SingTel today announced that it will launch Singapore’s first 4G service for tablets on 28 August. Two models will be offered: Asus Transformer Pad TF300TL and Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 (LTE). Details of price plans within.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 (LTE) and Asus Transformer Pad TF300TL will be available at launch from 28 August.
The service will offer tablet users theoretical download speeds of up to 75Mbps and typical download speeds between 3.4Mbps and 12Mbps.
It will provide mobile Internet access that is more than three times faster than existing 21Mbps 3G tablet services, with one-fifth of the network latency.
Tablet model
ASUS Tranformer Pad TF300TL
Samsung GALAXY Tab 8.9 (LTE)
4G tablet price plan
Prestige 75
Monthly subscription
$64.90
$49.90
$64.90
$49.90
Tablet price
$429
$549
$329
$449
Data bundle
10GB
Excess usage and data cap
$5.35 per GB (w GST) 1 July to 31 Dec 2012
$10.70/GB (w GST) from 1 Jan 2013
$94(w GST) cap applies
Contractual period
24 months
Two Android tablets will be available at launch from SingTel with the new Prestige 75 plans. Existing 4G smartphone customers can also purchase the tablets with a multi-SIM plan.
SingTel will launch the mio TV Play app for Android tablets on 28 August.
Model
Asus Transformer Pad TF300TL (LTE)
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 (LTE)
Operating system
Android 4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Android 3.2 (Honeycomb)
Screen size
10.1″ WXGA(1280 X 800) LED Backlight screen with IPS
8.9″ WXGA TFT technology
Internal memory
32GB, 1GB RAM
16GB, 1GB RAM
Expandable memory
Up to 64GB
Up to 32GB
Camera specs
8MP, Front 1.2MP
3MP
Other features
Nvidia Tegra 3 Quad-Core 1.2Ghz
Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8060, 1200 MHz
This app will offer an extensive library of on-demand movies, including new release Hollywood blockbusters and the latest titles from around the world.
Movies will be offered from $2.99, and users can charge purchases to their SingTel bill or credit card.
mio TV Play will be available for free download at the Google Play app store, and also pre-loaded into the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 (LTE).
Telstra Global today launched Telstra Global IPX Service, a fully integrated platform allowing mobile operators to meet the demands of the rapid growth in data usage and international roaming with next generation mobility services.
Telstra Global is a leading global supplier of managed network and hosting services.
Telstra Global IPX Service is aimed at mobile operators looking to maximise their Long Term Evolution (LTE) investments to capitalise on increased international mobility and exploding mobile data consumption.
“IPX provides mobile operators with the opportunity to innovate beyond the network by taking advantage of increased data usage, moving up the value chain by offering feature rich applications and services delivered through a high quality end user experience which customers are demanding whether at home or abroad,” said Mr Nathan Bell, Telstra Global’s Director of Products and Marketing.
Using a single channel, Telstra Global IPX Service allows mobile operators to optimise their networks to accommodate these demands, while offering a consistent customer experience to their end users.
Telstra Global IPX Service offers a platform that enables mobile operators to introduce new services and applications, to take advantage of ever more popular capabilities such as mobile gaming and video streaming with superior end user experience.
Telstra Global IPX is provided over Telstra Global’s a scalable and managed IP MPLS core network which maximises traffic on both legacy and new mobile platforms, allowing Telstra Global to partner with mobile operators who have already embarked on or are heading towards their LTE journey.
Telstra Global IPX Service offers reduced risk, rapid network scalability, the ability to own the end-user experience and provide a full range of value-added service offerings.
It also allows mobile operators to offer tailored roaming packages resulting in better value for money and quality of service for their customers’ data needs, combined with a consistent customer experience while roaming across global networks, alongside improved traffic management and billing authentication.
The Optimus Vu: will have the 4-PLUS-1 NVIDIA Tegra 3 Quad-Core processor and Android 4.0 (ICS) OS when the 5-inch smartphone heads out of Korea and Japan to make its global debut in September.
The LG Optimus Vu: comes with a 5-inch, 4:3 ration IPS display.
I last wrote about the LG Optimus Vu: half a year ago in February, when it was unveiled ahead of MWC 2012, and slotted to be introduced in Korea in March.
At that time, it only had a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS.
The Optimus Vu: will be updated with a 4-PLUS-1 NVIDIA Tegra 3 Quad-Core processor and Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) OS.
It will also feature upgraded versions of QuickMemo and Notebook.
Since then, more than 500,000 units of the Optimus Vu: has been sold in Korea while it has been launched in Japan this month.
The LG Optimus Vu: sports a 5-inch display – slightly broader but smaller than the 5.3-inch Samsung GALAXY Note.
The 4:3 ratio IPS display will work well with an upgraded version of QuickMemo and Notebook – two features that maximises the use of the large screen.
The Optimus Vu: will make its debut in select markets in Europe, Asia (including Singapore), Middle East, Africa and Latin America in September.
The Olympus Tough TG-320 is 3m waterproof, 1.5m shockproof and -10⁰C freezeproof for the adventurous. The 14-megapixel compact digital camera is available in blue and red in Singapore at S$348.
The Olympus Tough TG-320 is available in Singapore in blue and red for S$298.
Looking for a rugged camera that you can bring for that white-water rafting trip? Check out the Olympus Tough TG-320 digital compact camera.
Olympus Tough TG-320
Megapixels
14 MP
Optical Zoom
3.6 x
Wide angle
28mm
Max zoom
100mm
LCD
2.7″, 230k dots, TFT colour
Movie
1280 x 720 px
Waterproof
3m
Shockproof
1.5m
Freezeproof
-10 deg Celsius
Flash
Built-in
RAW
No
Image stabilisation
Dual IS
Size /mm
96.3 x 63.4 x 22.7
Weight
155 g
Price
S$348
It is waterproof up to a depth of 3m and shockproof against falls from up to 1.5m, with Olympus’ distinct lens barrier and a sliding double lock mechanism
To prevent picture blur due to camera shake and subject motion, the TG-320 features DUAL IS uses a CCD-shift image stabilisation mechanism and high-sensitivity image capturing, by an equivalent of up to 4 shutter speed stops.
The TG-320 records HDTV (1280 x 720 pixels) movies in MPEG-4 AVC / H.264 format.
The camera comes with 8 Magic Filters – Pop, Pin Hole, Fisheye, Sketch, Soft Focus and Punk inherited from the previous model, and the newly-added Watercolour and Sparkle.
Magic Movies recordings are available in Pop, Sketch, Fisheye, Soft Focus, Punk and Watercolour, giving them a distinct look and artistic feel.
You can shoot dynamic 3D photos in any mode from macro to landscape. You can view the 3D effect on 3D-compatible TV sets or computers.
The camera also includes a face-detecting Pet Mode and is compatible with Eye-Fi SDHC memory cards.
SingTel has launched the second season of TGIS – the popular lifestyle series on YouTube. At the moment, the plan is to have 12 bi-weekly episodes hosted by Joanne-Marie Sim, the svelte host from Season 1.
Joanne-Marie Sim, returning host of SingTel TGIS Season 2.
With a new look for its second season, TGIS aims to entertain and educate young Singaporean adults on infotainment news with local and international flavor.
TGIS kicked off its second season on August 8, 2012 with a National Day special episode, featuring popular Singaporean artists and personalities like Hossan Leong, Tay Kewei, Ginette Chittick and Alvelyn Alko.
Joanne-Marie Sim with Tay Kewei, Singaporean singer-songwriter on SingTel TGIS.
They were being interviewed by Joanne-Marie Sim, who was voted Singapore’s next social media star during last year’s SingTel Facebook casting call.
On the show, they shared their views on what it means to be Singaporean and also their fields of work.
Upcoming episodes will include uncovering some of Singapore’s emerging technology and entertainment talents.
TGIS features things Singaporeans are passionate about and helps viewers make sense of the world of gadgets, social media and technology.
“With Season 2, SingTel continues to give viewers a fresh perspective on the latest technologies and gadgets, and how they can enhance their everyday lives,” said Miguel Bernas, SingTel’s Director of Digital Marketing.
In addition to an exciting line-up of personalities and stories, viewers will be able to shape the episodes for Season Two in the coming weeks.
Through SingTel’s YouTube page, they can provide comments to influence how the episodes will play out.
The second episode of TGIS will go live on August 29, 2012.
The Samsung EX2F is now available in Singapore. From now until 16 September, get a free 25L Dry box and Power bank charger worth $238 and an SD card, a camera case and an extra battery worth $115.
The Samsung EX2F compact camera has a maximum aperture of F1.4 and is Wi-Fi capable.
Following the success of the EX1 which had an F1.8 lens, Samsung has upped the ante with a super-bright F1.4 lens in the new EX2F.
Samsung EX2F
Megapixels
12 MP
Sensor
1/1.7″ BSI CMOS
Optical Zoom
3.3 x
Wide angle
24mm
Max zoom
80mm
LCD
3″, 614k dots, VGA, AMOLED
Movie
Full HD 1080/30p
Flash
Built-in + Hotshoe
RAW
Yes
Image stabilisation
Dual IS
Size /mm
111.9 x 62 x 28.9
Weight
294.3 g *
Aperture
F1.4 to F2.7
Others
Built-in ND filter
Price
S$699
* Weight excludes battery and memory card.
A maximum aperture of F1.4 is available at the camera’s widest angle at 24mm.
The F1.4 lens lets in four times more light than an F2.8 lens, and comprises 11 elements in 9 groups, with 4 aspherical lenses and 2 high refractive lenses.
The larger aperture allows for shooting with very shallow depths of field, and the ability to shoot at low-light.
Low-light shooting is further assisted with Dual Image Stabilisation (Optical IS & Digital IS).
On the other hand, a built-in Neutral Density (ND) filter provides greater control over exposure settings either for creative purposes or in situations of over-exposure.
The camera is housed in a durable magnesium body usually found on DSLR cameras.
As in DSLR cameras, the EX2F allows Full Manual Control of exposure settings and records photos in RAW format.
Available in Singapore for S$699.
The Wi-Fi connectivity of the EX2F means that photos taken can be easily and speedily shared to social networking sites such as Facebook, or sent to friends or family via email.
The camera can be connected to smartphones and tablets via a Mobile Link, or saved through Auto Backup to a PC or to the Cloud.
Detailed technical specifications of the Samsung EX2F can be found below.
SingTel celebrates Singapore’s 47th birthday with mobile, broadband, mio TV and multimedia content offers.
Check out SingTel’s National Day offers and promotions from 4 to 12 August.
Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) will offer 47 mio TV on-demand movies for just $1 each from 8 to 12 August. Titles include recently released Hollywood blockbusters, as well as Asian, Bollywood and Malay favourites.
Discounts to celebrate Singapore’s 47th birthday.
Customers who sign up for SingTel’s Flexi mobile plans from 4 to 12 August will enjoy $47 off all handset purchases.
They will also receive a discount of $4.70 off their monthly Flexi plan subscriptions.
The promotion is also available to existing customers who renew their subscriptions.
In addition, customers who subscribe to SingTel’s mio Home or exPlore Home broadband plans from 4 to 12 August can enjoy mio TV’s Combo pack at a special price of $19.90 per month, discounted from $29.90 per month.
The Combo pack includes mio Stadium football channels and ESPN STAR sports, as well as English entertainment and Jingxuan Chinese channels.
SingTel has supported the National Day Parade since 1995 as its Principal Telecoms Provider.
This year, SingTel is also providing the technology for the NDP online ticket balloting system and One Place multimedia portal.
With the new Barclays Premier League season starting on 18 August, the Combo pack is ideal for fans of the beautiful game.
In the spirit of the occasion, SingTel will offer a selection of Singapore’s most loved National Day songs for download and streaming through its award-winning AMPed 2.0 music service.
SingTel will also offer the Reuters SMS news alerts service for $4.70 per month, discounted from $7.50 per month.
RIM has unveiled the new 4G LTE PlayBook. Available in Canada on 9 August with 32GB and a more powerful 1.5GHz dual-core CPU. Prices TBA.
The new PlayBook comes with much needed cellular connectivity.
The 4G LTE version of the BlackBerry PlayBook will make its debut in Canada next Thursday, with availability in other countries in the following months.
Cellular connectivity
LTE
700, 1700 MHz
HSPA+
100, 1900, 1700, 800, 900 MHz
Given the incompatibility of 4G networks in different countries, it could be some time before a version compatible with your country becomes available.
In the meantime, the new PlayBook will at least bring much needed cellular connectivity (on 3G) for users from countries which do not have a 4G network yet (or who have incompatible networks).
Available in Canada on 9 Aug.
Research In Motion (RIM) had announced earlier that the PlayBook will eventually run on BlackBerry 10 OS.
So the 4G LTE should be upgradeable from the current BlackBerry Tablet OS when BB10 becomes available next year.
Apart from the 4G LTE connectivity and CPU speed-up, the hardware for the new PlayBook remains the same – which is a testimony of how advanced it was to begin with when the original PlayBook was launched last year.
Milestone signals Windows 8 has completed product development and testing, and is being handed-off to hardware partners to get ready for October 26 general availability. Release schedule below.
Windows 8 has reached RTM (Release to Manufacturing).
Microsoft has just announced that Windows 8 has reached Release to Manufacturing (RTM), the latest milestone in the launch of the new Windows 8 operating system.
Users buying a new Windows 7 PC between 2 June 2012 to 31 January 2013 can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for S$17.99 (including GST) on the day of Windows 8 launch.
Those currently on Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 (prior to 2 June) can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for US$39.99.
For those wanting to try a pre-release version of Windows 8 before general availability, the Windows 8 Release Preview is available for download here.
Developers can visit the Windows Dev Center to get access to all the tools and resources they need to design, build, and sell apps in the Windows Store.
Whereas all apps during the preview phases were free, developers can now begin charging for apps with the RTM.
Those with access to RTM bits will begin to see paid apps appear in the Windows Store.
The schedule for releasing the final RTM code to select audiences – including developers, IT professionals and partners – will begin in mid-August.
August 15th
Developers building new apps for Windows 8 will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via an MSDN subscription. You can visit the Windows Dev Center to get access to the final build of Visual Studio 2012.
IT professionals testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through a TechNet subscription.
August 16th
Customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), allowing you to test, pilot and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within your organization.
Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.
August 20th
Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.
Microsoft has released the preview of Outlook.com, a web-based “unified” email that allows the user to consolidate mails and messages from Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo mail.
It is also connected to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and soon – Skype.
Try out the Outlook.com preview here.
You can find more details for the Outlook.com preview on the Outlook blog.
