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Insta360 Pro goes 'V2.0' with image quality boost plus new tools
It's only been half a year since the $3,499 Insta360 Pro VR camera started shipping, but the Chinese company is already offering a "V2.0" release right before the holidays. To be exact, this is actually more about a "major" firmware update with significant improvements on the same hardware, and existing users can already download the beta firmware for a spin (though it's also possible to roll back should something go wrong). Once updated, the device will benefit from much improved image quality, as well as a 12K "Super Resolution" still photo mode, optical flow interpolation for double frame rate output plus a few new professional tools.
Homido's V2 headset shows mobile VR doesn't have to be basic
Virtual Reality's main players might be household names (or owned by them), but scratch under the surface, and there's a bustling bevy of lesser-known names jostling for your attention. Usually these fall into two camps, those with quirky features, or deluxe versions of Google Cardboard. Homido's first headset was more the latter, with the distinction of having its own app hub for VR movies and games, and IPD (Inter Pupil Distance) controls, something even Gear VR doesn't have. The French company's back with a new version (called V2) that's sleeker and compatible with more phones. What makes it interesting is the "family" of accessories that will complement it, including a Kinect-like motion sensor -- making Homido's little slice of virtual reality more than just a bourgeois take on bare-bones VR.
The VERTX is an e-cigarette with a touchscreen
The V2 company rolled out a new e-cigarette model this morning called the VERTX. I have no idea how that word is pronounced but the device does offer a number of unique features. For one, it's the only micro e-cig on the market with a touchscreen. Users can easily adjust both the heating element's voltage -- from 3.5V to 4.5V -- and the device's LED indicators simply by swiping across the VERTX's face.
Saygus' over-specced phone costs $550 for early birds
How do you prove your device isn't vaporware? Put a price and pre-order date on it. Well, that's what Saygus is doing with the V2 (pronounced V-Squared) that we spent some time with at the Consumer Electronics Show this year, at least. If you reserve a handset come February 2nd, not only will you get a $50 break off the $599 asking price, but Saygus is throwing in a few extras as well. Those include an additional battery and what the company's calling a "customized, replaceable glass screen protector." The pre-order registration window's been extended until noon MST February 2nd, and actual pre-orders start at 11:59 p.m. MST (the outfit's based in Salt Lake City, Utah) or February 3rd at 1:59 a.m. Eastern. What a world we live in: one where you can register to pre-buy something that still doesn't have a release date, from a company that hasn't succeeded in bringing a product to market in its five-year existence.
Saygus announces a new high-end Android smartphone after five year hiatus
Saygus has been long forgotten over the course of time, only to be remembered by the most hardcore phone enthusiasts. The Utah-based phone maker enjoyed a brief moment in the spotlight at CES 2010 with its VPhone, a high-end (at the time) Android QWERTY device capable of doing two-way video calls over molasses-slow networks. The phone disappeared after becoming certified on Verizon's open development initiative in August 2011. Surprisingly, the company's not only alive and kicking, it's working on a brand new high-end phone called the V-Squared (V2?). The smartphone will come with a 5-inch 1080p display, quad-core 2.5GHz Snapdragon processor (the chipset is unknown, but we'd guess 801), 64GB onboard storage and expandable memory that will "best any competitor," 60GHz Wireless HD for low-latency wireless HD streaming, Qi wireless charging, 3D audio, a high-end camera with OIS, root access and a new type of biometric scanner on the right side of the device. It also says that it has a 3,500mAh battery, but a mysterious new tech is supposed to extend its life by 50 percent. We've obtained images of the V-Squared, which show an interesting angular design on the top and bottom, as well as a hardware camera shutter button.
Nikon 1 V2 unveiled: 14.2 megapixel ILC shoots 15fps stills for $899.95 in November
It was just over a year ago when Nikon first dipped its toe into mirrorless waters with its first two 1 System cameras, the V1 and J1. Now, the company has released the V1's successor, the aptly named V2. Like its elders, the V2 has a 1200fps slo-mo capture mode, a 3-inch LCD display on the back, a high-res (1.4 million dot) electronic viewfinder, and does 1080/30p and 1080/60i video capture (Alas, 4K recording capability didn't make the cut). Unlike the V1, the V2 comes in only black or white and uses an upgraded 14.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with an ISO range of 160-6,400. It also packs a new Expeed 3A image processor in tandem with Nikon's Advance Hybrid AF to deliver higher speed shooting. That autofocus system is comprised of 73 phase detect sensors and 135 contract detect sensors, which enables the V2 to capture stills at up to 15fps for 45 continuous frames -- and it can shoot 60 frames continuously using fixed focus.%Gallery-169057% The camera itself looks quite a bit different from its brethren, with a magnesium chassis, a bulked up grip and a built-in flash, plus command and shooting mode dials up top. It's a layout not unlike Sony's NEX-7, with one dial enabling easy switching between auto and manual exposure modes and a second providing access to secondary shooting controls like exposure compensation. The camera also has a stereo mic on board along with an external mic jack for recording audio. Would-be V2 owners can grab one with a 10-30mm kit lens for $899.95, and Nikon will add 30-110mm glass to that package for $250 more when it goes on sale in late November. Want to know more? Check out our hands-on with the V2 to see the new shooter in action, and Nikon's full PR awaits after the break.
Nikon 1 V2 mirrorless camera hands-on! (video)
If you followed the launch of Nikon's J2 interchangeable-lens compact recently, then waking up to today's announcement of a higher-specced V2 probably won't come as a huge surprise. Nevertheless, whereas the J2 was frustratingly incremental compared to the J1, the V2 will likely represent a more significant upgrade when it lands on shelves at the end of November. For a start, the magnesium alloy camera has been bestowed with a sizable grip, which makes a vast difference to its ergonomics -- it feels much more secure and manageable in the hand, without hurting the small and lightweight appeal of this form factor. Nikon has found room for a pop-up flash too, which is certainly nice to have. The mode dial has moved to the top of the camera and now includes the four main shooting modes (P/S/A/M) -- a change which, in one fell swoop, helps the entire remainder of the control system to become more intuitive and accessible. A new processing engine allows the camera to shoot 15 fps with continuous focus (versus 10 fps with the V1), with Nikon claiming that AF speed has been improved as well. And as for the bad news? It's waiting for you after the break.
Fanatec's Clubsport pedals V2 bring improved brake and clutch feel to the virtual speedway (video)
Around these parts, we're generally suckers for all things related to racing simulators. As such, we're excited to learn that Fanatec has unveiled its next generation of the Clubsport pedals that we reviewed over a year ago. Dubbed as the Clubsport pedals V2, the company refers to the peripheral as an "evolutionary" update to original, offering a trio of improvements. The clutch has been retooled to have a "regressive feel" that's said to be similar to a real automobile, while the brake is now of the hydraulic variety, featuring user replaceable synthetic oil -- naturally, it still has an adjustable spring and load cell pressure sensor for the utmost customizability. The final touch is merely some visual spice in the way of black anodization. Notably, there won't be any tuning kit available initially, and V1 owners might be disappointed to know that the company has opted not to offer an upgrade kit, citing costs and potentially complicated installation. Fanatec is aiming to have the Clubsport pedals V2 out by June, bundled alongside its Clubsport wheel, with pricing set at $250 for the US (€250 in the UK). Pre-orders won't begin until May, so in the meantime, shift over to the source link below and the video past the break for all the details.
Sony's VAIO P 'mark 2' hopefully learns from past mistakes
While we had high hopes for Sony's sleek and beautifully crafted VAIO P back in the day, it's become a major point of frustration and thus, ridicule, ever since we first powered it up. This $900ish ultra-portable is the very symbol of what tends to go wrong at Sony: beautiful hardware is crippled by software leaving consumers wondering why they paid a premium for such an undistinguished user experience. Now Techradar is reporting that Sony has a VAIO P "mark 2" ready to launch in October or November -- we suspect right after Windows 7 launches. The only real detail provided is that the "mark 2" will feature a "much-improved boot-up time." Whether that's the result of inherently fast-booting Windows 7 alone or via some third party Instant-on technology like Corel, well, Sony isn't saying.
Yeah, the updated Nokia E90 is real
In case we needed any proof that the revised E90 with flush keys was the real deal, this ought to do it: Cellpassion spotted the so-called E90 v2 strutting its stuff at MWC last week, and yeah, apart from the revised keypad, there's not a heck of a lot to write home about. Nokia apparently says that the revised unit will be in retail channels in the next few weeks, though we suppose that comes as little consolation to existing owners with jacked-up screens where the keys have hit.
Nokia E90 gets a minor update?
We'd heard reports from E90 owners in the past that the keyboard has a bit of a fatal flaw: it's high enough to touch the screen when the handset's closed, transferring whatever your nasty hands left on the keys to the display. We're now hearing that a "v2" model has started to circulate with a totally redesigned QWERTY board, though, that fixes the issue by making the whole thing flush (check out the picture). Any hold-outs going to reconsider buying into the Communicator craze now with this revelation?[Via All About Symbian]
UPnP Forum releases v2 specs
The UPnP Forum has rolled out version two of its UPnP specifications, which promises to make it easier for users to network various devices together, while at the same time keeping companies happy by ensuring that all the content flying around remains protected by DRM. Some of the biggest additions to the v2 specs come in the UPnP AV MediaServer and MediaRenderer device classes, which encompass everything from PCs, DVD players, and PVRs to televisions, stereo systems, and portable media players. The Forum's mostly talking in generalities in their announcement, but it looks like among other things, the new specs define how programs and other digital content is recorded and stored for later viewing. You'll also be pleased to know that the new specs are also fully backwards compatible with the v1 specifications, so your gear's not obsolete just yet -- well it is, but not because of this upgrade.[Via eHomeUpgrade]
iWork 06 "v2" updates
Updates for Keynote 3 and Pages 2 (iWork 06 versions) are available from Software Update. Oddly, they aren't point versions - they're "v2" of the updates Apple released just last week, and they're pretty large. Also, they both have the same description as last week's updates.Keynote: "This update to Keynote 3.0 addresses issues with three-dimensional charts and textures. It also addresses a number of other minor issues. This update should be installed on all computers that share your Keynote 3.0 files, so that textures display properly."Pages: "Pages 2.0.1 addresses issues with charts and image adjust. It also addresses a number of other minor issues."They're both available from Software Update. I'd offer links to Apple's downloads pages, but as of this writing they don't appear to be posted on Apple's site.Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
