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Kodak bumps out a pair of new Flickr-friendly Wireless Digital Frames
Kodak's new W820 (8-inch) and W1020 (10-inch) are the latest in the company's charming line of Quick Touch Border digital photo frames. Quite similar to their M820 and M1020 (pictured) counterparts in most respects, the new frames add WiFi, which brings with it services like Flickr, FrameChannel and Kodak Gallery. Unfortunately, the only way to add generic RSS feeds is FrameChannel, and all FrameChannel subscriptions include a monstrous banner ad across the bottom of each frame -- at least Kodak's partnership with Flickr is separate, so those subs are clean. Each frame includes 512MB of storage in addition to memory card slots, and they should be out next month for $250 and $280, respectively.%Gallery-27291%
Kodak Theatre HD Player: at last, a reason to sit on your ass and stare at the TV
Many have tried to be that other box that sits under your TV. You know, the DVD player, the cable box, the TiVo, the consoles are all well and good, but somebody somehow needs to solve they mystery of getting web and PC content onto your TV, and Kodak might be on the cusp of cracking it. Kodak's new Kodak Theatre HD Player is a simple, slick little box with multiple flash card slots, a USB port, and all the requisite home theater outputs like HDMI, component and all that. The unit can naturally shuffle through photos like there's no tomorrow, and includes wireless access to pull stuff off of Flickr feeds or your PC's hard drive, but there's also 720p video playback, online radio and what have you. The real clincher is that you won't be interacting with all this via a clunky d-pad remote, but instead there's an amazingly great gyroscopic mouse that makes the whole thing a joy to use. The $300 price tag might turn some people off when this lands in September, especially with no built-in storage, but we still think Kodak might have a winner on its hands.%Gallery-27290%
Kodak's EasyShare Z1015 IS shooter packs 15x zoom, 10 megapixel sensor
Kodak's got a new one for the semi-casual point-and-shoot crowd, the EasyShare Z1015 IS. The 10 megapixel Z-series camera manages a 15x optical zoom, a 3-inch LCD, HD footage at 720p and 30 fps, and Kodak's Perfect Touch processing. Naturally the IS implies optical image stabilization, but the 6400 ISO should help out in the shaking department as well if grain is not an issue, and full manual controls should help out all the in-betweens. It'll go for $350 come September.%Gallery-27288%
Kodak's new Zi6 HD pocket video camera for the YouTube set
Sure, it might shoot 720p video, but you aren't gonna catch indie filmmakers capturing the next low-budget masterpiece on Kodak's new Zi6 HD pocket video camera. The camera is Kodak's response to Pure Digital's Flip and Creative's Vado, complete with upright form factor, YouTube friendliness, simple as could be interface, a flip-out USB plug (with some surprising spring action), and, of course, totally shoddy video quality. The camera is powered by a pair of AA batteries, sports a 2.4-inch LCD, and can switch between VGA video, 30fps HD and 60fps HD. It'll sell for $180 in September, in black or pink, but there's only 128MB of memory on board -- you'll have to spring for an SD card if you want to do any substantial shooting.
Motorola announces MOTOZINE ZN5
Hints of Motorola's new MOTOZINE series of devices have gone back as far as last year, but today marks the first time that Moto's officially spilled any beans on the goods. The headlining feature on the first model, the ZN5 candybar, lies on the backside: a 5-megapixel sensor courtesy of a partnership with Kodak, featuring autofocus, a xenon flash, image stitching, and on-device integration with Kodak Gallery. Otherwise, you get WiFi (score), Motorola's so-called "ModeShift" technology for morphing the keypad depending on device mode (a la the E8), and a run-of-the-mill quadband GSM radio with EDGE. China's the first country to get the hookup starting next month, but Moto expects to take the ZN5 on a world tour over the course of the remainder of the year.
Kodak intros Olympics-branded M2008 digital camera
It certainly hasn't gone to the lengths Lenovo has gone with its Olympics tie-ins, but we wouldn't exactly expect anything more from Kodak given its past adventures in athletic cross-promotion. Dubbed the M2008, this latest entry appears to simply be a rebranded version of the company's M1033 compact camera, with it boasting the same 10-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, 3-inch LCD, and 720p video recording features as its non-Olympic counterpart. No word on a release 'round these parts, it seems, but those in China can apparently pick one up now for about $270.[Thanks, Ehren G]
Motorola's ZN5 gets clearer, Kodak co-branding and all
So this is where the Kodak teaser shot is leading, eh? A clear full-body shot of Motorola's upcoming ZN5 candybar has finally hit the web, appearing to borrow a number of fresh design elements from recently-spied models (take the keypad font, for example, which we've seen on Verizon's unannounced Moto clamshells, and morph tech from the E8). Unfortunately, it doesn't matter how great that 5 megapixel Kodak sensor really is -- the lack of 3G is pretty unforgivable in the year 2008, even if Motorola intends to restrict this model to Asia, which in itself doesn't make terribly much sense for a company that should be concentrating on a global turnaround.[Via Unwired View]
Kodak intros new EasyShare photo frames with Quick Touch borders
It's been a little while since we caught sight of Kodak's last batch of digital photo frames, but the company's now come back for another go 'round with a trio of new EasyShare frames, each of which pack Kodak's newfangled "Quick Touch" borders. That feature lets you scroll though photos simply by sliding your finger along the border, as well as giving you control over all the frame's other functions via the interface pictured above. Apart from that, the frames appear to be pretty standard fare, with the M820 and M1020 models boasting 8 and 10-inch screens, respectively, along with the usual audio and video support, 128MB of built-in memory, and accommodations for all the most used memory card formats. If that's more than you need, you can also opt for the 7-inch P720 model, which hangs on to the Quick Touch border but drops everything but the most basic photo frame features. Look for all three of 'em to start shipping on April 16th, with the P720, M820 and M1020 setting you back $120, $180, and $230, respectively.
Motorola to unveil a slew of new handsets at CTIA?
It's been a rough couple months for Motorola's handset division -- rumors of a sale, two high-profile executive departures, layoffs, and that pathetic showing at Mobile World Congress -- but today it looks like the company might have some tricks left up its sleeve for CTIA. We're not sure where it came from, but this supposed marketing video popped up on YouTube with shots of several new handsets, all of which jive with rumors we've heard about Moto's upcoming devices, like the Linux-based Ming 2 and the 5 megapixel cameraphone developed with Kodak (pictured above). Other notables are a Q variant running Windows Mobile 6.1 and an odd new music slider that could be the ROKR E10. Of course, none of this is official (and Moto did release a hype-laden video just before MWC only to fall totally flat), but we'd be lying if we said we weren't hoping to see Moto try and come back around at CTIA -- we'll see what happens. Video after the break.[Via Unwired View]
Kodak's 8-mm thin KTEL-30W 3-inch AMOLED TV
If you're fortunate enough to be living in Japan then this new Kodak ELiTe Vision KTEL-30W AMOLED TV can be yours sometime later this month. Measuring just 8-mm thick, this 3-inch 1Seg TV features a mono speaker, headphone jack (naturally), and a lithium polymer battery good for about 3.5 hours of continuous TV playback. Thing is, It'll cost you about ¥29,800 or about $287 for functionality already integrated into many Japanese phones.%Gallery-17809%[Via Impress]
New Kodak tech shrinks cam sensors without dropping image quality
Two modern, must-have features of high end featurephones are locked in an eternal struggle to the death: camera and compactness. Slapping a large, high-quality sensor and lens on a phone tends to make it chubbier, and that's a huge problem (pun totally intended) as 3.2 and 5 megapixel autofocus cams become more of the rule than the exception. Kodak looks to be making life at least marginally easier on manufacturers, though, with some new sensor tech unveiled at MWC this week. The colorfully named KAC-05020 claims to be the world's first 5 megapixel CMOS device to sport pixels just 1.4 microns in diameter, down from the 1.75 microns typically seen on today's units. Perhaps even more importantly, though, Kodak claims that the new sensor has some bangin' light sensitivity -- somewhere on the order of two to four times the usual -- thanks to the use of its TRUESENSE technology that adds panchromatic pixels in with the RGB mix. Samples of the new sensors should be available to manufacturers in the second quarter of the year, meaning that if the Motorola-Kodak partnership is real, we're probably not going to see this sucker getting used the first time around.[Thanks, Terry F.]
Kodak introduces "world's first" 1.4 micron, 5-megapixel CMOS sensor
Kodak claims to be "revolutionizing" image capture, though you always have to take press releases with a grain of salt. However, it does appear that the company has made some interesting advances in camera technology for mobile devices, which will hopefully lead to bigger and better images from our phones in the near future. The company's new KAC-05020 snaps its proprietary Color Filter Pattern technology together with a redesigned CMOS pixel for the "world's first" 1.4 micron, 5-megapixel device. The new sensor shrinks the pixels down, but manages to maintain picture quality by harnessing the aforementioned CFP. That technique adds a fourth layer of "clear" pixels to the red, green, and blue ones which already exist, thus collecting a higher proportion of light striking the sensor, improving low light photography, reducing blur, and generally making you look like Ansel Adams. The chip is also capable of 720p video at 30 FPS, as well as extreme low light settings, like ISO 3200. Kodak will be showing the new technology off at the Mobile World Congress this month, and then hopefully cramming it into phones for us very, very soon.
Kodak's PMA 2008 booth tour
Kodak wasn't showing off too much new product at this year's show -- or if it was, none of the gear was stuff we follow -- but can you really get a good feel for a trade show without touring the booth of the company whose name is synonymous with photography? Of course not, which is why we gathered together a gallery which pretty well represents everything you'd see had you been here yourself. Isn't that great? We trudge out to Las Vegas so you don't have to.%Gallery-15096%
Hands-on with Kodak's new EasyShare Z1012 IS
Those of you looking for a hybrid camera could do a lot worse than Kodak's new EasyShare Z1012 IS: besides the handy optical image stabilization, you're also getting a 10 megapixel sensor and whopping 12x optical zoom. Not too shabby for a $300 cam, not too shabby at all. Check out the gallery below for all the angles.%Gallery-15072%
Kodak intros EasyShare Z1012 IS: 10-megapixels, 12x zoomer
Yeah, Kodak's being a little slow with its pre-PMA goods, but barely early is better than nothin', right? Here we have the firm's newest megazoom, the EasyShare Z1012 IS, which steps it up over the CES-announced Z1085 IS by housing a 10-megapixel sensor and a full 12x optical zoom. Reportedly, this shooter sports a chassis small enough to "fit in the palm of your hand (all hands?)," and in case the "IS" didn't give it away, you can also expect optical image stabilization. Moreover, you'll find ISO up to 3,200, program, aperture and shutter priority (as well as "full manual mode") and face detection technology for good measure. What's clear is the $299.95 price tag, what's not so clear is the release date -- look for it sometime during "the first half of 2008."[Via LetsGoDigital, thanks David]
Kodak to use anti-counterfeiting measures on camera batteries
Counterfeit batteries and chargers are a legitimate problem for electronics manufacturers -- faulty components tend to go up in (literal) smoke, and have even caused deaths -- so we can totally see why Kodak has decided to join Nokia and NEC in decided to employing an anti-counterfeiting system in its digital camera batteries. The system, called TRACELESS, uses invisible markers that can be mixed directly into thermally-printed barcode labels, and can only be detected by handheld Kodak readers. Apparently Kodak's already deployed the system in the pharmaceutical, wine, and cosmetics industries, and the results seems to have inspired a little cockiness -- Philip Faraci, Kodak's president, says counterfeiters should simply stop tying to replicate Kodak's batteries, "because [they] simply won't be able to do it." That kind of confidence has apparently convinced Sanyo to license out the tech for its cams as well, but Kodak hasn't said anything about legitimate third party accessory manufacturers -- which has us a little worried, to be sure.
Kodak intros slew of new EasyShare cameras
Not that we really expected Kodak to blow the doors off here at CES, but it did manage to unveil a gaggle of new cameras. On the docket first is the EasyShare V1273, which features a 12-megapixel sensor, a 3-inch LCD touchscreen and a 3x optical sensor. Following closely behind is the 10-megapixel M1033, which also shares the aforementioned 3x zoom / 3-inch monitor. Lastly, we've got the Z1085 IS Zoom, which gets equipped with a 10-megapixel sensor, a 5x optical zoom and optical image stabilization. It's also noted that the V1073, Z1285 Zoom and the Z8612 IS were mentioned, but we're left to surmise that these are simply variants of the others with a few more / less megapixels.Update: There's also an EasyShare m763, m863, m893 IS. Bet you can't tell which one has an image stabilizer.[Via ShinyShiny]
Kodak offers up EasyShare C813 point-and-shoot
We hope you weren't counting on Kodak to get you all amped up about this one, because its EasyShare C813 is about as ho hum as they get. This fantastically average point-and-shoot sports a been-there-done-that design, an 8.2-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, 2.4-inch LCD monitor, ISO up to 1,250, 16MB of internal storage space and an SD / MMC expansion slot. Furthermore, you can capture video in Motion JPEG format at VGA (15fps) or QVGA (30fps), and considering that it runs on just a pair of AA cells, you won't have to worry over losing a proprietary battery. If you're still with us, you can call the C813 yours for $119.95 (or less on the street) -- just don't expect it to spice up your life, cool?[Via LetsGoDigital]
Kodak and Matsushita settle patent dispute
After just a few months of legal wrangling, Kodak and Matsushita have settled their patent lawsuit, originally brought by Kodak due to Matsushita's alleged infringement of a number of digital camera-related patents. The two companies have agreed to cross-license each other's patents, but it's not all sharing and cupcakes -- the agreement is "royalty-bearing to Kodak," according to documents filed with the SEC. That was fast -- guess Kodak's new strategy of aggressively enforcing its IP portfolio is working out after all.
Belkin and Kodak trot out cameraphone-friendly Bluetooth adapter
While there's certainly no shortage of ways to get your photos off your cameraphone and onto your PC, Belkin and Kodak seem to think they've got a better way of doing things, with the pair now rolling out a new Bluetooth adapter / software combo that promises to make things even easier. The key to that, it seems, is Kodak's Picture Upload Technology software, which will apparently automatically pull images off your phone whenever you walk within range of the adapter. Unfortunately, it seems that only XP or Vista users will be able to take advantage of the software, but if that's not a deal-breaker for you, you should be able to get your hands on the bundle now for $50.
