Qatalyst Partners bank strongly urges Fitbit to sell, preferable to Google (aka Alphabet), as otherwise it can be too late.

As many investors of Fitbit are in the same time are present among top Alphabet investors such thing can happen fast.

Most probably Fitbit won't survive trade war and will go down within next year otherwise.

The next photokina will take place in May 2020

Imaging industry and Koelnmesse decide on new starting point for the new annual cycle

Following a successful photokina 2018, the German Photo Industry Association (PIV), as conceptual sponsor of the trade fair, and the event's organiser Koelnmesse have agreed not to organise the next leading global trade fair in May 2019, as initially planned, but in May 2020. From Wednesday 27 May 2020 to Saturday 30 May 2020, all the market leaders in the imaging industry are expected once again in Cologne. The decision to postpone the start of the announced annual cycle by one year is intended to give all participants the opportunity to further develop the new concept for photokina and to tap into new target groups among exhibitors and visitors in order to heighten the status of the trade fair as a global platform for the photography and imaging industry. "photokina 2018 clearly exceeded our already optimistic expectations with groundbreaking innovations and 180,000 visitors from 127 countries," explained PIV's CEO Rainer Führes. "As a result, we set the bar very high for the next event. It is therefore unlikely that, in May 2019 after just over seven months, we will once again be able to create the same enthusiastic atmosphere that characterised photokina 2018. This is why we have decided to start the planned annual cycle in 2020. The Photoindustrie-Verband would like to thank Koelnmesse for its willingness to quickly comply with this request. This shows once again the great professionalism and excellent customer orientation that has characterised our trusting partnership for decades now."

"We understand that even the most powerful technology companies cannot ensure that they will once again be able to bring such innovative strength to the exhibition halls as we experienced at photokina 2018 within an extremely short lead time of just seven months," added Koelnmesse's CEO Gerald Böse. "It is precisely these innovations, however, that shape the character of photokina as the world's leading trade fair - as does the presence of all the leading suppliers in the industry as well as important users, retailers and service providers worldwide. In order to make sure we can continue to fulfil this requirement in the future and meet the expectations of exhibitors and visitors with every event, we have responded flexibly to PIV's wishes. This will ensure the continued unique impact and public appeal of one of our flagship trade fairs in the future."

This year, photokina had successfully presented itself with a new concept, which included the increased involvement of new exhibitors from innovative areas such as mobile, imaging analytics, digital workflow and moving images, as well as a stronger focus on experience for visitors. This combination of experience and product presentation, which was very well received by younger target groups in particular, ensured full halls, overcrowded workshops and spectacular presentations on the event areas, in front of which large crowds of people repeatedly formed, despite the trade fair being shortened by two days. As a result, the trade fair was mentioned not only in conventional media but also in digital and social channels such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter to a greater extent than in previous years. The newly created Imaging Lab, in which start-ups, investors and scientists presented and discussed new imaging applications, also proved to be an important impetus for the entire industry. Together with numerous groundbreaking innovations from established imaging companies, this resulted in a showcase of the great dynamism with which the imaging industry is positioning itself for the digital future and which will also shape photokina 2020.

The Consumer Technology Association and its member companies have announced the display definition and logo for 8K Ultra High Definition (UHD) TVs.

The logo and definition aim to help retailers and TV buyers identify products that meet the industry’s 8K UHD requirements, including attributes such as resolution, digital inputs, bit depth, frame rates and up-conversion capability.

“This 8K Ultra HD definition is the product of our Video Division Board’s dedication and hard work,” said CTA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. “As a result, retailers and consumers will know products that carry the accompanying logo deliver 8K UHD quality and performance.”

According to CTA’s latest biannual “Sales & Forecasts” report, 175,000 8K UHD TVs accounting for $734 million in revenue are expected to be sold by year’s end.

The 8K Ultra HD logo license and certification agreement will become available in the next few weeks. Companies may begin using the logo Jan. 1, 2020. The 8K Ultra HD logo program is an extension of the 4K Ultra HD logo announced in 2014 by CTA.

As it did in that instance, CTA convened major video sector companies to draft, discuss and approve the official 8K Ultra HD designation, it said.

Among the industry’s 8K Ultra HD defining characteristics are:

• A minimum of 33 million active pixels—with at least 7,680 horizontal by 4,320 vertical pixel resolution in a 16:9 viewable window;
• One or more HDMI inputs supporting resolution of 7,680x4,320 pixels; bit depth of 10 bits; frame rates of 24, 30 and 60 frames per second; HDR transfer functions and colorimetry specified by ITU-R BT.2100; and HDCP v2.2 or equivalent content protection;
• The ability to upscale SD, HD and 4K video and display it on an 8K UHD display; and
• The capability to receive 10-bit 8K images and render an image showing responsiveness to changes to any of the 10 bits.

Up-conversion - The display is capable of upscaling SD, HD and 4K video and displaying it at 8K display resolution or better.

Bit Depth—Has the capability to receive 10-bit 8K images and render an image that shows responsiveness to changes to any of the 10 bits. The exact manner of processing is not specified.

Digital Inputs

• Has one or more HDMI inputs supporting the following characteristics:
• Resolution of 7680x4320 pixels.
• Bit depth of 10-bits.
• Progressive scan.
• Frame rates of 24, 30, and 60 frames per second as well as at the associated 1000/1001 fractional frame rates.
• Frame rates of 25 and 50 frames per second for displays intended for use in 50 Hz regions.
• HDR transfer functions as specified by ITU-R BT.2100.
• RGB Colorimetry and the Non-Constant Luminance Y'C'BC'R signal format, as specified by ITU-R BT.2100.
• At least one of the 7680x4320 HDMI inputs shall support HDCP v2.2 or equivalent content protection.
• Bit Depth—Has the capability to receive 10-bit 8K images and render an image that shows responsiveness to changes to any of the 10 bits. The exact manner of processing is not specified.

at https://www.cta.tech/cta/media/Membership/PDFs/CTA-8K-UHD-Display-Characteristics-July-2019.pdf

Gibson Brands Inc. ("Gibson" or "the Company"), today announced it will be re-focusing the Company on the manufacturing of world-class, musical instruments and professional audio products and the continued development of the Company's portfolio of iconic, globally-recognized brands including Gibson and Epiphone, by reorganizing around its core businesses. The Company has reached a "Restructuring Support Agreement" with holders of more than 69.0% in principal amount of its 8.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2018, and its principal shareholders, that clears the pathway for the continued financing and operations of the musical instruments business as well as a change of control in favor of those noteholders.

To implement the agreement, the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries today filed pre-negotiated reorganization cases under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The filings will allow the Company's Musical Instruments and Professional Audio businesses to continue to design, build, sell, and manufacture legendary Gibson and Epiphone guitars, as well as KRK and Cerwin Vega studio monitors and loud speakers, without interruption. The Restructuring Support Agreement provides funding for the musical instrument and professional audio businesses, supports the Company's key vendors, shippers and suppliers, and provides for the restructuring of the Company's balance sheet. Gibson will emerge from Chapter 11 with working capital financing, materially less debt, and a leaner and stronger musical instruments-focused platform that will allow the Company and all of its employees, vendors, customers and other critical stakeholders to succeed. Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gibson Brands, and David Berryman, Gibson's President, will each continue with the Company upon emergence from Chapter 11 to facilitate a smooth transition during this change of control transaction and to support the Company in realizing future value from its core business.

The Company's Gibson Innovations business, which is largely outside of the U.S. and independent of the Musical Instruments business, will be wound down. The wind-down of the Company's GI Business is not expected to impact the Company's reorganization around its core Musical Instruments/Pro Audio business.

In conjunction with the restructuring, the Company received commitments for $135 million of debtor-in-possession financing from its existing noteholders. This financing, combined with cash generated from its operations, will provide the Company with the liquidity necessary to maintain its operations in the ordinary course during its reorganization proceedings.

Check more at https://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/18349/mergers-gibson-brands-or-branding-2#Item_2

Another blow for decaying brand (and I am big Pentax fan still!!).

Dealers talks is also not nice, as some of them expect brand to suddenly cease worldwide distribution of all cameras and focus on internal Japanese market and same time cutting lineup to 2 cameras only. This can happen any time from January, but most probably date is next summer.

https://intel.activeevents.com/sz14/connect/fileDownload/session/3446B9E71F4FD3D70D8FB478DA239801/SZ14_HSTS002_100_ENGf.pdf

So if I have a camera system of i.e. HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels the actuall resolution of this sample raster is only 960 X 540 pixels.

Yes or no? Actually somewhere in between?

It is the private agreement between Samsung and Sony, Sony agreed to transfer lot of their small sensor design knowledge and tech, as well as providing sensors for big discounts compared to open market. In return Samsung suddenly closed all large sensors design teams and manufacturing and moved out from consumer cameras market where Sony did not want such strong competitor. Companies will never admit existence of such agreement publically, as it is punishable crime and will lead to multibillion fines. But insiders confirm this.

With fast rising tensions the breakup of this agreement can happen very soon. It is strong rumors that Samsung secretly reestablished large sensor design teams around 1-1.5 years ago. Samsung also barely requires any Sony technologies now.

As US-China trade war will escalate Samsung will have no other choice but to dump Sony in the attempt to significantly lower sensor costs by using only their own sensors and not financing Sony last profitable division. Samsung also looking at providing sensors to Huawei (who also work on their own ones for safety!) and want to stop the fast growing Chinese industry that can be extreme threat to them.

If such things will happen we can see total disaster of Sony division (that already lost top managers who where assigned to do impossible - save the totally failed smartphone division). As costs of new sensors development, especially complex stacked ones, are rising and Japanese semiconductors factories are lagging more and more behind competition it can be impossible for them to do new competitive sensors, and hence to use mobile income to finance the camera department and developing of large sensors.

In 2-3 years we can see total Sony demise, as well as long time proposing merger of 4 leading Japanese camera brands into one company.

One of the camera industry insiders told that all leading Japanese companies are very worried now, especially considering Samsung moves in near future.

And yes, we can see $999 FF camera from Samsung in less then 2 years with around 40% probability.

Media Business Insight (publisher of Broadcast magazine) today announces that the fastest growing media show in London, the Media Production and Technology Show has acquired assets related to Broadcast Video Expo from ITE Group.

The Media Production & Technology Show is the number one event for all those working in content creation within the film, TV and video industry. The show plans to significantly extend and enhance its offering to more technology manufacturers, suppliers, content and new partners for the event.

Taking place on May 13-14th 2020 at London Olympia, MPTS will now be the UK’s biggest show for the broadcast production and technology sector.

MBI has acquired the rights to BVE’s intellectual property, marketing data, and marketing channels.

Charlotte Wheeler, MPTS Event Director said “Our visitor numbers were up by 25% this year and we had a record rebook level with exhibitors. We are building on the success we’ve had in developing our show over the last four years and the brilliant relationships we have with the industry and our customers.

“People in the market have often said they’d prefer one UK show and now we are able to focus on delivering the biggest and best event for exhibitors and visitors.

“We are looking forward to working with exhibitors and visitors who have attended BVE in the past to deliver a fantastic event for the whole industry in May 2020”.

MPTS will extend its features to include new industry partnerships, a dedicated Technology Theatre, a Technology Networking Zone and a larger Broadcast Sports Theatre & Zone.

MBI’s CEO Conor Dignam said: “We have been working hard to build the UK’s biggest and best event for the TV, film and video sector. We will take the best elements of BVE and include them in our offering next year, particularly in the field of technology.

“This is testament to the great work Charlotte and the team have done on the show – and their approach of really working closely with the industry and exhibitors to develop the show”.

http://www.mb-insight.com/mpts-bve-statement/

According to Nikon Rumors, the D3500, D5600, and D500 are three of the eight models that will not be replaced.

“They will most likely be replaced with mirrorless models,” Nikon Rumors says.

Cameras for which replacements are reportedly on the way are the D5, D850, D750, and D7500.

Sounds pretty optimistic, as it can be that we will see only pair of DLSRs, may be 3.

Last DLSR models for both Canon and Nikon must come in 2021 and it will be their sport oriented top models.

As usual, each company got some award. :-)

https://www.eisa.eu/awards/photography/

Second wave will include multiple lenses and at least one camera.

Most massive one with most cameras and budget lenses will be 3rd one.

All remaining stuff including accessories can have price jump around December 26th.

'We have received word that the Spark 2 launch that was scheduled for July 23rd has been postponed indefinitely. An industry insider told us that DJI sent out a memo last week stating: “due to a shift in priorities the July 23 event is now on hold until further notice." Unfortunately, no information was provided explaining the postponement nor was a new date announced.' - DroneDJ

Same thing happened with Phantom line few month ago.

It is rumors going in the industry that DJI will be among second group of US government targets, and that they got warning as early as late 2018.
DJI can be prohibited to sell any drones in US market and, after short delay, in the EU market, due to security concerns.
Hence DJI decided to not make big noise and do not make conflict public, as making it public could also harm them on Asia market and other areas.
They just postponed all releases, hoping somehow that may be it is all temporary. They could not be further from the reality.

Also this year it had been different organizer.

Thanks for Alvin from Zhiyun, here is some photos from expo.

• EOS Series (DSLR and Mirrorless)
• PowerShot SX70HS
• PowerShot SX740HS
• PowerShot G5XMarkII

Multiple Canon digital cameras (EOS series and PowerShot series) contain multiple vulnerabilities listed below.

• Buffer overflow vulnerability in PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) when processing SendObjectInfo command (CWE-120) - CVE-2019-5994
• Buffer overflow vulnerability in PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) when processing notifybtstatus command (CWE-120) - CVE-2019-5998
• Buffer overflow vulnerability in PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) when processing blerequest command (CWE-120) - CVE-2019-5999
• Buffer overflow vulnerability in PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) when processing sendhostinfo command (CWE-755) - CVE-2019-6000
• Buffer overflow vulnerability in PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) when processing setadapterbatteryreport command (CWE-755) - CVE-2019-6001
• Missing authorization vulnerability which may result in unauthorized firmware update (CWE-862) - CVE-2019-5995

Impact

• A specially crafted PTP command may cause buffer overflow, which may result in the affected digital camera being unresponsive or arbitrary code being executed by a remote attacker - CVE-2019-5994, CVE-2019-5998, CVE-2019-5999, CVE-2019-6000, CVE-2019-6001
• Specially crafted firmware by a remote attacker or unofficial firmware update may be applied without the user's consent since the user confirmation process before applying firmware update is not implemented in the software - CVE-2019-5995

Thing that we see here can be first step on killing Canon hacking activities, as some data suggest that this is exact things used to dump firmware by the team for years.

First, big warning:

The HUAWEI CEO said it will take just a day or two to migrate from Google’s Android to the new HarmonyOS if needed, but it will stick to Google’s platform for now.

Whole presentation had been toned down, and specially focus was away from smartphones.

Seamless: First-ever device OS with distributed architecture, delivering a seamless experience across devices

By adopting distributed architecture and distributed virtual bus technology, HarmonyOS offers a shared communications platform, distributed data management, distributed task scheduling, and virtual peripherals. With HarmonyOS, app developers won’t have to deal with the underlying technology for distributed apps, allowing them to focus on their own individual service logic. Apps built on HarmonyOS can run on different devices while delivering a seamless, collaborative experience across all scenarios.

Smooth: Deterministic Latency Engine and high-performance IPC

HarmonyOS will address underperformance challenges with a Deterministic Latency Engine and high-performance Inter Process Communication (IPC). The Deterministic Latency Engine sets task execution priorities and time limits for scheduling in advance. Resources will gravitate toward tasks with higher priorities, reducing the response latency of apps by 25.7%.

Secure: Microkernel architecture that reshapes security and trustworthiness from the ground up

HarmonyOS uses a brand-new microkernel design that features enhanced security and low latency. This microkernel was designed to simplify kernel functions, implement as many system services as possible in user mode outside the kernel, and add mutual security protection. The microkernel itself provides only the most basic services like thread scheduling and IPC.

Harmony OS’s microkernel design uses formal verification methods to reshape security and trustworthiness from the ground up in a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE).

HarmonyOS is the first OS to use formal verification in device TEE, significantly improving security. In addition, because the HarmonyOS microkernel has much less code (roughly one-thousandth the amount of the Linux kernel), the probability of attack is greatly reduced.

Unified: Multi-device IDE allows apps to be developed once and deployed across multiple devices

Powered by a multi-device IDE, multi-language unified compilation, and a distributed architecture kit, HarmonyOS can automatically adapt to different screen layout controls and interactions, and support both drag-and-drop control and preview-oriented visual programming. This allows developers to more efficiently build apps that run on multiple devices.

The HUAWEI ARK Compiler is the first static compiler that can perform on par with Android’s virtual machine, enabling developers to compile a broad range of advanced languages into machine code in a single, unified environment

Blackmagic Design today announced it will hold a live stream on August 8th, 12:00pm PDT to provide updates related to the company’s post production and camera products. Held by CEO and co-founder Grant Petty, the stream will be available from Blackmagic Design’s website, as well as on the company’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

Their Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCufB8sMVyP9JEScMjLz74YA

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Gizmodo Japan has spotted a design patent filed by DJI for a camera that looks remarkably similar to the Hasselblad X1D 50c. Of course, DJI essentially owns Hasselblad after becoming the majority stakeholder a couple of years ago, and DJI’s own Mavic 2 Pro contains a Hasselblad branded camera. But it seems now that DJI is going to be remaking Hasselblad cameras in their own image. The design patent was filed by DJI on the January 29th, 2019 and granted on July 26th. The images contained within have a very familiar appearance. In fact, from the front, it seems virtually identical to the Hasselblad X1D 50c, save for the lack of Hasselblad branding

https://www.diyphotography.net/the-first-chinese-hasselblad-x1d-clone-is-coming-and-its-coming-from-dji

NVIDIA also announced the availability of a new NVIDIA Studio Driver, which provides optimizations for popular creative apps updating around SIGGRAPH, including OTOY Octane Render, Blender, Autodesk Arnold, Maxon Cinema 4D, Substance Painter by Adobe and Magix VEGAS Pro. The latest Studio Driver adds an often-requested feature - support for 30-bit color in OpenGL apps such as Adobe Photoshop and Premiere for all GPUs. With this feature, creators can work with their HDR photos and videos with full accuracy and without the banding typical of 24-bit color.

The latest rerelease of Nvidia's Studio drivers allows you to view HDR video and wide P3-gamut colors " across all Nvidia product lines and GPUs.

From https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/nvidia-rtx-studio-laptops-and-mobile-workstations--purposebuilt-for-creators--coming-from-every-20190729-00520

Some articles are misleading that it is only RTX feature, but it must not be.

Info from report

• FY19 Q1 sales increased 14% year-on-year to 230.7 billion yen and operating income increased 20.4 billion yen to 49.5 billion yen, primarily due to a significant increase in image sensor sales for mobile devices.
• Demand for our image sensors continues to be strong and our market share of image sensors for mid-range and high-end models of major smartphone makers remains high, due to adoption of multiple sensors per camera and growing demand for high value-added sensors made using large die-sizes.\
• We are currently utilizing 100% of our internal capacity.
• Concerns about the impact of trade issues in the second half of the fiscal year remain. We have already been conservative when forecasting the impact of these issues, but, because we want to evaluate the risks over the course of the first half of the fiscal year, we have made no changes to our April forecast.

Rambus Inc. (NASDAQ: RMBS), a premier silicon IP and chip provider making data faster and safer, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Northwest Logic, a market leader in memory, PCIe and MIPI digital controllers. Northwest Logic’s high-performance, high-quality and silicon-proven digital IP controller cores are optimized for use in both ASICs and FPGAs. Interface IP solutions consisting of a physical interface (PHY) and companion digital controller make it possible to optimize the transfer of data between chips and electronic devices. Every SoC design that uses a Memory or a PCIe or a MIPI PHY also needs to use a controller associated with it. The combination of complementary digital and physical IP portfolios from Northwest Logic and Rambus will create a one-stop-shop for customers.

“With this acquisition, we expand our leading product portfolio for high-performance markets such as data center, networking, artificial intelligence, machine learning and automotive,” said Hemant Dhulla, vice president and general manager of IP Cores at Rambus. “Northwest Logic’s innovative, best-in-class digital controllers complement Rambus’ proven strength in high-speed physical IP cores. Together, we will offer one of the most comprehensive high-performance interface IP solutions in the industry, leveraging our core strength in semiconductors, strong go-to-market advantage and global reach.”

Brian Daellenbach, president and CEO, Northwest Logic said: “Northwest Logic’s category-leading digital controllers fit perfectly with Rambus’ leadership portfolio of high-speed PHY solutions. This deal creates a one-stop-shop for SoC designers working on state-of-the-art applications across a broad range of high-performance markets. We look forward to continue serving our existing customers and working with our PHY partners.”

Critical to enabling the high performance of data center, networking, AI, ML and automotive applications, this acquisition will bring together the physical and digital IP core families from renowned market leaders to offer comprehensive memory and SerDes IP solutions for chip designers.

The transaction is expected to close in the current calendar quarter of 2019. Although this transaction will not materially impact 2019 results due to the expected timing of close and acquisition accounting, Rambus expects this acquisition to be accretive in 2020.

Rambus will also get lot of patents related to HBM2, GDDR6, DDR4, and general patents related to PCIe и MIPI. Expect new multi billion demands from Rambus soon. And you will pay for all this.

Second chart is very telling. How big price hikes are now and how bad are real sales.

Apple and Intel have signed an agreement for Apple to acquire the majority of Intel’s smartphone modem business. Approximately 2,200 Intel employees will join Apple, along with intellectual property, equipment and leases. The transaction, valued at $1 billion, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, including works council and other relevant consultations in certain jurisdictions. Combining the acquired patents for current and future wireless technology with Apple’s existing portfolio, Apple will hold over 17,000 wireless technology patents, ranging from protocols for cellular standards to modem architecture and modem operation. Intel will retain the ability to develop modems for non-smartphone applications, such as PCs, internet-of-things devices and autonomous vehicles.

“This agreement enables us to focus on developing technology for the 5G network while retaining critical intellectual property and modem technology that our team has created,” said Intel CEO Bob Swan. “We have long respected Apple and we’re confident they provide the right environment for this talented team and these important assets moving forward. We’re looking forward to putting our full effort into 5G where it most closely aligns with the needs of our global customer base, including network operators, telecommunications equipment manufacturers and cloud service providers.”

“We’ve worked with Intel for many years and know this team shares Apple’s passion for designing technologies that deliver the world’s best experiences for our users,” said Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies. “Apple is excited to have so many excellent engineers join our growing cellular technologies group, and know they’ll thrive in Apple’s creative and dynamic environment. They, together with our significant acquisition of innovative IP, will help expedite our development on future products and allow Apple to further differentiate moving forward.”

Here we see carefully designed thing to provide Apple proper Qualcomm modems replacement in few years time.

IMX311 is a 48MP BSI & Stack full frame sensor, employs an innovative 45 degree diagonal pixel array with BSI and stacked design, it can output 96MP/24MP RGB RAW stream.

Sony IMX313AQK

IMX313 is a high speed 48MP BSI Stacked FF sensor.

Sony IMX409BQJ

IMX409BQJ is a low cost, high resolution and high speed 54MP BSI FF sensor.

Sony IMX521CQR

IMX521CQR is a high speed, high sensitivity Quad Bayer 15MP BSI FF sensor.

Sony IMX554DQC

IMX554DQC is a ultra-high speed 30MP BSI and stacked FF sensor.

Minutes later, USA recognized Guaidó as legitimate president of the country and moved OAS to follow. The sphere of influence of USA and the Lima Group also followed. Later the day Russia, Turkey, Bolivia and Cuba announced support to Maduro.

USA government threatened armed intervention if Maduro "makes anything": "we have made no decision but every option is on the table". Russia announced that they would act in defense of Maduro in the case of USA intervention. EU and some other "neutral" countries position it's to search for talks and promote general elections with ONU support.

https://sputniknews.com/latam/201901241071763989-venezuela-crisis-diplomatic-ties-usa/

https://elpais.com/internacional/2019/01/23/actualidad/1548249429_996363.html

Edit: Changed the sputnik news link to one updated. Added a little bit of info.