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JVC's $349 ADIXXION camcorder is shipping now, packs LCD, WiFi and live Ustreaming (hands-on)
After its mid-summer reveal, JVC's entry into the booming action sports camera market is now shipping and we got to spend some time with the questionably-named GC-XA1 ADIXXION at the company's CEDIA booth. To compete with offerings from GoPro, Sony and our most recent favorite, the Contour+2, the GC-XA1 brings its "Quad Proof" housing that makes it waterproof (to 5M) and shockproof (for falls of up to 2M), dustproof and freeze-proof, as well as built-in WiFi, integrated microphone, image stabilization and a 1.5-inch LCD on the side. It can use WiFi to make a video link with nearby Android or iOS devices as well as PCs so the wearer can check where the camera is pointing, and even stream video directly to Ustream via a hotspot, no PC necessary. For the $349 asking price a goggle mount, flexible mount, two lens protection covers, USB cable and a single battery are included. We didn't have a motocross track or snowmobile handy on the show floor, but in-hand it felt every bit the ruggedized, compact device that its advertised to be and the LCD was decently viewable. Check out a few more pics of it in our gallery below and some sample footage in the video embedded after the break. %Gallery-164717%
Samsung ships QF20 camcorder with WiFi, toughened-up W300 pocket cam
Samsung's CES blitz included a tease of five new camcorders, but precious little in the way of launch details. Some of the mystery has ended, as two of the camcorders -- the QF20 and W300 -- are at last hitting US stores. The QF20 caters to the Internet crowd and, for $350, will let you upload your 20x-zoomed 1080p videos straight to Facebook, Picasa or YouTube without thrusting a computer into the process. If you're more concerned about your camera surviving a rafting trip than producing viral videos, the W300 will give you dustproofing, 15-foot waterproofing and 6-foot shockproofing in a pocketable form for a more frugal $160. We're still waiting on launches for the camcorders' closely-related F80, Q20 and W350 (pictured) cousins, but for now you can catch full details of the QF20 and W300 after the break.
Samsung announces new camcorder range: QF20, F80 and ruggedized W300
Not satisfied with unveiling a whole bunch of point-and-click shooters, Samsung's also unveiled a a refreshed set of camcorders for 2012. First up, the QF20 and Q20 totes the same switch grip features of its predecessor and are capable of 1080i HD video, while packing 20x optical zoom, a touchscreen display plus a medley of requisite artistic effects. The rough and tumble W300 and W350 are for the sporting videographer; dust-proof, shock-proof to two meters and water-proof to up to five meters. It records 1080 HD video, with an optional floating bumper accessory incoming for those Jaws homages. There's also a five megapixel sensor and f/2.2 lens for your rugged stills. Finally, there's the F80, which ups the optical zoom to 52x, 720p recording at 30fps. For those willing to upscale, there's also a 1080i option through HDMI, which can also display any five megapixel stills snapped from great distances. No dates for when we'll see these in stores -- or price tags -- but expect to see them this side of 2012.
Eco Pod waterproof case keeps your device dry while you're riding dolphins
When we're out on the water, we're constantly longing to take our phones and mp3 players for a swim with us... aren't you? Now we can enjoy a little "I'm on a Boat" when we're actually on a boat -- thanks to Grace Digital Audio's Eco Pod -- without worrying about our handheld's survival. The company announced today that its latest sand, shock and waterproof enclosure is now available -- and it even comes with a set of waterproof earbuds. While the added protection will set you back $50, the ability to bump Katy Perry while exploring a coral reef is, indeed, priceless. Scope out the full PR after the break for all the specifics, and get your white water rafting playlists ready.
Shock-proof jacket ensures a tasering to the face
With non-lethal weapon manufacturers such as TASER International constantly finding new and insidious ways to incapacitate "non-compliant individuals," it's only natural that those folks who have frequent encounters with stun gun-toting authorities would want protection from their piercing, electrifying barbs. Well a gentleman from Arizona named Gregory Russell Schultz apparently empathizes with this demographic, and has filed a patent for an "energy weapon protection device" -- essentially a jacket embedded with alternating layers of conductive and non-conductive panels that complete an electrical circuit and leave the wearer impervious to the shocks of what would likely be a very surprised officer of the law. If they can retrofit our Members Only jacket in this manner, we're sold.[Via Danger Room]
Sony files patent application for liquid cellphone cushion
Unlike the iPhone, some handsets will pack it in when they hit the curb or floor from waist height (sorry, we just couldn't resist). Sony's "Liquid Cushion" patent application works by placing your device in a sealed chamber within a second perforated chamber filled with fluid, surrounded by the outer housing. Drop the handset, and the liquid will squeeze out of the perforated chamber and absorb some of the impact. Clever idea, but we're thinking if people are worrying about battery replacement now, just wait til you have to deal with anti-shock goo.[Via textually.org]
