Television presenter and author to share the ultimate cooking freedom with Panasonic’s multi-functional kitchen range, designed for every Australian family.
Panasonic has announced a new partnership with prominent Australian cook and content creator Marion Grasby. The collaboration, “Marion’s Test Kitchen”, will see the fan favourite showcase the convenience and versatility of Panasonic’s diverse range of kitchen appliances.
Marion will recreate some of the most engaging recipes from her repertoire in appliances such as Convection Microwaves and Rice Cookers – showing home cooks how popular meals can be created fuss-free, and with delicious results.
The five-part content series will challenge perceptions and demonstrate how the brand’s modern solutions offer Australians the ultimate cooking freedom.
Marion Grasby said: “I am incredibly excited to collaborate with Panasonic! I’m always interested in new tech and love testing out its potential to make things easier or better for cooks like me. I’ve got some awesome experiments up my sleeve, from preparing the crispiest pork belly in a convection microwave to making a spicy satay in a rice cooker.”
Charissa Sano, Home Appliance Category & Marketing Communications Manager at Panasonic Australia said: “The lives of Australian consumers and their families have never been busier or more complex, but with these multi-functional kitchen heroes, it’s easy for anyone to create an impressive array of healthy, delicious and perfectly cooked meals.
“Marion’s series is designed to inspire Australians to have a go and enjoy exploring the full capabilities of appliances such as Convection Microwaves or Bread Makers. For example, a recent survey showed that 80% of Australian microwave users use their appliance at least once a day[i] – we aim to show them the true extent of what’s possible. Panasonic products are backed by over 100 years of technology R&D, so like Marion, we’ve done the hard work and you can enjoy the outcome!”
Marion’s Test Kitchen will be launched across Marion’s Facebook, Instagram and You Tube channels, with the first episode featuring Marion creating Crispy Pork Belly in Panasonic’s NN-CF770 Convection Microwave.
Dive into the first episode here and see the results for yourself.
For the second year running, a Canstar Blue survey of Australians across the country has found that Panasonic Microwaves lead the way, with the company receiving Canstar Blue’s 2021 Award for Most Satisfied Customers[ii]. Panasonic has continuously invested in Microwave innovation, from the company’s first model more than 55 years ago, to today’s Convection models that offer the ultimate cooking freedom – allowing consumers to bake, roast, grill and steam, and enjoy convenient heating and defrosting.
[i] Market Research survey conducted in Australia, April 2021
Panasonic is pleased to introduce a new large-aperture standard fixed focal length lens, the LUMIX S 50mm F1.8 (S-S50). Following the 85mm S-S85 lens, it is the second addition to the planned series of four F1.8 large-aperture lenses based on the L-Mount system.
The LUMIX F1.8 lens series has a common positioning of controls for ease of use and a common barrel diameter that provides the convenience of using the same filters. Using lenses of a similar size and diameter also makes it easier to switch between them when an S Series camera is mounted on a gimbal, for example. Currently, 24mm and 35mm F1.8 large-aperture lenses are also under development to further enhance the LUMIX S Series lens lineup and meet the needs of customers.
The LUMIX S 50mm F1.8 is extremely lightweight and mobile at around 300 grams, and the rugged dust/splash-resistant[i]design withstands use under harsh environmental conditions down to a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius.
The LUMIX S 50mm F1.8 is comprised of nine lens elements in eight groups including three aspherical lenses, one ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lens and one UHR (Ultra-High Refractive Index) lens. The use of three aspherical lenses achieves beautiful bokeh, while the ED lens effectively suppresses chromatic aberration. The filter diameter is 67mm, with a 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm. The LUMIX S 50mm F1.8 also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing. The lens is suitable for photography from portraits to landscapes.
The lens will be available in July 2021 from leading photographic specialists. The Panasonic and L-Mount system alliance is committed to the development of L-Mount lenses for the further expansion of its lineup, fulfilling the needs of customers.
[i] Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water. To avoid damage when using the camera under these conditions, it must be used in accordance with associated instructions in the manual.
Panasonic has unveiled a new G Series camera – the LUMIX GH5M2 – demonstrating the company’s continued commitment to the G Series Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera system by delivering key new enhancements for G Series aficionados: including wireless live streaming capability; C4K[i]/4K 60p[ii] 4:2:0 10-bit video recording and simultaneous output of 4:2:2 10-bit over HDMI during 4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit internal recording; V-Log L pre-installed; and unlimited recording in all video modes.
James Choi, Product Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic, said: “With the GH5M2 we are proud to introduce industry-leading live streaming capabilities for modern content creators – including direct to platform wireless live streaming, with wired IP streaming and tethered mobile streaming to be available in the future. This will allow today’s content creators to take advantage of the acclaimed image quality and usability of the GH line, such as 4K 60p 10-bit internal recording, unlimited recording modes, and robust ergonomics, while also being able to live stream wherever and whenever they desire.”
Key Features
The LUMIX GH5M2 is the first G Series model to offer high quality wireless live streaming – with simply the camera and a smartphone – using the LUMIX Sync app. The camera complies with H.264 in RTMP/RTMPS protocol, allowing streaming directly to platforms such as You Tube or Facebook without the need for a paid cloud streaming server. In addition, 1080p Full HD at up to 60 frames per second 16Mbps[iii] maximises video quality.
For wired live streaming, the LUMIX Webcam Software download allows the GH5M2 to act as a high quality webcam, connecting directly to a PC via USB. With a future firmware update, the camera will support wired IP streaming (RTP/RTSP) with the benefit of high image quality and greater stability, which will provide greater flexibility for live production and multi-camera setups.[iv]
The GH5M2 delivers up to 6.5-stops slower shutter speeds[v] for impressively stable handheld shooting and video panning, via the advanced Body I.S. (Image Stabiliser) and the latest algorithm developed for the S1H – an improvement over the GH5 by 1.5 stops. The camera also incorporates a 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor with a new Anti-Reflective (AR) coating for maximum lens performance, and an updated image processor with the latest high-speed Venus Engine. The AF improvements first introduced with the S Series for more accurate subject detection and precise focusing – particularly for faces and heads, as well as animals and moving objects – enhance both video recording and still shooting.
Other capabilities that will be welcomed by G Series users include 4K 60p 10-bit internal recording, external output via HDMI and V-log L profile pre-installed in the camera.
The GH5M2 boasts a rugged field-ready design. As well as having a magnesium alloy full diecast front/rear frame, it is splash[vi] and dust-resistant and also freeze-resistant down to -10 degrees Celsius. Dual SD card slots offer further flexibility with relay recording and backup support. To enhance shooting ergonomics, a versatile free-angle 3.0-inch LCD rear monitor (3:2 aspect, 1840K-dot) features a higher luminosity than the GH5, plus superior colour reproduction for better visibility in outdoor shooting situations.
The GH5M2 includes Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5GHz (IEEE802.11ac)[vii]/ 2.4GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n). Conveniently, most GH5 accessories, such as the XLR microphone adaptor, the shutter remote control and the battery grip, can also be used with the GH5M2.
To further enhance performance and usability, GH5M2 firmware updates are scheduled for June 8, 2021. They will include Live View Composite, USB Tethering, and RTP/RTSP Wired IP Streaming. In addition, when LUMIX G / LEICA DG lenses are used with the GH5M2, users will be able to choose between linear or non-linear control of the focus ring, allowing for more precise and repeatable focus transitions when using manual focus.
High quality video and advanced editing
The GH5M2 features outstanding video performance for professional videography and is capable of unlimited video recording in all video modes. In addition, the camera can record C4K/4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit; and also offers simultaneous output of 4:2:2 10-bit over HDMI during 4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit internal recording. With no crop when recording in 4K 60p, the user can capture video in the original viewing angle of the lens.
V-Log L comes pre-installed in the camera, delivering high dynamic range with broad colours, and renders a very flat image while maintaining all of the color information within the image. Designed with consistent colour management and an easier post production workflow in mind, the recorded footage is easily matched with V-Log L footage recorded by the LUMIX S1/S1H/S5 or LUMIX GH5/GH5S/BGH1. 35 conversion LUTs for VariCam cinema cameras can be downloaded free of charge for use in the LUMIX GH5M2.
Like the S1H – the S Series video flagship full-frame mirrorless camera – the LUMIX GH5M2 includes the HLG gamma profile and has two types of Cinelike gamma presets selectable in Photo Style. HLG allows for high dynamic range video shooting with minimal need for editing, thanks to its broadcast-ready colour gamut format. With the included Cinelike modes, impressive warm skin tones or delicate nuances of light and shadow can be reproduced even without colour grading over V-Log L footage. The Cinelike D2 setting gives priority to dynamic range and the Cinelike V2 prioritises contrast. MonochromeS and L.ClassicNeo Photo Styles, which were first introduced on the LUMIX S5, have also been added. All these modes can be used for Anamorphic video recording. For VFR (Variable Frame Rate) recording, C4K/4K 60fps, Anamorphic 50fps and FHD180fps are available. AF can be set before starting VFR recording. The GH5M2 also incorporates cinema-standard practical video assist tools such as Waveform Monitor and V-Log L View Assist.
Other shooting assist functions include Frame Markers for checking composition during recording. A wide range of aspect ratios are supported, including those for popular social media platforms – 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 4:5, 5:4 and 9:16. In addition, the REC Frame Indicator allows the user to check at a glance if the camera is recording or not.
High-precision AF
The GH5M2 features high-speed, high-precision AF. In addition to the eye, face and body, the head is also separately recognised by real-time detection technology to provide even more precise focusing. The camera keeps tracking subjects when they move quickly, turn away, tilt their head or move far away from the camera. Also, improvements to DFD technology have enhanced AFC, which allows the camera to keep tracking small or fast-moving subjects and capture them in crisp focus. The GH5M2 detects the eye and face at a 2x faster recognition cycle speed than the GH5, even if they are around 50% smaller in the frame.
Reliability and versatility in the field
The camera is highly reliable in the field, with secure construction and a sealing for every joint, dial, and button. The shutter unit also has a life of around 200,000 cycles. For outdoor use, the GH5M2 uses the DMW-BLK22 2200mAh high capacity battery first launched with the LUMIX S5. The battery complies with USB PD (Power Delivery), convenient when travelling and using a USB power bank, and can also be recharged via AC or USB. The GH5M2 has a double SD Memory Card slot compatible with high-speed, high capacity UHS-II for Relay, Backup or Allocation Recording.
Content sharing with smartphones is streamlined using Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy connection, Wi-Fi 5-GHz (IEEE802.11ac) and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi® (IEEE 802.11b/g/n). With an always-on Bluetooth connection, a smartphone can act as the camera’s remote control via the LUMIX Sync app. The settings of a GH5M2 camera can also be copied and transmitted to other GH5M2 cameras when shooting using multiple cameras (either via LUMIX Sync or SD Card).
The camera is compatible with the LUMIX Tether applications which enable tethered shooting via USB. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC and view images on a large PC screen while shooting, useful in situations where continuous confirmation is required.
A number of GH5 optional accessories can be used with the GH5M2. They include a Microphone Adaptor (DMW-XLR1) for professional XLR microphones to record high-quality stereo sound, as well as switchable Mic, Line and Condenser Microphones. The Battery Grip (DMW-BGGH5E) extends battery life and provides controls for portrait oriented shooting, and the camera is also compatible with the Shutter Remote Control (DMW-RS2) and a Tripod Grip (DMW-SHGR1).
Future Firmware updates
Firmware Update for GH5M2 – by the end of 2021
Live View Composite
USB Tethering(4G/5G Smartphone Link) Compatible Streaming Distribution for more stable connection with smartphones
RTP/RTSP wired IP streaming – by connecting the camera to the PC via wired LAN, high quality video with sound can be stably streamed to social streaming platforms. A USB Ethernet adaptor is required.
Firmware update for LUMIX G / LEICA DG lenses
Users will be able to choose linear or non-linear control over the focus ring when lenses are used with the GH5M2. For Non-Linear, focus is shifted according to the rotation speed of the focus ring, and for Linear, focus is shifted according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring. Sensitivity (the amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees in 30-degree increments.
[i] Corresponding to 4K (4096×2160) as defined by Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI).
[ii] On condition that the camera is under the environment where the operation is guaranteed and is running on the battery. Recording time depends on the capacity of the battery and the SD Memory Card. Recording may stop in C4K/4K 60p 10-bit and Anamorphic mode automatically to protect the camera.
[iii] 16Mbps cannot be selected when the RTMPS URL is set.
[v] Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=60mm (35mm camera equivalent f=120mm) when H-ES12060 is used.
[vi] Splash Resistant is a term used to describe an extra level of protection this camera offers against exposure to a minimal amount of moisture, water or dust. Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is subjected to direct contact with water. To avoid damage when using the camera under these conditions, it must be used in accordance with associated instructions in the manual. Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water. To avoid damage when using the camera under these conditions, it must be used in accordance with associated instructions in the manual.
[vii] 5GHz Wi-Fi is not available in some countries.
Panasonic Corporation is proud to announce the development of the LUMIX GH6. This flagship LUMIX G Series model will offer next-generation video expression with the combination of a new high-speed Micro Four Thirds sensor and Venus Engine image processor. The LUMIX GH6 will be commercialised for its release to world markets by the end of 2021.
Panasonic established the LUMIX brand in 2001, and introduced the world’s first digital single lens mirrorless camera in 2008[i]. Since that time, it has produced a host of innovative cameras and interchangeable lenses by taking advantage of the outstanding mobility and high video performance which is unique to the mirrorless camera system. Over 20 years of R&D development has seen LUMIX cameras and lenses gain a solid reputation across a wide range of users from professional photographers to film creators.
As video streaming grows, creators are demanding high quality and unique video capabilities. Against this backdrop, the development of the LUMIX GH6 is underway. Providing 4:2:2 10-bit DCI 4K/60p recording capability[ii], the LUMIX GH6 achieves unlimited video recording when the camera is used under the certified operating temperature[iii]. It is reliable enough to record continuous footage for a desired duration. It also provides a 10-bit 4K 120p High Frame Rate (HFR) and Variable Frame Rate (VFR) for high resolution slow/quick motion video. Moreover, the GH6 records 10-bit 5.7K 60p video by taking full advantage of a newly developed Micro Four Thirds sensor. Accommodating a variety of recording modes and shooting assist functions, the GH6 enables photo/video hybrid use for creative applications including films, music videos, documentaries and short clips for social media.
In addition to the GH6, a new interchangeable lens, the LEICA DG 25-50mm F1.7 is also under development. Together with the LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 ASPH. (H-X1025), these two lenses cover focal lengths from 10mm to 50mm at F1.7 (35mm camera equivalent: 20-100mm). These two lenses have a common aperture, high descriptive performance, shape and operability that streamlines workflow and enhances expressiveness for the creator.
The LUMIX G Series offers a unique value proposition of excellent video and image quality in a compact form factor with high mobility, while the full-frame LUMIX S Series drives the company further into the professional market with uncompromisingly powerful hybrid and video functionality. With these two Series, Panasonic is committed to providing maximum product value and innovative capabilities to allow photographers and videographers to fully unleash their creativity.
[i]As an interchangeable lens system camera, as of September 12, 2008. Panasonic study.
[ii]Corresponding to the 4K resolution (4096×2160) defined by Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI).
[iii]Recordable time depends on the capacity of the battery and the memory card. The camera may stop recording to protect the camera if the temperature exceeds the certified operating temperature.
Panasonic has unveiled the new TOUGHBOOK S1 tablet – the ultimate rugged Android™ tablet for the truly mobile worker. This 7-inch screen device is easy to use with one hand, adaptable for a variety of tasks yet powerful and tough enough to cope with the demands of the busiest shift.
It is designed for mobile and mission-critical workforces such as police and security patrols, technicians monitoring production lines, field services engineers carrying out inspections and maintenance or construction workers on site.
The TOUGHBOOK S1 will be released in Australia in Summer 2021. Pricing will be announced closer to the release date. Marketed by Panasonic’s business arm – Panasonic System Solutions Oceania – it will be sold via Panasonic’s national TOUGHBOOK distributor, Multimedia Technology, and our wider authorised reseller network.
Ranjit Sohoni, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Mobile Solutions, said: “The TOUGHBOOK S1 adds to our family of Android Enterprise Recommended rugged mobility devices, offering a range of features including enterprise grade device deployment and management, and enterprise grade security as well as Google Play Protect. Security continues to be a priority – secure booting detects OS tampering and ensures application safety, while Google Play Protect detects and eliminates rogue apps.”
“AER certification will mean that demanding industries such as warehousing and logistics, and mission-critical roles such as emergency services can be confident that the TOUGHBOOK S1 is a viable long-term investment, well suited to a wide range of mobile business applications.”
Key Features
The TOUGHBOOK S1 tablet is ergonomically designed and lightweight (426g), and with or without a handstrap it fits conveniently and comfortably in one hand for use over long periods of time. In all weather conditions, the outdoor readable display is easy to use with a market-leading brightness of up to 500 cd/m² and enhanced anti-reflection technology ensuring clarity in the brightest sunlight. Rainy days and the need to remove safety gloves are also operational problems of the past when working with the TOUGHBOOK S1 tablet because of its effective rain-mode and glove-enabled touch screen.
The device is flexible for the different needs of mobile workers and can be optionally equipped using its configurable gadget port offering combinations of bar code reader or additional USB port. A 13MP rear camera with flashlight and a front 5MP camera are ideal for capturing images to attach to reports and for video conference calls with colleagues.
To ensure the rugged tablet can work as long as any shift, it is equipped with a simple click and switch design for warm swapping batteries. It takes away the need to interrupt work, power down the device or remove fiddly panels to change batteries. With two options of battery size, the device can operate for up to 14 hours on a single charge.
Powerful enough to handle the application needs of any mobile worker, the device uses the Android 10 operating system and is equipped with a Qualcomm® SDM660 Octa-Core CPU and 4GB of RAM memory and 64GB of storage.
Despite its ergonomic and lightweight design the tablet has all the protection expected of a fully rugged TOUGHBOOK device with a dust and water rating of IP65/67, MIL-STD-810H certification and tested to withstand drops of up to 150cm[1] onto concrete. For effective utilisation of accessories, the TOUGHBOOK S1 tablet shares elements of the TOUGHBOOK L1 and A3 Android tablet ecosystem, such as batteries, cradles, docks and stylus pens.
For ease of management and administrative peace of mind, the TOUGHBOOK S1 tablet is Android Enterprise-ready, and comes with a standard three-year warranty.
Technics today unveiled the SL-1200MK7, a silver version of its acclaimed SL-1210MK7 Direct Drive Turntable. Highly anticipated by the DJ community, the black SL-1210MK7 was introduced in Australia in late 2019.
The new Technics SL-1200MK7 is styled with a premium all-silver chassis. It will be sold concurrently with the current model and arrives in Australia in May 2021. The turntable will be available via selected audio specialist retailers, priced at $1,749 RRP.
Aaron Waters, Product Marketing Manager – Audio and Video, Panasonic said: “Globally, Technics has received feedback from DJs and sales partners that they would welcome the introduction of a silver colour variation. I’m proud to introduce this new styling in Australia, boasting the same uncompromising Technics approach to premium design and performance.”
The silver SL-1200MK7 enjoys the same capabilities and operational comfort as its black counterpart, including:
Coreless Direct Drive Motor achieving stable rotation free of cogging, and powerful torque
Highly sensitive, yet robust Tonearm accurately reads the signal stored in the record groove
Two-layer Structure Platter with improved vibration damping performance
High Rigidity Cabinet and High Damping Insulator for thorough shut-out of all vibrations, even during harsh operating conditions
Starting Torque/Brake speed adjustment function
Pitch Control Function enables accurate and stable pitch adjustment
Reverse Play Function expands the flexibility of DJ play styles
Stylus Illuminator featuring a high-brightness and long-life LED
About the Technics 1200 Series
The SL-1200 was launched as a popular direct drive turntable in 1972, becoming a best-selling model with cumulative sales of 3,500,000 units for the series. It was supported by powerful torque, easy operation, and high durability. It became greatly admired by both audio enthusiasts and DJs who helped to unleash the DJ culture in areas such as electronic dance music. The series is still highly acclaimed by DJs worldwide today.
The new Panasonic SC-HTB490 Slim Soundbar offers the best of both worlds – compact so it can be neatly tucked away, but powerful enough to add extra impact with rich bass when movie soundtracks demand.
Conveniently offering the key features of Panasonic’s bigger soundbar models, the HTB490 has a wireless subwoofer for deep and clear bass, Bluetooth® for easy streaming from smart devices, and HDMI (ARC) for quick connection to TVs.
The soundbar can slot under most TVs, blending in with living spaces, and is also designed for wall-mounting, perfect for rooms where a seamless aesthetic is demanded.
Powerful 320W Cinematic Audio
The HTB490 achieves a rich, dynamic sound in a svelte form. With two full-range, front-facing speakers, the soundbar has 120W of power output – and the wireless subwoofer brings 120W of punchy bass, for a total 240W of enjoyable sonic performance. Two bass reflex ports, adjacent to the full-range speaker, enhance the bottom frequencies.
The HTB490’s subwoofer connects wirelessly, providing the flexibility to locate it where it best enhances the entertainment experience. A new small circuit board creates more space inside the speaker’s compact body for sound to reverberate and fully involve listeners in the heart of on-screen action.
Five dedicated sound modes – Standard, Cinema, Sports, Music and News – enrich audio according to the content being viewed.
Easy Connectivity
The Panasonic HTB490 has Bluetooth® built-in, for listening to favourite music or podcasts from smart devices wirelessly. Track selection and volume are controlled from the soundbar so it’s easy to share and hear tunes in stereo sound. For further versatility, the unit is also equipped with HMDI (ARC/CEC) for simple one-cable connection to compatible TVs, optical input and a USB socket for playing compatible music files.
The Panasonic HTB490 is priced at $399rrp and is available in May from leading consumer electronics retailers.
The Panasonic RX-D500 is a handy portable radio with rich sound that allows you to enjoy your favourite radio shows and CDs indoors and out – from the study to the kitchen, garden or backyard work shed.
An integrated handle and optional battery power makes the RX-D500 a convenient companion to take further afield to picnics, beach barbecues or family camping holidays, as well as offering a good backup when there’s no access to power.
A Play Timer can be set to start the unit at a pre-set time each day. It’s ideal as a morning wake-up alarm, or perfect to ensure you don’t miss the radio news. Five presets let you select your favourite station at the touch of a button.
Enjoy hearing clear audio in a sleek design. The RX-D500 has two 8cm full-range speaker units and boasts a total output power of 20W, while flare-shaped Bass Reflex Ports provide full-bodied warm bass tones. To enhance different music genres, podcasts and audio books on CD, there are Sound Booster modes – Heavy, Soft, Clear and Vocal.
The Panasonic RX-D500 is priced at $239rrp and is available in May from leading consumer electronics retailers.
Panasonic confirms that Jaguar Land Rover*1, a luxury automobile brand will use Panasonic’s nanoe™ X technology in in-vehicle HVAC systems in the future. Models across the Jaguar range, including the new all-electric Jaguar I-PACE performance SUV, and Land Rover line-up – including the Discovery and Range Rover Evoque – currently offer nanoe™ technology.
nanoe™ is a nanosized particulate ion produced by applying a high voltage to water in the air and contains hydroxyl radicals (highly reactive components) that easily act on various substances. The production of these hydroxyl radicals has been increased tenfold compared to conventional products, and nanoe™ X is used in home appliances such as air purifiers, air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators, as well as in automobiles, trains, and commercial air-conditioning equipment because of its various effects such as deodorization*2 inhibition of bacteria*3 and allergens*4
In the other automotive sector, Grab Holding Inc. the leading everyday super app in Southeast Asia collaborated with Panasonic to further raise GrabCar Premium standards by providing cleaner and more comfortable travelling experience for GrabCar Premium passengers using nanoe™ X.
Not only the automotive sector but Panasonic will continue to pursue the realization of “QUALITY AIR FOR LIFE” in various areas of our lives and society, including home appliances, automotive, and housing-related fields, to deliver a healthy lifestyle.
Notes:
*1 Jaguar Land Rover Automotive plc (“the Company”) and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as “the Group” or “JLR”. The Company is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The address of its registered office is Abbey Road, Whitley, Coventry CV3 4LF, England, United Kingdom. The Company is a subsidiary of Tata Motors Limited, India and acts as an intermediate holding company for the Jaguar Land Rover business. The principal activity during the year was the design, development, manufacture and marketing of high-performance luxury saloons, specialist sports cars and four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles.
*2 The following effects have been verified after about 12 minutes in a space of approximately 23 m3. However, this is not the result of measurement in actual use space.
Testing organisation: Product Analysis Center, Panasonic Corporation
Test method: verified using the six-level odour intensity scale method in an approximately 23 m3 sized test room.
Deodorising method: nanoe™ released
Test substance: adhered cigarette smoke odour
Test result: odour intensity reduced by 2.4 in 12 minutes (4AA33-160615-N04)
*3 The following effects have been verified after about 4 hours in a space of approximately 25 m3 (However, the results are not measured in actual use space)
Testing organisation: Kitasato Research Center for Environmental Science
Test method:the number of bacteria is measured after direct exposure in an approximately 25 m3 sized airtight test room
Inhibition method: nanoe™ released
Test substance: airborne bacteria
Types of bacteria tested: 1 type
Test result: 99% or more inhibition in 4 hours (24_0301_1)
*4 The following effects have been verified after about 24 hours in a space of approximately 23 m3. (However, this is not the result of measurement in an actual use space.
Testing organisation: Panasonic Product Analysis Center
Testing method: Verified using the electrophoresis method in an approximately 23m3 sized test room
Inhibition method: nanoe™ released
Test substance: allergens
Test result: 99% or more inhibition in 24 hours (4AA33-151001-F01)
About Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, and B2B businesses. The company, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018, has expanded globally and now operates 528 subsidiaries and 72 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.49 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2020. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for its customers. To learn more about Panasonic: https://www.panasonic.com/global.
Panasonic will release a firmware update for the RZ-S500W and RZ-S300W true wireless headphones along with an application to enhance functions and usability. All programs will be available on February 25, 2021. The major functions to be updated are as follows:
Firmware Version:
RZ-S500W JMS1ZY 02.50
RZ-S300W JMS1ZX 02.00
Added touch sensor customisation option
Improved voice transmission quality during phone calls
Added explanation of how to wake up the headphones from the “auto power off” mode
More details on the firmware improvements are included below.
Added touch sensor customisation option
Users can now customise the controls for the left and right touch sensors through the application.
List of Touch Sensor Controls
General operations
Play back / stop
Back a track
Forward a track
Volume : reduce
Volume : increase
RZ-S500W: Switching the ambient sound control mode
RZ-S300W: Switching the ambient sound control mode
RZ-S500W: Noise Cancelling*
Ambient Sound
Turn off Ambient Sound Control
Start voice assistant
No function
Telephone
During a call
Volume : reduce
Volume : increase
End call
No function
When receiving a call
Take call
Reject call
No function
*Noise Cancelling function is only available for the RZ-S500W.
How to Setup
Tap the settings button to display the settings screen.
Tap “Customising the touch sensor,” and choose from the available control options.
Improved voice transmission quality during phone calls
During phone calls, users’ voices are transmitted even more clearly than before to the other end of the line.
Improvements:
(1) Reduced clipping and distortion with low-pitched voices.
(2) Voices have been made clearer, with sound reproduction close to the speaker’s actual voice.
(3) Even high-pitched whispers have been made clearer, with sound reproduction close to the speaker’s actual voice.
Sound Collection
Added explanation of how to wake up the headphones from the “auto power off” mode
Users can now see how to wake up the headphones from the “auto power off” setting through the application.
About the “auto power off” setting
If no sound comes through the headphones for a specified amount of time, the headphones are automatically turned off. Users can choose from “Always on,” “5 minutes,” “10 minutes,” “30 minutes,” and “60 minutes.”
How to wake up the headphones from the “auto power off” mode
Hold down both the left and right touch sensors until the LED light turns on (approx. 2 seconds). If the headphones do not turn on, please ensure they are fully charged.
*Photo shows the RZ-S500W.
How to Update
Before you start
Charge both the left and right sides of the headphones to more than 70%. The update process will take approximately 15 minutes* to complete. The file size is about 1.8 MB.
*The update may take up to an hour depending on the device and internet environment.
Checking the firmware version and updating
You can use the free “Panasonic Audio Connect” app* to update the firmware of the connected headphones.
*Compatible with smartphones and tablets that are equipped with Android™ 6.0 or higher and that support Google Play™, or an iPhone ®, iPad ® and iPod Touch ® equipped with iOS9.3 or higher. *Images below are of the app on an Android™ device. The user interface will differ slightly on iOS, but the procedure is the same.
When the latest version of the firmware is detected, tap “Update”.
When you tap “Update”, the firmware is transferred to the headphones and the update will begin. Transfers may be interrupted or slowed down if music is being played or there is a call during the transfer. Start the transfer with the headphones outside of their charging cradle, set them down close by and do not operate them.
Wait until the update completes, without operating the headphones or the app.
After the firmware has been updated, the headphones will automatically restart and reconnect with the handset. The app will not work properly until the update is complete. Do not try to operate the headphones or the app while the update is in progress.
The update is complete when the main screen appears.
[NOTICE]
Functions, function names, and specifications are subject to change without notice.
TRADEMARK NOTICE:
iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Google, Android, Google Play, and other related marks and logos are trademarks of Google LLC.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Panasonic Corporation is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
Panasonic confirms that Jaguar Land Rover*1, a luxury automobile brand will use Panasonic’s nanoe™ X technology in in-vehicle HVAC systems in the future. Models across the Jaguar range, including the new all-electric Jaguar I-PACE performance SUV, and Land Rover line-up – including the Discovery and Range Rover Evoque – currently offer nanoe™ technology.
