Two days before General Availability of Microsoft Windows 8, ASUS unveils its lineup of new Windows 8 touch-enabled devices, which includes full gaming desktops, All-in-Ones, notebooks, tablets – as well as notebook/tablet convertibles/transformers. Prices within.
The ASUS VivoTab RT 3G is now available in Singapore from 9 January for S$1,049.
ASUS has unveiled a comprehensive lineup of Windows 8 computers ranging from powerful gaming desktops, All-in-One desktops, notebooks, tablets, as well as convertible and transformer notebook/tablethybrids.
Among the major computer manufacturers, I consider Asus as one of the most innovative.
Innovative pioneers
The Taiwanese company created the Netbook genre with its Eee PCs back in 2007.
ASUS Transformer Book
Asus also the pioneered the tablet/notebook hybrid with the Asus Transformer TF101 – offering a hardware keyboard that the Android tablet could be docked into for serious work that involves typing – plus added battery life and connectors.
Now every other major computer maker offers notebook/tablet hybrids in their lineup.
Either as a “Transformer” hybrid where the keyboard can be totally detached.
Or in a “Convertible” format where the keyboard cannot be detached but can be manipulated such that the machine can be held as a tablet or used like a traditional laptop.
Asus has continued its innovation with products such as the Transformer Padfone and now the Taichi – a convertible with dual screens.
Below is a summary of the new Windows 8 lineup unveiled by ASUS.
Here’s a selection of interesting tech events happening this week (14-20 October 2012). It is not an exhaustive list and represents only a sampling of events that gives a taste of the tech pulse in Singapore.
What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore?
This week sees the continuation of buzz building up to the General Availability of Windows 8. Intel, Samsung, HP and Sony have already showcased their respective offerings. Next week, Microsoft will be releasing Windows 8 on 26 October 2012.
Event listing on tech4tea.com
You can see this selection of events in the right sidebar.
Event organisers can submit your events for listing to johntan@tech4tea.com – but there are no promises that your event will be featured.
Audiophiles can look forward to the launch of Swiss Piega handmade speakers by Atlas Singapore, while photographers finally see the Lytro light field camera officially launched in Singapore.
The much anticipated Samsung GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera will be launched at the Ritz-Carlton; while BlackBerry and ZALORA join hands to present a fashion show inspired by the BlackBerry Bold smartphones.
On the enterprise side, Progress Software and NCS are talks about growth in big data and the realtime analytic industries, while DPM Teo Chee Hean opens Techventure 2012.
Finally, wrap up the week with a bit of fun and learning at Canon Imaging Academy, shooting out-and-about Singapore and learning about shooting stock photos along the way.
15 October (Sunday)
BlackBerry JamHack 2012
5-city, 3-day, 40-hour hackathon organised by 5 developer groups & communities in Asia Pacific, supported by RIM.
Culminates in App Pitches on the last day on 15 Oct.
Venue: Delhi, Bangalore, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila
15 October (Monday)
Realtime analytics for business
Progress Software and NCS talks about growth in big data and realtime analytic industries.
16 October (Tuesday)
Lytro launch
Official launch of the Lytro light field camera in Singapore.
Venue: Clarke Quay
17 October (Wednesday)
Samsung launch of GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera
Launch of Samsung’s latest products in Singapore.
Venue: Ritz-Carlton
17-18 October (Wednesday to Thursday)
Techventure 2012
This year’s theme, “Äsia.Innovation.Renaisance”, highlights the economic transformation in Asia and opportunities for businesses from technological innovation.
Venue: Marina Bay Sands
18 October (Thursday)
Fashionably Bold
BlackBerry and ZALORA collaborates on a fashion show inspired by the BlackBerry Bold smartphones.
Venue: 72-13 Mohammed Sultan Road
19 October (Friday)
Piega launch by Atlas
Swiss Piega launching a range of exclusive handmade speakers in Singapore.
Venue: Atlas Showroom @ Windstedt
20-22 October (Saturday to Monday)
Singapore iStockalypse
iStockphoto and Getty Images are partnering with Canon Singapore to organise this 3-day photo-workshop to shoot Singapore.
Theory on Saturday, followed by portfolio review on Sunday and out-and-about shooting on Monday.
With the release of Microsoft Windows 8, HP has lined up a range of computers running the new operating system – from All-in-One desktops to notebooks – and two tablets!
HP has lined up a wide range of Windows 8 computers – from desktop AiOs and notebooks to its two new tablets.
Following its aborted foray into tablets last year (with the webOS-based TouchPad), HP will be launching not one but two tablets, based on Windows 8 – the HP ENVY x2 and the HP ElitePad 900.
Both will be available later this year and in January 2013 respectively. Below are some of the computers showcased during the HP’s “A Life Connected” event.
HP ENVY x2
Powerful and ultrathin hybrid notebook PC, with a detachable screen that becomes a full tablet when separated from the keyboard.
Ultra slim and lightweight, the docking mechanism has a seamless magnetic latch that smoothly guides the tablet into place.
Comes with Beats Audio for a rich, audio experience.
Available in late 2012. Price S$1,099.
HP ElitePad 900
The HP ElitePad 900 is HP’s premium thin and light Windows 8 tablet, designed for business.
Consumer-inspired design, and precision-crafted with quality materials like Corning Gorilla Glass 2 and sleek contoured edges.
Unique, productivity-enhancing ecosystem of elegantly designed Smart Jackets and other accessories.
Available in late January 2013. Price TBA.
Update (3 May 2013): The HP ElitePad 900 is now available in Singapore for S$1,099 (32GB SSD) and S$1,299 (64GB SSD).
HP ENVY TouchSmart Ultrabook 4
The HP ENVY TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 brings the intuitive power of touch to a 14-inch Ultrabook format with up to 8 hours of battery life.
Powerful performance and modern, metallic good looks. Comes with Beats Audio and a booming subwoofer.
Available in late 2012 for S$1,399.
HP Pavilion Sleekbook 14 & Sleekbook 15
The HP Pavilion Sleekbook PCs provide the performance and easy applications that consumers need every day, in ultrathin 14-inch and 15.6-inch packages.
Available on October 26:
Sleekbook14 (AMD): S$699
Sleekbook14 (Intel i5): S$999
Sleekbook15: S$1,049
HP ENVY 23 & ENVY 20 TouchSmart AiO PC
The HP ENVY 23-inch and 20-inch consumer AiO PCs are the newest in the ENVY line and feature the latest touch technology in a one-cord solution with space-saving small footprint.
It is capable of sensing up to 10 fingers on the screen, so you can use both hands to play games, type or touch the screen.
Available in October:
HP ENVY 23: S$1,599
HP ENVY 20: S$1,199
HP Pavilion 20 AiO PC
The new HP Pavilion 20 is a powerful 20-inch non-touch AiO PC built for value-conscious consumers.
In the run up to Windows 8 official release on October 26, Sony has revealed its Fall lineup of Intel-based VAIO notebooks running on the new operating system – including the VAIO Duo 11 slate that comes with sliding keyboard.
Available from November 2012. VAIO Duo 11 will be sold at S$1,999 (i5-3317U processor) and S$2,699 (i7-3517U). Prices for the other notebooks TBA.
Sony’s new lineup of VAIO notebooks is helmed by the VAIO Duo 11, an Ultrabook slate with a slide-out keyboard and stylus pen; weighing only 1.3 kg and 17.85 mm thin. 11.6-inch display and available in November 2012 at S$1,999 (i5 CPU) and S$2,699 (i7 CPU).
Sony showcased its new VAIO lineup for the Fall at the Red Dot Museum in Singapore today.
New S Series models come in 13.3″ and 15.5″ screens, i5 and i7 CPUs and comes with new colour Red. 1.69 kg, 22.8 mm thin.
The new notebooks run on the latest Intel* chips and the new Windows 8 operating system, centering user experience around Touch interactivity.
These sleekly designed machines either have a 10-point multi-touch screen, or come with touchpads that enable users to utilise the touch interface of Windows 8.
As an electronics giant with a full range of electronic products, Sony demonstrated how the VAIO computers could be tightly integrated with other electronic gadgets in its stable.
These include large DLNA TV displays, cameras, video cameras, and Android smartphones.
Two new 14″E14P Series notebooks (i5 & i7). Note the soft-edged design with no bezels.
A VAIO user can therefore download, edit and share photos/videos taken with a camera or smartphone and view them either on the Web or on a large TV.
Two new 13.3″ VAIO T Series models (i5 & i7 CPU) using premium materials like magnesium and aluminium.
The VAIO Duo 11 ultrabook can function as a flat slate but has a slide-out keyboard to become a laptop.
The new S Series models has 5.5 hr battery life (additional 11 hr with optional extended battery) and a Dynamic Hybrid Graphics System that uses two graphics processors.
The two new T Series Ultrabooks has either SSD or hybrid HDD/SSD storage.
* In addition to the two new VAIO E14P Series models, the lineup also includes the VAIO E 11” and 15” series which are equipped with 3rd generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, or the AMD Radeon processor.
With the impending General Availability of Windows 8 on October 26, HP has showcased its range of All-in-One desktops, notebooks and tablets; and enunciated its vision of integrating these with smartphone usage and its printer product line – to enable a connected life.
HP showcases its extensive range of PCs and printers – and how they can be integrated to give users “A Life Connected”. Pictured here is the Officejet Pro 6700 Premium eAiO (left) and the ENVY x2 (right). Not shown to scale.
HP wants to help us integrate the disparate electronic gadgets in our digital lives seamlessly into “A Life Connected” – the theme for the showcase event.
HP is introducing two new tablets based on Windows 8. Pictured here is the ElitePad 900.
HP Singapore roped in local celebrity, Irene Ang, to demonstrate how an user could leverage the wide range of HP products for work and play, and move content and media easily between different devices.
Irene went on a fictitious holiday to Morocco, armed with HP’s recently unveiled HP Envy x2 hybrid notebook, that comes with a detachable keyboard, which she’d used to book her holiday and hotel.
Irene arrived at a Moroccan hotel where the staff used an HP EllitePad 900 tablet to check her in, printing out her check-in paperwork wirelessly using an HP printer.
The EllitePad 900 comes with a jacket that doubles battery life and provides additional expansion ports.
HP Photosmart 7520 eAiO
During her vacation in exotic Morocco, Irene snapped photos using her smartphone and used an HP app to upload and edit her photos online at Snapfish.
These photos are automatically synched with her tablet and AIO computer at home.
Along the way, she had time to do an “OppaN Irene Ang style” number to music streamed from her tablet.
And below is Oppan Irene Ang Style…
Here are some of the computers showcased during the entertaining event.
Follow this link to check out the new AiO inkjet printers with wireless direct printing technology.
Milestone signals Windows 8 has completed product development and testing, and is being handed-off to hardware partners to get ready for October 26 general availability. Release schedule below.
Windows 8 has reached RTM (Release to Manufacturing).
Microsoft has just announced that Windows 8 has reached Release to Manufacturing (RTM), the latest milestone in the launch of the new Windows 8 operating system.
Users buying a new Windows 7 PC between 2 June 2012 to 31 January 2013 can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for S$17.99 (including GST) on the day of Windows 8 launch.
Those currently on Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 (prior to 2 June) can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for US$39.99.
For those wanting to try a pre-release version of Windows 8 before general availability, the Windows 8 Release Preview is available for download here.
Developers can visit the Windows Dev Center to get access to all the tools and resources they need to design, build, and sell apps in the Windows Store.
Whereas all apps during the preview phases were free, developers can now begin charging for apps with the RTM.
Those with access to RTM bits will begin to see paid apps appear in the Windows Store.
The schedule for releasing the final RTM code to select audiences – including developers, IT professionals and partners – will begin in mid-August.
August 15th
Developers building new apps for Windows 8 will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via an MSDN subscription. You can visit the Windows Dev Center to get access to the final build of Visual Studio 2012.
IT professionals testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through a TechNet subscription.
August 16th
Customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), allowing you to test, pilot and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within your organization.
Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.
August 20th
Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.
As anticipated, the next release will move towards the Metro UI of Windows 8 and be more conducive for use on touch tablets.
It’ll also be more tightly integrated with Microsoft’s SkyDrive, incorporate social networking features, whilst continuing its emphasis on facilitating collaboration.
Check out the Customer Preview for the new Microsoft Office 2013.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has just unveiled the new Microsoft Office, available for download here. The webcast from San Francisco was broadcast on July 16 (3am July 17 Singapore time).
The preview is only for Windows, the Mac version of Office 2013 will only be available in the full release of Office 365.
“The new, modern Office will deliver unparalleled productivity and flexibility for both consumers and business customers. It is a cloud service and will fully light-up when paired with Windows 8,” said Steve Balmer, CEO, Microsoft.
Office 2013 will work with touch, stylus, mouse or keyboard across Windows devices, including tablets.
OneNote and Lync will be the first new Windows 8 style applications for Office.
These applications are designed to deliver touch-first experiences on a tablet.
A new radial menu in OneNote makes it easy to access features with the finger.
Included in Windows R will be Office Home and Student 2013 RT, which contains new versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote applications.
These will be included on ARM-based Windows 8 devices, including Microsoft Surface.
Office in the Cloud
Documents and personalised applications settings can be stored on SkyDrive so that they will be synced and available as long as the user is logged on to the Internet.
Quick Impressions
I’ll be trying out the preview but first impressions is that while Office 2013 is moving towards a Metro UI, much of it is still catered for the traditional Windows 7, which is slated to run alongside Windows 8 for some time yet.
That’s good, because I’m never one to support change simply for the sake of change.
Integrating with SkyDrive allows the user to switch between user accounts and to access their synced documents from multiple devices.
Otherwise, most of the changes sound evolutionary rather than drastic.
Stored settings include most recently used files, templates, custom dictionary, and where in the document you were at when you last quit the application.
The new Office is available as a cloud-based subscription service.
As subscribers, consumers automatically get future upgrades in addition to exciting cloud services including Skype world minutes and extra SkyDrive storage.
Subscribers receive multiple installs for everyone in the family and across their devices.
The new Office is also social and lets the user stay plugged into his/her networks through Yammer, SharePoint, Microsoft Dynamics and Skype (which is included in Office).
Pricing
Ballmer discussed three new Office 365 subscription services, which will include the new 2013 editions of the Office applications — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access.
Three new Office 365 subscription services
Office 365 Home Premium — designed for families and consumers. This service also includes an additional 20 GB of SkyDrive storage and 60 minutes of Skype world minutes per month.
Office 365 Small Business Premium — designed for small businesses. This service also includes business-grade email, shared calendars, website tools and HD webconferencing.
Office 365 ProPlus — designed for enterprise customers who want advanced business capabilities and the flexibility to deploy and manage in the cloud.
Subscribers will receive future rights to version upgrades as well as per-use rights across up to five PCs or Macs and mobile devices.
The full lineup of offerings and pricing plans will only be announced in the fall.
Microsoft has unveiled two 10.6-inch Windows tablets and accessories.
One model will run on Windows RT and will be released with the general availability of Windows 8. The other tablet will be available about 90 days after and feature Windows 8 Pro.
Microsoft’s Steven Sinofsky has just announced at its annual sales meeting that customers will be able to get Windows 8 on 26 October, 2012. This will be available both as an upgrade or on a new PC.
Microsoft finally joins the fray by unveiling its 10.6-inch Surface tablets.
The Windows RT Surface tablet will run on an ARM processor, while the Windows 8 Pro version will have a third-generation Intel Core processor.
The Touch Cover and Type Cover double up as keyboards.
Each Surface tablet will have a full-sized USB port, a microSD slot, and a 16:9 aspect ratio; with edges angled at 22 degrees.
The casing of Surface is created using VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag), where metal and deposit particles are molded to create a finish akin to luxury watches.
Starting with magnesium, parts can be molded as thin as .65 mm, thinner than the typical credit card, to create a product that is thin, light and rigid/strong.
The VaporMg materials and processes has enabled the thin and sleek design of the Surface tablets.
This also enables an extremely thin built-in kickstand to prop the tablet up when watching movies or video conferencing with the HD front- or rear-facing video cameras.
The integrated, built-in kickstand removes the need for a separate accessory.
I like the idea and design of this integrated kickstand.
To transform the tablet into a “notebook”, a 3 mm Touch Cover uses pressure-sensitive technology to sense keystrokes as gestures, allowing users to touch type significantly faster than on an on-screen keyboard.
The Touch Cover will be available in a selection of vibrant colors. It clicks into the Surface tablet via a built-in magnetic connector, forming a natural spine like you find on a book, and doubles up as a protective cover.
The Touch Cover and Type Cover comes in many vibrant colours.
Alternatively, users can click in a 5 mm-thin Type Cover that adds moving keys for a more traditional typing feel.
Retail pricing will be announced closer to availability but is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC.
OEMs will have cost and feature parity on Windows 8 and Windows RT.
Oh and if you’re interested in a 40-inch tablet, check out the Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface. (I haven’t heard anyone else calling THAT a tablet yet).
The main technical specifications of the two Surface tablets are tabulated below.
Microsoft’s Steven Sinofsky has just announced at its annual sales meeting that customers will be able to get Windows 8 on 26 October, 2012. This will be available both as an upgrade or on a new PC.
Wonder if the Surface will be available at the same date?
Microsoft has announced that users who are currently running Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 will qualify to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for US$39.99. Local pricing TBA.
Windows Media Center will also be available as a free option via the “add features” option within Windows 8 Pro after the upgrade.
This upgrade offer will be available in 131 markets and will run through 31 January 2013.
Are you thinking of buying a Windows 7 PC but are hesitating because Windows 8 is not generally available yet? Those who purchase eligible Windows 7-based PCs from today can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for S$17.99 (incl. GST) later on.
Those who purchase eligible Windows 7-based PCs from today can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for S$17.99 (incl. GST) later on.
But what is an “eligible” Windows 7 PC? Here’s a summary of the criteria and terms for the Windows Upgrade Offer.
Consumers who have bought a Windows 7 PC preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate; and includes a matching and valid OEM Certificate of Authenticity
The Windows 7 PC must be purchased new during the eligibility period of 2 June 2012 – 31 January 2013
The Windows 8 Pro download must be redeemed before end February 2013
The download will be made available to consumers on this offer starting the day Windows 8 is made generally available
Do note that the Windows 7 PC that you buy now will likely not come with a touch screen, so it won’t be able to use the touch interface for Windows 8 when you eventually upgrade.
Microsoft’s Steven Sinofsky has just announced at its annual sales meeting that customers will be able to get Windows 8 on 26 October, 2012. This will be available both as an upgrade or on a new PC.
Wonder if the Surface will be available at the same date?
Microsoft has announced that the Windows 8 Release Preview is now available for download in 14 languages.
Those who purchase eligible Windows 7-based PCs from 2 June can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for S$17.99 later on.
Windows 8 Release Preview is available for download now.
Windows 8 is entering the final stages of development and is on the road to general availability.
The Release Preview is available for download here, where you can also view a video of Windows 8 in action.
Notable improvements throughout the platform includes:
Improvements to Mail, Photos and People apps since Consumer Preview.
Increased personalization options for the Start screen.
Improved multi-monitor support.
Refinements to the way people find and download apps through the Windows Store.
New Family Safety features and enriched privacy and security controls when browsing online, including Do Not Track capabilities being turned on by default with Internet Explorer 10.
Enriched support for touch with Internet Explorer 10, including a new capability with Release Preview called “flip ahead” that allows users the option to flip between pages with the swipe of a finger, as well as a touch-friendly Adobe Flash Player now fully integrated into IE10.
New Bing apps, including those for Travel, News and Sports
For those planning to purchase new computers that currently come with Windows 7, Microsoft is rolling out the Windows Upgrade Offer program in 131 markets.
Windows 8 promises a fast and fluid experience, along with a new user interface that responds equally well to touch as it does to keyboard and mouse.
The February release of Windows 8 Consumer Preview was downloaded more than 1 million times in the first 24 hours.
With today’s release, it enters its final phase of development before it releases to manufacturing.
From June 2, 2012 to January 31, 2013, those who buy eligible PCs with Windows 7 can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of S$17.99 (including GST).
Other offers will be announced later to help those with existing Windows 7-based PCs upgrade to Windows 8.
For more details about the Release Preview, check out this inside look from the Windows engineering team.
