Geek News: Latest Technology, Product Reviews, Gadgets and Tech Podcast News for Geeks


Instagram for Android Updates to 1.1, Adds Tilt-Shift

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 3:38 PM on May 9, 2012

Instagram launched their long-awaited Android app just a few weeks ago.  It was followed by several small updates to get it up and working properly, but today they have finally released the first feature update, dubbed version 1.1.  The latest version adds just one feature, but it’s an important one to anyone that has used Instagram – tilt-shift.

The name may be a bit cryptic, but tilt-shift is essentially an effect that adds depth-of-field to your images.  In other words, it’s that cool effect you get in high-end DSLR cameras that causes the background to be blurred, bringing the subject into better focus.  With Instagram this isn’t done at the time the image is snapped, but in post-production with a filter.

In you are interested in more in-depth information about using this feature then you can head over to the Instagram blog to read their tips for using tilt-shift.  Instagram is available for free from the Google Play Store.

RHP MirrorCase Goes For A KickStarter

Posted by Andrew at 1:37 PM on April 29, 2012

RHP Multimedia MirrorCaseAt this year’s CES, Andy McCaskey and Courtney Wallin interviewed John Palmeri of RHP on their new MirrorCase, a special case for the iPhone 4/4S that lets photos be taken while the phone is horizontal, i.e. flat, rather than the more usual vertical orientation.

Depending on your point of view, it’s either a clever idea that stops the camera intruding on the moment or else it’s sneaky way of taking pics without other people realising. Regardless of reasons, it may be of interest to know that the MirrorCase is currently on Kickstarter.

If I read the funding levels correctly, at the moment $35 will get you pre-order of the MirrorCase (RRP $80) but there are only limited numbers of backers at that level. If you do miss out, you should be able to back at $40. Backers are also offered a discount on the iPhone 5 version, whenever that comes out!

There are another 28 days and $21,000-odd to go before the project is funded. Assuming this, delivery is expected in July.

Veho Mobile Gear at The Gadget Show

Posted by Andrew at 11:43 PM on April 19, 2012

Pebble Power PackVeho probably isn’t the first name that springs to mind when thinking about gadgets but they have a sizeable range from miniature video cameras to digital photo frames and Bluetooth headsets. In the UK, their products are sold in the main big boxes – PC World and Currys.

On Veho’s stand at Gadget Show Live, I played with a USB microscope which showed magnified images on the PC screen. Perhaps a little limited with just two magnification levels (20x or 200x) but good fun nevertheless.

In this interview, James Farmer from Veho takes me through some of the Veho range, including their Muvi miniature DV cameras, Pebble portable battery packs and Mimi wireless speakers. I really liked their Pebble range of battery packs as they had a lovely smooth shape, like the original Palm Pre.

 

Delkin Device Connector Bracket For A DSLRs or Camcorder

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 4:18 PM on April 19, 2012

Connector If you have ever watched a video someone tried to film from a vehicle you know how painful it can be because of the vibration. At one time the only way to stop this type of vibration was to spend hundreds of dollars on a Hollywood style contraption , not anymore. Delkin Devices is announcing the new Connector Bracket which is compatible with Fat Gecko Mini and The Fat Gecko Original. This will allow photographers and videographers to connect one camera, iPad or camcorder mount with a second Fat Gecko Original or Mini model. It can handle DSLRs and camcorders up to 8 lb. It provides triple and quadruple contact points, which allows you to attach a camera to any non-porous surface. The Connector Bracket has a slide and lock design which allows the camera to be placed at various angles and positions. Meaning if you want to attach your camera to the top  or side of a vehicle and have an image that is crisp and smooth, this is the bracket to use.

The Connector will be available for $19.99 directly through the Delkin Device Website or at any authorized retailer. Delkin Devices has been making accessories that are built to make life easier for photographers since 1986.

BubbleScope Takes 360° Pictures and Video at The Gadget Show

Posted by Andrew at 11:31 PM on April 18, 2012

The BubbleScope is an optical attachment for smartphones that takes 360° pictures and video called “Bubbles”. The BubblePix smartphone app is used to capture, view and share online the Bubbles, which can be hosted free at bubblepix.com. The pictures below gives you a feel of wraparound nature of a Bubble but when it’s in the BubblePix app, it joins up seamlessly. Here’s one in a fountain - the effect is amazing.

Gadget Show Bubble

Rollercoaster Bubble

Shaped a bit like a periscope, the BubbleScope attaches to the to the smartphone and uses the phone’s built-in camera to record the imagery. The optical part of the scope pops up and down to keep it clean and undamaged. Available initially for the iPhone 4 & 4S, it will be on sale this summer for £64.99. Versions compatible with other leading smartphones (Android) will be released shortly afterwards.

BubbleScoppe

In the interview at the Gadget Show Live, I talk with Tom Lawton, the inventor of BubbleScope about the device and how it took ten years to turn it from idea to product.

This is my favourite interview from the Gadget Show Live, so if you only listen to one of these, listen to this one.

Blackmagic Cinema Camera

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 12:27 PM on April 17, 2012

Blackmagic Cinema Camera The Blackmagic Cinema Camera is one of those cameras, that makes me wish I was a cinematographer. If when you think of a video camera, you think of a bulky device that sits on your shoulder then you need to take a look at the Blackmagic Cinema Camera, What makes the Blackmagic Cinema Camera special is what they concentrate on. When video cameras are being sold many times they are sold based on how many megapixels they have. More megapixels just create a larger image, it does nothing to improve the quality. The Blackmagic Cinema Camera focuses on capturing a wide contrast range rather than more megapixels. This allows them to capture more detail at the black and white level. The ability to capture a wide contrast range plus the EF and ZF lenses produces a high quality video that looks like film. Being able to capture at a wide contrast range is great but if the data is compressed it will still produce an inferior result. To solve this problem the Blackmagic Cinema Camera has an integrated SSD recorder which allows you to record full 2.5k raw sensor data completely uncompressed CinemaDNG files. It also allows you to record at DNxHD or ProRes for HD resolution files that are compatible with Avid Media Composer and Apple Final Cut Pro X.

There is a standard auto jack which allows you connect a microphone and record high quality audio uncompressed. To add metadata you simply tap on the LCD screen and add it like you would on a smart phone. The metadata is saved and is available as a file in Final Cut Pro X and DaVinci Resolve Format. You can also change many of the camera setting by the LCD touch screen.

I could tell you about the specs all day, but sometimes seeing is believing and this maybe one of those cases. John Brawley an award-winning photographer was able to get a hold of a Blackmagic Cinema Camera for testing and he put up some videos on his site showing off it’s capabilities. It is a handheld and made of blocked aluminum. Making it perfect for a professional trying to produce high quality videos. These Blackmagic Cinema Camera will run about $2995 and ship in July.

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Profoto’s ProDaylight 400 and ProDaylight 200 Announced

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 6:10 PM on April 16, 2012

profoto logoHow something is lit can make the difference between an ok photo or video and a great one, that is where Profoto comes in. Profoto is a leading manufacturer of professional photography lighting and Light Shaping tools. They announced at NAB (National Association of Broadcast Show) that they are releasing two new products the ProDaylight 200 Air and ProDaylight 400 Air. These are versions of the ProDaylight Air 800 which was released in 2011. The 200 and 400 are smaller and lighter, but still powerful and sturdy. A great thing about both of these devices is that they do not require a fan to keep them cool. If you have ever tried to shoot a video with sound you know how irritating the sound coming from a fan can be. They also can be controlled remotely by a controller that can sit in the palm of your hand.

Both the 200 and the 400 ProDaylight Air products are HMI lights which are ideal for most photo and video shoots. They are a continuous light source that compliments both photo and video shoots. Profoto is also introducing ballasts to work with these devices, the ProBallast 200 and ProBallast 400. Pro-ballast will automatically recognizes when a ProDaylight 200 Air or a ProDaylight 400 Air has been connected and will adjust itself accordingly. The ProBlast is multi-voltage and flicker free. If you are NAB you can see these and other Profoto products at booth #C8217. If you can’t make it to NAB you can see their products at their Web site.

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Instagram for Android Sign-up Now Available

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 4:47 PM on March 24, 2012

Android Logo

Instagram, the popular iPhone app that allows users to share photos, is finally coming to Android as you may have heard.  Today they made it feel a little more official by setting up a web page to allow people to sign up for information on the long-awaited app.  Instagram showed off their forthcoming Android app at SXSW in Austin, Texas recently and it made quite a splash.

Unfortunately the sign-up page doesn’t give any real information about the new app, but only provides a place for those who can’t wait to enter their email address and receive notifications.  Still, it is another step closer to making this all a reality.  While we don’t know an official launch date, it’s likely that it will be within the next few weeks.  You can sign up at instagr.am/android.

Adobe Lightroom 4 Officially Released

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 7:55 AM on March 6, 2012

Adobe announced today the official final version of Lightroom 4 is now available.  Lightroom is a popular photo editing tool that is used by many amateur and professional photographers alike.  Lightroom is part of Adobe’s Photoshop family, but is a cheaper and more dedicated version geared specifically towards working with digital photos.

Adobe claimed they had 300,000 users of the public beta version of Lightroom 4 and used all of that feedback to make changes before their final release.  Changes made since the Beta version include:

  • Reverse geocoding now available in the Map Module
  • Revamped and improved auto tone in Develop based on new controls
  • Increased range of local white balance controls (temperature and tint)
  • Updated Develop presets plus added new presets for video
  • Maximum Blurb book size is now 240 pages
  • Over 800 bugs found and fixed!

Lightroom 4 is available now for $149.  You can also download a free trial version if you want to check it out first.  You can buy it or download the trial from Adobe.

World Pride’s Spy Gadgets

Posted by Andrew at 9:10 AM on February 22, 2012

Bluetooth WatchWorld Pride is unlikely to be a name that you’ve heard of, but once you see a few of their gadgets in the video, you’ll recognise them from the gadget stores and catalogues. Jeffrey and Jamie chat with Jim.

The team at World Pride visit factories in Asia and try to spot cool gadgets that haven’t yet made it to market in the US. They then work closely with the factory to refine the product for US consumers. On show here are examples of gadgets that World Pride has already brought or will be bringing to the market.

One of the watches in the interview has a Bluetooth receiver and when someone rings your mobile phone, the watch will display the name or number of the person calling. As Jamie mentions, great if you are in a meeting and want to know if you should take a call.

Other gadgets include a pen and a watch with a video camera built-in and finally, there’s a miniature digital camera. It’s only about an inch wide but it looks like a tiny point-and-shoot camera while still taking 5 MP pictures and HD video.

Interview by Jeffrey “Austin” Powers of Geekazine and Jamie “007″ Davies of the MedicCast and the Nursing Show.

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