Cool GooDies

If you're a budding photographer moving up in life, Sony says they've got just the thing for you. Three things to be precise. They've just introduced what they claim to be three easy-to-use Alpha DSLR cameras - the DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230 - that will come loaded with four new lenses. Senior manager for the Alpha business at Sony Electronics Inc. had this to say:

"Our new alpha cameras, lenses and accessories make it easier for new users to get the great photos they expect without the steep learning curve that DSLRs have traditionally required.

By overcoming the obstacles, we've made it much easier for newcomers to take great pictures with DSLRs."

 The way they're overcoming obstacles is via what they claim to be an extensive built-in Help Guide, that will help new photographers by showing them the ropes.

The A380 will support up to 14.2 megapixel while the other two cameras will go up to 10.2 megapixel. The camera will come equipped with Sony's Quick Autofocus (AF) Live View technology, so you can frame photos on the camera's LCD screen as well as in the optical viewfinder. In addition, they'll all feature extensive HDMI compatibility, so you'll be able to view images on any HDTV if you connect the camera via HDMI. To futher the Sony integration, you'll be able to control the camera's photo/video preview on Sony's  Bravia via the Bravia's remote. The cameras will release this July. There's no India price out yet, but here are the American prices -

The A380L, Aa330L and A230L will cost about $850, $650 and $550, respectively. The L series one-lens kit comes with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens.

The A380Y, A330Y and A230Y will cost about $1050, $850 and $750, respectively. The Y series two-lens kit comes with both the SAL-1855 standard zoom and SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lenses.

Sony has waved its magic wand once again, and given us a sparkling new LCD TV, the 40-inch Bravia ZX1. It is touted as the world's slimmest LCD TV - 9.9mm thick and weighing in at about 15kg.

The ZX1 comes with many technologies to help contribute quality images and digital entertainment experience. At its heart is the Bravia Engine 2, surrounded by Edge LED technology, Motionflow 100Hz and Image Blur reduction. The ZX1 comes with a Full HD display resolution of 1920 X 1080 pixels, and a glossy black bezel and screen.
Apart from the usual Bravia features like Live Colour Creation, 24p Cinema, Xross media bar, Bravia Theatre Sync, the ZX1 has audio enhancement features like digital amplifier, S-Force Surround, voice zoom, dolby digital plus, etc. This screen has two integrated speakers and a woofer that delivers a net output power of 20 watts (5 Watts for each speaker + 10 Watts for woofer).

The main USP is probably Wireless HD, one of the most innovative features in the Bravia ZX that enables users to enjoy Full HD quality images without any messy wires and cables. Wireless technology allows the user to utilize the media library located anywhere in the house, via the supplied HD media receiver. Wires from the HD devices are connected to the HD media receiver and the display will receive the input signals from the media receiver wirefree, with the help of high-speed wireless connection and RF technology.The connectivity of the Bravia ZX1 is distinguished with 4 independent HDMI inputs, a PC input, composite inputs, component inputs, USB connection, and a RBG compatible SCART input.

There is no price point attached to the Bravia ZX1 as yet. You'll know as soon as we do.

Looks and Features
If you thought the shuffle was already small, think again! The new one is a bit longer but a lot slimmer, making it about the size of a pencil eraser or a small Bluetooth headset. Its weight is nearly unnoticeable when clipped onto your clothes or bag strap. It looks absolutely clean and smooth, without a single bump, ridge or mark on the front and only the stainless steel clip on the back. The upper surface is where you find the earphones/USB socket and a tiny power/mode switch.


The new shuffle’s biggest talking point and the boldest move so far in its history of culling common features is the complete lack of controls on the device itself. The ring of buttons is gone, and you have to use the inline controls on the earphones’ cord for all track navigation and volume changes. It takes a while to get used to the idea, but considering how small the shuffle is in the first place, it makes sense to tuck it away while keeping the controls within reach.