Archive for the ‘Reference’ Category

Shopee introduces free shipping and launches Shopee University

Wednesday, May 4th, 2016

Shipping costs can now be reimbursed with Shopee Free Shipping and users will receive greater support through Shopee University and the platform’s latest innovations.

“Since the official launch version of our platform, Shopee has seen tremendous growth with our sellers, buyers, product listings and orders now in the millions. To ensure this growth rate continues, we are committed to invest more in constantly enhancing our ecosystem through innovation and developing initiatives such as Shopee Free Shipping to empower individuals, especially budding entrepreneurs, to start their business journey on our platform by first removing the hassles of shipping costs. This in turn elevates mobile commerce standards and further strengthens our regional market leadership position, bringing us closer to achieve our aim in becoming Southeast Asia’s mobile commerce destination of choice,” said Chris Feng, Chief Executive Officer of Shopee.

“Since the official launch version of our platform, Shopee has seen tremendous growth with our sellers, buyers, product listings and orders now in the millions. To ensure this growth rate continues, we are committed to invest more in constantly enhancing our ecosystem through innovation and developing initiatives such as Shopee Free Shipping to empower individuals, especially budding entrepreneurs, to start their business journey on our platform by first removing the hassles of shipping costs. This in turn elevates mobile commerce standards and further strengthens our regional market leadership position, bringing us closer to achieve our aim in becoming Southeast Asia’s mobile commerce destination of choice,” said Chris Feng, Chief Executive Officer of Shopee.

Shopee, Garena’s eCommerce platform, today launched two initiatives—Shopee Free Shipping (Beta) and Shopee University, as well as announced product innovation updates at its inaugural Biannual Press Conference.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

Bunk beds for Shopee employees to catch a power nap over lunch or overnight in the Shopee HQ office in Fusionopolis in Singapore. Beside this room is the #massage room with a full-time masseuse to give staff a rub down.

This marks the beginning of an important growth strategy that the mobile-first social marketplace is commencing for the months ahead.

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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.

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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.

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Opening: HubSpot opens official APAC HQ in Singapore

Tuesday, April 26th, 2016

The company which provides solutions for inbound marketing expects to create 150 new jobs for Singapore-based employees over the next three years.

Anyone for free-flow beer on tap in the pantry of HubSpot's new offices at Mapletree Anson? Surely a draw for the 150 potential employees the inbond marketing company is aiming to hire in Singapore over the next three years.

Anyone for free-flow beer on tap in the pantry of HubSpot’s new offices at Mapletree Anson? Surely a draw for the 150 potential employees the inbond marketing company is aiming to hire in Singapore over the next three years.

HubSpot’s Singapore office — affectionately known as SingSpot — joins Sydney, Australia as the second HubSpot office in Asia Pacific and will act as the company’s regional headquarters.

“HubSpot has an incredible opportunity for growth in Asia Pacific and we could not be happier to be celebrating that with a new office and a commitment to hiring 150 new employees. HubSpot’s Singapore-based team will be core to the impact that we’re making across Asia Pacific and the growth and success of our customers in the region,” said JD Sherman, HubSpot President & COO.

HubSpot first came to Asia Pacific in 2014 in an effort to extend HubSpot’s global reach and make an impact with the many mid-market companies and data-driven marketing and sales professionals in the region looking for a more personalised and integrated way of doing business.

With a larger presence in Singapore and employees spanning nearly all aspects of HubSpot’s business including sales, marketing, services, and support, HubSpot can build on the tremendous momentum and growth that has taken place over the past two years.

Located at Mapletree Anson, Hubspot’s new Singapore location features some unique and exciting features, including:

  • Dedicated quiet space
  • Mother’s room
  • Snack-stocked kitchen with on-tap beer
  • Games room
  • “Hidden” lounge space with game console

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New arrival: Sony VPL-VW5000ES 4K home theatre projector

Friday, April 15th, 2016

The new 5,000 lumens 4K SXRDTM laser light source projector is now available for pre-order. RRP of the VPL-VW5000ES: S$84,000.

The new Sony VPL-VW5000ES has laser-powered 5,000 lumens 4K resolution and premium features for home theatre enthusiasts.

The new Sony VPL-VW5000ES has laser-powered 5,000 lumens 4K resolution and premium features for home theatre enthusiasts.

Sony’s new reference-quality unit is the first projector designed specifically for home cinema use that features 4K resolution powered by a laser light engine that provides 5,000 lumens of brightness, is compatible with High Dynamic Range (HDR), emulates the new BT.2020 color gamut, and covers the full DCI colour space.

The Sony VPL-VW5000ES is targeted for Home Theatres and retails at an RRP of S$84,000.

The Sony VPL-VW5000ES is targeted for Home Theatres and retails at an RRP of S$84,000.

Sony claims to be the only manufacturer designing projectors specifically for the home theatre market that provides full 4K resolution imagers.

Its advanced SXRD panels are designed to produce outstanding native device contrast and when coupled with the laser light engine, the VPL-VW5000ES provides an infinite dynamic contrast ratio and 5,000 lumens of color light output.

The VPL-VW5000ES covers the full DCI-P3 color gamut.

By taking advantage of its professional calibration tools the VPL-VW5000ES allows the user to choose to emulate the BT.2020 color space, as well.

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New arrival: Nikon D5 and D500 DSLR cameras in Singapore

Wednesday, April 13th, 2016

Nikon has launched the D5 and D500 DSLR cameras in Singapore. Both will hit the shelves here end April. Prices TBA.

Update (26 April, 2016):

The Nikon D500 is now available in Singapore. RRP below.

  • Nikon D500 (body only): S$2,999.
  • Nikon D500 (16-80mm VR) kit: S$3,999.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

The Nikon D5 and D500 side-by-side in Singapore, at the launch at Aura in National Gallery, Singapore.

The D5 is the new flagship DSLR camera from Nikon, which was unveiled during CES 2016 back in January this year.

The 20.5-megapixel Nikon-FX format full frame DSLR sports a 153-point AF system, 12 fps continuous shooting, a new CMOS sensor, and a new EXPEED 5 image-processing engine.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

The D5 is the first Nikon to come with highest standard ISO sensitivity at 102,400, and the ability to shoot 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) movies.

The D500 is Nikon’s top DX-format DSLR, offering the performance of the D5 in a compact, lightweight body.

The D500 incorporates the same powerful 153-point AF system and EXPEED 5 engine as the D5, boasts high-speed continuous shooting at approx. 10 fps and supports 4K UHD movies.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

The D500 has a wide sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 51200, expandable to Hi 5 (ISO 1,640,000 equivalent).

Read more about the Nikon D5 in the earlier story here.

Below are more details about the Nikon D500, extracted from the press release.

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World Backup Day: Acronis Global Survey on data and file loss

Thursday, March 31st, 2016

The suvey found that one in three people have suffered data loss and 11% are willing to pay $500 or more to recover their lost files.

With the growing number of PCs and mobile devices per household, new survey highlights people value data more than hardware.

With the growing number of PCs and mobile devices per household, new survey highlights people value data more than hardware.

The global study sponsored by Acronis, a global leader in hybrid cloud data protection, reveals a growing understanding about the value of, and attitudes toward, the protection of personal data on computers, mobile phones and tablet devices.

Nearly half of survey respondents have more than four devices in a household to protect and 45 percent of survey respondents fear losing photos and videos the most. Security and privacy were cited as key requirements for backing up data.

Emerging concerns for personal data protection

The traditional fears of hardware failure and accidental deletion are no longer the sole reasons people fear data loss.

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EZ-Link launches NFC transit SIM cards for contactless payments

Tuesday, March 29th, 2016

All three local telcos will sell the new NFC transit SIM cards. Supported handsets can be used to pay for MRT, LRT and bus rides; as well as at retail transactions.

EZ-Link introduces NFC transit SIM for contactless payments.

EZ-Link introduces NFC transit SIM for contactless payments.

The NFC transit SIM is a next generation, full-service NFC (near field communication) SIM which can be used for public transport, as well as at more than 30,000 ez-link acceptance points islandwide including shopping, retail, food & beverage and taxis payments.

“Transit is the ‘killer phone app’ Singapore consumers have been looking forward to, and we are pleased to be the first to offer customers the convenience of making payment with the one device that is always with them, their phone,” said P. Subramaniam, Chief Marketing Officer, M1.

Jointly developed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) and EZ-Link, the NFC transit SIM will enable commuters to pay for public transit rides using just their NFC mobile phones.

M1 customers will be the first to enjoy contactless transit payments with their NFC transit SIM cards available at M1 Shops from today.

The NFC transit SIM card will cost S$37.45 (including GST).

As a launch promotion, the service activation fee of S$9.10 (including GST) will also be waived for customers signing up from tomorrow until 30 April 2016, while NFC transit SIM card stocks last.

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New arrival: Olympus Stylus TG-4 gets new flash diffuser & firmware upgrade

Tuesday, March 29th, 2016

The new FD-1 diffuser accessory for the Stylus TG-4 improves flash illumination for better macro pictures. Price & availability TBA. Firmware update v2.0 (available now) enables flash activation and enhanced control in the microscope shooting mode.

The new FD-1 flash diffuser (left) promises beautifully diffused illumination for macro photography with Olympus’ ruggedised compact camera - Stylus TG-4 (right).

The new FD-1 flash diffuser (left) promises beautifully diffused illumination for macro photography with Olympus’ ruggedised compact camera – Stylus TG-4 (right).

Olympus has announced the launch of the FD-1 Flash Diffuser accessory for the Stylus Tough TG-4 compact camera.

The FD-1 creates attractive illumination for the macro photography of nature subjects and small objects, by improving the light quality of the camera’s built-in flash.

Complementing the launch of this new accessory is a new firmware for the TG-4, version 2.0.

The latest firmware provides additional flash functionality for macro photography.

The application of direct, on-camera flash illumination brings many benefits to macro photography with the TG-4, making close-up imaging possible in poor ambient lighting conditions.

The aesthetics of direct flash illumination expands the range of creative expression available to the macro photographer.

Sharper, clearer close-up shots can be also captured with a motion freezing burst of flash illumination that helps to overcome camera-shake.

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New arrival: FREE Party Speaker from Pringles music campaign

Saturday, March 26th, 2016

The free speaker uses three AAA-sized batteries and an audio cable for connecting it to a smartphone, MP3 player or other audio devices. Find out below how to get yours FREE.

To get your own #PringlesPartySpeakers, simply purchase 3 specially marked 150gm Pringles cans, visit www.pringles.com, look for the Pringles Party Speaker tab, use the unique code under the Pringles Cans membrane to complete the claim form and the Pringles Party Speaker will be delivered to your doorstep free-of-charge within 60 days.

To get your own Pringles Party Speakers, simply purchase 3 specially marked 150gm Pringles cans, visit www.pringles.com, look for the Pringles Party Speaker tab, use the unique code under the Pringles Cans membrane to complete the claim form and the Pringles Party Speaker will be delivered to your doorstep free-of-charge within 60 days.

The petite speaker is designed to fit into the opening of an empty Pringles can to enhance the sound.

You can daisy chain up to 20 Pringles Party Speakers with your friends to amplify the music and set a party on fire.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

So this came in the mail earlier this week (smartphone not included), together with an invitation to a secret party over the Easter weekend – jointly organised by Singapore’s theatrical dining brand, ANDSOFORTH and Pringles.

It’s simple but works.

The best tech is tech that simply works.

Did I say it’s free?!

There are only 5,000 Party Speakers and they are available only until 15 May, so hurry!

There are only 5,000 Party Speakers and they are available only until 15 May, so hurry!

The free Pringles Party Speakers are part of the brand’s first music campaign in Singapore

Read more about the campaign in the press release below.

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