New Technology Reviews!.: Micro

Review: Smith Micro Stuffit Deluxe 2011

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20229/MAC229.rev_stuff.stuffit_2-200-200.jpg"> We've been able to archive and decompress simple zip files in Mac OS X for some time now. Still, even with super-fast broadband, sending large files can be a pain. Add to that the fact that files are getting larger all the time and the problem gets worse. It's occasions like this that the simple archive function in OS X no longer delivers. Stuffit Deluxe 2011 is the latest version of the compression tool that takes basic file zipping to the next level. Rather than simply create a zip file, Stuffit enables you to streamline your workflow in one step. It's easy, for instance, to compress and upload a folder to an FTP site or MobileMe; you can automatically add archives to emails too. You can add passwords and encrypt them all on the fly. Stuffit Deluxe also decompresses zip files that have been split, as well as almost any other compression format available. The floating interface makes setting up workflows easy and the entire process smooth. Simply drag your folder or file over the relevant tile, and the whole archive-and-send operation is managed by Stuffit from then on. As for compression and speed, Stuffit makes slightly smaller files at a marginally faster pace. The main benefit is certainly the extra workflow options. If you use large files a lot and send them to different places, then Stuffit may just well be indispensable. At about £30, it's a steal too.

Review: Smith Micro Stuffit Deluxe 2011

We've been able to archive and decompress simple zip files in Mac OS X for some time now. Still, even with super-fast broadband, sending...

WIN! One of ten copies of Trend Micro SafeSync worth £45 each

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/competitions/SafeSynclogo-200-200.jpg"> Trend Micro SafeSync provides online backup, storing an unlimited number of your irreplaceable files in a single safe location – and we've got 10 copies to give away. Simple to set up and extremely secure, <a href="http://uk.trendmicro.com/uk/products/personal/safesync-solution/index.html">Trend Micro SafeSync</A> keeps your data files automatically backed up, synchronized, and remotely accessible any time from any device with an Internet connection. You can store as many files as you have, while there's also an unlimited version history – you'll never lose a file, even if you overwrite or change it. If you want to edit a photo, a document or simply delete it, then this change is copied in the cloud. This removes the manual effort of moving files from one PC to another, which is not only time-consuming but subject to data loss. SafeSync mirrors how your PC or Mac is organised Unlike Dropbox, which uses a simple drop-box to sync your files, SafeSync uses a folder structure mirroring how your files are stored on your PC or Mac which means your files remain organised in the same way. You're also able to access your files online anywhere, so you don't even need software to access your files from any computer while there's also a Restore Wizard designed to make life easier following the theft, loss or break-down of your computer. The wizard ensures that you can transfer your online content onto your new computer simply and easily. "Security is not just about backup, security is about confidentiality, integrity and availability", said Rik Ferguson, senior security advisor at Trend Micro. "With SafeSync we are helping you to backup your important data but also we are making sure that data is available to you securely whenever and wherever you want to access it. SafeSync has been designed to look after your synchronisation transparently, while you just get on with your life.' The software costs £45 for a year-long subscription – <a href="https://www.futurecompetitions.com/trend/Default.asp?">click here and answer a simple question to be in with a chance of winning one</A>. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note that this competition is only open to UK residents over 18 years of age. There is no cash alternative to the prize and unless agreed otherwise in writing the prize is non-refundable and non transferable.

WIN! One of ten copies of Trend Micro SafeSync worth £45 each

Trend Micro SafeSync provides online backup, storing an unlimited number of your irreplaceable files in a single safe location – and we'...

Samsung Focus also has issues with micro SD cards, sounds familiar?

<a name="2920220466326783912"></A> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxZxRR-Aia461RWCEx9UUzlBqpbhrs_8Sbw9TKVhmhZQkrWGqGfyJ6PhtCBRHfKIezSZjy3Tfr5c7sBtNs04ryJZqdJfPTjZf3uH04hnEQB3AEPv4gIBNS38fnpe-lKqORm_W77l50ZU/s1600/focus-microSD.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://technologyforum.x10.mx/image//focus-microSD.jpg" width="400"></A> Rememer our story with HTC and their <a href="">hidden-to-death</A> micro SD card slot? Looks like they have all the reasons to do so. Here is the <a href="" target="_blank">Samsung Focus</A> and AT&T's been telling their employees not to install anything to the slot as it would cause <a href="">reliability issues</A>. In addition, expansion is apparently unsupported by Windows Phone 7, thus the hidden slots employed by HTC. The main issue lies within the performance of the micro SD cards they say. Only the fastest cards would work flawlessly and more often that not, current classes of cards can't meet these demands. So why rely on those SD cards if they can just put in an internal memory or something?<a name="more"></A> Quoting the Support Documents for Windows Phone 7 <BLOCKQUOTE readability="8">The SD card slot in your phone is intended to be used only by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) that built your phone and your Mobile Operator (MO). These partners can add an SD card to this slot to expand the amount of storage on your phone. [...] Determining whether an SD card is Windows Phone 7 compliant is not a simple matter of judging its speed class. Several other factors, such as the number of random read/write operations per second, play a role in determining how well an SD card performs with Windows Phone 7 devices.</BLOCKQUOTE> So based on this, they say that ratings for the different SD card classes aren't enough basis in determining if you can use a particular card or not. Looks like Microsoft has to sort this out as SD cards have been used long before they planned on releasing their own phone.

Samsung Focus also has issues with micro SD cards, sounds familiar?

Rememer our story with HTC and their hidden-to-death micro SD card slot? Looks like they have all the reasons to do so. Here is the Samsu...

Panasonic Micro Four Thirds Lumix DMC-GF2 now official

<a name="4588775825457002622"></A> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicavPAr90aIF56uYAInFHGG-iTqCwJimHtdapbHYS70WBmoXA37KPauhsquUVos1PxvLvBS8ImjPHLZnumlC2PdAJ0maZ4lJ063Nt9ZQ79KwaxADoqaGE1aFQfwVP-UnA4Tt-CnI6cN7Y/s1600/panasonic-dmc-gf2-silver.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="196" src="/panasonic-dmc-gf2-silver.jpg" width="320"></A> The first legit contender for Sony NEX-5 when it comes to Micro Four Thirds rig, we welcome with open hands the Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GF2 ----it's official. It's the company's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera packing "a 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor, compatibility with the company's own 3D interchangeable lens (the LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12) and an enclosure that's seven percent lighter (not to mention 19 percent smaller) than the GF1. You'll also find a three-inch touchpanel on the rear, contrast AF system, a freshly designed Touch Q user interface, internal dust reduction system and the ability to record video at 1920 x 1080/60i or 1280 x 720/60p in AVCHD. Better still, lower resolution options are available with Motion JPEG recording, and the 23-area focusing system shouldn't have a difficult time nailing your subject. We should point out that the ISO only ranges from 100 to 6400, but the included hot shoe accessory definitely allows for a flash." as <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/04/panasonic-lumix-dmc-gf2-now-official-12-1mp-full-hd-movie-mode/">reported</A>. Unfortunately, there's no pricing yet until mid-late December with availability in three color choices (silver, red and black) this January with bundle options of a 14mm F2.5 pancake kit and a 14-42mm zoom lens kit. Full press release after the break. <a name="more"></A> <BLOCKQUOTE readability="112">Press Release PANASONIC INTRODUCES COMPANY'S SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST DIGITAL INTERCHANGEABLE LENS SYSTEM CAMERA WITH FLASH New Panasonic LUMIX GF2 Features Touch-Screen Operation, Full HD Video Recording Capability and Compatible with Panasonic's Interchangeable 3D Lens SECAUCUS, NJ (November 4, 2010) – Panasonic today announced the LUMIX DMC-GF2, the latest of the company's DSL Micro (DSLM) compact mirrorless cameras, which is Panasonic's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera – complete with a built-in flash. The LUMIX GF2 is compatible with lenses from the Micro Four Thirds standard, meaning the system is small and compact, while not compromising ease of operation or image quality. Even more, the LUMIX GF2 is compatible with Panasonic's new 3D interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12, so users can take 3D photos. "The LUMIX GF2 is key in the Panasonic DSL Micro line-up, as it's the smallest and lightest model we offer, while still offering superb image quality, which our consumers have come to expect from LUMIX. Compared to the GF1, its predecessor, the GF2 has been reduced approximately 19% in size and approximately 7% in weight yet is still retains its signature built-in flash," said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "We expect the LUMIX GF2 to be an attractive model for consumers who want to step up to a more powerful camera that is easy to use, and a camera that is 'future-proof' with its 3D capabilities." The LUMIX GF2 is extremely easy to operate for consumers at any level, thanks to a newly- designed user interface, which allows for the focus to be set, or shutter released, by simply touching the large 3-inch touch-screen LCD. The touch-screen LCD with a 460,000-dot-resolution makes taking great photos intuitive. Once a user locks on a subject by touch, the LUMIX GF2 tracks the subject with the AF tracking function, even if the subject moves – making it easy to take photos of moving subjects, like children playing. The contrast AF system adopted by the LUMIX DMC-GF2 is not only accurate and easy to use, but also very fast. Users can choose from a wide range of AF (Auto Focus) modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, Face Detection, and AF Tracking. The touch operation also dramatically shortens the time spent navigating the menus. With the LUMIX GF2's newly-designed Touch Q-menu, the user can customize the camera's shortcuts with the most commonly used settings. Together with the simple button components, including dedicated buttons for video recording and iA (Intelligent Auto) mode which lights in-use, users can operate the camera intuitively with ease. With the Intelligent Scene Selector in the iA mode, the camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a human face switches to the portrait mode and a touch on the background or scenery switches to the scenery mode, while a touch on the subject close to the camera switches to the close-up mode. With the MF assist mode for manual focusing, users can enlarge the subject by just a touch to select 1x, 5x or 10x and smoothly move the subject by dragging it on the screen. In iA mode and the Peripheral Defocus mode, the range of defocus can be adjusted by just moving the slider with a finger, something not possible with larger more complicated DSLR cameras that don't feature touch control. While achieving breakthroughs in compactness of design and outstanding photo and video quality, the Panasonic LUMIX GF2 can contribute its professional-level imaging performance to well-balanced engine and sensor technologies. For the image processor, the Venus Engine FHD is incorporated, featuring exceptionally high performance signal processing capabilities in both photo and movie recording. With the advanced noise reduction system employing the 3D NR and CNR (Chromatic Noise Reduction), users can capture clear, naturally-balanced images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels to help prevent the color bleeding. Panasonic's Venus Engine FHD enables Intelligent Resolution technology, which means that three areas – outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation – are automatically detected. Then, the outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges more clearness while giving a moderate accentuation to the texture areas to look more finely detailed. To the soft gradation part, noise reduction system is applied to make it smoother. Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel, resulting in images that are naturally clear and crisp in both video and photos. The 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor featured in the LUMIX GF2 offers the best of both worlds – the superb image quality of a CCD sensor, plus the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor. All of Panasonic's LUMIX G-Series DSLM cameras are equipped with the highly-efficient Dust Reduction System. If dust gets inside the camera when the user changes lenses, it could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in photos. The Dust Reduction System helps to reduce this risk by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles. The LUMIX GF2 shoots professional-quality full High Definition (HD) videos as well as handling still photography. The LUMIX GF2 can record 1920 x 1080 videos at 60i or smooth HD 1280 x 720 movies at 60p in AVCHD. For those looking for better compatibility with computers, the LUMIX GF2 can also record HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 and QVGA, VGA and WVGA. A dedicated video record button makes it easy to start shooting videos, and high quality sound is recorded with the stereo microphone for Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. Panasonic's iA mode extends to video recording, with the following features: Optical Image Stabilizer, Face Detection, Intelligent D-range Control and Intelligent Scene Selector. The Panasonic LUMIX GF2 is artistic not only in form, but also in function, as it provides an array of features that lets users capture true-to-life images while also creating their own expressive, beautiful images. The LUMIX GF2 features My Color mode which is integrated with the conventional Film mode. My Color mode offers a total of eight preset effects - Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Cinema, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette, plus Custom mode, which lets users manually set the color, brightness, saturation and contrast levels. Also, with the Full-time Live View function, users can see how these settings will affect the images before they shoot, which makes it easier to capture the exact effect desired. The LUMIX GF2 has 17 Scene modes, most which can be used during video shooting, too. The exposure meter can be displayed in the P/A/S/M shooting modes for entry-level users to visually learn the correlation between shutter speed and aperture to enhance their photography skills. The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF2, with a quality and solid aluminum body, will be available in black, silver, white, and red models with the following kit options: DMC-GF2C – 14mm F2.5 Lens Kit and DMC-GF2K – 14-42mm Zoom Lens Kit. The LUMIX GF2 will be available in January 2011 and pricing will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipment. </BLOCKQUOTE>

Panasonic Micro Four Thirds Lumix DMC-GF2 now official

The first legit contender for Sony NEX-5 when it comes to Micro Four Thirds rig, we welcome with open hands the Panasonic's Lumix DM...

How to Troubleshoot a Cruzer Micro 8GB

How to Troubleshoot a Cruzer Micro 8GB

Plug your Cruzer Micro 8GB flash drive into your computer. Click the "Start" button and then right-click on the "Computer...