Corded and wireless stereo headphones from Jabra: Jabra Vox in-ear earphones (S$148), Jabra Revo (S$248, corded) and Jabra Revo Wireless (S$398) headphones.
Expected to retail in Singapore in February.
Latest headphones and earphones from Jabra at CES 2013.
Jabra has introduced Dolby Digital Plus technology which – together with Jabra’s Sound App for iOS and Android devices – promises a much richer and fuller sound that is often missing in digitally compressed audio.
Nikon has launched in Tokyo the Nikon 1 J3, Nikon 1 S1 bodies, WP-N2 waterproof case, 1 NIKKOR VR 6.7-13mm f/3.5-5.6 and 1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm f/4-5.6 lenses. It also released two new compact cameras – COOLPIX S6500 and COOLPIX 2700.
Prices and availability to be announced at a later date.
From left, Nikon COOLPIX S6500, Nikon COOLPIX S2700, Nikon 1 J3 with 1 NIKKOR VR 6.7-13mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, and Nikon 1 S1 with 1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm f/4-5.6 lens
With the popularity of mirrorless interchangeable lens (MIL) cameras, Nikon is beefing up its Nikon 1 line up of camera bodies, lenses and accessories, with new features and functionalities.
For those who prefer the simplicity of compact cameras, it has introduced two new cameras in its COOLPIX S-series.
Here’s a line-up with key specs.
The Transformer AiO PC runs on Windows 8 and has an integral Android tablet that can be detached, while the Qube Google TV media streamer is an entertainment device with voice search and motion control.
Also unveiled were two premium monitors and a pocket router.
ASUS has unveiled a number of new innovative products during CES 2013.
The Transformer AiO has an 18.4-inch display that doubles as a standalone tablet.
Asus is also showcasing for CES 2013 its other recently launched products.
The two monitors are the PA249Q ProArt and VG248QE Fast Gaming monitors, while the WL-330NUL Pocket Router is the world’s smallest router that gives easy wireless connectivity to travelers.
In fact, the pocket router would have been exactly what I needed during my recent trip to Japan because the super-thin Ultrabook that I’d brought along didn’t have an Ethernet port and some hotel rooms had wired Internet access but no Wi-Fi.
Below are more details of the new gizmos.
Sony is introducing the XBA-40 (S$388), XBA-30 (S$318), XBA-20 (S$238) and XBA-10 (S$98) in-ear headphones, available now from all Sony stores and authorised outlets.
Each of the models in the second generation in-ear XBA headphones come in gold or silver.
For users listening to music on their iPhones, each of these earphones models also come with “iP” versions that allow remote control of the music playing while talking hands-free.
| Model | SRP |
|---|---|
| XBA-40 | S$388 |
| XBA-30 | S$318 |
| XBA-20 | S$238 |
| XBA-10 | S$98 |
| XBA-40iP | S$408 |
| XBA-30iP | S$338 |
| XBA-20iP | S$268 |
| XBA-10iP | S$118 |
These headphones are the second generation of Sony’s popular XBA range of in-ear headphones, with gold and silver colour variations for each model to suit the individual’s taste.
The new XBA headphones feature the same micro-sized Balanced Armature (BA) drivers that are optimised for music enjoyment.
Double-layered housing prevents unwanted vibrations for crystal clear mid-high range audio reproduction.
The new range of XBA in-ear headphones now come with a high quality, PCOCC grain-free and oxygen-free copper cable wiring that minimises sound transmission loss.
A serrated anti-friction tangle-free cord helps music lovers deal with the constant challenge of messily stored wires.
The Seagate Video 2.5 HDD is a 2.5-inch drive specifically engineered for use in 24/7 video applications like digital video recorders (DVRs), set-top boxes (STBs), and surveillance applications.
New Seagate Video 2.5 HDD for greater reliability and energy efficiency.
The Video 2.5 HDD targets three key areas of importance to manufacturers – high reliability, acoustics, and energy efficiency.
For reliability, the drive has an annual failure rate of approximately 0.55, based on current configurations, enabling it to keep product in the field longer while reducing the cost of field deployment and maintaining customer retention.
It boasts 24/7 operation capabilities in extended temperature ranges and enhanced acoustics for near silent operation — features crucial for consumer electronics and video applications.
The Video 2.5 HDD provides home entertainment manufacturers one and two disk, cost-optimized solutions for today’s high-definition (HD) video recording applications.
Featuring capacities up to 500 GB, manufacturers can benefit from its lower-power performance and slim form factor without sacrificing the streaming capabilities or reliability of Seagate’s 3.5-inch video drive.
Its low power consumption, 24×7 operation, and support of up to 12 streams of simultaneous HD content also make it ideal for surveillance DVR applications.
The living-room environment requires superior acoustic management to limit audible distractions during operation of DVRs and STBs and the Video 2.5 HDD enables designers to build the quietest home entertainment systems possible.
Operating below the range of audible sound for the human ear at just 22db, the drive provides optimised acoustics for home entertainment components.
Compared to 3.5-inch HDDs
The drive reduces packaging materials by 53 percent and overall freight by up to 30 percent – over previous 3.5-inch offerings – by efficiently packing and shipping more units with fewer materials than larger drives.
The Seagate Video 2.5 HDD is designed specially for video.
It also contributes to sustainable energy initiatives by achieving a 55 percent improvement in power savings over comparable 3.5-inch offerings, enabling system integrators to meet aggressive new energy requirements.
Fujitsu has introduced the new Windows 8 LIFEBOOK CH702 for the Asia Pacific region. The Ultrabook will be available in early December for S$2,388 (incl GST), in white, pink and brown.
The Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 comes with stylish design and accessories.
The new Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 comes with stylishly designed accessories which include a matching wireless mouse, a set of PC case and pouch, and an elegant, slim adapter.
Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 runs Windows 8
The Ultrabook comes with the 3rd Generation Intel Corei5 processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology and the latest Windows 8 operating system to provide an efficient and powerful performance machine.
The 13.3-inch Ultrabook weighs approximately 1.45kg and is 17.5mm thick.
Boasting more than 7 hours of battery lifespan, the laptop is powered to provide full day usage for users on-the-go.
The CH702 is pre-installed with Fujitsu’s new proprietary software, Diary and Scrapbook.
Matching mouse colours with white, brown and pink.
These are convenient, fun and original applications that let users organise tasks, announce important updates, enhance photos, collate interesting information, and share on social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook.
Scrapbook stores and organises pictures and Web pages that users come across when they are browsing the internet.
The application allows users to create theme-based collages for saved content such as web captures.
Content can easily be managed and shared with friends as a digital scrapbook.
With Diary, users can create their very own journal by storing and organising Facebook and Twitter posts and downloaded photos.
PC case and pouch included. Images not to scale.
Incorporating stylish touches, the CH702 features a pearl-design power button, elegant keycap finish and a delicate, cubic zirconia embellishment.
Elegant, slim adapter
The top casing has been constructed with an elegant gradation with gold trim, featuring a cubic zirconia embellished flip latch that allows users to easily open the display panel.
The power button is adorned with a pearl-like accent, and the power status LED and Caps Lock keys are decorated with a LED light with diamond-cut surface.
An exquisite gold ring frames each key on the keyboard, highlighting its elegant style.
In addition, the outtake and intake vents all feature a floral motif design.
Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 Ultrabook
Each CH702 comes with a matching wireless mouse that is shaped like a pretty compact powder case; a PC case and adapter pouch with pearl charm; and a slim, bejeweled AC adaptor.
Other accessories which users can purchase include the light and compact external Optical Disc Drive and USB/LAN adaptor for enhanced connectivity.
Hitachi Data Systems promises superior performance, capacity and reliability from the new flash module for demanding enterprise workloads.
Hitachi Accelerated Flash storage for demanding enterprise workloads.
The Hitachi Accelerated Flash storage features a new custom-designed rack-optimized form factor and new flash memory controller technology from Hitachi.
When compared with 400GB MLC SSDs, Hitachi Accelerated Flash storage achieves:
These offer higher performance, lowest cost per bit, and greater capacity compared to conventional solid-state drives (SSDs) on the market today.
Flash technology has become more pervasive in the data center over the past few years.
However, its widespread adoption as a mainstream storage option has been hampered by high costs, limited endurance and sub-optimal write performance.
Encompass Digital Media now has the largest independent playout and Teleport facility in Asia, boosting Singapore’s goal to become a global media hub.
Encompass Digital Media has 24/7/365 Teleport facilities and technical personnel in USA, UK and Singapore.
Encompass had aimed to reach the 100-channel (from Singapore) origination/transmission milestone in 24 months. Instead it achieved the target six months earlier – within 18 months.
In the last 12 months, it has launched one channel every three weeks.
In a climate when players in the industry are folding or struggling with difficult economic outlooks, Deepakjit Singh is brimming with confidence that Encompass will “ride the wave” of growth through its aggressive embracing of digitalisation.
Deepakjit is the Managing Director of Asia for Encompass Digital Media, one of the world’s top digital media services providers and a leader in global satellite and terrestrial connectivity.
The company’s mission-critical media services provides broadcasters, cable networks, corporations and government agencies with customized solutions for the management and distribution of content globally.
Currently, the Singapore facilities is capable of supporting up to 250 channels, but the constant upgrading of infrastructure ensures that it will always have more than enough capacity to cater to rapid growth.
Encompass is investing US$20 million over five years into its Singapore operations for technology and infrastructure upgrading, employee up-skilling and community engagement initiatives.
Some clients of Encompass Asia
AETN All Asia Networks, AMC, BBC Worldwide, BBC, CNBC, Discovery Communications, FOX, LiTV, MTV Networks, Scripps Networks, Sony Asia, Tata Communications and Tigergate.
Almost half of that has already been invested on technology upgrading in order to increase productivity and to reduce the marginal cost of launching a new channel.
This enables Singapore to compete effectively with China and India.
In the last two years, the number of channels that Encompass Asia provides end-to-end services to has increased threefold.
About Encompass Asia
Encompass Asia is a leading provider of content management and distribution services with more than 30 per cent share in the market.
“People in Asian countries like Vietnam, India and China, are becoming increasingly mobile and are demanding for content in different languages and formats,” observed Deepakjit.
“At our Singapore facility, we have the capability to convert content into over 200 formats for nearly every type of platform and delivery model.”
In Singapore, Encompass Asia have the largest digital media facility in the region from where content is played out to the rest of Asia, reaching as far as South Korea, Japan, New Zealand and India.
The 88,000 sq. ft. facility with 16 satellite uplinks is designed to offer a robust, redundant infrastructure providing playout, distribution, digital media manipulation, creative, technical and global archival services.
In addition, the facility also houses a cutting-edge post-production operation and production studio giving its clients an end-to-end solution when creating and delivering content.
Its parent, Encompass Digital Media has 24/7/365 Teleport facilities and technical personnel in USA, UK and Singapore.
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 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 2: Double Zoom Kit (S$1,348)
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.
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.
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.
