Sony has launched yet another two portable Cyber-Shot cameras, just about 5 months after launching their 2007 lineup. This year’s goal for Sony seems to be placing the largest and brightest LCD display humanly possible. Both models include the new features that were implemented into their lineup earlier this including: face tracking and output to 1080p HDTV sets.

The DSC-T200 features a 8-megapixel camera, 3.5-inch LCD touch screen, and a 5x optical zoom, while the cheaper DSC-T70 sports a 8-megapixel camera, 3-inch LCD touch screen, and a 3x optical zoom. (T200 will be available in silver/black/red and the T70 in silver/black/white/pink) The set-up procedure and all options/settings are performed through the new touch screen. Other than the power and playback button, the only hard-keys remaining are the capture button and the zoom controls. Although it may seem neat to have such a large touch screen, it will for sure be very difficult to maintain as the display begins to collect dust and fingerprints.

One of the best features implemented is face tracking, which automatically track faces and focuses the lens to right distance, when snapping an image. In addition Sony has added another technology called “smile shutter,” which automatically detects and captures an image as soon as everyone in the photo smiles! Although I haven’t yet tried the smile technology, I can testify that Sony’s face detection does indeed work amazingly well especially after taking a few hundred photos all of which were clear & crisp.

These features are great for average consumers who want to quickly and easily snap photos without hassling through settings. If you do however want to take much higher quality images, you should consider purchasing a higher-end camera with manual settings. Anyways the DSC-T200 and DSC-T70 are available next month (September 07) with a price tag of $400 and $300, respectively. If you’re eager to get either camera as soon as it becomes available, Amazon is now taking pre-orders.

Pre-Order: DSC-T200 | DSC-T70
Links: SonyStyle.com | Retail
Related: Sony’s 2007 Cameras LineUp

Yesterday evening, Microsoft confirmed rumors of a new black Xbox 360, when it announced the Xbox 360 Elite. The initial details on the device further confirm the rumors that this new version of the 360 will come equipped with a 120GB hard drive and a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port. However, besides those two additions and the fact that it’s black, there appears to be little else that’s new.

The 120GB hard drive will also become available, separately, to customers of the original Xbox 360 for an estimated retail price of $179.99. The average gamer will probably have to decide whether they’d prefer three more games or more storage capacity. I’d rather take the games, but of course this all depends on what else you might use the console for. Obviously, if you’re a customer of the LIVE Marketplace video store the need for extra storage is a no-brainer, but for those of us who only use the 360 as a gaming platform the extra $180 might be better spent elsewhere.

The fact that this new version will feature a HDMI port means that is capable of providing a slightly crisper image, and a new source of digital audio output. It would also enable the 360 to play along with digital displays if Microsoft ever decides to enable HDCP, which is a protocol that would verify that the connection between the display and the console is not diverted to some sort of recording device. Contrary to popular belief, HDMI is not even necessary in order for the 360 to display 1080p “True” HD signals, the original Xbox could do that as well for its component output. So, in terms of benefit for the consumer, HDMI does little.

The 360 Elite really isn’t so “Elite” if you considers that there is still no HD-DVD support built-in, and that customers who would want this will need to purchase the external player, which only comes in white. Furthermore, getting the 360 Elite together with the HD-DVD player would costs as much, if not more than, the 60GB Playstation 3. But then again, the average consumer probably doesn’t care that much for the HD Format War and as such will only pay the $479.99 (U.S. MSRP) for the 360 console, which is still less than the $599 for the PS3. – In stores on April 29th.

Link: Microsoft Press Release | Xbox 360
Related: Upcoming Xbox 360 Games

Sony DSC-G1

Sony’s first WiFi-enabled camera allows wirelessly sharing photos with other cameras and computers. The cyber-shot features a high-res 3.5″ LCD display, 6 megapixels, 3x optical / 6x digital zoom, and a new interface. The unit accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo media, but has 2GB of memory built in. (~600 full resolution pix) The G1 will begin to Ship in April 2007 for $600.

Sony DSC-T100 / T20

The T100 features a 5x optical zoom and a 3-inch LCD while the T20 has 3x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD. Both cameras are 8 megapixels and support outputting the images to HDTVs via component cables. Both cameras have a new “face tracking” technology to allow detecting faces and automatically adjusting multiple settings for a “perfect” image. The T100 will be available this month for $400 and the T20 in April for $330.

Sony DSC-W200 / W90 / W80

The W200 has a whopping 12.1 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom, and 2.5 LCD display while remaining under an inch thick. Both the W90 and W80 have the same features except they are 8 and 7.2 megapixels, respectively. All 3 support 1080p HDTV output, face tracking, and auto focus. The “alpha” SLR technology allows photos to be taken in 1sec intervals. The W90/W80 are available now for $300/$250. The W200 will be available in May for $400.

Pre-order: DSC-G1 | DSC-T100 | DSC-W200

Only a few weeks after the previous firmware release, Sony pushed out another update, version v1.50, for the PlayStation 3. Unlike previous patches this update supposedly fixes larger issues such as the jaggedness which appears while playing certain PlayStation 2 games. Multiple patches have been released since launch which have fixed issues such as display problems with 1080i HDTVs and other minor bugs. If you plan to play ANY games on the PlayStation Network, you MUST update to this version (1.50). You will not be allowed to connect to an online game or even browse the online store unless the update is performed on your console.

Sony PS3 Firmware 1.50 Features:

• You can now select an image to use as the User icon from [Photo].
• [Key Tone] has been added as an option under [Sound Settings].
• [Delete Backup Data] has been added under [System Settings] > [Backup Utility].
• WEP 128, WPA-PSK (TKIP) and WPA-PSK (AES) have been added as security methods.
• The method for saving your password / signing in automatically under PLAYSTATION®Network has been changed. There are now 2 separate options.
• You can now enter text in Korean using the on-screen keyboard.

We updated our console with no issues what so ever. You may update your console in a variety of methods. Either download the update directly to the unit using the built-in System Update function or downloading the file from PlayStation.com and copying it to the PS3’s HDD. The update file is about 100MB so it may take a while to download.

Update: Sony has just released version 1.51 for the PS3. There is literally no changes since v1.50, but Sony’s changelog states “Support for PLAYSTATION 3 format software titles has been expanded.”

Links: PlayStation 3 Updates
Related: PSP Firmware 3.00

Skatter Tech reported a few days ago that the Sony PlayStation 3 would have a built in hard drive. This information was partially false. Our source was a Business Week article, which claimed that the PS3 was loaded with some sort of hard drive. According to the PlayStation Global webpage the hard drive is suppose to be sold separately from the unit, which means it is either extenal or somehow goes into the unit. There is no word on this from SCEA yet, but if this is true we should expect that Sony will sell a bundle (aka. value pack) that includes a hard drive.

*Storage Media (HDD, “Memory Stick”, SD Memory Card, and Compact Flash) are sold separately. [From PlayStation.com]

No one still knows the official launch date for the unit, but many speculate that it would be some time between September and October because the unit was still buggy. All of the Sony’s PlayStation sites clearly state that the PS3’s launch date will be “Spring 2006″. Another clue backing the late launch comes from GameStop, a large video game retailer. The store has already posted a list of launch titles. All 32 of the games have a release date of 10/01/06. (Each game is priced at $59.99)

Another speculation about the PS3 was whether Sony was bluffing on the fact that it can actually supports HD games in 1080p. Most were not sure for sure if Sony had reached this until a hint was given away in a survey Sony sent out to PlayStation.com members. According to this the PS3 will be using Blu-Ray technology and can encode games the quality stated. The question states:

“The PlayStation 3 will include BluRay, the high definition DVD technology, and support games in resolutions of up to 1080p, (the highest supported standard on the market.)!” This proves that the PS3 may actually live up to its expectations.

Until SCEA makes their official press release no one will know about the true specs on the unit. For now according to PlayStation Global the PS3 has a “Spring 06″ launch, a deatachable 2.5″ HDD slot, support for Memory Stick Media, bluetooth controlers, and can display content in 1080p. Anyways that’s the update on the information that’s been found so far. We will inform you if any new information is leaked or announced.

Previous Post: Will The PS3 Have a Hard Drive?
Link: PlayStation Global | GameStop List
Related: Get a Free PS3 | U.S. PlayStation