New arrival: Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac software/OS

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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Acronis seals long-term sponsorship of F1 Scuderia Toro Rosso

August 4th, 2016

Founded in September 2003 in Singapore by CEO Serguei Beloussov, Acronis is the first Singapore principle company to sponsor a team in the world’s premier racing series.

“In our competitive environment it is becoming increasingly more important to protect all our technical information with a very high standard of software and Acronis can offer exactly what we need. Now that we have a long-term project together, we can’t wait to start working with Acronis, not only on a sponsorship level, but also in terms of adopting their data protection products within our factory and race team. I am sure we will both benefit from this technical cooperation and it will help our team to continue moving forward,” commented Team Principal Franz Tost.

“In our competitive environment it is becoming increasingly more important to protect all our technical information with a very high standard of software and Acronis can offer exactly what we need. Now that we have a long-term project together, we can’t wait to start working with Acronis, not only on a sponsorship level, but also in terms of adopting their data protection products within our factory and race team. I am sure we will both benefit from this technical cooperation and it will help our team to continue moving forward,” commented Team Principal Franz Tost.

Following the successful partnership between F1 team Scuderia Toro Rosso and Acronis during the Hungarian GP, the two parties have extended their agreement into a new long-term partnership, aimed at reaching new heights in racing and technological product development.

Acronis first announced its intentions to sponsor Toro Rosso back in May this year.

“Acronis is a cutting edge and forward looking company, growing rapidly in the field of data protection, which links in very well with the sport. This cooperation will see them and us work well and progress together,” said Scuderia Toro Rosso driver, Daniil Kvyat.

“Acronis is a cutting edge and forward looking company, growing rapidly in the field of data protection, which links in very well with the sport. This cooperation will see them and us work well and progress together,” said Scuderia Toro Rosso driver, Daniil Kvyat.

Acronis, a global leader in hybrid cloud data protection, hopes that the new partnership will lead to rapid innovation, increased safety and enhanced performance during races and off the track.

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

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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Renesas Synergy Platform expanded for IoT markets in Asia Pacific

August 2nd, 2016

Asia Pacific system developers can now experience the qualified and integrated platform to accelerate embedded development of innovative applications.

Renesas Synergy Platform is now available in South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and India.

Renesas Synergy Platform is now available in South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and India.

Renesas Electronics Singapore, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Renesas Electronics Corporation, has announced that the Renesas Synergy™ Platform is now available in Asia Pacific markets.

Renesas Synergy is a complete and qualified platform with fully integrated software, a scalable family of microcontrollers (MCUs), and unified development tools to speed embedded system developers’ time to market as they innovate new products for IoT device applications.

“In the rapidly evolving IoT industry, those who cannot get to market first with products that have differentiated value are at an immediate disadvantage. By enabling developers to start at the software API level and enjoy a connected real-time system without the need to build and maintain baseline functionality, the Synergy Platform empowers our customers to drive innovation and differentiation in their own end-products to succeed in a very competitive Market,” said Ronnie Ho, Director of General Purpose Marketing, Renesas Electronics Singapore.

At the heart of the Synergy Platform is the Synergy Software Package (SSP), which is qualified, supported, warranted, and maintained by Renesas.

The SSP consists of a real-time operating system (RTOS), extensive middleware, communications stacks, and more – all accessible through a robust Application Programming Interface (API) to free customers from struggling with lower-level details.

Developers can start MCU software development immediately at the API level so that they can focus on differentiating their own product instead of doing repetitive non-differentiating work.

Additionally, system developers can lower their total cost of ownership, and remove many obstacles that prevent them from starting new designs.

System developers in South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and India can now access the full service of the Synergy Platform, using the Synergy Gallery website where simple click-through licensing is all that is needed for immediate download of professional software and development tools with no fees or royalties.

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New arrival: Logitech CREATE for iPad Pro 9.7 keyboard case

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: Sony PlayStation VR hits Singapore on 13 October

July 28th, 2016

The PlayStation VR is priced at S$599 in Singapore. The PlayStation VR and PlayStation Camera bundle will also be available in Singapore at a suggested retail price of S$649.

Sony PlayStation VR will be launched on 13 October in Singapore, with pre-orders beginning from 30 July.

Sony PlayStation VR will be launched on 13 October in Singapore, with pre-orders beginning from 30 July.

More than 60 PS VR software titles are confirmed to be launched in Asia, and 13 of those titles are developed by local developers.

“I am so delighted to announce that PS VR will be available from 13th October, simultaneous with Japan, Europe and North America, demonstrating how we think highly of gamers in Asia” said Hiroyuki Oda, Deputy President of Sony Interactive Entertainment Japan Asia.

These include Mortal Blitz VR (SKONEC Entertainment Co., Ltd) from Korea, Stifled (Gattai Games) from Singapore, and O! My Genesis (XPEC ENTERTAINMENT INC.) from Taiwan.

Pre-order of PlayStation VR will be available at selected Sony Centers and PlayStation® Authorised Dealers from 30 July 2016.

Customers can preorder PlayStation®VR or PlayStation®VR with PlayStation®Camera, while stocks last.

A free PlayStation®VR Demo disc will be available at both Sony Stores and PlayStation Authorised Dealers, as well as the PlayStation® Network Store, allowing PS VR owners to enjoy a variety of exciting content from the first day of purchase.

Check out more details from the press release here.

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New arrival: BlackBerry unveils DTEK50 Android smartphone

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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Infographic: Are businesses really digitally transforming or living in digital denial?

July 21st, 2016

Progress survey finds businesses have under two years to make digital inroads before suffering financial and competitive losses.

“Digital disruption is now part of our daily existence as it has changed how we live, communicate and work. Yet, many organisations in Singapore continue to deny that digital technologies have already radically transformed the business landscape and struggle to embark on the transformation journey, consequently risking their survival,” said Benjamin Wong, Managing Director, Asia, Progress.

“Digital disruption is now part of our daily existence as it has changed how we live, communicate and work. Yet, many organisations in Singapore continue to deny that digital technologies have already radically transformed the business landscape and struggle to embark on the transformation journey, consequently risking their survival,” said Benjamin Wong, Managing Director, Asia, Progress.

Progress today announced the results of its recent global survey, “Are Businesses Really Digitally Transforming or Living in Digital Denial?”.

While most businesses in Singapore and other markets around the world recognise the inherent benefits of “going digital,” the majority of respondents are hitting roadblocks—lack of internal alignment, lack of adequate skills and plenty of cultural resistance.

“This survey brings to light the reality of today’s digital transformation challenges. By providing business leaders with tangible data points, we hope they will better understand the key aspects to focus on in order to succeed in the changing business landscape,” added Wong.

“This survey brings to light the reality of today’s digital transformation challenges. By providing business leaders with tangible data points, we hope they will better understand the key aspects to focus on in order to succeed in the changing business landscape,” added Wong.

Coupled with technology constraints and an overall inability to execute, the result is a growing state of anxiety about embarking on digital transformation, with some fearing it may already be too late.

The survey, conducted in Q1 2016 by Loudhouse, the specialist research division of Octopus Group, aimed to better understand how business leaders view digital transformation and learn their plans to address its challenges.

Respondents included individuals from 10 countries including Singapore, Australia, United Kingdom and the United States.

Survey respondents included a mix of more than 700 global C-Level/VP decision makers; heads of marketing, digital and IT; as well as developers, IT architects, directors, engineers and line of business managers.

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New arrival: Acronis Backup 12 data protection solution

July 20th, 2016

The new Acronis Backup 12 is available as a yearly subscription (see rates here) or as a perpetual license at US$89 (S$121).

The new Acronis Backup 12 expands data protection to the Cloud, across physical and virtual systems, and onto mobile devices; with support for 15 platforms, including Microsoft, Amazon, Android, Apple, Linux, and VMWare vSphere.

The new Acronis Backup 12 expands data protection to the Cloud, across physical and virtual systems, and onto mobile devices; with support for 15 platforms, including Microsoft, Amazon, Android, Apple, Linux, and VMWare vSphere.

Acronis, a provider of hybrid cloud data protection, has announced Acronis Backup 12, the company’s new solution that protects businesses’ full digital image.

“Data is the lifeline of today’s digital businesses – without it your company will not survive. With Acronis Backup 12, businesses get the complete protection required in this new digital world with the ability to control their data no matter where it resides combined with the power to get it back faster than ever before in the event of a loss or an outside attack,” said Serguei Beloussov, co-founder and CEO at Acronis.

With most business assets now being digital and not confined to a single device or location, businesses need a backup solution that is designed to provide complete data protection to support this new way of operating.

Acronis claims that the Backup 12 is unlike any other solution with its ability to backup and protect company data in today’s hybrid cloud IT environments – whether it resides in the cloud, on-premises, across virtual and physical systems, in remote systems, and on mobile devices.

Acronis Backup 12 is available in Singapore by contacting a local Acronis partner.

More details in the press release below.

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New arrival: Dyson Supersonic hair dryer in Singapore on 5 Aug

July 18th, 2016

Singapore will be the first in Southeast Asia to sell Dyson’s new hairdryer. The Supersonic will retail at S$599.

First launched in Japan back in May, the Supersonic marks Dyson’s foray from the business of cleaning to the business of beauty.

First launched in Japan back in May, the Supersonic marks Dyson’s foray from the business of cleaning to the business of beauty.

To commemorate the launch, Tangs will be doing an exclusive online pre-order with Tangs at their website from 20th July onwards.

“Hair dryers can be heavy, inefficient and make a racket. By looking at them further we realised that they can also cause extreme heat damage to hair. I challenged Dyson engineers to really understand the science of hair and develop our version of a hair dryer, which we think solves these problems,” said James Dyson, Inventor & Founder of Dyson.

Customers who pre-order the hair dryer may opt to pick up their machines at Tangs or have them delivered to their homes from 5 August onwards.

As part of the official launch, Dyson will conduct a hair academy with beauty blogger Drea Chong on the evening of 5 August from 7–9pm.

Limited spots are available and are on a first-come-first served basis.

Parties interested may RSVP to join hair academy.

Below is more information about the Supersonic hair dryer, extracted from Dyson’s press release.

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