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RAMPAGE 6 notepad runs Android 2.3 in a rugged package
The last time we heard from SDG Systems, it was shilling its Trimble Nomad with Android 1.5. The company's new device, the RAMPAGE 6 (confusingly, it's also known as the Mesa Rugged Notepad), thankfully includes a less prehistoric build of the OS. The notepad runs a customized version of Android 2.3 on a 5.7-inch display, and it lives up to the "rugged" in its name with IP67 protection ratings for water and dust. Other specs, however, are less heavy-duty: the RAMPAGE 6 packs an 806MHz processor, 256MB of RAM and 4GB of Flash memory. An SD card slot, USB host and client ports, a headphone jack and a 9-pin connector are also on board. The standard model will offer Bluetooth and WiFi, while a Geo configuration adds in GPS and a 3.2MP camera. When the devices launch later this year, SDG will also sell a Geo 3G version, which includes that third connectivity option. Considering that the Trimble Nomad went for a steep $1,200 -- and that SDG's devices are targeted more toward developers than consumers -- it's safe to assume that the RAMPAGE 6 won't be the slate you take along on your morning commute (unless that commute involves crossing the desert on camel).
Ion launches Air Pro WiFi, helps you document your morning commute (video)
Ion's officially releasing its Air Pro camera that we put through its paces back in March. The sports shooter is designed to be strapped to a helmet or extreme-sports gear to document your extreme adventures in high definition. It'll also come with 8GB of free storage from MiMedia to share your death-risking achievements over the internet. Budget models are available starting at $230, but for the full package (with the WiFi module) it'll set you back $350 from today. Oh, and if you'd like to see what you're expected to do with the gear, you can head past the jump for test footage.
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.
Fujifilm FinePix XP170 rugged camera pays a visit to the FCC, leaves raincoat behind
It was only a matter of time before Fujifilm's latest ruggedized shooter, the FinePix XP170, made a quick stop by the FCC offices and, well, it's about that time. The filings don't reveal many details we didn't already know, meaning you're still getting those WiFi sharing features to Android / iOS and that 14-megapixel CMOS sensor with 1080p video capabilities to take on your adventures. At this rate it's safe to say that you better have those 280 bucks ready, as this rugged Fuji's next stop is sure to be the retail shelves. We don't think FCC chairman, Julius Genachowski, would mind you peeking at the black and white files, so hit the source link below if you're interested in doing so.
Braven Six Series hands-on
Remember those Braven speakers from a few weeks back? Well, guess what, the trio made an appearance here at CTIA and we finally got to put our shaky, caffeine-fueled hands on them. The Six Series of Bluetooth boxes is (going from left to right in the image above) the 600, the 650 and the 625s. Both the 600 and 650 are crafted from the same aircraft-grade aluminum and are all but indistinguishable at a glance. The lone physical differentiator is the numerical labeling in the bottom right corner. Both have a pleasant heft and a matte finish that makes them feel like decidedly high-end products. And, at $150 and $190 respectively, they're priced that way too. The 3W speakers and dual passive subwoofers were perfectly pleasant sounding and got surprisingly loud -- drowning out the crowded showroom floor with relative ease. The only issue, predictively, was that the low end started to distort as the volume was cranked -- particularly on the 600. We were even able to daisy chain them through a mini stereo cable (though not turn them into a stereo pair via Bluetooth), clearly irritating Braven's booth neighbors. The 625s is a slightly different beast. It also features an aluminum speaker grille, but the rest of the casing is wrapped in shock-absorbing rubber. It felt quite a bit lighter, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, since the company appears to think you should use this as a flashlight (hence the LED attachment). The unit even has a drybag should you decide to take it with you kayaking. We were even able to jack our iPhone in to the USB port for a bit of juice before heading back out on the floor. For more check out the gallery below. Joseph Volpe contributed to this report.
Fujifilm FinePix XP170 camera rebuffs water, dust and cold, cuddles up with iOS and Android (video)
Fujifilm's latest rugged point-and-shoot has pulled together some pretty standard specs with some more contemporary connectivity features, all in a hardy shell. The 14-megapixel CMOS sensor is paired with 5x zoom lens, while the rubberized lug is capable of 1080p video, and can increase video capture up to 240 fps at 320 x 240 resolution. Available in blue or orange, the device should survive up to 10 meters of water, a two meter drop and still work at -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit). We're not sure if that's all at once. Sharing with mobile devices requires Fujifilm's own Android or iOS app and some semblance of a WiFi signal. The FinePix XP170 will sidle up into stores next month for $280, but until then, Fujifilm's got a video to demo those new wireless transfer functions -- if that's your thing, you can check it out right after the break.
Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS packs 12-megapixel sensor, f/2.0 lens, ruggedized housing for $399
Ruggedized cameras have always been delivered with some kind of compromise -- an inflated price tag, bulkier body or sub-par image quality. Now, much as the E-M5 did to tighten the gap among mirrorless cameras, Olympus is introducing a full-featured pro-worthy Tough model. The Tough TG-1 is effectively an XZ-1 in a ruggedized shell -- its 12-megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor, 25-100mm, f/2.0-4.9 4x zoom lens and 3-inch 610k OLED display are all wrapped in a reinforced body, capable of flawless shooting at depths of 40 feet, in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) and after a 6.6-foot fall. With the TG-1, the company is aiming for the pro's gear bag, bringing features like 30 fps full-res rapid-fire shooting (for 50 consecutive shots, or 220 in a 3-megapixel 60 fps mode), the same TruPic VI image processor previously available only on current-gen PEN models and super-fast E-P3-like focusing speeds to an affordable, pocketable compact. The TG-1 is also a capable video shooter, offering 1080/30p captures on land and under the sea, with Linear PCM audio recording and a powerful Multi-Motion Movie image stabilization feature. A shutter range from bulb to 1/2000 second boosts versatility, while tools like GPS, an e-compass and pressure-measuring manometer combine to provide data-rich pictures while also aiding in-camera tools, like a compass with 3D renders and a power-efficient GPS that helps to identify more than 700,000 landmarks around the globe. It's hardly approaching ILC territory, but the camera includes some lens accessory compatibility, with an available conversion adapter with fisheye and telephoto attachments that work (and can be swapped in and out) underwater. Double-locking battery and HDMI port doors will keep dust and water away from compartments, and a repellant coating helps fight water build-up on the lens -- there's 40.5mm filter compatibility as well. The Olympus Tough TG-1 is set to ship for $399 in mid-to-late June, and we're fairly certain it will be worth the wait. Full PR is just past the break.
Olympus TG-1 iHS Tough leaks out at Best Buy, brings OLED to the rugged camera party
Looks like Olympus won't be waiting long to follow up on its 2012 Tough camera updates: Best Buy accidentally posted details of the TG-1 iHS Tough. Although it's since been taken down, the store listing showed that Olympus will be bringing a 3-inch, 610,000-pixel OLED display to the mix, making a preview of your scuba diving photos that much prettier. It shares the 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and 1080p movie making of the TG-820 iHS, with waterproofing now good for up to 40 feet. Olympus is, however, making a trade-off, where photogs get a shorter 4X optical zoom in return for a much wider f/2.0 aperture that will get those fish in focus. There's no word on when the TG-1 will ship, but Best Buy was showing a $400 price tag before the store took down its inadvertent sneak peek.
Sony outs new waterproof HDR-GW77V Handycam, available May 25th in Japan
Despite having launched a full battalion of Handycams back at CES, Sony left the adventurous crowd out by not introducing any ruggedized shooters. With that in mind, the Japanese outfit has taken the wraps off of its first waterproof (and dustproof) Handycam, which packs a mouthwatering 20.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor capable of 1080p video at 60fps. Staying true to its Handycam roots, the HDR-GW77V sports a 3-inch swivel screen while also offering 16GB of internal storage and a 10x optical zoom. Sony claims the camcorder can handle up to 16 feet of water as well as sustain a five-foot freefall. The HDR-GW77V will be hitting Japanese shelves late next month for 70,000 yen (around $860), and there's no word on when -- or if -- it'll make a trip outside its home turf.
Mobile Miscellany: week of April 16th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, Verizon announced that its LTE service now covers two-thirds of the US population, and T-Mobile dropped its 'nice girl' image in attempt to position its HSPA+ network as a viable competitor to LTE. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of April 16th, 2012.
Contour+ vs. GoPro HD Hero 2: through the desert and into the skies
Engadget Show segments come about in any number of ways. Sometimes it's a no brainer, with some awesome new gadget just aching for some air time. Other times it's a matter of our wanting to do something cool, like, say, flying a plane. The GoPro / Contour segment from the last Engadget Show was a little bit of both. The ultra-rugged camcorders were a perfect fit for our desire to take on some extreme activities in the Nevada desert. We started out by taking Polaris RZR for a spin on some sand dunes around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. And while we didn't really anticipate that it would be windy enough that day to ground planes at nearby McCarren Airport, the 50MPH sandstorms certainly did their part in testing the mettle of the devices -- and our camera crew, for that matter. We strapped both to the roll bar of the all-terrain vehicle and took off into the desert. Things were thankfully a bit calmer when we took to the sky the following day with help from the folks at Sky Combat Ace. The camcorders joined us in our respective cockpits, proving that they could take the punishment of a several G ride -- even if we didn't hold up so well. So, which of the two camcorders fared better? Tim and Brian hash it out after the break.
Samsung Rugby Smart review
Not every smartphone stakes its claim on speedy processors, huge gorgeous screens or slim and sexy physiques. Some take a relatively modest set of specs and add a little wrinkle to make them stand out from the crowd. The Samsung Rugby Smart is one such device. Though it adds Android to what we'll now refer to as the Rugby Dumb, we can already tell you this handset isn't for the spec snobs among you. But, if you're more concerned with durability and tank-like construction, you might want to stick around a while. This AT&T-branded phone is built to mil-spec 810F standards, meaning it's shockproof, dustproof and can be immersed in up to a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. If these are qualities you desire in a phone, meet us past the break to see how it stacks up against its competition.
Sprint's Kyocera DuraPlus coming March 11th for $70, hopes you like it tough
Exactly one month after unveiling this Military 810G-approved ruggedized handset, Sprint's stamping an official release date and price on it. Those of you who don't appreciate delicate swiping-and-tapping will be able to grab Kyocera's new DuraPlus for a mere $70 -- after a $50 mail-in rebate and with the standard two-year signing -- on March 11th. The device is the newest addition to the rugged Dura family, joining the likes of the DuraMax and DuraCore. To give you a quick brain-refresh, the DuraPlus can take a dive down to three feet underwater and stay submerged for about half an hour. It can withstand dust, shock and "extreme temperatures" while also giving you access to those Now Network bits you're so fond of: Direct and Group Connect. Now, be sure to send us those drop test vids if you buy one -- we have all day for that stuff.
Samsung Rugby Smart officially coming to AT&T March 4 for $100
It was only a matter of time, we suppose. After having seen the Samsung Rugby Smart poke its head out from time to time, Samsung's new rugged smartphone is officially hitting AT&T stores on March 4th. Much like the Pantech Element, the Rugby Smart will be "waterproof," meaning it can be submerged for up to 30 minutes in one meter of water. The phone itself is built to mil-spec 810F standards, so it's going to handle most extreme conditions pretty well. So let's list off the specs we've heard so far: it will launch with Android 2.3 -- shocker, we know -- as well as a 3.7-inch WVGA Super AMOLED panel, 4GB of internal storage, 1,650mAh battery and a 1.3MP front-facing shooter for video chat along with a 5MP rear facing autofocus camera with LED flash and 720p video capture. The Smart will also be 12.19mm thick (also not a surprise, given its rugged nature) and weigh 4.2 ounces. We don't know what CPU's inside yet, but we'll update as soon as we find out. To check out all the extreme details, head to the videos and press release under the break.Update: As noted by NJTechReviews, Samsung has confirmed it's a single-core 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 powering this guy.
Insert Coin: Aqua Tek S wants to be your desert island iPhone case
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. Have any immediate plans to go to war, escape nuclear fallout or get shipwrecked in the middle of the Pacific? Boy has Snow Lizard got the iPhone case for you. The Aqua Tek S is rugged, waterproof, battery-powered, solar panel-packing and in some cases camouflaged -- all said, it looks to be a beast of an iPhone 4 / 4S case that'll make your Otterbox case look like Samuel L. Jackson in Unbreakable. The twist ending here is that the case is currently seeking funding over on Kickstarter, with less than a month to reach its lofty goal of $75,000. When it hits, it's expected to run a pricey $130. Press info and a video of the case in action, after the jump.
Canon welcomes ELPH 530 HS / 320 HS, SX260 HS and D20 to PowerShot lineup
Alongside the new additions to Canon's A-Series of digital cameras, the company is also giving more demanding consumers a similar outpouring of love with four additional shooters in the PowerShot family, which sport a diverse array of features such as WiFi connectivity, 20x optical zoom and rugged designs. Leading the charge for the ELPH lineup is the 530 HS. Along with the 320 HS, it features the ability to wirelessly upload images to Canon's online portal, where users may then post their latest captures to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The ELPH 530 HS features a 12x optical zoom lens paired with a 10 megapixel sensor and is expected to retail for $349 in April. Meanwhile, the 320 HS delivers a 5x optical zoom lens and a 16.1 megapixel sensor. It'll carry a $280 price tag and is set to hit stores in March. Both ELPH models feature Canon's DIGIC 5 image processor, capture 1080p video and include a 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen.Those who roll Rear Window style may want to check out Canon's new SX260 HS, which packs a 25mm wide-angle lens that boasts up to 20x optical zoom. Like the latest ELPH's, it also offers the DIGIC 5 processor and captures 1080p video. Unique to the SX260 HS, it features GPS for location tagging and a burst shooting mode that captures a continuous 10.3 frames per second. It'll be available in March for $349 and is set to come in black, green and red finishes. Lastly, the D20 offers up a few ruggedized features for outdoor enthusiasts. It features underwater shooting abilities (including a specific macro mode), and is also said to be shock-proof and freeze-proof -- no mention of it tolerating heat, though. The D20 incorporates a 12.1 megapixel sensor, captures 1080p video and features a 5x optical zoom lens. It also offers GPS, but unlike the other cameras here, it uses the DIGIC 4 image processor. If you're considering the D20 for your next adventure, it'll be available in May for $349. You'll discover more about these four additions in the PR, after the break.
Kyocera DuraPlus: a Sprint phone so masculine it'll kick your face in for misdialing
Sprint's announced that it'll carry the Kyocera DuraPlus -- a rugged cellphone that recalls a lifetime of tedious internet memes. It's certified to "Military Standard 810G," for its resistance to dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, humidity and it's able to withstand water depths of one meter for, erm, up to half an hour. You'll also find an embedded LED flashlight capable of lighting the darkest of very dark rooms. Using Direct Connect, you can push-to-talk to other subscribers or use Group Connect to chat with 20 at a time. It'll ship with a 1650 mAh battery (9.5 hours of talk time) with an additional 2300 mAh battery for those long trips round the secure compound. You'll also be able to buy an external charging port to juice multiple units at once -- if you're running your own private militia and need to swap out devices on the go, for example. It'll be available in the first half of the year for an undisclosed price, but we'd wager it'll be something really manly, like the teeth of a wild animal you've vanquished or in exchange for capturing Denis Leary.
ioSafe gives shocking demo of Thunderbolt Rugged Portable prototype (video)
Every year ioSafe has some absurd demo to show off just how tough its rugged hard drives are. They've already played with fire and peppered a portable model with buckshot. This year the company turned to an eight-foot tall Tesla coil and pointed its bolts of current at a prototype Thunderbolt model of its Rugged Portable -- which the company hopes to ship sometime in Q2. Unlike previous versions, this one packs dual SSDs in a RAID array for redundancy. After being blasted repeatedly with a million volts of electricity the drive still worked. Things got a bit hairy when the drive wasn't recognized at first, but CEO Robb Moore broke out the screwdrivers, cracked open the case and connected the SSD directly through a separate adapter. Turns out just the mainboard was fried, but the storage was still safe. A second Rugged Portable, one of last-year's models brought in by a member of the press, was also put to the voltage test and came through unscathed. Check out the video after the break. Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.
EmporiaSOLIDplus at CES 2012 hands-on (video)
Emporia Telecom is looking to come to the Americas this Spring, and it's bringing a rugged beauty with it -- as long as you're not dead set on getting yourself one of them fancy smartphones. If so, keep on lookin', as Emporia's focusing on winning the hearts of basic / budget phone users all over. One of its first phones the company's bringing overseas with it is the EmporiaSOLIDplus, an IP67-certified candybar that can handle most things you throw at it -- heck, it could probably handle it when you're throwing the phone itself, though we certainly don't recommend you give it a test run anytime soon. The basic device is capable of calling, sending messages and that's ultimately about it. The phone will come as an unlocked GSM phone and is going to be available this Spring for an undetermined price. Pictures and video? Yeah, we have 'em below.
AT&T Pantech Element hands-on at CES 2012 (video)
The Pantech Element has been hanging around the rumor mill for quite some time, so it wasn't much of a surprise when we saw it show up at the AT&T Developer Summit keynote earlier today. All of the specs were right on with what we'd heard before: 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon CPU, 8-inch TFT XGA display, 5MP rear camera / 2MP front-facing, 6,400 mAh battery for over 12 hours of high-use battery life and of course, waterproof with IP57 certification. We got a little clarification on what Pantech means by this, and it turns out that the tablet can be submerged in up to one foot of water for thirty minutes without batting an eye. Playing around with the tablet, we were surprised by its light weight and classy look. It was incredibly glossy, however, which was painfully obvious by the number of times we felt compelled to wipe smudges off the front and back. The ports of entry were all covered appropriately by secured plastic flaps, but it's necessary in order to keep water or other liquid from getting inside. The tablet runs on Android 3.2, and in our limited time with the device felt smooth and without lag. Overall, it felt as though the tablet certainly fit the price range, which isn't something we were able to say about the $600 (on contract) HTC Jetstream. The Element will be available starting January 22nd for $300 with a two-year commitment, though AT&T is running a limited promotion in which you can get both the Element and the Pantech Burst together for $250. Take a look below to check out some up close and personal images and a snazzy video.
