Eye-Fi's Direct Mode transfers images from camera to phone
updated 03:35 pm EST, Tue January 4, 2011
Tech launches later in 2011
Eye-Fi has debuted a new feature for its X2 cards, Direct Mode (website not updated). The option blends Eye-Fi cards and Eye-Fi mobile apps to allow direct transfer between a camera and an iOS device or various smartphones. The process occurs wirelessly, eliminating the need to use additional hardware.
Before Direct Mode, photographers with an Eye-Fi card needed a notebook or Wi-Fi hotspot to move images off their camera. After transfer, people can use pictures in other apps, e-mail them to friends, or upload them to social media services. The Eye-Fi app also allows for automatic wireless backup to an Eye-Fi View account for further viewing and sharing options.
Direct Mode will debut as a free upgrade for X2 cards later this year. The function is currently being previewed at CES 2011 in Las Vegas; people at the expo can visit booth #3615 in the North Hall. For more, see an earlier review of the Pro X2.
