The Gadget 411 – Gadget Reviews & Tech News

Zune HD, the next generation of Microsoft Corp.’s portable digital media player, is available now for pre-order and is set to hit store shelves on Sept. 15. The player, available in 16GB and 32GB capacities, is the first touch-screen Zune and includes powerful playback technology to give you a different way to experience media on the go. Combined with unparalleled PC software and online services such as Zune Pass, Zune provides a rich and meaningful connection to music, videos, podcasts and more.

Pre-order Zune HD in 16GB Black and 32GB Platinum through http://www.zune.net/zunehd from Amazon.com, Best Buy, Walmart and Microsoft. Beginning Sept. 15, at http://www.ZuneOriginals.net, both 16GB and 32GB capacities of Zune HD will be available in five different colors with the option to customize your player with one of 10 new engravings designed by guest artists.

WHAT: With a sleek and stylish design, Zune HD is the first to combine these features:

· Built-in HD Radio™ receiver. Allows you to listen to higher-quality sound than is available from traditional radio channels, as well as access additional programming through HD2 and HD3 multicast channels from many of your favorite local FM radio stations at no extra cost.

· HD video output capabilities. Supports HD video playback from the device through a premium HDMI A/V docking station (sold separately) directly to an HDTV in 720p, making it easy to enjoy better-than-DVD-quality video on your own big screen at home.

· OLED touch screen. Allows you to easily flip through music, movies and other content. The 3.3-inch glass screen and 16:9 widescreen format display (480×272 resolution) offer a premium viewing experience.

· Built-in Wi-Fi. Allows for browsing, streaming or downloading new music from Zune Marketplace.

· Internet browser. Full-screen Web browsing, optimized for the multitouch screen with zoom-in and zoom-out gestures.

· Accessories, at home and on the road. Zune HD and AV Dock charges and syncs players while playing supported 720p HD videos on HDTVs. Play HD Radio, music and podcasts from your Zune HD device through your car stereo using the Zune Premium Car Pack.

WHY: Pre-order now to be one of the first to experience the new Zune HD’s advanced design, innovative technology and rich multimedia capabilities powered by the NVIDIA Tegra™ chip ultralow-power HD processor.

PRICING: Zune HD 16GB: $219.99 (estimated retail price); Zune HD 32GB: $289.99 (estimated retail price)

WHEN: Pre-order starting Thursday, Aug. 13. Purchase in stores on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

WHERE ONLINE: http://www.zune.net/zunehd

WHERE IN STORE: Place a pre-order in person at Best Buy beginning Aug. 16. If you want a sneak peek, visit select stores in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. areas on Aug. 22 and 23.

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A friend of mine contacted me asking to help him upscale iPhone 3GS video from iPhones for the news station he works at.

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Press Release:

Pure Digital Technologies, Inc. – the maker of the acclaimed Flip Video family of camcorders – today announced the second generation of its Flip Ultra line, America’s number-one selling camcorder since its debut in 2007. Now available in both high-definition and standard-resolution models, the new line offers everyday consumers the easiest and most affordable way to capture and share high-quality video. The new Flip Ultra and Flip UltraHD feature two hours of recording time, a large high-resolution two-inch screen, and convenient battery recharging through the built-in USB arm.

“The original Flip Ultra changed the way the world captures and shares video by making it easy, accessible, and, most of all, fun,” said Jonathan Kaplan, chairperson and CEO of Pure Digital. “Our new Flip UltraHD takes this to the next level by making it incredibly simple and affordable for anyone to capture and share hours of video in stunning HD.”

The new Flip Ultra and UltraHD camcorders set a new standard for convenient and affordable video capture. Both new models offer a full two hours of recording capacity, a bright two-inch transflective screen for no-glare viewing even in direct sunlight, and an innovative AA rechargeable battery pack that can be conveniently recharged through the camera’s built-in USB arm. The Flip Ultra is priced at just $149.99, while the Flip UltraHD sells for $199.99.

Like all Flip Video camcorders, the new Ultra line is pre-loaded with FlipShareâ„¢, the on-board software that leads consumers seamlessly through the process of organizing, editing and sharing videos. Consumers simply plug the built-in USB arm directly into any Mac or PC to begin sharing their videos immediately.

The second generation Flip Ultra camcorder promises to build on the success of the Flip Video family, which has sold more than 2 million camcorders since first introduced less than two years ago. The Flip Ultra continues its reign as the number-one selling camcorder in the U.S., while the Flip MinoHD, launched last November, is currently the top-selling HD camcorder in the country, both according to first quarter 2009 rankings from leading market research firm The NPD Group.

Flip UltraHD Camcorder Features:

SRP: $199.99
Colors: Black, White (with chrome trim)
Video Resolution: High Definition, 1280 x 720
Records: 2 hours (8 GB built-in memory)
Screen: 2 inch – transflective (anti-glare)
Batteries: 2 x AA (rechargeable AA battery pack included)
TV Output: Widescreen with HDMIâ„¢ output
Zoom: 2 x Digital
Flip Ultra Camcorder Features:

SRP: $149
Colors: Black, White, Yellow and Pink
Video Resolution: 640 x 480
Records: 2 hours (4GB built-in memory)
Screen: 2 inch – transflective (anti-glare)
Batteries: 2 x AA (optional rechargeable AA battery pack sold separately)
TV Output: SD Composite Video
Zoom: 2 x Digital
About Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, Pure Digital Technologies, Inc., is a pioneer in developing simple, affordable digital imaging solutions for the mass market. Its revolutionary Flip Video family of camcorders ignited a new category of video cameras that puts the power to shoot and share video into the pockets of everyday consumers. Flip Video camcorders are the world’s first with on-board software to enable editing, organizing, and seamless video uploading to YouTube™, MySpace™ and other video-sharing sites. As part of the Flip Video Spotlight program, the company pledged to deliver one million camcorders to help nonprofits use the power of video to change the world. Flip Video camcorders are available in over 10,000 retail locations including Amazon, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Sears, and Kmart, and TheFlip.com. Flip Video products are also available in Canada and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.TheFlip.com.

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