Wish all the best for Adobe fans, you have more surprises ahead of you this year.

Apple Inc. was ordered by a Chinese court to stop selling iPhone X, 8, 7 and 6 models. Order doesn't include Apple’s newest devices—the XS, XS Max and XR. RBC Capital Markets on Monday estimated older models account for about 40% of sales in China, and that the ban could have an impact on about $12 billion in sales.

Qualcomm said the Fuzhou Intermediate People’s Court in China found Apple had infringed on two patents: one related to photo editing and another to swiping on a touch-screen device.

I love patents. :-) Look how innovative this ones are.

It is for now very light version, very light warning, as Apple declares they hope to get around this. But next round will be harder.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE) and Cray Inc. (Nasdaq: CRAY), a global supercomputer leader, today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which HPE will acquire Cray for $35.00 per share in cash, in a transaction valued at approximately $1.3 billion, net of cash.

“Answers to some of society’s most pressing challenges are buried in massive amounts of data,” said Antonio Neri, President and CEO, HPE. “Only by processing and analyzing this data will we be able to unlock the answers to critical challenges across medicine, climate change, space and more. Cray is a global technology leader in supercomputing and shares our deep commitment to innovation. By combining our world-class teams and technology, we will have the opportunity to drive the next generation of high performance computing and play an important part in advancing the way people live and work.”

Addressing complex challenges and advancing critical academic research, including predicting future weather patterns, delivering breakthrough medical discoveries, and preventing cyber-attacks, requires significant computational capabilities, up to and through Exascale level architecture. Exascale capable systems enable solutions to these problems with much greater precision and insight.

“This is an amazing opportunity to bring together Cray’s leading-edge technology and HPE’s wide reach and deep product portfolio, providing customers of all sizes with integrated solutions and unique supercomputing technology to address the full spectrum of their data-intensive needs,” said Peter Ungaro, President and CEO of Cray. “HPE and Cray share a commitment to customer-centric innovation and a vision to create the global leader for the future of high performance computing and AI. On behalf of the Cray Board of Directors, we are pleased to have reached an agreement that we believe maximizes value and are excited for the opportunities that this unique combination will create for both our employees and our customers.”

https://www.hpe.com/us/en/newsroom/press-release/2019/05/hpe-to-acquire-supercomputing-leader-cray.html

We have extracted some of what seem to be the most important products for filmmakers that would have the new 25% tariff. But note, we are not experts on tariffs or trade policy, and the list is not meant to be definitive. Also, trade policy is really complicated and currently in a state of flux, changing from week to week.

Sample Products Subject to New Tariffs

Video Recording

8521.90.00 Video recording or reproducing apparatus, other than magnetic tape-type

Sound Recording

8519.81.40 Sound recording and reproducing apparatus using magnetic tape, optical media, or semiconductor media

8519.89.30 Sound recording and reproducing apparatus, NESOI Recording Media

8523.51.00 Semiconductor media, solid-state non-volatile storage devices Monitors

8528.59.15 Color video monitors w/flat panel screen, video display diagonal n/ov 34.29 cm, incorporate VCR or player

8528.59.23 Color video monitors w/flat panel screen, video display diagonal > 34.29 cm, incorporating VCR or player, not subject US note 13

8528.59.25 Color video monitors w/flat panel screen, video display diagonal n/ov 34.29 cm, not incorporate VCR or player

8528.59.33 Color video monitors w/flat panel screen, video display diagonal > 34.29 cm, not with VCR/player, not subj US note

138528.59.40 Color video monitors NESOI, with video display diagonal over 34.29 cm, incorporating VCR or player

8528.59.45 Color video monitors NESOI, with video display diagonal not over 34.29 cm, not incorporating VCR or player

8528.59.50 Color video monitors NESOI, with video display diagonal over 34.29 cm, not incorporating VCR or player

8528.69.55 Color video projectors NESOI, incorporating video recording or reproducing apparatus

8528.69.60 Color video projectors NESOI, not incorporating a video recording or reproducing apparatus

Lamps

8539.22.80 Electrical filament lamps of a power not exceeding 200 W and for a voltage exceeding 100 V NESOI, excluding ultraviolet and infrared lamps

8539.29.30 Electrical filament lamps NESOI, designed for a voltage not exceeding 100 V, excluding ultraviolet and infrared lamps

8539.29.40 Electrical filament lamps, designed for a voltage exceeding 100 V, of a power exceeding 200 W

8539.50.00 Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps

Cameras

9006.59.91 Photographic cameras, other than fixed focus, valued over $10 each, NESOI

9006.61.00 Photographic discharge lamp ("electronic") flashlight apparatus

9006.69.01 Photographic flashlight apparatus, NESOI

9006.91.00 Parts and accessories for photographic cameras, not cinematographic

9006.99.00 Parts and accessories for photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs

9007.91.40 Parts for cinematographic cameras

9007.91.80 Accessories for cinematographic cameras

Wait, it can get worse

While it appears that photographic lenses are not included currently on the list for tariffs on China, there are threatened tariffs (of up to 100%) on EU products imported to the U.S. for this summer that do include them. This would primarily impact lenses from Germany:

9002.11.90 Objective lenses and parts & access. thereof, for cameras, projectors, or photographic enlargers or reducers, except projection, NESOI

The era of really cheap gear in the U.S. may be coming to an end and filmmakers here will face the reality that folks in other countries have dealt with for a long time. However, it's impossible to predict whether the China or EU tariffs will actually take effect, or when.

If you are considering a major purchase in one of the targeted areas, it may be worth considering speeding up your purchase timeline.

https://nofilmschool.com/indie-filmmaking-about-get-lot-more-expensive?fbclid=IwAR3NpP-LcKEcNtvUzw500jVSJTHiIhuEmTN2XL0koJxrLrs37um8rJBeOWI

I wonder if all this is again because of Cinema DNG and RAW video formats (e.g. Photoshop can work with CDNG).

http://m1-page.mail.adobe.com/nl/jsp/m.jsp?c=%40AHAafIXMiyQv6FKNDla560DQpdsaU7gjzyw1ytYNLeM%3D

https://skylum.com/l/fujifilm

And unreal forecast again (as they did not meet any forecast in years before)

Samsung Electronics, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today introduced two new 0.8-micrometer (μm) pixel image sensors – the 64-megapixel (Mp) Samsung ISOCELL Bright GW1 and 48Mp ISOCELL Bright GM2. With the addition, Samsung expands its 0.8μm image sensor lineup, the smallest pixel size currently available in the market, from existing 20Mp to ultra-high 64Mp resolutions.

“Over the past few years, mobile phone cameras have become the main instrument for recording and sharing our everyday moments,” said Yongin Park, executive vice president of sensor business at Samsung Electronics. “With more pixels and advanced pixel technologies, Samsung ISOCELL Bright GW1 and GM2 will bring a new level of photography to today’s sleekest mobile devices that will enhance and help change the way we record our daily lives.”

ISOCELL Bright GW1 is a 64Mp image sensor that features the highest resolution in Samsung’s 0.8μm-pixel image sensor lineup. With pixel-merging Tetracell technology** and remosaic algorithm***, GW1 can produce bright 16Mp images in low-light environments and highly-detailed 64Mp shots in brighter settings. To take pictures resembling the way the human eye perceives its surroundings in a mixed light environment, GW1 supports real-time high dynamic range (HDR) of up to 100-decibels (dB) that provides richer hues. In comparison, the dynamic range of a conventional image sensor is at around 60dB, while that of the human eye is typically considered to be around 120dB.

GW1 is equipped with a Dual Conversion Gain (DCG) that converts the received light into an electric signal according to the illumination of the environment. This allows the sensor to optimize its full well capacity (FWC), utilizing the collected light more efficiently especially in bright environments. Sharper results can be delivered through Super PD, a high-performance phase detection auto-focus technology, and full HD recording at 480 frames-per-second (fps) is supported for smooth cinematic slow motion videos.

ISOCELL Bright GM2 is a 48Mp image sensor that also adopts Tetracell technology in low-light environments and a remosaic algorithm in well-lit settings, bringing highly-detailed pictures with natural and vivid colors. GM2, like GW1, adopts DCG as well for added performance and Super PD for fast autofocus.

Samsung ISOCELL Bright GW1 and GM2 are currently sampling and are expected to be in mass production in the second half of this year.

In reality main mode is 16Mp, as well as Bayer filters pattern. But all ads will tell you about 64Mp.

When you pay for B&H purchases with the Payboo Credit Card, B&H will charge the total of merchandise plus applicable fees and taxes; but we instantly issue and apply a reward on orders made in our SuperStore or shipped to eligible states right in checkout as a form of customer payment. Then, the amount charged to the Payboo Card is net of the benefit applied.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/credit-cards

It is nice, but in reality they plan to get more using this card, as it is credit card with not best terms.

Plus for some items you must expect some price increase.

HTC has dismissed recent speculation claiming it would quit the smartphone market with its latest U12+ being the last of its models.

HTC maintained it will continue strengthening its smartphone business with new models to be released at year-end 2018 and in early 2019.

HTC said it will not give up its handset business as it believes that the handset has become indispensable to human life and that the related key VR technology will play a key role for the future development of mobile devices.

Actually company is already mostly dead with sales numbers falling like hammer. Expect that announcement will come around February-May of 2019.

Arri Rental, exclusive home of the Alexa 65, said it is exiting Atlanta at the end of this month as part of a “strategic shift” that will see it transferring rental equipment from Atlanta to its operations in Brooklyn, NY, and Burbank, CA.

Following the closure, Arri Rental will be left with four North American locations — Brooklyn, Burbank, Charlotte, NC and Vancouver, BC. The company said it planned to offer personnel from Atlanta possible relocation options in its remaining U.S. offices.

Arri is feeling best among pro cinema cameras manufacturers and even they have issues and will continue expenses cuts.
RED is in worse shape of them all and mostly doing raw video licensing milking that must be enough for 1-2 year survival.

Terms

1. You can submit ONE video clip made by you personally using any camera. Just post it in this topic.
2. Clip must reside on vimeo or youtube video hostings and must have "personal-view contest" and link to contest page (for contest time).
3. Clip must be below 3 minutes in length (for any exception with length you must PM me).
4. Only new videos are accepted. Do not submit your one year old video.
5. Only videos featuring pets or animals like cat, dog, hamster, etc are accepted.
6. For first prize - video must have story to tell, must feature pet, must be funny and/or interesting.
7. For second prize - must feature your cat (yep, cats only!), must be funny/pretty/etc.
8. Deadline - March 9, reaching minimum 10 entries.

We are waiting for your videos:

About NEST

NEST is HK manufacturer of premium quality tripods and photo/video heads.
I use their legs and heads for few years and they are really top notch.

First prize - NEST NT-9403 carbon legs + 683H fluid head

Very sturdy carbon legs made using 10x layers of best carbon. Big legs diameter. Can handle with ease 12kg real weight of your rig. 100mm bowl. 1660mm max height.

683H is very good, fully metal, 100mm bowl head. With adjustments of pan and tilt drag, as well as counterbalance.

Second prize - NEST NT-6294CK carbon legs + new small fluid head

Sturdy and light carbon legs. Detachable leg that can be converted to monopod.

Small and high quality fluid head made specially for light tripods and easy travel.

Aperture, Apple’s professionally minded photo editing software, will no longer operate on macOS after Mojave, the current version of the Mac operating system. The announcement was quietly made on an Apple support page that was spotted by MacRumors, which gives instructions on how users should import their images into either Adobe Lightroom or Apple Photos.

As predicted, move to ARM based CPUs require Apple to get rid from all applications that do not generate big revenue, even ones where it had been 1-2 developers doing compatibility checks. Read - all pro or advanced apps.
Later in 2019 you will already feel first winter winds around FCP X, and in 2020 they will start blowing constantly as Apple will be reducing developers count and moving them to other projects.

Coverage by our main US team led by Alan.

Possible new released from Canon

• Canon XC style 4K 60fps camera with RF mount
• Canon C300 Mk III presentations (can be in Panasonic EVA1 style)
• Canon C500 Mk II possible with jump to RF mount

• Canon has used 130,180 and 500nm processes that I'm aware of. I would fail to see the reason why Canon would upgrade some equipment to an interim step of 300nm.
• The read noise of this is far worse than for instance an 80D sensor scaled. At worst case, this sensor should be no worse than the 80D sensor, as it's the same pixel pitch as the 80D sensor. The DR matches the 6D Mark II DR curve and not the current generation 5D Mark IV or even 80D DR curves.
• It is exactly like the 6D Mark II DR curve.
• It's too slow (even by Canon standards) 5.2 fps at 12 bit depth means it would be around 1.3 fps at 14 bit assuming it's using slope ADC's (which canon uses). Canon releasing a 1.3 fps stills camera? Not only that but DPAF takes around twice the read time so if you want AF you're looking at .6 FPS or a glorious 2.6 fps in 12 bit ("speed mode")

As usual Andrew from EOSHD made lot of hype out of nothing, finding old sensor specs made for some partner and not for any consumer cameras.

8nm LSI is planned to be released in 2020.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1714585446/chronos-14-high-speed-camera/description

TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, and TowerJazz Panasonic Semiconductor Company (TPSCo), today announced they have signed a three-year agreement, extending its previous business partnership with Panasonic Semiconductor Solutions (PSCS) through 2022. Under the agreement, PSCS will continue to utilize TPSCo three manufacturing facilities in Japan for its semiconductor business. Wafer loading level from PSCS to TPSCo fabs is expected to remain similar, with a new pricing structure, resulting in revenue reductions of approximately 20 million USD per quarter, with revenue and margins targeted to be compensated through presently implemented efficiencies and cost reduction activities, as well as third party revenue growth, including the present strong 300mm utilization ramp. L-rumors

Russell Ellwanger, TowerJazz CEO and TPSCo Chairman commented, “The TPSCo partnership has brought together two leaders – Panasonic, an acknowledged analog components and systems leader, and TowerJazz, a recognized analog foundry leader- having created a company that serves and continues to grow the analog foundry space as no other existing single foundry can. During the past five years, we have continued to grow in respect for the technical capability and appreciation for the business acumen and can-do attitude of our Panasonic partner. Our TPSCo employee base has strong technical expertise and pristine operational execution, with over 180 foundry customers have been introduced into TPSCo, which is presently realizing a strong ramp in 300mm state of the art RF, power management and CMOS imaging flows. This has been and continues to be a winning equation for all involved – TowerJazz, PSCS, TPSCo and our very important customers.”

Through TPSCo, TowerJazz offers its customers advanced 300mm analog technology manufacturing platforms such as state-of-the-art 65nm CMOS image sensor solutions, RF SOI 65nm, and 65nm Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) power management platform.

TowerJazz to maintain its 51% holding of TPSCo shares, with PSCS as a 49% shareholder.

About TowerJazz

Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (NASDAQ: TSEM, TASE: TSEM) and its subsidiaries operate collectively under the brand name TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader. TowerJazz manufactures next-generation integrated circuits (ICs) in growing markets such as consumer, industrial, automotive, medical and aerospace and defense. TowerJazz’s advanced technology is comprised of a broad range of customizable process platforms such as: SiGe, BiCMOS, mixed-signal/CMOS, RF CMOS, CMOS image sensor, integrated power management (BCD and 700V), and MEMS. TowerJazz also provides world-class design enablement for a quick and accurate design cycle as well as Transfer Optimization and development Process Services (TOPS) to IDMs and fabless companies that need to expand capacity. To provide multi-fab sourcing and extended capacity for its customers, TowerJazz operates two manufacturing facilities in Israel (150mm and 200mm), two in the U.S. (200mm) and three facilities in Japan (two 200mm and one 300mm). For more information, please visit www.towerjazz.com.

What I heard so far is that Pana will further streamline the portfolio. Essentially there will remain the GX and the GH line only. For GH it will be discussed that you can buy software keys to enable different features for video or photo but hardware will remain the same

via 43rumors.com

As I told previously about upcoming GH6 lineup current top managers dream is to close certain features of cameras and sell you keys to enable them.
Difference in price for exactly same hardware camera, but different enabled options, in new upcoming line could reach as much as $1000.
Idea is to get very big profit margins such way, plus move even more profits further from dealers.
Discussed GH6 margins are 1.5x of GH5.

Vizrt has acquired NewTek, world leader in IP-based, software-driven live video production solutions. The acquisition creates the largest company in the broadcast space that is dedicated to enabling IT based video production. The goal is to make it possible for people to tell their story using video, whether they are a kid in a classroom or a tier-1 broadcaster.

T>he combined companies emerge as the driving force in the transition to IP video for live production with NDI® and SMPTE 2110, with each serving different needs. The company will deliver flexible end-to-end workflows for all levels of production and software-based products and services for media, sports, entertainment, education, enterprise, and esports.

“Combining our organizations allow us to pursue our joint vision of software-based video production, leveraging the power and flexibility of computing and IT-based systems.” said Michael Hallén, Vizrt CEO. “The combined business will be very well positioned to deliver turnkey systems that give creative power to any organization that has ambitions of producing content for any output platform.”

The combination is a perfect match.

• Complementary software-based technology that creates an end-to-end workflow for the growing content creation market.
• A dedication to growing the adoption, strength, and accessibility of IP technology for all markets.
• A valuable channel network in place, that will benefit from taking a wider portfolio of products to customers.

The new company combines the brilliant minds that invented the NDI protocol with the innovators that invented template-driven real-time graphics. The company will be R&D focused with the vision of providing the software-based video technology that is the foundation of the future of the media industry.

“Taking advantage of computational, software, and network technology to make video more accessible, and fun to create has always been NewTek’s mission. These changes have revolutionized the way stories are told worldwide, allowing anyone to create and share a show.” said Dr. Andrew Cross, President & CTO of NewTek. “The tools from our two companies have fueled the video revolution—from kids in classrooms, little league games, and web shows, to the highest levels of broadcasting, news and sports. The combined company represents one of the most disruptive changes for the video industry in decades, however the goal remains the same—to build a new world of IT-based video technology to grow the reach and impact for anyone with a story to share.”

Michael Hallén, current President & CEO of Vizrt, will lead the business. Dr. Andrew Cross, current President & CTO of NewTek, will assume the role as President of Research & Development of the combined company.

Both companies are holding events at NAB on Sunday 7th April in the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall. The Vizrt press conference will be held at 11am, and the NewTek community event will begin at 5:30pm. Executives from both companies will be included in order to give further details on the acquisition.

Yamane San also thanked all Lumix Ambassadors and especially UK Ambassadors for playing key role in such big rise of compact and full frame cameras produced by Panasonic, for proposing really unique features like paid V-Log codes and video modes and for good private suggestions on how to kill any independent m43 cameras communities. Due to such huge success Panasonic will stop providing free bodies and lenses and instead will be charging 100% premium for all members of Ambassadors program, as it'll allow whole program to reach levels typical only for devoted Apple fans.

Apple is planning to use its own chips in Mac computers beginning as early as 2020, replacing processors from Intel, according to people familiar with the plans, Bloomberg News’ Ian King and Mark Gurman report.

The initiative, code named Kalamata, is still in the early developmental stages, but comes as part of a larger strategy to make all of Apple’s devices -- including Macs, iPhones, and iPads -- work more similarly and seamlessly together, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. The project, which executives have approved, will likely result in a multi-step transition.

The shift would be a blow to Intel, whose partnership helped revive Apple’s Mac success and linked the chipmaker to one of the leading brands in electronics. Apple provides Intel with about 5 percent of its annual revenue

Intel shares dropped as much as 9.2 percent, the biggest intraday drop in more than two years.

Not April joke :-)

Of course, formally MacOS will remain, but will be incompatible with all existing software, except iOS applications.
Move is expected as none of top Apple managers is interested in professional niche market anymore.

"Since passing the baton of CEO to Yoshida-san last April, as Chairman of Sony, I have had the opportunity to both ensure a smooth transition and provide support to Sony's management. I am confident that everyone at Sony is fully aligned under Yoshida-san's strong leadership, and are ready to build an even brighter future for Sony. As such, I have decided to depart from Sony, which has been a part of my life for the past 35 years. I would like to extend my warmest gratitude to all our employees and stakeholders who have supported me throughout this journey."

Rumors are that we can see two major things.

As head of imaging division now leads mobile division axing the former can be used to get rid of him.

After this we can see big reforms in imaging division, as top management is not happy with mobile sensors performance and instead prioritizing constantly small segment of mirrorless cameras. Samsung is eating Sony pie quite fast, as due to private cartel agreement they gained most knowledge from Sony.

Even bigger surprise can be move of Samsung to FF mirrorless niche in 2020 to prove that their sensors are better, kind of special exhibition.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPb_xgpKYgg7s0YEqNJ8sJbWMcZ-jNHGT

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPb_xgpKYgg6n6NEO_Hrwv1n-ZC_vvo8h

You can find donation button and sum selector on each forum page
(if you don't see it right now it means video is active and I'll enable it later)!

Some time ago they had meeting discussing possible strategies due to subpar FF bodies preorders and even worse FF lenses preorders.

Main idea during meeting had been starting offering rental service and try to reorient FF lineup and future GH6 as mostly rental cameras.

Panasonic can even make special body made for rental companies with build in NFC and special tracking abilities.

Not sure if they will act on this. Of course they also will sell FF bodies and lenses still. It is only search for a way to somehow produce more premium cameras that market can't eat.

Light, the leader in advanced computational imaging announces the agreement with Sony Semiconductor Solutions, the leader in the Image Sensor industry to jointly work on development and marketing of multi-image sensor solutions.

The agreement allows Light to use and recommend to its customers and partners, Sony’s image sensors built in Light’s computational imaging solutions and reference designs. These new reference designs combine Light’s multi-camera technology together with Sony’s image sensors to create new multi-camera applications and solutions beginning with the introduction of smartphones containing four or more cameras.

“Sony is the recognized quality and market share leader in image sensors and we are thrilled to partner with them,” said Dave Grannan, CEO and co-founder, Light. “We are entering an entirely new era of intelligent imaging applications that will transform smartphones, autonomous vehicles, and security systems. With Sony’s world-class image sensors, we can introduce new innovations in the multi-camera imaging space.”

“We are excited to be working with Light and driving multi-sensor-based products and solutions into the market,” said Hank Ochi, president of Component Solutions Business Division, Sony Electronics Inc. “Light and its technology are transforming how devices see the world. This new partnership will allow us to work together to evolve and speed up the design of today’s multi-image sensor enabled connected devices. Starting today, our jointly developed reference designs will help our smartphone OEMs to quickly and easily enhance the imaging capability of multi-camera enabled smartphones.”

For more information, please visit https://light.co/.

In reality Light is now more like Patent troll having lot of patents on multi-sensor smartphones configurations and setups.

We had been told that Panasonic is reworking the Image APP. A completely new version should be available within the next months. No specifics yet…

I can make few assumptions looking at the Panasonic general direction.

Application will have one main screen and 5 buttons over live view image.

First button will be called - "Make it all cool". Will be accessible for all cameras and owners.

Second button will be called - "Make it all even cooler". Will be available as $10 paid option for owners of new FF cameras.

Third button will be called - "Make it all posh totty". Will be available for $99.99 for very few people - owners of S1R.

Next button will be called - "Make it look smart". Will require $999 special service agreement payment and will use AI to make all faces on the photos and vides to look much smarter and less drunk than they are. Cloud AI usage cost not included in main fee.

Last button will be called - "Elite look". Will cost $10000, but will be also available for exactly 5 trial presses for owners of previous options. And it will make any of your photos to look like they are made in the elite apartments, elite beaches or elite cemeteries (depending on situation).

In addition to free FTZ adapter it is now including camera bag and XQD card.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/items/ci/42387

My talks with industry insiders tell that Z6 and Z7 sales also are very slow, much much better than Panasonic preorders state but well below Nikon expectations.