sanyo
Latest
Sanyo's QWERTY-packin' SCP-2700 lands on Sprint
Not that we're blindsided by its official introduction or anything, but it's still good to see Sanyo's SCP-2700 in one clear, crisp, cohesive press photo. Available exclusively on Sprint, the QWERTY-equipped handset boasts a 1.3 megapixel camera, Sprint Navigation, threaded text messaging support and Bluetooth. Prospective buyers will need to choose between Impulsive Pink (with a subtle floral overlay) and Deep Blue (which has a tactile square designer pattern on its back), but considering that you've got until May 10th to decide, we'd say there's no real hurry. Oh, and pricing? $29.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and signing away your cellular soul for two long, painful years.
Sprint's 2009 roadmap comes to light, packed with goodies
There aren't terribly many surprises in the latest roadmap docs leaked out of Sprint, but there are a couple -- and we finally have some target launch windows around a few of the more anticipates devices we've been expecting this year. Perhaps least surprisingly, the Palm P100 -- that's the Pre for you lay folk -- is still on track for the second quarter of the year, which could mean anything between April and June. Staying in the landscape QWERTY smartphone realm, we'll see the HTC Cedar (or Willow, depending on which slide you're looking at) and a new Samsung Ace -- creatively named the Ace II -- in the second and third quarters, respectively. The landscape HTC Rhodium will likely replace the Touch Pro in the third quarter, and the hotly (and we do mean hotly) anticipated BlackBerry Niagara will be hitting in the same three-month period.Things are getting interesting down in the dumbphone realm, too, with both the Instinct Mini and a true Instinct successor -- the Dash with an HVGA display -- in the pipe. The Sanyo 2700, dual-slide Samsung Cello, and the Samsung Chianti (which looks suspiciously like a Propel) will all follow the Rumor 2 down the text-centric path, and a handful of new ultra-basic devices will fill in the bottom of the range. For data, Sprint will be launching Novatel's totally awesome MiFi portable hotspot, which warms our hearts. What doesn't warm our hearts is the utter void of Android devices here -- but we can hold out hope, and as always, all of this is subject to change. Stay tuned![Via Boy Genius Report]
Sanyo's SCP-2700 for Sprint in the wild
Okay, so we can safely establish that Sanyo's SCP-2700 QWERTY phone will come in at least two colors: blue, which we've previously seen, and now a stylized floral pink. At the $39.99 on-contract pricing we're hearing ("Sanyo" and "cheap" usually go hand-in-hand in Sprint's lineup), this could be a big winner -- tweeners will probably be able to beat on it for a year or more with little to no ill effect. Come on, Sanyo fans, you know you're frothing at the mouth right now, no need to hide it. We're all friends here. [Thanks, lakecharlesws]
Sanyo goes wireless with new line of projectors
Still haven't found a wireless projector that meets your needs? Then you may want to consider one of Sanyo's new LP-XU355 or LP-XU305 models, which each pack a standard XGA resolution and a new "Simple Wireless Setting" that lets you use an included USB drive to easily network with any computer. Otherwise, you can expect to get 3,000 or 3,500 ANSI lumens of brightness, a single 7W speaker in each, a wireless remote, and a full range of inputs, including a single HDCP-compliant DVI port. If you don't mind being tethered, you can also opt for Sanyo's new non-wireless LP-XU350, LP-XU300, LP-XU301, or LP-WXU300 models, which are each more or less similar to their WiFi counterparts, with the exception of the LP-WXU300, which ups the resolution to 1280 x 800. No word on a release 'round here just yet, but those in Japan can apparently look for the first of the lot (including the two wireless models) to roll out in May, with the remainder trickling out over the course of June and July.[Via Akihabara News]
Sanyo's SCP-2700 for Sprint is decidedly not another Katana
Sanyo users on Sprint seem to swear by the quality of their phones more than any other group of fanboys and girls -- only problem is, the Kyocera division's selection has amounted to little more than a bunch of low-end flips for the past year. Where's the excitement? That might come in with this little gem, which our tipster alleges to be the SCP-2700 -- not a form factor Sanyo has a lot of experience with, but then again, it's no secret that text-centric feature phones are the name of the game for American carriers these days. It's no Katana, but then again, that's kind of the idea. We'll keep you updated as we hear more.[Thanks, r0fl]
Sanyo's Xacti VPC-HD2000 pocket camcorder gets reviewed
Sanyo's Xacti line of pocket-friendly HD camcorders have been almost universally praised... when shooting outdoors. When trying to log clips in dim light, however, the story has been quite different. The outfit's VPC-HD2000, which was unveiled at CES this year, came out looking decently strong from PhotographyBLOG's review. The handheld packed in "more features than you'd expect," but the lofty price tag kept it from being a real contender. Sadly, the poor low light performance was grandfathered in, though the broad range of selectable ISO options were appreciated nonetheless. All in all, reviewers seemed to hold back on giving their wholehearted recommendation due to its price and the so-so image quality; in other words, you should probably avoid this one until its successor comes out, after which the MSRP may better reflect the benefits.
Kyocera consolidates handset businesses, cuts 360 jobs in the process
It's only been a year since Kyocera snapped up Sanyo's cellphone business in a bid to expand its mobile empire, but it looks like the company is already being forced to reorganize its handset businesses into something leaner and, it hopes, meaner. The biggest shake-up comes in the company's U.S. offices, which will now be focused exclusively sales, support, and business development, leaving all the handset design to be done at its Kyocera Wireless and Sanyo Telecom units in Japan, which themselves will be further consolidated in an effort to "enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the combined global handset business," according to company President Rodney Lanthorne. All of that will result in the loss of some 360 jobs, most of which will come from Kyocera's operations in San Diego and Chatsworth, California, as well as its subsidiary in Bangalore, India.[Via Phone Scoop]
Video: Sanyo's collection of new "dual cameras" handled, critiqued
Sanyo announced a plethora of "dual camera" models (camcorders with still capture aspirations) just yesterday, and Geek.com's Chris Gampat was lucky enough to get a little hands on time with the lot, choosing three favorites: the VPC-FH1, VPC-HD2000, and VPC-WH1. The first two are similar in terms of specs, both capturing 1080p video at 60fps and 8 megapixel stills at 12fps through a 10x optical zoom. They differ only in form factor, the VPC-FH1 offering a traditional style and the VPC-HD2000 coming with a pistol grip. Then there's the more daring VPCP-WH1, waterproof down to 10 feet and coming in a "look at me, sailor" yellow, but only shooting 720p video at 30fps and 2 megapixel stills. However, its 30x optical zoom is perfect for spotting Piping Plovers, and the 3.5 hour battery life means this thing can probably survive longer underwater than you. Videos of these three are below, and surely one them fits your lifestyle, so make a little room this spring, won't you? Read - Hands-on: Sanyo VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD2000Read - Hands-on: Sanyo VPC-WH1 waterproof camcorder
Sanyo's 2009 HD Xacti camcorder lineup brings a trio of world's firsts
Engadget Japanese is attending a Sanyo presser where its much loved Xacti camcorders are being overhauled. The 5-strong mix of pistol-grip and new, horizontally-oriented camcorders includes several world's firsts according to Sanyo: the world's first to shoot progressive, Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 video at 60fps (models DMX-HD2000/FH11 pictured above), the world's first waterproof HD cameras (DMX-CA9 and DMX-WH1 with 30x optical zoom), and world's first HD camera to shoot 10 megapixel still images (DMX-CG10). All the cams shoot in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format for broad compatibility with devices and video editing software. The DMX-HD2000 will hit the streets first on February 6 with the rest to trickle out before April is up. No prices were announced but we expect these to be competitive, as always. The rest of the new models pictured after the break with full specifications just beyond the read link.[Via Engadget Japanese]
Sanyo's PLC-XF71 projector packs 10,000 lumens for extreme brightness
While not high definition like the company's most recent projectors, Sanyo's PLC-XF71 manages to compensate with 10,000 lumens for some serious brightness. By comparison, the recently-unveiled PDG-DHT100JL sports 6,500 lumens and its sub-$2000 PLV-1080HD just 1,200. Beyond that, it's got a 1024 x 768 picture and a 3000:1 contrast ratio. If you don't mind trading resolution for intense luminance, look for it to show up this month for a papered Abe Lincoln under $17,000.
Bell goes pro with Sanyo Pro 200 and 700
As we'd mentioned in mid-December, Bell's Sanyo PRO-200 and PRO-700 were close to launch and we're now hearing January 12th could be that day. Bell's pricing for the PRO-200 is looking like 3 years for $149, $199 on 2, and $349 if you want to get it off contract. Similar pricing for the PRO-700 with $199 for a 3-year stint, $249 for 2, and contract-free ownership will set you back $399. So there you have it, if rugged flips are your thing, now you know when you can get yourself lined up.[Via mobilesyrup]
Sanyo punches out PDG-DHT100JL 1080p DLP projector
Sanyo already delivered a sub-$2,000 1080p projector today, but the PDG-DHT100JL DLP beamer is definitely a notch above. The noticeably more brawny PJ, which is destined for a Japanese release in March, packs a 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution, 6,500 lumens, twin UHP lamp and a dual twin color wheel system. No word on a price just yet, but trust us, it'll be up there.
Sanyo ducks under $2,000 again with 1080p PLV-1080HD projector
This ain't the first time Sanyo's slipped in just under the two large wire with a 1080p beamer, but it's no less proud the second go 'round. Announced here in Vegas, the PLV-1080HD is a Full HD projector with a lens-shifting system for flexible placement, a variable iris, two HDMI 1.3 inputs, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and 1,200 ANSI lumens. $1,995 gets you in, and it's shipping right now.
Sanyo's Xacti technology tapped for Full HD VCC-HDN1 surveillance camera
The unforgettable words of Rockwell have never been truer, and now, those watching you will have one more opportunity to do so in high-definition. Sanyo has just delivered its VCC-HDN1 network surveillance camera, and interestingly enough, it utilizes the same technology that's currently used in its line of Xacti HD camcorders. Predictably, the device has a native resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 along with a 10x optical zoom and other specifications "comparable to those of the camcorder." Sanyo's offering these up to parking garage owners, governments, spy agencies and all sorts of people with false names for upwards of $3,200 apiece. So much for that birthmark not being noticeable on CCTV, huh?
Wireless Power Consortium to create universal wireless charging standard, insist that it's like magic
Although we've seen some interesting demos, wireless power systems have mostly been a novelty -- apart from a couple gaming accessories, the most notable thing a wireless company has done so far is declare bankruptcy. That's hopefully about to change, however: a new group called the Wireless Power Consortium plans to introduce a series of charging standards aimed at making sure all this magical tech plays nice with each other. The eight-company group includes Logitech, Philips, Sanyo (and now Panasonic, we'd suppose), TI, National Semiconductor, ConvenientPower, and Fulton Innovation -- which demoed that wireless hamburger for us, you'll recall. The group plans to first release a five-watt standard targeted at mobile phones, after which it'll take aim at laptops and other more power-hungry devices. Based on the flood of wireless-related PR we've been getting as CES gets closer, we're expecting some big things to happen in this space -- it sounds like Energizer is also going to get involved, which could be interesting. We'll see how it plays out -- hopefully this is the year we finally cut that power cord.Read - PC World articleRead - WIreless Power Consortium website
Panasonic to officially purchase controlling stake in Sanyo for $6.4B
It took a little longer than we'd heard due to some last-minute complications, but Panasonic's deal to buy almost all of Sanyo has finally been approved by Sanyo's major shareholders. Under the deal, Panny will buy out some 70 percent of Sanyo for ¥131 ($1.50) a share, making the total deal worth some ¥560B ($6.41B). That'd be lot of scratch even if the economy wasn't in the tank, but Panny thinks it'll be worth it to take over Sanyo's position in the solar and rechargeable battery markets, which it thinks are due to blow up. Er, not blow up like that -- in the fun-filled raining-cash way. You get the idea. Xactis for everyone!
Sanyo's Pro-200 and Pro-700 coming to Bell in January
We've seen no official confirmation or anything, but MobileSyrup has it that Sanyo's cutest couple ever (that'd be the Pro-200 and Pro-700, of course) are headed to Bell Canada in just under a month. The rugged handsets are both made to withstand the pressures of everyday life (and a few off-the-wall encounters with Alaska, poisonous snakes and playground swings), and outside of that, you'll also find Bluetooth, GPS, a speakerphone and 3G data connectivity. The Pro-200 will reportedly cost between $149.95 and $349.95 depending on contractual obligation, while the Pro-700 will go for $50 more across the board.
Sanyo R227 WiFi radio headed to the US
It was fun while it lasted, but it looks like Sanyo's R227 WiFi radio is no longer that rarest of rare things: a Canadian exclusive, as the company has now announced that it'll be available in the US in January. The radio itself, of course, remains the same, with it still packing both WiFi and an Ethernet jack for a wired connection, along with a backlit LCD display, support for AAC, AIFF, MP3, WAV and WMA files stored on a networked computer, a stereo headphone jack, an FM tuner, and a pair of 2W RMS speakers. The one thing that has changed slightly is the price, which now comes in at a slightly more affordable $169.99.[Via Electronista]
Sanyo's eneloop hybrid bike has basket, will travel
Looking for an electric bike that does the pedaling for you? You have plenty of choices, particularly if you're willing to drop over $2,000, but finding one that uses regenerative braking to extend the life of its meager on-board batteries isn't so easy. Panasonic's Vivi RX10S is about your only choice until February, when Sanyo's new eneloop-branded bike is set to start pulling weak (or just lazy) Japanese riders up up inclines before recharging itself on the way back down. On a hilly course a charge is said to last about 35 miles without braking, 46 by charging only when braking, and 62 miles in "auto" mode (charging on downhills, too). If you live in Japan it'll be yours for 136,290 yen, about $1,450 US -- but if you live around here we'd recommend not canceling your spinning class just yet, because while Sanyo pledges to ship this elsewhere in the world "at some point in the future," it could be awhile before this thing starts hitting the diamond lanes near you.[Via PhysOrg.com]
Sanyo builds prototype pedometer that powers itself while you walk
These portable power generating options are a dime a dozen now, but we thought you'd still want to know that Sanyo has invented a device that'll let you turn your health obsession into electricity to power your health obsession -- a vicious cycle if we've ever seen one. It's a pedometer that generates just enough energy (40 microwatts) to keep itself ticking when the swinging motion of its health-nut wearer's body causes tiny parts to move around. Sanyo hopes to use the technology for other low-power devices in the future. As for us, we'd rather remain utterly otiose and let our battery slaves do the work for us, though we can imagine something like this might, with some improvements, prove useful to those villagers who have to walk 12 miles to charge their cell phones. [Warning: read link requires subscription]
