokia’s planned course to become viewed as a forward thinking company. Consumers can’t think of Nokia and see number keypads anymore.

Aside from the fact that Nokia no longer has significant leverage in the development chain to pump their business anymore, there’s also the issue of getting consumers to sign a contract to their phones which run on a platform that hasn’t gained the amount of traction that the company probably thought it would. Aside from getting the nod from reviewers, consumers are yet to see the great value proposition in Windows Phone.

Sure, 1 million sales exhibits promise, but it’s early days. The company has most likely skimmed the piece of market that gravitated towards Nokia in the first place, but from now on, it’s war and Nokia needs to pose some real fight – not only to lure consumers away from the eminent iOS and Android, but also to funnel them away from the other Windows Phone vendors in HTC, LG and Samsung among others.

The latter, an easy task that the company should win, but the former being a spectacularly tall order.

It stands to beg the question of why Nokia didn’t pursue the Android paved path in the first place. I can imagine it being an appealing option, Nokia’s acclaimed hardware quality and design paired with an OS that has solidified its position in the marketplace. It’s always nice to be on a winning team. But Nokia took a risk with Windows Phone, as a consumer I applaud the path they’ve taken, and from Nokia’s vantage, I would’ve done the exact same thing.

Success in Windows Phone will yield a significantly greater reward that would be irksome to supplant, whereas success with Android would simply be providing another option, as opposed to a different option.

It’s an uphill climb from here, and by sucking dry their loyal customer base in the first million sales, Nokia is essentially running on fumes. But since when is business not an uphill battle?  Build beautiful things, make sure people know about it and you can’t really go wrong.

A newspaper article has stated that Nokia Australia could be releasing the Lumia 800 – the first (and currently, flagship) Windows Phone 7 phone by the company – in March this year. Also coming in March is the Lumia 710, a lower-end version of the phone.

Nokia Australia’s Chris Carr confirmed to the Australian Financial Review that the Lumia 800 has distribution arrangements with all three major carriers, while the Lumia 710 currently has none finalised. Nokia previously did state that the phone would be reaching in Australia sometime this year, but an actual date has not been confirmed.

The Lumia 800 features a 3.7-inch AMOLED display, a 1.4GHz single-core processor, 16GB of internal storage and an 8-megapixel camera. It also shares the same body as the Nokia N9 – and Nokia has been touting the phone as the “first REAL Windows Phone”.

The Lumia 710, on the other hand, features most of the same features – except it has a 5-megapixel camera, 8GB of storage, and a cheaper body.

The Lumia line and its Windows Phone 7 deal has propelled Nokia back into the spotlight, and more attention has been given to the Nokia-WP7 tie up as it means that: 1) Nokia managed to ditch the long-struggling Symbian OS as its flagship platform; and 2) Microsoft is now getting serious with its mobile strategy with a big manufacturer.

But should Nokia Australia be wary of a March launch? Mobile World Congress is in the last week of February, and Nokia is expected to make some more announcements about Windows Phone 7 – alongside every other Android and Windows Phone 7 manufacturer. But, those phones usually come out in June (or even later for Australia).

We’ll keep our eyes on this product.

A shocking development in Research in Motion as co-CEOs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie have step down. They have been replaced by Chief Operating Officer Thorsten Heins, and he promises to silence those who predicted the end of RIM.

News broke via the Wall Street Journal, quoting a company insider. RIM has not made it official, as it was planning to announce their resignations early tomorrow.

Both men remain in the company, with Lazaridis moving to a vice chairmanship and Balsillie becoming an ordinary director of the board.

They were in the top job for nearly two decades, and were successful in running the company until recently. BlackBerry’s market share fell as many turned to the iPhone, Android and other devices – and RIM wasn’t able to succeed in getting them back. The company’s inability to effectively respond to their rivals saw pressure from shareholders and the market to resign from their posts.

In an interview with the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail, Heins remains confident that he can repair the BlackBerry brand. He is now seeking a new chief marketing officer and says that RIM already has the structures in place to succeed again.

“We’ve made a lot of changes in the past 18 months. Not changes, but also evolution. I changed a lot of my management team, in hardware, software … I’ve trained a lot of other people in the last four years,” he told the paper.

Telstra’s first 4G smartphone from HTC has now got a name and a release date. Called the HTC Velocity 4G, the phone features a 1.5GHz dual core processor, a 4.5-inch touchscreen and an 8 megapixel camera.

The phone also has 16GB of internal storage that is also expandable via an SD card slot, and will run – on the images – Android 2.3 Gingerbread rather than Ice Cream Sandwich. It has a front-facing camera, which has a 1.3 megapixel lens. In addition, it has the standard 3.5mm headphone jack, microUSB port and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi support.

Telstra is now accepting orders – but the smallest plan will see you paying an addition $10 on top of the $59 plan for the “handset payment”. The other plans do not have that – but at least you’ll get 2GB of data or more.

The phone will be launched on January 24 at its stores and via its partners, but preorders are being accepted now. Also, do remember that 4G isn’t everywhere – so if you don’t live 10km within the metro areas, then it will fall back onto 3G data.

A new router was showed off by ASUS at this year’s CES. Promising dual-band support with 450Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz, it also claims to be optimised for multiplayer game play, 3D HD video streaming and file sharing. Full gallery after the jump.

Sony may have launched a 4K projector, but JVC can top the craziness over 4K – which is four times the resolution of HD. The company has announced that it will be releasing the world’s first handheld 4K camcorder – the GY-HMQ10. Yes, they have announced a camcorder for it.

The camcorder takes footage at 24p, 50p or 60p; and uses its exclusive Falconbird LSI processing where it can output images to a monitor or projector with no lag. It will also encode the footage using H.264 at a bitrate of 144Mbps. The camera records it on an SD card – and you can fit about two hours worth of 4K footage.

The lens includes 10x optical zoom, and is equipped with manual controls for audio, focus, shutter, colour and white balance. It also has four HDMI terminals – which can all output in 4K resolution.

It launches today, with shippings starting in March. It will have a pricetag of US$4,995. Press release below.

JVC Unveils World’s First Handheld 4K Camcorder

GY-HMQ10 Records Four Times Resolution of 1080p to SDHC/SDXC Media Cards

WAYNE, N.J., Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — JVC Professional Products Company, a division of JVC Americas Corp., today announced the GY-HMQ10, the world’s first handheld 4K camcorder, which captures, records, and plays video images at four times the resolution of high definition television. Powered by JVC’s Falconbrid large-scale integration (LSI) chip for high-speed signal processing and a 1/2-inch CMOS imager with 8.3 million active pixels, it delivers real-time 3840×2160 footage at 24p, 50p, or 60p.

“We’re witnessing the birth of what is destined to become a broad market for full 4K end-to-end production,” said Edgar Shane, general manager of engineering. “The GY-HMQ10 is a breakthrough product that opens up 4K imaging to users who previously wouldn’t have considered it.”

High resolution 4K still picture imaging has been around for several years in DSLR cameras. Motion video capture with these cameras has always been done at a lower video resolution because of lack of processing power. Likewise, high end digital motion picture cameras may capture 4K images, but often provide a raw data output to an external storage array for later processing—again due to lack of processing power in the camera. There just hasn’t been the ability to capture, process, display and record full 4K images in real time until now.

JVC’s exclusive Falconbrid LSI processing takes raw image data from the camera’s CMOS device and dematrixes (deBayers) it in real time. Unlike many high end 4K cameras, the GY-HMQ10 is able to output 4K images to a monitor or projection system in real time with virtually no latency. This capability opens up applications in cinematography, medical microscopy, telepresence, specialized observation / surveillance, and live wide-view event coverage.

Using MPEG-4 technology and a variable bit rate H.264 codec operating at up to 144 Mbps, the GY-HMQ10 records up to two hours of 4K video to economical SDHC or SDXC memory cards.

In addition to 4K imaging, the GY-HMQ10 also captures and records astonishing 1080i or 1080/60p full HD, with extraordinary detail provided by its 8.3 megapixel imager and superior lens. HD is recorded on a single memory card in a format compatible with most editing systems. This combination of superb 4K and HD imaging was requested by attendees of JVC’s 4K forums, conducted throughout North America last year, and is unique in the camera industry.

Another feature requested by forum attendees was the ability to crop an HD image from a 4K frame. This can be accomplished in post production, or in real time during camera playback. The “trimming” feature makes HD cropping easy using the camera’s touch panel LCD monitor.

Similar in size to JVC’s popular GY-HM150 ProHD camcorder, the GY-HMQ10 includes a build-in F2.8 10x zoom lens with optical image stabilizer, as well as a color viewfinder and 3.5-inch touch LCD monitor with a new, intuitive user interface. The GY-HMQ10 is built in a familiar, comfortable and lightweight form factor for hours of field production with minimum fatigue.

The GY-HMQ10 is equipped with manual level controls for audio, with audio metering in the LCD and viewfinder displays. A microphone holder and two balanced XLR connectors with phantom power are located on the handle. The camera is equipped with a built-in stereo mic for ambient sound pickup.

Other features include JVC’s patented Focus Assist, as well as manual and auto control of focus, iris, gain, shutter, gamma, color matrix, and white balance. Plus, the camera has the unusual capability of live 4K output via four HDMI terminals.

“Historically, JVC has been a leader in camcorder and display technology, and the GY-HMQ10 is our latest breakthrough,” added Shane. “It’s part of a larger move at JVC to bring 4K technology to a wide range of customers.” In September 2011, JVC introduced an affordable line of 4K projectors to the home theater market. The company’s high-end 4K projectors are widely used in commercial flight simulators and planetariums. “4K is the logical step beyond HD,” said Shane. “And JVC is uniquely positioned to lead the industry in this new direction.”

JVC’s innovative approach to professional 4K will be unveiled in a series of industry announcements beginning at CES and continuing throughout 2012.

At a retail selling price of $4,995, the GY-HMQ10 launches today, with market deliveries beginning in March, 2012.

Lenovo’s IdeaPad YOGA has been unveiled at this year’s CES and it promises to merge the powerful ultrabook design with a 13.3-inch tablet. It features a unique 360-degree flip-and-fold design, allowing it to be a notebook, tablet, stand and a tent with a single fold.

The IdeaPad YOGA runs on an Intel processor and on Windows 8, supports 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. It also has an eight-hour battery life.

It will be out in the second half of the year with an estimated price of US$1199. Australian availability has not been announced – possibly in the first half of next year. Full press release is below.

LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lenovo (HKSE: 0992) (Pink Sheets: LNVGY) today announced IdeaPad YOGA, the industry’s first multi-mode notebook with a 360 degree flip-and-fold design. Combining the tablet’s ease-of-use with the ultrabook’s functionality, IdeaPad YOGA gives consumers four-in-one personal computing, with four separate usage modes in one PC. Lenovo also announced today its new IdeaCentre A720, the slimmest 27-inch all-in-one (AIO) PC in the industry.

“The IdeaPad YOGA multi-mode notebook redefines the convergence and convertible user experience by bringing together the best of traditional PCs, with the best of tablets and more.”

IdeaPad YOGA is the union of a stylish, powerful ultrabook and a portable 13.3” multi-touch tablet. YOGA’s patented dual-hinge design is engineered to enable content consumption and creation spanning four intuitive usage positions … notebook, tablet, stand, and tent …in one computer, while offering higher durability¹ and stability than conventional convertible form factors.

Not to be outdone, the IdeaCentre A720 all-in-one features a pioneering 27-inch screen that allows a more widely adjustable angle from — -5^o to 90^o. An innovative screen hinge allows for a more comfortable use in any position and combines with a frameless display that supports 10-point multi-touch capabilities for a greatly enhanced multi-user experience.

“It is clear to us that consumers want their four screens: mobile devices, tablets, notebooks and smart TVs and they want them to work together seamlessly, anytime, anywhere. Whether a notebook that bends and folds, or an all-in-one that puts the ‘wide’ into wide-angle, today’s announcements reflect our focus on delivering the inspirational innovations that consumers are looking for,” said Yang Yuanqing, Chairman and CEO, Lenovo. “The IdeaPad YOGA multi-mode notebook redefines the convergence and convertible user experience by bringing together the best of traditional PCs, with the best of tablets and more.”

IdeaPad YOGA Notebook: Four Experience Modes to Create and Consume

Created for the convergence of professional and personal lifestyles, the IdeaPad YOGA multi-mode notebook introduces an intuitive design that optimizes the user experience of both an ultrabook and tablet across four different usage modes – notebook, tablet, stand and tent. Compared with conventional convertible form factors, YOGA’s patented 360 degree dual- hinge flip design is more stable and durable^,1 and enables an overall thinner and lighter hardware design. YOGA is the industry’s thinnest convertible ultrabook measuring 0.67” (16.9mm) thin at 3.1 lbs (1.47kg). Powered by the Intel Core Processor family with a Windows 8 operating system, YOGA supports eight hours of battery life with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. As a full-size notebook, YOGA’s svelte design includes small but meaningful details such as soft touch rubber paint on the exterior for strong grip, a leather cover on the palm rest, and side buttons designed for easier access for all usage modes.

As a multi-mode notebook, IdeaPad YOGA delivers a comfortable and natural user interaction when using it in any position. To enjoy multi-player touch-based gaming and social media on-the-go, the user simply folds back YOGA’s screen for a portable 13.1“ HD+ (1600 x 900) tablet with 10-point capacitive touch. For entertainment, reading, and web browsing, users can flip the YOGA’s screen panel into a convenient stand or tent mode that saves space and brings the screen closer to the user. YOGA’s versatile multi-mode form factor strikes an ideal balance between creating and consuming content, while at the same time, offering consumers an optimal experience of a notebook and tablet in a single device.

IdeaCentre A720 All-in-One: Taking Touch Experience in the Home to the Next Level

As the industry’s slimmest 27” all-in-one and sporting a sleek metal exterior, the IdeaCentre A720 measures less than an inch (24.5mm)² and combines a frameless display supporting 10-point multi-touch. The A720 continues Lenovo’s heritage of svelte designs for the AIO by smartly positioning the PC at the base on the unit. Improving AIO design even further, the A720 is engineered to optimize the touch experience in the ‘digital’ home. The A720’s widely adjustable hinge allows the screen to be pulled towards the user at an angle of -5^o and folded back to an angle of up to 90^o, making touch applications more comfortable over longer periods in any position.

To optimize the touch experience on the AIO, the A720’s 10-point multi-touch display supports multi-user scenarios with greater accuracy. Powered by the Intel Core Processor family and NVIDIA^® GeForce^® graphics with up to 1TB HDD and 64 GB SSD storage, the A720 delivers an impressive home multimedia experience on a frameless high definition 16:9 wide-screen. With integrated entertainment features, such as room-shaking Dolby Home Theatre V4 audio, Lenovo High-Sense (720p HD) Webcam, and Lenovo IdeaTouch (a suite of touch-optimized applications and games), the A720 is an ultra stylish and fun addition for the modern home entertainment center.

Pricing and Availability³

The IdeaPad YOGA multimode notebook will be available in the second half of 2012 with an estimated starting retail price of $1,199. The IdeaCentre A720 all-in-one will be available in the first half of 2012 with an estimated starting retail price of $1,299.

¹ Qualified for 25K ~ 30K times cycle testing

² Measured at thickest point.

³ Price and availability vary by region.

Samsung BD-ES6000 Compact Blu-ray player

Samsung has announced two new Blu-Ray players as part of its “Smart Blu-Ray” line, which promises features such as a full web browser and a new way of turning your personal DVD collection into digital content that can be streamed on many devices such as your laptop and your phone.

Samsung’s line-up includes the BD-ES6000 and the BD-E65000. The ES-6000 is a compact player that also packs in the latest video technology, and is suitable for those finding little room to place a normal-sized player. A gallery of the player can be seen below.

Samsung BD-E6500 3D Blu-ray with Dual HDMI Inputs and built-in WiFi

The E6500, however, is a more stylish Blu-Ray player that also includes 3D support. It includes 2 HDMI inputs, so another equipment that uses HDMI – such as a game console – can be connected to the TV without sacrificing another HDMI port. In addition, as like other 3D Blu-Ray players from Samsung, it can convert non-HD material to full 1080p HD.

The big attraction for both is that you can now convert your DVD into a digital file that can be streamed on any device at any time, even in multiple locations. This feature, “Disc to Digital” lets users create the digital file and place it under their “UltraViolet” collection – developed by Flixster and Roxi. Samsung users can watch the UltraViolet version on their TVs via the Flixster app.

I should also point out that they will use their own file format and is laced with DRM. You will need to use an UltraViolet app to watch it – such as Flixster’s own for Samsung’s Smart TV. In addition, this is only available in the US – so don’t expect it any time soon in Australia.

No pricing or availability has been announced.

Intel has now officially taking a stance in the mobile processor race with agreements with Motorola and Lenovo to use their new Medfield – now known as Atom Z2460 – rather than NVIDIA’s Tegra, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon and ARM’s processors.

The deal will see Lenovo and Motorola use these for their smartphones and tablets. While Motorola has not announced new phones using Medfield – possibly a sign that it will announce them in February during Mobile World Congress – Lenovo has announced the Lenovo K800 smartphone, running on Android.

“Our efforts with Lenovo and Motorola Mobility will help to establish Intel processors in smartphones and provide a solid foundation from which to build in 2012 and into the future,” Intel’s President and CEO Paul Otellini said in a statement.

The K800 will be using LeOS and available for China.

The HD 700′s are higher end headphones which has a headlining feature of its vented magnet system. Which manages the air flow to prevent unwanted resonance or “turbulence”. The headphones shouldn’t be used with any old device as Sennheiser recommends you use a amplifier as any old device doesn’t provide power. The Verge has said they prefer the HD 25′s as they provide more “oomph”.

Source: The Verge 

Maybe the Lady Gaga alliance didn’t work out after all. Polaroid has now announced something a bit more technological with the Polaroid “Smart Camera” SC1630. You may be wondering, why is it smart? Well, it runs Android.

The SC1630 also features a 16-megapixel camera with 3X optical zoom, a 3.2-inch touchscreen display and Wi-Fi so you can quickly upload that photo from the camera to a social network or cloud storage. The camera can also record HD video, and because of Android, can find apps to edit on the go since it does support the Andorid Market.

It will be coming out in 2012, but no international availability or price has been confirmed by Polaroid. Full press release below.

POLAROID ANNOUNCES THE SC1630 SMART CAMERA POWERED BY ANDROID™

Fusing the Feature Set of a High-End Digital Camera with the Power of Android*, the Polaroid SC1630 Makes Snapping and Sharing High Definition Digital Images an Instant Experience  

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 – Polaroid today announced that capturing and sharing high-end digital images is now seamless with the Polaroid SC1630, an Android powered smart camera. The Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera features a high definition 16 megapixel camera with built in 3X optical zoom, touch screen display and Wi-Fi, making uploads to social networks as easy as the touch of a button. Merging the optics of a digital still and video camera with the limitless power of the Android platform, the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera evolves the process of clicking, editing, uploading and tagging to an instant experience on one device.

With the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera powered by Android you will no longer need to choose between your smart phone and your point and shoot camera because it offers the best of both worlds. Delivering everything expected from a digital camera but powered by Android, the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera surprisingly packs all the features needed to conveniently capture, connect and instantly share beautiful HD digital images and video into one device, weighing a mere five ounces.

An ultra-portable, two-in-one instant sharing powerhouse, the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera leaves even the most powerful camera phones in the dust by combining an advanced imaging feature set with an unmatchable Android powered mobile platform:

• Capture Like the Pros: Life’s quickest moments are no longer at risk to becoming blurry images from a basic camera phone. Built on a 16 megapixel CCD senor, the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera treats images to a 3X optical zoom – a feature not found in most mobile phones. Choose from 18 scene modes and then click and view crystal clear images – captured at 36mm or full 108mm magnification – on the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera’s 3.2’’ widescreen display.
• Enhance Your Moments With Smart Features: The Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera powered by Android takes the work out of being behind the lens with automatic face and smile detection. Also, gone are the days when digital images that never connected with a USB cord went unorganized and forgotten. The Smart Album feature of the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera automatically organizes photos by date, location and people. Plus, geo-tagging features can add longitude and latitude coordinates to photos.
• Edit, Share and Save: Now there is no reason to leave the party – everything needed to edit, save and upload can be done anywhere right on the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera. On-board editing features include cropping, red-eye removal, resizing and color correction. Backed by the power of Android, the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera uploads images to social networks with the touch of one button and can hold up to 32GB of memory via a microSD card.
• Instantly Connect to the World: The Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and optional cellular data connections empower digital images to be shared from anywhere in a snap.
• Get Productive: Need to check-in on where friends are gathering, get directions or make the next move in your favorite game? Backed by the power of Android, the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera supports Google’s Android Market, making it truly like no other camera available today. Now you can snap, share and link up with more than 400,000 apps.

“Polaroid has helped the world bring stories to life through photographs for the past 75 years,” said Scott W. Hardy, President, Polaroid. “The newest member of the Polaroid family, the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera unites the beauty of high-end digital images with powerful Android connectivity features. The result is an instant experience of click, capture and share that enables social networks to see and experience the moment as if they were there.”

Designed to be just as fashionable as it is portable, the simple, clean lines and straight forward interface of the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera makes capturing and sharing effortless. Loaded with features that enable easy capture, connecting and sharing on the fly, the rechargeable battery can last all day on a full charge.

The Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera powered by Android can be viewed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Central Hall (booth #13613) from January 10 – 13, 2012.  High-res images of the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera can be found at http://www.tradeshownews.com/events/2012-International-CES/Polaroid/ .

The Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera will be available in 2012.  Price is TBD.

Otherwise it has got access to Samsung Smart Hub apps. A release date and price is TBA, but I’d expect it to come soon.

Remember the AR.Drone? Well, its manufacturer, Parrot, has announced that it will be getting an upgrade. The new version features a brand new look and, now, can record video in 720p HD resolution.

The quadacopter design hasn’t received much change – it stil features the same 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer; and the placement of the four blades. However, there is now a pressure sensor that gives it some stability in mid-air.

There is also a new version of the app to control it, the AR.FreeFlight 2.0, which lets you update the software, quick access to an overview and tutorials on how to use it, and upload the video to YouTube for everyone to see. In addition, this will now be available for both the iOS App Store and the Android Market.

Manoeuvring the quadacopter, however, is still the same. Use the two on-screen controls and your body to move it. Lean forward to move it forward, lean back to move it back, and leaning left and right will do the same.

The United States will see this product in stores in Q2 this year for US$299. Australian availability, however, is unknown (could be sometime in November/December like the previous version)

After a recent partnership with Ultraviolet, a company which can create digital copies of Blu-Ray and DVD movies that have the software, Samsung has announced a Blu-Ray player that supports it, the BD-ES6000.

So after putting in an Ultraviolet-supporting disc, the digital copy will be added, via Wi-Fi, to the users Ultraviolet account. DVD to digital HD copies cost a small extra price, but it’s basically a more advanced and streamlined version of the 2-pack movies on sale now in stores which have a Blu-Ray or DVD and Digital copy.

Other differences include the small form-factor of the BD-ES6000, but apart from that it’s a regular player with 3D, Wi-Fi and DLNA support. It also has iOS and Android remotes.

The Powerline 500 Nano also has NETGEAR’s unique “Pick-a-Plug” function which automatically tests the connection at any power point and displays the results with coloured LED lights to ensure that users can pick the best power point for the highest possible network connection.

The Powerline 500 Nano will be available Q1 2012 for $119.95 worldwide.

Powerline 500 Nano

With best-in-class performance and reliability, NETGEAR’s Powerline 500 Nano converts any electrical outlet in your house into a high speed network connection, instantly. It offers easy, plug-and-play setup and top speeds, all in the smallest form factor available today. The Powerline 500 Nano is perfect for connecting a single device such as game console, Blu-ray™ player, Smart TV, HD set-top box, network DVR, PC, and other devices to the home network router and the Internet. Gamers particularly benefit from Powerline technology because of its exceptionally low latency.

NETGEAR’s Powerline 500 Nano delivers speeds up to 500 Mbps, which easily accommodates HD and 3D HD video streaming, multimedia, multiplayer gaming and other bandwidth intensive tasks. With NETGEAR’s unique “Pick-a-Plug” function, the Powerline 500 Nano automatically tests the connection at any electrical outlet and displays the results in the form of color coded LED lights to ensure that users can pick a specific electrical outlet in order to ensure the highest possible performance.

Pricing and Availability
NETGEAR Powerline 500 Nano will be available in Q1 2012 for $119.99. The NETGEAR N900 Video and Gaming 4-Port WiFi Adapter will be available in the summer of 2012 for $79.99. Both products will also be available worldwide from major retailers in stores and online.

More information
To learn more about NETGEAR’s Powerline 500 Nano and N900 Video and Gaming 4-Port WiFi Adapter or the, please visit http://www.netgear.com/N500 and http://www.netgear.com/N900.

Sony Ericsson – soon to be renamed as Sony Mobile – have announced two brand new smartphones at this year’s CES. The Xperia S and the Xperia ion both feature high resolution displays among other hardware improvements.

The Xperia S, part of its new Xperia NXT series, features a 4.3-inch display, a 1.5GHz dual core processor and 32GB of storage. It also features two cameras – a 12-megapixel rear camera capable of recording 1080p and a front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera capable of recording 720p footage; NFC support and runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It will be upgradable to Ice Cream Sandwich in Q2, and will hit globally this quarter.

The Xperia ion is the first LTE phone from Sony and has a 4.6-inch display and a 12-megapixel rear camera. The front-facing camera also (apparently) can record HD videos. It runs Android 2.3 on a 1.5GHz dual core processor, and will have 16GB of storage on board. It appears to be US-only and will be on AT&T in Q2.

Another two phones were also announced by Sony Ericsson only for the Japanese market. The Xperia arco HD is a follow-up to the Xperia arco in Japan, with more “Japan-specific features” like infrared data exchange and mobile TV; and the Xperia NX, which is a Japanese version of the Xperia S, again with its own features.

Both will be out in Japan in the autumn.

Dell has also gotten onto the Ultrabook craze. It has announced the XPS 13, touting it as the “most compact 13.3-inch Ultrabook” because of its near-frameless display and has the same size as an 11-inch laptop.

The XPS 13 features either a Core i5 or i7 processor and Intel’s HD 3000 integrated graphics, 4GB of DDR3 RAM and a 1.3 megapixel camera. The 13.3-inch display is a WLED 720p screen that is protected with Gorilla Glass. It also comes in 128GB or 256GB SSD storage options, and 100GB of cloud storage with Dell DataSafe at no additional cost.

And if that isn’t enough, Dell is also including a 12-month subscription to Skype Premium for free.

The laptop is heading to the US in February with a price tag of US$999 with the Core i5 model. Worldwide availability will start in March, launching initially in selected countries.

UPDATE [3:47PM]: Dell Australia has confirmed that the product will be coming to Australia and New Zealand in March. No word on pricing however.

Press release and gallery below.

LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dell today unveiled its ultraportable XPS 13 laptop, the most compact 13.3-inch Ultrabook featuring an edge-to-edge glass, near “frameless” display, all-day battery life, and the latest innovative technology for a superb overall user experience. Starting at 2.99 lbs.ⁱⁱ, and less than a quarter-inch at its thinnest point, the XPS 13 combines performance-oriented thoughtful design with the latest Intel technology, such as Rapid Start and Smart Connectⁱ, to enable users to be productive, connected and responsive anywhere.

The latest and most mobile laptop in Dell’s portfolio, the XPS 13 is part of Dell’s high-end XPS brand, which is now 20 percent of Dell’s total consumer laptop business. Revenue for XPS laptops has increased 207 percent over last year when the company re-launched the brand to better meet the needs of today’s mobile professionals.

The XPS 13 delivers second-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, Intel HD 3000 graphics and a bright high definition WLED 300-nit display for outstanding viewing experiences, packaged in an elegantly-designed, ultraportable laptop. For users who store movies, music and photos, the XPS 13 has 128GB and 256GB solid state hard drive optionsⁱⁱⁱ, plus an additional 100GB of cloud storage through Dell DataSafe for seamless content backup and sharing at no additional cost. Additionally, all XPS 13 units include a 12-month Skype Premium subscription^iv to always stay in touch.

“The XPS 13 is the culmination of an extensive design and development process focused on creating the best Ultrabook on the planet,” said Jeff Clarke, vice chairman, Global Operations and End User Computing. “It is specifically engineered to help both our consumer and commercial customers be more productive and connected in every way possible. From the edge-to-edge frameless display that packs more screen into a compact body, to the innovative carbon fiber base that is lightweight and cool to the touch, the XPS 13 exemplifies our commitment to offering industry-leading mobile solutions that deliver durability and performance without compromise.”

Lead with Style and Never Miss a Moment

Purposefully designed and artfully built since it was first conceived in 2010, the XPS 13 maximizes the Ultrabook experience for users: edge-to-edge display with hardened Gorilla Glass; a full-size backlit keyboard with a large glass touchpad with integrated buttons and multi-gestural support; and up to eight hours, fifty-three minutes of battery life^v. All in a package starting at 2.99 lbs.

The 13.3-inch high definition display with slim bezel fits in a body size similar to the form factor of an 11-inch product, making it the most compact Ultrabook available. (Other 13.3-inch laptops offer the same viewing area but with up to a 15 percent larger footprint.) The carbon fiber composite base extends the design process, offering a premium visual appeal, and is lighter and cooler to the touch than aluminum.

Keeping connected and getting online quickly is now a reality. The XPS 13 is one of the first Ultrabooks to feature Intel Smart Connect technology, which wakes periodically to detect known networks and update calendar and emailⁱ. With solid state drives and Intel Rapid Start technology, the XPS 13 boots in seconds, giving customers the performance of a laptop with the instant gratification experience of a smartphone. Dell will also integrate location awareness via Skyhook and Google Places shortly after launch. Because the ultrathin and compact XPS 13 is ideal for use on the go, staying connected will be even easier for those who are first to buy one. The first 10,000 customers to purchase an XPS 13 in the U.S. will receive a free T-Mobile 4G Mobile HotSpot and 90 days of free mobile broadband service at up to 4G speeds on America’s Largest 4G Network^® with no annual contract at time of purchase^vi. The T-Mobile 4G HotSpot lets customers stay connected on the go by linking up to five WiFi devices to high speed Internet using America’s Largest 4G Network.

“When Dell began the conversation of what an Ultrabook could be, we carefully considered how to provide customers not only incredible mobility, but also the kind of performance experience you would expect from something much larger,” said Steve Felice, president and Chief Commercial Officer of Dell. “A ‘good-enough’ Ultrabook wasn’t good enough for us. We were committed to developing what an Ultrabook can and should be with the XPS 13 and providing a superior user experience.”

“The XPS 13 represents the most balanced of the Ultrabook class of notebooks to hit the market so far,” said Rob Enderle, Analyst for the Enderle Group. “Ultrabooks started by forcing people to make a choice between beauty and practicality and Dell took the time to make sure their offering would not only be very attractive, but address the critical needs of business and education buyers as well. Perhaps the best way to describe the XPS 13 is ‘beautifully uncompromised.’”

Best of Both Worlds – Enterprise Friendly Features that the IT Department will Love

Dell went a step further with the XPS 13 to create appeal for all customers – for work and for play – and has made it easier for IT departments to choose laptops that offer the security and services they value in a fit and finish executives and employees demand. Enterprise-friendly features include standard Trusted Platform Module for BitLocker Data Encryption and optional ProSupport after-sales service and Configuration Services such as custom imaging and asset tagging. Combined with available customer service options, including concierge and software support, the XPS 13 is one of the most balanced Ultrabooks available for any need.

America’s Best Protection Plan for Consumers

Dell wants its home customers to experience the XPS 13 with the best standard protection plan^vii in the industry. In addition to the Limited Hardware Warranty^viii, Dell is including one year of Accidental Damage Service^ix and one year of theft protection with Computrace LoJack for Laptops Theft Recovery Service^x as standard. Accidental Damage Service provides customers with peace of mind by protecting against drops and spills and other accidents that may occur. Computrace LoJack for Laptops Theft Recovery Service helps track, locate, lock down and recover a stolen system, and can even remotely delete sensitive data.

Understanding its customers’ need to purchase responsible products, Dell designed the XPS 13 with the environment in mind. Its energy-efficient LED displays have no mercury or arsenic and Dell eliminated harmful toxins such as Brominated Flame Retardants and Polyvinyl Chloride (BFR/PVCs)^xi. The XPS 13 is shipped in many locations with sustainably harvested bamboo packaging material. Every XPS 13 can be configured to be ENERGY STAR qualified, helping customers reduce energy costs. When the time comes, Dell offers multiple recycling options (learn more at Dell.com/recycling).

Detailed Information:

• Ultrathin laptop (0.24-0.71”/6-18mm) with Microsoft Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium; precision machined aluminum with a carbon fiber composite base
• Intel Core i5 2467M and i7 2637M processor choices
• 13.3” HD WLED, 300-nit (1366×768) 720p; edge-to-edge hardened Gorilla Glass
• Intel HD 3000 video graphics^xii
• 4GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333Mhz memory^xii
• 128 GB SSD or 256GB SSD drive optionsⁱⁱⁱ
• Full size, backlit chiclet keyboard; glass integrated button touchpad with multi-gesture support
• Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 802.11 A/G/N and Bluetooth 3.0 wireless connectivity^xiii
• High definition audio with Waves MaxxAudio 4
• Built-in 47WHr 6-cell battery (Dell XPS 13 batteries are built into the laptop and are not replaceable by the customer) offering up to eight hours, fifty-three minutes of battery life^v; 45W AC adaptor
• USB 3.0 (1) + USB 2.0 with PowerShare (1), mini Display-Port, and headset jack (1)
• Built-in 1.3MP webcam (H.264 enabled via Skype^iv) with dual array digital microphones
• Dell ProSupport for business customers, Dell Configuration Services and Windows Trusted Platform Module options for commercial models
• Dimensions: Height: 0.24-0.71” (6-18mm) / Width: 12.4” (316mm) / Depth 8.1” (205mm); Weight: starting at 2.99lbs (1.36 kg)ⁱⁱ

Availability and Pricing:

The XPS 13 will be available at the end of February in the United States through www.Dell.com, and in select retail stores nationwide at a starting price of $999 with an Intel Core i5 processor, 128GB SSD hard driveⁱⁱⁱ and 4GB memory^x. Customers can reserve the XPS 13 on www.dell.com starting today. The first 10,000 customers in the U.S. to purchase an XPS 13 will receive a free T-Mobile 4G Mobile HotSpot and 90 days of free mobile broadband service at up to 4G speeds on America’s Largest 4G Network with no annual contract at time of purchase^vi – a value of more than $200. The XPS 13 will be available in select geographies around the world in March 2012.

Another headphone deal announced with Monster partnering with K-Pop recording label JYP Entertainment and its owner, J.Y. Park, to create the DIAMOND TEARS – EDGE headphones range. According to Monster, they were all “based on and inspired by J.Y. Park’s musical talent” (apparently).

First off the ranks is the DIAMOND TEARS – EDGE High Definition Music Headphones, which will retail for US$279.95. The design, however, is meant to be based on “edgy like diamonds, smooth like tears”., and looks like to be attracting the young K-Pop addicted female crowd. These are set to be available in stores sometime this quarter.

Also announced were in-ear versions of the headphones. No pricing was announced, nor any clear details, except that it will be in stores sometime “in the latter half of 2012″.

Lifestyle brand Diesel are teaming up with Monster Cable to create a new “Diesel Noise Division”, and has used CES to reveal their first collaboration – the VEKTR on-ear headphones. Featuring a unique design, thy promise to continue offering high-level audio.

The cosmetic look features a sharp faceted look, unlike traditional round on-ear headphones, and each will have a distinctive diamond-cut Diesel logo on each ear. In addition, the cups are said to be made from silkscreen Mohican head with different finishes, and will come with a non-tangle cord.

The product will come out in worldwide retailers in Q1 this year with a price tag of US$249.95.