SONY OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES A7S II IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

The “camera that can see in the dark” now has a worthy successor. Sony has officially announced the availability of the new A7S mark II for the Southeast Asian region, with retail prices for all markets including Malaysia.

The original A7S was a technological marvel – indeed, the entire A7 series were quite a breakthrough – with Sony claiming the “S” in A7S name standing for “Sensitivity”. With a usable ISO range of 50 all the way to 409,600, the 12.2MP Exmor sensor is even more sensitive than the human eye.

With the new A7S mark II, Sony has refined the camera to be even better. This time around, Sony is introducing internal 4K recording, 120fps Full HD recording, faster autofocus and a similar built-in five-axis optical image stabilisation from the recently-announced A7 II for even better low-light performance, effectively making one of the most unusual cameras in recent times even more impressive.

Sony is also perfectly aware that the A7S was a favourite for videographers, and the A7S II’s new S-Log3 shooting mode is another nod in that direction. The 4K internal recording is also done without pixel binning, in full-frame format. In addition, video is recorded in XAVC format at up to 100Mbps. But to utilise this function, users will need to use at least a UHS Class 3 memory card. Autofocus has also been beefed up, with a new contrast-detection AF with 169 focus points offering faster and more seamless autofocus in video recording.

Besides that, Sony redesigned the magnesium-alloy body to offer a more natural grip, while adding new features like a silent shooting mode, reduced-vibration shutter movement, and a reinforced lens mount. There’s also a new electronic  OLED viewfinder with 0.78x magnification, and a vari-angle LCD screen at the back.

On top of that, users can also use the USB port to charge the camera even when it is being used, reducing chances of being stuck with a dead battery. When not in use, powering the USB port will charge the battery instead. As a Sony camera, WiFi and NFC are also built in, allowing users to connect their smartphones using the PlayMemories Mobile app for Android and iOS.

The new Sony A7S MkII will be available for pre-order in Malaysia, at a retail price of RM13,499 for the body only. There is a host of compatible E-mount lenses already for sale, while Sony is also offering a limited-time pre-order from 9-25 October bundling a 128GB memory card, Artisan strap and Think Tank case with every order at a Sony Store or the Sony Online Store.

For more information about the new α7S II, check out the official product page here.

Intel Begins Work on RealSense 3D Scanning Smartphone

Tablet and desktop computer manufacturers have already begun rolling out products featuring Intel’s 3D depth camera, hinting that the next step would be to integrate the RealSense device into smartphones.  That day may have arrived as, today, the chip developer has unveiled a version of the RealSense small enough to fit into a 6-inch smartphone.

At the Intel Developer Forum in Shenzhen, China, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich showed off a RealSense-enabled phone that implies the possibility of installing the 3D camera in future smartphones, though it was not shown functioning.  It is in the works, however, and it is being developed in conjunction with an unnamed Chinese company.

An Intel spokesperson relayed, “The device which was shown on stage at the Intel Developer Forum was a prototype that was created in collaboration with a Chinese firm, whom we are not naming. The device is meant to show the different types of apps, usage models and form factors that RealSense tech can be integrated into and to encourage innovation.”

The RealSense camera is meant to both allow for depth-based gesture control, as well as the ability to capture 3D scans, which can then be used to 3D print objects or, conversely, bring physical objects into the digital world.  And, with a recent deal with 3D Systems, creating 3D printed shelfies has become even easier. They are not the only ones working on such devices, however, as Google’s Project Tango is already available as a Developer’s Kit and features a 3D image sensor from Germany-based PMDTechnologies.  Pelican Imaging, in the US, is also working on a 3D sensor for smartphones, funded by chip-maker Qualcomm and Nokia Growth Partners.

I do believe, though, that Intel is the first to get their 3D technology directly into tablets and computers used by mainstream consumers, via the Acer Aspire V 17 Nitro notebook, Lenovo B50 desktop computer, the Dell Venue 8 7000 Series table, and the HP Sprout.  The Davies Murphy Group’s Chris Green suggests to the BBC that, in order to get the 3D camera into a smartphone, they’ll need to tackle the issue of power supply: “Intel has obviously achieved half of the challenge involved – the miniaturisation – but what is still unclear is whether it has got the power side of things licked. It’s one thing putting this into a laptop where you have a large battery and access to a mains power source, it’s another to put it into a phone that has to last throughout the day.”

Even with this first demonstration, the size of the device, at six inches, is pretty big for many consumers. And there’s still the issue of the technology actually working well and intuitively.  After seeing the HP Sprout at a Microsoft Store recently and knowing the generally finicky nature of 3D printers, I began to doubt whether or not these new 3D technologies are as consumer-ready as their marketing suggests.  In general, I’ve been happy with Apple products, experiencing relatively few issues, despite Apple’s closed and controlled nature.  I’m starting to think that, even after purchasing Primsense, the Israeli start-up behind the original Kinect 3D sensor, that Apple won’t release a 3D scanning device or 3D printer until they’ve almost perfected these technologies.  Still, I hold off on judging the RealSense until I get to see it in person.

Intel Unwraps New RealSense Camera At IDF: Here's What It Can Do

Intel showed off a new RealSense camera at the IDF15 event in Shenzhen, China. The camera, which appears smaller and thinner than the earlier model, can easily fit into a 6-inch smartphone prototype.

Intel's RealSense technology, which the company first unveiled at the CES event in 2014, is their version of what they label as "Kinect for Windows" because of its notable camera and microphone abilities. More than a year later, the company revealed how the technology can be incorporated in small gadgets, such as the aforementioned smartphone prototype.

This means that RealSense technology will not be solely limited to PCs and tablets but will also become available in smartphones. Soon, smartphone owners will be able to operate their handsets using gestures and even facial expressions. They can interact with their devices the way they would interact with other people. They can smile, wink, wave, swipe and do any other bodily gestures.

One of the exciting features of Intel's RealSense technology is the ability to refocus a snapshot. This means that users can change the focus of their captured image after they have taken the picture. With this feature, users can snap first and then play with different perspectives at a later time.

Other functionalities include scanning real-life objects and creating a digital 3D version; providing an interactive chat environment to allow collaboration and sharing of ideas, files, and the like; and measuring "intangible" subjects such as "air."

Intel is in China from April 8 to 9 to host its Intel Developer Forum. Apart from hearing keynotes from CEO Brian Krzanich, the event also provides an avenue for making announcements on Intel's latest R&D projects, partnership ventures in China, and other discussions on fields covering tablets, handsets, PCs, servers and the Internet of Things.

Other keynote speakers at the event include Ian Yang, Intel China's president; Doug Fisher, Intel's Software and Services Group senior VP and GM; Doug Davis, senior VP and GM of Intel's Internet of Things; Kirk Skaugen, senior VP and GM of Intel's Client Computing Group; and Diane Bryant, Intel's Data Center Group senior VP and GM.

"The local and global impact of our 50 years of Moore's Law innovation and 30 years of strong collaboration and winning together in China is unmatched," said Krzanich. "Intel remains focused on delivering leadership products and technologies in traditional areas of computing, while also investing in new areas and entrepreneurs - students, makers and developers - to find and fuel future generations of innovation with China."

The company also announced its partnership with JD, a Chinese online retail giant. Intel showed how its RealSense technology can help improve the Chinese company's warehouse management. In a demo using a tablet equipped with RealSense depth camera, the company showed how the technology can easily measure box sizes required for products in various shapes. The demo also showed how it can easily determine the space that is needed for storage or shipment.

In a separate demo using a Windows 10 tablet, Krzanich showed how he was able to log himself by getting his face scanned through the device's RealSense camera.

Intel is also expected to announce its latest CPU platforms at the event. These include the Atom x3 processors that are designed for entry-level smartphones and tablets that have phone functions.

There's no word yet on the availability of the RealSense technology in smartphone cameras.

Xiaomi Yi Action Camera compared with the GoPro Hero

The Yi Action Camera, Xiaomi’s Rival to the Go Pro, Price is just at 399 Yuan, that is $63. Xiaomi might be actually able to disrupt the whole Action Camera Segment with a price that low and their Xiaomi quality. Xiaomi already produces Premium Flagships like the Xiaomi Mi Note Pro and Xiaomi Mi Note and now another Hotseller!  Probably most of you ask themselves though – Can the Xiaomi Mi Pro Action Camera actually compare to the much more expensive Go Pro Hero Camera?

Well our friends from have gotten their hands on one of the first Xiaomi Yi Action Cameras and compared them to the much more expensive rivals Go Pro Hero 3 and Go Pro Hero 4. We already prepared some Amazing Yi Camera Video Samples for you, now Check out our new pictures here.

From top to bottom: Xiaomi Yi Action Camera, Go Pro Hero 3 Black, Go Pro Hero 4 Black.

Of course the Go Pro Hero 4 can beat out the competition, but in some pictures, especially the low light ones the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera takes better pictures then the Go Pro Hero 3. It looks like for $63 you get definitely worth your money for.

If you are want to get a Action Camera for little price, you should try out the Yi Action Camera. As we are used too from Xiaomi you get real quality for your money. The only challenge will be to actually get your hands on the Camera, in your local market. See more Video Samples of the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera

Xiaomi Yi Action camera listed on reseller site for $84.99

Xiaomi revealed their action camera earlier this week and already international resellers are listing the compact camera for pre-order.

The Xiaomi action camera is one of the latest generation of Chinese sports camera and as with all Xiaomi products it boasts impressive hardware at a low low price . Unfortunately for fans of Xiaomi not living in China the Yi Action camera won’t be officially launched at this time, but we can order it from international resellers.

Honorbuy.com (formerly known as Xiaomishop.com) are already listing the Xiaomi Yi Action camera for $84.99. That’s only slightly more than Chinese retail price, but just a fraction of the cost of an equivalent GoPro camera.

The Xiaomi Yi Action camera weight in at only 72g, boasts a 16 mega-pixel Sony camera, WIFI, Bluetooth and can capture video, photos, time-lapse and photos while filming.

Xiaomi Mi Pro Action Camera Official Launch for $64! Better than Go Pro!

Xiaomi just launched another potential Hotseller – The Xiaomi Mi Pro Camera. Xiaomi officially launched their XIaomi Mi Pro Camera for just 399 Yuan, that is 64USD.

The Yi Action Camera as is the official name of Xiaomi’s first Camera can record 1080p videos an sports a 16MP Camera with Sony’s high quality Exmor R BSI CMOS image sensor. That is even better then the Go Pro Camera which comes with a 5MP Camera and 30fp in Full HD or 60fp in HD. That of course is just on paper and we need to see the real world experience.

The Xiaomi Mi Pro Camera is able to beat the Go Pro Hero as well in the internal memory department and weight. The Xiaomi Mi Pro Camera comes with 64GB (double of the Go Pro) and just weights 72g, compared to the 111gramm of the Go Pro. As well it has a larger battery. With the Yi Action Camera you can go underwater up to 40 meters, which might be one of the most important features for many of you, bringing it to your holidays

For this price of course there are some difference to the Go Pro Hero. The Xiaomi Mi Pro Camera comes without casing or any notable accessoires, thats a main difference to the Go Pro. You Are able to buy a “Travel Edition” of the XIaomi Yi Action Camera though. The “Travel Edition” will come with a Selfie Stick Mount, which will be probably very famous here in Asia.

The Xiaomi Yi Action Camera will be launched via Xiaomi’s China Store first and sell for 399 Yuan, that is $64 or RM230. That is just a fraction of the Go Pro Price. As you know Xiaomi really offers good quality for the price. So I think we personally will try to get our hands on the Camera as soon as it launches!