Archive for the ‘Utility’ Category
Friday, October 6th, 2023
The new Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 (S$38) will hit the shelves in Singapore on 20 October 2023.
The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 will be available in Black or White and will be available from local telecommunication operators, Samsung Online Store, Samsung Experience Stores, Samsung Official Store on Lazada and Shopee, and major consumer electronics & IT stores.
Galaxy SmartTag2’s brand-new Lost Mode allows users to input their contact information via a message.
Anyone who discovers an item with a Galaxy SmartTag2 attached can use their smartphone to scan the tag and see the owners’ message and contact information.
New Modes Mean Longer-Lasting Battery
Users can now enjoy Galaxy SmartTag2 for longer with the brand-new Power Saving Mode, available alongside an improved Normal mode.
For users who rely on SmartTag to continually track items, Power Saving Mode is the perfect option to maintain battery life while ensuring you can keep an eye on your things.
With Power Saving Mode, Galaxy SmartTag2’s battery now lasts up to 700 days, more than twice as long as previous Galaxy SmartTag models.
Even in Normal Mode, battery life is now extended to 500 days, a 50% increase on previous models. With the flexibility to switch between two modes, users can track their valuables – from car keys to bikes – for longer.
This means a Galaxy SmartTag2 attached to a pet’s collar is now a convenient way to ensure the pet owner’s phone number is always there, in most places where the pet might wander.
Lost Mode works with any mobile device with NFC reader and web browser.
Galaxy SmartTag2 now provides an improved Compass View feature, enhancing the user experience by providing arrows to show the direction and distance of the Galaxy SmartTag2 in relation to the user.
This mode is available on any UWB-supported Galaxy smartphone, such as the Galaxy Z Fold5.
The SmartThings Find app has also been upgraded, with newly registered Galaxy SmartTags that now installs a shortcut to the app on the user’s smartphone, allowing users to launch SmartThings Find more quickly.
Additionally, the app now features a full screen map view and an intuitive interface, making the user experience even more seamless.
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Tags:IoT, new arrivals, Samsung, Singapore, Smart tags
Posted in Accessories, Events, events, Gadgets, gadgets, Internet of Things, IoT, Launch, newArrivals, Press Release, Prices, Samsung, Security, Singapore, trackers, travel, Utility | 2 Comments »
Monday, May 8th, 2023
Kartik Krishnamurthy — Area Vice President, Asia, DocuSign — examines the bottom line on eSignatures, and shares five stats which every CFO should know.
In the face of growing cybersecurity threats and data regulations, CFOs must ensure that the systems that manage their data are compliant and secure from breaches.
In an adverse business environment, CFOs everywhere need hard numbers and strategic data to prove the value of their spending and ensure every dollar supports company goals.
Facing the threat of recession, volatile supply chains and rising costs, today’s executives are tasked with cutting expenses and expanding revenue — all while making decisions that position companies for long-term growth.
With every new investment, CFOs have to answer essential questions:
- How much will it cost compared with other options?
- How will it affect our bottom line?
- When will we see returns?
- How will it make our process more efficient?
- How will it ease risk management and regulatory compliance?
By creating a simpler, faster and more secure contract and agreement process, e-signature helps CFOs cut costs, increase income, safeguard confidential data and support overall flexibility — and it has the numbers to prove it.
(more…)
Tags:byline, commentary, DocuSign, eSignature, figures, interview, opinion, security, statistics
Posted in Business IT, Commentary, Enterprise IT, Figures, Interview, Interview, Opinion, Security, Trends, Utility | No Comments »
Sunday, September 5th, 2021
Tech-U-Can-Use (TUCU): The Philips Hue Bridge (S$89) is the starting point for anyone thinking of building a smart lighting system for their homes. It is the hub that connects and controls smart lights and accessories from the Philips Hue family of smart lighting products.
The Philips Hue Bridge is the HEART of the Philips Hue home smart lighting.
Since we’re all spending so much time #WorkingFromHome and doing #HomeBasedLearning – thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to turn as much of my dwelling into a smart home.
ZigBee technology
Philips Hue is based on ZigBee, a low-power and reliable technology to control your lights.
Zigbee is a worldwide standard for low power, self-healing, mesh networks offering a complete and interoperable IoT solution for home and building automation.
Zigbee networks can support hundreds of nodes, and have enhanced security features.
There are already Google Home wireless speakers around the home, so the next step is to introduce some nice lighting to enhance the ambience for both work and play.
One of the easiest ways to fix up smart lighting in the home is the Philips Hue bulbs and lights from Signify (foremely Philips Lighting).
The Philips Hue Bridge is the hub to which all the Philips Hue smart lights are connected and through which the Philips Hue App controls those lights.
Philips Hue Bridge – freshly unboxed. Excited to take the first step in setting up a smart lighting system at home.
The Hue Bridge is a compact little box that measures 90.9 x 90.6 x 26 mm and weighs 280g.
(more…)
Tags:bridge, hub, Hue, IoT, lifestyle, lighting, networking, Philips, Signify, smart home
Posted in Accessories, audioVisual, Decor, Gadgets, gadgets, Home, Howtos, Internet of Things, IoT, Lifestyle, Network, Philips, reviews, Router, Signify, Utility | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, December 1st, 2020
We’re now into December and the final stretch of 2020. Here are some gift ideas that I’ve curated for Christmas 2020.
* I’ll be adding to this list over the next few days, so check back daily for new gift ideas as I collate them.
The tech4xmas gift guide is meant to provide ideas to start you off, so do check out some of them online and in the shops if they are what you think would bring a smile to your loved ones this Christmas.
Around this time of year, I’m usually inundated with requests from readers and friends on Christmas gift ideas for their loved ones or themselves.
So here are some tech that I would use myself or get for MY loved ones, based mostly on those gadgets that I’ve tried or reviewed.
Not all are the latest and newest, but they are what I think some of the best-in-class in their category of products.
Happy Christmas Shopping!
tech4xmas Gift Guide below.
(more…)
Tags:accessories, Chistmas, Christmas 2020, gadgets, reviews, tech4xmas, tech4xmas 2020, Xmas
Posted in Accessories, Acronis, Appliances, Asus, Audio, audioVisual, cameras, Dell, Dyson, earphones, Gadgets, gadgets, Gaming, Hair Dryers, headphones, Healthcare, Home, Huawei, Lists, Monitors, Montblanc, Norton, Notebooks, notebooks, Opinion, ROG, Security, smartphones, smartwatches, Software, Sony, storage drive, Symantec, Utility, Video, Watches, Xiaomi | No Comments »
Thursday, August 20th, 2020
Acronis True Image 2021 combines automated backup with antimalware defence to offer a comprehensive personal cyber protection solution. Perpetual & 1-year subscriptions available online, prices below.
Acronis True Image 2021 integrates real-time antimalware and on-demand antivirus with its established personal backup solution.
Acronis True Image 2021 is a cyber protection solution targeted at home users, prosumers, and small businesses around the world.
Pricing and Availability
Four versions of Acronis True Image are available: Standard, Essential, Advanced and Premium.
One-computer licenses starting at S$82 for Standard and S$68 for Essential.
Special launch prices for Advanced and Premium licenses (starting at S$96 and S$137, respectively) are available until November 2020, at which time the full MSRP will be in effect (starting at S$123 and S$171, respectively).
* see price table below.
With COVID-19 forcing people to work from home, a recent Acronis survey found nearly half (47%) of remote workers never received clear guidance on working from home.
Incorporating cybersecurity capabilities such as real-time antimalware protection, on-demand antivirus scans, web filtering, and videoconference protection into Acronis True Image helps users enjoy greater cyber protection.
For individuals and small business users, unifying these vital capabilities in one solution makes their protection easier to manage and more affordable.
More details below from the press release.
(more…)
Tags:Acronis, antimalware, backup, Blockchain, cyber defence, cyber protection, data, launch, protection, ransomware, Singapore, software, True Image
Posted in Acronis, Apps, Business IT, Events, events, Figures, Launch, newArrivals, Press Release, Prices, Security, Software, Specifications, Study, Utility | 5 Comments »
Friday, August 14th, 2020
Parallels Desktop 16 for Mac is now ready for macOS Big Sur, blending the OS updates with new Mac integration and Windows-related features. Prices below.
Parallels Desktop 16 subscribers receive complimentary concurrent subscriptions to Parallels Toolbox for Mac and Windows and Parallels Access as well.
Highlights of Parallels Desktop 16 include the following.
Key Highlights
- DirectX 11 and OpenGL 3: Up to 20 percent faster DirectX 11 and improved OpenGL 3 graphics in Windows and Linux.
- Increased battery life: Stay productive on the go with up to 10 percent longer battery life when Windows runs in Travel Mode.
- Automatically reclaim disk space: Virtual machines (VMs) can be set to automatically return unused disk space when shutting down.
- New multi-touch gestures for Windows apps: Use smooth zoom and rotate Trackpad multi-touch gestures in Windows apps.
- Enhanced printing: Print on both sides and use more paper sizes, from A0 to envelope.
Prices and more details below from the press release.
(more…)
Tags:Big Sur, desktop, DirectX, Mac, Mac OS, macOS, new arrivals, OpenGL, OS, Parallels, software, Windows, Windows 10
Posted in Announce, Brief, Events, events, Launch, newArrivals, Online, Parallels, Press Release, Prices, Software, software, Specifications, Utility | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, August 21st, 2019
Acronis True Image 2020 personal backup solution automates backups and replicates local backups in the cloud. Now includes cyber protection as well. Available online, prices below.
All versions (Standard, Advanced & Premium) include Acronis Active Protection, the AI-powered anti-malware defense, and cover an unlimited number of mobile devices. Subscription customers can purchase additional cloud storage as needed.
The new version enables users to automatically replicate local backups in the cloud, automating the 3-2-1 backup rule – having 3 copies, in 2 types of media, with 1 copy offsite.
The Dual Protection replication feature is one of more than 100 enhancements and new capabilities incorporated into Acronis True Image 2020 that are designed to further improve its performance, control, and security.
Acronis President, Co-Founder and COO, Stanislav Protassov, launched the new True Image 2020 in the company’s Singapore office at Suntec Tower 3.
The company’s vision of cyber protection combines traditional data protection and cybersecurity into one solution, addressing all Five Vectors of Cyber Protection – ensuring safety, accessibility, privacy, authenticity, and security of data (SAPAS).
Acronis boasts that this unique approach means Acronis True Image 2020 delivers easy, efficient, secure cyber protection to home users, prosumers, and home-based businesses.
Pricing and Availability
Three versions of Acronis True Image are available as follows:
(more…)
Tags:Acronis, ASign, backup, Blockchain, data, digital signatures, launch, Notary, protection, ransomware, Singapore, software, True Image
Posted in Acronis, Events, events, Launch, newArrivals, Press Release, Prices, Software, software, Utility | No Comments »
Thursday, August 15th, 2019
Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac is now ready for macOS Catalina (10.15) and moves to Apple Metal API with support for DirectX 11 for better speed and graphics for users. Prices below.
Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac also features Sidecar support with full Apple Pencil integration, including tilt, and a new Touch Bar pane for Apple Pencil 2 double-tap.
Highlights of Parallels Desktop 15 include the following.
- DirectX 11 support: This brings more windows programs and PC games to Mac. Parallels Desktop 15 users can now run many Windows programs and PC games which didn’t run on prior version.
- Play any Xbox Game in a Windows 10 Virtual Machine: Bluetooth Low Energy support in Parallels Desktop 15 enables Xbox Controller, Logitech Craft, IRISPen and some IoT devices (such as smart home appliances and smart bands) to be used with a Mac.
- Seamless Mac and Windows Integration: Enhanced integration features that provide the best of both worlds on one computer so users can experience new levels of productivity.
- Improved Performance: Users can enjoy up to 80% faster Microsoft Office application startup, 15% faster 3D graphics improvements, and a more responsive Parallels Desktop user interface.
The recommended retail price (RRP) of Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac is US$79.99 for an annual subscription, or US$99.99 for Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac Pro Edition and Mac Business Edition.
More details below from the press release.
(more…)
Tags:Catalina, desktop, DirectX, Mac, Mac OC, macOS, OS, Parallels, Sidecar, Windows, Windows 10
Posted in Desktops, Events, events, Launch, Mac, Mac OS, newArrivals, Operating Systems, Parallels, Press Release, Prices, Software, software, Utility, Windows, Windows 10 | No Comments »
Sunday, August 11th, 2019
Certified to work with Arlo’s most popular base station models that support Arlo Pro and Pro 2 cameras, users can now add HomeKit automations, allowing automatic interactions across supported devices.
Existing Arlo Pro and Pro 2 security camera users whose cameras are paired with either the VMB4000 or VMB4500 base station models will now be able to receive notifications on the Apple Home app when motion is detected.
HomeKit, Apple’s smart home platform, is now supported on Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 Security Camera Systems that are paired with Arlo’s most popular base station models, VMB4000 and VMB4500.
While Arlo users can already control their Pro or Pro 2 cameras via the Arlo app, HomeKit compatibility will provide added convenience for iPhone and iPad users.
More details below from the press release.
(more…)
Tags:Apple, Arlo, cameras, connected, HomeKit, iOS, smart homes
Posted in Accessories, Announce, audioVisual, Cameras, cameras, Gadgets, gadgets, Internet of Things, iOS, IoT, Press Release, Security, Software, Utility | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018
Acronis True Image 2019 offers AI-based Ransomware Shield and Blockchain authentication technologies to provide an additional layer of cyber protection for home users. Available now online: buy new from S$49.99, upgrade or try free for 30 days.
Acronis Founder and CEO, Serguei Beloussov, launched the new True Image 2019 in its Singapore office at Suntec Tower 3.
Acronis has released the 15-year Anniversary Edition of its personal backup software, Acronis True Image 2019.
Key capabilities of Acronis True Image 2019 include the following.
- (New) Acronis Survival Kit: An all-in-one universal recovery tool for your system.
- (New) Active Disk Cloning for Mac: Migrate all your data from your Mac to another device.
- Acronis Active Protection: AI fighting off ransomware attacks for you.
- Acronis Notary and ASign: Blockchain technology ensuring data integrity with notarisation and e-signing.
- Backup for Social networks: All your profiles are now defended.
More details below from the press release.
(more…)
Tags:Acronis, ASign, backup, Blockchain, data, digital signatures, launch, Notary, protection, ransomware, Singapore, software, True Image
Posted in Acronis, AI, Apps, Blockchain, Events, events, Launch, Press Release, Prices, Security, Software, software, Specifications, Utility | No Comments »
Five Statistics Every CFO Should Know About eSignatures
Monday, May 8th, 2023Kartik Krishnamurthy — Area Vice President, Asia, DocuSign — examines the bottom line on eSignatures, and shares five stats which every CFO should know.
In the face of growing cybersecurity threats and data regulations, CFOs must ensure that the systems that manage their data are compliant and secure from breaches.
In an adverse business environment, CFOs everywhere need hard numbers and strategic data to prove the value of their spending and ensure every dollar supports company goals.
Facing the threat of recession, volatile supply chains and rising costs, today’s executives are tasked with cutting expenses and expanding revenue — all while making decisions that position companies for long-term growth.
With every new investment, CFOs have to answer essential questions:
By creating a simpler, faster and more secure contract and agreement process, e-signature helps CFOs cut costs, increase income, safeguard confidential data and support overall flexibility — and it has the numbers to prove it.
(more…)
Tags:byline, commentary, DocuSign, eSignature, figures, interview, opinion, security, statistics
Posted in Business IT, Commentary, Enterprise IT, Figures, Interview, Interview, Opinion, Security, Trends, Utility | No Comments »