HTC reinvents photography with the RE camera

HTC aims to reinvent photography with the RE, a new type of camera. The new handheld device is waterproof, and can take time lapse shots or act as a remote viewfinder for a smartphone.

Source: HTC blog.

"HTC has been setting the standard for smartphones for years - today we’re focused on redefining the concept of imaging forever,” said Peter Chou, CEO, HTC. “As a company we don’t stand still and our devotion to innovation has seen us take smart photography in a completely new direction for our business and our customers. Once people get a RE in their hands, they won’t want to put it down. This is everybody’s opportunity to get out from behind the lens and start living in the moment again.”

The cylindrical RE has a built-in grip sensor that instantly activates the camera when it is picked up, eliminating the need for a power button. Its large shutter button captures photos with a single tap and videos with a longer press, making it easy to capture high-quality stills or video.

Designed with the philosophy that users "want to be at the heart of the action, not peering through a lens", the RE and has a 16MP CMOS sensor, supports Full HD (1080p) video recording and has a 146-degree wide-angle lens. It also has simple slow-motion and time-lapse recording options. 

The RE is also waterproof out of the box*, no casing or protection needed. It comes with 32MB ROM, and 256MB DDR RAM with a microSD for expansion for recording pictures and video before they are transferred elsewhere.

RE interacts with a smartphone through the RE mobile app, which syncs photos, videos and time-lapse recordings over Wi-Fi. Available on Android and iOS**, the RE app backs up pictures and recordings to the smartphone or the cloud. The device can also be controlled remotely through the app to transform a smartphone into a remote viewfinder.

Adding another layer of flexibility and potential, an open API/SDK will enable HTC’s partners to bring new experiences to the device and to social platforms like Tencent and Instagram. RE will soon offer real-time video streaming to YouTube.

RE will be available in the US from late October, with other markets following later. Accessories are already available, including various mounts so it can be used like a GoPro, and charging equipment. The app can be downloaded here.

*Rated IPX7, 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes, out of the box.
**Compatible with Android 4.3 and upwards, iOS 7 and 8.

JVC launches waterproof and washable sports in-ear headphones

Source: JVC.

JVC has four new sports headphones that include waterproof and washable options, all designed to stay in place during sports or workout activities.

The four new models include two in the JVC Gumy Sport line and two in the Extreme Fitness line. The new Gumy Sport headphones – the HA-EN10 and HA-ENR15 – feature a Nozzle Fit earpiece made of soft silicone and a unique shape that provides a comfortable and secure fit so they won’t fall out during exercise. 

Both Gumy Sport models are sweatproof with IPX2 water ingress protection rating, which signifies that they can be used during light rainfall. The 3.3-ft (1m) cable has an iPhone compatible plug, and small and medium earpieces are included to ensure the best fit. The HA-ENR15 includes an in-line remote control and microphone for use with iPod, iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry devices. Both Gumy Sport models come in a choice of four color combinations – blue/black, black/red, pink/violet and white/orange.

The new JVC HA-ETX30 and HA-ETR40 Extreme Fitness headphones feature JVC’s new Pivot Motion Fit, a soft rubber rotating hook that fits within the part of the ear just above the ear canal to provide an ultra-secure yet very comfortable fit. To tailor the fit to each user, the hook rotates and its position can easily be adjusted while wearing the earpiece. 

The Extreme Fitness headphones are IPX5/IPX7 rated, so they can be safely washed, either by rinsing under running water or rinsed briefly in a basin of water. The 3.94-ft (1.2m) cord has a gold-plated iPhone compatible plug, and each headphone comes with small, medium and large earpieces and a cable clip to hold the cable in place. The HA-ETR40 includes additional open-type earpieces that allow ambient sounds to be heard, such as approaching traffic, for safety. It also features a splash-proof in-line remote control and microphone on a 1.97-ft (0.6m) cable plus a 1.97-ft extension cord.

The HA-ETX30 is available in four colour combinations – blue/yellow, black/green, pink/blue and white/orange. The HA-ETR40 comes in gun metallic/black and red/black.

The new JVC sports headphones will be available in late September* at the following prices*:

• HA-EN10 US$14.95
• HA-ENR15 US$19.95
• HA-ETX30 US$29.95
• HA-ETR40 US$39.95

*Availability and pricing varies across countries.