Archive for 2011
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011
Google has launched, today, a new set of 360-degree panoramic views of Singapore’s most iconic sites, including the Singapore Flyer, Hwa Par Villa, and Fort Canning Park.
At some locations, like in public parks and the Singapore Flyer here, Google Street View brings you right into the place.
These sites were chosen by Singaporeans in a poll jointly organised with the Singapore Tourism Board, of which spots they wanted to see on Street View.
Street View provides 360-degree street-level images in Google Maps to allow users to view and navigate through historic buildings, parks and gardens.
In areas where Street View is available, you can see the images on Google Maps (on a PC or an Internet-enabled mobile) by zooming into the lowest level, or by dragging the orange “Pegman” icon on the left-hand side of the map onto a blue highlighted street.
Google first launched Street View in Singapore in 2008, and since then new places have been added while images have been regularly updated.
Google says it has gone to lengths to safeguard privacy.
Street View only contains imagery that is already visible from public roads. And in the case of the partner program collections, it has permission from the landmark to drive and collect imagery.
Street View also uses technology that blurs both faces and licence plates. In addition, any user can easily flag images for removal that he or she considers inappropriate by clicking on “Report a problem.”
The new images, collected by a Street View trike, allow a viewer to intimately explore the nooks and crannies of popular Singaporean spots. The trike is a mechanical masterpiece comprising three bicycle wheels, a mounted Street View camera, and a specially decorated box containing image-collecting gadgetry.
It has the same capability as the Street View cars for collecting street-level imagery but is specially designed to help Google go to places less accessible by cars, such as historic landmarks and coastal paths.
Street View first launched in 2007 and is currently available in more than 30 countries and 100 metropolitan areas worldwide, including large areas of the U.S., Australia, Japan, France, Italy and Spain.
The new images feature the following Singaporean favorites:
Tags:Google, maps, Singapore, Street View
Posted in Google, Launch, Software, Tech news | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011
First announced two months ago in September, the 20.3 megapixel camera is now available worldwide. The Samsung NX200 is priced at S$1,099 (incl 7% GST and 18-55 mm kit lens) in Singapore.
Samsung NX200 with the i-Function lens system.
The NX200 promises DSLR quality combined with compactness and the ease-of-use of a digital compact point-and-shoot. This is Samsung’s fifth NX camera in its third body design. The 20.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor is contained in an all-metal body.
Samsung NX200 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera
For high speed capture, the NX200 achieves 100ms Advanced AF speed, fast boot and seven frames per second continuous shooting. Its ISO ranges from 100 to 12,800 (in seven stops) for low light shooting or to help freeze action shots. The NX200 records 1920×1080/30p (H.264) HD movie recording and Stereo Sound.
The NX200 is fully compatible with Samsung’s range of nine i-Function lenses, which allows toggling between shutter speed, aperture, exposure value (EV), white balance (WB), and ISO quickly and easily through the button and ring on the lens.
With the upgraded i-Function 2.0 on the NX200, it can control six different Smart Filters and the intelli-Zoom function from the lens whilst in Lens Priority Mode. New lenses for the i-Function system include 18-200mm (S$1,099), 16mm (S$499), 60mm and 85mm focal lengths.
Samsung NX200, with 20.3 megapixels, APS-C CMOS sensor, 1920x1080/30p (H.264) HD movie recording, and 3.0” VGA AMOLED display.
Images captured can be viewed on the 3.0” VGA AMOLED display of the NX200. The camera’s Smart Panel also offers intuitive control thanks to hot keys that enable users to switch to key functions without the need to scroll through confusing menus to get to the desired shot.
A new Panorama function allows users to take lengthened shots of large objects or turn the image into a 3D scene, bringing the object to life. A Sound Picture function allows a snippet of sound to be recorded together with a still snapshot.
The main specifications for the Samsung NX200 can be found here.
Tags:cameras, DSLR, mirrorless, NX200, Samsung
Posted in Cameras, DSLR, Gadgets, Launch, Photography, Prices, Samsung, Specifications | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011
13 finalists will strut the runway at the Red Dot Design Museum tomorrow night. At stake is the sole ticket to the Elite Global Final in Shanghai in December.
Finals of Elite Model Look 2011 will be held on 3 November 2011 at Red Dot Museum.
Originally planned for 12 contestants to enter the Singapore Finals from the 45 aspirants in the Semi-Finals, the organisers have decided to let 13 girls through to the Finals.
These 13 finalists will compete to be the Elite Model Look Singapore 2011 winner, and the Blueprint Runway Model Award winner 2011.
The former will fly to Shanghai for the Elite Global Final in December, where she will compete with some 80 other contestants from around the world. The top three winners in the Global Final will share some $350,000 worth of contracts with Elite Paris.
Tags:Elite
Posted in Contest, Events, Lifestyle | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
More than 300GB of potentially sensitive data was discovered on five second hand storage devices that were advertised as having been wiped of previously stored information.
“Our findings underline that data erasure is critical before any hardware devices are disposed of – personal computers, servers, hard disk drives, USBs and even MP3 players,” said CK Lee, country manager, Kroll Ontrack Singapore.Kroll Ontrack – a leading provider of data recovery and information management products and services, is warning companies to be extra vigilant when disposing of computer equipment in light of recent tests carried out in its labs
It recently conducted a little experiment in Singapore. Specialists from the company purchased five storage devices from a popular international online auction site to see if there was any sensitive data that could be recovered from the supposedly “wiped” devices.
The specialists found more than 300GB of data including personal and corporate proprietary information including Microsoft Office documents, applications, databases, e-mails and photos.
“Simply pressing the ‘delete’ button or using other basic overwriting techniques only removes the pathways to the data and not the data itself and it is essential to remember this when preparing equipment for sale or disposal,” Lee added.The five devices were from different parts of Singapore and included two hard disk drives from a server in RAID configuration, a server, a desktop HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and a laptop HDD.
Recoverable data poses risk of security breaches if it falls into the wrong hands. It is crucial for individuals and businesses to ensure that data is destroyed before disposal. Without the correct data erasure procedures, proprietary information becomes vulnerable.
Kroll Ontrack provides several options for data erasure such as Ontrack Eraser Software and Ontrack Eraser Degausser. Both solutions set out to destroy data in a fast, secure and user-friendly way.
Tags:HDD, security, storage
Posted in Accessories, Desktops, Enterprise IT, Gadgets, Notebooks, Security, Software, storage drive, Tech news, Utility | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
RIM and Porsche have joined hands to produce a smartphone that marries engineered luxury and powered performance.
The P'9981 smartphone from Porsche Design and BlackBerry.
Porsche fans can soon own a Porsche-designed product in their pockets when the P’9981 smartphone hits Porsche Design stores later this year. In Singapore, the two stores are at the Ion Orchard and Marina Bay Sands. You could also try Cortina Watch shops, which are Porsche Design dealers.
The design of the P’9981 is distinct from the usual smartphone designs from Research In Motion (RIM) – but features the popular QWERTY keypad that makes typing on the device such a breeze.
The P’9981 features a forged stainless steel frame, hand-wrapped leather back cover, sculpted QWERTY keyboard, and a touch display. This customized Porsche Design P’9981 comes with an exclusive Porsche Design UI and a bespoke Wikitude World Browser augmented reality app experience.
P’9981 smartphones will come with exclusive PINs that help owners easily identify another P’9981 user.
Technical specifications
The P’9981 features a 1.2 GHz processor, HD video recording, 24-bit high resolution graphics, and advanced sensors enabling new augmented reality applications. It comes with 8GB of on-board memory, expandable up to 40GB with a micro SD card.
The smartphone will run on BlackBerry 7 operating system, which includes its fastest BlackBerry browser to date; and a highly responsive touch experience based on Liquid Graphics technology for fast and smooth graphics.
The P’9981 includes built-in support for NFC (Near Field Communication), even as two of its BlackBerry cousins (Bold 9900 and Curve 9360) achieves the MasterCard PayPass certification.
Tags:BlackBerry, P'9981, Porsche Design, RIM, smartphone
Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Gadgets, Lifestyle, Phones, RIM, Specifications | 2 Comments »
Monday, October 31st, 2011
It’s Halloween today. Here’s a selection of ghouly apps for the occasion.
There are apps for both BlackBerry smartphones and the PlayBook. All the apps can be downloaded from BlackBerry App World. Click on the screenshots to get to the app on BlackBerry App World.
| Apps |
Brief Description |
Count Munchula (Free)
smartphones only
|
The world-famous Screen Muncher just couldn’t resist getting dressed up for Halloween as a blood-sucking vampire named Count Munchula! “Munch” your BlackBerry screen and capture it as an image to post directly to Twitter, share through email, or save for later!
Screen Muncher lets you capture anything you see on your BlackBerry screen just like a desktop “print screen” on a PC. This funny, cute and useful app includes a very special “Count Munchula” sound effect, animation and vibrates every time you Munch a screen! |
Pumpkin Slider (US$0.99)
smartphones only
|
Pumpkin Slider is designed to lock your BlackBerry and prevent any unwanted key press. Even if your BlackBerry is unlocked by accident, Pumpkin Slider still locks your phone and you do not need to worry about the Send key or any unwanted key pressed. Pumpkin Slider automatically locks your BlackBerry when the screen dims.
Pumpkin Slider is fast to setup, easy to use and works with the Lock button on your BlackBerry. |
Jack-O-Lantern (Free)
smartphones only
|
Ever wanted your own Jack-O-Lantern but didn’t know how to carve one? This app is a virtual Jack-O-Lantern for your BlackBerry to help you celebrate the Halloween season. You can change the Jack-O-Lantern’s face by swiping from the left or right on the eyes, nose, or mouth. You can also change the colour by clicking on the screen. Happy Halloween! |
Halloween Photo Editor (US$1.99)
smartphones only
|
Halloween Photo Editor is a powerful image processing app that turns your photos into unique Halloween themed art. Very intuitive and easy to use. even beginners will quickly learn how to create impressive Halloweenish effects! Gear up for your Halloween celebration with this amazing photo app!
The app features 4 awesome Halloween filters, 16 unique Halloween themed photo frames and 11 cute clip art images. |
Ghosty Party (US$1.99)
smartphone/PlayBook
|
Vaporize as many ghosts of the same color as you can to get a high score, with cute halloween theme animations, bonuses, and sound effects. The more ghosts you tap at once, the more scores you will get. The more same color ghosts combo, the more scoresmultiply.
The game features an autosave function on exit or phone call, and the PlayBook version also has global online support to post your scores on Facebook. |
Halloween Haunt (S$1.99)
PlayBook only
|
Zombies, Ghosts, Mummies; oh my! Halloween Haunt is a 5 Reel Slot Machine that features up to 15 credits per line (up to 9 lines) – Changeable credit values ranging from 1¢, 2¢, 5¢, 10¢, and 25¢. Once the ‘High Roller Gauge’ is completely filled, you will gain access to even higher credit values; 50¢, $1, and $5. Slot machine symbols include ‘WILD’ and ‘SPIN & WIN’ symbols, which trigger the FREE SPIN feature. Earn your way to 50 trophies, purchase the 10 items in the gift shop, and work your way up to piles of cash like candy on Halloween! |
Halloween Sounds (US$0.99)
PlayBook only
|
Wanna scare theguy in the next cube out of his wits? Look no further! With Halloween Sounds you can play endless pranks on friends and enemies alike. 15 spooky sounds and Spooky Soundtrack which plays a creepy soundtrack and adds scary sounds on top of it. The perfect soundtrack for handing out treats, or great mood music for a costume party. |
Tags:Apps, BlackBerry, Halloween, Playbook, RIM, smartphone, tablets
Posted in App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Bold, Curve, Gadgets, Gaming, Humour, Lifestyle, Operating Systems, Phones, Photography, PlayBook, Prices, RIM, Software, Specifications, Tablets, Torch | No Comments »
Monday, October 31st, 2011
45 aspiring models sashayed down the catwalk at last night’s semi-finals of the Elite Model Look Singapore 2011 at Ion Orchard. 13 of them were selected for next Thursday’s Singapore Finals.
13 contestants made it to the Singapore Finals next Thursday.
The 13 finalists will vie for the sole ticket to the Elite Model Look Global Finals in Shanghai in December and compete with some 80 other aspirants from around the world.
The top three winners of the Global Finals will share out $350,000 worth of contracts with Elite Paris and other prizes.
The 32 contestants who did not make it to the Singapore Finals next Thursday will also be offered modelling contracts with Elite Model Management Singapore.
Originally, there were to be only 12 contestants for the Singapore Finals. Judges, however, decided to let a thirteenth contestant through.
An iPhone application will be launched to allow members of the public to view and vote for their favourite contestants.
The Singapore Finals will be held on next Thursday, November 3, at the Red Dot Traffic Museum.
Aspiring models who made it to next Thursday's Singapore Finals.
Check out the competition’s Facebook page for more photos.
Tags:Elite, lifestyle, models
Posted in Contest, Events, iOS, iPhone, Lifestyle | 2 Comments »
Sunday, October 30th, 2011
Some 50 semi-finalists will compete tonight for 12 places at the Finals in Singapore. The winner of the Singapore Finals will then fly to the Elite Global Final in Shanghai and then to Paris, sharing $350,000 worth of contracts and other prizes.
Semi-finals tonight at Ion Orchard Level 1 Alfresco from 7-10 pm
The semi-finalists were culled from almost a thousand applicants aspiring to follow in the footsteps of top supermodels like Linda Evangelista and Cindy Crawford – big names which Elite has discovered and represented.
The casting for the competition were held earlier this month from 8th to 23rd October at Vivocity and Ion Orchard. Contestants had to be aged 15 to 21 and at least 170 cm or 5’7 tall.
An iphone application will be launched to allow members of the public to view and vote for their favourite contestants.
The Elite Model Look competition is a world renowned and prestigious international modelling contest. It is the primary vehicle for finding new models for Elite Model Management, which is headquartered in Paris.
Since 1983, the competition has been conducted in over 50 countries around the world and has now reached Singapore. 350,000 girls around the world enter the competition every year, but only a few make it onto the world’s catwalks and magazine photoshoots.
Elite found many of the world’s supermodels through Elite Model Look, including Gisele Bundchen, Karen Mulder, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell and more recently, Fei Fei Sun, Constance Jablonski, Ming Xi and Sigrid Agren.
Elite Model Look, in exclusive partnership with Elite Model Management Singapore, gives a chance to girls in Singapore, who dream of becoming models, to realise their ambitions by competing to work with the top model agency network in the world.
Tags:Elite, lifestyle, models
Posted in App, Contest, Events, iOS, iPhone, Lifestyle | 3 Comments »
Sunday, October 30th, 2011
TomTom App for iPhone 1.9 is now available and optimised for iPad, offering higher resolution and improved user interface for the iPad at no extra cost. The app for South East Asia is available now at US$69.99 but existing app customers download for free.
TomTom App for iPhone/iPad Version 1.9
First announced and show-cased during IFA 2011 in Berlin last month, Existing TomTom App customers can download the new version to their iPads for free.
The user interface has been enhanced to fit the larger screen of the iPad while the resolution has been increased for a sharper display. The new release is also compatible with Apple’s new iOS5.
The TomTom App for iPhone/iPad 1.9 comes with a new map release, which includes updated roads, more accurate information about fixed speed camera locations and points of interest.
The new release makes use of the extra iPad screen space by showing both driving view and advanced lane guidance at the same time. Drivers can also switch to driving view with one touch from anywhere within the app, and can access guidance options in a tap.
Tags:Apps, GPS, iOS 5, iPad, iPhone, navigation, TomTom
Posted in App, Gadgets, GPS, iOS, Launch, TomTom | No Comments »
Saturday, October 29th, 2011
Research In Motion (RIM) and Microsoft have announced BlackBerry Business Cloud Services for Microsoft Office 365. An open beta for the service has been launched in more than 30 countries.
“BlackBerry Business Cloud Services is an easy and cost-effective way for businesses and government agencies to extend Microsoft Office 365 to BlackBerry smartphones and manage the deployment in the cloud,” said Alan Panezic, Vice President at Research In Motion.The new RIM-hosted online service is targeted at midsized businesses and enterprises – extending Microsoft Exchange Online to BlackBerry smartphones, and allowing organizations to self-manage their BlackBerry deployments in the cloud.
The service mobilizes Microsoft Office 365 Exchange Online via RIM-hosted BlackBerry Management Service. It features advanced Web-based IT and employee self-service smartphone management and security functions
Key features include:
- Access to Microsoft Exchange Online email, calendar and organizer data from a BlackBerry smartphone.
- BlackBerry Balance technology, which presents a unified view of work and personal content on a BlackBerry smartphone while keeping the content separate and secure.
- A web-based console for IT administrators to provision, manage and secure BlackBerry smartphones from anywhere.
- Online access to employee self-service smartphone security functions, allowing users to reset a device password or remotely lock or wipe a device in the event of loss or theft.
Managed service providers, systems integrators, carriers, resellers and other partners can also use the cloud service to manage BlackBerry deployments on behalf of their customers.
BlackBerry Business Cloud Services for Microsoft Office 365
A number of Fortune 500 customers and several government agencies in the US participated in an early access program and are among the many organizations that already plan to use the service.
Microsoft Office 365 customers can sign up for the BlackBerry Business Cloud Services beta here. The cloud-based service is available for no additional charge to Microsoft Office 365 Midsized Businesses and Enterprises plan subscribers and works with BlackBerry smartphones on business or consumer data plans.
Tags:BlackBerry, Exchange, Microsoft, Office 365, RIM, smartphone
Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Enterprise IT, Microsoft, Phones, RIM, Security, Software, Utility | 1 Comment »
