Firefox 28 Launches With VP9 Video Decoding

Mozilla has today announced the launch of their latest Firefox browser for Windows, Mac, Linux and Android with the release of Firefox 28.
The latest Firefox 28 version browser is now available to download from the official Firefox website, and Google Play for the Android version, and anyone already using a Firefox browser should see it upgrade automatically to the latest version

New features in the latest Firefox 28 include the implementation of new VP9 video decoding together with notification centre support for web notifications within Apple’s Mac OS X operating system. Other new features include volume control for HTML 5 audio/video and support for Opus in WebM as well as the addition of new settings to toggle the dynamic toolbar mode.
Earlier this week Mozilla also announced that it was closing the development of a final release of its Firefox Metro browser for Microsoft Windows, after adoption for its beta Firefox Metro browser’s was less than 1,000 active daily users.
Mozilla is expected to release the next version of Firefox, version 29 towards the end of April 2014, however more information on the currently available latest Firefox browser and to download it jump over to the Mozilla website.

Samsung Gear 2 And Gear Fit Pricing Revealed

Back at the Mobile World Congress 2014, Samsung unveiled a number of wearables, including the Gear 2 and Gear Fit. Both wearables will hit retail in April alongside the Samsung Galaxy S5, but the only thing we didn’t knew until now was its pricing.
Recently, Samsung released the Gear 2 and Gear Fit in Taiwan, and I know you must be wondering about how much you have to shell out if you’re interested in either of them. Samsung Gear 2 costs $295 (8,999 TWD) in Taiwan, while the Gear Fit is priced a little lower at $197 (5,990 TWD).

Samsung released the Galaxy Gear last year with a similar price tag of around  $300 so we should expect the Gear 2 to launch with the same price. As far as the Gear Fit is concerned, it should cost a little lower in other parts of the world  too compared to Gear 2, but we’re hoping Samsung will offer competitive pricing otherwise they may suffer the same fate as its predecessor.
Google also revealed the Android Wear OS recently, and revealed some of the OEMs who are planning to launch smartwatches later this year, including LG, HTC, Asus, Motorola and with which will be powered by the OS. Motorola and LG have already revealed their smartwatches, which will hit retail later this year, and Moto 360 looks gorgeous.
It seems the competition will get fierce for wearables later this year. We’ll update you as soon as the pricing for Gear 2 and Gear Fit is revealed for other regions.

New Sony A7 And A7R Firmware Adds Enhanced Performance and Image Quality

Owners of Sony’s A7 and A7R cameras will be pleased to know that this week Sony has released a new firmware update for both cameras that brings with it a performance boost and enhanced image quality for users to enjoy.
The new Sony firmware update to version 1.2 is now available to download from the Sony website and once installed will enable the cameras to start-up quicker when turned on straight after being powered off.

 

Sony has also included enhanced AE tracking in the time-lapse application and enabled compatibility with the new 70 to 200 mm full frame lens.
Other new features included in this latest firmware update are a reduction in colour noise within the speed priority in continuous mode. As well as adding a new live review grading and smooth reflection tools within the Play Memories camera application.
You can download the latest Sony A7 and A7R firmware update directly from the Sony website following these links :  A7 (Windows), A7 (Mac), A7R (Windows), A7R (Mac)
This utility updates the ILCE-7 camera firmware to version 1.02 and provides the following benefits:
–  Provides support for the SEL70200G lens:
- Supports the “Fast Hybrid AF” function and future Fast Hybrid AF compatible E mount lenses 
- Adds the “Focus hold button” function
–  Reduces start-up time:
- The start-up time has been reduced in cases when the camera is switched on immediately after being switched off
–  Improves image quality
–  Provides support for additional PlayMemories Camera Apps™ and additional features for previously supported apps:
- Supports the “Liveview Grading” and “Smooth Reflection” applications
- Supports the smooth automatic exposure feature in the “Time-lapse” application ver. 2.00 and later