The press release doesn't get any more specific than that, but seems to lend authority to the previous leak, which indicated that the 18th would be the day. [BGR]
Samsung Semiconductor has launched a 100GB solid state drive for enterprises that can carry out ten times more I/Os per second than a fast hard disk drive and offer a 30X power saving.…
Ooops. Samsung's 10.2 megapixel HZ10W camera has leaked onto the Internets a bit early. The wide-angle lens goes extra-wide with its 24mm (not 28mm) Schneider with 10x optical zoom stabilized with both optical and digital anti-shake tech. It also captures 720p video at 30fps in H.264 format to SDHC cards if that's your thing. In addition to a presumably useful array of automatic face detection, Smile Shot (shoots a photo when the subject smiles) and Blink Detection (triggers 3x shots if a blink is detected), the camera also features manual control over shutter speed, focus, aperture, and ISO settings. Happy, pappy?[Via PhotographyBlog]
The Universal Display Corporation (UDC) have themselves a wrist-worn, flexible OLED prototype that they built with support from the US Department of Defense.
As you can see, the 4-inch screen looks a bit too unwieldy for practical use in the field, but the UDC believes that this technology will find a home with our military forces some time in the not to distant future (and in our cellphones and other devices beyond that). In the meantime, they plan to bring a working model to CES, so at least a few lucky attendees will get a taste of our OLED future. [OLED Display]
What happens when a company gets tired of paying technology licensing fees? One of two things: they either drop out of the market or decide to compete and build their own tech. Samsung is opting for the latter in the case of 4G chips because the former choice would have them uncompetitive in future handset [...]
Samsung's HMX-H106 camcorder's claim to fame is that it's the first camcorder with a built-in 64GB SSD. But its smoother-than-usual lines make it look like a Thermos I could pour thirst-quenching fruit punch in.
It, along with its 32GB and 16GB brothers, the H105 and H104, respectively, have a 10x zoom lens with optical stabilization and storage expansion via SDHC card slot. They all shoot with H.264 compression, giving you 12 hours of "full HD" footage on the 64GB H106, and six on the H105, and so on. No word on pricing or when you can buy, though. AMSUNG INTRODUCES SIX NEW DIGITAL CAMCORDERS AT CES 2009 New 64GB Internal Solid State Drive Marks a First in Digital Imaging Industry
LAS VEGAS, N.V., January 7, 2009 - Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today unveiled six new digital camcorders at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company further solidified its leadership in the high-definition category with the announcement of five new full-HD models and introduced its next generation YouTube™ compatible compact digital camcorder. Several of Samsung's new camcorders introduced at CES 2009 are also among the first to feature internal, flash based Solid State Drives (SSD), providing higher capacity, and faster, more durable onboard memory.
H-Series: HMX-H100, HMX-H104, HMX-H105, HMX-H106 Samsung's H-Series of full-HD digital camcorders set a new standard for style and performance. The HMX-H106, Samsung's new flagship full-HD digital camcorder, is the world's first to feature an internal 64GB SSD (as of January 5, 2009). Samsung's renowned SSD technology offers a substantial advantage over the use of Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in a digital camcorder, providing consumers with higher performing and more durable internal memory. Samsung's SSD technology is more lightweight and compact, operates silently with very low heat emission, and features no moving parts, which significantly reduces overall power consumption and enhances reliability. No moving parts also make SSD technology more durable and resistant to shock and vibrations. Additionally, Samsung's SSD technology is faster than HDD, including quicker boot-up and read/write speeds which is required for the amount of data recorded in full-HD resolution. When actively reading and writing data, Samsung's SSD technology consumes approximately 1/8th of the power of a comparable HDD (estimated value with 3GB/second, 2.5 inch HDD, 5400 RPM).
The HMX-H105 and HMX-H104 offer 32GB and 16GB SSDs, respectively, and like the HMX-H106, also allow consumers to expand memory capacity using an SD/SDHC memory card. The HMX H100 does not feature an internal SSD and requires the use of a SD/SDHC memory card.
The new H-Series full-HD digital camcorders also utilize H.264 compression, which significantly increases recording time. At full-HD resolution and when set to fine mode, users can record up to three hours directly to the 16GB HMX-H104, six hours to the 32GB HMX H105, and an unparalleled 12 hours to the 64GB HMX-H106.
Each of the new H-Series full-HD camcorders feature a 1/4.5", 2.2 mega-pixel CMOS imaging sensor, a 10x optical zoom, high-quality Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan HD lens, and Optical Image Stabilization to help counteract shaky video and blur. Samsung's new H-Series camcorders also offer a direct connection for an HDMI cable, further simplifying the way HD video is viewed on an HDTV and eliminating the need for proprietary docking stations. Consumers can also utilize the camcorders to take more than just stunning high definition video as each offers the ability to capture 4.7 mega-pixel digital still photos.
SMX-F34 Samsung's newly introduced SMX-F34 is the company's next generation YouTube™ compatible compact digital camcorder. Building on the success of the well received SC MX20, the SMX-F34 offers users substantial battery life of up to three hours, world class Schneider optics, as well as added features and functionality, including built-in memory, digital still photo capability, and Samsung's 42x Intelli-Zoom. Significantly more reliable than a standard digital zoom which negatively affects the quality of the image, Samsung's new Intelli-Zoom allows users to go beyond the camcorder's 34x optical zoom without sacrificing image quality.
The SMX-F34 features a memory card slot for SD/SDHC and 16GB of internal flash memory. Thanks to H.264 compression, users can record up to eight hours of standard definition video when using the 16GB built-in memory.
The SMX-F34 offers a high-performance CCD sensor that delivers a resolution of 720x480, and features a Web & Mobile shooting mode that allows users to record in the exact format and resolution required by YouTube™, resulting in faster upload times to the Web when sharing video with friends and family online. An additional feature that separates the SMX-F34 from its SC-MX20 sibling is its ability to capture digital still photos. A dedicated Photo mode allows consumers to use the SMX-F34 camcorder as a digital camera, snapping 800x600 resolution images.
The SMX-F34 will be available in four colors, including Midnight Black, Sunset Red, Galaxy Silver, and Deep Ocean Blue, all with silver trim, and will feature Samsung's exclusive swivel hand-grip, which effortlessly adjusts for regular and low angle shooting.
HMX-R10 Samsung's new HMX-R10 is a CMOS-based full-HD digital camcorder that raises the bar for digital still photo capability. In addition to the ability to record full-HD video, consumers can also capture high-quality, nine mega-pixel digital still photos. The HMX-R10 also sets a new standard for ergonomics, featuring a unique form factor that allows users to hold the camcorder more comfortably. Thanks to the lens being angled at 25 degrees, the user can grip the camcorder in a more relaxed manner and record their subjects with ease, further reducing the stress on one's wrist. Users can also benefit from a 5x optical zoom and swiveling 2.7 inch touch screen LCD.
Samsung's HMX-H106 camcorder's claim to fame is that it's the first camcorder with a built-in 64GB SSD. But its smoother-than-usual lines make it look like a Thermos I could pour thirst-quenching fruit punch in.
It, along with its 32GB and 16GB brothers, the H105 and H104, respectively, have a 10x zoom lens with optical stabilization and storage expansion via SDHC card slot. They all shoot with H.264 compression, giving you 12 hours of "full HD" footage on the 64GB H106, and six on the H105, and so on. No word on pricing, but you can buy the H106 in April.
SAMSUNG EXTENDS FULL-HD CAMCORDER FAMILY
WITH INTRODUCTION OF NEW H-SERIES
New HMX-H106 is the World’s First Camcorder to Feature a 64GB Internal SSD
LAS VEGAS, N.V., January 5, 2009 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today extended its family of full-HD digital camcorders with four new models - the HMX-H106, HMX-H105, HMX-H104, and HMX-H100. Samsung’s new H-Series offer users high-performance, full-HD video, a renowned Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan HD lens with Optical Image Stabilization, and industry leading design; however, most notable is the use of internal Solid State Drives to provide onboard memory.
The HMX-H106, Samsung’s new flagship full-HD digital camcorder, is the world’s first to feature an internal 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD)*. Samsung’s renowned SSD technology offers a substantial advantage over the use of Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in a digital camcorder, providing consumers with higher performing and more durable internal memory. In comparison to HDD, Samsung’s SSD technology is more lightweight and compact, operates silently with very low heat emission, and features no moving parts, which significantly reduces overall power consumption and enhances reliability. No moving parts also make SSD technology more durable and resistant to shock and vibrations, which pose a considerable threat to the performance of HDD based digital camcorders. Additionally, Samsung’s SSD technology is faster than HDD, including quicker boot-up and read/write speeds which is required for the amount of data recorded in full-HD resolution. When actively reading and writing data, Samsung’s SSD technology consumes approximately 1/8th of the power of a comparable HDD**.
The HMX-H105 and HMX-H104 offer 32GB and 16GB SSDs, respectively, and like the HMX-H106, also allow consumers to expand memory capacity using an SD/SDHC memory card. The HMX-H100 does not feature an internal SSD and requires the use of a SD/SDHC memory card.
The new H-Series full-HD digital camcorders also utilize H.264 compression, which significantly increases recording time. At full-HD resolution and when set to fine mode, users can record up to three hours directly to the 16GB HMX-H104, six hours to the 32GB HMX-H105, and an unparalleled 12 hours to the 64GB HMX-H106.
Producing a high-quality image starts at the lens, which is highly regarded as one of the most important components of a camcorder. Precision optics are paramount in helping produce inspiring video and Samsung’s H-Series camcorders underscore this assessment by incorporating world renowned Schneider optics. The camcorders’ Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan HD lens features a 10x optical zoom and is paired with Samsung’s new Optical Image Stabilizer to help reduce the blur found in footage as a result of vibrations and hand shake.
The Schneider lens also features a 37mm wide-angle focal length. Unlike other camcorders offering a typical angle of view of 40~50mm, the H-Series’ 37mm wide-angle Schneider lens allows users to fit more of their desired scene into the frame, making the camcorder ideal for recording large groups of family or friends, breathtaking landscapes or even capturing all the action at sporting events.
The trusted Schneider lens also helps capture remarkably clear and sharp video with accurate color reproduction. The H-Series’ direct HDMI connections allow consumers to effortlessly enjoy their full-HD content on their HDTV without the need for proprietary docking cradles. Consumers can also utilize the camcorders to take more than just stunning high-definition video, as each offers a built-in strobe flash and the ability to capture 4.7 mega-pixel digital still photos.
“This new series of high-definition digital camcorders clearly speaks to Samsung’s commitment to providing today’s consumers with the most advanced and highest-performing digital imaging technology,” said Tony Sorice, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Digital Imaging at Samsung Electronics America. “Our ability to leverage the synergies that exist across our various businesses in the design and manufacture of digital camcorders and cameras, allows us to better meet customer demands and bring higher-performing digital imaging solutions to market faster and more efficiently.”
At the heart of Samsung’s new H-Series of full-HD digital camcorders is a high-performance CMOS imaging sensor. Measuring 1/4.5 inches, the CMOS sensor boasts 2.2 mega-pixels and yields impressive light sensitivity helping enhance the overall imaging experience for the end-user. The camcorders also offer a large 2.7 inch touch-screen LCD, which serves as the gateway to the camcorders’ comprehensive suite of features. The swiveling LCD also gives users access to key camcorder controls, including record and zoom. When utilized in conjunction with Samsung’s proprietary swivel grip, the additional placement of controls on the LCD screens allow users to effortlessly control the camcorder at low or high angles.
The camcorders also feature a HD Time Lapse recording mode that will give consumers the ability to experiment with their creativity. When shooting in the Time Lapse recording mode, the camcorder will record a single image at an interval pre-selected by the user, either 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 30 seconds, and will save each image as one single movie file.
DRAMeXchange trimmed its forecast for higher chip sales from 108.2% to 81%. DRAMeXchange expects the market to reach 1.16 billion units sold in 2009, a decrease of 5.4% over 2008.
While the lowered sales expectations may not appear dramatic, over the past three years NAND flash sales grew 175%, 151% and 121% in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. So 2009 will be the first year in several years that the market sees only double-digit growth.
Gregory Wong, an analyst with Forward Insights, said NAND flash chip sales were down 20.1% between 2007 and 2008, with 12.4 billion flash chips sold last year compared to 15.8 billion in 2007. He doesn't expect those figures to improve for 2009.
While Jan. 26 marks the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Ox, Wong said Asian workers will have little to be bullish about when it comes to the technology marketplace. "The layoffs in Asia will occur just before Chinese New Year. This way the companies will avoid paying year-end bonuses," Wong said. "If those rumors are true, there will be a lot of people let go."
Wong said widespread layoffs will hit NAND flash chip production and sales negatively.
Both Toshiba and SanDisk -- two top producers of NAND flash chips -- shut down their facilities for 13 days after Dec. 31 and said they would run manufacturing facilities at 70% capacity until demand flash memory demand increases.
"I think Samsung will take some days off, too," said Wong, who blamed poor sales on an overstock of flash memory cards. "There's eight to nine weeks of flash memory card inventory out there."
DRAMeXchange expects flash chip suppliers to reduce production by 10% between the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009. It blamed the drop in flash memory sales on lackluster performance of products such as mobile phones and MP3 players. The 2009 forecast for mobile phone shipments is about 1.16 billion units, 5.4% lower than in 2008. For example, Nokia said its shipment of mobile phones declined 5% in 2008. Samsung and LG have also revised their 2008 mobile phone shipment forecast down by 8% and 12%, respectively.
Solid state disk (SSD) drives are also expected to see little growth in 2009 because of their high price and "reliability issues," DRAMeXchange reported. "Most [laptops] still mainly adopt hard disk drives as its major storage device. The penetration rate of SSD in the low cost PC market will be lower than 10% in 2009," the company said.
Digital still camera shipments are forecast to hit 144 million units in 2009, an annual growth rate of about 10%, compared to 21.3% in 2007 and 18.6% in 2008.
Slowing demand for MP3 portable multimedia players is also slowing, leading DRAMeXchange to forecast a drop in shipments ranging from 2.4% to 9.8% compared to 2008. DRAMeXchange said the drop is related to new mobile phone models that feature a music player function.
Oversupply in the DRAM chip market also pushed prices down 75% in 2008, from a high of $2.29 to 58 cents, and the industry lost more than $8 billion between the first quarter of 2008 and the third quarter, according to DRAMeXchange.
You should've known that Canon wouldn't be able to introduce a new family of HD camcorders without Samsung hitting back with a crew of its own, so it's with that in mind that we present Samsung's H-Series. The HMX-H106, HMX-H105, HMX-H104, and HMX-H100 all arrive with Full HD sensors and a Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan HD lens with Optical Image Stabilization, but it's the H106 that really steals the show. Said device is the first Full HD camcorder to incorporate a 64GB SSD within, while the H105 and H104 offer up 32GB and 16GB SSDs, respectively; as for the H100, you'll be providing your own SD / SDHC card before anything gets recorded. The whole crew utilizes H.264 compression, meaning that the big daddy can hold 12 hours of footage at Full HD resolution. Mum's the word on pricing / availability, but the full release is waiting just after the break.
Product delays are the greasy, disgusting lubricant that keep the wheels of the consumer electronics world turning, so when we hear of something being pushed back a week, a month, or a quarter, we really don't think much of it. Moving a launch up, though -- well, that's a totally different ball game, and it always brings a smile to our faces. Word on the street had been that T-Mobile USA would take delivery of the luscious new Curve 8900 come February 18, but now we're hearing it's actually coming a week earlier on February 11, just in time to stuff RIM's latest hardware in your loved one's box of chocolates, bouquet, or gift basket of sundry sausages, cheeses, and jams. 'Course, WiFi and 3.2-megapixel cam might be enough to get you to dump your life partner flat on his / her / its ass, so don't blame us if this thing wrecks your otherwise happy home.[Via PhoneDog.com]
CES 2009 is literally days away, but it seems that those looking for details on any possible new HDTVs from Samsung may not have to wait to get their fill. A few postings over at AVForums has led us to believe that the outfit will be debuting a number of new sets for a litany of markets. The 2009 lineup will reportedly consist of a few new Series 3, 4, 5 and 6 panels, with the main focus being on their LED-backlit-ness. Everything should be available for purchase during the first half of next year, with sizes ranging from around 40-inches and up. Obviously, there are far too many details linked below to cover in this space, but one mention we found particularly interesting was the promised Internet@TV feature, which should effectively replace InfoLive and instead rely on those Yahoo Widgets we've been hearing about for so long. It's about to get really interesting, folks.[Via Audioholics, thanks Celle]
Flexible OLED displays are becoming more and more commonplace (and festive), despite not actually being available in any devices you can buy just yet. When that day finally comes, Universal Display Corporation thinks one of those gadgets will be something like the above: a wearable, flexible, 4-inch prototype screen that CES attendees will be able to check out and maybe even try on -- albeit uncomfortably. It's been developed with military applications in mind (they always get the cool stuff first), but bendy consumer devices are naturally envisioned as well. There's no word on when we'll start seeing them in passports or flexi-phones, but we're thinking we have a while to wait yet.[Warning: PDF link; via OLED-DISPLAY.net]
PC World is reporting today that Samsung has managed to cram an LED backlit HDTV into a housing that's no more than 6.5mm thick. Don't sneeze or breathe too hard around this one.
We've previously covered the Samsung HDTV sets that are scheduled to make an appearance in 2009, but this super svelte one wasn't on the list, meaning it's most likely prototype fodder for the "thinnest HDTV" category that will surely get an exercise at CES 2009 this week.
The current record holder for thinnest HDTV is Philips with its 8mm prototype LCD, which was shown in Berlin last year at the IFA electronics show. Sony, on the other hand, takes the prize for having the thinnest retail television, a 9.9mm set that's already on store shelves. For more on the thinnest of the thin and their insane asking prices, check out Wilson's review of the top three on the market today.
Note: Pic is NOT of the rumored Samsung HDTV. [PC World]
Here's a list of the very best gear we've seen this year. It's more bragger's guide than buyer's guide—if you have any of this, you can officially tell your friends to suck on it.
The year winds to an end and every product worth a damn has already hit store shelves—there's not going to be any new shiny coolness until next month's CES. We were lucky enough to have a look at most of the best gear out there, and we've passed judgment on all that we saw. Here's a complete list of great products, yanked from our first looks, reviews, and epic Battlemodos:
Well that was a neat little progression: 
Ooops. Samsung's 10.2 megapixel HZ10W camera has leaked onto the Internets a bit early. The wide-angle lens goes 
The Universal Display Corporation (UDC) have themselves a wrist-worn, flexible 
Samsung's HMX-H106 camcorder's claim to fame is that it's the first camcorder 
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PC World is reporting today that Samsung has managed to cram an LED backlit HDTV into a housing that's no more than 6.5mm thick. Don't sneeze or breathe too hard around this one.
Here's a list of the very best gear we've seen this year. It's more bragger's guide than buyer's guide—if you have any of this, you can officially tell your friends to suck on it.
OpenMoko built the