Olympus 16 MP Camera, SZ-31MR Launched

The announcement of a powerhouse of a digital camera from Olympus is one of the biggest news in the Digital camera sector this week. Olympus made it public this week and the camera is said to feature some powerful specifications. Reportedly, the powerful Olympus camera will also have a sturdy yet compact build, and a nice design.

Named as Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, this camera sports a 16 Megapixel sensor and 24x zoom capabilities. The coolest and most important feature in the camera is a revolutionary and innovative technology it integrates. Obviously, SZ-31MR iHS, with all its power would have a 1080p HD video recording capability. This camera however also sports the multi recording technology, which allows the users to record full HD 1080p videos and 16 Megapixel still images simultaneously and surprisingly without even missing one frame.

The iHS in the name actually stands for Intelligent, High sensitivity and High speed technologies. This is the main reason why this camera packs so much power. With the Wide angle 24x Optical zoom lens and the iHS technology, Olympus SZ-31MR can record high quality videos and snap images with outstanding quality in environments which are backlit as well as where there is not much light.

The Olympus SZ-31’s performance in low-light conditions is actually because of the combined work of the 16 MP Backlit CMOS sensor and the two TruePic V image processors. This is also said to make the response time of the camera quicker. Even the trickiest and the toughest shots will have great resolution and low noise, as the camera features high speed auto focus and high speed shooting functionalities in addition to the iHS working to improve the captures.

The photo slideshow in SZ-31 iHS also features transition effects and music. It looks quite awesome in the LCD touch panel. The Olympus SZ-31 iHS camera will be out for sale this April, in silver and black colours. 

Apple to Bring in ARM Port for Mac OS X

Apparently Apple is planning something big and it’s pretty clear from a report by a Dutch intern. The report sheds some light on the fact that Apple just took about 12 weeks to shift or port the operating system kernel of Mac OS X from Intel to ARM. The significance of ARM will be clearer if you can consider the news that Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system will be featuring in a few ARM based tablet devices, due to be released soon.

What’s behind the idea?

Taking into account Apple’s new idea which ported Mac OS X kernel to ARM, we can safely assume that certain Apple computers is going to have some major updates, in the Operating system of course. We can expect upcoming Apple laptops to have a change in the operating system. Instead of running in iOS, which the iPad and iPhones use, ARM based Apple laptops might come featuring the Mac OS X operating system – the Apple desktop operating system.

One other fact about ARM is that they don’t require too much power, unlike Intel. This means, if the ARM based Mac OS X powered Apple laptops really comes into life, they will be having a great battery life. With the build of a MacBook and low power requirements of the ARM, the new Apple Mac OS X Laptop concept can be given a smaller, slimmer battery, which would considerably reduce the weight of the device as well.

Mac OS X in ARM – The beginning:

It was in 2010 that Apple’s Platform Technologies group started working on the Mac OS X kernel – Darwin, so as to make it run in ARM architecture. Reportedly, within 12 weeks they managed to port Darwin to an ARMv5 compatible processor and made the Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard operating system run in it. But this idea does have competition obviously as Intel is working on increasing the demands for its architecture by improving the horsepower to impress users. However, ARM architecture will also be getting improvements in the horsepower with its low power consumption feature in tact.

Microsoft’s change of plans by making Windows 8 compatible with Intel and ARM platforms is basically intended to stabilize the shrinking market of Microsoft desktop PCs in the West and the East. But Apple doesn't face such problems as Apple computers are apparently the best there is in the business, selling millions of units. Yet they are porting to ARM and considering the use of Mac OS X in their laptops. Apple has always been two steps ahead of the other competing firms and this is exactly why Apple is still at the top. Hopefully, more details on Apple’s plan to run Mac OS X in laptops would be unveiled soon. 

inPulse and WIMM One Smartwatches

A long time back, Smartphones – small, mobile computers cum handsets, were just a concept. Now, smartphones are everywhere. What would go through your mind after knowing the fact that there are a few new concepts implemented in watches as well? Yes. Ordinary watches are household names. But what if your watch featured a miniaturized computer that can run applications? That kind of watches is termed as smartwatches.

Smartwatches aren't yet common but they do get a lot of hype, thanks to gizmo buffs. Cool new smartwatches which are pretty popular are Allerta’s inPulse and WIMM Labs’ WIMM One are just two of them. Smartwatches, as mentioned above, basically runs applications. So it’s obvious that inPulse and WIMM One will share similarities. But the way WIMM One and inPulse run apps is different. The two smartwatches are not yet in their prime and ready to be used, as there are reports claiming that there is still more work to be done in them.

inPulse smartwatch isn’t something new. It has been out for sale for a couple of years now, actually launched as an accessory to Blackberry handsets. But now inPulse is compatible with a few Android devices as well. Run the free inPulse app and pair the inPulse with your handset and you will start receiving notifications via Bluetooth, of any and all items sent from your phone including call, text messages and emails. Allerta recently integrated Twitter with the inPulse to work in Android handsets.

inPulse specs and features:

·         50x 36 x 12mm dimension

·         Water resistant

·         Single physical input button

·         Bluetooth

·         BlueCore4-ROM radio

·         52MHz ARM7 processor

·         8 KB RAM

·         Aluminum chassis

·         Li ion battery power for a day and a half

·         1 MB SPI Flash memory

·         Micro USB for charging

·         1.26 inch passive OLED display (96 x 128 pixels)

WIMM One is available for registered developers only as of yet. It runs a miniature Android version and has a cool interface. In addition to call notifications, it can support text messages as well once you install the free WIMM Companion app and pair it with any Android or Blackberry handsets. 

Specs and features of WIMM One:

·         32 x 36 x 12.5mm dimensions

·         Water resistant

·         ARM11 CPU 

·         256 MB RAM

·         1.41 inch capacitive touchscreen

·         Vibrating motor

·         Recessed power button

·         2 GB Flash storage

·         Piezo speaker

·        Accelerometer and compass

·       GPS receiver (currently disabled and under development to resolve some issues)

·        Li ion battery pack offers a battery life for a day and a half

It’s expected that a few apps will be out soon from the WIMM Micro App store but until then you will have to use the microUSB to install apps in WIMM One. You can remotely change settings of the app from WIMM Labs’ website thanks to the WIMM Companion app. It lacks email and Twitter alerts though which is a drawback expected to be resolved soon.

WIMM One and Allerta inPulse sport an SDK and offers access to app store as well. Hopefully, there will be cool updates for each device soon.

Apple Plans for iPad and Macbook Air

Apple is a company that has always hesitated to undergo more research and innovations in the technological sectors especially the computers and tablet industry. One of the latest developments that are circling across the industry includes Apple working keenly in developing an iPad and Macbook Air model hybrid device.

As per sources, it seems to be absolutely clear that the company is actively working on a hybrid of the successful iPad and Macbook Air laptop. It is in line with the fact that Apple feels that their most successful product iPad has all it takes to satisfy the needs of all those users who might have been interested in such a hybrid combination.

                          

Apple has been closely observing the success of Asus Transformer Prime which is an android tablet that arrived with a detachable keyboard.

Apple observed that even though the hybrid combination of the android tablet lacked certain qualities such as the support for laptop functionalities such as Word Processing as well as spread sheet suite that is present outside of the Google Docs, the device still made respectable sales in the international market. This increases the company’s confidence on the potential and demand that may be existing in the market for such a device.

There are rumors surrounding the industry that iPad3 will have the same form factor as that of iPad2. There are often accusations against Apple that they are not living up to the expectations of the users as far as the design point of view is concerned.

Apple feels that users are looking out for a dramatic change in the design of their products and the introduction of the hybrid combination can very well conceal the accusations regarding Apple not doing anything new as well as interesting. And the hybrid combination of iPad and Macbook Air is expected to create waves in the industry.

Rumors are also surrounding about the possible budget ‘iDevices’ in the future with Apple being pretty sure that the customers will not hesitate paying for premium devices if the users are sure that they will be getting a superior product in return. The company still claims that they are always on the lookout for creating great products having a belief that customers will continue to pay more for them.

The company believes that instead of focusing more on the smartphones market, the company believes that the consumer preference will keep on increasing towards the highly capable devices that the company currently produces.

Rage New Edition for Mac Unveiled

Apple Mac operating systems have been dominating Windows operating system in many sectors, all save one – Gaming. Video games are one of the favorite past times of kids, youth and even many adults. Nowadays, video games are mostly developed for video game consoles. That is, Console exclusive video games are released more now. Although Windows doesn’t get many video games compatible with, they still remain much more dominant in the field than Mac Operating system.

One of the coolest new game releases, popular by the name of Rage, had a Windows version which was quite well received. Bethesda Softworks recently announced the launch of Rage for Mac systems, which was a surprise for Mac users. Reportedly the game will be a campaign edition in the Mac version. Bethesda Softworks teams up with Aspyr Media, to launch Rage: Campaign Edition for Mac systems and as per the reports the Mac version game offers support for English, German and French.

Rage is a First person shooter game of the RPG (Role playing game) category. The action RPG game is set in a post apocalyptic Earth, with an impressive storyline, an array of futuristic weapons and vehicles with weapons, which is the coolest thing about the game. Rage was launched in multiple platforms last October, namely for PS3, PC, and Xbox 360. The Mac version Rage: Campaign edition video game will include all the exclusive contents of the original Anarchy edition Rage.

The bonuses and extras in the Mac version Rage are: 

• A shotgun, double barrel
• Elite Armor
• Rat Rod buggy and
• Fists of Rage

The game requires you to go through missions and many activities set in a post apocalyptic Earth. Loot, steal, drive, shoot and fight your way through mutants and bandits and interact with human survivors. For those people who wish to download the Mac version Rage action game, another bonus awaits. Downloaded version of the game will allow the users to access cool missions in the Wasteland Sewers, and offer looting and scavenging opportunities.

Rage is most known for its incredible graphics, brilliant environments and gripping gameplay. Aspyr Media has always seen to it that iD Software’s games, including Rage, is made available to the Mac platform as well. The game owes the graphics to the iD tech 5 Engine and anyone who experiences the game would love the high-graphics open world environments and gameplay as well as the vehicle action with the popular Buggy vehicle. 

Rage: Campaign edition for the Mac can be purchased from the Mac App store, GameAgent.com and from authorized Mac digital retailers for a price of approximately $40 USD.

Apple Releases Security Update for Mac OS X

Competing and dominating Microsoft Windows Operating system is no easy task. But it seemed pretty easy for Apple, as their Mac OS X operating systems are supposedly immaculate in performance; although a few annoying issues are there. But still, the big deal is that Mac OS X operating systems have crossed boundaries and dominated in markets worldwide, even going head to head with Windows and its reputation.

The reason for the success of Apple Mac OS X is significantly because of Apple’s dedication to constantly impress and satisfy Apple users with constant reliable updates for apps and OS, and the technical support they offer. Most Mac OS X operating system users would agree that there are a few issues in the OS, mainly security issues, which should be fixed. Apple apparently answered the call and has released a security update recently.

Supposedly, this security update is going to make major modifications in the OS by optimizing the security and fixing all the issues at the same time. The security fix updates are not just for the Mac OS X but also for certain other products, and hence the update comes in batches. The Mac OS X10.7 Lion operating system security update is the highlight in Apple’s releases as the OS reportedly has a huge number of users worldwide. So obviously, there will be a proportional number of reports mentioning the issues in the OS X Lion as well.

Apple was quick with their response and made it clear that they have analyzed the problem enough to detect a few bugs which can be exploited by users with malicious intent so as to remotely access the personal data of the OS X Lion users whose computers have been infected. Apple, then stated that the new Mac OS X 10.7.3 Lion update will include all the patches necessary to resolve this issue and make your computer secure from unauthorized remote accesses.

Issues in products such as QuickTime will also be fixed if you use the patch. There are vulnerabilities even in a few versions of Apache which haven’t been updated. Hackers can decrypt Secure Sockets Layer encrypted information and access other private data. This has been brought to the public by Kaspersky Labs recently. The security certificates will also be revoked to be trustworthy again by the new Apple update, so that hackers won’t be able to spoof them. 

These are all that has been known about Apple’s security updates. More details will be posted soon. 

DirecTiVo Now Available Nationwide

One of the most memorable electronic devices which appeared before the year 2000 was the popular digital video recorder TiVo, which sported a lot of reliable and never-before-seen features. By making use of a simple interface, users of TiVo were able to record TV shows, even entire seasons of multiple TV shows to the hard drive of TiVo and watch the videos whenever they want to. TiVo even came with parental control protocols after a few years. This multipurpose device sold millions of units worldwide.

TiVo Digital video recorder was actually available only in a few select countries at first. But because of its increasing popularity and great demand, TiVo soon made its way to other countries as well, the most recent being New Zealand in 2009. TiVo was later redesigned to function perfectly, after integrating its DVR functions into set-top boxes of satellite and cable providers. Even TiVo’s remote control got a place in the hearts of its fans, as it had the shape which resembled that of a peanut.

Apparently, now is the time of DirecTiVo or TiVo HD DVR from DirecTV, which appeared after a long time of waiting. Disappointingly, DirecTiVo was available only in certain markets. But new reports confirm the fact that DirecTivo has been made available nationwide.

The satellite TV set and the peanut remote will feature:

• Premiere User interface
• Live streaming iPad apps
• Multiroom support
• 3D

TiVo HD DVR from DirecTV features:

• Automatically record each weekly episodes of TV series’ of your choice using Season Pass Recording
• Automatically record TV series episodes by just giving a keyword, for example the name of the actor, using WishList searches
• Find your favourite shows in HD effortlessly across Television and on DirecTV cinema
• Record up to 400 hours of SD shows and 100 hours of HD programming
• Record two shows at once
• Access about more than 7000 movies and shows of great demands for free

Mac Store Brings Templates for iBooks - Jumsoft Book Palette

Mac OS X Operating system is undoubtedly the only operating system for a computer which is compatible with a huge array of brilliantly designed applications that are user friendly as well as reliable. Although the Windows Operating system also supports a lot of applications, the Mac operating systems are comparatively higher in ranks, when it comes to applications and their functionalities.

For people who are passionate in writing books and publishing them, Apple’s Mac and iOS operating systems offered great support with the recent launch of an application which allows users to create e-books. The app named iBooks gained instant popularity and a big following among Mac users. The iBooks Author application has a lot of users now and Apple apparently knew the app would be well received. It seems Jumsoft, popular application developers for Mac and iOS also sees an opportunity with the success of iBooks.

The fact that Jumsoft released a set of templates just after two weeks of the launch of iBooks Author application by Apple proves the theory. The app called Book Palette which is now out for sale in Mac app store features 10 perfectly functional templates. The templates are pretty cool and will definitely improve the looks of the e-Books created with the iBooks author app as they offer a number of creative options and useful tools.

General Manager of Jumsoft, Algirdas Unguvaitis said that they were quite excited when they heard the news of the launch of Apple’s iBooks author and by the next day, came up with the idea of Book Palette. Algirdas also commented that Jumsoft expects positive feedbacks from iBooks users, and that they would soon start working on expanding the template range.

iBooks users would be able to use the Book Palette templates to create e-Books ranging from normal cookbooks to big time business publications. In addition to the page layouts, the templates will have page covers as well. There will also be a number of different text styles and other options for making the e-Books more vivid and attractive. Book Palette also offers the users, the option to remove, recolor or move the elements in the app.

The Book Palette also matches the Gallery and other widgets that come with the iBooks application and also allows the users to make necessary modifications in them.

System Requirements for Jumsoft Book Palette

·         iBooks Author application

·         Mac OS X 10.7.2 or higher version

·         22 MB space

The Book Palette will be available in the Graphics and Design category of the Mac App store for a price of $3 US dollars approximately.

Nikon L810 Camera with Zoom Capability

It is quite obvious that Nikon, popular camera manufacturing company, have made a few plans for this year. Most likely as the first phase of the plan, Nikon discontinued the production of two of its camera models. It still hasn't been confirmed that Nikon will be coming with replacements for the stopped camera models, or start a whole new line-up of high end cameras. However, Nikon cameras are still a favourite for many and the new digital camera that Nikon just launched would definitely impress more people and increase the company’s fan base.

The new Nikon digital camera, Coolpix L810 reportedly offers improved perfmance compared to its predecessors, which weren’t pretty bad as well. Known features and specifications of Nikon Coolpix L810 include

·         76.3 mm x 111.1mm x 83.1 mm

·         430 gm weight

·         CCD image sensor

·         26x NIKKOR Optical zoom lens

·         SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card support

·         Continuous shooting mode

·         720p HD video recording

·         50 MB internal memory

·         1/1500-1 shutter speed

·         3 inch TFT LCD display

·         Available in Red, Black, bronze and blue colours

·         Lens shift vibration reduction feature

The NIKKOR ED Glass lens in the Coolpix L810 offers 26x Optical zoom capability allowing users to view wide angles. The lens shift vibration reduction feature is one other cool thing about the L810. This feature delivers great precision and quality in the images even if the camera shakes while taking snaps. The steady grip and comfortable handling of the camera are also worth mentioning.

The camera gets the juice from 4 AA batteries, very efficient of course and sports a 3 inch TFT LCD screen. The looks are pretty awesome too, when you also take into account, the various colours the camera comes in. 

Apple Updates Final Cut Pro X Video Tool

Video editing softwares are quite abundant now and this makes it difficult to choose the best video editing software because almost all of the video editing softwares available sport unique features. For Mac devices however, there is no need to think of any other better video editing software, when there is Final Cut Pro X. With blazing performance, dynamic media organization, a brilliant timeline, Final Cut Pro X stands tall among all other video editing applications.

Final Cut Pro X – The best in business

Final Cut Pro X is considered to be one of the best video editing softwares ever made. Its instant popularity and rise in demand also made it clear that there are a large number of Mac users, who are into video editing. Although the current Final Cut Pro X has positive feedback from the many users of the app, Apple still does what they do best with their successful products – develop updates to improve functionalities and satisfy the current users.

This explains why Apple recently unveiled latest updates for the Final Cut Pro X application. The users of the old version of Final Cut Pro X wouldn’t deny the fact that although the application offers impressive performance and a variety of editing options and tools, it still lacks some support for new generation devices. So basically there are issues with the old version when it is used on par with latest technology integrated devices.

Apple’s latest update for Final Cut Pro X

The Cupertino based World’s most successful company; Apple doesn’t even break a sweat to come up with the best update for the already amazing Final Cut Pro X.

Features of the Latest Final Cut Pro X update:

• New editing support
• Beta support for broadcasting monitoring of PCIe Cards and Thunderbolt devices
• Multicam editing
• Improved Chroma key
• New editing tools providing new functionalities
• Compatible with app-exclusive third party add-ons

With this update, broadcast monitoring is possible in Thunderbolt devices. The new Multi cam editing feature can synchronize up to 64 different angles of photos and videos and it does this synchronization automatically. The Chroma key improvement in the Final Cut Pro X update lets the users manage several sophisticated adjustments in the application. There will be better interchangeability with a number of third-party apps and plug-ins with the improved XML.

Video clips from various different cameras can also be synchronized automatically by using audio waveforms, timecodes, date and time and there will be a couple of new editing tools as well which would come in handy when working on multicam projects. You will be able to download the update from the Mac App Store.

New Update for Evernote - Popular Desktop Mac Application

It is pretty obvious that Microsoft Windows have millions of users. Windows’ toughest rival is the Apple Mac operating system. Users of Mac devices is increasing each month and it is because of this popularity and demand that Apple gives all the support to the Mac users and keep them satisfied. Almost all the desktop Mac applications that have ever appeared so far have been very useful and reliable, so says most Mac users.

Evernote – a reliable, user friendly application

One of the most useful and reliable desktop Mac application, which recently became a favorite for many Mac users is the Evernote. Evernote helps you keep track of your everyday schedule. Evernote, reminds you of the things, big and small, that you don’t want to forget each day. Make notes of all the exciting stuff you come across each day, save favorite web pages and contents, share them with friends etc are a few of the cool features of the Evernote application.

Update announced for Evernote

With Evernote becoming more and more popular, it called for an update – something that changes it appearance and adds a few functionalities. Evernote users don’t have to wait for too long because Evernote recently announced the new update for the app.

Known features of the Evernote Update

·               An all new note interface

·               Revamped note panels

·               Gives a cleaner, compact and intuitive experience

·               Note headers can now include dates

·               Simplified checklist creation process

·               Fullscreen mode allows users to view multiple notes

·               Add/remove rows and columns and easily edit the existing tables

It is quite apparent that Evernote’s new update brings a lot of changes which would make things easier for the users. With the announcement of the new update, Evernote also stated that they aimed for clarity and simplification with this update, which sports a new space efficient layout. Sharing options in the new update is simpler than in the older version allowing users to easily share the files and notes with friends, with the big share arrow.

Evernote update makes it more compact with a renewed interface and simplified options. Evernote is already vouched by many for its stylish looks. The update reportedly adds to the looks and style. The coolest feature in the update is that in Mac OS X Lion, Evernote lets the users view multiple notes when opened in Fullscreen mode. The date in which a note is created would also appear in the note’s headers now. Dates of the updates in notes will also be visible in the header. Evernote CEO Phil Libin stated recently that Evernote has a large number of users now and so it can be considered not as just an app but as a platform. 

Camera Equipped iPod Nano Unveiling

The rumors regarding the 7^th generation iPod Nano which is expected to come with a camera seems to be the center of focus again with photos of the device which is still expected to be under development surfaced on the apple site based in Taiwan.

It has been a year since the news is circling around regarding the implementation of a camera in 7^th generation iPod Nano, and with the release of new photos is making the argument strong about the existence of such a product. But it is not sure whether it is a model under development or whether it is a scrapped prototype model.

It seems that the Nano will maintain its much smaller design that it has for the past two years. With the inclusion of a camera, the iPod Nano will be now more than just a mere music player that it was as of now.

There has been an increased skepticism of how camera can be used in such a smaller device. But it is now clear that the metal flap will have a hole cut that makes the camera lens glow with the section.

It has to be noted that this is not the first time that iPod Nano has featured a camera since the last form styled iPod Nano also came with a video camera until whole new form factor was announced in 2010. However nothing is confirmed yet and the news is still in a rumor mode.

It still remains to be seen whether users are willing to make use of a camera that is implemented in such a small device. But with the Apple brand name tagged in the device, it is sure to find interesting users once the device is launched. If we go by the news, a device to enjoy music and take snaps is just few miles away from launching near you.