DIGITAL PHOTO
another device?” Muller has an answer for this question, as you would expect, and it revolves around the quality of video from Flip video cameras, the ease of use and the FlipShare software. “75% of the people who own a Flip also own a digital camera, also own a traditional video camera and also own a smartphone so the proof is in the pudding that they are buying all these different devices,” he said. But, Muller argued, it’s not just about the hardware; it’s also very much an issue of the included FlipShare software. According to Muller, Flip pumps out four new versions per year, automatically upgrading the software. With FlipShare, which launches on Mac OS X and Windows when a user plugs in a Flip camera to their computer, users can quickly and easily go through videos, do some basic editing to them and share them via email, Web and more.
Future plans Finally, Muller commented on what customers can expect from Flip in the future. He said that their continued development rests on “three pillars,” meaning they will keep working on making elegant devices, improving the FlipShare software as well as the file-sharing infrastructure. He said that Flip users in the Gulf region should, in early 2011, expect the introduction of Flip Channels. It’s a “personal YouTube,” Muller said, a
Within three years, 80% of Internet bandwidth will be consumed by video and Flip video is all about video over the Internet.
way for Flip videographers to push out their creations to friends, family and others who will receive automatic notifications when new content is available. Flip Channels is closely related to Flip Mobile, the company’s app for iOS, Blackberry and Android. Users can already download the app from the respective app store. If someone has published a new video to a channel they follow, they can watch that video on their smartphone.
The Flip cameras The Flip video cameras now entering the Middle East include two models of Flip Mino HD as well as one Flip Ultra. All models feature a 2-inch screen, a fixed-focus lens with digital zoom, Mini HDMI output, built-in flip-out USB port, and FlipShare software for
Mac OS X and Windows. Flip cameras record 30fps to MP4 files with H.264 video compression and AAC audio compression. Mino HD comes in two models: one that can record up to 1hr of HD video retailing for Dhs 699 and one model that can record up to 2hrs of HD video retailing for Dhs 899. Both models have an internal Lithium-Ion battery rechargeable through the USB port. The Flip Ultra can record up to 2hrs of HD video and retails for Dhs 799. It has an AAA rechargeable battery pack, which is also recharged through the USB port. The Flip HD and Ultra will be available in retail outlets around the Middle East from November 2010. You can find more information about the Flip cameras at www.theflip.com.
November 2010 | www.macworldme.net | 39