Posts with «author_name|steve dent» label

Panasonic's GH6 camera will soon support ProRes RAW at 4K 120 fps

Panasonic recently launched the GH6 with internal ProRes recording and other nice pro features, but one thing missing was any RAW video recording. However, its next firmware version 2.0 upgrade coming on July 5th will address that with external ProRes RAW output, the company announced. You'll be able to record 12-bit 5.7K RAW video at up to 60 fps and C4K (4,096 x 2,160) at an impressive 120 fps to Atomos Ninja V/V+ recorders.

It'll also support RAW 5.8K and 4.4K 4:3 anamorphic resolutions at up to 30 fps and 60 fps, respectively. If you're recording V-Log video, you'll be able to download a lookup table to install on the Ninja V/V+ to better preview footage.

All of that is enabled by the GH6's HDMI 2.1 port that supports higher resolutions and frame rates than previous models. Atomos has also gradually updated the Ninja V to support higher resolutions and speeds, while the Ninja V+ supported up to 8K ProRes RAW from launch. 

Panasonic

Along with the ProRes RAW external recording, the update will introduce a raft of new internal recording formats. Right now the GH6 can only record 5.7K 30p ProRes/ProRes HQ video, but the upgrade will allow for C4K and Full HD ProRes and ProRes HQ video at up to 60 fps. As before, all ProRes video must be recorded to the CFexpress card slot. There's no sign of UHD ProRes internal recording (3,840 x 2,160), so hopefully that'll come at a later time. 

With CFexpress, Panasonic might have been able to support RAW video recording internally. However, it may have been dissuaded by RED's patent on the technology — RED recently sued Nikon over its use of internal RAW recording on the Z9, for example. Atomos, however, has already partnered with RED to license it's technology. 

Disney's big holiday movie will skip French theaters in release window protest

In protest of France's content streaming rules, Disney has announced that its animated holiday film Strange World (aka Avalonia) will go straight to Disney+ and not appear in theaters in the country. It also gave a strong statement to Deadline decrying France's so-called chronologie des medias rules. 

"Strange World will be available to all Disney+ subscribers in France, foregoing a French cinematic release. While we support French cinema — and have for decades — the new, cumbersome media chronology is anti-consumer, ignoring how behavior has evolved over the last several years and puts us at increased risk for piracy. We will continue to make decisions on a film-by-film basis and according to each market’s unique conditions," a company spokesperson said. 

France's laws force studios like Disney to wait 17 months before they can release movies to Disney+ after a theatrical release, following a four month purchase and exclusive six-month Canal+ window. Disney+ can then only keep it for five months, as it goes to free-to-air channels like TF1 and France 2 for a 14-month period. Once that window ends (36 months after the theatrical release), it reverts back to Disney+. 

Minister of Culture

Prior to a new law implemented earlier this year, the situation actually used to be worse for streaming channels, with release windows much longer. Disney has protested because the new rules favor Netflix, giving it a shorter 15-month window before films can revert to its streaming service. It has also said that the laws don't take into account the new reality of how content is consumed in the COVID-19 era. 

"We believe that the media chronology is not consumer friendly, nor does it establish a balanced or proportionate framework between the various players in the French audiovisual ecosystem. This is especially frustrating as we have been increasing our investment in the creation of original French content while also supporting French cinema through our theatrical releases," Disney said at the time. (Engadget has reached out to France's media regulator for comment.)

France's Ministry of Culture and regulatory body CNC juggle the needs of theater chains, studios, streaming services and consumers. At the same time, they're trying to encourage local production and original French content in general. That has been effective of late, with numerous productions like Emily in France shot in the country. At the same time, original French series like Netflix's Lupin and Call My Agent have become hits in the US and elsewhere around the world. 

Uber Eats launches new nationwide shipping service

Uber Eats has launched a new nationwide US shipping service that lets you order products from several cities, widely expanding your range of dining choices. "Whether you want to send dad BBQ for an upcoming Father’s Day gift or want to celebrate date night with your favorite dish from The Big Apple, it’s never been easier for Uber Eats consumers than with Nationwide shipping," the company wrote. 

You can order anything from 15 merchants in NYC, Miami and Los Angeles, with more cities and sellers coming soon. Some of the merchants include Bludso’s BBQ and Gotta Have S’More (Los Angeles), Sarge’s Deli and Wafels & Dinges (NYC), and Sabores Market and Doggi’s Arepa Bar in Miami.

It's available on the Uber Eats app when you go "Home" and scroll until you see the nationwide shipping option. From there, you just follow the usual procedure: select the items you want, add them to your cart, confirm the order and check out. From there, you'll receive an email with tracking information from FedEx, the carrier handling the service. 

Uber Eats

On the Uber Eats app (above), it shows the new interface, promising that you can "get far-off cravings shipped." Another screenshot shows an order from Pasta Sisters in Los Angeles, with an item called "The Party Box" shipping to New York for $124.30, presumably including delivery. Uber Eats also shows an "Order placed" screen promising a 5-7 day shipping window, which raises a number of questions. Unfortunately, Uber didn't provide more details on food conservation and the like, but you can check it out for yourself as the nationwide service is launching today. 

EU reaches deal to make USB-C a common charger for most electronic devices

Europe has reached a deal to make USB-C a common charger for all phones and electronic devices, with the aim to reduce e-waste and inconvenience with incompatible chargers. "Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charging device and cable every time they purchase a new device, and can use one single charger for all of their small and medium-sized portable electronic devices," the European Parliament said in a press release. 

Buyers will also be able to choose whether they want to purchase new electronic equipment with or without a charger. "These new obligations will lead to more re-use of chargers and will help consumers save up to 250 million euro a year on unnecessary charger purchases," the EU wrote. 

Manufacturers have until autumn 2024 to implement the new rule, which covers "mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers." They'll have a bit longer to adapt the rule for laptops, up to 40 months after the rule goes into effect. 

We have reached a deal on the common charger! 🔌👏

✔️mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, digital cameras & more #USBtypeC
✔️harmonised fast-charging technology
✔️unbundling of sale of chargers from the sale of device

🔴 Press conference at 12.30 CEST ➡️ https://t.co/TCBXxzIEdrpic.twitter.com/29JmeL0nxe

— IMCO Committee Press (@EP_SingleMarket) June 7, 2022

The EU has worked with the industry to reduce the number of mobile phone chargers from 30 to 3 over the last decade, it said last year. The biggest odd one out is Apple's Lightning iPhone port that's used by around 20 percent of devices sold in Europe. Apple has yet to respond to the legislation, but in 2020, said that the push for a universal phone charger would "stifle innovation." 

Another issue that's not completely clear is how the EU wants manufacturers to handle different standards like DisplayPort for video. As for power delivery (PD), the EU simply said that "consumers will be provided with clear information on the charging characteristics of new devices, making it easier for them to see whether their existing chargers are compatible." USB-C version 2.1 supports up to 240 watts of power delivery, up from 100 watts, but there's no clear way to identify how much power a given cable can support. 

The EU throws away 12,000 tons of chargers each year, many unused, according to Bloomberg. At the same time, consumers spend around 2.4 billion euros ($2.8 billion) on standalone chargers not included with devices. The new rules require formal approval the EU's Parliament and Council, which won't take place until after the summer recess. It'll enter into force 20 days after it's published in the EU Official Journal. 

iOS 16 will support Nintendo's Joy-Cons and other game controllers

Yesterday at WWDC 2022, Apple discussed how iOS 16 would improve the gaming experience with updated Metal 3 graphics, Game Center improvements and more. Now, it looks like iOS 16 will offer support for more third-party gaming controllers as well, most notably Nintendo's Joy-Con and Pro controllers, 9to5Mac has reported. 

Developer Riley Testut found that he could play games with Nintendo Switch Joy-Con and Pro controllers on iPhones and iPads with the latest iOS 16 beta release. The update also supports the 8Bitdo, BADA MOGA XP5-X Plus and Logitech F710 Gamepad controllers, according to the internal code spotted by 9to5Mac

iOS 16 lets you pair the Joy-Cons as one controller or separately, and you can customize the controls in the Bluetooth settings. You can even dynamically switch between using both Joy-Cons as a single controller or two separate controllers by pressing and holding the screenshot and home buttons. "Apple seriously killed it with this implementation," said Testut. (In a reply to his tweet, another user noted that Apple apparently initiated support for Switch Pro controllers last year with macOS 12.)

It looks like Apple will be able to add support for more controllers without the need to ship a new iOS version, using something called "mobile assets." That's similar to another new feature that allows Apple to automatically issue security updates in between iOS releases. 

<!! iOS 16 natively supports Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers!><br /><br />Can confirm they work perfectly with Delta 😍 <a href="https://t.co/p8u1sdjvTt">pic.twitter.com/p8u1sdjvTt</a></p>— Riles 🤷‍♂️ (@rileytestut) <a href="https://twitter.com/rileytestut/status/1533954250824241153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2022</a></blockquote></div>

Beeline's new bike computer lets you choose between fast, quiet or balanced routes

Beeline's original Velo brought an interesting twist to bike computers with a simple interface and single arrow guidance designed to help you discover your environment. The company has now launched its second model, the Velo 2, that keeps the spirit of the original while introducing a number of key new features like a bigger screen, all-new interface and app-based route planner.

The new model has a 32mm 200x200 TFT LCD screen that's larger than the original to accommodate the extra information displayed. Instead of the original strap, it uses a quarter lock universal mount and is waterproof and shock proof. The battery is charged by a USB-C port and lasts 10+ hours, and you can change settings (even with gloves) using the rocker top mechanism. 

Beeline

Where the original Velo worked more like a compass than a regular GPS, the new model has an all-new turn-by-turn interface that's more like a vehicle heads-up display. To use it, you just type in your desired destination into the Beeline app, and you'll get three options: a fast route, a quiet route or a balanced blend of the two. It then displays turn directions and road details and the direction of your destination. In addition, you can pick your own route using the original model's as-the-crow-flies Compass Mode navigation. 

It offers other display modes showing speed, an odometer, a clock and ETA, and keeps stats of your rides, so you can see your average speeds and other details. Beeline also gathers data and ratings from riders to find the best possible routes, while offering worldwide mapping and navigation via OpenStreetMap. 

Beeline originally launched the Velo 2 on Kickstarter and has so far raised over $400,000 from 5,000 backers. It's now available at Beeline's store for £80 in the UK or $103 in the US. 

Etsy introduces purchase protection measures for both buyers and sellers

Online marketplace Etsy has unveiled a new purchase protection program designed to safeguard both buyers and sellers. Right now, you have limited options if something else goes wrong with a purchase — usually, Etsy will send you back to the seller and let you work out problems with them. Starting August 1st, though, buyers will get full refunds on purchases if they "don't match the item description, arrive damaged, or never arrive," Etsy wrote. 

On the seller side, Etsy plans to invest at least $25 million per year to cover refunds for sellers on orders up to $250 for issues out of their control. "This program will help buyers feel more confident when they shop from businesses on Etsy, while we invest directly in our sellers to provide them an important layer of assurance," said Etsy CEO Raina Moskowitz in a statement. 

Angry Etsy sellers recently went on strike over fee hikes and slow support response times. The company defended the increases by saying it would put the extra money back into the business rather than boosting profits. On top of the $25 million in purchase protection, it recently announced $50 million in spending to improve customer support. It promised to use that money to expand its team, improve live chat support and reduce response times.

"Etsy’s Purchase Protection program will complement our broad efforts to improve customer support, increase trust signals across the user experience, and maintain the integrity of our marketplace as a destination for unique and special items," said Moskowitz. Whether sellers will be convinced remains to be seen, however. 

Sony and Honda want to make their EV partnership a standalone business

Sony and Honda recently announced plans to build EVs together, with Honda focusing on the manufacturing and Sony creating the mobility service platform. Now, it looks like the companies plan to make it a separate business. "We shared the view that it is better to make the joint venture independent, in the long run, rather than putting it under Sony or Honda," Sony President and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida told Nikkei

Yoshida didn't provide more details, but did say it's a "possibility" that the companies may sell a stake in the joint venture or have an initial public offering. "I hope to be able to talk a little about it at some point in the near future," he added. 

The companies announced the joint venture back in March. Sony said it aimed to "fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology," likely via high-tech interiors and fancy entertainment systems. It added that it wants to create a mobility system "centered around safety, entertainment and adaptability."

Last year, Honda announced plans to shift its entire vehicle lineup to EVs and fuel-cell vehicles by 2040. As part of that, it's going to invest $40 billion and launch 30 new EVs by 2030. It's not yet clear how the Sony tie-up fits into those plans, but Honda is far behind rivals — its only true EV sold in the west is the niche, Europe-only Honda E.

Sony apparently believes that other tech companies like Apple may soon be jumping into the fray, and that EVs will become more connected much like gaming consoles or the company's Aibo robot dog. "Mobility is becoming more of a service," he said. "We want to contribute to the evolution of mobility by providing the basis with network functions." 

Google's Nest Cameras and smart doorbells fall to all-time lows at Amazon

It's a good time for a home security update, as a bunch of Nest products are on sale at Amazon and Adorama for the lowest prices we've seen. The easy-to-install Nest Doorbell (Battery) and Nest Cam Outdoor have particularly steep discounts of $50, letting you grab them for just $130 each. 

Buy Google nest Cameras and Doorbells at Amazon

The Nest Doorbell (Battery) is a popular item because it's much easier to install than any wired doorbells. As with the cameras, it will send you alerts when you have a visitor and you can chat with them through your phone and the built-in speaker and microphone. Google's "intelligent alerts" can tell the difference between a visitor, a package being delivered, an animal sighting and more, so you can see if a situation requires your immediate attention. If the regular $180 price has made you pause, it's now on sale for $130, the lowest price we've seen to date.

Both the Nest Cam Indoor and Outdoor record video at 1080p and send alerts to your phone when they detect motion. They also have built-in microphones and speakers so you can hear what's happening and speak to anyone on the other end of the camera. However, the Nest Cam indoor is designed to blend in to your home, with a range of colors, built-in stand, wall mount and hinge. It's currently on sale for $80 or $20 off the regular price.

Meanwhile, you can pick up the Nest Cam Outdoor for just $129, or $51 off the regular $180 price. That model obviously has a weatherproof design so that you can install it outside your home, along with expanded Night Vision to better spot outdoor intruders. It also packs an internal battery that lets you set it up without the need for an AC plug, providing up to seven months of battery life before a recharge depending on usage. 

Engadget

To make best use of the cameras and doorbell, you need to be able to see and hear anyone at the other end. A good way to do that is using the Nest Hub devices, which can also control your smart home devices, provide entertainment and more. Luckily, the Nest Hub 2nd Generation is on sale for $60 at Adorama, for a savings of $40. Finally, you can pick up the larger Nest Hub Max with a 10-inch touchscreen and built-In Google Assistant at $179 for a savings of $50, or 22 percent off. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

TikTok launches a $5 subscription comedy series

TikTok is joining forces with Pearpop to launch a comedy docuseries hosted by creator Jericho Mencke, according to The Hollywood Reporter. It's cost $5 for all eight episodes, each 30 minutes long, with the first two running for free for all TikTok users. 

Called Finding Jericho, the series will feature Mencke doing comedic interviews with characters like a clown from Craigslist. It'll be executive produced by Pearpop executives Zack Bernstein and Austin Sokol, along with Mencke. 

Last month, TikTok unveiled the Live monthly subscription tool for creators on an invitation-only basis, after unveiling the service in January 2022. It allows creators to "increase their earnings while continuing to grow their communities" with perks like subscriber badges, custom emotes and a subscriber-only chat. 

In 2020, TikTok announced a $200 million fund to support creators, but the subscription service gives personalities a more direct stream of income. Pearpop, meanwhile, is a separate platform that allows creators to "monetize their influence" through challenges and brand sponsorships. The first episode of Finding Jericho premiered late yesterday at 9PM PST and following episodes will arrive Tuesday and Thursdays at the same time on the @Jercho1 and @pearpopofficial TikTok accounts.