Posts Tagged ‘smartphones’
Monday, January 14th, 2013
Arieso has just released the results of a study into recent trends in extreme data, revealing new challengers for Telcos and network operators.
The latest Hungry Handsets report by Arieso
This year’s Hungry Handsets study finds that:
- Smartphones trump tablets in terms of data consumption and generation
- Apple’s iPhone 5 and Samsung’s GALAXY SIII goes head to head against each other at the top of the data utilisation list
- Data upload has grown, as users generate more data.
This latest analysis by Arieso into mobile data use also reveals that 40% of all data is consumed by only 1% of users, although LTE is starting to take the strain.
Interview with study author
Dr. Michael Flanagan, study author & CTO, Arieso
I spoke with Dr. Michael Flanagan, the study author and Arieso CTO about the report.
He observed that the data crunch in the wireless industry started by the launch of the iPhone was not abating; and the study revealed that increasingly sophisticated devices are unleashing unprecedented levels of user demand.
He cautioned that the particular results in this study corresponded to the specific market that was studied, and that these results could vary depending on a number of circumstances (including morphologies, available devices, regional customer behaviors, and socio-economic user factors).
“Yet again we found that novel usage patterns, new technologies and regional idiosyncrasies are conspiring to make life increasingly difficult for mobile operators trying to meet evolving customer expectations,” said study author and Arieso CTO, Dr. Michael Flanagan.
As such, these results are intended to be illustrative rather than definitive.
Dr. Flanagan urged network operators to embark upon similar subscriber and network evaluation programs in order to determine the clear and present data demands being placed on their networks as well as the most appropriate response strategies to best satisfy this demand.
(more…)
Tags:Apple, Arieso, data, Galaxy, HTC, iPhone, network, Samsung, smartphones, study, tablets, telco
Posted in Announce, Apple, Enterprise IT, Figures, Gadgets, Galaxy, HTC, Infographic, Interview, iPad, iPhone, Opinion, Phones, Samsung, Study, Tablets, Tech news, Tickers | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, November 27th, 2012
Almost three months after they were unveiled by Nokia and Microsoft CEOs in New York, Nokia’s first Windows Phone 8 smartphones will debut in Singapore.
The Lumia 920 (S$899) and Lumia 820 (S$699) hits Singapore shelves next Saturday on 8 December 2012.
Nokia Lumia 920 (S$899) and Lumia 820 (S$699) arrives in Singapore next Saturday, 8 December 2012.
The two new handsets will be available at Nokia retail stores, while mobile operators in Singapore are slated to announce their respective data plans for the two models.
Accessories
Accessories for the two smartphones include the Nokia Lumia Purity Pro headset, JBL PlayUp Portable Wireless Speaker and JBL PowerUp Wireless Charging Speakers, as well as the Nokia Wireless Charging Pillow by Fatboy, Nokia Wireless Charging Stand and Nokia Wireless Charging Plate.
Nokia Singapore launched the two smartphones at Harry’s Bar at Millenia Walk and handed out the devices for guests to try out the new features, as they made their way around the city on an open-top bus.
The Lumia 920 boasts Pureview imaging technology that produces sharp pictures even in low light. The optical image stabiliser (OIS) further reduced the blur.
I was rather impressed with the Lumia 920’s imaging performance. Photos were indeed bright and sharp, while videos of moving/vibrating objects appeared less jerky when compared to videos taken on the Lumia 820 and other smartphones.
JBL PowerUp Wireless Charging Speakers
The Lumia 820 is the more affordable sibling of the two, with a smaller and lower-resolution screen, smaller battery, and the run-of-the-mill camera.
It is however, more compact and lighter than its bigger brother. (Check the quick comparison here).
You can also change the back cover of the Lumia 820 to vary the colour of the phone.
Both smartphones come with the same imaging apps that were quite interesting.
Nokia Smart Shoot is for group photos – shooting multiple exposures with a single click to choose the best from each exposure.
Nokia Wireless Charging Stand
Cinemagraph takes short videos where certain parts are frozen as a still shot while portions defined by you moves like regular video.
Panorama helps you do a sweep panorama shot of the landscape.
City Lens adds an augmented reality overlay over the screen when the camera is pointed at buildings and places of interest.
The idea is novel but not new, and in the short span of time that I tried it out, I found the augmented info sketchy at times while the resolution was not good enough to “lead” you to a particular place. At best, it tells you a place of interest is in a particular direction.
For really pragmatic and effective turn-by-turn navigation and search for places of interest, head back to the Nokia Maps and Nokia Drive apps, both of which have been updated with features such as indoor maps.
Tags:Lumia, Lumia 820, Lumia 920, Microsoft, Nokia, Singapore, smartphones, Windows Phone, Windows Phone 8
Posted in Accessories, App, Cameras, Events, Gadgets, headphones, Launch, Lumia, Nokia, Phones, Prices, Software, speakers, Specifications, Windows Phone 8 | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, November 21st, 2012
Sony Mobile will be at SITEX 2012 at Hall 5, Booth 5A01. There will be discounts for their smartphones, including the latest Xperia SL.
The new Xperia SL and Xperia ion are among the Android smartphones that Sony Mobile is retailing at SITEX 2012.
Purchase either the Xperia J (S$398) or Xperia acro S (S$698) and get a pair of Raine Yang concert tickets (worth S$156) free.
Above are the discounts for other Sony Mobile Android smartphones. Follow the links to read the details for each model.
Tags:Android, EXPO, IT exhibition, promotions, Singapore, SITEX, SITEX 2012, SITEX 2012 smartphones and tablets, smartphones, Sony Mobile, Xperia
Posted in Android, Exhibition, Gadgets, Phones, Prices, Promotions, Sony, Sony Mobile, Xperia | No Comments »
Monday, October 22nd, 2012
Sony Xperia SL is now available in Singapore in black, dark silver and pink at a recommended retail price of S$668 (without contract) at Xperia Concept Stores, Sony Stores and Sony Centres.
The new Sony Xperia SL from Sony Mobile comes in black (not shown above), dark silver or pink.
Based on the popular Xperia S, the new Xperia SL boasts a sharp 4.3-inch Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine.
| Sony Xperia SL |
| OS |
Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Screen |
4.3″ 720p HD TFT |
| Resolution |
1280 x 720 (342ppi) |
| Battery |
1,750 mAh, embedded |
| Processor |
1.7 GHz Qualcomm MSM8260 Dual Core |
| Features |
NFC |
| Camera |
Rear: 12 MP |
| Front: 1.3 MP |
| Video |
1080p HD |
| Memory |
Int: 32 GB |
| Ext: |
| Size /mm |
128 x 64 x 10.6 |
| Weight |
144 g |
| Colour |
Black, Dark Silver, Pink |
| Price |
S$668 |
The 720p HD TFT display (1280 x 720 pixels, 342 ppi) has 16 million colours and has a shatter proof sheet on scratch-resistant glass.
HD content can be shared through DLNA, HDMI and BRAVIA Sync through quick and easy streaming to other screens.
Xperia SL features a 12MP fast capture camera that goes from sleep to snap in just over a second with a single key press.
The smartphone runs on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and a 1.7 GHz Qualcomm MSM8260 Dual Core processor, with 32GB eMMC flash storage and NFC.
Xperia SL is PlayStation Certified.
Three new media applications – WALKMAN”, “ALBUM” and “MOVIES” – provide enhanced entertainment experiences, and shares content amongst friends via social media connectivity.
Tags:Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, Singapore, smartphones, Sony Mobile, Xperia, Xperia S, Xperia SL
Posted in Android, Availability, Gadgets, Phones, Prices, Sony Mobile, Specifications, Xperia | 1 Comment »
Saturday, October 20th, 2012
Samsung has launched the GALAXY Note II LTE in Singapore. The 5.5-inch smartphone/tablet hybrid will be available from end of this week at S$998 (without contract) in Ceramic White or Titan Gray. It will also be available from the three Telcos.
Update (28 March, 2013):
The Amber Brown version of the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE will be available on 30 March 2013 (Saturday).
The Recommended Retail Price (without line contract) is S$968.
The Samsung GALAXY SIV was launched two weeks ago on 14 March in New York City.
However, that may only hit the shelves in April/May 2013.
Update (14 March, 2013):
Samsung today announced the launch of the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE in Martian Pink.
It will be available from 16 March 2013 (Saturday) at S$968, without line contract.
And at 7pm today (in Singapore, that will be 7pm tomorrow morning), Samsung will be launching the successor to the GALAXY S III in New York City.
The widely-anticipated Samsung GALAXY S IV will be the first GALAXY smartphone to be launched within the US.
Samsung hopes it will help the company wrest the number one position in the US from Apple’s iPhone, something it has already accomplished outside of the US.
The launch will be live-streamed worldwide.
Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE, complete with S Pen, comes in Ceramic White or Titan Gray.
The Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE has a thinner but bigger body than its predecessor, with a 16:9 screen ratio. It is the latest in Samsung’s GALAXY Note series after the launch of the GALAXY Note 10.1 in August.
(more…)
Tags:Android, Galaxy, Jelly Bean, launch, LTE, NFC, Note, Note II, Samsung, Singapore, smartphones, tablets
Posted in Android, App, Availability, Gadgets, Galaxy, Launch, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, Samsung, Specifications, Tablets | 2 Comments »
Thursday, October 18th, 2012
What does the online fashion/lifestyle retailer and the enterprise secure smartphone of choice have in common?
BlackBerry and ZALORA join hands to present a “Fashionably Bold” event.
A strong sense of style and the gut to make Bold fashion statements with their products, which is why both enjoy a growing following among the young and trendy in the region. And BBM is the buzzword that keeps them connected.
(L-R) Valerie Lim, mentor to the models with stylist bloggers Irene of Moonberry, Vanessa of Wardrobe Trends Fashion, Sophie Willocq.
BlackBerry and ZALORA co-hosted a stylish event in Singapore to put forth a fashion show showcasing a unique set of looks developed by leading online fashion bloggers and inspired by BlackBerry’s Bold line of smartphones.
Promotion for fans
To celebrate the partnership between BlackBerry and ZALORA, anyone purchasing any BlackBerry smartphone through the various authorized partners, will receive a 15% discount from ZALORA Singapore, the island’s one-stop online shopping destination across fashion, beauty and home & décor.
Charles Dufourcq – Country Director for RIM, Singapore – looking fashionably bold.
“The individual styles inspired by the BlackBerry Bold portfolio truly showcase the diversity of the many collections on ZALORA,” said Terence Pang, Head of Marketing for ZALORA Singapore.
A vibrant and thriving night out
Local standup comedian, Kumar, being fashionably bold.
I popped in at the event (at 72-13 Mohammed Sultan Road) in the evening and the turnout was fantastic, thronging with both BlackBerry and ZALORA fans.
Everybody had a great laugh with local stand-up comedian Kumar’s act.
The fashion show was refreshing because the eight female and male models were not pros but lucky winners who had been chosen from an online contest earlier, based on the best poses that they had sent in.
They received their very own photo-shoot, makeover and runway tips from Miss Singapore Universe 2011, Ms Valerie Lim, who also choreographed the Fashionably Bold show.
Totally Fashionably Bold!
“Fashionably Bold showcases the popularity of the BlackBerry Bold portfolio in Singapore, while celebrating the lifestyle statement that both our black and white smartphones make. It is a celebration of functionality coupled with a unique sense of style that BlackBerry smartphones have,” said Charles Dufourcq, Country Director for RIM, Singapore.
Tags:72-13, BlackBerry, Bold, fashion, lifestyle, Research In Motion, RIM, Singapore, smartphones, ZALORA
Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Bold, Events, Gadgets, Lifestyle, Party, Performance, Phones, Promotions, RIM, Shopping | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 17th, 2012
Samsung GALAXY Camera combines the image quality of dedicated compact cameras with the connectivity and apps of the smartphones.
Available in November, price TBA.
The Samsung GALAXY Camera is a camera that has the connectivities and funtionalities of a smartphone (minus voice calls).
The GALAXY Camera made its appearance in Singapore during Samsung’s “Be Creative” gala event at the Ritz-Carlton, which also saw the debut of the GALAXY Note II LTE in Singapore.
| Samsung GALAXY Camera |
| Megapixels |
16 MP |
| Optical Zoom |
21 x |
| Wide angle |
23mm, F2.8 |
| Max zoom |
483mm |
| ISO |
ISO 100 – 3,200 |
| LCD |
4.77″, 308ppi, 921.6k dots, 1280×720 pixels, HD Super Clear Touch |
| Movie |
1920 x 1080 px |
| OS |
Android 4.1, Jelly Bean |
| Processor |
1.4GHz Quad-core |
| Connectivity |
3G, Wi-Fi |
| Memory |
8GB int + mem slot |
| Slow motion video |
758 x 512 (120fps), 320×240 (30fps) |
| Vido output |
HDMI 1.4 |
| Flash |
Built-in |
| RAW |
No |
| Image stabilisation |
Optical Image Stabilisation |
| Size /mm |
128.7 x 70.8 x 19.1 |
| Weight |
300 g |
| Battery |
1,650 mAh |
| Price |
TBA |
Enjoy 21x long optical zoom and 16 megapixels, as well as WiFi/3G and the latest Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean operating system and apps.
The GALAXY Camera has a 16-megapixel 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor with 23mm lens for wide-angle shots.
It boasts a large and vivid camera display – a 4.8” (1280 x 720 pixels, 308 ppi) HD SUPER CLEAR LCD screen.
Smartphone technology, powered by a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor, provides the Voice Control for users to manipulate functions such as ‘Zoom in’ and ‘Shoot’ through voice.
The GALAXY Camera includes a comprehensive set of 35 powerful photo editing features within the ‘Photo Wizard’ – such as the “Auto Face Calibration” feature – allowing users to edit their photos on the go.
The “Movie Wizard” allows users to create and edit expert-quality videos easily using the touch screen.
The GALAXY Camera also features ‘Smart Content Manager’, which intelligently creates folders, tags faces, and even suggests which pictures to delete when they do not come out as desired.
Internet connectivity enables users to share their photos easily on the Web.
Users can share photos simultaneously as they shoot when they use the ‘Share Shot’ feature.
The Samsung GALAXY Camera has 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity on to the Internet, as well as apps running off the latest Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean.
The camera’s convenient ‘Auto Cloud Backup’ feature will automatically save photos into the cloud via Samsung’s AllShare the instant they are taken.
Infographic showing features of the Samsung GALAXY Camera.
In addition to sharing photos on social networks and cloud services, users can also connect to a range of GALAXY devices including the GALAXY S III and GALAXY Note II.
In addition to the pre-installed applications from Samsung, users can browse the web and enjoy any application from Google Play or Samsung Apps stores.
‘S Suggest’ will also be able to recommend a new photo editing app or fun game to download if users are spoilt for choice.
The GALAXY Camera enables connection to 3G networks (HSPA+ 21Mbps on 850/900/1900/2100 MHz) via a micro-SIM, allowing photo sharing and browsing anywhere.
The GALAXY Camera also functions on Wi-Fi with Dual Band and Channel Bonding for extra speed.
Connectivity is supported by a 1.4GHz Cortex-A9 quad-core processor that enables fast web-browsing and multitasking, as well as high-speed image processing without significant impact on battery life (1,650 mAh).
The camera comes with 8GB internal memory, with a memory slot for additional external memory (SD card, micro SDHC, micro SDXC).
Cameras crossing into smartphone territory
Nikon launched its COOLPIX S800c back in August – with Android 2.3 and Wi-Fi connectivity.
It had 16 megapixels and 12x optical zoom.
I had mused about when a camera would get 3G connectivity as well.
So it is opportune that Samsung is going to deliver that in the form of GALAXY Camera in November.
The Nikon COOLPIX S800c runs Android 2.3 and has Wi-Fi connectivity.
The 3G-capable GALAXY Camera will have the same 16 megapixels but will come with 21x optical zoom and Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean.
What’s next?
A camera that you can press to your cheeks to call someone?
Tags:Android, cameras, Galaxy, GALAXY Camera, Jelly Bean, launch, Samsung, Singapore, smartphones
Posted in Android, Cameras, Compact camera, Events, Gadgets, Galaxy, Infographic, Launch, Operating Systems, Phones, Photography, Samsung, Specifications | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, October 17th, 2012
The Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE (S$998) and GALAXY Camera (available November, price TBA) were launched at a gala event at The Ritz-Carlton.
Samsung also announced two local celebrities – Olivia Ong and Desmond Tan – as ambassadors for the two new gadgets.
Samsung celebrity ambassadors, Olivia Ong and Desmond Tan with their newly launched devices – GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at the ‘Be Creative’ event.
Singaporean singer-songwriter, Olivia Ong will be the brand ambassador for the GALAXY Note II LTE; while MediaCorp artiste, Desmond Tan will be the ambassador for the GALAXY Camera.
“The GALAXY Note II LTE allows me to be more creative and expressive in my daily life. With its large touchscreen, S Pen and easy-to-use functions, I can now take photos and scribble words and phrases which come to mind wherever I go, and they could be the next inspiration for my upcoming albums,” said Olivia Ong.
Olivia Ong, known for her soothing and powerful vocals and songwriting prowess, will be participating in “The Wonderland” project, and embark on a creative journey to compose an original song “Wonderland”.
“Wonderland” will be made into a music video, to capture the story behind the song and more importantly, better understand what inspires her.
Olivia will capture her inspirations and write her thoughts using the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE, and fans will get to join Olivia in her creativity process by interacting and sharing ideas with Olivia and catch behind-the-scenes videos of her creative journey to create this original song.
Olivia Ong singing her favourite song “Let It Rain” at the launch of the GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at Samsung’s ‘Be Creative’ event.
MediaCorp artiste,Desmond Tan, enthuses about how he loves sharing photos with fans and loved ones on social media instantly after shoots.
Chosen as the new celebrity ambassador for the Samsung GALAXY Camera, up-and-coming MediaCorp artiste, Desmond Tan is a photography buff, who loves to share photos of his special moments with friends, fans and family.
“I love to take photos and share them online so the GALAXY Camera works perfectly for me. I can take professional-like photos, edit and upload onto Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and also use the smart and social GALAXY Camera to surf the internet and send text messages to friends and families as and when I want,” said Desmond Tan.
In preparation for his upcoming lead role in a drama, “96 Café” where he will be taking on the role of a photographer, Desmond has been exploring the various features of the GALAXY Camera by taking photos and sharing them directly from his GALAXY camera with fans who follow him on Instagram.
Other celebrities and personalities who were present at the event included creative and theatre director, Beatrice Chia-Richmond, and boutique hotelier and entrepreneur, Loh Lik Peng, who are Samsung’s ambassadors for the recently-launched GALAXY Note 10.1.
Tags:cameras, Desmond Tan, Galaxy, launch, Note, Note II, Olivia Ong, Samsung, Singapore, smartphones, tablets, The Ritz-Carlton
Posted in Android, Cameras, Compact camera, Events, Gadgets, Galaxy, Launch, Party, Phones, Photography, Prices, Samsung, Tablets | 2 Comments »
Sunday, October 14th, 2012
Here’s a selection of interesting tech events happening this week (14-20 October 2012). It is not an exhaustive list and represents only a sampling of events that gives a taste of the tech pulse in Singapore.
What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore?
This week sees the continuation of buzz building up to the General Availability of Windows 8. Intel, Samsung, HP and Sony have already showcased their respective offerings. Next week, Microsoft will be releasing Windows 8 on 26 October 2012.
Event listing on tech4tea.com
You can see this selection of events in the right sidebar.
Event organisers can submit your events for listing to johntan@tech4tea.com – but there are no promises that your event will be featured.
Audiophiles can look forward to the launch of Swiss Piega handmade speakers by Atlas Singapore, while photographers finally see the Lytro light field camera officially launched in Singapore.
The much anticipated Samsung GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera will be launched at the Ritz-Carlton; while BlackBerry and ZALORA join hands to present a fashion show inspired by the BlackBerry Bold smartphones.
On the enterprise side, Progress Software and NCS are talks about growth in big data and the realtime analytic industries, while DPM Teo Chee Hean opens Techventure 2012.
Finally, wrap up the week with a bit of fun and learning at Canon Imaging Academy, shooting out-and-about Singapore and learning about shooting stock photos along the way.
15 October (Sunday)
BlackBerry JamHack 2012
5-city, 3-day, 40-hour hackathon organised by 5 developer groups & communities in Asia Pacific, supported by RIM.
Culminates in App Pitches on the last day on 15 Oct.
Venue: Delhi, Bangalore, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila
15 October (Monday)
Realtime analytics for business
Progress Software and NCS talks about growth in big data and realtime analytic industries.
16 October (Tuesday)
Lytro launch
Official launch of the Lytro light field camera in Singapore.
Venue: Clarke Quay
17 October (Wednesday)
Samsung launch of GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera
Launch of Samsung’s latest products in Singapore.
Venue: Ritz-Carlton
17-18 October (Wednesday to Thursday)
Techventure 2012
This year’s theme, “Äsia.Innovation.Renaisance”, highlights the economic transformation in Asia and opportunities for businesses from technological innovation.
Venue: Marina Bay Sands
18 October (Thursday)
Fashionably Bold
BlackBerry and ZALORA collaborates on a fashion show inspired by the BlackBerry Bold smartphones.
Venue: 72-13 Mohammed Sultan Road
19 October (Friday)
Piega launch by Atlas
Swiss Piega launching a range of exclusive handmade speakers in Singapore.
Venue: Atlas Showroom @ Windstedt
20-22 October (Saturday to Monday)
Singapore iStockalypse
iStockphoto and Getty Images are partnering with Canon Singapore to organise this 3-day photo-workshop to shoot Singapore.
Theory on Saturday, followed by portfolio review on Sunday and out-and-about shooting on Monday.
Venue: Canon Imaging Academy
Tags:BlackBerry, Bold, cameras, Canon, Galaxy, Getty Images, HP, Intel, iStockphoto, Lytro, Microsoft, Microsoft Windows 8, NCS, Note, Piega, Progress, Research In Motion, RIM, Samsung, Singapore, smartphones, Sony, speakers, tablets, Windows, Windows 8, ZALORA
Posted in Android, Audio, BlackBerry, Bold, Cameras, Canon, Event forecast, Events, Gadgets, Galaxy, HP, Intel, Microsoft, Notebooks, Phones, RIM, Samsung, Sony, Tablets, Windows 8 | No Comments »
Saturday, October 13th, 2012
For those in Singapore interested in getting the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE, registration of interest has started today. Here are the links to register with a Telco or without contract.
Registration of interest for Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE in Singapore.
Buyers stand a chance to win a pair of “SMTOWN Live World Tour III in Singapore” concert tickets (worth S$336).
Early birds get a FREE Limited Edition Accessory Pack (worth S$202) with your purchase.
The accessory pack includes four accessories: a flip cover, a protective back cover, a car adapter and a portable battery pack.
To buy the GALAXY Note II LTE without contract, register your interest at the Samsung Experience Stores.
Tags:Android, Galaxy, GALAXY Note II LTE, LTE, M1, promotions, Samsung, SingTel, smartphones, StarHub
Posted in Android, Announce, Gadgets, Galaxy, Phones, Promotions, Samsung, Tech news, Tickers | No Comments »
