Archive for the ‘Launch’ Category

Tata Communications first to circumnavigate the globe

Friday, March 23rd, 2012

Tata Communications has completed the world’s first wholly owned cable network ring around the world. The global fibre optic network seamlessly links markets across Asia, Middle East, the U.S. and Europe to meet rising demand for 24/7 commerce. (Update: Click here to view Infographic)

Launch of the TGN-Gulf Landing constitutes part of Tata Communications's global fibre optic network.

Launch of the TGN-Gulf Landing constitutes part of Tata Communications's global fibre optic network.

This is following the official launch of its Tata Global Network – Gulf (TGN-Gulf) and Eurasia (TGN-EA) cables.

The TGN-Gulf cable sub-sea cable system connects the Gulf to Mumbai, India and onward to the rest of the Tata Global Network (TNG).

“Our customers, whether a European auto-manufacturer, an Asian hotel group or a large U.S. financial services firm, need to compete in global markets and are demanding faster and more reliable worldwide connectivity,” says Vinod Kumar, Managing Director and CEO, Tata Communications. The TGN-EA cable connects Europe to India, through Egypt, bringing increased capacity, resilience and enhanced communications links to not only the Middle East, but to the rest of the world. It will initially offer speeds of up to 10Gbps.

Tata Communications is a global communications service provider that owns and operates the world’s largest subsea cable network.

TNG covers nearly 20% of the world’s Internet routes reaching over 240 countries and territories. These countries constitute 99.7 per cent of the world’s GDP.

The completion of the final link across Egypt enables Tata Communications to offer its customers unique access to a wholly-owned express route cable from Europe to India with improved latency, redundancy and scalability.

In conjunction with the company’s recently launched TGN-Gulf these routes will cater to the increasing demand for voice, video and data services in and out of the Gulf region.

“Companies and carriers in developed and emerging economies require the confidence and security delivered by a wholly-owned network such as Tata Communications’ TGN,” added Kumar.The round-the-world ring also offers city-to-city connections in contrast to more traditional networks which only link cable landing stations.

This approach is more cost-effective, flexible and provides a faster time to market delivery, as well as being easier to maintain and manage.

The 9,280 km TGN-EA system which links Europe and India, running across the Mediterranean and the Middle East, uses fibre-optic technology based on microscopic glass fibres as thin as a strand of human hair, and offers customers the lowest levels of latency with RTD around 92 msec with speeds from 2Mbit/s to 10Gbit/s available.

Visit the Amazon on Google Street View

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

Ever fancied taking an adventure tour of the Amazon River to explore its nature and culture? Now you can – right from your armchair in the comfort of your home.

Armchair explorers can now trek through the forests of the Amazon Basin from the comfort of their home.

Armchair explorers can now trek through the forests of the Amazon Basin from the comfort of their home.

In conjunction with World Forest Day on 21 March, Google has brought more than 50,000 photos of the Amazon Basin onto your computer in the form of immersive, 360-degree panoramic views within Google Street View.

Spot a critter while cruising down the Amazon river.

Spot a critter while cruising down the Amazon river.

Cruise down Amazon river, trek through the jungles, try to spot a forest critter, or peer into life in the local community.

Many areas of the Amazon, including Rio Negro Reserve, are under the protection of the Brazilian government with restricted access to the public.

Many of us would therefore not have the chance to visit these areas even if we wanted to.

Google’s photographers were invited by Amazonas Sustainable Foundation (FAS), the local non-profit conservation organisation to collect ground-level images of the rivers, forest and communities in the Rio Negro Reserve.

Check out the depths of the Amazon via Google Maps Street View.

Check out the depths of the Amazon via Google Maps Street View.

These images are now available in Google Maps via its Street View feature.

The images were collected by a Street View trike, and a tripod camera with a fisheye lens—typically used to capture imagery of business interiors —to capture both the natural landscape and the local communities.

The apparatus allows access to rugged terrain inaccessible to the usual Google Street cars.

A similar trike was used to capture 360-degree street-level images of iconic landmarks in Singapore last year.

New Android smartphones: Sony Xperia S, P, U, and sola

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

Sony has showcased its latest NXT series of Xperia smartphones in Singapore. All are on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) at launch but will be upgraded to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) in the second quarter of 2012.

Update: Price & Availability here.

Sony Xperia U - stylish, compact but powerful.

Sony Xperia U - stylish, compact but powerful.

The Xperia S is already available (S$898 without contract) while the Xperia P, U and sola will be available in Q2 of 2012.

Sony Xperia S - avail now at S$898 without contract.

Sony Xperia S - avail now at S$898 without contract.

The Xperia S was first unveiled during CES 2012 as the first smartphone in the new Xperia NXT series after Sony bought over Ericsson’s 50% stake in the former Sony-Ericsson joint venture.

The slew of Xperia smartphones will be able to share content with other electronics devices from Sony – such as tablets, notebooks and smart TVs.

Sony is hoping the ability to leverage Sony’s extensive range of IT and lifestyle devices will be a selling point to attract consumers to the Xperia smartphones sold by the wholly owned Sony Mobile Communications (former Sony Ericsson).

Here are the key characteristic of each model:

  • Xperia S offers a HD experience boasting a brilliant screen for superior viewing.
  • Xperia P delivers outstanding screen brightness using Sony “WhiteMagic” display technology.
  • Xperia U packs powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design.
  • Xperia sola allows easy access to apps and quick launch of actions with NFC and Xperia SmartTags.
Sony Xperia P - brighter display with "WhiteMagic".

Sony Xperia P - brighter display with "WhiteMagic".

All the Xperia NXT smartphones are designed with an interesting “transparent element” encircling the base of the phone which illuminates when receiving calls, texts and notifications.

The colour of the element is based on whatever is displayed on the screen so that the entire colour scheme is always in harmony.

Paul Mah, a friend who blogs with CIO.com initially thought the colour was based on the mood of the caller. Now that would be something innovative! Stay away when the phone is glowing red.

A new album, video player and music player will deliver compelling entertainment experiences and the new UI design also allows consumers to access their favourite application direct from the lock-screen.

Xperia SmartTags – Switch your smartphone settings with a single Swipe
`Sony Xperia sola

Sony Xperia sola

The Xperia S, Xperia P and the Xperia sola are NFC enabled.

The Xperia S and Xperia P and come with two NFC Xperia SmartTags in the box, while the Xperia sola comes with four.

Simply swipe the phones on a SmartTag and the pre-configured profile will be launched automatically.

These profiles can be easily personalised to reflect any taste, designed to save consumers’ time and make their lives easier.

Below are the key features for each of the models.

(more…)

New smart TVs: Sony Bravia HX, NX, and EX series

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

Sony has launched its new Bravia TVs in Singapore. First unveiled during CES 2012 in January, the models range from the flagship HX to the mid-range NX and entry-level EX.

The Bravia HX855, HX750, EX650 will be available in Asia Pacific from May 2012 and the NX650 from the third quarter of 2012.

Sony has launched the new HX, NX, and EX series Bravia TVs in Singapore.

Sony has launched the new HX, NX, and EX series Bravia TVs in Singapore.

Picture quality of these new TVs is enhanced by Sony’s X-Reality PRO and X-Reality digital video processors.

X-Reality, Motionflow XR technology, as well as Internet connectivity via DNLA or Wi-Fi.

X-Reality, Motionflow XR technology, as well as Internet connectivity via DNLA or Wi-Fi.

The dual-chip X-Reality PRO picture engine optimises video sources by utilising a vast database of signal patterns and comparing incoming signals with ideal scenes to display greater detail and impressive colour.

The single-chip X-Reality engine separates incoming video into its constituent parts of outline, texture and colour/contrast, and then applies image enhancements to deliver its outstanding picture.

Bravia HX855 series is Sony's flagship LED LCD HDTV.

Bravia HX855 series is Sony's flagship LED LCD HDTV.

Sony’s newest version of Motionflow XR technology reduces blur caused by quick camera movements, enhancing sharpness and creating a smoother viewing experience for fast-paced sports and movie programming, as well as gaming.

Select models incorporate Dynamic Edge LED with local dimming and deliver a brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture with increased brightness and outstanding contrast, particularly in best-in-class deep blacks.

Bravia NX650 series LED LCD HDTV.

Bravia NX650 series LED LCD HDTV.

Sony’s OptiContrast panel elevates the picture to the front surface of the TV and creates a dark background for rich, vibrant, high contrast pictures even in well-lit rooms.

All the new models enjoy one-touch access to additional content on the Sony Entertainment Network, as well as Internet content from YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

They are also Skype-ready, although you’ll need to connect an additional camera and microphone.

Below are the key features for the new models.

(more…)

Lifestyle concept demo by Sony

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

Sony hosted a concept demonstration of how their slew of electronic products can connect easily and seamlessly together to cater to the digital lifestyle needs of the modern consumer.

New Bravia TVs and Xperia smartphones were also launched at the event.

Sony connectivity demo at ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa.

Sony connectivity demo at ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa.

At ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa, tablets, VAIO notebooks, Xperia smartphones and Bravia TVs were interconnected with each other to The Xperia smartphones under Sony Mobile Communications (former Sony Ericsson) return to the Sony stable.demonstrate how media and content can be seamlessly networked and shared between the various devices.

The event is also an apt welcome of Sony Mobile Communications back to the fold of Sony Electronics.

Sony had recently acquired the other 50% of Sony Ericsson and the connectivity event serves to remind consumers of the connectivity and ecosystem that Xperia customers can expect to enjoy with other Sony devices.

The showcased Xperia smartphones are the first range of devices under Sony Mobile Communications.

Sony's pre-release Google TV set-top box with remote control.

Sony's pre-release Google TV set-top box with remote control.

The new range of Bravia TVs that were first unveiled during CES 2012 in January, as well as a whole range of Xperia smartphones were also showcased.

The three new series of Bravia TVs include the flagship HX, high-end NX and the entry-to-mid-level EX.

Xperia smartphones that were exhibited included the Xperia S, P, U, and sola.

Sony media box

The 2-sided remote control reminds one of in-flight entertainment controllers.

The 2-sided remote control reminds one of in-flight entertainment controllers.

There was a sneak preview of an upcoming set-top box for the second generation Sony Google TV, that was also unveiled during CES 2012.

Sony did not dwell on this set-top box though, which was connected to the Google Play store.

The remote control for the media box comprised a keyboard on one side, with additional controls (D-pad, Menu, Home, Back buttons and a trackpad) on the other side.

New DSLR: Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Friday, March 2nd, 2012

The much awaited 22.3-megapixel camera will be available towards end of this month with prices to be announced (online estimate US$3,500). The BG-E11 battery grip will be available in end April.

Update (15 March 2012):

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III will be available at all authorised Canon dealers on Saturday, 17 March at the following prices.

  • EOS 5D Mark III body: S$4,699
  • EOS 5D Mark III kit (body + lens*): S$5,999
    *kit lens: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM

The earlier online estimates turned out rather spot-on.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III was launched globally today.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III was launched globally today.

The EOS 5D Mark III at today's launch.

The EOS 5D Mark III at today's launch.

Canon has launched today the third DSLR in the EOS 5D series.

The worldwide launch was synchronised with that in Japan and other countries at 1pm Singapore time, at Ion Sky.

The original EOS 5D (first full frame DSLR) was launched in 2005 while the EOS 5D Mark II (first HD video capable DSLR) was launched in 2008.

Main features

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III with the EF 24-105 zoom lens.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III with the EF 24-105 zoom lens.

– 36 x 24mm full frame CMOS sensor
– 22.3 megapixels
– 6 frames-per-second
– DIGIC 5+ processor
– ISO 100 – 25,600 (expandable to 50 – 102,400)
– Improved 61-point auto-focus system.

Additional features

– Multiple Exposures
– High Dynamic Range (HDR) shooting
– 1080P30 HD video
– 100% viewfinder coverage
– CF & SD (incl SDXC) cards
– In-camera optical corrections such as distortion, peripheral illumination, chromatic aberration.

The exterior design and layout is similar to the EOS 7D but it has inherited many of the new features introduced late last year in Canon’s flagship EOS-1D X, such as the 61-point auto-focus (AF) system.

The much awaited Canon EOS 5D Mark III.

The much awaited Canon EOS 5D Mark III.

This is a great enhancement over thE 9-point AF system of the previous two EOS 5Ds.

On top of that, 41 of the AF points are cross-type points, with the central five diagonally sensitive.

Canon also boasts that there has been a 2-stop improvement in low-light performance – so ISO 25,600 would have as little noise as ISO 6,400 previously.

The new Digic 5+ in the 5D Mark III is 17 times faster than the Digic 4 processor in the 5D Mark II.

Second and bigger Digital Style store in Jurong Point

Friday, February 24th, 2012

Following the success of its first thematic-shopping multi-brand electronics concept store in Funan DigitaLife Mall, Newstead Technologies has launched its second and bigger store in Jurong Point.

The new Digital Style store is at #B1-92/93 in Jurong Point.

The new Digital Style store is at #B1-92/93 in Jurong Point.

At 9,000 square feet, the new store at Jurong Point is almost three and a half times the size of its first store in Funan, which has an area of only 2,647 square feet.

Hours 10:30am to 9:30pm
Location Jurong Point
Unit #B1-92/93
Address 1 Jurong West Central 2

Unlike the Funan store, cameras are now being sold in its own section in the second store.

Consistent with the thematic-shopping concept of the Digital Style chain of stores, the branch at Jurong Point offers customers a comprehensive consumer-centric and experiential retail experience.

Store opening. From left: Park Sang Hoon, Director of Consumer Business, HP IPG Singapore; Sebastian Chong, ECS Computers, Mindy Tan, Managing Director, Newstead Technologies, Florence Koh, Senior Sales Director, Acer Singapore, Koh Khong Meng,  General Manager & Executive Director, Lenovo Singapore, Deepak Wagh, Dell Singapore and Kelvin Chong, Sales & Operations Manager, Newstead Technologies.

Store opening. From left: Park Sang Hoon, Director of Consumer Business, HP IPG Singapore; Sebastian Chong, ECS Computers, Mindy Tan, Managing Director, Newstead Technologies, Florence Koh, Senior Sales Director, Acer Singapore, Koh Khong Meng, General Manager & Executive Director, Lenovo Singapore, Deepak Wagh, Dell Singapore and Kelvin Chong, Sales & Operations Manager, Newstead Technologies.

The idea is to present a stress-free environment where shoppers can compare brands at ease and test-drive products at six solution corners namely Entertainment & Media, Gaming, Home Computing, Mobile Communications, Office & Professional and Ultra Mobile & Business.

“We are elated that the new concept is well received by our customers. They are spoilt for choice and yet they can zoom right in to the solution corner. Like a personal shopper that help takes the guess work out of the equation, it is a breeze to find the best products to suit your lifestyle needs at Digital Style,” said Evelyn Chua, Business Development and Marketing Manager of Newstead Technologies.Instead of the industry practice of categorising products by brands, they are categorised according to function and specifications at the different solution corners.

Shoppers can easily mix-and-match and plug-and-play the gadgets in-store to experience and compare the different products displayed.

Back in September 2011, when the first Digital Style store was opened in Funan, Evelyn had told me that there would eventually be four to five such stores in the chain geographically distributed around Singapore.

The next Digital Style store will be at The Star Vista towards the end of this year.

New MIL camera: Fujifilm X-Pro1

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Fujifilm launched the X-Pro1 mirrorless interchangeable lens (MIL) camera in Singapore today.

The 16-MP retro beauty will be available here in March at S$2,400 for the camera body and S$900-S$1,000 for a basic lens. (All prices include 7% GST.)

Fujifilm X-Pro1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (Body only: S$2,400)

Fujifilm X-Pro1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (Body only: S$2,400)

First interchangeable lens camera in Fujifilm's X series.

First interchangeable lens camera in Fujifilm's X series.

First impressions

I tried out the camera during the launch event.

First impression, apart from the exorbitant price-tag, is that the retro design is incredibly beautiful.

It is relatively big and heavy compared to other MIL cameras.

But I love the direct controls enabled by the dials and well-placed buttons all over the camera.

You can adjust the shutter speed and exposure compensation on knurled metal dials on the top of the camera, and the Side view of the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 MIL cameraaperture in ⅓ stop increments on a ring on the lens itself.

The shutter release also had the firm but springy feel reminiscent of film SLRs.

Focus was fast and pictures came out sharp and vividly coloured, with little noise even at high ISO and low light.

It’s definitely a camera to drool over.

The X-Pro1 is the first MIL camera from Fujifilm and features a 16-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor, a new X lens mount, a Hybrid Multi Viewfinder, and three prime lenses.

Three prime lenses have been launched together with the X-Pro1.

Three prime lenses have been launched together with the X-Pro1.

The sensor is physically larger than the 1-inch sensor in the Nikon J1/V1 MIL offering, and the four thirds and micro four thirds sensors in the MIL and DSLR cameras from Olympus and Panasonic.

The APS-C sensor has a crop factor of 1.5 and is the same size as those found in the Samsung NX and Sony NEX series of MIL cameras and most DSLRs.

New sensor colour filter array

Fujifilm claims that the X-Pro1 can produce pictures with lower noise and greater detail than other MIL and DSLR cameras.

The usual optical low pass filter – which reduces moire and false colour generation at the expense of image detail resolution – has been foregone.

The X Trans CMOS sensor has a new array design for its colour filter to remove moire.

The X Trans CMOS sensor has a new array design for its colour filter to remove moire.

Instead, a new colour filter array in the sensor array has replaced the usual Bayer-patterned array to reduce moiré in photos containing stripes/chequered patterns or other regular/repeating patterns.

16-megapixel APS-C sensor

16-megapixel APS-C sensor

In the array, RGB pixels are arranged in 6×6 pixel sets with high aperiodicity (randomness).

Increasing the degree of randomness eliminates the fundamental cause of moiré and false colours.

These are problems that occur in conventional arrays when shooting stripes and other repeating patterns.

The new sensor array contains slightly more green sensor elements than the traditional Bayer array, and is inspired by the irregular physical dispersion of silver halide particles in film, which did not suffer from moiré problems.

Fujifilm X-Pro 1 MIL camera The additional image processing demands required by the new array is met by a new EXR Processor Pro which will maximise the full potential of the X-Trans CMOS sensor and deliver high speed and high precision image processing.

Prime FUJINON XF lenses

Three compact XF FUJINON fast aperture prime lenses will be available in March 2012.

The “XF18mmF2 R”, “XF 35mmF1.4 R” and “XF60mmF2.4 R Macro” lenses promise precise control over depth-of-field and excellent out-of-focus bokeh.

The new X-Mount has a short flange back distance of just 17.7mm.

The X-Pro1 and its accessories.

The X-Pro1 and its accessories.

Hybrid Multi Viewfinder

The Hybrid Viewfinder first appeared in the X100 and allows the user to instantly switch between an Optical Viewfinder and Electronic Viewfinder.

For viewing images in the brightest mode and to keep shutter lag to a minimum, users should choose the Optical Viewfinder.

Those wanting focus confirmation, exposure information, white balance information and depth of field indicators should switch to the Electronic Viewfinder.

This retro beauty has a high drool factor.

This retro beauty has a high drool factor.

Simulated film effects

Leveraging on Fujifilm’s photo film legacy, the X-Pro1 comes with 10 in-camera pre-canned special effects that simulate different types traditional film effects in the photos, from different film types to different film development techniques.

Check out the detailed features of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 below:

(more…)

SolarWinds launches SeUM to Monitor Web Transactions

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

SolarWinds launches the industry’s­ first affordably-priced SaaS (Software as-a Service)-like product to monitor web transactions from cloud-based locations.

SeUM web console has wizards to guide the creation of Amazon EC2 Cloud Player instances.

SeUM web console has wizards to guide the creation of Amazon EC2 Cloud Player instances.

SolarWinds Synthetic End User Monitor (SeUM) v.1.5 works to streamline the process of monitoring websites and web based applications from the cloud, offering users the ability to monitor their web based services from various geographical locations around the globe.

Leveraging the cloud allows users to inexpensively monitor performance and availability from locations beyond their data center, central office, or remote office locations to where their mobile work force, home offices, or customers are located.

SeUM allows system administrators and application support staff to monitor response time proactively for multi-step web transactions.

The latest version of SeUM introduces the Cloud Player Portal that allows users to deploy transaction players easily to Amazon EC2.

New Features in v. 1.5

  • Cloud Player Portal: Easily deploys transaction players to Amazon EC2 to enable web transaction monitoring from cloud-based locations and does not require users to pay subscription fees.
  • Multi-Tenant UI: Monitors website and web application performance for large deployments or in MSP environments.
  • Rich Content Recording and Playback: Record and playback dynamic web pages to include support for Flash and Silverlight; also validates the existence or absence of text and other website content.
  • Firewall-Friendly Communication: Transaction players make their monitoring data available for polling from the SeUM server, eliminating any need to open in-bound Firewall connections.

(more…)

TODAY! New BlackBerry Curve 9380 arrives in Singapore

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

The Curve 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display. Check with Telcos for plans and pricing.

The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is available in Singapore TODAY!

The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is available in Singapore TODAY!

The sleek and stylish all-touch BlackBerry Curve 9380 smartphone is powered by BlackBerry 7 OS, which delivers a faster and richer user experience.

The 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display.

The 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display.

It also includes the ability to manage personal content separately from corporate content, and comes with a variety of personal and productivity apps out of the box.

“The new BlackBerry Curve 9380 comes with a sleek new all-touch design that features a larger display that enhances web browsing, games and multimedia,” Hastings Singh, Vice President, South Asia at Research In Motion.The new BlackBerry 7 OS introduces an enhanced browser that provides a significantly faster, more fluid web browsing experience.

It also offers optimized HTML5 performance for incredible gaming and video experiences.

The popular universal search capability has also been enhanced with support for voice-activated search, so users can simply speak to begin searching for information on their device and the web.

Here is the specs sheet for the BlackBerry Curve 9380.

Here is the specs sheet for the BlackBerry Curve 9380.

In addition, the BlackBerry Curve 9380 includes built-in support for Augmented Reality and NFC, allowing users to connect with the world around them in fresh new ways.

With the Wikitude Augmented Reality application, users can find nearby BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) contacts in real-time, read reviews about restaurants close to them, or get the story behind an interesting landmark and points of interest.

NFC enables many new and exciting capabilities, including the ability to make mobile payments, pair accessories or read SmartPoster tags with a simple tap of the smartphone.