Next-gen Flip mini camcorder to sport Wi-Fi; Cisco influence finally materializes

Cisco-owned Pure Digital will launch a new Wi-Fi-enabled Flip digital mini camcorder that will go on sale in the early half of 2010, according to a new report.

The new model will be the first to take advantage of Cisco's networking technology since the company bought Pure Digital in a multi-million dollar deal in 2009.

Pocket-Lint.co.uk reports that a Cisco spokesperson said te new model will feature "a large screen that slides to reveal the record and menu buttons underneath."

The screen itself won't be touch-enabled, according to the report.

That means Flip camcorders will enter into direct competition with some digital SLR cameras and most smartphones, which offer direct-upload capability.

Check out my recent review of Pure Digital's newest family member, the second-generation MinoHD.