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Swivl announces two motion tracking docks with support for tablets and DSLRs
Earlier this year, if you recall, a startup called Satarii started shipping the Swivl, a crowd-funded smartphone dock designed for motion tracking. Now the company is back, this time with a bigger model that can accommodate tablets and DSLRs. Actually, make that two docks: there's a "Basic White" model and a "Premium Silver" version with some additional features. (We'll let you figure out which is which in the photo above.) As before, they can pan 360 degrees, but now they're now sturdy enough to hold items as heavy as 10 pounds, and use Bluetooth for pair with devices. That's good news if you're the owner of an older iDevice and would've had to use a clumsy 30-pin adapter. The base also now packs a rechargeable battery, as opposed to AAs. What the premium version adds is a remote control and wireless mic, which you can control with your finger or pin to your person (or pet, or whoever) so that you can track movements automatically. The remote is also more compact than it was before, which should make it more viable as a bona fide wearable device. Finally, the premium model has built-in speakers, in case you need to project a bit farther during conference calls. In addition to support for larger devices, though, Swivl is opening up its platform to developers: it released an iOS SDK today, and said an Android equivalent is in development. Meanwhile, the company's whipped up some apps of its own, including one that takes advantage of that new DSLR compatibility. In that particular program, you can control your camera's shutter over Bluetooth, as well as steer the dock so that it rotates where you want it to aim. (Note: this only works with still photos for now, not video. Remote previews for photos are also coming.) Meanwhile, Satarii also created a video capture app for iOS, along with one for video conferencing. That, too, is iOS-only for the time being. In any case, the hardware itself is up on Kickstarter now, with the Basic White model going for $149 and the Premium Silver edition priced at $229. They're expected to ship in June 2013. In the meantime, we've got hands-on shots and a quick demo video embedded after the break.
$129 Swivl-it is a cheaper motion-tracking dock for your smartphone, ditches built-in mic
If you're aching to bring some motion-tracking video action to your smartphone but can't stomach the Swivl's $179 price tag, you might find the new Swivl-it more palatable. For $129, you get the same automatic panning, horizontal follow and remote control features of the original product, but you'll miss out on the built-in microphone and automatic tilt (there's manual tilt instead). The Swivl-it is available for pre-order now and will start shipping in late May. Click through to the Swivl site for a closer look.
Swivl motion-tracking dock now shipping to early adopters, future YouTube stars
Good news are in for folks who swiftly snagged one of those motion-tracking docks we showed you a while back, as they are now being prepped for shipping. After many months of teasing, it looks like the Satarii Star Swivl is finally getting ready to leave its prototype days behind. Those who unleashed the hefty $179 on the add-on can expect it to be on its way as soon as today. As for the ones who missed out on the first batch, you'll have to get in line and sign up via the company's site to know when more pop up. Also available now is a companion iOS app, which can be used to remotely trigger the camera for some self-recording action. We know you've waited long enough to take the Swivl for a spin, but in the meantime you can remind yourself why you bought in by peeking at the flaunting press shots below.
Swivl intros companion iPhone app, we make sweet video with it
Sure, when we first encountered the device formerly known as Satarii Star it may have been a pipe dream in dire need of funding (and frankly a better name), but after playing with the company's latest Swivl prototype we can confirm it's very much real and honestly, pretty darn cool. For those unaware, the $159 "dock" of sorts, rotates whatever you stuff into it a full 360-degrees all while chasing a portable marker. New today, is an accompanying iPhone app that can remotely trigger recording from the marker all while including other niceties like the ability to lock focus during capture. So how did we get along with our limited time with the startup's latest prototype? Hop on past the break to find out. %Gallery-142160%%Gallery-142167%
Swivl iPhone mount follows your movements
Swivl is one of those iPhone accessories that catches your eye because it's so different. It's a cellphone holder with a motorized, swiveling base that tracks your movement. It has an external marker that you can wear or place on the moving object that you want to follow. And it doesn't move just left or right, it also tracks up and down. It's meant for recording hands-free video during those times when you just can't sit still and need to move. Swivl was developed by California company Satarri and was originally called the Star. It was initially funded through IndieGoGo, a community-based funding service similar to KickStarter. After eight months of refinement, Swivl is now available for pre-order at a very reasonable US$159. It will ship in 2012 and a working prototype will be on display at CES this coming January. If it's anything like the video below, it's going to be an excellent companion for the iPhone 4S.
Satarii Star movement-tracking camera dock finalized as Swivl, now available for reserve (update: video)
If you'll recall, back in January we took notice of an interesting gizmo dubbed Satarii Star -- a movement-tracking dock concept that was seeking funding on IndieGoGo. Well, the unit has since been funded and today the company is re-introducing it as the Swivl. Aside from the updated moniker, it's also sporting an updated feature set and a revamped look. The unit can still house gadgets from iPhones and Androids to pocket camcorders, but improves on the Satarii by adding vertical tilt functionality on top of its 180 degrees of horizontal movement. (Update: We're told that the Swivl can also rotate a full 360 degrees.) Notably, it's stated as being able to "move faster than you can" -- if you're worried about staying in the shot, that is. As it currently stands, we're only seeing renders of this little guy, but the company expects to have fully functional units at CES this January, with units shipping to North America in "early 2012" for about $160. Hopefully we'll get to see the Swivl do its thing on the show floor, but for now, interested parties can reserve their very own at the source link below. You'll find the full press release just past the break. Update: You'll find a video of a pre-production Swivl in action after the break as well. %Gallery-138884%
