The new features are as follows:
1. Record video in different sizes
2. Save videos from the Swivl App using iTunes

If you do not have the app installed yet, you can install it for free.

Here two ways to install the application:
1. Install Directly from the App Store on your iOS Device by simply searching for Swivl, selecting it, then clicking on install.
2. You can also download it through your computer into iTunes by clicking here.

Firmware Update:
Firmware Version 1.4.2 was released late last week. This new firmware provides for smoother motion in both panning and tilting motions. Instructions and files can be downloaded here.

We’ve packed a ton of good features into the first release of the Swivl. And our early adopters have greatly valued things like the digital mic, automated vertical framing and more. But we’ve also heard that for some uses like video chat or with non-iOS users, that all these features aren’t necessary. That a more basic version would suffice. So we decided to make a quick update to meet the needs of BOTH users.

For those that don’t need all the features and want to save a bit of money in the process, we are introducing a new Swivl with a mic-less marker and manual tilt– say hello to Swivl-it.

The newest member of the Swivl family will be $129. Plus, if you later on decide you DO need the mic, you can simply order a new marker as an accessory upgrade with the a mic for $49 (coming soon). So even if you decide to start without it, you can always upgrade to a better system quickly and easily.

We are opening up the option to order the Swivl-it immediately. And we will be shipping them by the end of the month of May. Also, keep an eye out for another upcoming announcement. (Hint: it has three letters – SDK!)

The new Swivl it is available now here, at $129, we think it is sure to turn some heads.

This update will bring some new features, user interface improvements, and bug fixes. Some of the new feature will include the ability to record in three different video resolutions, and the ability to sync videos in the app through iTunes.

We will be notifying customers via email when this new version becomes available.

If you do not have the app installed yet, you can install it for free.

Here two ways to install the application:
1. Install Directly from the App Store on your iOS Device by simply searching for Swivl, selecting it, then clicking on install.
2. You can also download it through your computer into iTunes by clicking here.

The latest firmware version is 1.2.9.

Details, including how to check which firmware version and how to upgrade your Swivl can be found here.

When we launched our product a month ago, we were blown away by the response from the customers in education. We are excited about the diverse use of video in the classrooms and innovative ways educators use video to improve teaching methods, engage with students, and improve the overall teaching experience. And now we have a product that meets the needs and at the right price.

Some of the uses are more obvious, because Swivl fits the need perfectly. It follows the subject of the video and records everything that is going on with high quality audio. So Swivl is ideally suited for teacher assessments and student teacher observations. Swivls are being tested in several top US teaching universities and the feedback has been great. Everyone recognizes that Swivls is bringing great value and will improve the experience through additional app development. We have had a rainfall of ideas coming from the educators.

Another obvious use is lecture capture, “flipped classrooms”, and broadcast. Only a few lucky schools can afford fancy AV setups with operators running the equipment and the rest are resorting to less expensive, but not as effective alternatives. They still cost thousands of dollars, but make the presenters feel locked up and constrained. We have heard from numerous educators who bought Swivls to have an easy and inexpensive way to record short videos, clips, assignments, and experiments.

A more surprising use, and a favorite of mine, is giving Swivls to students – from elementary to university level. As expected, students grab a Swivl and become completely interactive with it. They feel free to express themselves in front of it, create great sharable videos, practice their presentation skills, record assignments, and many other uses. They are the most creative in how they use the Swivl and the creative results they achieve. With Swivl’s low cost and educational discounts, you can get one for every student.

We would love to hear and see more from all of our customers in education. We are excited to be part of the video revolution in education.

We are putting together all the ideas on education under www.swivl.com/education

Just to be clear, I want to repeat this… Swivl is NOW SHIPPING! Our vision has become a reality and is on planes, shipping trucks, and who knows what else, making their way to eager users everywhere.

Swivl exists because we wanted to remove the anxiety of being filmed. When we reached out to the community we found that, even when Swivl was a simple black box, they liked where we were going. And now we are there.

Swivl will first reach those of you who first shared our vision the soonest and we will continue to fulfill reservations in the coming weeks. If you reserved but have not confirmed your order yet check your email. We are opening up reservations to confirm in the order we received them. If you haven’t gotten any emails, hold tight. It won’t be long.

Soon, we’ll start to see great mobile video shot with small, sleek little automated cameramen. If you are you one of the first to experience Swivl, please share your videos to our Facebook page or tweet about it on Twitter. We can’t wait to see what you guys can accomplish once you’ve unlocked yourself with Swivl!

Everyone gets a personal message on the bottom as well.

As we announced at CES, the inclusion of the CD quality  microphone in the marker means we’ve finally reached a point where all our product design elements are locked. We are proud of the microphone and response has been very positive.

Now that the design is locked, we have to take a hard look at the costs involved. It’s become clear that we’re going to need to adjust our ultimate retail price. So starting on the 20th of February, we’ll be officially setting our retail price to $179.

Why? Because we want to produce the best product possible. Also now that design features are locked and past prototypes we have a bit more clarity. And the bottom line is that our costs are higher than planned. This is partly due to the inclusion of highly desired features like the CD quality mic and partly the nature of launching the first version of a new product.

Don’t worry, if you already hold a reservation, your price is still $159. In fact, we’re going to keep our reservation price of $159 available through the 20th of February to all comers.

So tell all your favorite YouTubers, video junkies, Vloggers, FaceTimers and really, anyone who shoots video, that now is the time to get a deal on a Swivl! www.swivl.com/reserve

Your vote really mattered!

But no trip to Vegas is all business…. We actually found the time to get away with Shay and get a little flight time in at Las Vegas Indoor Skydiving. For those of you interested, go to minute 10.

In the meantime, be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for all things Swivl. Big things are just around the bend!