Will Steve Jobs Attend Tomorrow’s Event? Most Probably Not! - by aby benedict

Apple is less than 24 hours away from announcing the fifth iPhone since they started producing it in 2007. Steve Jobs, Apple’s ex-CEO, has made a great success to the company. Steve Jobs has resigned as Apple’s CEO couple of months ago because of his illness.

Steve Jobs was expected to attend Apple’s next media event tomorrow but it looks like he won’t be able to do so as he’s “not well enough”.




The well-known blogger Robert Scoble made a speculation over whether Jobs would attend the event or not.

I’m hearing that Steve Jobs won’t be at tomorrow’s press event. He’s just not feeling well enough to come out in public, I hear (and yes, that makes me sad, the industry will really miss him and they will see again tomorrow why). I keep wishing that these continued rumors are wrong, but know in my head that they probably are right. That said, tomorrow will be ALL about Steve Jobs even though he probably won’t be mentioned much, beyond something like “Steve is watching today’s keynote from the comfort of his home and he sends his best wishes to all of you.”

However, earlier today Retuer has reported that Steve Jobs will appear at this week’s iPhone event without mentioning any source for the claim. The report also cautioned that “a no-show by the Apple co-founder will not be a major disappointment.”

It looks like he won’t attend but we really hope to see Jobs tomorrow.

DSLR Test: Canon EOS Rebel T3 - by aby benedict

If you want rapid-fire bursts, the T3 may not be for you. It tops out at 3 frames per second for JPEGs—sluggish even for this class—up to card capacity. The rate slows to 2 fps for up to 5 RAW images, or 0.8 fps for one RAW + JPEG shot. Burst performance is almost always best when capturing JPEGs alone, since these smaller files write faster to a memory card. Competition? The Pentax K-r, at 6 fps, is much quicker, but tops out at 25 JPEGs or 12 RAW. So while the K-r rules for RAW shooters, if you want longer bursts, the T3’s nearly unlimited JPEGs might serve you better. While we would’ve liked a faster burst speed, for the shooters this camera is aimed at, the T3’s speedy AF will be more of a boon.

It would’ve been nice for Canon to have included full HD video capture as it does in all its other DSLRs, although for casual video capture, 720p should be fine for most users. We also wish that Canon made the custom-functions menu more prominent, as on its higher-end models. Again, entry-level DSLR users may be less prone to customizing their cameras, but that’s no reason to make the custom functions harder to find.

Bottom Line
The Rebel T3 is a very attractively priced entry-level DSLR that provides solid performance and value. Its resolving power, low noise, relatively speedy AF, and well-designed controls should help ease novice shooters into the world of DSLRs.

Indeed, the T3’s strengths make the case for DSLR performance over the convenience of an ILC’s smaller size. While its image quality comes close to some of the ILCs on the market, its autofocus still beats the systems found in ILCs once the lights get dim, as is often the case indoors. Its optical viewfinder, while not the best of its kind, is still a more pleasing experience than the EVFs that ILCs use. Finally, the wide array of lenses available from Canon and from third-party lensmakers far outstrips what is currently available for any ILC.

Taking all of these factors into account, we can say without hesitation that the Canon EOS Rebel T3 is a DSLR bargain and a worthy introduction to a full camera system.




Specifications:
Imaging: 12.2MP effective, APS-C-sized, CMOS sensor captures images at 4272x2848 pixels with 14 bits/color in RAW mode.
Storage: SD, SDHC, SDXC. Stores JPEG, CR2 RAW, or RAW + JPEG files. Video:Records up to 1280x720 pixels at 30p fps in MPEG-4 H.264 format with variable average bit rate; built-in monaural microphone; no microphone input; AF same as live view shooting.
Burst rate: Full-sized JPEGs (Fine mode), up to card capacity at 3 fps; RAW, up to 5 shots at 2 fps (14-bit); RAW (14-bit) + JPEG, up to 1 shot at 0.8 fps.
AF system: TTL phase detection with 9 illuminated focus points (all cross-type with single dual-cross at center); single-shot, predictive AI Focus tracking; tested sensitivity down to EV –2 (at ISO 100, f/1.4), although Canon rates sensitivity to EV 0.
Live view: Full-time contrast detection or single-shot phase detection AF with mirror interrupting view momentarily.
Shutter speeds: 1/4000 to 30 sec, plus B (1/3-EV increments); shutter life not rated.
Metering: TTL metering using 63-zone evaluative, centerweighted, and partial (approx. 10% of finder at center); range, 1 to 20 EV (at ISO 100).
ISO range: ISO 100–6400 (in 1-EV increments).
Flash: Built-in pop-up with TTL autoflash GN 30 (ISO 100, feet), covers 17mm lens. viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentamirror.
LCD: 2.7-in. TFT with 230,000-dot resolution.
Output: Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and mini-HDMI video.
Battery: Rechargeable LP-E10 Li-ion; CIPA rating, 700 shots with optical viewfinder, 220 shots with LCD screen in live view still shooting, approximately 110 min. for video.
Size/weight: 5.1x3.9x3.1 in., 1.10 lb with a card and battery.
Street price: $600 with EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS II zoom lens.
Viewfinder: Accuracy, 95% (Excellent); Magnification, 0.80X (Very Good).

Sony A77 reviewed: A 24.3 megapixel game-changer? - by aby benedict

It's been a long time coming, but the patience has paid off with Sony's A77 finally getting its first pro review. Sure, the $1,400 cost of entry (body only) will weigh heavily on even the most enthusiastic cameraman conscious. But, what's a few hundred dollars when it comes to a camera that Popular Photography says has "radically changed the world of DSLRs"? It seems only the rival Canon 7D holds a candle to this would-be king, besting Sony's latest when it comes to noise and performance at higher ISOs. However, the A77 wins on its all-around charm, with a 24.3 megapixel Exmor APS-C sensor, articulated LCD screen, world-first OLED EVF and impressive video-shooting chops. Video-wise, that top dollar gets you a high-end performance of 60fps at 1920 x 1080 with the fast phase-detection auto-focus we've also seen on its predecessors, the Sony A55 and A33.

Popular Photography does add a single caveat to the largely very positive conclusion: video enthusiasts should probably hold tight to see what Canon and Nikon counter with. Especially if you're in possession of multiple lenses. Aside from that, what's stopping you? Dig in to all the nitty-gritty details below, and we'd advise cutting down on those impulse eBay purchases -- this magnesium-alloyed beauty will certainly make a financial dent when it lands, if not a physical one.

Samsung Series 7 all-in-one PC revealed - by aby benedict

Today it’s been announced by Samsung Electronics America that the Samsung Series 7 All-In-One PC does exist and will be coming out to the consumer market soon. This desktop computer will combine a minimalistic design profile at 16mm thin on a 23-inch display with advanced technology for work and play. You’ll find an Intel Core i3 or Intel Core i5 processor inside with Windows 7 Home Premium backing you up until you get a taste of Windows 8 in the very near future – working great with this full-touch display. Last time we spoke of Series 7, it was the Central Station and the slate as well as the Chronos notebooks and their lovely displays, now we get to see all those magical components re-arranged into a cool all-in-one today!

Below the 16mm thin 23-inch monitor, you’ve got a base that encloses all the key components and features of the PC, while your wireless keyboard and super sophisticated simplistic mouse all take up a minimal amount of space and make you look like you’re the super classy home-working pro that you really are. This PC’s full flat design allows for the display to lay all the way down, this giving you a full horizontal touch interface you’ll be able to put to good use when you load Windows 8.

The display uses Samsung’s advanced TV technology, video “coming alive” in full HD on this LED backlit screen. You get Harman Speakers and Harman-optimized audio features, as well as full surround sound with a SoundAlive sound enhancer. Integrated HD webcam and DVD player come standard as well.

Samsung has prepared you for the touch future with a lovely “Samsung Touch Launcher” that’ll grab you the most out of your touch experience (again, until Windows 8, that is, where you’re sure to use the Windows 8 launcher,) this launcher allowing you quick access to all of your favorite applications from the desktop. Easy Settings allow you quick and easy access to wireless networks, projectors, and more, and Samsung Easy Migration allows you quick and easy transferring of files to and from other computers – launching Easy Migration doing this automatically if you let it.

This computer series is set to launch on October 10, 2011, and ranges from $999 to $1,999, depending on the model you choose. All Samsung PC products are available through your local Samsung reseller or distribution channel, visiting Samsung.com will reveal that list to you.

Apple Puts “Let’s Talk iPhone” Banner At Cupertino Campus (PHOTO) / one more day for the iphone 5 launch - by aby benedict

Apple today has put up “Let’s Talk iPhone” banner on Apple Town Hall Auditorium in Cupertino where Apple’s media event is held tomorrow for the next-generation iPhone(s) launch. The banner mirrors the image sent with the invitations to the media event last week

During the fall media event, Apple will announce the low-end and cheap iPhone 4S. We haven’t known yet if Apple will announce the iPhone 5 too or not


Apple’s media event will start at 10 a.m. Pacific on Tuesday, October 4th

T-Mobile HTC Amaze photographed in HD

If you were hanging around here on the 26th of September, you know good and well that T-Mobile will soon be getting a lovely new 4G capable 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor-having HTC device by the name of HTC Amaze. What we’ve got for you today is several close-up photos of the hardware on that device, all taken by a fellow by the name of Nathan Olsson. Judging by these photos along, this device is going to be one massively awesome little bit of mobile, if I do say so myself.

With Qualcomm behind the wheel at dual-core 1.5GHz, you’ve got quite a fabulous little handset on your hands – when you’ve got HTC working the chassis, you’ve got one fantastically high-grade piece of hardware on your hands. Judging by how the HTC Sensation feels to use (I’ve been using it for several weeks, full disclosure,) it’s no doubt that this similarly shaped device will blow the competition away – or at least make people think it’s time to trade the Sensation in for a slightly newer device starting with an A and ending with a “maze.”

Another factor to take note of – the photos here are taken with a myTouch 4G Slide, another HTC device with the same camera that you’ll be getting here in the Amaze. Look like a nice combination to you? I think so, yes. You can find the source for these photos below, but note that the photographer appears to be shy on sharing because his profile is private. Now let me direct you back to the original announcement post so you can get all kinds of information on this device before you purchase it on October 12! Or, if you prefer, you could head to the lovely all-in-one package offered with the HTC Rhyme instead. Up to you!

iPhone 5 specs leaked - By Aby Benedict

It appears that in addition to the other few leaks from this weekend, the folks at Cincinnati Bell will be on Apple’s naughty list as it seems they’ve leaked a bit of info on the iPhone 5 pre-maturely. What we can see here is that, even though the page was removed an instant after it was discovered to be live, the iPhone 5 32GB does exist, and Cincinnati Bell will be carrying it. On the other hand, a slip of the pre-prep hand of an intern isn’t always the same as a certainty. Is this future device really going to cost $639.99 and have a 4-inch display plus 4G speeds?

That’s what the listing says, anyway, more than likely off-contract, that is, nearly $650 of slightly updated specs, that is. An 8 megapixel camera is also attached and a simple “4G data speeds” doesn’t exactly bring this leak in as a lock. Compared to the other leaks we’ve seen today, this one seems downright silly, in fact. That said, we wouldn’t mind seeing such a device this Tuesday, and we’re sure Cincinnati Bell will be on the list of groups at least hoping to carry the device come some weeks later – or same-day, who knows? Check out our iPhone 5 details roundup post and see what you can gather.

In addition, another so-called screenshot was taken by the same fellow, Randy K, which shows an iPhone 4S with a 3.5-inch display, A5 processor, and 5 megapixel camera, all this for $99 USD after $300 rebate. Sound strange? A few weeks ago your humble narrator here had a similar thought in mind with the column entitled “Why the iPhone 4S will be Free” – check it out and see if you’re amongst the masses of readers that disagree so hard that they yell about it.

All that said, we’ll be at Apple on Tuesday bringing you all the information LIVE via our SlashGear Livecast page at 10AM PST. Be there or be so late with the news that your ears will bleed. Believe it!