Archive for the ‘YouTube’ Category

Google Doodles Celebrates Hand Washing for COVID-19

Saturday, March 21st, 2020

Hand washing is one of the most effective preventive measures against COVID-19 – the disease ravaging the world now. Google Doodles is recognising Ignaz Semmelweis – the Hungarian physician who discovered the medical benefits of handwashing.

* This story first appeared on Haleness Me.

Google Doodles celebrates Ignaz Semmelweis and handwashing. Click to watch the video.

Google Doodles celebrates Ignaz Semmelweis and handwashing. Click to watch the video.

Dr Ignaz Semmelweis was appointed Chief Resident in the maternity clinic of the Vienna General Hospital 173 years ago in 1847, where he deduced and demonstrated that requiring doctors to disinfect their hands vastly reduced the transmission of disease.

Print out this poster on proper handwashing techniques.

Print out this poster on proper handwashing techniques.

Semmelweis had noticed that a mysterious and poorly understood infection known as “childbed fever” was leading to high mortality rates in new mothers in maternity wards across Europe in the mid-19th century.

Semmelweis deduced that the doctors were transmitting infectious material from prior operations and autopsies to susceptible mothers through their hands.

He required doctors to wash their hands with chlorinated lime water before examining pregnant women.

As a result, the documented mortality rate plunged from 18% to 2.2% over a period of a year.

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SingTel Premieres Chinese New Year Comedy Short Film

Saturday, January 4th, 2020

Singtel has launched its annual short film for Chinese New Year, celebrating the season’s spirit of making connections and strengthening ties with a big dose of humour.

‘His Grandfather’s Road’ by Singtel for Chinese New Year. Click on the image to play the watch the short film.

‘His Grandfather’s Road’ by Singtel for Chinese New Year. Click on the image to play the watch the short film.

The short film is titled ‘His Grandfather’s Road’ – a phrase Singaporeans sometimes use to describe drivers who behave as if they own the road.

The video centres on a road rage altercation between two families that ends on a buoyant and conciliatory note when they realise that they have a lot more in common than they thought.

More details from the press release on the comedy.

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Video Boost debuts in new Opera Mini 9 for iOS

Thursday, November 6th, 2014

Opera claims that its Video Boost is a first for mobile web browsers, offering faster loading time and money savings from data reduction (compression). Available now FREE from Apple App Store.

The new Opera Mini 9 for iOS comes with video boost feature that compresses video before delivering to your mobile phone, saving you from staring at the video-buffering wheel, as well as data savings.

The new Opera Mini 9 for iOS comes with video boost feature that compresses video before delivering to your mobile phone, saving you from staring at the video-buffering wheel, as well as data savings.

iPhone and iPad users will see less of the dreaded video-buffering wheel, using the new video boost feature in the Opera Mini 9 web browser.

“This is the first time video optimization has been integrated into a web browser, so your browser can now take pride of place as your favorite video app. Video snags are a small problem, but an annoying one — a pothole on the internet highway. And Opera fixed it,” says Lars Boilesen, CEO of Opera Software.

People love watching video on their mobiles and tablets.

Unfortunately, this can eat up a data plan quickly, and stalled videos waste time and create frustration.

Opera Mini boasts that it can address this problem with video boost.

Video boost brings down buffering time for eager video viewers, by reducing the size of video data.

Using the Rocket Optimizer engine from Opera’s Skyfire division, video boost can also save users on their data bills.

Optimising videos is becoming increasingly important, as video viewing explodes on mobile phones.

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New arrivals: Toshiba Ultra-HD 4K Pro Theatre TV L9450 series with Android

Thursday, October 16th, 2014

The latest Ultra-HD 4K L9450 series with Android Pro Theatre TVs from Toshiba embraces the Android platform. Now available throughout Asia, prices range from S$2,299 to S$17,999 and are listed below.

The L9450 Pro-Theatre TVs with Ultra-HD 4K and Android come in 50, 65 and 84-inch models.

The L9450 Pro-Theatre TVs with Ultra-HD 4K and Android come in 50, 65 and 84-inch models.

The Android compatibility makes available an abundance of apps that are downloadable on Google Play

Toshiba Price
50L9450VE S$2,299
65L9450VE S$4,999
84L9450VE S$17,999

Four times sharper than Full HD, Ultra-HD 4K offers unparalleled clarity for a growing selection of 4K content, ranging from movies to games and photos.

Not only are visible on screen details significantly bolstered, viewers can also sit closer to the display without being distracted by pixilation.

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Review: LG 79UB980T ULTRA HD (4K) TV with intuitive webOS UI

Thursday, July 31st, 2014

LG goes back to basics with new webOS user interface, marrying intuitive ease-of-use with good image quality. The LG 79UB980T has an RRP of S$14,999.

The LG 79UB980T uses a 3840 x 2160 resolution In-Plane Switching (IPS) 4K panel that reproduce vivid and accurate colors. Its wide viewing angle offers a good viewing from nearly any vantage point.

The LG 79UB980T uses a 3840 x 2160 resolution In-Plane Switching (IPS) 4K panel that reproduce vivid and accurate colors. Its wide viewing angle offers a good viewing from nearly any vantage point.

First launched in Singapore back in end May as part of LG’s 2014 ULTRA HD (4K) TV lineup, the 79UB980T offers stunning display and easy connectivity, yet keeps it simple for users to watch the content that they desire – be it live TV, Blu-ray movies, 4K or upscaled 4K content, YouTube videos, and game consoles.

You can Skype using the 8-megapixel built-in camera.

The LG 79UB980T user interface uses the webOS platform that the Korean company bought from HP in March last year.

The webOS platform simplifies the TV experience, making it easy to search, navigate and view content, connect with other devices, and also makes the the initial setup process smoother for users unfamiliar with their new TV.

The first time the user turns on the webOS-enabled LG Smart+ TV, an animated character named BeanBird appears onscreen to help users get connected and walk them through the setup process.

The first time the user turns on the webOS-enabled LG Smart+ TV, an animated character named BeanBird appears onscreen to help users get connected and walk them through the setup process.

You control and interact with the UI using the LG Magic Remote, which enables you to scroll, point, click, or activate voice control.

webOS introduces the new content Launcher is a left-to-right scrollable menu that runs along the lower portion of the screen.

Making smart simple

TVs nowadays are getting more and more sophisticated and are no longer the single-function appliances used to watch live TV and pre-recorded movies from VHS/CD/VCD/DVD/Blu-ray media.

The Internet and broadband connectivity has brought a wealth of content sources to the modern digital life – including videos shared on YouTube and social media, as well as movie websites.

The contemporary consumer also wants to use their TVs with games consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation, and even Skype and surf the Web from the comfort of the living room.

The latest lineup of TVs from the most manufacturers offer these, but usually involve a steep learning curve to wrap the head around user interfaces that tend to get overly complicated as there are so many content sources and options available.

It is therefore refreshing to see LG’s new webOS-based UI, which makes it simple and intuitive for the user to get the content they want on screen – conveniently and speedily.

Seems like LG has succeeded in making smart simple for the user, unlocking the wealth of content available without making it too complicated.

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Nikon launches 6 new cameras in Singapore

Thursday, August 23rd, 2012

Nikon spearheaded its Autumn 2012 collection of cameras with 6 new cameras, 1 lens and 1 waterproof casing. Among these cameras are the super compact S01 and the Android-equipped S800c.

All will be available in September. Prices TBA.

Update (4 September, 2012):

The COOLPIX L610 is now available in Singapore at S$339.

Nikon launched 6 new cameras and accessories in Singapore to spearhead its Autumn 2012 collection.

Nikon launched 6 new cameras and accessories in Singapore to spearhead its Autumn 2012 collection.

Most camera launches roll out more of the same, with slight improvements in features or specifications.

The Nikon P7700 is the new flagship of the COOLPIX lineup. 12.2MP, 7.1x Zoom, f/2.0-4.0 lens.

The Nikon P7700 is the new flagship of the COOLPIX lineup. 12.2MP, 7.1x Zoom, f/2.0-4.0 lens.

So its most refreshing to see Nikon trying to innovate by launching cameras that genuinely push the boundaries.

My favourite among the slew of cameras launched in Singapore today is the S01.

You’ve got to see it to believe it and you’ve got to handle it to appreciate it.

The S01 is smaller than a credit card!

It’s thicker than the card of course, but it’s like one of those charms people dangle from their keychains, although I wouldn’t want the camera slamming against the dashboard as I drive.

And people with big hands might not appreciate the compactness as much.

The Nikon COOLPIX S01 is smaller than a credit card. 10.1MP, 3x Zoom, 77 x 51.2 x 17.2mm

The Nikon COOLPIX S01 is smaller than a credit card. 10.1MP, 3x Zoom, 77 x 51.2 x 17.2mm

It’s a bold step for Nikon to take – pushing the limits of camera miniaturisation.

Nikon COOLPIX L610 has 16MP and 14x Zoom.

Nikon COOLPIX L610 has 16MP and 14x Zoom.

I’m sure smartphone makers would be very keen to adopt some of the technologies developed to make their smartphone cameras perform even better.

Already, these camera phones are encroaching into the market share of compact cameras with the only difference being image quality, which is made up for by the convenience of having the smartphone camera being available and handy at all times.

I won’t be surprised if some of Nikon’s sub-contractors are already talking to smartphone makers on possible collaborations.

The Nikon COOLPIX S800c runs Android 2.3 and has Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Nikon COOLPIX S800c runs Android 2.3 and has Wi-Fi connectivity.

On the same front, Nikon is hitting back at the smartphone camera sector with the S800c – a compact camera with an Android OS (2.3) and Wi-Fi connectivity.

So you can use photo-editing apps (such as Photoshop, Instagram and PicsArt) from the Google Play store to edit photos taken with the camera, and share it online on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

You can also use any of the other 500,000 apps on the Google Play for gaming or other purposes.

The Nikon COOLPIX S6400 has 16MP and 12x Zoom

The Nikon COOLPIX S6400 has 16MP and 12x Zoom

What the S800c doesn’t have yet is 3G connectivity, to give it 3G data connectivity in case there’s no Wi-Fi connectivity.

Who knows, you might even see a Nikon camera-phone (in that order) in the future!

The other products launched today are more run-of-the-mill cameras and accessories.

These include three new compacts from the COOLPIX family: COOLPIX P7700, L610, and S6400.

The Nikon 1 J1 MIL camera has been upgraded to the J2, with new Creative Modes, a new 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5/5.6 lens, and an Underwater Case.

The Nikon 1 J1 MIL camera has been upgraded to the J2, with new Creative Modes, a new 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5/5.6 lens, and an Underwater Case.

For its mirrorless interchangeable lens line, Nikon has launched the Nikon 1 J2, 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm F/3.5-5.6 lens, and the Nikon 1 water proof case.

I’ll be posting more details of each camera so you can check the tech specs in those articles.

Joanne-Marie Sim kicks off Season 2 of SingTel TGIS

Thursday, August 16th, 2012

SingTel has launched the second season of TGIS –  the popular lifestyle series on YouTube. At the moment, the plan is to have 12 bi-weekly episodes hosted by Joanne-Marie Sim, the svelte host from Season 1.

Joanne-Marie Sim, returning host of SingTel TGIS Season 2.

Joanne-Marie Sim, returning host of SingTel TGIS Season 2.

With a new look for its second season, TGIS aims to entertain and educate young Singaporean adults on infotainment news with local and international flavor.

TGIS kicked off its second season on August 8, 2012 with a National Day special episode, featuring popular Singaporean artists and personalities like Hossan Leong, Tay Kewei, Ginette Chittick and Alvelyn Alko.

Joanne-Marie Sim with Tay Kewei, Singaporean singer-songwriter on SingTel TGIS.

Joanne-Marie Sim with Tay Kewei, Singaporean singer-songwriter on SingTel TGIS.

They were being interviewed by Joanne-Marie Sim, who was voted Singapore’s next social media star during last year’s SingTel Facebook casting call.

On the show, they shared their views on what it means to be Singaporean and also their fields of work.

Upcoming episodes will include uncovering some of Singapore’s emerging technology and entertainment talents.

TGIS features things Singaporeans are passionate about and helps viewers make sense of the world of gadgets, social media and technology.

“With Season 2, SingTel continues to give viewers a fresh perspective on the latest technologies and gadgets, and how they can enhance their everyday lives,” said Miguel Bernas, SingTel’s Director of Digital Marketing.

In addition to an exciting line-up of personalities and stories, viewers will be able to shape the episodes for Season Two in the coming weeks.

Through SingTel’s YouTube page, they can provide comments to influence how the episodes will play out.

The second episode of TGIS will go live on August 29, 2012.

Lady Gaga reigns supreme while Barcelona FC pips Manchester United

Friday, June 1st, 2012

Who is the most popular celebrity in the world? And which is the most popular sports team or film in the social space? starcount.com trawls 11 top social networks to bring you the vote of 1.5 billion fans.

www.starcount.com is the latest social aggregation site that was launched in Singapore last night. Check out the leaderboards of leading celebrities in the social space.

www.starcount.com is the latest social aggregation site that was launched in Singapore last night. Check out the leaderboards of leading celebrities in the social space.

At the global launch of starcount in Singapore last night, guests invited to Pangaea in Marina Bay Sands checked their own favourites against what the social aggregation engine discovered in the social space on the Internet.

Here are the winners of the Social Star Awards 2012 for the various categories:

R&B Star Rihana
Sportsperson Christiano Ronaldo
Sportsteam Barcelona FC
Game Angry Birds
TV Show The Simpsons
Film Harry Potter
Film Star Selena Gomez
Asian Star Jackie Chan
Social Star Ray William Johnston
Singapore Stefanie Sun
Politician Barack Obama
Almighty Lady Gaga

As part of the inaugural Social Star Awards 2012, tweets were sent to the most popular personalities and entities on the social media scene from within starcount.com to congratulate them in winning the various categories.

Christiano Ronaldo pipped Lionel Messi to win the Sportsperson Award 2012, while “angry” Diablo 3 fans were disappointed that the Game Award 2012 went to Angry Birds.

Not surprisingly, Lady Gaga won the Almighty Award, as the most popular person on Earth – as at 31 May 2012. Coincidentally, she was performing live at her Born This Way concert in Marina Bay Sands.

Stefanie Sun was the most popular person in Singapore, while Jackie Chan was the most popular person in Asia and Hong Kong.

There were some surprises. Ray William Johnston, who won the Social Star Award, drew many blank looks from the guest present. The Film Star Award went to Selena Gomez. Perhaps thanks to her boyfriend?

You can check out your own genres and leaderboards on www.starcount.com.

Event: Global starcount launch in Singapore at Pangaea, Marina Bay Sands

Friday, June 1st, 2012

I attended the launch of the latest social aggregation website on the scene last night. It’s a website with leaderboards of the most prominent celebrities being followed in the social space.

Drew Thomson, Chief Executive Officer, All The Worlds Entertainment, bringing guests through the starcount website.

Drew Thomson, Chief Executive Officer, All The Worlds Entertainment, bringing guests through the starcount website.

Who is the most popular artiste in the world today?

No prizes for guessing that it’s Lady Gaga, who happened to be performing live in Singapore at that time – almost directly above the venue for the launch of starcount at Pangaea in Marina Bay Sands.

But which is the most popular football (as in soccer) club in the world?

There were equally riotous calls for Manchester United and Barcelona among the guests at the launch event.

Well, starcount says it’s Barcelona FC.

The starcount website is all about popularity.

It crawls the top 11 social networks on the Internet everyday to mine what 1.5million people are saying and sharing about celebrities or things (from sports clubs to musical instruments).

Based on the amount of buzz in the social space, each celeb is allocated a starcount score which is used in ranking them in all manners of leaderboards that users of the website can view.

Based and nurtured in Singapore, www.starcount.com looks set to tap and unlock the trove of opinions and sentiments swirling within the top 11 social networks on the Internet.

There are preset leaderboards in the usual categories (such as best films, most popular singers) for users to browse, or they can create their own charts (such as who serves the best macaroons in Tanzania).

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Social media coverage during SMRT disruptions

Monday, January 9th, 2012

During the three major SMRT disruptions in December 2011, Singaporeans flocked to online sites to share updates, find news and exchange views.

Experian Hitwise has released data about Singapore Internet users during that period.

Top search terms containing SMRT (Comparison between 24 rolling weeks ending 10 December and 24 December)

Top search terms containing SMRT (Comparison between 24 rolling weeks ending 10 December and 24 December)

Experian Hitwise found that top search variations used by Singaporeans include SMRT breakdown, SMRT twitter, SMRT CEO, SMRT CEO Saw Phaik Hwa, SMRT news, SMRT Facebook and SMRT disruption.

Variations for the word “SMRT” on all search engines in Singapore saw an increase of 38% in related search clicks on week ending 24 December, the week after the disruption of train services.

“SMRT” remained the key search term used by Singaporeans within the two weeks. Fast moving event-related search terms from the two periods include specific person searches, SMRT CEO and SMRT CEO Saw Phaik Hwa.

Websites receiving traffic from SMRT CEO related terms over 24 rolling weeks ending 24 December.

Websites receiving traffic from SMRT CEO related terms over 24 rolling weeks ending 24 December.

Ex-SMRT CEO, Saw Phaik Hwa, was widely discussed during the crisis.

Search terms around her name generated high online traffic in several social media websites and community forums including Facebook (17.98%) and Singapore HardwareZone Community (10.11%).

Top websites receiving traffic from terms in SMRT Disruption Period (Comparison between 24 rolling weeks ending 10 December and 24 December).

Top websites receiving traffic from terms in SMRT Disruption Period (Comparison between 24 rolling weeks ending 10 December and 24 December).

SMRT’s corporate site remained the top website receiving traffic from the search terms during and after the incident despite a 20% decline of search clicks share over the course.

However, traffic on social media and news websites increased the most over the course.