Wize Blog

Sony PMW-EX1 Camcorder Gets Reviewed

Many out there on this Halloween night have camcorders on the lookout for people doing the “Thriller” dance, the latest rage this year. Some are filming the holiday with tapeless high definition video.

Just demonstrated in the United States last month, The PMW-EX1 records and stores content to ExpressCard high-speed flash media.

It’s a camcorder worth looking at.

This camcorder is one more added to Sony’s line of high-definition tapeless XDCAM EX devices.
“The XDCAM EX series – with its full HD picture quality and system flexibility – is a powerful tool for boosting quality and efficiency in an array of HD production applications,” said Bob Ott, vice president of optical and network systems for Sony Electronics in an article by Troy Dreier at webvideouniverse.com. “It’s also compatible with a broad range of non-linear editing systems."

The camcorder uses 1/2-inch Exmor CMOS sensors for superior video quality. “This large 1/2-inch type image sensor can capture images with a shallower depth of field than other hand held camcorders’ smaller-size image sensors, allowing for more creative freedom of expression,” Ott added.

Where's the Gphone?

RING, it’s gphone here. How about a cell phone with advanced services tailored for all of Google’s products—gmail, search engine and mobile Web browser?

Google is courting several companies to carry their the ubicutious brand according to an article in today’s Wall Street Journal.

To be sure, there’s some sort of gphone in the works for the company whose stock price has soared to a whooping $700 dollars a share since its $100 IPO over 3 years ago.

No one’s commenting at the company about when or what kind of gphone will come about.

One things’ for sure, though—the company hopes to make millions in the very personal ads that can be initiated in the cell phone market.

One things’ not for sure at this point…Will Google use other phone carriers to carry its wares or will it go into the phone business?

So far, they’ve done well with a location search service that can be used by dialing 1- 800-GOOG-411 from any phone. All you have to do is state your location and the name of the business you want and Google will connect you for free.

Canon Powershot S5 IS

Canon PowerShot S3 IS, a 6 megapixel point-and-shoot with an SLR design has been updated. The new camera—a Canon S5 IS—is a bit heavier, has a hot-shoe for adding an external flash unit and, best of all, is 8 megapixels. The camera was reviewed yesterday by Theano Nikitas who says, “The Canon S5 IS is one of the better megazooms on the market, but image quality issues may take it down a notch.”

And, I might add, another drawback is that the camera doesn’t shoot in Raw format.

Here’s some specs:
Resolution: 8 megapixels
Hot-shoe takes Canon Speedlite flash units
Focal Range: 36-432mm (35mm equivalent)
ISO: 80-1600
Shutter Speed: 15-1/3200 seconds
Max Aperture: 2.7
Shutter Lag (pre-focused): .074 sec

GPhone Rumors Heat Up: Possible Ties with Verizon and Sprint

I have been monitoring the GPhone Rumor mill and according to the Wall Street Journal, Google is in "advanced talks" with both Verizon and Sprint.  Supposedly in addition, they have made "significant progress" with T-Mobile.  If this is the case, which I have no reason to not believe, within 2 weeks we should hear an announcement further detailing this news. 

Not surprisingly, Google's stock took a jump today based on this news to $700 and climbing.

Still, what is unclear is whether Google is simply developing software, or whether they will release a entire handset. 

LG F92000 Photos Finally Out

Take a good look because to the left is the first image we have of the new LG F92000, dubbed as the "non-smart phone smart phone." 

Newlaunches.com states,

"It has a built-in QWERTY keyboard that helps it to be a messaging-centric device. The QWERTY keyboard slides out of the side and is kind of a take-off on the LG F9200. It features a 1.3-megapixel camera and a music player too. It provides instant access to Facebook right from the Messaging menu."   

The phones is not one that we would recommend for web-surfing, however, since it only has 1xRTT speeds. 

Asus Delivers Pricing on Eee PC

The wait is over for the new Eee PC from Asus.  Wize.com learned today that new pricing and release info for the US has arrived.

The low cost laptops will range from $300 to $400. In addition, it was also revealed that the top-end $400 model, dubbed the Eee PC 4G will be the first available, and will be ready to make it's debut November the 1st.  The other two models will be available before the end of the year, however no firm dates could be confirmed. 

Could There Be a Skype Phone Coming?

Rumors are swirling that perhaps a Skype Phone could be making its way to the surface, and soon.

Details are emerging that suggest a recent partnership between 3 and Skype, which would create a little bit of hardware called the 3SkypePhone.  Rumors go on to state that this new phone will be readied for a pre-release on October 29th, and officially will be available on November 2nd... maybe in the States, maybe only in UK.  Time will tell.

The 3SkypePhone is said to have free calling to other Skype members, a 2 mega-pixel camera, video capturing and MP3 player. 

Wize Recall Report: 1 Million Baby Seats Recalled Due to Head Injury

One Million Foam baby seats sold at Target and Walmart have been recalled due to head injuries. 

According to the US Product Safety Commission, this latest recall, (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08046.html) comes after 28 reports of injuries were brought to light detailing young children whom had accidentally fallen from the seat.  Three of the incidents mentioned caused skull fractures on the infants when the chairs were placed on tables. 

The Bumbo baby seat was sold between 2003 and 2007 for approximately $40.  Additional retailers, Kmart, USA Babies, Toys "R" Us, and Sears Holding also periodically stocked and sold the Bumbo Baby Seat. 

Consumers should contact Bumbo to obtain new warning label stickers and instructions for the recalled baby seats and should never use the infant seat on a table, countertop, chair or other elevated surface, the agency said. 

On its Web site, Bumbo said it temporarily stopped selling the baby seat until safety packaging can be updated. "The Bumbo Baby Seat is safe when used properly, but we have voluntarily agreed to update the packaging to ensure there is no confusion about the safe, proper use of the Bumbo Baby Seat," the company said.

Gateway's Introduces 22-inch HD2200 and 24-inch FHD2400 Monitors

Wize.com has learned that a slew of monitors have hit the scene, with Gateway being one of the first this morning to introduce two new models. 

For those looking for a smaller version of the 30-inch XHD3000, Gateway brings in the 22-inch HD2200, and the slightly larger 24-inch FHD2400.  The HD2200 boasts 1,680 x 1,050 resolution, 300 cd/m2 brightness, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, four-millisecond response time and 160-degree viewing angles.  On the other hand, the 24-inch FHD2400 delivers 1080p support with a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 400 cd/m2 brightness and an ultra-speedy three-millisecond refresh rate.  What really stands out on these two, is the DVI / HDMI / VGA / component jacks and built-in picture-in-picture functionality. 

Pricing for the HD2200 begins at $399, while the larger 24-inch FHD2400 starts at $599. 

Sprint Touch Video Preview - Compare to Apple's iPhone and Watch Here!

Well, determine for yourself... reports thus far are stating the Sprint Touch, the newest iPhone competitor still falls short!