Archive for April, 2012
Saturday, April 21st, 2012
Nokia has created a “white” themed playlist on Mix Radio to celebrating the white Lumia 800 smartphone.

Nokia Lumia 800 Windows Phone smartphone.
Yearning for some tunes to go along with the new, sleek, snow-white Nokia Lumia 800?

"White" songs for the white Lumia 800.
Start white-listing your favourite songs as you go through the interesting selection of tracks in the playlist.
From music by Barry White and the White Stripes, to songs like White As Snow and White Flag, Nokia Lumia owners will be able to access this special playlist on Mix Radio via the Nokia Music app.
They can also expect an exciting multi-cultural mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian tunes such as Ding Dang’s Bai Se, Amuk’s Putih Hitam Biru and Ilaiyaraaja’s Vellai Pura Ondru.
White Bird by Singapore-born singer, Vanessa Mae, is also available on this white playlist.
Mix Radio features a myriad of other colourful tracks as well.
Users can create their own mixes and personalised playlists based on music they love.

Mix Radio app on the Nokia Lumia 800.
Simply choose an artist or a genre of music as a starting point and Mix Radio will dynamically create a playlist.
Mix radio can also be personalized based on your library of music, automatically noting your favourite genres and creating more genre playlists of recommended music.
Users can even pin their favourite playlists to the start screen or download them for listening when they are offline.
Tags:Lumia 800, music, Nokia, smartphone
Posted in App, Audio, Gadgets, Lumia, Nokia, Phones, Software, Windows Phone 7 | 2 Comments »
Friday, April 20th, 2012
Nimsoft has announced that Nimsoft Monitor has attained the VCE Vblock Ready certification.

Nimsoft Monitor is a component of Nimsoft Unified Manager, a multi-tenant IT Management as-a-Service solution.
This enables users to confidently leverage Nimsoft IT Management-as-a-Service capabilities to rapidly and cost-efficiently gain full visibility into their Vblock infrastructure—along with the rest of their cloud and non-cloud environments.
“Vblock Infrastructure Platforms offer the ability to substantially drive down technology ownership costs while dramatically improving technology value,” said Sumal Karunanayake, Vice President, Nimsoft, Asia Pacific & Japan.Nimsoft Monitor delivers end-to-end performance and availability monitoring of Vblock Infrastructure Platforms at the hardware, network, storage, computing and application layers.
By addressing the Vblock Infrastructure Platform as a whole—rather than as individual components—Nimsoft Monitor enables enterprises and service providers to quickly discover and address the root causes of issues that can adversely affect critical IT services.
Tags:enterprise IT, monitor, Nimsoft
Posted in Announce, Enterprise IT, Utility | No Comments »
Friday, April 20th, 2012
The latest version of the RIM’s smartphone operating system – BlackBerry 7.1 – is available for BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphones in Singapore.
The new OS 7.1 upgrade will enable users to share content by using “BlackBerry Tag” once NFC is enabled on their smartphones.

BlackBerry OS7.1 includes BlackBerry Tag if the smartphone is NFC-enabled
Users can upgrade their software for free online, or by using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software.

Use BlackBerry Tag to share Contact information between NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones.
The BlackBerry 7.1 OS incorporates a new feature called BlackBerry Tag which makes sharing of information and content easier – simply tap two NFC-enabled BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphones against each other.
Users can instantly invite a friend to BBM (BlackBerry Messenger), exchange contact information, documents, URLs, photos and other multimedia content.
Users can also pair their BlackBerry smartphone with an NFC enabled Bluetooth device.
With BlackBerry 7.1, users can now turn their BlackBerry smartphone into a mobile hotspot that can be shared by up to 5 Wi-Fi -enabled devices, including laptops and tablets.

Simply tap both NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones to share information.
In addition, a new Battery Saving Mode feature has been added which allows customers to extend the battery life of their BlackBerry Bold 9900 when it is most needed.
The new feature provides customers the option to have their smartphone settings automatically adjusted when the battery power reaches a level pre-defined by the users.
Some of the settings the Battery Saving Mode will automatically adjust include the brightness level, backlight timeout, and also the mobile hotspot auto shutdown timer.
Tags:9900, BlackBerry, Bold, OS, Research In Motion, RIM, Singapore
Posted in App, Availability, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Bold, Gadgets, Operating Systems, Phones, RIM, Software | 2 Comments »
Thursday, April 19th, 2012
Nikon’s newest NIKKOR lens is a fast, wide-angle 28mm f/1.8 fixed focal length in Nikon’s FX-format – for full frame DSLRs like the D800. It will be available in the US from the end of May 2012 at about US$700.

The new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G promises sharp focus and pleasing bokeh.
The new lens can also be used on DX-format cameras – such as the D3200 which was launched at the same time.
Used with DX-format cameras, the equivalent focal length will be 42mm.
New technologies used in the AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G include Nano Crystal Coat and a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), enhancing image quality and rendering capabilities.
The Nano Crystal Coat prevents internal reflections that cause ghost and flare while the SWM enables extremely quiet autofocusing.
Two focus modes are offered: M/A (autofocus with manual override, MF priority) and M (manual focus).
Tags:28mm, DX, f/1.8, FX, lens, NIKKOR, Nikon
Posted in Cameras, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Lens, Nikon, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »
Thursday, April 19th, 2012
Nikon has launched, worldwide, the 24.2-megapixel D3200. The new entry-level DSLR will be available in the US in late April (approx. US$700 with 18-55mm kit lens).
Nikon has also launched a Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a (approx. US$60, available in May in the US) for the D3200.

The new Nikon D3200 is available in red or black.
The D3200 records Full HD (1080p) video with full time autofocus (AF) and sports a high-speed continuous shooting mode at 4 frames-per second (fps).

WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter
The new optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter can wirelessly send images to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, to enable preview of an image (but not videos) before shooting and remote control of the camera, from up to 15 m away.
The 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor works together with Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine gives an ISO range of 100 – 6400, expandable to ISO 12,800.
As an entry-level DSLR, the D3200 is designed with user-friendly features for the beginner.

WU-1a plugged into D3200.
Accessible on the Mode Dial, the Guide Mode provides step-by-step photo instructions for set-up, shooting, viewing and deleting images and movies.
There are also six Scene Modes – Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-Up and Night Portrait.
For video, the camera offers manual or automatic exposure control, and a stereo microphone input to attach an optional external microphone.
The application for Android smartphones (2.3) and tablets (3.x) will be available in May 2012, with the iOS app for iPhone and iPad expected in Fall 2012.

The Guide Mode walks the beginner using the entry-level D3200.
The main differences between the Nikon D3200 and the D3100 are tabulated below.
| Nikon |
D3200 |
D3100 |
| Resolution |
24.2 MP |
14.2 MP |
| Video Full HD (1080p) |
30 fps |
24 fps |
| LCD |
920 k |
230 k |
| Max ISO (regular) |
ISO 6,400 |
ISO 3,200 |
| Continuous shoot |
4 fps |
3 fps |
| Release date |
19 Apr 2012 |
19 Aug 2010 |
The brochure can be downloaded here.
Tags:Android, camera, D3200, DSLR, entry, iOS, launch, lens, Nikon, photography, wireless
Posted in Accessories, Android, App, Cameras, DSLR, Events, Gadgets, iOS, Launch, Nikon, Photography, Prices, Specifications | 5 Comments »
Thursday, April 19th, 2012
Microsoft and Samsung has unveiled the latest in surface computing in SouthEast Asia – the Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface.
Prices for Singapore are estimated to be S$15k with LCD display only, and another S$750 to include the stand.

Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft
New PixelSense Technology enables the Samsung SUR40 to “see” and respond to touch and objects, creating new possibilities for interactive displays in various settings.

Embedding the Samsung SUR40 in a table
With Microsoft’s PixelSense technology, LCD panels can see and respond to touch and objects without using cameras.
SUR40 will allow people to share, collaborate and explore together using a large, thin (4-inch profile) display that recognises fingers, hands and other objects placed on the screen.
The interactive 40-inch Full HD 1080p (1920×1080) LCD panel can be used horizontally as a table, mounted vertically on a wall or embedded in other fixtures and furniture.
The collaboration between Microsoft Surface 2.0 software and Samsung’s display technology is now available through the Samsung channel and reseller partners in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

Samsung SUR40 embedded in a table
Pricing and availability of the SUR40 may vary across countries and/or regions based on country-specific duties, taxes and fees.
Key specifications of the SUR40 is listed below.
(more…)
Tags:Microsoft, Samsung, SUR40, Surface
Posted in Announce, Gadgets, Microsoft, Prices, Samsung, Specifications, Tablets, TV | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, April 18th, 2012
3D World is to improve access to high quality 3D content for LG customers and boost efforts to increase 3D content collaboration.

Content from 3D World will be available to LG’s CINEMA 3D Smart TV users in nearly 70 countries.
The newly launched 3D World is a premium content service that will be available to LG’s CINEMA 3D Smart TV users in nearly 70 countries.
“3D World is a critical part of LG’s long-term strategy which includes controlling more of the 3D ecosystem that CINEMA 3D owners experience,” said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Home Entertainment Company.With DNA from LG’s original 3D Zone Smart TV app launched last year, 3D World gives LG customers access to an expansive selection of high quality 3D content via a “card” on the Home Dashboard
3D World allows customers the ability to search through high quality 3D content across a wide range of content categories, such as entertainment, sports, documentary, kids, and lifestyle.
“With the global roll-out of 3D World, LG is demonstrating its commitment to providing diverse, high quality 3D content,” added Kwon.In addition to the content, LG plans to pursue further collaborations with global 3D content providers in order to bring the most sought after 3D content to LG customers.
3D World will be offered in app-format for CINEMA 3D Smart TVs that were produced in 2011, while 2012 models will use the streamlined card system on the Home Dashboard.
Tags:3D, 3D World, LG, TV
Posted in 3D, App, Gadgets, Launch, LG, Software, TV | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 18th, 2012
SUBWAY has become part of Pointpal’s loyalty and rewards community. SUBWAY customers can use their mobile phones (Apple iOS or Google Android based) in place of stamp card for collecting rewards points.

Get a free SUBWAY meal with every 8 stamps collected through Pointpal.
With the addition of SUBWAY, Pointpal claims to be the largest mobile loyalty programme in Singapore.

Pointpal replaces traditional paper and ink stamp collecting booklets/cards.
SUBWAY customers will get a free SUBWAY meal (6-inch sub regular meal) with every 8 stamps collected from SUBWAY.
Customers also enjoy an immediate 2 free stamps when they sign up for this offer from April 15 to May 15.
Customers who want to join the Pointpal community to enjoy the SUBWAY rewards programme need to first download the Pointpal app from either Apple iTunes (AppStore) or Android Market (Google Play).
They then register (which only needs to be done once), and can choose which pre-installed loyalty cards and programmes they wish to participate in, and begin collecting points.
Tags:loyalty, Pointpal, rewards, Singapore, Subway
Posted in Android, Announce, App, Gadgets, iOS, Phones, Shopping | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
Adobe Creative Cloud and Creative Suite 6 will be launched on April 23 at 10:00 am Pacific Time.

Watch the Webcast of the launch of Adobe CS6 and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Shantanu Narayen, Adobe CEO, and David Wadhwani, SVP, Digital Media Business, Adobe, will host a launch event and press conference to announce how the company is reinventing creative software with the first release of Adobe Creative Cloud and the new Creative Suite 6.

Adobe CS6 will be launched in Singapore on April 23.
This will be the first full public demonstration of Adobe Creative Cloud in action.
The company will also preview future updates, available later this year, to its Creative Cloud offering.
In addition, the company will unveil new primary research on the impact of creativity on our culture and economy, and reveal new initiatives that encourage creativity in education.
In Singapore, the Adobe CS6 launch will be on the afternoon of April 23.
Tags:Adobe, Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Creative Suite, CS6, launch, Singapore
Posted in Adobe, Creative Suite, Launch, Photography, Software | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
Music, Digital and Gaming entertainment are All That Matters from 22 – 26 May this year. The annual global conference is dedicated to the business of digital and live entertainment will be held at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore.

All That Matters will be at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore from 22-26 May 2012.
Music Matters is into its seventh installment while Digital Matters is back following its successful inauguration last year.
This year sees the premiere of Gaming Matters which will help companies gamify their products to attract a larger customer base.

Jasper Donat - President, Digital and Music Matters; CEO, Branded Ltd.
The 5-day event will culminate with Music Matters Live – a live music festival held at Clarke Quay, which will be streamed live for the first time to a global audience via YouTube, an Official Broadcast Partner.
More than 50 bands from Singapore and around the world will rock the city during Music Matters Live.
Another highlight of the conference is Troy Carter, famed manager for Lady Gaga. Carter will be one of line-up of speakers at Music Matters.
Music Matters will also play host to thousands of global entertainment digerati and music A-listers, showcasing the global online entertainment and music industry, with a focus on the Asian region.
Digital Matters will address the critical issues of content monetarisation and production in the digital age.

Michael Roche - Executive Director, Singapore GP, at the Media Roundtable for All That Matters.
It will cover a range of topical and informative panels that includes: how to create social media success; opportunities for the entertainment industry to diversify into gaming; financing options for the entertainment industry; developments in mobiles; monetising Over The Top; connected devices; innovations in digital advertising and more.
Digital Matters will also see the introduction of the Adobe Digital Publishing Matters Workshop, which will provide insights on the changes to the publishing industry as it undergoes a digital transformation.
The workshop promises to show participant how leading publishing houses are paving the road towards monetising online content.
As Adobe Creative Suite 6 would have been launched by then, I would expect the the workshop to also provide an opportunity for attendees to view the suite close-up.
Tags:All That Matters, conference, Digital Matters, festival, Gaming Matters, live, Music Matters, Singapore
Posted in Announce, Lifestyle, Shows | No Comments »