Atlas Sound & Vision brings Swiss Piega handmade speakers to Singapore

October 19th, 2012

Atlas has partnered with Piega to sell the Swiss handmade speakers in Singapore. The premium, precision-crafted speakers range from the entry-level TMicro 3 speakers (S$748) to the top-of-the-range MasterOne loudspeakers (S$54,648). Prices include GST.

Piega's most affordable speakers in Singapore- TMicro 3 (S$748).

Piega’s most affordable speakers in Singapore- TMicro 3 (S$748).

Made from 100% aluminium, these speakers are extruded from a 3 ton aluminium block in one production step pressed with a 7,500 tonne press machine, one of the largest in Europe.

Piega's top-of-the-range loudspeakers - MasterOne - can be had for S$54,648.

Piega’s top-of-the-range loudspeakers – MasterOne – can be had for S$54,648.

The process results in an acoustically perfect housing featuring very high cabinet stiffness due to optimised damping in relation to enclosure thickness.

Piega’s audio research team developed its own linear drive ribbon (LDR) ribbon tweeter – a 0.02mm aluminium ribbon foil that Piega claims surpasses all conventional dome tweeters.

With only 0.007 grams of moving mass, the aluminium riboon foil boasts an impressive frequency range of up to 50’00 Hz and 98 dB efficiency.

The linear impulse and frequency from these tweeters also results in high audio efficiency with little distortion and a clean decay spectrum, presenting robust and extremely clear audio.

Piega also introduced the coaxial ribbon system in 2000, enhancing the quality of its speakers to present an electrostatic-like performance coupled with a sleek, aesthetic design.

By having the membrane of the tweeter surrounded by the membrane of the midrange, both membranes are on the same plane in all three axes and have the same point as the acoustic centre.

Operating as a single point sound source, the virtually perfect pulse response fits perfectly with the advantages from the LDR ribbon tweeter.

This produces extreme audio clarity to deliver an exciting musical experience, with a natural, life-like sound that stirs the emotions for its audience.

I had a listen-in at the Winstedt showroom to both the TMicro 3 and the MasterOne. The showroom was deliberately NOT soundproofed so that customers could get a realistic idea of how the music will sound in their own homes.

The quality of music was indeed superb.

Piega from Lake Zurich

Founded in 1986 in Horgen on Lake Zurich in Switzerland, Piega has been handcrafting its loudspeakers in aluminium for over 25 years.

The speakers cater to audiophiles around the world and are known for their timeless elegance – inspired in the design studio of Hanns Wettstein and boasting extreme audio clarity with its unique coaxial ribbon system.

Since 1986, over 80,412 speakers have been handmade by 20 craftsmen working at the Piega facility on the shores of Lake Zurich.

Event: Be Fashionably Bold with BlackBerry and ZALORA

October 18th, 2012

What does the online fashion/lifestyle retailer and the enterprise secure smartphone of choice have in common?

BlackBerry and ZALORA join hands to present a "Fashionably Bold" event.

BlackBerry and ZALORA join hands to present a “Fashionably Bold” event.

A strong sense of style and the gut to make Bold fashion statements with their products, which is why both enjoy a growing following among the young and trendy in the region. And BBM is the buzzword that keeps them connected.

(L-R) Valerie Lim, mentor to the models with stylist bloggers Irene of Moonberry, Vanessa of Wardrobe Trends Fashion, Sophie Willocq

(L-R) Valerie Lim, mentor to the models with stylist bloggers Irene of Moonberry, Vanessa of Wardrobe Trends Fashion, Sophie Willocq.

BlackBerry and ZALORA co-hosted a stylish event in Singapore to put forth a fashion show showcasing a unique set of looks developed by leading online fashion bloggers and inspired by BlackBerry’s Bold line of smartphones.

Charles Dufourcq - Country Director for RIM, Singapore - looking fashionably bold.

Charles Dufourcq – Country Director for RIM, Singapore – looking fashionably bold.

“The individual styles inspired by the BlackBerry Bold portfolio truly showcase the diversity of the many collections on ZALORA,” said Terence Pang, Head of Marketing for ZALORA Singapore.

A vibrant and thriving night out

Local standup comedian, Kumar, being fashionably bold.

Local standup comedian, Kumar, being fashionably bold.

I popped in at the event (at 72-13 Mohammed Sultan Road) in the evening and the turnout was fantastic, thronging with both BlackBerry and ZALORA fans.

Everybody had a great laugh with local stand-up comedian Kumar’s act.

The fashion show was refreshing because the eight female and male models were not pros but lucky winners who had been chosen from an online contest earlier, based on the best poses that they had sent in.

They received their very own photo-shoot, makeover and runway tips from Miss Singapore Universe 2011, Ms Valerie Lim, who also choreographed the Fashionably Bold show.

Totally Fashionably Bold!

“Fashionably Bold showcases the popularity of the BlackBerry Bold portfolio in Singapore, while celebrating the lifestyle statement that both our black and white smartphones make. It is a celebration of functionality coupled with a unique sense of style that BlackBerry smartphones have,” said Charles Dufourcq, Country Director for RIM, Singapore.

New camera in Singapore: Samsung GALAXY Camera with Android Jelly Bean

October 17th, 2012

Samsung GALAXY Camera combines the image quality of dedicated compact cameras with the connectivity and apps of the smartphones.

Available in November, price TBA.

The Samsung GALAXY Camera is a camera that has the connectivities and funtionalities of a smartphone (minus voice calls).

The Samsung GALAXY Camera is a camera that has the connectivities and funtionalities of a smartphone (minus voice calls).

The GALAXY Camera made its appearance in Singapore during Samsung’s “Be Creative” gala event at the Ritz-Carlton, which also saw the debut of the GALAXY Note II LTE in Singapore.

Samsung GALAXY Camera
Megapixels 16 MP
Optical Zoom 21 x
Wide angle 23mm, F2.8
Max zoom 483mm
ISO ISO 100 – 3,200
LCD 4.77″, 308ppi, 921.6k dots, 1280×720 pixels, HD Super Clear Touch
Movie 1920 x 1080 px
OS Android 4.1, Jelly Bean
Processor 1.4GHz Quad-core
Connectivity 3G, Wi-Fi
Memory 8GB int + mem slot
Slow motion video 758 x 512 (120fps), 320×240 (30fps)
Vido output HDMI 1.4
Flash Built-in
RAW No
Image stabilisation Optical Image Stabilisation
Size /mm 128.7 x 70.8 x 19.1
Weight 300 g
Battery 1,650 mAh
Price TBA

Enjoy 21x long optical zoom and 16 megapixels, as well as WiFi/3G and the latest Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean operating system and apps.

The GALAXY Camera has a 16-megapixel 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor with 23mm lens for wide-angle shots.

It boasts a large and vivid camera display – a 4.8” (1280 x 720 pixels, 308 ppi) HD SUPER CLEAR LCD screen.

Smartphone technology, powered by a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor, provides the Voice Control for users to manipulate functions such as ‘Zoom in’ and ‘Shoot’ through voice.

The GALAXY Camera includes a comprehensive set of 35 powerful photo editing features within the ‘Photo Wizard’ – such as the “Auto Face Calibration” feature – allowing users to edit their photos on the go.

The “Movie Wizard” allows users to create and edit expert-quality videos easily using the touch screen.

The GALAXY Camera also features ‘Smart Content Manager’, which intelligently creates folders, tags faces, and even suggests which pictures to delete when they do not come out as desired.

Internet connectivity enables users to share their photos easily on the Web.

Users can share photos simultaneously as they shoot when they use the ‘Share Shot’ feature.

The Samsung GALAXY Camera has 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity on to the Internet, as well as apps running off the latest Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean.

The Samsung GALAXY Camera has 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity on to the Internet, as well as apps running off the latest Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean.

The camera’s convenient ‘Auto Cloud Backup’ feature will automatically save photos into the cloud via Samsung’s AllShare the instant they are taken.

Infographic showing features of the Samsung GALAXY Camera.

Infographic showing features of the Samsung GALAXY Camera.

In addition to sharing photos on social networks and cloud services, users can also connect to a range of GALAXY devices including the GALAXY S III and GALAXY Note II.

In addition to the pre-installed applications from Samsung, users can browse the web and enjoy any application from Google Play or Samsung Apps stores.

‘S Suggest’ will also be able to recommend a new photo editing app or fun game to download if users are spoilt for choice.

The GALAXY Camera enables connection to 3G networks (HSPA+ 21Mbps on 850/900/1900/2100 MHz) via a micro-SIM, allowing photo sharing and browsing anywhere.

The GALAXY Camera also functions on Wi-Fi with Dual Band and Channel Bonding for extra speed.

Connectivity is supported by a 1.4GHz Cortex-A9 quad-core processor that enables fast web-browsing and multitasking, as well as high-speed image processing without significant impact on battery life (1,650 mAh).

The camera comes with 8GB internal memory, with a memory slot for additional external memory (SD card, micro SDHC, micro SDXC).

Cameras crossing into smartphone territory

Nikon launched its COOLPIX S800c back in August – with Android 2.3 and Wi-Fi connectivity.

It had 16 megapixels and 12x optical zoom.

I had mused about when a camera would get 3G connectivity as well.

So it is opportune that Samsung is going to deliver that in the form of GALAXY Camera in November.

The Nikon COOLPIX S800c runs Android 2.3 and has Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Nikon COOLPIX S800c runs Android 2.3 and has Wi-Fi connectivity.

The 3G-capable GALAXY Camera will have the same 16 megapixels but will come with 21x optical zoom and Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean.

What’s next?

A camera that you can press to your cheeks to call someone?

Samsung launches GALAXY Note II LTE and GALAXY Camera in Singapore

October 17th, 2012

The Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE (S$998) and GALAXY Camera (available November, price TBA) were launched at a gala event at The Ritz-Carlton.

Samsung also announced two local celebrities – Olivia Ong and Desmond Tan – as ambassadors for the two new gadgets.

Samsung celebrity ambassadors, Olivia Ong and Desmond Tan with their newly launched devices – GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at the ‘Be Creative’ event.

Samsung celebrity ambassadors, Olivia Ong and Desmond Tan with their newly launched devices – GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at the ‘Be Creative’ event.

Singaporean singer-songwriter, Olivia Ong will be the brand ambassador for the GALAXY Note II LTE; while MediaCorp artiste, Desmond Tan will be the ambassador for the GALAXY Camera.

“The GALAXY Note II LTE allows me to be more creative and expressive in my daily life. With its large touchscreen, S Pen and easy-to-use functions, I can now take photos and scribble words and phrases which come to mind wherever I go, and they could be the next inspiration for my upcoming albums,” said Olivia Ong.

Olivia Ong, known for her soothing and powerful vocals and songwriting prowess, will be participating in “The Wonderland” project, and embark on a creative journey to compose an original song “Wonderland”.

“Wonderland” will be made into a music video, to capture the story behind the song and more importantly, better understand what inspires her.

Olivia will capture her inspirations and write her thoughts using the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE, and fans will get to join Olivia in her creativity process by interacting and sharing ideas with Olivia and catch behind-the-scenes videos of her creative journey to create this original song.

Olivia Ong singing her favourite song “Let It Rain” at the launch of the GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at Samsung's ‘Be Creative’ event.

Olivia Ong singing her favourite song “Let It Rain” at the launch of the GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at Samsung’s ‘Be Creative’ event.

Samsung celebrity ambassador Desmond Tan, enthuses about how he loves sharing photos with fans and loved ones on social media instantly after shoots.

MediaCorp artiste,Desmond Tan, enthuses about how he loves sharing photos with fans and loved ones on social media instantly after shoots.

Chosen as the new celebrity ambassador for the Samsung GALAXY Camera, up-and-coming MediaCorp artiste, Desmond Tan is a photography buff, who loves to share photos of his special moments with friends, fans and family.

“I love to take photos and share them online so the GALAXY Camera works perfectly for me. I can take professional-like photos, edit and upload onto Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and also use the smart and social GALAXY Camera to surf the internet and send text messages to friends and families as and when I want,” said Desmond Tan.

In preparation for his upcoming lead role in a drama, “96 Café” where he will be taking on the role of a photographer, Desmond has been exploring the various features of the GALAXY Camera by taking photos and sharing them directly from his GALAXY camera with fans who follow him on Instagram.

Other celebrities and personalities who were present at the event included creative and theatre director, Beatrice Chia-Richmond, and boutique hotelier and entrepreneur, Loh Lik Peng, who are Samsung’s ambassadors for the recently-launched GALAXY Note 10.1.

Lytro camera now available in Singapore – introduces manual controls

October 16th, 2012

Lytro cameras have been launched in Singapore. RRP is S$648 (8GB) and S$778 (16GB). Lytro has also introduced manual controls in its cameras.

The Lytro light field camera is now available in Singapore, with manual controls, and in Red Hot, Electric Blue or Graphite. RRP is S$648 (8GB) and S$778 (16GB).

The Lytro light field camera is now available in Singapore, with manual controls, and in Red Hot, Electric Blue or Graphite. RRP is S$648 (8GB) and S$778 (16GB).

The Lytro camera captures all the light traveling in every direction in a scene.

“Manual controls give Lytro photographers the opportunity to take control of the exposure in a scene,” said Eric Cheng, Lytro’s director of photography.

The camera enables photographers to refocus a picture after it’s taken, so that different subjects in the photo can be brought into focus for creative composition.

These living pictures can be shared online with friends and family.

Lytro, creator of the world’s first consumer light field camera, also announced the introduction of manual controls.

These will ship with new cameras purchased, and as a free firmware update for existing customers.

With these easy-to-use manual controls, Lytro photographers can take even more creative pictures in a wide variety of conditions – from low light settings to high-speed subjects.

The new controls are:

  • Shutter Speed – By manually controlling the shutter speed, Lytro photographers can keep the shutter open longer to capture living pictures in dark conditions. The maximum shutter speed is 8 seconds and the minimum is 1/250 second.
  • ISO Sensitivity – Controlling ISO gives Lytro photographers more ways to take creative living pictures in a variety of lighting conditions, from low-light concerts and restaurants to brightly lit soccer fields and amusement parks. The ISO range is 80 (min) to 3200 (max).
  • Neutral Density (ND) Filter – When in full manual mode, Lytro photographers can turn on the ND Filter to adjust the amount of light captured in extremely bright settings.
  • Auto Exposure (AE) Lock – Lytro photographers can lock the auto exposure while changing the composition of a picture in a scene.

You can view some sample pictures shot using manual controls here.

The Lytro camera is available from today in the following retail locations in Singapore.

  • Challenger Store (Funan)
  • EpiCentre (313@Somerset)
  • Parisilk Electronics & Computers (Holland Village)
  • South Asia Computer (Funan)
  • SONG Brothers (Sim Lim Square)
  • Sprint-Cass Duty-Free Shops (Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 2 & 3)

 

Retail prices for Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5

October 15th, 2012

Olympus has released the Recommended Retail Prices for the new Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 for Singapore. Two options are available – a Single Lens Kit (S$1,098) and a Double Zoom Kit (S$1,348).

The Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 body comes in Black, White, or Silver and comes with either a single lens or two lenses.

The Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 body comes in Black, White, or Silver and comes with either a single lens or two lenses.

The micro four thirds mirrorless interchangeable lens PEN Lite E-PL5 was first announced at Photokina 2012 in Cologne in mid September, together with the STYUS XZ-2 flagship camera (RRP to be announced later).

The RRP kit options for the Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 are listed below:

Option 1: Single Lens Kit (S$1,098)

  • Body (Silver, Black or White)
  • M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 IIR

Option 2: Double Zoom Kit (S$1,348)

  • Body (Silver, Black or White)
  • M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 IIR
  • M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 R

OpenNet completes initial rollout of Singapore Nationwide Fibre Network

October 15th, 2012

With the completion of the initial rollout, OpenNet has achieved 95 percent coverage of Singapore’s residential and non-residential premises (as at 30 June 2012) in three and a half years.

95% of Singapore's residential and non-residential have met their friendly neighbourhood. Photo from OpenNet.

95% of Singapore’s residential and non-residential have met their friendly neighbourhood. Photo from OpenNet.

OpenNet’s focus for Singapore’s Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN) is now on the remaining 5% and new premises.

While roll-out to 95% of Singaporean premises was on schedule, there have been some delays in reaching the remaining premises.

OpenNet has, however, recently reached an agreement with its Key Sub-contractor to roll-out fibre to the balance 5% premises by mid-2013.

“As users enjoy a richer and smoother broadband experience, OpenNet is proud to be a contributor to the transformation of Singapore into an intelligent nation and global city,” said Mark Blake, CEO, OpenNet.

The coverage information is being updated and from 1st November 2012 premise owners may check OpenNet’s portal at www.opennet.com.sg for specific coverage details.

A letter will also be sent to homeowners when fibre roll-out to their building has been completed.

Homeowners may then approach their preferred Internet Service Provider to subscribe to fibre broadband services, including a free first pass installation of the fibre termination point.

this WEEK in TECH – a selection of interesting events

October 14th, 2012

Here’s a selection of interesting tech events happening this week (14-20 October 2012). It is not an exhaustive list and represents only a sampling of events that gives a taste of the tech pulse in Singapore.

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore?

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore?

This week sees the continuation of buzz building up to the General Availability of Windows 8. Intel, Samsung, HP and Sony have already showcased their respective offerings. Next week, Microsoft will be releasing Windows 8 on 26 October 2012.

Audiophiles can look forward to the launch of Swiss Piega handmade speakers by Atlas Singapore, while photographers finally see the Lytro light field camera officially launched in Singapore.

The much anticipated Samsung GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera will be launched at the Ritz-Carlton; while BlackBerry and ZALORA join hands to present a fashion show inspired by the BlackBerry Bold smartphones.

On the enterprise side, Progress Software and NCS are talks about growth in big data and the realtime analytic industries, while DPM Teo Chee Hean opens Techventure 2012.

Finally, wrap up the week with a bit of fun and learning at Canon Imaging Academy, shooting out-and-about Singapore and learning about shooting stock photos along the way.

15 October (Sunday)

BlackBerry JamHack 2012

5-city, 3-day, 40-hour hackathon organised by 5 developer groups & communities in Asia Pacific, supported by RIM.

Culminates in App Pitches on the last day on 15 Oct.

Venue: Delhi, Bangalore, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila


15 October (Monday)

Realtime analytics for business

Progress Software and NCS talks about growth in big data and realtime analytic industries.


16 October (Tuesday)

Lytro launch

Official launch of the Lytro light field camera in Singapore.

Venue: Clarke Quay


17 October (Wednesday)

Samsung launch of GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera

Launch of Samsung’s latest products in Singapore.

Venue: Ritz-Carlton


17-18 October (Wednesday to Thursday)

Techventure 2012

This year’s theme, “Äsia.Innovation.Renaisance”, highlights the economic transformation in Asia and opportunities for businesses from technological innovation.

Venue: Marina Bay Sands


18 October (Thursday)

Fashionably Bold

BlackBerry and ZALORA collaborates on a fashion show inspired by the BlackBerry Bold smartphones.

Venue: 72-13 Mohammed Sultan Road


19 October (Friday)

Piega launch by Atlas

Swiss Piega launching a range of exclusive handmade speakers in Singapore.

Venue: Atlas Showroom @ Windstedt


20-22 October (Saturday to Monday)

Singapore iStockalypse

iStockphoto and Getty Images are partnering with Canon Singapore to organise this 3-day photo-workshop to shoot Singapore.

Theory on Saturday, followed by portfolio review on Sunday and out-and-about shooting on Monday.

Venue: Canon Imaging Academy

TODAY! Registration of interest for Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE in Singapore

October 13th, 2012

For those in Singapore interested in getting the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE, registration of interest has started today. Here are the links to register with a Telco or without contract.

Registration of interest for Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE in Singapore.

Registration of interest for Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE in Singapore.

Buyers stand a chance to win a pair of “SMTOWN Live World Tour III in Singapore” concert tickets (worth S$336).

Early birds get a FREE Limited Edition Accessory Pack (worth S$202) with your purchase.

The accessory pack includes four accessories: a flip cover, a protective back cover, a car adapter and a portable battery pack.

To buy the GALAXY Note II LTE without contract, register your interest at the Samsung Experience Stores.

New Windows 8 computer lineup from HP

October 12th, 2012

With the release of Microsoft Windows 8, HP has lined up a range of computers running the new operating system – from All-in-One desktops to notebooks – and two tablets!

HP has lined up a wide range of Windows 8 computers - from desktop AiOs and notebooks to its two new tablets.

HP has lined up a wide range of Windows 8 computers – from desktop AiOs and notebooks to its two new tablets.

Following its aborted foray into tablets last year (with the webOS-based TouchPad), HP will be launching not one but two tablets, based on Windows 8 – the HP ENVY x2 and the HP ElitePad 900.

Both will be available later this year and in January 2013 respectively. Below are some of the computers showcased during the HP’s “A Life Connected” event.

HP ENVY x2
HP ENVY x2Powerful and ultrathin hybrid notebook PC, with a detachable screen that becomes a full tablet when separated from the keyboard.

Ultra slim and lightweight, the docking mechanism has a seamless magnetic latch that smoothly guides the tablet into place.

Comes with Beats Audio for a rich, audio experience.

Available in late 2012. Price S$1,099.

HP ElitePad 900
HP ElitePad 900The HP ElitePad 900 is HP’s premium thin and light Windows 8 tablet, designed for business.

Consumer-inspired design, and precision-crafted with quality materials like Corning Gorilla Glass 2 and sleek contoured edges.

Unique, productivity-enhancing ecosystem of elegantly designed Smart Jackets and other accessories.

Available in late January 2013. Price TBA.

Update (3 May 2013): The HP ElitePad 900 is now available in Singapore for S$1,099 (32GB SSD) and S$1,299 (64GB SSD).

HP ENVY TouchSmart Ultrabook 4
HP ENVY TouchSmart Ultrabook 4The HP ENVY TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 brings the intuitive power of touch to a 14-inch Ultrabook format with up to 8 hours of battery life.

Powerful performance and modern, metallic good looks. Comes with Beats Audio and a booming subwoofer.

Available in late 2012 for S$1,399.

HP Pavilion Sleekbook 14 & Sleekbook 15
HP Pavilion Sleekbook 14 & Sleekbook 15The HP Pavilion Sleekbook PCs provide the performance and easy applications that consumers need every day, in ultrathin 14-inch and 15.6-inch packages.

Available on October 26:

  • Sleekbook14 (AMD): S$699
  • Sleekbook14 (Intel i5): S$999
  • Sleekbook15: S$1,049
HP ENVY 23 & ENVY 20 TouchSmart AiO PC
HP ENVY 23 & ENVY 20 TouchSmart AiO PCThe HP ENVY 23-inch and 20-inch consumer AiO PCs are the newest in the ENVY line and feature the latest touch technology in a one-cord solution with space-saving small footprint.

It is capable of sensing up to 10 fingers on the screen, so you can use both hands to play games, type or touch the screen.

Available in October:

  • HP ENVY 23: S$1,599
  • HP ENVY 20: S$1,199
HP Pavilion 20 AiO PC
HP Pavilion 20 AiO PCThe new HP Pavilion 20 is a powerful 20-inch non-touch AiO PC built for value-conscious consumers.

Available in October for S$899.