Mobile Marketing Association Forum Singapore 2012

April 24th, 2012

The tech-equipped digitally-savvy consumer of the future is the key to a smarter tomorrow, found delegates to the MMAF on the first day of the two-day seminar from 24-25 April 2012.

Mobile Marketing Association Forum Singapore 2012

Mobile Marketing Association Forum Singapore 2012

Some 300 delegates and speakers gained new understanding of the importance of mobile, the central position of the consumer, and the use of mobile for brand-building.

“Consumers will be less concerned about the distinctions between mobile and digital and Internet, but will simply operate within a converged space,” said Guest-of-Honour, Mr Michael Yap when he delivered his Keynote Address. Mr Michael Yap is Deputy CEO, Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA).The future of mobile marketing were discussed against the changing digital media landscape of today.

Closely focused on evolving consumer behaviour in the current technological environment and how brands and marketers can engage, inform and influence them, the first day of MMAF offered industry the chance to identify market trends that will shape a smarter future.

Industry and media leaders such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Google and Nokia presented topics themed around “A Smarter Tomorrow” at the Grand Hyatt in Singapore.

The presentations highlighted how the development of the mobile marketing and advertising industry is contingent on a deeper understanding of tech-equipped digitally-aware consumers, who have come to understand and shape the new emerging media.

“There may be low-end devices, but there are no low-end consumers,” said Srikanth Raju, Head, Ecosystem, APAC, Nokia, referring to how all consumers want compelling experiences, regardless of the device. The next talk was by Marcel Fenez, Global Leader Entertainment & Media, PricewaterhouseCoopers, who eschewed a discussion of technology in favour of talking about what consumers want in terms of content and how they behave.

Against the backdrop of an informative video that included candid comments from consumers from all over the world, Fenez explained that consumers take technology as a given, and that they are more interested in content than in channels.

Launch of Adobe CS6

April 24th, 2012

The latest iteration of Adobe’s flagship software suite has been launched. Available in May 2012, there will be 4 suites, comprising different combinations of 14 print, web and video software.

The suites are: Master Collection (S$3,924), Design & Web Premium (S$2,868), Design & Web Standard (S$1,962), and Production Premium (S$2,868).

Adobe has also launched the new subscription-based Creative Cloud (US$600 per year). This is not available in Singapore yet.

Adobe Creative Suite 6

Adobe Creative Suite 6

Singapore was the first venue in the world to launch Adobe Creative Suite 6.

Shantanu Narayen, Adobe CEO, and David Wadhwani, SVP, Digital Media Business, Adobe, will host a launch event and press conference on the release of Adobe Creative Cloud and CS 6 at 10:00 am Pacific Time, 23 April.

CS6 is part of Adobe’s 2-year renewal of its creative suite of software. One year on from each major release is a mid-cycle update, as with Adobe CS5.5.

The Mercury engine that was introduced in Premiere Pro in CS5 has been implemented in other products in CS6, notably Photoshop and Illustrator.

For Photoshop, the impressive Content-Aware Fill feature in Photoshop CS5 has been supplemented with two new enhancements – Content-Aware Patch and Content-Aware Move.

Dreamweaver and other component products in CS5 was based on perpetuating the Flash platform.

Having had the rug pulled from under its feet by the late Steve Jobs, Adobe has shifted the emphasis for Dreamweaver in CS5.5 and CS6 more towards facilitating HTML5, “an open Web standard that’s replacing Adobe’s older Flash tools for many Web designers” (quoted from Bloomberg).

There are also more tools for designing apps for smartphones and tablets.

A big step for Adobe this time round is its foray into a subscription-based model, although it is not available in Singapore yet.

Creative Cloud will charge US$50 a month for a one-year commitment (US$75 without one).

Subscribers can access the 14 programs, which can be installed on an Apple Mac or on a Windows PC.

Users can use the installed software even when they are not connected to the Internet.

A cloud-based service will also enable users to collaborate and share work with colleagues and clients through a Web browser.

The list of software as well as the composition of each suite can be found here.

Nikon COOLPIX S30 available in Singapore

April 23rd, 2012

The 10.1-megapixel Nikon COOLPIX S30 (S$259) is now available exclusively from Courts. The waterproof and shockproof compact camera is ideal for kids.

Nikon COOLPIX S30 is shockproof, waterproof and dirtproof.

Nikon COOLPIX S30 is shockproof, waterproof and dirtproof.

The COOLPIX S30 is built to resist shock (withstands falls from heights of up to 80 cm), water (up to 3 metres depth) and dirt.

Nikon COOLPIX S30: 10.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom.

10.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom.

The camera has large buttons and a user-friendly interface, and comes with 3x optical zoom.

For added fun, a creative slide show function creates animated effects and music with the photos!

Unveiled on 1 February as part of Nikon’s Spring 2012 collection, the COOLPIX S30 is available in black, white, pink and blue.

New TomTom App for iPhone/iPad available in iTunes

April 22nd, 2012

TomTom South East Asia V1.10 is now available in the iTunes store. Priced at US$69.99, existing V1.9 users can download the update for free.

TomTom App for iPhone/iPad South East Asia V1.10 available now on iTunes.

TomTom App for iPhone/iPad South East Asia V1.10 available now on iTunes.

The latest version of the TomTom App integrates TomTom navigation with social media applications such as Facebook and Twitter – allowing users to navigate to friends, places and events more easily.

TomTom App for iPhone/iPad South East Asia V1.10 First previewed during CES 2012 in January, the TomTom navigation app for iPhone and iPad fully supports social networks as a source for turn-by-turn navigation.

The new version automatically plans routes based on information from Facebook events and places.

Additionally, drivers can use the app to share their destination and arrival time on Twitter, Facebook, by email and by SMS text.

The app offers regional coverage and the update includes the latest maps of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Brunei.

White delights on Nokia Mix Radio

April 21st, 2012

Nokia has created a “white” themed playlist on Mix Radio to celebrating the white Lumia 800 smartphone.

Nokia Lumia 800 Windows Phone smartphone.

Nokia Lumia 800 Windows Phone smartphone.

Yearning for some tunes to go along with the new, sleek, snow-white Nokia Lumia 800?

"White" songs for the white Lumia 800.

"White" songs for the white Lumia 800.

Start white-listing your favourite songs as you go through the interesting selection of tracks in the playlist.

From music by Barry White and the White Stripes, to songs like White As Snow and White Flag, Nokia Lumia owners will be able to access this special playlist on Mix Radio via the Nokia Music app.

They can also expect an exciting multi-cultural mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian tunes such as Ding Dang’s Bai Se, Amuk’s Putih Hitam Biru and Ilaiyaraaja’s Vellai Pura Ondru.

White Bird by Singapore-born singer, Vanessa Mae, is also available on this white playlist.

Mix Radio features a myriad of other colourful tracks as well.

Users can create their own mixes and personalised playlists based on music they love.

Mix Radio app on the Nokia Lumia 800.

Mix Radio app on the Nokia Lumia 800.

Simply choose an artist or a genre of music as a starting point and Mix Radio will dynamically create a playlist.

Mix radio can also be personalized based on your library of music, automatically noting your favourite genres and creating more genre playlists of recommended music.

Users can even pin their favourite playlists to the start screen or download them for listening when they are offline.

Nimsoft Monitor Certified on VCE Vblock Infrastructure Platforms

April 20th, 2012

Nimsoft has announced that Nimsoft Monitor has attained the VCE Vblock Ready certification.

Nimsoft Monitor is a component of Nimsoft Unified Manager, a multi-tenant IT Management as-a-Service solution.

Nimsoft Monitor is a component of Nimsoft Unified Manager, a multi-tenant IT Management as-a-Service solution.

This enables users to confidently leverage Nimsoft IT Management-as-a-Service capabilities to rapidly and cost-efficiently gain full visibility into their Vblock infrastructure—along with the rest of their cloud and non-cloud environments.

“Vblock Infrastructure Platforms offer the ability to substantially drive down technology ownership costs while dramatically improving technology value,” said Sumal Karunanayake, Vice President, Nimsoft, Asia Pacific & Japan.Nimsoft Monitor delivers end-to-end performance and availability monitoring of Vblock Infrastructure Platforms at the hardware, network, storage, computing and application layers.

By addressing the Vblock Infrastructure Platform as a whole—rather than as individual components—Nimsoft Monitor enables enterprises and service providers to quickly discover and address the root causes of issues that can adversely affect critical IT services.

BlackBerry 7.1 OS for Bold 9900 users in Singapore

April 20th, 2012

The latest version of the RIM’s smartphone operating system – BlackBerry 7.1 – is available for BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphones in Singapore.

The new OS 7.1 upgrade will enable users to share content by using “BlackBerry Tag” once NFC is enabled on their smartphones.

BlackBerry OS7.1 is available to Bold 9900 users in Singapore

BlackBerry OS7.1 includes BlackBerry Tag if the smartphone is NFC-enabled

Users can upgrade their software for free online, or by using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software.

Use BlackBerry Tag to share Contact information between NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones.

Use BlackBerry Tag to share Contact information between NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones.

The BlackBerry 7.1 OS incorporates a new feature called BlackBerry Tag which makes sharing of information and content easier – simply tap two NFC-enabled BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphones against each other.

Users can instantly invite a friend to BBM (BlackBerry Messenger), exchange contact information, documents, URLs, photos and other multimedia content.

Users can also pair their BlackBerry smartphone with an NFC enabled Bluetooth device.

With BlackBerry 7.1, users can now turn their BlackBerry smartphone into a mobile hotspot that can be shared by up to 5 Wi-Fi -enabled devices, including laptops and tablets.

Simply tap both NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones to share information.

Simply tap both NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones to share information.

In addition, a new Battery Saving Mode feature has been added which allows customers to extend the battery life of their BlackBerry Bold 9900 when it is most needed.

The new feature provides customers the option to have their smartphone settings automatically adjusted when the battery power reaches a level pre-defined by the users.

Some of the settings the Battery Saving Mode will automatically adjust include the brightness level, backlight timeout, and also the mobile hotspot auto shutdown timer.

New camera lens: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G

April 19th, 2012

Nikon’s newest NIKKOR lens is a fast, wide-angle 28mm f/1.8 fixed focal length in Nikon’s FX-format – for full frame DSLRs like the D800. It will be available in the US from the end of May 2012 at about US$700.

The new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G promises sharp focus and pleasing bokeh.

The new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G promises sharp focus and pleasing bokeh.

The new lens can also be used on DX-format cameras – such as the D3200 which was launched at the same time.

Used with DX-format cameras, the equivalent focal length will be 42mm.

New technologies used in the AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G include Nano Crystal Coat and a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), enhancing image quality and rendering capabilities.

The Nano Crystal Coat prevents internal reflections that cause ghost and flare while the SWM enables extremely quiet autofocusing.

Two focus modes are offered: M/A (autofocus with manual override, MF priority) and M (manual focus).

New DSLR: Nikon D3200

April 19th, 2012

Nikon has launched, worldwide, the 24.2-megapixel D3200. The new entry-level DSLR will be available in the US in late April (approx. US$700 with 18-55mm kit lens).

Nikon has also launched a Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a (approx. US$60, available in May in the US) for the D3200.

The new Nikon D3200 is available in red or black.

The new Nikon D3200 is available in red or black.

The D3200 records Full HD (1080p) video with full time autofocus (AF) and sports a high-speed continuous shooting mode at 4 frames-per second (fps).

The optional WU-1a gives the Nikon D3200 wireless connectivity to mobile devices.

WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter

The new optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter can wirelessly send images to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, to enable preview of an image (but not videos) before shooting and remote control of the camera, from up to 15 m away.

The 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor works together with Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine gives an ISO range of 100 – 6400, expandable to ISO 12,800.

As an entry-level DSLR, the D3200 is designed with user-friendly features for the beginner.

WU-1a plugged into D3200.

WU-1a plugged into D3200.

Accessible on the Mode Dial, the Guide Mode provides step-by-step photo instructions for set-up, shooting, viewing and deleting images and movies.

There are also six Scene Modes – Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-Up and Night Portrait.

For video, the camera offers manual or automatic exposure control, and a stereo microphone input to attach an optional external microphone.

The application for Android smartphones (2.3) and tablets (3.x) will be available in May 2012, with the iOS app for iPhone and iPad expected in Fall 2012.

The Guide Mode walks the beginner using the entry-level D3200.

The Guide Mode walks the beginner using the entry-level D3200.

The main differences between the Nikon D3200 and the D3100 are tabulated below.

Nikon D3200 D3100
Resolution 24.2 MP 14.2 MP
Video Full HD (1080p) 30 fps 24 fps
LCD 920 k 230 k
Max ISO (regular) ISO 6,400 ISO 3,200
Continuous shoot 4 fps 3 fps
Release date 19 Apr 2012 19 Aug 2010

The brochure can be downloaded here.

Anybody wants a 40-inch tablet computer?

April 19th, 2012

Microsoft and Samsung has unveiled the latest in surface computing in SouthEast Asia – the Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface.

Prices for Singapore are estimated to be S$15k with LCD display only, and another S$750 to include the stand.

Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft

Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft

New PixelSense Technology enables the Samsung SUR40 to “see” and respond to touch and objects, creating new possibilities for interactive displays in various settings.

Embedding the SUR40 in a table

Embedding the Samsung SUR40 in a table

With Microsoft’s PixelSense technology, LCD panels can see and respond to touch and objects without using cameras.

SUR40 will allow people to share, collaborate and explore together using a large, thin (4-inch profile) display that recognises fingers, hands and other objects placed on the screen.

The interactive 40-inch Full HD 1080p (1920×1080) LCD panel can be used horizontally as a table, mounted vertically on a wall or embedded in other fixtures and furniture.

The collaboration between Microsoft Surface 2.0 software and Samsung’s display technology is now available through the Samsung channel and reseller partners in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

SUR40 embedded in a table

Samsung SUR40 embedded in a table

Pricing and availability of the SUR40 may vary across countries and/or regions based on country-specific duties, taxes and fees.

Key specifications of the SUR40 is listed below.

Read the rest of this entry »