Author Archives: Anirudh Iyer

HP Introduces Print AI – Industry-First Printing Experiences For Home, Office & Large Format Printing

At HP Imagine, HP Inc. recently unveiled HP Print AI, the industry’s first intelligent print experiences designed to change how the world prints. HP Print AI’s features make printing frictionless by eliminating common challenges from printer setup to support. The first feature – Perfect Output – ensures prints look perfect every time and is available today via an exclusive beta program. HP Print AI features also enhance the printing experience at home and at work by unlocking new possibilities for creativity, productivity, and collaboration.

“We are transforming the printing experience with HP Print AI, making it easier and more intuitive,” said Tuan Tran, HP President of Imaging, Printing, and Solutions. “Introducing AI solutions across our portfolio will simplify printing, ignite creativity, and accelerate collaboration – all while ensuring customer data is protected and kept private. This is our first step in setting a new standard for printing.”

More than half of print jobs come from web browsers, including online articles, travel documents, recipes, and how-to guides. However, printing from the web has traditionally yielded unnecessary white space, issues with image size, and inclusion of unwanted web ads. Consumers printing from web browsers have understandably felt frustrated, rating the experience with “strong dissatisfaction”.

Perfect Output bridges the gaps between what people see on the screen and what they intend to print, reformatting and reorganizing content to fit perfectly on the page the first time. Perfect Output can detect unwanted content like ads and web text, printing only the desired text and images, saving time, paper, and ink.

Spreadsheets are another common print job, and more than half of spreadsheet users report experiencing challenges to make documents print out correctly. Perfect Output proactively creates a printable spreadsheet without splitting tables and charts across pages.

HP Print AI will also simplify and tailor support for individual customers. From the moment a customer turns their printer on, intelligent technology anticipates their needs – walking through each step of setup. HP Print AI leverages natural language and contextual awareness, remembering users’ preferences and past questions, so customers receive immediate and customized support whenever they need it.   

With HP Print AI, customers can easily transform photos into creative projects. Using simple conversational prompts, HP Print AI can seamlessly integrate unique layouts, custom styles, and fonts to personalize greeting cards for every occasion. HP Print AI also corrects common print errors by automatically upscaling images and removing unwanted objects.

Once the design is ready, customers can choose to print or explore a curated list of partners that offer unique photo printing capabilities, gift certificates to be printed on the card, and so much more.

For the commercial market, HP announced the expanded availability of HP Scan AI Enhanced. This cloud-based, AI-driven solution automatically recognizes the type of documents being scanned and extracts key information based on the customer’s specific business needs. By reducing manual steps and data entry, this solution saves time and money for SMB and enterprise customers. 

HP is also extending AI capabilities to vertical industries, starting with design and construction. HP’s new Build Workspace enables design and construction professionals to easily create and organize site observations, facilitate collaboration, and automate tasks such as field reports. By automating time-consuming tasks, HP Build Workspace drives efficiency and collaboration among professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) field. Key features such as site capture, AI vectorization, and continuous feedback empower AEC professionals to streamline their workflows and optimize designs. The collaboration hub, HP Build Workspace, allows AEC professionals to access projects on desktop or mobile devices.

Availability

  • HP Print AI is available, starting with an exclusive beta delivering the Perfect Output feature to select print customers. HP intends to continue launching HP Print AI capabilities throughout 2025.
  • HP Build Workspace is available, with AI capabilities also in beta in the US and Europe, scaling to the UK and Ireland soon, with expected worldwide rollout in Spring 2025.  
  • HP Scan AI Enhanced is a software service available in North America, most of Europe and Latin America, and in parts of Asia.

DJI Launches Osmo Action 5 Pro Starting at ₹35000

DJI, a leader in drone and camera technology, has unveiled its latest action camera, the Osmo Action 5 Pro, boasting several industry-first features that elevate it to professional standards. The new camera combines rugged durability with exceptional image quality, pushing the boundaries of action photography.

The Osmo Action 5 Pro’s standout feature is its groundbreaking (up to) 13.5-stop dynamic range, which enhances both high dynamic range and low-light performance. This range is powered by a next-gen 1/1.3” sensor with a 2.4 μm pixel size, making it the first action camera to offer professional-level specs. With the ability to capture 10-bit D-Log M and support hybrid log-gamma (HLG) displays, it excels in both high-brightness and low-light conditions. Additionally, its SuperNight mode uses AI noise reduction to deliver superior clarity in extremely dark environments.

Battery life is another area where the Osmo Action 5 Pro excels, with a 4-hour continuous recording capability—a 50% improvement from its predecessor. This is made possible by a more efficient 4nm chip and a larger 1950mAh battery. Even in extreme temperatures as low as -20°C, the camera can last for up to 3.6 hours. Fast charging is another feature, offering two hours of shooting from just 15 minutes of charging.

The Osmo Action 5 Pro is also the first action camera to offer built-in subject centering and tracking without the need for a gimbal. Using a 4nm chip and machine learning, the camera automatically adjusts framing to keep subjects centered, enhancing video quality for dynamic action scenes.

For underwater enthusiasts, the camera is waterproof to a depth of 20 meters without an additional case. It includes features like automatic underwater recording and a built-in pressure gauge to track depth and time, ensuring both creative flexibility and user safety.

The camera is equipped with dual OLED high-brightness touchscreens, providing clear visibility even in bright daylight, and offers improved audio quality via the DJI OsmoAudio™ ecosystem, which connects directly to the DJI Mic 2 Transmitter for studio-quality sound.

Other notable features include 47GB of built-in storage, Wi-Fi livestreaming, timecode support for multi-camera synchronization, and live photo capabilities. The DJI Mimo app allows creators to adjust settings, preview footage, and edit videos directly on their smartphones.

The Osmo Action 5 Pro is available now at DJI’s online store and authorized retailers. The Standard Combo is priced at $35,250, while the Adventure Combo, which includes additional accessories, retails for ₹44,250.

Osmo Action 5 Pro Kit
The $449 Adventure Combo
HP Color LaserJet Pro

HP Introduces The New Color Laserjet Pro Printers For Businesses In India

HP introduced a new range of HP Color LaserJet Pro 3000 series, the latest addition to its office print portfolio. Catering to businesses in India, this new range leverages energy-efficient TerraJet toner technology to deliver sharper colours and faster print speeds. The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3000 series includes two models in India: the single-function HP Color LaserJet Pro Printer 3203dw and the multi-function HP Color LaserJet Pro Printer 3303sdw, which offers printing, scanning, and copying capabilities in Colour and Black and White.  

Engineered to support the demanding needs of expanding SMBs, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3000 series delivers exceptional speed and efficiency. With a print speed of up to 25 pages per minute and a rapid first printout time of just 10.9 seconds, these printers ensure fast and reliable results. The default duplex printing feature helps reduce paper usage and costs by automatically printing on both sides of each page. Additionally, the device has a robust duty cycle of 40,000 pages and has a toner yield of up to 1300 black and 1200 colour pages.

“As small and medium-sized businesses in India continue to expand, efficient and secure printing has become a critical component of their operations. We recognise the challenges faced by SMB leaders in balancing their growing needs with the right technological solutions. Therefore, we are pleased to introduce the new HP Color LaserJet Pro 3000 series. Featuring innovative TerraJet technology, this series offers exceptional colour quality, professional speed, and energy efficiency within a compact design. This solution is designed to help businesses minimise downtime, maintain operational efficiency, and stay competitive in an ever-evolving market,” said Sunish Raghavan, Senior Director, Printing Systems, HP India Market.

Experience high-speed two-sided colour printing at 26 ppm (Letter) / 25 ppm (A4). Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3303sdw is equipped with a 50-sheet Automatic Document Feeder. It has superior wireless performance with dependable Wi-Fi that automatically reconnects to keep printer online. It can bring true-to life colours with the next-generation HP TerraJet Toner designed for more vibrant and high-quality colour printing. One can print, scan, and use time-saving shortcuts through the HP Smart app, enhancing productivity and ease of use and also maximise productivity with an HP account, unlocking advanced features like multi-item scanning, book scanning with auto image correction, and scanning both sides of ID onto a single page. One can centralise printer management with HP Web Jetadmin which easily adds and updates devices, solutions, and policies.

You can safeguard your data and documents with HP Wolf Pro Security, providing advanced protection for your business information and strengthen and simplify compliance with the optional HP Security Manager, which helps enforce policies across your printer network. It also gives confidence in device security with toner featuring tamper-resistant packaging and firmware

Specially formulated HP TerraJet Toner engineered for low energy use when printing. It is designed in a compact size with auto-on/auto-off technology to optimize energy use.

You can easily recycle used original HP toner cartridges for free, through the HP Planet Partners Program. Also save energy with a printer that meets industry efficiency standards with EPEAT Silver rating.

HP Color LaserJet Pro Printer 3203dw is priced at ₹50,304 and HP Color LaserJet Pro Printer 3303sdw is priced at ₹61,181 on HP E-store.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm F1.4

Nikon India Announces NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 at ₹79,995

Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. introduces the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4, a full-frame, FX-format compatible Z mount lens with a 55 mm diameter mount that provides abundant light and great flexibility of expression. Weighing 420 g and with a minimum focus distance of 0.37 m, it is designed for users who wish to expand their range of expression while wanting a lens compact enough to remain mobile on a budget.

“At Nikon India, we are committed to offering innovative solutions that empower photographers and videographers to push their creative boundaries. The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is a stellar new addition to our expanding NIKKOR Z line-up, offering a perfect blend of portability and performance. With its outstanding sharpness for both stills and video, along with the ability to produce beautifully smooth background blur, the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 opens up new possibilities for capturing stunning imagery, whether you’re shooting stills or video, ensuring that every shot reflects the brilliance and precision unique to Nikon’s Z series,” said Mr. Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India Pvt. Ltd.

With a maximum aperture of f/1.4 and a minimum focus distance of 0.37 m, the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is perfect for capturing flowers and decorations indoors with bright and beautiful large bokeh to further emphasize subjects. This lens enables users to capture stills with outstanding three-dimensional rendering and large bokeh, offering soft, ethereal expressions. This rendering is achieved by taking advantage of the lens’s shallow depth of field. The lens is also reliable for shooting indoors or in low-light environments. Increasing shutter speeds reduces blurriness, letting users easily obtain cleaner images at low ISO sensitivity.

This len’s angle of view allows you to narrow the aperture, step back, and capture breathtaking landscapes and portraits. The lens accurately depicts depth, helping capture subjects with a striking presence. Meanwhile, the lens’ maximum aperture allows impressive capture of subjects with soft rendering and shallow depth of field.

The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is is designed to suppress focus breathing, providing a natural-looking image with a constant angle of view even while adjusting focus. Adopting a stepping motor (STM) enables fast and quiet AF operations, even while recording in quiet environments. This is ideal for shooting on a gimbal, maintaining balance with minimal shifting to the centre of gravity. While recording, the focus moves consistently relative to the focus or control ring’s speed, ensuring precision in focus.

This is the second non-S-Line NIKKOR lens to adopt the metal filter ring cover, delivering high quality and a sophisticated texture; Different knurling shapes for focus and control rings, helping users easily distinguish focus and control even while looking through the viewfinder; Designed to widen gradually from base to tip for stable camera holding during shooting; Superior dust and drip resistant performance, with sealing on various portions, including movable parts of the lens barrel, to effectively prevent dust or water droplets from entering the lens.

The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4  will be available by last week of September 2024 at MRP. ₹79,995 across India at Nikon outlets.

Apple Unveils the iPhone 16 Series Starting ₹79,990

iPhone 16 starts at Rs. 79,900; iPhone 16 Pro start at Rs. 1,19,900

At their September 2024 event, Apple introduced the highly anticipated iPhone 16 series, alongside several exciting products including new AirPods, the Apple Watch Series 10, the Watch Ultra 2, and fresh new colours for the Airpods Max. However, the spotlight was firmly on the iPhone 16 series.

Initially, we expected only minor upgrades, but with the launch of four new models – the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max – some impressive hardware features have caught our attention!

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max Cameras

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max come equipped with a powerful triple-camera setup. This includes a new main camera with a quad-pixel sensor for the 48MP Fusion option, a 48MP Ultra-Wide camera with macro capabilities, and a 12MP 5x telephoto camera. This upgraded system allows users to shoot in 4K at 120fps in Dolby Vision, with support for 4K@120 ProRes and Log video recording to an external storage device.

Both Pro models are powered by the new A18 Pro processor, a leap forward from the A16 processor in the previous generation. The iPhone 16 Pro is priced at Rs. 1,19,900, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at Rs. 1,44,900 – a relief for those expecting price hikes based on early reports.

The Pro models are available in four finishes: black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and the new desert titanium.

iPhone 16 and 16 Plus Cameras

Apple iPhone 16b and 16 Plus
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus feature a dual-camera system, repositioned to support spatial video. They include a 48MP Fusion Camera with a 2x telephoto option, along with a macro-enabled 12MP Ultra-Wide camera. Both models run on the A18 processor.

Pricing starts at Rs. 79,900 for the iPhone 16 and Rs. 89,900 for the iPhone 16 Plus. These models come in five colours: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine, with some fresh additions to the lineup.

Camera Control Button and Photographic Styles

Apple has introduced new features across the iPhone 16 series, including a dedicated camera control button that offers easier access to camera functionalities. A notable addition is the “Photographic Styles” feature, which lets users adjust colours, highlights, and shadows in real-time. Unlike filters, these adjustments are tailored to each user’s unique style and can be reversed even after the photo is taken.

All iPhone 16 models also capture spatial photos and videos, which will be viewable on the Apple Vision Pro in the future.

iPhone 16 Series Comparison Chart
Source: reddit.com/r/IndiaTech

Made In India

Foxconn, one of Apple’s primary contract manufacturers, has already commenced production of the series in India. For the first time, even the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models will be shipped overseas from Indian factories. 

Availability

Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 series start from September 13th, with the official release on September 20th.

Sony 85mm F1.4 GM II

Sony India Announces FE 85mm F1.4 GM II at ₹180,990


Sony India announced the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II – a premium lens offering a supreme
blend of high resolution and stunning bokeh with fast autofocus (AF) in a compact body. This is a
second-generation lens that inherits the optical design that achieved a high-level fusion of bokeh
and resolution that was highly praised in the first-generation model, and generously incorporates
the latest technology. When paired with the latest Sony’s Alpha series cameras, it is an ideal option
for a wide variety of creative uses in both photography and videography, including portraiture,
wedding, travel, and cinematic video.
The advanced and refined optical design and elements of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II brings together
appealing bokeh and enhanced high resolution, making it ideal for portrait photography. Packed
with two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) lenses, the state-of-the-art
optical design effectively suppresses aberrations. This combination offers corner-to-corner
resolution and rendering, resulting in outstanding image quality. Moreover, Sony’s original Nano AR
Coating II technology effectively subdues flare and ghosting for clear, crisp images. The 11-blade
circular aperture and optimization of spherical aberration during the design and manufacturing
process provide the beautiful, soft bokeh that is the hallmark of G Master lenses.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II’s AF is agile, maximizing the speed advantage of advanced camera bodies.
For stills, it is up to three times faster compared to the previous model, tracking moving subjects
with high precision. It keeps up flawlessly with the Alpha 9 III’s 120fps continuous shooting, and
subject tracking performance is improved by as much as 7 times.
Compared to the current 85mm F1.4 GM1, the weight of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (642 grams) is approximately 20% lighter and 13% smaller in volume, which is achieved through the latest mechanical technology and optical design. The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has a filter diameter of φ77 mm, diameter of 84.7 mm and length of 107.3 mm.
For smooth movie creation at F1.4, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has an XD linear motor. Focus breathing
is minimal, and in-body focus breathing compensation is supported. It has two customizable focus
hold buttons and an AF/MF switch offer flexible operability, while an independent aperture ring and
Linear Response MF focus control provide the kind of intuitive control that creative shooting
demands.
The front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust,
oil, and other contaminants from the lens surface. The dust and moisture resistant design provides
extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available across all Sony Centers, Alpha Flagship stores, Sony
authorized dealers, ecommerce websites (Amazon and Flipkart) and major electronic stores across
India from 6th September 2024 onwards at a price of ₹ 180,990.

Product Photo of Fujifilm X-T50

FUJIFILM India launches the FUJIFILM X-T50 at ₹1,49,999

FUJIFILM India has unveiled the X-T50, the latest addition to its X series of mirrorless digital cameras. Priced at ₹1,49,999 for the body, the X-T50 combines exceptional image quality with a compact, lightweight design, targeting both photography enthusiasts and professionals.

The X-T50 is equipped with a new 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and the X-Processor 5, ensuring high-resolution images and advanced performance. Despite its powerful capabilities, the camera is lightweight, weighing only 438 grams, making it a convenient option for photographers on the go.

A major highlight of the X-T50 is its 5-axis in-body image stabilization, offering up to 7 stops of stabilization. This feature enables steady handheld shooting even in low-light conditions. The camera also supports 6.2K/30P video recording with tracking autofocus, catering to both still photography and video recording needs.

The X-T50 also introduces a Film Simulation dial on the top plate, a new feature that allows users to switch between 20 different Film Simulation modes, including the newly added “REALA ACE.” This mode offers faithful colour reproduction and smooth tonal gradations, enhancing the creative potential for both stills and videos.

The X-T50’s AI-based autofocus system can detect a wide range of subjects, including animals, birds, vehicles, and drones. An advanced AF prediction algorithm further improves the camera’s ability to track fast-moving subjects, ensuring precise focus in dynamic shooting scenarios.

The FUJIFILM X-T50 is now available for purchase from all online and retail outlets.

Product Image of Sony ZV E10 II

Sony India launches ZV-E10 II camera at ₹94,990

Sony India has launched the ZV-E10 II, the successor to its popular ZV-E10 camera, aimed at content creators, vloggers, and photographers. The new model retains the beloved features of its predecessor, such as Creative Looks, Product Showcase Setting, Background Defocus, and a vari-angle flip screen, while introducing enhancements that make it even more sophisticated and user-friendly.

The ZV-E10 II is equipped with a new 26-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and Sony’s latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, delivering improved image quality and performance. Notable upgrades include advanced autofocus capabilities, a Cinematic Vlog Setting for easy cinematic video creation, and a new vertical format user interface (UI) for streamlined content creation in vertical orientation.

Weighing approximately 377 grams, the camera remains compact and lightweight, making it ideal for on-the-go creators. Additionally, the ZV-E10 II offers enhanced connectivity options, including easy live streaming and data transfer, supported by a USB 3.2 Type-C port and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity.

The ZV-E10 II introduces new tools to elevate content creation, including the Cinematic Vlog Setting, which adjusts aspect ratio, frame rate, and autofocus settings for cinematic video capture. Users can also choose from ten Creative Look options and customize them with eight parameters, saving up to six personalized styles for quick access.

For photographers and videographers, the camera offers 759-point Focal Plane Phase-detection autofocus with Real-time Eye AF for humans, animals, and birds, and Real-time Tracking. It supports high-speed 4K video recording with 5.6K oversampling and advanced image stabilization, ensuring smooth, high-quality footage.

Sony has also focused on sustainability with the ZV-E10 II. The camera body is made from recycled materials, including SORPLAS, and the packaging uses Sony’s eco-friendly “Original Blended Material.” This aligns with Sony’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact.

Alongside the camera, Sony is launching the E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II lens, available separately or as part of a lens kit. The lens features improved autofocus and video performance, making it an ideal companion for the ZV-E10 II.

The ZV-E10 II camera and lens kit will be available from August 27, 2024, at Sony Centers, Alpha Flagship stores, and online platforms. The camera body is priced at ₹94,990, with the lens kit pricing to be announced later.

Sony is offering special promotions, including an extended 3-year warranty, a complimentary SD card, and a carry bag, along with easy financing options.