Sprint to send Nextel packing?

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers

This rumor is spinning today and it makes some sense.  It is said Sprint is considering selling off Nextel to stem some of the losses it is encountering.  Many analysts name the merger between Sprint and Nextel as the cause for Sprints ongoing troubles.

Recently, we’ve Sprint making some big changes both in-house and with their customers.  In house, they sacked the CFO and CMO, for customers they pitched the Unlimited $99 plan and also a data-less unlimited plan for $89.  Each of these moves demonstrate a troubled Sprint trying to differentiate themselves in the marketplace.  Clearly Sprint is trying to move beyond its current state.

Does shedding the beep-beep laden Nextel help this situation?  Would there be any takers?

Read [Crave]

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Written by JG Mason on March 7th, 2008 with no comments.
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When is Mobile not Mobile?

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers

In the UK experiments are due to start where mobile (cell) phone calls made in the home will be routed through the users broadband connection rather than through the existing phone network, because of the increasing volume and subsequent strain on the traditional networks.

The technology is similar to that used in Wi-Fi and connectivity is based on ‘Femtocells’ which are small pockets of wireless connectivity—just think wireless router.

Putting the increased volume into perspective, the growth of video downloads means that a network that would normally handle 500 voice conversations at the same time, would only handle 15 simultaneous downloads.

Via [The Times]

Full Story » | Written by Chris Marshall for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Written by Chris Marshall on February 16th, 2008 with no comments.
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Breaking: AT&T data network outage for Blackberry and Treo

Just a quick notice: looks like AT&T is experiencing difficulties with data service nationwide.  Word from on high is “they are working on it”.  Interestingly, five states are immune from the data outage.

AT&T Business Customer Service can be reached at 800-222-0400 or at their site.

Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Permalink | Have something to say? Add a Comment!

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers

Written by JG Mason on January 31st, 2008 with no comments.
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Fujifilm debuts new high end digital camera

Fujifilm was showing off this week its most advanced SLR styled digital camera to date. It is called the Fujifilm FinePix S100FS and pricing is set around $800.

The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS is a 11-megapixel shooter with a 14.3x Fujinon manual zoom lens, 2.5-inch tiltable LCD screen and ISO capabilities up to ISO 6400. Featured technologies on this prosumer SLR include dual image stabilization, face detection with red eye removal and film simulation modes.

Fujifilm expects to make this camera available in February. You can get the full details on the FinePix S100FS after the jump.

FUJIFILM UNVEILS ITS MOST ADVANCED CONSUMER MODEL TO DATE: THE FINEPIX S100FS DIGITAL CAMERA

Advanced Prosumer Model Offers DSLR Control and Functionality

Valhalla, NY, January 24, 2008 – FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. today unveiled the FinePix S100FS (Film Simulation) digital camera, its most advanced SLR-styled camera to date. The FinePix S100FS provides an all-in-one solution for photo enthusiasts and advanced amateur photographers seeking the manual controls and functionality of a Digital-SLR, without the hassle and expense of additional lenses and other accessories.

The FinePix S100FS is equipped with a 14.3x Fujinon manual zoom lens, Fujifilm’s 8th generation Super CCD sensor with 11 MegaPixels, RP III processor, 2.5″ tiltable LCD and ISO capabilities of up to ISO 6400 at 6 MegaPixels and an incredible ISO 10,000 at 3 MegaPixels. Photographers will appreciate the ease of use afforded by Dual Image Stabilization which combines optical image and picture stabilization, and Fujifilm’s acclaimed Face Detection 2.0 Technology with Automatic Red Eye Removal, while enjoying a wide dynamic range of 100-400% typically exclusive to the highest-end D-SLR cameras, and film simulation modes that only Fujifilm can provide.

“This camera benefits from the culmination of Fujifilm’s 8th generation Super CCD and 3rd generation RP (Real Photo) Processor technology development,” said David Troy, senior product manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. “This powerful combination allows the S100FS, with its wide dynamic range, to capture the subtleties in color, tone and detail to deliver perfect shot conditions every time.”

One-Of-A-Kind Lens Design for a One-Of-A-Kind Camera
Through a unique collaboration among Fujifilm and Fujinon R&D engineers, the development team approached the design effort as a single project, creating the lens and CCD for express function as a single unit. This design allows the ultra-high precision Fujinon lens to achieve maximum resolution at all focal lengths of 28mm-400mm equivalent and aperture stop settings. Because of the composite body and lens structure, there is no penetration of dirt and dust onto the CCD of a bright F 2.8 (wide angle) or F5.3 (telephoto).

A Feature Set Borrowed From the S5 Pro
Fujifilm’s engineers have incorporated some of the FinePix S5 Pro’s features that have been most appreciated by professional photographers, including film simulation modes and settings that expand the camera’s dynamic range. The FinePix S100FS has an extended dynamic range (100% , 200% , 400% ) that is similar to that of negative film, thanks to the newly developed 2/3″ 11.1 megapixel SuperCCD VIII “HR” and the new RP Processor III. This camera prevents overexposure and underexposure, regardless of whether the subject is a landscape or a portrait, and Fujifilm’s unique Film Simulation modes (FS) allow photographers to select the ideal “film” mode for the scene with a choice of four modes that optimize for portraiture, low-contrast (soft), vibrant colors (Velvia), or general use (Provia). Only Fujifilm has developed its camera technology from its photographic heritage in film which uniquely gives subtle changes in tone and color reproduction to provide the photographer the widest technical range for the best creative expression possible.

Face Detection 2.0 with Automatic Red Eye Removal
Fujifilm’s proprietary Face Detection 2.0, featuring Automatic Red Eye Removal, debuted on the award-winning FinePix F50fd. This one-touch selectable mode enables cameras such as the FinePix S100FS to detect up to 10 human faces in a scene, correcting focus, exposure and white balance automatically as fast as 0.05 seconds to ensure that photos of human faces are clear and properly exposed, no matter where subjects are located within the frame. Fujifilm’s Face Detection 2.0 has an advantage over the other face detection systems currently on the market because it can identify faces at extreme angles - even in full profile. The system allows for up to a 90 O movement in either direction for profiles and up to 135 O for leaning or lying down in either direction, for a total range of 270 O.

The Automatic Red-Eye Removal feature works in conjunction with Fujifilm’s Face Detection 2.0, automatically correcting red-eye directly after the shot is taken and then saving both the original image and the corrected file. The user can then perform a side-by-side picture comparison in playback mode and select the most pleasing image.

Other noteworthy features found on the FinePix S100FS include:

* Dual Image Stabilization: The FinePix S100FS features Fujifilm’s Dual Image Stabilization technology to ensure clean, sharp and blur-free images, even in low-light conditions. This combines image stabilization through a mechanically stabilized “floating” lens element to reduce blur from the photographer’s hand-shake, with Fujifilm’s Picture Stabilization Technology, to reduce blur caused by subject movement, for the ultimate in stabilization technology.
* Multi-Bracketing Function: The S100FS has three bracketing functions useful for high level photography: Film Simulation Bracketing, Dynamic Range Bracketing and AE Bracketing.
* High-Speed Shooting: Reliable high-speed performance is possible through Fujifilm’s newly developed Super CCD VIII “HR” and the new image processor RP (Real Photo) III Processor. At 3-MegaPixels, a maximum of 50 continuous shots at 7 frames/second is possible. In addition, 14 scene settings and customer settings can be selected, as can four auto-focus modes offer convenient high-speed, high-precision shooting and focusing for a diverse range of conditions.
* Image Formats: Capture images in both JPEG and RAW format.
* Movie Mode: Movie mode with sound at 30 frames per second in VGA quality, and zoom capable with manual zoom ring while in movie mode.
* xD/SD/SD-HC Compatible Slot: The FinePix S100FS features an “xD/SD Compatible Slot” which accepts not only Fujifilm’s traditional xD-Picture Cards but also Secure Digital (SD) and SD-High Capacity/SD-HC cards too.
* 2.5: Tiltable LCD: The FinePix s100FS features a tilting 2.5″ LCD that makes it easy to frame shots from a variety of shooting positions.

The FinePix S100FS will debut in February 2008 at a retail price of $799.95.

Written by Nino Marchetti on January 25th, 2008 with no comments.
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Blog it or video capture it with the new Fujifilm FinePix Z20fd

Looking to attract the blogging and video capturing audience, Fujifilm has introduced the new FinePix Z20fd - an upgrade to the FinePix Z10fd. The Z20fd comes with a 10 megapixel CCD, a 2.5 inch LCD screen, 45MB of internal memory, a new Dual Blog Mode, and a new MPEG-4 movie recording mode. Here’s the complete rundown of features and specs:

The FinePix Z20fd will come out in late March for an MSRP of $199.95.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Fujifilm, FinePix Z20fd

Written by flung on January 25th, 2008 with no comments.
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Fujifilm introduces FinePix S8100fd with 18x optical zoom lens

If you’re looking for a digi-cam with a little extra oomph in zooming capabilities, then check out the newly introduced Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd. The S8100fd combines “user-friendliness” with long-zoom capabilities and high speed shooting modes - all in a consumer level camera. With the S8100fd, you’ll get a 10 megapixel CCD, a whopping 18x wide angle optical zoom fixed lens (27mm-486mm equivalent), face detection technology, and dual image stabilization. Here’s the full feature list:

The FinePix S8100fd  will come out in March for an MSRP of $399.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Fujifilm, FinePix S8100fd

Written by flung on January 25th, 2008 with no comments.
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Fujifilm introduces the FinePix S1000fd

Moving up the chain here - Fujifilm has announced the successor to their FinePix S700 digital camera - the FinePix S1000fd. According to Fujifilm, the S1000fd is the world’s smallest digital camera with a 12x optical zoom lens. Features include a 10 megapixel resolution, Fujifilm’s proprietary Face Detection Technology with automatic red eye removal, and a new Panoramic Shooting Mode.

Fujifilm’s Face Detection with Automatic Red Eye Removal technology operates by identifying and prioritizing up to 6 faces in a framed scene. It then tries to adjust the focus and exposure accordingly to deliver the best possible picture with human subjects.

The new Panorama Shooting modes makes it easy to create large panoramic scenes. You can combine three consecutive shots at 3 megapixel resolutions each and then save it to memory.

Other features include:

• 2.7 inch high resolution 230K pixel LCD display with electronic viewfinder
• ISO levels up to ISO 1600 at full resolution and ISO 3200 at 3 megapixels
• Picture Stabilization Mode
• Full Manual Photographic Control
• High Speed Shooting - 7.5 fps @ 2 MP for 15 shots, 3.3 fps @ 5MP for 6 shots and 1.4 fps @ 10MP for 3 shots
• VGA recording at 30fps with sound
• 13 pre-programmed scene modes including Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Museum, Party, Flower, Text.
• Support for xD/SD/SDHC
• Operates on 4 AA batteries

The FinePix S1000fd will be coming out in April for an MSRP of $249.95.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Fujifilm, FinePix S1000fd

Written by flung on January 25th, 2008 with no comments.
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Fujifilm introduces new J-Series with J10 and J50 Digital Cameras

Fujifilm introduced a new line of digital cameras called the J-Series designed for consumers looking for an affordable digital camera. Two of the new models for the J-Series include the J10 and the J50.

The J10 features an 8.2 megapixel CCD sensor, a 2.5 inch LCD and a 3x Fujinon optical zoom lens. The J50 also features an 8.2 megapixel CCD sensor, a high resolution 2.7 inch 230K pixel LCD display, and a Fujinon 5x optical zoom lens.

Features on the J-Series include:

• Scene modes - 15 pre-programmed scene modes for a wide range of shooting conditions
• Picture Stabilization Technology to reduce blurry images
• Movie Mode - J10 captures VGA and QVGA movie clips at 30fps while J50 captures QVGA at 30fps.
• J10 supports 1600 ISO at full resolution while J50 supports ISO 800 at full resolution
• Support for xD/SD/SDHC
• Long life rechargeable Li-ion battery

The FinePix J10 is available in Matte Black and Brushed Aluminum.

The FinePix J50 is available in Brushed Silver.

The J10 and the J50 will be coming out in March. The J10 will have an MSRP of $149.95 while the J50 will have an MSRP of $179.95.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Fujifilm, FinePix J10, FinePix J50

Written by flung on January 25th, 2008 with no comments.
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