Archive for the ‘Brands’ Category

New arrival: Plantronics BackBeat GO 3 wireless Bluetooth earbuds

Wednesday, May 18th, 2016

The BackBeat GO 3 will be available worldwide this month at S$169. Retail price together with charge case – S$219.

The BackBeat GO 3 wireless Bluetooth earbuds are available in either Cobalt Black & Copper Grey.

The BackBeat GO 3 wireless Bluetooth earbuds are available in either Cobalt Black & Copper Grey.

Plantronics boasts that the BackBeat GO 3 features high-resolution audio innovation that exposes hidden depths and nuances in your favorite music, delivering sound performances comparable to full-sized headphones.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

Plantronics launched the BackBeat GO 3 wireless Bluetooth earbuds in Singapore at the Red Dot Museum (together with the Voyager 5200 Bluetooth headset).

More details from the press release below.

(more…)

StarHub grows Singapore’s Cyber Security ecosystem with COE

Wednesday, May 18th, 2016

The telco collaborates with industry partners, academia and public-sector organisations to strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in cyber security. StarHub and the COE partners will jointly invest S$200 million over the next five years to support a sustainable cyber security ecosystem.

At the launch of the initiative (from left): Thien Kwee Eng, Economic Development Board assistant managing director; Tan Tong Hai, StarHub chief executive officer; S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry); and  Professor Yitzhak Ben-Israel, StarHub's Cyber Security Centre of Excellence. Photo: StarHub.

At the launch of the initiative (from left): Thien Kwee Eng, Economic Development Board assistant managing director; Tan Tong Hai, StarHub chief executive officer; S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry); and Professor Yitzhak Ben-Israel, StarHub’s Cyber Security Centre of Excellence. Photo: StarHub.

StarHub has announced plans to grow the local cyber security ecosystem at the launch of its Cyber Security Centre of Excellence (COE) where S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry), was the Guest-of-Honour.

“Cyber security is a top national and commercial security priority for Singapore as our Smart Nation vision takes shape, touching many aspects of our personal and business lives. StarHub is proud to work with top-notch partners to bolster the cyber security sector, which is important for a sustainable digital economy,” said Tan Tong Hai, StarHub Chief Executive Officer.

The COE established by StarHub, is supported by the Economic Development Board (EDB).

It serves as a hub for the cyber security ecosystem, bringing together the best of brains and expertise to tackle cyber threats, which are among other serious risks affecting economies globally today.

Internationally renowned security expert Professor Yitzhak Ben-Israel has been appointed as the Advisor to the COE, and he provides strategic advice and recommendations to the body.

Professor Ben-Israel is a member of Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council as well as the International Advisory Panel for Singapore’s S$130 million National Cybersecurity Research and Development Programme which was launched in 2015.

(more…)

New arrival: ASUS ROG GT51CA gaming desktop with Titan X graphics

Tuesday, May 17th, 2016

ASUS boasts that the new ROG GT51CA is the world’s first gaming desktop to feature the latest 2-way SLI NVIDIA GeForce GTX Titan X graphics card and the latest generation of Intel Core i7 processor with full-core Turbo Gear overclocking to 4.6GHz. Prices and specs below.

The new ASUS ROG GT51CA gaming desktop (S$7,498) comes with 2-way SLi NVIDIA GeForce GTX Titan X card. Pre-order promotion: Free 4K ROG G-SYNC monitor (worth S$1,459).

The new ASUS ROG GT51CA gaming desktop (S$7,498) comes with 2-way SLi NVIDIA GeForce GTX Titan X card. Pre-order promotion: Free 4K ROG G-SYNC monitor (worth S$1,459).

In conjunction with the premiere of the latest X-Men instalment, ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today unveiled the ROG GT51CA, a powerful gaming desktop with liquid-cooled features at The Cathay.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

The inerts of an Asus ROG GT51CA gaming desktop, viewed through the side-window in its casing.

Powered by the latest Intel Core K-SKU processor with Turbo Gear for one-click full-core processor overclocking, ASUS claims that the ROG GT51 is the world’s first gaming desktop to feature the latest 2-way SLI NVIDIA GeForce GTX Titan X graphics card and also capable of gaming at 4K display resolution.

Below are the prices and pre-order promotions for the ASUS ROG CT51CA in Singapore:

(more…)

New App: TomTom MyDrive on iOS/Android

Thursday, May 12th, 2016

The app introduces TomTom Traffic Checker to keep you apprised of the real-time traffic situation.

TomTom MyDrive app uses TomTom Traffic Checker to provide users with live traffic information.

TomTom MyDrive app uses TomTom Traffic Checker to provide users with live traffic information.

The app allows you to pre-plan your waypoints and itinerary before the journey and have them synced with your TomTom portable navigation devices (PND), instead of keying in the data directly on the PND.

On the journey itself, you can connect your mobile device to your TomTom (via the Internet) and receive real-time traffic information while driving.

More details from the press release below.

(more…)

Singapore IT company Acronis to sponsor Formula 1 team Toro Rosso

Monday, May 9th, 2016

Acronis intends to sponsor Toro Rosso under conditions that both Daniil Kvyat and Franz Tost are staying at Toro Rosso.

Daniil Kvyat, Formula 1 driver at Toro Rosso. “I am not a Formula 1 expert, however, I sense Daniil will feel more comfortable in Toro Rosso. Toro Rosso is hungry for pure racing, and we believe in their success as well as in Daniil himself,” said Serguei Beloussov, CEO of Acronis, about Kvyat.

Daniil Kvyat, Formula 1 driver at Toro Rosso. “I am not a Formula 1 expert, however, I sense Daniil will feel more comfortable in Toro Rosso. Toro Rosso is hungry for pure racing, and we believe in their success as well as in Daniil himself,” said Serguei Beloussov, CEO of Acronis, about Kvyat.

Russian-born Singaporean businessman Serguei Beloussov, CEO of Acronis announced the sponsorship intentions.

(more…)

New arrival: Motorola MOTOTRBO radios with Wi-Fi & Capacity Max

Thursday, May 5th, 2016

Motorola’s new digital radios now come with Wi-Fi to help reduce downtime, with Capacity Max system to expand networks and to increase the number of users.

The next-generation MOTOTRBO radios feature longer battery life, indoor location-tracking and integrated Wi-Fi allowing all radios in a system to be reprogrammed simultaneously without taking them out of users’ hands.

The next-generation MOTOTRBO radios feature longer battery life, indoor location-tracking and integrated Wi-Fi allowing all radios in a system to be reprogrammed simultaneously without taking them out of users’ hands.

In manufacturing, government services, transportation and other industries, downtime equates to increased costs and loss of productivity.

“The next-generation MOTOTRBO radios reflect the features and functionality our customers have been asking for and help them enhance productivity, efficiency and worker safety. The ability to update via Wi-Fi keeps workers on the job, and features such as better man-down alerts and indoor location tracking are crucial for working in hazardous areas,” said Claudia Rodriguez vice president, Devices Product Management, Motorola Solutions.

Motorola Solutions is introducing next-generation MOTOTRBO, a line of digital radios with features such as Wi-Fi connectivity that can help save workers hundreds of hours in lost time while delivering secure, reliable and cost-efficient professional two-way radio communications.

Whether they are plant workers or teachers, the process of updating user’s communications equipment can be time-intensive.

For a workforce of 350, for example, this can lead to more than 400 hours of lost time.

Next-generation MOTOTRBO radios feature an integrated Wi-Fi solution that helps reduce the update process to a matter of minutes by eliminating the need for employees in the field, classroom or warehouse floor to physically drop off equipment at the office to receive software upgrades.

Coupled with 29 hours of battery life, this means workers can spend more time focusing on the task at hand.

(more…)

New arrival: Samsung SUHD TV line-up for 2016

Thursday, April 28th, 2016

Samsung’s 2016 SUHD TVs ship with Quantum dot display to offer true-to-life picture quality, 360-degree design and a smart user experience with simpler access to contents. Prices & availability below.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

Samsung Singapore launches 2016 line-up of SUHD TVs in Singapore at the Red Dot Museum.

Three key highlights for the new SUHD TV line-up for 2016 below.

Quantum dot display: Unbeatable Picture Quality – Samsung boasts that the TVs feature the world’s only cadmium-free 10 bit Quantum dot display with 1,000-nit high dynamic range (HDR) promising vibrant colour and contrast.

A video posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

360-degree design – handsome from every angle. From the front, and from the rear.

360 design for Unparalleled Immersion – With no bezel that functions as the frame of the TV, the viewer’s attention is focused purely on the content of the virtually edgeless screen. All exposed screws from the rear of the TV are removed to create an elegant device that is beautiful from every angle.

Unlimited, Seamless Entertainment through Single Access and One Remote – With the Samsung One Remote, consumers do not need to juggle multiple remote controls as they can control all external devices with this remote. The Smart TVs automatically detect the type of game console, OTT box or home theater system that is connected to the TV so no setup is required.

Besides the SUHD TVs, Samsung also launched its latest range of Curved and Flat Soundbars in Singapore.

Prices and availability below.

(more…)

New arrival: Essilor launches Varilux 3 progressive lenses in Singapore

Wednesday, April 27th, 2016

The new Varilux 3 series includes the Physio 3.0 (S$540), Comfort 3.0 (S$420) and Liberty 3.0 (S$300).

Presbyopia is set to be an increasing concern as Singapore’s population’s median age hits 40.

Presbyopia is set to be an increasing concern as Singapore’s population’s median age hits 40.

The entry-level Varilux Liberty 3.0 offers “effortless sharp vision at a competitive price”.

The mid-tier Varilux Comfort 3.0 promises “effortless, sharp and natural vision no matter the distance or lighting condition”.

The top-end Varilux Physio 3.0 boasts – on top of that – “the ability to easily change focus from something near to another at a distance”.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

Essilor launched the new Varilux 3.0 in Singapore at the South Beach Hotel this morning.

Below are more details from the press release.

(more…)

New arrival: 2 new Canon multi-purpose video cameras – ME20F-SH & ME200S-SH

Wednesday, April 27th, 2016

Both cameras are designed for use in extreme low-light conditions. The ME20F-SH (S$31,029) will be available from May 2016, while the ME200S-SH (S$TBA) will be available from August.

Canon multi-purpose cameras. From left: ME20F-SH (S$31,029) and ME200S-SH (S$TBA).

Canon multi-purpose cameras. From left: ME20F-SH (S$31,029) and ME200S-SH (S$TBA).

The ME20F-SH is Canon’s first ultra-high-sensitivity multi-purpose camera that captures high quality videos in extreme low-light situations.

It is able to shoot Full HD videos (1080p @ 60fps) at 0.0005 lux illumination (ISO 4,000,000+ equivalent)

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

The Canon ME20F-SH fitted with lens, monitor, SSD and other accessories on a tripod, in the demo at the Canon Singapore office.

The ME200S-SH also boasts high sensitivity (up to ISO 204,800) and supports a variety of production needs ranging from video production to security surveillance.

The price of the ME200S-SH is not released yet but is expected to be much lower than the S$31,029 price-tag of the higher-end ME20F-SH.

Below are the product specifications of the ME20F-SH.

(more…)

Singtel launches Cyber Security Institute in Singapore

Tuesday, April 26th, 2016

The Singtel Cyber Security Institute (CSI) aims to hone cyber skills and preparedness of businesses and governments in Asia Pacific by providing holistic training for company boards, management, technology and operations personnel to deal with cyber attacks.

Update (18 May, 2016):

Competing telco StarHub announced plans to grow the local cyber security ecosystem with the launch of its Cyber Security Centre of Excellence (COE).

* All photos in this article provided by Singtel.

Chua Sock Koong, Group CEO, Singtel Group, giving her opening remarks at the launch of the Singtel Cyber Security Institute.

Chua Sock Koong, Group CEO, Singtel Group, giving her opening remarks at the launch of the Singtel Cyber Security Institute.

The CSI is a hybrid between an advanced cyber range and an educational institute.

“Based on our engagements with companies in Singapore, more than 85% do not have robust cyber response plans nor the opportunity to conduct realistic drills to test and sharpen such plans. This lack of cyber preparedness is worsened by the severe global shortfall of trained cyber security experts, which Forbes puts at some 1 million in 2016. This is why we’ve stepped up to the plate. We know we have to help companies secure themselves against a potential slew of increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks,” said Bill Chang, Chief Executive Officer, Group Enterprise at Singtel.

Singtel boasts that the CSI is the first-of–its-kind in the region to test and train companies in dealing with sophisticated cyber threats.

Housed in a permanent space of over 10,000 sq ft, the institute provides cyber skills development and education programmes tailored to the varying needs of company boards, C-suite management, technology and operational staff.

Boards and C-suite level participants will be trained in the areas of cyber threat awareness, risk management, business continuity planning and crisis communications preparation.

The cyber operations team will be trained in defence and response capabilities to sharpen their skills.

In conjunction with the launch of the CSI, Singtel announced that it is the first company in Singapore to work with the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore on the Cyber Security Associates and Technologists (CSAT) Programme to train infocomm professionals in cyber security.

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information, delivering his speech to open the new Singtel Cyber Security Institute.

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information, delivering his speech to open the new Singtel Cyber Security Institute.

Under this programme, Singtel will train fresh infocomm technology professionals and equip them with basic cyber security skills.

(more…)