New Customer Care Centre for Leica Camera Asia Pacific

February 13th, 2012

Leica Camera Asia Pacific reveals newly renovated and improved Leica Customer Care Centre at the International Building, Orchard Road, in Singapore.

Staff at the new Leica Customer Care Centre

Staff at the new Leica Customer Care Centre

The Customer Care Centre is now equipped with new Leica Rangefinder and sensor calibration machine for the M digital cameras.

The new equipment carries out adjustment and calibration checks. In particular, it confirms and aligns sensor flatness.

These services were previously conducted only in the Leica Customer Care Centre back in Solms, Germany.

The arrival of the new machines in Singapore will substantially shorten the waiting period for servicing for M-camera users since basic servicing can now be conducted in Singapore.

The waiting period for servicing will now take at least 7 working days and is subjected to parts availability from the factory.

The Leica Customer Care team has also been expanded into a 4-person team.

Leica Camera Asia Pacific’s chief Leica technician, Mr Andrew Chan is now joined by new technician, Mr Ser Lay Ghee.

Andrew has in-depth experience of over 30 years in photographic equipment, while Lay Ghee, brings along 20 years of experience in technical servicing.

Ms Juliana Yeo and Ms Adeline Lau will represent the Leica Customer Care Centre as main contact persons for Customer Care enquiries.

Fujifilm FinePix compact cameras for Spring 2012

February 12th, 2012

Here is the Spring 2012 collection of compact cameras from Fujifilm. 11 of these models are being released for Singapore, out of which seven have already hit the shelves.

Fujifilm has a range of FinePix cameras ranging from the light and compact JZ100 to the superzoom HS25EXR.

Fujifilm has a range of FinePix cameras ranging from the light and compact JZ100 to the superzoom HS25EXR.

The FinePix cameras in the Spring collection are listed below.

Model SRP To release in Singapore?
F770EXR TBD Yes
F750EXR TBD Yes
HS30EXR S$799 Yes
HS25EXR S$699 Yes
JZ100 TBD Yes
JZ250 TBD Yes
S2980 S$299 Yes
S4200 S$379 Yes
S4300, S4400, S4500 – No
SL260, SL280 – No
SL300 S$519 Yes
XP150 S$469 Yes
XP50 S$329 Yes

Key specifications for those models being released in Singapore are tabulated below.

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TODAY! Samsung GALAXY Nexus and Tab 7.7 arrives in Singapore

February 11th, 2012

As scheduled during their launch in January, the GALAXY Nexus (S$948, Black and White) and GALAXY Tab 7.7 (S$898) are available in Singapore from today. All prices include GST but exclude line contract.

Samsung GALAXY Nexus smartphone,S$948, available today.

Samsung GALAXY Nexus smartphone,S$948, available from today.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 7.7 tablet, S$898, available today.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 7.7 tablet, S$898, available from today.

Also the Samsung GALAXY S II (Coral Pink) will be available in Singapore from 18 February at S$888, inclusive of GST, without line contract.

TODAY! New BlackBerry Curve 9380 arrives in Singapore

February 11th, 2012

The Curve 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display. Check with Telcos for plans and pricing.

The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is available in Singapore TODAY!

The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is available in Singapore TODAY!

The sleek and stylish all-touch BlackBerry Curve 9380 smartphone is powered by BlackBerry 7 OS, which delivers a faster and richer user experience.

The 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display.

The 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display.

It also includes the ability to manage personal content separately from corporate content, and comes with a variety of personal and productivity apps out of the box.

“The new BlackBerry Curve 9380 comes with a sleek new all-touch design that features a larger display that enhances web browsing, games and multimedia,” Hastings Singh, Vice President, South Asia at Research In Motion.The new BlackBerry 7 OS introduces an enhanced browser that provides a significantly faster, more fluid web browsing experience.

It also offers optimized HTML5 performance for incredible gaming and video experiences.

The popular universal search capability has also been enhanced with support for voice-activated search, so users can simply speak to begin searching for information on their device and the web.

Here is the specs sheet for the BlackBerry Curve 9380.

Here is the specs sheet for the BlackBerry Curve 9380.

In addition, the BlackBerry Curve 9380 includes built-in support for Augmented Reality and NFC, allowing users to connect with the world around them in fresh new ways.

With the Wikitude Augmented Reality application, users can find nearby BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) contacts in real-time, read reviews about restaurants close to them, or get the story behind an interesting landmark and points of interest.

NFC enables many new and exciting capabilities, including the ability to make mobile payments, pair accessories or read SmartPoster tags with a simple tap of the smartphone.

Coral Pink Samsung GALAXY S II coming to Singapore

February 11th, 2012

The Coral Pink version of the Samsung GALAXY S II smartphone will be available in Singapore on 18 February 2012, at S$888 (incl. GST, excl. line contract).

Coral Pink Samsung GALAXY S II Android smartphone will be available in Singapore from 18 February at S$888.

Coral Pink Samsung GALAXY S II Android smartphone will be available in Singapore from 18 February at S$888.

Also, the GALAXY Nexus (S$948, Black and White) and GALAXY Tab 7.7 (S$898) are available in Singapore from today. All prices include GST but exclude line contract.

Akamai acquires Blaze

February 10th, 2012

Akamai has acquired Blaze Software Inc, a provider of frontend optimization (FEO) technology. This will complement Akamai’s site acceleration solutions with technology designed to optimize the speed at which a web page is rendered, regardless of end user device.

Akamai announced today that it has acquired Blaze.

Akamai announced today that it has acquired Blaze.

The synergy derived from the combining Blaze’s FEO and Akamai’s site acceleration solutions will improve the performance of customers’ web sites and applications

“We believe Blaze has developed a powerful solution for frontend optimization, and that its cloud-based services approach is synergistic with Akamai’s offerings,” said Rick McConnell, executive vice president of Products and Development, Akamai.Akamai is also in the process of acquiring Cotendo – a company that offers an integrated suite of Web and mobile acceleration services – in an effort to help accelerate its pace of innovation in cloud and mobile optimisation.

With the rapid adoption of rich Internet applications and the increase in mobile browsing, new performance bottlenecks are emerging.

Websites are becoming richer and more complex, with more compute requirements built into a single page, impacting performance in the browser or client device.

As a result, content providers are faced with a growing set of challenges in maintaining a high-performing site and assuring a superior end-user experience.

“Our technology is aimed at reducing the number of requests required to load a page, reducing the size of each request, and improving the browser rendering experience for our customers,” said Michael Weider, CEO of Blaze.Blaze provides technology designed to automatically optimize the code on a web page during the delivery process to ensure faster transmission of content and a faster rendering of the page, regardless of whether it is served to a PC, tablet or smartphone.

As a cloud-based service that requires no software or code changes by the customer, Blaze’s offering is designed to work with any web site.

Akamai plans to integrate the technology into its global cloud platform for helping enterprises provide secure, high-performing user experiences on any device, anywhere.

Getty Images Creative Grants

February 10th, 2012

Getty Images announced today the rebranding of the Grants for Good as Getty Images Creative Grants. Two grants of $15,000 are up for grabs. Applications close on 1 March.

Getty Images Creative Grants - applications end on 1 March.

Getty Images Creative Grants – applications end on 1 March.

The rebranded Getty Images Creative Grants will increase emphasis on the innovative use of creative and conceptual imagery and film.

“Nonprofits need compelling creative content to effectively tell their stories and stand out from the documentary style traditionally associated with the nonprofit sector,” said Andrew Saunders, Senior Vice President of Creative Content for Getty Images. “Together with creative agencies and content creators these organizations can leverage innovative conceptual imagery to raise awareness around critical world issues.”Fostering the collaboration between photographers and filmmakers with agency creatives and nonprofits, the grants will fund the creation of a compelling visual campaign that promotes positive change.

In addition to the cash prize, the winning photographer-agency or filmmaker-agency team will have the opportunity to leverage the expertise of Getty Images’ art directors, photo editors and producers to execute the project.

Online applications can be made at the website of Getty Images Grants.

The grants will be awarded by independent judges, each selected by Getty Images based on their  industry standing and experience.

Applications will be evaluated against criteria which include the strength and concept of the portfolio imagery as well as the level of collaboration between the creative communications agency and the nonprofit, to create a compelling visual narrative.

Winners will be announced in June at the 2012 Cannes Lions Advertising Festival.

Dell delivers new data solutions

February 10th, 2012

Dell improves Fluid Data architecture for more flexibility in meeting the changing demands of organisations, and for increased automation for management of primary, backup and archive data.

Dell has a range of data solutions for SMBs and large enterprises.

Dell has a range of data solutions for SMBs and large enterprises.

Enhancements include new storage backup, application and networking solutions to help SMBs and large enterprises.

“With Dell‟s new primary, archive and backup storage solutions, the Dell Fluid Data architecture delivers the storage intelligence customers need to deal with a sea of constant IT change without driving up costs, wasting time or continually replacing infrastructure.”Dell’s Fluid Data architecture is designed to enable customers to manage more information more effectively.

Specifically, the enhancements include the following:

  • Dell‟s first deduplication backup appliance that integrates intellectual property from the Ocarina acquisition
  • a major software release for Compellent storage arrays
  • a new storage optimization solution for Microsoft SharePoint
  • broader support for Dell Force10, PowerConnect and Brocade storage networking solutions

The solutions are listed below:

  • New Dell DR4000 Storage Platform with Deduplication and Compression
  • New Dell Compellent Storage Center 6.0
  • Dell Compellent VMware vSphere Storage APIs for Array Integration
  • Dell Compellent Storage Replication Adapter (SRA) for Site Recovery Manager 5
  • Dell Compellent vSphere 5 Client Plug-In and Enterprise Manager-vSphere 5 Integration
  • Expanded Support for Dell Force10, Dell PowerConnect and Brocade Storage Networking Solutions

DellAvailability

Currently available:

  • The Brocade 6510 and Brocade DCX 8510 data center switches will be available in January.
  • The Dell Force10 S4810 10Gb Ethernet switch and the deep-buffer S60 1Gb/10Gb Ethernet switches for EqualLogic are currently available.
  • The Dell PowerConnect 8024 10Gb switches and M8024-k Blade IO modules are currently available.

First quarter 2012:

  • The Dell DR4000 disk-based backup appliance with deduplication will be available in Q1.
  • The Compellent Storage Center 6.0 software will be available in Q1.

Detailed descriptions of the solutions can be found in the press release below.

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New superzoom camera: Olympus SZ-31MR

February 9th, 2012

The 16-megapixel SZ-31MR has 24x zoom, shoots Full HD movie, gets iHS and high-res touch LCD. It’ll be available in May 2012 in either black or silver.

The Olympus SZ-31MR comes in either black or silver

The Olympus SZ-31MR comes in either black or silver

Olympus claims that the new SZ-31MR has the lightest, smallest (and cutest) body of any compact with a 20-plus optical zoom.

Olympus SZ-31MR

Olympus SZ-31MR

The SZ Traveller range is the first to capture 1080 Full HD movies and 16-megapixel stills simultaneously, using Olympus’ Multi Recording (MR) technology.

The AF is faster, the LCD is brighter and – thanks to the new touch interface – features like Multi Framing and Live Guide are even easier to use.

The SZ-31MR can now record movies and stills at high frame rates, and play back photo slideshows with music and transition effects.

Olympus SZ-31MR has 24x optical zoom

Olympus SZ-31MR has 24x optical zoom

The SZ-31MR is an extraordinary compact, despite its 24x wide optical zoom lens from 25-600mm (35mm equivalent).

The new iHS (Intelligence, High Sensitivity and High Speed) technologies make it possible to capture good blur-free images in the most challenging conditions, for example in low light or with backlight.

iHS draws on Olympus’ 16-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor and two separate TruePic V image processors (originally developed for D-SLR cameras) to dramatically improve low-light performance, speed up camera response and enhance scene and subject recognition.

Olympus SZ-31MR has16 megapixels

Olympus SZ-31MR has16 megapixels

Combined with high-speed sequential shooting and high-speed autofocus, iHS cuts down picture noise and enhances resolution and colour gradation with fast-moving subjects, night scenes and other tricky shots.

Multi motion Movie IS and Dual Image Stabilisation all but eliminate blur, even when you are walking and shooting at the same time.

IS is crucial with macros or close-ups of inaccessible subjects, when even the slightest wobble might otherwise ruin stand-out shots that regular lightweight compacts, with their weaker zoom lenses, simply can’t deliver.

Olympus SZ-31MR shoots Full HD

Olympus SZ-31MR shoots Full HD

When time is tight, Multi Recording and Multi Framing give another big advantage: You never have to choose between capturing one-off scenes as a 1080 Full HD movie or still photo – nor as a close-up or broader shot.

The SZ-31MR lets you do both.

A simple tap on the bright 3-inch 920,000-dot LCD takes a photo while you are filming.

Olympus SZ-31MR

Olympus SZ-31MR

Or resets the point of focus, shutter speed and zoom factor – all without interrupting your movie recording.

The touch-sensitive screen also gives you direct access to Live Guide, which in i-Auto mode displays a sliding scale that you can move with your finger to adjust key parameters such as brightness and depth of field.

You can check the effect of your changes in real time before you capture the scene.

Main features for the SZ-31MR:

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Company byte: Belkin rebranded

February 9th, 2012

Belkin is a maker of network connectivity hardware, as well as accessories for consumer devices such as iPods and iPads. 

Belkin makes wireless routers, iPod accessories, iPad cases and energy saving devices.

Belkin makes wireless routers, iPod accessories, iPad cases and energy saving devices.

Belkin was founded in 1983 by Chet Pipkin and is headquartered in Playa Vista, Los Angeles, California, USA.

The rebranded Belkin logo.

The rebranded Belkin logo.

The company rebranded itself with a change in corporate logo during CES 2012, and a refocus onto developing “People-Inspired Products”.

Founder Pipkin, now President and CEO of the company, initiated the rebranding.

“The new Belkin logo, also known as PIP for ‘People-Inspired Products’, is an image made of dots configured to create a universal symbol of a person. It symbolises Belkin’s commitment in enhancing technology experiences for people, inspired by people,” said Alan Sparks, Vice President of Belkin, Asia Pacific.To achieve the promise of delivering People-Inspired Products, Belkin will put the emphasis on listening to the voices of their customers and partners.

These voices are to be integral to the development of Belkin’s products in their effort to improve and anticipate the evolving needs in our daily lives.

In conjunction with the rebranding, Belkin also announced its range of new products.

A list of these products is included in the press release below.

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