CameraRemote
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Sony's Camera Remote API allows WiFi-equipped devices to control its cameras, act as a second screen
This year's IFA has been rather eventful for Sony: the company unveiled a new handset, some interesting cameras and even a recorder that can turn you into the next Justin Bieber. But lost in the shuffle was an announcement that the Japanese outfit's also releasing its Camera Remote API, albeit in beta. Sony says the idea here is to provide developers with the ability to turn WiFi-ready devices, such as smartphones and tablets, into a companion for many of its shooters -- i.e. act as a second display or be able to shoot images / video remotely. The Camera Remote API will be friendly with novel products including the Action Cam HDR-AS30, HDR-MV1 Music Video Recorder and both DSC-QX lens cameras, as well as older models like the NEX-6, NEX-5R and NEX-5T. This is definitely good news for current and future owners of any of the aforementioned, since the new API can certainly add much more value to Sony's cameras via the third-party app creations that are born from it.
Satechi BT Media Remote steers your iOS media habits, summons Siri via Bluetooth
Sometimes you just don't feel like getting up to flip through that Yacht Rock playlist on Spotify while your Apple slate rests comfortably in its dock. Satechi is looking to prolong your relaxation with its BT Media Remote for your iPhone, iPad or Mac. The accessory does exactly what you'd expect -- it allows you to peruse your audio and video libraries on a Bluetooth-enabled iOS device while connected to a TV, docking station or your car's stereo. On top of the usual remote functions, the accessory can be used as a remote camera shutter control for those all-important group shots and the home button can summon your smartphone's personal assistant. Interested? You can snag yours now for a mere $40 via the source link below.
Belkin's Live Action camera accessories should be in the middle of your picture, lyin' in the reeds
Belkin is making it easier for you to turn your iPhone into a real camera. The LiveAction Camera Grip is made of rich corinthian leather soft touch plastic and connects to your iPhone 4, 4S or iPod touch via the dock port. It sits on the heel of the phone with separate shutter release and video / stills buttons for easy snapping. On the bottom is a standard size tripod mount for when you need a mechanically steady hand. At the same time, you can grab the LiveAction remote -- a Bluetooth control that can shoot pictures from up to 30m, saving you the ten-second-timer-dash. If the surface won't hold your phone neatly, you also get a detachable prop. Undecided buyers should check out the press release after the break; those who believe in love at first sight just need to know both are available from mid December and will set you back $50 each.
Belkin preps LiveAction camera remote for your iPhone
Look past the typical FCC dowdiness and you'll notice a Belkin-made remote shutter release for the iPhone. We have no notion of price or availability, but the regulatory paperwork does at least reveal how it works: the controller triggers still or video recording via Bluetooth and the accompanying LiveAction app, and it also houses a detachable stand for propping your phone up on a "variety of surfaces." Stop-motion shenanigans spring to mind, but the more obvious use is for group photos -- and you might consider pairing it with one of these to avoid cropping heads.
BlueSLR dongle arrives for BlackBerry and (some) Android phones
Offering to play matchmaker between your high-end camera and smartphone, XEquals has extended support for its BlueSLR remote control beyond iOS. Yes, Blackberry and Android users can now download their respective app and pair this Bluetooth dongle to their (still Nikon-only) DSLR. The compatible dongle and free app will land later this month, but before you lay down the requisite $149, it's worth checking that both your camera and phone models are supported. As it stands, compatible Android phones are limited to some HTC or Samsung models. While Android support is likely to expand in the future, there's no word on a Pre 3 version.
BlueSLR dongle and app turn your iPhone into a DSLR remote shutter release
You have a phone, you have a DSLR, yet although you love them both equally, the two pretty much never speak. This failure in capturing synergistic value is now at an end, however, thanks to the BlueSLR Bluetooth dongle and its accompanying iOS app. Compatible with iPhones (down to the 3G model), iPod touches (second generation and above), and iPads, this remote control system will let you manually trigger your Nikon's shutter release from a distance of up to 300 feet. There's also GPS tagging, if you're into that sort of thing, and a toggle in the app for adjusting exposure length. The app itself's free, though the dongle will set you back a mighty $149. At least it communicates via Bluetooth, which won't require line of sight like Nikon's own IR remotes. Compatibility is set to expand to include Canon DSLRs and Android and BlackBerry smartphones in the future, but if you've already got a D5000 and an iPhone 4 lying around looking wistfully at one another, you can pre-order your BlueSLR at the source link below.
