Archive for the ‘Operating Systems’ Category
Monday, August 20th, 2012
The Optimus Vu: will have the 4-PLUS-1 NVIDIA Tegra 3 Quad-Core processor and Android 4.0 (ICS) OS when the 5-inch smartphone heads out of Korea and Japan to make its global debut in September.
The LG Optimus Vu: comes with a 5-inch, 4:3 ration IPS display.
I last wrote about the LG Optimus Vu: half a year ago in February, when it was unveiled ahead of MWC 2012, and slotted to be introduced in Korea in March.
At that time, it only had a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS.
The Optimus Vu: will be updated with a 4-PLUS-1 NVIDIA Tegra 3 Quad-Core processor and Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) OS.
It will also feature upgraded versions of QuickMemo and Notebook.
Since then, more than 500,000 units of the Optimus Vu: has been sold in Korea while it has been launched in Japan this month.
The LG Optimus Vu: sports a 5-inch display – slightly broader but smaller than the 5.3-inch Samsung GALAXY Note.
The 4:3 ratio IPS display will work well with an upgraded version of QuickMemo and Notebook – two features that maximises the use of the large screen.
The Optimus Vu: will make its debut in select markets in Europe, Asia (including Singapore), Middle East, Africa and Latin America in September.
Tags:Android, Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, ICS, LG, Optimus, smartphones, Vu:
Posted in Android, Announce, Gadgets, LG, Operating Systems, Optimus, Phones, Specifications | 1 Comment »
Saturday, August 18th, 2012
Having used the Apple iPhone for many years, I decided to switch over to the Nokia Lumia 900 smartphone to see what the new kid on the block has to offer.
The Nokia Lumia 900 Windows 7.5 smartphone, fresh out of the box.
I was given a Nokia Lumia 900 smartphone when it arrived in Singapore, so I’ve been using it for a while now, and I’m still with it.
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 has been available in Singapore since 26 May and retails for S$849.
I find the physical design of the Lumia 900 handsome and masculine. More importantly, the user interface is intuitive and smooth, while web-surfing and mail-checking performance is excellent. Social networking with the People Hub is also convenient and hassle-free.
To sum up, I ended up using my 7” tablet much less often than before.
What I like
Firstly, the design. I know the striking colour is the cyan, but I’m glad I had the black version. It’s a solid slab of masculinity.
If you need turn-by-turn navigation especially when travelling overseas, the Lumia 900 already pays for itself.
At 11.5mm thick, the Lumia 900 is definitely not the most svelte model on the scene. If thin is your thing, go for the HTC One S instead.
I like the solid feel and heft when I hold the Lumia 900 in my palm.
The solid unibody and glass is really robust, despite the rough handling – like throwing the car keys and the Lumia in the same trousers pocket, and dropping it a coupla times – it’s got nary a scratch on body nor screen.
Display is bright and clear, even under strong sunlight.
The blacks are really black. Fonts are so clear that sometimes the red text appear receded below the other-coloured fonts (it’s an optical illusion).
Photos and video appear really vivid on the phone’s screen.
(more…)
Tags:Lumia, Lumia 900, Mango, Metro, Nokia, smartphones, Windows, Windows Phone, Windows Phone 7.5, Windows Phone 8
Posted in App, Browser, Internet Explorer, Lumia, Nokia, Office, Operating Systems, Opinion, Phones, Photos, Prices, Review, Software, Specifications, Windows Phone 7 | No Comments »
Thursday, August 16th, 2012
The Android version of the free CanonSGLens app is now available on Google Play.
The free CanonSGLens app is now available on both iOS and Android.
The Android app features detailed lens specifications of all 66 Canon EF and EF-S lenses sold in Singapore with a unique interactive simulator that allows users to compare the field of view of two camera-lens combinations.
CanonSGLens Android app on Google Play.
It also contains interactive educational content about depth of field and exposure, which is useful for DSLR users, whether they are beginners, amateurs or professionals.
The CanonSGLens for Android app now comes with 7 new lenses for users to test out. It is compatible with smartphones and tablets running Android 2.1 and up.
Canon Singapore first launched the CanonSGLens app for DSLR users as an iOS app on 22 December 2011.
Based on monthly averages, the app has been in the top 50 downloads for iPads and top 100 downloads for iPhones in the Photo and Video category.
(more…)
Tags:Android, app, cameras, Canon, DSLR, Google Play, lens, Singapore, smartphones, tablets
Posted in Android, App, Availability, Cameras, Canon, DSLR, EOS, iOS, Lens, Operating Systems, Phones, Photography, Software, Specifications, Tablets | No Comments »
Friday, August 3rd, 2012
Sony Mobile Communications today announced the official launch of the three Android smartphones in Singapore. The Xperia ion (S$798), Xperia acro S (S$698) and Xperia go (S$488) are available from today.
The Sony Xperia ion, Xperia go, and Xperia acro S are available in Singapore from today at all Sony stores, Sony centres, Xperia concept stores and operator stores.
The Xperia ion is Sony Mobile’s new flagship smartphone and offers a brilliant HD experience on a large 4.6-inch screen.
The Xperia go and Xperia acro S are water and dust resistant.
| Sony Mobile |
RRP |
Colours |
| Xperia ion |
S$798 |
Black |
| Xperia acro S |
S$698 |
Black and White |
| Xperia go |
S$488 |
Black, White and Yellow |
* Prices do not include line contract.
These three smartphones were among six that Sony Mobile showcased in Singapore back in June.
Tags:Android, Android 4.0, available, Ice Cream Sandwich, ICS, Singapore, smartphones, Sony Mobile Communications, Xperia, Xperia acro S, Xperia go, Xperia ion
Posted in Android, Availability, Gadgets, Launch, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, Sony, Xperia | No Comments »
Thursday, August 2nd, 2012
RIM has unveiled the new 4G LTE PlayBook. Available in Canada on 9 August with 32GB and a more powerful 1.5GHz dual-core CPU. Prices TBA.
The new PlayBook comes with much needed cellular connectivity.
The 4G LTE version of the BlackBerry PlayBook will make its debut in Canada next Thursday, with availability in other countries in the following months.
| Cellular connectivity |
| LTE |
700, 1700 MHz |
| HSPA+ |
100, 1900, 1700, 800, 900 MHz |
Given the incompatibility of 4G networks in different countries, it could be some time before a version compatible with your country becomes available.
In the meantime, the new PlayBook will at least bring much needed cellular connectivity (on 3G) for users from countries which do not have a 4G network yet (or who have incompatible networks).
Available in Canada on 9 Aug.
Research In Motion (RIM) had announced earlier that the PlayBook will eventually run on BlackBerry 10 OS.
So the 4G LTE should be upgradeable from the current BlackBerry Tablet OS when BB10 becomes available next year.
Apart from the 4G LTE connectivity and CPU speed-up, the hardware for the new PlayBook remains the same – which is a testimony of how advanced it was to begin with when the original PlayBook was launched last year.
Tags:4G, available, BlackBerry, Canada, cellular, LTE, Playbook, Research In Motion, RIM
Posted in Announce, Availability, BlackBerry 10, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Gadgets, PlayBook, RIM, Specifications, Tablets, Tech news, Tickers | 2 Comments »
Thursday, August 2nd, 2012
Milestone signals Windows 8 has completed product development and testing, and is being handed-off to hardware partners to get ready for October 26 general availability. Release schedule below.
Windows 8 has reached RTM (Release to Manufacturing).
Microsoft has just announced that Windows 8 has reached Release to Manufacturing (RTM), the latest milestone in the launch of the new Windows 8 operating system.
Users buying a new Windows 7 PC between 2 June 2012 to 31 January 2013 can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for S$17.99 (including GST) on the day of Windows 8 launch.
Those currently on Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 (prior to 2 June) can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for US$39.99.
For those wanting to try a pre-release version of Windows 8 before general availability, the Windows 8 Release Preview is available for download here.
Developers can visit the Windows Dev Center to get access to all the tools and resources they need to design, build, and sell apps in the Windows Store.
Whereas all apps during the preview phases were free, developers can now begin charging for apps with the RTM.
Those with access to RTM bits will begin to see paid apps appear in the Windows Store.
The schedule for releasing the final RTM code to select audiences – including developers, IT professionals and partners – will begin in mid-August.
August 15th
- Developers building new apps for Windows 8 will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via an MSDN subscription. You can visit the Windows Dev Center to get access to the final build of Visual Studio 2012.
- IT professionals testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through a TechNet subscription.
August 16th
- Customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), allowing you to test, pilot and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within your organization.
- Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.
August 20th
- Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.
August 26th
- General availability of Windows 8 to customers.
September 1st
Tags:availability, Microsoft, operating systems, RTM, software, Windows, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP
Posted in Announce, App, Microsoft, Operating Systems, Software, Tech news, Tickers, Windows 7, Windows 8 | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
The ninth major release of Apple’s desktop operating system is now available as a download from the Mac App Store. Mountain Lion is available as an upgrade from Lion or Snow Leopard for S$25.98.
Mountain Lion OS X, Apple’s new desktop operating system is available for download today.
Mountain Lion features more than 200 new features, including iCloud integration, the all new Messages app, Notification Center, system-wide Sharing, Facebook integration, Dictation, AirPlay Mirroring and Game Center.
Facebook integration will be available in an upcoming software update to Mountain Lion, while Dictation supports English (US, UK and Australia), French, German and Japanese.
New features for China include significantly improved text input, a new Chinese Dictionary, easy setup with popular email providers, Baidu search in Safari, and built-in sharing to Sina Weibo and popular video websites Youku and Tudou.
Pricing & Availability
OS X Mountain Lion is available from the Mac App Store for S$25.98.
Mountain Lion requires Lion or Snow Leopard (OS X v10.6.8 or later), 2GB of memory and 8GB of available space.
A complete list of system requirements and compatible systems can be found here.
OS X Server requires Mountain Lion and is available from the Mac App Store for S$25.98.
The OS X Mountain Lion Up-to-Date upgrade is available at no additional charge from the Mac App Store to all customers who purchased a qualifying new Mac system from Apple or an Apple Authorised Reseller on or after 11 June, 2012.
Below are some of these key new features.
- iCloud integration, for easy set up of your Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Messages, Reminders and Notes, and keeping everything, including iWork documents, up to date across all your devices.
- The new Messages app, which replaces iChat and brings iMessage to the Mac, so you can send messages to anyone with an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or another Mac.
- Notification Center, which streamlines the presentation of notifications and provides easy access to alerts from Mail, Calendar, Messages, Reminders, system updates and third party apps.
- System-wide Sharing, to make it easy to share links, photos, videos and other files quickly without having to switch to another app, and you just need to sign in once to use third-party services like Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Vimeo.
- Facebook integration, so you can post photos, links and comments with locations right from your apps, automatically add your Facebook friends to your Contacts, and even update your Facebook status from within Notification Center.
- Dictation, which allows you to dictate text anywhere you can type, whether you’re using an app from Apple or a third party developer.
- AirPlay Mirroring, an easy way to wirelessly send an up-to-1080p secure stream of what’s on your Mac to an HDTV using Apple TV, or send audio to a receiver or speakers that use AirPlay.
- Game Center, which brings the popular social gaming network from iOS to the Mac so you can enjoy live, multiplayer games with friends whether they’re on a Mac, iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
- The new Gatekeeper, which makes downloading software from the Internet safer.
- Power Nap, which automatically updates your apps and system while your Mac is asleep.
- A faster Safari browser.
Tags:AirPlay Mirroring, Apple, available, Baidu, Calendar, Contacts, Dictation, Facebook, Game Center, iCloud, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Mac App Store, Mail, Messages, Mountain Lion, Notes, Notification Center, OS X, Reminders, Safari, Sina Weibo, Singapore, Snow Leopard, Tudou, Twitter, upgrade, Vimeo, Youku
Posted in App, Apple, Availability, Browser, Cloud, Mac, Mac OS, Mobile, Notebooks, Operating Systems, Prices, Safari, Software, Specifications | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
RIM has announced that the BlackBerry Curve 9320 is now available in Singapore at S$328. Get it from authorised BlackBerry partners including local carriers SingTel and M1.
BlackBerry Curve 9320 is now available in Singapore for S$328.
The Curve 9320 has the traditional half-body screen cum signature hardware keypad design of BlackBerry smartphones.
BlackBerry Curve 9320
|
| OS |
BlackBerry 7.1 OS |
| Screen |
2.44″ TFT |
| Resolution |
320 x 240, 164 ppi |
| Battery |
1,450 mAh |
| Processor |
Single-core, 806 MHz |
| Camera |
Rear: 3.2mp |
| Front: Nil |
| Video |
VGA, 640 x 480
|
| Memory |
Int: 512 MB |
| Ext: 32 GB microSD |
| Size /mm |
109 x 60 x 12.7 |
| Weight |
103 g |
| Price |
S$328 |
Customers can interact with their social network in real time, using preloaded apps for Facebook and Twitter.
The new Social Feeds 2.0 app is also preloaded, allowing customers to post updates to multiple social networks simultaneously and capture updates from news sources (RSS), social apps and instant messaging apps all in one consolidated view.
The integrated camera includes a flash and supports video recording, and pictures can be tagged with their location thanks to the smartphone¹s built-in GPS.
The budget smartphone includes a built-in FM radio, allowing customers to tune into their favorite local stations.
(more…)
Tags:Apps, available, BlackBerry 7.1 OS, Curve 9320, Facebook, RIM, RSS, Singapore, Social Feeds, social networks, Twitter
Posted in App, Availability, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Curve, Gadgets, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, RIM, Specifications | No Comments »
Saturday, July 21st, 2012
Since the London 2012 Olympics is just next week, here are some free BlackBerry apps to stay in tune with the Games.
Weekend diversion: Download some free BlackBerry apps for the London 2012 Olympics.
The London 2012 Olympics will be from 27 July to 12 August. The Opening Ceremony will be on Friday (27 July).
If you’re using a BlackBerry, here are some free apps to welcome the games. Click the thumbnail to get to the apps page on BlackBerry App World.
London 2012: Official Join In App for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
Before the Olympic Torch arrives in London for the 2012 Summer Olympics, download the London 2012: Official Join In App for the Olympic and Paralympic Games – your pocket guide to the activities on your BlackBerry smartphone.
Endomondo Sports Tracker
Feeling inspired by the athletes? Endomondo Sports Tracker is your free personal coach and training partner.
FanFeedr Personal sports news
Check out the latest news, analysis or tweets by your favorite sports teams with FanFeedr Personal sports news.
Wild Olympics Athletics
Lastly, don’t leave your PlayBook out in the games- go race some gazelles on Wild Olympics Athletics.
Tags:Apps, BlackBerry App World, London 2012 Olympics, Research In Motion, RIM
Posted in App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Gadgets, Operating Systems, Phones, PlayBook, RIM, Software, Tablets | No Comments »
Friday, July 20th, 2012
BlackBerry Mobile Fusion is RIM’s next-generation mobile device management solution for Government and Business Customers in Singapore.
It promises to be a secure, reliable, and scalable solution to easily manage BlackBerry, iOS and Android devices.
From left, Ian Gardner, Director, Enterprise Sales, RIM; and Charles Dufourcq, Director, Singapore, RIM sharing the advantages of BlackBerry Mobile Fusion
BlackBerry Mobile Fusion consolidates the management of smartphones and tablets running BlackBerry OS (which includes BlackBerry PlayBook and future BlackBerry 10 devices) as well as Android and iOS.
“For businesses and government, managing a mix of mobile devices on any scale is chaotic. Organizations face pressure to allow employees to bring their own devices into the workplace,” said Charles Dufourcq, Director for Singapore at Research In Motion.
BlackBerry Mobile Fusion provides a single, unified, web–based console to manage the wide range of mobile devices that the employees of an organisation may bring and use for work.
BlackBerry Mobile Fusion integrates the market-leading features and security architecture of BlackBerry Enterprise Server (version 5.0.3), providing advanced IT management and controls, a single outbound security connection (256-bit AES encrypted “BlackBerry VPN”), enforceable IT policies, support for BlackBerry Balance technology, and over-the-air app and software installation capabilities for the management of BlackBerry smartphones and PlayBook tablets (as well as future BlackBerry 10 devices).
(more…)
Tags:Android, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 10, enterprise IT, iOS, MDM, mobile device management, mobile devices, Mobile Fusion, Research In Motion, RIM, smartphones, tablets
Posted in Android, Announce, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 10, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Enterprise IT, Gadgets, iOS, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, RIM, Security, Software, Specifications, Tablets | No Comments »
