New HP ProLiant Gen9 servers to address evolving data center demands

September 17th, 2014

The new portfolio promises dramatically increased compute capacity and efficiency, speed of IT service delivery, and application performance.

With new technology features and workload-optimised design, the new server portfolio advances HP’s vision for compute, the future of data center technology.

With new technology features and workload-optimised design, the new server portfolio advances HP’s vision for compute, the future of data center technology.

HP has announced a new portfolio of HP ProLiant Generation 9 (Gen9) Servers that promises to help customers reduce cost and complexity, accelerate IT service delivery and enable business growth.

IT organizations – under increasing pressure to quickly and efficiently deliver more applications and services, as well as store and deliver exponentially increasing amounts of data while reducing costs – are constrained by traditional data center and server architectures.

The new HP ProLiant Gen9 Servers are designed to address these challenges, delivering flexible, scalable computing resources that are aligned to companies’ business goals.

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New arrivals: Olympus relaunches OM-D E-M1 & adds silver model

September 17th, 2014

Olympus’ Flagship OM-D E-M1 has been re-launched with enhanced features for professional photography and a new silver coloured option. The Silver Edition will be available from November 2014. Price TBA.

The new silver version of the OM-D E-M1 has silver painted top and bottom chassis plates, with colour-matched buttons and dials.

The new silver version of the OM-D E-M1 has silver painted top and bottom chassis plates, with colour-matched buttons and dials.

The second-generation firmware for the flagship E-M1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera will be available to existing E-M1 owners for self-installation.

More pro features in Version 2 firmware.

More pro features in Version 2 firmware.

Version 2.0 of the E-M1 operating firmware will come pre-installed with all new silver models of the OM-D E-M1 camera, as well as future-production of the black coloured models.

E-M1 camera owners can upgrade their cameras themselves to the new firmware 2.0 specification by downloading and self-installing the new firmware via the Olympus Digital Camera Updater app on their computers (with internet connection).

E-M1 firmware version 2.0 is expected to be available end September 2014.

New features enabled by the firmware upgrade include:

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Photokina 2014: Sony ZEISS 16-35mm F4 full-frame wide-angle zoom lens for Alpha E-mount cameras

September 16th, 2014

The Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS (SEL1635Z) lens has a versatile wide-angle zoom range and is optimised for Sony A7 series 35mm full-frame cameras. Available in Singapore from November 2014. Price TBA.

Unveiled at Photokina 2014: Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS (SEL1635Z) lens.

Unveiled at Photokina 2014: Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS (SEL1635Z) lens.

The lens ships with Optical SteadyShot in-lens image stabilisation and is compact and portable.

It is built with dust and moisture resistant design.

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Infographic: Singapore Internet users concerned about privacy on Social Networks

September 16th, 2014

An online poll finds that 3 in 4 Internet users in Singapore are concerned about privacy on Social Networks. However, almost 66 percent of respondents in Singapore are not protected on their mobile devices and personal computers.

The recent online poll was conducted by Trend Micro Incorporated - a global developer of security software - between August to September 2014 surveying 744 respondents in Singapore.

The recent online poll was conducted by Trend Micro Incorporated – a global developer of security software – between August to September 2014 surveying 744 respondents in Singapore.

Internet users in Singapore are concerned about sharing private information on social networking sites (76%), and as many as 69 percent of respondents deleted or hid timeline posts they had shared previously.

“电脑防卫软件出版商 Trend Micro 的网上调查显示,新加坡的网上用户注重社交网络的私隐,但大多数人的电脑与手机却未安装安全软件。” – 科技点心(微薄)

Security solutions are therefore more necessary than ever, as verified by the results of the poll revealing that risky behavior by Internet users was generating new attack opportunities for cyber criminals.

“Consumers today are very reliant on their devices, with an average individual owning around five digital devices each. Yet, they often forget that having more devices also increases their exposure to cyberattacks,” said Terrence Tang, Senior Director of Consumer Business, Asia Pacific, Trend Micro.

“Consumers today are very reliant on their devices, with an average individual owning around five digital devices each. Yet, they often forget that having more devices also increases their exposure to cyberattacks,” said Terrence Tang, Senior Director of Consumer Business, Asia Pacific, Trend Micro.

Survey findings included:

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Canon announces EOS 7D Mark II and other cameras & lenses

September 15th, 2014

Canon has launched the EOS 7D Mark II, PowerShot G7 X, N2, SX60 HS and three new lenses.The “Flag Off” event also showcased the PowerShot SX400 IS, SX520 HS and camera bags that were announced earlier this summer.

Update (28 October, 2014):

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II will be available in Singapore from early November 2014 at Canon authorised dealers at the following recommended prices.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II SRP (incl. GST)
EOS 7D Mark II Kit II (w/EF S15-85 IS USM) S$3,499
EOS 7D Mark II Kit (w/EF S18-135 IS STM) S$3,049
EOS 7D Mark II Body S$2,499

Update (24 September, 2014):

The Canon PowerShot G7 X is now available in Singapore for S$799.

Canon unveiled the EOS 7D Mark II along with three new lenses and three new PowerShot compact cameras at Photokina 2014 in Cologne, Germany.

Canon unveiled the EOS 7D Mark II along with three new lenses and three new PowerShot compact cameras at Photokina 2014 in Cologne, Germany.

The highlight of the event was the EOS 7D Mark II which was unveiled in conjunction with the global announcement at Photokina 2014 in Cologne, Germany.

EOS 7D Mark II

The EOS 7D Mark II is the much anticipated successor to the EOS 7D, and features a 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel Phase AF, high-speed continuous shooting of up to 10 frames per second (fps), and a 65-point all-cross-type Autofocus system.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

The APS-C DSLR sports dual DIGIC 6 image processors and ISO up to 16,000 (expandable to 51,200); with shutter release cycle rated to 200,000, up from 150,000 in its predecessor.

The camera weighs 820g (body only), has built-in GPS, and comes with double memory card slots for CF and SD cards.

It is expected to go on sale in the US in November for US$1,799 (body only) or US$2,149 (with EF-S 18-135MM f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lens).

Three new lenses

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New arrivals: Logitech Wireless Mouse M280

September 14th, 2014

The Logitech Wireless Mouse M280 is available in Singapore now for S$29.

Logitech Wireless Mouse M280 - 18 months of battery life.

Logitech Wireless Mouse M280 – 18 months of battery life.

The Logitech Wireless Mouse M280 is designed with a curved shape to guide your hand to a natural position.

“With the considerable amount of time each day that we all spend using desktops, laptops and tablets, it is really important that our input devices are comfortable to use,” said Moninder Jain, Managing Director for Logitech Southeast Asia and India at Logitech.

With the asymmetrical form, a wide wheel that improves the scrolling experience and the Logitech Advanced Optical Sensor to provide enhanced precision and responsiveness, this mouse is a fit for any of your needs, whether you’re hard at work or just browsing the Internet.

The Logitech Wireless Mouse M280 is compatible with all major operating systems, and it has an integrated sensor for precise tracking and smooth cursor control.

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Contest: The Progress-XTC Challenge – build a cool app

September 14th, 2014

You get to use for free US$35,000 worth of Progress software development tools, enjoy US$10,000 worth of product training and mentoring, and potentially win up to US$25,000 in market development funds.

Take up the Progress-XTC Challenge. Register by 30 September, 2014.

Take up the Progress-XTC Challenge. Register by 30 September, 2014.

The Progress-XTC Challenge is actually a contest within a contest. It is held as part of the EXtreme Tech Challenge (XTC), of which Progress Software is a sponsor.

To take part in the Progress-XTC Challenge, you’re required to build an application using one to three of the following Progress technologies:

  1. Progress Rollbase – Rapid application development for web and mobile in the cloud
  2. Progress Modulus – Platform to deploy, manage, monitor and scale Node.js applications.
  3. Progress Corticon – Rules engine to add sophisticated, automated decisioning to your application.

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Thermos celebrates 110th Anniversary with new sports bottles and museum

September 13th, 2014

Thermos has announced a new series of sports bottles for children and adults, as well as a pop-up museum in Singapore.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/88740461/images1409/140913thermosMuseum_DSC0015bigBottle2048x1365.jpg

“Artefacts” exhibited at the Thermos Pop-up museum.

The pioneer in developing innovative vacuum-insulated lifestyle products celebrates its rich heritage of 110 years this September with a mini pop-up museum in Singapore.

The original plaque awarded by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain to Thermos.

The original plaque awarded by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain to Thermos.

The pop-up museum will make its first stop at Ngee Ann City’s B2 Takashimaya Square from 11 till 28 September 2014.

After that, it will next appear at OG Albert Complex from 2 – 15 October 2014.

Thermos also launched new sports bottles for children and active adults – the FFG and FFZ series, which are available in stores immediately.

An urban chic straw bottle TS-400 is slated to be available in October.

More details from the press release below.

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Nikon launches D750, COOLPIX S6900, NIKKOR 20mm f1.8G lens & SB-500 Speedlight

September 13th, 2014

Nikon launched in Singapore today a new DSLR, a compact shooter, a 20mm prime lens and a flash. Price and availability TBA.

Update (23 October, 2014):

The Nikon COOLPIX S6900 (Black, White & Pink) is now available in Singapore, at a recommended retail price of S$419.

Update (20 October, 2014):

Nikon has announced the pricing information below. Available now.

  • AF-S NIKKOR 20MM F/1.8G ED – S$1,099
  • Speedlight SB-500 – S$319
  • Nikon DSLR D750 with 24-120 KIT – S$4,079
  • Multi-power Battery Pack MB-D16 – S$449

Update (24 September, 2014):

The Nikon D750 (body only) is now available in Singapore for S$3,079. The D750 Kit will be available in November 2014.

For every Nikon D750 (body only) purchased from 24 September 2014 to 5 October 2014, customers will be entitled to redeem a free 32GB SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive (worth S$139).

Redemption is available from 3–5 October 2014, from 11am–7pm at Funan DigitaLife Mall, in conjunction with the upcoming I AM FULL FREEDOM Nikon consumer event.

Nikon COOLPIX S6900 (left) and Nikon D750 (right).

Nikon COOLPIX S6900 (left) and Nikon D750 (right).

The highlight of the launch is the D750, a “successor” for the aged D700 that sits between the D610 and the D810.

D750 Full-frame DSLR

The full-frame D750 is Nikon’s smallest and lightest FX-format camera and will be available in September 2014.

Nikon D750 DSLR.

Nikon D750 DSLR

It ships with built-in Wi-Fi, vertical-tilting monitor, 24.3 megapixels, 91K-pixel RGB sensor, and high-speed continuous shooting rate of approximately 6.5 frames per second for both FX- and DX- format, all fitted into a slim and durable body.

The FX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 image-processing engine are packed into a monocoque structure framed by carbon fiber composite material (new material), and magnesium alloy to provide nimble durability.

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New arrivals: Canon imageFORMULA P-215II and P-208II scanners

September 12th, 2014

The new imageFORMULA P-215II (S$399) and P-208II (S$279) are now available in Singapore at Canon authorised dealers.

Canon imageFORMULA P-215II (top) and P-208II (bottom) scanners. Priced at S$399 and S$279 respectively.

Canon imageFORMULA P-215II (top) and P-208II (bottom) scanners. Priced at S$399 and S$279 respectively.

The new lightweight and portable scanners from Canon offers convenience, easy operation and performance; and makes on-the-go scanning a breeze.

Apart from a lightweight body, these devices come with an intuitive user interface and multiple editing options for the digitisation of documents, offering easy operation without the need to install any drivers.

New image processing functions have also been introduced to give users better control over the image quality and output.

More details from the press release.

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