Casio Introduces 7.2-Megapixel EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z700

This newest member of the EXILIM family combines the high-resolution performance of an effective 7.2 megapixels with Casio's Super Bright LCD for easy viewing in broad daylight.

The EX-Z700's Super Bright LCD is both big and bright: the 2.7-inch screen with 1200cd/m2 brightness is easy to see, even on a sunny day. At 7.2 megapixels, the high-performance EX-Z700 ensures crystal-clear image output for both printing and screen, delivering extraordinary photographic detail. The long-life battery packs enough power for around 460 still images on a single charge, and the camera comes with Casio's Anti Shake DSP to reduce photo blur due to shaky hands or moving subjects. All in all, the EX-Z700 strikes an extremely attractive balance between slim, stylish looks and high-performance functionality. It also adds brand new picture-taking functions in BEST SHOT mode.

Auto Framing

Casio's new Auto Framing mode keeps dynamic subjects like playful, active children at the center of the photograph, solving one of photography's most perplexing challenges. This original new function is based on Casio-developed "auto-follow" technology for tracking the movement of photo subjects. In Auto Framing mode, a thin, outlined frame appears on the LCD, centered on the moving subject of the photo. The area within the frame indicates the image that will be saved when the shutter is fully depressed.

Layout Shot

With new Layout Shot mode, photographers can combine multiple shots of friends taken with the same scenic backdrop into a single collage, or even mix shots with different compositions to create a single artistic layout. Users simply select one of two predefined layout templates, then take two or three photographs, and save the results to create a single composite image. Layout Shot delivers a whole new way to enjoy expressive photography.

Key features for superior performance

- 7.2 million effective pixels; 3X optical zoom.
- Large 2.7-inch LCD with a brightness of 1200cd/m2.
- Takes up to 460 still images on a single charge of the long life battery (CIPA standard).
- Anti Shake DSP for reducing photo blur due to shaky hands or moving subjects.
- BEST SHOT modes deliver great photo results simply by selecting one of 37 sample images to represent the current photo scene.

"One laptop per child" founder Nicholas Negroponte speaks at OAS

The possibility of every child having a laptop computer, as a way to help bridge the digital divide between developed and developing countries, was the focus today of the fourteenth conference in the Lecture Series of the Americas at the Organization of American States (OAS).

Nicholas Negroponte, founder and Chairman of the non-profit organization “One Laptop Per Child,” shared his vision and his efforts to revolutionize education worldwide through the development of low-cost computers.
In introducing the topic to representatives of the 34 OAS member states and via the Internet to an audience throughout the hemisphere, OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza reiterated the central theme of the recent OAS General Assembly in the Dominican Republic: “Good Governance and Development in the Knowledge-Based Society.” He noted that information and communication technologies are “crucial to strengthening good governance and the promotion and protection of human rights”.
Insulza underscored the commitment expressed by the foreign ministers to “work intensely to ensure that every person in the Americas, in particular those in situations of vulnerability and with special needs, may participate in the benefits generated by the knowledge-based society.” The “One Laptop per Child” initiative “is precisely addressing this need and reducing the digital divide” between developed and underdeveloped countries, added the Secretary General.
Negroponte, who is currently on leave from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, explained how the laptops—which will be produced on a large scale at a cost of around $100—will be used by children throughout the Americas and the world, improving education and eventually aiding economic development. “Perhaps the biggest thing the $100 laptop will do on this planet is to change education,” said Negroponte, who described how children who have never even seen computers tend to learn quickly and intuitively how to use them. In a slide presentation, he explained how the efficient, weatherproof computers he plans to distribute are operated with a manual crank and capable of creating wireless networks in remote regions.
Several OAS ambassadors commented or asked questions after the presentation. The Ambassador of Belize, Lisa Shoman, stressed that “the digital divide will remain so long as it is not affordable to all of our children to be able to access information technology. What you are offering,” she told Negroponte, “is nothing less than the tools to be able to bridge that digital divide.” The Ambassador added that the political commitment exists at the OAS to become involved in this effort, reiterating that “we will find a way to work with you” to help make this program a reality.
Created by the OAS Permanent Council to promote democratic principles and values in the countries of the hemisphere, the Lecture Series of the Americas invites internationally renowned speakers to address key hemispheric agenda issues. The conferences are being held thanks to a financial contribution from Peru’s San Martin de Porres University.

“Packard Bell Laboratories” are pleased to announce the birth of PULSE, the music pill!!!

Tired? Stressed? In need of good vibes? Pulse is the new remedy. Packard Bell, the leading consumer desktop PC brand in Europe, has today expanded its line-up of MP3 players with Pulse, a flash memory MP3 player. Since entering the MP3 player market in 2002, Packard Bell has outperformed to become a major actor on the MP3 market, selling over 2 million units in 2005!

Why is Pulse recommended? Pulse is a combination of performance and design: Today, Pulse benefits from a unique design and offers a huge capacity with an attractive look and feel.
It’s the perfect opportunity to change the trend: for Packard Bell, an MP3 player is not only synonymous with technology, it’s now a mix between a fashion accessory, the latest technology and easy of use. That’s the reason why Packard Bell has decided to launch this new generation of MP3 Players.

Main Indications

Pulse is the ultimate music prescription! It can be used to fight against stress, audio withdrawal symptoms and will help those with a strong addiction to music.
Composition: All components have been chosen for their efficiency and were selected and approved by our Packard Bell design team.
The new Packard Bell Pulse looks just like a pill. It comes with 3 colour caps: blue, green and orange for the 256MB version, black, white and pink for the 512MB 1GB & 2GB versions. Each colour is very effective at fighting against illness.
The benefits of Pulse: it comes with 7 colour backlights and a voice recording feature. The navigation is really intuitive: one-touch gives access to your folders and the play function.
Pulse is available with storage capacities from 256MB up to 2GB and of course, it supports full-speed USB 2.0 data transfer and ID3 Tag. Pulse plays MP3 and WMA digital audio file formats and is powered by a supplied AAA battery, providing up to 8 hours of playback. Pulse comes with earphones and a CD containing drivers. A version with FM radio is also available.
“Pulse is the perfect combination between good quality sound, small price tag & innovative design. It would be the new companion for music enthusiasts!", says Louis Perrin, Sales & Marketing Director-Mobility Business Unit at Packard Bell.

Directions for use

The recommended dose for music fans is 256 MB. For music addicts, a stronger dose from 512 MB up to 2 GB is prescribed.
Pulse gives relaxation, energy, fun and a high sound quality. Don’t hesitate to promote it, Music is proven to generate a positive attitude! Pulse is contagious, feel free to share it… visit our private clinic: www.pulsegeneration.com.

Pentax announces Optio S7 with advanced features

PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX Optio S7 compact digital camera. The Optio S7 is the latest model in the PENTAX Optio S series, which is known for slim, stylish, full-featured digital camera bodies.

In addition to an upgrade to 7.0 effective megapixels, this model features an easy-to-use Blur Reduction High ISO mode to help reduce the effects of camera shake and subject blurring for sharper images even in dim lighting conditions such as night scenes and indoor sporting events. In this mode, the camera adjusts shutter speeds automatically to an ISO as high as 1600 to match the brightness of the subject. The higher sensitivities permit faster shutter speeds.
Also featured in this newest Optio digital is Face Recognition AF & AE, a function that simplifies portrait-taking by automatically detecting the position of the subject's face and adjusting the focus and exposure based on the detected position.
Other features of the PENTAX Optio S7 include a 3X optical zoom, a high resolution 2.5 inch LCD monitor, MPEG-4 DivX® Movie Mode, and 23MB internal memory. In addition, the Optio S7 is the first compact PENTAX digital camera to accept the new SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) memory cards in addition to SD memory cards. SDHC (also know as SD 2.0) is a FAT32-compliant format designed for capacities up to 4GB or more.
PENTAX will ship the Optio S7 in September 2006 on a limited basis for under $300.00 US.