Imagine Cup encourages the use of technology to help the less fortunate

April 13th, 2012

16 Singaporean teams will meet in the Semi-finals of the Imagine Cup today – out of which four will enter the Finals tomorrow.

The winning team will get to represent Singapore at the global Imagine Cup finals in Sydney in July 2012.

Singapore’s Microsoft Imagine Cup Championship 2012

Singapore’s Microsoft Imagine Cup Championship 2012

Microsoft Singapore is holding Campfire 2012 on today and tomorrow at *SCAPE, Level 4, GRID MMS. The Imagine Cup is the highlight of the two-day event.

Imagine Cup is Microsoft’s student technology and software competition which challenges students aged 16 and above to use their creativity, passion and knowledge of technology to help solve global challenges and make a difference in the world.

Initially branded as the Asia Pacific Student .NET Competition in 2001, the name of the competition was changed to “Imagine Cup” in 2003.

The tournament is held at the national and international levels. The Singapore chapter of the competition was held for the first time in 2003. The winners get to take part in the Worldwide Finals, which is traditionally held in a different country each year.

This year, students have been tasked to use technology to make a difference in the lives of people in their local communities and around the world, addressing issues in education, healthcare and environmental sustainability.

These projects include – eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women; reduce child mortality; improve maternal health; combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; and develop a global partnership for development.

More than 2700 students registered for this year’s Singapore competition, resulting in more than 85 entries in the Software Design Category.

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Posted in Contest, Microsoft | 1 Comment »

RIM to launch more BBM-Connected apps

April 12th, 2012

RIM has announced a series of updates to its popular BlackBerry apps that will make it easier for users to to keep their BBM community in the know.

BlackBerry apps for Facebook and Twitter, BlackBerry Travel and BlackBerry App World will be integrated with BBM.

BlackBerry apps for Facebook and Twitter, BlackBerry Travel and BlackBerry App World will be integrated with BBM.

BlackBerry apps for Facebook and Twitter, BlackBerry Travel and BlackBerry App World will be integrated with BBM, thus making it easier for users to share updates with their BBM groups or friends.

By adding BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) connectivity to these apps, Research In Motion (RIM) aims to make it even easier for users to stay in touch with their contacts, share experiences and content, and discover new things from their BBM community.

Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones (version 3.0) and Twitter for BlackBerry smartphones (version 3.0) will allow users to automatically share their Facebook status or latest Tweet with their BBM friends right from within the app.

“Since we provided developers the means to build BBM connectivity into their apps, we have seen more than 800 hundred new BBM-connected apps come to market, which has been followed by a huge uptake by users – about one of every five apps being downloaded on BlackBerry App World is a BBM-connected app,” said Alec Saunders, VP of Developer Relations at RIM. It is now easier than ever to update those who matter most about your travel plans.

The new BlackBerry Travel app (version 2.5) is now BBM-connected, allowing users to share their travel plans and flight changes directly with select BBM contacts or with their entire BBM community.

With BBM (version 6.2) and BlackBerry App World (version 3.1.2), users can easily update their BBM profile to let their friends know about new apps they’ve just downloaded on BlackBerry App World.

With this updated version of BlackBerry App World, users can also instantly share info about their favorite app or a list of their installed apps with friends using BlackBerry Tag**.

“Today we’re excited to announce that RIM has also integrated BBM connectivity into a number of our own popular apps.” – Alec SaundersThe enhanced BBM will also offer a polished, enhanced and more personal experience.

It includes a new selection of animated avatars, a simpler way of updating one’s personal message in their profile, and now allows users to quickly send voice notes.

** BlackBerry Tag requires an NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphone running BlackBerry 7.1 OS or higher.

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Posted in Announce, App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Facebook, Gadgets, Phones, RIM, Software, Twitter | 1 Comment »

NEW! PINK Galaxy Note to hit Singapore on 14 April

April 12th, 2012

Samsung has just revealed that the pink version of the GALAXY Note will be available in Singapore this Saturday – that’s the day after tomorrow.

Price without contract will be S$948 (incl. GST) without contract.

The PINK Samsung Galaxy Note hits Singapore shelves this Saturday (14 April).

The PINK Samsung Galaxy Note hits Singapore shelves this Saturday (14 April).

The GALAXY Note was first announced back in November last year, together with the GALAXY Nexus.

Samsung GALAXY Note (S$998, 16GB) will be available in Singapore in November 2011.The GALAXY Note tries to create a new niche form factor by combining the larger screen size of tablets with the portability of smart phones.

The 9.65mm thick GALAXY Note features the world’s first and largest 5.3” HD Super AMOLED touch screen display at WXGA (1280×800, 285ppi) resolution. It works with pen-input technology using a stylus called the S Pen.

Powered by a 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, the gadget runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and comes with 16GB onboard storage, with a microSD slot that supports up to 32GB.

GALAXY Note comes with an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front camera.

The main technical specifications of the Samsung GALAXY Note is tabulated below.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted in Android, Availability, Gadgets, Galaxy, Phones, Prices, Samsung, Specifications, Tablets | No Comments »

New notebooks: Toshiba M800, L800 and C800 Series

April 11th, 2012

Toshiba has unveiled its latest line of Satellite notebook computers. The M800, L800 and C800 series of notebooks come in a wide range of configurations, screen sizes and colours.

They will be available soon (this quarter) throughout South and South East Asia.

Toshiba's new line of Satellite notebooks - M800, L800 and C800 Series.

Toshiba's new line of Satellite notebooks - M800, L800 and C800 Series.

All the models come standard with at least one USB 3.0 port and Bluetooth 4.0.

Toshiba’s eco Utility, PC Health Monitor, promotes laptop longevity with utilities designed to protect vital components and conserve power.

Toshiba Hi-speed Start Technology offers smarter and quicker bootup and resume that saves precious time.

Toshiba Satellite M800 Series L800 Series C800 Series
Price S$1,199 S$1,099 S$869
Colours available Gold Blaze
Pink Blush
Blue Horizon		 Midnight Black
Luscious Red
Icy White		 Black Graphite
Red Graphite

And Toshiba’s Resolution+ video upconversion technology breathes new life into standard-def video by seamlessly adjusting color, brightness and contrast to give video a more high-def look and feel.

If you’re wondering about the ultrabook class, Toshiba had just launched the Satellite U840 Series early in February. Here’s the review of the ultrabook.

A brief description and key specifications for each series is tabulated below.

Toshiba Satellite M800 Series

Toshiba Satellite M845 notebook.

Toshiba Satellite M845 notebook

The M800 series promises solid performance, functionality and style.

Its thin and light body weighs only 1.99kg and has a spacious track pad and raised tile keyboard.

Additional multimedia and connectivity features include ATI Radeon HD 7670 graphics card with 2GB dedicated video memory, stereo speakers with SRS Premium Sound HD, HD Webcams, HDMI, two USB 3.0 ports, as well as Toshiba Video Player that supports 2D to 3D conversions.
  • 2nd generation Intel Core i3 and i5 Processors
  • RAM: up to 8GB DDR3
  • 2.5” HDD (5,400 rpm) up to 750 GB
  • 14.0” HD Clear SuperView display with LED backlighting, 1,366 x 768 pixels
  • Intel HD Graphics 3000, or ATI  ATI Radeon HD 7670 graphics card (2GB dedicated VRAM)
  • Ultra-slim DVD SuperMulti Double Layer Drive (DVD±RW/RAM)
  • WLAN, Bluetooth 4.0, 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet LAN
  • 2x USB 3.0 with USB Sleep-and-Charge, 1x USB 2.0, Multi Card Reader, HDMI
  • A4 tile keyboard, TouchPad with multi-touch
  • HD webcam with Toshiba Face Recognition
  • Stereo speakers with SRS Premium Sound HD Technology
  • Toshiba Hi-Speed Start Technology
  • Toshiba Video Player supporting 2D to 3D conversions and output via a 3D TV
  • Toshiba Resolution+ , Toshiba Eco Utility, Toshiba PC Health Monitor
  • Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic(English) or Premium (English/简中/繁中)
  • Weight starting from 1.99kg
Toshiba Satellite L800 Series

Toshiba Satellite L840 notebook.

Toshiba Satellite L840 notebook

Value-for-money laptop targeted at families, students and small business owners.

There are three model classes: the highly-mobile Satellite L830 (13.5-inch diagonal widescreen display), the lightweight Satellite L840 (14-inch display), and the versatile Satellite L850 (15.6-inch display) desktop replacement.

The Satellite L800 series also comes with ATI Radeon HD 7670 graphics card with a choice of 1GB or 2GB dedicated video memory, stereo speakers with SRS Premium Sound HD, HD Webcams, a HDMI Port and 2 USB 3.0 ports.
  • Choice of Intel 2nd generation Core i3, i5, or AMD processors
  • Choice of 13.3”, 14.0” or 15.6” HD Clear SuperView display with LED backlighting, 1,366 x 768 pixels
  • RAM: up to 8GB DDR3
  • 2.5“ HDD (5,400 rpm) up to 750 GB
  • Intel HD Graphics 3000, ATI Radeon HD 7670 graphics card (choice of 1GB or 2GB dedicated VRAM), or ATI Radeon HD 7550 graphics card (choice of 1GB) for 13.3” model.
  • DVD-Super Multi drive (Double Layer) rewritable drive
  • WLAN, Bluetooth 4.0, 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet LAN
  • 2x USB 3.0 with USB Sleep-and-Charge, 1x USB 2.0, Multi Card Reader, HDMI
  • A4 tile keyboard, TouchPad with multi-touch
  • HD webcam with Toshiba Face Recognition
  • Stereo speakers with SRS Premium Sound HD Technology and Toshiba Audio Enhancement
  • Toshiba Hi-Speed Start Technology
  • Toshiba Video Player supporting 2D to 3D conversions and output via a 3D TV
  • Toshiba Resolution+, Toshiba Eco Utility, Toshiba PC Health Monitor
  • Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic (English) or Premium (English/简中/繁中)
  • Weight: Starting from 1.89kg (13.3” model), 2.12kg (14.0” model), 2.41 kg (15.6” model)
Toshiba Satellite C800 Series

Toshiba Satellite C840 notebook.

Toshiba Satellite C840 notebook

Entry-level affordable notebook computer for price conscious consumers, students and first-time buyers looking for basic productivity at home or in the office.

Available with a 14.0-inch and 15.6 inch diagonal widescreen display, the Satellite C800 Series offers configurations featuring either Intel or AMD processors.

The notebooks include 1x USB 3.0 ports, a Card Reader and an HDMI port. The system also includes a Webcam with Face Recognition technology, a DVD drive for watching movies and a full-sized keyboard.
  • Choice of Intel 2nd generation Core i3, Pentium Dual and Celeron or AMD processors
  • Choice of 14.0” or 15.6” HD Clear SuperView display with LED backlighting, 1,366 x 768 pixels
  • RAM: up to 8GB DDR3
  • 2.5” HDD (5,400 rpm) up to 640GB
  • Intel HD Graphics 3000, or ATI Radeon HD 7610M graphics card (1GB dedicated VRAM)
  • DVD-Super Multi drive (Double Layer) rewritable drive
  • WLAN, Bluetooth 4.0, 10/100Mbps Ethernet LAN
  • 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, Multi Card Reader, HDMI
  • A4 tile keyboard , TouchPad with multi-touch
  • Webcam with Toshiba Face Recognition
  • Stereo speakers with Toshiba Audio Enhancement
  • Toshiba Hi-Speed Start Technology
  • Toshiba Resolution+, Toshiba Eco Utility, Toshiba PC Health Monitor
  • Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic or Premium
  • Weight: 2.12kg (14” model), 2.41 kg (15” model)

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Posted in Announce, Gadgets, Notebooks, Operating Systems, Software, Toshiba, Windows 7 | No Comments »

New portable hard drive: WD My Passport Studio 2TB

April 11th, 2012

Western Digital has introduced My Passport Studio – its first 2TB portable drive dedicated for Mac users. It is available now at S$369.

Western Digital My Passport Studio 2TB portable hard drive, S$369 for Macs.

Western Digital My Passport Studio 2TB portable hard drive, S$369 for Macs.

The new My Passport Studio portable drive maintains its elegant and protective all-metal casing to complement the MacBook Pro or MacBook Air.

All-metal casing to match MacBooks.

All-metal casing to match MacBooks.

It is compatible with Apple Time Machine for quick and easy automatic backup of Mac hard drives, allowing Mac users to use one drive for the protection and transport of virtually all their digital content, everywhere they go.

In addition to the USB 2.0 interface, My Passport Studio has two high performance FireWire 800 ports.

The dual FireWire ports provide blazing fast upload and transfer speeds while also allowing users to daisy chain additional drives or other peripherals such as HD camcorders.

My Passport Studio also features hardware-based encryption and password protection software, and an all-metal design constructed for scratch resistance and a sturdy feel in your hand.

WD had just launched its My Passport 2TB portable hard drive last week.

 

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Posted in Accessories, Availability, Gadgets, Mac OS, storage drive, Western Digital | 4 Comments »

Can’t afford a Leica S2? Rent one!

April 10th, 2012

The Leica S2 comes with a hefty price-tag: S$32,550. Now you can rent one from the Camera Rental Centre, at S$588 per day, together with a choice of two lenses.

The medium format professional camera system - Leica S2.

The medium format professional camera system - Leica S2.

The available lenses are the Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8, Summarit-S 35mm f/2.5, Summarit-S 70mm f/2.5 and the APO-Macro Summarit-S f/2.5.

“This rental program offers photographers a chance to test-drive the S2 under their preferred time and desired duration,” said Sunil Kaul, Managing Director of Leica Camera Asia Pacific.The retail prices for these lenses range from S$6,560 to S$9,630.

Special arrangements can be made to cater time for photographers who wish to get acquainted with the 37.5-megapixel camera before using it for a shoot.

Upon request, Leica lens adapters for the Mamiya 645, Pentax 67 and Hasselblad V system are available too, at no extra charge.

Camera Rental Centre
email: info@camerarental.biz
tel: +65 9650 4158

The medium-format Leica S2 is built with a weather-sealed body that ensures that photographers can shoot even in the most extreme conditions.

High-speed, accurate autofocus aids photographers to nail the perfect shot, frame after frame.

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Posted in Announce, Availability, DSLR, Gadgets, Leica, Lens, Photography, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »

Facebook to buy Instagram photo app for US$1 billion

April 10th, 2012

US$100 billion Facebook Inc has agreed to fork out US$1 billion in cash and stock to acquire the photo-sharing application for smartphones. The deal is expected to be completed this quarter.

Is Instagram worth one-hundredth of Facebook?

Is Instagram worth one-hundredth of Facebook?

Facebook is probably looking at attracting the users of mobile devices through its acquisition of Instagram – its biggest acquisition yet.

“Instagram, owned by San Francisco-based Burbn Inc, was valued at $500 million after raising about $60 million last week from investors,” Bloomberg was told.The idea is to attract the advertisers interested in reaching the mobile users.

Instagram started out as the top free photo-sharing app on Apple’s App Store with more than 30 million users.

Only last week, the company introduced the app for Android devices as well.

Instagram has only 13 employees so the offer works out to some US$76 million per employee, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“We need to be mindful about keeping and building on Instagram’s strengths and features rather than just trying to integrate everything into Facebook. That’s why we’re committed to building and growing Instagram independently,” – Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook fanpage.Instagram was launched in October 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger with a seed funding of about US$500,000.

It subsequently raised US$7 million in 2011, when it had 1.75 million users, according to Bloomberg.

California-based Facebook is the biggest social-networking service today and intends to raise US$5 billion in its initial public offering (IPO) – which is to date the biggest IPO for an Internet company, valuing it at US$100 billion.

Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, said it plans to let Instagram retain its independence, in an effort to reassure Instagram users and potential advertisers.

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Posted in Android, Announce, App, Facebook, Facebook, Figures, Internet, iOS, Opinion, Photography, Software, Tech news, Tickers | No Comments »

Event: I AM NIKON DAY

April 9th, 2012

Nikon Singapore will be organising “I AM NIKON DAY” on the weekend of 28-29 April at the Raffles City Convention Centre. The event is free and open to all photography enthusiasts.

Walk-in auditions for The Big Shot Season 3 will also take place at the same venue during the photography weekend.

I AM NIKON DAY - 28 and 29 April 2012 (Raffles City Convention Centre)

I AM NIKON DAY - 28 and 29 April 2012 (Raffles City Convention Centre)

Online registration of seats begins today (here) and is based on a First-come-first-served basis. Registration closes on 25 April.

Event I AM NIKON DAY
(Talks & Workshops)
Date 28 & 29 Apr 2012
Time 11 am to 7 pm
Venue Raffles City Convention Centre
Location Level 4, Atrium Ballroom

Nikon’s Professional Photographers (such as award winning photographer Stefen Chow) and guest photographers will be speaking at the photography weekend, sharing their experience and expertise on a range of topics for beginner photographers and seasoned amateurs.

Speakers include past winners of “The Big Shot Season 1” (Liew Tong Leng) and “The Big Shot Season 2” (Affandy Razak).

Check out the list of speakers and the detailed programme here.

The Big Shot Season 3 (Audition)

Event The Big Shot Season 3
(Audition)
Date 28 & 29 Apr 2012
Time 10 am to 8 pm
Venue Raffles City Convention Centre
Location Level 4, Orchard Ballroom

Auditions for “The Big Shot Season 3” will also be held during the weekend. This third installment of the photography reality television series will air in 2012.

The competition is open to the public for photographers aged 18 and above. Detailed requirements can be found here.

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Posted in Cameras, Contest, DSLR, Nikon, Photography, Seminars | 1 Comment »

Photos: iLight 2012

April 8th, 2012

I brought the kids down to the Merlion Park last Sunday to catch the last day of the iLight Marina Bay 2012. The lighting display was beautiful, while the kids enjoyed the “DIY” light-painting of the Merlion – despite the hour-long queue.

The lasers were not out yet because it was still early. The rainbow lights from the boats provided its own light display.

The lasers were not out yet because it was still early. The rainbow lights from the boats provided its own light display.

The iLight Marina Bay 2012 lasted from 9 March to 1 April 2012 this year.

This was the second edition of the sustainable light art festival, which was first organised last year.

Merlion during iLight Marina Bay 2012It was organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in collaboration with Smart Light Singapore.

The lighting festival had the photography community in Singapore abuzz with excitement as photographers, both professionals and amateurs, flocked to the vicinity to snap beautiful pictures of the light.

Children loved the Merlion light-painting.

Using a large touch-screen monitor, they could select parts of the Merlion and then paint it with a colour of their choice from a colour palette.

Brightly-garbed Merlion spewing its blessings onto the Esplanade.

Brightly-garbed Merlion spewing its blessings onto the Esplanade.

As they filled in the colours, coloured light was projected onto the actual Merlion statue, according to their selections.

The Merlion has never been more spoilt for choice when it came to choosing his party clothes.

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Posted in Exhibition, Photography, Photos | No Comments »

I tried out Cooklet on the BlackBerry PlayBook

April 7th, 2012

The free Cooklet app was released on BlackBerry App World on Wednesday, 4 April. I downloaded the 35MB app for my wife who has tried it over the long weekend.

The free Cooklet app can be found in App World on the BlackBerry PlayBook.

The free Cooklet app can be found in App World on the BlackBerry PlayBook.

Cooklet App is part of the Cooklet culinary platform, which includes their Facebook page and website which offers recipes, cooking-related utilities.

“I find Multitimer and Converter very useful. I used to use a separate timer, either a mechanical one or my smartphone for timing, and Google for units conversion. Now I can do all that on my PlayBook” – Chef-at-large of the Tan family.Favourite recipes, Cookbooks and Shopping List can be synchronised and are available on all the elements of the platform (Cooklet.com, Cooklet.mobi, Cooklet App).

Cooklet aspires to build a community for food lovers from around the world to exchange cooking experiences and encourage others to improve their skills.

Installation was easy and fast. Go into App World on the PlayBook, do a search for Cooklet, click the Download button.

The app's home screen offers various ways of looking up recipes.

The app's home screen offers various ways of looking up recipes.

Once the app is downloaded and installed, you’re good to go.

The home screen of the app comprises four panes, offering different ways to search for recipes: based on ratings, recently added, picture thumbnails based on a them (eg Easter 2012) and Quick Pick search based on which meal you want to prepare for and how much time you have to prepare the meal.

The Converter tool is very useful when perusing the recipes.

The Converter tool is very useful when perusing the recipes.

Swiping downwards from the top edge of the PlayBook reveals the options for the app.

Amongst these are tools such as “Multitimer”, units “Converter”, and “Shopping List”.

From any recipe, you can send the ingredients to the shopping list with the click of a button.

There is a large repository of recipes available.

There is a large repository of recipes available.

There is also the traditional keyword search for recipes.

Results can be sorted by Relevancy, Rating, Difficulty, Time needed etc.

For those with a free user account with Cooklet.com, you can access saved recipes from “My Cookbooks” after logging in.

Quick Pick search makes it easy to find the right dish for any meal.

Quick Pick search makes it easy to find the right dish for any meal.

The recipe has a large collection, and the various ways of searching/browsing for recipes makes it easy to look for an appropriate dish for any occasion.

Just a word of caution though, keep the PlayBook well clear of all the flour and raw materials, as well as the oven, unless “PlayBook Cordon Bleu Au Gratin” is part of the menu.

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Posted in App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Food, Gadgets, PlayBook, RIM, Software, Tablets | No Comments »

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