News about Panasonic:
Panasonic Toughbook 31 series get upgrade
Panasonic knows that their Toughbook 31 series is tough-as-nails, but that does not mean the range does not deserve an upgrade. This fully rugged laptop will be powered by the new Intel Core i5 and i3 processors, not to mention increased RAM, hard drive capacity, and speed as well. Oh yeah, since you will be working in a rather “hellish” condition (otherwise why the need for a Toughbook, no?), why not give you up to 20 hours of battery life as well since you might not be able to find a power outlet wherever you are?
Withings Body Scale now connected to Panasonic Viera TV
Withings, the company that released its wireless Body Scale to the masses, has now expanded the functionality of the device by letting the Withings application being made available for download on Panasonic’s very own VIERA Connect Market. Originally announced over at the Consumer Electronics Show in January this year, your body scale and TV can now “merge” thanks to the partnership between Withings and Panasonic, letting you access your Withings health dashboard on the Panasonic VIERA Connect-enabled VIERA HDTV display with but a touch of a button. Fancy that, transforming your living room into a virtual gym – albeit sans all the gym equipment.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7 compact digital camera
Panasonic has further expanded their Lumix family of compact digital cameras with their latest release, the Lumix DMC-FH7. Of course, compact digital cameras are pretty much on par with one another these days where its specifications are concerned, so how else is Panasonic going to differentiate their product from the others in the market? Well, for starters, the DMC-FH7 will be a 16.1-megapixel shooter that sports intuitive touch-controls.
Chargepad wireless charger from Panasonic: Not what you might think
This is the Chargepad from Panasonic, and it is a wireless charger. We have seen wireless chargers like the Wildcharger and Powermat before, and I’m sure you probably know the drill.
Panasonic announces three more Dual Cameras
Panasonic has decided to expand their digital camcorder range with a trio of new Dual Cameras, and for those who have a penchant for remembering hard-to-decipher model numbers, they are the HX-WA10, the HX-DC10 and the HX-DC1. All three of them will come in an easy-to-hold vertical design, which makes it a snap to capture full HD video as well as photos without having to switch between the two settings since you will benefit from individual video/photo capture buttons.
Navteq to use their maps in select Panasonic Lumix cameras
Navteq is definitely a name that many of you have heard of before if you’re familiar with GPS navigation devices, as the company does offer its fair share of maps that ain’t too shabby to say the least. Well, the world of consumer electronics does seem to move towards another level of convergence with digital cameras, too, entering the GPS fray.
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS10 and ZS8 ready to rock and roll
Panasonic has a couple of digital cameras available up their sleeves for the compact digital camera market, where they will come in the form of the LUMIX DMC-ZS10 and ZS8. First of all, the LUMIX ZS10 will remain as versatile as its predecessor, boasting a 24mm ultra-wide-angle as well as a powerful 16x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens. Apart from that, it also sports full-High Definition 1920 x 1080 video recording capability that captures all those defining moments in your life for all time in High Definition.
Panasonic AG AF100 offers an above average video recording experience
Are you looking to be a budding filmmaker, and have the ambition to be one of the top movie makers when you grow up? Well, if that is the case and the answer is in a definite affirmative category, then you might be interested to know that Panasonic has rolled out its AG AF100 camcorder, making it the industry’s first professional micro 4/3-inch video camcorder that have been specially optimized for high-definition video recording. Of course, the price is not going to be cheap, as it has been listed at $4,995 which puts it out of reach for most of the working class since it is not an essential item, but then again, the AF100 does offer a new level of affordability for HD motion image quality. We will look into the AF100 in greater detail in the extended post.
VUDU is now live on 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray players
Panasonic has fully embraced the world of full HD 3D technology since the beginning of the year, and the Japanese consumer electronics giant will now enable VUDU support for its 2010 line of VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players, which means the couch potato who owns one of these puppies will be able to receive instant streaming of VUDU’s huge high definition movie library, which comprises of over 4,000 Full HD (1080p) movies from November 24th onwards.
Panasonic announces Lumix DMC-GF2
Panasonic has announced the successor to one of the highly sought after Micro Four Thirds shooter to date known as the Lumix DMC-GF1, which is the logically named Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2. This compact mirrorless camera is also Panasonic’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera, where it will feature a built-in flash to boot.
Panasonic’s new digital photo frame has iPod/iPhone dock
Even though I am spending the rest of this week at CTIA Fall 2010 in San Francisco, I am getting the feeling that CEATEC in Japan is where it’s at this week.
Panasonic welcomes you to the Jungle
Panasonic hasn’t been into the home video game market since the 3DO, which was not able to compete with Sega and Nintendo back in its initial release in 1993.
They have chosen to re-enter the video market with the Jungle, this portable video gaming system here. Considering that Nintendo’s 3DS is coming very soon, some might think that Panasonic’s sudden move into the handheld gaming market could be a mistake.
Panasonic Toughbook U1 Ultra is perfectly viewable under sunlight
Are you a real klutz that you have dropped your netbook or notebook for more times than you care to remember? If that is the case, then you might want to check out a more durable device which can withstand such punishment – we’re talking about the Panasonic Toughbook U1 Ultra. What makes Panasonic’s offering so different from the rest? Well, it not only delivers improved sunlight visibility, it also runs off Windows 7 and boasts some pretty decent performance figures for a device in its cass. For its display, the Toughbook U1 Ultra is equipped with a TransflectivePlus display for up to 6000 nit viewability in direct sunlight, while being accompanied by a 64GB solid state drive, 2GB RAM, an Intel Atom Z530 1.6GHz processor and Windows 7 as the operating system of choice. It’s target market? Those who are involved in highly mobile jobs including direct store delivery (DSD), eCitation and vegetation management in markets like supply chain management, public safety and utilities.
Panasonic Hearing instruments have arrived Stateside
Panasonic Hearing instruments have finally made their way to the US, where a trio of digital hearing instruments will debut in this part of the world. They will also come in a new form factor which resembles the style of an MP3 player, and will feature a receiver-in-canal and behind-the-ear models to boot. These were specially designed for the patient while delivering features, convenience and performance requested by hearing care professionals and their patients. Not only that, they shed the tag that hearing instruments are outdated and ugly, since this batch will come in an attractive design, and is comfortable to wear, easy to use and have a unique circuit design for high performance and long battery life.
Panasonic VIERA GT25 expands full HD 3D plasma TV market
So you’ve decided to settle for a plasma TV after thinking long and hard between a LCD, LED and plasma displays to adorn your spanking new home. Right after you have made your decision, another one beckons – will your plasma TV be 3D capable or not? After all, if you’re going to blow good money on a TV, why not go the whole nine yards and get the best? Panasonic might just have the affordable answer for you with the Panasonic VIERA GT25 full HD 3D plasma TV range, where it will come in 42″ and 50″ display sizes. The smaller TC-P42G25 will retail for $1,699.95, while the obviously larger TC-P50GT25 will be slightly more expensive, having been tagged at $2,099.95. Both models will hit the market later this month, so you just have around 2 more weeks to make sure that your bank account is able to accommodate this new purchase without the missus raising a ruckus on the family finances.
Panasonic has new HDC-SDX1 camcorder
Panasonic intends to achieve new records with their spanking new HDC-SDX1 camcorder, which is currently the world’s lightest full-High Definition (HD) camcorder. In order to make sure it picks up that title, it will come with an ultra-compact body that tips the scales at just less than 0.41 lbs. Apart from its stylish and lightweight design, the new Panasonic SDX1 will also sport a 35.8mm wide-angle lens, 23x Intelligent Zoom as well as the ability to double up as a webcam which allows you to use it for Internet video calls. Want to know more about this seeming wonder? Head on to the full post for the nitty gritty.
Handy 3D Camcorder DXG-5D7V Launched by DXG
3D videos are all the rage nowadays, and in the consumer segment, 3D TVs seem to hog all the attention. However, now there is another 3D toy, you can indulge yourself with.
Panasonic HDC-SDT750 camcorder goes 3D
Stereoscopic 3D is a huge issue these days, and many companies have already rolled out full HD 3D-capable TVs at CES earlier this year, where many models have started to penetrate markets worldwide following the January announcement. Well, why wait for your local TV stations to offer 3D channels when you can create and store your own memories in 3D format? Panasonic offers this ability with the HDC-SDT750, which is touted to be the first consumer 3D camcorder in the world. It will be accompanied by a 3D conversion lens which allows you to shoot powerful and true-to-life 3D video content. Of course, just in case you are mulling over the idea of purchasing a 3D-capable TV in the future, you can always buy the Panasonic SDT750 and use it as a regular camcorder at the moment, where it does full 1080p High Definition (HD) in AVCHD without the 3D conversion lens unattached. Expect it to keep you and your audiences happy with a range of powerful features such as a 3MOS system, a Leica Dicomar lens and a 12x optical zoom.
Panasonic announce 3D glasses and ‘all-in-one’ plasma televisions
Today Panasonic made a great push to make 3D more mainstream in Japan, with the release of the RT2B series plasma TVs which can record TV programs onto their built-in hard discs or Blu-ray drives, and are the first ‘all-in-ones’ that can play Blu-ray movies in 3D as well.
The plasmas are Available in 42- and 46-inch versions but they are unlikely to spread to America or Europe (although we are likely to be seeing a spurt of all-in-one televisions once 3D TV starts the jump in popularity … [visit site to read more]
Panasonic adds Blu-ray 3D/HDD all-in-one plasmas; redesigned, rechargeable 3D glasses in Japan
Panasonic Japan’s push to bring 3D to wider audiences means more than just offering it in smaller HDTVs. The RT2B series plasmas announced today can record TV broadcasts onto their hard discs or Blu-ray drives, and are the first all-in-ones that play Blu-ray 3D movies as well. Available in 42- and 46-inch versions, it’s unlikely we’ll see them on this side of the Pacific, but much more likely to make the jump are some new 3D glasses (pictures after the break.) Now available in different sizes for the whole family, they also include sealed batteries rechargeable by USB, as opposed to the current one-size-fits-all design that relies on a replaceable watch battery. Two hours charging via USB should equal 30 hours of watching, and at 38g, Panasonic’s claiming the small kid-sized TY-EW3D2SW active shutter glasses are the lightest around. What hasn’t changed yet is the price — ¥13,000 ($149.) Barring bundle deals, outfitting the family for some festival viewing will still be an expensive proposition when all of these start shipping August 27. Read the rest of this entry »
Panasonic’s new Lumix lineup: LX5, FZ40, FZ100, FX700, and TS10 all official
You ready to get Lumix’d to the max? Panasonic has five new point-and-shooters prepped for this fall, headlined by the well-leaked LX5. That camera aims to keep what was good about the stylish, high-end LX3 while pushing image quality up a notch, with better image processing and a better lens in front of the same 10.1 megapixel CCD resulting in better low light performance. There’s also HD recording in AVCHD Lite at 720p. The FZ40 and FZ100 super zoomers are very similar in their 24x zoom lenses and 14.1 megapixels, but the latter can record 1080p and pull off some high speed burst shooting, while the former is constrained to 720p. The FX700 fulfills the stereotypical role of a “safe” 5x zoom point and shoot, though it scores 1080p recording in addition to the needlessly high-res, looks-good-on-a-Costco-placard 14.1 megapixel stills. Finally, the TS10 brings up the low-end, with a rugged design and that good old 14.1 megapixel resolution. Its 4x zoom and 720p motion JPEG recording make it the oddball of the bunch, but it’s waterproof down to 10 feet, shock and dust proof, and a good bit cheaper to boot. The TS10 will be out in September for $249, while the LX5, FZ40, FZ100, and FX700 will be out in August for $499, $399, $499, and $399, respectively. Press releases are after the break. Read the rest of this entry »
Panasonic Lumix LX5 outed by tech support page, improvements are black and white
Panasonic may be pushing Micro Four Thirds tech these days, but that doesn’t mean it’s forgotten about the pocketable high-end — in fact, full spec sheets and pictures have just leaked from the company’s technical support website, detailing the unannounced latest in the Lumix LX lineup. The 10.1 megapixel DMC-LX5 doesn’t have any revolutionary new features, sadly, but it certainly brings the 2008 LX3 predecessor up to spec in nearly every way, with a longer 3.8x optical zoom lens by Leica, 12800 ISO mixed-pixel sensitivity and a familiar-sounding AVCHD Lite 720p video recording mode. Slightly heavier due to a larger 1250mAh battery, the camera supports SDXC memory cards this time round, has an anti-glare coating on the 3-inch LCD and thankfully replaces those bulky breakout component cables with a mini-HDMI out. There’s also an optional electronic viewfinder and a jog dial on the back, but we don’t want to ruin all your fun digging up these gems; peruse the specs yourself at our source link! Read the rest of this entry »
Sony, TiVo, NCTA and others chime in on CableCARD’s replacement
The FCC has been unsuccessful in spurring competition in the set-top box market since Congress passed a law requiring changes in 1996. The current situation is exactly why we don’t see some of our favorite companies making cable compatible devices — remember when just about every electronics company made a VCR? CableCARD is a failure because, among other reasons, it is expensive to implement and requires the customer give up certain aspects of their service, like video-on-demand and guide data; on top of that it is a cable only solution and some people prefer satellite TV. And so after giving the market all this time to work out a solution, the FCC issued an Notice of Inquiry (NOI) in an attempt to devise a new mandate that would make give you as many options for a DVR as you have for something like a smart phone. An NOI is just one of the first of many steps on the way to new rules, but the comments do give us a great picture of where each party stands.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 reviewed, premium features warrant its premium price
Another entrant has entered the Micro Four Thirds ring, and it’s Panasonic delivering the Lumix DMC-G2 — a new shooter with similar still performance but, this time, some rather nice enhancements, the most major being a three-inch articulating touchscreen. You can control some aspects of the camera with a touch, perhaps most useful being tap-to-focus augmented by the camera keeping focus on whatever you tapped on, even if it moves around. But, a full suite of physical buttons and dials still await your fingers, enabling you to tweak settings without fiddling with menus. The 720p video recording now supports AVCHD, giving your SDHC or SDXC memory card a break, and there’s an input for an optional stereo mic. Ultimately still performance here is said to be identical to Panasonic’s more budget-minded DMC-G10, which clocks in $200 cheaper, but lacks 720p video and the fancy touchscreen. Worth the extra cost? That depends on how deep your pockets are. Read the rest of this entry »
Panasonic introduces KX-PW821 fax machine with a touchscreen and stylus, world may never be the same
We were a little shocked to learn in Panasonic’s latest press release that there are still people out there who rely on faxes. For our younger readers, faxing is a means of transmitting images between two machines that make funny noises over phone lines. Important documents were often transferred via those funny noises because the resulting quality was so low your signature and any other confidential info was made impossible to read on the resulting printout. However, Panasonic’s new KX-PW821 shuns the paper altogether, allowing you to doodle something on the screen and then hit send to have it transmitted. On the receiving end it can save a tree by writing faxes straight to SDHC storage and can store voicemails and full conversations as audio recordings, meaning this package could replace even the tape in your vintage answering machine. No word on whether the tiny kendo student is included, however. Read the rest of this entry »
Cathay Pacific bringing 50Mbps WiFi, live TV and in-flight calling to fleet
Mmm… we like where this is headed. While legacy airlines in America are struggling to outfit their fleets with in-flight WiFi alone, Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways is showing ‘em how it’s done. The airline has just inked a memorandum of understanding with Panasonic Avionics for the “provision of full broadband connectivity on all Cathay Pacific and Dragonair passenger aircraft.” Yeah, you read that correctly — by early 2012, Cathay will make 50Mbps internet service, in-flight GSM cellphone service (voice, SMS and data) as well as live and pay-per-view television available to every last passenger. The finer details are still being hammered out, and we aren’t told whether every single bird in its fleet will be online from Day 1, but we’re still as giddy as ever for this to become a reality. Here’s hoping this pushes those other airlines into getting with the program, and at the very least, it ought to give you plenty of reason to take that Asian vacation you’ve been putting off. Read the rest of this entry »
Panasonic FZ35 and Canon SX20 IS superzoom cameras shoot it out in group test, rise to the top
