Sharp to discontinue original Galapagos e-readers, 7-inch species survives

We're raising our glasses to the original Galapagos e-reader this morning, because Sharp has decided to discontinue it. Today, the manufacture announced that it will stop taking orders for its 5.5- and 10.8-inch Android tablets on September 30th, just nine months after they first launched. A company spokeswoman, however, confirmed that Sharp isn't leaving the market altogether, as it plans to continue churning out the 7-inch A01SH that launched last month. The Japan-based firm is confident that "the market for electronic books will continue to expand," but decided to terminate its older slates because they've already "fulfilled the purposes that they were designed for." Sharp declined to disclose sales figures for the doomed devices, though local media outlets are reporting that they may have been squeezed out of the Japanese market by the iPad -- a decidedly Darwinian explanation.

Google Goggles 1.6 Adds Background Processing Mode

Google Goggles puts some deceptively powerful image-recognition tools at your fingertips, identifying landmarks, translating foreign text, and recognizing product logos. Right now, though, using the app may not be as graceful as you'd like, requiring you to start it up, crop your image, and send a pic to Google's servers each time you want Goggles to work its magic. What about a future version of the software that worked in real-time, popping-up information on your surroundings like an augmented reality app? We're still quite a ways off from that experience, but the latest Google Goggles update is a step in the right direction, offering a background analysis mode that generates notifications when Google finds something interesting.

You still have to snap your own pics with this new mode, but are no longer constrained to doing so from within the Goggles app. Now you can have pictures you take with your default camera app automatically processed by Goggles in the background. Snap away at whatever you'd like, then Goggles will get to work on breaking them down and looking for things it recognizes. If Google's servers come back with matches, you'll be let know via an Android notification.

It's not a huge change to how the app works, but it really has us thinking that Google has its long-term sights on some sort of AR framework for its imaging-processing algorithms. For now, you can check out the new Google Goggles 1.6 in the Android Market. 

Samsung Transform Ultra hitting Boost Mobile in October, we go hands-on

Pay as you go / QWERTY keyboard enthusiasts rejoice -- Samsung today formally announced the Transform Ultra. The familiar-looking Android 2.3-packing slider is destined for the contract-free world of Boost Mobile, featuring a 1GHz processor, a 3MP rear-facing camera (plus a front-facing VGA) and the content-happy Mobile ID preloaded. The handset is a bit on the bulky side, which is to be expected with a full keyboard inside -- but all in all, not a bad looking piece of hardware, particularly for the world of pre-paid, where selection is sometimes limited. The Transform Ultra will be hitting Boost on October 7th for $230.Press release after the break.

"Transform" Your Communications with the new Android-Powered Slide-Out QWERTY Phone from Boost Mobile and Samsung

IRVINE, Calif. – Boost Mobile, ranked Highest in Customer Service Performance and
Purchase Experience among Non-Contract Wireless Providers by J.D. Power and Associates1, once again enhances its smartphone lineup of Android™ devices with the launch of the Samsung Transform™ Ultra. The Transform Ultra complements the existing Samsung Galaxy Prevail™, which in four months has become the best-selling no-contract smartphone in Samsung's history. The Transform Ultra is the perfect device for the consumer who desires an Android touchscreen along with a text-friendly full QWERTY keypad.

"If you have been sitting on the sidelines considering no-contract plans or Android
smartphones, it's time to upgrade with the latest Samsung Android devices paired with the award-winning Boost Mobile plans and customer experience," said Andre Smith, vice president-Boost Mobile. "The Transform Ultra device includes the innovative Mobile ID platform, allowing customers to get a running start in exploring Android applications and widgets based on their personal interest."

The Transform Ultra, powered by Android 2.3 Gingerbread, features access to Google Mobile™ services and more than 250,000 applications through Android Market. The device has a 1GHz processor, a 3MP rear-facing camera, and VGA front-facing camera for video chat while on the go.

Mobile ID The Transform Ultra is Boost's first Android-powered smartphone to come preloaded with Mobile ID, an exclusive service from Boost that allows customers to download and install "ID packs." The packs deliver a complete mobile experience, including applications, widgets, ringtones and wallpapers, in a couple simple clicks. ID packs are designed to meet a customer's individual lifestyle or interests, such as sports, entertainment, fitness and music.

As only one example, the MTV Music pack is a complete music experience, bringing together the best music and pop culture apps, widgets and content on your Boost smartphone. The MTV Music pack gives customers access to the biggest stars and newest artists around the clock. Plus MTV has selected the best music apps to stream, download, identify, search and discover all your favorite music.

Other ID packs that can be loaded on the device include: E!, Socially Connected,
Professional, Entertainment, Lo2Yo Latino, Lo2Yo Mujer and Lo2Yo Futbol.

Other Transform Ultra features include:
• Android 2.3 with Access to Android Market™
• Touchscreen
• Full QWERTY Keypad
• 3MP camera with video
• Wi-Fi®, GPS and Wireless Web enabled
• Front-facing VGA camera
• Easy access to Gmail™ and Google Talk™
• Bluetooth® capable
• Speakerphone with voice-activated dialing
• Supports microSD® cards up to 32GB (2GB card included)
• Voice mail, caller ID, call waiting and three-way calling

Samsung Transform Ultra will be available Oct. 7 for $229.99 (excluding taxes) at Boost Mobile's exclusive retail stores, select independent wireless dealer locations across the country and at www.boostmobile.com with free shipping. The Transform will be rolling out in select retails nationwide later this year.

US Cellular Taps HTC Merge For Gingerbread Update

LG's Optimus S on Sprint isn't the only Android set to receive some Gingerbread treatment today, with US Cellular revealing that its HTC Merge is also making the step up to Android 2.3.

Unlike the LG update, the Merge's on US Cellularisn't going out OTA. While that wouldn't be a huge problem by itself, the HTC Sync software needed to apply the update to the phone is only available on Windows operating systems; Linux and Mac users, you'll have to borrow a PC or head to a USCellular store to have the update applied in-person. Don't get us wrong – we're happy to see the update released – but might there not have been a better way to get it out?

What treats are in store for the Merge alongside the usual Gingerbread goodies? A new email widget gives you a variety of ways to display messages on your home screen; also look for new ones for SMS and news alerts. Tweaks to the handset should mean some increased battery life, and look for assorted changes to the phone's user interface.

PC users can already get started downloading the files needed (269MB) to perform the update. Data stored on the Merge's SD card should be retained following installation, but it never hurts to make a backup. 

Canon unveils PowerShot S100 and SX40 HS high-end point-and-shoots

Today, we've got a pair of Canon point-and-shoots to show you. The S100 is the successor to the highly regarded S95, while the SX40 HS takes on the super-zoom market with its 35x lens. Both cameras use the company's new DIGIC 5 image processor, which brings high-speed burst shooting and 1080p video to the party. The S100 features improved low-light performance thanks to its f/2.0 lens and new, larger 12.1 megapixel CMOS censor (gone is the CCD of yore). It also has a GPS receiver for embedding location data in your photos. The SX40, more or less, slaps the new processor and sensor into last year'ssomewhat disappointing SX30 IS. Hopefully, those internal upgrades will solve some of the SX line's problems with image quality and noise. Both cameras will cost $430, with the S100 set to ship in early November and the SX 40 HS in late September. Check out the gallery below as well as the PR after the break.
Canon U.S.A. Announces PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS Models with New DIGIC 5 Image Processor Providing Enhanced Resolution and Faster Shooting Speeds
Featuring Full HD Video Recording, High-speed Burst HQ and Intelligent IS

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Sep 15, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announces the addition of two feature-packed digital cameras, the PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS, to its award-winning lineup of point-and-shoot models. In addition to superb low-light performance and increased overall speed, these two cameras include a new DIGIC 5 image processor, HS SYSTEM, Full HD video capture, High-speed Burst HQ and Intelligent IS providing clearer, smoother looking images.

"Photo enthusiasts are always on the search for that next great camera to help them achieve the best results," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "The inclusion of the new DIGIC 5 image processor and Full HD recording capabilities on both new models will provide users with the tools needed to capture brilliant images and videos as they continue their photographic journey."

A challenging task for the photographer on assignment or appointed family photographer is working under low-light conditions. Helping improve the quality of images from those situations is Canon's HS SYSTEM, where the camera's image processor and high-sensitivity image sensor work in tandem to enhance low-light image quality. With the PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS, Canon has introduced a new DIGIC 5 image processor, maintaining the cameras' superb low-light image quality while improving overall camera operation and color accuracy. The new image processor has improved noise reduction and advanced Multi-area White Balance optimizing color tones of both subject and background under multiple light sources.

High-speed, High-quality, High-performance

An added benefit of the DIGIC 5 image processor is the incorporation of the new High-speed Burst HQ(1) providing users with the ability to continuously capture a maximum of eight frames. This new feature will allow the story of a child scoring the winning goal on the soccer field or a marathon runner crossing the finish line to be told frame-by-frame through the eye of the photographer.

Intelligent IS

One of the most important innovations for a point-and-shoot camera has been Image Stabilization (IS) since it helps improve image quality by reducing camera blur for both images and videos. Canon has taken this technology one step further with the new Intelligent IS which automatically chooses from six different modes (Normal, Macro, Panning, Dynamic, Powered, Tripod) to optimize image stabilization and help achieve crisp, blur-free images for various shooting conditions.

It's an HD World

When the time comes to share one of those "can't miss" moments from a family day at the park or of a pride of lions on a safari expedition, the use of HD video is becoming more popular than ever. As a leader in HD video capture, Canon has incorporated Full HD recording (1920 x 1080) capabilities for both new models. Providing exceptional resolution for crystal clear HD video, both cameras have a dedicated movie record button in addition to having the ability to zoom while recording, further enhancing the overall user experience. An HDMI terminal output has also been included for easy sharing of videos with stereo sound on HD ready televisions

PowerShot S100 Digital Camera

When the PowerShot S95 Digital camera was announced in 2010, it received critical praise for having an impressive feature set and superb low-light capabilities. Building upon the success of this model is the PowerShot S100, featuring a host of upgrades making it a must-have for any photo enthusiast. Featuring a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor -- part of the HS SYSTEM -- this versatile camera has a 24-120mm wide angle lens with 5x optical zoom, GPS functionality and is capable of achieving improved low-light performance of up to ISO 6400. Additionally, the camera utilizes an f/2.0 lens increasing the camera's low-light performance by allowing additional light to reach the sensor while creating a shallow depth-of-field for portraits with dynamic, soft backgrounds. The PowerShot S100 will also now be available in either black or silver. Other features of this camera include:

-- A large 3.0-inch wide LCD screen for easy viewing of those images and menu options.

-- GPS capabilities(2) where satellites collect data of the latitude, longitude and altitude of an image's location, which is then stored to the image's EXIF data (3). A map utility software is included with the camera to view the locations where images were captured. There's also an internal GPS logger to track the day's photographic route.

-- A full range of shooting and recording modes similar to those found in DSLR cameras including RAW + JPEG and a control ring on the front of the camera for quick, manual adjustment of key functions such as ISO, zoom and focus.

-- Compatibility with the HF-DC2 High-Power Flash, which is an optional flash accessory that operates wirelessly and increases the effective flash range up to approximately 30 feet.

The estimated selling price of the PowerShot S100 Digital camera is $429.99 and is scheduled to be available in early November.*

PowerShot SX40 HS

When visiting the local zoo or sitting in the stands of a youth football game, having a camera that has the flexibility to capture images at close-up and far-off distances is a necessity. Canon's PowerShot SX40 HS is just the camera one would need to ensure those images are of high-quality. Other features include:

-- An incredible 35x optical zoom range (24mm-840mm) with image stabilizer and a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor -- part of the HS SYSTEM -- the camera can capture low-light images of enhanced image quality up to ISO 3200.

-- A 2.7-inch wide vari-angle LCD has been included for easy viewing of images and menus from almost any angle.

-- Improved Smart AUTO settings to ensure the settings are intelligently selected based upon the cameras 32 predefined shooting situations. .

-- The Zoom Framing Assist button, which helps the user steady the camera when tracking a moving subject at extreme telephoto settings keeping it in focus.

The estimated selling price of the PowerShot SX40 HS Digital camera is $429.99 and is scheduled to be available in late September.*