Archive for the ‘Android’ Category

New Android smartphones: Sony Xperia go and acro S

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Sony Mobile has unveiled two new stylish, durable and water resistant Android smartphones. Both smartphones will be available globally in Q3 2012.

Dust & Water-resistant Xperia go and Xperia acro S from Sony Mobile

Dust & Water-resistant Xperia go and Xperia acro S from Sony Mobile

The Xperia go and Xperia acro S are built with extra durability and water resistance.

Xperia go & acro S

Xperia go & acro S

This is consistent with the trend of making electronic gadgets waterproof to enable an adventurous lifestyle.

Both smartphones have scratch resistant mineral glass displays for protection against dust and water immersion.

The Xperia go has a 3.5-inch display, 5-megapixel camera and 1,265mAH battery.

It will be launched on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) but upgradeable to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).

The Xperia acro S has a large 4.3-inch display, huge 12.1-megapixel camera and 1,840mAH battery.

It will be launched directly on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).

The press release and specs for both smartphones can be viewed/downloaded below.

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New Android smartphone: LG Optimus Max

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

LG’s new Optimus Max boasts both glasses-free 3D features and smartphone performance. The smartphone is available at all StarHub and M1 stores at S$698.

LG Optimus Max, available from M1 and StarHub (S$698)

LG Optimus Max, available from M1 and StarHub (S$698)

Zoom in to examine the texture.

Following last year’s 3D smartphone, LG Electronics Singapore has introduced the Optimus Max, which is only 9.6 mm thin and weighs 148 grams.

The smartphone ships with Android 2.3 Gingerbread but will be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Its 3G network speed has been improved to HSPA+ 21Mbps.

Automatic setting changes create predefined tags that are customized to certain modes such as car-mode, office-mode or sleep-mode.

Depending on location, the predefined tags will automatically adjust various phone settings including Wi-Fi, bluetooth, GPS and sound volume.

Other features include:

  • HD Converter to offer HD quality on a TV connected through MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), when transforming Open GL-based 2D games and applications to 3D and viewing Google Earth.
  • Range Finder which calculates the distance between the camera and the subject as well as the dimensions of an object through triangulation.
  • Out-focusing Shot which enhances camera quality beyond that of other smartphones through image processing using depth information.
  • Icon Customizer which allows the creation of personalized icons. Images can be selected from the gallery and can be used as icons or shortcuts for a personalized look.
  • Users can convert Google Earth, Google Maps and other road views into 3D using the enhanced 3D Converter.
  • 3D photos and videos captured by the Optimus Max can also be viewed in a single-screen mode in 2D, using the 3D Hot Key mounted on the side of the phone to easily toggle between 2D and 3D.

The main specifications are listed below.

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New Android smartphone: HTC One XL

Friday, May 25th, 2012

HTC is the first handset maker to unveil a 4G LTE smartphone for the impending launch of the 4G LTE network in Singapore. The HTC One XL will be available in early June 2012 at an RRP of S$998 (without line).

Update (4 June 2012):

The HTC One XL (S$318) is one of three handsets available at the launch of SingTel’s 4G service on 4 June. The other two 4G smartphones are the LG Optimus True HD LTE (S$198) and the Samsung GALAXY S II LTE (S$298).

The original HTC One X was first launched on 30 March this year and hit the shelves in Singapore on 2 April.

The original HTC One X was first launched on 30 March this year and hit the shelves in Singapore on 2 April.

SingTel is expected to officially launch its 4G LTE service in Singapore in June 2012. The HTC One XL offers to combine the superb camera and audio qualities of HTC’s premium One series with the blazing speeds of next generation 4G LTE networks.

The HTC One XL is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with up to 1.5GHz dual-core CPU and a 1,800 mAh embedded battery, alongside software enhancements that promises improved battery performance by 50 percent.

The HTC One XL comes with Android 4.0 (ICS) and HTC Sense 4, the maker’s user interface.

The HTC One XL will be available in Polar White and Glamour Grey.

The main technical specs for the HTC One XL is listed below.

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Price & Availability: Sony Xperia P, U, and sola

Friday, May 18th, 2012

The Sony Xperia P (S$688), Xperia U (S$488), and the Xperia sola(S$588) are now available in Singapore. All prices do not include contract.

From left: Sony Xperia P, Xperia U, and the Xperia sola.

From left: Sony Xperia P, Xperia U, and the Xperia sola.

First showcased in Singapore in back in March, these three Xperia smartphones from the NXT series come with Google Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) but is upgradeable to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).

Xperia users get free 50GB storage for life before the end of December 2012. Simply download the Box app from the Google Play store on the Xperia smartphone to enjoy the free 50GB storage.

  • Xperia P delivers outstanding screen brightness with Sony’s “WhiteMagic” display technology.
  • Xperia U packs powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design that is easily personalisable.
  • Xperia sola allows easy access to apps and quick launch of actions with NFC and Xperia SmartTags.

The Xperia P is available in silver or black, while the Xperia U and Xperia sola are available in black or white.

Click here for the key features of each model.

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.

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Samsung finally unveils the GALAXY S III

Friday, May 4th, 2012

After much anticipation, Samsung has officially announced the third generation GALAXY S. The GALAXY S III will be available in Singapore from Q2 2012 in Pebble Blue and Marble White. Prices to be announced later.

Update (23 May 2012): RRP (without contract but incl. GST) in Singapore has been announced at S$998. Availability to be announced later.

Latest update (25 May 2012): Marble White Samsung GALAXY S III will go on sale in Singapore on 30 May. Collection of pre-orders begin 29 May. Pebble Blue version will be available at a later date. Stay tuned!

The Samsung GALAXY S III will come in Pebble Blue and Marble White.

The Samsung GALAXY S III will come in Pebble Blue and Marble White.

The Samsung GALAXY S III has a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display, an 8-megapixel main camera and 1.9-megapixel FRONT camera that shoots HD video, and is powered by Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich.

“… it enables one of the most seamless, natural and human-centric mobile experiences …,” said JK Shin, President and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung.The GALAXY S III offers WiFi Channel Bonding which doubles the WiFi bandwidth.

For those who are tired of wires, a separate wireless charging kit allows you to charge the phone without plugging it to the socket.

Samsung boasts that the smartphone has been “designed for humans” – by making the phone recognise the user’s voice, understand more human gestures, and by making it easier to share moments on social networks.

Human-centric interface

Samsung GALAXY S III has a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display, an 8-megapixel main camera and 1.9-megapixel front camera, and is powered by Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich.A “Smart-stay” feature senses and recognises how you are using the smartphone.

For instance, when reading an e-book or browsing the web, the front camera detects the eyes and maintains a bright display on the phone for continual reading.

“S Voice” is Samsung’s advanced natural language user interface that listens and responds to voice commands. Does “S Voice” stand for Samsung Voice – its response to Siri?

For example, you can TELL the GALAXY S III to “snooze” when the alarm goes off, or to play songs, reduce/increase the volume, send text messages and emails, organise your schedules, or launch the camera to take a photo.

Samsung GALAXY S III will be available in Singapore from Q2 2012.Easy sharing

The new “S Beam” expands on Android Beam by allowing a 1GB movie file to be shared within three minutes and a 10MB music file within two seconds by simply touching another GALAXY S III phone, even without a Wi-Fi or cellular signal.

Click to display enlarged view of the tech specs.

Click to display enlarged view of the tech specs.

“Buddy photo share” function allows photos to be easily and simultaneously shared with the friends pictured in an image directly from the camera or the photo gallery.

“AllShare Cast” allows wireless display of the smartphone’s content onto a larger display.

“AllShare Play” shares files between the GALAXY S III and a tablet, PC or television, regardless of the distance between the devices.

“Group Cast” shares the smartphone’s screen among multiple friends on the same WiFi network.

“Pop up Play” allows a video to continue playing on one part of the screen while other apps and tasks continue simultaneously.

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.

SUBWAY joins Pointpal in Singapore

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

SUBWAY has become part of Pointpal’s loyalty and rewards community. SUBWAY customers can use their mobile phones (Apple iOS or Google Android based) in place of stamp card for collecting rewards points.

Get a free SUBWAY meal with every 8 stamps collected through Pointpal.

Get a free SUBWAY meal with every 8 stamps collected through Pointpal.

With the addition of SUBWAY, Pointpal claims to be the largest mobile loyalty programme in Singapore.

Pointpal replaces traditional paper and ink stamp collecting booklets/cards.

Pointpal replaces traditional paper and ink stamp collecting booklets/cards.

SUBWAY customers will get a free SUBWAY meal (6-inch sub regular meal) with every 8 stamps collected from SUBWAY.

Customers also enjoy an immediate 2 free stamps when they sign up for this offer from April 15 to May 15.

Customers who want to join the Pointpal community to enjoy the SUBWAY rewards programme need to first download the Pointpal app from either Apple iTunes (AppStore) or Android Market (Google Play).

They then register (which only needs to be done once), and can choose which pre-installed loyalty cards and programmes they wish to participate in, and begin collecting points.

BlackBerry OS vs iOS vs Windows Phone vs Android

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Trend Micro has released the results of its study on the four main mobile operating systems in a report titled “Enterprise Readiness of Consumer Mobile Platforms”.

The security firm found the BlackBerry 7 OS the most secure mobile operating system, followed by iOS 5, Windows Phone 7.5, and Android 2.3.

Summary chart from “Enterprise Readiness of Consumer Mobile Platforms” White Paper by Trend Micro.

Summary chart from “Enterprise Readiness of Consumer Mobile Platforms” White Paper by Trend Micro.

Android 2.3 was used in the study because it was the dominant installed/supplied version of Google’s mobile OS at the time of the research.

Below is an excerpt from the White Paper summarising the findings about the four mobile platforms.

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NEW! PINK Galaxy Note to hit Singapore on 14 April

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

Samsung has just revealed that the pink version of the GALAXY Note will be available in Singapore this Saturday – that’s the day after tomorrow.

Price without contract will be S$948 (incl. GST) without contract.

The PINK Samsung Galaxy Note hits Singapore shelves this Saturday (14 April).

The PINK Samsung Galaxy Note hits Singapore shelves this Saturday (14 April).

The GALAXY Note was first announced back in November last year, together with the GALAXY Nexus.

Samsung GALAXY Note (S$998, 16GB) will be available in Singapore in November 2011.The GALAXY Note tries to create a new niche form factor by combining 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.

The main technical specifications of the Samsung GALAXY Note is tabulated below.

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