Archive for the ‘App’ Category

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Get Microsoft Windows 8 NOW!

Friday, June 1st, 2012

Update (18 July, 2012):

Microsoft’s Steven Sinofsky has just announced at its annual sales meeting that customers will be able to get Windows 8 on 26 October, 2012. This will be available both as an upgrade or on a new PC.

Wonder if the Surface will be available at the same date?

Microsoft has announced that the Windows 8 Release Preview is now available for download in 14 languages.

Those who purchase eligible Windows 7-based PCs from 2 June can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for S$17.99 later on.

Windows 8 Release Preview is available for download now.

Windows 8 Release Preview is available for download now.

Windows 8 is entering the final stages of development and is on the road to general availability.

The Release Preview is available for download here, where you can also view a video of Windows 8 in action.

Notable improvements throughout the platform includes:

  • Improvements to Mail, Photos and People apps since Consumer Preview.
  • Increased personalization options for the Start screen.
  • Improved multi-monitor support.
  • Refinements to the way people find and download apps through the Windows Store.
  • New Family Safety features and enriched privacy and security controls when browsing online, including Do Not Track capabilities being turned on by default with Internet Explorer 10.
  • Enriched support for touch with Internet Explorer 10, including a new capability with Release Preview called “flip ahead” that allows users the option to flip between pages with the swipe of a finger, as well as a touch-friendly Adobe Flash Player now fully integrated into IE10.
  • New Bing apps, including those for Travel, News and Sports

For those planning to purchase new computers that currently come with Windows 7, Microsoft is rolling out the Windows Upgrade Offer program in 131 markets.

From June 2, 2012 to January 31, 2013, those who buy eligible PCs with Windows 7 can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of S$17.99 (including GST).

Other offers will be announced later to help those with existing Windows 7-based PCs upgrade to Windows 8.

For more details about the Release Preview, check out this inside look from the Windows engineering team.

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Posted in App, Availability, Flash, Gadgets, Internet Explorer, Microsoft, Notebooks, Prices, Software, Tablets, Tech news, Tickers, Windows 8 | 6 Comments »

Nokia Lumia 900 for Singapore

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

First released in the US during CES 2012 in January this year, and then announced during MWC 2012 in February for markets outside the US, Nokia’s third Lumia smartphone will be in Singapore for S$849 from 26 May 2012.

Nokia Lumia 900, running on Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, will be available in Singapore for S$849.

Nokia Lumia 900, running on Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, will be available in Singapore for S$849.

The Lumia series of smartphones from Nokia leads the Finnish company’s renewed focus on the Windows Phone platform.

Nokia Lumia 900
OS Windows Phone 7.5
Screen 4.3″
Resolution 800 x 480, WVGA
Battery 1,830 mAh
Processor 1.4 GHz Single Core Snapdragon APQ8055 + MDM9200
Camera Rear: 8mp (F2.2)
Front: 1.3mp (f2.4)
Video 720p @ 30 fps
Memory Int: 16 GB
Ext: Nil
Size /mm 127.8 x 68.5 x 11.5
Weight 160 g
Price S$849

The Lumia 900 runs on Microsoft’s latest Windows Phone 7.5 operating system – with its sleek Metro user interface and dynamic live tiles.

Following the launch of the Lumia 800 and Lumia 710 Windows smartphones, the Lumia 900 is bigger, faster and more powerful than its predecessors.

It has a huge 4.3” glass display and 1,800mAH battery.

The handsomely designed smartphone comes in Black, White and Cyan.

The Lumia 900 boasts a powerful 8-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, dual-LED flash, autofocus and a wide-angle focal length of 28mm.

At f2.2, its large aperture means images and videos are vivid and sharp even in low light.

The Nokia Lumia 900 also comes with a 1 MP front-facing camera, so you can enjoy high-quality free phone and video calls via Tango – the pre-loaded video-call app.

Nokia Lumia 900

Nokia Lumia 900

For web-surfing there is Internet Explorer 9 browser, Bing search and HTML 5.

As a Windows Phone, an Office Hub app allows viewing and editing of Microsoft Word, Excel, OneNote and PowerPoint documents on the phone.

People Hub collates all your social networking apps in one place – including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

And as a Nokia phone, there are Nokia Maps and Nokia Drive apps to help you find your way around; as well as Nokia Music and Mix Radio apps for audio entertainment on the move.

Follow the links below to other articles I’ve posted about Nokia Lumia smartphones on tech4tea.com.

(more…)

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Posted in Announce, App, Availability, Gadgets, Internet Explorer, Lumia, Nokia, Office, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, Software, Specifications, Windows Phone 7 | 1 Comment »

New mobile music player: Sony Walkman Z Series

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

Sony has launched its new mobile entertainment player. The Walkman NWZ-Z1050 series is powered by Android, and is targeted at audiophiles looking for exceptional sound quality in their music.

The Sony Walkman Z1050 Mobile Entertainment Player has a 16GB capacity and will be available for S$429 from this month.

Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1050 Music Player, 16 GB, Black, S$429.

Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1050 Music Player, 16 GB, Black, S$429.

The Walkman Z1050 is the Android equivalent of the iPod Touch, but with a bigger anti-reflective 4.3” multi-touch LCD screen. It is powered by a 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor.

With the form factor of a smartphone, this Walkman allows you to enjoy great music, watch videos, play games, use Android apps and surf the Web using WiFi.

I was at the launch of the new Walkman in Singapore, and got to play with the device and listen to the music quality. It did not disappoint. Audio was crisp and clear despite the loud background music inside the Helipad, and MP3 music sounded almost as good as CD-quality tracks.

There’s no 3G connection so you can only make calls through VOIP when there’s a WiFi connection. There’s no camera but you can upload, edit, view and share photos on the gadget.

From the makers of the original Walkman

Available in May 2012

Available in May 2012

But true to its tradition, it’s a music player made for music lovers by music lovers.

The new S-Master MX digital amplifier greatly reduces noise and distortion level in your music, even if you’re listening to MP3 quality audio files.

This is one of 5 Clear Audio Technologies – S-Master MX, Clear Bass, Clear Stereo, DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), and EX headphones – which promises quality audio on-the-move.

A new W.BUTTON launches the W.Control app, which allows you to explore your music collection by flicking through the cover art viewing on-screen visualisations while the music plays.

SensMe sorts your music collection into 14 mood-themed channels to suit the time of day or the way you feel.

4.3-inch display, Android 2.3 OS.

4.3-inch display, Android 2.3 OS.

The xLOUD speaker system of the Z1050 to offers a high level of clear sound reproduction from its built-in speaker – you can now listen in to your favourite tunes with friends and loved ones without a speaker dock.

The Walkman Z Series allows you to share your content at home and on the move wirelessly via Wi-Fi and connects to other DLNA-enabled devices.

Simply ‘throw’ your music, pictures and videos from your Walkman screen by ‘flicking’ them directly to compatible TVs, PCs, or home audio system to stream your media.

Connect the Walkman directly to your TV via the micro HDMI to enjoy your videos, photos and games on big screen.

Or connect via Bluetooth to compatible speakers, headphones, hi-fi systems or car stereos effortlessly with no wire clutter.

Below are the main technical specifications of the new Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1050.

(more…)

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Posted in Android, App, Audio, Events, Gadgets, Gaming, Launch, Operating Systems, Prices, Software, Sony, Specifications | 3 Comments »

New iStockphoto plugin for Adobe CS6

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

The FREE Stockphoto plugin enables designers to search and directly download images within the programs without interrupting their workflow.

The new iStockphoto plug-in works right withing Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

The new iStockphoto plug-in works right withing Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

A one-click comp replace feature automatically exchanges complimentary watermarked images with purchased images, perfectly resized and positioned within the working page layout or design.

Search and replace images easily.

Search and replace images easily.

Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator users can now search iStock’s millions of files, download multiple comps during the creative process, finalise their designs and then simply replace the desired comp with the purchased image in exactly the right spot and in the right dimensions, saving time and increasing productivity.

The free plugin allows customers to access purchased credits, review past purchases, add to light boxes and almost all of the other standard account management features that can be accessed directly from the iStock site.

It is immediately available for download and is compatible with Mac and Windows versions of CS6, CS5.5 and CS5.

The iStockphoto plug-in is free.

The iStockphoto plug-in is free.

Compatible with CS 5, 5.5 & 6.

Compatible with CS 5, 5.5 & 6.

iStockphoto offers easy, affordable inspiration with millions of vetted, royalty-free photos, illustrations, video, audio and Flash files.

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Posted in App, Illustrator, InDesign, Launch, Photos, Photoshop, Software | No Comments »

Launch of Adobe CS6

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

The latest iteration of Adobe’s flagship software suite has been launched. Available in May 2012, there will be 4 suites, comprising different combinations of 14 print, web and video software.

The suites are: Master Collection (S$3,924), Design & Web Premium (S$2,868), Design & Web Standard (S$1,962), and Production Premium (S$2,868).

Adobe has also launched the new subscription-based Creative Cloud (US$600 per year). This is not available in Singapore yet.

Adobe Creative Suite 6

Adobe Creative Suite 6

Singapore was the first venue in the world to launch Adobe Creative Suite 6.

Shantanu Narayen, Adobe CEO, and David Wadhwani, SVP, Digital Media Business, Adobe, will host a launch event and press conference on the release of Adobe Creative Cloud and CS 6 at 10:00 am Pacific Time, 23 April.

CS6 is part of Adobe’s 2-year renewal of its creative suite of software. One year on from each major release is a mid-cycle update, as with Adobe CS5.5.

The Mercury engine that was introduced in Premiere Pro in CS5 has been implemented in other products in CS6, notably Photoshop and Illustrator.

For Photoshop, the impressive Content-Aware Fill feature in Photoshop CS5 has been supplemented with two new enhancements – Content-Aware Patch and Content-Aware Move.

Dreamweaver and other component products in CS5 was based on perpetuating the Flash platform.

Having had the rug pulled from under its feet by the late Steve Jobs, Adobe has shifted the emphasis for Dreamweaver in CS5.5 and CS6 more towards facilitating HTML5, “an open Web standard that’s replacing Adobe’s older Flash tools for many Web designers” (quoted from Bloomberg).

There are also more tools for designing apps for smartphones and tablets.

A big step for Adobe this time round is its foray into a subscription-based model, although it is not available in Singapore yet.

Creative Cloud will charge US$50 a month for a one-year commitment (US$75 without one).

Subscribers can access the 14 programs, which can be installed on an Apple Mac or on a Windows PC.

Users can use the installed software even when they are not connected to the Internet.

A cloud-based service will also enable users to collaborate and share work with colleagues and clients through a Web browser.

The list of software as well as the composition of each suite can be found here.

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Posted in Adobe, App, Creative Suite, Events, Launch, Phones, Prices, Software, Specifications, Tablets | 2 Comments »

New TomTom App for iPhone/iPad available in iTunes

Sunday, April 22nd, 2012

TomTom South East Asia V1.10 is now available in the iTunes store. Priced at US$69.99, existing V1.9 users can download the update for free.

TomTom App for iPhone/iPad South East Asia V1.10 available now on iTunes.

TomTom App for iPhone/iPad South East Asia V1.10 available now on iTunes.

The latest version of the TomTom App integrates TomTom navigation with social media applications such as Facebook and Twitter – allowing users to navigate to friends, places and events more easily.

TomTom App for iPhone/iPad South East Asia V1.10 First previewed during CES 2012 in January, the TomTom navigation app for iPhone and iPad fully supports social networks as a source for turn-by-turn navigation.

The new version automatically plans routes based on information from Facebook events and places.

Additionally, drivers can use the app to share their destination and arrival time on Twitter, Facebook, by email and by SMS text.

The app offers regional coverage and the update includes the latest maps of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Brunei.

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Posted in App, Availability, Gadgets, GPS, iOS, iPad, iPhone, Prices, Software, Specifications, TomTom | 2 Comments »

White delights on Nokia Mix Radio

Saturday, April 21st, 2012

Nokia has created a “white” themed playlist on Mix Radio to celebrating the white Lumia 800 smartphone.

Nokia Lumia 800 Windows Phone smartphone.

Nokia Lumia 800 Windows Phone smartphone.

Yearning for some tunes to go along with the new, sleek, snow-white Nokia Lumia 800?

"White" songs for the white Lumia 800.

"White" songs for the white Lumia 800.

Start white-listing your favourite songs as you go through the interesting selection of tracks in the playlist.

From music by Barry White and the White Stripes, to songs like White As Snow and White Flag, Nokia Lumia owners will be able to access this special playlist on Mix Radio via the Nokia Music app.

They can also expect an exciting multi-cultural mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian tunes such as Ding Dang’s Bai Se, Amuk’s Putih Hitam Biru and Ilaiyaraaja’s Vellai Pura Ondru.

White Bird by Singapore-born singer, Vanessa Mae, is also available on this white playlist.

Mix Radio features a myriad of other colourful tracks as well.

Users can create their own mixes and personalised playlists based on music they love.

Mix Radio app on the Nokia Lumia 800.

Mix Radio app on the Nokia Lumia 800.

Simply choose an artist or a genre of music as a starting point and Mix Radio will dynamically create a playlist.

Mix radio can also be personalized based on your library of music, automatically noting your favourite genres and creating more genre playlists of recommended music.

Users can even pin their favourite playlists to the start screen or download them for listening when they are offline.

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Posted in App, Audio, Gadgets, Lumia, Nokia, Phones, Software, Windows Phone 7 | 2 Comments »

BlackBerry 7.1 OS for Bold 9900 users in Singapore

Friday, April 20th, 2012

The latest version of the RIM’s smartphone operating system – BlackBerry 7.1 – is available for BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphones in Singapore.

The new OS 7.1 upgrade will enable users to share content by using “BlackBerry Tag” once NFC is enabled on their smartphones.

BlackBerry OS7.1 is available to Bold 9900 users in Singapore

BlackBerry OS7.1 includes BlackBerry Tag if the smartphone is NFC-enabled

Users can upgrade their software for free online, or by using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software.

Use BlackBerry Tag to share Contact information between NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones.

Use BlackBerry Tag to share Contact information between NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones.

The BlackBerry 7.1 OS incorporates a new feature called BlackBerry Tag which makes sharing of information and content easier – simply tap two NFC-enabled BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphones against each other.

Users can instantly invite a friend to BBM (BlackBerry Messenger), exchange contact information, documents, URLs, photos and other multimedia content.

Users can also pair their BlackBerry smartphone with an NFC enabled Bluetooth device.

With BlackBerry 7.1, users can now turn their BlackBerry smartphone into a mobile hotspot that can be shared by up to 5 Wi-Fi -enabled devices, including laptops and tablets.

Simply tap both NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones to share information.

Simply tap both NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones to share information.

In addition, a new Battery Saving Mode feature has been added which allows customers to extend the battery life of their BlackBerry Bold 9900 when it is most needed.

The new feature provides customers the option to have their smartphone settings automatically adjusted when the battery power reaches a level pre-defined by the users.

Some of the settings the Battery Saving Mode will automatically adjust include the brightness level, backlight timeout, and also the mobile hotspot auto shutdown timer.

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Posted in App, Availability, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Bold, Gadgets, Operating Systems, Phones, RIM, Software | 2 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 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.

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 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.

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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.

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.

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

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