Archive for February, 2012

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Three Nikon COOLPIX compact cameras and one lens available today

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

The Nikon COOLPIX L25 (S$129), L26 (S$159) and S6300 (S$349) compact cameras are available from today. So is the NIKKOR Lens AF-S 85mm f/1.8G (S$729).

The Nikon COOLPIX L25, L26 and S6300, together with the NIKKOR Lens AF-S 85mm f/1.8G.

The Nikon COOLPIX L25, L26 and S6300, together with the NIKKOR Lens AF-S 85mm f/1.8G.

The three COOLPIX compact cameras were first unveiled on 1 February as part of Nikon’s COOLPIX Spring 2012 collection of 14 camera models.

The NIKKOR lens was initially announced on 6 January 2012.

Below are the details:

Nikon COOLPIX L25, S$129 COOLPIX L25

S$129

  • Silver
  • Black
  • Red
  • White
  • 5x Optical Zoom NIKKOR Lens for super image quality
  • Equipped with a CCD image sensor and a 5x optical zoom NIKKOR lens
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • Wide-angle of 28 mm (equivalent in 35 mm [135] format)
  • Large And Clear 3-Inch TFT LCD Monitor
  • Dedicated Movie-Record Button
Nikon COOLPIX L26, S$159 COOLPIX L26

S$159

  • Silver
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • 5x Optical Zoom NIKKOR Lens for super image quality
  • Equipped with a CCD image sensor and a 5x optical zoom NIKKOR lens
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • Wide-angle of 26 mm (equivalent in 35 mm [135] format)
  • Large And Clear 3-Inch TFT LCD Monitor
  • Dedicated Movie-Record Button
Nikon COOLPIX S6300, S$349 COOLPIX S6300

S$349

  • Silver
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Gold
  • Pink
  • Wide-Angle Multi-Focal Length 10× Optical Zoom NIKKOR Lens
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • Slim And Stylish Body
  • Full-HD Movies utilising the newly integrated movie-record button
  • Numerous Shooting and Editing Functions – 3D Photography, Special Effects, Filter Effects, and Easy Panorama
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G, S$729 AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G

S$729

  • Black
  • A fast, medium-telephoto fixed focal length lens with a focal length of 85 mm and a maximum aperture of f/1.8 compatible with the Nikon FX-format
  • An all new optical design that enables maximum utilization of digital-SLR camera capabilities in shooting high quality images
  • Enables shooting of portraits with pleasing background blur characteristics only possible with a fast, medium-telephoto fixed focal length lens
  • Very lightweight at approximately 350 g, even with the large aperture
  • Equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for extremely quiet autofocusing.  Autofocus shooting is also possible when the lens is used with entry-level Nikon DX-format digital-SLR cameras such as the D5100 and D3100, which are not equipped with an autofocus drive motor.
  • Equipped with two focus modes, M/A (autofocus with manual override) and M (manual)

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Posted in Announce, Cameras, Compact camera, COOLPIX, Gadgets, Lens, Nikon, Prices, Specifications | 3 Comments »

SolarWinds launches SeUM to Monitor Web Transactions

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

SolarWinds launches the industry’s­ first affordably-priced SaaS (Software as-a Service)-like product to monitor web transactions from cloud-based locations.

SeUM web console has wizards to guide the creation of Amazon EC2 Cloud Player instances.

SeUM web console has wizards to guide the creation of Amazon EC2 Cloud Player instances.

SolarWinds Synthetic End User Monitor (SeUM) v.1.5 works to streamline the process of monitoring websites and web based applications from the cloud, offering users the ability to monitor their web based services from various geographical locations around the globe.

Leveraging the cloud allows users to inexpensively monitor performance and availability from locations beyond their data center, central office, or remote office locations to where their mobile work force, home offices, or customers are located.

SeUM allows system administrators and application support staff to monitor response time proactively for multi-step web transactions.

The latest version of SeUM introduces the Cloud Player Portal that allows users to deploy transaction players easily to Amazon EC2.

New Features in v. 1.5

  • Cloud Player Portal: Easily deploys transaction players to Amazon EC2 to enable web transaction monitoring from cloud-based locations and does not require users to pay subscription fees.
  • Multi-Tenant UI: Monitors website and web application performance for large deployments or in MSP environments.
  • Rich Content Recording and Playback: Record and playback dynamic web pages to include support for Flash and Silverlight; also validates the existence or absence of text and other website content.
  • Firewall-Friendly Communication: Transaction players make their monitoring data available for polling from the SeUM server, eliminating any need to open in-bound Firewall connections.

(more…)

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Posted in Cloud, Enterprise IT, Internet, Launch, Utility | No Comments »

New ultrabook: Toshiba Satellite U840 Series

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

Toshiba has unveiled today its first 14-inch ultrabooks – from the Satellite U840 Series. Available from mid-May, prices will start from S$1,399 – depending on configuration.

(Update: Read the review for the Toshiba Satellite U840 Series ultrabook here.)

Toshiba Satellite U840 Ultrabook - S$1,399

Toshiba Satellite U840 Ultrabook - S$1,399

At a weight starting from 1.59kg and thinness of 19.9mm, the Windows 7 Satellite U840 series offers a mix of style, portability and performance.

Metallic brushed aluminum chasis on the outside.

Metallic brushed aluminum chasis on the outside.

The Toshiba Satellite U840 is based on 2nd Generation Intel Core processors, and sports a metallic silver colour on the outside with a brushed aluminum chasis that provides strength and durability of lugging it around.

The Satellite U840 uses DDR3 memory, and offers a choice of 128GB solid state drive or Hybrid HDD with 16GB solid state drive, to couple responsive experience with increased durability and energy efficiency.

Illuminated tiled keyboard allows typing even in the dark.

Illuminated tiled keyboard allows typing even in the dark.

Paired with Toshiba’s new Hi-Speed Start Technology, the Satellite U840 can power on and get users up and running at work or home in just seconds.

Despite being ultra-portable, the Satellite U840 is equipped with Bluetooth and WLAN plus a selection of full-size ports including HDMI and 3 USB ports, one of which is a USB 3.0 port.

The system also includes Toshiba’s USB Sleep & Charge technology to give users the freedom to charge their smartphones even while the system is powered down.

Sleek and thin but with ample connectivity options.

Sleek and thin but with ample connectivity.

The bright 14.0” non-reflective high-definition display and powerful stereo speakers enhanced with SRS Premium Sound 3D technology make the Satellite U840 ideal for listening to music, watching movies and video chatting.

Complemented with a super-thin illuminated raised-tiled keyboard and multi-gesture Clickpad, it also provides good contrast and typing comfort even in the dark.

The new Satellite U840 series comes with standard 1-year Regional Limited Warranty (parts & labor), 1-year battery (carry-in).

Key specifications of the Toshiba Satellite U840 Series Ultrabooks is listed below.

(more…)

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Posted in Announce, Gadgets, Notebooks, Operating Systems, Prices, Specifications, Toshiba, Ultrabooks, Windows 7 | 2 Comments »

CA Technologies earns Overall Positive Vendor Rating from Gartner

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

CA Technologies has also earned a “positive” rating in the following categories: Identity and Access Management; Service Management; Portfolio Management; and Service Assurance; and Capacity Management.

For the Mainframe Modernization category, it earned a “strong positive.”

Gartner rates CA Technologies with an overall Positive rating in the latest Vendor Rating report.

Gartner rates CA Technologies with an overall Positive rating in the latest Vendor Rating report.

According to Gartner, a positive rating means that “potential customers should consider this provider a viable choice for strategic or tactical investments, while planning for known limitations.”

“With a deep commitment to focusing on high-growth markets in areas such as automation, cloud computing security and software as a service (SaaS), we believe CA Technologies has laid out a strong roadmap for the future,” said Peter Griffiths, executive vice president, Enterprise Solutions Technology Group, CA Technologies.A “Strong Positive” is the highest possible rating given.

The Mainframe Modernization category includes new products geared to simplify mainframe management, such as CA Mainframe Chorus and CA Mainframe Software Manager.

Gartner is a leading provider of research and analysis on the global information technology industry.

Its Vendor Ratings assess all the different aspects of a technology provider, such as its strategy, organization, products, technology, marketing, financials and support.

These ratings are periodically revised to reflect changes in assessment when a significant internal or external event directly affects the provider.

Here is the Vendor Rating report.

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Posted in Announce, CA Technologies, Enterprise IT, Study | No Comments »

New Customer Care Centre for Leica Camera Asia Pacific

Monday, February 13th, 2012

Leica Camera Asia Pacific reveals newly renovated and improved Leica Customer Care Centre at the International Building, Orchard Road, in Singapore.

Staff at the new Leica Customer Care Centre

Staff at the new Leica Customer Care Centre

The Customer Care Centre is now equipped with new Leica Rangefinder and sensor calibration machine for the M digital cameras.

The new equipment carries out adjustment and calibration checks. In particular, it confirms and aligns sensor flatness.

These services were previously conducted only in the Leica Customer Care Centre back in Solms, Germany.

The arrival of the new machines in Singapore will substantially shorten the waiting period for servicing for M-camera users since basic servicing can now be conducted in Singapore.

The waiting period for servicing will now take at least 7 working days and is subjected to parts availability from the factory.

The Leica Customer Care team has also been expanded into a 4-person team.

Leica Camera Asia Pacific’s chief Leica technician, Mr Andrew Chan is now joined by new technician, Mr Ser Lay Ghee.

Andrew has in-depth experience of over 30 years in photographic equipment, while Lay Ghee, brings along 20 years of experience in technical servicing.

Ms Juliana Yeo and Ms Adeline Lau will represent the Leica Customer Care Centre as main contact persons for Customer Care enquiries.

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Posted in Announce, Cameras, Events, Leica | 1 Comment »

Fujifilm FinePix compact cameras for Spring 2012

Sunday, February 12th, 2012

Here is the Spring 2012 collection of compact cameras from Fujifilm. 11 of these models are being released for Singapore, out of which seven have already hit the shelves.

Fujifilm has a range of FinePix cameras ranging from the light and compact JZ100 to the superzoom HS25EXR.

Fujifilm has a range of FinePix cameras ranging from the light and compact JZ100 to the superzoom HS25EXR.

The FinePix cameras in the Spring collection are listed below.

Model SRP To release in Singapore?
F770EXR TBD Yes
F750EXR TBD Yes
HS30EXR S$799 Yes
HS25EXR S$699 Yes
JZ100 TBD Yes
JZ250 TBD Yes
S2980 S$299 Yes
S4200 S$379 Yes
S4300, S4400, S4500 – No
SL260, SL280 – No
SL300 S$519 Yes
XP150 S$469 Yes
XP50 S$329 Yes

Key specifications for those models being released in Singapore are tabulated below.

(more…)

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Posted in Announce, Cameras, Compact camera, FinePix, Fujifilm, Gadgets, Photography, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »

TODAY! Samsung GALAXY Nexus and Tab 7.7 arrives in Singapore

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

As scheduled during their launch in January, the GALAXY Nexus (S$948, Black and White) and GALAXY Tab 7.7 (S$898) are available in Singapore from today. All prices include GST but exclude line contract.

Samsung GALAXY Nexus smartphone,S$948, available today.

Samsung GALAXY Nexus smartphone,S$948, available from today.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 7.7 tablet, S$898, available today.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 7.7 tablet, S$898, available from today.

Also the Samsung GALAXY S II (Coral Pink) will be available in Singapore from 18 February at S$888, inclusive of GST, without line contract.

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Posted in Gadgets, Galaxy, Phones, Prices, Samsung, Tablets | 2 Comments »

TODAY! New BlackBerry Curve 9380 arrives in Singapore

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

The Curve 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display. Check with Telcos for plans and pricing.

The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is available in Singapore TODAY!

The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is available in Singapore TODAY!

The sleek and stylish all-touch BlackBerry Curve 9380 smartphone is powered by BlackBerry 7 OS, which delivers a faster and richer user experience.

The 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display.

The 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display.

It also includes the ability to manage personal content separately from corporate content, and comes with a variety of personal and productivity apps out of the box.

“The new BlackBerry Curve 9380 comes with a sleek new all-touch design that features a larger display that enhances web browsing, games and multimedia,” Hastings Singh, Vice President, South Asia at Research In Motion.The new BlackBerry 7 OS introduces an enhanced browser that provides a significantly faster, more fluid web browsing experience.

It also offers optimized HTML5 performance for incredible gaming and video experiences.

The popular universal search capability has also been enhanced with support for voice-activated search, so users can simply speak to begin searching for information on their device and the web.

Here is the specs sheet for the BlackBerry Curve 9380.

Here is the specs sheet for the BlackBerry Curve 9380.

In addition, the BlackBerry Curve 9380 includes built-in support for Augmented Reality and NFC, allowing users to connect with the world around them in fresh new ways.

With the Wikitude Augmented Reality application, users can find nearby BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) contacts in real-time, read reviews about restaurants close to them, or get the story behind an interesting landmark and points of interest.

NFC enables many new and exciting capabilities, including the ability to make mobile payments, pair accessories or read SmartPoster tags with a simple tap of the smartphone.

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Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Curve, Gadgets, Launch, Phones, RIM, Specifications | No Comments »

Coral Pink Samsung GALAXY S II coming to Singapore

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

The Coral Pink version of the Samsung GALAXY S II smartphone will be available in Singapore on 18 February 2012, at S$888 (incl. GST, excl. line contract).

Coral Pink Samsung GALAXY S II Android smartphone will be available in Singapore from 18 February at S$888.

Coral Pink Samsung GALAXY S II Android smartphone will be available in Singapore from 18 February at S$888.

Also, the GALAXY Nexus (S$948, Black and White) and GALAXY Tab 7.7 (S$898) are available in Singapore from today. All prices include GST but exclude line contract.

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Posted in Android, Availability, Galaxy, Phones, Prices, Samsung | No Comments »

Akamai acquires Blaze

Friday, February 10th, 2012

Akamai has acquired Blaze Software Inc, a provider of frontend optimization (FEO) technology. This will complement Akamai’s site acceleration solutions with technology designed to optimize the speed at which a web page is rendered, regardless of end user device.

Akamai announced today that it has acquired Blaze.

Akamai announced today that it has acquired Blaze.

The synergy derived from the combining Blaze’s FEO and Akamai’s site acceleration solutions will improve the performance of customers’ web sites and applications

“We believe Blaze has developed a powerful solution for frontend optimization, and that its cloud-based services approach is synergistic with Akamai’s offerings,” said Rick McConnell, executive vice president of Products and Development, Akamai.Akamai is also in the process of acquiring Cotendo – a company that offers an integrated suite of Web and mobile acceleration services – in an effort to help accelerate its pace of innovation in cloud and mobile optimisation.

With the rapid adoption of rich Internet applications and the increase in mobile browsing, new performance bottlenecks are emerging.

Websites are becoming richer and more complex, with more compute requirements built into a single page, impacting performance in the browser or client device.

As a result, content providers are faced with a growing set of challenges in maintaining a high-performing site and assuring a superior end-user experience.

“Our technology is aimed at reducing the number of requests required to load a page, reducing the size of each request, and improving the browser rendering experience for our customers,” said Michael Weider, CEO of Blaze.Blaze provides technology designed to automatically optimize the code on a web page during the delivery process to ensure faster transmission of content and a faster rendering of the page, regardless of whether it is served to a PC, tablet or smartphone.

As a cloud-based service that requires no software or code changes by the customer, Blaze’s offering is designed to work with any web site.

Akamai plans to integrate the technology into its global cloud platform for helping enterprises provide secure, high-performing user experiences on any device, anywhere.

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Posted in Announce, Enterprise IT, Internet, Technology | No Comments »

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