Archive for the ‘Software’ Category

ActuateOne and BIRT onDemand integrated with Amazon Redshift

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

This integration is another addition to Actuate’s rapidly growing stable of ActuateOne connectors for Big-Data-ready data sources that enable developers, IT departments and OEMs to deliver world-class BI applications.

The ActuateOne platform empowers developers to rapidly develop custom, BIRT-based business analytics and customer communications applications, and provides analytic self-service for data-savvy users of BIRT Analytics.

The ActuateOne platform empowers developers to rapidly develop custom, BIRT-based business analytics and customer communications applications, and provides analytic self-service for data-savvy users of BIRT Analytics.

ActuateOne is Actuate’s BIRT-based suite of commercial products for development and deployment of custom business analytics applications, while BIRT onDemand is Actuate’s SaaS version of ActuateOne.

“When integrated with Amazon Redshift, ActuateOne users are suddenly able to scale data at the same rate as ActuateOne scales users,” said Jeff Morris, VP of Product Marketing at Actuate.

Actuate announced today that both have been integrated with Amazon Redshift – AWS’s new petabyte-scale cloud warehouse service.

ActuateOne offers fast visualisation and rich analysis features while Amazon Redshift brings to the table its performance, scalability and low cost (under US$1,000/terabyte/year).

Combining the two enables organizations of all sizes to reap the benefits of ultra-fast access and near-speed-of-thought visualization for Cloud-based business analytics – on real-time Big Data workloads of any size or complexity.

Specific features and benefits of ActuateOne and BIRT onDemand using Amazon Redshift.

Adobe Creative Cloud comes of age as Creative Suite bows out

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

Creative Suite – Adobe’s flagship software package comprising “perpetual” boxed versions of design and production software such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Dreamweaver and InDesign – has been discontinued.

Subscription-based Creative Cloud is now the new flagship at Adobe.

Adobe CC (Creative Cloud) is the new acronym, while Adobe CS (Creative Suite) reaches the end of the line. Click to check subscription price plans.

Adobe CC (Creative Cloud) is the new acronym, while Adobe CS (Creative Suite) reaches the end of the line. Click to check subscription price plans.

Adobe made the announcement during its annual Adobe Max Conference in Los Angeles today.

Adobe had packaged its stable of creative and design software – together with software it had gained through its acquisition of Macromedia – as Adobe Creative Suite (CS) back in 2003.

Adobe CS is termed “perpetual” since you pay once and own it forever.

You can use it for as long as you like – barring compatibility issues, security patches and termination of bug fixes over time.

Pay S$26 per month for a single app or S$66 per month for the entire suite.

Pay S$26 per month for a single app or S$66 per month for the entire suite.

A decade on, the component software will no longer be available as part of the Creative Suite packaging.

Why Adobe recommends CC for you.

Why Adobe recommends CC for you.

Customers will have to rent them by subscribing to Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) instead.

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Trend Micro tips against Iron Man 3 fake screening sites

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

With the popularity of Iron Man 3, cybercriminals are using social networks to spread links to websites that purport to offer free screenings of the blockbuster – but instead lead to potentially malicious sites.

Be wary of links to websites offering free streaming or download of Iron Man 3 movie.

Be wary of links to websites offering free streaming or download of Iron Man 3 movie.

The scams utilised popular blogging platforms and social networks, such as Tumblr, WordPress and Blogger, to trick home viewers into downloading video installer files and click on malicious links and adware that may lead to survey scams and spam.

The same is seen on Facebook, where links to supposed Iron Man 3 streaming sites lead users to survey scams instead.

Some sites do not even lead to actual Iron Man 3 movie content, instead asking users to register and provide their credit card number – a move that is highly suspicious.

Here are some tips from Trend Micro for movie buffs to stay vigilant online.

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Samsung Knox approved by DoD for use by US Government

Monday, May 6th, 2013

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has approved mobile devices enabled with Samsung Knox for use in DoD networks, after the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) finished the testing of Samsung Knox devices.

Samsung KNOX is a comprehensive enterprise mobile solution that addresses the mobile security needs of enterprise IT without invading the privacy of its employees.

Samsung KNOX is a comprehensive enterprise mobile solution that addresses the mobile security needs of enterprise IT without invading the privacy of its employees.

What does this mean for consumers?

“Samsung Knox delivers fundamental security at the platform level, while leaving the user experience consistent,” said Injong Rhee, Senior Vice President and Head of B2B R&D Group, Samsung Electronics.

It means that Samsung devices equipped with Knox are so secure that even the US DoD has approved its use in its internal networks.

The recently launched GALAXY S4, for instance, is Knox ready.

It also means that enterprise IT administrators can sleep easier if their employees use their Knox-enabled mobile devices for both work and personal stuff.

Apart from Knox on the GALAXY, DISA also approved BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 on BlackBerry’s Z10 and Q10 smartphones, as well as PlayBook tables.

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LG and Google launch Nexus 4 in Singapore (S$668)

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Designed collaboratively by LG and Google, Nexus 4 – with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean – is now available in Singapore at S$668 (16GB).

Nexus 4 from Google and LG is now available in Singapore for S$668.

Nexus 4 from Google and LG is now available in Singapore for S$668.

Nexus 4 is the newest smartphone in the Nexus line-up from Google.

Nexus 4
OS Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Screen 4.7″ IPS
Resolution 1280 x 768, 320ppi
Battery 2,300 mAh
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro, 1.5 GHz Quad Core
Camera Rear: 8mp
Front: 1.3mp
Video HD
Memory Int: 16 GB
RAM: 2 GB
Size /mm 133.9 x 68.7 x 9.1
Weight 139 g
Price S$668

The phone comes with a Qualcomm Quad Core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB of RAM and the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

Nexus 4 has a 4.7-inch 1280 x 768 True HD IPS Plus 320 ppi resolution touch screen made with scratch resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 2.

Running on Jelly Bean, Nexus 4 ships with the latest Google apps.

These include Google Now – your personal information manager; Google Maps – for turn-by-turn GPS navigation with live traffic info; as well as 3D Maps, Street View and Indoor Maps.

Nexus 4 has an 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel HD front camera.

It has an embedded 2,100mAh Li-polymer battery.

Nexus 4 comes with the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

Nexus 4 comes with the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

HP ElitePad 900 tablet computer now available in Singapore

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Designed specially for business and government use, HP ElitePad 900 is a 10.1 tablet running on Windows 8.

SRP: S$1,099 (incl GST) for 32GB eMMC SSD and S$1,299 (incl GST) for 64GB eMMC SSD. For S$199 more, HSPA+ versions are also available for mobile broadband connectivity.

The HP ElitePad 900 is a tablet designed for businesses, with a 10.1 inch diagonal screen and a range of accessories.

The HP ElitePad 900 is a tablet designed for businesses, with a 10.1 inch diagonal screen and a range of accessories.

I first saw the ElitePad 900 as a prototype back in October last year. Half a year later, the tablet is now available in Singapore.

Back of the HP ElitePad 900

Back of the HP ElitePad 900

ElitePad 900 offers the full serviceability, enhanced security and manageability found in HP Elite PCs, and military-grade durability for drops, vibration, dust, temperature extremes and high altitude.

Optional accessories add to the usability and connectivity of the ElitePad 900.

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Latest gadgets recommended by Jetstar Asia Magazine May 2013

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013

We’re into the month of May. Check out Page 15 in the latest issue of Jetstar Asia Magazine for some of the latest gadgets that you can get for yourself or your better half this month.

From the latest to the best, and a touch of quirkiness, a quick guide to what's hot on the gadget scene.

From the latest to the best, and a touch of quirkiness, a quick guide in the May 2013 issue of Jetstar Asia Magazine to what’s hot on the gadget scene.

You can access the entire magazine online or on board a Jetstar flight.

Happy reading!

Synrgic launches Android Uno – Singapore’s first smartphone

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

The Synrgic Uno can be purchased from today online for US$320 (S$400) with free international shipping. The phone is designed and developed in Singapore and manufactured in Korea.

The Synrgic Uno is available from today at US$320 (S$400).

The Synrgic Uno is available from today at US$320 (S$400).

The Android 4 ICS smartphone has a 4.7-inch 16:9 S-IPS LCD (Corning Gorilla Glass) with 1280 x 720 pixels.

Market positioning

Affordably priced at S$400, the Synrgic Uno is positioned more as an entry-level smartphone amongst against the likes of Nokia’s Lumia 520, Sony Xperia L and Samsung GALAXY Express.

Synrgic UnoThe specs are remarkably similar to the LG 4X HD.

It certainly does not have any pretensions to challenge flagship models such as Lumia 920, Xperia Z, HTC One and GALAXY S4.

Synrgic’s stated main markets are therefore Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and China, rather than brand-conscious Singapore.

The Synrgic Uno has an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front camera (capable of capturing 1080p Full HD video).

Hands on

The Synrgic Uno measures 135 x 71 x 9.5 mm and weighs only 133g with the removable 2,300 mAh Li-Po battery.

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iOS iPhone and iPad get Google Now with Google Search app

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

Google Now has been launched on iPhone and iPad. The new feature is available as part of the updated free Google Search app for iOS devices. It is currently already available for free on Android devices with Jelly Bean 4.1 or higher.

Google Now is now available on iPhone and iPad as part of the free Google Search app.

Google Now is now available on iPhone and iPad as part of the free Google Search app.

Google Now aims to provide the user with “the right information at just the right time”.

Helpful cards with information you need are displayed throughout the day, even before you ask for it.

For instance, you could get traffic conditions and alternative routes before leaving for work.

Or get live sports scores for your favourite teams.

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Dell releases ultra-portable Windows 8 Vostro 5460 today

Monday, April 29th, 2013

The Vostro 5460 is the thinnest and lightest 14-inch Vostro ultra-portable laptop to date.

Available today, Vostro 5460 with Windows 8 starts at S$749, while Vostro 5460 Ultrabook with Windows 8 starts at S$1,099.

Vostro 5460 - Dell's thinnest and lightest Vostro 14-inch notebooks.

Vostro 5460 – Dell’s thinnest and lightest Vostro 14-inch notebooks.

Only 18.3mm in thinness and 1.54kg in weight, the ultrathin Vostro 5460 delivers more power and portability for value-conscious customers and professionals, and IT decision makers looking for mobility and performance at the right price.

Dell Vostro 5460, 18.3mm thin & 1.54kg in weight.

Dell Vostro 5460, 18.3mm thin & 1.54kg in weight.

Sporting an expansive 14-inch high definition widescreen LED (HD WLED) TrueLife display that supports up to 1366 x 768 pixels, the new Vostro 5460 comes with integrated stereo speakers and a dedicated subwoofer powered by HD audio with Waves MaxxAudio 4.0.

Users get to enjoy 720p video content in immersive audio and visual detail.

The laptop also features an integrated 720HD 1MP camera with microphones for high-definition web-conferencing.

The Vostro 5460 is equipped with a full-sized Chiclet keyboard, a multi-touch gesture touchpad allowing users to fluidly navigate through the Windows 8 operating system, and a sophisticated cool-to-the-touch aluminum palm rest to ensure comfort for users.

Available today, Vostro 5460 with Windows 8 starts at S$749, while Vostro 5460 Ultrabook with Windows 8 starts at S$1,099.

Available today, Vostro 5460 with Windows 8 starts at S$749, while Vostro 5460 Ultrabook with Windows 8 starts at S$1,099.

All these rich features are encased within a sleek brushed-aluminum chassis in graphite silver or fire red, and supported by a 3-cell integrated Lithium Ion battery promising up to 5 hours of battery life.

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