Archive for the ‘Operating Systems’ Category

Three new AIO computers: Dell XPS One 27, Inspiron One 23 and Inspiron One 20

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Three new All-in-One computers from Dell are now available for consumers. The XPS One 27 (from S$2,199) is Dell’s largest all-in-one computer to date, while the Inspiron One 23 (from S$1,299) and Inspiron One 20 (from S$899) eliminate clutter and saves space.

The XPS One 27 is the largest AIO from Dell.

The XPS One 27 is the largest AIO from Dell.

Dell is reimagining the all-in-one computer, with a new portfolio of solutions for consumers who desire beautifully designed systems for multimedia creation and entertainment.

XPS One 27

The XPS One 27 delivers a big-screen experience, with 27-inches of screen real estate and wide format 16:9 WLED at 2560×1440 Full Quad HD resolution.

Dell XPS One 27It offers optional high-performance graphics from NVIDIA and entertainment features such as Waves MaxxAudio 4 and Infinity-branded speakers, an optional slot load Blu-ray disc drive, and optional internal TV tuner, making it an entertainment and multimedia powerhouse.

On the inside, Dell packs 3rd Generation Intel Quad Core processors with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, balancing quad core processing with efficient power use.

With an optional mSATA SSD drive and Intel Smart Response Technology, and four USB 3.0 ports, the XPS One 27 delivers a noticeable speed boost on start-up, resume and data transfer.

Dell Inspiron One 20 with prices starting from S$899.

Dell Inspiron One 20 with prices starting from S$899.

Inspiron One 23 and Inspiron One 20

Dell’s space-saving Inspiron all-in-one computers feature simple, single-cord set-up but deliver powerful entertainment for the whole family.

Dell Inspiron One 23

Dell Inspiron One 23

The Inspiron One 23 now features a new sleek pedestal stand that supports a Full HD 1080p WLED 23-inch display.

With an optional Blu-ray disc drive and optional internal TV tuner, as well as ample storage for music, movies and photos, the Inspiron One 23 is an attractive addition to the family living room.

The Inspiron One 20 delivers everyday connectivity and computing in a clean and simple design – at a competitive price.

The main specifications for the three new computers are listed below.

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Samsung GALAXY S III hits the shelf in Singapore

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

The Marble White version of the Samsung GALAXY S III (S$998 incl GST, no line) goes on sale in Singapore today. Queues were already forming at the respective launch locations of the three mobile operators last night.

Crowd forming up at the M1 launch event at Paragon last night.

Crowd forming up at the M1 launch event at Paragon last night.

The Pebble Blue version of the 4.8-inch, Android 4.0 smartphone will be available at a later date.

The first customer in the queue at Paragon making purchase.

The first customer in the queue at Paragon making purchase.

The third generation GALAXY S smartphone features 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.

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.

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.

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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.

Dell enhances Alienware portfolio for advanced mobile gaming

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

Dell’s Alienware M14x (from S$2,699) and M17x (from S$3,599) are now available from its online store.

The M14x claims to be “the most powerful 14-inch laptop in the Universe” while the M17x is 3D-capable – offering an immersive, high-definition, surround-sound experience.

Dell Alienware M14x (left, from S$2,699) and M17x (right, from S$3,599)

Dell Alienware M14x (left, from S$2,699) and M17x (right, from S$3,599)

The M14x features optional dual drive configurations, up to 16GB of memory for extreme multitasking, a Blu-ray combo optical drive, and an NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M graphics engine with GDDR5 graphics memory.

This is the most advanced GPU in a 14-inch form factor and the first time Alienware is offering GDDR5 graphics on a laptop of this size.

The M17x delivers the latest NVIDIA and AMD graphics card options, up to 32GB of memory, optional 17.3-inch 120Hz WideFHD WLED 3D display, and THX 3D surround sound.

It is one of the first laptops to offer the AMD Radeon HD 7970M graphics card and the latest GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GT 660M and 675M graphics solutionsii.

Both laptops feature Intel’s 3rd Generation processors and Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technologies, HDMI 1.4, USB 3.0 for fast data transfer, Bluetooth 4.0, optional 3D HD gaming capability, optional Blu-ray disc drive and exceptional surround-sound quality from Klipsch speakers.

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