Sony updates 'lens camera' lineup with QX30, interchangeable-lens QX1

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/03/sony-lens-cameras/

At last year's IFA in Berlin, Sony announced its first two "lens cameras," a pair of point-and-shoot cams that clip onto your smartphone. You use your phone's display to control the camera, and while you can technically fire off shots using the integrated zoom toggle and shutter release, there's no built-in LCD. Given the limitations, they're not for everyone, but there's apparently been enough interest for Sony to keep the QX line going, with a 30x zoom version and a unique interchangeable-lens model that accepts any E-mount optic now making their debut here in Berlin.

The first model, the QX30, sports a 30x, 24-720mm f/3.5-6.3 optical zoom lens. There's a 20.4-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor, a 12,800 top ISO and 1080/60p video support. You can store shots both on the camera's microSD card and on your smartphone as well -- images and videos can be transferred instantly via WiFi, and you can push pics to the web straight from your phone. The replaceable battery can keep you going for 200 shots or 45 minutes of HD video, and you can charge up the camera via micro-USB. The QX30 ships next month for $350.

Sony's QX1 is by far the most interesting model of the bunch. There's an interchangeable lens mount and a large 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, essentially giving your smartphone DSLR-like image quality. You'll have access to many of the same features as Sony's mirrorless camera lineup, including a 16,000 top ISO, 1080/30p video, advanced shooting modes and support for RAW captures. There's also a pop-up flash and a much beefier battery (the same pack that Sony ships with its mirrorless cams), letting you capture up to 440 stills or 150 minutes of video on a single charge. The QX1 is expected in stores in November for $400.

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Sony

Comments

Read More...

Summary only...

Sony Just Unveiled A New Fitness Tracker That Lets You Answer Phone Calls

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/sony-smartband-talk-2014-9

Just a few months after it launched its first fitness tracker, Sony has unveiled the SmartBand Talk — a smart wristband with a curved e-paper display and a speaker for answering phone calls.

The SmartBand Talk looks almost exactly like the standard SmartBand, but with a small e-paper display on the front.

That means the screen will be easier to read in sunlight than your standard color touchscreen, and it'll draw less power, too. 

The screen is tiny, but it's just enough to read short notifications, check the time, and keep an eye on your fitness goals. As shown in the photo above, the SmartBand Talk displays a circle with the LifeLog logo to show you how close you are to meeting your goal. 

Even though it has a speaker for answering short phone calls and a display, the SmartBand Talk is still waterproof. It'll also run on Sony's Core, a small module that houses the band's sensors and computing components, which means you'll be able to take it out and switch out the bands. 

Like the standard Sony SmartBand, the SmartBand Talk will integrate heavily with Sony's LifeLog app. Sony introduced LifeLog at this year's CES, emphasizing that its goal is to measure much more than just your health statistics. Any photos taken with your smartphone and activities you've done during the day appear in your LifeLog timeline, with the goal being to show you a virtual playback of your day.

Sony hasn't disclosed exactly when it will launch yet, but it should be out before the holiday season. The current price is listed as 159€, which equates to about $208. 

Based on what we've seen, the Sony SmartBand Talk certainly looks attractive and comfortable enough to win over consumers. But it'll be tough to break into a market that's largely dominated by Fitbit and Jawbone. 

SEE ALSO: Jawbone Exec: Here's Why It's Better To Buy A Fitness Tracker Without A Screen

Join the conversation about this story »

Read More...

Summary only...

This Is Sony's First Android Wear Smartwatch — And Fitness Freaks Might Love It

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/sony-smartwatch-3-android-wear-2014-9

Sony's SmartWatch 3, its first smartwatch that will run on Google's Android Wear software, isn't a fitness device per say. But based on what we've heard, it seems like avid runners will love it.

The waterproof watch (€229 or roughly $300) comes loaded with sensors including an accelerometer, compass and gyroscope for tracking your motion.

This is common for most smartwatches, but the built-in GPS is part of what makes Sony's device stand out. An integrated GPS could prove to be particularly useful for runners and joggers looking to track their routes.

Sony also claims the SmartWatch 3's 1.6-inch display will be visible in bright sunlight since it's transflective, making it optimal for outdoor use.

Like Sony's other recently announced wearable devices, the SmartWatch 3 is designed to work with the company's LifeLog platform. LifeLog is an app that tracks your daily activity and presents it in a digital timeline, telling you where you were when you took a particular photo, hit a certain fitness goal, or played a specific game. 

The watch will launch in black and lime this fall, but Sony says that pink and white wristbands will be available soon thereafter.

Sony is one of several tech companies to announce an Android Wear-based watch. Android Wear is Google's version of Android specifically designed for smartwatches and other wearable gadgets. It's meant to provide contextual information at a glance, similar to how Google Now already works on your phone.

Sony's smartwatch maintains a square design that's nearly identical to its previously released smartwatches, while other manufacturers like LG and Motorola are experimenting with round touchscreen displays. It's unclear if Sony's traditional design will be enough to capture consumer interest with so many competing devices entering the market, but the outdoor-friendly display and built-in GPS are nice touches. We'll find out how well Sony's Smartwatch 3 resonates amo! ng consu mers this fall.  

Join the conversation about this story »

Read More...

Summary only...

Toshiba Has A New Chromebook That Looks Sort Of Like A MacBook Air

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/toshiba-chromebook-2-specs-photos-2014-9

Toshiba has taken the wraps off its next-generation Chromebook, which comes with a slimmer design and an option for a full HD 1080p screen.

Toshiba's $249 Chromebook 2 maintains nearly exactly the same build as its predecessor, which debuted in early 2014. Like the company's original Chromebook, the new device features a textured design that makes it feel a bit more rugged and sturdier than many other laptops of its size.

However, the second-gen Chromebook is noticeably thinner with a wedge-shaped base that faintly echoes the MacBook Air. The Chromebook's all-silver body and black keys add to this resemblance.

Chromebooks are much different than your average laptop. They're designed for those who don't use their computers for much other than browsing the Web, and therefore a Chromebook's functionality is severely limited without an internet connection. Google, however, has been doing its part to change this by adding more apps to its Chrome OS store that work offline.

Toshiba has also improved the screen quality of its new Chromebook, offering a new higher-end model with a full HD at 1,920x1,080 pixels. A less expensive version with a 1,366x768-pixel resolution display will be available, too. The company is flaunting the Chromebook 2's built-in Skull Candy speakers as one of its standout features.

Starting at $249, the Toshiba Chromebook 2 is right on par with what your average midrange Chromebook would cost. Acer's standard C720 Chromebook, for example, is priced exactly the same but comes with a smaller 11.6-inch screen. It does come with more storage space than Toshiba's, however, (32GB vs. 16GB), but Google also bundles 100GB worth of free storage space with all Chromebooks. 

The Toshiba Chromebook 2 launches on Oct. 5, and from what we can tell it seems like a solid choice for those seeking a large! r-sized, yet affordable, Chromebook. 

SEE ALSO: Should You Buy A Chromebook?

Join the conversation about this story »

Read More...

Summary only...

Hackers are using Google's antivirus tool to test their attacks

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/02/google-virustotal-used-to-test-hacks/

Google's VirusTotal site can be very handy if you're worried about malware; upload a file and dozens of antivirus tools will check to see if it's malicious. However, it's now clear that this site can hinder as much as it helps. Security research Brandon Dixon has spotted several big hacking teams using VirusTotal to test attacks before launch, including two linked to state-sponsored operations. They effectively treat it like a debugging tool -- if one or more scanners detect a pre-release virus, the developers tweak their code until it slips under the radar. In some cases, they've even put old malware through the site to make it dangerous again.

Some malware groups are smarter than others about hiding their tracks, and Dixon's discovery may get the less clever outfits to mask their activities. However, the revelations could still help Google and security software producers catch abuse of testing services by making it easier to spot suspicious behavior; they could even prevent attacks by tracking the code and building appropriate safeguards. We've reached out to Google to see what it can do. Whatever it's doing, your best defense may simply be to take a cautious attitude. Be wary of files and websites you didn't ask to see, even if your antivirus apps give them the all-clear.

[Image credit: Shutterstock]

Filed under: Internet, Google

Comments

Source: Wired

Read More...

Summary only...