Posts Tagged ‘smartphones’

New arrival: Sharp Z2 & MS1 Android mid-tier smartphones

Friday, October 21st, 2016

Commtiva Technology has launched two new mid-tier Android smartphones in Singapore: Sharp Z2 (S$399) and Sharp MS1 (S$299).

The SHARP Z2 (S$399, left) comes in two colors – Gold and Silver, while the SHARP MS1 (S$299, right) is available in Hanayome White and Pure Pink.

The SHARP Z2 (S$399, left) comes in two colors – Gold and Silver, while the SHARP MS1 (S$299, right) is available in Hanayome White and Pure Pink.

The SHARP Z2 is Singapore’s first 2.3GHz deca-core smartphone, powered by MediaTek’s Helio X20 flagship processor with Tri-Cluster CPU architecture.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

Both the SHARP Z2 (S$399) and SHARP MS1 (S$299) will be available from 29 October 2016 at M1, M1 exclusive distributors, selected Challenger stores, and authorized resellers.

This 5.5-inch Z2 boasts up to 30% less power consumption for users, with fast-charge technology that allows the 3,000mAh battery to be recharged up to 50% in 30 minutes.

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New arrival: LG V20 flagship phablet with Android 7 Nougat

Wednesday, October 12th, 2016

LG has launched the V20 in Singapore, boasting strong multimedia performance for audiophiles and photographers. Available in Singapore (S$998) from 5 November.

The LG V20 uses lightweight aluminum, together with a new silicon-based material - AL6013 metal - which is found in aircraft, sailboats and mountain bikes.

The LG V20 uses lightweight aluminum, together with a new silicon-based material – AL6013 metal – which is found in aircraft, sailboats and mountain bikes.

The new LG V20 sports Hi-Fi Quad DAC, Steady Record 2.0, front and rear wide angle cameras.

LG also boasts that It is the world’s first smartphone to come preloaded with Android 7.0 Nougat OS, featuring the new Google In Apps phone search function.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

The LG V20 has a 5.7-inch main IPS Quantum Display and emphasises on multimedia performances. It was launched in Singapore at Bar on 5 in the Orchard Mandarin Hotel.

The LG V series is a premium flagship smartphone line designed to provide users with the best video and audio experience.

Key specifications of the LG V20 below.

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New arrival: Sony Xperia XZ & Xperia X Compact Android smartphones

Wednesday, September 28th, 2016

The two new models in the X series includes the flagship Xperia XZ (S$998, 5.2-inch display) as well as the petite Xperia X Compact (S$648, 4.6-inch display).

Both the Sony Xperia XZ (S$998) and the Sony Xperia X Compact (S$648) will hit Singapore shelves from 15 October, with pre-orders through Sony Stores and Sony Centres from 30 September to 7 October.

Both the Sony Xperia XZ (S$998, left) and the Sony Xperia X Compact (S$648, right) will hit Singapore shelves from 15 October, with pre-orders through Sony Stores and Sony Centres from 30 September to 7 October.

Sony Mobile announced the two additions to its new X series smartphones at IFA 2016 earlier this month.

The 64GB, Hybrid Dual SIM variant of the Xperia XZ will hit the shelves in Singapore island-wide at Sony Stores, Sony Centres, local telcos and authorised retailers on 15 October; and will be available in three colours – Forest Blue, stylish classics Mineral Black and Platinum.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

The Sony Xperia XZ flagship smartphone was launched in Singapore at the National Gallery of Singapore.

The 32GB Single SIM variant of the Xperia X Compact will be available only in Sony Stores and Sony Centres from 15 October 2016; and will be available in Mist Blue, Universe Black and stylish White.

More details from the press release below.

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Huawei & Leica Camera establish new research & innovation center

Friday, September 23rd, 2016

The ‘Max Berek Innovation Lab’ will conduct R&D in the fields of new optical systems, computational imaging, virtual reality and augmented reality.

Ren Zhengfei, CEO of Huawei (right) and Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, majority shareholder and chairman of the advisory board of Leica Camera AG (left), signing the agreement on the establishment of the ‘Max Berek Innovation Lab’

Ren Zhengfei, CEO of Huawei (right) and Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, majority shareholder and chairman of the advisory board of Leica Camera AG (left), signing the agreement on the establishment of the ‘Max Berek Innovation Lab’. Photo source: Huawei.

Huawei and Leica Camera AG today announced they have expanded their strategic collaboration with the establishment of a jointly operated research and innovation center.

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New arrival: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Android smartphone (S$1,168)

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will be available in Singapore from 20 August at S$1,168. Pre-orders / registration of interest (with M1, Singtel, StarHub) begin today with delivery on 19 August. Free Note 7 Lens Kit (S$198) for pre orders.

The newest flagship phablet from Samsung has a 5.7-inch Quad HD Dual Edge SUPER AMOLED display with 2560 x 1440 (518ppi). The Galaxy Note 7 ships with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

The newest flagship phablet from Samsung has a 5.7-inch Quad HD Dual Edge SUPER AMOLED display with 2560 x 1440 (518ppi). The Galaxy Note 7 ships with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

The Galaxy Note series skips a number and goes directly from Note 5 to Note 7.

The latest flagship model is now in line with the Galaxy S7 to reduce confusion among consumers.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is available in Black Onyx, Gold Platinum, or Silver Titanium.

More importantly, Samsung is probably hoping that some of the success of the S7 will rub off on the Note 7 and continue turning around the fortunes of the Korean phone maker.

So the most “eye-catching” – forgive the pun – new feature must be the iris-scanner, another security to ensure only the right eyes get to eyeball the contents of the Note 7.

I tried it during the launch and it’s mighty fast and responsive, removing my initial reservation that it might be slow and wonky.

The S Pen also gets enhanced, software wise.

New functionalities include Screen Off Memo, Smart Select function, Air Command and Samsung Notes, as well as the ability to create and share GIF animations.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 comes with Dual SIM support, where one of the two nano-SIM slots can be used to accept a microSD memory card (up to 256GB) instead. This will extend the 64GB internal memory that comes with the phone.

Also, the Galaxy Note 7 and its S Pen are now both IP68-certified water and dust resistant, so you can now use them underwater – if you want/need to.

More details and technical specifications in the press release below.

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New arrival: BlackBerry unveils DTEK50 Android smartphone

Tuesday, July 26th, 2016

From today, DTEK50 is available for pre-order from ShopBlackBerry.com in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and The Netherlands for US$299. Availability of DTEK50 in additional global channels and countries will be announced in the coming weeks.

For a limited time, customers who pre-order a DTEK50 on ShopBlackBerry.com only will receive a complimentary BlackBerry Mobile Power Pack, a high-capacity portable charger worth US$59.99 ($69.99 CDN, €59.99 and £54.99) that powers all your compatible mobile devices to maximise your productivity and play time. This offer expires on August 8th at 11:59 pm PST.

For a limited time, customers who pre-order a DTEK50 on ShopBlackBerry.com only will receive a complimentary BlackBerry Mobile Power Pack, a high-capacity portable charger worth US$59.99 ($69.99 CDN, €59.99 and £54.99) that powers all your compatible mobile devices to maximise your productivity and play time. This offer expires on 8 August at 11:59 pm PST. Image credit: BlackBerry.

BlackBerry boasts that the DTEK50 is “the world’s most secure Android smartphone, delivering BlackBerry’s unmatched security, privacy and productivity to price-conscious consumers and businesses”.

“We take our customers’ privacy seriously. That’s why we’re excited with all the security and functionality that’s built in our newest Android smartphone. DTEK50 merges the unique security and connectivity features BlackBerry is known for, with the rich Android ecosystem. This device adds to BlackBerry’s lineup of secure smartphones, providing choice to our customers with different price points on both, BlackBerry 10 and Android platforms,” said Ralph Pini, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, Devices, BlackBerry.

The DTEK50 is BlackBerry’s second smartphone powered by Android, following the PRIV.

Fully equipped with Android Marshmallow 6.0, DTEK50 combines BlackBerry’s unique security, privacy and productivity with the full Android experience in an all-touch design, at a price point that’s “accessible for consumers and ideal for enterprise fleet deployment”, according to the company’s press release..

Availability

DTEK50 will be available in a number of channels around the world, including more than 40 partners from electronics stores, carriers, VARs and distributors.

This includes Rogers, Bell, TELUS, WIND, Videotron and SaskTel among others in Canada.

In the U.S., DTEK50 will initially be available in Best Buy, B&H and Amazon.

More details from the press release below.

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New arrival: New Google Chromecast (S$65) in Singapore for TVs

Friday, July 8th, 2016

From today, the newest version of Google Chromecast will be available in Singapore from M1 and Lazada retailers at S$65.

The new Google Chromecast (S$65) has a brand new look and is now available in black.

The new Google Chromecast (S$65) has a brand new look and is now available in black.

Chromecast turns any TV into a smart TV by streaming the display of a Chromebook or an Android, iOS, Windows device onto a any television with an HDMI port.

With fresh content and an updated app to find entertainment, the new Chromecast promises to make streaming easier and up to 6.5x faster than its predecessor.

The new Chromecast has an updated design, making it easier to fit into TVs with crowded ports.

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Holiday greetings: Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2016

Wednesday, July 6th, 2016

Here’s wishing all Muslim friends: “Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri”!

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri! Muslims and non-Muslim visitors taking a breather from the hustle & bustle of the Ramadan bazaar last night.

It’s Hari Raya Puasa today.

After a whole month of fasting during Ramadan, today is the day that our Muslim friends have been looking forward to.

A photo posted by John Tan (@tech4tea) on

Little girl having henna drawn on her hand at the Ramadan night bazaar. Thanks to the girl’s mother for so generously granting permission for this photo.

Here are some photos from visiting the night bazaar last night at the Geylang Serai area in Singapore.

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New arrival: OnePlus 3 Android smartphone in Singapore (Q3)

Wednesday, June 15th, 2016

OnePlus 3 is the new flagship smartphone for the company and will be available in Singapore from Q3 (July) onwards online and subsequently at traditional retail stores. Price TBA.

Update (1 July, 2016):

The OnePlus 3 will be sold on Lazada at an exclusive price of S$649 (usual price S$699) from 4 – 23 July 2016.

Customers can expect to receive the phones on 23 July 2016.

Do note that for this special sale on Lazada, stocks are limited so customers are advised to purchase early.

Update (24 June, 2016):

The OnePlus 3 will retail at S$699 in Singapore, and will go on sale at traditional retail channels on 30 July.

OnePlus plans to launch the phone at the Telcos on the same date (to be confirmed).

In a collaboration with Lazada, the phone will be on sale from 4 July till 30 July (online exclusive price to be confirmed).

The OnePlus 3 will be available in Graphite and Soft Gold.

The OnePlus 3 will be available in Graphite and Soft Gold.

The OnePlus 3 features Dash Charge fast charging technology, which adds a day of power in only half an hour.

It comes completely unlocked – no carrier contracts necessary, and an unlocked bootloader – to give users maximum flexibility.

It is also the first OnePlus smartphone to be available for purchase at launch without an invite on OnePlus’ e-commerce site.

More details from the press release below.

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IoT to overtake mobile phones by 2018 – Ericsson Mobility Report

Friday, June 3rd, 2016

The Ericsson Mobility Report forecasts that 16 billion connected devices are expected to join the Internet of Things by end 2021.

Between 2015 and 2021, the number of IoT connected devices is expected to grow 23 percent annually, of which cellular IoT is forecast to have the highest growth rate.

Between 2015 and 2021, the number of IoT connected devices is expected to grow 23 percent annually, of which cellular IoT is forecast to have the highest growth rate.

Internet of Things (IoT) is set to overtake mobile phones as the largest category of connected device by 2018.

Between 2015 and 2021, the number of IoT connected devices is expected to grow 23 percent annually, of which cellular IoT is forecast to have the highest growth rate.

“IoT is now accelerating as device costs fall and innovative applications emerge. From 2020, commercial deployment of 5G networks will provide additional capabilities that are critical for IoT, such as network slicing and the capacity to connect exponentially more devices than is possible today,” said Rima Qureshi, Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Ericsson.

Of the 28 billion total devices that will be connected by 2021, close to 16 billion will be IoT devices.

Western Europe will lead the way in adding IoT connections – the number of IoT devices in this market is projected to grow 400 percent by 2021.

This will principally be driven by regulatory requirements, for example for intelligent utility meters, and a growing demand for connected cars including the EU e-call directive to be implemented in 2018.

Smartphone subscriptions continue to increase and are forecast to surpass those for basic phones in Q3 this year.

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