Tag Archives: cameras

2Pi Optics’ cutting-edge lenses bring the future into focus @ CES 2024



2Pi Optics sensor lensesInnovative optics technology is a cutting-edge field that aims to revolutionize the way we capture and perceive images. The technology developed by 2Pi Incorporated, an MIT spin-off startup, focuses on creating lenses for sensors, cameras, and consumer electronic devices like AR/VR headsets. The optics technology has been under development for the last decade, with 2Pi Optics working on this specific lens technology for the last three years.

How 2Pi Optics’ lenses work

The company’s focus is on achieving high-resolution and crisp images in sensor arrays used by various manufacturers. 2Pi Optics does this by leveraging wafer-scale semiconductor manufacturing capabilities for high-volume, low-cost, and scalable flat optics production and integration.

The 2Pi Optics lens replaces the conventional stack of lenses with a single, thin piece of glass known as metasurface flat optics to overcome the fundamental limitations of traditional optical systems. This transformative technology preserves and can even improve optical performance, while achieving smaller form factors, lighter weights, better accuracy, and lower costs in the process.

The design prioritizes discrete wavelengths, which means that the lenses are optimized for specific colors or wavelengths. For instance, they can isolate infrared wavelengths, while disregarding other colors, which is particularly useful in AR/VR products where color accuracy may not be critical.

Traditional lenses sometimes sacrifice stability and clarity for specific features or functions. However, the technology developed by 2Pi Incorporated aims to overcome these limitations by providing precise sensor images without compromising either. 2Pi Incorporated has rolled out prototypes and samples, and partnered with sensor module integrators who will integrate their lenses into their sensors and sell them to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Apple, Matter, and Microsoft.

Advantages of single glass lenses

One of the key advantages of this innovative optics lens technology is its cost-effectiveness. By utilizing a single piece of glass and employing low-cost manufacturing techniques typically used for computer chips, the production cost is significantly reduced. Assembly and packaging costs are also minimized, making the technology not only performance-enhancing but also economically viable.

While the lenses are made from thin glass, they are designed to be tough and durable. They provide a wider field of view and are unaffected by variations in temperature. They can be directly bonded onto image sensors, creating a monolithic piece that improves the overall ruggedness of the device. 2Pi Optics lenses can be used in a variety of consumer electronics devices, in industry automation, and automotive technologies.

Conclusion: 2Pi Optics brings improved performance and reduced costs into clear view

In conclusion, the innovative lens technology developed by 2Pi Incorporated is disrupting optics in the best way possible. By replacing conventional stack lenses with a single, thin piece of glass, this technology delivers high performance and reduced size, weight, power and cost, enhancing the overall consumer experience. With partnerships in place and a product launch on the horizon, it is an exciting time for the future of optics lens technology. While currently in prototype phase, a full product launch is expected in 2024.

For more information on the technology, you can email info@2pioptics.com or visit 2Pi Optics’ website for more information.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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myFirst: Real tech solutions for kids in a grown-up world @ CES 2024



myFirst kids' tech productsIn today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in our lives, and it has become an integral part of our daily routines. However, the benefits and opportunities offered by technology should not be limited to adults only. Children, too, deserve access to real tech that empowers them to explore, learn, and create. myFirst has embraced this reality and developed tech products that are fully functional but designed for kids.

The birth of myFirst

myFirst is a company dedicated to creating a kids’ tech ecosystem. The inspiration behind this venture was the realization that there was a gap in the market for real technology designed specifically for children. The founders, who were tech-savvy individuals themselves, embarked on a mission to empower kids by providing them with devices, apps, and a social platform that mirrors what adults can do with technology.

Kid-friendly camera with social sharing

One of the innovative products offered by myFirst is a kid-friendly camera with social sharing capabilities. This camera is designed specifically for children, with a focus on simplicity, durability, and safety. The company understands that children have unique needs and considerations when it comes to technology, and they have created a camera that addresses these needs effectively.

The camera is lightweight and easy to use, with simple buttons and a user-friendly interface. This ensures that children can operate the camera without confusion or frustration. Additionally, the camera is built to withstand the rough handling that is often associated with children. It is robustly built and durable, making it suitable for active kids who may drop or throw it unintentionally.

One of the standout features of this camera is its social sharing capabilities. Children can choose which photos they want to share on social media platforms, giving them control over their digital presence. The camera automatically syncs photos to both the SD card and the cloud, allowing for easy access and sharing. This feature encourages children to engage responsibly with social media and teaches them the importance of privacy and consent.

In terms of pricing, the camera is reasonably priced at around $100 US. This makes it accessible to a wide range of families and ensures that quality technology is not limited to adults. myFirst understands the importance of affordability when it comes to empowering children with tech devices, and they have made it a priority to offer their products at a reasonable price point.

The camera is designed to be cloud-based, meaning that it relies on Wi-Fi connectivity for storage and access. While the camera itself may have limited storage capacity, the cloud-based system allows for easy uploading and access to photos. This ensures that children can capture and store as many memories as they want without worrying about running out of space.

A Smartphone with smart limitations

myFirst also offers a wearable smartphone for kids, which is 4G driven and allows for even more connectivity and functionality. The smartphone is designed to be durable and waterproof, making it suitable for active kids who may engage in water-related activities. The smartphone operates on an eSIM, eliminating the need for an open hole and ensuring that it is water-resistant.

In terms of connectivity and plans, myFirst has partnered with AT&T to offer a $12 per month plan that includes unlimited data and calls. This allows parents to have peace of mind knowing that their child’s connectivity needs are taken care of without any additional costs or limitations.

Empowering features and parental control

myFirst’s devices are accompanied by a social platform that allows children to connect with their peers and share their creations. However, the company recognizes the importance of parental intervention and provides robust parental control features. Parents have control over who can contact their child and can moderate the content their child sees. This ensures a safe and secure online environment for children while still allowing them the freedom to explore and connect with others within predetermined circles of trust.

The social media platform associated with the camera and smartphone can be accessed through the smartwatch or downloaded as an app on Apple or Android devices. This allows children to engage with the platform using devices they may already have, such as smartphones or tablets. Parents have control over their child’s account and can determine how much information is shared, ensuring privacy and safety.

The importance of empowering children through real technology

The concept of “real tech for kids’ empowerment” holds significant importance in today’s society. Empowering children with age-appropriate technology not only enhances their digital literacy but also fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By providing children with real tech devices, they can actively participate in the digital world, learn about technology’s potential, and develop the necessary skills to thrive in the future.

The response to myFirst’s products has been positive, with a strong presence in North Asia and a growing interest in the US market. The company’s commitment to quality, durability, and affordability has resonated with parents and children alike, making them a trusted brand in the industry.

Conclusion: A safe, fun, appropriate approach to tech for kids

myFirst’s commitment to providing real tech for kids’ empowerment is a commendable initiative in the tech industry. By bridging the gap between adult-oriented technology and children’s needs, the company enables children to explore their potential, express their creativity, and engage responsibly with technology.

Empowering children with real tech devices and a safe social platform not only prepares them for the digital future but also allows them to make meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving world of technology. By providing a safe and user-friendly platform for children to engage with technology and social media, myFirst is empowering the next generation to become responsible digital citizens. Their commitment to quality and affordability ensures that children from all backgrounds can benefit from their innovative products.

To learn more about myFirst or to purchase one of their products, head to their website or check out their Amazon store.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Quantiq: Turn any camera or phone into a medical scanner @ CES 2022



Quantiq medical scannerOver the past few years, the importance of telemedicine has grown significantly. What was once considered forbidden is now commonplace. We can talk to a doctor remotely, send vital statistics from home, and even have a full checkup all remotely. Our phones have become an integral part of our health regiment, and with Quantiq, it’s going to become an even more valuable tool for patients and doctors alike.

What is Quantiq?

Quantiq turns any camera or phone into a medical scanner. This software solution extends any camera, webcam, or smartphone to make it a medical device for remote patient monitoring, telemetry, and remote diagnoses. The system combines medical expertise, physics, advanced image processing, and artificial intelligence to decode your health markers with just your camera. A single shot of a few seconds is enough to get pulse, respiratory rate, and more.

This impressive breakthrough means that a patient doesn’t need to purchase a whole collection of devices to monitor their health. Rather than requiring a pulse oximeter, blood pressure cuff, thermometer, and more, it can all be done with the camera you already carry in your pocket. You simply take a short video of a few seconds and

Who is Quantiq for?

Quantiq is perfect for any doctor who needs to monitor a patient remotely. Rather than lending or leasing expensive, complicated, and damageable equipment to a patient, you can simply ask them to use their own phone or computer. This makes it easier for them and less expensive for the doctor. Plus, it means they don’t have to learn a new piece of equipment.

It would also be great to offer to patients of in-home health services. For example, after a heart attack, a family member will likely have a home health aide visit regularly. They’ll take vital signs and log them into a system. If you’re lucky, they might even give you equipment to take measurements on your own when they are away. If they, instead, used the Quantiq platform, they could eliminate the extra equipment costs by just using the phone camera or webcam the patient already has. Plus, it’s something they are already familiar with using.

You can install the system locally on-premises for just your clients, or you can use it in the cloud in a software as a service model. Either way, you get access to the full suite of capabilities, all accessible through a robust Cobox API. This gives you the ability to build the Quantiq technology into your own application suite to enhance its capabilities. Perhaps you are a consumer electronics company that offers things like scales and smart mirrors. You could add Quantiq into your system to provide additional health benefits without having to enhance your technology. The camera that is built into the mirror would likely be enough to be able to get a clear video for analysis. This would make the value proposition of your product significantly better.

Summary

Quantiq is the perfect tool for telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and health care products. To learn more about Quantiq and how you might use it, check out their website.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch.

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Zhiyun Tech makes professional quality gimbals affordable @ CES 2021



Zhiyun Tech camera gimbalsPhotography and videography have become more popular pastimes over the past year. But, most of the new products that have come out in support of the content creator community have been focused on the static shot, intended to help improve the experience of streamers. But, Zhiyun Tech has a collection of camera gimbals for content creators ranging from home users to professional production rigs.

When filming motion, the only way to get great, smooth video is with a gimbal. These devices attach to your camera and give you more control over the picture. For all cameras, they offer a gyroscopic stabilization system that helps to keep the lens of the camera pointed in the same direction, despite the motion of the camera itself. So, if your arm moves around or shakes a bit, the stabilization system will help to keep the picture as steady as possible. Large motions, like tripping, will not maintain a steady shot but will produce a smooth downward motion.

For larger cameras, an added bonus is additional points of contact. You can use a larger rig with two hands, separated from one another for added stability and less strain on your arm muscles. With really big rigs, you can lean them into your chest, providing a third point of contact. The style of gimbal you need will depend on the type of camera work, the size of the camera, and the length of the shot.

In addition to the gimbals, the company also offers a video transmission technology for live broadcast, streaming, and camera previewing. Simply plug it into the video out on your camera and you can get up to 100 meters of transmission with only 60 milliseconds of latency.

To learn more about the products available, you can check out the Zhiyun Tech website.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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j5create has a pair of new products for content creators @ CES 2021



j5create content creator toolsOver the past year, a number of products that were previously thought to be pretty ubiquitous have come into high demand. Chief among those products have been products for content creation. This year, j5create has brought out a number of products that can be used in content creation, whether in your home, your studio, or your office.

The first product we were introduced to is the new JVCU360 360° All Around Webcam. This camera can be mounted to the ceiling or a table and allows for the streaming of a full 360-degree video. Once we get back into our offices, this would be perfect for a conference room table so that the people you are talking with remotely can see the whole table. It can also be used for podcasting, as the video can be streamed as-is, or the video can be cut into segments for different camera angles.

Next up is the JVA06 Dual HDMI Video Capture – a USB-powered HDMI streaming device. The box has a number of inputs and outputs, including 2 switchable HDMI inputs and an 1/8″ mic input, plus an HDMI and 1/8″ headphone/speaker output. There are also USB-C power and host ports. The box has video processing built-in, meaning that it can take processing load off of a computer. This is perfect for game streamers because it can do picture in picture as well as picture beside picture modes, plus chroma key – essentially everything that a standard game streamer uses on a regular basis.

The JVCU360 360° All Around Webcam is available for $109.99. The JVA06 Dual HDMI Video Capture is available for $239.99. To learn more about these products and the entire diverse line of products available, check out the j5create website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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CL360 is a bright lighting idea for 360 photos and videos @ CES 2021



CL360 Camera LightOne of the growing trends in digital photography and videography is 360. There are a lot of ways to take advantage of this medium, but it also produces a number of unique challenges. The biggest issue has been in lighting. You can’t set up a whole big room or yard full of lighting in order to light your photos correctly, so what do you do? The CL360 Camera Light is the solution to this problem.

If you have used a 360 camera, you know that they generally sit on a tripod or monopod. They then produce their 360 photos or videos, editing out the very bottom of the frame, thus eliminating the majority of the mounting hardware. That is exactly where the CL360 Camera Light finds itself – under the camera. It takes its place between the camera and the mounting solution and produces a very bright wash light in all directions. It can be used as an always-on solution for video, or as a flash for still photos.

The idea here, of course, is to make the quality of your projects better. There is nothing worse than a photo or video that is too dark to be seen. It is even worse when the media is being used in a professional or production setting. For example, anyone who has looked to purchase a house has seen a 360 photo of the rooms in the home that are absolutely dreadful. Besides being placed in the wrong positions, which can only be fixed by training, they are also dark. It makes sense since the houses usually have no power, but adding proper lighting can make the experience better. The same holds true when looking at videos in VR that are produced in a darker environment, such as outside at night.

The CL360 Camera Light is currently in final testing and is hoped to be on the market by mid 2021. For more information and to get updates on production, check out the company website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Thinkware Brings DVR Abilities to Your Car



Thinkware's in-car DVR system
Thinkware’s in-car DVR system
Visiting the Thinkware booth allowed us to discover an in-car DVR system, useful for capturing the moments of an unfortunate accident or for sight-seeing. Thinkware’s FXD-700 is a front device recorder that picks up images, speed and time and starts recording as soon as you start the car, with help of a motion sensor. All of it then saves to an SD card, in a format which can be used on all computers, and will continuously record for up to 8 hours, unless you would like to expand up to 32GB. The full 1080p HD camera sensor is also impressive, allowing up to 140 degrees of viewing and the rear-camera (which is optional) gives you 120 degrees. Thinkware also said that the device is simply powered off of the car battery, which gives you the ability to record while the car is off, in surveillance mode, and will shut off if the device is draining the battery. The product isn’t available in the US yet but Thinkware is looking to make that happen within a few months.

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Video by Scott Ertz of F5 Live.


Canon VIXIA: Six New Models With WiFi, iPhone Tethering



Canon Vixia
Canon Vixia

Video content creators, listen up. Canon has upgraded their VIXIA series to include some great new features. These cameras run high end – up to 24MB on AVCHD. They can also be switched to MP4 mode, so you don’t have to convert a video before uploading to YouTube.

Jeffrey Powers talks to Ben Thomas about the VIXIA R-32 and VIXIA HFM-52. These are two-of-six models upgraded to get you better images, and WiFi capability.

The WiFi can also be tethered to an iPhone (via app), so you can push content up on various hosting platforms.

The R-32 is the low end consumer model. They upgraded the stabilization to a four-mode system. You can turn on or off, and when you place on a tripod, it turns off automatically.

The higher end HFM-32 has a LUX rating of 1.2 and a shutter speed of 1/30th of a second. This is great for low-light situations.

Canon also makes a waterproof case for divers to go 100 meters below water.

The R series starts at $349. The HFM-52 costs between $549-$749

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine

Also check out – Canon – HD For All

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