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New camera lens: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Nikon’s newest NIKKOR lens is a fast, wide-angle 28mm f/1.8 fixed focal length in Nikon’s FX-format – for full frame DSLRs like the D800. It will be available in the US from the end of May 2012 at about US$700.

The new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G promises sharp focus and pleasing bokeh.

The new lens can also be used on DX-format cameras – such as the D3200 which was launched at the same time.

Used with DX-format cameras, the equivalent focal length will be 42mm.

New technologies used in the AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G include Nano Crystal Coat and a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), enhancing image quality and rendering capabilities.

The Nano Crystal Coat prevents internal reflections that cause ghost and flare while the SWM enables extremely quiet autofocusing.

Two focus modes are offered: M/A (autofocus with manual override, MF priority) and M (manual focus).

Tags:28mm, DX, f/1.8, FX, lens, NIKKOR, Nikon
Posted in Cameras, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Lens, Nikon, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »

New DSLR: Nikon D3200

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Nikon has launched, worldwide, the 24.2-megapixel D3200. The new entry-level DSLR will be available in the US in late April (approx. US$700 with 18-55mm kit lens).

Nikon has also launched a Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a (approx. US$60, available in May in the US) for the D3200.

The new Nikon D3200 is available in red or black.

The D3200 records Full HD (1080p) video with full time autofocus (AF) and sports a high-speed continuous shooting mode at 4 frames-per second (fps).

The optional WU-1a gives the Nikon D3200 wireless connectivity to mobile devices.

WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter

The new optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter can wirelessly send images to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, to enable preview of an image (but not videos) before shooting and remote control of the camera, from up to 15 m away.

The 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor works together with Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine gives an ISO range of 100 – 6400, expandable to ISO 12,800.

As an entry-level DSLR, the D3200 is designed with user-friendly features for the beginner.

WU-1a plugged into D3200.

Accessible on the Mode Dial, the Guide Mode provides step-by-step photo instructions for set-up, shooting, viewing and deleting images and movies.

There are also six Scene Modes – Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-Up and Night Portrait.

For video, the camera offers manual or automatic exposure control, and a stereo microphone input to attach an optional external microphone.

The application for Android smartphones (2.3) and tablets (3.x) will be available in May 2012, with the iOS app for iPhone and iPad expected in Fall 2012.

The Guide Mode walks the beginner using the entry-level D3200.

The main differences between the Nikon D3200 and the D3100 are tabulated below.

Nikon	D3200	D3100
Resolution	24.2 MP	14.2 MP
Video Full HD (1080p)	30 fps	24 fps
LCD	920 k	230 k
Max ISO (regular)	ISO 6,400	ISO 3,200
Continuous shoot	4 fps	3 fps
Release date	19 Apr 2012	19 Aug 2010

The brochure can be downloaded here.

Tags:Android, camera, D3200, DSLR, entry, iOS, launch, lens, Nikon, photography, wireless
Posted in Accessories, Android, App, Cameras, DSLR, Events, Gadgets, iOS, Launch, Nikon, Photography, Prices, Specifications | 5 Comments »

LG launches 3D World globally

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

3D World is to improve access to high quality 3D content for LG customers and boost efforts to increase 3D content collaboration.

Content from 3D World will be available to LG’s CINEMA 3D Smart TV users in nearly 70 countries.

The newly launched 3D World is a premium content service that will be available to LG’s CINEMA 3D Smart TV users in nearly 70 countries.

“3D World is a critical part of LG’s long-term strategy which includes controlling more of the 3D ecosystem that CINEMA 3D owners experience,” said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Home Entertainment Company.With DNA from LG’s original 3D Zone Smart TV app launched last year, 3D World gives LG customers access to an expansive selection of high quality 3D content via a “card” on the Home Dashboard

3D World allows customers the ability to search through high quality 3D content across a wide range of content categories, such as entertainment, sports, documentary, kids, and lifestyle.

“With the global roll-out of 3D World, LG is demonstrating its commitment to providing diverse, high quality 3D content,” added Kwon.In addition to the content, LG plans to pursue further collaborations with global 3D content providers in order to bring the most sought after 3D content to LG customers.

3D World will be offered in app-format for CINEMA 3D Smart TVs that were produced in 2011, while 2012 models will use the streamlined card system on the Home Dashboard.

Tags:3D, 3D World, LG, TV
Posted in 3D, App, Gadgets, Launch, LG, Software, TV | No Comments »

Adobe CS6 to launch on April 23

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

Adobe Creative Cloud and Creative Suite 6 will be launched on April 23 at 10:00 am Pacific Time.

Watch the Webcast of the launch of Adobe CS6 and Adobe Creative Cloud.

Shantanu Narayen, Adobe CEO, and David Wadhwani, SVP, Digital Media Business, Adobe, will host a launch event and press conference to announce how the company is reinventing creative software with the first release of Adobe Creative Cloud and the new Creative Suite 6.

Adobe CS6 will be launched in Singapore on April 23.

This will be the first full public demonstration of Adobe Creative Cloud in action.

The company will also preview future updates, available later this year, to its Creative Cloud offering.

In addition, the company will unveil new primary research on the impact of creativity on our culture and economy, and reveal new initiatives that encourage creativity in education.

In Singapore, the Adobe CS6 launch will be on the afternoon of April 23.

Tags:Adobe, Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Creative Suite, CS6, launch, Singapore
Posted in Adobe, Creative Suite, Launch, Photography, Software | 1 Comment »

New mouse: Logitech Touch Mouse M600

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

The M600 features a touch surface that lets you swipe and scroll on it with your fingertips to navigate intuitively while surfing the Web. It is now available in Singapore at S$89.

Logitech Touch Mouse M600 - available now for S$89.

With the Logitech Touch Mouse M600 you can scroll and swipe wherever the fingertips rest on the mouse.

Logitech Flow Scroll software makes scrolling fluid, much like scrolling on the touchscreen of a smartphone.

Slide a finger along the touch surface to experience immediate, continuous and free-flowing Web page scrolling.

The mouse’s unique shape is designed to facilitate the tasks we do most – pointing, clicking and scrolling.

It can be used by both right- and left-handers, with click areas that can easily be reassigned with Logitech SetPoint software.

In addition, the Logitech Touch Mouse M600 includes the tiny Logitech Unifying receiver, which can connect up to six compatible mice and keyboards through one USB port.

Add a keyboard, switch between mice, mix and match to fit your lifestyle, without having to change receivers or sacrifice another USB port.

The Logitech Touch Mouse M600 was named an International CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree in the Computer Peripherals product category.

The M600 is connected via a USB port and is compatible with Windows 7.

The mouse measures 111.3 x 64.3 x 29.2 mm and weighs 107.7g (with battery).

It comes with 3-year limited hardware warranty.

Tags:Logitech, M600, Mouse, Singapore, touch
Posted in Availability, Gadgets, Launch, Logitech, Mouse, Prices, Specifications, Windows 7 | No Comments »

New tablet: Samsung SLATE PC Series 7

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor and featuring an 11.6” screen, the powerful but portable Windows 7 device will be available this month at S$1,688.

The Samsung SLATE PC Series 7 can be used as a tablet or be used as a desktop.

The Samsung SLATE PC Series 7 is 12.9mm (0.5”) in thinness and weighs only 860g.

The docking station for the tablet.

When connected to the docking station, and the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse (both sold separately), the Slate operates as a desktop PC.

The docking station provides the interface to other devices and enables the flexibility to sync to a larger monitor.

On its own, the SLATE PC Series 7 can used as an ultra-portable device just like a tablet. Battery life is up to 6 hours.

Used as a desktop when docked in and connected to optional Bluetooth keyboard.

Multiple input methods from touch screen keyboard to digital pen ensure make it a flexible solution for capturing, creating and presenting content on the go, using Microsoft Office 2010 or via web applications.

Samsung SLATE PC Series 7 (S$1,688)

An integrated microphone and dual 2MP (front) / 3MP (rear) cameras record audio/visual files, which can be stored and shared via the full-sized USB port or Wi-Fi, WiMAX and HSPA+ connection.

The SuperBright Plus 11.6” HD display provides outstanding picture quality and text-readability with 400nit brightness – 100% brighter than normal laptop displays, enabling full visual experience even outdoors.

The SLATE PC Series 7 boots up in 15 seconds and wakes from standby in 2 seconds.

Below are the key specifications.

System Configuration
CPU	Intel Huron River Core i5 2467M / Core i3
Operating System	Genuine Windows 7 Professional
LCD	11.6” HD display, 16:9 aspect ratio, 400nit brightness, PLS(view angle>=170 degree)
GFX	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Memory	2GB / 4GB DDR3 1333MHz
Storage	64 / 128 GB SSD
Webcam	Front : 2.0M, Rear: 3.0M
WWAN	HSPA+ (802.11 bgn)
PAN	BT 3.0
Battery	40Wh (up to 6 hours – based on Mobile Mark test)
Dimensions/Wt	12.9mm / 860g (0.5” / 1.89lbs)
Input / Output
Input	Capacitive Touch + Digitizer/ AF Coating, Durable Glass
Ports	1x USB2.0 (Type A), m-HDMI, Audio (in/out), micro SD slot
Dock Connector	Interface: USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, DC-in, HDMI
Keyboard	Bluetooth keyboard (optional)

Tags:Bluetooth, desktop, dock, keyboard, launch, PC, Samsung, Singapore, slate, tablet, Windows
Posted in Desktops, Gadgets, Launch, Prices, Samsung, Software, Specifications, Tablets, Windows 7 | No Comments »

New Android smartphones: HTC One X and HTC One V

Friday, March 30th, 2012

HTC has launched its One series of smartphones in Singapore. The HTC One X (S$898 without contract) and HTC One V (S$398) will be available in Singapore and the countries around the world from next Monday, 2 April 2012.

The HTC One X handset is available in Polar White and Glamour Grey, while the HTC One V comes in the colour of Jupiter Rock.

At the media launch in Marina Bay Sands Hall A today, HTC showed off the new Android 4.0 (ICS, with HTC Sense 4) smartphones, which boast a superb camera, Beats Audio and greater connectivity.

I played with both the HTC One X and HTC One V at the launch.

Despite being bigger and more powerful, the HTC One X with its polycarbonate unibody is lighter than the aluminium-clad HTC One V, which is based on the design of the HTC Legend.

The HTC One X also has a larger battery capacity and runs on the new NVIDIA Tegra 3 Mobile Processor for clear graphics, faster applications and longer battery life.

It includes a 1.5GHz Super 4-PLUS-1 quad-core with an integrated fifth Battery Saver Core and a high-performance 12-Core NVIDIA GPU.

The HTC One X has a 4.7-inch, 720p HD screen made of Corning Gorilla Glass, while the One V has a 3.7-inch, 480×800 WVGA screen.

The key tech specs can be found here.

Authentic Sound

Beats By Dr. Dre Audio is integrated into the HTC One smartphones for all sound experiences from listening to music to watching YouTube videos or playing games.

HTC’s included Sync Manager software, available in Windows and Mac versions, makes it a breeze to transfer songs, artists and playlists from your music library, whether it is iTunes or Windows Media Player. The syncing can take place wirelessly as well.

Camera

HTC One X and HTC One V

With fast autofocus in 0.2 seconds, the camera can take a snapshot in 0.7 seconds.

Simply hold down the shutter button to take up to 99 consecutive shots at 4 frames per second on the HTC One X (HTC One V takes 2 fps to 99 shots).

An f/2.0 lens allows the HTC One X to take pictures in low-light, while HDR technology enables photos in harsh lighting conditions to turn out well.

While shooting HD video, simply press the shutter button to capture a high-resolution still photo without disrupting the video recording. The same can be done while viewing a previously recorded video.

HTC One X will also be available in select 4G LTE markets with a LTE-enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with up to 1.5GHz dual-core CPU’s.

HTC One X will also be available in select 4G LTE markets with a LTE-enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU.

Dropbox integration

To save recorded photos and videos, or any other documents, Dropbox has been integrated with HTC Sense 4 in the HTC One, whose users get 25 gigabytes of free Dropbox space for two years.

Dropbox cloud storage, together with the cloud synchronisation provided by Google via the Android OS has resulted in the recent retirement of HTCsense.com cloud backup services.

Personal entertainment hub

Apart from using the smartphone to make calls, take and view photos or video, enjoy music, surf the web, and play games; HTC is trying to extend the consumption of HTC’s content and media beyond just the smartphone’s screen.

I can see that HTC is positioning the One X as the hub of the modern consumer’s digital lifestyle.

HTC Media Link

If you’re in the living room, you can “throw” the display on your smartphone onto your HDTV with an upward swipe on the smartphone’s screen using three fingers – as long as there is a Wi-Fi network in the vicinity and your TV has an HDMI input which is connected to the HTC Media Link.

The HTC One X is a highly desirable smartphone in a chic package.

The Media Link is a black box the size of a name card box that has a USB power socket and an HDMI socket.The mirrored display is transmitted over the Wi-Fi network to the Media Link. The TV doesn’t have to be DNLA enabled – all it needs is an HDMI input.

For watching movies, the video can be viewed while the smartphone itself is used for other purposes.

HTC Car Stereo Clip

And if you’re in the car, the music or call audio can be channeled into the car’s speakers. Simply plug the HTC Car Stereo Clip into the car stereo’s auxiliary socket. The Car Stereo Clip receives the sound signals from smartphone and pumps it into the car’s sound system.

With a phone holder that can be attached to the windscreen (via a suction attachment), the smartphone can be put into “car” mode.

Only the essential functionalities typically needed in the car are displayed on the smartphone screen, such as Calls, Music, and navigation – with big icons to make it easier to control while driving.

The Media Link, Car Stereo Clip and the car kit are sold separately.

Tags:HTC, HTC One, HTC One V, HTC One X, launch, MBS, Singapore, smartphone
Posted in Accessories, Android, Audio, Cameras, Events, Gadgets, HTC, HTC One, Launch, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, Software, Specifications | 9 Comments »

Nokia ventures into China with Lumia smartphones

Thursday, March 29th, 2012

China Telecom and Nokia have launched the first CDMA Windows phones in China. The Nokia 800C will be available for purchase in April at 3599 RMB (S$718) without contract; while the more affordable Nokia 600C will be available sometime in Q2 2012.

Stephen Elop, CEO of Nokia; and Wang Xiaochu, Chairman of China Telecom at the launch.

The Nokia 800C will be Nokia’s first Lumia phone for China – the world’s largest smartphone market. It is the CDMA variant of the Windows Phone-based Lumia 800.

China will see sales of up to 140 million smartphones this year. This is an increase of more than 80%, propelling China past the U.S. as the world’s largest smartphone market, according to researcher Gartner Inc. The Nokia 610C (CDMA variant of Lumia 610, price to be announced) will target more youthful audience and will provide a perfect introduction to Windows Phone with access to the same core signature experiences as the rest of the Lumia range

China Telecom is offering the Nokia 800C in black and cyan.

Nokia is also working on phones for networks operated by China Unicom Hong Kong Ltd. and
China Mobile Ltd, reported Bloomberg.

The smartphone features a 3.7″ AMOLED ClearBlack curved touchscreen display.

With a 1.4 GHz processor, hardware acceleration and a separate graphics processor, it also features an instant-share 8 Mpx camera with Carl Zeiss optics, HD video playback, 16GB of internal user memory and SkyDrive storage for accessing pictures and files from anywhere.

Android enjoys more than half the market share of smartphone platforms in the 4th quarter, while the iPhone accounts for nearly 25 percent, with Windows Phones (from all manufacturers) capturing 1.9 percent. – according to Gartner.Exclusive applications and services for a uniquely local experience

China Telecom and Nokia are targeting young people by integrating music, games, videos, and integrated reading apps right onto the Nokia 800C home screen.

To reach this target market, the Nokia 800C will be featured prominently in Tianyi FlyYoung shops, a distribution arm and new, youth-centered sub-brand of China Telecom.

People purchasing Nokia Lumia smartphones in China will have access to applications such as magazines from Trends and special offers for free downloads of popular gaming titles such as Fruit Ninja and PVZ.

Trends, a provider of highly interactive fashion magazine applications, will launch Cosmopolitan first for Nokia Lumia smartphones and provide people using a Nokia Lumia phone with free access to For Him Magazine (FHM), Harper’s Bazaar and Esquire magazines in Marketplace, opening today.

Top 3 phone makers in China in the 4th quarter (Gartner)
Samsung	24.3%
Nokia	19.6%
Apple	7.5%

As an added incentive for people using a Nokia Lumia smartphone in China, Nokia will soon offer 100,000 free downloads of the hit gaming titles Fruit Ninja and PVZ through the Nokia Collection in Marketplace.

Nokia and Microsoft also announced the Be Top program, which is designed to encourage and support developers in creating great new applications on Windows Phone specifically for people in China.

Nokia will offer Lumia users access to all major Internet services in China including Sina, SOHU, Tencent and Renren as well as a choice of nearly 20,000 apps available for download through Marketplace.

The Nokia 800C comes with the Nokia apps that are available only on Lumia smartphones:

The Nokia 800C is the CDMA variant of the Nokia Lumia 800.

Nokia Maps

Quick-access, three-dimensional maps in China and over 190 countries worldwide, as well as the ability to discover the top places nearby with local content support from Fantong, Jiepang, Ctrip, Qunar and Soufun.

People can easily click on the places to see photos, recommendations and information, and quickly dial restaurants to make a reservation.

Nokia Drive

Delivers a full-fledged personal navigation device with free, voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation for over 100 countries including China.

It has a dedicated in-car user-interface, free offline navigation and speed notifications.

Nokia Music

Offers a single hub experience for discovering the latest music, including unlimited free music for 12 months for consumers in mainland China.

It also includes MixRadio, a free, global, mobile music-streaming application that delivers hundreds of channels of locally-relevant music, including the ability to listen to music offline and build personalized mixes for listening to favourite music from any location.

Tags:China, China Telecom, launch, Lumia, Nokia, smartphone, Windows Phone
Posted in Figures, Gadgets, Launch, Lumia, Nokia, Phones, Prices, Specifications, Tech news, Windows Phone | 1 Comment »

New HD camcorders: Canon LEGRIA HF M56, M52, R38, and R36

Wednesday, March 28th, 2012

Canon has introduced its new LEGRIA camcorder lineup with social sharing capabilities. The new LEGRIA HF M56 (S$1,349), HF M52 (S$1,549), HF R38 (S$1,099), and HF R36 ( S$899) camcorders feature enhanced low-light performance and wireless connectivity.

Available in Singapore mid-April.

Canon takes LEGRIA social with its slew of 4 new camcorders.

Canon Singapore today unveiled its new high definition LEGRIA HF-M and HF-R series that allow users to directly share their videos on social networking sites, without the need to transfer them to a PC.

Bring the LEGRIA HF-M camcorder underwater with the WP-V4 Waterproof Case.

Offering Full HD recording in a compact and lightweight body, the new camcorders offer consumers new features like Wi-Fi connectivity, the option to capture videos in MP4 or AVCHD file format, and full Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certification to support the sharing of videos through DNLA-certified HDTVs, and mobile devices.

The HF-M series also features an enhanced version of Canon’s HD CMOS PRO sensor to deliver uncompromised professional-quality full HD video, even in extreme low-light conditions.

The Canon HD video lens and a powerful 51x advanced zoom in the HF-R series ensure that users can easily capture the action anywhere, even from far distances.

More detailed descriptions of the features can be found below.

(more…)

Tags:camcorder, Canon, launch, Legria, Singapore, unveil
Posted in Canon, Gadgets, Launch, Legria, Videocams | No Comments »

I tried out Zinio on the BlackBerry PlayBook

Sunday, March 25th, 2012

The free Zinio app was released on BlackBerry App World on Tuesday, 20 March. I’ve tried it out for the past few days to read the two free magazines that came with the “magazine stand” app.

Zinio stocks over 5,000 titles in more than 30 languages.

Installation was easy and fuss-free. Fire up App World on the PlayBook, search for Zinio, click the Download button.

The 1.8 MB app is downloaded and installed in a jiffy (depending on your bandwidth) and you’re set to go.

Zinio starts you off with two free magazines when you first install the app.

Starting up Zinio, you’re prompted to sign in if you have an existing account with Zinio (which is also available through a browser and via apps for iOS and Android tablets), or sign up for a new account.

All you need to sign up is an email and a password. Once logged in, you remain logged in on the PlayBook until you log out.

Once in, you get to the library with two free magazines for installing the app. At this point, you get the March 12 issue of Esquire and April 12 issue of Elle.

Click on the thumbnail to download the magazine. Once downloaded, you can read the magazine even when offline.

View two pages at a time in landscape mode, with navigation interface when you tap on the screen.

The user interface is simple and intuitive. In portrait mode, you view one page at a time. In landscape mode, you view two pages on the screen.

Pinch to zoom out and spread the fingers to zoom in.

View one page at a time when in portrait mode. Shown with navigation thumbnails below and options above.

Double-tap to zoom-in quickly and single tap to display options, such as a row of scrollable thumbnail pages at the bottom for quick navigation.

Navigation was easy and smooth and the app has been stable in the few days that I’ve played with it.

Want more magazines? Hit the online shop. The categories are listed to the left, and the magazine covers in the category listed to the right.

Selecting a magazine will bring you to the details page where you can choose to purchase either a single issue or subscribe for a number of issues.

After that, it’s the typical payment transactions, with entry and verification of credit card details.

Zinio has more than 5,000 titles (magazines and newspapers) in more than 30 languages from around the world.

Publications purchased or subscribed to can be perused on any compatible device as long as the user is logged in with the account used to make the purchase, and a version of the magazine compatible for the OS is available on Zinio.

Tags:Apps, magazines, newstand, Playbook, RIM, tablets, Zinio
Posted in App, BlackBerry, Gadgets, Launch, Opinion, PlayBook, Prices, Review, RIM, Software, Specifications, Tablets | No Comments »

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