3D IMAX porn is on the way
Posted by Jeff Morgan (08/17/2010 @ 1:36 pm)
We have regular porn. We have streaming porn. We have 3D porn, giant porn, mobile porn, and now, NOW we will have 3D IMAX porn. Yes, folks, gigantic people parts smacking all over each other IN 3D! This is just sad.
The film, based on a classic Chinese erotic text, is being shot in Hong Kong. Director Christopher Sun thinks 3D porn will bring the “wow factor” that porn viewers long for. “Somehow when you’re doing a 3-D movie you always want to make an impressive image because the viewers … are going to buy tickets with double or even triple the ticket price to get into a world they’ve never seen before,” he said. He’s right on one count. I don’t live in a world of giant balls.
For all of you thinking this is a great idea, remember that there is someone sitting next to you. On both sides. Someone you don’t know. Oh, he’s also probably touching himself. I can think of very few things I would rather do less in a theater than watch porn. And just in case you thought maybe this one time the porn industry would try to make a respectable film, consider this: “The sex scenes are explicit and sometimes violent, but the main theme of the story is love,” according to the director. NOthing says good love like violent sex.
Source: Reuters
Microsoft can use gyroscopes and accelerometers too!
Posted by Jeff Morgan (08/04/2010 @ 1:48 pm)
Since the launch of the iPhone, it seems Apple has been the only company we hear about using the cheap little accelerometers and gyroscopes, despite the popularity of those little gizmos in just about every modern cell phone and some other burgeoning technologies. Microsoft, for one, wants in on the game, so the company is making a splash with some very cool photo stabilization tech.
Microsoft developed an image stabilization rig that uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect the little movements you make when taking a picture that turn it into a blurry mess. Software then corrects the image to look as it should have before the shake. From the initial before and after posted on the research website, I’d say this looks pretty good, and the tech is small enough that it could easily be built into most cameras.
Take a look at the full range of images on the research site. Don’t stare at it too hard, though – those overlays will make you sick.
Lots of reviews coming this week
Posted by Jeff Morgan (07/12/2010 @ 2:34 am)
Things have been a little slow over here as I’ve been working on a few other projects and dealing with some big announcement over on Fearless Gamer, our gaming blog. This week we’ll be back in full swing though, and I’m adding a bunch of reviews to the site.
Later in the week you’ll start to see some of the new iPhone 4 accessories. Over the rest of the summer I’ll be getting a few more, but for now I’ve got at least a dock to show off. I’ll also be covering the Booq line of laptop bags (more specifically the Boa S Nerve) and Warpia’s wireless PC-to-TV broadcast system.
I’ve also been starting to dig around Aperture. I had played with the software a bit when it first launched, but without any high quality images, it wasn’t a piece of software I cared to invest in. Now that I have my shiny new camera, I think it’s time I take a more serious look. I’ll be posting my impressions throughout the week as I get to know the ins and outs of photo management (from what I hear, Aperture is the way it should be done).
My new toy!
Posted by Jeff Morgan (07/08/2010 @ 4:10 pm)
Around 1:30 today I got a knock on the door from our friendly UPS man, delivering my newest toy – the Canon Rebel T1i. Yes, the T2i is out, but I got an awesome deal on this thing and since both my girlfriend and I are fairly new to the digital photography scene so this camera should be plenty to get us going.
Shopping for a new camera online can be a harrowing experience. There’s actually too much information available, too many opinions to read. I spent hours and hours digging through forum posts and reviews. Hours reading every conflicting opinion about brand, lens-type, and model. And honestly, none of it was all that helpful.
The thing that was helpful was getting my hands on a bunch of different models and seeing which felt best, which I was able to adjust quickly and comfortably, and out of all that, what fit my budget. I landed on the T1i and I’m sure I’ll be happy.
iPhone 4 camera shots
Posted by Jeff Morgan (06/28/2010 @ 4:03 pm)

The best camera is the one you have with you, and since my new favorite point-and-shoot is built into my phone, I should be all set. When the 3GS came out last year, I was ready to say goodbye to point-and-shoots all together. There were still a lot of situations, though, where the 3GS was terrible (low light, of course). The iPhone changes that with the addition of a flash and another megapixel bump, putting the iPhone camera on par with all but the best in the point-and-shoot category. The fact that the camera is built into the phone is more than enough to discourage me from taking a point-and-shoot anywhere.
Obviously the camera will still shoot best in bright, natural light, like you find in North Carolina when it’s almost 100 degrees. The colors are bright and vibrant, a trait most of the professional photographers I’ve spoken with say Apple borrowed from Nikon’s processing style. It was pretty windy today, so I was surprised to see how focused the pictures of the flowers came out (still a little blurry away from the focal point). Overall, the sensor handles light well, and the camera is fast enough to catch a bit of motion.
In low light the story is still pretty grim. Even with a flash there’s a lot of noise, though that’s typically true of most point-and-shoots. This isn’t meant for high-quality photography, though, and when viewed as most camera phone shots are these days – on Facebook – the iPhone 4 will stand up with the best your friends can offer. That’s thanks to the f2.4 lens, compared with the f2.8 or above offered on most phones. It’s nice to have that extra light and extra width.
On the whole, Apple’s taken a decent camera and turned it into a true point-and-shoot replacement for taking quick shots on the fly. And it is quick. The limited controls are just a tap away, and there are so few (some say it’s good, some say it’s bad) you won’t spend the precious seconds trying to find a setting. You’ll snap the picture, again and again, which is exactly the point of carrying a quick and dirty camera with you wherever you go.
Posted in: Apple, Cameras, News, iPhone
Tags: iphone 4, iphone 4 benchmark, iphone 4 camera, iphone 4 camera shots, iphone 4 camera stills, iphone 4 camera test, iphone 4 test, photography, point-and-shoot

Is Apple waiting on a better camera for the iPad?
Posted by Jeff Morgan (02/24/2010 @ 4:53 pm)
More clues have surfaced that suggest Apple is indeed planning a camera for the iPad. We’ve already seen that there is space in the chassis to host a small camera, now MacRumors says there is software to support video conferencing as well. The latest SDK has accept and decline commands for video chat services.
The specific API threads reveal support for at least testing front-facing cameras, zoom, and an LED flash (as in a camera, not the software). 9to5 Mac also uncovered the following buttons for video chat.

The size of the actual image suggests a screen the width of the iPad’s, so it may not be for the iPhone as well. It could also simply be for internal testing, but my guess is that, as with the iPhone, the later generations of the iPad will be where the magic is at. If anything, I’d bet Apple is waiting on a better video camera to put into the iPad.
Posted in: Apple, Cameras, News
Tags: ipad, ipad camera, ipad flash, ipad video conferencing, islate, itablet, tablet, tablet computer, tablet pc

Best of Black Friday
Posted by Jeff Morgan (11/26/2009 @ 10:06 pm)
I’ve never been the type to get up ass-early the day after Thanksgiving, but there are some undeniably great deals out there that could make be worth it were I ever not sleeping off my vitamin T. I’ve scoured all the ads this year to find my personal favorite deals in the hope that it will help some of you last minute planners.
Amazon’s got the Blackberry Bold 9700 (Bold 2 for those of you keeping track) for $149.99 on new contracts, but you can do better. Wirefly has the same phone on AT&T for FREE with new activations and just $29.99 for existing customers. It’s a perfect deal for your favorite Blackberry fan (and probably yourself if you’re so inclined).
According to blackfriday.info’s many, many ad leaks, Office Depot has a Seagate 1.5TB external drive for $99.99. There are cheaper deals for smaller drives out there but, dollar for dollar, this will get you one of the best storage deals available. As someone who recently had to restore a machine from a backup drive, I’d highly recommend this option. It’s also great if you know someone working with large amounts of audio and video.
Dell’s working a little Black Friday love this year, my favorite being the 23″ Full HD (I’m assuming that means 1080p) widescreen monitor w/webcam for $219. Gamers would love this thing, whether it’s for a PC or, if they’re really desperate, that brand new Xbox 360 bundle they picked up. At 23″ it’s plenty big enough for extended MW2 sessions, especially in a dorm room.
If you’re in the market for a new computer, check out the Acer Aspire One at Office Max. It’s 10.1″ with 1GB of RAM, a 160GB HD, and Windows XP – all for $149.99. That’s about as cheap as you’ll get for a ten-incher, which is as small as I can go before my hands cramp up.
Black Friday just wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Best Buy. The house of blue and yellow has the Nikon D3000DX bundle for $499.99. It’s a 10.2 Megapixel DSLR with a 10-55mm VR lens just a penny under the $500 mark. It’s 10% off list for most retailers, and as low as anyone wants to go for a DSLR this season.
There you have my favorites. There are plenty of sites where you can find the rest of the deals if you don’t get the paper. I’d recommend checking out www.blackfriday.info. Now, go get some rest. You’ll need it for the maddening crowd.
Posted in: Cameras, Computers, Guides, Mobile, Tips
Tags: black friday, black friday deals, headlines, holiday deals, holiday gift guide, holiday gifts, holiday shopping, thanksgiving deals

Gadget Teaser’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide: Part 1
Posted by Jeff Morgan (11/21/2009 @ 6:07 pm)
Flip MinoHD
Pure Digital was kind enough to send me a MinoHD as part of its custom screen-printed series this year and I love it. For such a small camcorder it takes fantastic, 720p video and the thing couldn’t be easier to use. Flip also introduced customizable skins to the mix this year, so you can gift a Flip with the image of your choice, or use their design/pattern generators to make this a little extra special.
You can get the MinoHD in either 60min (4GB) or 120min (8GB) storage sizes for $199.99 or $229.99 respectively. Customization does not cost extra, so get something funky unless you want that classic industrial design.
Also Consider: Flip UltraHD
Joby GorillaMobile
What’s a camcorder without a good tripod? No good at all, that’s what. Part of the problem with handheld camcorders is a lack of grippable parts for stability. Joby’s GorillaMobile can be bent around just about anything, including your wrist if you want to rig up a little wristmount system. Really, though, I like the GorillaMobile because it’s so small and versatile. It’s perfect for throwing in a bag to use at casual family functions and parties, keeping the 720p video on your new Flip nice and steady.
If you want something a little more substantial you could also consider the larger GorillaPod. Joby also makes a GorillaMobile specifically for the iPhone 3G/3GS and the GorillaTorch, a light sporting the same bendable legs. Check their official site for prices on each.
Also Consider: Vanguard VS41
Mophie Juice Pack Air
I tend to change my mind on iPhone cases all the time, but I always come back to the Mophie Juice Pack Air when I’m low on power. It minimally augments the size of the phone while providing an extra 60-80% battery life on the go. There are more powerful options out there, but they tend to be a little too bulky for my taste. Mophie’s Juice Pack, on the other hand, is a close fit without too many frills.
Mophie recently updated the line to include a soft-finish variety with the same power rating. It’s a nice addition, especially if you live in a humid climate like I do. You can get the Juice Pack Air in white, black, purple, or red for $79.95 from Mophie’s website.
Also Consider: Incase Power Slider 3G
Boa Nerve S/L
I tried to make a conscious effort to recommend a bag other than the Boa Nerve from Booq but I just couldn’t do it. I’m in love with this messenger and I’m sure you know someone who would be, too. The Nerve comes in small and large sizes to accommodate different sized laptops. There’s a removable laptop sleeve, which is perfect for a quick trip to the coffee shop, and plenty of pockets should you be headed for a full day of work. One of the best features is the stability strap, which pulls bag snug against your back if you have to run for a train or take the fixed-gear for a spin.
Booq was having trouble keeping these in stock, but they’re available now and ship within 24 hours. You can get the Boa Nerve for $129.95 at the Booq website.
Also Consider: Timbuk2 Commute Slim
Barnes & Noble Nook
I hesitate to recommend this because I’m generally averse to ereaders. There are those among you who like these things, and you all probably know someone who wants one, so I’ll go against my best instincts for the sake of your friends. The Nook is best of the ereaders I’ve seen. Since no one, not even the major sites, have had a chance to review these it’s tough to say how that little color screen will pan out, but it seems like a decent idea. You also get the ability to lend your ebooks to your friends and share your own media between your computer and your iPhone.
One BIG caveat for this one: The Nook is completely sold out for shipments arriving during 2009. The next flight will land January 4th, so you could always give the gift of the late present, which can be pretty cool. Barnes & Noble wants $259 for this one.
Also Consider: Amazon Kindle
AeroPress Coffee/Espresso Maker
Now that your loved ones will be spending all their hard-earned money on ebooks, they’ll need an inexpensive way to stay perky for those long reading sessions. The Aerobie AeroPress should be in every coffee lovers’ home, at least if they’re on a budget. It brews a decent cup of espresso and great Americano if you add a little water. Get a cheap frother and you can make your drink of choice in under two minutes and far cheaper than you’ll find at any cafe.
The press comes with a year’s supply of filters and everything you’ll need to make your perfect cuppa. The best part is the price, a mere $25.95 with free shipping from Amazon.
Also Consider: MyPressi TWIST
More good stuff to come in the Gadget Teaser 2009 Holiday Gift Guide tomorrow.
Posted in: Cameras, Computers, Guides, Mobile
Tags: 2009 holiday gift guide, aeropress, boa nerve, booq bag, chanukah gifts, christmas gifts, coffee maker, coffee pot, coffee press, digital camcorder, flip mino hd, flip video, gift ideas, gorillamobile, gorillapod, headlines, holiday gift guide, holiday gifts, joby, juice pack air, mophie juice pack

Photoshop on the iPhone? Not exactly
Posted by Jeff Morgan (10/10/2009 @ 4:41 pm)
If you’ve been waiting for Adobe to put Photoshop on the iPhone, your wait is over. It’s about what you’d expect (and certainly all you need) from an editing application on your cell phone, though calling it “Photoshop” is a bit misleading. The app is free, though, which was a nice surprise.
The interface is probably the best part of the app. It’s simple slider controls for most effects, which include standard adjustments for saturation, exposure, tint, and all that. You can also crop and use filters, which makes it pretty easy to put together a decent looking picture for a quick Facebook upload. Oh, did I mention the app is free?
The app includes integration with Adobe’s online system and allows you to upload photos or just save the changes right on your phone. As I may have mentioned, the app is free.
Posted in: Apps, Cameras, iPhone
Tags: best camera app, blur, chase jarvis, contrast, image editing software, iphone photoshop, photoshop, photoshop mobile, photoshop.com, saturation, tint

Walkman Outsells iPod In Japan
Posted by Jeff Morgan (09/03/2009 @ 10:13 pm)
According to a Bloomberg report, Sony’s Walkman outsold the iPod in Japan last week for the first time in four years. It’s likely no small coincidence that Apple’s media event, the one at which they’re rumored to unveil a new line of iPod Touch and iPod Nano models with cameras, is just a week away.
One analyst thinks the shift came from consumers looking for less expensive devices. I’m calling bull on that one. It looks to me more like market forces aligned to give Sony the .9 percent jump over Apple in the week ending August 30th. Sony had recently released the W series Walkman, which got some good reviews, and again, Apple is almost certainly launching a new line.
I don’t mean to sound so vehemently fanboyish, but let’s be realistic. Sony has done anything big enough to really take back the market. Sure, the W series is one of the best looking devices they’ve designed, but you don’t just win back market share with a pretty device because it costs marginally less than the dominant competitor. I hope that analyst isn’t getting paid much, if at all.
Posted in: Apple, Audio, Cameras, Music, News
Tags: apple rock and roll event, ipod camera, ipod nano camera, ipod touch camera, ipod vs walkman, new ipod, new walkman, sony, sony vs apple, sony w series, w series walkman, w walkman

iPhone Has Become The Most Popular Camera On Flickr
Posted by Jeff Morgan (08/17/2009 @ 7:53 pm)
The iPhone’s camera may not be perfect, but it’s quickly become the most popular camera on Flickr.
I made a post a while back sharing my impressions from the iPhone 3GS’s improved camera, and I was pretty impressed. For a camera phone, it takes some great shots, and really, that’s all I need. Some great shots. Here and there. Add to it the fact that I always have the camera with me and you’ll find me a very happy consumer.
It seems that’s the case with a whole lot of other people too, and they’re all sharing their pictures via Flickr. To be certain, the iPhone isn’t good enough to replace a DSLR or even a good point-and-shoot. It is good enough, though, for just capturing the moment, quickly and easily, and with some decent results.
Posted in: Apple, Cameras, iPhone
Tags: 3gs camera, 3gs camera any good, 3gs camera impressions, 3gs pics, 3gs pictures, 3gs shots, iphone 3gs camera, iphone camera, iphone flickr, iphone most popular flickr camera, iphone pics, iphone pictures

Sony Posts $388 Million Dollar Loss
Posted by Jeff Morgan (07/30/2009 @ 7:55 pm)
When Howard Stringer took over at Sony four years ago, they charged him with a hefty task: revitalize the company and resuscitate the brand. He’s been struggling to do so ever since.
Today the New York Times reported the number Sony has put to Stringer’s troubles: $388 million. In the red.
Now it’s no secret that Sony has been struggling. They’re getting pmeled in the video game market and soundly beaten with just about every other product they meant to sell competitively. Sony’s bright light is that they’re a world class company and they’ve made their name on innovative products. They can come back from what’s really a mild slump in their massive sales.
Thing is, they need to turn things around yesterday. I can’t say if that means getting rid of Stringer but Sony needs to take advantage of the fact that everyone is struggling and use their massive resources to turn the brand around.
Pimp Your Dorm Room: Everything Else Edition
Posted by Jeff Morgan (07/25/2009 @ 3:09 pm)
So far I’ve taken you through the paces for creating a great work area and a kick-ass entertainment center. Today is the final installment of Pimp Your Dorm Room, the one where I cover all the extra devices that don’t necessarily have a specific home in your room but will make your college life that much more enjoyable. This is Pimp Your Dorm Room: Everything Else Edition.
Phone
You probably knew I would start out here, and for good reason. Your phone will likely always be on you, and it needs to keep up with your newly active lifestyle. You’ll have more work than ever, probably more fun than ever, and it’s one of the rare times in your life that you’ll be meeting hundreds and thousands of people your own age. Having a phone that can help manage your hectic lifestyle will save you loads of time and plenty of headaches.
As you also might have expected, I’m going to recommend the iPhone. The new 3GS is simply the best phone on the market for handling college’s educational and social demands. Right out of the box you’ll have an intuitive contact management system, full email functionality, a calendar that can sync up with your Google account, a way to record quick voice memos, and an iPod. You’ll also have access to Google Maps, which will be hugely helpful for learning your new hometown. None of these things are really different from other smartphones, but for undergraduate use, they are some of the easiest to use.
What makes the iPhone a great pick over other phones is the App Store. The iPhone dev community is still the fastest growing in the world, and the App Store is constantly adding new distractions. Whether you need educational tools or Facebook, games for some downtime or access to services like Yelp!, the iPhone has the best selection for applications to choose from.
Did I mention you also get a camera with video capability? Remember, the best camera is the one you always have with you. When it’s built into your phone, how could you not? The iPhone 3GS takes great pictures with the new autofocus/auto exposure and you can edit and upload video to YouTube on the fly. You’ll truly appreciate capturing video on your phone when you get footage of your friends launching various fruits across the quad from a balloon launcher or filling the campuses main arch to the top with snow. I’m not saying I’ve done these things, just positing that it may indeed be fun.
Camera
As much as I stress getting an iPhone, you’ll probably still want a camera for serious picture taking. The iPhone has no flash, and frankly, a lot of you won’t end up with an iPhone. Get yourself something slim and portable, something you won’t forget when you’re road tripping to visit friends or just making trouble on campus.
For average day to day shooting, get yourself a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The camera is small and well-built with enough features to take great pictures. It’s a 10-megapixel compact with decent lens capable of taking 640×480 video at 30fps. The ZS1 starts quickly, so you’re taking pictures just 2.5 seconds after firing it up. Average shot-to-shot time is also excellent for the class, meaning you won’t miss the moment you want to capture most. J&R has the ZS1 for just under $270.
Fridge
Ah, the staple of any dorm room. You will want a minifridge. Whether it’s beverages you need to chill or pizza you’ve pilfered from the cafeteria to get you through a late night study session, something has to preserve your perishables, and it won’t be the smell coming from your hamper.
Check out the Deluxe Mini Fridge-Warmer from ThinkGeek. It can both cool and warm, which is adjustable via digital thermostat, from 44 degrees to 140 degrees. Perfect for the pizza/beverage-of-choice crowd, no? The fridge has a see-through door so you know when it’s time to restock and there’s an On/Off switch for easy defrosting during breaks. Best of all, the fridge comes in under $100.
Alarm Clock
Several of the gadgets I’ve listed in our Pimp Your Dorm Room guides could technically double as alarm clocks, but sometimes those devices just can’t get the job done. There are few worse feelings than staying up late to study or finish a paper, only to wake up well after that class is over. Avoid the scrambling, the sprinting across campus, the nauseating amount of ass-kissing to make up for your blunder, and get yourself a decent alarm clock.
I recommend the Sonic Boom Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker, again, from ThinkGeek. This puppy cranks out 113-decibel alarms, which even the dead can’t sleep through. If for some reason you don’t waken with bleeding ears, the accompanying bed shaker is bound to rouse you. Slip the little piece under your mattress and just when your alarm shocks you out of that restful slumber, your bed will nearly dump you as well. You can pretty much forget about hitting the snooze button. Why would you want to do that to yourself twice in one morning? The Sonic Boom will run you a pair of Jacksons.
That does it for our this edition of Pimp Your Dorm Room and the Pimp Your Dorm Room guide series. Be sure to check out how to Pimp Your Desk and Pimp Your Entertainment if you missed those. To all of you budding college freshmen, I wish you good luck. The next four years (five or more for some of you) will be some of the best of your life. Enjoy them, and if you’ve taken anything from these guides, enjoy them in style.
Posted in: Cameras, Guides, Mobile, iPhone
Tags: back to school, back to school deals, back to school gadgets, back to school gear, best college gear, best dorm room setup, best minifridge, college fridge, college phone, college swag, college tv, dorm tv, dorm video games, gaming in college, must have college gadgets, pimp your dorm room, undergraduate gadgets

Fuji Set to Bring 3D Stills to the Masses
Posted by Jeff Morgan (07/13/2009 @ 11:17 pm)
In years gone by, Fujifilm was the name in digital photography. They pioneered the first digital still camera in 1988 and held almost 30% market share. That was then, and unfortunately for Fuji, now is a time in which they hold less than 7% of the market and face stiff competition from companies like Nikon and Olympus.
Fuji is releasing a new camera with hopes of getting their mojo back. Called the FinePix Real 3D System, their new camera is (omg!) a 3D still camera, the first of its kind for a consumer market. The camera works by employing two lenses that sit approximately the width of a pair of human eyes apart. The result is binocular vision that recreates depth perception in the same way your brain does. The only problem is that the left and right images have to be directed to your left and right eye for the effect to work.
That’s part of Fuji’s strategy for the Real 3D. As the first 3D consumer camera, they’re the first with a real need for 3D media that doesn’t involve a pair of red and blue glasses. For starters, they’re looking at a 3D picture frame, which would direct each image at the viewer’s appropriate eye, and 3D film, which functions as a lens overlay for a photo print, achieving the desired effect.
I went to an art exhibit last year where a physical media photographer was showcasing photos he had take by sort of hacking this method. He shot the images and then put them into one of those viewfinders you see at Niagra Falls and other popular tourist destinations. The pictures were incredible, especially the dead bird splayed out on the pavement.
Success of this kind of product really depends on the success of the media, though. If the frame and the film are overpriced, it doesn’t matter how cool the pictures are. No one will be able to appreciate them. Fuji seems to be aware of this and plans to price at least the film under the $5 mark. The camera will run you a cool $600.
Energizer Adds DSLR/Camcorder USB Charger
Posted by Jeff Morgan (07/01/2009 @ 10:12 am)
Energizer’s Energi To Go line has some pretty sweet stuff, including a solar battery charger for just $50. They’re adding another device to the line later this year that’s turning some heads – the DSLR/camcorder battery USB charging clip. I really hope they have a better name.
This nifty little toy looks great. Two prongs hang from the top of what is essentially a chip clip with a usb stick attached. The prongs line up with the contacts on most DSLR/camcorder batteries, giving you an ultra portable way to charge on the go.
The only setback is that the clip may require one of Energizer’s USB-equipped battery packs, but even so, it’s USB, and that’s awesome. Now if we could just get universal charging adapters for our cell phones.
Energizer has yet to release pricing and availability for the clip, but I’d guess it’ll fall somewhere around $20. Watch for it in Q3 this year.
Source: Gearlog
Posted in: Cameras, Video
Tags: camcorder battery charger, canon rebel battery charger, d40 battery charger, dslr battery charger, energi to go, energizer, extra cell phone charger, solar battery pack, solar cell, solar cell phone charger, spare dslr battery

iPhone 3GS Pics Are Enough To Shock And Awe
Posted by Jeff Morgan (06/23/2009 @ 2:41 pm)
One of the most lauded features of the 3GS is the new and improved camera, which saw a 50% megapixel bump (2 up to 3). The magic isn’t in the megapixels, though, it’s the autofocus/auto exposure functions at the tip of your finger.
I took all of the photos you see in the gallery at a cemetery near my apartment (I realize that sounds a little odd, but it’s a historic site) or just down the street, and I was shocked at the quality. It’s not just that the photos focused well on the objects I chose, but that the camera could also automatically adjust for exposure and white balance, turning typically mediocre photos into some decent shots.
The best feature of the whole thing is that it’s built into the phone. Sure you can take better pictures, but carrying a point-and-shoot everywhere isn’t appealing for most people. I always have my phone, though, so I’ll be able to take great shots whenever the mood strikes. Having those shots on the iPhone also means I’ll be able to share them with remarkable ease. Emailing is fast and simple, and MMS should make things even better.
My only wish now? A Picasa app, developed by Google. As it stands I can view my albums online, but there’s no uploading unless you use something like AirMe or Shozu, both of which are more complicated than they need to be. Neither of apps make clear when your photo is uploaded, and AirMe just drops the photos you upload into an album titled AirMe. I’ll do some more serious digging for this later.
With improvements like Apple has made with the 3GS, I won’t be buying a pocket camera any time soon. The iPhone now fills the point-and-shoot gap in my life. If I want something to take truly great photos, you’ll see my with a DSLR.
Enjoy the gallery. The photos have not been edited in any way, save orientation for the two portrait shots.
Posted in: Apple, Cameras, iPhone
Tags: 3gs camera, 3gs camera any good, 3gs camera impressions, 3gs pics, 3gs pictures, 3gs shots, iphone 3gs camera, iphone camera, iphone pics, iphone pictures

Pure Digital Thinks iPhone Users Will Still Use Their Flip
Posted by Jeff Morgan (06/17/2009 @ 10:31 am)
Just a few days before the iPhone 3GS hits consumers, Pure Digital Technologies, who makes the Flip series of digital camcorders has updated their software for improved sharing support. The Flip has been the camcorder of choice for many, especially for YouTube enthusiasts.
The new Flip software adds the ability for users to create channels with individual security settings, allowing them to share their videos privately, instead of relying on YouTube and other social networking sites to do so. Private sharing does not support HD playback, but for many that’s not the draw of the Flip. It’s ease of use they’re after.
Pure Digital has also announced an app for the iPhone that will allow iPhone owners to view the privately shared videos right on the phone. It’s an interesting move from Pure Digital, particularly with the video recording and editing features available on the new iPhone. Add to that the App Store approval process, which the Flip app will have to pass before making it to consumers, and it sounds like Pure Digital is pretty worried about their market share.
Their concern is probably reasonable, though the Flip line still offers enough benefits to keep them in people’s hands. For now, at least.
Posted in: Cameras, Video, iPhone
Tags: flip, flip camcorder, flip camera, flip hd, flip video editing, flipshare software, hd camcorder, iphone 3gs, iphone video, iphone video editing

Charging Gadgets Is A Walk In The Park
Posted by Jeff Morgan (06/04/2009 @ 3:13 pm)
You’re going green, trying to reduce your energy footprint, but that damn iPhone of yours keeps dying. Tremont Electric has your solution.
Called the nPower PEG (Personal Energy Generator), Tremont’s newest device harnesses kinetic energy to generate electricity and power your devices. According to the company, the PEG is capable of charging an average device up to 80% capacity in just an hour of average movement, like walking. Because the PEG comes equipped with a USB 2.0 jack, it’s compatible with just about every device on the market.
I’ve seen this type of thing before, usually in the style of a belt worn around your hips for maximum shaking on impact. The PEG, though, doesn’t need to be worn. Trow it in a backpack, a purse, even just across your passenger’s seat. Virtually any movement will start to generate the juice you need to keep your gadgets at max capacity.
According to Tremont Electric, “If our entire target market used the PEG to recharge their cell phones for an hour each day, instead of plugging into a wall outlet, they would reduce the amount of electricity needed from the grid by 25.4 million kilowatts. That’s enough energy to power 21,000 households for an entire year.” Pretty huge change for a small device.
The nPower PEG is just 9 inches tall with a 1.5 inch diameter and weighs 9 ounces. A release date remains to be announced, but you can sign up and be one of the first to get preorder information.
Posted in: Cameras, GPS, Mobile, iPhone
Tags: greennpower, iphone battery life, iphone charger, kinetic energy, kinetic energy charger, mobile usb charger, npower peg, power peg, tremont electric, usb charger

Super Camera Nabs 6M Frames/Second!
Posted by Jeff Morgan (05/01/2009 @ 2:00 pm)
Wouldn’t you love to have a camera with a .0000000005 second shutter speed? You could shoot anything in the lowest light imaginable. That’s exactly the speed of the STEAM camera, a new super camera in use by scientists reporting in the journal Nature.
How does it work? You guessed it, LASERS!!! (Seriously, what can’t lasers do.) The Serial Time-Encoded Amplified iMaging (you see the STEAM, yes?) essentially detects the reflections of lazorz micropulses that are less than a millionth of a millionth of a second long. By reading the 2-D rainbow these reflections project, a detection device can then create an image. The best part of the camera, though, is that the ’shutter’ can fire continuously, allowing researchers to capture events that are apparently random, or at least so freakishly rare you couldn’t plan for them. One possible application? Watching neurons fire. Awesome.
Source: BBC
Bouncing Around the Web
Posted by Gary Fairchild (04/14/2009 @ 4:00 pm)
In case you missed it, here’s what’s Bouncing Around the Web:
Nikon has released what seems to be a wonderful new DSLR. It combines a 12.3 megapixel still camera with a video camera that shoots 720p video at 24fps. The best part? It starts at $730. From a high level, it looks like the D5000 is a consumer’s D90 at a more affordable price point. Well done Nikon… well done.
Via Wired
Who doesn’t love a good rumor? Or better yet, a good Apple rumor? Or better still, a new iPhone rumor? Or best of all, a new iPhone rumor backed by actual data? Yes, the new iPhone’s features may have been leaked with the release of the iPhone OS 3.0. In the OS, developers have found several interesting things like: a video recorder, auto-focus, an iPhone locator, voice control and more. Yum!
Via Wired
Nintendo has announced the release date for their new Wii MotionPlus accessory. If you haven’t heard yet, MotionPlus is supposed to give a more true 1-to-1 experience on the Wii. Things like swinging a golf club or handling a sword will act more like the real thing than ever before. It’s a pretty cool concept and I expect the final product to be solid. So look to pick one up for $19.99 on June 8 or bundled with Wii Sports Resort for $49.99 a few weeks later.
Via IGN
Posted in: Apple, Cameras, Gaming, Mobile, News, Websites, iPhone
Tags: apple iphone 3.0, d5000, iphone 3.0, iPhone rumors, MotionPlus, Nikon d5000, Nikon DSLR, Nintendo Wii, Wii, Wii MotionPlus, Wii Remote, Wiimote

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