Samsung SL202 and SL30 New SL-Series Digicams

Samsung Electronics America today extended its popular SL-Series with the introduction of new modelsThe new SL-Series models elevate the stature of the user-friendly family of digital cameras, allowing consumers to experience higher-end features and performance at more affordable price points.

Ideally suited for families and entry-level shooters looking for an easy-to-use digital camera, the 10 mega-pixel SL202 and SL30 present users with a range of features that will help them effortlessly capture digital images without having to worry about becoming entrenched in technical specifications or terminology. The SL202 and SL30 offer consumers a quality Samsung lens with a 3x optical zoom, as well as Digital Image Stabilization to help reduce blurry images.

The SL202 boasts a stylish, compact design which is accentuated by an elegant, brushed metal finish. Powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, the SL202 gives users the ability to record high?quality MJPEG video at VGA resolution with a frame rate of 30fps. The video, along with photos, can be reviewed on the SL202’s 2.7 inch LCD screen. Furthermore, the camera’s advanced movie mode will allow users to pause and then resume recording video without having to save the clips as individual files.

When it comes to snapping digital images, the new SL202 does a bulk of the work for the user thanks to a host of advanced automatic features, including Samsung’s new Smart Auto mode and Smart Album program. Other automatic controls found on the SL202 include Face Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Shot, and Beauty Shot.

For added convenience, the SL30 is powered by easily available, AA alkaline batteries, assuring end-users that they can find a replaceable power source no matter where they may be. Like the SL202, the SL30 also offers users MJPEG, VGA video recording, Face Detection, which detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure, as well as Beauty Shot, which automatically enhances subjects’ skin tones. Photos and videos can be reviewed on the camera’s 2.5 inch LCD screen.

The SL202 will be available in March 2009 at an MSRP of $149.99 and $99.99.

Samsung Releases SL820 and SL620 SL-Series Digicams

Samsung Electronics America extended its popular SL-Series with the introduction of new models, comprising two 12.2 mega-pixel and two 10 mega-pixel digital cameras. Stylish and advanced, the new SL-Series models elevate the stature of the user-friendly family of digital cameras, allowing consumers to experience higher-end features and performance at more affordable price points.

Samsung’s new 12.2 mega-pixel SL820 and SL620 offer users large three inch LCD screens and powerful 5x optical zooms. With the SL820, users have access to a 28mm wide?angle lens, while the SL620 offers a standard 35mm lens. Both the SL820 and SL620 are paired with Optical and Digital Image Stabilization to help reduce blur caused by hand movements. Shooters have the option of simply using Optical Image Stabilization, ideal for well?lit environments, or choosing Dual Image Stabilization and combining the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization.

A first for Samsung’s SL-Series, the new SL820 offers consumers high-definition video recording at a resolution of 720p, as well as HDMI connectivity, allowing the camera to be connected to an HDTV through a cradle for reviewing footage and photos. The camera also utilizes H.264 compression, an advanced codec that allows users to record video for longer periods of time. The SL620 offers users advanced MPEG-4 video recording at a resolution of 640×480. For added versatility, with both the SL820 and SL620, consumers can use the cameras’ 5x optical zooms and Optical Image Stabilization while recording video.

The new SL820 and SL620 offer an array of automatic controls, including Samsung’s Smart Auto mode. When selected, Smart Auto will automatically choose from one of the cameras’ 11 scene modes, determining which best suits the environment the user may be shooting in. For example, if the user is taking a photo of a mountain range, Smart Auto will automatically select the Landscape scene mode. If the user then proceeds to take photo of an individual, Smart Auto will switch to the Portrait scene mode - no manual interaction is required.

In addition to Smart Auto, the SL820 and SL620 also feature Samsung’s proprietary Smart Album program. In addition to Smart Auto, the SL202 features Samsung’s Smart Album program. Smart Album is useful tool which allows users to easily search for a specific image they have saved on their memory card. Smart Album automatically organizes the user’s digital images and gives them the ability to narrow their search based on specific criteria. Users can quickly sort by the date or week the image was taken, the overall color tone, as well as whether they’re searching for portraits or specific file types, including photos, videos, or voice memos.

Other automatic features found on the SL820 and SL620 include Face Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Shot, and Beauty Shot. Designed to help capture better portraits and group shots of family and friends, Face Detection technology detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Smile Shot automatically triggers the SL820 and SL620 to take a photo only when a smile is detected on the subjects’ faces, and Blink Detection will automatically fire two consecutive shots if a subject’s eyes are closed. Beauty Shot is a unique functionality which will automatically brighten and even out skin tones as well as remove blemishes.

The SL820 and SL620 will be available in May 2009 at an MSRP of $279.99 and $199.99

Nintendo will launch DSi in United States on April 5th

Nintendo pioneered hand-held entertainment in the '80s and made it fully mobile with the Game Boy™ video game system. Now, Nintendo is transforming the way people access, experience, create and share content with the new Nintendo DSi system, the third iteration of the world's best-selling portable video game system. Nintendo DSi launches in the United States on April 5, 2009, at an MSRP of $169.99. The colors available at launch will be Blue and Black.

"Ever since the arrival of the first Game Boy, consumers worldwide have turned to Nintendo for their portable gaming," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Nintendo DSi builds on Nintendo's commitment to bringing fun and creative entertainment to everyone, and will allow consumers to personalize and share their very own experiences."




Some features that will be built into the system and ready to enjoy upon purchase include the Nintendo DSi Camera, Nintendo DSi Sound and Nintendo DSi Shop. The most noticeable feature of the slim Nintendo DSi system is its two cameras – one camera is on the external body, and the second one points at the user when the device is flipped open. As the first truly interactive digital camera in a video game system with 10 different interactive "lenses" that can manipulate your photos, the Nintendo DSi Camera offers an easy way to take and share your photos with family and friends. The cameras also present people with unprecedented ways to interact with their games while giving developers a new tool to devise creative games and experiences. If the touch screen gave Nintendo DS a sense of feel and the microphone allowed it to hear, the two cameras give Nintendo DSi the sense of sight.

Another enhanced feature is the Nintendo DSi Sound application, which serves as both an interactive voice recorder and music player that allows users to play with their music while they listen to it. Users can access different audio filters or control the pitch and speed of recorded voice or music files to alter voices or change the tempo of a song. The mic is located between the two screens when the device is flipped open, and there is also a stereo headphone output that lets users listen to music saved on an SD card, even with the screen shut.

In the world of software, Nintendo DSi will be the platform for the most relevant and fun on-the-go games and applications. The Nintendo DSiWare application will populate Nintendo DSi with software that can be downloaded using Nintendo DSi Points directly to the portable system, just as WiiWare has with Nintendo's Wii console. Developers big and small are invited to create software that makes use of the properties and functions of the hardware. Nintendo DSiWare games and applications will be available at a range of values, starting at 200 points.

In addition to downloadable games, Nintendo DSi is able to play games made specifically for the system and sold at retail. The system can also play most Nintendo DS™ games, and will have access to a library of more than 850 titles originally made for that system.

Also on April 5, a new Nintendo DS game, Rhythm Heaven, will join this roster of games available for both Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DS owners in the United States. Having sold more than 1.6 million copies since its July 2008 launch in Japan and still increasing sales today, this infectious game challenges players to tap and slide the stylus on the touch screen in time to original music created by legendary Japanese pop-star producer TSUNKU. Simple gestures with the stylus combined with fun music and quirky visuals make Rhythm Heaven a completely unique musical experience for players of all ages.

Additional features and news of Nintendo DSi will be revealed as April 5 approaches.

Corel brings InstantON technology to Sony's VAIO P

Corel Corporation today announced Corel(R) InstantON(TM) technology is now included in the award-winning Sony(R) VAIO(R) P series Lifestyle PC.

With Corel InstantON technology, VAIO P series Lifestyle PC users can surf the web, check email, chat online and play back photos, videos and music in seconds after turning on their notebook, saving the time of booting up their Windows operating system.

"We are pleased to work with Sony to provide a superior instant-on solution for their VAIO P series Lifestyle PC," said Jeff Hastings, President and General Manager, Digital Media at Corel. "Users will find an all-new, custom-designed interface that provides a complete, efficient and secure way to quickly access online content at home or on the go."

"As the world's lightest 8 inch notebook at 1.4 pounds, the VAIO P series Lifestyle PC deserves a superior instant-on solution to meet the needs of today's mobile computer user," said Bob Ishida, Senior Vice President, Corporate Executive, President of VAIO Business Group, Sony Corporation. "By adopting Corel InstantON technology, users will enjoy a stress-free and exciting user experience through an easy-to-use interface that accesses the internet faster than ever before."

Availability

The Sony VAIO P series Lifestyle PC with Corel InstantON technology is now available in Japan, and will ship worldwide in February 2009. Corel InstantON is available to OEM customers worldwide, and can be customized for OEM requests.