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New smartphones: Nokia Lumia 800 and 710

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

The first Nokia smartphones based on Windows Phone debut in Singapore. Lumia 800 (S$775 excl GST) will be available in Singapore this Saturday on 10 Decmeber 2011. Lumia 710 (S$505 excl GST) will arrive shortly.

Nokia Lumia 800, Windows Phone 7, S$775 before GST

Nokia Lumia 710, Windows Phone 7, S$505 before GST

Nokia kicks off Christmas vigil with a new beginning – the Nokia Lumia 800 promises consumers the best integrated social experience and fast Internet browsing, bringing content to life for the consumer.

Nokia Lumia 800 comes in vivid colours

Judging from my hands-on with the sleek looking gadget so far, it has every chance of fulfilling that promise.

From the few Windows Phone 7 smartphones available thus far, the Lumia 800 seems to deliver the best Windows Phone experience on the market.

The Lumia 800 comes with in vivid colours and is housed in a sleek, polycarbonate body with a 3.7 inch AMOLED ClearBlack curved display.

Containing Carl Zeiss optics, it offers users an instant-share camera experience and HD video playback, and the best social and Internet performance, with one-touch access to social networks.

Here are the main tech specs for the Nokia Lumia 800.

Nokia Lumia 710 comes with interchangeable covers

For those looking for a more fun and personal device, the Lumia 710 comes with colorful changeable covers and is more affordable.

Here are the main tech specs for the Nokia Lumia 710.

Both models include signature Nokia experiences optimised for Windows Phone, including Nokia Drive, Nokia Maps and Nokia Music.

Nokia has also introduced the on-ear Nokia Purity HD Stereo Headset and the in-ear Nokia Purity Stereo Headset by Monster, intended to shoe-in a range of premium audio accessories to complement the Nokia Lumia range of smartphones.

Tags:Lumia, Lumia 710, Lumia 800, Nokia, smartphone
Posted in Accessories, App, Audio, Events, Gadgets, Internet Explorer, Launch, Lumia, Nokia, Operating Systems, Party, Phones, Prices, Software, Specifications, Windows Phone 7 | 6 Comments »

New audio speaker: Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

A compact Bluetooth speaker that combines audio performance, mobility and durability. Prices from S$549.

Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker audio

Atlas Sound & Vision launched in Singapore today the SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker – a portable speaker that connects wirelessly to any Bluetooth-enabled device – such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Weighing only 1.3kg, this is Bose’s first wireless mobile speaker and allows users that already own Bluetooth-enabled devices like the iPhone, iPad and Android phones to listen to the thousands of songs stored on those devices.

S$639 for the LX model, with a premium trim level and a dark brown leather cover.

Proprietary speaker technology from Bose promises to deliver exceptional sound quality that reproduces full-range audio from a single-hand-held enclosure.

At less than two inches thick, and similar in size to a hard-cover text book, the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker can easily fit in a bag, backpack or briefcase.

Similar to the iPad cover, the cover of the Bose SoundLink Wireless speaker unfolds into a stand – and the speaker is ready to groove. Close the cover and the speaker automatically shuts off.

The SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker looks at home, whether in the living room, in the office or at the beach.

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts three hours at maximum volume, and more than eight hours at typical listening levels.

As a mobile speaker for road warriors, the speaker is built to withstand the rigours of daily use. Bose environmental labs has tested the speaker to resist salt-fog, sand, wind and moisture. So you can bring it to the beach as a boom box.

With end-caps made from automotive-grade chrome, the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker can survive being dropped repeatedly.

Accessory covers in nylon (bright red or royal purple) and leather (burgundy or tan) are available separately for S$59 and S$99, respectively.

The SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker comes with a standard trim level and a dark gray Cordura nylon cover for S$549.

For a more classy touch, check out the LX model, with a premium trim level and a dark brown leather cover for S$639.

The SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker can be purchased from selected partners and the Atlas Experience Audio Visual Boutique @ TripleOne Somerset, and Bose @ Millenia Walk.

Update: I visited the Altlas showroom at 111 Somerset to try out the SoundLink. Read about the experience here.

Tags:Atlas, Bluetooth, Bose, SoundLink, speakers
Posted in Audio, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Lifestyle, Phones, Prices, Tablets | 2 Comments »

Recycle your printer ink and toner cartridges

Sunday, December 4th, 2011

Brother, Canon, Dell, Epson and Lexmark have joined hands to raise public environmental awareness through the launch Singapore’s first joint cartridge recycling project.

Brother, Canon, Dell, Epson and Lexmark join hands to launch printer ink & toner cartridge recycling initiative in Singapore.

Project Homecoming is an ink and toner cartridge recycling initiative that is led, managed and jointly funded by the five leading printer brands,

It is supported by the National Environment Agency and National Library Board of Singapore.

Takeo Shimazu, Managing Director, Brother International

Ide Eiji, Managing Director, Epson Singapore

The aim to make it easier for the public to recycle their used ink and toner cartridges.

This is the first time globally outside Japan that these five brands have come together to initiate a joint recycling project.

Andrew Koh, Senior Director & General Manager, Consumer Imaging & Information Products Division, Canon Singapore Pte Ltd “We aim to bring greater convenience to the public who are keen on making a personal contribution to recycling efforts across the island, and are proud to be working together as a team to jointly fund and promote the culture of recycling in Singapore,” said Andrew Koh, lead spokesperson for Project Homecoming and Senior Director and General Manager, Consumer Imaging & Information Products Division, Canon Singapore.

“With strong support from the NEA and NLB, we will be able to give back to society through this initiative as socially responsible organisations, while driving home the message of environmental awareness through cartridge recycling as part of joint sustainability efforts from the printing industry.”

Project Homecoming will provide easily accessible cartridge recycling bins at 13 NLB libraries where the public can deposit used ink and toner cartridges from printers of any brand for recycling – even those of other brands not in the Project Homecoming partnership.

The cartridges are then periodically collected for proper recycling.

Loh Teck Heng, Director of Software and Peripherals, Consumer, Small and Medium Business, Dell Asia Pacific and Japan

Loh Teck Heng, Director of Software & Peripherals, Dell Asia Pacific & Japan

Richard Tan, Regional Country Manager, Offshores, Singapore & Taiwan, Lexmark Singapore

Recycling vendors of the joint initiative will collect the cartridges from the boxes and break down recyclable parts including plastics and metal, which can then be made into other products such as pens or petroleum coke (high-grade fuel).

These recycling processes will help minimise waste, landfill and pollution while maximising the recovery of valuable resources.

Tags:cartridge, ink, printers, recycle, toner
Posted in Accessories, Brother, Canon, Dell, Epson, Gadgets, Launch, Lexmark, Printers, Tech news | 2 Comments »

New luxury TV: Metz Primus 3D LED

Sunday, November 20th, 2011

Elegantly designed in wood, glass and metal, the Metz Primus 3D Media twin R comes in 55” (S$11,700) and 42” (S$8,000) screens and will be available from December 2011.

Feeling generous this Christmas, or just want to pamper yourself after a good, industrious year?

The new Primus 3D LED TV from luxury German brand, Metz, will be the anchor of 3D and multimedia entertainment in the living room, and a conversation piece for that TV dinner night.

Wall-mounted without the sound module.

The Primus 3D comes with both modern 3D LED technology as well as the new Metz media system with numerous networking opportunities.

Programmes can be conveniently recorded and archived in 3D using the integrated 750 GB digital recorder. That’s 150 hours of HDTV quality video or 750 hours in traditional SDTV quality.

Superior picture quality is offered through a combination of mecavision HD+ technology and 200 Hz technology – using energy-efficient LED technology. Movements and rapid panning shots on-screen are handled with ease and appear vibrant yet natural.

Metz Primus 3D LED mounted on table

The 3D technology is based on the use of circular polarisation. A wafer-thin polarisation film on the LED panel simultaneously sends the differently polarised pictures to the right and left eyes – clockwise-polarised for one-eye and anti-clockwise for the other.

This eliminates flickering and restrictions in horizontal view when turning the head. The first two pairs of 3D glasses comes free with the TV.

The TV also converts 2D films to 3D.

Via an Ethernet connection, the Primus can access video, photos and music stored on other digital devices such as notebooks, PCs and network hard drives, and play them.

A USB port allows USB storage media to be directly plugged into the TV. Live programmes can be recorded directly onto external USB hard disks.

Physically, the Primus can be positioned free-standing on its stand or placed on a table stand. It can also be mounted on the wall with or without the visually separate sound module.

Metz Primus 3D LED on its stand

Sound wise, viewers can enjoy high-quality sound via a two-way bass reflex system or through headphones. Surround sound is produced by the reproduction of multi-channel sound (eg. 5.1 Dolby Digital) via the system decoder through the optical digital audio output.

At the back of the TV, there are four HDMI sockets, a DVI-I interface and a USB port. There are also two external access CI+ and HD+ compatible slide-in slots for CA modules – for receiving different Pay TV channels and operating them in the usual OSD.

Digital in and output allows peripheral digital audio devices to be connected.

Metz LED TVs are only available at the Schmidt store at #05-06/07 in Ngee Ann City Tower A.

Tags:Metz, TV
Posted in 3D, Gadgets, Launch, Lifestyle, TV | 4 Comments »

New headphones: Bose AE2i

Saturday, November 19th, 2011

Atlas Sound & Vision has launched the Bose AE2i audio headphones (S$269) in Singapore. The New design features inline remote and microphone for Apple products.

Bose AE2i audio headphones at S$269 from Atlas Sound & Vision.

The AE2i features an around-ear design and includes an application of proprietary Bose TriPort acoustic headphone structure.

Price and availability

The Bose AE2i headphones are available at S$269 from selected partners and the Atlas Experience Audio Visual Boutique @ TripleOne Somerset, and Bose @ MilleniaWalk.

Existing Bose AE2 headphone owners can achieve the same control of Apple products with the AE2 remote and microphone accessory, sold separately at S$65.

Accessing voice applications is easy using the new inline microphone – from taking calls on an iPhone, to using FaceTime on a MacBook Pro.

The simple, three-button remote allows users to adjust volume, select tracks, and seamlessly switch between calls and music.

Proprietary ear cushions and an ergonomic design distributes weight evenly, reducing irritating pressure points to allow hours of comfortable listening.

The Bose AE2i works exclusively with Apple iPhone, iPod, iPad, and MacBook Pro.

The Bose AE2i works with Apple iPhone, iPod, iPad, and MacBook Pro.

For lasting quality and durability the AE2i is designed with features such as fold-flat ear cups and a single, detachable cable.

A carrying bag is included for added convenience.

BoseÒ Corporation was founded in 1964 by Dr. Amar G. Bose, professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Today, the company is primarily known for its research in acoustics, which has produced inventions that have improved the performance of sound systems.

Tags:Atlas, Bose, headphones
Posted in Accessories, Audio, Gadgets, iOS, Launch, Mac OS | No Comments »

5 New GPS PNDs: TomTom GO and Via series

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

Five new GPS PNDs from TomTom have arrived in Singapore – three from the Via range and two from the GO series. They will be available during SITEX 2011 from S$199 to S$479.

Comparison of the feature sets for the five TomTom GO and Via PNDs.

TomTom’s PNDs (Portable Navigation Devices) uses the unique IQ Routes technology that allows everyone to drive like a local.

Pricing & Availability: The new TomTom PNDs will be available at SITEX 2011 (24-27 November) at the following recommended retail prices.
TomTom Via 220	S$199
TomTom Via 260	S$239
TomTom Via 280	S$279
TomTom GO 2050	S$399
TomTom GO 2050 World	S$479

The technology uses real road speed information contributed by TomTom drivers to consider all possible routes for selecting the fastest path – rather than rely on static maximum road speeds.

This often results in a different and faster route, saving significant travel time as well as money and fuel.

The PNDs comes with maps of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Hong Kong and Macau.

With road networks changing an average of 15% per year, TomTom allows users to download the latest map free-of-change within 90 days of first use. Users also get four bonus maps free in the first year of use.

TomTom GO 2050 and 2050 World

TomTom GO 2050 (S$399) and TomTom GO 2050 World (S$479)

Both feature a large 5” Fluid Touch screen that allows users to pinch to zoom in and out of maps, or to scroll through menus with the tip of a finger. The Easy Click magnetic mount makes docking and undocking easier than ever – even with just one hand.

For S$80 more, the GO 2050 World comes with a world map which allows seamless navigation across 66 countries. The map covers includes coverage of South-East Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and major towns and cities in Africa.

TomTom Via 220 (S$199), 260 (S$239) and 280 (S$279)

TomTom Via 220, 260 and 280

The TomTom Via range ships with pre-installed Safety Cameras, IQ Routes, and Voice Control (Via 260 and 280).

Launching in Singapore for the first time, the software features Bluetooth hands free calling and an easy to use interface.

The TomTom Via 220 and 260 feature a 4.3” touch screen while the Via 280 sports a 5” touch screen.

Tags:GO, GPS, PND, TomTom, Via
Posted in Gadgets, GPS, Launch, TomTom, Travel | 3 Comments »

New iPhone app: Feecha

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

A new location based app that allows users to share and be aware of information, photos and video about activities in their vicinity and on the map. Use the app for a chance to win S$8,888 in cash on December 18, 2011.

The free iPhone app "feecha" launches today.

I was trundling down Haji Lane last evening and taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the little pubs and shops on both sides of the single-lane back alley.

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the joints that you walk pass while listening to the din emanating from within?

A new fun and quirky app called “feecha“ lets you plug into the scene.

People organising, participating or witnessing events can post and share their activities using the app.

The information appears as a map pin – in the form of a cutesy (or hideous, depending on your point of view) creature called a feecha – on a map within the app, indicating where the event is taking place.

Activities can be tagged so that others following those tags are alerted once the event is shared.

If others like the activity and add to it, the feecha turns red and grows bigger.

If the event is largely ignored, the feecha map pin turns blue and eventually disappears from the feecha map.

If you see something interesting, witness an accident or spot a summon aunty, you can also post a photo or video as part of the feecha.

Now imagine walking down Haji Lane with the app in hand.

You might just discover that ad-hoc photo exhibition on the Japanese earthquake by that budding photographer – that you might be interested in.

Or that talk about the role of Entomology, Botany, and Mineralogy in forensic anthropology, if you’re a fan of the TV series “Bones”.

On December 18, the poster of the biggest and reddest feecha stands to win S$8,888 in cash.

Feecha is free for download on iTunes and works on the iPhone running iOS 4.2 and higher. The app is only released in the Singapore App Store, so those on the US store will have to switch stores to find feecha in iTunes.

An Android version is also in the works. A Windows Phone 7 version may eventually be in the works. A BlackBerry version is not in the works.

Tags:Apps, feecha, iPhone, location, social network
Posted in App, Events, iPhone, Launch | No Comments »

SingTel launches Singapore’s first e-book service

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Skoob is the first service to offer works by Singapore writers as well as study guides and educational books for local primary and secondary school students.

First e-book service to accept payments in SGD. Significant savings versus the cost of traditional paper books.

Launched by Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) today, skoob offers more than 39,000 local and international bestsellers for smartphones, tablets and PCs.

“The Singapore market has long been overlooked by e-book services from abroad. With the launch of skoob, Singapore readers finally have a service that offers local books and caters specifically to their tastes and needs,” said Goh Seow Eng, SingTel’s Chief of Digital Home.It is the first e-book service to accept payments in Singapore dollars and offers tremendous savings versus the cost of traditional paper books.

For example, fans of John Grisham can enjoy his novel, The Confession, at S$9.00 instead of S$17.07 at a bookshop.

Neil Humphreys’ acclaimed Complete Notes from Singapore is available at S$13.90 instead of S$29.90.

“It also provides local publishers and writers with a powerful digital platform that allows them to reach a wider audience,” Goh added.Skoob also offers a range of classics for free download, such as Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities.

Skoob is available on Apple and Android tablets and smartphones via a free app. It can also be enjoyed on PCs and Macs using standard browsers.

For iPad, iPhone, Android tablets and smartphones, and PCs

International best sellers from the top 6 global publishers: Random House, Penguin, HarperCollins, Hachette Book Group, Simon and Schuster and Macmillan

Customers have the flexibility to download books on up to five devices. Payments can be made via Singapore credit cards. SingTel customers can choose to have purchases conveniently charged to their monthly bills.

“We are continuously working with publishers to expand our catalogue. We believe skoob’s range of local study guides and educational books will be well received by school students, and we are looking to include assessment papers soon,” Goh revealed.Mr Goh said that skoob is an important addition to SingTel’s growing suite of multimedia offerings, which includes the AMPed music service, deF!ND digital concierge, ESC games service, De!ite e-magazine service, exCite web video app and mio TV.

Skoob offers titles from six global publishing houses: Random House, Penguin, HarperCollins, Hachette Book Group, Simon and Schuster and Macmillan.

The service carries local titles, study guides and educational books from: Popular, Marshall Cavendish, Cengage Learning, Asiapac, Flame of the Forest, McGraw Hill, Sunbear, Monsoon, Singapore Asia Publishers (SAP) and Janus Education.

Chinese language books will be available soon.

Tags:Android, Apple, BlackBerry, desk, eBook, notebooks, smartphone, tablets
Posted in Android, App, iOS, Launch, Mac OS, SingTel, Software, Windows 7 | No Comments »

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 available now in Singapore

Monday, November 14th, 2011

The Galaxy Tab 8.9 is now available in Singapore, with the 3G (16GB) model retailing at S$768.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 Android Honeycomb tablet at S$768 today.

The GALAXY Tab 8.9 now joins Samsung‘s 10.1 and 7-inch GALAXY Tab to provide consumers with an array of tablet sizes, depending on their needs and preferences.

At just 8.6mm thin and weighing only 453g, the GALAXY Tab 8.9 is targeted at today’s mobile professional, from writing emails on a business trip to reading an trashy eBook in bed.

Key highlights of the GALAXY Tab 8.9

Samsung’s own TouchWiz user interface implemented on the Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) platform, offering enhanced multi-tasking, user interaction and navigation.
Supports HSPA+ network speeds of up to 21Mbps as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity to deliver rapid mobile download speeds and reduced data transfer times.
A 3-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front camera, providing smooth transition and seamless 1080p HD video and Flash playback for a rich entertainment experience.

Detailed specifications of the Galaxy 8.9 are tabulated below:

Display	8.9” WXGA 1280×800
OS	Android 3.2 (Honeycomb)
Processor	1GHz Dual Core application processor
Memory	16 GB
Connectivity	Bluetooth® technology v 3.0 USB 2.0 WiFi 802.11 (a/b/g/n)
Camera	Main(Rear) : 3.0-Mega Pixel Camera AF with LED Flash Front : 2.0-Mega Pixel Camera
Video	Format : MPEG4/H263/H264, Divx/Xvid Playback : 1080p Full HD Video @ 30fps Recording : 720p HD Video
Audio	MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, OGG, MIDI, AMR-NB/WB 3.5mm Ear Jack, Stereo Speaker
Enterprise Solutions	Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync Polaris Office
Value-added Features	Android Market
	Google Mobile Services : Google Talk Video Chat, Google Maps, Books, etc
	Samsung TouchWiz UX
	Samsung Mini Apps Tray
	Social Hub, Readers Hub *Availability differs by region
	Adobe Flash Player 10.3
Sensor	Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Ambient Light sensor
Size	230.9 x 157.8 x 8.6 mm, 453g
Battery	6100mAh
Network	HSPA+ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100 EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900
Price	3G (16GB) at S$768

Tags:8.9, Galaxy, Honeycomb, launch, Samsung, tablets
Posted in Android, Gadgets, Galaxy, Launch, Prices, Samsung, Specifications, Tablets | No Comments »

Singapore prices and launch dates for Samsung GALAXY Note and Nexus

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

The GALAXY Note (S$998, 16GB) will be available in Singapore in November 2011, and the GALAXY Nexus (S$948) in January 2012.

Samsung and Google has jointly launched the GALAXY Nexus, the world’s first smartphone running Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest release of the Android platform.

GALAXY Nexus features a 4.65” HD Super AMOLED touch screen display with 1280×720 pixels and a 1.2 GHz dual core processor with 1GB RAM.

It also sports a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 1.3-megapixel front camera; and comes with 16GB or 32GB of onboard memory.

Samsung has also announced the launch of the GALAXY Note, a device that tries to combine the larger screen size of tablets with the portability of smart phones.

The 9.65mm thick GALAXY Note features the world’s first and largest 5.3” HD Super AMOLED touch screen display at WXGA (1280×800, 285ppi) resolution. It works with pen-input technology using a stylus called the S Pen.

Powered by a 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, the gadget runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and comes with 16GB onboard storage, with a microSD slot that supports up to 32GB.

GALAXY Note comes with an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front camera.

Tags:Android, Gingerbread, Google, Ice Cream Sandwich, Nexus, Note, Samsung, smartphone, tablets
Posted in Android, Cameras, Gadgets, Galaxy, Google, Launch, Phones, Prices, Samsung, Specifications, Tablets | 3 Comments »

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