Tag Archives: new technology

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Sharp’s First AQUOS Smartphone comes to the U.S.

I have always been impressed by Sharp’s products. They now have an exciting new phone. In the past Sharp has been known for making other companies panels, and the glass behind many major products. Now they have launched exciting new phones of their own!

B-W

DSC_7691

We have not had the opportunity to review the product but Pocketnow did a really nice review as seen below–>

There does not seem to be anything like it and it is innovative.

We are very interested in reviewing it.

Watch this video on YouTube.

and another exciting review–>

Watch this video on YouTube.

Here is Sprint’s Press Release!!

Sharp’s First AQUOS Smartphone comes to the U.S. –
Sharp AQUOS Crystal arriving exclusively at Sprint, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile

NEW YORK – Aug. 19, 2014 – Sharp selected Sprint (NYSE:S) to launch its first AQUOS wireless phone available in the United States, Sharp AQUOS® Crystal.

This launch marks a monumental step in the Sprint and SoftBank merger by bringing this device to SoftBank in Japan and Sprint and its prepaid brands, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA, as the exclusive U.S. carriers for this groundbreaking device.

AQUOS Crystal breaks the mold of traditional smartphone design. From its stunning picture quality and immersive, vibrant display to its sleek, 5-inch edge-to-edge HD screen, AQUOS Crystal revolutionizes the mobile phone experience. The chic, compact exterior houses a smartphone powered by Android 4.4.2 KitKat and supported by the ultra-fast Sprint Spark network. Showcasing incredible audio with Harman Kardon® technologies and HD voice, and a camera that can make any amateur look like a pro, AQUOS Crystal is truly technology without bounds.

Sprint will offer AQUOS Crystal in two color options (black or white). With Sprint Easy Pay, well-qualified buyers can purchase AQUOS Crystal with $0 down (plus tax) and 24 monthly payments of $101 (service plan is required). Customers can visit www.sprint.com/sharp for more information. Sharp AQUOS Crystal will be available in black at www.virginmobileusa.com and in white at www.BoostMobile.com, both for $149.99 (plus tax). Exact availability will be announced at a later date.

“The combined power of SoftBank and Sprint will bring our customers this high-end device for an extraordinarily value,” said David Owens, senior vice president-Product Development for Sprint. “We are thrilled to welcome Sharp to the U.S. wireless market. AQUOS Crystal will quickly become a must-have smartphone, showcasing Sharp’s strength in display technology.”

In addition, AQUOS Crystal boasts Harman’s Clari-Fi™ technology with the ability to restore and “rebuild” music fidelity lost during audio compression. Clari-Fi yields richer, deeper and clearer sound quality for compressed digital music (like MP3 downloads or streaming services such as Spotify®). The Clari-Fi experience includes low and high frequency extension, improved realism and fidelity, and wider sound stage.

Additional key features include:
Harman’s LiveStage™ provides a more lifelike headphone listening experience by adding dimension to the sound
Clari-Fi™ technology improves digital sound quality by restoring all types of compressed digital music
Clip Now, which takes screenshots with one swipe and saves them with an embedded URL for easy sharing
8MP rear-facing and 1.2MP front-facing cameras
Crystal clear HD Voice
Embedded 2,040mAh battery
1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1.5GB (RAM) and 8GB (ROM)

“U.S. consumers have long trusted the Sharp AQUOS brand to deliver exceptional picture quality. We are thrilled to introduce the first smartphone from Sharp’s groundbreaking AQUOS line of devices to be available in the U.S., with the launch of the AQUOS Crystal Smartphone in the U.S. and Japan,” said Yoshisuke Hasegawa, Executive Managing Officer of Sharp Corporation. “The already successful AQUOS brand is taking another step forward among U.S. consumers by adding the Crystal smartphone, which marries innovative technology with a vibrant display, as customers have come to expect from Sharp AQUOS products. The AQUOS Crystal offers exclusive features and leading technologies, all incorporated in a beautiful edge-to-edge design.”

“App All You Want” with App Pass
Exclusive to Sprint in the U.S., App Pass is a subscription service that allows customers to access a hand-selected catalog of premium apps and games for $4.99 per month – after a 14-day free trial. App Pass offers unlimited access to these apps and games across two devices, and additionally, customers are given a $5 credit each month to spend on in-app purchases.

“Many customers find value in premium apps, but hesitate to make the purchase without knowing more about the app,” said Wayne Ward, vice president-business and product development at Sprint. “With App Pass, Sprint makes it easier for our customers to ‘app all you want’ with a curated list of popular premium apps.”

App Pass will host a curated selection of apps and mobile games from some of the world’s top developers including Gameloft and Oceanhouse Media. Select titles from other developers include OfficeSuite 7 Pro, Camera Zoom FX, Minuum Keyboard, CamScanner and Color & Draw for Kids.

App Pass, powered by Mobiroo, which develops and manages app subscription platforms globally, will be pre-installed on all new Sprint Android devices beginning Aug. 29. App Pass can also be found under the “Apps” tab of the Sprint Zone app, on supported devices, for current Sprint customers using an Android phone. After the launch on Aug. 29, Sprint customers can visit www.sprint.com/apppass to learn more and download the app. New apps and games will be regularly added to the storefront.

To receive the 14-day free trial, customers will need to open the App Pass app and then register by tapping on the menu button, then selecting ‘My Account,’ tapping on the ‘Sign up now’ button on the Featured page or tapping on the ‘download’ button on an App Details page. App Pass will not be available on prepaid devices.

Great Value for Prepaid or Postpaid
By bringing AQUOS Crystal to Sprint, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile, customers have the choice of how they wish to finance their wireless experience with each brand offering its own unique benefits:
POSTPAID (Sprint)
It’s a new day for data in the wireless industry with the announcement of Sprint’s new Sprint Family Share Pack – a new shared-data plan that offers double the high-speed data at a lower price than AT&T and Verizon Wireless. The Sprint Family Share Pack, offering double the high-speed shareable data2 for smartphones, basic phones, tablets and mobile broadband devices, will be available starting Aug. 22. To kick off Sprint’s “new day for data” campaign, Sprint is offering a limited-time promotion for the Sprint Family Share Pack: For a family with up to 10 lines, get 20GB of Shared Data and Unlimited Talk & Text for only $100 a month through 20153 – and, as an added bonus, customers will get an additional 2GB per line for up to 10 lines.

NO CONTRACT
Virgin Mobile USA’s smartphones can be paired with Virgin Mobile USA’s Beyond Talk™ No Contract plans with unlimited data4, and available 4G LTE data speeds5 for mobile phone service, including Android™-powered smartphones. Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk monthly unlimited data and messaging plans, which start at $35, are ideal for those smartphone users hungry for the most connectivity and the least amount of voice minutes.
Boost’s Monthly Unlimited Select plans offer value-conscious consumers three easy-to-understand plans that all include unlimited talk, text and data.6 Each plan offers different data usage thresholds to help address the varying data needs of consumers.

The Speed of Sprint Spark
Sprint Spark provides the capacity to greatly improve the performance of video and other bandwidth-intensive applications while opening the way for futuristic applications. Sprint Spark is designed to support a new generation of online gaming, virtual reality, advanced cloud services and other applications requiring very high bandwidth.

Available today in 27 markets across the country, Sprint Spark is an enhanced LTE service that’s built for data and designed to deliver average wireless speeds of 6-15Mbps and peak wireless speeds of 50-60Mbps today on capable devices, with increasing speed potential over time. Sprint plans to reach 100 million Americans by year-end with the service.

About Sprint
Sprint (NYSE: S) is a communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served more than 54 million customers as of June 30, 2014, and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint as the most improved U.S. company in customer satisfaction, across all 43 industries, over the last six years. Sprint has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America in 2011, 2012 and 2013. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

About Virgin Mobile USA
Virgin Mobile USA offers millions of customers control, flexibility and connectivity through its Beyond Talk™ plans for data-hungry customers, Virgin Mobile Custom™, for the ultimate in personalized plans and parental control; and for prepaid Broadband2Go high-speed Web access on the Nationwide Sprint 4G LTE Network, all available without being tied to a long-term subscription contract. Virgin Mobile-branded devices are available at more than 40,000 retail stores, including Best Buy, RadioShack, Target and Walmart. Top-Up cards are available at approximately 150,000 locations nationwide. Experience Virgin Mobile on the Web at Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, and purchase Virgin Mobile USA products at www.virginmobileusa.com. For more news, click here.

About Boost Mobile –
Boost Mobile offers wireless phones and services with no long-term contracts and national service on the Nationwide Sprint Network, reaching more than 279 million people, with no activation or long-distance fees. Boost Mobile offers a selection of quality handsets from HTC, Kyocera, LG, Motorola and Samsung, including Android™ smartphone devices available nationwide at nearly 20,000 major retail stores, including Best Buy, Kmart-Sears, RadioShack, Target, Family Dollar, Walgreens and Walmart, independent wireless dealer locations, and on HSN, a leading TV home shopping network. Re-Boost® Cards are available at approximately 100,000 locations throughout the United States. Experience Boost Mobile on the Web at Facebook and Twitter; and purchase products at www.boostmobile.com.

About Sharp Corporation
Sharp Corporation is a worldwide developer of innovative products and core technologies that play a key role in shaping the future of electronics. Not only being a leading Android device manufacturer in Japan, but as a leader in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and digital technologies, Sharp offers one of the broadest and most advanced lines of consumer electronics, information products and electronic components, while also creating new network businesses. Sharp Corporation employs 50,253 people in the world (as of March 31, 2014) and recorded consolidated annual sales of 2,927,186 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. For more information, please visit Sharp’s Web site at http://sharp-world.com/index.html.

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IK Multimedia adds SampleMoog™ Mobile Edition to Sample Tank!

MEDIA ALERT

IK Multimedia adds SampleMoog™ Mobile Edition
and Inter-App Audio in SampleTank
for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

New version of SampleTank for iOS adds availability of the SampleMoog™
collection of instruments – the most sought after vintage
and modern Moog synthesizers of all time

November 26, 2013 – IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music-creation apps and accessories for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, is pleased to announce a new version of SampleTank, the premium virtual instrument and sound module for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that gives mobile musicians access to the SampleMoog™ – Mobile Edition collection of instrument sounds, plus adds Inter-App Audio features allowing SampleTank to run as an instrument app for Inter-App Audio compatible recording apps like GarageBand for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

The SampleMoog™ Mobile Edition for SampleTank mobile is available as an in-app purchase and is derived from the SampleMoog™ standalone app and DAW plug-in for Mac/PC used in studios around the world. These sounds, pads, textures and effects have been heard on countless GRAMMY-winning albums and millions of recordings since the 1970s. SampleMoog™ Mobile Edition features instruments that were painstakingly sampled for precise and faithful sound reproduction of the world’s most popular Moog vintage and modern synthesizers.  These sounds have a texture, warmth, and beauty that is considered “the anthology of Moog synths” and unrivalled in the virtual instrument world.

The SampleMoog™ – Mobile Edition for SampleTank includes over 130 analog synth lead, pad, bass, sequence and effect sounds from classic Moog Music® instruments including the Minimoog® Model D, Memorymoog, Polymoog, Taurus®, Source, Rogue, Prodigy, Vocoder, Minimoog Voyager®, Little Phatty® and Etherwave® Theremin.  These sounds are taken from the desktop version of SampleMoog™, IK Multimedia’s leading Moog® virtual instrument.

SampleTank 1.7 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is a complete professional quality virtual instrument and sound workstation that allows musicians to use a portable keyboard/MIDI controller like iRig KEYS, or any MIDI keyboard controller with a MIDI interface like iRig MIDI or iRig PRO, to create and perform with studio quality instruments and sounds on the go. Musicians can even add more performance control with iRig BlueBoard, wireless MIDI pedalboard controller. SampleTank is both Inter-App Audio (new in iOS 7) and AudioBus compatible so it can be used as an instrument app with other compatible mobile recording and DAW applications like GarageBand, AmpliTube and VocaLive for creating music on the go, anytime and everywhere. SampleTank is compatible with iPhone 3GS or later, iPod touch 4G or later, and any iPad model.

Pricing & Availability:
SampleTank 1.7 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is available now as a free update on the App StoreSM (www.itunes.com/appstore). The SampleMoog™ Mobile Edition is available as an in-app purchase for $19.99/€17.99. Additional instrument collections, like the symphonic sounds of Miroslav Philharmonik Mobile Edition, are also available via in-app purchase.

For more information about SampleTank for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, please visit:

www.sampletank.com

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NEW FUJIFILM XQ1 COMBINES STUNNING IMAGE QUALITY WITH ULTRA PORTABILITY

Pocket-sized XQ1 features bright F1.8 4x zoom lens, 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II sensor and amazing 0.06 second AF speed

Valhalla, N.Y., October 18, 2013 – As a leader in advanced digital camera technology and outstanding image resolution, FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the new FUJIFILM XQ1, a premium pocket-sized digital camera with a bright FUJINON F1.8 4x zoom lens, an advanced 12 Megapixel 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II*1 sensor with phase detection, and the EXR Processor II that delivers the world’s fastest autofocus speed in its category of up to 0.06*2 seconds.

Fujifilm XQ1 Digital Camera (Black)

“The XQ1 combines the amazing image quality of the Fujifilm X Series with ultra-portability that makes taking beautiful pictures enjoyable anywhere,” said Manny Almeida, senior vice president and general manager, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Imaging and Electronic Imaging Divisions. “The XQ1 is the most portable X-Series camera ever developed, and people can now experience a premium compact that easily slips into a pocket or purse.”

X-Series image quality and advanced focusing

The FUJIFILM XQ1 uses the 12 Megapixel 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II sensor that is designed to control moiré and false color generation by using an original color filter array with a highly randomized pixel arrangement. This technology removes the need for an Optical Low Pass Filter (OLPF) that degrades resolution. The image quality in the XQ1 is further enhanced by using a Lens Modulation Optimizer (LMO) for stunningly sharp pictures, as well as a 3.0 stop*3Optical Image Stabilization for shooting in low light situations.

The newly developed FUJINON F1.8 4x zoom (25-100mm*4) is constructed with 4 aspherical and 3 extra low dispersion lenses and each lens surface is coated with HT-EBC to reduce flare and ghosting. The XQ1 also has a wide sensitivity range from ISO100 to ISO12800 so you can take realistic and vibrant images even in low light.

The EXR Processor II in the new XQ1 more than doubles the processing speed*5 of the previous generation, and it easily captures the information taken from over 100,000 phase detection pixels incorporated in the X-Trans CMOS II to deliver astonishing images.

Superb shooting speed and premium compact design

The XQ1 boasts that world’s fastest AF of 0.06 seconds, a shooting interval of just 0.3 seconds*6 between shots, and a shutter lag of 0.015 seconds to capture even the most fleeting and memorable moments.

With its auto switching AF, the XQ1 combines contrast AF with an improved phase detection AF algorithm that provides accurate capture of low-contrast subjects in low light as well as high-speed responsiveness. The XQ1 also gives users Focus Highlight Peaking that outlines high contrast areas of subjects during focusing, which helps users focus accurately for picture results that look fantastic on-screen and in print.

The XQ1 is made with outstanding craftsmanship and the classic design that the X-Series is known for, all within an ultra-small body that is 3.93” (w) x 2.3” (h) x 1.3” (d). With a sharp 920,000 dot LCD screen made of anti-reflective glass, the XQ1 gives photographers an amazing 85°vertical and horizontal viewing angles as they frame every shot.

Improved movie performance

The FUJIFILM XQ1 shoots full HD video with up to 60fps and AF tracking performance for quick and smooth focusing that records clear subjects, even when moving the camera body thanks to its dedicated image stabilization.

Easy Image Transfer with WiFi® button

The FUJIFILM XQ1 includes a WiFi button that lets users transfer high quality photos and movies*7 to smartphones, tablets and computers for easy sharing on social media sites.

To connect the XQ1 to a smartphone or tablet, users can download the free dedicated “FUJIFILM Camera Application” to their iPhone™ / iPad™ or Android™ smartphone or tablet device to transfer up to 30 picturesat a time from the XQ1. The app also lets users download movies, expanding the range of options available for enjoying pictures taken with the camera.

Once paired, users can press and hold the WiFi button to begin sharing images and movies immediately to their smartphone or tablet.

The XQ1 also has an Advanced Filter function and Film Simulation modes to give users a range of creative filters and film effects to apply and achieve unique and artistic looks.

FUJIFILM XQ1 key features list:

  • 12 Megapixels 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II Sensor

  • EXR Processor II

    • Start-up time of 1.0

    • Shutter lag time of 0.015

    • Shooting interval time of 0.3

  • AF speed 0.06 seconds

  • F1.8-F4.9 4x optical zoom equivalent to 25-100mm in 35mm format

  • 4x Intelligent Digital Zoom (16X combined with optical zoom)

  • Lens Modulation Optimizer for improved image quality

  • 3” (920,000 dot) premium clear LCD (High contrast, High Brightness and Wide viewing angle)

  • Built-in Super Intelligent pop-up Flash

  • ISO100 – 12800

  • Full HD Movie

  • In-camera RAW converter

  • Film simulation modes (Velvia, ASTIA, PROVIA, Sepia and Monochrome)

  • Artistic features: Toy Camera, Miniature, Dynamic Tone, Pop Color, Soft Focus, High Key, Low Key, and Partial Color Selection of Bracketing functions (AE/ISO/Dynamic Range &Film Simulation)

FUJIFILM XQ1 accessories list:

  • Bottom leather case (Black BLC-XQ1 BC and Brown BLC-XQ1 BW)

  • Waterproof case WP-XQ1 for depth to 40 meters

  • O Ring Kit ORK-XQ1

The FUJIFILM XQ1 will be available in October 2013 for $499.95 in both all-black and all-silver.

*1: X-Trans is a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation

*2: FUJIFILM research as of September 2013. Compared with other digital cameras equipped with 2/3-inch sensor or larger, based on CIPA standards, and using internal measurement methods under high performance mode

*3: CIPA standard

*4: 35mm format

*5: Compared with the EXR Processor Pro

*6: In High Performance Mode

*7: FUJIFILM Camera Application for iOS can save movie files up to 1280 x 720

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation consists of four operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including: photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products; film; and one-time-use cameras; and also markets motion picture archival film and on-set color management solutions to the motion picture, broadcast and production industries. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. sells and markets a range of Fujifilm products and services in Canada. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, or go to www.facebook.com/FujifilmNorthAmerica to Like Fujifilm on Facebook. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 10 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2012, and in the year ended March 31, 2013, had global revenues of $26.7 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

* At an exchange rate of 83 yen to the dollar.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

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