Archive for the ‘Sony’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

this WEEK in TECH – a selection of interesting events

Sunday, October 14th, 2012

Here’s a selection of interesting tech events happening this week (14-20 October 2012). It is not an exhaustive list and represents only a sampling of events that gives a taste of the tech pulse in Singapore.

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore?

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore?

This week sees the continuation of buzz building up to the General Availability of Windows 8. Intel, Samsung, HP and Sony have already showcased their respective offerings. Next week, Microsoft will be releasing Windows 8 on 26 October 2012.

Audiophiles can look forward to the launch of Swiss Piega handmade speakers by Atlas Singapore, while photographers finally see the Lytro light field camera officially launched in Singapore.

The much anticipated Samsung GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera will be launched at the Ritz-Carlton; while BlackBerry and ZALORA join hands to present a fashion show inspired by the BlackBerry Bold smartphones.

On the enterprise side, Progress Software and NCS are talks about growth in big data and the realtime analytic industries, while DPM Teo Chee Hean opens Techventure 2012.

Finally, wrap up the week with a bit of fun and learning at Canon Imaging Academy, shooting out-and-about Singapore and learning about shooting stock photos along the way.

15 October (Sunday)

BlackBerry JamHack 2012

5-city, 3-day, 40-hour hackathon organised by 5 developer groups & communities in Asia Pacific, supported by RIM.

Culminates in App Pitches on the last day on 15 Oct.

Venue: Delhi, Bangalore, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila

15 October (Monday)

Realtime analytics for business

Progress Software and NCS talks about growth in big data and realtime analytic industries.

16 October (Tuesday)

Lytro launch

Official launch of the Lytro light field camera in Singapore.

Venue: Clarke Quay

17 October (Wednesday)

Samsung launch of GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera

Launch of Samsung’s latest products in Singapore.

Venue: Ritz-Carlton

17-18 October (Wednesday to Thursday)

Techventure 2012

This year’s theme, “Äsia.Innovation.Renaisance”, highlights the economic transformation in Asia and opportunities for businesses from technological innovation.

Venue: Marina Bay Sands

18 October (Thursday)

Fashionably Bold

BlackBerry and ZALORA collaborates on a fashion show inspired by the BlackBerry Bold smartphones.

Venue: 72-13 Mohammed Sultan Road

19 October (Friday)

Piega launch by Atlas

Swiss Piega launching a range of exclusive handmade speakers in Singapore.

Venue: Atlas Showroom @ Windstedt

20-22 October (Saturday to Monday)

Singapore iStockalypse

iStockphoto and Getty Images are partnering with Canon Singapore to organise this 3-day photo-workshop to shoot Singapore.

Theory on Saturday, followed by portfolio review on Sunday and out-and-about shooting on Monday.

Venue: Canon Imaging Academy

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Android, Audio, BlackBerry, Bold, Cameras, Canon, Event forecast, Events, Gadgets, Galaxy, HP, Intel, Microsoft, Notebooks, Phones, RIM, Samsung, Sony, Tablets, Windows 8 | No Comments »

Sony showcases new VAIO Windows 8 notebooks in Singapore

Thursday, October 11th, 2012

In the run up to Windows 8 official release on October 26, Sony has revealed its Fall lineup of Intel-based VAIO notebooks running on the new operating system – including the VAIO Duo 11 slate that comes with sliding keyboard.

Available from November 2012. VAIO Duo 11 will be sold at S$1,999 (i5-3317U processor) and S$2,699 (i7-3517U). Prices for the other notebooks TBA.

Sony's new lineup of VAIO notebooks is helmed by the VAIO Duo 11, an Ultrabook slate with a slide-out keyboard and stylus pen; weighing only 1.3 kg and 17.85 mm thin. 11.6-inch display and available in November 2012 at S$1,999 (i5 CPU) and S$2,699 (i7 CPU).

Sony’s new lineup of VAIO notebooks is helmed by the VAIO Duo 11, an Ultrabook slate with a slide-out keyboard and stylus pen; weighing only 1.3 kg and 17.85 mm thin. 11.6-inch display and available in November 2012 at S$1,999 (i5 CPU) and S$2,699 (i7 CPU).

Sony showcased its new VAIO lineup for the Fall at the Red Dot Museum in Singapore today.

New S Series models come in 13.3" and 15.5" screens, i5 and i7 CPUs and comes with new colour Red.

New S Series models come in 13.3″ and 15.5″ screens, i5 and i7 CPUs and comes with new colour Red. 1.69 kg, 22.8 mm thin.

The new notebooks run on the latest Intel* chips and the new Windows 8 operating system, centering user experience around Touch interactivity.

These sleekly designed machines either have a 10-point multi-touch screen, or come with touchpads that enable users to utilise the touch interface of Windows 8.

As an electronics giant with a full range of electronic products, Sony demonstrated how the VAIO computers could be tightly integrated with other electronic gadgets in its stable.

These include large DLNA TV displays, cameras, video cameras, and Android smartphones.

Two new 14"E14P Series notebooks (i5 & i7). Note the soft-edged design with no bezels.

Two new 14″E14P Series notebooks (i5 & i7). Note the soft-edged design with no bezels.

A VAIO user can therefore download, edit and share photos/videos taken with a camera or smartphone and view them either on the Web or on a large TV.

Two new 13.3" VAIO T Series models (i5 & i7 CPU) using premium materials like magnesium and aluminium.

Two new 13.3″ VAIO T Series models (i5 & i7 CPU) using premium materials like magnesium and aluminium.

The VAIO Duo 11 ultrabook can function as a flat slate but has a slide-out keyboard to become a laptop.

The new S Series models  has 5.5 hr battery life (additional 11 hr with optional extended battery) and a Dynamic Hybrid Graphics System that uses two graphics processors.

The two new T Series Ultrabooks has either SSD or hybrid HDD/SSD storage.

* In addition to the two new VAIO E14P Series models, the lineup also includes the VAIO E 11” and 15” series which are equipped with 3rd generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, or the AMD Radeon processor.

Tags:, , , , , , , ,
Posted in Announce, Events, Exhibition, Gadgets, Notebooks, Operating Systems, Prices, Sony, Specifications, Tablets, Ultrabooks, VAIO, Windows 8 | No Comments »

2K Games introduces multiplayer game mode for XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Monday, September 17th, 2012

2K Games announced today that XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the action-strategy game from Firaxis Games, will include a unique multiplayer game mode featuring a one-on-one deathmatch against another player for the first time in an XCOM game.

2K Games announces new multiplayer Deathmatch Mode for XCOM: Enemy Unknown

2K Games announces new multiplayer Deathmatch Mode for XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Players will be able to pick a squad of soldiers, aliens or even combine a squad of both unit types to create the ultimate mixed squad to command in battle.

Check out the details in the media release below.

(more…)

Tags:, , , , ,
Posted in Announce, Gaming, Microsoft, Software, Sony, Tech news, Tickers | No Comments »

New DSLR: Sony Alpha SLT-A99

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Sony’s new A-mount flagship 35mm full-frame camera debuts Dual AF System and pro-style video features.

The 24.3-megapixel Translucent Mirror camera will be available in the Asia Pacific from early November 2012.

As the eagerly awaited successor to the flagship full-frame A900 traditional DSLR, the new A99 is the first Translucent Mirror camera from Sony to feature a full-frame 35mm image sensor.

As the eagerly awaited successor to the flagship full-frame A900 traditional DSLR, the new A99 is the first Translucent Mirror camera from Sony to feature a full-frame 35mm image sensor.

As the eagerly awaited successor to the flagship full-frame A900 traditional DSLR, the new A99 is the first Translucent Mirror camera from Sony to feature a full-frame 35mm image sensor.

Sony Alpha 99
Megapixels 24.3 megapixels
Sensor Exmor CMOS (full-frame)
Image processing engine BIONZ
ISO 100-25,600 (Expanded: 50-25,600)
Burst mode 6 fps full res
LCD 3″, 1,229k dots, TFT Xtra Fine colour
Movie Full HD (1080/50p)
Size /mm 147 x 111 x 78
Weight 733 g
Price TBA

The full-frame sensor’s resolving power is enhanced by a newly developed separate multi-segment optical low-pass filter.

Bionic BIONZ

Assisted by an all-new front-end LSI, the BIONZ engine processes massive amounts of image signal data from the Exmor CMOS Sensor at very high speeds.

Together with a powerful new area-specific noise reduction (NR) algorithm, this achieves a 14-bit RAW output, rich gradation and low noise.

Saturation signal volume has been increased more than twofold. With its expanded receptor surface, its sensitivity is now 1.5 times more, while the random noise is cut by half compared to A900.

BIONZ engine on front-end LSI

BIONZ engine on front-end LSI

The expanded ISO range of 50-25,600 (equivalent to nine stops), is provided by the BIONZ image processor.

With a burst mode of up to 6 frames per second (fps) at full resolution, the A99 can shoot 10 fps in Tele-zoom high speed shooting mode.

Maintaining the focus

The 19-point AF system with 11 cross sensors is complemented by a multi-point focal plane phase-detection AF sensor. With 102 AF points, this additional AF sensor overlays the main image sensor.

24.3 MP full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor

24.3 MP full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor

This Dual AF System, unique to Translucent Mirror Technology, permits ultra-fast, accurate autofocusing that maintains tracking focus even if the subject leaves the 19-point AF frame.

The A99 also debuts a new AF-D continuous autofocus mode for moving subjects, coping effortlessly with subjects traversing the focal plane.

As a further focusing refinement, a new AF range control function allows users to set the distance range recognised by the AF system.

This smart feature significantly aids operability if you’re focusing on distant sports action through a nearby wire mesh fence.

Movie making

The A99 offers full-frame Full HD 50p/25p progressive video recording to meet AVCHD Version 2.0 specifications.

The optional XLR-K1M adaptor kit adds a high-quality mono shotgun mic and pro-standard XLR connections for dependable audio acquisition.

The optional XLR-K1M adaptor kit adds a high-quality mono shotgun mic and pro-standard XLR connections for dependable audio acquisition.

As introduced on the A77, Full-time Continuous AF Movie allows smooth, non-stop tracking of moving subjects.

Other movie-oriented enhancements include real-time Full HD video output via HDMI, and uninterrupted ‘dual-card’ recording using both of the camera’s media slots.

During movie shooting, a silent new multi-controller is easily accessible via a dial on the front of the camera body.

Multi-controller dial

During movie shooting, a silent new multi-controller is easily accessible via a dial on the front of the camera body.

This allows smooth, silent adjustment of exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity and metering method, shutter speed, aperture and audio record levels during Full HD video capture.

Shooting stamina is tripled by partnering the camera with the new VG-C99AM Vertical Grip that houses up to three batteries in total.

Magnesium alloy panels

Magnesium alloy panels

It’s even possible to exchange batteries ‘on the fly’ without interrupting movie recording.

In addition to an audio level display and adjustable audio record levels, there is now a headphone jack for accurate in-the-field monitoring.

Handling

The XGA OLED Tru-Finder (EVF) offers 100% frame coverage, even when shooting with a DT lens (APS-C) that’s optimised for cameras with an APS-C sensor.

Improved sensor characteristics

Improved sensor characteristics

Angle of view is converted automatically for image recording and display.

This viewfinder is completely compatible with the APS-C format and displays scenes using the entire finder screen.

Complementing the Tru-Finder, there’s also a three-way tiltable 1229k-dot (VGA equivalent) XtraFine LCD with WhiteMagic technology to boost screen brightness in outdoor conditions.

The A99 claims to be the world’s lightest 35mm full-frame interchangeable lens digital camera, thanks to Translucent Mirror Technology.

Weather-resistant seals

Weather-resistant seals

High-rigidity magnesium alloy panels contribute to an extremely tough yet light (733g without lens and battery) design.

Weather-resistant seals protect against dust and moisture, while controls and buttons are ruggedised.

The camera’s stamina and reliability is underlined by a redesigned shutter block that’s tested to approximately 200,000 release cycles.

The camera can also be operated via remote PC connection. Supported functions include switching between still/movie shooting, plus automatic transfer of still images from camera to PC for enhanced studio workflow.

Sony's Translucent Mirror Technology enables the Dual AF system with AF-D continuous autofocus mode.

Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology enables the Dual AF system with AF-D continuous autofocus mode.

Technical specifications for the Sony Alpha SLT-A99 can be downloaded here and viewed below.

(more…)

Tags:, , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Announce, Audio, Cameras, DSLR, Gadgets, Photography, Sony, Specifications | 1 Comment »

TODAY! Xperia tipo dual smartphone available in Singapore

Thursday, September 6th, 2012

The Xperia tipodual from Sony Mobile is now available in Singapore. The dual-SIM smartphone is available in black or silver at S$268 (without contract) at M1.

Only the dual-SIM version of the Xperia tipo dual is available in Singapore.

Only the dual-SIM version of the Xperia tipo dual is available in Singapore.

The dual-SIM version of Sony Mobile’s Xperia tipo has hit the shelves in Singapore.

Sony Mobile Xperia tipodual
OS Android 4.0 (ICS)
Screen 3.2″ TFT
Resolution 320 x 480
Battery 1,500 mAh
Processor 800 MHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM7225AA
Camera Rear: 3.2 MP
Front: Nil
Video VGA (640 x 480)
Memory Int: 2.9 GB
Ext: 32 GB microSD
Size /mm 103 x 57 x 13
Weight 99.4 g
Price S$268

The Xperia tipodual is available at M1, Xperia Concept Stores, Sony Stores and Sony Centres.

Running on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), the Xperia tipodual accepts two SIM cards and allows users to easily change from one network to another.

This can be done by simply pressing a dedicated button on the smartphone

There is no need to switch off and on the phone or go through complicated menu-selections.

The Xperia tipodual has a 3.2-inch display, 3.2-megapixel camera and 1,500mAH battery.

The smartphone comes with a dedicated setup guide, and a built-in application enabling users to monitor their data usage and battery life.

Tags:, , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Android, App, Availability, Gadgets, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, Software, Sony, Specifications, Xperia | 1 Comment »

COMEX 2012 promotions: Sony

Thursday, August 30th, 2012

Sony will be at COMEX 2012 at Suntec Singapore at Level 3 Concourse Booth 3005; and Level 4, Hall 4, Booth 8210.

Click to view or download Sony's promotional flyers for COMEX 2012.

Click to view or download Sony’s promotional flyers for COMEX 2012.

Sony will be offering COMEX 2012 promotions for its wide range of products – from handycams, compact cameras, Alpha DSLRs, NEX MIL cameras, digital photo frames, to VAIO notebooks and Walkman mobile entertainment devices.

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Cameras, Compact camera, DSLR, Events, Exhibition, Gadgets, MIL, Notebooks, Prices, Promotions, Sony, Specifications, Ultrabooks, Walkman | 1 Comment »

New headphones: Sony Extra Bass

Monday, August 27th, 2012

Sony has launched its new Extra Bass series of headphones. The four new over-the-ear headphones and three new in-ear headphones will be available in Singapore from September 2012. Prices TBA.

Update (25 September, 2012):

Here are the pricing for the Extra Bass Series of headphones.

X-Bass In-Ears
MDR-XB30EX S$49
MDR-XB60EX S$79
MDR-XB90EX S$119
X-Bass Over-band
MDR-XB200 S$49
MDR-XB400 S$79
MDR-XB600 S$119
MDR-XB900 S$199
Sony's Extra Bass series of 7 new headphones will be available in Singapore from September 2012.

Sony’s Extra Bass series of 7 new headphones will be available in Singapore from September 2012.

Sony’s Extra Bass series of headphones promises superior sound quality and deep, powerful bass to music lovers.

The Extra Bass series of headphones feature a special driver unit, as well as an Advanced Direct Vibe Structure that offers a high enclosed structure to deliver superior sound isolation and an extremely powerful bass to compliment every genre of music.

Over-the-Ear: XB200, XB400, XB600 and XB900
Sony Extra Bass MDR-XB900 over-the-ear headphones.The Extra Bass range of over-the-ear headphones is extremely portable due to their folding design.

The headphones also feature elasticised leather-covered urethane pads which form a comfortable, seamless seal over the ears.
In-ear: XB30EX, XB60EX and XB90EX
Sony Extra Bass MDR-XB90EXDespite their small sizes, these in-ear models still pack a strong punch when it comes to reproducing those pulsating beats that is such a common staple in modern music.

Vertical in-the-ear structures and hybrid silicone ear buds ensure a comfortable fit over long periods of time.

The Advanced Direct Vibe Structure allows for Capacity Optimisation that allows for the adjustment of the front diaphragm’s capacity to fine-tune the tone balance of both mid and high frequency sounds.

Here are the tech specs for the Sony Extra Bass series of headphones.

(more…)

Tags:, , , ,
Posted in Announce, Audio, Gadgets, headphones, Sony, Specifications | 2 Comments »

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Sunday, August 19th, 2012

Here’s wishing all Muslim friends: “Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri“!

The Floating Mosque in Kuala Terengganu.

The Floating Mosque in Kuala Terengganu.

This is the Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque in Kuala Terengganu in Malaysia. It is also known as the Floating Mosque – situated in Kuala Ibai Lagoon, about 4km from Kuala Terengganu Town.

My family was on vacation back in 2004 and driving to Kuala Terengganu when we were attracted by this beautiful mosque enroute.

This photo was shot from the playground across the lagoon, using a Sony compact digital camera, handheld in the dim twilight, and output directly to JPEG.

 

Tags:, , ,
Posted in Holiday, Photography, Photos, Sony, Travel | No Comments »

TODAY! Xperia ion, Xperia go and Xperia acro S arrive in Singapore

Friday, August 3rd, 2012

Sony Mobile Communications today announced the official launch of the three Android smartphones in Singapore. The Xperia ion (S$798), Xperia acro S (S$698) and Xperia go (S$488) are available from today.

The Sony Xperia ion, Xperia go, and Xperia acro S are available in Singapore from today at all Sony stores, Sony centres, Xperia concept stores and operator stores.

The Sony Xperia ion, Xperia go, and Xperia acro S are available in Singapore from today at all Sony stores, Sony centres, Xperia concept stores and operator stores.

The Xperia ion is Sony Mobile’s new flagship smartphone and offers a brilliant HD experience on a large 4.6-inch screen.

The Xperia go and Xperia acro S are water and dust resistant.

Sony Mobile RRP Colours
Xperia ion S$798 Black
Xperia acro S S$698 Black and White
Xperia go S$488 Black, White and Yellow

* Prices do not include line contract.

These three smartphones were among six that Sony Mobile showcased in Singapore back in June.

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Android, Availability, Gadgets, Launch, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, Sony, Xperia | No Comments »

New personal AV players: Sony NWZ-F800, E470 and E470K

Thursday, July 19th, 2012

The Walkman NWZ-E470 and NWZ-E470K digital media players will be available from August 2012, while the Walkman NWZ-F800 mobile entertainment player will be available from the end of October 2012. Prices TBA.

The Sony Walkman NWZ-E470 series of digital media players comes in many bright colours.

The Sony Walkman NWZ-E470 series of digital media players comes in many bright colours.

Following the launch of the Z1000 series Walkman in May, Sony has announced today three more personal audio visual Walkman players for music players on the go.

Enjoy your music wherever you are with the Sony Walkman NWZ-F800.

Enjoy your music wherever you are with the Sony Walkman NWZ-F800.

All of them enhance sound quality using four Sony Clear Audio Technologies (Clear Stereo, Clear Bass, DSEE and MDR-EX083 headphones).

SensMe Channel analyses your music and automatically categorises music tracks into different channels so you can conveniently listen to music that matches your mood.

Walkman NWZ-F800

The NWZ-F800 emphasises on audio quality and targets audiophiles with Sony’s S-Master MX digital amplifier, promising an enriched stereo image, tight bass and crystal clear highs.

The multi-app mobile entertainment player features the Clear Phase technology which ensures reduced distortion and increased sound presence, offering outstanding high quality sound in a portable audio device.

Sony Walkman NWZ-F800

Sony Walkman NWZ-F800

Lyrics are displayed so you can sing along to your favourite tunes; and Visualisers and Cover Art View provide brilliant visuals on the vibrant 3.5” WVGA multi-touch screen LCD, bringing you closer to your music.

The player runs on an NVIDIA Tegra II dual-core processor and the Google Android 4.0 platform.

Housed in a compact aluminium body, it also includes FLAC support for true CD-quality sound, 512MB memory, GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as up to 25 hours of music playback.

Walkman NWZ-E470 series and NWZ-E470K

The NWZ-E470 series comes in 4GB (NWZ-E473), 8GB (NWZ-E474) and 16GB (NWZ-E475) capacities and many eye-catching colours, while the NWZ-E470K comes with a speaker.

The Sony Walkman NWZ-E470K comes with a speaker.

The Sony Walkman NWZ-E470K comes with a speaker.

They are only 7.4 mm thin and provides good sound quality through Sony’s VPT and Dynamic Normaliser features.

The players offer up to 36 hours of music and six hours of video playback, easy drag and drop file transfer function and two free pre-installed games (‘Puyo Pop Fever’and ‘NUMBER PLACE’).

In addition, Karaoke Mode, Synchronised Lyric, Voice Recording and Language Learning features let users have tons of fun.

Below are the specifications for the new Sony Walkman gadgets.

(more…)

Tags:, , , , , ,
Posted in Android, Announce, Audio, Gadgets, Lifestyle, Media player, Sony, Specifications | 1 Comment »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »