Yes, the camera captures video in 60fps 720p HD, the highest quality of any pocket cam so far, and it looked great when I saw it projected on a 40" flat-panel TV. The Zi6 also shoots stills and lower quality VGA video for wannabe YouTubers. Its SDHC slot supports cards up to 32GB—if you can find one—and my favorite sleeper feature is its ability to shoot well in macro focus mode.

It's thicker than the Flip, more like the RCA Small Wonder EZ210, so it has a more sturdy feel. It runs on rechargeable Ni-MH AAs and will also take regular AAs, but I'm told that standard batteries won't last as long. That all makes me skeptical of the battery life altogether.

The unit is $180, the same price as the new Flip Mino, and it has much more functionality, and so far a better look and feel. Mark me down for one of these (in black, not pink, pictured below) when they arrive in September, so I can round up some lab assistants and put it through the paces.

Here's the press release:

Zi6 Pocket Video Camera Unveiled, Boasting HD Video Capture and Instant Uploading to YouTube™

ROCHESTER, NY, July 10 — Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today announced its entry into the fast-growing pocket digital video camera market with the KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera. This stylish HD video camera makes it fun and simple to shoot and share high-quality videos in moments, thanks to 720p HD video capture, a large 2.4-inch LCD screen, and easy-to-use software.

“Today’s connected consumers increasingly turn to video to express themselves and connect with others. The KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera satisfies their thirst for an HD video camera that is simple to use and can go anywhere life takes them,” said John Blake, General Manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “With the launch of the Zi6 Pocket Video Camera, consumers now have a high-quality solution from the trusted brand in digital imaging.”

With the exploding popularity of video sharing sites such as YouTube, the demand for easy to use video devices is also growing rapidly. At the same time, the expanding penetration of HDTVs is driving consumer demand for HD quality personal content.

The KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera is designed to meet these needs at the touch of a button — no lens cap, dials to turn or settings to adjust.

A range of advanced features enables consumers to:

Capture video in HD quality on this fun and super simple pocket video camera (720p at 60 fps with 16:9 aspect ratio).
Upload your videos to YouTube quickly and easily using the built-in USB and software.
Record hours of video with the expandable SD/SDHC card slot that can hold up to 32 GB.
Experience your videos on HDTV in stunning HD quality with included cables.
Edit videos, add pictures and music, and share your creation anywhere with the included video software CD.
Go green with included pre-charged AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and battery charger.
Watch videos on the vibrant 2.4” LCD screen.
Catch the highlights with slow motion playback right in the palm of your hand.

Uploading to YouTube
YouTube is the world’s most popular online video community. The Kodak and YouTube relationship will enable consumers to quickly and easily upload videos to YouTube directly from the Zi6 Pocket Video Camera, or from the included simple and powerful video editing software (ARCSOFT MEDIAIMPRESSIONS for Kodak).

Accessories
A range of accessories will be available for the KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera:

KODAK 2GB and 4GB High Performance memory cards
1-hour battery charger with 4 AA pre-charged Ni-MH batteries
KODAK tripods
KODAK camera bags

Pricing and Availability
The KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera will be available from late September 2008, retailing for US$179.95 MSRP.

[Kodak]

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA—(Marketwire - June 26, 2008 ) - DXG USA (www.dxgusa.com), one of the fastest growing digital camera manufacturers in the U.S., today unveiled the new DXG-567V high-definition (HD) camcorder with direct uploading capabilities for sites such as YouTube™. The DXG-567V is not much bigger than an average mobile phone, is available now at retailers nationwide in 4 eye-popping colors including black, red, pink and sky blue, and is priced at just $179 (MSRP.)

The DXG-567V HD camcorder is perfect for anyone looking for a fun, pocket-sized, easy and reasonably priced way to capture high-quality video and quickly upload and post it online. The DXG-567V also ships with all of the required cables including S-video for connecting the camcorder directly to a TV as well as composite video and rechargeable AA batteries, making it the ultimate multi-function video camera for the entire family.

"Rapid Blog Manager" Software Offers Fast Video Upload

The DXG-567V camcorder comes with Rapid Blog Manager software, which allows users to upload and share videos on the Internet. Simply connect the DXG-567V's retractable USB connector to a computer to automatically launch its menu and instantly upload videos from the camera to YouTube, a blog or other Web video site.

Experience HD at an Affordable Price

With the DXG-567V, it's never been easier to capture and share high-definition video, up to 1280 x 720 at 30 frames-per-second (FPS). The camcorder's buttons are all within reach, eliminating complex menus and making it easier to record spontaneous moments in high-definition video. When back at home, consumers can easily connect the DXG-567V to any plasma or HDTV with the included cables to experience the videos they've shot in HD.

Out of the box, the DXG-567V includes the ArcSoft TotalMedia™ Extreme software (a $99 retail value,) to create, edit and watch videos. The software features two unique applications that enhance the movie-watching experience with features and options right and a separate program that allows consumers to make amazing customized movies.

[Akihabaranews]

Ever since the world caught wind of the Pure Digital Flip cam's success, super-cheap digital pocket camcorders have sprouted up everywhere. With everyone and their mother trying to become the next Lil Show Stoppa or Soulja Girl, people need a cheap and easy way to capture those magic moments. I tested six of these cams—from Creative, RCA/Audiovox, DXG and Pure Digital—all $180 or less. Here are samples of all of their videos in various conditions, and an overall look at how they stack up:

Video samples: I tested the camcorders in the three most common situations you'll use them for: indoors with full light, indoors with low light, and outdoors. In the videos, I stood in the same place with each camera. As you can see, different cameras capture different areas. Watch as these two goofballs get their line dance on and destroy the Great American Songbook, and you will easily spot the difference in quality between the recordings.

Indoor, full light:

Indoor, low light:

Outdoors:

The Runners-Up (in no particular order):

DXG 569-V HD: The best thing about this cam is that it looks very fancy. The worst thing is that it isn't. The DXG took the worst overall video of the bunch even though it claims to record in HD. Also, the 3 AAAs ran out after about 25 minutes of recording—I should've realized this would be a problem when I saw the unit came bundled with rechargeable batteries and a charger. Still, it's nice that it has a still camera option, and you could probably trick your friends into thinking you have a pricier Xacti for a minute.

Creative Vado: The Vado is the most non-descript camera of the bunch. Boring UI, crappy video quality and a plain outer shell make it a snoozer. However, it's about as thin as the Mino, very cheap and has no frills at all, making it a decent option for total luddites or technophobes.

RCA Small Wonder EZ210: I naturally gravitated to the EZ210 because of it's giant screen, big buttons, and retro look. Seriously, for all the tech inside, the camcorder looks like it was made in 1982. Even though the EZ210 is the most welcoming cam of the bunch, in the end it's about video quality and this one wasn't cutting it. It's a fair price, and I love the expandable memory, so it's a close 2nd place option.

RCA Small Wonder EZ200: The EZ200 is all over the map. After seeing the nice quality of the EZ210's daylight video, I was shocked to see how grainy and slow the EZ200's daylight footage was—it looked like an old-fashioned home film camera. Also, the flip out screen is hokey to me, but it's great for people who like to look at themselves while lipsynching to Mr. Roboto. Complaints aside, I was pleasantly surprised that the EZ200 took halfway decent low-light video. That plus the cheap price and expandable memory make this one a reasonable bet for a starter cam.

Flip Mino: The Mino is thin, has a great look and feel, and captures excellent video, but it's not the winner for a few reasons. Most importantly, it has a narrower-angled lens than just about every other camera in the test—I couldn't get my whole couch into the shot no matter how I tried. Also, the sound wasn't very good. Finally, this week I'm on the other side of the neverending rechargeable vs. AA debate, and between the Li-ion battery and non-upgradeable memory, the Mino is a little too closed for my tastes. However, if you're looking purely for video quality, Mino is a no brainer.

And the winner is...

Flip Ultra: Yes, the first is still the best, and there are good reasons why so many companies want to capture its success: The Ultra works, and it works well. Low light video is great, the camera feels good in your hand, and it's so simple that you could probably train your cat to record their own cute videos with it. The small screen is a drawback, but it captures a good chunk of space. The Ultra is the best value of the bunch when you consider the criteria, remaining the Cadillac of cheap pocket camcorders.

[Special thanks to the singers and dancers, who asked to be known as Rocko Money and Inter Minetti!!]

Flip Video Mino Camcorder Details:

* Amazingly thin, pocket-sized camcorder
* 40% smaller than Ultra Series. Dimensions : 4” x 2” x 0.6”. Weight: 3.3 oz.
* 2GB of on-board flash memory records up to 60 minutes of video
* Sealed, internal rechargeable lithium ion battery that recharges through built-in USB arm
* Flat back-panel with touch-sensitive buttons
* No Glare display screen (1.5”)
* TV quality video
* Instant playback, pause, fast forward/rewind, and delete features
* Available in black and white models
* Connects to TV for instant viewing
* Built-in high-speed software enables instant video sharing from any PC or Mac:
o Save and organize videos on computer
o Email videos and video greeting cards
o Publish videos instantly on video sharing sites like YouTube, MySpace, and AOL
o Capture still photos from video clips
o Create custom movies with your own music
o Make your own DVDs and have them shipped anywhere in the world

Camcorder Available June 5, 2008

Nationwide at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Circuit City, Costco.com, Sears, Target.com, TheFlip.com, Walmart.com, and other national retailers. Available at additional retailers Fall 2008.

Camcorder Suggested Retail Pricing:

60 minute model: $179.99

[Flip Video]

The Flip has been dominating the dizzy-cam market since its release, fending off the first-gen Small Wonder and the cheaper, better-spec'd Vado from Creative. The camera has been essentially unchanged for about a year now, though rumors abound about a new Flip Mino, which looks significantly more compact than its older brothers.

When it comes to mini-camcorders, the name of the game seems to be simplicity over anything else, so it remains to be seen if the comparatively long feature list of the Small Wonders will be a boon or a burden. The MyLife, the Pocket and the Traveler will be out this summer for $90, $100 and $150, respectively. [CNet]

The Flip Ultra's clips were "clearer and more detailed across the board," while the Vado tended to overexpose and had problems capturing details. Overall winner: Flip, despite costing about $30 more. If the size issue is still pushing you toward the Vado, wait a couple weeks, since it looks like the Flip smaller and tartier pretty soon. [Laptop Mag]

Creative Introduces the Vado Pocket Video Cam - Capture Life - See it, Shoot it, Share it - All in an Instant Amazingly Small and Weighing Less Than 3 oz. the Vado Allows You to Shoot Videos and to Easily Post them to YouTube or Photobucket and Share them with Friends and Family at Box.net

MILPITAS, Calif., May 13, 2008 - Creative, a worldwide leader in video innovation, today announced the Vado Pocket Video Cam. Small enough to fit easily in your pocket, purse or the palm of your hand, the Vado Pocket Video Cam changes the way video is captured, shared and stored by making it fast, easy and fun. Priced at only US$99.99, the Creative Vado Pocket Video Cam is available today at Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Buy.com, Creative.com, Fry's Electronics, J&R, and Newegg.com.

A breakthrough in video camera design, the Vado Pocket Video Cam is dramatically thinner and lighter than competing video cameras. Available in silver or hot pink, the Vado Pocket Video Cam is so small and lightweight that it's hard to believe it can capture such high-quality video. With the press of a button you can record life's spontaneous moments, whether it's baby's first steps, awesome sports stunts or hilarious adventures with friends.

Creative's President and COO Craig McHugh describes how the Vado Pocket Video Cam completely changes the experience of shooting and sharing video:

"The Creative Vado makes shooting and sharing video as easy as taking pictures with a point-and-shoot portable digital camera. It's so small and lightweight that you can have it in your pocket so it's always there, or you can just set it on your coffee table so everyone in the family can use it. It's so inexpensive and easy to use that you don't have to worry. It's always ready to capture spontaneous moments that are once in a lifetime, the type you can't plan for in advance. The Vado doesn't need tapes or discs; it can record up to two hours of high-quality video on its built-in 2GB of memory and it has a removable rechargeable battery, so you can shoot two hours of video on a single charge and you don't have to hassle with disposable batteries.

Just as the Vado makes it super easy and quick to shoot video, it makes it incredibly easy and fast to get the videos off the camera. It has a built-in USB connector so you can just plug it into your PC, just like you would with a thumb drive. The Vado has a software program built right into it that will prompt you to copy the video, or you can just drag the videos directly to your PC. With one easy step, the software can take you to YouTube or Photobucket so you can easily post your videos. When you want to share your videos with only friends and family, you can use Box.net, where they can either view or download a copy of the video. Box.net provides online storage and creates a web link to videos you've uploaded, so you can share them with anyone."

Vado Features
• Slim, lightweight, pocket-sized design
• Built-in two-inch color LCD screen
• Removable rechargeable battery
• 640 x 480 VGA video resolution
• Built-in USB connector for PC
• Built-in software program for posting videos to YouTube or Photobucket
• Enable friends and family to download your videos from Box.net
• Available in silver or hot pink
• Priced at only US$99.99

Vado Accessories
To customize your Vado experience, equip your Pocket Video Cam with the following accessories, available at www.creative.com:
• A pouch to stow your Vado Pocket Video Cam, priced at US$14.99
• Spare batteries providing up to two hours of recording or playback, priced at US$14.99
• A power adapter with charging station so your Vado is ready to go when you are, priced at US$29.99
• An A/V cable for sharing your Vado video on your TV screen, priced at US$9.99

For more information about the Creative Vado Pocket Video Cam visit www.creative.com.

According to J&R's spec sheet, it's got VGA res, 2GB storage, solid low-light performance, direct YouTube/Photobuck upload, 2x digital zoom and a USB dongle connector, etc. Its only points of difference are a slightly larger 2-inch screen, more compression (two hours of vid will fit on its 2GB, the Flip only promises an hour) and a smaller palette of colors, just silver and pink. No pictures of this thing yet (it probably won't look like this horrible Photoshop), but it might do well, if only thanks to the power of confusion—the people purportedly picking up the Flip aren't the most discerning crowd, and the weird, dark and vaguely sci-fiish name would be a turnoff for soccer moms. Flip sounds more fun. [JR via Gadget Lab]

I've had enough. Can I go home now, please? [Product Page via Kanojo Toys]

On top of an aluminum body sit 4,638 dots that can turn from silver to black in one quick flick. Beneath that lies two electronic drivers, 134 distribution boards and over 16,500 feet of cable. Controlling the flip-dots was harder than normal, however, and Pharos Architectural Controls, a company which develops electronic controllers for lighting applications, had to fiddle around with the control parameters and rewrite firmware on the drivers.

I like the flicka-flicka noise as the Cloud changes color—It reminds me of the old-skool arrivals and departures boards in airports before everything went TV monitor-tastic. Terminal 5 opens on March 27 of this year, and if you're flying into London via BA, don't forget to look up as you hit the down escalator. [YouTube and Troika]

To show how easy it is to use the Flip Ultra, she took it with her backstage after the show, shooting lots of shaky cam video that gives us an idea of what it's like to be stared at by everyone in the room, all wondering if you're going to give even a small part of your $2.5 billion to them. Fascinating. Welcome to the 21st century, Oprah! She's the equivalent of Steve Jobs to soccer moms everywhere. This must mean YouTube has officially arrived, or on the other hand, maybe it's jumped the shark...? [Oprah on YouTube]

With so many gears promising to twist and turn, it's nice that Mr. Vos decided to eschew any sort of covering for his clock. It's a shame there's no video to be found. The numbers are a nice, rounded typeface, come lit by blue and white LEDs, and probably make that signature flip card "tick" when the time changes. No word on what kind of noise it makes when the alarm goes off, but you can find out for yourself for $80 from Japanese importer Visions Coax.

As a side note for any of you overly wealthy Gizmodo fans: Grab a few dozen of these, sit back, and take a trip back to the old flip-board days when TVs lacked color and you ate your morning cereal with cream. – Kevin Hall

Product Page [Visions Coax via Technabob]

The devices themselves will come in two versions, one with a 30-minute capacity for $119, and the other 60-minutes for $149. When tested, Flip Video really was as easy as it sounds to use. So get ready for some grandma videos, and we don't mean the good kind. – Jason Chen

YouTube for soccer Moms [CNN]

We'd written about this midrange phone before, but it wasn't until *tonight* that I realized just how beauuuuutiful it is. It's the little things, really. Like the downturned bottom end; the orange-anodized aluminum back around the 2.0MP cam; and the faint glow on the buttons and sides. Utterly charming, especially when you consider the Sony Ericsson OS and the second gen Walkman software and MusicID. Highly recommended, even more so than its waifish older, skinnier sibling, the w880. and as Travis noted this morning, it IS coming to the US. First, even.

Stat smather after the jump.

The W580 Walkman® phone at a glance: Music Walkman® player 2.0 512 MB Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) (expandable) 12MB user free memory Music playback up to 20 hours FM Radio with RDS PlayNow™ TrackID™ music recognition software Disc2Phone Music Management Software Multiple Music Format Support (MP3/AAC/AAC+/e-AAC+) A2DP (Bluetooth™ streaming sound) Music Illumination Effects Stereo Headset Speakerphone Design & Lifestyle 14mm slim Compact slider design Flash theme Pedometer Active Applications Weight 94 grams Size 99 x 47 x 14 mm Imaging 2.0 megapixel camera 2.0" QVGA 262K TFT screen Picture Blogging Connectivity & Messaging Bluetooth™ 2.0 Java MIDP 2.0 Full HTML Browser with RSS Instant messaging USB Mass storage POP3/IMAP4 email Enabled for Java push mail Accessories In-Box: Stereo Headset HPM-70 USB Cable DCU-60 512MB Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) Disc2Phone Music Management Software Aftermarket Accessories - including: Stereo Portable Handsfree HPM-85

Portable Speakers MPS-70
Snap-On Speakers MPS-75

Bluetooth™ Music Receiver MBR-100
Bluetooth™ Car Speakerphone HCB-120
Availability and versions EDGE 850/900/1800/1900

Colours: Style White / Urban Grey

Standby time: up to 370 hours
Talktime: up to 9 hours

w580 [Sony Ericsson]

The Alltell versions are the same as the one on Verizon, featuring the same lousy electrostatic keys on the outside. On the whole, we're not big fans of keys like these because they just don't work very well, but they do look nice. But you know what they say, Alltell customers, beggers (we're talking about you) can't be choosers. – Jason Chen

Alltel launches glossy colorful LG AX8600 [Phonearena via Mobile Mag]

– Louis Ramirez
Fogonazos [via Spluch]

The XV8600 will have a 1.3-megapixel camera, a microSD/TransFlash slot, EV-DO for data, Bluetooth A2DP, a talk time of 3.66 hours and a 176x220 pixel screen. The phone will be launched on November 15 and start with a price of $229 with one-year contract and $179 with two-year contract. – Jason Chen

Another piece of Chocolate for Verizon - LG VX8600 [Phone Arena]

The flip remote has approaches the art of the remote control playfully and would be aimed at a younger audience. The most used functions (like volume) are located on the outside of the shell and the more obscure ones ("macro") are on the inside. Should the gang at Geisendesign strike it big, we'll let y'all know. – Nicholas Deleon

Geisendesign Home Page [Geisdendesign via Yanko Design]

Summer's here, and a lot of the shorts you might be wearing these days don't have any pockets. But you probably still want to carry sufficient bucks around for those inevitable eventualities. Now you can stash anything in these ArchPort sandals, where there's a fitted insert nestled in the arch of each of these pedestrian-looking flip-flops.

Hide your valuables in there, and no one's the wiser, not even the bad guys. Except of course, if they read Gizmodo (but reliable sources tell us there are no bad guys reading Gizmodo). ArchPorts are available in small, medium or large, and in your choice of blue, black or brown, for $44.95. – Charlie White

Product page [ArchPort Sandals (lame-ass talking website), via Thrillist]

To make calls from the phone, users will have to subscribe to a VoIP plan with a 3rd party provider, as D-Link just makes the phones. The phones will cost $249, and is available now for all you flip-phone fans.

In our view, when WiMax and its 3~5 mile range gets deployed in a few years, those phones will prove an interesting competitor to cellphones. Until then, WiFi access spots are a bit sporadic for using these phones as your sole contact device. – Jason Chen

Press Release [D-Link via Digital Trends]

Instead of having two separate screens on a flip phone—one larger inside and one smaller outside—this patent allows one larger screen to rotate to be displayed both on the inside and outside. This means possibly having the screen auto swivel so you can see the same UI when the phone is closed as you do when it's open. It may allow you to dial just from the contact list when the phone's closed, instead of having to flip open the phone to make a call.

The upside is that you can keep your phone closed more often, but it exposes the screen to the elements. Sony Ericsson is also shooting at a broad target with this patent:

"The mobile terminal of the present invention is not so limited and may find utility in other electronics devices and applications...a Personal Communications System (PCS) terminal that may combine a cellular telephone with data processing, facsimile and data communications capabilities; internet/intranet access devices; organizers; a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) that can include a radiotelephone, pager, internet/intranet access, Web browser, organizer, calendar and/or a global positioning system (GPS) receiver; wristwatch keypad devices; and a conventional laptop and/or palmtop receiver or other computer system that includes a display.

It'll be interesting to see what develops. – Jason Chen

Patent Application [USPTO via Mobile Scraper via Mobile Mentalism]

You don't have to worry about angry reprisals—tell them to talk to the hand, as it cracks through their sternum as if their chest is a gravy-filled pinata.

Correas de perros para dueños solitarios [valebestia]

Press Release [Belkin]

If you're working on being a housewife or live in such a small space you have to watch your TV in the kitchen, here's the perfect gadget for you. The Morphy Richards Flip Down TV is a 10.2-inch LCD TV with integrated FM radio. It includes an AUX input for DVD and VCR connections and of course, remote control. All for just about $530.

Morphy Richards Flip Down TV