Archive for February, 2010

Sony Cybershot DSC-W380; Product Feature

Sony Cybershot W380

Recently launched, the Sony Cybershot (Cyber-shot) DSC-W380 is a compact digital camera that packs an impressive punch. With a plethora of features to help produce stunning images the Sony Cybershot W380 is certainly a technologically adept compact camera. Here is a breakdown of the specs and features for all those snappers out there.

In terms of features the Cybershot W380 boasts 14.1 megapixels for superb detail as well as five times optical zoom and a 24mm wide angle for enhanced group shots and landscapes. Additionally a 720p HD movie mode has been added with a Clear Photo LCD measuring 2.7 inches to view images and video. These features however pale in comparison to some of the clever technologies that have been included in the DSC-W380. Read the rest of this entry »

3D Blu ray on Sony PS3 without HDMI 1.4: It’s Possible

3D Blu-ray over HDMI 1.3?

With the many rumours and stories circulating the media of 3D TV and Blu ray players capable of 3D playback it seems that Sony have not forgotten the millions of PS3 owners out there. Earlier in the year it was announced that in the coming months PS3 owners could have a 3D capable Playstation by the way of a firmware upgrade.

This however led to some confusion amongst owners and industry commentators as it was highlighted that without a HDMI 1.4 connection, 3D Blu ray would be impossible as no update to a Sony Playstation’s software would change the physical makeup of the device. Gizmodo however have reported that this may not exactly be the case, arguing that a loophole is clearly possible. Read the rest of this entry »

Sony 3D TV Bravia Ranges Unveiled in Store for Pre Order

All new Bravia 3D TV at CES 2010

The 3D TV bandwagon is certainly gaining considerable momentum, particularly since this year’s CES in Las Vegas. The latest 3D TV developments have come from Sony with their announcement that three Bravia ranges capable of faithfully recreating 3D images will be hitting the market soon, just days after Samsung and Panasonic made similar statements.

Of the models it is the LX900 that will be 3D capable out of the box whilst the HX800 and HX900 will need an add on. These TVs however seemingly offer more than a 3D experience, the HX900 for example provides viewers with Full HD 1080p resolution and a technology labelled as “Intelligent Dynamic LED”. The technology actively alters the backlighting of sections of the screen in order to heighten contrast levels and provide a richer picture. Read the rest of this entry »

Sony Unveil Concept Compact Alpha Camera at PMA 2010

Ultra Compact Sony Alpha

With major manufacturers showcasing their very latest gadgets at the PMA 2010 (Photo Marketing Association Show) industry commentators were keen to see what Sony would bring to the party. Arguably Sony did not disappoint when they showed a range of new camera models including an Alpha compact DSLR style camera with interchangeable lenses.

The concept camera, at this stage was a mock up device that should bridge the gap between compact cameras and DSLRs. In terms of the technology contained within this ultra compact Alpha, the Sony camera boasts an APS- size sensor incorporating the fantastic Exmor R low-light functionality. As well as this sensor it is believed that this new camera will also have the ability to capture video in high definition utilising the AVCHD format. Read the rest of this entry »

A Universal Controller Patented by Sony Playstation

A rudimentary impression of the Universal Controller

According to reports, Sony Computer Entertainment, the business in charge of Playstation has filed a patent for a universal computer games console; the patented device could lead to an end of cluttered living rooms, filled with controllers for each of the major games consoles.

For many years now universal remote controls for televisions and peripherals have been commonplace, it seems that Sony may now enter the console accessories market in a big way, with a controller that can be used for a variety of different consoles.

The patent, published on the 18^th of February provides an idea of how this universal controller may take shape. A touch screen LCD display will be the main interface, changing to match the layout and attributes of the controller being emulated. So far the patent states that the Sony universal controller will be compatible with Microsoft’s Xbox 360, Nintendo’s Wii and the Playstation 3 as well as older devices such as the Atari Jaguar. One of the key reasons for this backwards compatibility is that the device can be used when “an older controller may no longer be available.”

Whilst no official announcement has been made, industry commentators are expecting to see the device in the near future, although how near an actual product release is remains a matter of conjecture. A statement regarding the product is likely to be made in the coming months.

Digital Photo Frames Grow Up with New Features

Sony Digital Photo Frame

Hail the S Frame, the range of digital photo frames from Sony whose specifications rival those of a respectable camera…

The DPF-X1000N, one of the most advanced members of the Sony S Frame family (even the name sounds impressive) hosts Auto Touch-up, with features such as Exposure and Red Eye Correction, and wait for it…Skin Smoothing capabilities! You need not fret about photo editing via a pc or hurrying to delete those dreaded photos before friends descend on you – eagerly waiting evidence from last nights events.

Specifications are one thing, but the benefits of the S Frame on the grandeur of your living room or bedroom has to be admired.  All of the Sony S Frame range comes with a sleek looking black fascia; however the DPF-E72N is unique in the fact that it comes with 3 interchangeable covers in black, brown and red. The S Frame LCD panel ranges from 8-inch to a mighty 10-inch and with the X1000N and X800 you exclusively get TruBlack technology, this minimises the reflection on the display and adds stronger contrast to deep colours and shadow tones. Read the rest of this entry »

UK Can Haz Sony Dash Plz

Sony Dash, Alarm Clock 2.0 and so much more

The Sony Dash, introduced at the CES show, could be forgiven for being a glorified alarm clock – Alarm Clock 2.0 if you like.  That simply does not do the device justice, it really is so much more than that.  How many times have any of us fired up the laptop and sat there blindly watching YouTube videos, stealthily invading the privacy of our friends lives on Facebook or flicked through last nights pictures that you hope won’t invade your privacy on the aforementioned social network?  It seems a bit wasteful of a laptops function to perform relatively mundane tasks like these and Sony believe you needn’t harness the power of a modern laptop just to enjoy casual pass-times on the Internet.  Enter, Sony Dash. Read the rest of this entry »

The Ultimate in DSLR’s – Sony A500 and A550 Alpha Product Feature

Sony Alpha DSLR Cameras

Both the Sony A500 and Sony A550 certainty pack a punch in the world of DSLR’s, both are available on the market currently and offer a vast array of specs – so what sets the two intermediate level DSLR’s apart from one another, I attempt to provide an insight…

Both the Sony A500 and Sony A550 form part of the A5 series of Sony DSLR cameras, the Sony A550 being the pricer & slightly more technical of the two counterparts. Visually, and almost technically they offer the same to the user experience – solid, with good handling, packed full of features. Paramount to both include the EXMOR CMOS sensor with Bionz Processor meaning the user can photograph away in low light environments and combined with an ISO range of 200-12800 both DSLR’s deliver high resolution images. Read the rest of this entry »

Sony bloggie, Why You Will Want One!

bloggie with the 360° lens adapter

Sony bloggie may appear to be something of a toy at first glance but look a bit further and its potential becomes very apparent. On the face of it bloggie appears to be no more capable than your average mobile phone with its candy-bar form factor but the appearance of bloggie is actually one of its strengths. It’s immediately accessible given that the form factor is used daily by so many people with their phone meaning picking it up and using the device is very natural. Add to that high definition video recording and the eye-popping 360° camera feature and bloggie becomes a must have for recording moments from parties, concerts or the weekend evening in the pub. bloggie, as its name suggests, is a very sociable, web-enabled tool.

bloggie comes with an excellent array of features that all make the device almost universally relevant – this is not a gadget that you’ll buy and drop in the cupboard that has become a graveyard of ‘good idea at the time’ tech. HD video capture records at full 1080 high definition and does so at the touch of a button, it’s remarkably easy to use. Read the rest of this entry »

Sony PS3 Motion Controller Announcement due at GDC

the Sony Playstation 3 Motion Controller

Rumours about the Sony motion controller have been rife for some time. Since the launch of the ‘unnamed’ product at last year’s E3 show, gamers have been eagerly awaiting this accoutrement to their Playstation 3 consoles. Recently a name has even been thrown up, the result of Sony purchasing the internet domain PlaystationArc.com. Some of the rumour however may be settled next month as Sony Playstation has announced a special panel at this year’s GDC (Game Developer’s Conference).

It is likely that this panel will provide game developers and the world’s media with some updated information on the Sony Motion Controller. Whether an official name will be provided is still a matter of conjecture but it is likely that we will see new software for the device as well as ways in which it can be integrated by game developers in new titles. Read the rest of this entry »

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