2014 Chevrolet Impala Gets Valet Mode

2014 Chevrolet Impala Gets Valet ModeYou know, going for valet parking isn’t all that cracked up to be, as you might experience that sense of trepidation whenever you hand your car keys over to a valet. If you want to have added peace of mind, perhaps driving the 2014 Chevrolet Impala might help, as this redesigned flagship sedan will come with a “valet mode” which might allow someone else other than you to take over the wheel, but it “shields” personal items and information from curious eyes.

How does the valet mode work? Well, the 8-inch center stack display might function as an interactive touch screen for its next-generation Chevrolet MyLink system, but it also functions as a PIN-activated retractable faceplate that covers a secure storage bin which has adequate space to hold other valuables including a wallet, a gadget or other important items that can fit in there. Not only that, sensitive information such as addresses and contacts can also be stashed away on MyLink while remaining PIN-protected. The valet mode ought to attract the more young at heart, and prices start from $30,760 onwards. [Press Release]

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Pedego Trail Tracker Electric Fatbike, Voyager Smartphone Prefers To Remain In The Car,

The Weirdest Thing on the Internet Tonight: Slow Derek

The Earth twirls along at a brisk 1070 miles per hour as it travels around the Sun, though you’d never notice it. But what if you did? This award-winning stop-motion animation by Dan Ojari follows an unassuming office worker as he gets up to speed. More »

Speedlink Athera Multi-Profile Keyboard

Speedlink Athera Multi Profile KeyboardOne keyboard is as good as the other, or so most people think, but in reality, things work very differently. Gamers have their own keyboards that they will not trade for life or limb, while the working class folks, especially those who need to get plenty of typing done throughout the day, will find that one brand might work far better for their typing style than another. What happens when your company is running on a budget, and you need to cut costs wherever and whenever possible? This is where the Athera Multi-Profile Keyboard from Speedlink comes in, allowing you to hook up to 5 different devices simultaneously via Bluetooth.

A simple key combination will allow you to switch quickly between individual devices, meaning there is no need to go through the hassle of switching between PC, tablet and smartphone manually. Of course, it sure helps that the Athera Multi-Profile Keyboard is compatible with a range of popular operating systems, making it a snap to alternate between iOS, Android and Windows platforms. The Athera Multi-Profile Keyboard will retail for €59.99 if you’re interested.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Google Shows What Project Glass Can Do In ‘How It Feels’ Video, myIDkey Kickstarter Project A Potential Lifesaver,

R300 Noise-Cancelling Headphones From Ferrari by Logic3

R300 Noise Cancelling Headphones From Ferrari by Logic3Ferrari by Logic3 is back with another prancing pony audio accessory to further deplete your bank account, apart from making you look stylish like all get out. Yes sir, we are referring to the R300 noise-cancelling headphones that will further expand the Scuderia Ferrari collection. Ferrari by Logic3, said, “There is no disputing the passion and energy that the Ferrari F1 team puts into every race, and it is with that same enthusiasm and attention to detail that we founded the Scuderia Ferrari Collection. We are delighted to be launching the R300, and believe that Ferrari fans and music devotees alike will love the design and sound.”

The R300 will merge a distinctive design alongside cutting edge technology, delivering amazing sound quality via its 40mm drivers that have been incorporated into a close-back design and Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology to help reduce unwanted ambient noise. Sporting robust, machined-crafted metal arms and diamond shaped grilles, you are more or less guaranteed to enjoy added durability and quality, while the ultra-soft ear pads made from enhanced breathable material deliver maximum comfort, all for $349 a pair. Any takers?

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Urbanears Slussen Introduced, Braven BRV-1 Speaker Is One Tough Cookie,

Sony NEX-3N and Alpha A58 unveiled, heading to Europe this spring

Sony NEX-3N and Alpha A58 unveiled, heading to Europe this spring

Sony’s Alpha A58 and NEX-3N broke cover just a few days ago in rogue press shots, and now the firm’s European branch has made the duo official. With a 16.1-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, the NEX-3N picks up the banner as the outfit’s entry level mirrorless camera and packs a 3-inch LCD screen that can tilt up to 180 degrees. According to Sony, the NEX-3N is the smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C sized sensor, gently tipping the scales at 269 grams. The shooter sports a pop-up flash, has its ISO notched up 16000, a revamped Bionz processor for noise reduction and even packs support for Sony’s Triluminos display tech. A price tag for the NEX-3N is still MIA, but it’s slated to hit Europe in March.

As for the translucent mirror-toting A58, it features a 20.1-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and a 2.6-inch, 460k-dot LCD with an adjustable angle. If you’d rather not compose shots with the LCD screen, however, the A58 also has an OLED viewfinder. When it comes to video, the device can record 1920×1080 footage in AVCHD. Hirai and Co.’s refreshed Bionz image processing engine makes an appearance in the camera as well. Come April, the A58 will be available in Europe with an as-of-yet unspecified price tag.

Itching for new lenses? Sony’s just dished out details on a trio of new A-mount glass and accessories (with some E-mount peripherals as well) that are headed for a March debut in Europe. For the complete lowdown on the cams, lenses and accessories, hit the jump for the press releases and galleries.

Gallery: Sony NEX-3N

Gallery: Sony A58

Show full PR text

Easy to handle, easy to use: the new NEX-3N by Sony puts pro-quality images in everyone’s reach 20 February 2013

Super-compact interchangeable lens APS-C camera weighs just 210g

  • No-fuss self-portraits with 180° tiltable LCD screen and zoom lever
  • Large Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with 16.1 effective megapixels and high sensitivity, for detail-packed, low noise photos and Full HD video
  • Beautiful compositions made easy with new Auto Object Framing
  • Light, compact body with pop-up flash
  • Moving up from your fixed lens camera? Travel light with the compact, easy to use NEX-3N E-mount camera with built-in flash – an exciting introduction to the world of interchangeable lens photography by Sony.

Self-portraits have never been simpler with the NEX-3N, thanks to the camera’s easy-to-hold textured grip that fits reassuringly in the hand. The crisp, bright 7.5cm (3.0-type) LCD screen instantly flips through 180 degrees for fuss-free arm’s-length compositions. What’s more, a newly-added zoom lever on the camera body allows smooth, fingertip control of focal length with compatible lenses like the slim, light SELP1650 power zoom. Great for one-handed portrait framing, the zoom lever also adjusts digital zoom if you’re not using a powered lens.

All serious photographers know that great photos start with a great composition. Brand new Auto Object Framing helps you get better-looking, more professional results without effort. The camera judges what’s in the scene – one person, two people or even macro and moving objects – automatically cropping the shot to create more powerful, professionally-framed compositions.

Weighing approximately 210g, the NEX-3N is the world’s smallest, lightest interchangeable-lens camera with a large APS-C sized sensor*. Grabbing more light than the sensor in ordinary compact cameras, it’s the big sensor that’s key to exquisitely detailed photos and sparkling Full HD movies that stand out from the crowd. What’s more, it’s easy to create pro-style background blur effects with your collection of interchangeable E-mount lenses… just like you’d achieve with a bigger, bulkier DSLR camera.

The camera’s large sensor also boosts maximum sensitivity to ISO 16000. It’s complemented by an evolved BIONZ processor that uses the same area-specific noise reduction techniques featured on the acclaimed full-frame α99. Levels of noise reduction and sharpness are individually adjusted for different image areas. Even if you’re shooting in dim light, you’ll enjoy crisp, ultra-low noise handheld shots without needing flash.

The NEX-3N is also the first NEX interchangeable lens camera from Sony that offers support for new “TRILUMINOS Colour”. You’ll experience a dramatically expanded palette of vivid, ultra-realistic colours when videos and still images are played back on any BRAVIA TV with support for “TRILUMINOS Display”.

There’s now a range of thirteen high-quality E-mount lenses to realise the immense creative potential of the NEX-3N. Choose from telephoto, zoom, wide angle, macro lenses by Sony and Carl Zeiss to suit any shooting situation. Every model blends superb optical performance with elegant looks to complement your E-mount camera. There’s also a full range of coordinating accessories by Sony, from style-matching carry cases and straps to spare batteries.

The light, compact new NEX-3N interchangeable lens camera from Sony is available in Europe from March 2013.

* Among interchangeable-lens cameras with an APS-C sensor and pop-up flash, as of Feb 2013.

Never miss the moment: the new α58 from Sony

Digital SLT camera with Translucent Mirror Technology

  • Capture fine detail with new 20.1 effective megapixels Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
  • Grab fast-moving action with speedy 8fps* shooting and new Lock-on Autofocus
  • Shoot and view with confidence through new OLED Tru-Finder
  • Compose like a pro with new Auto Object Framing

* In Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode

For life’s spontaneous moments – catch all the split-second excitement with the new α58 interchangeable lens camera from Sony. With Translucent Mirror technology for speedy shooting with fast, accurate autofocus, it’s the must-have choice for grabbing those once-in-a-lifetime picture opportunities. Even if you’re new to interchangeable lens photography, you’ll enjoy image quality that effortlessly exceeds your point-and-shoot compact camera, plus features you’d expect from a far higher-priced DSLR.

At the heart of the α58 is a brand new Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with an extremely high resolution of (approx.) 20.1 effective megapixels. It’s teamed with an improved BIONZ image processing engine for exceptionally detailed, low-noise stills and Full HD video, plus an extra-wide sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 16000.

Pick from the choice of 35 interchangeable A-mount lenses (including two tele-converters) and experience flawless images in virtually any lighting conditions, from dimly-lit interiors to atmospheric twilight scenes. Even if you’re shooting handheld, SteadyShot INSIDE keeps pictures crisp and stable, letting you shoot with confidence at slower shutter speeds or higher zoom settings where wobbles are often a worry.

Unlike ordinary DSLR cameras, SLT cameras by Sony use Translucent Mirror technology that directs light onto the main image sensor as well as a separate autofocus sensor. This means that subjects stay sharply focused at all times as you compose scenes with the tilt-angle LCD or through the high-resolution, high-contrast OLED Tru-Finder. And with no moving mirror to slow you down, you’ll enjoy non-stop live image preview during speedy burst shooting or while you’re recording Full HD video.

The α58 is your ideal partner for grabbing the action as it happens – like sports, wildlife or spur-of-the-moment fun with friends and family. Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode brings that decisive moment closer with a high-speed burst of sharp images at 8 frames per second. The high-performance 15-point AF system now features Lock-on Autofocus with speedier, more accurate subject tracking. So now you can capture the athletic grace of a gymnast or animals in the wild with a burst of crisply-focused images, even if your subject’s moving.

Featured on previous models, Auto Portrait Framing has now evolved into even more versatile Auto Object Framing – helping you get better-looking, more professional results without effort. The α58 judges what’s in the scene – one person, two people, even moving objects or macro subjects – tracking, framing and cropping the shot to create powerful, professionally-framed compositions. Thanks to Pixel Super Resolution Technology by Sony, cropped images preserve the same resolution as the original exposure.

Instantly selectable from the mode dial, Picture Effect lets you pick from a palette of 15 artistic ‘in-camera’ treatments, like Toy Camera, Mono and Partial Colour.

Framing, focusing and viewing your shots is a pleasure through the new OLED Tru-Finder. This bright, high resolution electronic viewfinder accurately shows the results of adjusting camera settings in real time. Instantly see the result of adjusting exposure compensation, aperture, ISO, white balance, Picture Effect and other parameters before you shoot… not after. It’s a great way to compose the perfect shot with confidence.

The α58 is the first-ever A-mount interchangeable lens camera from Sony that offers support for new ‘TRILUMINOS Colour’. You’ll experience a dramatically expanded palette of vivid, ultra-realistic colours when videos and still images are played back on any BRAVIA TV with support for ‘TRILUMINOS Display’.

The new α58 interchangeable lens camera from Sony with Translucent Mirror technology is available from April 2013.

Sony adds three A-mount lenses, new A-mount and E-mount accessories

Full-frame G Lens 70-400mm telephoto zoom; Full-frame Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm F1.4; DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 standard zoom; compact add-on flash and remote commander

  • New-generation 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II telephoto zoom – with 4x faster autofocus and improved optical performance
  • Full-frame, wide-aperture, single-focal-length Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM – high-end image quality with renowned resolving power and contrast
  • Light, compact, newly-styled DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II standard 3x zoom lens – designed for APS-C cameras
  • HVL-F20M flash – space-saving design with wireless control and bounce flash
  • RM-VPR1 wired remote – easily control shutter release, video start/stop and zoom
  • Sony extends the range of A-mount interchangeable lenses with three new models to satisfy the most demanding enthusiasts and photo professionals.
  • The 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II and Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM lenses complement the impressive imaging capabilities of Sony’s full-frame α99 SLT (Translucent Mirror) camera. The DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II is a light, compact 3x zoom that’s an ideal partner for A-mount cameras with APS-C sensors.

They’re joined by a compact new on-camera flash and a wired remote that’s ideal for advanced shooting.

“70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II” telephoto zoom

Sony’s G lens line-up is strengthened for 2013 with the revised 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II. Ideal for capturing wildlife and action-packed sports, the upgraded super-telephoto zoom builds further on the premium performance of its predecessor with enhanced optics and faster, more responsive autofocus. Thanks to a new LSI drive circuit, autofocus speed of the SSM (Super Sonic Wave Motor) is around four times quicker than before. Teamed with enhanced tracking AF, the upgraded lens is now even more suitable for capturing stills and Full HD video of fast-moving subjects.

While its optical design is carried over from the previous-generation model, the new-generation lens features Sony’s proprietary Nano AR Coating on optical surfaces. Offering around five times the efficiency of conventional anti-reflection coatings, this advanced technology reduces flare and ghosting for exceptionally high-contrast images.

Carl Zeiss “Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM”

The new Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM joins the existing Distagon 24mm, Planar 85mm and Sonnar 135mm in the A-mount range of prime length optics by Carl Zeiss. Offering a fixed 50mm focal length and extra-bright F1.4 aperture, the premium lens is an ideal choice for quality-critical portraiture and low-light shooting.

Featuring 8 elements in 5 groups with two aspherical elements, the brand new optical design is optimised for superb results with Sony’s full-frame α99. Exceptional resolving power and contrast at all apertures are teamed with smooth, quiet autofocusing and a rear-focus system that maintains the same lens body length during AF. The dust- and moisture-resistant design extends the appeal of the new lens to a wide range of outdoor shooting applications.

“DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II” zoom

Boasting second-generation styling, this new lens succeeds the popular DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM that was introduced in 2011. The light, compact 3x zoom lens covers a frequently-used range of focal lengths from wide-angle 18mm to standard 55mm (35mm camera equivalent range: 27-82.5mm). While retaining the same smooth AF motor (SAM) as its predecessor, newly-designed rear lens elements suppresses flare and ghost, while mechanical elements have been upgraded for more positive, comfortable operation.

New accessories for Sony cameras and camcorders

The HVL-F20M is a space-saving, easy to carry new flash for Multi Interface Shoe mounted cameras, that’s ideal for brightening up portraits, interiors and dimly-lit scenes. Despite its compact size, it’s packed with pro-style features like wireless control for fuss-free multi flash set-ups, simple bounce operation and Auto White Balance compensation for more accurate, natural-looking white balance. It’s refreshingly easy to use: just raise the flash head to switch on… then turn off again by lowering when the flash isn’t needed.

Compatible with a growing range of ‘α’ A-mount and E-mount, Cyber-shot[TM] and Handycam(R) models that feature the versatile Multi Terminal interface, the RM-VPR1 wired remote commander features handy controls for zoom and video recording start/stop. It also includes a shutter lock function that’s ideal for long-exposure ‘bulb’ shooting with ‘α’ cameras. The remote comes supplied with two cables. One is for use with Multi Terminal-equipped cameras/camcorders, while the other allows simple shutter release with ‘α’ A-mount cameras that only include a REMOTE terminal.

Please see http://www.sony.co.uk/hub/lenses for full details on new lens and accessories.

The new lenses and accessories will start to become available in Europe from March 2013.

Filed under: ,

Comments

Source: Sony (1), (2)

Sony unveils 20.1-megapixel a58 dSLR, offers 8fps shooting mode

The newly announced a58 from Sony is a dSLR camera that utilizes Translucent Mirror technology and offers a variety of features for just about every type of photographer. The 20.1-megapixel a58 utilizes the BIONZ image processor, which is known for its low-noise and high ISO sensitivity. This interchangeable lens camera supports A-mount lenses, of which there are 35 options available.

A58_SAL1855-2_2-1200

The Sony a58 combines an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, BIONZ processing engine, and SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization to produce images that are low-noise, blur-free, and high-resolution. The biggest advantage of this camera over other dSLRs in its range is the Translucent Mirror technology, which directs lights onto two compontents in the camera – the image sensor, and the autofocus sensor. By doing so, there’s no use for a mirror, and images stay in focus at all times. This makes the unit particularly attractive to those who frequently photograph moving subjects.

Another handy feature for those who take action photography is the Telezoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode, which allows users to snap photos at 8 frames-per-second. This works in combination with a 15-point auto focus and Lock-On auto focus to ensure each image taken is blur-free. In addition, the a58 is equipped with a high resolution OLED Tru-Finder and a tilt-angle LCD, providing two ways to get the shot you want.

Like the recently announced NEX-3N camera from Sony, the a58 features Auto Object Framing, the next step up from Auto Portrait Framing. With this feature, the camera determines the subject of an image and auto-crops the photograph so that the subject is framed in a professional manner, no effort required. After the image is taken, 15 photo filters are available to select from, including Mono, Partial Color, and Toy Camera.

The Sony a58 will be available in April.

a58 1
A58_SAL1855-2_2-1200
A58_wSAL1855-2_1-1200
A58_wSAL70400G2_1-1200

[via Sony]


Sony unveils 20.1-megapixel a58 dSLR, offers 8fps shooting mode is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Braven BRV-1 Speaker Is One Tough Cookie

Do you tend to indulge in plenty of outdoor activities and love to have music keep you company? If you have answered in the affirmative, then you might be interested to lug the Braven BRV-1 Speaker around with you the next time you decide to explore the great wet and wild outdoors. The Braven BRV-1 Speaker has arrived in time for spring, where it boasts of IPX5 certified water resistant certification. Own a pair of butterfingers hands? Not a problem, the BRV-1 speaker is able to take its fair share of knocks as well with shock absorbency built-in. Despite being extremely light and compact, this palm-sized speaker should not be underestimated in terms of performance.

The Braven BRV-1 Speaker will pack in a dozen hours of playtime via its 1400mAh battery, with the 6W speaker being able to wirelessly stream music over a Bluetooth connection for high fidelity stereo sound. If you have yet to move on to the 21st century and own a Bluetooth-enabled device, you will still be able to hook it up to a device or stereo system via the 3.5mm jack. The asking price for the Braven BRV-1 Speaker would stand at $169.99 if you’re interested.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Urbanears Slussen Introduced, R300 Noise-Cancelling Headphones From Ferrari by Logic3,

Mad Catz F.R.E.Q.7 Surround Sound Gaming Headset Up For Pre-Order

Mad Catz F.R.E.Q.7 Surround Sound Gaming Headset Up For Pre OrderWhen it comes to serious gaming, having the right kind of hardware is extremely important, especially when you are ready to rock and roll with the best (or at least, on folks who are on a similar skill level as you). Sound plays a far more important role in today’s games compared to the title of yesteryears, as it helps offer cues which work in tandem with visual spotting, not to mention reveal your opponent’s location in a First Person Shooter. Having said that, Mad Catz have put their F.R.E.Q.7 Surround Sound Gaming Headset up for pre-order, targeting those who want to up their game.

The F.R.E.Q.7 Surround Sound Gaming Headset will deliver Dolby Headphone Technology right to your ears, and will play nice with a wide range of devices. Shipping is tipped to happen in the first quarter of 2014, so you might actually have to wait for more than a year! Too bad there are no incentives to place your pre-order now other than bragging rights of being an early adopter.

The F.R.E.Q.7 Surround Sound Gaming Headset features Dolby Pro Logic IIx technology, expanding stereo and 5.1 audio to rich 7.1 surround sound, and you can always opt to toggle between surround sound and stereo. Each F.R.E.Q.7 will ship alongside a desktop stand, where it will come in matte black, gloss black, gloss white and gloss red colors, with the latter three being surefire fingerprint magnets. [Product Page]

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Kunai Stereo Gaming Headset for PS3 and PS Vita ships, Mad Catz Tritton 720+ 7.1 Surround Headset,

Divoom Bluetune-solo Bluetooth Speaker

Divoom Bluetune solo Bluetooth Speaker Design and audio performance converge in Divoom’s spanking new Bluetune-solo Bluetooth Speaker, where this portable device will be able to tickle your ears with the X-Bass Sound System, and you can even go wild with minus one tracks thanks to an integrated microphone (although that is meant to make it a hands-free device). Of course, one is never enough just as it is with a slice of pizza, so the Bluetune-solo Bluetooth Speaker will boast a capability of being able to daisy chain multiple units together, letting users add or remove speakers according to their current audio needs.

This compact device is also small enough to be carried around in a bag, letting you bring an option to blast your music to those in your vicinity whenever the situation arises. Thanks to its X-Bass Sound System that boasts of patented PO-Bass Technology, it will be able to deliver deep bass and more vibrant sound compared to other speakers in its price range. The integrated rechargeable battery is said to offer up to 8 hours of play time, and just in case you lack a Bluetooth-enabled device to have it work alongside, there is always an auxiliary-in port. The Divoom Bluetune-solo Bluetooth Speaker can be yours for $49.90 a pop.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Urbanears Slussen Introduced, R300 Noise-Cancelling Headphones From Ferrari by Logic3,

CollegeFashionista: Balanced Fashion at the Ohio State University

The beauty of Columbus fashion comes in its broad appeal. Our state slogan says it well; we are at “the heart of it all.” You can call us a style crossroads that blends many elements into a mild yet appealing mix.
Read More…
More on Fashion Week