Archive for September, 2011

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Up close with Kobe Bryant in Singapore

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

Kobe Bryant will meet the public at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands at 10pm on Saturday night, 17 September 2011.

Fans of Kobe Bryant can meet him at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands on Saturday (17 September 2011) at 10 pm.

Fans of Kobe Bryant can meet him at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands at 10 pm on Saturday (17 September 2011).

Marina Bay Sands will be hosting American professional basketball player Kobe Bryant on Saturday, 17 September 2011 through a series of private and public events including a basketball workshop for youths, and a public appearance at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
“We are excited to offer youths a once-in-a-lifetime experience from a legendary athlete through a personal hands-on basketball clinic with one of the greats of modern basketball,” said Mark Juliano, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Marina Bay Sands.
A total of 52 youths under the purview of Singapore’s Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, and 12 junior athletes from The Basketball Association of Singapore will participate in a half-hour basketball clinic at Marina Bay Sands on Saturday, where Kobe will share tips on how to sharpen one’s basketball techniques.

The five-times NBA championship winner aims to further promote key values of sportsmanship and teamwork through the sport, and motivate the youths to live their dreams and strive for the best opportunities that they can achieve.

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Posted in Events | 1 Comment »

Windows 8 screenshots

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

Here are some screenshots from the Windows 8 developer preview during the ongoing BUILD conference (13-16 September 2011) in the Anaheim Convention Centre.

Windows 8 will be Microsoft’s attempt to wrest market share in the fast growing tablet market from market leading iPads from Apple and the whole slew of tablets based on Google’s Android.

Click on the images for a larger view. These screenshots have been provided by Microsoft.

The personalized lock screen shows unread emails and other app notifications.
The personalized lock screen shows unread emails and other app notifications.

See apps and content at a glance on the start screen.
See apps and content at a glance on the start screen.

Pick the files you want to send or share from one place.
Pick the files you want to send or share from one place.

Touch browsing seems fast, fluid and intuitive.
Touch browsing seems fast, fluid and intuitive.

Large buttons for typing on the touch keyboard.
Large buttons for typing on the touch keyboard.

The thumb keyboard to avoid having to reach into the centre of the screen.
The thumb keyboard to avoid having to reach into the centre of the screen.

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Posted in App, Events, Internet Explorer, Microsoft, Operating Systems, Software, Tablets, Tech news, Windows 7, Windows 8 | 1 Comment »

Windows 8 developer preview

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

At the developer-focused BUILD conference, Microsoft has showcased a detailed preview of the next major release of Windows, code-named “Windows 8”, including new tools for developers to write applications for the new operating system.

The ongoing BUILD conference (13-16 September 2011) is being held in the Anaheim Convention Center. Here are some screenshots of the preview. Windows 8 is not expected to be come out of beta until at least the second half of 2012.

Main features

The user interface (UI)  is centred around a touch interface, although it works with a mouse and keyboard too. Microsoft calls the UI “Metro” style – displaying important information first, whilst emphasising simplicity and user control. Internet Explorer 10 aims to provide a fast and fluid touch-browsing experience.

On the start screen, apps form the focal point, the Apps “tiles” fill the entire screen. The apps work together and communicate with each other in Windows 8. For example, photos can be selected and shared from different apps via email, Facebook, Flickr or the hard drive.

The ongoing BUILD conference (13-16 September 2011) is being held in the Anaheim Convention Center.

The ongoing BUILD conference (13-16 September 2011) is being held in the Anaheim Convention Center.

If you use multiple devices, Live roams all the content from the cloud services you use most — photos, email, calendar and contacts — keeping them up-to-date on your devices, be it a desktop, laptop, netbook, tablet or smartphone. With SkyDrive, you can access your files, photos and documents from virtually anywhere with any browser or with Metro style apps in Windows 8.

Windows 8 is an enhanced Windows 7 with lower memory footprint, and runs even on low-end hardware. For PC users, Windows 8 features an enhanced Task Manager and Windows Explorer and new, flexible options for multimonitor setups.

For developers, the Windows Store will allow developers to sell their apps anywhere Windows is sold worldwide, whether they’re creating new games or familiar productivity tools. For games developers, DirectX 11 gaming power underlies Windows 8, allowing the easy creation of full-screen games with smooth, flicker-free action.

Hardware wise, Windows 8 supports ARM-based chipsets, x86 (including x32 and x64) devices, and sensors. It promises instant-on and long battery life for ultrathin PCs and tablets, and is backward compatible with software/devices that run on Windows 7.

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Posted in App, Browser, Events, Internet Explorer, Microsoft, Operating Systems, Software, Tablets, Tech news, Windows 7, Windows 8 | 1 Comment »

Microsoft to demonstrate Windows 8 operating system

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

The new operating system will run on tablets, desktop and laptop computers via a touch screen, mouse or keyboard. It will also be backward compatible to existing Windows software.

Windows 8 represents Microsoft’s hope of wrestling market share for tablet computers from Apple iPads and Android tablets.

Microsoft will unveil the next iteration of their Windows operating system software today at a developers conference in Anaheim, California. A preview of the design was first released in June this year.

This will be the first time that a Windows operating system is capable of running on chip technology from ARM. Microsoft aims to make Windows 8 capable of running smaller, thinner tablet computers with battery life that can rival that of the market leader – Apple’s iPad.

Out of 60 million media tablets expected to be shipped 2011, 74 percent will be Apple’s iPads, according to an August forecast by IHS. The global market is forecasted to rise to 275.3 million units in 2015, with Apple expected to account for 43.6 percent of the market.

Windows 8 design

The user interface for Windows 8 resembles Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 smartphone operating system – it uses digital tiles instead of icons to help users navigate between programs. The tiles are on the computer’s home screen can display updated information from inside applications, so that users can see the info at a glance without having to fire up those apps.

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Posted in App, Apple, Events, Figures, iOS, Microsoft, Notebooks, Operating Systems, Phones, Software, Tablets, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Phone 7 | 2 Comments »

Event: Kobe Bryant at Marina Bay Sands

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

Catch the basketball superstar up close at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands at 10pm on Saturday night, 17 September 2011.

Day Saturday
Date 17 September 2011
Time 10 pm
Venue The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Southern Promenade

Kobe Bryant, world-renowned American basketball player, five-time champion, thirteen-time All-Star and 2008 Olympic Gold Medallist, will be making a special appearance that is open to the public.

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Posted in Events | 1 Comment »

TomTom navigation app for iPhone optimised for iPad

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

The new iPad App was showcased at the TomTom exhibition stand during IFA 2011 in Berlin and will be available in Q4 2011.

“… we have optimised our TomTom App for the iPad. Now customers have one App for all iOS devices.” said Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director at TomTom.Customers who already have the iPhone version of the navigation app will be able to download the new version to their iPads for free.

This latest version will feature enhanced screen resolution, sharpened graphics and more intuitive controls specifically developed for the iPad.

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Posted in Accessories, App, Gadgets, GPS, iOS, iPad, iPhone, TomTom, Travel | 1 Comment »

New TomTom app for the iPhone

Monday, September 12th, 2011

The latest version of the TomTom App for iPhone (Version 1.8) now includes the latest maps of countries in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand and Indonesia. A new multi-stop routes driving feature is also included.

Use the iPhone as a Portable Navigation Device for turn-by-turn navigation.

Use the iPhone as a Portable Navigation Device for turn-by-turn navigation.

Mount your iPhone on the dashboard or windscreen to use it like a traditional PND.The South East Asia, TomTom App for iPhone (Version 1.8) can be downloaded from the App Store for USD $69.99. It works with iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS & iPod touch 3rd Gen running iOS4.

The new multi-stop routes feature makes it easier for drivers to make multiple stops on a single route, by letting them add up to five stop-off points when they plan their journey.

Multi-stop routes enable the driver to stop by a bank or petrol station enroute, or a diversion to pick up a friend as part of a longer journey.

This removes the hassle of entering a new journey for each leg of the trip and means that the driver can get an accurate estimated time of arrival for their final destination.

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Posted in App, Gadgets, GPS, iOS, iPhone, Phones, Prices, Software, Specifications, TomTom, Travel, Utility | 1 Comment »

Company byte: TomTom

Sunday, September 11th, 2011

TomTom (AEX:TOM2) is a major supplier of in-car location and navigation products and services.

TomTom, Europe's largest maker of portable navigation devicesFounded in 1991 and headquartered in Amsterdam, TomTom has over 3,500 employees and sells its products in over 40 countries. Its products include portable navigation devices, in-dash infotainment systems, fleet management solutions, maps and real-time services, including TomTom HD Traffic.

Here is TomTom’s route planner which includes live traffic information (not available for some areas yet, including Singapore).

Read more about TomTom on tech4tea.com.

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Posted in Accessories, Company byte, Gadgets, GPS, Software, TomTom, Utility | 9 Comments »

Viber app for free international phone calls

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

An overseas friend uses the Viber app on her iPhone for free VOIP international voice calls and text messages on her smartphone. I installed the free app on my Android phone and tested it. Setup was swift and quality was superb.
Viber for iPhone and Android phones

I was at the petrol station and the attendant was filling up an almost empty tank with petrol. While waiting, I whipped out my Android phone, searched the Android Market for Viber and installed it. Before the attendant had finished filling up the tank, I was already chatting with my friend in Kuala Lumpur on her iPhone – for free.

Set up was really simple on the Android phone. Once it was downloaded and installed, it gets your permission to access your contacts and sends you a 4-digit access code to activate your account. After that, you’re set to go!

Viber is free and works on the iPhone and Android phones.

Viber is free and works on the iPhone and Android phones.

The interface looks similar to the usual numeric dialpad with tabs to access recent calls, contacts, messages and more activities such as inviting friends, sharing on Facebook, tweeting etc.

Basically, Viber emulates the usual phone calling and sms usage – everything is based on your regualr phone number.

Viber dialpad on Android phone

Viber dialpad on Android phone

Your account id is your phone number. If the party you’re calling has Viber installed on her Android or iPhone, you just dial her usual number, complete with international dialing code, to get connected. Viber is currently only available on the iPhone and Android phones. A BlackBerry version is in the pipeline.

Quality was good. Voice quality was loud and clear, although there was just a split-second lag, which didn’t affect the flow of the conversation in the slightest bit.

If the other party does not have Viber installed yet, the app gives you the option to place a regular call through your carrier.

Conclusion: Fast and easy to set-up and use, call quality is fantastic. The free app is compatible with iPhone 3GS (and later) and Android phones.

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Posted in Android, App, Apple, Audio, Gadgets, Google, iOS, iPhone, Operating Systems, Phones, Review, Utility | 3 Comments »

BlackBerry DevCon Asia registration open now

Friday, September 9th, 2011

Registration for BlackBerry DevCon Asia in Bangkok is now open. Taking place on 7-8 December 2011, BlackBerry DevCon Asia will be held at Centara Grand at CentralWorld in Bangkok, Thailand. Rates range from $150 to $250 USD.

Discounted rates are available for attendees who book early, as well as for those who qualify for the Academic Rate:

Early Bird Rate $200 USD Expires Friday, November 4, 2011 at 11:59pm ICT
Regular Rate $250 USD Expires Thursday, December 8, 2011
Academic Rate* $150 USD Expires Thursday, December 8, 2011

*Academic passes do not qualify for the Early Bird discount/offer or the Alumni discount. Students and Faculty members must apply to devconasia@blackberryconferences.net with proof of current enrollment or employment.

BlackBerry DevCon Asia in Bangkok, Thailand from 7 to 8 December 2011Those who had attended BlackBerry DevCon Asia in January 2011, BlackBerry DevCon 2010, or BlackBerry DevCon Americas 2011 qualify for the $50 USD Alumni discount.

The Alumni discount will automatically be deducted from the current registration price. To be recognized as Alumni, interested registrant must use the same email alias they used when registering for the aforementioned conferences.

Each package gives participants the following:

  • Access to the BlackBerry DevCon Asia General Session
  • Access to Breakout Sessions
  • Access to Expert areas during open hours
  • Admission to the Welcome Reception
  • Admission to the BlackBerry DevCon Party
  • Admission to the Mobility Pavilion during open hours
  • Lunch, and breaks during the conference dates
  • Complimentary access to Conference Wi-Fi® internet
  • Access to BlackBerry DevCon On-Demand, the online portal for conference content and sponsor information, until the start of the next BlackBerry DevCon Asia
  • Registration gift upon check-in onsite

During the conference, each breakout session will be presented by Research In Motion (RIM) experts and developer community members.

The various sessions will explore the BlackBerry development platform, BlackBerry Platform Services, and best practices, focusing specifically on the topics below:

  • Java Development for BlackBerry 7
  • WebKit and the BlackBerry WebWorks Platform Development
  • BlackBerryPlayBook Tablet OS Development, including Native SDK, Adobe AIR and Adobe Flash, and Android Player
  • BlackBerryPlatform Services and the BBM Social Platform
  • Tips and tools for debugging and optimizing your apps
  • User interface and user experience tools and best practices
  • Developingquality enterprise applications
  • Marketing and distributing your applications

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Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Events, Prices, RIM | 2 Comments »

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