Archive for July, 2013
Sunday, July 7th, 2013
The 5-inch, quad-core Butterfly s sports HTC BlinkFeed, HTC Zoe and HTC BoomSound, and is powered by HTC’s longest lasting battery to date. Available end-July at SGD$988 from M1, SingTel and StarHub.
HTC Butterfly s (SGD$988) will be available in Fervour Red, Glamour White and Metallic Grey.
The HTC Butterfly s is powered by a 1.9 GHz quad-core processor and offers HTC’s latest Sense 5 experience and Android Jelly Bean, with a stamina battery that packs 3,200 mAh.
“We’ve improved the HTC Butterfly by incorporating the new standards set by the HTC One for smartphone performance,” said Jack Yang, President of HTC South Asia.
It also features HTC BlinkFeed, HTC Zoe and HTC BoomSound, first introduced with the Taiwan smartphone maker’s flagship HTC One.
The full technical specifications of the HTC Butterfly s is appended below.
(more…)
Tags:Android, Beats, Butterfly, HTC, Jelly Bean, Qualcomm, Sense, smartphones, Snapdragon
Posted in Android, Announce, Gadgets, HTC, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »
Saturday, July 6th, 2013
2,518 participants took part in the Singapore leg of the Canon PhotoMarathon Asia 2013, at Suntec City International Convention & Exhibition Centre Singapore.
The two Best of Show winners – Kok Hou Cheng (Open) and Zhou Tian Qu – will be going on an eight-day all-expense-paid photo clinic to Kansai, Japan.
Winners of Canon Photomarathon XI in Singapore, together with management and staff of Canon Singapore.
Beginning at 9am in the morning, this year’s attendance of the day-long competition was an increase of 99 participants (4%) compared to last year.
“Instant” by Open Category Best of Show Winner Kok Hou Cheng.
There were two categories of participants – Open and Student. For each category, there were three themes – Tradition, Communicate and Instant.
“Tradition” by Student Category Best of Show Winner Zhou Tian Qu from Anderson Junior College.
18 prizes were given to the top three winners of the three themes for each category. Prizes given included Canon products such as the Canon EOS camera and PIXMA printer.
2,518 avid photographers participated in this year’s Canon Photomarathon XI.
In addition, Best of Show awards were given for each of the two categories – for the best collection of images from all three themes.
Posted in Cameras, Canon, Contest, EOS, Gadgets, Photography, Photos, PIXMA, Printers | 1 Comment »
Thursday, July 4th, 2013
To enhance user productivity and performance, Jabra Motion uses motion sensor technology to intuitively follow the user’s every move – to provide premium call control and superior audio quality.
Available 13 July at S$198. Read on for launch promo.
Jabra Motion will be available in Singapore from 13 July for S$198.
Featuring latest intuitive technologies and ergonomic design – including motion sensor technology and a flip-boom arm – the headset caters to the needs of performance-centric users for optimal team communications and project management tasks.
Jabra Motion clips behind the ear.
Paired with smartphones, tablets or laptops, whether at the workplace, on the road or at home – the intelligent and ‘pocketable’ Jabra Motion keeps users up to speed and in touch as they stay focused on their projects and business tasks.
It offers a wireless freedom range of 10m.
Extremely light at 17.5g, the flexible, curve-shaped Jabra Motion provides a customized ear fit with a rotating, height-adjustable speaker tower and different-sized ear-gels.
When a call comes in and the user picks up the Jabra Motion, its intelligent built-in motion sensor automatically triggers the ‘answer call’ function.
The Jabra Motion can be easily folded to be “pocketed”.
And when it is laid down on a surface, the headset takes a power nap.
Sensing changing sound environments or change in motion, such as when the user starts walking, Jabra Motion makes automatic audio adjustment according to ambient noise levels.
The Jabra Motion is built on the Jabra signature ‘behind-the-ear’ circular design based on contour of the ear.
Its folding boom adds ‘pocketability’ – flip it close to a smaller, palm-sized fit to keep in pocket or handbag; flip it open again to instantly connect to an incoming call.
Tags:audio, Bluetooth, headsets, Jabra, Singapore, wireless
Posted in Accessories, Announce, Audio, Gadgets, headsets, Jabra, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »
Thursday, July 4th, 2013
The limited special edition of the Leica D-Lux 6 is the result of collaboration with G-Star, the Dutch jeans and fashion label. The camera is now in stores for S$1,680.
The Leica D-Lux 6 ‘Edition by G-Star RAW’ is the fruit of collaboration between Leica and G-Star. Available now for S$1,680.
The Leica D-Lux 6 ‘Edition by G-Star RAW’ is designed for fashion aficionados and features an unusual colour concept and a distinctive look.
Rear view of the Leica D-Lux 6 ‘Edition by G-Star RAW’.
G-STAR RAW is a denim label renowned for its innovation, cutting edge and unorthodox style.
The body of the Leica D-Lux 6 ‘Edition by G-Star RAW’ is finished in the typical RAW design, and features the script ‘LEICA BY G-STAR RAW … JUST THE PRODUCT’.
This special edition’s leather trim is also unique – this is the first time it is being used on a Leica compact camera.
Tags:cameras, compact, D-Lux, G-Star, Leica, lifestyle, luxury
Posted in Accessories, Announce, Availability, Cameras, Compact camera, Gadgets, Leica, Lifestyle, Prices, Shopping, Specifications | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013
The compact integrated audio system pumps out powerful music that easily fills the room with even tonality. Regular price: S$6,450. Promotional introductory price: S$4,588.
The McAire sports a high gloss black finish, signature McIntosh blue output meters, glass faceplate and a knit cloth grille (also in black) with magnetic attachment.
The McAire is the most affordable system from McIntosh which specialises in the ultra-luxe AV market.
“… individuals who demand the very best can finally enjoy a complete high fidelity McIntosh music system as a lifestyle or second system for their rooms or executive office, that is handcrafted in Binghamton New York alongside McIntosh’s other super premium components, for under a 5-figure sum,” said Malcolm Ong, Chief Executive Officer of the Ong Radio Group.
The next in line is an all-in-one system (McIntosh MXA60) that includes a CD player and a tuner, which goes for S$16,050 (although there’s currently a promotional price of S$12,888.
Ong Radio Group launched the McIntosh McAire in Singapore last Friday, timing its debut in Singapore with the 76th anniversary of the high-end home entertainment system distributor and retailer.
The McIntosh McAire features Apple’s AirPlay wireless technology which allows users to stream audio from an iTunes library on a Mac or PC – or music from an iOS device – over an existing Wi-Fi network at home or an executive suite.
The ice-blue of the McAire stamps the signature of McIntosh into whatever setting it is introduced
Each McAire unit is built with the same high end technology used in McIntosh’s super premium reference system.
Tags:Android, AV, iOS, iPad, iPhone, iPod, iTunes, McAire, McIntosh, Ong Radio, touch
Posted in Audio, Entertainment, Events, Gadgets, iOS, iPhone, Launch, Lifestyle, Network, players, Prices, Specifications, Wi-Fi | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013
After eight days of intensive voting and over 2.5 million votes, Singapore has chosen Ang Kiam Meng from Jumbo Seafood (319,922 votes), Mdm Foo Kui Lian from Tian Tian Chicken Rice (318,151 votes), and Mr Ryan Koh from 328 Katong Laksa (316,611 votes) as their most popular hawkers to challenge Gordon Ramsay at the SingTel Hawker Heroes Challenge.
Update (7 July, 2013):
More than 1,000 members of the public were at Newton Food Centre to taste and vote for their preferred version of the three dishes.
Overall, the Singapore hawker heroes edged-out Chef Ramsay in the live poll by 6% of the total vote.
In terms of individual dishes, Ramsay’s version of the Chilli Crab beat that of Jumbo Seafood by 5%; while he lost to both Tian Tian Chicken Rice (by 6%) and 328 Katong Laksa (19%) for the other other two dishes.
Chef Ramsay accepted the challenge to pit his skills against three popular hawkers in Singapore selected through a public poll. Image from SingTel
The three will now prepare for a mouth-watering culinary cook-off against Michelin-starred heavyweight Gordon Ramsay in the SingTel Hawker Heroes cook-off.
Top 3 SingTel Hawker Heroes. Image from SingTel.
On 5 and 6 July, Chef Ramsay will spend time with each of the three hawkers to learn their signature dishes: chicken rice, chilli crab and laksa.
| Date |
7 July 2013 (Sunday) |
| Time |
6pm onwards |
| Venue |
Newton Food Centre |
| Details |
Non-ticketed event, open to the public free of charge. 1000 servings are available on a first-come-first-serve basis |
He will then put his own unique spin on these dishes at the final showdown event held at Newton Food Centre on Sunday, 7 July.
The event will be open to members of the public, who will be able to sample the dishes prepared by the local hawkers and Chef Ramsay and vote for their preferred version.
About SingTel Hawker Heroes Challenge
(more…)
Tags:chicken, chilli crab, Food, Gordon Ramsay, laksa, SingTel
Posted in Contest, Food, Lifestyle, SingTel | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013
The VPL-FHZ55 is the world’s first 3LCD Laser Light Source Projector. Sony launched the new projector for Asia in Singapore today. Priced at S$7,999 and available in black or white chasis in Asia Pacific by August 2013.
The Sony VPL-FHZ55 is the world’s first 3LCD Laser Light Source Projector. Price: S$7,999.
The VPL-FHZ55 is a WUXGA-class (1920 x 1200) installation projector based on a blue laser light source, and is the world’s first 3LCD laser projector.
I was impressed by a demo of the projector in action in a fully lighted room. The resolution was detailed while the colours were extremely vivid and accurate.
The picture quality was good enough for home entertainment use although the projector is targeted mainly at business and corporate use.
Capable of achieving 4,000 lumens, it is one of the brightest projectors of its kind, and delivers a range of performance capabilities that eliminate many issues associated with conventional lamp-based projection.
The Sony VPL-FHZ55 is a WUXGA-class (1920 x 1200) installation projector based on a blue laser light source.
(more…)
Tags:laser, launch, LCD, projectors, Sony
Posted in Accessories, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Prices, Projectors, Sony, Specifications, Technology | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013
Samsung Evolution Kit SEK-1000/XS (S$399) and Samsung TV Camera VG-STC3000 (S$129) will be available this month at all major electronic stores in Singapore.
From left: Samsung TV Camera (S$129) and Samsung Evolution Kit (S$399) will be available in Singapore this month. Pictures not shown to scale.
To provide users with a more seamless, integrated and immersive entertainment experience with its Smart TVs, Samsung Singapore has announced its latest offering – the Samsung Evolution Kit and the Samsung TV Camera.
Samsung Smart TV models that are compatible with the Samsung Evolution Kit include the following from the 2012 Smart TV line-up:
- Series 7 ES7500 LED TV
- Series 8 ES8000 LED TV
- Series 9 ES9000 LED TV
The Evolution Kit offers both software and hardware updates that include access to the 2013 Smart Hub and other Smart features
It also upgrades the TV’s dual-core processor to quad-core, resulting in faster internal processing speeds.
On top of that, Smart Interaction will now include new commands such as two-hands motion and new gesture poses so consumers can swipe, zoom, grab and like what they see on their TV screens.
(more…)
Tags:accessories, availability, Samsung, Singapore, Smart TV
Posted in Accessories, Announce, Availability, Gadgets, Prices, Samsung, Smart TV, Specifications, TV | 2 Comments »
Monday, July 1st, 2013
Canon has just unveiled globally the EOS 70D. The DSLR is Wi-Fi enabled and comes with new Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology – for faster focusing speeds and improved Movie Servo AF.
Available in August 2013, price TBA.
The new Canon EOS 70D DSLR with Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology.
The EOS 70D is embedded with a powerful DIGIC 5+ image processor and a 20.2-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor.
Canon EOS 70D: DIGIC 5+ image processor, 20.2-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor, 100 to 12800 (expandable to 25600).
The first model in the EOS series to showcase the new Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, a phase-difference autofocus (AF) technology, the EOS 70D achieves approximately 30% faster focusing speeds and delivers improved Movie Servo AF tracking during Live View shooting.
The new Dual Pixel CMOS AF Technology replicates how the human eye behaves. When switching between various AF points or areas, promising smoother and more natural transitions during the focusing process.
(more…)
Tags:cameras, Canon, DSLR, EOS, photography, unveil
Posted in Announce, Cameras, Canon, DSLR, EOS, Gadgets, Specifications | 1 Comment »
Monday, July 1st, 2013
White nights, midnight sun and paying a social visit to Santa Claus at his hometown at the Arctic Circle.
Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki. The clear blue skies was a relief from the haze back in South East Asia. Taken with Nikon D600 with 24-120mm lens.
It all started back in 1991 with the liberation of the Baltic States from the Soviet Union which was subsequently followed by the collapse and breakup of the Soviet bloc.
The old town square in Tallinn teems with tourists and artisans celebrating the city’s history and traditional crafts. Photo taken with Nikon D600 with 24-120mm lens.
Since then, my wife and I have always wondered about what these three brave Baltic States were like – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
As students then, we’d heard so little about these three newly-minted (then) countries.
So it was that – two decades after those tumultuous times – we decided to visit Estonia’s capital Tallinn during the children’s school holidays this year.
The easiest approach was via Helsinki.
We flew direct to the capital of Finland via Finnair and then made a day trip via a 2-hour ferry across the Gulf of Finland.
(more…)
Tags:Arctic, Estonia, Europe, Finland, Finland 2013, Helsinki, holiday, midnight sun, Porvoo, Rovaniemi, Russia, Santa Claus, St Petersburg, Tallinn, travel, vacation
Posted in Cameras, DSLR, Events, Finland 2013, Gadgets, Holiday, Lens, MIL, NIKKOR, Nikon, Photography, Photos, Samsung | 4 Comments »
