Visit to Caterham F1 garage

September 24th, 2012

I popped down to Caterham’s garage last Thursday to take a peek at what went on behind the scenes when the F1 car was being prepped for the Singapore leg of the Formula One Grand Prix.

This stunning shot of the Caterham F1 car during practice was taken by Singaporean photographer Pat Law. Check out his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/patlawhl.

This stunning shot of the Caterham F1 car during practice was taken by Singaporean photographer Pat Law. Check out his Facebook page for other great photos.

The Caterham F1 Team is owned by Malaysian Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia. The team is based in the United Kingdom in Leafield, Oxfordshire.

The team competed as Caterham for the first time this season after team principal Fernandes acquired British sportscar manufacturer Caterham Cars.

Understanding the different types of tyres and when each type is best employed.

Understanding the different types of tyres and when each type is best employed.

The team had competed as Team Lotus in the 2011 F1 season last year, and had finished 10th in the Constructors Championship, with three 13th place finishes.

Partners of Caterham F1 Team.

Partners of Caterham F1 Team.

For the 2012 season, Caterham’s F1 cars are powered by Renault engines and driven by Heikki Kovalainen and Vitaly Petrov.

Both of them have achieved one 13th place finish each in terms of best placing so far.

In the Singapore leg last night, Kovalainen came in 15 while Petrov came in 19.

The team has set as their target this season the capture of its first point in F1 racing for the young team.

The garage tour was made possible thanks to Jacinta Yeo from LG Electronics Singapore.

We were told that the electronic LED signalling system used for F1 on the track was designed and implemented by LG.

The system has replaced the manual flag system waved by human marshallers that were used in the past.

The garage tour was made possible thanks to LG.

The garage tour was made possible thanks to LG.

Unfortunately, no photos were allowed within the garage.

Apart from the cover photo by Pat Law and video from YouTube, all the other photos in this post were taken by Muhamad Farhan Harmid from LG-One.

Posted in Events, Photography, Sports | 1 Comment »

Nubox and EpiCentre sells out non-contracted iPhone 5 across Singapore

September 21st, 2012

Nubox and EpiCentre, both Apple Premium Reseller chains in Singapore, sold out their non-contracted iPhone 5 units nationwide when sales of the new smartphone commenced at 8am this morning.

This is the first time either are selling non-contracted iPhones on launch day. (All photos in this post taken by Nubox and EpiCentre)

Happy customers with their new iPhone 5 at Nubox Tampines Mall.

Happy customers with their new iPhone 5 at Nubox Tampines Mall.

Nubox sold out its iPhone 5 units within 30 minutes while EpiCentre sold out its units within 2 hours.

Overnight queues at EpiCentre Somerset.

Overnight queues at EpiCentre Somerset.

Both were unable to divulge the number of units sold as there was a gag order from Apple on sales figures.

Longest queue at for Nubox was at Tampines Mall with more than 200 people.

Longest queue at for Nubox was at Tampines Mall with more than 200 people.

Nubox set up queue poles outside its outlets at 8pm last night, with people starting to queue at that time at Tampines Mall, which also had the longest queue of some 200 people.

First and second customer at Nubox@Raffles City today – Felix Haryanto William (left) and Angus Tan. 18-year-old polytechnic student Felix Haryanto William started the queue at 1 a.m this morning. Felix was accompanied by his father. “My friends and I have been eagerly waiting for iPhone 5 since last December. I am an Apple fan and I just want the latest phone. We queued at Nubox for the launch of the new iPad in March and decided to come here again to queue for the new iPhone,” said Felix.

1st 2 customers at Nubox@Raffles City – Felix Haryanto William (L) & Angus Tan. 18-yr-old polytechnic student Felix  started the queue at 1 am this morning with his father. “My friends and I have been eagerly waiting for iPhone 5 since last December. I am an Apple fan and I just want the latest phone. We queued at Nubox for the launch of the new iPad in March and decided to come here again to queue for the new iPhone,” said Felix.

19-year-old Deepti Vasan queued with her father since 8 p.m. last night. “We are looking forward to the larger screen which would be great for videos. We were very excited when we know that Nubox is selling iPhone 5. We still have an existing contract and it would be very expensive to break the contact,” said Deepti. Both father and daughter were delighted with their new 64GB iPhone 5.

19-year-old Deepti Vasan queued with her father since 8 pm last night at Nubox@Tampines Mall. “We are looking forward to the larger screen which would be great for videos. We were very excited when we know that Nubox is selling iPhone 5. We still have an existing contract and it would be very expensive to break the contact,” said Deepti. Both father and daughter were delighted with their new 64GB iPhone 5.

For EpiCentre, the majority of the queues started forming from 8pm last night.
“I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by a welcome crew as I entered the store,” said Ms Tang Yinghua, the first customer at the EpiCentre ION Orchard outlet. “I felt like a VIP as the crew clapped and cheered continuously as they activated my iPhone 5. It was an overwhelming experience and I can’t wait to use my iPhone 5 immediately.”

“I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by a welcome crew as I entered the store,” said Ms Tang Yinghua, the first customer at the EpiCentre ION Orchard outlet. “I felt like a VIP as the crew clapped and cheered continuously as they activated my iPhone 5. It was an overwhelming experience and I can’t wait to use my iPhone 5 immediately.”

EpiCentre is offering promotional bundles for the iPhone 5, which includes trade-up promotions for customers upgrading their smartphones to the new Apple iPhone 5.

Trade-up prices vary depending on the smartphone model and conditions.

Accessories bundles include either the purchase of a Gosh iPhone 5 screen protector and a Gosh Cross Case at S$39.90 (usual price: S$70.90); or the purchase of any screen protector or phone case at 15% discount.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Apple, Availability, Gadgets, iOS, iPhone, Launch, Phones, Prices, Tech news | No Comments »

SingTel launches new deF!ND and the Apple iPhone 5

September 21st, 2012

20-year-old Liu Ting Ting was the first customer to purchase an iPhone 5 from SingTel this morning.

Besides selling the iPhone 5, SingTel also launched a new version of deF!ND – its free mobile personal assistant app that integrates local information and enables bookings of services on the move.

Early-bird customers at SingTel's iPhone 5 launch.

Early-bird customers at SingTel’s iPhone 5 launch.

SingTel has organised a three-day launch event for the iPhone 5 starting this morning at 8am at Marina Bay Sands, Exhibition Hall D, Basement 2.

Liu Ting Ting jumping with joy.

Liu Ting Ting jumping with joy.

A record 68,000 customers registered their interest over six days to purchase iPhone 5 from SingTel.

SingTel’s price plans can be found at the end of this post.

The 10,000 appointment slots to purchase iPhone 5 at our launch event were snapped-up within one and a half hours.

The first customer to purchase iPhone 5 is Ms Liu Ting Ting (age 20, student).

She had arrived last night (Thurs 20 Sep) at 8:30pm even though she had a confirmed appointment to purchase iPhone 5 this morning.

Liu Ting Ting with Allan Lew (R) and Yuen Kuan Moon (L) from SingTel.

Liu Ting Ting with Allan Lew (R) and Yuen Kuan Moon (L) from SingTel.

She chose to camp overnight in order to be the first to get the phone.

SingTel also unveiled a new version of deF!ND, which features Singapore’s own voice-activated personal assistant, often dubbed the “Singapore Siri”.

First launched in November last year, the new version now features a significantly expanded database of more than 100,000 reviews on more than 15,000 eateries from HungryGoWhere, Singapore’s popular food website.

Users can quickly and easily browse through recommendations of highly-rated restaurants and hawkers nearest to their current location.

SingTel deF!ND can be downloaded free from the Apple App Store and Google Play store.

SingTel deF!ND can be downloaded free from the Apple App Store and Google Play store.

deF!ND is now able to make intelligent movie recommendations based on users’ personal preferences and display screening times at GV, Shaw and Cathay cinemas nearest to their current location.

deF!ND is a free app iOS and Android app from SingTel.A virtual barometer predicts the user’s level of interest in all movies that are currently airing.

The app allows users to select seats and charge ticket purchases to their credit cards.

With deF!ND, users can also book taxis, locate ATMs, medical clinics and other essential amenities, find the best shopping deals and get updates on local events.

The app draws from SingTel’s popular inSing.com database of more than 170,000 business listings.

By the way, SingTel’s price plans is listed below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Android, App, Apple, Gadgets, iOS, iPhone, Launch, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, Software, Specifications, Tech news | 1 Comment »

Movie preview: Cybergeddon – Norton helps CSI Anthony Zuiker

September 20th, 2012

I just watched an interesting movie – its about how three protagonists ATTEMPT to thwart evil cracker Gustov Dobreff from taking over the world.

Produced by CSI creator, Anthony E. Zuiker, the show reveals the growing threat of cybercrime in a realistic and entertaining way.

Update (25 September, 2012):

The first three episodes of Cybergeddon has been released at 1pm today. The remaining six webisodes will be released over the next two days. Catch the movie at Yahoo!

Also check out “Cybergeddon” app – the free mobile game on the Apple App Store for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad; as well as Google Play store for Android devices.

Cybergeddon, Anthony E. Zuiker's digital blockbuster will premiere globally on Tuesday, 25 September.

Cybergeddon, Anthony E. Zuiker’s digital blockbuster will premiere globally on Tuesday, 25 September.

Cybergeddon follows agent Chloe Jocelyn (Missy Peregrym) as she investigates a slew of seemingly unrelated cyber-attacks with fellow agent Frank Parker (Manny Montana) and incarcerated master hacker Chase ‘Rabbit’ Rosen (Kick Gurry).

Anthony E. Zuiker and Missy Peregrym on the set of Cybergeddon in Toronto, Canada.

Anthony E. Zuiker and Missy Peregrym on the set of Cybergeddon in Toronto, Canada.

In a world where everyone is connected, Chloe and her team must break the worldwide cybercrime ring led by Gustov Dobreff (Olivier Martinez) before it is too late.

Olivier Martinez (from Unfaithful) acts as villain Gustov Dobreff.

Olivier Martinez (from “Unfaithful”) acts as villain Gustov Dobreff.

The “movie” is actually a web serial comprising 9 webisodes to be released on Yahoo! over a period of three consecutive days starting 25 September 2012 (Tuesday).

Cybergeddon will debut in over 25 countries and 10 languages.

The digital blockbuster was produced in Toronto, Canada and puts the spotlight on the growing threat of cybercrime, identity theft and vulnerabilities in our highly connected and digital lives.

Missy Peregrym (from "Rookie Blue") acts as heroine Chloe Jocelyn.

Missy Peregrym (from “Rookie Blue”) acts as heroine Chloe Jocelyn.

Norton by Symantec consulted directly with the projects’ creators to lend credibility and technical insights that helped inform the narrative and led to the creation of a cybersecurity character in the film.

Kick Gurry (from "Speed Racer") as master hacker Chase 'Rabbit' Rosen.

Kick Gurry (from “Speed Racer”) as master hacker Chase ‘Rabbit’ Rosen.

I found the show struck a good balance between technical depth and entertainment value.

Missy Peregrym's character is framed by the villain in Cybergeddon.

Missy Peregrym’s character is framed by the villain in Cybergeddon.

There was an adequate supply of technical jargon to appease the informed hacker in the audience without boring the living daylights out of the layman viewer.

Manny Montana (from "Breakout Kings") acts as agent and unwilling partner Frank Parker.

Manny Montana (from “Breakout Kings”) acts as agent Frank Parker.

In fact, well-designed animation was used to illustrate abstract hacking processes to help audiences appreciate the complexities and progress of various hacking processes.

Missy Peregrym in the Norton Security Operations Center (NSOC) in Cybergeddon.

Missy Peregrym in the Norton Security Operations Center (NSOC) in Cybergeddon.

The pace of the movie was maintained throughout so that the show felt like a regular action thriller – actually, there was plenty of chase and fight scenes, complete with pyrotechnics and gory stabs so even if you don’t understand any of the hacking bits, you can still enjoy the flick.

Re-creation of the Norton Security Operations Center (NSOC) for Cybergeddon.

Re-creation of the Norton Security Operations Center (NSOC) for Cybergeddon.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Events, Exhibition, Internet, Lifestyle, Norton, Security, Shows, Software | No Comments »

New social app: NuffnangX makes it easy to read blogs on the go

September 19th, 2012

The free app works on iOS, Android and web platforms and helps users discover new blogs, follow bloggers’ updates and conduct two-way conversations with them while on the go.

NuffnangX is a free app for iOS, Android and Web platforms for perusing blogs on the road.

NuffnangX is a free app for iOS, Android and Web platforms for perusing blogs on the road.

Netccentric Pte Ltd, the parent company of Asia Pacific’s blog advertising community Nuffnang.com, has globally launched NuffnangX.

“It continues to be more and more challenging for bloggers to engage their readers and for readers to keep up with their favourite blogs,” said Cheo Ming Shen, co-founder of NuffnangX and Netccentric.

With thousands of blogs out there, NuffnangX hand-picks blogs to suit your reading preferences and interests.

The app serves as your personal blog shopper which selects the best blogs from around the world for you.

NuffnagX is a free app for iOS, Android and Web platforms for persing blogs on the move.NuffnangX’s Patent Pending Technology summarises hundreds and thousands of words of each blog entry on your feed to a single line that is known as the “elevator pitch” so you can decide quickly whether a blog is interesting enough for you to read.

NuffnangX also simplifies the commenting process, making it seamless and easy to use.

Both partners had met whilst studying in London, and fresh from graduation, started Netccentric Pte Ltd as the holding company for their web ventures.

Coupled with a mixed bag of working experience in the Finance and Government sectors, their first project was Nuffnang.com, Asia Pacific’s First Blog Advertising Community.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Android, App, iOS, Launch, Software | No Comments »

New Android smartphone: LG Optimus G, its new flagship LTE device

September 18th, 2012

LG has launched the Optimus G in Seoul, Korea today. Available in Korea next week and in key global markets in October.

The Optimus G is LG's new flagship smartphone model, with 1.5 GHz Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor.

The Optimus G is LG’s new flagship smartphone model, with 1.5 GHz Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor.

LG Optimus G
OS Android 4.0.4 (ICS)
Screen 4.7″ WXGA, True HD IPSPlus
Resolution 1280 x 768
Battery 2,100 mAh, sealed
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 1.5 GHz Quad-Core Krait CPUs
Features LTE, NFC
Camera Rear: 13 MP*
Front: 1.3 MP
Video 1080p Full HD
Memory RAM: 2 GB
Int: 32 GB
Ext: Nil
Size /mm 131.9 x 68.9 x 8.45
Weight 145 g
Price TBA
* In certain markets, the phone could be shipped with an 8 MP camera.

The Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) phone has a camera that shoots an amazing 13 megapixels while the sealed battery is rated at 2,100 mAh.

The Optimus G has a 4.7-inch WXGA True HD IPS Plus (1280 x 768 pixels) screen and is only 8.45mm thin.

It is both LTE and NFC capable.

LG’s new flagship smartphone leverages the powerful 1.5 GHz Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU to provide speedy performance and a sleek user experience.

LG boasts that the Optimus G goes beyond multi-taking into “cross-tasking” of activities without limitations.

According to LG: whereas multi-tasking applies to running various applications at the same time, cross-tasking applies to complex tasks that can be completed simultaneously without having to compromise other tasks.

Some new UX features that will be included into the Optimus G to showcase its cross-tasking and engaging capabilities are listed below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Android, App, Gadgets, Launch, LG, Operating Systems, Optimus, Phones, Software, Specifications | No Comments »

New Olympus PEN E-PL5, STYLUS XZ-2 cameras and lenses for Photokina 2012

September 17th, 2012

Olympus has unveiled two new cameras and three new lenses for Photokina 2012 (18-23 September). At the same time, it is consolidating all its compact cameras under the new STYLUS branding.

None of the pricing is available yet.

Update (15 October, 2012):

The Recommended Retail Price of the Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 has just been announced.

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
The new Olympus STYLUS XZ-2 with its selection of accessories. The PEN Lite E-PL5 has its own set of chic accessories.

The new Olympus STYLUS XZ-2 with its selection of accessories. The PEN Lite E-PL5 has its own set of chic accessories.

Photokina 2012 begins tomorrow and ends on Sunday. Below is a summary of the slew of cameras and lenses that Olympus has lined up for the biennial trade show in Cologne, Germany.

PEN Lite E-PL5 micro four thirds MIL camera
PEN Lite E-PL5 micro four thirds MIL cameraSkipping the inauspicious number “4” in the Japanese language, Olympus introduces the E-PL5, the successor to the E-PL3.Available in October 2012 in Silver, Black or White.

Features:

PEN Lite E-PL5 micro four thirds MIL camera

  • 16.05 megapixels
  • Live MOS Sensor
  • FAST AF
  • Touch AF Shutter
  • TruePic VI image engine
  • 12 Art Filters including new “Water Colour” filter
STYLUS XZ-2 compact camera
STYLUS XZ-2 compact cameraThe first member of the new STYLUS line, the XZ-2 is the successor to my favourite compact, the XZ-1.As the latest member of the STYLUS X series, the XZ-2 will be the flagship of the Olympus compact cameras.Available in November 2012 in Black.Features:

STYLUS XZ-2 compact camera

  • 12 megapixels
  • f1.8-2.5 bright lens
  • 4x Optical zoom
  • 28mm wide angle
  • Touch AF Shutter
  • Swivel screen
  • 11 Art Filters
  • Removable grip
  • Hybrid control ring around the lens
M.Zuiko DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 Limited Edition Black Kit Lens
M.Zuiko DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 Limited Edition Black Kit LensThis lens will have a limited worldwide release of 3,000 sets, with 50 allocated to Singapore.Available in early October 2012.Features:

  • Dual Super Aspherical lens element
  • ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating
  • Fine-textured metallic outer finish
  • Snapshot focusing mechanism for pan-focus shooting
M.Zuiko DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 Lens
M.Zuiko DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 LensWith product launch scheduled in the first half of 2013, the detailed product specifications are not determined yet.It will have the same snapshot focusing mechanism from the M.Zuiko DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 lens.It will also feature the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism for fast, quiet autofocusing.
M.Zuiko DIGITAL ED 60mm f2.8 Macro Lens
M.Zuiko DIGITAL ED 60mm f2.8 Macro LensThis lens promises high resolution and contrast, as well as the ability to shoot close-up with 1x magnification.MSC mechanism for fast, quiet autofocusing.Dust and splash proof construction for secure shooting under poor conditions.Enhanced control with focus limit switch and indicator window.

Available from early October 2012.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Accessories, Announce, camera flash, Cameras, Compact camera, Gadgets, Lens, MIL, Olympus, Photography, Specifications, STYLUS, Tech news, Tickers, Zuiko | 1 Comment »

New DSLR: Canon EOS 6D

September 17th, 2012

Following in the footsteps of the Sony Alpha SLT-A99 and Nikon D600, Canon has unveiled its full-frame DSLR. The 20.2-megapixel EOS 6D will be available in December and is priced at US$2,100 (S$2,570) for the body only.

Canon's new full-frame DSLR, the 20.2-megapixel EOS 6D.

Canon’s new full-frame DSLR, the 20.2-megapixel EOS 6D.

Full-frame DSLRs are in, going by the announcements and launch in the lead-up to Photokina in Cologne, Germany – which begins tomorrow and lasts until Sunday.

After Sony announced its Alpha SLT-A99 (and fixed-lens compact CyberShot RX-1); and Nikon launched its D600 last week, Canon has announced today its new full-frame shooter – the Canon EOS 6D, which will be available in December.

All the new Sony and Nikon full-frame cameras above have 24.3 megapixels. The Canon EOS 6D, which can be considered as the 60D with a full-frame sensor shoots 20.2 megapixels and is priced at US$2,100 (S$2,570).

Price of the Canon EOS 6D with EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USZ zoom kit lens is $2,899 (S$3,545).

Keep an eye on this space for more details.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Announce, Cameras, Canon, DSLR, EOS, Gadgets, Opinion, Photography, Prices, Specifications, Tech news, Tickers | No Comments »

2K Games introduces multiplayer game mode for XCOM: Enemy Unknown

September 17th, 2012

2K Games announced today that XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the action-strategy game from Firaxis Games, will include a unique multiplayer game mode featuring a one-on-one deathmatch against another player for the first time in an XCOM game.

2K Games announces new multiplayer Deathmatch Mode for XCOM: Enemy Unknown

2K Games announces new multiplayer Deathmatch Mode for XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Players will be able to pick a squad of soldiers, aliens or even combine a squad of both unit types to create the ultimate mixed squad to command in battle.

Check out the details in the media release below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Announce, Gaming, Microsoft, Software, Sony, Tech news, Tickers | No Comments »

Microsoft Office 365 subscriptions for consumers and small businesses

September 17th, 2012

You can get the new Office 2013 either through a traditional one-time purchase, or via an annual subscription. Microsoft has unveiled its subscription price plans for consumers and small businesses.

Microsoft has unveiled its Office 365 subscription and one-time-purchase price plans for Office 2013.

Microsoft has unveiled its Office 365 subscription and one-time-purchase price plans for Office 2013.

Looking at the price plans, it’s a no-brainer that Microsoft wants customers to move from a traditional one-time purchase model to the new annual subscription plan.

View the detailed features and price comparisons for the different purchase models and price plans.

View the detailed features and price comparisons for the different purchase models and price plans.

The cheaper Office 365 Home Premium subscription costs US$100 per year and gives you the same main component software as the top-end version for traditional purchase – the Professional version which sets you back US$400. (all prices rounded to the nearest dollar).

The subscription, however, allows for up to 5 PCs or Macs while the one-time-purchase version is only for one PC.

So the US$400 you dole out for one PC’s worth of the latter is enough to pay for four year’s worth of the essentially the same software for 5 computers.

If you renew your one-time-purchase Office every four years, the annual subscription model still works out to 20% of the one-time-purchase rate because you get five seats instead of one.

If you renew every eight years, you would still be paying only 40% of the one-time-purchase price in terms of cost per seat.

Plus the subscription model constantly keeps your version at the latest and offers additional 20 GB of SkyDrive storage, 60 Skype minutes, and other cloud-based features.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Announce, Microsoft, Office, Prices, Software, Specifications | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »