FromtheWire

New LUMIX FP8 has a 28mm wide-angle lens, 4.6x optical zoom, and records High Definition video

July 27, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-FP8 digital camera as part of its new FP-Series, which pursues excellence in both design and function. The LUMIX FP8, with 12.1 megapixels, features a high-quality 28mm wide-angle, 4.6x Leica DC lens with folding optics - encased in a futuristic-looking stylish body.

In addition to its unique design, the FP8 also features advanced functions including high-speed Auto Focus (AF) and Panasonic's Intelligent Auto (iA) suite of technologies. With a fast AF, combined with a high-speed start-up of only 0.95 seconds, the FP8's fast response catches even the most fleeting shots. Panasonic's iA, a popular feature on LUMIX cameras, now includes POWER Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) which features double the repression power compared to the previous image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S. The hand-shake generated when pressing the shutter button, or when shooting at night with a slow shutter speed, is significantly minimized by the improved POWER O.I.S. to help reduce blurry photos. Read more

LUMIX DMC-FZ35 Features New POWER O.I.S. and HD Motion Zoom Video Capture

July 27, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-FZ35, a digital camera featuring AVCHD Lite, High Definition (HD) video recording capability, combined with a powerful 27mm wide-angle, 18x optical zoom LEICA DC lens. A successor to the popular FZ28, the FZ35 packs enhanced creative features combined with the power to shoot HD videos, including motion zoom capabilities to take full advantage of the 18x zoom. The operational layout of the FZ35 includes a dedicated video record button, making it a true hybrid -- a single model that performs seamlessly at capturing both still and motion images -- while still providing smooth and easy operation in either mode.

"The LUMIX FZ35 is truly unique as it includes advanced features like HD video recording, but still resembles and functions like an intuitive point-and-shoot with the ability to capture beautiful photos and video," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "This model's versatility makes it a great choice for a new or advanced user who wants a hybrid device that shoots high-quality still and motion images." Read more

Sprint Exclusive NFL Content Delivered Over America's Most Dependable 3G Network Gives Fantasy Football Players and Fans Unequaled Mobile Access to the NFL

July 27, 2009 – Just in time for the start of training camp for NFL teams across the country, Sprint today announced that its exclusive NFL Mobile Live application is now available on the Palm Pre phone.

NFL Mobile Live, the only wireless source for complete, live access to NFL action, was sent to Palm Pre customers as part of an over-the-air software update from Palm. When customers accept the update to Palm webOS 1.1.0, NFL Mobile Live is automatically installed. Once installed, customers can use Palm Pre's universal search to locate the application by simply typing NFL on their keyboard from the main screen or launcher, and then tapping the NFL icon to open the application.Read more

July 27, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- WD today introduced its new one terabyte (TB) and 750 gigabyte (GB) capacity My Passport Essential SE Portable USB Drives. Available now at WD's online store (www.shopwd.com), the new drives feature a titanium silver finish and put massive storage capacity in the palm of your hand.

Perfect for saving, storing and backing up all of the digital memories captured this summer, the new 1 TB and 750 GB capacity My Passport Essential SE drives are light and compact to carry and, because they are USB-powered, they do not need an external power adapter. Equipped with sync and encryption software (Windows-compatible only), this small drive, with mega-capacity, makes it easy to securely carry thousands of songs or videos or photos.

WD Sync software allows consumers to easily take desktop content with them by simplifying the synchronization of essential personal files and Microsoft Outlook data on a PC. Should owners misplace the drive, they know their data is protected with 128-bit encryption.Read more

Retailer Introduces First Ever $298 Compaq Notebook with 3 GB Memory this Weekend

July 23, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With student needs rapidly changing and affordability a top priority, Walmart is making a commitment this summer to provide a wider variety of laptops at unprecedented savings. Building its assortment around student needs and budgets, Walmart worked closely with trusted brands such as HP, Dell, Acer and Toshiba to deliver new products holding not just great value in price but high quality, performance, and variety.

Shoppers will find notebooks and netbooks under $300, new accessories, and units with entertainment features, long-lasting batteries, lighter weights and more colors this year. In addition, Walmart will introduce items with market-leading prices starting this weekend.

"We know all students need solutions that integrate work, entertainment and portability," said Gary Severson, senior vice president, Entertainment, Walmart U.S. "Our increased assortment delivers more targeted offerings from great brands at dramatically affordable prices."

Starting July 26: $298 Compaq Presario Notebook*

For the first time, a 3 GB memory laptop from a well-known brand has ventured below $300. The Compaq Presario CQ60-419WM offers great functionality with a 160 GB hard drive, CD and DVD drive, and Windows Vista pre-loaded in the notebook for the unprecedented price only at Walmart of $298. This price event begins 8 am July 26 in all stores and on Walmart.com while supplies last. Read more

July 2009 – Want to hit the road – but don't think you can leave the job behind? Then take it along for the ride.

This summer, the "anywhere" office comes to life as Home Office Highway '09 reveals the technology, tools and strategies that make taking a vacation a guilt-free and productive adventure.

The two-week road show and social media event will bring "location independence" to the open road in a recreational vehicle equipped with the latest small office technology. Hosted and produced by technology, telework and home office columnist expert Jeff Zbar, the tour will take his family throughout the American South, visiting small towns and popular tourist destinations – and revealing just how productive a traveling family can be."In today's economy, many entrepreneurs and employees feel it's the wrong time to take a break," said Zbar, who will chronicle the adventure each day in blogs and videologues at HomeOfficeHighway.com. The trip will culminate in a presentation at Orlando's Disney Entrepreneur Center.Read more

Consumers can now personalize their Yahoo! experience with the best of the Web;Customizable apps stay with you when you're mobile

July 21, 2009 -- Yahoo! is launching a new homepage that brings together the best of the Web with the best of Yahoo! in a single destination across both PC and mobile screens. With the new Yahoo! homepage, people can easily add apps – from Yahoo! or virtually any other site on the Web – and access them from their computer or mobile devices so that their favorite content, services and experiences are always at their fingertips. The new Yahoo! homepage is available today in the U.S. at http://yahoo.com/trynew and will roll-out in France, India, the UK, and on mobile devices over the coming week.

Today's launch represents the most significant change to the Yahoo! homepage since the company's inception. By enabling this level of personalization, Yahoo! allows people to get more done, faster, all in a single place. This launch is a major milestone in the Yahoo! Open Strategy, which seeks to mesh the Yahoo! experience with the best online content and services. Read more

Customers to Benefit from Enhanced Network Coverage and Broadband Data Speeds, Access to Touch Screen BlackBerry Tour and Latest Devices

July 21, 2009 – Verizon Wireless, the leading wireless company with the most reliable voice and data network, including the nation's largest wireless 3G broadband network, announced today the completion of the South Area Alltel integration.

Verizon Wireless completed its purchase of Alltel in January and has spent the past six months integrating networks, preparing to convert billing systems, upgrading high-speed wireless broadband service, and re-merchandising stores across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Read more

• Hybrid Car for Forward-Thinking Luxury Consumers, to Start at $34,200
• Best Combined EPA MPG Rating of Any Luxury Vehicle in the U.S.
• 70 Percent Fewer Smog-Forming Emissions Than the Average New Car
• First Vehicle to Offer Lexus Enform with Safety Connect

July 20, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus just announced the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new HS 250h hybrid, which has the best combined EPA mpg rating of any luxury vehicle in the U.S.

The 2010 HS 250h, Lexus' first dedicated hybrid and the fourth offering in its lineup, is available in standard and Premium models. The standard version will have an MSRP of $34,200, while the Premium model will carry an MSRP of $36,970. They will arrive at dealerships in late August. The MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875.Read more

Full Broadband Speeds, HTML Web Experience with Touch Screen and Mobile WiMAX/WiFi Access Powered by Samsung Mondi

July 21, 2009 - Samsung Mobile today announced the commercial availability of the Samsung Mondi, the most advanced Mobile WiMAX-enabled handheld device in the U.S. The touch screen Mondi, which is Latin for "world," is designed for use with the Clear Mobile WiMAX service from Clearwire in the activated markets of Atlanta, Las Vegas, Portland, OR and future WiMAX markets.

The Samsung Mondi can harness upload and download speeds that double comparable devices running on 3G networks while taking advantage of the widespread connectivity of Mobile WiMAX. The Mondi is also equipped with WiFi, allowing users to keep strong wireless connections while working outside designated Mobile WiMAX markets.Read more