New arrivals: Huawei P8 flagship smartphone and wearables

June 2nd, 2015

Huawei launched its Android flagship smartphone – the P8 – during CommunicAsia2015 and showcased three wearable products – the Huawei TalkBand B2, TalkBand N1 and the Huawei Watch. Prices below.

The Huawei P8 measures 144.9 x 72.1 x 6.4mm and weighs 144g.

The Huawei P8 measures 144.9 x 72.1 x 6.4mm and weighs 144g.

Richard Yu, CEO of the Huawei Consumer Business Group introduced the Huawei P8 smartphone for the Southern Pacific Region at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

For Huawei, the Southern Pacific Region comprises Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines and Singapore.

The P8 was first launched globally in London in April this year and is part of the company’s transition from a B2B entity to a consumer centric brand.

The three wearable products – the Huawei TalkBand B2, TalkBand N1 and the Huawei Watch (currently under development) – were all launched at the Mobile World Congress 2015 in March 2015.

Huawei P8

The Huawei P8 has a 5.2-inch FHD screen with 1920 x 1080 pixels (424ppi, 16 million colours) and capable of playing 1080p video.

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Travel: Meeting Dato’ Chef Ismail at Restoran Rebung in KL

May 31st, 2015

Dato’ Chef Ismail is the food ambassador of the Malaysian Tourism Ministry and owner of Restoran Rebung in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

tech4tea.com was invited by Tourism Malaysia to check out the restaurant and meet with the affable owner-chef. Here are some pictures that Wee Wu Neo has sent back to Singapore. Text by John Tan.

Chef Ismail shares how he helped his grandmother in the kitchen since he was five, learning how to cook Malay heritage dishes over the years.

Chef Ismail shares how he helped his grandmother in the kitchen since he was five, learning how to cook Malay heritage dishes over the years.

Restoran Rebung is located at No. 4-2 Lorong Maarof, Bangsar (59000) in KL, near to the bustling nightlife in the capital’s Bangsar district.

Siput Sedut or Belitung cooked in curry. In case you’re wondering, it is a species of Sea Snail.

Siput Sedut or Belitung cooked in curry. In case you’re wondering, it is a species of Sea Snail.

The interior decor is very traditional and reminds one of the typical Malay home.

Get a taste of Negri Sembilan at Restoran Rebung.

Get a taste of Negri Sembilan at Restoran Rebung.

The 55-year-old celebrity Chef Ismail Ahmad grew up in a small village in the Malaysian state of Negri Sembilan and includes in his menu a huge list of local cuisine that diners can order a la carte or through a buffet.

Nasi Lemak - fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf - wrapped in banana leaf and old newspaper.

Nasi Lemak – fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf – wrapped in banana leaf and old newspaper.

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Opinion: Reuben Verghese on meeting demands of the Connected Consumer

May 30th, 2015

Reuben Verghese, Global Head of Multiscreen Solutions & Vice President of Asia at Accedo and BroadcastAsia2015 exhibitor and conference speaker shares his top technology predictions for the broadcasting industry. This guest blog was contributed by Verghese.

Reuben Verghese, Global Head of Multiscreen Solutions & Vice President of Asia at Accedo and BroadcastAsia2015 exhibitor and conference speaker.

Reuben Verghese, Global Head of Multiscreen Solutions & Vice President of Asia at Accedo and BroadcastAsia2015 exhibitor and conference speaker.

Asia Pacific has a unique broadcasting market dynamic that boasts a new generation of the Connected Consumer.

With fast growing economy and a lack of fixed infrastructure in the developing countries, mobility is crucial to many consumers and businesses in the region.

The broadcasting industry will impact enterprises as it adapts to the changing consumer preferences.

Below I share my views on four key trends set to transform the broadcasting industry in 2015.

1. Audience fragmentation

With the proliferation of smart connected display devices, there is a shift in the way consumers and enterprises consume and deliver video.

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Travel: G Hotel Kelawai in Penang, Malaysia is now open

May 30th, 2015

The school holidays have just begun in Singapore. So if you happen to be heading out to Penang in Malaysia for a getaway, check out this newly opened hotel.

There are two Premier Suites (82 sqm) in G Hotel Kelawai in Penang, Malaysia.

There are two Premier Suites (82 sqm) in G Hotel Kelawai in Penang, Malaysia.

G Hotel Kelawai has 208 rooms, three F& B outlets, and is well located next to upscale shopping malls and renowned hawker eateries, with UNESCO world heritage sites and beaches nearby.

G Hotel Kelawai in Penang, Malaysia

G Hotel Kelawai in Penang, Malaysia

The hotel is within walking distance from its sibling G Hotel Gurney and allows cross usage of facilities between the two hotels.

G Hotel Kelawai offers complimentary Internet broadband and Wi-Fi to guests, as well as an infinity edge pool, mountain bikes and fitness center.

The 24-floor hotel has 208 rooms comprising 143 Deluxe rooms (35 sqm), 20 Executive rooms (35 sqm), 43 Executive Premier rooms (45 sqm) and 2 Premier Suites (82 sqm).

Every room comes with eco-friendly Appelles toiletries, Serta bed; 300 thread count linens, Herman Miller designer working chair, docking station, alarm clock, ironing facilities, 55-inch smart LED TV, free non-alcoholic minibar, coffee machine and free high speed Wi-Fi.

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TODAY! New arrivals: HTC Desire 626 smartphone in Singapore from 30 May

May 30th, 2015

The HTC Desire 626 will be available in Singapore from TODAY at S$358 in White Birch and Blue Lagoon with M1, Singtel, StarHub and major retailers.

HTC's new entry-level Android smartphone, the Desire 626 is now available in Singapore (S$358).

HTC’s new entry-level Android smartphone, the Desire 626 is now available in Singapore (S$358).

The 5-inch HTC Desire 626 is slightly smaller than the pricier 5.5-inch Desire 826 (S$498) that hit the shelves in Singapore last week.

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Opinion: Andrew Milroy on a new generation of all things digital

May 29th, 2015

Andrew Milroy, Senior Vice President, ICT Practice, Asia Pacific at Frost & Sullivan and CommunicAsia2015 Summit speaker shares his top technology predictions that will transform the digital landscape in 2015. This guest blog was contributed by Milroy.

Andrew Milroy, Senior Vice President, ICT Practice, Asia Pacific at Frost & Sullivan and CommunicAsia2015 Summit speaker.

Andrew Milroy, Senior Vice President, ICT Practice, Asia Pacific at Frost & Sullivan and CommunicAsia2015 Summit speaker.

Asia Pacific is dynamic, engaged, and more connected than ever, proving that the Internet has revolutionised the way individuals, communities and businesses communicate.

Both immense opportunities and pressures have been created for businesses to tap into and keep up with the rapid adoption of all things digital.

Below I share my view on three technology trends set to transform the digital landscape in 2015, and their impacts on enterprises and consumers of today.

1. Internet of Things (IoT) gets real

The IoT is a network of IT enabled devices communicating to each other.

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IT Fair: PC Show 2015 (4-7 June) @ Singapore Expo Halls 5 & 6

May 27th, 2015

The 25th edition of Singapore’s longest running information technology (IT) and consumer electronics show returns for four days from June 4-7 at the Singapore Expo, Halls 5 and 6, 12-9pm daily (admission FREE).

PC Show from June 4-7 at the Singapore Expo, Halls 5 and 6, 12-9pm daily (admission FREE).

PC Show from June 4-7 at the Singapore Expo, Halls 5 and 6, 12-9pm daily (admission FREE).

For PC Show 2015, I’ll be compiling selected promotions and flyers from the exhibitors in a photo album on the tech4tea.com Facebook page.

You can browse the album or directly access a specific flyer via the list of links below.

Promotions/Flyers in alphabetical order

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New arrivals: TomTom GO 510 & GO 610 portable navigation devices

May 27th, 2015

TomTom will be launching the new TomTom GO 510 (5”, S$349) and GO 610 (6”, S$399) portable navigation devices with Lifetime Traffic, Lifetime World Maps, and Lifetime Speed Cameras at the PC Show 2015 on 4-7 June. Discounts below.

6-inch TomTom GO 610 (S$399).

6-inch TomTom GO 610 (S$399).

Lifetime World Maps allow people to access the latest maps from around the world, including the Southeast Asia map, for the lifespan of the new TomTom GO device at no extra cost.

The new devices also come with Lifetime Speed Camera updates so drivers can always receive alerts at the locations of all speed cameras – both fixed and mobile, also for the lifetime of the device at no extra cost.

The new GO models feature fully interactive screens to pinch, zoom and swipe, as well as 3D Maps, a Click & Go mount, and the new ‘Drive Home’ and ‘Drive to Work’ buttons on the main menu to make the daily commute simpler and faster.

For the first time, drivers can use their smartphone, tablet or PC to review real-time traffic information, plan routes, and send destinations to their TomTom GO, before they get into the car with TomTom MyDrive, a feature which helps drivers to avoid traffic jams, and get to their destinations faster.

TomTom will be available at the  at the Newstead Booth 6000B during the PC Show at Singapore Expo, from 4-7 June, 2015. Prices & discounts below.

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Twitter launches Periscope on Android (already on iOS)

May 27th, 2015

You can get Periscope free on the Google Play Store.

Periscope is now available for Android.

Periscope is now available for Android.

Periscope enables users to start or watch a live video broadcast.

Android owners using Version 4.4 (KitKat) and above can download Periscope from Google Play.

Periscope on Android has all the same core features of the existing Periscope:

  • start a public or private broadcast.
  • choose to allow comments from just those you follow.
  • interact with a broadcaster by chatting or sending hearts.

There are a few things that are unique to Android:

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New arrivals: Sony Smart B-Trainer waterproof sports headset

May 26th, 2015

The all-in-one training device and application will be available in Singapore at S$399 from 11 June 2015. You can pre-order now to enjoy a free 2XU Compression Shorts worth S$139.

The Sony Smart B-Trainer aims to be your all-in-one running trainer and partner.

The Sony Smart B-Trainer aims to be your all-in-one running trainer and partner.

The new Sony Smart B-Trainer has a range of features, such as intelligent music playback based on heart rate monitoring, various training plans, and real time voice coaching.

The Sony Smart B-Trainer ships in a selection of bright colours.

The Sony Smart B-Trainer ships in a selection of bright colours.

This sports companion integrates Sony’s latest audio advancements with the latest sensor and software technologies to provide a holistic exercise experience.

It consists of the SSE-BTR1 headphone-integrated device that is packed with six types of sensors – heart rate, acceleration, GPS, compass, gyro and barometer.

These sensors measure and record 11 types of running logs – heart rate, burned calories, distance, time, speed, pace, cadence, steps, stride, running route and elevation.

Based on a preset user profile and heart rate goal, the Smart B-Trainer measures your heart rate and automatically selects music for efficient training.

Developed with the modern runner in mind, the Smart B-Trainer comes in a neckband-style housing, and is non-slip to provide you the freedom to run as you like.

Developed with the modern runner in mind, the Smart B-Trainer comes in a neckband-style housing, and is non-slip to provide you the freedom to run as you like.

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