Tough
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Sony's ultra-fast SD cards are designed to be abused
Not content just to have the fastest UHS-II memory cards on the market, Sony wants to have the fastest and strongest. It just unveiled the SF-G series Tough UHS-II SD cards that can handle as much pain as you care to inflict. They're 18 times stronger than standard SD cards, and "use the world's first monolithic structure with a completely sealed one-piece molding," Sony said. As such, they're bend-proof, drop-proof to five meters, waterproof and dust-proof.
Olympus Stylus TG-3: a ruggedized camera that doesn't suck
In the past, opting for a ruggedized camera has required some serious sacrifices. Whether that's meant comically large housings or mediocre performance, you couldn't get a fantastic point-and-shoot camera that you could also safely take on the slopes, the back of a motorcycle or on SCUBA dives. This year's Olympus Stylus Tough is the first such model I've seen that's worthy of your 350 bucks. A fast lens, speedy focusing and solid image quality make the TG-3 a great option even if you only plan to document your backyard rose garden or a child's first steps, but it'll also handle much more sophisticated shooting situations with ease.
Olympus Stylus Tough TG-3 ships with WiFi and f/2 lens for $350, dead fish sold separately
We question Olympus' decision to photograph its latest ruggedized cam next to a dead fish, then send that image out to reporters. But puzzling marketing practices aside, this is one impressive point-and-shoot. The Stylus TG-3 hails from the company's Tough line, which means it's waterproof (to 50 feet), freeze-proof (to 14°F), shockproof (from seven-foot drops) and crushproof (to 220 pounds). Unlike many other ruggedized cams, however, the TG-3 is equally impressive when it comes to traditional capabilities. There's a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, an f/2-4.9, 25-100mm optical zoom lens, a 3-inch 460k-dot LCD, 1080p video, GPS and WiFi. A new microscope mode lets you snap macro shots just 10mm from your subject and a ring light accessory (perhaps our favorite feature) mounts atop the camera's built-in LED to provide even light with small subjects positioned just in front of the lens. The TG-3's expected to ship this June for $350 in black and red.
Panasonic launches $100 SC-NT10 rugged wireless speaker
Panasonic is no stranger to the rugged gadget game, so it doesn't come as a surprise that the company's newest wireless speaker is another toughie. Called the SC-NT10, the 4W compact device houses two teensy full-range speakers and a passive radiator. The company claims its "quad proof" design can take on dust, splashes of water, intense heat or freezing cold and drops from as high as 30 inches. Other features include NFC for quick Bluetooth pairing, a 3.5mm jack, and up to eight hours of battery life. It won't ship until this fall (estimated date is sometime in August), but it's currently available for preorder for $100 each. If you find that price too steep for a hockey puck-sized speaker, you can check out SC-NT10's less edgy but cheaper cousin.
Panasonic refreshes Toughbook H2 with faster processor, bigger storage and stronger shell
We've never understood why Panasonic chose to brand its top-line tablet as the Toughbook H2, but given the hairy-chested types who build and use the gear, we're not gonna challenge 'em. The company hasn't messed too much with the Windows 7 slate, except pushing the top chip to a 2.8GHz Intel Core i5-3427U and to swap out the 320GB 7,200RPM shock-mounted HDD for a 500GB model. Panasonic has also tweaked the hardware's polycarbonate-encased magnesium alloy chassis, with MIL-STD-810G1 ensuring that the gear will survive drops from six-feet, as well as IP651 weather-proofing. The 3.5-pound unit also sees its battery life pushed to seven hours and also gains boosted WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.1+EDR connectivity. Once you've selected a unit, there's a hefty list of possible add-ons, including barcode scanners, smart card readers, Gobi-running 3G, LTE and GPS options. There's even a model that meets MIL-STD-461F standards for electromagnetic protection -- useful if your day job involves battling superheroes. The standard unit will set you back $3,349 and comes with a three-year international warranty, so you'd better get buttering-up your procurement manager now. %Gallery-188382%
Daily iPhone App: Metal Slug X is a faithful, though flawed recreation
SNK's slowly been releasing all of its great old Metal Slug games from the Neo Geo library, and just recently, it worked its way up to Metal Slug X, which I think is the fourth iteration of the series? It's hard to keep track -- there's like 20 of them out there in history. At any rate, if you've ever played a Metal Slug game before, you know what to expect here: You control a soldier that runs on a constantly moving 2D battlefield, firing away at enemies and dodging all sorts of colorful incoming fire. The Metal Slug games are known for their high-quality 2D animation, and this game is no different at all -- the sprites are extremely complicated, well-designed, and while the action gets frenetic, it's extremely well-drawn and produced. This is actually an updated version of the game on iOS, with new bosses, new weapons, full Game Center integration and even multiplayer over Bluetooth. Unfortunately, even with those additions, Apple's iOS devices still aren't really the ideal way to play a game like this, as the onscreen controls are less than extremely precise, and putting your fingers on the virtual buttons tends to block out the action. Not to mention that these games tend to be fairly hard, and using virtual controls makes them even harder. But if you're going for this one already, you're probably a Metal Slug fan, so you'll know the drill. Metal Slug X is available now for US$3.99 as a universal version. If you've never tried the series and want to see what it's like, I'd say wait for a sale, as SNK regularly drops the prices on these as well.
Looxcie launches Vidcie b2b collaboration platform and Vidcie Tough rugged POV camera
Makers of POV cameras, Looxcie, has just launched a new business to business focused line called Vidcie. The announcement comprises a new real-time collaboration platform that allows enterprise customers to collaborate and share what they are seeing / working on in real time. The Vidcie line also incorporates a new weatherproof cam -- ideal for those workers out in the field -- called the Vidcie Tough. The rugged cam pairs with smartphones and tablets and will come with a bunch of different mounts and accessories. Existing Looxcie cameras will also play nice with the new collaboration platform, so if you already have some hardware you won't need to reinvest. Details on price and availability to follow. The camera maker also took the opportunity to announce that its Looxie HD line will be available in Europe via Apple retails stores and online starting January 23rd. Jump on the PRs after the break for more. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Olympus intros upgraded Stylus Tough TG-2, TG-830 and TG-630 rugged cameras
Olympus knows many of us will be jonesing for a rugged camera once the weather warms up, and it's more than happy to deliver with a trio of refreshed Stylus Tough point-and-shoots. The TG-2 iHS flagship is all about going closer and deeper than before: it preserves the 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, 25-100mm equivalent f/2.0 lens and 1080p video of its predecessor, but introduces a new Microscopic Macro mode that Olympus claims can provide extreme detail from as little as 1cm (0.4 inches) away. The body's waterproofing is also resilient enough to survive at a deeper 50 feet, just in case the TG-1 isn't quite a match for that upcoming reef expedition. The TG-2 will arrive in March, and it should undercut its predecessor's original asking price at $380. Those who aren't quite so committed to rough-and-tumble photography still get a few updates of their own. The TG-830 iHS adds geolocation to the TG-820's formula with both GPS and an electronic compass to show the way; its 16-megapixel CMOS sensor is also new, although we're more interested in a newfound option to shoot stills while recording video. At the entry level, the TG-630 iHS is a close cousin of the recent TG-625, adding a front metal plate to the 12-megapixel model we know. The two will ship alongside their bigger sibling in March with respective prices of $280 for the TG-830 and $200 for the TG-630. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Olympus Stylus TG-625 Tough adds AF light for tricky shots in rough situations
It's been awhile since we've seen Olympus tackle the more affordable side of its rugged camera lineup, which makes its latest entry feel overdue. The Stylus TG-625 Tough effectively replaces the TG-620 by adding something that's been commonplace in the camera world: an autofocus illuminator light to improve focusing at night or, more likely with this camera, when it's plunged 16 feet underwater. Outside of a new double-lock system, though, you're looking at the hardware that has defined most of Olympus' rugged line this year, including a 12-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, a 28-140mm equivalent lens, 1080p movie making and a 3-inch LCD. The Japanese should get the TG-625 the soonest, on August 31st. There's no word on whether or not there's an upgrade on the way for the US, although we can picture it slotting into the American lineup without much trouble.
Lenovo unveils toughened ThinkPad X131e for education, hikes price to $499
Lenovo must have struck a chord with schools looking for some rough-and-tumble ThinkPads, as it's bringing out the ThinkPad X131e even while teachers are still drafting their course plans for the fall semester. The new model keeps that better-than-military ruggedness in an 11.6-inch laptop while freshening the choices of AMD E-series chips or their Intel-made Celeron and Core i3 challengers. Dolby Advanced Audio even gives the speakers boost when it's not a matter of all work and no play. Educators, in turn, get the usual options for extended support or customizing the laptops with a little school pride. There's a premium to pay for putting classrooms on the cutting edge, however: at $499, the new systems are $70 more costly than the launch price of the X130e portables they replace, which leaves quite a bit less money for notebooks of the paper variety.
Klipsch gets vibrant, intros S4i Rugged in-ear headphones
The last we saw some colorful headphones from Klipsch was when it introduced the purple Lou Reed X10i in-ears last holiday season. Just in time for the summer, the headphone maker is unleashing a rugged version of its S4i earbuds -- and in four vibrant finishes, no less (red, yellow, orange and blue). Although this water-resistant S4i variant seems practically identical to the S5i Rugged in-ears, we're told that internally they pack the same 8.5mm dual magnet drivers as their namesake. Naturally, the in-ears feature an iDevice-compatible inline remote / mic, but you'll merely get a basic case in place of the flashlight-equipped version reserved for the S5i. The S4i Ruggeds are set to go sale before the month's out, and best of all they're just priced at just $99. Hit up the press release after the break for more info in the meantime.
Sony Xperia Go makes a trip to the FCC, doesn't bring suntan lotion
Sony isn't wasting much time getting regulatory approvals. Just a few weeks after it brought the Xperia Go into the world, it's passing the toughened-up phone through the FCC for Uncle Sam's rubber stamp. Before you get visions of picking one up for Facebook updates on a canoe trip, be aware that it's the international version we're looking at: it can run on GSM and EDGE with US carriers, but the 900MHz and 2,100MHz HSPA bands are meant for 3G in other corners of the world. All the same, it does put the phone on the fast track to its scheduled international release in the summer. There's always importing if you've just got to have some weather-hardened Android 2.3 for a California vacation.
Gammatech's brawny 12-inch convertible Durabook adds Ivy Bridge brains
The Durabook convertible's always been a tough jock, but now it's got some Ivy Bridge finesse as well, with the new U12Ci. Ruggedized to military MIL-STD-810G specs to resist drops, shocks, spills, dust and power nastiness, the new Intel chipset will add more speed and improved battery life to its tough-as-nails surface. The kid brother to the U12C keeps that same 12.1-inch 1280 x 800 panel, with a choice of Core i5 or i7 chipsets, USB 3.0 and the option to add up to 16GB of RAM. Prices start at $1,000, so if you're hitting the trenches or your local Starbucks, head down the source link for more info. Ten-hut!
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.
G-Shock prototype phone hides its craggy looks at CES, only fears your stares
Like your phones tough? Casio's apparently crafted another hardy device and this one appears to be running Android Gingerbread. The unnamed device can handle ten-foot drops and ten meters of water, while scaring small children at the same time. Hiding under a bridge somewhere in Las Vegas, it somehow avoided our patrols of the CES showfloor. The rubberized smartphone holds on to those G-Shock looks, with nubs mimicking the layout of Casio's ubiquitous digital watch. Aside from the super-tough credentials emblazoned on the back of the device, other specs remain unknown. MyNavi reports that the device remains a concept at the moment, although Casio still seems more than happy to show off the phone on its Facebook page. Interested in another option besides those smartphone-friendly G-Shocks? You can peruse the source for a full gallery of the hardware. [Thanks GreeKNastY]
ADATA S101 flash drive brings USB 3.0 speeds, shrugs off shocks and splashes
USB flash drives may not be the hottest tech hardware out there, but that doesn't mean they can't look good. ADATA's latest thumb drive refresh packs the same military-spec rough and tumble credentials of last year's S007, but this time it's guarding some USB 3.0 goodness. While the design of the S107 is nigh-on identical to its predecessor, it's now capable of read speeds of up to 100MB per second. The rubberized storage sticks, available in red and blue, will be available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB sizes, although ADATA is still keeping schtum on pricing and release dates.
Ask Engadget: best rugged (but tiny) USB flash drive?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Chris, who seems to be looking for the world's toughest (and smallest) USB flash drive. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm looking for a good USB flash thumb drive that I can put on my keychain. I'd like one that is rather small in physical size, but, more importantly, can take a beating; especially at the spot where it connects to a keychain. Thank you." This guy? If not him, what? Help a brother out in comments below!
ASUS TOUGH 7-inch Honeycomb tablet lands in Japan ready for some corporate abuse
Not content with offering up merely modular Android tablets, ASUS has revealed a new seven-inch tablet that's water and dust resistant -- perfect for a spot of bath-time browsing or... desert rallying. The ASUS TOUGH-ETBW11AA has a rubberized bezel and strips across the back, contributing to the substantial 22.2mm profile, but that hefty frame can survive drops from the heady height of 76cm. Aside from its tough-guy credentials, there's a 1280 x 800 screen, five megapixel camera, Tegra 2 dual-core 1GHz processor, WiMAX connection and the staple WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS medley. It comes with 16GB of well-protected storage, but there's room for more via microSD. For those seeking a slate that'll survive the bumps and scrapes of the business world -- and not look ridiculous -- it'll be available to enterprise customers of Japanese carrier KDDI this November. No news yet on whether it'll canoe its way across from the Land of the Rising Sun, but we can give you a few more photos of the rough and tumble tablet after the break. [Image credit: Keitai Watch]
Delkin's CF cards handle all weathers, so quit yo' jibber jabber
Delkin sneers at wimps who sit around all day debating whether it's worse to be too hot or too cold. Its new 32GB and 64GB rugged CompactFlash cards relish both extremes, with a claimed operating temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees Celsius. They achieve this by eschewing the cheaper multi-level cell design of namby-pamby mainstream cards in favor of single-level cells that last for up to two million cycles and max out at 105MB/s reads and 95MB/s writes. We wouldn't stick anything else in our SnoMote. Full details in the PR after the break.
