Tech bytes for tea?

Sony showcases new VAIO Windows 8 notebooks in Singapore

October 11th, 2012

In the run up to Windows 8 official release on October 26, Sony has revealed its Fall lineup of Intel-based VAIO notebooks running on the new operating system – including the VAIO Duo 11 slate that comes with sliding keyboard.

Available from November 2012. VAIO Duo 11 will be sold at S$1,999 (i5-3317U processor) and S$2,699 (i7-3517U). Prices for the other notebooks TBA.

Sony’s new lineup of VAIO notebooks is helmed by the VAIO Duo 11, an Ultrabook slate with a slide-out keyboard and stylus pen; weighing only 1.3 kg and 17.85 mm thin. 11.6-inch display and available in November 2012 at S$1,999 (i5 CPU) and S$2,699 (i7 CPU).

Sony showcased its new VAIO lineup for the Fall at the Red Dot Museum in Singapore today.

New S Series models come in 13.3″ and 15.5″ screens, i5 and i7 CPUs and comes with new colour Red. 1.69 kg, 22.8 mm thin.

The new notebooks run on the latest Intel* chips and the new Windows 8 operating system, centering user experience around Touch interactivity.

These sleekly designed machines either have a 10-point multi-touch screen, or come with touchpads that enable users to utilise the touch interface of Windows 8.

As an electronics giant with a full range of electronic products, Sony demonstrated how the VAIO computers could be tightly integrated with other electronic gadgets in its stable.

These include large DLNA TV displays, cameras, video cameras, and Android smartphones.

Two new 14″E14P Series notebooks (i5 & i7). Note the soft-edged design with no bezels.

A VAIO user can therefore download, edit and share photos/videos taken with a camera or smartphone and view them either on the Web or on a large TV.

Two new 13.3″ VAIO T Series models (i5 & i7 CPU) using premium materials like magnesium and aluminium.

The VAIO Duo 11 ultrabook can function as a flat slate but has a slide-out keyboard to become a laptop.

The new S Series models has 5.5 hr battery life (additional 11 hr with optional extended battery) and a Dynamic Hybrid Graphics System that uses two graphics processors.

The two new T Series Ultrabooks has either SSD or hybrid HDD/SSD storage.

* In addition to the two new VAIO E14P Series models, the lineup also includes the VAIO E 11” and 15” series which are equipped with 3rd generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, or the AMD Radeon processor.

Tags: AMD, Intel, notebooks, slate, Sony, SSD, Vaio, Windows, Windows 8
Posted in Announce, Events, Exhibition, Gadgets, Notebooks, Operating Systems, Prices, Sony, Specifications, Tablets, Ultrabooks, VAIO, Windows 8 | No Comments »

Event: HP showcases new Windows 8 computers, tablets and printers

October 10th, 2012

With the impending General Availability of Windows 8 on October 26, HP has showcased its range of All-in-One desktops, notebooks and tablets; and enunciated its vision of integrating these with smartphone usage and its printer product line – to enable a connected life.

HP showcases its extensive range of PCs and printers – and how they can be integrated to give users “A Life Connected”. Pictured here is the Officejet Pro 6700 Premium eAiO (left) and the ENVY x2 (right). Not shown to scale.

HP wants to help us integrate the disparate electronic gadgets in our digital lives seamlessly into “A Life Connected” – the theme for the showcase event.

HP is introducing two new tablets based on Windows 8. Pictured here is the ElitePad 900.

HP Singapore roped in local celebrity, Irene Ang, to demonstrate how an user could leverage the wide range of HP products for work and play, and move content and media easily between different devices.

Irene went on a fictitious holiday to Morocco, armed with HP’s recently unveiled HP Envy x2 hybrid notebook, that comes with a detachable keyboard, which she’d used to book her holiday and hotel.

Irene arrived at a Moroccan hotel where the staff used an HP EllitePad 900 tablet to check her in, printing out her check-in paperwork wirelessly using an HP printer.

The EllitePad 900 comes with a jacket that doubles battery life and provides additional expansion ports.

HP Photosmart 7520 eAiO

During her vacation in exotic Morocco, Irene snapped photos using her smartphone and used an HP app to upload and edit her photos online at Snapfish.

These photos are automatically synched with her tablet and AIO computer at home.

Along the way, she had time to do an “OppaN Irene Ang style” number to music streamed from her tablet.

And below is Oppan Irene Ang Style…

Here are some of the computers showcased during the entertaining event.

Follow this link to check out the new AiO inkjet printers with wireless direct printing technology.

Tags: computers, Grand Park Orchard, HP, Irene Ang, keyboards, laptops, launch, notebooks, PC, printers, Singapore, tablets, Windows, Windows 8
Posted in Accessories, All-in-One, Desktops, Events, Exhibition, Gadgets, HP, Inkjet, Laserjet, Notebooks, Printers, Tablets, Ultrabooks, Windows 8 | 3 Comments »

New company byte: OpenNet

September 26th, 2012

Here’s a new Company Byte – for OpenNet, the Singapore company responsible for the building, managing and operating of the fibre-optic platform for Singapore’s Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN).

Read a byte-sized profile and background information of OpenNetfor quick reference here.

You can also read articles related to OpenNet on tech4tea.com here.

Tags: fibre, network, NGNBN, OpenNet, Singapore
Posted in Enterprise IT, Network, OpenNet, Profile, Reference, Wiki | No Comments »

New software: Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 & Premiere Elements 11

September 25th, 2012

Adobe introduces the latest versions of the photo and video editing software with revamped user interfaces that makes editing, organising and sharing easier.

Available as stand-alone products (S$131 each), Photoshop Elements 11 and Premiere Elements 11 can also be purchased together as a bundle (S$197).

Check the buying guide for Adobe Photoshop Elements 11, Premiere Elements 11 or the bundle.

Photoshop Elements 11 offers a complete solution for editing, organizing and sharing photo creations while Premiere Elements 11 offers easy creation of engaging home movies with professional flair.

Prices listed are the Adobe direct store prices in SGD and reseller prices may vary.

Prices do not include tax or shipping and handling.

Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 and Adobe Premiere Elements 11 software for Windows and Mac are now available here.

Both solutions are available for Windows and Mac.

Powerful, intuitive tools in Photoshop Elements 11

Make photos look their best with editing options that offer virtually everything from quick fixes to a number of creative possibilities.

A completely refreshed, user-friendly interface featuring the same engine as Adobe Photoshop – includes easily-navigated Quick, Guided and Expert editing modes; one-click options; a helpful Action bar; and big, bold icons to help users get the most from their shots.
Organise photos based on people, places (via Google maps geo-tagging) or events easily and intuitively.
New Guided Edits make pro-level effects like tilt-shift, vignettes and high and low-key easy to create.
New filters – Comic, Graphic Novel and Pen & Ink – inspire creativity by turning photos into stunning illustrations.
Intelligent Photoshop technology makes it easy to extract objects from different photos.
Easily share photos via email, Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo and more.

Easy pro-quality videos with Premiere Elements 11

Create attractive, pro-level videos with automated moviemaking options to take the work out of editing.

An entirely new and improved user interface including many of the same updates found in Photoshop Elements 11.
Add polish with a wide range of great-looking effects, transitions, themes, titles, disc menus, and professional-level effects and sound.
Give videos Hollywood movie styles with FilmLooks; easily apply slow and fast motion effects; dial-in colors with slider controls; effortlessly integrate blends for seamless transitions; and make adjustments with Quick Presets.
Show off finished creations with integrated video sharing on Vimeo.

Tags: Adobe, editor, Elements, photo, photo editor, Photoshop, Premiere, software, video, video editor
Posted in Adobe, Availability, Photography, Prices, Software, Specifications | No Comments »

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.”

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.

The non-contracted Apple iPhone 5 retails at:

16GB – S$948
32GB – S$1,088
64GB – S$1,238

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: Apple, EpiCentre, iPhone, iPhone 5, launch, Nubox, Singapore
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

deF!ND is available for free download from the Apple App Store and Google Play store. It was developed in collaboration with app developer, Jinni Media.

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: Apps, deF!ND, iPhone, iPhone 5, launch, news, Singapore, SingTel
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 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.

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.

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 debuts on 25 September (Tuesday) on Yahoo! with three webisodes released each day for three consecutive days.You can watch the trailer here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tags: CSI, movie, Norton, preview, Symantec, Zuiker
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.

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.

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.

Where to get NuffnangX

NuffnangX is available for free download from the Apple App Store and Google Play store.

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: Android, Apple, Apps, Nuffnang, NuffnangX, Singapore
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.

LG Optimus G
OS	Android 4.0.4 (ICS)
Screen	4.7″ WXGA, True HD IPS^Plus
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*
Camera	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.