MAINGEAR has just announced that they will be offering the brand new AMD Radeon HD 7990 graphics card on many of their desktop computer systems. This card will offer the faster performance on the market, it has a 4096 stream processor, 8.2 Tflops of computing power, 8 lanes of PCI Express® 3.0 for 96GB of interGPU bandwidth, 806 billion transistors, and can power up to 5 monitors at the same time with AMD EyeFinity Technology.
Polaroid has released a set of three new cameras. These cameras include features “From interchangeable lens options and built-in Wi-Fi to instantly upload and share pictures over the web, the next-generation cameras combine the legendary Polaroid advanced imaging technology and fun, user-friendly features in small and ultra-portable, yet powerful devices.” The first camera is the Polaroid iM1030/iM1232. This camera has an interchangeable lens feature but comes with a 10-30mm kit lens. The camera is run on a Micro 4/3 system and produces 18.1 megapixel photos with HD video. It will be available for $299.99 USD or $349.99 USD for the wifi capable model. The next camera is the Polaroid iS2433 bridge camera.
Nikon has just released their most recent HDSLR, the D5200. The D5200 appears to be loaded, especially at its price point of $899.95 USD. To start us off, the camera features a 24.1 DX-CMOS sensor. The next big feature in my opinion are its video capabilities. The D5200 produces outstanding video up to 1920×1080 in many different formats that can be found below.
In a strew of many products Sony has released a new line of point and shoot/compact cameras. Heres a brief overview of their release:
Ultra Compact W Series Cameras:
WX80: The WX80 utilizes a 16.2 MP CMOS sensor including a 8x optical zoom. The WX80 also has wifi capabilities to easily transfer photos and videos. Finally, it can record in 1920×1080 resolution.
W730: The W730 camera features a 16.1 MP Super HAD CCD sensor with an 8x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens. It has 720p HD movie shooting and Optical SteadyShot™ Active Mode.
Our friends over at Harmonix have sent us Rock Band Blitz for us to review! We will be testing out the Xbox 360 version, and as many of you know this is Harmonix’s latest game. The last Rock Band we saw was Rock Band 3, but this is different and yet similar to Rock Band. Rock Band Blitz brings a whole new way to play the game and it bring’s it right to your hands. You get 25 songs with the purchase of the game, and can access many of your other Rock Band songs. But should you go out to the marketplace and by Rock Band Blitz? We will answer that in the full review which begins now!
Game Play
Many of you have most likely played at least one song on Rock Band, whether it was the original or you’ve been a fan up to Rock Band 3. Rock Band Blitz is a different experience all together. No longer do you have plastic instruments, you now control the game with your controller. The experience is very different, but is very addictive and super fun. And one person controls all of the instruments. And in order to get a good score you have to play all of the instruments and keep leveling them up. Power-ups come in very handy when trying to level up and when just generally playing the game. Each instrument is on a different lane on a highway, there a 5 lanes in total. This is a very unique way to present the game. You can play the drums, bass, guitar, microphone(sing), or the piano. You can level up when you reach “checkpoints” and these appear at different points in the song. If all of the instruments are off level “1x” for example, you new lowest level would be “2x” and you could go up to level “4x”. Whichever the level is that has no instruments on it, and the instruments are above it then this level becomes your lowest one. This adds to the fun of the game, and power-ups help you level up sooner. In each lane you can have up to 2 notes at a time, you control these with your button pushing. The in-game currency are coins, you can use these purchase many different power ups. You ears coins as well as “cred” when you play songs. And you then save up your coins to spend on power ups, which in return let you earn more points. There are 3(three) different categories for power ups, those being Note, Overdrive, and Interment. All of these help you increase the amount of coins and “cred” that you earn, and in the end make you a better player. Many of your are probably asking what “cred” is, and this is pretty much XP. Harmonix did a great job with the game play in Rock Band Blitz.
Soundtrack
Harmonix has previously done a great job with the soundtrack for the Rock Band and Dance Central series, and as you may have guessed they have accomplished this yet again with Rock Band Blitz. Once downloaded and installed you get 25 tracks immediately for your enjoyment. You get songs like We Are Young- Fun. ft. Janelle Monáe, One Week-Barenaked Ladies, Jessie’s Girl-Rick Springfield, and many more great tracks! Let’s say you want a larger track library, like many of the songs you know and love from Rock Band 3. Well you can use entire library of songs from Rock Band 3 DLC in Rock Band Blitz! Export for Rock Band 3 songs are not yet available, only DLC. And the 3,500 + library of songs released for Rock Band DLC will work with Rock Band Blitz as well! You can also import the tracks from previous Rock Band games like AC/DC, Rock Band 2, Green Day, and almost every other track pack. And they will be releasing much more DLC from the newest and hottest artists and bands every week. So stay tuned for many great new songs!
Rock Band World
Social is becoming a very common word in many games, and it plays a large part in Rock Band Blitz. It brings many new great features to Rock Band Blitz, which as you can tell is already an awesome game. Rock Band World is the new Facebook companion application to Rock Band Blitz. You connect to the service with your Xbox Live Gamertag or PSN ID, via a simple setup step in the game’s menu. In the application you can set up your own profile, see your high scores, see your friends high scores, search the entire library of Rock Band songs available, set goals, and start “Score Wars”. You probably wondering what a Score War is, well it is a unique way to play with your friends or foes. You choose a song and then challenge a certain person to score war. You either accept of decline the score war in the actual game itself. It is a really cool feature that allows you to play and challenge your friends. And of course you get coins, cred, and bragging rights if you win. Overall, Rock Band World is a great part of the game that brings it to the next level.
Bottom Line
Rock Band Blitz is an awesome game, that brings back many memories of the classic game Rock Band. And for the price of 1,200 Microsoft Points it is worth it. You will get a lot of fun out of the game and you can include your friends in that fun with Rock Band World. You get a game with a unique and great social experience. You get 25 songs out of the box, and many songs from previous Rock Band games work in Rock Band Blitz right away. You also have access to all of the DLC currently available and the new DLC that arrives weekly. I highly suggest Rock Band Blitz to any gamer, as it will give you hours and hours of fun. And if you’re not sure about spending the points just yet, try out the free demo. I have a feeling you will go out and spend the points though. For More Information On Rock Band Blitz, Please Click Here. We would like to thank Harmonix for providing us with a retail copy of “Rock Band Blitz For The Xbox 360″.
Gallery
CE Week 2012 has begun and Sony has just announced that they are developing a wearable rugged video camera. This does seem like a “GoPro” competitor, and I am happy to see that more companies are entreating this field. It will feature Sony’s famous stabilization technology know as SteadyShot. The camera’s light weight body will house Exmor R CMOS image sensor and a wide-angle Carl Zeiss Tessar lens. Both of these special features will improve image quality by a huge amount. They will also be selling many accessories, such as a waterproof/ruggedized housing, and a many mounting attachments. And keep in mind that the camera will capture full quality HD video. Sony is currently planning to bring this new camera to the market in Fall of 2012.
Press Release
SONY DEVELOPS AN ULTRA COMPACT HD VIDEO CAMERA SOLUTION FOR POINT-OF-VIEW SHOOTING AND ACTION SPORTS
NEW YORK , June 26, 2012 – Sony today announced that it is developing a new type of high-definition wearable video camera which answers the demand for premium point-of-view and action sports filming devices.
The new video camera will feature Sony’s hallmark SteadyShot® image stabilization technology, found in its portfolio of digital imaging products, to reduce blur and deliver stunningly smooth footage. The video camera’s small, lightweight body will also house an Exmor® R CMOS image sensor for excellent low light shooting and an ultra-wide angle Carl Zeiss® Tessar® lens. Additionally, Sony will offer a suite of mounting attachments, including waterproof and ruggedized housings.
By combining this technology with more features on the way, Sony aims to deliver a versatile, easy-to-use video camera capable of capturing full HD quality video in extreme environments.
Sony plans to bring the new point-of-view video camera to market in Fall 2012.
Conceptual Mock-up of the Video Camera Under Development(Can Be Seen In The Gallery Above).
NJTechReviews was at Lenovo’s Fashion Night Out at Saks Fifth Avenue. There we had a chance to check out the Lenovo U300s and now we have the Hands-On video for you. You can see our Hands-On below. We give you a brief overview of the U300s and some of its best features. The U300s is very thin and you can see it in the video. It also has the special breathable keyboard which allows them to eliminate the most of the vents, normally found on a laptop. It also has multiple ports that, will allow you to concoct many of the devices you use on a everyday basis. Overall, we were very impressed with the Lenovo U300s. We will back with a full review on the Lenovo U300s in the upcoming months but, for know we have the NJTechReviews Lenovo U300s Hands-On.
The start of one of the greatest automotive videos in 2010 is back; Ken Block and his Ford Fiesta have made another hit. It debuted on YouTube yesterday, “DC Shoes: Ken Block’s Gymkhana FOUR; the Hollywood Megamercial”. It was filmed on the back-lots of Universal Studios in Hollywood. They also added some new things, for the stunts that Ken Block delivers. Ken Block had to say this, “”Gymkhana is just one of those things that I really love doing, especially with my new Ford Fiesta H.F.H.V race car. This is my second year with Ford and my race cars have been working great. My newest Fiesta, the H.F.H.V., is the highest spec car I have ever had and the fact that it’ll do what I need it to do for Gymkhana and then it can transform into either a rallycross car or a stage rally car is awesome. Plus, we weren’t easy on it at all during filming for Gymkhana FOUR and it just kept asking for more!”. He is very happy with his Ford H.F.H.V. Fiesta. It is the highest spec. car that he has ever had, and it can handle the stunts that Ken Block loves to do. He pushes the limits of his car, he does 180 and 360 degree turns with ease and at the same time he is going extremely fast and drifting. The Ford H.F.H.V. Fiesta lets Ken Block push his limits. Keep in mind that in his latest video ”DC Shoes: Ken Block’s Gymkhana FOUR; the Hollywood Megamercial”, already had 3,228,532 Million view in less than one day on YouTube. You can see the amazing video below, where Ken Block pushes not only his limits but, the limits of his custom Ford Fiesta H.F.H.V race car. Enjoy the video and for more info see the Press Release below.
Press Release
Ken Block’s Ford H.F.H.V. Fiesta stars in DC’s
Gymkhana FOUR
DEARBORN, Mich., August 17, 2011 – After starring in the most watched automotive video of 2010, Ken Block and DC’s Gymkhana THREE, Ford Fiesta is back as the reoccurring star in the next chapter of Rally Driver Ken Block’s Gymkhana video series, which debuted yesterday on You Tube.
DC Shoes: Ken Block’s Gymkhana FOUR; the Hollywood Megamercial (GYM4) is the latest installment in the series of Block’s popular online videos, and was filmed on the back lots of Universal Studios Hollywood and shows the modified Fiesta doing stunts that only Block can deliver.
“When Ford partnered with Ken Block for the Fiesta and WRC rally programs, Gymkhana was an attractive and unique part of the overall package,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “Ken’s Gymkhana series connects with enthusiasts around the world and communicates that spirit of fun-to-drive with Fiesta. With over 36 million views for Gymkhana THREE, Ken and his Monster World Rally Team Ford Fiesta were featured in one of the most watched online automotive videos of the last year.”
Block, Monster World Rally Team driver and DC co-founder, sees the opportunity to push the limits of his car control while maneuvering around a series of cones, slaloms, 180-degree and 360-degree and figure-eight turns and other obstacles, all while utilizing extreme acceleration, braking and drifting, as pretty much the definition of fun.
Always a source of great speculation leading up to the launch of the latest Gymkhana, the location for GYM4 was Universal Studios, Hollywood, CA. It was selected because it offered an amazing variety of locations that could be utilized in creating an over-the-top chapter of the Gymkhana franchise. It also made it very easy to incorporate high-end production quality and one-up the levels seen in Gymkhana TWO.
“Gymkhana is just one of those things that I really love doing, especially with my new Ford Fiesta H.F.H.V racecar,” said Block. “This is my second year with Ford and my race cars have been working great. My newest Fiesta, the H.F.H.V., is the highest spec car I have ever had and the fact that it’ll do what I need it to do for Gymkhana and then it can transform into either a rallycross car or a stage rally car is awesome. Plus, we weren’t easy on it at all during filming for Gymkhana FOUR and it just kept asking for more!”
The GYM4 Fiesta, was unveiled by the Monster World Rally Team prior to X Games 17 at Block’s Gymkhana World Tour stop in Los Angeles. Designated the H.F.H.V. Fiesta (Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle), it is purpose built to transform between the specialized set-ups required for Gymkhana (stage rally and rallycross), thus the Hybrid designation by the Monster World Rally Team.
The chassis of the H.F.H.V. Fiesta is based on M-Sport’s current 2011 Ford Fiesta RS WRC car, but in order to achieve the power outputs required for both rallycross and gymkhana, the 1.6L engine has been replaced with a Pipo Moteurs-built 2.0L, inline-four cylinder. This mill is based off the powerplant found previously in the Ford Focus RS WRC car, a motor that has over 10 years of development. The result is a massive 600hp and 665 ft. lbs. of torque when using the 45mm restrictor. While the 2.0l engine makes the H.F.H.V. ineligible for WRC competition, the addition of a 34mm restrictor will allow the car to compete in the Rally America series. Engine management is handled by Cosworth Electronics.
Mated to this 2.0-liter Ford motor is a custom AWD system designed by Sadev. The drivetrain features a 6-speed Sadev sequential transmission and three adjustable Sadev mechanical differentials. Different gear ratios are used for each of the Hybrid’s three modes. To handle the varying surface conditions, specific Reiger suspension set-ups have been developed for each of the three modes.
The transformations from each of the modes range from half a day, to a whole day’s work. The rallycross and gymkhana set-ups are the most similar, but each discipline still requires different gear ratios, entirely different suspension settings, as well as a different wheel and tire combinations, in addition to engine mapping adjustments. The conversion to stage rally, however, is even more involved, including an entire relocation of the cooling system from back to front, a smaller brake set-up, and the addition of a Recaro Ultima seat for a co-driver, a smaller turbo and items such as functional headlights to replace the faux lamps to make the H.F.H.V. road worthy.
The GYM4 H.F.H.V. Fiesta was a collaborative project between the Monster World Rally Team and an assortment of some of the world’s top technical partners.
The process started with a production 2011 Fiesta before going through the rally conversion. The production Fiesta is an excellent platform for the Gymkhana car. The nimble ride and the ultra-high-strength boron steel body are ideal for the demands of the Gymkhana course. A testament to the Fiesta platform is that Fiesta has been designated as Ford’s worldwide rally car in both WRC and RallyCar, and in the Global RallyCross Championship and European RallyCross.
The GYM4 H.F.H.V. Fiesta, designed by DC, is emblazoned with a “drip pattern” livery that features elements seen in Block’s Monster World Rally Team WRC Fiesta.
In his time with Ford, Block has maintained a high profile within the Ford Racing program, appearing in several national promotions like “Rock it Like Block” and “43 Fiestas,” as well as being one of Ford Racing’s most popular drivers.
Block is a key component and prominently featured in the comprehensive promotional campaign supporting the new Octane Academy initiative. The Octane Academy is the consumer outreach tied to Ford Racing’s Action Motorsports program in which consumers can submit a video at www.octaneacademy.comand be selected to participate in a driver developed four-day action sports weekend, a true “once in a lifetime experience” over the next year. The participants will vie for the opportunity to win a custom vehicle designed by their host driver.
“If Ken is involved in a program, his legions of fans passionately follow whatever he is doing,” said Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company Group Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service. “There aren’t many personalities in pop culture that can generate tens of millions of views on YouTube, let alone personalities in motorsports. Ken’s ability to connect with his audience is unparalleled and Ford is proud to have Ken on our team.”
DC Shoes: Ken Block’s Gymkhana FOUR; the Hollywood Megamercial can be viewed athttp://youtu.be/btViXvIDsi0.
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About Ford Racing – North America
Ford Racing – North America, based in Dearborn, Mich., is responsible for major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Trucks), Grand American sports car racing, NHRA drag racing, and for Ford’s action motorsport program which involves programs in Global RallyCross, Formula Drift, RallyCar and Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. The department also oversees the development and marketing of Ford Racing Engines and Performance Parts, the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts, and the marketing of the Ford Racing brand through initiatives such as Team Ford Racing. For more information regarding Ford Racing’s activities, please visitwww.fordracing.com.
AT&T has released a new video, this one brings back the olden days. It’s a Back To School Video, that is titled “Back to School Then Vs. Now. And as you may have guessed the topic is the “phone”. It’s an interesting video to watch, some people haven’t even heard about the pay phone. Others had to share a phone, that had the rotary dial on it with many different brothers and sisters. It shines a light on how much we are connected these days; not that it is a bad thing. You can see the video below and be sure to tell us what you think.
Yesterday RedBox announced that they would be adding “Video Game Rentals” to 5,000(approximately) more kiosks. The Video Game’s in kiosks started last month. The expansion will happen on August 1, 2011. Even more of there customers will now have the opportunity to rent PlayStation® 3, Nintendo Wii™ and Xbox 360® games at approximately 27,000 kiosks in the nation. They will have new releases and the latest games. Joel Resnik ,vice president of video games for RedBox, had to say this about the expansion, “Whether customers are playing a new game or genre, trying a game before they buy it or simply entertaining friends and family, they’re embracing the availability of games at RedBox,“. RedBox is happy that more people can experience new games and get to try out different genres of gaming. Many people will enjoy the expansion of the service. You can see the full press release below.
Press Release
Play More! RedBox Announces Video Game Will
Roll Out To Approximately 5,000 Additional Kiosks
July 28th, 2011Milestones: Redbox Surpasses 4 Millionth Game Rental and 1.5 Billionth Movie Rental
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. – July 28, 2011 – Following last month’s launch of video game rentals, redbox announced today it will expand video game rentals to approximately 5,000 additional redbox® kiosks beginning August 1. Even more consumers will soon have the opportunity to discover and rent the latest PlayStation® 3, Nintendo Wii™ and Xbox 360® games at approximately 27,000 kiosks nationwide.
“Whether customers are playing a new game or genre, trying a game before they buy it or simply entertaining friends and family, they’re embracing the availability of games at redbox,” said Joel Resnik, vice president of video games, redbox.
Redbox recently rented its 4 millionth video game since the company began testing game rentals in 2009. In addition, redbox reached its 1.5 billionth movie rental this June – yet another milestone in its eight-year history.
“More than 1.5 billion movie rentals and the positive consumer reaction to video games highlight the ongoing demand for physical media,” said Mitch Lowe, president, redbox.
With 68 percent of the U.S. population living within a five-minute drive of a redbox® kiosk, finding the most convenient location around the corner or on the go is easy at www.redbox.com or via the RedBox Android™ mobile apps. Since its launch in November 2009, the Android app has been downloaded more than 2 million times since it launched in February 2011. Plus, the redbox rent and return anywhere® policy allows families to rent at one destination and return at another. Redbox rents new-release movies and video games for as low as a buck a day for DVDs.
NJTechReviews has put together a video, to show you why NJTechReviews is the Ultimate Tech News Source!
The popular video-call program for the phone, Tango will be making it’s way to the PC. When Tango first came out, people jumped on it. A free way to video call with other Tango Users. It works on Android and other popular mobile operating systems. Now, it will be making it’s way over to the PC. The best part will be the price, it will be free just like it was on the phone. So, you can video chat from your computer to a mobile phone. This will be a huge hit, for any Tango user. It will be available on Windows PC Only. It will be first demoed at FORTUNE Brainstorm Tech Conference in Aspen, Coloroda. Since there are 1.5 Billion PCs worldwide, it will be a very large field that will now be able to Tango. For more info on Tango visit: www.tango.me. We will update when more info is released.
Press Release
TANGO ANNOUNCES ITS FREE VIDEO SERVICE ON THE PC
BRINGING THE MOBILE EXPERIENCE TO THE DESKTOPLeading Video Communications Company Closes $42 Million Series B Financing
FORTUNE BRAINSTORM TECH – ASPEN, Colorado. – July 20, 2011 – Tango, the leader in mobile video communications, today announced that its free video calling service will be available for PCs later this summer.
This is the third major platform launch for the company in nine months and will accelerate its already massive growth. Currently, Tango has 18 million members in 190 countries using the service to connect with their family and friends over 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi. The first public demo of Tango for the PC will happen at the FORTUNE Brainstorm Tech conference in Aspen, Colorado.
“We have an incredible opportunity ahead of us and we are growing at an unprecedented rate,” said Uri Raz, cofounder and CEO of Tango. “There are 1.5 billion PCs in use worldwide and 95 percent of the world’s computers run Windows. With this launch, we are well positioned to reach our goal of 100 million customers by this time next year.”
People will be able to Tango between Windows PC, and hundreds of Android phones and tablets. The new PC product is mobile-centric with the same look and feel as Tango on the phone. It’s simple to register. There is no log in or password, just type in your mobile number and you are done. Tango will automatically find people you know, and makes inviting friends and family a breeze.
“Introducing a free video communication service for a large number of mobile devices, along with a PC version, in under a year speaks to the dedication of our team of more than 50 engineers in the U.S. and China who continue to deliver products that our users demand,” said Eric Setton, cofounder and CTO of Tango. “Our goal is to offer a video communications service that’s available on as many devices and platforms as possible, with more to come in the following weeks.”
Tango for the PC will be available as a free download later this summer www.tango.me.
Earlier today Verizon Announced the Xperia Play, now they have also released a video of them going around and having customer demo it. The lucky people who got to demo it, really seemed to love it. One guy even asked if he could take the one he was testing. Overall the phone itself has some great features to it. All Of The Info About The Verizon Wireless Sony Xperia Play Can Be Seen Here. But, for now enjoy the video, most likely it will leave you craving to get it. Keep in mind Pre-Orders begin on May 19th, hit’s the stores on May 26th. It will cost you $199.99, with a 2-year contract. See The Press Release and Video Below.
Press Release
Video Advisory: Verizon Wireless And Sony Ericsson Take Mobile Gaming To The Next Level With The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAYNew Video Shows How The World’s First PlayStation® Certified Smartphone Combines PlayStation®-Quality Gaming Experience with the Latest Android Smartphone Technology
05/17/2011
BASKING RIDGE, NJ —
WHO:
Verizon Wireless and Sony EricssonWHAT:
New video, “Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY: Professional Gamer and Customer Demo,” featuring a professional gamer and Verizon Wireless customers demonstrating how the Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY combines all the features of a fully-featured smartphone with the ultimate gaming experience, including demonstrations and discussions surrounding key features.WHERE:
On the Verizon WirelessTV YouTube channelWHEN:
Available NowBACKGROUND:
The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY for Verizon Wireless redefines mobile gaming by combining all the features customers expect from a fully-featured smartphone with the ultimate gaming experience.Powered by Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread, the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY will come pre-loaded with seven game titles, and customers can expand their video game library with more than 50 game titles available at launch for download via V CAST Apps. Customers easily become gamers with the slide out game pad revealing a directional keypad, dual analog touch joystick, two shoulder buttons and the four iconic PlayStation® symbol keys: circle, X, square and triangle.
The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY will be available for pre-order online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning May 19, and in stores on May 26 for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.
For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. To learn more about the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY, visit www.sonyericsson.com.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visitwww.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library atwww.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.