It’s 2018. Happy New Year!
It’s the first day of 2018 today. Here’s wishing all a wonderful year ahead!
May 2017 be a fantastic year for you and your loved ones!
The photos here were taken at the Xuan Zang Temple (玄奘寺）at Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) in central Taiwan, during my recent family vacation there.
A worshipper praying at Xuan Zang Temple (玄奘寺）at Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) in central Taiwan.
tech4xmas 2017 gift recommendation: One of few gadgets that totally blew me away and convinces me it is worth its high-end price tag. The road warrior would love to have this as his/her Christmas present. I know I would be absolutely elated!
My take: “The LG gram 14 excels streaks ahead in all four areas that are critical to me – lightweight, battery-life, startup-time, and external connectivity.”
Notebooks are such a commodity nowadays that you can get a pretty decent one that meets your needs at an affordable price.
The pricier ones are usually the flagship models of each manufacturer that, in my personal opinion, offer only marginal additional benefits for a huge surcharge.
The LG Red Fair is now ongoing until 15 February, 2018, offering promotional deals on LG solutions – for home entertainment systems, home appliances, mobile devices, and IT devices.
The 14-inch gram 14 is selling at a discounted S$2,099 (Intel i7 CPU) & S$1,899 (Intel i5 CPU). Both ship with 512GB SSD & 8GB RAM.
Also available is the 15.6-inch, 8GB RAM gram 15, selling at S$2,499 (8th Gen Intel i7 CPU, 512GB SSD) & S$2,099 (Intel i5 CPU, 256GB SSD).
Purchases of any LG gram 15 or gram 14 comes with free gifts worth up to S$347!
The 13.3-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD gram 13 is also available at S$1,899 (Intel i7 CPU) & S$1,799 (Intel i5 CPU).
All LG gram laptops come with 1-year pick-up warranty.
And usually much of these additional features are in the department of styling and design that, as a pragmatic user, I don’t really care.
So when I tried out the 14-inch LG gram 14 (14Z970), I was pleasantly surprised to find myself planning it as my next purchase – despite its relatively high price tag.
Specs wise, it’s no doubt high end – gram is the only notebook series that LG sells in Singapore.
But what impressed me was how it really stood out in the areas that matters to me – and I mean really stand out!
Firstly, the light weight at 970g. I believe it’s the lightest notebook I’ve ever used, with its enhanced durability Magnesium alloy body.
It’s so light I took a double take when I first handled it – wondering if it was a plastic mockup, even though I knew full well it was a real functioning notebook.
tech4xmas 2017 gift list: With the premiere of “The Last Jedi”, this Poe Dameron-inspired shaver (S$219) is an apt gift for the ardent Star Wars fan who wants everything in his life to be associated with the movie series. And as a wet and dry electric shaver, it gives a really close shave with its cutting-edge rotary technology.
The three shave heads flex in 8 different directions to catch 20% more hair with every pass.
Design and appearance wise the glossy SW6700/14 is based on the X-wing fighter that Poe Dameron pilots in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
I like the scratched metal finishing and red stripes.
This Poe Dameron-inspired Philips Star Wars Shaver SW6700/14 is part of a trio of Star Wars themed limited edition shavers that Philips is selling in Singapore as part of a global collaboration with the movie franchise.
The other two models are the BB-8-inspired Philips Star Wars Shaver SW5700/07 (S$149) and the Stormtrooper-inspired Philips Star Wars Shaver SW170/04 (S$109).
These shavers are only available in Singapore until 31 December, 2017 with the SW6700/14 available exclusively at Best Denki.
Adding a nice touch is the red X-wing symbol that flickers during use.
Trying out the shaver, I found the Reflex Action system on the shaver provided a speedy close shave.
As it is moved over the skin, the shaver’s eight-directional ContourDetect flex heads automatically recalibrates to the curves of my neck and face.
Throughout the shave, I didn’t feel any pulling or tugging – because of the shaver’s V-Track Precision Pro technology, which uses 72 self-sharpening V-shaped blades cutting at 151,000 times per minute.
According to Philips, this technology positions each hair in the best cutting position, even on a three-day stubble (mine was a two-day old stubble) for a shave 30% closer to the skin and in fewer strokes, cutting up to 20% more hair compared to Philips predecessor shaver models.
Prime members can get unlimited free shipping on millions of local and international items, unlimited access to popular movies and TV shows on Prime Video and video game benefits with Twitch Prime. Prices & launch promotions below.
Tens of millions of members in 16 countries (including Singapore) already enjoy the best of Amazon with Prime. Click on infographic to enlarge.
Prime is Amazon’s popular membership program that provides exclusive access to benefits such as fast shipping, streaming and gaming.
“We want to make the lives of customers living in Singapore better every day. Customers in Singapore have been enjoying ultra-fast delivery with Prime Now since July, and now, the introduction of Amazon Prime will take their shopping experience to the next level. Now with an even wider selection of international items available for unlimited free international shipping, along with unlimited access to Prime Video and Twitch Prime, this membership is designed to offer the best of Amazon. And this is just the beginning. We will keep making Prime better, adding even more selection and benefits,” said Jamil Ghani, Vice President Amazon Prime International.
This week, Singapore customers will be able to enjoy Prime benefits including exclusive access to free two-hour delivery on orders over S$40 with tens of thousands of items and unlimited free international shipping on orders above S$60 on more than 5 million items from Amazon US – all available in the Prime Now App.
Plus, Prime members in Singapore will enjoy unlimited access to popular and award-winning Amazon Prime Originals like the highly-anticipated second season of The Grand Tour premiering December 8, as well as other shows, movies and more on Prime Video.
They will also enjoy access to gaming benefits with Twitch Prime, at no additional cost.
Amazon Prime in Singapore will be available for S$8.99 per month; however, for a limited time, customers can sign up for S$2.99 per month.
Everyone can try Prime by signing up for a free 30-day trial at www.amazon.com.sg.
More details below from the press release about Prime membership benefits in Singapore.
Epson has launched the first 3LCD laser ultra-short throw projectors. The company boasts that the EB-1470Ui is the world’s first 3LCD interactive laser ultra-short throw projector. Price below.
Epson’s new 3LCD laser ultra short throw projectors: EB-1470Ui (left), EB-700U (right).
Combining inorganic 3LCD panels with an inorganic phosphor wheel, the projectors’ laser light source provides up to 20,000 hours of operation with virtually no maintenance needed.
Both the projectors deliver 4,000 lumens of white and colour brightness and WUXGA beyond Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels for a dynamic viewing experience.
Immersive virtual reality gaming for groups of up to 8 gamers (13+ years old) per 30min session, at S$69 per pax.
* This story first appeared in The Travel Memoir.
Zero Latency Singapore is brought in by Tomorrow Entertainment, the company that also brought BOUNCE to Singapore. Photo: Zero Latency Singapore.
There are three VR gaming scenarios of increasing difficulty, from basic orientation (Engineerium, 15min), to zombie shooting (Zombie Survival, 15min), to hardcore gun fights at simulated zero gravity VR scenarios (Singularity, 30min).
The 30min game play for each session can be one of three combinations:
The 4,200sqft (390sqm) Zero Latency Singapore is located at #03-346/347 Suntec City Mall, between Suntec Towers 2 & 3.
In conjunction with the release of the movie “The Last Jedi”, Philips has launched three special limited edition shavers featuring cutting-edge rotary technology – on sale in Singapore until 31 December, 2017. Prices below.
The three new limited edition Star Wars “The Last Jedi” shavers from Philips. From left: Stormtrooper (S$109), BB-8 (S$149), Poe Dameron (S$219).
The three new special edition Star Wars shavers is part of a global collaboration themed around the Star Wars franchise.
“This collection will not only excite Star Wars fans but also gentlemen who want to up their shaving game. The Philips Star Wars shavers will be introduced at wallet-friendly prices while still offering all-star performance. All Philips shavers make use of a proprietary rotary shaving technology that is designed to follow the contours of the face, offering the closest shave possible and can be used on-the-go for ultimate flexibility and convenience,” said Ms. Aw Ee Ling, Senior Marketing Manager, Personal Health, Philips Singapore.
The new range of shavers combines premium cutting-edge technology with never-before-seen design features, emulating different characters from the Star Wars movie collection.
The shavers are available in Singapore from November 1 to December 31, 2017.
The Poe Dameron-inspired Philips Star Wars Shaver SW6700/14 (review here) is available exclusively at Best Denki.
The BB-8-inspired SW5700/07 and Philips Star Wars Dry Electric Shaver in Stormtrooper-inspired SW170/04 are available on the Philips e-store as well as from selected electronic stores, major departmental stores and authorised dealers.
The prices for the three new models are listed below.
The new security solutions for Windows devices include ESET Smart Security Premium, ESET Internet Security, and ESET NOD32 Antivirus. Prices and Giveaway below.
Update (20 November, 2017):
A big Thank You to all of you who participated in this tech4xmas2017 giveaway. The ESET Internet Security goes to @sherylhwq. Congratulations!
For the other participants, not to worry – there will be other giveaways up for grabs. In the meantime, check out the next tech4xmas2017 giveaway at @tech4teaEvents. So hop over and try your luck.
You might just win yourself a fun custom-made lightsaber amidst the current Star Wars craze – for yourself or for a friend as a X’mas present! So see you over at @tech4teaEvents!
The most popular security solution among the three is the ESET Internet Security. Check out the tech4xmas Giveaway here to get a free copy for this Christmas!
ESET has launched its 2018 line of security solutions (version 11) for home users using Windows computers.
The solutions are available online now for download and annual subscription prices for 1 computer are listed below.
Discounted subscription plans for each product are available for more than 1 device.
The ESET Multi-Device Security Pack provides the same features as the ESET Internet Security but adds cross-platform support to Windows/Mac/Linux computers and Android smartphones/tablets.
What is noteworthy is that for existing subscribers to the current versions, there is no charge for upgrading to the latest software – all valid ESET license holders can simply download the latest products.
More details from the press release below.
This transparent LifeProof NËXT phone case boasts six layers of protection in a sleek package to keep your iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone 7 Plus safe from drops, dirt and snow.
Worth S$119, you may just get one free by participating in the tech4xmas 2017 giveaway over on Instagram here.
Update (17 November, 2017):
A big Thank You to all of you who participated in this tech4xmas2017 giveaway. The LifeProof NEXT phone case goes to @coldkohmew. Congratulations!
For the other participants, not to worry – there will be more phone cases coming up for grabs. In the meantime, I have started the next tech4xmas2017 giveaway back at @tech4tea. So hop over and try your luck.
You might just win yourself a 1-year’s license for the newly launced ESET Internet Security 2018 (worth S$45.90) – for yourself or for a friend as a X’mas present! So see you over at @tech4tea!
To try your luck, do the following:
1. Follow @tech4teaReviews Instagram account.
2. Comment on this Instagram post (ON INSTAGRAM) by typing one of the three things that this NËXT phone case protects your iPhone from.
___
I will pick one commenter (at random) on Friday (17 November) to be the recipient for the giveaway. I will contact you via Instagram Direct Message to arrange collection instructions.
The two-piece outer shell of the LifeProof NËXT phone case wraps securely around the iphone 8 Plus or iPhone 7 Plus and offers maximum durability and drop defence.
I have one LifeProof NËXT phone case to giveaway on Instagram here.
The giveaway ends on Friday (17 November) and I will pick one participant to receive the phone case free.
Instructions on how to participate (takes less than a minute) are on the Instagram post itself (and above).
So go score yourself or your loved one a LifeProof NËXT phone case for a X’mas present.
Good Luck!
A raised bevel bolsters drop and touchscreen protection while the display is left uncovered for direct access to the glass.
A clear outer layer prevents scuffs, scrapes and scratches and an inner lining seals the case and phone from dirt.
An audio-transparent mesh covers the speakers to block dust and debris while audio flows freely.
NËXT protects from drops up to 2 meters, carries an IP-5X rating for blocking dirt and dust and keeps snow out.
tech4xmas 2017 gift list: The Seagate Backup Plus Hub serves as an external storage hub that provides extra USB 3.0 ports for direct data transfer and device charging. An ideal X’mas gift for the geeky uncle to help him manage all the digital assets in his family.
Comes in 4TB (S$259), 6TB (S$399) and 8TB (S$499) capacities.
“I’m buying for my uncle the 8TB version as a X’mas present because he has been complaining lately that he’s running out of storage space for all the videos that he’s been capturing of his grandchildren. I think he’ll be delighted with the additional storage and ease of use.”
The Seagate Backup Plus Hub has been around for a while and it’s been an indispensible part of my desktop setup at home giving me much convenience and peace of mind.
First off, the 4-8TB provides much needed respite for storing and backing up the deluge of photos and videos that we capture with our cameras and smartphones/tablets.
The Seagate Backup Plus Hub comes in 4TB, 6TB & 8TB capacities.
You can access the Backup Plus Hub directly using Windows Explorer or via the bundled easy-to-use Seagate Dashboard software which enables you to configure and manage your backups/restores – whether it’s files from the computer, mobile devices or content on social media.
