Sandisk Launches HD Video Flash Card Line

As the first of a new category of storage media, SanDisk launched the Video HD cards to be available in SDHC (high-capacity) and Memory Stick PRO Duo formats, and will be identified by minutes of recording time as well as by capacity."The SanDisk Video HD line takes the mystery out of selecting the proper memory for these new camcorders," said Susan Park, senior product marketing manager for SanDisk's Cards and Accessories Division. "The bright red packaging and the bold labeling of recording times give consumers an easy way to select memory cards for video." The cards are designed to be high performance and optimized for high-definition camcorders, but they can also be used in recording standard video. "Further, the cards work well in point-and-shoot digital still cameras that have video capabilities", she added.

The market for flash-enabled camcorders is expected to grow in popularity. Research company IDC predicts that by 2011, some 37 percent of global camcorder shipments will be models that record onto memory cards, and well over half of camcorders will feature HD video capture. "With HD video quickly penetrating the category, it will be critical for vendors to provide seamless recording experiences," said Christopher Chute, research manager of IDC's worldwide digital imaging practice. "The SanDisk Video HD card is well-positioned to service this expanding market by simplifying the memory message for consumers," he added.
The SanDisk Video HD cards are expected to be available starting in March for North America and shortly afterwards for Europe. They will be offered in 60-minute (4GB) and 120-minute (8GB) times – on the HD Standard setting – for both SDHC and Memory Stick PRO Duo formats. Suggested retail prices are $79.99 and $139.99, respectively, for the 4GB and 8GB SDHC cards, and $79.99 and $149.99, respectively, for the Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.Source

Motorola Launches The MOTOYUVA W270

Motorola has launched the clamshell MOTOYUVA W270 that offers an inbuilt MP3 player with dedicated MP3 and FM keys. These keys can be operated even with the flip closed to adjust the volume for music, change FM channels and MP3 music tracks. The phone has integrated stereo FM radio with RDS support that allows you to view the FM station, artist’s name and name of the song you are listening to.

MOTOYUVA W270 offers storage of up to 2 GB of expandable memory with a touted talk time of up to 550 minutes and 450 hours of standby time. The phone is equipped with CrystalTalk technology that helps reduce ambient noise. The phone book is capable of storing up to 500 names, while the phone also comes with what the company calls a 'Hinglish predictive text software'.

“We believe MOTOYUVA W270 will redefine mobile music and create a paradigm shift in ‘making music listening a style statement’,” said Lloyd Mathias, Director Marketing, India & South West Asia, Motorola Mobile Devices. “MOTOYUVA W270 is a music lover’s dream in a stylish, attractively priced clamshell form factor. We are making a very compelling offer to an aspiring Indian music enthusiast to have fun-on-the-go, always!”
The phone comes equipped with GPRS Class 10, and a T-Flash Card support up to 2GB. The MOTOYUVA W270 is available in India at all MOTOSTOREs and retailers and comes with a 256MB microSD card, USB cable and stereo headset at a best buy price of Rs. 3,360, while the MRP is Rs. 3,583.Source

Sahara Launches Rechargeable Optical Mouse

Sahara Computers, has launched a new rechargeable optical mouse with up to 800 dpi.The Sahara 640B3BT4 Rechargeable Optical Mouse comes with advanced optics localization pattern and precise cursor movement. The receiver and charger of this new optical mouse come in one base with rechargeable Ni-MH batteries. The receiver can be used as a charger.

The mouse comes with 27MHz wireless RF technology with a 360 degree receiving feature and can be used from a distance of 1.5 meters. It features skid-proof silicon rubber pads on both sides and has a transparent cover with a stainless steel strip on the top surface.

The Sahara 640B3BT4 Rechargeable Optical Mouse is available through Sahara Computers authorized Channel Partners and ITJ Retails at a price of Rs. 999 without taxes.Source

Creative Zen Stone Plus With In-built Speaker Announced

IDLDPL (India Digital Life Style Distributors Pvt. Ltd.) will soon make available the Creative Zen Stone Plus with in-built speaker.Apart from the built-in speaker the second version of Zen Stone Plus features a small OLED display with customizable equalizer settings and functionalities including stopwatch, FM/AM radio system, recording facility etc. This MP3 player comes with a translucent silicon skin and a clip to hold onto pockets.

Available in 2 GB and 4 GB capacities the player can store up to 1000 songs. Apart from MP3 and WMA formats, the Zen Stone Plus also supports audible files and unprotected AAC files (including iTunes Plus).
Powered by USB cables from a PC, the player does not require drivers to synchronize with a desktop or laptop. By downloading Creative Media Lite, one can easily rip CDs, manage folders, transfer files and access other essential functions.
The Creative Zen Stone plus is available in matte black, dark blue, pink or champagne and features a smooth, contoured design for a natural, comfortable fit in the hand. The 2 GB version will be available for Rs. 3699.Source

Samsung Out With New DVD, Blu-ray Players

Samsung today announced the launch of its next generation DVD Players in the Indian market, including its first Blu-ray player BD-P1400. The flagship model of the new 2008 DVD range is the Samsung Pebble ( DVD F1080), which is a High Definition 1080p up conversion DVD Player.

Samsung DVD-F1080

The unit is small and slim and can up convert standard 480p discs to 720 p, 1080i or 1080p. It also features multimedia file playback capability, including DivX, MP3, WMA, MPEG4 and more. It is priced at Rs. 5, 900.

"The introduction of newest line of DVD and Blu-ray players signals to consumers that the home viewing experience will come with a more striking look, a clearer sound, more stunning color and easier connectivity than ever before", said R. Zutshi, Dy. Managing Director, Samsung India.

Samsung BD-P1400

The new BD-P1400 Blu-ray player also seems impressive, with all the arsenal needed for a multimedia overhaul, like HDMI 1.3 and more. It comes in at the right time, and is not too differently priced from competitors. It is priced at Rs. 29, 000/.
In addition to the Pebble and BD-P1400, Samsung today also announced the launch of seven new DVD players here. Some of the new features that have been introduced in the 2008 DVD line up include: Best Playability, FM Tuner, Power Resume Function, USB 2.0 connection, CD ripping and 14 bit Video DAC. These players also have the cool D2RS technology, which aims and claims to play all kinds of scratched DVDs.Source