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EE unveils a tiny 4G clip-on camera
EE boasts one of the UK's biggest and fastest mobile networks, but that doesn't mean it can just sit back and wait for new customers to roll in. To keep itself busy, the company has got into the hardware game, producing smartphones, tablets and, quite recently, an action camera. Its GoPro aspirations continue today with the Capture Cam, a pocket-sized snapper for recording and livestreaming everyday moments. It's a square device, measuring 55mm on either side, and comes with a clip so you can easily keep it on your shirt or backpack. Inside is an 8-megapixel sensor that can shoot stills and video up to 1080p at 30 frames per second. Like the Action Cam that preceded it, it's also capable of livestreaming at a slightly lower resolution of 720p at 30 frames per second.
GoPro rewards you for sharing photos and videos of your adventures
To encourage GoPro users to share more action-packed video footage and still photos, the company is offering rewards. The GoPro Awards will give you money when your snapshots, raw video or edited footage are selected for use on the GoPro Channel or licensed for other uses. Those rewards are $500, $1,000 and $5,000, respectively, and span a smattering of nine genres including motorsports, action, adventure and more. GoPro is pretty serious about the program too, as it plans to shell out $5 million in rewards annually. The company says the awards program offers its customers a way to gain recognition for their efforts as its user base has "some of the most creative people on the planet." Ready to submit your work? Head over the Awards page to get started.
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma has a GoPro mount as a standard feature
Considering a new truck for your next off-road excursion? Well, if you also fancy chronicling your adventures with a GoPro camera, Toyota is hoping a new feature on its 2016 Tacoma will help entice you to buy one. The automaker is including a mount for GoPro's line of action cameras as a standard feature, so if you spend tens of thousands on a new truck, you can pocket the $40 you'd spend on an extra accessory. "We're not in the business of selling cameras, and we're not in the business of dictating to our customers what they have to use," Tacoma chief engineer Michael Sweers told Bloomberg. "It just made sense to try to team up with GoPro because that's what our customer base is using." Of course, the new Tacoma won't arrive with a camera already in the cab, but surely more than a few dealers will offer one as an extra if you buy a new truck. [Image credit: Raymond Boyd/Getty Images]
Action camera shootout: Which GoPro is best for you?
Last week, GoPro announced the Hero4 Session, a small, square camera that doesn't need a waterproof housing. The diminutive size and simple controls (one press turns it on and starts it recording) gave the Hero4 Session unique character, but its price -- $400 -- caused a few double-takes. Why? Because that makes this 1080p camera (with 8-megapixel stills) just as expensive as the Hero4 Silver, a camera that shoots in higher resolution (2.7K and low frame rate 4K) has an LCD touchscreen, among other flagship features. Then there's the Hero+ LCD, which costs $100 less than the Session, but has similar shooting modes (1080p at 60fps video, and 8MP stills). You may be wondering exactly where the Hero4 Session fits in, and which one might suit you best. I did a little image comparison to help you with that.
EE's own-brand action cam livestreams over 4G
With own-brand smartphones, tablets, MiFis and portable chargers, you would think EE's starting to run out of relevant products to stamp its logo on. After showing a recent interest in remote livestreaming by funding the Skeegle app, however, the carrier has today announced it's branching out into cameras. The 4GEE Action Cam, as it's inventively named, is a GoPro-style camera with the ability to broadcast directly over LTE without a smartphone conduit. The Action Cam can record 1080p video at 30fps, 720p clips at 30 or 60fps, and takes stills at up to 13MP (with an 8fps burst capture mode). Livestreaming over 4G is limited to 720p/30fps, though actual quality will depend on connection strength, and no points for guessing that Skeegle is where you'll find Action Cam broadcasts (settings and features are controlled through a separate companion app). The camera sports 2.5GB of internal storage, with a microSD slot to increase space by up to 64GB, and a 2,260mAh battery that's said to be good for three hours of streaming.
TomTom put its navigation know-how to work in an action cam
TomTom, a company best known for its GPS gadgets and a line of watches for runners and athletes, is diving deeper into action sports. Meet the Bandit camera: a GPS action cam that'll beam footage to a connected smartphone. If you're in a hurry, and don't want to futz with proper edits on a computer, TomTom's app will pull videos from the camera so you can share them quickly -- all you have to do is give your phone a shake. The company claims that its device is the first of its kind to pack a built-in media server, capable of processing files before sending them to your phone. That's where the phone shaking comes in: doing so will alert the camera/app duo to automatically compile a video for you. In addition to that bit of heavy lifting, the Bandit's on-board motion and GPS automatically tag highlights based on speed, altitude, acceleration, G-force and heart rate -- the last of which is likely tracked with one of TomTom's fitness watches. Don't worry, you can manually pick those spots, too.
Incredible GoPro footage shows what it's like to spacewalk
Leaving the cozy confines of Earth's atmosphere for life aboard the ISS is an exceedingly rare experience reserved for just a handful of astronauts. But thanks to NASA and GoPro, now you can share in the breathtaking views/sheer terror that astronaut Terry Virts enjoyed during a recent hour-long spacewalk. In the video below, Virts attaches the action camera to his space suit prior to beginning an EVA (or "Extravehicular Activity" as spacewalks are officially called). Viewers are treated to an unprecedented view of the ISS's underbelly as Virts adapts its docking station for use with a new generation of commercial spacecraft rather than the retired space shuttle.
Patent reveals GoPro's working on a 'square profile' camera design
GoPro doesn't make square, cube-like cameras, but if it did, the picture (after the break) is probably what they'd look like. The image comes from a patent granted to GoPro today. The protection covers a "Camera housing for a square-profile camera," rather than a camera itself (makers of square cameras, your time to check is now). Sifting through the claims, the patent mentions how the square housing would allow a camera to be mounted in numerous orientations (thanks, geometry!) regardless of how you mount it. There are identical openings on three of the sides also, to provide access to ports (like you can with the current "Frame" mount) in any orientation.
Xiaomi's action cam bests a GoPro Hero for half the price
Xiaomi has unleashed a 399 CNY ($64) action cam onto unsuspecting cats in China, but will it join the Mi band in the US? The Yi Camera actually trumps the specs of GoPro's entry-level camera with 1080P, 60fps video and up to 64GB of memory at about half the price (the $130 Hero has 1080/30p video and 32GB max storage). It also weighs significantly less at 72g, has a bigger battery and can go the same 40m (130 feet. Update: separate case required) underwater. To be fair, unlike the Hero, it doesn't come with a housing, mounts or the impeccable rep. But Xiaomi is offering a bunch of extra accessories, including a helmet mount and, yes, a cat harness.
Olympus expands its rugged camera line with the Stylus TG-860
There's no doubt that the E-M5 II is Olympus' big reveal of the night. Still, there are people out there who are just looking for something simple, like an all-terrain digital camera. Here's where the newly announced Stylus Tough TG-860 hopes to come in. While this compact shooter won't blow anyone away with the internal features it boasts, interested parties would likely care more about its ruggedized features than anything else.
With 4K in mind, Sony refreshes its Action Cam and Handycam lines
CES 2015 wouldn't be the same without Sony announcing new cameras. As such, the electronic giant is today revealing updated Action Cam shooters and Handycam camcorders. The main change is the addition of 4K to both lines, though there are still some models that will be limited to 1080p. Not surprisingly, those are going to come with a lower price tag than their higher-res siblings. For starters, there's the Action Cam FDR-X100V and FDR-AS100V, with the former being the one that supports 4K at 30 fps. Other than that main differentiator, both the FDR-X100V and FDR-AS100V feature a high-precision, ultra-wide-angle lens, Advanced SteadyShot (to help with stabilization), stereo microphones, manual settings and the ability to control your frame with a companion mobile app.
The new Nabi Square HD is a 4K action camera for kids
There are a lot of durable, high-resolution action cameras on the market, but how many would you feel comfortable giving to your kids? Probably not many: Most such cameras won't tolerate absentminded abuse without a protective case -- and they're expensive to boot. An attentive parent could lend a GoPro or a Sony Action Cam to their offspring, but it could become an expensive proposition. Instead, Fuhu wants to call your attention to its new Nabi Square HD: a "kid-proof" 4K action cam that costs $170.
Engadget Daily: HTC RE review, Redbox increases rental pricing, and more!
It's a periscope! It's an elbow macaroni! Nope, it's the RE, HTC's $200 handheld camera. Sure, it's super fun and really easy to hold, but if pro-level action shots are what you're after, this noodle-shaped shooter isn't for you. That's not all we have on deck, though -- read on for the rest of our news highlights from the past 24 hours.
Engadget UK giveaway: win a GoPro Hero4 Black Edition courtesy of Tagstr
Alas, our Galaxy Note 4 giveaway has run its course, but don't be too downhearted if you missed out. This week, we've got one of GoPro's new Hero4 Black Edition action cams to offload, and the timing couldn't be better if you've got a shredding adventure planned this ski season. The top-of-the-range GoPro, which can record gorgeous 4K video at 30 fps, has been supplied by our generous friends at Tagstr, the media-centric social network that uses hashtags to blend the photo, video and audio content of users into "shared moments." A few new features have been added since we last caught up with Tagstr, too, including support for multiple file uploads and the ability to import media from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to share on Tagstr. As per usual, UK residents can enter the GoPro giveaway up to three times via the Rafflecopter widget below. After they've read the rules, that is. Winning: congrats to Michael J. from Cambridge!
Kodak's new action cam offers 360-degree views of your stunts
Kodak has already thrown its hat into the action cam fray, but its new gadget offers a much wider view of the goings-on. The company's PIXPRO SP360 effort captures footage with 360-degree views in full HD (1080p), which it says is capable of creating "fully immersive images" without having to employ a fleet of cameras. With a dome-shaped fixed lens up top, the diminutive device records the aforementioned video at 30 fps with a 16-megapixel MO sensor, while offering Front (212 degrees), Split (180-degree front and rear views at the same time), Dome (214 degrees) and Sphere (360 degrees) modes for alternative vantage points.
Sony's Action Cam Mini packs just as much power in two-thirds the size
While some users might not love everything about Sony's current adventure camera lineup, you can hardly fault the Action Cams for being too large. Still, when size and weight really matter, such as when you're mounting a camera on a helmet or a drone, it certainly wouldn't hurt to shave off an inch or two. That's exactly what Sony's done with its Action Cam Mini, which replaces the AS100V we first met at CES with a camera that's two-thirds the size. Fortunately, you won't have to compromise on image quality, and all of the former model's accessories work with the Mini, too.
Casio's new action cam detaches from its own touchscreen viewfinder
If you haven't quite got on the action cam bandwagon, or you're looking for a viewfinder bigger than a postage stamp, perhaps Casio's EXILIM "freestyle" camera will do the job. Coming in orange, camo green and white options, it's made of two different parts -- the lens and a separate screen that can be used both attached and detached. In a sign of the times, there's also a foldable docking option that makes it ideal for selfies. If you fold the lens back onto the display, then you have something closer to a typical camera -- albeit one with a tiny screen. The camera will, naturally, arrive with a plethora of straps, clips and tripod accessories to ensure it attaches to everything adventurous in your life and both parts are water- and dust-proof (IPX6 certified, of course).
Polaroid's cute Cube camera lets you record video just about anywhere
You can stick action cameras in many places, but they're still not that portable; you probably won't (or can't) shove one in your pocket in case you want to document an adventure. You can certainly try that with Polaroid's new Cube camera, though. While its building block-like design is a little bit cutesy, it also lets you record 1080p wide-angle videos seemingly anywhere -- a built-in magnet lets the Cube cling to any metal surface, and even the mounting kits are tiny enough to come along on many trips. The cam depends on microSD cards for storage and only lasts for 90 minutes of video on a charge, but that still means that it can handle a quick mountain bike expedition or a few laps around the racetrack. Just be patient if you like the notion of cuboid movie capture. Photojojo is taking pre-orders for the $100 Cube today, but it won't ship until late September.
Sony's new Action Cam arrives stateside with SteadyShot and more for $200
Sony's stable of action cams just got a new option for thrill seekers in the US. The HDR-AS20 joins the outfit's HDR-AS100V and HDR-AS30V in capturing daring feats of whatever you fancy. This new model packs the company's SteadyShot image stabilization tech, Zeiss Tessar lens and 170-degree wide-angle views. As you might expect, built-in WiFi allows for control via iOS or Android device in additon to Sony's own live-view remote. In terms of detailed specs, there's a 16.8-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor capable of 1080/60p, 1080/30p and 720/30p footage and 11.9-megapixel stills. The usual USB, HDMI and microphone jacks are included, along with an on-board memory card slot for storage. As with previous releases, a waterproof case outfits the HDR-AS20 for expeditions at sea and a smattering of mounts can position the unit for the best footage -- up to 130 minutes between charges. Looking to take the plunge? $200 allows you to do just that when the compact gadget hits shelves in August.
Engadget UK Giveaway: win a GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition courtesy of Tagstr
It's currently the British definition of summer: a few short weeks in which to fit all the swimming, surfing, skating, cycling and sightseeing you possibly can. And, to prove you actually took advantage of the sun instead of sitting in a darkened room complaining it's too hot, we're giving away a GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition for you to catalog it all. This top of the range GoPro comes with a wireless remote, waterproof housing and selection of mounts to get you started, and was provided by the team at Tagstr. Accessible on the web or through its iOS app, Tagstr is a media-centric social network that groups uploaded photos, videos and audio based on their hashtags, creating "shared moments" from the content of its users. You have a personal profile (Facebook and Twitter login is supported) which friends can follow, but the real point of Tagstr is to explore and contribute to "moments" for different events, themes and more -- the perfect place to share some of your #summer GoPro footage, perhaps? In pursuit of a free GoPro, anyone can submit up to three entries via the Rafflecopter widget below. Oh, and give the rules a quick once-over while you're down there. Winning: congrats to Dave S. from Belfast!
