Sony’s Smart Imaging Stand hands-on

Sony's Smart Imaging Stand handson

The Xperia Z1 was clearly the darling of today’s Sony press event at IFA, but what is a smartphone without a smart imaging stand, right? The peripheral only got a quick mention as Kaz ran through phone specs, but we managed to get a bit more time with it on the floor afterward. The device is a cradle for your handset that you can control via phone, tablet or, in this case, the company’s new SmartWatch 2. That’s what Sony was using at the event — though, we have to say, while we appreciated it killing two birds with one stone, maybe it wasn’t the ideal choice.

Tap the icon on the watch’s display and you’ll see a barebones interface. At the center is a camera icon for still photos, with a video record icon in the upper right. There are also four arrows around the perimeter that let you adjust the stand’s position. We had some serious trouble with the latter. Connected with the stand via Blueooth, we found ourselves having to hit the arrows multiple times to get it to move. When we did eventually get it to shift, the whole stand moved a bit — though we’re willing to chalk some of that up to the somewhat precarious position the stand was in while on display.%Gallery-slideshow79438%

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Thanko – For those who like to take photos of themselves – Mount your smartphone to a stick to take photos at almost any angle

Thanko – For those who like to take photos of themselves – Mount your smartphone to a stick to take photos at almost any angle

Thanko released a “self-shot stick” that you can use to mount your smartphone and take pictures of yourself over a meter away and at practically any angle.

The stick can be extended from 30cm up to 120cm. It can also attach to a digital camera or a tripod.

Before it gets extended, it’s only about 7cm long and can very easily be carried around in your bag.

Price: 1,980 yen (including tax)
Weight: 178g
Load capacity: 500g

Thanko – Camera mount with 2 powerful suction cups to secure a video camera on the hood or side of a vehicle

Thanko - Camera mount with 2 powerful suction cups to secure a video camera on the hood or side of a vehicle

Thanko released a camera mount that you can use to secure a video camera with 2 powerful suction cups on the hood, side or top of a vehicle. It allows you to make a unique video while you drive.  It is designed to withstand a load of 130kg (150kg on a horizontal place) so you don’t need to worry about your valuable camera dropping off of your car.

You can use it anywhere suction cups can attach.

Price: 24,800 yen (including tax)
Size: 350 x 130 x 195mm
Weight: 1.8kg

Here is a drive through the streets of Tokyo to give a demonstration:

Price: 24,800 yen (including tax)
Size: 350 x 130 x 195mm
Weight: 1.8kg

It can be ordered here.