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    Samsung PH to launch Note 8.0 in April

    Gadgets Team
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    Samsung PH to launch Note 8.0 in April

    Samsung’s newest tablet, the Galaxy Note 8.0, was announced last month at the 2013 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Today, Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) announced that they will be launching the device here in our shores in April.

    Here’s a quick refresher:

    The Note 8.0 features an 8-inch TFT touch screen with a pixel density of 189 ppi. Inside the device is a 1.6GHz Exynos 4 quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and either 16GB or 32GB of internal memory. The Note 8.0 runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. The 8-inch slate comes with an updated S Pen, now allowing users to use the stylus to control physical buttons as well. It works with the Air View feature to let users interact with the screen simply by hovering over it. Air View on the Note 8.0 also works on compatible with third-party apps. Additional features include a built-in IR blaster and Awesome Note—a note-taking app that was previously only available to iOS devices. The Note 8.0 comes in Wi-Fi only, 3G and 4G variations.

    The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 is the world’s first 8-inch tablet, so we’re excited to see how it fares in the ease-of-use and portability departments, as compared to tablets of other sizes.

    Photo from IGN

    We’re hiring!

    Mika Fernandez-David
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    We’re hiring!

    Gadgets Magazine, the pioneering tech-lifestyle magazine is hiring! If you want to work in a dynamic, creative and challenging environment, then Gadgets Magazine might just be the company for you. Think you got what it takes?

    EDITORIAL STAFF

    Responsibilities:
    – Monitor tech/news blogs and post stories on the website daily.
    – Manage ads using Google DFP.
    – Report website traffic using Google Analytics.
    – Handle contributors, proofread submissions.
    – Manage communities and discussion in Social Networks.
    – Cover tech events local and abroad.

    Requirements:
    – Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor’s/College Degree , Art/Design/Creative Multimedia, Advertising/Media, Journalism, Mass Communications, Marketing or equivalent.
    – Must be passionate about technology, has excellent communication skills, is computer literate, and has a good grasp of the English language.
    – Must be a team player and can work with deadlines
    – Must be willing to work in Quezon City
    – Must have sufficient knowledge in WordPress.
    – Fresh grads are welcome to apply.
    – Must know a bit of Photoshop, video editing, and basic HTML
    – Knowledge in CSS/PHP is definitely a plus.
    – Ideally someone who is active in Facebook/Twitter.
    – Full-Time positions available.

    Interested parties may send their resumes to cgiray(at)gadgetsmagazine(dot)com(dot)ph.

    Intel PH awards Sing to Win 2 prizewinners

    Gadgets Team
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    Intel PH awards Sing to Win 2 prizewinners

    Intel Philippines’ outgoing country manager Ricky Banaag and marketing manager Randy Kanapi hand over a certificate and a new Intel-powered Ultrabook to Shobert Hallig’s representatives who came to accept his award.

    The grand prize of Sing to Win 2, Intel’s nationwide online music video-making competition, was formally awarded last night to first placer Shobert Hallig.

    Hallig, a Multimedia Arts senior at Asia Pacific College, wowed the judges with his rendition of the classic Aerosmith hit, “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing.”

    Hallig could not make it to the event, but he sent representatives to accept the award and his brand new Intel Core i7-powered Ultrabook on his behalf.

    Second placers Nikki Mae Ilagan, Florabel Hernandez, Leonahlyn Drilon and Stephanie Deuda, and third placer Felicidad Olituquit were also awarded last night. They were also handed Intel-powered Ultrabooks.

    The online component of Sing to Win 2, which Hallig topped, required participants to create their own music videos of their renditions of one of five pre-selected songs: Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” and “Won’t Go Home Without You,” Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles,” Trisha Yearwood’s “How Do I Live,” and Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” The entries were collected in the course of five months.

    Sing to Win 2 also conducted roadshows in 10 universities— De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Malayan Colleges Laguna, Adamson University, Holy Angel University, De La Salle University Dasmarinas, Our Lady of Fatima, University of Santo Tomas and Centro Escolar University—and three SM malls nationwide.

    “Intel has always envisioned a future where Filipinos have access to computing technology. Through Sing to Win 1 and 2, we are able to bring this technology closer to the public by giving them a way to express themselves with music, edit their videos with computers and share their videos online,” says Intel Philippines Marketing Manager Randy Kanapi.

     

    Microsoft Philippines and DepEd partner to strengthen education

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Microsoft Philippines and DepEd partner to strengthen education

    Microsoft Philippines and the Department of Education (DepEd) recently participated in the Orientation for ICT Coordinators as part of its implementation of batch 14 of the DepEd computerization program in Dumaguete and General Santos City on March 21.

    The training was developed to empower coordinators to implement the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP). The DCP distributes important tools for learning, such as computer sets to public elementary and high schools all over the country to emphasize technology in the learning framework. The DCP has equipped 88 percent of secondary schools and 51 percent of elementary schools so far.

    “We are preparing Filipino students for a future shaped by new technologies and this would not be possible if we do not start incorporating the necessary tools needed in their day-to-day education,” said Rogelio Vicente Juan Morales, Technical Service Director of the Department of Education. “Education, just like any focus area of social development, needs the support of a strategic partner like Microsoft whom we have been engaging with in our efforts to make this country a nation of digitally competitive youth.”

    “We at Microsoft have always been guided by our mission to enhance people’s lives through the power of technology. We believe it is important that we help maximize the potential of today’s youth to allow them to enhance their talents and become globally competitive,” said Clarissa Segismundo, Education Programs Lead of Microsoft Philippines. “Through our growing educational programs and strategic partnerships with educational leaders and top organizations, Microsoft Philippines has made it a priority to provide teachers and students across the country the tools they need to better themselves and share their knowledge with members of their community.”

    To learn more of the innovations of Microsoft for education, you can visit www.pil-network.com.

    Apple’s entire product line targeted for digital rights management violations

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Apple’s entire product line targeted for digital rights management violations

    Apple will possibly have another courtroom battle on their hands—particularly concerning digital rights management (DRM). Intellectual property and digital rights management firm Intertrust Technologies is targeting the entire Apple product line: iOS devices, Macs, Apple TVs, iTunes, iCloud, and even the App Store. Intertrust announced on Wednesday that it had filed suit against Apple in the Northern District of California for allegedly violating 15 of Intertrust’s patents on security and “distributed trusted computing,” or, in other words, its DRM technology.

    “Apple makes many great products that use Intertrust’s inventions,” Intertrust CEO Talal Shamoon said in a statement. “Our patents are foundational to modern Internet security and trusted computing and result from years of internal research and development. We are proud of our record of peaceful and constructive licensing with industry leaders. We find it regrettable that we are forced to seek Court assistance to resolve this matter.”

    What’s interesting here is that Sony and Phillips, two of Apple’s rivals in the tech market, each hold a stake in Intertrust. Intertrust has also signed patent or software licensing deals with Samsung, Nokia, Motorola, Adobe, Samsung, Vodafone, HTC, and others. Intertrust is also no stranger to the courtroom—they won a USD$440 million settlement from another one of Apple’s Rivals, Microsoft, in 2004, also concerning the use of Intertrust’s DRM technology.

    Source: ArsTechnica

    Billboard in Peru makes drinking water out of thin air

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Billboard in Peru makes drinking water out of thin air

    The Philippines gets plenty of rain throughout the year. During the wettest times of the year, low-lying areas of Metro Manila and other parts of the country turn into lakes and sometimes ponds of impassable water. In contrast, some other parts of the world are in dire need of water, and some go months and even yearswithout seeing a single drop of rain from the sky. Peru is one of those countries, and its capital, Lima, averages less than two inches of rain per year. This makes water in Peru more of a blessing than the curse it is in most tropical countries, where too much water is a bad thing.

    The University of Engineering and Technology of Peru and an ad agency called Mayo DraftFCBand created the structure for the residents of Lima, who are forced to draw polluted water from wells. “They could put this in different places if possible in each village, in each town…the water that gives us life,” Francisco Quilca, a Bujama District’s resident, told the university. The humidity in Peru is around 98 percent, so water can be drawn out of thin air. The billboard system uses reverse osmosis, a water purifying process, and then stores the water in tanks that hold 20 liters each. The water is dispensed at the bottom of the structure, which has provided 9,450 liters in three months, according to the school.

    Although the snow-capped Andes, which also serves as a source of water, runs through Peru, the glaciers are rapidly shrinking due to several environmental factors. A study in the journal The Cryosphere shows that the Andean glaciers, which provide fresh water for the residents of not only Peru, but other countries where the Andes runs through, have shrunk between 30 and 50 percent since the 1970s. “Glacier retreat in the tropical Andes over the last three decades is unprecedented,” said Antoine Rabatel, the lead author of the study.

    “Improving access to water would reduce maternal health issues, child mortality and overall poverty. If we do water and sanitation right, we can have a great improvement on other goals,” said UN Deputy Chief Jan Eliasson.

    Source: Huffington Post

    Get Your Hyundai in Shape for Summer

    Press Release
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    Get Your Hyundai in Shape for Summer

    Summer is here! It’s time for long trips, beach vacations and out-of-town fun! But before heading out, make sure that you have a healthy car for your safe and worry-free travels! Schedule an appointment for Hyundai’s CAMP—Check-up And Maintenance Promo, and choose from our Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) packages:

    • PMS Package 1: HGMO Mineral Oil with 25% discount on labor
    • PMS Package 2: HGMO Semi-synthetic Oil with 25% discount on labor
    • PMS Package 3: HGMO Fully Synthetic Oil with 25% discount on labor, 10% discount on parts and engine oil and FREE Hyundai backpack or foldable fan

    Plus, for every PMS package, you also get a FREE 23-PT check-up for your car. So call your authorized participating dealership today and ask about Hyundai’s CAMP, to jumpstart your summer!

    Hyundai’s CAMP is ongoing until March 27, 2013.

    Sapphire glass might shatter Gorilla Glass

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Sapphire glass might shatter Gorilla Glass

    In both a literal and metaphorical sense, the title is true. Some of your smartphones might be protected by Gorilla Glass, but the fact remains that they are still capable of physically breaking. Sure, it won’t break from a small drop, but as the saying goes, all the little things add up—you might notice a hairline crack one day which could expand to a lot more if you’re one of those people that keep dropping your smartphone. But researchers are looking to replace Gorilla Glass with sapphire glass so that cracked screens will be a thing of the past.

    For those of you who paid attention in science class, sapphire is the second hardest material in the world after diamond. Sapphire is a transparent, crystalline form of aluminum oxide (alumina) that is extraordinarily hard and scratch-resistant. It has a melting point of 2,030 degrees Celsius, and it is almost completely impermeable and impervious to caustic chemicals. In short, sapphire is slightly weaker but far cheaper and more abundant than diamond, so you won’t have to empty your wallet (and then some) to acquire a device with sapphire glass. In terms of real-world use, sapphire is about 10 times more scratch resistant than normal window glass, and much stronger than any other materials used in optics applications.

    Synthetic sapphire is already being created by multiple companies around the world. Although these companies have their own methods of creating the material, it has triple the strength of Corning’s Gorilla Glass. We had already mentioned a smartphone that uses sapphire glass—the extremely expensive Vertu TI—but the development of sapphire glass-protected devices might ensure that this extremely strong protection will not just be for those who have money. It could go mainstream as the costs of production of this sort of glass goes down. Some market analysts have noted that the current cost of manufacturing a sheet of Gorilla Glass is only USD$3 (PHP 120), but the cost of manufacturing a sheet of sapphire glass is USD$30 (PHP 1,200), so that might mean that the cost of smartphones with sapphire glass might initially be high, but will go down as soon as it can be cheaply mass produced.

    Corning will probably be forced to make Gorilla Glass a lot stronger, and they will have some serious competition as the quest to make the smartphone more durable goes forth. It’s worth to note that one of the devices that already has sapphire glass is Apple’s iPhone 5—it’s used to protect the rear camera lens.

    Source: ExtremeTech

    Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello resigns

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello resigns

    Electronic Arts (EA) has come under fire for many issues throughout its history. One of the major criticisms of EA involved swallowing up smaller game developers such as Maxis (creator of SimCity and The Sims) and Westwood (creator of the Command & Conquer series). After acquiring these franchises, EA released games in these series that suffered from quality issues. Now, due to missing its quarterly expectations, CEO John Riccitiello has resigned, ending a six-year tenure as the head of one of the biggest game publishers in the world. Riccitiello, who is also a member of the Board of Directors, will resign that position as well. These resignations are effective on March 30.

    “This is a tough decision, but it all comes down to accountability,” Riccitiello wrote. “The progress EA has made on transitioning to digital games and services is something I’m extremely proud of. However, it currently looks like we will come in at the low end of, or slightly below, the financial guidance we issued in January, and we have fallen short of the internal operating plan we set one year ago.” He also wrote, “EA’s shareholders and employees expect better and I am accountable for the miss.”

    EA and Riccitiello attempted to make the shift to mobile and social gaming that has largely been the norm for the past few years, but many key executives jumped ship and joined social and mobile game developer Zynga, which sparked a legal battle that was settled just last month. If you have a lot of game requests on Facebook or if you send many of them yourself, these games might have been made by Zynga, which include FarmVille and Words with Friends.

    EA also tried to cut down on the number of games that were released each year under Riccitiello’s watch, which didn’t necessarily pan out. The recent installment of SimCity was just one of the latest EA releases that critics universally panned, namely because of the “always online” approach that is being criticized by many gamers.

    “One is always caught off guard by these changes, but it wasn’t a big surprise,” said Colin Sebastian, a video game analyst with Robert W. Baird. “The stock has lagged, there’s been lots of turnover of management and noticeable issues with the games.” Other analysts also had something to say about Riccitiello’s departure. “This is an industry with a very tough sales environment. You really have to execute, and these guys haven’t done that in terms of game quality,” said Eric Wilson, an analyst with Pacific Crest.

    Riccitiello will be replaced by former CEO Larry Probst as executive chairman to lead the video game publisher while it seeks a permanent replacement. The company said it would consider both internal and external candidates.

    “We thank John for his contributions to EA since he was appointed CEO in 2007, especially the passion, dedication and energy he brought to the company every single day,” said Probst. “John has worked hard to lead the company through challenging transitions in our industry, and was instrumental in driving our very significant growth in digital revenues.”

    Source: MarketWatch, DigitalTrends

    Learn more about your favorite TV shows with DoodTV!

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Learn more about your favorite TV shows with DoodTV!
    Want to catch up on your favorite TV shows or learn some tidbits about them? Here’s an app that might just help.
    DoodTV is a “second screen” app developed by Voyager Innovations that provides users with show information, news, and schedules. It also gives additional facts that viewers might be interested to know, like artist information, viewer feedback and show ratings.
    Interested in getting this nifty app? Head over to www.doodtv.voyagerinnovation.com, and key in your email address to receive updates and find out when it’s good to go!

    Petron-MIAS 2013 Custom and Classic Car Competition heats up

    Press Release
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    Petron-MIAS 2013 Custom and Classic Car Competition heats up

    Once again, the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is scheduled to showcase some of the country’s most desirable classic and modified cars.  Petron, the country’s leading fuel, shall be presenting the Petron-MIAS Custom and Classic Car Competition, to be held at the Philippine Trade Training Center, adjacent to the World Trade Center Manila, from April 4 to 7.  Recent “Best of Show” winners of the MIAS competition include a classic Mercedes-Benz 190SL in 2011 and last year, it was an entry by JSK shop Johnson Tan, a fully customized 2008 Honda Civic FD.

    The most coveted Best of Show trophy will be up for grabs, along with over a dozen category trophies for both classic and customized cars. The Petron-MIAS Custom and Classic Car Competition is an annual tribute to the craftsmen and artisans who work in the restoration and customization trade. From tinsmiths, paintshop experts, mural artists, engine rebuilders and leather craftsmen, each entry is a result of months of hard work employed by the local restoration and customization shops who deliver world-class results. The owners of these automobiles, particularly the classic cars, help preserve the Philippines’ automotive heritage and provenance by allowing future generations to appreciate them. For many car owners, regardless of the value of the prizes that come with winning, simply being acknowledged by their peers is a reward in itself.

    Past winner and now competition judge Alex Isip of Alex Car Restoration, a veteran with over two decades of experience, has related previously that it is indeed a tough job to compete and consistently excel in car competitions. This year’s lineup promises car enthusiasts a close look at both classics and highly modified cars that are sure to bring out the smiles and the snapshots.  MIAS is organized by Worldbex Services International.

    Google Developers Group Philippines holds first DevFest for Women

    Ren Alcantara
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    0
    Google Developers Group Philippines holds first DevFest for Women

    The fairer sex is clearly superior in very many aspects of life, though if asked, no many people are likely to say tech is one of them. The reality of things is that technology has moved forward, and so have the women in this field. Google wants to change this mindset and prove than women are just as skilled writing programs as any man out there. As such, Google Developer’s Group (GDG) Philippines joined the worldwide celebration of Women’s Day by taking part in the first DevFest for Women.

    The , which was held The GDG DevFestW is a worldwide effort held in 19 cities in 13 countries, and included  talks on game development, technical sessions on Android development, programming language Python, and the Google App engine. It also had non-technical sessions on IT careers, Google Analytics and basic HTML 5.

    Specific to DevFestW was a roster of all-female organizers and speakers. Among the speakers were Ria Lu, president and CEO of advergames developer Komikasi Games and Entertainment Inc.; Charo Nuguid, an IT consultant, developer, trainer and founder of the Philippine Android Community; and Madiha Mudin, Google software engineer working on AdWords Frontend. Mudin is also part of “Women @ Google” group which aims to grow the number of women working on technology. Locally, DevFestW was organized in partnership with Globe Labs.

    “With the right skills and knowledge, anybody is capable of innovation in this industry,” said Chelle Gray, Google Developers Group Program Associate for Southeast Asia. “We try to impart both through the DevFests, but this event is more special because we emphasize the opportunity for women to excel as developers.”

    Intel-powered Acer smartphone debuts in PH

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Intel-powered Acer smartphone debuts in PH

    Acer launched the Liquid C1, the first smartphone in the Philippines to carry an Intel Atom chip.

    Inside the Liquid C1 is an Intel Atom Z2420 1.2GHz processor, which is responsible for the speedy response and operation that Acer is highlighting as the device’s key selling point. It runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and wields a 4.3-inch TFT (540 x 960) IPS touch screen. The C1 hosts 1GB RAM and 4GB ROM, and features quad-band 3G internet that can run at up to 21Mbps, but lacks support for 4G LTE.

    The device also features an 8-megapixel camera, HD video recording capability, and DTS-powered sound.

    Alongside the Liquid C1, Acer also launched two new smartphones for the liquid line-up, namely the Liquid E1 and the Liquid Z2.

    The Liquid E1 is dual-SIM/dual-standby and also runs on a 1GHz dual-core chip. It is available with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean out of the box and hosts 1GB RAM and 4GB internal storage. The E1 has a VGA camera upfront and a 5-megapixel rear camera on the back and is equipped with dual speakers. It flaunts a 4.5-inch qHD display screen with IPS technology optimized for multimedia viewing.

    The Liquid Z2 features a Quick Mode that mimics the user interface (UI) of feature phones. The device, according to Raymart Cerin, Acer Philippines Product Marketing Head for Handset Devices, is meant to ease the transition of feature phone users to the use of a smartphone. The Z2 packs a 1GHz processor, hosts 512MB RAM and 4GB internal storage, and runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

    The Liquid C1 will retail at PHP 12,490, while the E1 and the Z2 will retail at PHP 10,990 and PHP 4,990, respectively. Each will be available in late April.

    Globe Telecom garners most nominations at 16th Telecom Asia Awards

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Globe Telecom garners most nominations at 16th Telecom Asia Awards

    Along with industry rival Smart, who gathered three nominations, Globe has also made a splash at the prestigious Telecom Asia Awards by gathering four nominations, giving the Philippines two strong contenders at the award show.

    Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu is up for the Telecom CEO of the Year Award. He will face the CEOs of Telstra (Australia), Celcom Axiata (Malaysia), YTL (Malaysia), BT Global Services (United Kingdom) and Softbank (Japan) for the award. Globe and Cu are no strangers to awards. Globe was also named CNET Asia Readers Choice Awards’ Best Telco in the Philippines and Frost & Sullivan’s Philippines Telecom Service Provider and Broadband Service Provider of the Year. Cu was also named CEO of the Year at the 2012 Asia Pacific ICT Awards. Globe was also nominated as a finalist in the Best Broadband Carrier category through its Tattoo brand. Tattoo has served as Globe’s broadband service, and has also received recognition from Frost & Sullivan as the Best Broadband Service Provider of the Year in the Philippines in 2011 and 2012.

    Globe was also nominated for the Most Innovative Telecom Project category for the My Super Plan postpaid plan. My Super Plan allows users to be in charge of their plans, giving them the ability to customize their plans to fit their needs. Users can mix and match voice, SMS and web browsing plans that they need without locking them into a long-term contract, allowing them to change their plans as often as monthly, and paying a monthly fee that best fits their budgets. Globe has attributed the success, growth, and leadership in the postpaid business to My Super Plan.

    Globe, through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program Globe Bridging Communities (BridgeCom) was also nominated for the Best Community Telecom Project category. Globe BridgeCom has previously won the 2012 Social Empowerment Category Award at the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards (AREA). It has addressed issues using its five point advocacy—good governance, excellence in social services delivery, entrepreneurship, environment and sustainability, and active citizenship through volunteerism.

    The Telecom Asia Awards recognizes the most innovative and outstanding performances by both the service providers and their executives. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on April 17, 2013 at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

    Cherry Mobile releases the amazing Omega HD

    Ren Alcantara
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    5
    Cherry Mobile releases the amazing Omega HD

    When it comes to value for money, few manufacturers have anything on Cherry mobile. This brand is responsible for giving everyone access to a smartphone, and they’re about to do it again. Cherry Mobile has just launched the Omega HD; their newest flagship phone. This device gives users Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean, a 1GHz dual-core processor,  a 5-inch HD IPS screen (!), a 12MP main camera plus a 2MP front one, Dual SIM capability, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth, AND GPS connectivity, 1GB of RAM and 4GB of memory, expandable via microSD. It has what Cherry is calling Dragon Trail Glass technology, which we assume is their answer to Gorilla Glass. The catch? We don’t have the price this very moment, but stay tuned. We’ll update this post in a few minutes, but knowing Cherry Mobile, it’s going to be a steal.

     

    Update: it’s a 720p screen.

    Update 2: It will also be capable of shooting 720p video.

     

    Update 3:its php 7999!!

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