Fujifilm launches budget digicams

The FinePix F470 Zoom, V10 Zoom, A400 Zoom and A500 Zoom are all set to be released early spring and are hoping to attract novices to the digital photography world. The FinePix F470 zoom, the latest addition to Fujifilm's 'F' range offers an array of user-friendly controls and multiple scene modes for ease of use in an innovatively designed body. With its raised side grip, it is designed to fit easily into the hand. ...more

Sanyo embeds new rechargeable battery for portable devices

Sanyo has developed a new rechargeable battery for portable devices, an alternative to coin-type cells, which will enable much longer charge times in smaller sizes. The pin-type Lithium-ion battery is about half the size of an AAA battery at 6.8mm x 55mm and by using aluminium alloy for the casing, Sanyo has got the weight down to a mere 5g. ...more

Universal signs up Lloyd Webber ringtones

Universal Music has acquired exclusive worldwide digital and mobile rights to the entire catalogue of Andrew Lloyd Webber songs from popular musicals including Evita, The Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar. From this week, songs from the new London production of Evita will be made available online with the remainder of the Lloyd Webber catalogue available to download from 22 August. Many of the songs will also be released as realtones for mobile phones over the next few months. ...more

Samsung leaps at iTunes-free Asia

Samsung is hoping to take a bite out of Apple's iPod sales in Asia by launching a music downloads store to complement its own range of MP3 players. Apple's iTunes Music Store had a successful launch in Japan earlier this year but has yet to open elsewhere, leaving a gap that Samsung hopes to fill. 'We are now in talks with our partners to debut a service program like iTunes of Apple,' Samsung president Choi Ji-sung told the Korea Times. ...more