The Razer Chimaera 5.1

Get your head in the game
by S Shiva
Updated 11:29 AM Sep 08, 2011
With Razer's Chimaera cupping my ears, I had to constantly remind myself that the gunfire all around me was not real.

The Razer Chimaera 5.1 is the second Xbox 360 offering from gaming peripheral giant, Razer. Taking the form of a black pair of headphones, it brings 5.1 surround sound to the playing field.

The Razer Chimaera 5.1 is music to any gamer's ears: Its 5.1 Channel Dolby Surround Sound headphones produce stunning results. Gunfire from the virtual weapons actually sounds more realistic. You will hear the footsteps of your enemies before you actually see them.

Listening to a game through the Razer Chimaera 5.1 will make you realise how much you have been missing from of the game's engineered audio. Be warned though, you can get seriously engrossed in your game, especially with the volume cranked up.

The Razer Chimaera 5.1 is fully wireless and operates on the 5.8GHz frequency, which has higher promise of not conflicting with other wireless gadgets.

During my numerous game sessions, not once did the headphones lose connection with my console - even though I was using a wireless console that was connected wirelessly to the Internet. For those who prefer a wire-free entertainment environment, the Razer Chimaera 5.1 will be a nice touch.

However, for voice chats during online games, the headphones will still need to be connected to the Xbox 360 controller with a 2.5mm wire, which comes in the box.

The dock also works as a control station for the Razer Chimaera 5.1 to preset desired sound levels, and also acts as a charger. A three hour charge will give eight hours of game play.

If you like to immerse yourself in the game, this headset will do the trick.

The Razer Chimaera 5.1 is available now for S$299. S Shiva

Source: www.todayonline.com

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Sony unveils Android tablets

Sony unveils Android tablets
04:46 AM Sep 02, 2011
TOKYO - Sony has launched its first Android tablets. The S and P models are the first such devices made by the Japanese electronics giant, with the S featuring a tapered design and a 9.4-inch screen, while the P is a folding, clamshell model with two smaller screens.

Sony claims both devices not only offer the best available features in the Android tablet market - with fast Web browsing and PlayStation games - it also boast features not available on the market-leader, Apple's iPad.

For the S, the two key features are a built in remote-control that can be used with any infra-red devices - including television sets and hi-fis not made by Sony - and the ability to use the tablet to direct digital media, such as music or films, from anywhere on the user's network to any TV or hifi that can play it.

The new release marks a step-change for Android tablets, which have previously sought primarily to ape the iPad slim form factor, while relying on Google for the vast majority of the software. Sony has sought to shift the innovation to hardware, where its heritage lies, a company source said.

Weighing 598g, the S model will be shipped to Europe later this month, while the 372g P will be available from November.

Both include USB and SD card slots, as well as high-speed Web browsing, that the company claims is faster than any tablet currently on the market. Both tablets will have front and rear cameras, WiFi connectivity and 3G mobile Internet, and 4G where it is available. The S will come in either 16 or 32GB of storage, while the smaller P will come with 4GB. Sony claims seven hours battery life for the P and eight for the S.

Last year, Sony said its aim was to be second to Apple in the tablet market by next year. That will mean overtaking rivals including Samsung, Motorola and RIM (Research in Motion), manufacturers of the BlackBerry PlayBook.

Sony made the announcements at the IFA consumer technology trade fair in Berlin, where it has also launched an updated version of its eReader and wearable 3D visor. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Source: www.todayonline.com

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The Sony SLT-A35

The SLT-A35 DSLR is the latest inclusion in Sony's range of entry DSLRs.

The A35 opts for a much simpler and user-friendly control rather than have a plethora of settings and modes available for users to tweak.

It is surprisingly bulky compared to many other models but, thankfully, is lighter than it looks, weighing in at 413g. The bulk also gives it a sturdier feel, making it much easier to handle and operate.

Performance-wise, the A35 delivers better than expected results - especially since it is an entry level DSLR.

The A35 is fast. It can be powered and snap a photo in under a second and there is almost zero lag between the moment you hit the shutter release and picture capture, which makes the A35 ideal for high speed activities like sports.

The camera is also capable of burst shooting, with a maximum rate of about 5 frames per second, but tends to lose focus between the shots. It had failed me on more than one occasion.

The A35 has above average low light shooting capabilities thanks to the built-in Exmor sensor. At ISO 1600, photos look much better than those captured at the same ISO with other entry level DSLRs. The photos look grainy, but not as much as expected, and they are definitely usable.

It should be noted that while the A35 has a resolution of 16.2-Megapixels, the 18-55mm kit lens does not do it justice with its restricted range and depth of field. Be prepared to invest in better lenses to get the best photo quality out of the A35.

When it comes to photo options, the A35 has plenty of modes and filters. Pop Colour and Retro filters can give photos unique looks by modifying their saturation, and panorama mode allows you to shoot a photo with a much larger viewing angle. The A35 is also equipped to shoot video footage, if only in short bursts. A downside of video filming is it tends to overheat after about 10 to 15 minutes, and will automatically stop capturing footage. It has to cool down for a minute or two before it can shoot again.

The battery life of the A35 also leaves much to be desired. It only lasts around 400 shots before it needs a recharge. Depending on your activity, this could translate to a little more than an hour.

The excellent LCD display panel on the A35 is great for amateur photographers who opt to use the display instead of the viewfinder, but I would have prefered an articulated one rather than having it fixed on the body. Even if it does not affect the photo taking quality of the camera in any way.

The A35 is an entry level DSLR, and an exceptional at that. For amateur shutterbugs, the A35 is a great tool to learn with, thanks to its numerous features, good quality and performance, and low price point.

The Sony SLT-A35 is available now for S$1,099.

Trigger happy

Sony's latest entry DLSR is picture perfect - almost
by S Shiva
Updated 07:10 PM Sep 08, 2011

Source: www.todayonline.com

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Sony's Walkman NWZ-W260

Introducing Sony's Walkman NWZ-W260, a device that avoids the tangle of wires by dealing away with them altogether. Instead, it incorporates the MP3 player into the earpieces for one handsome product.

While it is not the first of its kind - being the successor to the W202 - but a series of improvements make this the music player of choice an active individual.

For starters, the W260 is extremely lightweight at just 32g. Wearing the W260 for long periods did not feel uncomfortable at all but not too light that you forget it is there.

Its design helps block out excess background noise but is not noise cancelling. The rubberised earbuds come in myriad sizes and can be swapped for a closer fit.

It needs some getting used to in navigating through your playlists but for convenience, it is well worth it. However, controlling the W260 is tricky as you cannot see the buttons while using the device. It may slightly awkward at first but once you are used to the layout, it will feel more natural.

Navigation is made easier with ZAPPIN song search technology, which plays a short preview of a song while you browse through the list, so you know exactly what song is playing even without a visible menu.

As far as music quality goes, the W260 definitely satisfies with high quality sound and a wide volume range. However, do not expect outstanding bass or sharp vocals. The W260 delivers sound quality that is well above the average mark, but it is not the best quality around.

The W260 is water resistant, which makes it perfect for any activity that would result in you sweating it out. Cleaning is as simple as running the W260 under a stream of water. However, the W260 is not waterproof, meaning it cannot be taken underwater, or scrubbed with cleaning substances while cleaning without avoiding the risk of a faulty Walkman.

The W260 comes with a USB cable that acts both as its charger and way to transfer music from your computer. With the included Content Transfer software, music can be dragged and dropped from your iTunes library to quickly build up your portable music library.

A quick charge function gives you an hour of music with a three minute charge, and a full charge would allow the W260 to last up to 8 hours of continuous operation.

The W260's catchy design and high quality performance makes it the ideal companion for any situation, as long as you desire to bring your music along with you. Throw in the four colours it comes in, and you have a mp3 player for everyone.

Its wireless operation, coupled with its water resistant build, makes it great for active individuals who need a pair of earphones that can keep up the pace with themselves.

The new Walkman NWZ-W260 series will be available from end August 2011.

Tangle free music
by S Shiva
02:44 PM Aug 30, 2011

Source: www.todayonline.com

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Samsung LED D8000

The future of television

The Samsung LED D8000 blurs the line between televisions and computers
by S Shiva
Updated 06:37 PM Aug 30, 2011
The Samsung LED D8000 TV is proof that we have come a long way since the invention of the goggle box. Even by the standards of the slim, flat screen, high definition televisions of today, the D8000 looks like a device from the future.

Televisions have long been shouldering the responsibility of one sole purpose - to deliver infotainment to anyone and everyone regardless of age. Smart TVs, a concept only introduced several years ago, combines the traditional role of televisions with the versatility provided by the Internet, turning your television set into a one stop entertainment hub.

The D8000 is by no means a small device, measuring in at 55-inches. Yet, it is remarkably slim for its size. Perhaps what is more impressive is the 5mm wide brushed metal bezel that encloses its screen. This thin strip of metal is so miniscule compared to the large LED panel that it is almost invisible to the eye, making the front of the television look as if it only consists of a screen and nothing else.

This minimalist design is a look first seen on Samsung's C8000 Series, and the D8000 continues the cycle. It may not be for everyone, but the D8000 will definitely be able to make any living room look cooler.

Despite the screen's large size, the television sits sturdily on any flat surface thanks to an improved Quad Stand. Instead of the large plastic base many flat screen television sets use, the D8000 stands on four legs, which spread out the weight of the screen and balances it.

Turn the D8000 on, and it does not take long to realise that it is much more than a mere television set. Instead of simply displaying a blank screen while waiting for you to tell it what to do next, a buzzing Smart Hub portal, which looks more like the menu of a computer or game console, comes on.

The D8000 comes with Wi-Fi connectivity built in, and it can connect directly to any wireless networks to access content on the Interment. Social sites like Facebook and Twitter can be viewed directly from the Smart Hub portal, and services like Skype can be used as well. In fact, the D8000 comes with a full web browser for surfing the Internet.

Under the Smart Hub portal, music, photos and videos can be viewed in separate categories. There is also a handy guide to answer all your queries.

The D8000 supports Samsung Apps, a service that offers numerous applications that can work on the television. These apps can provide useful information, like the weather or news, and they even come in the form of games that can be played on the D8000.

The image quality on the D8000 is excellent thanks to a bunch of technologies that work hand in hand. Fast motions, like those produced by sports or action programs, can be viewed smoothly on the television thanks to its 800Hz CMR, and this feature is complimented with its LED backlight scanning technology, which reduces the chances of double images during fast paced movements.

These functions are especially useful because the D8000 can deliver both 2D and 3D content. A problem many 3D televisions face is multiple images appearing when in 3D mode. The D8000 addresses that issue by being able to keep up to the pace of the dual images use to create the 3D effect.

The D8000 has Micro Dimming technology, which enhances the blacks to look deeper and the whites to look purer. The resulting effect makes content look as rich and lifelike as they possibly can be. This works great while watching movies in high definition format, like Blu-ray discs. Image quality is at its best and beats watching the movies even on the big screen.

The D8000 can be paired with other devices through DLNA, and can easily be connected with other Samsung products through Samsung's One Foot Connection technology. This function allows any Samsung device to be connected to the D8000 wirelessly.

Despite being a television, the D8000 feels much more like a computer with a huge display screen. With all the Internet options it offers, it does not hurt that the D8000 is also excellent for watching movies thanks to its top notch quality.

The 55" D8000 is available now at $6,499.

Source: todayonline.com

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