UK-based Torquing Group has tapped Lantronix to provide secure, onboard Wi-Fi technology for its new ZANO nano drone, an aerial photography and HD video capture nano platform. The hand-sized ZANO utilises the Lantronix xPico Wi-Fi module to provide secure and direct connectivity to both iOS and Android devices, which enables users to communicate with and control the ZANO. Utilising a smartphone or tablet, users can either direct ZANO or set the intelligent nano drone to automatically follow the user and capture photos from a fixed distance. A multitude of sensors work seamlessly together to allow ZANO to avoid obstacles, hold its position, and know exactly where it is in conjunction with a smart handheld device, at all times. The companies will showcase the product during the 2015 International CES from 6 - 9 January 2015 at booth 25621 in LVCC, South Hall 2.

The Business Forum Imaging Cologne 2015 event, organised by Photo Imaging News and trade magazine International Contact, will take place on 28 and 29 January 2015 in Cologne's Congress Centre North. Featuring the motto, “Memories and markets in motion,” the conference is hosted by photokina, and comprises around 15 lectures addressing various aspects of the imaging busines. The first day's focus will be on how the imaging sector can harness the new technologies for new business models. Internationally renowned portrait and wedding photographers Charles and Jennifer Maring will demonstrate how professionals and amateurs can set memories in motion using innovations such as time-lapse, 4K video, light field photography and network technologies- The second day's focus is on current challenges facing the retail trade. Right from the outset, Cologne-based management consultant Ulrich Eggert will spell out how important it is for specialist retailers as well to exploit the growing importance of e-commerce and mobile commerce. Christian Rößler, Head of Connected Retail at Munich-based communication and marketing agency Serviceplan, will then unveil a fascinating concept for the retail trade of the future. This is about nothing less than a rethinking of the role of bricks and mortar retail and about innovative ideas for how Internet offerings and store retail experiences can be combined intelligently. The event is being supported by the Photographic Industry Association and market research company GfK Retail and Technology.

Apple has posted a Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update, which adds system-level support for raw image files generated by the Canon PowerShot G7 X and PowerShot SX60 HS, the Fujifilm X100T (pictured), the Nikon 1 J4, the Olympus E-PL7. the Panasonic GM5, and the Sony Alpha ILCE-5100 digital cameras. You can download the update from the website below.

Website: Apple

Totally Rad has released an update to its PicTapGo app for iOS. Version 2.0 adds a new Straighten tool and offers an improved Crop & Rotate tool. Also, you can now edit photos directly from other apps with Totally Rad's new App Extension under iOS 8, and share them via e-mail and MMS. PicTapGo 2.0 is available on the iTunes App Store for $1.99 in English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Chinese versions.

Iridient Digital has released Iridient Developer 3.0 beta 4. This update adds several new demosaicing algorithms, monochrome-specific raw processing options for Bayer and X-Trans cameras, two new sharpening methods, Fill Light and neighbourhood-adaptive Highlight/Shadow adjustments, and much more. It also adds support for an array of new cameras from Canon, Nikon, Leica, Olympus, Sony, Panasonic, Pentax, Fuji and Leaf. For more information, visit the website below.

Kenro has announced the immediate UK availability of the Reflecta RPS 10M 35mm film scanner. Featuring a resolution of 10,000dpi and a dMax of of 4.2, the Reflecta RPS 10M boasts a hardware-based dust and scratch removal system as well as an auto transport system for film strips of up to 36 frames. The suggested retail price is £696 including a copy of Adobe Photoshop Elements 12.

Profoto has released a fast, powerful and consistent HSS (high-speed sync) solution for its B1 off-camera flash. The company's unique, patent-pending technology uses an extremely fast series of flash pulses to provide consistent exposures with shutter speeds as fast as 1/8000 of a second. Available via a firmware update, Profoto HSS works with both Canon and Nikon versions of the B1 off-camera flash and has been tested for all common camera models. You can use Profoto HSS with TTL flash exposure control, making it fast and easy to do fast paced action shots or daylight backlit portraits with large apertures. You can download the firmware upgrade from the website below.

Profoto has launched an online teaser campaign. Featuring the letters H and S, the mysterious ads have popped up on the company's official blog and Facebook fan page along with the question 'Could It Be?' The consensus among commenters and industry insiders seems to be that Profoto is set to launch a new mains flash boasting High-Speed Synchronisation (HSS) to compete with products such as the Phottix Indra500 TTL Studio Light. According to the adverts, the new Profoto offering will be launched tomorrow, 15 December 2014.

Via LR

Update: Profoto has now released its HSS solution for the B1 off-camera flash.

The new BosStrap Dual Side Slide camera strap consists of two BosStrap Side Slide straps connected with a pair of  Bridge Straps, allowing sports and wedding photographers, photojournalists and other professionals to carry two cameras without interference. Like all BosStrap products, cameras are connected using a camera strap lug rather than the tripod socket. The Side Slide straps use a Side Release connector to separate the cameras from the straps. The BosStrap Dual Side Slide is available for $129.95, shipping included.

Kenro has announced the UK availability of two new Braun action cameras. The Braun Jumper 720p ActionCam HD (£49.50) is a 5-megapixel model capable of recording HD videos. The camera incorporates a 90-degree ultra-wide lens and a built-in microphone, and comes with a waterproof housing (up to 3m). The battery recharges via USB and lasts up to 70 minutes. The other camera (Braun Champion Full HD ActionCam, £110.22) shoots 1080p videos and features a 120°, f/2.9 lens as well as a 5-megapixel CMOS imager. It boasts integrated Wi-Fi functionality and a waterproof housing usable up to a depth of 45m. Operating time is 60 minutes with Wi-Fi and 110 without. Both cameras are available immediately.

Nikon will be exhibiting its product line-up at The Photography Show, an exhibition dedicated to photography and open to all, from 21st to 24th March 2015 at the Birmingham NEC. A fresh new interactive Nikon stand will showcase the newest Nikon gear, including the Nikon D750 and D3300 dSLRs, Nikon 1 series compact system cameras, along with selected Coolpix models and interchangeable Nikkor lenses. Central to the stand will be the Nikon School stage, where a host of inspirational speakers, will give insightful talks on a range of photography topics to inspire passionate photographers. Tickets are now on sale for The Photography Show 2015.

Adobe has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Fotolia. Founded in 2004, Fotolia currently operates in 23 countries and has websites in 14 languages. The service will be integrated into Adobe Creative Cloud, providing current and future Creative Cloud members with the ability to access and purchase over 34 million images and videos. “The acquisition of Fotolia will reinforce Creative Cloud’s role as the preeminent destination for creatives,” said David Wadhwani, senior vice president, Digital Media, Adobe. “Creative Cloud is becoming the go-to marketplace for the creative community to access images, videos, fonts and creative talent, through critical creative services like Fotolia and our new Creative Talent Search capabilities." The transaction, which is expected to close in the second half of Adobe’s fiscal Q1 2015, is subject to certain regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Upon close Fotolia CEO, Oleg Tscheltzoff, will continue to lead the Fotolia team as part of Adobe’s Digital Media business.

Sony has posted a firmware update for the Sony A77 II digital SLT camera. Version 2.00 brings improved AF speed and enables shooting movies in 50p/25p (PAL mode) and 60p/30p/24p (NTSC mode) in XAVC S format. You can download the firmware upgrade from the website below.

Website: Sony A77 II Firmware Update 2.00 for Mac
Website: Sony A77 II Firmware Update 2.00 for Windows

Samsung has announced the premiere of a new short film created by renowned actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt and his open collaborative production company, hitRECord. ‘In a City’ was shot entirely on the Samsung NX1 compact system camera (pictured) in 4K resolution. “This emotive short film is testament to both Joseph’s exceptional talents as a director and the outstanding technology within the Samsung NX1,” said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, IT & Mobile Division at Samsung Electronics. “The NX1’s advanced features make it ideal for filmmakers in search of a camera with 4K UHD capabilities, to wow their audiences with exceptional beauty and clarity in every shot.” Click through / scroll down to watch the movie.

Adobe Camera Raw 8.7.1 is now available as a final release for Photoshop CS6 and Photoshop CC. This update adds support for the Sony Alpha A7 II (pictured) and also includes a bug fix related to issues with chromatic aberration specific to the Samsung NX1.

Website: Adobe

Alien Skin has announced Exposure 7, the latest version of its flagship photography effects software. As a standalone program, Exposure 7 will now allow you to work on raw image files from a wide range of cameras from all manufacturers without having to convert them to a TIFF or JPEG first. Also, Exposure 7 now provides rapid folder and file browsing right within the same UI when working in standalone mode. Other highlights include non-destructive editing, new film emulation presets, textures and easy-to-use Crop and Rotate panels. Alien Skin Exposure 7 is now available for $149. Owners of any version of Exposure may upgrade for $69.