In Time for Holidays, Canadians Can Now Acquire Samsung's Gear VR for 360-Degrees of Entertainment

Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

Since the beginning of the year, we were told wearable technology would be the biggest sector looking to breakout in 2015. While there hasn't been a super high-capacity boom, there has been some impressive concepts emerging in the infancy of wearable technology. While much of the attention has been focused on smartwatch devices, other forms of wearable electronics have emerged with the capacity of delivering a unique user experience.

From Samsung, Gear VR technology could change the way many of will look at our smartphones (literally). Through a piece of headgear that attaches to certain popular Samsung smartphone types, Gear VR is promising to offer 360-degree viewing experiences assembled as photos, videos as well as games. Launched in the United States earlier this fall, Canadians are now able to explore the interactive virtual viewing experience in its entirety.

Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

The first consumer edition of the Samsung Gear VR headset is now officially available in Canada. At a price of $139.00 excluding the compatible Samsung smartphone, the Frost White coloured device contains an Accelerometer, Gyrometer, and comfortable foam padding. This consumer version of the Gear VR is an evolution from the so-called Innovator Edition as being lighter as well as less expensive. Without the smartphone, the weight of the Gear VR is rated at 318 grams.

Requiring the installation of Samsung's Milk VR app from the Oculus store, the Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6 edge+, S6 or S6 edge device is attached to the Gear VR headset by clips as well as a micro USB connection. Once connected through the Gear VR, the user wearing the device is immersed with a 96-degree field of view created by a Super AMOLED display. While wearing the Gear VR, the 360-degree view adjusts in accordance to your head movements. When launched in Canada on December 11th, the available content through Milk VR provides 300 app titles and more than 25 hours of video for the wearer to view in a 360-degree perspective. Video Content immediately offered in the new viewing format consists of several genres of entertainment. Entertainment choices such as the Hollywood blockbuster Hunger Games Mockingjay: Part 1 and GONE, a thriller developed exclusively by Robert Kirkman and David Alpert's Skybound Entertainment for the viewing system, can be accessed for the Gear VR.

"The Gear VR offers a truly innovative experience, getting Canadians closer to incredible 360 degree content in a completely immersive way." says Samsung Electronics Canada's Executive Vice President Mobile Solutions Paul Brannen.


Please find included below is a Youtube demo prepared by Samsung Mobile of the Gear VR providing a different perspective for smartphone gaming:

Look Out for Ontario Electronic Recycling Fees this Boxing Week

Photo Credit: Walmart Canada

As the waste remains presents and cards are being cleaned off the floor, Christmas of 2013 has close to a wrap. Starting on December 26th, a large number of people will be putting their newfound cash and/or gift cards to use at retail stores as well as online portals. Boxing Day or Week has become a shopping tradition where customers indulge themselves in the single or multiple items we have otherwise deprived ourselves from up to this point. With little doubt, a great deal of shopping will occur in the electronics section.

In Ontario, like several other provinces in Canada, collect an electronic recycling fee on a wide-range of technology. Check-out may be the first time where some of us will become familiar with the additional cost added to our choice electronic. Intended to cover the cost of an electronic device's end-of-use or disposal and run by the Ontario Electronic stewardship, it is charged on top of what we pay for a new product fitting into the taxing criteria.

In Ontario, the electronic recycling fees currently spans from 5 cents for a cell phone or pager up to $173.75 for a floor-based photocopier or printer machine. For customers this Boxing Week, the televisions and computer monitors could prove to be the most highest purchased item with the heaviest recycling fees. For televisions up to 29 inches in screen size, the additional cost this holiday season is $12.25. Planning to buy a big screen? The Ontario electronic recycling fee skyrockets to more than triple cost of a smaller set. When over 29 inches in size, the Ontario electronic recycling fee runs $39.50. If looking for a medium-sized television around 27 to 32 inches, the electronic recycling fee cost could be something to consider. It might cause you to reconsider the net benefit of a few inches of screen size.

Since instituted in Ontario in mid-2009, electronic recycling fee has gone through five major adjustments. When the fee was for introduced, desktop computers received the highest fee amount at $13.44. Portable and home entertainment devices such as MP3 players, photo frames and digital cameras were originally exempted. With the latest fee structure introduced this May, a large selection of everyday electronics is now subject to an electronic recycling fee. Along with laptop or netbooks, the portable computer fee also encapsulates the popular tablet devices. The following is the fee structures created through the lifetime of the Ontario electronic recycling fee:


Ontario Electronic Recycling Fees Since Program's Inception

Item	April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010	April 1, 2010 to July 31, 2011	August 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012	January 1, 2013 to April 30, 2013	May 1, 2013 to current
Cell Phones or Pager	NA	0.10	0.01	0.10	0.05
Video, Audio or Image Device
Portable	NA	0.40	0.10	0.15	0.75
Home Sized	NA	2.75	1.45	5.15	7.10
Home Theatre in a Box	NA	9.95	7.80	7.80	7.10
Aftermarket Vehicle Equipment	NA	2.85	1.55	3.00	4.00
Television or Monitor
Computer Monitor	12.03	12.25	11.00	12.25	12.25
Under 18”	10.07	12.25	11.00	12.25	12.25
18” to 29”	10.07	12.25	11.00	12.25	12.25
29” to 45”	10.07	26.25	25.00	27.60	39.50
Over 45”	10.07	26.25	25.00	27.60	39.50
All-in-One Computer*	13.44	12.25	11.00	12.25	12.25
Computer
Desktop	13.44	7.80	3.50	3.40	3.00
Portable	2.14	2.75	0.70	2.30	1.50
Mouse	0.32	0.40	0.05	0.30	0.75
Keyboard	0.32	0.40	0.05	0.30	0.75
Hard Drive	0.32	0.40	0.05	0.30	0.75
Optical Drive	0.32	0.40	0.05	0.30	0.75
Modem	NA	0.40	0.05	0.30	0.75
Telephone or Answering Machine	NA	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.50
Printing
Desktop Printer or Copier	5.05	5.40	5.40	11.45	10.35
Floor Printer Device	5.05	32.50	32.50	341.20	173.75
Floor Copier	5.05	32.50	32.50	341.20	173.75

* All-in-one units were not specifically mentioned on the initial fee structure. I made an assumption it is considered a desktop computer.

While printing equipment showed some massive increases, the cost for television sets have also showed a steady peak upwards. Televisions over 29 inches in size are being levied with an electronic recycling fee almost four times greater today than when the program in imposed in 2009. While most fees have risen from the initial 2009 setup, the Ontario electronic recycling fee has dropped considerably for desktop computers and even for portable computers.

Important Exemptions

Not all electronics are subjected to electronic recycling fees. Among the major products not subjected to electronic recycling fees is video game consoles, Bluetooth headsets, eReaders, memory cards and a majority of computer components are not assessed fees at this time. It's also interesting that while a standard computer hard drive is subject to a fee, solid state storage devices are not. A full list of electronic products is provided on the Ontario Electronic Stewardship website.

Hammacher Schlemmer Spotlight: The Full Phrase Talking Translator

Photo Source: Hammacher Schlemmer

A desirable companion for the world traveller is possessing the ability to communicate effectively with the residents of way-off lands. While some of us have acquired the skills to master multiple languages to make negotiating exotic locales, hundreds of millions of other tourists and traveling businesspeople could use some help. While translation dictionary and electronic translators have existed for long time, retailer Hammacher Schlemmer has secured a device that is slated to be a cut-above others.

The Phrase Talking Translator is a pocket-sized electronic that can instantly assist in deciphering 30 different languages. With the capacity of 1.8 million words, The Phrase Talking Translator is also equipped with 210,000 common phrases and sentences. Three times more phrases than the previous generation device, this product would enable easier maneuvering through most common travelling scenarios.

The size of a smartphone or most other pocket devices, The Phrase Talking Translator opens up to a 3.75-inch backlit LCD screen and a QWERTY keyboard for easy interaction by the user. Through integrated speakers, the correct pronunciation of words and phrases will prove helpful in navigating unique regions of the world. Beyond the language translation software, a currency converter, world clock, basic and scientific calculator, a voice recorder as well as six games are loaded in the device.

Priced at $249.95, The Phrase Talking Translator could be the ideal device for future globe-trotters in 2013.

Hammacher Schlemmer Spotlight: The Mind Controlled Movie Director

Photo Credit:

A company with origins dating back to 1848, Hammacher Schlemmer was founded as a provider of high quality products that can not be easily found in other stores. One of the first 271 subscribers to Bell Telephone of New York City, the first home delivery parcel service and one of the earlier adopters to on-line shopping in 1986, Hammacher Schlemmer endures despite the influx of large department store chains as well as discount stores that cater to the vast United States consumer population. Hammacher Schlemmer survives and prospers by a continued commitment to bring unusual, obscure yet intriguing products to niche interests. Electric cars, a real-life working replica of the Tron: Legacy Light Cycle and other outlandish items are sold under the Hammacher Schlemmer banner. In recognition of the company's involvement in supplying the marketplace with fun and unique products, I'll happily feature some of the more eye-catching Hammacher Schlemmer items on this blog starting with the Mind Controlled Movie Director.

A device certain to spawn thoughts of science fiction, The Mind Controlled Movie Director actually operates on individual's brainwaves to control pre-programmed interactive movies and games. Through a headset the incorporates electroencephalogram technology, a person's electrical brain signals are translated into control over situation with The Mind Controlled Movie Director. Concentration, relaxation and verbal emotions can affect the outcome of various horror, sports and crime stories. Plot lines and endings are shaped by the signals received from the user's headset.

Used in association with a Mac or PC computer, The Mind Controlled Movie Director also comes with Apps. A pair of arcade games, a brainwave visualizer and meditation journal are included in the $129.95 US device.

Sony Reveals New Wave of Professional Grade Cameras

While most consumers have gotten used to the digital camera as something that now fits into our cell phones and tablets, anyone can capture that important personal or family moment. Taking a picture has become a task even a child can perform with the basic point-and-shoot cameras. While the inexpensive and easy picture-taking and video-making devices have proven hot, people making a living in still or motion capturing require higher grade, more capable technology so they can share potentially monumental moments. 

Electronics powerhouse Sony has introduced a slew of new high-end cameras meant to provide greater flexibility options for professional photographers and videographers.

Sony a99 DSLR Camera

Price: $2,800 (body-only)






Sony's flagship DSLR camera, the a99 is described as providing peak performance for recording a combination of photo and video. Constructed with magnesium alloy panels for durability and lightness, the Sony a99 DSLR incorporates Translucent Mirror Technology that eliminates the moving mirror previously used for full-frame imaging. Equipped with XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder technology, the Sony a99 camera can crisply balance brightness, contrast and clarity as well as maintain a 100% field of view with DT lenses.

The Sony a99 camera 24.3 effective megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor joins the BIONZ image processing engine that is capable of handling a sizable amount of data. The a99 is able to record up to 6 still shots per second in burst mode at high level resolution. In Tele-zoom high speed shooting mode, the Sony a99 can capture 10 frames per second. Providing a full range of automatic and manual settings for still shots, the a99 also set for providing Full HD 60p/24p progressive video recording.

The Sony a99 is designed to optimize the SDXS memory cards allowing readable data transfer speeds up to 94 megabytes per second.

Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam Camcorder

Price: $3,300 US (Body-only)


Advertised as the "World's First 35mm Full-Frame Handycam Camcorder" by Sony, the NEX-VG900 is created to unleash creative potential of semi-professional filmmakers.

Utilizing a Exmor CMOS sensor (a technology 40 times larger than the equivalent sensor found in typical consumer camcorders), the Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam Camcorder captures still images at a 24.3 megapixel resolution. Supplying film-like video, the NEX-VG900 Handycam Camcorder is packed with numerous modes for Full HD quality picture in 60p or 24p frame rates. Automated and manually operated settings assures a professional level of work is produced from this latest Sony product. Along with superior picture quality, Sony has provided a Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone on the NEX-VG900 Handycam Camcorder that allows support for 5.1 surround sound.

A seesaw lever and the adaptability for fit a wide range of interchangeable lenses will make the Nex-VG900 Handycam Camcorder a valuable piece of motion picture production. The NEX Series of camcorders are designed to use Sony's Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX Series of storage.

Sony NEX-VG30H/VG30 Handycam Camcorder

Price: NEX-VG30- $1,800 US (Body-only), NEX-VG30H- $2,700 US



A little less sophisticated than the NEX-VG900 Handycam, the NEX-VG30H and NEX-VG30 camcorders has been created to incorporated many of the same professional film-making features. Also capable of shooting Full HD, the base model NEX-VG30 and better equipped NEX-VG30H Handycam models incorporate a 16.1 megapixel resolutions for capturing detailed still shots. The NEX-VG30H comes with a SELP-18200 E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Power Zoom lens that makes anything from wide angle to telephoto shots achievable.

Sony Cyber-shot RX1 Compact Digital Camera 

Price: $2,800 US


A 24.3 megapixel compact camera, the Sony Cyber-shot RX1 is a powerful image capturing device featured with a small palm-sized body. Capable of taking 35mm full-frame image quality, the Cyper-shot RX1 camera includes Pixel Super Resolution digital zoom technology as one piece of software suited for creating professional still pictures. A Carl Zeiss-brand lens is added to the Cyper-shot RX1 digital camera allowing a photographer to take splendid shots in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. With a full array of automatic and manual adjustments available for photogs with the Cyper-shot RX1, the camera also includes 13 Creative Styles meant to fine-tune an image to near perfection.

Primarily a still shot digital camera, the Sony Cyber-shot RX1 is also effect for taking Full HD video.

Sony NEX-6 Camera

Price: $850 US



Designed to provide a full DSLR experience in a compact camera, the Sony NEX-6 digital camera is a considerably well loaded image-capturing device guaranteed to win over some professional photographers. Featuring a Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor allowing up to 16.1 megapixel pictures to be snapped, the Sony NEX-6 also supplies Wi-Fi capabilities as well as access to the recently-introduced PlayMemories Camera Apps platform. A set of free apps, the PlayMemories Mobile programs can allow photos to be directly uploaded to popular social media sites including Facebook. The NEX-6's 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD display can pivot to a 90-degree or 45-degree down angle so photographers can easily identify when the right shot can be taken.

The Sony NEX-6 digital camera can also be ordered for $1,000 equipped with the compact SELP1650 power zoom lens.


Information and Photo Source: Sony Electronics

Canadians Consumed Growing Amount of Media in 2011: CRTC Report

Photo Credit: CNW Group/BELL ALIANT INC.

As citizens of a massive land mass separated by hills, mountains the occasional waterway, Canadians have existed in a society that historically connects us through extraordinary means. From the Canadian Pacific Railway constructed through the late 19th century, the 20th century embraced wide telecommunication and broadcasting networks that integrated a country that could have otherwise been isolated by geographic separation. Combined with Canada's typically trying weather during the winter seasons, the allure of media content has allowed Canadians spanning across age groups to explore and surrender a few hours. According to a recently-published annual report by government-supported regulator CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission), 2011 tends to indicate English as well as French speaking Canadians have realized an increased amount of content across radio, television, Internet and mobile platforms. 
While a pop song once popularized the phrase "Video Killed the Radio Star", the "Spirit of Radio" (perhaps not unlike the one Canadian rock band Rush sang about in 1980) remains a part of 21st century life in Canada. In 2011, the CRTC has computed the average Canadian listened to 17.7 hours of radio per week. A slight increase from the previous year, it is possible some listening is incidental in restaurants and stores.

In terms of Canadian viewing habits with television, the appetite remains strong for so-called "Couch Potatoes". In 2011, the average Canadian television viewer watched 28.5 hours of content (up from 28 hours in 2010). Despite the increase access to on-line sources for entertainment and information, improvements to television content delivery such as video-on-demand as well as digital cable has kept the medium popular among media consumers in Canada. While the average subscription cost has increased by $2.13 per month in 2011 compared to the previous year, paid television remains a popular option. With 11.8 million Canadians subscribed to television broadcast services, cable leads over satellite accounting for 70 percent in the category compared to 24 percent. The CRTC also notes a 6 percent present of telephone line-based television content delivery.

A source for decades, radio and television have been sharing an increasing amount of the media landscape with forms of new digital media. Through digital media, consumption along English-language Canada has shown a remarkable raise in 2011 over the previous year. Rating the average Canadian spending 18.2 hours a week engaging in digital media content during 2011, it is almost an increase of a full hour from 2010. Average French language Canadian spent 13.1 hours a week with digital media content.

CNW Group/Bell Canada

When it comes to experiencing the Internet at home, 78 percent of Canadians have a subscription to the vast virtual world that stretch beyond the country's borders. Of those customers of Internet, 54 percent utilize connections that involve a minimum of 1.5 megabits per second (Mbps) Internet download speeds. In 2011, the typical Canadian watched 2.8 hours of Internet television content per week according to the annual report from the Canadian telecommunications regulator. The CRTC has also realized that a modest 4 percent of the Canadian public now absorb content exclusively through on-line sources. Music streaming through radio or as downloadable content is also recorded as modest. English-speaking Canadians usage was accounted at 22 percent while 17 percent French-speaking users in the country utilize the Internet for accessing music or other audio programs.

The annual report of 2011 also recognized the smartphone and tablet technology many Canadians have been embracing more each year. Accounting that 38% of Canadians use a smartphone and 10% had a tablet computer at the time of the study, the CRTC identified the smaller devices as possessing a smaller piece of the media puzzle. With only 4 percent of Canadians watched television on tablets and 3 percent watched the similar content on smartphones. With the rapid advance of technology, the data for smartphones and tablets is more than likely set for an increase within annual reports going forward.

Showing that no single platform is ultimately conquering Canada's media spectrum, radio, television and new media should paint a diverse culture for citizens to absorb content. The CRTC annual report for 2011 also makes several mentions of enhanced technologies (LTE and over 5 Mbps Internet) that should insure the sprawling of the landscape could be as ambitious as the far-reaching lands we have built a country.