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Sony claims the Xperia Z2 Tablet is the world's thinnest and lightest waterproof slate
With its VAIO PC business all but gone, Sony's betting big on smartphones and tablets. The company has three post-PC products on its plate at this year's Mobile World Congress, the largest of which is the new Xperia Z2 tablet. It's a lighter, thinner version of the year-old Xperia Tablet Z, which has been given a thorough upgrade in order to help it take on the iPad Air and larger Samsung slates. Like its predecessor, the 10.1-inch tablet features the same design language as Sony's latest flagship Z2 smartphone, complete with "OmniBalance" look, uniform thickness and straight edges. Cosmetic similarities aside, the Z2 Tablet runs a lightly-skinned build of Android 4.4 KitKat and is powered by a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 with 3GB RAM, which keeps things really moving. Is an internal overhaul enough to capture your eye? Follow us and find out.
Head 82 feet below the surface with Canon's waterproof PowerShot D30
It's a very busy CP+ for Canon. The camera maker has a handful of new models for the show, including one of the waterproof variety. The PowerShot D30, which replaces 2012's D20, boosts the waterproof rating from 33 feet to 82 feet, making it a suitable choice for all but the deepest scuba dives. There's a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 5 processor and support for 1080/30p video. The 5x 28-140mm lens isn't as fast as we'd like for dim underwater shoots, with an f/3.9-4.8 maximum aperture, but with the ISO bumped up a bit, it should perform decently. You can frame shots on the 3-inch 461k-dot LCD, which sports a sunlight mode for use in brighter conditions. The camera is shockproof and cold-resistant as well, and while there's no WiFi on board, it does include GPS. The PowerShot D30 is expected in stores by mid-April with a $330 MSRP.
Sony shows off its waterproof Walkman... by packaging it in a water bottle
If those ads showing swimmers rocking Sony's new Walkman haven't convinced you it's really waterproof, then get this: you can buy one packaged inside a full bottle of water. "The Bottled Walkman" is currently being sold from vending machines across New Zealand in places like gyms, right beside neon-blue bottles of Gatorade. The idea behind the promotion is to get the device out of electronics stores and into the places target customers actually hang out. Of course, the shock value of being encased in liquid certainly makes the Walkman a bit more enticing than if it was sitting behind the front desk. The big question is, who wants to drink a bottle of water that's had a Walkman sitting in it for days (or weeks) on end? Check out a video of the vending machine in action after the break.
LifeProof launches first Touch ID-compatible waterproof case for iPhone 5s
One particularly cruel internet prank tricked some (hopefully few) iPhone owners into thinking that iOS 7 somehow made their devices waterproof. That's ridiculous of course, but today LifeProof is launching a case for the iPhone 5s that actually does make the device impervious to water. The case is part of the "nuud" line from LifeProof, and it provides protection from water up to a depth of 6.6ft. There is no shortage of waterproof cases for the iPhone 5 (or 5s, given that its dimensions are the same), but LifeProof's new protector is the first that is fully compatible with Touch ID, allowing fingerprint sensing through the waterproof layer. But for premium protection, you'll be paying a premium price: The iPhone 5s nuud case will set you back a cool US$89.99.
Fujitsu made a Windows 8 tablet with a fan that works underwater
Hidden within Fujitsu's autumn lineup for Japan was another waterproof tablet, but this one had something a little different -- an extractor fan that survives underwater. The 12.5-inch QH77/M will need it, because it runs on Intel's 1.6GHz Core i5-4200U processor, which (nearly always) requires a degree of cooling. The fan will halt when the tablet is submerged, apparently, although our allies at Engadget Japanese, asking the questions that count, posited whether the fan offered enough thrust to move the tablet "like a submarine," if left to whir away. Fujitsu's spokesman said that they tested that themselves -- like any discerning company should. Unfortunately, the tablet is "too heavy" to move along the depths of the ocean your bathtub.
No, iOS 7 does not make your phone magically waterproof
Ah, the merry pranksters of the interwebs: your gleeful enthusiasm for messing with people shall never fade. It seems some of the jokers on Reddit and other corners of the web have taken it upon themselves to convince other people -- perhaps slightly less technically savvy -- that among iOS 7's many new features is a resistance to immersion in water. No, really. See the impressive graphic above. That took some effort. As pointed out in a few places, the idea that a software update could magically bestow water resistance on hardware is a bit farfetched, but unfortunately that didn't stop some folks from going ahead and testing it out. Ouch. So that there's no confusion: this is false. It is fake. It is a hoax. iOS 7 does not make your phone water-resistant. Have a nice Monday! Thanks, Oscar! [Want to help your friends and family learn the real story about the new iPhone OS? Send them a link to our Don't Panic Guide to iOS 7. -- Ed.]
Nikon's AW1 is the world's first waterproof interchangeable-lens digital camera (hands-on)
Have any interest in bringing an interchangeable-lens camera along on your next snorkeling adventure? You could pick up a pricey DSLR housing, sure, but you might want to consider Nikon's new 1-Series AW1, the first digital device of its kind to score an integrated waterproof enclosure. An O-ring combines with a regular bayonet lens fitting to create a reassuringly tough seal that will survive down to a depth of 49 feet, at the expense of requiring just a little bit more time and physical effort to swap lenses. You'll need to re-surface before attempting that, of course, and you'll also have to make sure you're using one of just two waterproof pieces of glass: either a 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6, which comes as part of the kit, or a wide 10mm f/2.8 lens that is sold separately. Regular 1-series lenses will still fit on the AW1, courtesy of a little accessory, but they won't offer any of the ruggedness of the dedicated pair -- which means you'll miss out on the water-proofing, dust-proofing, freeze-proofing (to 14-degrees Fahrenheit) and shock-proofing (from a maximum drop of 6.6 feet). Internally, the AW1 is similar to the CES-era J3. There's the same 14.2-megapixel CX-format sensor and 6400 top ISO, along with 1080p video capture, but the new model adds thrill-seeker essentials like an altimeter, depth gauge, GPS, compass and an accelerometer-powered option for switching modes with one hand. Finally, at risks of startling the little fishes, there's also pop-up flash that works underwater. All this will set you back $800 with the 11-27.5mm lens, when the AW1 ships next month, while the 10mm f/2.8 will be $200 more. Oh, and check out the hands-on video after the break to see how the AW1 fares in our own, hastily compiled durability test. Update: As some particularly knowledgeable readers have spotted, the AW1 is the first digital waterproof ILC, but not the first if you count the celluloid Nikonos series. Thanks guys -- the post has been tweaked. Sharif Sakr contributed to this report.
ECOXGEAR ECOROX: Rugged dunkable Bluetooth speaker
We see a lot of water-resistant equipment around the TUAW Labs, but it's not often that a fully IPX7 waterproof speaker makes an appearance. ECOXGEAR has introduced a sweet little waterproof Bluetooth speaker called the ECOROX (US$129.99 MSRP) that you can take anywhere. Design Like most of ECOXGEAR's accessories, the ECOROX is made to take life's little drops and falls and shrug them off. The case is encased in a thick dark grey rubber shell, with metal grilles on the top and front that come in red, orange, and black. How waterproof is the ECOROX? Well, it exceeds the IPX7 standards for water immersion (up to 1 meter) and shock resistance. You probably won't have to test the immersion standards, because the ECOROX floats. Sure, toss it into the hot tub and it'll swim like a rubber duck. A rubber door on the back covers up an AUX input port and a micro-USB charging port. ECOXGEAR includes a carabiner so that you can hang the ECOROX from a belt loop or backpack, and there's also a USB to micro-USB cable for connecting to an AC adapter (not included) or computer. On the bottom of the ECOROX you'll find a screw mount, which works with an optional ($9.99) bike mount and several other mounting accessories. The top includes a row of buttons; one for power, a Bluetooth pairing button, volume up/down, fast-forward/reverse, and hang up. Yes, you can use the ECOROX for those all important backyard conference calls. Like I mentioned, this thing is small. ECOROX measures 2.5" x 5.3" x 3", and weighs just 11 ounces. Pop it into the bottom of a backpack or beach bag, and you're ready to roll. ECOXGEAR says it takes about two and a half hours to charge the ECOROX, and that charge can power the device for up to 10 hours. Functionality So, what can we test on a floating waterproof Bluetooth speaker? Right off hand, I'd say the perfect test would be to drop it into a sink full of water while it's playing a podcast: Pairing is incredibly simple. Press the Bluetooth button on top of the ECOROX, a light flashes blue, tap the name of the speaker on the iOS device, you're done. Volume-wise, the ECOROX does incredibly well. There's a top mounted bass radiator to really kick the bass, and the twin 6 watt stereo speakers do a decent job with the rest of the sound spectrum. It's surprising that a small speaker like this can pump out as much noise as it does! I wasn't particularly happy with the call quality when I used the ECOROX when I tested it as a speaker phone, but it wasn't any worse than most other Bluetooth speakers I've tested. Conclusion This little speaker is built to take a beating and a dunking, and it will come back for more. It has more sound that some larger speakers I've tested, Bluetooth pairing is done in seconds, the controls are easy to use and accessible, and it comes with some interesting mounting options. If I could give a TUAW Editor's Choice award (there is no such thing ... yet), I wouldn't hesitate to give it to the ECOXGEAR ECOROX. Pros Waterproof. Like drop it into the hot tub, squirt it with a garden hose, plunk it in the lake waterproof. And it floats! Rugged design, fun size, bright colors on two of the models Well thought-out controls that are easy to use Fast one-button pairing Incredible volume and sound quality for such a small speaker, although sound quality suffers a bit until you shake the water out of the speakers... Case is very easy to grip, also comes with a carabiner for attaching to belt or backpack Cons As with many Bluetooth speakers TUAW has tested, the sound quality of phone calls isn't perfect Who is it for? The outdoor enthusiast who wants a compact Bluetooth speaker that can survive the worst possible conditions
Review: Griffin Survivor + Catalyst waterproof iPhone 5 case
The Griffin Survivor + Catalyst waterproof case (US$69.99) is said to keep your iPhone dry up to 3 meters deep in water and protect your iPhone from drops from a height of 2 meters or less. On a day-to-day basis I don't use a case for my iPhone. However, there have been plenty of occasions when I've wished I did use one, so as not to worry about protecting and shielding it in certain situations, like when I'm at the beach, hiking or camping etc. Design The Griffin Survivor + Catalyst (GSC) case has TPE shock-absorbing bumpers, a PET-integrated screen cover, a silicone O-ring to seal the case together and keep water out, and a polycarbonate frame. Though light, it feels sturdy -- especially with an iPhone inside it. Two nylon latches lock the case together, there's a charge port door as well as volume control, home button and power button. It also comes with a lanyard to attach to the case. On the back panel of the GSC are two latches that release the back panel from the rest of the case. The silicon O-ring seal wraps around the edges of the back panel. The GSC comes with two large-print A3 pages of instructions and a bright red alert card placed within the case that tells you to follow the instructions precisely or there will be "damage to your device." Function I've never used a waterproof case before, so I read the instructions through very carefully. Griffin tells you to do a test on the case every time you use it to make sure the seal is intact and the case isn't damaged in anyway. This involves checking for damage or dust within the case, its latches and buttons, and assembling it without the iPhone inside and submerging it in water for 30 minutes. If you see water bubbles coming from the case straight away there's a problem with the seal or the case is damaged. If there are no air bubbles and after 30 minutes you remove the case and there's no water present inside, you're good to go at placing your iPhone in the case. Of course once you've inserted your iPhone you need to make sure the seal is flush with the case again and check it all fits snugly together. I did the test and found no air bubbles or signs of water in the case after 30 minutes. So I took the plunge and put my iPhone 5 into the case exactly as prescribed in the instructions. It's always a little frightening to place expensive gear in harms way, but I took a deep breathe (for me and my iPhone) and placed it in my basin of water. I was reluctant to leave the phone submerged for too long, so I gave it 30 seconds, scrolled through the lock screen to the home screen, swiped through a few pages of apps. and pulled it out again. Thankfully, after opening up the GSC I found no water on my iPhone, though I did find the experience a little nerve wracking. I decided to repeat the experiment again, but this time use some tissue paper instead of my iPhone, and leave the case in water for much longer than 30 seconds. Unfortunately, after about 40 minutes I did notice there were some small droplets of water within the case and parts of the tissue paper were damp. I can only assume that this time round I didn't quite get the assembly of the case right. If you're ever in doubt, Griffin has an extensive range of support articles and videos on how to test and look after the GSC Conclusion In terms of protection against the elements and accidental drops, the GSC really stands up and I can't fault it. If my iPhone were to fall in water, it would be protected well on a bad day if not entirely on any other. The case obviously adds some bulk to your iPhone, but I've seen and used bulkier cases. It's not unattractive and Griffin says it will be releasing some more adventurous colors next year. The lanyard attachment is a practical addition, too. Pros Good to excellent protection from drops and the elements, including dust, sand and water. Protects your iPhone in submerged water Good looking and functional for a case of this design Light weight Cons Somewhat laborious process to ensure the case is entirely waterproof There are still times when some water may get through if the case isn't assembled and tested properly. Who's it for? Those who use their iPhone in extreme environments and don't want to worry about damage from the elements.
ECOXGEAR announces the ECOROX BT speaker: Floating into an Apple Store near you
Doesn't it seem that once Bluetooth speaker manufacturers figured out how to make a good-sounding speaker that could play for hours on a single battery charge, they'd just wait for some new technology to come out? Obviously, the engineers at ECOXGEAR decided that they'd try to do something completely different, as they've just announced the ECOROX Bluetooth Speaker (US$129.99), which is not only waterproof, but floats! This is the first Bluetooth speaker that a PR person has told me to go throw into a river, so I may take him up on it. The ECOROX is IPX7 waterproof and fully submersible in water. Inside the rugged box is a set of six-watt stereo speakers that can pump out sound for up to 10 hours. The 11-ounce ECOROX can be mounted on bike handlebars via a 1/4-inch camera mount (not included) or hung from a backpack using the included carabiner. It looks like the ECOROX will be the perfect rugged Bluetooth speaker for the hot tub, as it can join in on the frothy fun! The ECOROX will be available in Apple Stores soon in orange, red and black versions.
Ballistic adds Hydra waterproof iPhone case to its line
Ballistic makes some amazing cases that can put up with a lot of abuse. TUAW has reviewed the lightweight and stylish Aspira cases for iPhone 5, the Universal Sport Rugged holster and the Tough Jacket for iPad in the past, and all have proven to be tough and able to put up with abuse. But what about water? Today, Ballistic announced the addition of the new Hydra (US$80.00) waterproof iPhone 5 case to its line. The Hydra is relatively thin, thanks to TPE and polycarbonate construction. And to cushion the phone in case of falls, Ballistic's trademarked Air Gap Suspension Springs provide a gap between the case and the device. Waterproofing on the Hydra exceeds IP-68 standards, meaning that it can be submerged in up to seven feet of water for up to 30 minutes. The waterproof design also serves as a way to keep dust out of the case in drier climates. The Hydra comes in a variety of colors and will be available both on the Ballistic Case website and at retail stores.
LifeProof Frē for iPad mini: Review and giveaway
Many people are finding that the iPad mini is the perfect combination of iPad power and light weight, so much so that the devices are finding use in a number of places where they can be exposed to inadvertent splashes, dirt and dust, extremes of hot or cold, and even dropped. LifeProof, the manufacturer of some of the best ruggedized iPhone and full-sized iPad cases on the planet, has just introduced the LifeProof Frē for iPad mini (US$99.99). Design For a case that can protect your iPad mini from a variety of calamities, the LifeProof Frē is surprisingly thin and lightweight -- about .66 inches (1.7 cm) at the thickest point, and weighing in at just 4.5 ounces (128 grams). The Frē comes in two colors; black and white/gray. The back is covered by a transparent polycarbonate shell allowing water resistance while keeping the Apple logo visible. A similar, but thinner material keeps the screen protected from scratches, dirt, and water. A white or black bezel frames the iPad mini's display, and the rest of the case consists of gray or black polycarbonate. %Gallery-192098% Pretty much everything is kept sealed tight. There's a removable plug over the headphone jack, a door that snaps shut over the Lightning port, pass-throughs for all buttons, and a mesh over the speakers that lets sound out but keeps water at bay -- at least temporarily. When LifeProof says that the Frē is fully submersible up to 6.6 feet, they mean for a short time. You don't want to bring your iPad mini into the hot tub and use it as a foot prop; most likely, you'll see some leakage into the case after a while. The Frē is meant for protection from accidental dips and splashes, not full-time underwater use. One final feature: LifeProof includes a detachable shoulder strap for the Frē. That's perfect if you wish to carry your iPad mini with you for capturing video or photos on a trip, but want to keep it protected from dust and weather. Functionality LifeProof water tests every case before it leaves the factory, but they recommend testing the seal at home prior to inserting your mini. To do so, you just snap the front and the back of the case together to ensure a tight seal, then close the headphone jack cover and charge port door. For the test, LifeProof suggests putting the case into a sink for 30 minutes with a coffee mug sitting on top to insure that it's not going to float. Once the time is up, you remove the case from the water, dry it off, open it up, and check for moisture. If it's dry, you can give your mini a new home; if it's wet, you want to contact LifeProof. Installation is easy. Once the charge port door is open, it's possible to pull the top and bottom case parts apart. On each side are a number of plastic "fingers" that hold the case parts tightly together; they'll make a kind of unzipping sound as you pry the halves of the case apart. Next, use the included cleaning cloth to get those icky fingerprints off of the mini before it's placed in the case. LifeProof reminds users to also remove any other screen protectors they may already have in place. Slide in your iPad mini, making sure to align the camera with port on the back of the case, and then start squeezing the sides together until you have a tight seal all the way around. It appears that LifeProof might be adding a Smart Cover-like accessory to the mini Frē, although it's not currently listed on the website. There's a listing in the owner's manual for an optional cover/stand, and a removable plastic strip on one side where it will be attached. Conclusion Anyone who needs the best possible protection for an iPad mini should invest in the LifeProof Frē for iPad mini. Like the company's other products, the Frē is solidly built, backed by a one-year warranty, and will definitely keep your investment safe regardless of where you choose to use your iPad mini. Pros Provides protection against snow, rain, accidental drops, dust and dirt Excellent warranty Pre-tested for watertightness Built quality is best in the industry Remarkably thin and lightweight for a tough protective case Cons None to speak of Who is it for? Anyone who wants to use an iPad mini while hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting, skiing, or just relaxing on the wet, sandy beach Giveaway It's summertime, and the perfect time to take that iPad mini with you anywhere you want to go. We're giving away a LifeProof Frē for iPad mini. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before June 24, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a LifeProof Frē case for iPad mini valued at $99.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
LG invites you to splash around with Optimus GJ, a water-resistant phone for Taiwan
Come next month, NTT DoCoMo users won't be the only ones to benefit from a water-resistant version of the Optimus G. Similar to the L-01E for Japan, LG has introduced the Optimus GJ for Taiwan, which carries IPX7 certification that allows for worry-free immersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. The Optimus GJ also carries IPX5 certification for protection against dust particles. Dubbed the E975W, the smartphone is by and large a thicker version of the Optimus G (E975). This means you'll find a 4.7-inch, 1,280 x 720 True HD IPS display, a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro, a 13MP primary / 1.3MP front-facing camera setup, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage and Android 4.1.2. Unlike the original Optimus G, the Optimus GJ wields a larger 2,280mAh battery and a red backing, but also lacks NFC functionality. You can expect it to hit the market next month in Taiwan, where it'll sell for NT$17,990 ($600). Hit up the source link to find additional views of the of the Optimus G -- it seems that LG has thrown a bit of a pool party to celebrate its announcement.
Polaroid's XS80 action camera records adventures in 1080p, whether you're shaking or not
Polaroid's come a long way since, well, Polaroid. Now its portfolio includes retro devices, tablets and action cameras. It's that last category we're interested in today, as the company just announced a new shooter, the Polaroid XS80. The credentials break down thus: HD recording in 1080p and 720p and VGA, waterproof to 30 feet, 16- 5- and 3-megapixel still modes and 120 degrees FOV. The barrel-bodied camera also includes a G sensor for auto rotation, plus anti-shake technology, a memory card slot (good for 32GB) and an HDMI socket. The price ($130 including helmet mount) puts this just below the XS100 model, but if this is just the right level of extreme for you, the good news is it's available now.
Sony Xperia ZR announced, allows underwater photography down to five feet of depth (video)
Sony's ratcheted up its water-resistant device tech a notch with the launch of the Xperia ZR, a new 4.6-inch, 720p Android smartphone that's waterproof to 1.5 meters (5 feet). Sony boasts that its new device will let you film your snorkeling adventures in full HD quality, with HDR in both video or 13-megapixel stills thanks to the Exmor RS image sensor -- there's also a dedicated camera button like the one on the Xperia ZL. The handset packs a Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core 1.5GHz CPU, 2GB RAM, LTE, NFC, Sony's Walkman album and movie apps and a notable OptiContrast OLED screen with Bravia tech to reduce glare "even in bright sunlight." There's no word yet on pricing or availability, but as soon as we hear more, we'll try to prep you ahead of that next beach-bound holiday. Meanwhile, you can check the galleries, PR and video after the break for more. Update: As Xperia Blog found out, the Xperia ZR is actually the international version of Japan's upcoming Xperia A SO-04E -- the one we saw popping up in the FCC database.%Gallery-188096%
ASRock's new Haswell motherboards will be waterproof, of course (update: video)
If your current motherboard has more Mountain Dew than CPU, you might be interested in ASRock's forthcoming Haswell offerings. Among the usual features like dual-band 802.11ac-flavored WiFi, HDMI input and a Home Cloud service, Tom's Hardware spotted a mention of "Waterproof by Conformal Coating." The company's sub-site doesn't give too much else away, like how extensive the protection will be, instead simply telling us to "A-Style our lifestyle." The only feature with any amount of detail is a Pure Sound audio system (7.1 channel audio, Realtek ALC1150 audio codec and a TI 5532 pre-amp if you're interested) that we've already seen. Still, if fluid has been getting between you and your high scores, keep an eye on the source for more info. Update: And just like that, ASRock has added more info about the HDMI input, including a demo video which you can find after the break.
Kyocera Torque review: a rugged phone delivering superior sound
More Info Kyocera Torque coming to Sprint's Direct Connect lineup in March, we go hands-on (video) Kyocera Torque hitting Sprint March 8th, carrying $100 price tag Kyocera teases tissue conduction audio technology for mobile phones at CTIA Sacrificing a smartphone's thin and sleek form factor with a case is tantamount to sacrilege in some circles. Others feel little comfort venturing outdoors without having their phone wrapped safely in one sleeve or another. Sprint's Kyocera Torque, though, is for people who demand more than just a sheath of silicone to keep their device safe. Instead of relying on a case for its protection, it's durable in its own right, with an IP67 rating and Military Standard 810G certification to help it withstand everything from water to salt fog. In addition, the handset carries the distinction of being the very first phone released in the US with Kyocera's Smart Sonic Receiver tissue-conduction tech, which does away with the traditional earpiece. We put the Now Network's first LTE push-to-talk phone through our review gauntlet not only to gauge how tough it is, but also to find out how well it performs. Head past the break to see how it fared.%Gallery-183163%
Sony Xperia Tablet Z with LTE to hit NTT DoCoMo on March 22nd
Sony's major Mobile World Congress product reveal turned out to be the very same slate it had already taken the wraps off of this past January in Japan: the Xperia Tablet Z. Now that the 10-inch Android tablet's been officially announced for global availability, it's time for it to start trickling out to market and (surprise, surprise) Japan's getting first dibs. Starting March 9th, NTT DoCoMo will begin accepting pre-orders for the LTE-enabled tablet (in black or white) with a general launch date set for March 22nd. There doesn't seem to be any indication of pricing as of yet, but we've seen figures that indicate this region-specific Xperia Tablet Z could retail for around ¥85,470 (about $900 USD). If you like what Sony's done with this waterproof, Jelly Bean tablet and you live in the Land of the Rising Sun, well then you know what to do. For everyone else around the globe, there's always the vague promise of a Q2 launch to cling to.
Hands-on with Fujitsu's waterproof, dustproof Stylistic M702 tablet (video)
Somehow we missed this at Mobile World Congress last week. We were so busy playing with Fujitsu's GPS cane and 5-inch F-02E phone that we didn't even notice the company introduce a waterproof, dustproof Android tablet. As you can see in that shot above, the Stylistic M702 is more than just water-resistant: it meets the standards for IPX5, 7 and 8, which is to say it can withstand immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. (That, and the occasional jet stream.) A close inspection of the tablet will show that all the ports are sealed with rubber-coated doors, which should keep out liquid as well as dust particles. Other than that, this more or less has all the specs you'd expect on a high-end Android tablet, including a 1.7GHz quad-core Tegra 3 processor, a 10.1-inch, 1,920 x 1,200, IPS display, 2GB of RAM, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, MHL, dual 8MP / 1.2MP cameras and LTE connectivity. The built-in storage tops out at 32 gigs, but fortunately there's a microSD slot to give you more leeway. Out of the box it will run Android 4.0, but an upgrade to Jelly Bean is coming. Interestingly, there's also a small door housing an antenna, but that'll only be offered on the Japanese model; the European config we handled here at CeBIT had just a blank slot. Most impressive of all, potentially, is the claimed battery life: the 10,000mAh cell is rated for 15 hours of runtime, which would be a coup indeed. And at 590g (1.3 pounds) the tablet isn't even that heavy, considering the gigantic battery squeezed inside. It's available now in Europe, Africa, India and the Middle East for €999, which is expensive, sure, but perhaps it's a price corporate customers can swallow anyway.
Sony brings Cyber-shot HX300, WX300 and TX30 to the US with fast autofocus
Sony refreshed many of its mainstream Cyber-shot cameras at CES. Now that we're on the cusp of spring, the company is giving equal love to a trio of more specialized shooters arriving in the US. The 20.4-megapixel Cyber-shot HX300 superzoom easily bests its HX200V ancestor in the optics department with a 50X, 24-1,200mm equivalent lens that sports better stabilization, but the real allure is its autofocus speed: it can lock in twice as quickly at telephoto distances, giving us more reason to use all that extra reach. The WX300 compact zoom isn't quite as alluring on paper with its 18.2-megapixel sensor and 20X (25-50mm equivalent) lens, although it carries autofocus about 3.6 times speedier than the old HX30 while stuffing in WiFi for simpler photo sharing. These two are joined by the TX30, an all-around improvement for last year's waterproof TX20 camera. While there isn't quite a revolution on the outside, the TX30 can survive twice the depth at 33 feet, carries a longer-zoomed 5X (26-130mm) lens and bumps the resolution to 18.2 megapixels. Both the TX30 and the HX300 will come first, hitting American shops in March at respective $350 and $500 prices. The WX300 will miss March break with its April release, but it will be the cheapest of the pack at $330.
