Sony invites 18 journalists to try Sony products in the wilds of Sadona, Arizona!

Well, I don't know how wild it was, but there more info on the amazing Sony trip here:

http://gizwizbiz.squarespace.com/dicks-blog-log/

Let’s take an advance look at one of the newest additions to Sony’s very successful Cyber-Shot camera line. Coming mid-May is the Cyber-Shot HX30V. It features a new, ultra-thin 20x optical zoom lens equal to 25-500mm in 35mm format. Considering the power of the zoom lens, the camera body is very compact. Not only is the body small, it’s manufactured from 99% recycled materials. So when you’re shooting photos  outdoors, you can feel good that you made an environmentally sound camera choice. The HX30V incorporates a new Sony 18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor. Sony says it offers the highest resolution sensor currently offered in the mainstream “point and shoot” market. The new “AA” lens can focus at a minimum distance of approximately 1 cm for amazing macro shots. Past the 20x optical zoom range is a 40x digital “Clear Image Zoom”. Instead of merely ‘blowing up’ the pixels as digital zooms normally do, this technology analysis’s and adds more pixels to the picture. You can frame your photos on a 3.0-inch LCD screen. If you forget a memory card, all is not lost. There’s 105MB of built-in memory, SD / Memory Stick Duo card slots. There’s full HD movie shooting capability (1920x1080/60p) and you can capture 13MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”. With any long zoom lens you need to worry about ‘shake’, so Sony adds Optical SteadyShot Active Mode. If you want to use a sort of lazy man’s Photo Shop there are 9 “Picture Effect” options built right in. But wait, there’s more! This camera offers both 3D still images and 3D sweep panorama modes. And if you travel, the built-in GPS receiver let you tag photos and movies with capture location. The Sony DSC-HX30V GPS track log lets you replay your route on a given day's shooting. There are both USB 2.0 and Mini HDMI outputs. DSC-HX30V camera will be available in black this May for approximately $420. It can be pre-ordered at the Sony Store:

http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&partNumber=DSCHX30V/B

Photos I shot with a pre-production DSC-HX30V: 

http://thegizwiz.smugmug.com/Other/Sony-DSC-H-30V-DLNA-419-April/21944944_Qn3TQx

The Ivee Flex - you talk, it listens!

A bit more than two years we talked about the iMoshi Interactive Voice Clock. Now comes the Ivee Flex. The Flex has a 5" LED Display (Vs. 3") - 6 Alarm Sounds and 6 Sleep Sounds vs. 3 each on the Ivee Digit. Also the Ivee Flex has USB Firmware Upgrade Capability. Strangely, the Ivee clocks look almost identical to the iMoshi Clock. Even the names are similar, but Ivee knows more. She responds to 43 voice commands and has a built-in FM radio. The display auto dims in low light and you can set the brightness. And yes, you can set it so low, it’s off! (Something Leo always wants in electronic devices so he can sleep in darkness.) When you want to give a command you wake the clock by saying "Hello Ivee". I tried to fool her by saying: "Hello Moshi", be she ignored that. You do have to say: “Hello Ivee” before each command, but there’s a "voice off" button also. With voice off, a chime tells you when to say the command you want. Some people like the idea of voice control, rather than hitting the wrong button to set an alarm. After the alarm rings in the morning, you can stop it and nap again but simply saying "snooze". To turn the alarm off completely, say "off". That prompts Ivee to say good morning, and to tell you the time, date and temp. You change setting by saying “settings” and then Ivee runs through the list. Sometimes that can be annoying because it might take two or three steps to do when you want. The volume control is a slide switch with low, medium and high. I find the speaker volume on the low side, even in the high position, but since this will probably be right next to your bed, it might be okay. Ivee Flex is under $70. You can check Amazon for discounts.

www.helloivee.com

Here's a gadget I hope you never need. (Me either!)

It takes a healthy person to remember the HeartSine Samaritan Pad Public Access Defibrillator - with Adult & Pediatric PadPaks! This device was at the boat show because the spokesperson at the booth said it was the only waterproof Defibrillator. Of course its application is far wider than boats. It can be used in many emergency situations on land, sea or air. I asked if a person needed any special training to use the AED and he told me they just have to follow the written & audio instructions. He did a little demo, and it did seem really easy to use. Here’s more (edited for space) info from the company website: The HeartSine Samaritan Pad Public Access Defibrillator is an easy-to-use medical device especially designed for public access use, to administer lifesaving treatment for Sudden Cardiac Arrest. No complex displays or controls. A flashing green STATUS light indicates system is operational. The Samaritan PAD prompts you visually and audibly with clear, calm instructions - starting with "Adult Patient" if equipped for adult Pad-Pak, and "Child Patient" if equipped with pediatric-pak. Other prompts instruct users throughout the rescue process, while reminding users to "call for medical assistance." The system then guides the user through pad application to shock delivery if required. Electrode pads are contained in an innovative Pad-Pak or Pediatric-Pak, accessible by pulling the green tab. Pads are accessible with the unit in the storage case (supplied with each unit). When electrode pads are applied, the system automatically assesses the patient to determine if a shock is required. If not, the unit will prompt the rescuer to begin CPR. Verbal and visual prompts guide the rescuer when to touch and when not to touch the patient. If it is determined that a shock is required, the Shock Button illuminates. A CPR tone and flashing icon coach the rescuer in delivering chest compressions according to AHA or ERC 2005 guidelines- 100 compressions per minute - for 2 minute intervals. Lightweight (2.4 lb./1.1 kg. with battery). –And now, back to me! There’s a lot more info available, so check the company website. Cost is under $1300, but it’s a Sears for under $1200. It also looks like you can click a secret “discount coupon code” by registering at the company website.

Heartsine Technology: http://www.heartsinesamaritan.com/Home.html

Sears: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM4080806101P?aff=Y&i_cntr=1330106089696&sid=I0084400010000100600

Got Balance? --- Check out the SoloWheel!

The Solowheel is pretty unique. I saw it at CES, and again at Toy Fair. I’m not quite sure why they were at Toy Fair, since it’s far from being a toy. The Solowheel is a gyro-stabilized electric unicycle that the company calls: “the smallest, greenest, most convenient "People Mover" ever invented.”  There’s not much to the Solowheel as far as knobs, dials, etc. You step on it, lean forward, and you’re on your way! The folks at the booth were riding it up and down the aisles, in and out of traffic and were really good at using it. There's nothing to hold to, so you need really good balance. They offered me a chance to try it, but I preferred not to knock down a dozen people and crash into a wall. I don’t know what the learning curve is, but it does seem to work well. They reason it was strange to be at Toy Fair is the company warning: “We strongly recommend that children under the age of fifteen (15) do not use the Solowheel. Children fifteen (15) and up should use the Solowheel only with adult supervision.” It’s seems like a sort of Segway in operation. Lean forward to go forward, stand straight up to stop it. (I don't know if it goes backwards.) The maximum capacity is 250 lbs. Obviously riders have to observe all proper safety precautions and wear an approved helmet and other safety gear when operating the Solowheel. But the range isn’t bad. You can ride for 15 to 20 miles at a top speed of 10 miles per hour. The lady at the booth said the built-in lithium-ion battery can be fully recharged in two hours. And as with hybrid cars, the battery recaptures energy when going downhill or slowing down. The company says the Solowheel battery lasts for over 1000 cycles. The price? $1795.00. 

There's some good video at the company website: www.solowheel.com

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1353

A full-featured sound bar designed for smaller spaces.

Companies at CES were showing huge sound bars with room filling sound. And then, of course, Leo talking about the Beringer iNuke Sound Dock, that weights 700 pounds and costs $30,000. On the other end of the spectrum is the Haier 20” Soundbar. This neat gizmo is designed for the small apartment, bedroom, kitchen or any place you want music from your iPod, iPhone, or iPad. It's also perfect if you have a small flat screen TV that could use a real speaker upgrade. It offers great sound for it’s size, from iPod, iPhone, the built-in FM radio, MP3 player, and your TV. Haier’s 2.0 Channel Soundbar enhances your device’s sound experience with its twin 3” full range speakers and 20W of power. It’s wall-mountable, so it’s a great accessory for any small flat-panel tv that needs better sound. The SBC20 Soundbar dock can charge and play iPod/iPhone/or iPad and make use of functions like the FM tuner through the included Haier Audio App. It also ships with a remote control, AC Adapter, 2 x AAA batteries, RCA stereo cables, 3.5mm to RCA Y adapter, component video cables, wall mount guide paper, wall mount screws. (Every Apple device that the Soundbar is compatible with, is on the Haier website. MSRP is $99.99, but it’s shipping now and should be available at a discount.

http://www.haieramerica.com/20-2-0ch-core-soundbar-sbc20 

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1352