Posts Tagged ‘Android’
Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012
Samsung has rolled out more than 40 new interactive edutainment apps in partnership with Singapore developers. These apps will be available on Samsung smart mobile devices.
Overview of content strategy and edutainment apps by Winston Goh, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Mobile Communications, Samsung Asia
The 40 new apps are entertaining, intuitive, social and visual in nature and allows users to engage in self-learning experiences, whether at home or on-the-go.
The suite of edutainment apps includes:
- Mandarin Speaking Skills for Kids: comprises speech interactive exercises to build Mandarin speaking skills for kids from Primary 1 to 6.
- Zalairos Adventures: comprises 25 e-books for kids aged between 5-10 years old to improve vocabulary, reading and comprehension skills.
- Skoolbo Core Skills: comprises more than 50,000 questions designed for kids aged between 4-10 years old to improve mathematics and language skills.
- PREPTEST: standardized self-assessment modules and admission guidelines for GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and more.
Samsung is working with the developer community to promote the creation of interesting educational content.
Hands-on impression
My favourite is the “Skoolbo Core Skills” app from Skoolbo which drills young children on basic words and math concepts without them even realising it.
Colourful graphics are used and the kid feels he’s playing an adventure game.
Answering the drill questions correctly is only part of progressing in the game.
The company commits the tools, resources, technical content and support that app developers require, to create rich applications optimised for its GALAXY range of tablets and smartphones, as well as the GALAXY Note.
The local app developers that Samsung is working with for this range of edutainment apps are B-Secure Technologies, Prep Zone, iQ-hub and Skoolbo.
Some of these apps, such as those developed by B-Secure Technologies and Prep Zone will be made exclusively available on Samsung mobile devices.
Another impressive app is iQ-hub’s “Mandarin Speaking Skills for kids”.
Going beyond basic word recognition, the app is able to grade the accuracy of pronunciation by the user, who reads out chinese characters displayed on the screen.
Various exercises using the word recognition and grading engine are available and it was quite fun even for an adult to go through some of the exercises.
The launch was held at Samsung’s store at Vivocity.
I tried out some of the apps during the launch and it’s quite impressive what our local developers are capable of.
Also launched at the event were Samsung’s two new GALAXY smartphones.
These are the GALAXY beam (S$648) and the GALAXY Ace 2 (S$438).
Both are based on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and will be available this month.
The list of Edutainment Applications and their availability date are listed below.
(more…)
Tags:Ace 2, Android, Apps, B-Secure Technologies, beam, edutainment, Galaxy, iQ-hub, mobile devices, Prep Zone, Samsung, Skoolbo, smartphone, tablets
Posted in Android, App, Events, Gadgets, Galaxy, Launch, Operating Systems, Phones, Samsung, Software | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
Sony Mobile has unveiled two new Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) smartphones that are designed to be stylish, fun and easy to use. One of them has a dual-SIM version available (Xperia tipodual).
Both smartphones will be launched globally in calendar Q3 2012.
Sony Mobile Xperia miro and Xperia tipo
The Xperia miro has a 3.5-inch display, 5-megapixel camera and 1,500mAH battery.
Sony Xperia tipo & miro
It provides deep Facebook integration and Sony’s xLOUD audio technology in a slim and stylish design.
The Xperia tipo has a 3.2-inch display, 3.2-megapixel camera and 1,500mAH battery.
It comes in both single and dual-SIM versions – no more hunting for dual-SIM adaptors that might not be compatible with your single-SIM phone.
You can have two separate lines, one personal and one work-related, on the same phone.
In some countries, different networks charge different rates for voice and data, local and overseas.
With the Xperia tipodual, users can switch – at one touch – to the cheaper network for whichever mode they are using.
The press release and specs can be viewed/downloaded below.
(more…)
Tags:Android, dual SIM, Ice Cream Sandwich, miro, smartphones, Sony, tipo, tipo dual, Xperia
Posted in Android, Announce, Brochures, Gadgets, Phones, Sony, Specifications, Xperia | 2 Comments »
Thursday, June 7th, 2012
Motorola smartphones and accessories will be at the PC Show 2012 at Suntec Singapore.
Look for smartphones and tablets at the booths of SingTel (L6, B2003), StarHub (L6, B2009), and M1(L6, B2019).
The MotoACTV and accessories can be found at Newstead (L3, B303) and Nubox (L3, B312).
Motorola's PC Show 2012 promotions for the Defy XT, RAZR, and ATRIX 2 smartphones; XOOM 2 tablet; MotoACTV and accessories.
The Motorola Defy XT smartphone is debuting at this PC Show.
Here are two brochures for Motorola’s PC Show 2012 promotions smartphones & tablets and MotoACTV & accessories; as well as four product brochures for the Defy XT, RAZR, and ATRIX 2 smartphones and the XOOM 2 tablet.
Tags:accessories, Android, ATRIX 2, Defy XT, IT exhibition, MotoACTV, Motorola, PC Show, PC Show 2012, promotions, RAZR, Singapore, smartphones, Suntec, tablets, XOOM 2
Posted in Accessories, Android, Brochures, Events, Exhibition, Gadgets, Motorola, Phones, Prices, Promotions, RAZR, Specifications, Tablets, Xoom | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 30th, 2012
The Marble White version of the Samsung GALAXY S III (S$998 incl GST, no line) goes on sale in Singapore today. Queues were already forming at the respective launch locations of the three mobile operators last night.
Crowd forming up at the M1 launch event at Paragon last night.
The Pebble Blue version of the 4.8-inch, Android 4.0 smartphone will be available at a later date.
The first customer in the queue at Paragon making purchase.
The third generation GALAXY S smartphone features an 8-megapixel main camera and 1.9-megapixel front camera that shoots HD video, and is powered by Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich.
Tags:Android, GALAXY S III, Ice Cream Sandwich, launch, M1, Paragon, sale, Samsung, Singapore, smartphone
Posted in Android, Availability, Gadgets, Galaxy, Launch, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, Samsung, Tech news | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, May 30th, 2012
Sony Mobile has unveiled two new stylish, durable and water resistant Android smartphones. Both smartphones will be available globally in Q3 2012.
Dust & Water-resistant Xperia go and Xperia acro S from Sony Mobile
The Xperia go and Xperia acro S are built with extra durability and water resistance.
Xperia go & acro S
This is consistent with the trend of making electronic gadgets waterproof to enable an adventurous lifestyle.
Both smartphones have scratch resistant mineral glass displays for protection against dust and water immersion.
The Xperia go has a 3.5-inch display, 5-megapixel camera and 1,265mAH battery.
It will be launched on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) but upgradeable to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).
The Xperia acro S has a large 4.3-inch display, huge 12.1-megapixel camera and 1,840mAH battery.
It will be launched directly on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).
The press release and specs for both smartphones can be viewed/downloaded below.
(more…)
Tags:acro S, Android, GO, Ice Cream Sandwich, smartphones, Sony, water, Xperia
Posted in Android, Announce, Brochures, Gadgets, Phones, Sony, Specifications, Xperia | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, May 29th, 2012
LG’s new Optimus Max boasts both glasses-free 3D features and smartphone performance. The smartphone is available at all StarHub and M1 stores at S$698.
LG Optimus Max, available from M1 and StarHub (S$698)
Following last year’s 3D smartphone, LG Electronics Singapore has introduced the Optimus Max, which is only 9.6 mm thin and weighs 148 grams.
The smartphone ships with Android 2.3 Gingerbread but will be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
Its 3G network speed has been improved to HSPA+ 21Mbps.
Automatic setting changes create predefined tags that are customized to certain modes such as car-mode, office-mode or sleep-mode.
Depending on location, the predefined tags will automatically adjust various phone settings including Wi-Fi, bluetooth, GPS and sound volume.
Other features include:
- HD Converter to offer HD quality on a TV connected through MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), when transforming Open GL-based 2D games and applications to 3D and viewing Google Earth.
- Range Finder which calculates the distance between the camera and the subject as well as the dimensions of an object through triangulation.
- Out-focusing Shot which enhances camera quality beyond that of other smartphones through image processing using depth information.
- Icon Customizer which allows the creation of personalized icons. Images can be selected from the gallery and can be used as icons or shortcuts for a personalized look.
- Users can convert Google Earth, Google Maps and other road views into 3D using the enhanced 3D Converter.
- 3D photos and videos captured by the Optimus Max can also be viewed in a single-screen mode in 2D, using the 3D Hot Key mounted on the side of the phone to easily toggle between 2D and 3D.
The main specifications are listed below.
(more…)
Tags:3D, Android, Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich, LG, M1, Optimus Max, smartphone, StarHub
Posted in 3D, Android, Gadgets, Launch, LG, Optimus, Phones, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »
Friday, May 4th, 2012
After much anticipation, Samsung has officially announced the third generation GALAXY S. The GALAXY S III will be available in Singapore from Q2 2012 in Pebble Blue and Marble White. Prices to be announced later.
Update (23 May 2012): RRP (without contract but incl. GST) in Singapore has been announced at S$998. Availability to be announced later.
Latest update (25 May 2012): Marble White Samsung GALAXY S III will go on sale in Singapore on 30 May. Collection of pre-orders begin 29 May. Pebble Blue version will be available at a later date. Stay tuned!
The Samsung GALAXY S III will come in Pebble Blue and Marble White.
The Samsung GALAXY S III has a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display, an 8-megapixel main camera and 1.9-megapixel FRONT camera that shoots HD video, and is powered by Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich.
“… it enables one of the most seamless, natural and human-centric mobile experiences …,” said JK Shin, President and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung.The GALAXY S III offers WiFi Channel Bonding which doubles the WiFi bandwidth.
For those who are tired of wires, a separate wireless charging kit allows you to charge the phone without plugging it to the socket.
Samsung boasts that the smartphone has been “designed for humans” – by making the phone recognise the user’s voice, understand more human gestures, and by making it easier to share moments on social networks.
Human-centric interface
A “Smart-stay” feature senses and recognises how you are using the smartphone.
For instance, when reading an e-book or browsing the web, the front camera detects the eyes and maintains a bright display on the phone for continual reading.
“S Voice” is Samsung’s advanced natural language user interface that listens and responds to voice commands. Does “S Voice” stand for Samsung Voice – its response to Siri?
For example, you can TELL the GALAXY S III to “snooze” when the alarm goes off, or to play songs, reduce/increase the volume, send text messages and emails, organise your schedules, or launch the camera to take a photo.
Easy sharing
The new “S Beam” expands on Android Beam by allowing a 1GB movie file to be shared within three minutes and a 10MB music file within two seconds by simply touching another GALAXY S III phone, even without a Wi-Fi or cellular signal.
Click to display enlarged view of the tech specs.
“Buddy photo share” function allows photos to be easily and simultaneously shared with the friends pictured in an image directly from the camera or the photo gallery.
“AllShare Cast” allows wireless display of the smartphone’s content onto a larger display.
“AllShare Play” shares files between the GALAXY S III and a tablet, PC or television, regardless of the distance between the devices.
“Group Cast” shares the smartphone’s screen among multiple friends on the same WiFi network.
“Pop up Play” allows a video to continue playing on one part of the screen while other apps and tasks continue simultaneously.
Tags:Android, Galaxy, GALAXY S III, Ice Cream Sandwich, Samsung, smartphone
Posted in Android, Announce, Gadgets, Galaxy, Operating Systems, Phones, Samsung, Software, Specifications, Tech news | 2 Comments »
Thursday, April 19th, 2012
Nikon has launched, worldwide, the 24.2-megapixel D3200. The new entry-level DSLR will be available in the US in late April (approx. US$700 with 18-55mm kit lens).
Nikon has also launched a Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a (approx. US$60, available in May in the US) for the D3200.
The new Nikon D3200 is available in red or black.
The D3200 records Full HD (1080p) video with full time autofocus (AF) and sports a high-speed continuous shooting mode at 4 frames-per second (fps).
WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter
The new optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter can wirelessly send images to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, to enable preview of an image (but not videos) before shooting and remote control of the camera, from up to 15 m away.
The 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor works together with Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine gives an ISO range of 100 – 6400, expandable to ISO 12,800.
As an entry-level DSLR, the D3200 is designed with user-friendly features for the beginner.
WU-1a plugged into D3200.
Accessible on the Mode Dial, the Guide Mode provides step-by-step photo instructions for set-up, shooting, viewing and deleting images and movies.
There are also six Scene Modes – Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-Up and Night Portrait.
For video, the camera offers manual or automatic exposure control, and a stereo microphone input to attach an optional external microphone.
The application for Android smartphones (2.3) and tablets (3.x) will be available in May 2012, with the iOS app for iPhone and iPad expected in Fall 2012.
The Guide Mode walks the beginner using the entry-level D3200.
The main differences between the Nikon D3200 and the D3100 are tabulated below.
| Nikon |
D3200 |
D3100 |
| Resolution |
24.2 MP |
14.2 MP |
| Video Full HD (1080p) |
30 fps |
24 fps |
| LCD |
920 k |
230 k |
| Max ISO (regular) |
ISO 6,400 |
ISO 3,200 |
| Continuous shoot |
4 fps |
3 fps |
| Release date |
19 Apr 2012 |
19 Aug 2010 |
The brochure can be downloaded here.
Tags:Android, camera, D3200, DSLR, entry, iOS, launch, lens, Nikon, photography, wireless
Posted in Accessories, Android, App, Cameras, DSLR, Events, Gadgets, iOS, Launch, Nikon, Photography, Prices, Specifications | 5 Comments »
Monday, April 16th, 2012
Trend Micro has released the results of its study on the four main mobile operating systems in a report titled “Enterprise Readiness of Consumer Mobile Platforms”.
The security firm found the BlackBerry 7 OS the most secure mobile operating system, followed by iOS 5, Windows Phone 7.5, and Android 2.3.
Summary chart from “Enterprise Readiness of Consumer Mobile Platforms” White Paper by Trend Micro.
Android 2.3 was used in the study because it was the dominant installed/supplied version of Google’s mobile OS at the time of the research.
Below is an excerpt from the White Paper summarising the findings about the four mobile platforms.
(more…)
Tags:Android, Apple, BlackBerry, devices, enterprise, Google, iOS, Microsoft, mobile, OS, platform, report, Research In Motion, RIM, security, smartphones, study, Trend Micro, White Paper, Windows Phone
Posted in Android, Apple, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Enterprise IT, Figures, Gadgets, Google, iOS, iPhone, Microsoft, Phones, RIM, Security, Software, Study, Windows Phone 7 | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 10th, 2012
US$100 billion Facebook Inc has agreed to fork out US$1 billion in cash and stock to acquire the photo-sharing application for smartphones. The deal is expected to be completed this quarter.
Is Instagram worth one-hundredth of Facebook?
Facebook is probably looking at attracting the users of mobile devices through its acquisition of Instagram – its biggest acquisition yet.
“Instagram, owned by San Francisco-based Burbn Inc, was valued at $500 million after raising about $60 million last week from investors,” Bloomberg was told.The idea is to attract the advertisers interested in reaching the mobile users.
Instagram started out as the top free photo-sharing app on Apple’s App Store with more than 30 million users.
Only last week, the company introduced the app for Android devices as well.
Instagram has only 13 employees so the offer works out to some US$76 million per employee, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“We need to be mindful about keeping and building on Instagram’s strengths and features rather than just trying to integrate everything into Facebook. That’s why we’re committed to building and growing Instagram independently,” – Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook fanpage.Instagram was launched in October 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger with a seed funding of about US$500,000.
It subsequently raised US$7 million in 2011, when it had 1.75 million users, according to Bloomberg.
California-based Facebook is the biggest social-networking service today and intends to raise US$5 billion in its initial public offering (IPO) – which is to date the biggest IPO for an Internet company, valuing it at US$100 billion.
Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, said it plans to let Instagram retain its independence, in an effort to reassure Instagram users and potential advertisers.
Tags:acquisition, Android, app, devices, Facebook, Instagram, iOS, mobile, smartphone, tablets
Posted in Android, Announce, App, Facebook, Facebook, Figures, Internet, iOS, Opinion, Photography, Software, Tech news, Tickers | No Comments »
