Tag Archives: Gadgets

New HD video DSLR – Nikon D3100 {Electronics}

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Nikon have announced a new entry level DLSR with HD video recording capability. The camera features a guide mode that helps users capture images just as they intended.

D3100 with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

D3100 with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

Ok, so DLSR cameras have been able to record video for a while now and are more and more often being used on professional indie productions. The Nikon D3100 has something up its sleeve. The AF-F mode allows autofocusing during while recording video without the need to keep refocusing manually. Capturing images at 14 megapixels and video at 1,920 x 1,080; 24fps and 1,280 x 720; 30fps, it also has a built in microphone.

For the moment there are more specs on the Nikon D3100 here but no word on a price or release for the UK market.

Blackberry Torch and OS 6 {Gadgets}

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Possibly one of the most humourous things in life is watching a friend repeatedly jab an ordinary phone screen with a perplexed look on their face. This simple joy has now been stolen from me as Blackberry have announced their first phone which has both a touchscreen and a keyboard.

Blackberry Torch

Named the BlackBerry Torch, it will come with Blackberry 6 Operating System which was previewed earlier this year. Add to that a 5mp camera, web-kit browser and a track pad incase you can’t get used to the idea not having one (like a vesigial organ of mobile phone evolution).

Blackberry have also announced that Blackberry 6 OS will be will be available in the months ahead (depending  on carrier) on some of their range, including the Pearl 3G 9100, Bold 9650 and Bold 9700.

Thinner Lighter Cheaper Kindle {Electronics}

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The next generation Kindle is available to pre-order on Amazon.co.uk. Oooh look at it, it’s thinner, lighter, cheaper, less glaring and generally better than the last one. And it comes in one non-patronising colour…graphite. I love the photo’s they’ve taken of it, posing with a pencil, some fruit and a woman.

There’s two versions available, the £109 version with wi-fi connectivity or the £149 version. with free 3G wireless.

Here are the stats:

  • All-New, High-Contrast E-Ink Screen
  • Read in Bright Sunlight – No glare
  • New and Improved Fonts – New crisper, darker fonts
  • New Sleek Design – 21% smaller body while keeping the same 6″ size reading area
  • 17% Lighter – Only 241 grams, weighs less than a paperback
  • Battery Life of One Month – A single charge lasts up to one month with wireless off
  • Double the Storage – Up to 3,500 books
  • Built-In Wi-Fi – Connect at home or on the road
  • Books in 60 Seconds – Download books anytime, anywhere
  • 20% Faster Page Turns – Seamless reading
  • Enhanced PDF Reader – With dictionary lookup, notes, and highlights
  • New WebKit-Based Browser – Browse the web over Wi-Fi (experimental)

The 3G version also has:

  • Free 3G Wireless – No monthly payments, no annual contracts

The e-book readers are available for pre-order for release on the 27th August. Pre-order a wi-fi Kindle (£109) or 3G Kindle (£149) for my your early Christmas present.

Blackbox C18 Hits UK and Cancels Noise {Tech}

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London – Blackbox, announced its arrival in the UK with the launch of its Blackbox C18 earphones, the first available product from its range. Designed for commuters, travellers, music and fitness fans, and retailing at £69.99 (RRP), the C18 also provides over 50-hours of battery life, with airline adapters, luxury carry pouch and lanyard. Also available from the range is the ipod and iphone specific i10

Active Noise Rejection (ANR) technology, provided by Phitek Systems, a global leader in electro-acoustic technologies and active noise-cancellation, is a unique patented technology that virtually eliminates disturbing background noise. It works by intelligently measuring the noise field in the ear, before calculating and reintroducing an ‘anti-noise’ response, resulting in near silence by continuously adapting to the prevailing noise conditions.

Prior to its launch in the UK, the Blackbox brand has seen great success in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

One of my favourite games to play with noise-cancelling earphones is to put them in your ears, don’t hit the play button on your mp3 player, get a packet of crisps, put a crisp in your mouth and CCcrrrrUUnch!! Try it, it’s great fun.

The Blackbox C18 earphones are available to order now from Amazon.com and Play.com