Archive for the ‘Phones’ Category

ASUS launches PadFone 2 smartphone tablet hybrid with StarHub Singapore

Thursday, November 15th, 2012

The LTE-capable ASUS PadFone 2 is an Android 4 smartphone with a 4.7” display, with a 1.5 GHz Snapdragon quad-core processor, along with a 13MP camera. Slot it behind the docking Station and the combo becomes a 10.1” tablet.

Pre-orders begin tomorrow with deliveries on 22 November, either from StarHub or retailers. Prices range from S$848 (32GB phone) to S$1,239 (64GB phone + Station).

Update (11 January, 2013):

The Pearl White model will be available in Singapore from 12 January at the prices listed below.

ASUS will also be rolling out the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for PadFone 2 on the same day. The update will be made over the air, with users prompted to receive the Jelly Bean update.

The PadFone 2 has also just won the CES Innovations Award 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA during CES 2013.

ASUS PadFone 2 - hybrid smartphone/tablet for the best of both form factors.

ASUS PadFone 2 – hybrid smartphone/tablet for the best of both form factors.

In line with its tradition of innovation, the ASUS PadFone 2 offers the portability of a smartphone and the larger screen estate of a tablet when the phone is docked in.

RRP for Open Channels 32GB 64GB
PadFone 2 + PadFone 2 Station S$1,099 S$1,239
PadFone 2 S$848 S$988
PadFone 2 Station S$328

The Station only works with the phone docked in and serves to provide a larger screen and additional battery power.

ASUS PadFone 2 Android smartphone will be available in Singapore on 22 November.

ASUS PadFone 2 Android smartphone will be available in Singapore on 22 November.

The Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich can be upgraded to Jelly Bean.

Pre-order promotion

To pre-order, register your interest at the ASUS Singapore Facebook page or StarHub website.

Registered customers who purchase the device can receive a 2-in-1 Stylus Pen (worth S$28) and PadFone 2 Station Sleeve (worth S$68) for free.

This promotion is only valid from 16 to 20 November, while stocks last.

It runs on a 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro Krait (Cortex-A15 class) quad-core processor with Adreno 320 Graphics.

The PadFone 2 comes with either 32GB or 64GB eMMC Flash, 2GB LPDDR2 RAM, and 2years of 50GB ASUS WebStorage.

Available only in black, the phone accepts a Micro SIM and has a 4.7-inch (1280 x 720 pixels) display at 312 ppi resolution, and 500 nits brightness Super IPS+.

ASUS PadFone 2
OS Android 4.0 (ICS)
Screen (phone) 4.7″ Super IPS+
Resolution (phone) 1280 x 720
Screen (Station) 10.1″ IPS
Resolution (Station) 1280 x 800
Battery (phone & Station) 2,140 & 5000 mAh
Processor 1.5 GHz quad-core
Features LTE, NFC, Micro SIM
Camera Rear: 13 MP
Front: 1.2, 1.3MP
Video 1080p HD
Memory RAM: 2 GB
Int: 32 or 64 GB
Ext: Nil
Size /mm (phone) 137.9 x 68.9 x 9
Weight (phone) 135 g
Size /mm (Station) 263 x 180.8 x 10.4
Weight (Station) 514 g
Price see other table

The docking Station has a 10.1-inch IPS display (1280 x 800 pixels) at 149 ppi resolution.

Both displays use scratch-resistant Corning Fit Glass with anti-fingerprint coating.

Imaging-wise, both share the massive 13-megapixel rear camera on the phone, while the phone and the Station has 1.2MP and 1MP front cameras respectively.

The f/2.4 aperture rear camera can shoot up to 100 shots at 6 fps in burst mode, while simultaneously recording 1080p HD video.

The phone and the Station has 2140mAh and 5000mAh batteries respectively.

At just 649g, the combined weight of both PadFone 2 and PadFone 2 Station is lighter than most tablets in the market.

StarHub is the only Telco offering the PadFone 2, as was the case with the original PadFone.

Authorised retailers will also begin selling the devices (without line) at the time as StarHub, on 22 November.

This will allow existing subscribers of other Telcos to purchase the PadFone 2 at the same time as StarHub subscribers.

Both StarHub and ASUS are accepting pre-orders from tomorrow.

The launch event for the ASUS PadFone 2 in Singapore.

 

this WEEK in TECH – a selection of interesting events

Sunday, November 11th, 2012

Here’s a selection of interesting tech events happening this week (11-17 November 2012). It is not an exhaustive list and represents only a sampling of events that gives a taste of the tech pulse in Singapore.

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore this week?

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore this week?

This is a really quiet week in the region, partly due to a public holiday (Deepavali) in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

ASUS is launching the PadFone 2 smartphone with tablet dock 2-in-1 device, while Sennheiser is partying in Zouk come end of the week.

Otherwise all’s quiet, before the madness of SITEX 2012 rolls into town next week.

Below is the event listing for the week.

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this WEEK in TECH – a selection of interesting events

Sunday, October 28th, 2012

Here’s a selection of interesting tech events happening this week (28 October – 3 November 2012). It is not an exhaustive list and represents only a sampling of events that gives a taste of the tech pulse in Singapore.

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore this week?

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore this week?

Lenovo is showing off its exciting lineup of convertible notebook/tablet hybrids for Windows 8 this week. I played with some of the models during the Windows 8 launch in Singapore last week, and they are amazing. Watch this space for the hands-on.

This week sees Microsoft move its focus from the launch of Windows 8 to the formal launch of Windows Phone 8, which shares a common core with its bigger sibling.

Will the Metro-based new smartphone operating system increase its market share from a meagre 3.5% (for the second quarter according to IDC).

Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android dominate with 17% and 68% respectively. Windows Phone 8 smartphones announced thus far include Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820, HTC 8S and 8X, and Samsung ATIV S. We might actually see the HTC models showcased in Singapore this Friday!

Midweek, Brother is launching a new printer while A*STAR Data Storage Institute will show off the world’s thinnest 2.5-inch 5mm hybrid drive for consumer and business devices.

Oracle Day 2012: Simpor Ballroom, Level 4, Marina Bay Sands Exhibition and Convention Centre

For those interested in the latest trends in Cloud, Mobile, Social and Big Data, be sure to register for Oracle Day 2012 at Marina Bay Sands. Get the hottest updates on critical business drivers, meet Oracle experts and experience their latest technologies at the Demo booths.

And for photography buffs, the Singapore leg of Canon’s annual PhotoMarathon Asia 2012 takes place at the Marina Bay Sands this Saturday. To be guaranteed a participation slot do register online prior to the event.

Below is the events listing for the week.

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New Android smartphone: Sony Xperia SL from Sony Mobile in Singapore

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

Sony Xperia SL is now available in Singapore in black, dark silver and pink at a recommended retail price of S$668 (without contract) at Xperia Concept Stores, Sony Stores and Sony Centres.

The new Sony Xperia SL from Sony Mobile comes in black (not shown above), dark silver or pink.

The new Sony Xperia SL from Sony Mobile comes in black (not shown above), dark silver or pink.

Based on the popular Xperia S, the new Xperia SL boasts a sharp 4.3-inch Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine.

Sony Xperia SL
OS Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Screen 4.3″ 720p HD TFT
Resolution 1280 x 720 (342ppi)
Battery 1,750 mAh, embedded
Processor 1.7 GHz Qualcomm MSM8260 Dual Core
Features NFC
Camera Rear: 12 MP
Front: 1.3 MP
Video 1080p HD
Memory Int: 32 GB
Ext:
Size /mm 128 x 64 x 10.6
Weight 144 g
Colour Black, Dark Silver, Pink
Price S$668

The 720p HD TFT display (1280 x 720 pixels, 342 ppi) has 16 million colours and has a shatter proof sheet on scratch-resistant glass.

HD content can be shared through DLNA, HDMI and BRAVIA Sync through quick and easy streaming to other screens.

Xperia SL features a 12MP fast capture camera that goes from sleep to snap in just over a second with a single key press.

The smartphone runs on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and a 1.7 GHz Qualcomm MSM8260 Dual Core processor, with 32GB eMMC flash storage and NFC.

Xperia SL is PlayStation Certified.

Three new media applications – WALKMAN”, “ALBUM” and “MOVIES” – provide enhanced entertainment experiences, and shares content amongst friends via social media connectivity.

New Android smartphone in Singapore: Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE

Saturday, October 20th, 2012

Samsung has launched the GALAXY Note II LTE in Singapore. The 5.5-inch smartphone/tablet hybrid will be available from end of this week at S$998 (without contract) in Ceramic White or Titan Gray. It will also be available from the three Telcos.

Update (28 March, 2013):

Samsung today announced the launch of the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE in Amber Brown. It will be available from 30 March 2013 (Saturday) at SGD$968, without line contract. The Amber Brown version of the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE will be available on 30 March 2013 (Saturday).

The Recommended Retail Price (without line contract) is S$968.

The Samsung GALAXY SIV was launched two weeks ago on 14 March in New York City.

However, that may only hit the shelves in April/May 2013.

 

Update (14 March, 2013):

Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE in Martian Pink will be available in Singapore from 16 March 2013 (Saturday) at S$968, without line contract.Samsung today announced the launch of the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE in Martian Pink.

It will be available from 16 March 2013 (Saturday) at S$968, without line contract.

And at 7pm today (in Singapore, that will be 7pm tomorrow morning), Samsung will be launching the successor to the GALAXY S III in New York City.

The widely-anticipated Samsung GALAXY S IV will be the first GALAXY smartphone to be launched within the US.

Samsung hopes it will help the company wrest the number one position in the US from Apple’s iPhone, something it has already accomplished outside of the US.

The launch will be live-streamed worldwide.

Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE, complete with S Pen, comes in Ceramic White or Titan Gray.

Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE, complete with S Pen, comes in Ceramic White or Titan Gray.

The Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE has a thinner but bigger body than its predecessor, with a 16:9 screen ratio. It is the latest in Samsung’s GALAXY Note series after the launch of the GALAXY Note 10.1 in August.

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Event: Be Fashionably Bold with BlackBerry and ZALORA

Thursday, October 18th, 2012

What does the online fashion/lifestyle retailer and the enterprise secure smartphone of choice have in common?

BlackBerry and ZALORA join hands to present a "Fashionably Bold" event.

BlackBerry and ZALORA join hands to present a “Fashionably Bold” event.

A strong sense of style and the gut to make Bold fashion statements with their products, which is why both enjoy a growing following among the young and trendy in the region. And BBM is the buzzword that keeps them connected.

(L-R) Valerie Lim, mentor to the models with stylist bloggers Irene of Moonberry, Vanessa of Wardrobe Trends Fashion, Sophie Willocq

(L-R) Valerie Lim, mentor to the models with stylist bloggers Irene of Moonberry, Vanessa of Wardrobe Trends Fashion, Sophie Willocq.

BlackBerry and ZALORA co-hosted a stylish event in Singapore to put forth a fashion show showcasing a unique set of looks developed by leading online fashion bloggers and inspired by BlackBerry’s Bold line of smartphones.

Charles Dufourcq - Country Director for RIM, Singapore - looking fashionably bold.

Charles Dufourcq – Country Director for RIM, Singapore – looking fashionably bold.

“The individual styles inspired by the BlackBerry Bold portfolio truly showcase the diversity of the many collections on ZALORA,” said Terence Pang, Head of Marketing for ZALORA Singapore.

A vibrant and thriving night out

Local standup comedian, Kumar, being fashionably bold.

Local standup comedian, Kumar, being fashionably bold.

I popped in at the event (at 72-13 Mohammed Sultan Road) in the evening and the turnout was fantastic, thronging with both BlackBerry and ZALORA fans.

Everybody had a great laugh with local stand-up comedian Kumar’s act.

The fashion show was refreshing because the eight female and male models were not pros but lucky winners who had been chosen from an online contest earlier, based on the best poses that they had sent in.

They received their very own photo-shoot, makeover and runway tips from Miss Singapore Universe 2011, Ms Valerie Lim, who also choreographed the Fashionably Bold show.

Totally Fashionably Bold!

“Fashionably Bold showcases the popularity of the BlackBerry Bold portfolio in Singapore, while celebrating the lifestyle statement that both our black and white smartphones make. It is a celebration of functionality coupled with a unique sense of style that BlackBerry smartphones have,” said Charles Dufourcq, Country Director for RIM, Singapore.

New camera in Singapore: Samsung GALAXY Camera with Android Jelly Bean

Wednesday, October 17th, 2012

Samsung GALAXY Camera combines the image quality of dedicated compact cameras with the connectivity and apps of the smartphones.

Available in November, price TBA.

The Samsung GALAXY Camera is a camera that has the connectivities and funtionalities of a smartphone (minus voice calls).

The Samsung GALAXY Camera is a camera that has the connectivities and funtionalities of a smartphone (minus voice calls).

The GALAXY Camera made its appearance in Singapore during Samsung’s “Be Creative” gala event at the Ritz-Carlton, which also saw the debut of the GALAXY Note II LTE in Singapore.

Samsung GALAXY Camera
Megapixels 16 MP
Optical Zoom 21 x
Wide angle 23mm, F2.8
Max zoom 483mm
ISO ISO 100 – 3,200
LCD 4.77″, 308ppi, 921.6k dots, 1280×720 pixels, HD Super Clear Touch
Movie 1920 x 1080 px
OS Android 4.1, Jelly Bean
Processor 1.4GHz Quad-core
Connectivity 3G, Wi-Fi
Memory 8GB int + mem slot
Slow motion video 758 x 512 (120fps), 320×240 (30fps)
Vido output HDMI 1.4
Flash Built-in
RAW No
Image stabilisation Optical Image Stabilisation
Size /mm 128.7 x 70.8 x 19.1
Weight 300 g
Battery 1,650 mAh
Price TBA

Enjoy 21x long optical zoom and 16 megapixels, as well as WiFi/3G and the latest Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean operating system and apps.

The GALAXY Camera has a 16-megapixel 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor with 23mm lens for wide-angle shots.

It boasts a large and vivid camera display – a 4.8” (1280 x 720 pixels, 308 ppi) HD SUPER CLEAR LCD screen.

Smartphone technology, powered by a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor, provides the Voice Control for users to manipulate functions such as ‘Zoom in’ and ‘Shoot’ through voice.

The GALAXY Camera includes a comprehensive set of 35 powerful photo editing features within the ‘Photo Wizard’ – such as the “Auto Face Calibration” feature – allowing users to edit their photos on the go.

The “Movie Wizard” allows users to create and edit expert-quality videos easily using the touch screen.

The GALAXY Camera also features ‘Smart Content Manager’, which intelligently creates folders, tags faces, and even suggests which pictures to delete when they do not come out as desired.

Internet connectivity enables users to share their photos easily on the Web.

Users can share photos simultaneously as they shoot when they use the ‘Share Shot’ feature.

The Samsung GALAXY Camera has 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity on to the Internet, as well as apps running off the latest Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean.

The Samsung GALAXY Camera has 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity on to the Internet, as well as apps running off the latest Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean.

The camera’s convenient ‘Auto Cloud Backup’ feature will automatically save photos into the cloud via Samsung’s AllShare the instant they are taken.

Infographic showing features of the Samsung GALAXY Camera.

Infographic showing features of the Samsung GALAXY Camera.

In addition to sharing photos on social networks and cloud services, users can also connect to a range of GALAXY devices including the GALAXY S III and GALAXY Note II.

In addition to the pre-installed applications from Samsung, users can browse the web and enjoy any application from Google Play or Samsung Apps stores.

‘S Suggest’ will also be able to recommend a new photo editing app or fun game to download if users are spoilt for choice.

The GALAXY Camera enables connection to 3G networks (HSPA+ 21Mbps on 850/900/1900/2100 MHz) via a micro-SIM, allowing photo sharing and browsing anywhere.

The GALAXY Camera also functions on Wi-Fi with Dual Band and Channel Bonding for extra speed.

Connectivity is supported by a 1.4GHz Cortex-A9 quad-core processor that enables fast web-browsing and multitasking, as well as high-speed image processing without significant impact on battery life (1,650 mAh).

The camera comes with 8GB internal memory, with a memory slot for additional external memory (SD card, micro SDHC, micro SDXC).

Cameras crossing into smartphone territory

Nikon launched its COOLPIX S800c back in August – with Android 2.3 and Wi-Fi connectivity.

It had 16 megapixels and 12x optical zoom.

I had mused about when a camera would get 3G connectivity as well.

So it is opportune that Samsung is going to deliver that in the form of GALAXY Camera in November.

The Nikon COOLPIX S800c runs Android 2.3 and has Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Nikon COOLPIX S800c runs Android 2.3 and has Wi-Fi connectivity.

The 3G-capable GALAXY Camera will have the same 16 megapixels but will come with 21x optical zoom and Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean.

What’s next?

A camera that you can press to your cheeks to call someone?

Samsung launches GALAXY Note II LTE and GALAXY Camera in Singapore

Wednesday, October 17th, 2012

The Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE (S$998) and GALAXY Camera (available November, price TBA) were launched at a gala event at The Ritz-Carlton.

Samsung also announced two local celebrities – Olivia Ong and Desmond Tan – as ambassadors for the two new gadgets.

Samsung celebrity ambassadors, Olivia Ong and Desmond Tan with their newly launched devices – GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at the ‘Be Creative’ event.

Samsung celebrity ambassadors, Olivia Ong and Desmond Tan with their newly launched devices – GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at the ‘Be Creative’ event.

Singaporean singer-songwriter, Olivia Ong will be the brand ambassador for the GALAXY Note II LTE; while MediaCorp artiste, Desmond Tan will be the ambassador for the GALAXY Camera.

“The GALAXY Note II LTE allows me to be more creative and expressive in my daily life. With its large touchscreen, S Pen and easy-to-use functions, I can now take photos and scribble words and phrases which come to mind wherever I go, and they could be the next inspiration for my upcoming albums,” said Olivia Ong.

Olivia Ong, known for her soothing and powerful vocals and songwriting prowess, will be participating in “The Wonderland” project, and embark on a creative journey to compose an original song “Wonderland”.

“Wonderland” will be made into a music video, to capture the story behind the song and more importantly, better understand what inspires her.

Olivia will capture her inspirations and write her thoughts using the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE, and fans will get to join Olivia in her creativity process by interacting and sharing ideas with Olivia and catch behind-the-scenes videos of her creative journey to create this original song.

Olivia Ong singing her favourite song “Let It Rain” at the launch of the GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at Samsung's ‘Be Creative’ event.

Olivia Ong singing her favourite song “Let It Rain” at the launch of the GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at Samsung’s ‘Be Creative’ event.

Samsung celebrity ambassador Desmond Tan, enthuses about how he loves sharing photos with fans and loved ones on social media instantly after shoots.

MediaCorp artiste,Desmond Tan, enthuses about how he loves sharing photos with fans and loved ones on social media instantly after shoots.

Chosen as the new celebrity ambassador for the Samsung GALAXY Camera, up-and-coming MediaCorp artiste, Desmond Tan is a photography buff, who loves to share photos of his special moments with friends, fans and family.

“I love to take photos and share them online so the GALAXY Camera works perfectly for me. I can take professional-like photos, edit and upload onto Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and also use the smart and social GALAXY Camera to surf the internet and send text messages to friends and families as and when I want,” said Desmond Tan.

In preparation for his upcoming lead role in a drama, “96 Café” where he will be taking on the role of a photographer, Desmond has been exploring the various features of the GALAXY Camera by taking photos and sharing them directly from his GALAXY camera with fans who follow him on Instagram.

Other celebrities and personalities who were present at the event included creative and theatre director, Beatrice Chia-Richmond, and boutique hotelier and entrepreneur, Loh Lik Peng, who are Samsung’s ambassadors for the recently-launched GALAXY Note 10.1.

this WEEK in TECH – a selection of interesting events

Sunday, October 14th, 2012

Here’s a selection of interesting tech events happening this week (14-20 October 2012). It is not an exhaustive list and represents only a sampling of events that gives a taste of the tech pulse in Singapore.

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore?

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore?

This week sees the continuation of buzz building up to the General Availability of Windows 8. Intel, Samsung, HP and Sony have already showcased their respective offerings. Next week, Microsoft will be releasing Windows 8 on 26 October 2012.

Audiophiles can look forward to the launch of Swiss Piega handmade speakers by Atlas Singapore, while photographers finally see the Lytro light field camera officially launched in Singapore.

The much anticipated Samsung GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera will be launched at the Ritz-Carlton; while BlackBerry and ZALORA join hands to present a fashion show inspired by the BlackBerry Bold smartphones.

On the enterprise side, Progress Software and NCS are talks about growth in big data and the realtime analytic industries, while DPM Teo Chee Hean opens Techventure 2012.

Finally, wrap up the week with a bit of fun and learning at Canon Imaging Academy, shooting out-and-about Singapore and learning about shooting stock photos along the way.

15 October (Sunday)

BlackBerry JamHack 2012

5-city, 3-day, 40-hour hackathon organised by 5 developer groups & communities in Asia Pacific, supported by RIM.

Culminates in App Pitches on the last day on 15 Oct.

Venue: Delhi, Bangalore, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila


15 October (Monday)

Realtime analytics for business

Progress Software and NCS talks about growth in big data and realtime analytic industries.


16 October (Tuesday)

Lytro launch

Official launch of the Lytro light field camera in Singapore.

Venue: Clarke Quay


17 October (Wednesday)

Samsung launch of GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera

Launch of Samsung’s latest products in Singapore.

Venue: Ritz-Carlton


17-18 October (Wednesday to Thursday)

Techventure 2012

This year’s theme, “Äsia.Innovation.Renaisance”, highlights the economic transformation in Asia and opportunities for businesses from technological innovation.

Venue: Marina Bay Sands


18 October (Thursday)

Fashionably Bold

BlackBerry and ZALORA collaborates on a fashion show inspired by the BlackBerry Bold smartphones.

Venue: 72-13 Mohammed Sultan Road


19 October (Friday)

Piega launch by Atlas

Swiss Piega launching a range of exclusive handmade speakers in Singapore.

Venue: Atlas Showroom @ Windstedt


20-22 October (Saturday to Monday)

Singapore iStockalypse

iStockphoto and Getty Images are partnering with Canon Singapore to organise this 3-day photo-workshop to shoot Singapore.

Theory on Saturday, followed by portfolio review on Sunday and out-and-about shooting on Monday.

Venue: Canon Imaging Academy

TODAY! Registration of interest for Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE in Singapore

Saturday, October 13th, 2012

For those in Singapore interested in getting the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE, registration of interest has started today. Here are the links to register with a Telco or without contract.

Registration of interest for Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE in Singapore.

Registration of interest for Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE in Singapore.

Buyers stand a chance to win a pair of “SMTOWN Live World Tour III in Singapore” concert tickets (worth S$336).

Early birds get a FREE Limited Edition Accessory Pack (worth S$202) with your purchase.

The accessory pack includes four accessories: a flip cover, a protective back cover, a car adapter and a portable battery pack.

To buy the GALAXY Note II LTE without contract, register your interest at the Samsung Experience Stores.