Canon unveils new PowerShot cameras and VIXIA camcorders

Canon unveiled a new line of no less than, six VIXIA HD flash memory camcorders, including three compact VIXIA HF M-series models (HF M52, HF M50, HF M500) and three entry-level VIXIA HF R-series models (HF R32, HF R30, HF R300). These  include improved functions and features to capture HD videos with high-resolution and superior quality. Canon has also equipped select models with Wi-Fi connectivity and DLNA compatibility, as well as the option to capture videos in MP4 format. Through the new Wi-Fi functions, users can share, view and store videos wirelessly, including the ability to upload videos directly to YouTube and Facebook, or to mobile devices such as an iPhone or iPad.

Flash based camcorders FTW!

In the world of point-and-shoot cameras, the Canon PowerShot G1 X, features the largest image sensor to date for a Canon PowerShot model. The camera packs a large 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14mm), 14.3-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, delivering exceptionally shallow depth of field, a wide dynamic range and incredible light gathering ability up to ISO 12800. The camera is also equipped with an amazing 4x Optical Zoom lens, featuring a 28mm-equivalent wide-angle setting, with a f/2.8 to f/16 aperture. The PowerShot G1 X shoots 1080p Full HD video with optical zooming and continuous AF, includes HDR Shooting and comes fully equipped with Canon's latest DIGIC 5 processor that enables the High-Speed Burst HQ feature.

The new PowerShot GX1

Last but not the least, we have two new chic PowerShot ELPH models, the ELPH 520 HS and ELPH 110 HS. Both PowerShot models are equipped with Canon's leading HS SYSTEM, featuring Canon's exclusive DIGIC 5 image processor that allows the cameras to achieve quality images in low-light settings, faster operation and improved spot-on colour accuracy. The contemporary looking Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS features a 10.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, an ISO range up to 3200 and the world's thinnest 12x optical zoom with a 28mm-equivalent wide-angle setting. The ELPH 110 HS shoots 1080p Full HD video, includes a 24mm-equivalent wide-angle 5x Optical Zoom lens and offers a High-Speed Burst Mode to help ensure the perfect shot.

Sony Ericsson's Nozomi gets handled, something awfully similar gets an official tease

Hello, New York! Oh, and a Sony Ericsson handset, too. SE may be on its way out officially, but there's still a product or two in the pipeline worth pushing out. We've heard whispers of a so-called Arc HD and Nozomi for months on end, and while it's unclear which of the two (if it's either) is shown above, there's no question that this is something that'll see the market. One shot is currently posted over at Sony Ericsson's German Facebook page (shown after the break), where a teaser line promises that "the new Xperia" to be officially unveiled "next week." Next week, as you may have guessed, is CES, and coincidentally, the fine folks over at ITProPortal have wrapped their paws around an SE handset (above) that they're confident is the aforementioned Nozomi. Weirdly, the camera location on the phone they procured is different than the official SE shot above, leaving us to wonder if two new superphones are on tap. Whatever the case, you can bet we'll be bringing the dirt as soon as it's hauled in.

Kogeto's iCONIC for Android brings panoramic video to the masses

The last time we saw a Kogeto panoramic camera attachment, it was but a Kickstarter project looking for funding. Since then, the Kogeto Dot for iPhone has become such a success that it now graces Apple store shelves nationwide. Not content with only an iOS slice of the mobile pie, the company has, naturally, created an Android version to be officially unveiled at CES next week. Dubbed iCONIC for Android -- after the iCONIC lens technology that makes taking 360-degree videos possible -- the attachment will initially be made for the Galaxy Nexus, with more phones to follow. However, the device will only be made for phones that can record in 1080p, so the iPhone 4 will be the final handset capturing panoramic movies in 720p. Of course, the company has also ported the free companion Looker app to Android to dewarp the raw images into viewable video. Pre-orders for iCONIC for Android start in late January on the company website, and you can grab one for $79.

We got to speak with Kogeto CEO Jeff Glasse about iCONIC for Android, and he indicated that the company's plans for it (like the attachment itself) differ from the Kogeto Dot. While Kogeto is currently making one version of the device, Glasse told us the company doesn't plan to build an attachment for every eligible Android phone. Instead, the idea is to license the technology to OEMs and let them manufacture iCONIC for the myriad handsets. This is all very good news for moviemaking Android users, but fear not, Kogeto hasn't forgotten you Apple folks. Glasse informed us that a new version of the iOS app is coming soon that'll let users start and stop recording with the volume buttons on their iPhones. We're hoping to give you all a glimpse of iCONIC for Android next week at CES, but you'll have to settle for the PR after the break until then.

Sony flashes new XQD memory cards, your pre-ordered Nikon D4 smiles coyly

We've been eagerly awaiting some of that next-gen XQD memory since it was announced right around a month ago, and now that we have something worthy to pop it in, we're doubly buzzed. Sony's the first to step forward, kicking off with QDH16 ($129) and QDH32 ($229) cards where the number represents the capacity. When the specs first came out of the darkroom there was talk of 5Gb/s write speeds; these might not be quite that rapid, but at 1Gb/s (125 MB/s), we're still not complaining. Sony thinks the cards will be good for up 100 frames in RAW format in continuous shooting mode, based on its tests. There'll also be a card reader and adapter for easy portability, both setting you back a further $45 when the whole lot hits the shelves in February. Click the PR after the jump for more info.

Samsung launches new wired and wireless headsets for mobile warriors

Samsung isn't letting CES go by without introducing a few new accessories for its mobile devices. A pair of Bluetooth headsets are on tap, the HM1800 and HM6000 (the latter of which boasts a pair of mics for noise cancellation ) but, oddly enough, it the company's "your sound" wired models that are getting the bulk of the attention. The EHS-60, 63, 70 and 71 all offer a twist on the wired stereo headset model. The high-end 70 and 71 are crafted of aluminum and include welcome features like anti-tangle cords. The most interesting, though, are certainly the asymmetrical EHS-63s which feature an in-ear bud for higher frequencies and an open-air speaker for low-end. Check out the PR after the break.

AOC's iPhone dock-packing Aire monitor landing in March for $280

If you were waiting for a few more details about the e2343Fi, AOC's monitor with a built-in iPhone dock, well today is your lucky day. Just in time for CES the company is taking the wraps off its HD monitor with 10-watt SRS Premium Sound speakers. The 23-inch 1080p panel rocks a 50,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, a 250 cd/m2 brightness and 5ms response time in a sleek 12.9mm-thick package. The Aire monitor won't actually hit the market until March, but when it does it'll carry a price tag of $280. Check the PR, with a full list of specs, after the break. 

 AOC Debuts the Aire Monitor with Docking Station
Ultra-slim Full HD monitor with built-in iPhone®/iPod® dock to be unveiled in AOC Showcase at the Bellagio, Monet 3 Ballroom at International CES

Fremont, Calif. – January 6, 2012– AOC, the worldwide leader in HD television and monitor display technology, announces the Aire Monitor with Docking Station, the ultimate monitor for iPod and iPhone owners. The 23-inch Full High Definition monitor features a built-in universal docking station for iPhone and iPod that allows immediate video, audio and photo playback from the mobile device through AOC's patented plug-and-play technology. Along with the integrated dock, the base of the monitor also includes built-in speakers with high quality SRS Premium Sound. The 23-inch AOC Aire Monitor with Docking Station (e2343Fi) will be available for $279.99 at national retailers in March 2012. The e2343Fi will also be showcased at the Bellagio, Monet 3 Ballroom, at the International CES 2012, January 10-13, 2012.

"The Aire Monitor with Docking Station is the ideal multimedia solution for iPhone and iPod users who want to watch movies or browse photos on a 23-inch high definition flat screen directly from their mobile device," said Robert Velez, Marketing Manager of AOC. "The monitor displays photos and video content on a screen that is 37 times larger than the iPhone that it comes from."

The elegant and energy efficient Aire Monitor with Docking Station features a sleek design with a black bezel and white back that complements Apple's stylish products. The 12.9 mm-thin monitor's modern design is complemented by impressive image quality with Full HD 1080p resolution, a 50,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio and 5 ms response time. The monitor's Dynamic Contrast Boost feature creates five different color enhancement settings and allows for color adjustment in highlighted areas. The Aire Monitor with Docking Station also offers a user-friendly graphical OSD menu that can be accessed directly through the mouse and bonus features like embedded Screen+ software that allows the user to divide the screen into four self-contained work areas.

Along with being EPEAT Silver Certified for its green packaging and production, the monitor is also equipped with multiple power-saving features for reduced environmental impact, while the LED backlight is completely Mercury free. An Off Timer allows users to set an alarm clock to turn of the monitor automatically, and the eSaver feature has preset power conservation modes for the display when the PC is not in use.

Specifications
• Ultra-slim (12.9 mm) monitor with built-in universal iPhone/iPod docking station
• 23" viewable image size, diagonal
• 50,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
• Displays 16.7 million colors
• 5ms response time
• 16:9 Aspect ratio
• 250 cd/m² typical brightness
• 1920x1080@60Hz resolution
• HDMI digital input
• Built-in speakers: 10 Watts
• Windows 7 compatible

About AOC
AOC is the world's largest manufacturer of LCD/LED monitors and HDTVs. With more than 60 years of design and manufacturing experience, AOC has earned a reputation for selling user-friendly, technologically advanced monitors, TVs and multi-functional displays. Every aspect of AOC's global business focuses on the development of products that fit seamlessly into consumers' digital lifestyle.

Sprint and Samsung announce the Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch in Frost White

Samsung and Sprint have just the thing to celebrate the wintery months ahead. How about a Samsung Galaxy S II, Epic 4G Touch in Frost White? It will be available this Sunday, January 8 for $199.99 with a two-year contract. It’s essentially the same phone as the original Samsung Galaxy S II, Epic 4G Touch. You can checkout our review of the T-Mobile version here.
Full press release after the break:
Accessorize Your Winter Style
Samsung Epic 4G Touch in Frost White will be available for $199.99 with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade. Decked out from head-to-toe, Samsung Epic 4G Touch will complement your style while providing all the must-have wireless features including:

• Dual-mode 3G/4G device – dependable 3G nationwide coverage and turbo-charged Sprint 4G speeds where available
• Dual Camera: 8MP rear-facing camera/camcorder with auto-focus and flash that records HD video 1080p HD high profile and 2MP front-facing camera ideal for self-portraits or video chat
• Samsung Exynos™ 1.2 GHz dual-core processor
• Super AMOLED Plus 4.52-inch touchscreen (800×480 WVGA)
• Android™ 2.3
• 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capable, supporting up to eight Wi-Fi® enabled devices on the Sprint 3G or 4G networks
• Visual Voicemail

Samsung Epic 4G Touch requires activation on one of the Sprint Everything Data plans, plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, Anytime^SM includes unlimited web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge – a savings of $40 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB web, or $10 per month versus Verizon’s 450-minute plan with unlimited text and 2GB web. The Mobile Hotspot option is also available for an additional $29.99 per month supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously (pricing excludes taxes and surcharges).