Archive for October, 2012

New Android smartphone: Sony Xperia SL from Sony Mobile in Singapore

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

Sony Xperia SL is now available in Singapore in black, dark silver and pink at a recommended retail price of S$668 (without contract) at Xperia Concept Stores, Sony Stores and Sony Centres.

The new Sony Xperia SL from Sony Mobile comes in black (not shown above), dark silver or pink.

The new Sony Xperia SL from Sony Mobile comes in black (not shown above), dark silver or pink.

Based on the popular Xperia S, the new Xperia SL boasts a sharp 4.3-inch Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine.

Sony Xperia SL
OS Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Screen 4.3″ 720p HD TFT
Resolution 1280 x 720 (342ppi)
Battery 1,750 mAh, embedded
Processor 1.7 GHz Qualcomm MSM8260 Dual Core
Features NFC
Camera Rear: 12 MP
Front: 1.3 MP
Video 1080p HD
Memory Int: 32 GB
Ext:
Size /mm 128 x 64 x 10.6
Weight 144 g
Colour Black, Dark Silver, Pink
Price S$668

The 720p HD TFT display (1280 x 720 pixels, 342 ppi) has 16 million colours and has a shatter proof sheet on scratch-resistant glass.

HD content can be shared through DLNA, HDMI and BRAVIA Sync through quick and easy streaming to other screens.

Xperia SL features a 12MP fast capture camera that goes from sleep to snap in just over a second with a single key press.

The smartphone runs on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and a 1.7 GHz Qualcomm MSM8260 Dual Core processor, with 32GB eMMC flash storage and NFC.

Xperia SL is PlayStation Certified.

Three new media applications – WALKMAN”, “ALBUM” and “MOVIES” – provide enhanced entertainment experiences, and shares content amongst friends via social media connectivity.

New lineup of three All-in-One printers from HP

Sunday, October 21st, 2012

HP’s new AiO business inkjet printers offer greater flexibility to SMB users with the latest wireless direct printing technology.

Wireless direct printing technology for HP's latest business inkjet printers.

Wireless direct printing technology for HP’s latest business inkjet printers.

HP wireless direct printing, available as a firmware update, allows SMB users to print from any Wi-Fi enabled mobile device, such as smartphones, tablets and notebook computers – without the need for wired network or Internet connections.

Users can simply walk up and make a connection using a peer-to-peer connection to print out their documents – including emails, contracts, photos and marketing material.

Below are the three AiO printers that were showcased during the HP’s “A Life Connected” event.

HP Photosmart 7520 eAiO – S$339
HP Photosmart 7520 eAiO - S$339For families to enjoy greater versatility with the latest mobile printing solutions and features.

Features include scan-to-email and wireless direct printing, as well as a 4.33-inch touch-screen display.

The HP Photosmart 7520 eAiO will be available on October 22.

HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus eAiO – S$599
HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus eAiO - S$599Increase office productivity with versatile printing and networking options, and professional colour prints for less than lasers.

Enjoy 50% lower cost per page and 50% less energy use than lasers; as well as water resistant long-lasting prints.

The HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus eAiO is available now.

HP Officejet Pro 6700 Premium eAiO – S$369
HP Officejet Pro 6700 Premium eAiO - S$369Versatility in printing and professional colour on a multifunction device with a small footprint for the small office.

Features include affordable professional colour; high-capacity cartridges for low cost per page; and touchscreen with easy access to apps.

Available now.

New Android smartphone in Singapore: Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE

Saturday, October 20th, 2012

Samsung has launched the GALAXY Note II LTE in Singapore. The 5.5-inch smartphone/tablet hybrid will be available from end of this week at S$998 (without contract) in Ceramic White or Titan Gray. It will also be available from the three Telcos.

Update (28 March, 2013):

Samsung today announced the launch of the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE in Amber Brown. It will be available from 30 March 2013 (Saturday) at SGD$968, without line contract. The Amber Brown version of the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE will be available on 30 March 2013 (Saturday).

The Recommended Retail Price (without line contract) is S$968.

The Samsung GALAXY SIV was launched two weeks ago on 14 March in New York City.

However, that may only hit the shelves in April/May 2013.

 

Update (14 March, 2013):

Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE in Martian Pink will be available in Singapore from 16 March 2013 (Saturday) at S$968, without line contract.Samsung today announced the launch of the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE in Martian Pink.

It will be available from 16 March 2013 (Saturday) at S$968, without line contract.

And at 7pm today (in Singapore, that will be 7pm tomorrow morning), Samsung will be launching the successor to the GALAXY S III in New York City.

The widely-anticipated Samsung GALAXY S IV will be the first GALAXY smartphone to be launched within the US.

Samsung hopes it will help the company wrest the number one position in the US from Apple’s iPhone, something it has already accomplished outside of the US.

The launch will be live-streamed worldwide.

Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE, complete with S Pen, comes in Ceramic White or Titan Gray.

Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE, complete with S Pen, comes in Ceramic White or Titan Gray.

The Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE has a thinner but bigger body than its predecessor, with a 16:9 screen ratio. It is the latest in Samsung’s GALAXY Note series after the launch of the GALAXY Note 10.1 in August.

(more…)

Atlas Sound & Vision brings Swiss Piega handmade speakers to Singapore

Friday, October 19th, 2012

Atlas has partnered with Piega to sell the Swiss handmade speakers in Singapore. The premium, precision-crafted speakers range from the entry-level TMicro 3 speakers (S$748) to the top-of-the-range MasterOne loudspeakers (S$54,648). Prices include GST.

Piega's most affordable speakers in Singapore- TMicro 3 (S$748).

Piega’s most affordable speakers in Singapore- TMicro 3 (S$748).

Made from 100% aluminium, these speakers are extruded from a 3 ton aluminium block in one production step pressed with a 7,500 tonne press machine, one of the largest in Europe.

Piega's top-of-the-range loudspeakers - MasterOne - can be had for S$54,648.

Piega’s top-of-the-range loudspeakers – MasterOne – can be had for S$54,648.

The process results in an acoustically perfect housing featuring very high cabinet stiffness due to optimised damping in relation to enclosure thickness.

Piega’s audio research team developed its own linear drive ribbon (LDR) ribbon tweeter – a 0.02mm aluminium ribbon foil that Piega claims surpasses all conventional dome tweeters.

With only 0.007 grams of moving mass, the aluminium riboon foil boasts an impressive frequency range of up to 50’00 Hz and 98 dB efficiency.

The linear impulse and frequency from these tweeters also results in high audio efficiency with little distortion and a clean decay spectrum, presenting robust and extremely clear audio.

Piega also introduced the coaxial ribbon system in 2000, enhancing the quality of its speakers to present an electrostatic-like performance coupled with a sleek, aesthetic design.

By having the membrane of the tweeter surrounded by the membrane of the midrange, both membranes are on the same plane in all three axes and have the same point as the acoustic centre.

Operating as a single point sound source, the virtually perfect pulse response fits perfectly with the advantages from the LDR ribbon tweeter.

This produces extreme audio clarity to deliver an exciting musical experience, with a natural, life-like sound that stirs the emotions for its audience.

I had a listen-in at the Winstedt showroom to both the TMicro 3 and the MasterOne. The showroom was deliberately NOT soundproofed so that customers could get a realistic idea of how the music will sound in their own homes.

The quality of music was indeed superb.

Piega from Lake Zurich

Founded in 1986 in Horgen on Lake Zurich in Switzerland, Piega has been handcrafting its loudspeakers in aluminium for over 25 years.

The speakers cater to audiophiles around the world and are known for their timeless elegance – inspired in the design studio of Hanns Wettstein and boasting extreme audio clarity with its unique coaxial ribbon system.

Since 1986, over 80,412 speakers have been handmade by 20 craftsmen working at the Piega facility on the shores of Lake Zurich.

Event: Be Fashionably Bold with BlackBerry and ZALORA

Thursday, October 18th, 2012

What does the online fashion/lifestyle retailer and the enterprise secure smartphone of choice have in common?

BlackBerry and ZALORA join hands to present a "Fashionably Bold" event.

BlackBerry and ZALORA join hands to present a “Fashionably Bold” event.

A strong sense of style and the gut to make Bold fashion statements with their products, which is why both enjoy a growing following among the young and trendy in the region. And BBM is the buzzword that keeps them connected.

(L-R) Valerie Lim, mentor to the models with stylist bloggers Irene of Moonberry, Vanessa of Wardrobe Trends Fashion, Sophie Willocq

(L-R) Valerie Lim, mentor to the models with stylist bloggers Irene of Moonberry, Vanessa of Wardrobe Trends Fashion, Sophie Willocq.

BlackBerry and ZALORA co-hosted a stylish event in Singapore to put forth a fashion show showcasing a unique set of looks developed by leading online fashion bloggers and inspired by BlackBerry’s Bold line of smartphones.

Charles Dufourcq - Country Director for RIM, Singapore - looking fashionably bold.

Charles Dufourcq – Country Director for RIM, Singapore – looking fashionably bold.

“The individual styles inspired by the BlackBerry Bold portfolio truly showcase the diversity of the many collections on ZALORA,” said Terence Pang, Head of Marketing for ZALORA Singapore.

A vibrant and thriving night out

Local standup comedian, Kumar, being fashionably bold.

Local standup comedian, Kumar, being fashionably bold.

I popped in at the event (at 72-13 Mohammed Sultan Road) in the evening and the turnout was fantastic, thronging with both BlackBerry and ZALORA fans.

Everybody had a great laugh with local stand-up comedian Kumar’s act.

The fashion show was refreshing because the eight female and male models were not pros but lucky winners who had been chosen from an online contest earlier, based on the best poses that they had sent in.

They received their very own photo-shoot, makeover and runway tips from Miss Singapore Universe 2011, Ms Valerie Lim, who also choreographed the Fashionably Bold show.

Totally Fashionably Bold!

“Fashionably Bold showcases the popularity of the BlackBerry Bold portfolio in Singapore, while celebrating the lifestyle statement that both our black and white smartphones make. It is a celebration of functionality coupled with a unique sense of style that BlackBerry smartphones have,” said Charles Dufourcq, Country Director for RIM, Singapore.

New camera in Singapore: Samsung GALAXY Camera with Android Jelly Bean

Wednesday, October 17th, 2012

Samsung GALAXY Camera combines the image quality of dedicated compact cameras with the connectivity and apps of the smartphones.

Available in November, price TBA.

The Samsung GALAXY Camera is a camera that has the connectivities and funtionalities of a smartphone (minus voice calls).

The Samsung GALAXY Camera is a camera that has the connectivities and funtionalities of a smartphone (minus voice calls).

The GALAXY Camera made its appearance in Singapore during Samsung’s “Be Creative” gala event at the Ritz-Carlton, which also saw the debut of the GALAXY Note II LTE in Singapore.

Samsung GALAXY Camera
Megapixels 16 MP
Optical Zoom 21 x
Wide angle 23mm, F2.8
Max zoom 483mm
ISO ISO 100 – 3,200
LCD 4.77″, 308ppi, 921.6k dots, 1280×720 pixels, HD Super Clear Touch
Movie 1920 x 1080 px
OS Android 4.1, Jelly Bean
Processor 1.4GHz Quad-core
Connectivity 3G, Wi-Fi
Memory 8GB int + mem slot
Slow motion video 758 x 512 (120fps), 320×240 (30fps)
Vido output HDMI 1.4
Flash Built-in
RAW No
Image stabilisation Optical Image Stabilisation
Size /mm 128.7 x 70.8 x 19.1
Weight 300 g
Battery 1,650 mAh
Price TBA

Enjoy 21x long optical zoom and 16 megapixels, as well as WiFi/3G and the latest Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean operating system and apps.

The GALAXY Camera has a 16-megapixel 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor with 23mm lens for wide-angle shots.

It boasts a large and vivid camera display – a 4.8” (1280 x 720 pixels, 308 ppi) HD SUPER CLEAR LCD screen.

Smartphone technology, powered by a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor, provides the Voice Control for users to manipulate functions such as ‘Zoom in’ and ‘Shoot’ through voice.

The GALAXY Camera includes a comprehensive set of 35 powerful photo editing features within the ‘Photo Wizard’ – such as the “Auto Face Calibration” feature – allowing users to edit their photos on the go.

The “Movie Wizard” allows users to create and edit expert-quality videos easily using the touch screen.

The GALAXY Camera also features ‘Smart Content Manager’, which intelligently creates folders, tags faces, and even suggests which pictures to delete when they do not come out as desired.

Internet connectivity enables users to share their photos easily on the Web.

Users can share photos simultaneously as they shoot when they use the ‘Share Shot’ feature.

The Samsung GALAXY Camera has 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity on to the Internet, as well as apps running off the latest Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean.

The Samsung GALAXY Camera has 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity on to the Internet, as well as apps running off the latest Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean.

The camera’s convenient ‘Auto Cloud Backup’ feature will automatically save photos into the cloud via Samsung’s AllShare the instant they are taken.

Infographic showing features of the Samsung GALAXY Camera.

Infographic showing features of the Samsung GALAXY Camera.

In addition to sharing photos on social networks and cloud services, users can also connect to a range of GALAXY devices including the GALAXY S III and GALAXY Note II.

In addition to the pre-installed applications from Samsung, users can browse the web and enjoy any application from Google Play or Samsung Apps stores.

‘S Suggest’ will also be able to recommend a new photo editing app or fun game to download if users are spoilt for choice.

The GALAXY Camera enables connection to 3G networks (HSPA+ 21Mbps on 850/900/1900/2100 MHz) via a micro-SIM, allowing photo sharing and browsing anywhere.

The GALAXY Camera also functions on Wi-Fi with Dual Band and Channel Bonding for extra speed.

Connectivity is supported by a 1.4GHz Cortex-A9 quad-core processor that enables fast web-browsing and multitasking, as well as high-speed image processing without significant impact on battery life (1,650 mAh).

The camera comes with 8GB internal memory, with a memory slot for additional external memory (SD card, micro SDHC, micro SDXC).

Cameras crossing into smartphone territory

Nikon launched its COOLPIX S800c back in August – with Android 2.3 and Wi-Fi connectivity.

It had 16 megapixels and 12x optical zoom.

I had mused about when a camera would get 3G connectivity as well.

So it is opportune that Samsung is going to deliver that in the form of GALAXY Camera in November.

The Nikon COOLPIX S800c runs Android 2.3 and has Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Nikon COOLPIX S800c runs Android 2.3 and has Wi-Fi connectivity.

The 3G-capable GALAXY Camera will have the same 16 megapixels but will come with 21x optical zoom and Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean.

What’s next?

A camera that you can press to your cheeks to call someone?

Samsung launches GALAXY Note II LTE and GALAXY Camera in Singapore

Wednesday, October 17th, 2012

The Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE (S$998) and GALAXY Camera (available November, price TBA) were launched at a gala event at The Ritz-Carlton.

Samsung also announced two local celebrities – Olivia Ong and Desmond Tan – as ambassadors for the two new gadgets.

Samsung celebrity ambassadors, Olivia Ong and Desmond Tan with their newly launched devices – GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at the ‘Be Creative’ event.

Samsung celebrity ambassadors, Olivia Ong and Desmond Tan with their newly launched devices – GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at the ‘Be Creative’ event.

Singaporean singer-songwriter, Olivia Ong will be the brand ambassador for the GALAXY Note II LTE; while MediaCorp artiste, Desmond Tan will be the ambassador for the GALAXY Camera.

“The GALAXY Note II LTE allows me to be more creative and expressive in my daily life. With its large touchscreen, S Pen and easy-to-use functions, I can now take photos and scribble words and phrases which come to mind wherever I go, and they could be the next inspiration for my upcoming albums,” said Olivia Ong.

Olivia Ong, known for her soothing and powerful vocals and songwriting prowess, will be participating in “The Wonderland” project, and embark on a creative journey to compose an original song “Wonderland”.

“Wonderland” will be made into a music video, to capture the story behind the song and more importantly, better understand what inspires her.

Olivia will capture her inspirations and write her thoughts using the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE, and fans will get to join Olivia in her creativity process by interacting and sharing ideas with Olivia and catch behind-the-scenes videos of her creative journey to create this original song.

Olivia Ong singing her favourite song “Let It Rain” at the launch of the GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at Samsung's ‘Be Creative’ event.

Olivia Ong singing her favourite song “Let It Rain” at the launch of the GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at Samsung’s ‘Be Creative’ event.

Samsung celebrity ambassador Desmond Tan, enthuses about how he loves sharing photos with fans and loved ones on social media instantly after shoots.

MediaCorp artiste,Desmond Tan, enthuses about how he loves sharing photos with fans and loved ones on social media instantly after shoots.

Chosen as the new celebrity ambassador for the Samsung GALAXY Camera, up-and-coming MediaCorp artiste, Desmond Tan is a photography buff, who loves to share photos of his special moments with friends, fans and family.

“I love to take photos and share them online so the GALAXY Camera works perfectly for me. I can take professional-like photos, edit and upload onto Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and also use the smart and social GALAXY Camera to surf the internet and send text messages to friends and families as and when I want,” said Desmond Tan.

In preparation for his upcoming lead role in a drama, “96 Café” where he will be taking on the role of a photographer, Desmond has been exploring the various features of the GALAXY Camera by taking photos and sharing them directly from his GALAXY camera with fans who follow him on Instagram.

Other celebrities and personalities who were present at the event included creative and theatre director, Beatrice Chia-Richmond, and boutique hotelier and entrepreneur, Loh Lik Peng, who are Samsung’s ambassadors for the recently-launched GALAXY Note 10.1.

Lytro camera now available in Singapore – introduces manual controls

Tuesday, October 16th, 2012

Lytro cameras have been launched in Singapore. RRP is S$648 (8GB) and S$778 (16GB). Lytro has also introduced manual controls in its cameras.

The Lytro light field camera is now available in Singapore, with manual controls, and in Red Hot, Electric Blue or Graphite. RRP is S$648 (8GB) and S$778 (16GB).

The Lytro light field camera is now available in Singapore, with manual controls, and in Red Hot, Electric Blue or Graphite. RRP is S$648 (8GB) and S$778 (16GB).

The Lytro camera captures all the light traveling in every direction in a scene.

“Manual controls give Lytro photographers the opportunity to take control of the exposure in a scene,” said Eric Cheng, Lytro’s director of photography.

The camera enables photographers to refocus a picture after it’s taken, so that different subjects in the photo can be brought into focus for creative composition.

These living pictures can be shared online with friends and family.

Lytro, creator of the world’s first consumer light field camera, also announced the introduction of manual controls.

These will ship with new cameras purchased, and as a free firmware update for existing customers.

With these easy-to-use manual controls, Lytro photographers can take even more creative pictures in a wide variety of conditions – from low light settings to high-speed subjects.

The new controls are:

  • Shutter Speed – By manually controlling the shutter speed, Lytro photographers can keep the shutter open longer to capture living pictures in dark conditions. The maximum shutter speed is 8 seconds and the minimum is 1/250 second.
  • ISO Sensitivity – Controlling ISO gives Lytro photographers more ways to take creative living pictures in a variety of lighting conditions, from low-light concerts and restaurants to brightly lit soccer fields and amusement parks. The ISO range is 80 (min) to 3200 (max).
  • Neutral Density (ND) Filter – When in full manual mode, Lytro photographers can turn on the ND Filter to adjust the amount of light captured in extremely bright settings.
  • Auto Exposure (AE) Lock – Lytro photographers can lock the auto exposure while changing the composition of a picture in a scene.

You can view some sample pictures shot using manual controls here.

The Lytro camera is available from today in the following retail locations in Singapore.

  • Challenger Store (Funan)
  • EpiCentre (313@Somerset)
  • Parisilk Electronics & Computers (Holland Village)
  • South Asia Computer (Funan)
  • SONG Brothers (Sim Lim Square)
  • Sprint-Cass Duty-Free Shops (Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 2 & 3)

 

Retail prices for Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5

Monday, October 15th, 2012

Olympus has released the Recommended Retail Prices for the new Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 for Singapore. Two options are available – a Single Lens Kit (S$1,098) and a Double Zoom Kit (S$1,348).

The Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 body comes in Black, White, or Silver and comes with either a single lens or two lenses.

The Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 body comes in Black, White, or Silver and comes with either a single lens or two lenses.

The micro four thirds mirrorless interchangeable lens PEN Lite E-PL5 was first announced at Photokina 2012 in Cologne in mid September, together with the STYUS XZ-2 flagship camera (RRP to be announced later).

The RRP kit options for the Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 are listed below:

Option 1: Single Lens Kit (S$1,098)

  • Body (Silver, Black or White)
  • M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 IIR

Option 2: Double Zoom Kit (S$1,348)

  • Body (Silver, Black or White)
  • M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 IIR
  • M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 R

OpenNet completes initial rollout of Singapore Nationwide Fibre Network

Monday, October 15th, 2012

With the completion of the initial rollout, OpenNet has achieved 95 percent coverage of Singapore’s residential and non-residential premises (as at 30 June 2012) in three and a half years.

95% of Singapore's residential and non-residential have met their friendly neighbourhood. Photo from OpenNet.

95% of Singapore’s residential and non-residential have met their friendly neighbourhood. Photo from OpenNet.

OpenNet’s focus for Singapore’s Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN) is now on the remaining 5% and new premises.

While roll-out to 95% of Singaporean premises was on schedule, there have been some delays in reaching the remaining premises.

OpenNet has, however, recently reached an agreement with its Key Sub-contractor to roll-out fibre to the balance 5% premises by mid-2013.

“As users enjoy a richer and smoother broadband experience, OpenNet is proud to be a contributor to the transformation of Singapore into an intelligent nation and global city,” said Mark Blake, CEO, OpenNet.

The coverage information is being updated and from 1st November 2012 premise owners may check OpenNet’s portal at www.opennet.com.sg for specific coverage details.

A letter will also be sent to homeowners when fibre roll-out to their building has been completed.

Homeowners may then approach their preferred Internet Service Provider to subscribe to fibre broadband services, including a free first pass installation of the fibre termination point.