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Two years ago, Pure Digital revolutionized the capture and redistribution of digital video with the release of its Flip Ultra camcorder. The small, simple video cameras were designed to do just one thing: Take good-quality digital video that users could then post to YouTube and other video-sharing sites.

The Flip Ultra quickly became the leading camcorder sold on Amazon and currently holds a 13 percent market share. Now the company is touting the release of the second generation, called the Flip UltraHD. The original Flip Ultra has been updated as the UltraSD. Both have bigger screens.

"The original Flip Ultra changed the way the world captures and shares video by making it easy, accessible and, most of all, fun," said Jonathan Kaplan, chairperson and CEO of Pure Digital. "Our new Flip UltraHD takes this to the next level by making it incredibly simple and affordable for anyone to capture and share hours of video in" high definition.

New Features

Pure Digital already has an HD camcorder, the Flip MinoHD, a slimmer and more expensive model. At a cost of $199, the Flip UltraHD falls squarely in between the UltraSD at $149 and the MinoHD at $229. Although its form factor is slightly clunkier than the Mino, the Flip UltraHD matches and in some cases exceeds the older HD model.

The most significant improvement is in recording capability. The Flip UltraHD uses MPEG-4/H.264 compression technology, which records up to nine Mbps. That translates into a full two hours of HD video capture, which Pure Digital made possible by doubling the device's battery life from one to two hours.

However, the rechargeable battery takes a startling seven hours to fully charge. The workaround for impatient videographers is to grab a package of AA batteries and run the Flip UltraHD with those.

One new feature that video enthusiasts will appreciate...

This week, the rumor mill was busy with speculation about Microsoft and Verizon Wireless developing a smartphone to compete with Apple's iPhone.

Now, citing unnamed sources, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the software giant and the mobile-phone carrier are in talks to develop a multimedia touchscreen phone, code-named Pink. The device is expected to be available next year.

Jeffrey Nelson from Verizon Wireless, however, declined to confirm any of the reports, saying, "We're not commenting on this sort of marketplace rumor."

Project Pink

The Journal reported that Verizon has been working for several months on Pink, a project started by Microsoft, to develop the touchscreen multimedia cell phone for Verizon's network.

The device would include music and video functionality, as well as software that would add another platform to extend Windows Mobile. Windows Marketplace for Mobile, Microsoft's new app store, is also likely to be included, according to the Journal.

The Pink project is building on both the hardware and software knowledge that Microsoft gained from its acquisition of Danger, creator of the T-Mobile Sidekick, last year.

Too Little, Too Late?

Analysts believe it may be too late for any "iPhone killer," as Apple has had the lead for some time.

"It might mean that Verizon Wireless holds on to a few more customers," said Ken Dulaney, vice president with Gartner. "But it does not bring customers to Verizon Wireless."

As for Microsoft, there would be some issues with the operating system and user interface.

"One, it would have to be using Windows Mobile 6.5, which is nowhere near the iPhone in terms of user experience. That is why Microsoft is planning Windows Mobile 7, which we don't believe is due until year-end 2010," Dulaney explained.

The device could use HTC's TouchFLO interface, which is layered on top of Windows Mobile 6.5.

"They have been working...

The Walt Disney Company on Thursday announced what many analysts have been predicting: It's buying a stake in online video-content aggregator Hulu.

Through a subsidiary of ABC Enterprises, Disney will join NBC Universal, News Corp., and Providence Equity Partners as a joint-venture partner and equity owner of Hulu. Disney is taking a 30 percent stake in the quasi-YouTube competitor.

"From our landmark iTunes deal to our pioneering decision to stream ad-supported shows on our ABC.com player, Disney has sought to meet the constantly evolving viewing habits of our consumers, and today's Hulu announcement is the next important step in that ongoing journey," said Robert Iger, president and CEO of Disney. "Disney and Hulu share a focus on delivering the highest-quality entertainment experience, and we look forward to working with Hulu to build value for our consumers, our brands, and our shareholders."

Hulu's Digital Windfall

When the deal closes, Hulu will get more Disney programming. Specifically, Hulu will host full-length episodes of hit programs like Lost, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Private Practice, Ugly Betty, Scrubs, Greek, Hope and Faith, Less Than Perfect, Wizards of Waverly Place, and Phineas and Ferb. These and other hit series will soon be streamed on Hulu on an ad-supported basis.

"We're honored to welcome the Disney team in our mission to help people find and enjoy the world's premium content when, where and how they want it," said Jason Kilar, CEO of Hulu. "With the addition of shows like Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy and many more to Hulu, we continue to aspire to deliver a service that users, advertisers and content owners unabashedly love."

Hulu was founded in March 2007 as an online video service with a selection of hit shows, clips, movies and other video content. Today, nearly 150 content companies, including FOX, NBC Universal, Comedy Central, Lionsgate, MGM, MTV...