Skype for Windows Phone 8 gets HD video, People Hub integration in latest update

Posted on 19/03/2013 by Ben Gilbert

Avid Skype video users on Windows Phone 8, now is the time to get your hair did -- HD video is now possible employing "higher-end" WP8 devices, such as the Lumia 920, HTC 8X, and Samsung Ativ S. "Lower end handsets" will have to settle for VGA video, though Microsoft says call quality across the board was improved in update 2.4. All WP8 handsets will enjoy People Hub integration, meaning you can jump right into Skype calls from your contacts list, rather than having to independently open the app. And should a friend need to use your phone to Skype a buddy in Belgrade, account switching is now integrated into the main menu. The update is of course free, and available right now in the Windows Phone store. Head past the break for the full list of updates.

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds, Software, Mobile, Microsoft

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Source: Windows Phone Store, Skype

GoPro Hero3 action camera hands-on

Posted on 17/10/2012 by Michael Gorman

GoPro just revealed its new flagship action camcorder, the Hero3, and we managed to get our mitts on one this evening. First things first, the Hero3 is tiny, particularly when considering that it shoots 4K video (albeit at a paltry 12fps), a resolution usually reserved for much larger, cinematic cameras. Having handled its competition recently -- the Action Cam from Sony and the Contour+2 -- we can say that the Hero3 feels smaller and lighter than both of them. It's about the size of a couple of matchboxes stacked together and is quite lightweight, yet still feels sturdy. The textured plastic exterior is finger friendly, and the big round power / mode and record buttons give a reassuring snick with every press. The WiFi remote that comes with the Hero3 Black Edition is similarly solid in its construction, though we wish it had the same textured skin as the camera instead of its smooth exterior. We didn't get to use the Hero3 for its stated purpose just yet, but we'll be filming with the thing tomorrow, so stay tuned for all the POV footage. In the meantime, feel free to enjoy a tour of GoPro's new diminutive hardware and check out its first sample video after the break.

Gallery: GoPro Hero3 and WiFi remote hands-on

Continue reading GoPro Hero3 action camera hands-on

Filed under: Cameras

GoPro Hero3 action camera hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 02:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ContourROAM2 debuts in red, blue, green and black garb, shoots 1080p video for $199 on October 21

Posted on 16/10/2012 by Michael Gorman

The Contour+2 may well be the best digital action camcorder on the market (though Sony and GoPro would beg to differ), but the company knows not everyone wants a $400 shooter to capture their epic runs this ski season. Thus, Contour has introduced the ROAM2, a $199 model that records 1080p 30fps and 720p 60fps video on its included 4GB microSD card. Like the original Roam, it can capture clips up to one meter underwater without an external case, has a 270-degree rotating lens and a laser level to line up your shots. This new Roam, however, sports improved image quality and an aluminum skin of four colors: black, red and blue will be widely available, and green models can be had exclusively from Amazon through the end of the year (other retailers will carry it in 2013). Want one? Best Buy and other retailers will start selling them on October 21st.

Continue reading ContourROAM2 debuts in red, blue, green and black garb, shoots 1080p video for $199 on October 21

Filed under: Cameras

ContourROAM2 debuts in red, blue, green and black garb, shoots 1080p video for $199 on October 21 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Contour+2 action camera puts waterproof 1080p recording in your pocket for $400

Posted on 05/09/2012 by Michael Gorman

Contour2 action camera puts waterproof 1080p recording in your pocket for $400

Just over a year later, Contour has released the Contour+2 camera as the follow up to its Contour+ model. Like its predecessor, the +2 shoots video at up to 1080p and 120fps, though that max frame rate's only available at 480p resolution. It also sports the same rail mounting design, a sliding power/record switch on top and a 270-degree rotating lens. Naturally, the camera comes with a waterproof case, for filming in hostile environments, and a couple of adhesive mounts, so you can get those super gnarly POV shots. The +2 stores clips on an included 4GB microSD card, but it can also stream live video using the mini-HDMI port round the back. GPS is onboard to track the location and elevation of any epic runs, and you can add a map of your route with speed and distance data and edit your videos using the free Storyteller app for PC and Mac. Once you've tweaked things, the app also does simple sharing of the results directly to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Vimeo. The best part? Contour's latest will set you back $400, which is $100 less than the original Contour+. Hit the break for a video walkthrough of Contour's latest action cam courtesy of company CEO Marc Barros, and head on over to our review to see how this thing operates in the field.

Gallery: Contour+2 action camera and accessories

Continue reading Contour+2 action camera puts waterproof 1080p recording in your pocket for $400

Filed under: Portable Audio/Video

Contour+2 action camera puts waterproof 1080p recording in your pocket for $400 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red claims Dragon is ‘single most significant sensor in the history of image capture’

Posted on 10/08/2012 by Steve Dent

Red Camera's bombastic CEO, Jim Jannard, says that internal testing of the new 6K Dragon sensor proves that it's the new "resolution and dynamic range king." He also claims it will be "the cleanest sensor you have ever seen, ISO 2000 looks better than MX [the current sensor] at ISO 800." The imaging chip was first outed at NAB in April, promising 15+ stops of DR and 120fps at a full 5K of resolution, with $6,000 upgrades for Epic customers by the end of the year. Owners of the $9,700 (brain only) Scarlet-X will also get the Dragon, though no price or date has been given yet for that camera. Needless to say, some independent testing will be needed to substantiate his claims, but Jannard sure does sound confident.

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Red claims Dragon is 'single most significant sensor in the history of image capture' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 05:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zoom Q2HD Handy Video Recorder lets you stream and record on the move, we go hands-on

Posted on 16/07/2012 by James Trew

Zoom is known for making audio recorders, but its latest product, the Q2HD, brings video to the recording party -- HD video, no less. Sure, there are many ways to shoot and share our lives these days, and it's a wonder that services like Ustream aren't just full of videos of people unboxing cameras, checking in and uploading pictures to Pinterest (while also watching Ustream). Zoom, however, evidently believes that though the method might evolve, the medium largely remains the same -- voice and video. As such, the Q2HD Handy Video Recorder (to give it its full name) promises to play, capture and stream, all in "HD audio and video." Paraphrasing of the box aside, we got our hands on one and took it for a spin. Want to know how it fared? Let's reset the levels, then head past the break for the mixdown.

Gallery: Zoom Q2 HD hands-on

Continue reading Zoom Q2HD Handy Video Recorder lets you stream and record on the move, we go hands-on

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Misc. Gadgets

Zoom Q2HD Handy Video Recorder lets you stream and record on the move, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 08:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HD video possible in upcoming Leica compact, bon vivants check trust funds

Posted on 14/05/2012 by Steve Dent

Full-frame HD video in a brand new compact body, with Leica lenses? It could happen, but if you have to ask why exorbitant Leicas don't already do video then you probably can't afford it. While still calling the feature "theoretical", Leica's chairman Dr. Andreas Kaufmann intimated that the company had solved issues with data rate, battery life and heat for a possible M9 replacement. He also said that HD would be shown soon on "existing and new models", and Leica would stick with Truesense imaging, the former Kodak shop which supplies the M9 CCD, to make the new full-frame sensor. Whether that means video could also be retrofitted to existing M-series rangefinders remains to be seen, but more will be revealed on September 18th. Until then, if you need to make an extravagant splurge, the Hermes M9-P, perhaps?

HD video possible in upcoming Leica compact, bon vivants check trust funds originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 May 2012 08:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trip the light fantastic with Acer’s 11.6-inch Aspire One 725 Netbook

Posted on 08/05/2012 by Steve Dent

Ivy Bridge might be the belle of the ball in laptop-land, but small and nimble will always be on the dance card, too. Despite its petite 11.6-inch 1366x768 screen and 2.6-pound frame, Acer's newly announced Aspire One 725 can still pirouette with a dual-core C-60 AMD processor, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, Radeon HD 6290 graphics, and choice of two colors. Along with the 320 or 500GB hard drives and HD output, those specs should allow you to edit the odd video while still doing the emailing and surfing it was made for. Acer's confirmed the unit will land in Europe in July for 359 euros, but stateside dates and price are still unknown. It's not as flashy as those ingénues, but it should be a cheap, light date.

Trip the light fantastic with Acer's 11.6-inch Aspire One 725 Netbook originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 11:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hauppauge announces StreamEez to broadcast live HD video

Posted on 19/04/2012 by Anthony Verrecchio

Hauppauge, not satisfied with only bringing DVR-like functions to the Broadway this week -- has unleashed a new box called the StreamEez that links your HD video camera to your computer for live broadcasts. HDMI or component video hook it up on the cam side, USB on the computer side. It uses H.264 video compression and is compatible with sites like USTREAM that require the RTMP protocol. The box plus Windows software starts at $299. Everything but the price probably sounds pretty familiar since the incredibly similar Livestream Broadcaster is also just about on the scene, though, it'll run you about $195 more. Take a gander at the PR after the break.

Continue reading Hauppauge announces StreamEez to broadcast live HD video

Hauppauge announces StreamEez to broadcast live HD video originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JVC demos GY-HM600, launches HM650 Mobile News Camera with WiFi and FTP at NAB

Posted on 17/04/2012 by Zach Honig

Sure, you can always roll up with a full-blown sat truck or a camera tethered to a ViaSat SurfBeam 2 Pro Portable, or you can pick up the JVC GY-HM650, which lets you beam those video bytes back to base with any ole hotspot. The company's Mobile News Camera packs a trio of 1/3-inch 1080p 12-bit sensors, a 29-667mm lens, 3.5-inch LCD, SDXC compatibility and HD-SDI outputs, but it also includes WiFi connectivity with FTP server support, letting you record then automatically transmit footage back to a newsroom for editing and broadcast. The camera itself is very compact, considering that it's primarily suited for professional news applications, and also includes all the standard audio hook-ups, like dual XLR jacks, a shotgun mic holder, headphone jack and a separate connector for a wireless mic receiver, along with GPS and Android/iOS app control. JVC also launched another model, the GY-HM600, which offers similar features, save for those wireless connectivity bits. Both cameras look nearly identical, though the company only had the less-abled 600 on display at NAB. That camera will retail for $4,695 when it hits in the fall, while the 650 will cost you $1,000 more, with a winter 2012 shipping estimate. We weren't able to peek at the WiFi model at the show, but you'll be able to get a fairly good idea of how that camera will look in the glass-enclosed HM600 shots below.

Gallery: JVC GY-HM600 Advanced Handheld Camera hands-on