SAN DIEGO, Aug 07, 2008 - Sony is making the grade with the introduction of the stylish Cyber-shot(R) DSC-T700 and DSC-T77 digital cameras with "intelligent" shooting functions.

The 10-megapixel T77 camera is Sony's thinnest model at less than 5/8 of an inch with a 3-inch, 16 x 9 touch panel LCD screen. It features updated intelligent scene recognition technology, Smile Shutter(TM) and face detection technologies with child and adult priority, as well as high sensitivity shooting (up to ISO 3200), eleven scene modes, and in-camera image management.

The T700 model earns extra points as a "photo album in your pocket." It has all the features of the T77 unit plus 4GB of internal memory that can store nearly 1,000 full-resolution or 40,000 VGA-quality photos; a 3.5-inch, wide touch panel Xtra Fine LCD(TM) screen for photo-like viewing (210 pixel-per-inch resolution) with high contrast and wide-angle viewing; and a thin profile (slightly more than 5/8 of an inch) so it can easily slip into a pocket or purse. "Sony is taking the lead in developing "intelligent" cameras so that taking great pictures is an automatic function and not a complicated process," said Phil Lubell, director of digital camera marketing at Sony Electronics. "This is part of our effort to enhance the camera experience for customers by offering new functionality."

Substance and Style

While rich in technologies, style was a key factor in the development of both cameras, said Lubell. They feature a newly-developed Carl Zeiss(R) lens that integrates a 4x optical zoom and Optical SteadyShot(TM) image stabilization, yet achieves a slim form factor. They will also be available in a wider selection of color options than previous T-series cameras.

Both cameras feature updated intelligent scene recognition technology that can now select up to eight different scene modes, including macro, portrait and landscape modes.

This technology also includes a new anti-blink function in portrait mode that will virtually make closed-eyed photos an "old school" memory. The cameras will automatically take two shots and then determine whether the subject(s) have closed eyes using their advanced face detection technology. They will only record images with open-eyed subjects. If both pictures have subject(s) with closed eyes, the cameras will record one and display a warning so you can try again.

Sony's Smile Shutter technology has also been improved. It is easily accessible as a "smiley face" icon, which is now a permanent fixture on the camera's LCD screen in record mode, and can be toggled off and on at the touch of a finger. And during smile capture, auto focus and zoom functions are available, as well as the ability to take a limitless number of shots.

Not One, But Two Photo Libraries in Your Pocket

The T700 camera is ideal for anyone who wants to have what Lubell calls "bragging" photos of their kids, pets, vacation or sports highlights with them at all times.

Owing to the model's internal database, thousands of photos can be searched in-camera by event, date, smile or face, including children and infants; displayed in calendar or chronological views; organized in folders; and shared as slide shows or fun scrapbooks.

Unlike previous models, this one allows you to store and manage images on both its 4GB internal memory and an optional Memory Stick(R) media card. You can maximize the number of pictures stored on the camera with the bundled Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software application and its new PC Synch feature.

This new feature lets you downsize images from full-resolution to VGA and export them back to the camera's internal photo album. The application operates intelligently with the camera so you can shoot more photos. It will only detect, downsize and export the new shots. This allows you to store literally thousands of your favorite photos in the camera.

It is also possible to export photos shot by other cameras or archived on other media into the camera.
The PMB Portable software inside the camera lets you easily upload photos or videos to popular social networking sites like YouTube(TM) (a trademark of Google Inc.) using an internet connection with any compatible PC via the supplied USB cable. It even has pre-programmed sites in the camera.

The camera also has a scrapbook function that automatically creates simulated scrapbook pages. Now you can share, print or save your scrapbooks unlike previous models.

Pricing and Availability

The DSC-T77 camera replaces the former T70 model and will be available in brown, green, pink, black and silver in late September for about $300. The new DSC-T700 cameras ships at the same time in red, champagne gold, pink, dark gray and silver for about $400.

All cameras and a range of accessories can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style(R) retail stores ( http://www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges, and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin on Aug. 29 at http://www.sonystyle.com.

SONY - Cyber-shot® Camera | 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera, 4x Zoom | DSC-T77 - DSC-T77 (Cybershot - T)

SONY - Cyber-shot® Camera | 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera, 4x Zoom, 4GB | DSC-T700 - DSC-T700 (Cybershot - T)

The LG Dare is an innovative and feature-rich handset with several surprises that sets it apart from other touch-screen phones.

LG Electronics - Smartphone , 3.2 Megapixel Camera, LG Dare™ - Verizon - VX9700 Dare™ (Smartphone - Verizon)

(Credit: Verizon Wireless)

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LG Electronics Network Blu-ray Disc Player | Model: BD300 - BD300 (Blu-ray)

Personafile Media Library Photos Click to enlarge this LG image

NEW YORK, July 31 -- Building on a groundbreaking technology partnership announced earlier this year, LG Electronics and Netflix, Inc. today announced plans for the first Blu-ray disc player that will have the added benefit of being able to instantly stream a growing library of movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to the TV.
Available this fall, the LG BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player will play high definition Blu-ray discs, up convert standard DVDs to 1080p and allow Netflix subscribers to instantly stream more than 12,000 choices of movies and TV episodes from Netflix to the TV for no additional charge.
LG Electronics and Netflix will demonstrate the BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player for the first time tonight at LG's 2008 Summer Line Show at Morgan Library and Museum in New York City. (The event is open to invited media only.)
Instantly streaming content from Netflix to the TV via the LG BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player will rely on a wired broadband connection and Queue-based user interface. Netflix members will use the Netflix Web site to add movies and TV episodes to their individual instant Queues. Those choices will automatically be displayed on members' TVs and available to watch instantly through the LG player. Once selected, movies will begin playing in as little as 30 seconds. With the BD300's accompanying remote control, Netflix members will be able to browse and make selections right on the TV screen and also have the ability to read synopses and rate movies. In addition, they will have the option of fast-forwarding and rewinding the video stream.
"As Blu-ray player sales are expected to triple in three years, consumers are craving content and seeking a premium home entertainment experience," said LG Electronics USA President Teddy Hwang. "The BD300 is another LG industry first and provides consumers with an advanced high-def disc player with unparalleled flexibility and networked access for services such as Netflix."
Consumers craving more content will appreciate the BD Live feature, which provides real-time interactivity for movie enthusiasts seeking extras, new previews or special content while BonusView provides picture-in-picture access to Blu-ray disc special features. To further personalize and simplify the home theater experience, the BD300 includes LG's SimpLink(TM) technology, which allows users to control similarly equipped LG TV and AV products via convenient on-screen menus or directly from the product itself.
In January, prior to the 2008 International CES(R), LG Electronics and Netflix announced their technology partnership to provide a set-top box for consumers to stream movies and TV episodes from the Internet to the TV beginning in the second half of the year.
"LG Electronics is establishing itself as the innovation leader in consumer electronics, combining the best of broadband and Blu-ray connectivity," said Netflix Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO Reed Hastings. "LG Electronics was the first of our technology partners to publicly embrace our strategy for getting the Internet to the TV, and is the first to introduce a Blu-ray player that will instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix to the TV."
About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in home appliances, consumer electronics and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a wide range of stylish, innovative digital appliances, consumer electronics (digital display and digital media) products and mobile phones under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit http://www.LGusa.com.
About Netflix, Inc.
Netflix, Inc. is the world's largest online movie rental service, with more than eight million subscribers. For one low monthly price, Netflix members can get DVDs delivered to their homes and can instantly watch movies and TV episodes streamed to their TVs and PCs, all in unlimited amounts. Members can choose from over 100,000 DVD titles and a growing library of more than 12,000 choices that can be watched instantly. There are never any due dates or late fees. DVDs are delivered free to members by first class mail, with a postage-paid return envelope, from over 100 U.S. shipping points. More than 95 percent of Netflix members live in areas that generally receive shipments in one business day. Netflix is also partnering with leading consumer electronics companies to offer a range of devices that can instantly stream movies and TV episodes to members' TVs from Netflix. For more information, visit http://www.netflix.com/.

If you're one of the many waiting for Apple to get its act together and offer a copy/paste feature on the iPhone, there's a promising development called MagicPad from software creator Proximi. It's an application similar to the notes tool that ships with the iPhone. The big difference is that it's got support for multiple fonts; rich text elements like underlining, italics, and strikethroughs; and the much-wanted copy/paste.

It manages to do all this by adding a small toolbar over the iPhone's onscreen keyboard. Using the small loop magnifier you can highlight strings of text, then copy them into a virtual clipboard. From there it can be pasted into other notes, then sent off. Unfortunately you can't carry the clipboard to other applications, which is what most people are hoping Apple will provide.

Posted after the break is a video of the yet-to-be-released application in action, which was made by AppleiPhoneNotes.com. One thing that might keep MagicPad from making it onto the device is if it does not meet Apple's stringent human interface guidelines, which protect things like the keyboard configuration to keep the end user from getting confused.

(Via Macrumors)

Write notes, and use rich text elements including copy and paste, with MagicPad.

(Credit: Proximi)

Apple - iPhone 3G | 16GB, Black (iPhone)

Update on July 27 at 10:00 a.m. with additional information

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