November 20th, 2020
ASUS has just launched in Singapore three new ZenBooks with 11th Generation Intel Core processors – ZenBook Flip S, ZenBook 14 Screenpad, ZenBook 14 Ultralight. Price & Availability below.
Emma Ou, ASUS Singapore Country Manager, at Built for Brilliance online launch event.
The new ZenBook series notebooks were launched at a virtual online event called “Built for Brilliance”.
- ASUS ZenBook Flip S (UX371)
S$2,498 (today)
- ASUS ZenBook 14 ScreenPad (UX435)
S$2,198 (11 Dec 2020)
- ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultralight (UX435EGL)
S$2,398 (4 Dec 2020)
ASUS boasts that the ZenBook Flip S is the world’s thinnest OLED convertible laptop and the first ASUS laptop to be verified on the Intel Evo platform for laptop design.
The ZenBook 14 ScreenPad is ASUS’s smallest 14-inch laptop with ScreenPad while the ZenBook 14 Ultralight is the lightest 14-inch ZenBook yet – weighing only 990 g.
More details below from the press release.
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Tags: Asus, computers, convertibles, laptops, new arrivals, notebooks, Singapore, Zenbook
Posted in Asus, Events, events, Gadgets, gadgets, Launch, newArrivals, Notebooks, notebooks, Online, Press Release, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »
November 19th, 2020
Once in a while, you come across a device that does it all – and does it well. When it comes to a mobile storage companion, Trek iSSD ticks the check boxes of all the functionalities that I’ve always wanted in a single device.
In the box: Trek iSSD, USB Type-C data cable, user manual, microSD card adaptor, pouch.
Three of biggest problems holding back a mobile worker on the move are: storage space, battery power and the ability to share.
With the limited storage space on notebooks, tablets and mobile phones, workers on the move quickly run out of storage space on their mobile devices, especially if their work require huge media files that they have to present at meetings and discuss with their clients.
The Trek iSSD measures 120 x 75 x 15mm and weighs 230g. It has an aluminum alloy frame with glass cover.
At home, the easy solution is to buy a desktop hard disk drive (HDD) with a huge capacity eg. 6-12TB – but it is not something you can bring on the road.
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Tags: iSSD, mobility, productivity, SSD, storage, tech4xmas, tech4xmas2020, Trek, wireless
Posted in Accessories, Gadgets, gadgets, newArrivals, Opinion, Prices, reviews, Specifications, storage drive, travel | 4 Comments »
November 18th, 2020
OPPO unveiled the OPPO X 2021 rollable concept handset, OPPO AR Glass 2021, and OPPO CybeReal AR application, as the company rolled out its 3+N+X technology development strategy.
The OPPO X 2021 rollable concept handset.
OPPO says that the three concept products demonstrate all-new possibilities of human-tech interaction and exploration of future technology.
- OPPO X 2021 rollable concept handset
- OPPO AR Glass 2021
- OPPO CybeReal AR application
The OPPO X 2021 rollable concept handset features a flexible display and structural stacking, offering users a more natural interactive experience.
The concept handset features OPPO’s three proprietary technologies.
- Roll Motor powertrain
- 2-in-1 Plate
- Self-developed Warp Track high-strength screen laminate
The OLED display can vary from 6.7 inches to 7.4 inches, allowing users to adjust the size of the display based on actual needs.
OPPO AR Glass 2021 adopts a new split design, which is compact and ultra-light; making it nearly 75% lighter than its predecessor.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: AR, concept, IoT, OPPO, seminar, showcase, strategy, technology
Posted in Announce, App, Apps, audioVisual, events, Gadgets, gadgets, Online, OPPO, Phones, Press Release, Seminars | 2 Comments »
November 17th, 2020
The Jabra Elite 85t (S$348) enables users to control how much noise to cancel and block.
The Jabra Elite 85t true wireless earbuds.
With five levels of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and five levels of Hear Through, the user can select up to 11 levels of noise filtration – with about 3dB difference between each level.
Pricing & Availability
Priced at S$348, the Jabra Elite 85t will be available in Titanium Black from all authorised Jabra resellers from 19 November 2020 onwards.
Gold Beige, Grey and Copper Black (Amazon exclusive) will be available in the first quarter of 2021.
A dedicated ANC chip drives the noise cancellation for the Jabra Elite 85t, supported by six microphones and wind protection for clear audio and voice call quality in any environment the user may be in.
The new semi-open design for the earbuds offers better comfort while keeping the fit secure.
The Elite 85t provides up to 5.5 hours of battery life with up to 25 hours in compact charging case – with ANC on.
More details below about the Jabra Elite 85t true wireless earbuds, from the press release.
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Tags: ANC, audio, earbuds, Elite, Jabra, new arrivals, Singapore, wireless
Posted in Accessories, Audio, audioVisual, earphones, Entertainment, Events, events, Gadgets, gadgets, Jabra, Launch, Music, newArrivals, Online, Press Release, Prices, Promotions, Specifications | 2 Comments »
November 15th, 2020
Singapore readers spent an equivalent of 28 years reading this year – 8 years more than 2019. The pandemic has seen a 270% increase in reading minutes, with nonfiction, romance and fiction topping the list for most popular genres of the year.
Reading a book on an e-reader while enjoying a cup of tea.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has been a tumultuous year full of change and uncertainties.
The allure of romance has never been stronger
Singaporeans are consistent in the type of books they prefer to read, with nonfiction, romance and fiction emerging as the top three most popular categories in both 2019 and 2020.
From contemporary romance, escapist romance, to the steamier erotica, the romance genre offers a lot more than it seems and remains one of the best-selling of all time.
According to Rakuten Kobo’s data, 90% of the most popular authors of 2020 were classified under the romance category.
Contemporary erotic romance is definitely a trend to watch, with three out of the top 10 most popular authors of the year (Charlie Richards, Lynn Hagen and Sam Crescent) penning novels of this genre.
As the nation grapples with an ongoing pandemic, reading has been an escape from the present to disconnect from current worries.
As we near the end of 2020, data from Toronto-based digital reading company Rakuten Kobo provides a snapshot of what and how Kobo users in Singapore read.
According to Rakuten Kobo’s data, Singaporeans spent at least 10,409 days reading this year – which is the equivalent of 28 years.
This is an increase of 8 years more time spent reading compared to 2019.
Additionally, with readers spending more time at home, they also clocked 270% more reading minutes this year as compared to 2019.
While familiar genres like romance and nonfiction remain mainstays, books focused on kids are rising in popularity.
Despite being known as busy individuals (ranked 32 out of 40 for work-life balance in 2019), Singaporeans are still able to allocate time for reading first thing in the morning at 7.00am and before bed at 12:00am, the first and second most popular times of day for reading respectively.
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Tags: e-book reader, Kobo, Rakuten, reading, Singapore, studies, surveys, trends
Posted in Accessories, e-readers, Education, Entertainment, Figures, Gadgets, Kobo, Press Release, Study, Trends | No Comments »
November 12th, 2020
Xiaomi’s latest flagship smartphones are in Singapore – the Mi 10T (S$649: 8GB + 128GB) and Mi 10T Pro (S$749: 8GB + 256GB). Prices and introductory promotions below.
The latest Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro flagships phones from Xiaomi have been launched in Singapore.
The Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro from Xiaomi offers impressive cameras, AdaptiveSync display, powerful processors and long-lasting battery.
Links for Online Purchase
Purchases are covered with 24-month warranty and 6-month Screen Protection Guarantee.
The two Android phones were first unveiled earlier at the end of September this year.
Both devices will be available for purchase starting from this Saturday, 14 November 2020.
The phones can be purchased,at Authorized Mi Stores, Xiaomi’s official telecommunications partners including M1, Singtel and StarHub, as well as official online channels such as Lazada, Shopee and Qoo10.
Gifts come in limited units and are on a first-come-first-served basis only. Standard terms and conditions apply. Click to enlarge.
The Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker has also been unveiled – priced at S$79.90, it will be available in Singapore at a later date.
The Xiaomi Mi Watch will also be available in Singapore at a later date, with pricing to be announced later.
Nicholas Shi, General Manager of Singapore and Malaysia, Xiaomi, launched the Mi 10T Pro and Mi 10T in the Grand Ballroom of JW Marriott Hotel at South Beach in Singapore.
More details below about the Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro, from the press release.
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Tags: Android, Mi, new arrivals, Singapore, smartphones, smartwatches, speakers, Xiaomi
Posted in Android, Events, events, Gadgets, gadgets, Launch, newArrivals, Phones, Press Release, Prices, smartphones, Specifications, Xiaomi | 2 Comments »
November 11th, 2020
Apple has launched a new MacBook Air, the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini – powered by its latest in-house developed M1 chip. Price & Availability below.
Apple says that with M1, things users do every day on the Mac feel noticeably faster and smoother.
The new M1 SoC (Systen on a Chip) is the first in a family of chips designed by Apple specifically for the Mac.
With M1 and Big Sur, users get access to the biggest collection of apps for Mac.
Starting MacBook Prices
- MacBook Air:
S$1,449 (S$1,299)
- 13-inch MacBook Pro:
S$1,849 (S$1,709)
- new Mac mini:
S$979 (S$949)
* Prices in brackets are the starting prices for education.
Purchase at Apple shop online, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations.
All the new Macs come with Big Sur, the latest version of Apple’s desktop operating system.
Big Sur is engineered, down to its core, to take full advantage of all the capability and power of M1, delivering a boost in performance, battery life, and stronger security protections.
The new MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini with M1 are available to order today on apple.com/sg and in the Apple Store app.
They will begin arriving to customers and will be in select Apple Store locations and Apple Authorised Resellers starting next week.
More details below about the three new M1-based Apple Macs from the press release.
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Tags: Apple, computers, computers Macs, CPU, laptops, MacBook, new arrivals, notebooks
Posted in Announce, Apple, Desktops, Gadgets, gadgets, Launch, Mac, Mac OS, MacBook, newArrivals, Notebooks, notebooks, Press Release, Prices, Specifications | 2 Comments »
November 10th, 2020
The M1 is Apple’s first chip designed specifically for the Mac, offering powerful performance, features and efficiency.
With its increase in performance and efficiency, M1 delivers the biggest leap ever for the Mac.
The M1 is the most powerful chip Apple has ever created and is the first chip designed specifically for the Mac.
M1 is optimised for Mac systems in which small size and power efficiency are critically important.
Start of a Two-Year Transition for the Mac
M1 powers the new MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro®, and Mac mini®.
These will join the rest of the Mac product line that is being launched at Cupertino.
This is the beginning of a transition to a new family of chips designed specifically for the Mac.
The transition to Apple silicon will take about two years to complete, and these three systems are an amazing first step.
As a system on a chip (SoC), M1 combines numerous powerful technologies into a single chip, and features a unified memory architecture for dramatically improved performance and efficiency.
M1 is the first personal computer chip built using cutting-edge 5-nanometer process technology and is packed with 16 billion transistors, the most Apple has ever put into a chip.
According to Apple the M1 features the world’s fastest CPU core in low-power silicon, the world’s best CPU performance per watt, the world’s fastest integrated graphics in a personal computer, and breakthrough machine learning performance with the Apple Neural Engine.
As a result, M1 delivers up to 3.5x faster CPU performance, up to 6x faster GPU performance, and up to 15x faster machine learning, all while enabling battery life up to 2x longer than previous-generation Macs.
More details below about the M1 chip from the press release.
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Tags: Apple, chips, computers Macs, CPU, hardware, new arrivals
Posted in Accessories, Announce, Apple, Gadgets, gadgets, Launch, newArrivals, Press Release, Tech news, Technology | 2 Comments »
November 8th, 2020
After 4 days of vote counting, and amidst quiet confidence by Joe Biden and tantrum-throwing by incumbent Donald Trump, the news networks have called the US presidential election for the former Vice President, following the flipping of Pennsylvania.
Major US TV networks calling the US Elections 2020 for Joe Biden. Image source: BBC video screen grab.
tech4tea does not usually cover politics, but the election of the President of the United States (POTUS) is an exception – given that it is such a poignant event that affects all industries and all aspects of life in all countries around the world.
So it’s apt to mark the tentative projection of presidential challenger 77-year-old Joe Biden as President-Elect of the United States, four days after Election Day on 3 November 2020.
Moment of Victory for Biden
Here’s when the major TV networks called the win for Former Vice President and Democrat nominee Joe Biden:
- CNN:
11.24 AM
7 Nov Eastern Time
- Associated Press:
11.25AM
- BBC:
11.28am
- New York Times:
11.30AM
- Fox News:
11.40 AM
* 11.24 AM, 7 Nov Eastern Time converts to 12.24 AM, 8 November, Singapore Time.
With the projection of Biden winning Pennsylvania with its 20 electoral votes, the former Vice President has passed the 270 majority threshold to secure 284 electoral votes to Trump’s 214.
This was followed closely by Nevada which brought Biden’s tally to 290, enroute to Biden’s earlier prediction of eventually surpassing 300 electoral votes.
Mind you, all is not confirmed yet, since incumbent President Donald Trump has reiterated that he will challenge all “Biden-claimed states” – which he has already begun – alleging election fraud without furnishing any evidence.
Usually, what happens next is that the loser graciously concedes, and come 20 January 2020, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris get officially inaugurated as the 46th President and Vice-President of the United States.
But with 74-year-old Trump throwing a sissy fit over how the votes hadn’t been selectively counted to his liking, there’s no knowing whether – in addition to callously throwing legal suits without basis – he will not barricade himself within the Oval office and incite violence among the populace and sow civil strife that has the potential to foment discord for generations to come.
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Tags: Biden, elections, Politics, POTUS, Trump
Posted in News, Opinion, Tickers | No Comments »
November 7th, 2020
Livinguard has brought its reusable face masks in Singapore. Three versions for different levels of protection (and breathability) are available online at Shopee, Lazada and ORO. Prices below.
Here are the Street (2 layers) and Pro (3 layers) of the Livinguard masks.
I tried out the Street and Pro versions and liked them.
Singapore Prices
- Street: S$22.90
(2-layers)
- Pro: S$31.30
(3-layers)
- Ultra: S$46.90
(4-layers with valve)
It feels light, fitting and doesn’t clog up the nostrils when you breathe.
There are three versions for different levels of protection and breathability, in 4 colours and 3 sizes.
Each mask can be rinsed once a week for up to 30 times – so that works out to 210 days of usage.
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Tags: Health Tech, Livinguard, masks, Med Tech, new arrivals, Singapore
Posted in Accessories, Air Purifiers, Announce, Appliances, Availability, Beauty, Healthcare, Medical, newArrivals, Opinion, Press Release, Prices, Review, reviews, Specifications | 2 Comments »
