July 9th, 2013
Jay-Z fans will now be able to listen to his new album – Magna Carta Holy Grail, is now available on Spotify a week before its commercial release.

TODAY! Jay-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail is now live on Spotify.
The highly anticipated album, which has given him the best first week sales of his career, is available for streaming as of today.
Spotify is a digital music service that gives users on-demand access to over 20 million tracks.
Its dream is “to make all the world’s music available instantly to everyone, wherever and whenever they want it”.
Spotify makes it easier to discover, manage and share music with friends, while making sure that artists get a fair deal.
Magna Carta Holy Grail draws inspiration from his recent fatherhood, celebrity lifestyle and personal beliefs.
The album features a stellar list of producers, including Swizz Beatz, Timbaland and Pharrel Williams.
Additionally, Jay-Z fans will get to listen to guest vocals by Justin Timberlake, Frank Ocean and Beyoncé.
Keeping true to the Spotify promise of bringing the world’s music to everyone instantly, Magna Carta Holy Grail will join Spotify’s ever-growing portfolio of over 20 million tracks.
Tags: Holy Grail, Jay-Z, Magna Carta, music, Spotify
Posted in Audio, Availability, Music | No Comments »
July 8th, 2013
The new mirrorless interchangeable lens camera offers both image quality and ease of sharing snapshots with the newest addition to its NX family of compact system cameras.
Available in black, white and pink from mid-July at S$849 (incl 20-50mm kit lens). Bundled with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 (worth S$178).

Samsung NX2000 will be available in black, white or pink from mid-July for S$849.
The large 20.3MP ASP-C CMOS Sensor in the NX2000 is produced entirely by Samsung in-house and promises vivid colours even in low light conditions.
“Consumer demand for quality photography and the increasing desire for instantaneous sharing has become a focus for our NX range,” said Irene Ng, Vice President, Marketing, Samsung Asia.
The NX2000’s has a DRIMe IV engine which works to reduce noise, improve speed and enable superior color reproduction.
With 8fps fast continuous shooting, the NX2000 can freeze moving subject or enable a photographer to snap photos while on the run.
Its 1/4000th second top shutter speed makes capturing clear, blur free images possible, while the wide ISO range (100 to 25600) helps to deliver images promises beautifully balanced photos regardless of the light conditions.
The NX2000 has a large 3.7-inch WVGA TFT-LCD Full Touch Screen with 1,152k dots.

The Samsung NX2000 boasts a host of connectivity options that includes Wi-Fi, and NFC. Pink version here with the included 20-50mm kit lens.
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Tags: availability, cameras, MIL, NFC, NX2000, Samsung, Wi-Fi
Posted in 3D, Announce, Cameras, Gadgets, MIL, Photography, Prices, Samsung, Specifications | No Comments »
July 7th, 2013
The 5-inch, quad-core Butterfly s sports HTC BlinkFeed, HTC Zoe and HTC BoomSound, and is powered by HTC’s longest lasting battery to date. Available end-July at SGD$988 from M1, SingTel and StarHub.

HTC Butterfly s (SGD$988) will be available in Fervour Red, Glamour White and Metallic Grey.
The HTC Butterfly s is powered by a 1.9 GHz quad-core processor and offers HTC’s latest Sense 5 experience and Android Jelly Bean, with a stamina battery that packs 3,200 mAh.
“We’ve improved the HTC Butterfly by incorporating the new standards set by the HTC One for smartphone performance,” said Jack Yang, President of HTC South Asia.
It also features HTC BlinkFeed, HTC Zoe and HTC BoomSound, first introduced with the Taiwan smartphone maker’s flagship HTC One.
The full technical specifications of the HTC Butterfly s is appended below.
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Tags: Android, Beats, Butterfly, HTC, Jelly Bean, Qualcomm, Sense, smartphones, Snapdragon
Posted in Android, Announce, Gadgets, HTC, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »
July 6th, 2013
2,518 participants took part in the Singapore leg of the Canon PhotoMarathon Asia 2013, at Suntec City International Convention & Exhibition Centre Singapore.
The two Best of Show winners – Kok Hou Cheng (Open) and Zhou Tian Qu – will be going on an eight-day all-expense-paid photo clinic to Kansai, Japan.

Winners of Canon Photomarathon XI in Singapore, together with management and staff of Canon Singapore.
Beginning at 9am in the morning, this year’s attendance of the day-long competition was an increase of 99 participants (4%) compared to last year.

“Instant” by Open Category Best of Show Winner Kok Hou Cheng.
There were two categories of participants – Open and Student. For each category, there were three themes – Tradition, Communicate and Instant.

“Tradition” by Student Category Best of Show Winner Zhou Tian Qu from Anderson Junior College.
18 prizes were given to the top three winners of the three themes for each category. Prizes given included Canon products such as the Canon EOS camera and PIXMA printer.

2,518 avid photographers participated in this year’s Canon Photomarathon XI.
In addition, Best of Show awards were given for each of the two categories – for the best collection of images from all three themes.
Posted in Cameras, Canon, Contest, EOS, Gadgets, Photography, Photos, PIXMA, Printers | 1 Comment »
July 4th, 2013
To enhance user productivity and performance, Jabra Motion uses motion sensor technology to intuitively follow the user’s every move – to provide premium call control and superior audio quality.
Available 13 July at S$198. Read on for launch promo.

Jabra Motion will be available in Singapore from 13 July for S$198.
Featuring latest intuitive technologies and ergonomic design – including motion sensor technology and a flip-boom arm – the headset caters to the needs of performance-centric users for optimal team communications and project management tasks.

Jabra Motion clips behind the ear.
Paired with smartphones, tablets or laptops, whether at the workplace, on the road or at home – the intelligent and ‘pocketable’ Jabra Motion keeps users up to speed and in touch as they stay focused on their projects and business tasks.
It offers a wireless freedom range of 10m.
Extremely light at 17.5g, the flexible, curve-shaped Jabra Motion provides a customized ear fit with a rotating, height-adjustable speaker tower and different-sized ear-gels.
When a call comes in and the user picks up the Jabra Motion, its intelligent built-in motion sensor automatically triggers the ‘answer call’ function.

The Jabra Motion can be easily folded to be “pocketed”.
And when it is laid down on a surface, the headset takes a power nap.
Sensing changing sound environments or change in motion, such as when the user starts walking, Jabra Motion makes automatic audio adjustment according to ambient noise levels.
The Jabra Motion is built on the Jabra signature ‘behind-the-ear’ circular design based on contour of the ear.
Its folding boom adds ‘pocketability’ – flip it close to a smaller, palm-sized fit to keep in pocket or handbag; flip it open again to instantly connect to an incoming call.
Tags: audio, Bluetooth, headsets, Jabra, Singapore, wireless
Posted in Accessories, Announce, Audio, Gadgets, headsets, Jabra, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »
July 4th, 2013
The limited special edition of the Leica D-Lux 6 is the result of collaboration with G-Star, the Dutch jeans and fashion label. The camera is now in stores for S$1,680.

The Leica D-Lux 6 ‘Edition by G-Star RAW’ is the fruit of collaboration between Leica and G-Star. Available now for S$1,680.
The Leica D-Lux 6 ‘Edition by G-Star RAW’ is designed for fashion aficionados and features an unusual colour concept and a distinctive look.

Rear view of the Leica D-Lux 6 ‘Edition by G-Star RAW’.
G-STAR RAW is a denim label renowned for its innovation, cutting edge and unorthodox style.
The body of the Leica D-Lux 6 ‘Edition by G-Star RAW’ is finished in the typical RAW design, and features the script ‘LEICA BY G-STAR RAW … JUST THE PRODUCT’.
This special edition’s leather trim is also unique – this is the first time it is being used on a Leica compact camera.
Tags: cameras, compact, D-Lux, G-Star, Leica, lifestyle, luxury
Posted in Accessories, Announce, Availability, Cameras, Compact camera, Gadgets, Leica, Lifestyle, Prices, Shopping, Specifications | 2 Comments »
July 3rd, 2013
The compact integrated audio system pumps out powerful music that easily fills the room with even tonality. Regular price: S$6,450. Promotional introductory price: S$4,588.

The McAire sports a high gloss black finish, signature McIntosh blue output meters, glass faceplate and a knit cloth grille (also in black) with magnetic attachment.
The McAire is the most affordable system from McIntosh which specialises in the ultra-luxe AV market.
“… individuals who demand the very best can finally enjoy a complete high fidelity McIntosh music system as a lifestyle or second system for their rooms or executive office, that is handcrafted in Binghamton New York alongside McIntosh’s other super premium components, for under a 5-figure sum,” said Malcolm Ong, Chief Executive Officer of the Ong Radio Group.
The next in line is an all-in-one system (McIntosh MXA60) that includes a CD player and a tuner, which goes for S$16,050 (although there’s currently a promotional price of S$12,888.
Ong Radio Group launched the McIntosh McAire in Singapore last Friday, timing its debut in Singapore with the 76th anniversary of the high-end home entertainment system distributor and retailer.
The McIntosh McAire features Apple’s AirPlay wireless technology which allows users to stream audio from an iTunes library on a Mac or PC – or music from an iOS device – over an existing Wi-Fi network at home or an executive suite.

The ice-blue of the McAire stamps the signature of McIntosh into whatever setting it is introduced
Each McAire unit is built with the same high end technology used in McIntosh’s super premium reference system.
Tags: Android, AV, iOS, iPad, iPhone, iPod, iTunes, McAire, McIntosh, Ong Radio, touch
Posted in Audio, Entertainment, Events, Gadgets, iOS, iPhone, Launch, Lifestyle, Network, players, Prices, Specifications, Wi-Fi | 3 Comments »
July 3rd, 2013
After eight days of intensive voting and over 2.5 million votes, Singapore has chosen Ang Kiam Meng from Jumbo Seafood (319,922 votes), Mdm Foo Kui Lian from Tian Tian Chicken Rice (318,151 votes), and Mr Ryan Koh from 328 Katong Laksa (316,611 votes) as their most popular hawkers to challenge Gordon Ramsay at the SingTel Hawker Heroes Challenge.
Update (7 July, 2013):
More than 1,000 members of the public were at Newton Food Centre to taste and vote for their preferred version of the three dishes.
Overall, the Singapore hawker heroes edged-out Chef Ramsay in the live poll by 6% of the total vote.
In terms of individual dishes, Ramsay’s version of the Chilli Crab beat that of Jumbo Seafood by 5%; while he lost to both Tian Tian Chicken Rice (by 6%) and 328 Katong Laksa (19%) for the other other two dishes.

Chef Ramsay accepted the challenge to pit his skills against three popular hawkers in Singapore selected through a public poll. Image from SingTel
The three will now prepare for a mouth-watering culinary cook-off against Michelin-starred heavyweight Gordon Ramsay in the SingTel Hawker Heroes cook-off.

Top 3 SingTel Hawker Heroes. Image from SingTel.
On 5 and 6 July, Chef Ramsay will spend time with each of the three hawkers to learn their signature dishes: chicken rice, chilli crab and laksa.
| Date |
7 July 2013 (Sunday) |
| Time |
6pm onwards |
| Venue |
Newton Food Centre |
| Details |
Non-ticketed event, open to the public free of charge. 1000 servings are available on a first-come-first-serve basis |
He will then put his own unique spin on these dishes at the final showdown event held at Newton Food Centre on Sunday, 7 July.
The event will be open to members of the public, who will be able to sample the dishes prepared by the local hawkers and Chef Ramsay and vote for their preferred version.
Tags: chicken, chilli crab, Food, Gordon Ramsay, laksa, SingTel
Posted in Contest, Food, Lifestyle, SingTel | No Comments »
July 2nd, 2013
The VPL-FHZ55 is the world’s first 3LCD Laser Light Source Projector. Sony launched the new projector for Asia in Singapore today. Priced at S$7,999 and available in black or white chasis in Asia Pacific by August 2013.

The Sony VPL-FHZ55 is the world’s first 3LCD Laser Light Source Projector. Price: S$7,999.
The VPL-FHZ55 is a WUXGA-class (1920 x 1200) installation projector based on a blue laser light source, and is the world’s first 3LCD laser projector.
I was impressed by a demo of the projector in action in a fully lighted room. The resolution was detailed while the colours were extremely vivid and accurate.
The picture quality was good enough for home entertainment use although the projector is targeted mainly at business and corporate use.
Capable of achieving 4,000 lumens, it is one of the brightest projectors of its kind, and delivers a range of performance capabilities that eliminate many issues associated with conventional lamp-based projection.

The Sony VPL-FHZ55 is a WUXGA-class (1920 x 1200) installation projector based on a blue laser light source.
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Tags: laser, launch, LCD, projectors, Sony
Posted in Accessories, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Prices, Projectors, Sony, Specifications, Technology | No Comments »
July 2nd, 2013
Samsung Evolution Kit SEK-1000/XS (S$399) and Samsung TV Camera VG-STC3000 (S$129) will be available this month at all major electronic stores in Singapore.

From left: Samsung TV Camera (S$129) and Samsung Evolution Kit (S$399) will be available in Singapore this month. Pictures not shown to scale.
To provide users with a more seamless, integrated and immersive entertainment experience with its Smart TVs, Samsung Singapore has announced its latest offering – the Samsung Evolution Kit and the Samsung TV Camera.
Samsung Smart TV models that are compatible with the Samsung Evolution Kit include the following from the 2012 Smart TV line-up:
- Series 7 ES7500 LED TV
- Series 8 ES8000 LED TV
- Series 9 ES9000 LED TV
The Evolution Kit offers both software and hardware updates that include access to the 2013 Smart Hub and other Smart features
It also upgrades the TV’s dual-core processor to quad-core, resulting in faster internal processing speeds.
On top of that, Smart Interaction will now include new commands such as two-hands motion and new gesture poses so consumers can swipe, zoom, grab and like what they see on their TV screens.
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Tags: accessories, availability, Samsung, Singapore, Smart TV
Posted in Accessories, Announce, Availability, Gadgets, Prices, Samsung, Smart TV, Specifications, TV | 2 Comments »