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Tag: digital cameras

  • Samsung Announces Galaxy Camera 2, Will Be At CES Next Week

    Samsung Announces Galaxy Camera 2, Will Be At CES Next Week

    In late 2012, Samsung tried to forcibly invent a new market for smart cameras with the Galaxy Camera. It combined the shooting power of Samsung’s camera lineup with the guts of its Galaxy S III smartphone. It was an interesting idea to say the least, and Samsung thought it performed well enough to deserve a successor.

    Samsung announced ahead of CES that it will be bringing the Galaxy Camera 2 to stores this year. The Galaxy Camera 2 is being billed as a generational leap above the original in hardware and software. It appears that only the innards have been upgraded though as it features the same 16MP lens as the previous model.

    “Consumers love the Galaxy Camera, and this next-generation version was designed to improve on the successful predecessor, with upgraded and new features that will enhance the photography experience,” said Myoung Sup Han, Executive Vice President and Head of the Imaging Business Team at Samsung Electronics. “The result is a more powerful and portable device which continues to embrace the public’s passion for the social features of smartphones, yet also provides superior image control and quality. We are dedicated to making it easier for more people to achieve great results and with the Galaxy Camera 2’s host of creative features, anyone can capture stand out images.”

    Even without the upgraded camera hardware, the Galaxy Camera 2 is a better all-around device. The new device sports a 1.6GHz quad-core CPU, 21x optical zoom, 2 GB of RAM and a 2000mAh battery. All in all, you’re getting a much better device on the hardware side of things with the Galaxy Camera 2.

    As for software, Samsung says it will ship with Android 4.3. There’s no word yet on if the original Galaxy Camera will be upgraded to Android 4.3, but it’s not likely. The original is still rockin’ Android 4.1.2 so the bump up to 4.3 in the Galaxy Camera 2 may be a ploy to get current owners to upgrade their hardware.

    Oh, and if you do decide to pick up the Galaxy Camera 2, Samsung will throw in 50 GB of free storage on Dropbox for two years. The app even comes preloaded on the device so you have no excuse not to use it.

    If you want to get your hands on the Galaxy Camera 2, you’ll be able to take it for a spin at Samsung’s CES booth next week.

    Image via Samsung

  • Samsung Galaxy Camera Heads To Verizon

    Samsung Galaxy Camera Heads To Verizon

    The Galaxy Camera is one of the more interesting Android devices to come out this year, but it’s been exclusive to AT&T since its launch on November 16. Now folks on Verizon are getting their own Galaxy Camera with an added bonus – 4G LTE.

    The Verge reports that a 4G LTE Galaxy Camera suddenly showed up on Samsung’s Web site without warning. The page appears to be a placeholder for now as it contains no price or launch date confirmation. AT&T’s Galaxy Camera retailed for $499, but only had 3G connectivity. It’s unknown if the added 4G LTE connectivity will add onto the price or not.

    For those who are still unaware of Samsung’s new camera, the Galaxy Camera is a point-and-shoot digital camera combined with the power of the company’s flagship Galaxy S III smartphone. The device is equipped with a 4.8-inch HD touch screen and a 21x optical zoom. On the software side of things, it comes with Google’s first Jelly Bean release – Android 4.1.

    While we have no official price or launch date, it would be safe to assume that the Galaxy Camera will hit Verizon before the end of the year. A few more big holiday shopping weekends are coming up, and Verizon won’t want to miss out on the potential sales that such a device could bring to the carrier. If it does miss the holiday season, I’d wager that an early January launch is in the books.

  • Instagram Camera Is Decidedly Retro

    Ah, Instagram, friend of would-be photographers everywhere. The super popular app for iPhone and Android has enabled people of all skill levels to take fancy photos with the touch of a button and a few applications of various filters. No wonder Facebook paid $1 billion for the glorified sepia filter.

    Instagram wasn’t enough for Facebook, however, as they have also created their own dedicated camera app for iOS. Despite being owned by Facebook, Instagram had to do something to compete. They turned to the only avenue there was – stand-alone camera hardware.

    The above scenario is all true except for Instagram launching a stand-alone camera. What if we lived in a world where they did though? The super talented guys over at ElectRoulette, who brought us the genius Google Glasses parody Meme Glasses, has brought us an in depth look at the Instagram camera.

    Resembling that old Kodak that’s gathering dust in the attic, the Instagram camera merges retro design with new technology like sepia filters. The camera can apply various filters and even add in new elements like mountains and flowers with the nature filter. The technology on display can also make your car appear more retro than it has any right being.

    It’s pretty much accepted that the stand-alone camera market is really only for aficionados anymore. The general user now has a smartphone that can replace the camera and a wide variety of other functions. What if Instagram were to release a camera though? Would the same people who have flocked to the app buy a camera branded with their favorite camera app? The world may never know.

  • Apple Seeks Permission To Sue A Bankrupt Kodak

    Apple Seeks Permission To Sue A Bankrupt Kodak

    It’s bad form to kick a man while he’s down. It’s even worse form to sue a company while their filing for bankruptcy.

    Bloomberg is reporting that Apple is requesting approval to file a lawsuit against Kodak, the beleaguered camera company that filed for bankruptcy last month. Apple alleges that Kodak is infringing on their patents that cover printers, digital cameras and digital picture frames.

    Apple intends to file a complaint against Kodak with the ITC and pursue a lawsuit against the company at the U.S. District Court of Manhattan. The suit will seek an injunction against Kodak’s supposed infringement.

    Kodak has the right to ask the court to halt any lawsuits brought against them under bankruptcy protection, but Apple can move ahead with its lawsuit if the court does not make a ruling. Essentially, it means that Apple can sue Kodak while they are waiting to hear back from a judge on whether they can be sued or not.

    Kodak and Apple are currently involved in another legal dispute over technology ownership. Apple claims to have shown a Kodak a digital camera in the 1990s that Kodak proceeded to then patent.

    Kodak isn’t innocent in all of this either as they filed a patent-infringement complaint against Apple and HTC last month. Apple told the ITC that Kodak’s complaint was baseless as they would be selling off their patents anyway as part of the bankruptcy process.

    Kodak fired back saying that their bankruptcy doesn’t change the fact that they are investing in new technologies and inventions. The ITC is scheduled to make a decision by February 23 on whether or not they are going to investigate Kodak’s claims.

    At this point, both companies should just make up. Kodak has a lot to offer Apple and Apple can help Kodak out of its mess. It would be a win-win, but unfortunately, it does not appear that things will turn out that smoothly.

  • Kodak To Stop Selling Cameras To Cut Costs

    Kodak, who recently filed for bankruptcy, has announced they will stop making digital cameras to cut costs.

    Reuters is reporting that Kodak is also halting production of pocket video cameras and digital picture frames in the first half of 2012. Kodak announced that they were filing for bankruptcy last month after failing to adapt to modern technologies that it helped invent.

    The company said on Thursday that it will take a charge of about $30 million for the business exit. It expects to save more than $100 million by cutting out manufacturing.

    Kodak said that their choice was the “logical extension” of their strategy to improve margins by narrowing its product portfolio, geographies and retail outlets.

    The company generated about three-quarters of its revenue from digital photography goods, but said that it will now pursue licensees to expand its brand licensing program. The company will still offer online and retail printing, and desktop printers.

    Its remaining consumer services will include retail-based photo kiosks and dry lab systems. It has over 100,000 kiosks and dry lab systems around the world.

    Kodak will also still operate its commercial business that offers enterprise services, graphics, entertainment and commercial film units.

    The company is working closely with its retail partners to ensure a smooth transition out of the camera business. The company will still offer support and honor all warranties for their current cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames that are currently on the market.