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Archive for 2011

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 arrives in Singapore

Friday, August 19th, 2011

The 3G (16 GB) tablet is priced in Singapore at S$848 (incl GST) without contract.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Samsung, the global leader in Android mobile devices, launched the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Singapore today. The 10-inch tablet is the world’s thinnest tablet at only 8.6 mm thick and weighs only 560 g for the WiFi version and 565 g for the 3G version.

Powered by the Android 3.1 Honeycomb platform, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 features a 1GHz dual core application processor and HSPA+ network speeds of up to 21Mbps. Equipped with surround-sound stereo speakers, 1080p HD video, and support for Adobe® Flash® Player 10.3, the tablet computer has a three-megapixel rear camera and a two-megapixel front camera.

Galaxy Tab 10.1, only 8.6 mm thick.

It also offers multi-tasking and enhanced user interaction and navigation on Samsung’s own TouchWiz user interface. Designed with a Live Panel menu for users to customise and display a variety of content on the home screen including digital pictures, favourite Web sites and social network feeds, the interface also includes an application tray of commonly used features such as task manager, calendar and music player for easy access.

The main specifications are included below:

Network	HSPA+ 21Mbps: 900/1900/2100 EDGE/GPRS: 850/900/1800/1900
OS	Android™ 3.1 Honeycomb
Display	10.1” WXGA 1280×800 TFT
Processor	1GHz Dual Core application processor
Camera	Main(Rear) : 3.0-Mega Pixel Camera AF with LED Flash Front : 2.0-Mega Pixel Camera
Video	Format : MPEG4/H263/H264 Playback : 1080p Full HD Video @ 30fps Recording : 720p HD Video @ 30fps
Audio	MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, OGG, MIDI, WMA 3.5mm Ear Jack, Surround Sound Stereo Speakers
Enterprise Solutions	Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync®
Enterprise Solutions	Polaris™ Office
Value-added Features	Android Market™
	Google™ Mobile Services: Google™ Talk, Google™ Maps
	Samsung TouchWiz UX
	Samsung Mini Apps Tray
	Social Hub Game Hub (upcoming) Readers Hub (upcoming) *Availability differs by region
	Adobe® Flash® Player 10.3
Connectivity	Bluetooth® 3.0 + EDR USB 2.0 WiFi 802.11 (a/b/g/n)
Sensor	Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Ambient Light sensor
Memory	RAM: 1GB; Storage: 16GB / 32GB / 64GB
Size	256.7 x 175.3 x 8.6 mm
Weight	560g (WiFi) 565g (3G)
Battery	7000mAh

Tags:10.1, Galaxy, Samsung, Tab, tablets
Posted in Android, Gadgets, Galaxy, Launch, Samsung, Tablets | 1 Comment »

Singapore first to launch three BlackBerry 7 phones in South East Asia

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

RIM launched three new smartphones based on the new BlackBerry 7 operating system in Singapore today. The phones are available for pre-order and will hit the shelves in Singapore on 1 September 2011.

The three new BlackBerry 7 phones were launched in Singapore today.

The three smartphones are the Bold 9900, and the Torch 9810 and 9860. The three models offer consumers the choice between the classic BlackBerry keyboard (Bold 9900), a full touch-screen with no physical Qwerty keyboard (Torch 9860) and the best of both worlds – the Torch 9810 with both a full touch-screen and a slide-out Qwerty keyboard.

Francois Mahieu, Head of Product Management for RIM in Asia Pacific with the Bold 9900.

I played with all three models and the immediate first impression was how light they were, especially when compared with previous models. The displays were crisp and clear and the touch screen was really responsive.

Surfing the net on the phones was a breeze, with fast loading times. The new hardware, operating system and enhanced browser has indeed made a tangible improvement.

The phones will be available from all three major telcos in Singapore – SingTel, M1 and StarHub. When queried, Mr Francois Mahieu from Research In Motion (RIM) said that for the moment, there were no plans to sell white versions of any of the three smartphones, even though he understands that it was a popular colour choice with consumers today. Mahieu is the head of product management for RIM in the Asia Pacific.

BlackBerry 9810 includes both the classic keyboard and a full touch screen.

As with Apple’s iDevices, the new BlackBerry phones support HTML5 but does not play with Flash.

In addition to supporting the new BlackBerry 7 OS, the smartphones include a 1.2 GHz processor, HD video recording, 24-bit high resolution graphics, and advanced sensors enabling new augmented reality applications such as Wikitude that can be seamlessly integrated with BBM 6.

Tags:9810, 9860, 9900, BlackBerry, Bold, RIM, smartphone, Torch
Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Bold, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Phones, RIM, Torch | 4 Comments »

COMEX 2011 promotions: EpiCentre App

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

EpiCentre will launch an App on August 29 that updates COMEX visitors of promotions from the Premier Apple Reseller during COMEX 2011 from September 1-4, and for two weeks after, at its six stores: Wheelock Place, Ion Orchard, 313 Somerset, Bugis Junction, Marina Bay Sands, and Suntec Singapore.

The App will include a QR code reader that allows only EpiCentre App users to access bargains and giveaways below:

$20 training voucher (for the first 1,000 redemptions at Comex and all EpiCentre stores)
10 Nixon backpacks to be redeemed (first 10 to spend $2000 during the Comex period at the show or all EpiCentre stores will automatically qualify)
Five $599 Geneva S Speakers to be won! Ask for your chance at Geneva’s corner at EpiCentre’s booth (Answer a simple question to qualify. A winner a day!)
Free EpiCentre membership that entitles you discounts on Apple and non-Apple products and accessories (for the first 1,000 redemptions at Comex and all EpiCentre stores)

The new ‘Apps-perience’ adds a new dimension to EpiCentre’s roadshow iPavilion concept, which showcases a large range of Apple accessories.

“We aim to keep the iPavilion concept fresh by adding a new dimension to every show. This time it’s the EpiCentre App which is not only fun, but puts great bargains right in the hands of show-goers,” said Mr Jimmy Fong, EpiCentre’s Chief Executive Officer.

Visitors to the iPavilion will also get expert advice from Apple-certified trainers on the top free and paid-for Apps: how to download the Apps with or without revealing credit card details; and help with installing Apps on-the-spot. Gamers can have the popular Angry Birds or Plans vs Zombie installed by the EpiCentre experts without lifting a finger.

The fun-packed, interactive iPavilion programme also features a noted iPhone photographer, who will have a show-and-tell session on stage on using iPhone apps to capture the perfect picture.

Demo sessions on the new OS X Lion and new MacBook Air will also be conducted.

All EpiCentre customers will enjoy $5 off for every $50 purchase. Applicable on top of Comex deals.

Tags:Apple, Apps, COMEX 2011, EpiCentre, promotions
Posted in Apple, Events, Prices, Promotions, Tech news | 3 Comments »

BlackBerry DevCon Asia to be held in Bangkok

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

Following the BlackBerry DevCon in Bali earlier this year, RIM has announced that the next DevCon Asia will be held on the 7-8 December 2011, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Research In Motion (RIM) today announced the return of BlackBerry DevCon Asia that is scheduled to take place on 7 – 8 December 2011 at Centara Grand at CentralWorld in Bangkok, Thailand.

BlackBerry DevCon Asia in Bangkok from 7 to 8 September 2011

BlackBerry DevCon Asia will feature keynotes from leading experts, breakout meetings and hands-on sessions that preview and demonstrate tools that assist developers to create apps.

The agenda will not only focus on technical sessions for building BlackBerry smartphone and BlackBerry PlayBook apps, but attendees will also be able to get advice and hear about how other developers have commercially launched and make money from developing on BlackBerry.

Attendees at BlackBerry DevCon Asia will be able to join sessions that cover:

BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) Social Platform
Adobe Flash and Adobe AIR
BlackBerry Java SDK 6.0
BlackBerry Services (including Payment Service, Advertising Service, BlackBerry Push Service, and more)
Business Success and Case Studies (share your app development, B2C commercialization or internal deployment lessons learned)
Other Developer Tools and Platforms
BlackBerry Native C/C++
BlackBerry WebWorks™ application
BlackBerry Web Development
Multimedia

BlackBerry DevCon is an event that caters to both experienced BlackBerry developers as well as those who are new to the BlackBerry platform. Registration will open in the second week of September 2011.

Tags:BlackBerry, DevCon, RIM
Posted in App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Events, Gadgets, PlayBook, RIM | 3 Comments »

Main specifications for the HTC EVO 3D

Monday, August 15th, 2011

The HTC EVO 3D was launched in Singapore on 10 August 2011. The Android-Gingerbread (2.3) smartphone will be available at S$895 in August 2011. Here are the main features.

SRP: S$895 available in August 2011

Operating System: Android Gingerbread (2.3)

4.3-inch QHD 3D display

1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core processor

Dual rear-facing 5 megapixel camera

1.3 megapixel front-facing camera for video chat

3G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously

Android Market for access to more than 200,000 applications, widgets and games available for download

Google mobile services such as Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Calendar, Voice Actions, and YouTube

Corporate e-mail (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync), personal (POP and IMAP) e-mail and instant messaging

1GB Usable memory/1GB RAM

microSD slot (supports up to 32GB memory card)

Wi-Fi – 802.11 b/g/n

Stereo Bluetooth

Integrated GPS

1730 mAh Lithium-ion battery

Tags:3D, Android, EVO, Gingerbread, HTC, smartphone
Posted in 3D, Android, Cameras, Gadgets, HTC, Launch, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, Specifications | 1 Comment »

Nubox throws “The Ultimate Mac Challenge” to Macheads

Sunday, August 14th, 2011

An online quiz from August 15-31 that culminates in a live face-off for Mac enthusiasts in Singapore on September 24 2011.

“As an Apple Premium Reseller in Singapore, we want to engage the user community, including the new and potential users. It’s a chance to see how well they really know their Mac and win Nubox vouchers for their favourite gadgets at the same time,” said Evelyn Chua, Business and Marketing Manager of Nubox, an arm of Newstead Technologies.

Notice to all macheads: pit yourself against other Mac aficionados under the ticking clock and win up to $1,300 worth of Nubox vouchers.

The inaugural “The Ultimate Mac Challenge” will be held from August 15 (tomorrow) to September 24, 2011. The quiz on the new OSX Lion, iLife and new range of MacBooks is organised by Nubox, an Apple Premium Reseller in Singapore. Only 10 participants from the qualifying online quiz will be selected for the live challenge.

The online quiz runs from August 15 to August 31, 2011. Participants can register and answer 10 questions hosted on http://www.nubox.com.sg/umc/.The top 10 participants with the correct answers achieved within the shortest time will announced on September 12 and be eligible for the finals to be held “live” at Nubox@Raffles City on September 24, 2011.

The top 2 winners will walk away with $1,300 and $300 worth of Nubox vouchers.

Tags:Apple, Mac, Nubox
Posted in Apple, Events, Gadgets | 1 Comment »

Main specifications for the LG Optimus 3D

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

The LG Optimus 3D was launched in Singapore on 11 August 2011. The Android smartphone will be available at S$938 (incl GST without contract) in Singapore in end August. Here are the main specifications.

Network	2G	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network	3G	HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100
Size	Dimensions	128.8 x 68 x 11.9 mm
Size	Weight	168 g
Display	Type	3D LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16 million colors
Display	Size	480 x 800 pixels, 4.3 inches
Memory	Internal	8GB storage, 512MB RAM
Memory	Card slot	microSD, up to 32GB
Data	3G	HSDPA 14.4Mbps, HSUPA 5.76Mbps
	WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA
	Bluetooth	Yes, v3.0 with A2DP, EDR
	USB	Yes, microUSB v2.0
Camera	Primary	Dual 5 megapixel, 2560х1920 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
	Features	Stereoscopic photos and videos, geo-tagging
	Video	Yes, 1080p@24fps (2D), 720p@30fps (3D)
	Secondary	Yes
Features	OS	Android OS, v2.2 (Froyo), upgradable to v2.3
	CPU	Dual-core 1GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor, PowerVR SGX540 GPU, TI OMAP4430 chipset
	3D Features	– Glasses free 3D viewing
		– 3D Hotkey
		– 3D Video Stabilization
		– Real-Time Misalignment Correction
		– Real-Time 2D/3D Conversion
		– 3D Depth Control
Battery		Standard battery, Li-Ion 1500 mAh

Tags:3D, Android, cameras, LG, Optimus, smartphone
Posted in 3D, Android, Cameras, Events, Gadgets, Launch, LG, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, Specifications | 1 Comment »

LG Optimus 3D launched in Singapore

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

Available at S$938 (incl GST without contract) in Singapore in end August, the latest Android smartphone from LG allows users to create 3D photos and video using the phone and to view 3D content and play 3D games without wearing any 3D glasses.

LG Optimus 3D launched today at Marina Bay Sands

LG Electronics today launched the LG Optimus 3D at its LG Live outlet at Marina Bay Sands.

The new Android smartphone boasts a “Tri-Dual” architechure – dual-core, dual-channel and dual-memory – promising improved performance when multi-tasking, viewing graphics-intensive websites, watching a movie or playing graphics-intensive games.

It also brings glasses-free 3D experience into the palms of its users. LG wants to empower its users to immerse themselves in 3D – from creating 3D photos and video, to enjoying them, and beyond that to sharing 3D media with others – all from a smartphone.

Create, enjoy, share

Optimus 3D smartphone from LG To create 3D photos and video, the user can use the dual 5 megapixel stereoscopic cameras on board to shoot 3D stills and footage. Alternatively, users can use included software on the smartphone to convert existing 2D photos and videos into 3D. Free software for converting 2D games will be available for download (more details to be announced soon)

Optimus 3D smartphone from LG To enjoy 3D media – and this is where LG is all excited about – the user does not need to wear 3D glasses. By using double-layered screen technology, the two images for the left and right eyes are are interlaced with each other and sent separately to both eyes so that the left eye only sees the image meant for the left eye and the right eye only sees the image meant for the right eye.

Optimus 3D smartphone from LG LG boasts that the cross-talk between the two images – the extent to which pixels meant for one eye is seen by the other eye – is extremely low. I tried it myself and found the 3D images gave a strong sense of depth and dimensionality – very realistic without any nausea even after more than 10 minutes of use.

The intensity of the 3D effect can be reduced or turned off – based on user’s preference – similar to the Nintendo 3DS game console. The sweet spot for optimal 3D effect seems to be about 30 cm away from the screen.

The 4.3-inch WVGA display offers bright and flicker-free images in HD, up to 1080p in 2D and up to 720p in 3D.

In case the user drops the smartphone after purchase and the dual stereoscopic cameras get misaligned, the Optimus 3D allows re-calibration of the cameras by correcting the images captured via software to account for any mis-alignment.

The Optimus 3D comes preloaded with 10 free 3D games including titles such as Nova, Asphalt 6 and Let’s Golf 2.

Play 3D games on the LG Optimus 3D Captured 3D content can be shared with 3D TVs via an HDMI 1.4 connection and the phone can also send content to any DLNA Certified device. In addition, users can upload and stream 3D content on YouTube’s dedicated 3D channel (www.youtube.com/3D).

Smartphone and 3D gizmo

Even without its 3D functionality, the Optimus 3D serves as a highly powered smartphone with top-notch graphic performance, web browsing experience, raw computing speed and high video resolution.

The LG Optimus 3D smartphone was launched in Singapore today.

For 3D buffs, it offers a chance to own a 3D camera and glasses-free 3D viewing/playing device and a gadget to share and interact with 3D content on the Web.

The LG Optimus 3D offers the best of both worlds and places both functionalities into a single device. This class of gadgets will surely bring 3D into the lives of the average smartphone user.

The main specifications of the Optimus 3D can be found here.

Tags:3D, Android, cameras, launch, LG, smartphone
Posted in 3D, Android, Cameras, Events, Gadgets, Launch, LG, Operating Systems, Phones, Photography, Photos, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »

HTC EVO 3D arrives in Singapore

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

The EVO 3D is the first smartphone with “glasses-free” 3D display to be launched in Singapore. The Android-Gingerbread (2.3) smartphone will be available at all mobile operators and authorized retailers at a suggested retail price of S$895 in August 2011.

The HTC EVO 3D empowers the user to capture and view photos and video in 3D through a brilliant high-defintion 4.3-inch QHD 3D display, which does not require the wearing of special 3D glasses.

The HTC EVO 3D features a powerful 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core processor, dual 5 megapixel cameras, which can be used to capture both conventional 2D and stunning 3D images and videos.

With integrated 3D HD (720p) video capture and the latest version of HTC Sense, HTC EVO 3D will enable users to easily and seamlessly post 3D media to YouTube or Facebook.

Its integrated DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) capability allows fast and easy to sharing of stored music, pictures and user-generated HD video wirelessly with other DLNA-certified home electronics, including HDTVs, monitors, digital cameras, printers and more.

Connection via an HDMI cable (sold separately) enables sharing of user-created 3D video content via a 3D TV.

Access 3D movies and games through the EVO 3D

According to ABI Research (Dec. 20, 2010) mobile 3D devices will be driven by three key applications: creation of user-generated 3D content by integrated video and still cameras, playback of 3D content and 3D gaming.

It also anticipates that mobile devices may turn out to be the most successful form factor towards bringing 3D technology into mainstream markets.

HTC EVO 3D will be pre-loaded with HTC Watch which provides access to a large catalog of movies, including 3D titles optimized for viewing on the HTC EVO 3D’s 4.3-inch screen.

HTC Watch offers the latest new releases on the same day that they become digitally available in the region. Customers can buy or rent digitally and download directly to their smartphone, along with select 3D movies.

Rentals will be available for viewing on one screen within at least 30 days of rental, with a 24-hour or 48-hour viewing period once the title is first played.

The HTC EVO 3D ships with a whole library of multimedia entertainment that includes The Green Hornet 3D Movie (limited stocks available) and games such as Spider-Man: Total Mayhem HD, Need for Speed SHIFT and The Sims 3.

HTC has also teamed up with Chalkboard, a large location-based network in Southeast Asia to offer HTC EVO 3D users access to a catalogue of local offers wherever they go.

Main features of the HTC EVO 3D are summarised here.

Tags:3D, Android, cameras, HTC, smartphone
Posted in 3D, Android, Cameras, Gadgets, HTC, Launch, Operating Systems, Phones, Photos, Prices, Specifications | 2 Comments »

Seagate ships 1 million solid state hybrid drives

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

Momentus XT hybrid drive adoption soars as major computer makers ship in in their laptops. Major computer makers including Alienware, ASUS, Dell, Sony and Toshiba now offer laptops powered by the 500 GB, 72 RPM, 2.5-inch drive that blends performance rivaling solid state drives with the enormous capacity and much lower cost of hard disk drives.

The Momentus XT is a 500 GB, 7200 RPM solid state hybrid drive from Seagate.

Seagate has shipped its one millionth solid state hybrid drive for laptop PCs after launching the product – Momentus XT – in spring 2010.

The Momentus XT solid state hybrid drive, a 7200 RPM drive with up to 500 GB of capacity, boots up to 50 percent faster than traditional 5400 RPM drives and sets new benchmarks for real-world system performance for laptops and gaming systems.

Seagate’s Adaptive Memory technology is key to the drive’s speed, optimizing its performance by moving frequently used information into the 4GB of onboard solid state memory for faster bootup and application access.

“Seagate’s shipment of its one millionth Momentus XT drive is just the beginning of abright future for solid state hybrid drives,” said John Rydning, research director at IDC.

The problem with today’s high-performance SSDs for mobile computing is that they cost as much as 10 times more than hard disk drives of the same capacity, with the price of a 250GB SSD outstripping even the cost of many laptop PCs.

Most consumers and system builders are unwilling or unable to pay the high price for the greater speed of SSDs. The Momentus XT drive promises SSD-like speed at a fraction of the cost and more capacity options.

“Fast, capacious, and economical hybrid HDD and NAND flash storage solutions like the Momentus XT drive will be found in roughly 25 percent of all new PCs shipped in 2015,” added Rydning.

Momentus XT drives are offered in these laptops and systems:

ASUS Republic of Gamers G73JH
Sony VAIO VPCSC1AFM/S
Toshiba Satellite E305-S1990X
Alienware M17X and M18X Gaming Laptops
Dell Optiplex 990 Workstation

Seagate is demonstrating the Momentus® XT hybrid drive at the Flash Memory Summit, Aug. 9-11, in Santa Clara, California.

Tags:accessories, Seagate
Posted in Accessories, Gadgets, Launch, Seagate, Specifications | No Comments »

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