Archive for the ‘Operating Systems’ Category

New arrival: Sony Xperia XZ & Xperia X Compact Android smartphones

Wednesday, September 28th, 2016

The two new models in the X series includes the flagship Xperia XZ (S$998, 5.2-inch display) as well as the petite Xperia X Compact (S$648, 4.6-inch display).

Both the Sony Xperia XZ (S$998) and the Sony Xperia X Compact (S$648) will hit Singapore shelves from 15 October, with pre-orders through Sony Stores and Sony Centres from 30 September to 7 October.

Both the Sony Xperia XZ (S$998, left) and the Sony Xperia X Compact (S$648, right) will hit Singapore shelves from 15 October, with pre-orders through Sony Stores and Sony Centres from 30 September to 7 October.

Sony Mobile announced the two additions to its new X series smartphones at IFA 2016 earlier this month.

The 64GB, Hybrid Dual SIM variant of the Xperia XZ will hit the shelves in Singapore island-wide at Sony Stores, Sony Centres, local telcos and authorised retailers on 15 October; and will be available in three colours – Forest Blue, stylish classics Mineral Black and Platinum.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

The Sony Xperia XZ flagship smartphone was launched in Singapore at the National Gallery of Singapore.

The 32GB Single SIM variant of the Xperia X Compact will be available only in Sony Stores and Sony Centres from 15 October 2016; and will be available in Mist Blue, Universe Black and stylish White.

More details from the press release below.

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New arrival: SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive m3.0 from Western Digital

Monday, September 26th, 2016

The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive m3.0 provides additional storage space for OTG-enabled Android smartphones and tablets. Available on Lazada, the drive comes in capacities of 16GB (S$12), 32GB (S$16), 64GB (S$30) and 128GB (S$59).

The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive m3.0 comes with 5-year warranty, and is now available in Singapore exclusively on Lazada.

The new SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive m3.0 comes with 5-year warranty, and is now available in Singapore exclusively on Lazada.

The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive m3.0 features a retractable design with both a micro-USB and USB 3.0 connector, providing a convenient way for users to manage their files between different devices.

The device’s USB 3.0 connector offers speeds up to 150MB/s for transferring files.

The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive m3.0 helps Android users quickly transfer files between their device and a computer or free up space on their phone.

The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive m3.0 helps Android users quickly transfer files between their device and a computer or free up space on their phone.

The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive m3.0 flash drive is designed to fit nicely on a key chain, making it an easily accessible way to expand storage or share content in an instant.

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New arrival: Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac software/OS

Monday, August 8th, 2016

Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac, Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition and Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition are available today for subscribers and upgraders from Parallels Desktop 10 and 11, with general availability from 23 August online and at local retail and online stores worldwide. Prices below.

Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac launches with 20 smart and simple Mac and Windows tools, macOS Sierra Readiness, and over 25 percent performance improvements. Tools to simplify common tasks will also be available as part of standalone Parallels Toolbox for Mac app.

Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac launches with 20 smart and simple Mac and Windows tools, macOS Sierra Readiness, and over 25 percent performance improvements. Tools to simplify common tasks will also be available as part of standalone Parallels Toolbox for Mac app.

Parallels, a publisher of cross-platform solutions and software for running Windows applications on a Mac, today launched Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac.

“Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac joins our long history of innovations in ease of use and personalization. In addition to delivering our best Windows-on-Mac performance and experience, Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac simplifies a number of everyday tasks for millions of our customers in all walks of life,” said Jack Zubarev, Parallels president.

Parallels Desktop 12 is macOS Sierra ready, includes up-to 25 percent performance improvements, and features more than 20 simple single-function tools and utilities which are also available as a standalone Parallels Toolbox for Mac app.

In addition, all Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac customers will receive a one-year subscription to Acronis True Image backup solution, which includes a fast incremental backup feature that reduces the time and size of subsequent backups ups and provides up to 500 GB of free online storage.

New utilities featured in all editions of Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac make it easy to perform common tasks with simple single-function tools for both the Mac and Windows virtual machines (VMs). Prices & Availability below.

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New arrival: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Android smartphone (S$1,168)

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will be available in Singapore from 20 August at S$1,168. Pre-orders / registration of interest (with M1, Singtel, StarHub) begin today with delivery on 19 August. Free Note 7 Lens Kit (S$198) for pre orders.

The newest flagship phablet from Samsung has a 5.7-inch Quad HD Dual Edge SUPER AMOLED display with 2560 x 1440 (518ppi). The Galaxy Note 7 ships with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

The newest flagship phablet from Samsung has a 5.7-inch Quad HD Dual Edge SUPER AMOLED display with 2560 x 1440 (518ppi). The Galaxy Note 7 ships with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

The Galaxy Note series skips a number and goes directly from Note 5 to Note 7.

The latest flagship model is now in line with the Galaxy S7 to reduce confusion among consumers.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is available in Black Onyx, Gold Platinum, or Silver Titanium.

More importantly, Samsung is probably hoping that some of the success of the S7 will rub off on the Note 7 and continue turning around the fortunes of the Korean phone maker.

So the most “eye-catching” – forgive the pun – new feature must be the iris-scanner, another security to ensure only the right eyes get to eyeball the contents of the Note 7.

I tried it during the launch and it’s mighty fast and responsive, removing my initial reservation that it might be slow and wonky.

The S Pen also gets enhanced, software wise.

New functionalities include Screen Off Memo, Smart Select function, Air Command and Samsung Notes, as well as the ability to create and share GIF animations.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 comes with Dual SIM support, where one of the two nano-SIM slots can be used to accept a microSD memory card (up to 256GB) instead. This will extend the 64GB internal memory that comes with the phone.

Also, the Galaxy Note 7 and its S Pen are now both IP68-certified water and dust resistant, so you can now use them underwater – if you want/need to.

More details and technical specifications in the press release below.

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New arrival: Logitech CREATE for iPad Pro 9.7 keyboard case

Monday, August 1st, 2016

The CREATE Keyboard Case for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is available from today at S$219.

The CREATE Keyboard Case design offers all around protection with custom sculpted Curves to provide structural integrity, protecting your iPad Pro on the inside; while on the outside the tightly woven fabric resists bumps, scratches and spills. Image: Logitech.

The CREATE Keyboard Case design offers all around protection with custom sculpted Curves to provide structural integrity, protecting your iPad Pro on the inside; while on the outside the tightly woven fabric resists bumps, scratches and spills. Image: Logitech.

The CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case with Smart Connector for the 9.7inch iPad Pro serves as a protective case, a backlit keyboard, and an integrated holder for the Apple pencil.

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New arrival: BlackBerry unveils DTEK50 Android smartphone

Tuesday, July 26th, 2016

From today, DTEK50 is available for pre-order from ShopBlackBerry.com in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and The Netherlands for US$299. Availability of DTEK50 in additional global channels and countries will be announced in the coming weeks.

For a limited time, customers who pre-order a DTEK50 on ShopBlackBerry.com only will receive a complimentary BlackBerry Mobile Power Pack, a high-capacity portable charger worth US$59.99 ($69.99 CDN, €59.99 and £54.99) that powers all your compatible mobile devices to maximise your productivity and play time. This offer expires on August 8th at 11:59 pm PST.

For a limited time, customers who pre-order a DTEK50 on ShopBlackBerry.com only will receive a complimentary BlackBerry Mobile Power Pack, a high-capacity portable charger worth US$59.99 ($69.99 CDN, €59.99 and £54.99) that powers all your compatible mobile devices to maximise your productivity and play time. This offer expires on 8 August at 11:59 pm PST. Image credit: BlackBerry.

BlackBerry boasts that the DTEK50 is “the world’s most secure Android smartphone, delivering BlackBerry’s unmatched security, privacy and productivity to price-conscious consumers and businesses”.

“We take our customers’ privacy seriously. That’s why we’re excited with all the security and functionality that’s built in our newest Android smartphone. DTEK50 merges the unique security and connectivity features BlackBerry is known for, with the rich Android ecosystem. This device adds to BlackBerry’s lineup of secure smartphones, providing choice to our customers with different price points on both, BlackBerry 10 and Android platforms,” said Ralph Pini, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, Devices, BlackBerry.

The DTEK50 is BlackBerry’s second smartphone powered by Android, following the PRIV.

Fully equipped with Android Marshmallow 6.0, DTEK50 combines BlackBerry’s unique security, privacy and productivity with the full Android experience in an all-touch design, at a price point that’s “accessible for consumers and ideal for enterprise fleet deployment”, according to the company’s press release..

Availability

DTEK50 will be available in a number of channels around the world, including more than 40 partners from electronics stores, carriers, VARs and distributors.

This includes Rogers, Bell, TELUS, WIND, Videotron and SaskTel among others in Canada.

In the U.S., DTEK50 will initially be available in Best Buy, B&H and Amazon.

More details from the press release below.

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New arrival: New Google Chromecast (S$65) in Singapore for TVs

Friday, July 8th, 2016

From today, the newest version of Google Chromecast will be available in Singapore from M1 and Lazada retailers at S$65.

The new Google Chromecast (S$65) has a brand new look and is now available in black.

The new Google Chromecast (S$65) has a brand new look and is now available in black.

Chromecast turns any TV into a smart TV by streaming the display of a Chromebook or an Android, iOS, Windows device onto a any television with an HDMI port.

With fresh content and an updated app to find entertainment, the new Chromecast promises to make streaming easier and up to 6.5x faster than its predecessor.

The new Chromecast has an updated design, making it easier to fit into TVs with crowded ports.

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New arrival: Lamch & Co introduces Casestudi Foldboard wireless keyboard

Tuesday, July 5th, 2016

The foldable keyboard connects wirelessly to mobile devices via Bluetooth 3.0 and is available in Singapore for S$89 at CumulusNimbus and Antė stores.

The lightweight compact keyboard measures only 7mm thick, 89mm (3.4 inches) wide and only 140mm (5.5 inches) when folded. When unfolded, the length doubles to 11 inches (280mm).

The lightweight compact keyboard measures only 7mm thick, 89mm (3.4 inches) wide and only 140mm (5.5 inches) when folded. When unfolded, the length doubles to 11 inches (280mm).

Lamch & Co is introducing to Singapore the Foldboard by Casestudi.

The Bluetooth 3.0 Wireless Foldable Keyboard connects with iOS, Android and Windows 10 devices and boasts a usability range of up to 8 meters away from your connected device.

The Casestudi Foldboard comes with gold, corkwood or black exterior designs.

The Casestudi Foldboard comes with gold, corkwood or black exterior designs.

The 80-keys US keyboard layout comes fully equipped with shortcuts and features key caps made of highly durable, impact and scratch resistant polycarbonate.

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Review: ASUS Transformer Book T100HA 2-in-1 detachable laptop

Friday, June 24th, 2016

The Transformer Book T100HA is an ideal laptop-cum-tablet hybrid companion for the mobile warrior looking for good performance, portability, connectivity and long battery life – all at an affordable price of S$499.

The ASUS Transformer Book T100HA 2-in-1 hybrid features the latest quad-core Intel® Atom™ x5 ‘Cherry Trail’ processors, Windows 10 (64-bit) operating system with Cortana, the voice-powered personal assistant, and support for Windows 10 Continuum adaptive interface technology.

The ASUS Transformer Book T100HA 2-in-1 hybrid features the latest quad-core Intel® Atom™ x5 ‘Cherry Trail’ processors, Windows 10 (64-bit) operating system with Cortana, the voice-powered personal assistant, and support for Windows 10 Continuum adaptive interface technology.

I used the Transformer Book T100HA from ASUS for two weeks as I went about between meetings and events on the road, to see how usable the hybrid 2-in-1 laptop-cum-tablet would be for someone constantly on the move.

Lighter & thinner than predecessors, the tablet measures 265 x 175 x 8.45mm physically and weighs 580g, while the keyboard dock measures 265 x 175 x 10mm and weighs 470g.

Lighter & thinner than predecessors, the tablet measures 265 x 175 x 8.45mm physically and weighs 580g, while the keyboard dock measures 265 x 175 x 10mm and weighs 470g.

I found the device ideally suited as a workhorse for the typical mobile warrior – it’s compact and therefore highly portable, and its battery easily lasts an entire workday before you put it to charge when you retire for the night back at home or at the hotel.

For leisure, you can simply pull the screen off the keyboard dock and use it as a tablet.

Typically, a compact machine like this – and even those super-thin but larger Ultrabooks – suffer from a dearth of connectivity ports.

But the tablet/screen portion of the T100HA comes with 1 x Micro USB port, 1 x Type-C USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, 1 x Micro HDMI, 1 x Micro SD card slot and 1 x headphone/mic combo jack.

The ASUS Transformer Book T100HA sports a durable aluminium-clad lid available in four colours: Rouge Pink, Aqua Blue, Silk White and Tin Grey.

The ASUS Transformer Book T100HA sports a durable aluminium-clad lid available in four colours: Rouge Pink, Aqua Blue, Silk White and Tin Grey.

The keyboard dock has an additional full-sized USB 2.0 port.

This means you can connect a mouse, an external hard disk drive and a mobile device all at the same time if you need/want to.

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New arrival: ASUS ROG GT51CA gaming desktop with Titan X graphics

Tuesday, May 17th, 2016

ASUS boasts that the new ROG GT51CA is the world’s first gaming desktop to feature the latest 2-way SLI NVIDIA GeForce GTX Titan X graphics card and the latest generation of Intel Core i7 processor with full-core Turbo Gear overclocking to 4.6GHz. Prices and specs below.

The new ASUS ROG GT51CA gaming desktop (S$7,498) comes with 2-way SLi NVIDIA GeForce GTX Titan X card. Pre-order promotion: Free 4K ROG G-SYNC monitor (worth S$1,459).

The new ASUS ROG GT51CA gaming desktop (S$7,498) comes with 2-way SLi NVIDIA GeForce GTX Titan X card. Pre-order promotion: Free 4K ROG G-SYNC monitor (worth S$1,459).

In conjunction with the premiere of the latest X-Men instalment, ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today unveiled the ROG GT51CA, a powerful gaming desktop with liquid-cooled features at The Cathay.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

The inerts of an Asus ROG GT51CA gaming desktop, viewed through the side-window in its casing.

Powered by the latest Intel Core K-SKU processor with Turbo Gear for one-click full-core processor overclocking, ASUS claims that the ROG GT51 is the world’s first gaming desktop to feature the latest 2-way SLI NVIDIA GeForce GTX Titan X graphics card and also capable of gaming at 4K display resolution.

Below are the prices and pre-order promotions for the ASUS ROG CT51CA in Singapore:

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