Veo Announces 1.3MP Camera for Tungstens

Veo, today introduced a 1.3 megapixel SDIO camera for select palmOne Tungsten handhelds. The Photo Traveler 130S is equipped with a true 1.3 megapixel sensor and standardized JPEG encoding.

"With the release of our Photo Traveler 130S for Pocket PC, we were inundated with supporters who wanted the same great technology for the Palm OS platform," said Tim Martin, Veo vice president. "We listened to our customers and today's announcement answers all of those requests."

The Photo Traveler 130S, priced at $99.99, will be available at major retailers in early February. The camera features an adjustable lens providing users with the flexibility of focusing on close or far away objects with crisp definition. Like the previous Compact Flash version of the Photo Traveler, the 130S can easily capture video clips, but takes the feature a step further by adding advanced audio/ video synchronization into the ASIC. The new 130S lens design now moves in a vertical orientation and features a "+10 design" to add additional degrees of freedom to the 180 degree swivel lens, making it more natural for users during self portrait and downward shots.

Veo Photo Traveler 103S for PalmThe new handheld camera, which works with a variety of devices from palmOne, including the Tungsten T family of handhelds, among other major Palm OS devices, will now operate on the latest (5.x) Palm OS operating system. All Photo Travelers are designed with an easy-to-use interface that lets users instantly capture, view, store and organize digital images in full.

"With the Photo Traveler 130S, our customers are able to combine the digital camera technology they demand with the convenience and mobility of their handheld," said Jim Schwabe, general manager of accessories for palmOne.

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Select Handhelds?

Bartman007 @ 1/8/2004 1:40:56 PM #
Veo, today introduced a 1.3 megapixel SDIO camera for select palmOne Tungsten handhelds.
What does that mean? I'm tring to figure out which Tungsten doesn't it doesn't work with... I assume it doesn't work with the T|W, but who knows what other handhelds.


Peace,
-Bartman007

RE: Select Handhelds?
Admin @ 1/8/2004 1:49:11 PM #
I'll find out today, there is no mention of the palm os version of this on their site yet.

-Ryan

RE: Select Handhelds?
rsc1000 @ 1/8/2004 2:35:01 PM #
>>I'm tring to figure out which Tungsten doesn't it doesn't work with... I assume it doesn't work with the T|W, but who knows what other handhelds.

I'd guess that the one Tungsten it does not support is the Tungsten W - its an OS 4 device and they would probably not write a driver for OS 4 just to support this device that does sell nearly the number of units as the others.

RE: Select Handhelds?
Altema @ 1/8/2004 3:48:50 PM #
They may be referring to certain features. The interesting part for me was the bit about video with audio syncronization... I don't think the camera has a mic, but the T1, 2, and 3 do have a mic built in. Are they using the built in mic for the audio function? THAT would be neat, as silent videos only go so far.

OK for Zodiac 2?
Hal2000 @ 1/8/2004 4:19:27 PM #
What's the deal? Want that huge monitor.

"One hour martinizing! Who is this guy martin anyhow?"
RE: Select Handhelds?
M3wThr33 @ 1/9/2004 2:55:31 AM #
Or the Zire71? I'd LOVE to record video.

I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation. We're in space.

looking forward to reviews

Ronin @ 1/8/2004 1:51:52 PM #
I would serious consider such an add-on to my T3 and this does sound promising.

But previous efforts at a Palm add-on camera have been less than thrilling including the prior Veo camera. So I will be waiting for reviews on this one before I let myself get too interested. This is one device that calls for the virtue of patience instead of my usual 'early adopter' stance.

In the Spirit of Umoja,
Ronin

RE: looking forward to reviews
just_little_me @ 1/8/2004 4:17:11 PM #
It's intersting that palmOne themselves were going to offer a branded version of this camera - but decided not to because of the previous failures of these sorts of cameras (Kodak, Veo), and because the quality of this one just ain't all that great...

caveat emptor


JLM

RE: looking forward to reviews
Timothy Rapson @ 1/8/2004 6:36:24 PM #
I believe that Palm dropped their plans for a version of this in order to sell more Palm Zire 91s (or whatever the next Zire camera model is called). I expect them to do a close approximation of the NX 80 features, HVGA, 200+ MZ ARM, 32-64 MB RAM, like that. I would not expect a keyboard of flip--twist screen. But, who can say for sure.

Anyway, Palm has sold tons of Zire 71s with mediocre cameras. They can sell tons more of these with mediocre+ built-in cameras and the packaging, distribution and other cost are lower. One CD to burn vs. 2, economies like that. And the bottom line is that customers expect less of a built-in camera than they do of an add-on.

RE: looking forward to reviews
Konstantin @ 1/8/2004 6:48:57 PM #
I like my Zire71's camera. It suits me for many fast snapshots. Very at hand. Always with me. No need for complicated surgery on handheld to take a pic, no switching SD back and forth.

If they (palmOne) make a Zire91 or whatever with 1.3MP cam, it will be great! (though not very probable they'll do)

RE: looking forward to reviews
Wollombi @ 1/9/2004 4:21:06 AM #
"It's intersting that palmOne themselves were going to offer a branded version of this camera - but decided not to because of the previous failures of these sorts of cameras (Kodak, Veo), and because the quality of this one just ain't all that great..."

PalmOne never said anything about the quality of this unit when they announced they wouldn't rebrand it. I don't know where you got such an impression unless you just made an assumption, which you then mistakenly presented as fact. There could be any number of reasons for PalmOne and Veo to have made such a decision. One I can think of off the top of my head is that if Veo is going to sell this anyway, and it complements PalmOne's product line, why would PalmOne want or need to "compete" with Veo on this issue? It seems both companies would be losers if they did this. Additionally, PalmOne has other more important things to worry about such as tweaking OS6 to work with their upcoming and existing product lines, and (hopefully) figuring out how to include an second SD slot into one of their handhelds so that stuff like this will actually be of some use.

_________________
Sean

Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else.

RE: looking forward to reviews
just_little_me @ 1/11/2004 7:31:13 AM #
Not an assumption Wollombi (is that like the pines?) - I used to work at Palm and still have a great many friends there... bottom line is that it's another rubbish add-on camera...


JLM

RE: looking forward to reviews
TitaniumBoy @ 1/15/2004 4:01:02 AM #
Someone bought this camera (if you can call it a camera) and left a feedback on Amazon.
Maybe the person was baised, maybe not but his comment on the camera was NOT very flattering.
I think it's back to the drawning board for Veo or Palm. I for one would LOVE to see a decent MP camera being offered as an add-on, for all the Tungsten and Palm-unit-minus-camera lovers.

Dual Slots

Rhauer @ 1/8/2004 1:58:51 PM #
It just doesn't seem worth it until there are 2 slot units or the camera comes with some built in memory.

Size
Aristarchus @ 1/8/2004 2:40:08 PM #

I have the previous Veo SD camera, and this one actually looks larger. It's still quite small, but with many budget ultracompact digital camera's coming down in price and size, it seems like one would be better off getting a small digital camera with flash and accoutrements. Getting a decent lens and flash can make a big difference for "casual" pictures.

RE: Dual Slots
fleegle @ 1/8/2004 2:43:45 PM #
I'm with you, all PDAs that use expansion slots should have two.

I disagree with all slot peripherals needing additional memory. What are you going to do? Everytime you want to use the peripheral, transfer the files from your main memory card to the peripheral? Or, you have to remember to keep "updating" all your peripherals memory every time you install a new file or application to the card. That would be a pain in the butt.

Two slots... that's what PDAs need.

That's one of the main things I was looking for as I retired my trusty old HE330. After looking at all the new stuff that came out late last year, I decided on the Tapwave Zodiac 2.



RE: Dual Slots
Altema @ 1/8/2004 3:59:52 PM #
Dual slots would be the way to go. Fortunately, the higher end devices have enough RAM nowadays. With the existing Veo (hey, it was free), a T3 with the RAM half full can take 177 pics at 640x480. Change to the lower res of 320x240 and you can take over 700 pics, which is more than most inexpensive cameras. Of course, the quality is not as good with the original Veo, but we will have to see how the new one does. Video with audio? Now we REALLY need dual slots!

RE: Dual Slots
Hal2000 @ 1/8/2004 4:24:07 PM #
And may I interest you in touching my slim new Zodiac2?

"One hour martinizing! Who is this guy martin anyhow?"
RE: Dual Slots
Altema @ 1/9/2004 10:07:33 AM #
"And may I interest you in touching my slim new Zodiac2?"

Sure! Just mail it to me an I'll send it right back... in a few years!

The Zodiac2 would be the perfect device for this camera, hope they allow saving pics directly to card, which would make it even better.

RE: Dual Slots
lash @ 1/10/2004 12:31:33 AM #
Yeah if it wasn't for the analog stick problem, the headphone jack problem, the lousy support, and the lack of any kind of response from Tapwave on these issues (such as a simple we are working on a fix for these problems) the Zodiac would be a great device. However, if these issues do not get fixed (which is the feeling one gets from Tapwave) the Zodiac makes a really nice paperweight.
RE: Dual Slots
Gambit @ 1/12/2004 12:30:29 AM #
"Yeah if it wasn't for the analog stick problem, the headphone jack problem, the lousy support, and the lack of any kind of response from Tapwave on these issues (such as a simple we are working on a fix for these problems) the Zodiac would be a great device. However, if these issues do not get fixed (which is the feeling one gets from Tapwave) the Zodiac makes a really nice paperweight."

Are you personally experiencing any of the above mentioned problems??? If not, why in the world are you bringing them up? If you are, why haven't you sent your Zodiac back for replacment? Tapwave has been replacing ANY and EVERY Zodiac with any type of issue that has been brought up. They have released a notice that they are looking at the returned units and trying to determine what the problem is before they can take action to correct it. I have had my Zodiac since November 19th and (knocks on wood) I have had ZERO problems with it - this is the case with VAST majority of the user base out there.

It really frustrates me when people start talking about shortcomings and never bother to elaborate on them... Perhaps you should visit http://www.zodiacgamer.com and read on about the current developments...

Back on the subject - I found the Veo 130C Camera for $78 shipped but it does not mention anything about PalmOS. I can't find this company's web site to check if drivers are available on there or if they will ONLY be shipped in a certain packages labeled for PALM OS use. I have tried the HP version of what looks to be the same camera and my Zodiac basically comes up with an error message that there's no software to run this card...

I still have my sharp Wizard OZ-7000 in my desk...

RE: Dual Slots
lash @ 1/12/2004 1:49:24 AM #
It frustrates me when fans of something start bashing on people who have had problems. I didn't want to go into details because I didn't want to start a thread on this here. Its not an appropriate forum to do so. However, since you wish to throw stones, OK!

Yes I have these problems! My first Zodiac 2 had every PDA problem in the book: analog stick was broken, headphone jack only working on one ear and a crazy draining battery (and I have the newest update). Then I returned it and got a unit with still a bad headphone jack. I returned that and got one with an analog stick that wouldn't go left and I calibrated my finger off! By this time I have gone beyond my 30 days and couldn't return it according to Tapwave's lousy support. I am now on my 4th unit whenever it comes back to me in the mail. The support at Tapwave is bad, their return time is bad, its all been a bad experience.

My Axiom had a few difficulties and they got me a replacement unit in 2 days and I didn't even have to return the defective unit till I got the new one. My wife had a Treo that died and she got hers similarly replaced. I checked that website earlier and clicked on the poll on the front page and its like 30% have had the analog stick problem alone! BTW I don't even want to point out that now the forums there are broken too, hope its not Tapwave related. If I am reading it right, even the proprietor of that website got 2 bad units! Boy, if an editor here had that happen it would be news. If you are a fan of the product sending me a link to there dosen't help your case. I am not saying that the Z is bad because it should be the best PDA on the market for the price, which is why I bought one. However, the best toilet in the world is useless if its broken.

RE: Dual Slots
Gambit @ 1/12/2004 10:08:22 AM #
So you have had 3 units replaced and are saying that they have bad support. I don't see how their SUPPORT is bad. Sounds to me like Tapwave is trying to get the problem resolved. A company who's support is crap wouldn't even acknowledge your existence, instead Tapwave has attempted to resolve the problem by replacing your Zodiac. The problem is in manufacturing and I hate to say it but it sounds to me like bad luck on your part. There are faulty units out there, it's just that you have struck on 3 of them (so far ;) ). Hopefully your next unit will be good and you will be able to enjoy it the way I enjoy mine. The process of you sending your bad unit back before they can send you a replacmenet is just that - a process which a young company has adopted. Most companies which do advanced exchange normally take down a credit card number to ensure that the bad unit is returned - Tapwave has not taken this approach yet, however it is possible they will. As for the 30% with the joystic problem - I don't buy that for a second. More like 10% that are experiencing the actual joystick problem, like what you have described, the rest just feel like it's a problem but then re-calibrate it and it works fine. I'd say that for a start-up company they DO have multiple issues to address, however this takes time and patience on the part of the EARLY ADOPTERS. If you rushed out and bought the very first one off the line - you HAVE to be prepared that it MIGHT have issues.


I still have my sharp Wizard OZ-7000 in my desk...

Ewwwww

zigzago @ 1/8/2004 3:27:05 PM #
"making it more natural for users during self portrait and downward shots."

That's disgusting.

RE: Ewwwww
Hal2000 @ 1/8/2004 4:26:15 PM #
You may need a macro mode.

"One hour martinizing! Who is this guy martin anyhow?"

What about OS6?

newk731 @ 1/8/2004 6:23:36 PM #
I assume there will be a patch of some sort to make this compatible with OS6 when it comes out?

Gosh...

sgingras @ 1/9/2004 12:32:29 AM #
...gosh, it's so small and good looking...and has 1GB of built in memory...and takes super high quality pics! zzzzzz...snort...huh...whassit? Oh, okay...now I am awake. What the heck is that thing? I think I'll stick with a digital camera.

cheers,
Steve

What a load of malarchy!

Scott R @ 1/9/2004 1:17:38 AM #
"With the release of our Photo Traveler 130S for Pocket PC, we were inundated with supporters who wanted the same great technology for the Palm OS platform," said Tim Martin, Veo vice president. "We listened to our customers and today's announcement answers all of those requests."

As if they just started furiously coding those Palm OS drivers after they released this for the PPC. This thing was announced way back when as a palmOne-branded product before the PPC version was even out.

Marketing-speak aside, what's up with the palmOne-only support? I thought the reason it wasn't coming out as a palmOne-branded product was because Veo wanted to make it available for all Palm OS PDAs. Now it comes out and it's palmOne-compatible only after all? Huh?

Having said all that, my understanding is that the quality of the pictures this thing takes still sucks. The number of megapixels is only one small part of what goes into making a decent photo. It's a numbers game, like touting megahertz or RAM size. Looks good on paper, but doesn't give the whole picture (no pun intended).

Scott

http://Tapland.com
- Tapwave Zodiac News, Reviews, & Discussion -

RE: What a load of malarchy!
Wollombi @ 1/9/2004 4:32:03 AM #
"Having said all that, my understanding is that the quality of the pictures this thing takes still sucks. The number of megapixels is only one small part of what goes into making a decent photo. It's a numbers game, like touting megahertz or RAM size. Looks good on paper, but doesn't give the whole picture (no pun intended)."

How can ANYONE attest to the quality of this thing when it...hasn't....been....released....yet. Once again, I'm withholding judgement until I see the final product in action.

_________________
Sean

Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else.

RE: What a load of malarchy!
Altema @ 1/9/2004 10:13:51 AM #
"I'm withholding judgement until I see the final product in action."

Same here. The proof is in the pudding, but I hope the image quality is better than previous attempts. I'm also hoping that the preview screen is higher resolution. With the current Veo, you sometimes have to shoot 3 or 4 pics while adjusting the focus because you cannot judge the sharpness accurately using the preview screen.

RE: What a load of malarchy!
Altema @ 1/9/2004 10:20:09 AM #
"As if they just started furiously coding those Palm OS drivers after they released this for the PPC."

I have no inside info, but it's my opinion that they were pressured by MS to release the PPC version first. It does not make sense for them to work more agressively for the smaller market unless there was some type of influence there.

RE: What a load of malarchy!
Scott R @ 1/10/2004 1:20:08 AM #
Here's someone's review of the HP-branded version of this camera:
http://www.ipaqabilities.com/reviews_and_articles/articles/1203-photosmart_ipaq.php

Good pictures? Bad pictures? You decide. Looks much better than the old version, but still nothing for me to get excited about.

Scott

http://Tapland.com
- Tapwave Zodiac News, Reviews, & Discussion -

RE: What a load of malarchy!
allemande @ 1/10/2004 11:23:18 AM #
This piece of crap peripheral has been out and tested for several months.

but hey, maybe it will look good on palm. (and maybe SD WiFi will have better range on palm too. lol)

PS. the camera released is delayed till Feb. (see brighthand)

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