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    Microsoft fined $731 million by the European Commission

    Gadgets Team
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    Microsoft fined $731 million by the European Commission

    We all have expressed our dislike of Internet Explorer at one point or another—but the European Commission has really thrown the hammer down, handing Microsoft a $731 million fine for failing to promote a range of web browsers, rather than just Internet Explorer, to users in the European Union (EU).

    It introduced a Browser Choice Screen pop-up in March 2010 as part of a settlement following an earlier EU competition investigation, but dropped that feature in a Windows 7 update in February 2011. Microsoft said the omission had been the result of a “technical error.” Under European law, Microsoft would have been fined 10% of their global annual revenue, or $7.4 billion (2012).

    “We take full responsibility for the technical error that caused this problem and have apologized for it,” a spokesman for Microsoft said following the announcement. “We provided the Commission with a complete and candid assessment of the situation, and we have taken steps to strengthen our software development and other processes to help avoid this mistake—or anything similar—in the future.”

    “The European Commission is sending a firm signal in this first case of its type that it will not tolerate failure by a company to comply with the commitments it gave to settle an antitrust infringement procedure,” said Tony Woodgate from Simmons & Simmons. “These ‘commitments decisions’ are currently the European Commission’s favored mechanism to close abuse of dominance proceedings, saving enforcement resource and allowing for a speedy resolution.

    The dispute went as far back as 2007, when Opera, a Norwegian web browser maker, complained that Microsoft was stifling competition by bundling Internet Explorer with its operating system. The European Commission also gave a strong warning to other companies. “I hope this will make companies think twice before they ever thinking of breaching their international obligations,” said Joaquin Almunia, the vice-president of the European Commission.

    Despite Microsoft’s compliance with fixing the issue, one industry watcher suggested there were still unresolved issues. “While it’s highly likely that it was a technical mistake that broke the browser choice facility the fact that it remained broken for 14 months raises significant questions about Microsoft’s ability and willingness to comply with the voluntary agreement with the EU,” said Chris Green, principal analyst at the consultants Davies Murphy Group Europe.

    Source: BBC

    HP extends Converged Infrastructure leadership

    Gadgets Team
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    HP extends Converged Infrastructure leadership

    HP announced new innovations that strengthen its HP Converged Infrastructure portfolio today at its yearly Global Partner Conference in Las Vegas. HP unveiled its new BladeSystem, Converged Storage and Networking solutions, and HP Services that will accelerate the return on IT investment and enable customers to refocus resources from the cost of operations to innovation.

    Chief information officers (CIOs) have been dealing with shifts in the IT industry. One of the big changes include moving data away from traditional servers to cloud-based servers, allowing easy access to data. The rise of social media and the need to access data from mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets alongside than a traditional workstation have also raised the expectations for CIOs to meet customer, partner and employee expectations alongside IT and enterprise goals. This all must be accomplished within the available budget, which may be limited for smaller businesses.

    The HP Converged Infrastructure portfolio has delivered 8 million virtual connect ports, 7 million HP Insight Management licenses, shipped 40 petabytes (41,943,040 GB) of bladed storage and 50 million switch ports, and has grown to 900 HP CloudSystem customers. HP has also led the industry in blade server revenue and shipments for 24 consecutive quarters.

    The new HP BladeSystem will offer significant benefits to organizations. By 2016, 82 percent of server workloads will be on the cloud, which could cut operation costs and increase management complexity. The HP BladeSystem c7000 Platinum enclosure will allow organizations to save up to 68 percent in data center operating costs. Within the new SX1018 HP Ethernet switch, which provides the lowest port-to-port latency of any blade switch, is over four times faster than previous switches. HP is also the first to provide 40 GB downlinks to each blade server for almost real time performance, which is ideal for high-performance cluster or financial services applications.

    HP also introduced the HP ProLiant WS460c Generation 8 (Gen 8) Server Blade, the only bladed infrastructure that supports virtualized client solutions with high-density 3D graphics and eight GPUs per blade server. It also supports four times more users per host blade and lowers costs by up to 60 percent per year compared to previous generations, making it a cost-effective solution to companies seeking to upgrade their IT infrastructure.

    With unpredictable data growth and workload performance demands forcing customers to upgrade their storage architecture, HP StoreVirtual Storage offers software-defined storage that is delivered as virtual storage appliance (VSA) software or as converged storage appliance (CSA) on HP ProLiant hardware. HP has been shipping VSAs for seven years and has sold 150,000 VSAs worldwide. HP has announced two new HP StoreVirtual Storage systems based on the HP ProLiant Gen8 technologies. The HP StoreSystem combines HP 3PAR StoreServ Storage and HP StoreOnce Backup systems that are preracked for rapid deployment. HP StoreSystem also includes all HP 3PAR platform and Vmware software suites to maximize customer efficiency and agility.

    HP Technology Services allows customers to simplify, integrate and automate their IT environments to adjust to organizational changes and maximize revenue in as little time as possible. The HP Proactive Insight experience enables customers to take proactive actions and automate and manage tasks, which will prevent any server problems. It has been reported that productivity gains average $32,000 per 100 users. HP Proactive Care will also help customers avoid problems and have direct access to advanced technical expertise, along with HP Insight Online, which is a cloud-based management portal, and HP Insight Remote Support, which allows customers to remotely monitor servers, storage and networks.

    The HP 2920 Switch Series will speed up data transfer by 45 percent and increase performance up to 100 percent, and the HP 830 Unified/WLAN Switch will eliminate the need to purchase up to 50 percent of traditional network access devices, such as switches and controllers, and will be able to support up to 1,000 wireless devices. HP is also offering FlexNetwork Design and Validation and HP Wireless LAN Lifecycle Services, which will help further optimize businesses’ networking needs.

    This is not the ‘Droid you’re looking for

    Ren Alcantara
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    0
    This is not the ‘Droid you’re looking for

    As early as weeks off from the launch of the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S4, rumors had started to circulate regarding what the new flagship phone will look like. A few days ago, a clear leader appeared, through a source that regularly caught leaks like this in the past, and the above mock-up started to get acceptance from the general public as the face of the new Galaxy. Lending credibility to the claim was @evleaks (the twitter account that gets the jump on leaks) took the tweets down a few days after.

    Well, it’s not, apparently. The @evleaks tweet with the alleged photo took the shot from Expansys, a British company that sells mobile phones, and was one of their artists’ renditions of what they thought the Samsung Galaxy S4 would look like. This may also put speculations of more advanced “eye-scrolling” software rumors on the rocks, though at this point, maybe we should just wait and see what the Korean phone giant has n store for us. There it is folks. Though this could just be a massive smokescreen by the Koreans, it looks like we’ll actually have to wait to see what the next Galaxy is going to look like.

    Mobile Malware on the rise. Here’s what you can do.

    Ren Alcantara
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    1
    Mobile Malware on the rise. Here’s what you can do.

    As the use of mobile devices increases, so does the incidence of mobile malware attacks. Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in consumer digital information security, predicts a 185% increase in malicious and high risk Android apps in 2013. The problem with mobile apps is that the vendors concerned still have a ways to go to make sure all the apps are iron-clad and won’t do funny stuff with your data. Based on Trend Micro’s 2012 Mobile Threat and Security Roundup, the Company forecasted that not only would there be a 185% increase in malicious malware, but that Adware and Data stealers will be the second and third most prevalent kinds of malicious apps. This brings problems such as fraudulent text messages, user annoyance and the aforementioned data leakage, which gets to be a larger problem once mobile commerce comes into the picture.

    “Currently apps on every major platform are entirely opaque when it comes to informing the user whether encryption is being used when transmitting data,” said Myla Pilao, director for Core Technology marketing, Trend Micro.  “Even simple smartphone browsers make it almost impossible to tell whether consumers are entering their data on a secure website. A similar lack of clarity is also apparent in operating systems. It’s more important than ever to protect consumers while they are using their mobile devices.”

    Trend Micro knows of these security gaps in the mobile ecosystem and the risks they pose, and have responded by launching the next version of Trend Micro Mobile Security for Android.

    It takes privacy protection to the next level by incorporating industry- leading antivirus protection, data-theft detection that identifies apps that actually collect personal information, anti-phishing protection, as well as privacy scanning and advice for users’ Facebook profiles. AV-test.org, a third-party testing facility has found that Trend Micro Mobile Security ranks among the top 3 mobile security solutions and scored well above average for detection results. Software can be developed to stop any and all threats, but if it’s only usable by hardcore coders, its value is greatly diminished. Trend Micro’s Mobile Security ranks first in ease of use; a great factor that determines whether or not the solution will be used, or installed and forgotten.

    Pilao added, “Trend Micro is focused on putting the balance of power back into the hands of the consumer when it comes to protecting their privacy.”

    LG officially unveils Optimus G in PH

    Gadgets Team
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    LG officially unveils Optimus G in PH

    LG has just launched the Optimus G here in the Philippines. We’ve posted an unboxing of the device just yesterday, but here’s a rundown of the specs and key features just to refresh your memory.

    The Optimus G is LG’s newest flagship device. It has a 4.7-inch True HD-IPS LCD screen with 1280×768 resolution and a pixel density of 320ppi. The device boasts of ZeroGap technology that eliminates the gap between the screen and the LCD panel. Both the front face and the backplate are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 2. This smartphone weighs 145g and is 8.5mm thick.

    The Optimus G packs some powerful hardware as it hosts a Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 Pro processor running at 1.5 GHz with a quad-core Krait CPU with 2 GB of RAM. The device is home to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) with a planned upgrade to Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean). The device has 32 GB of internal memory—that’s plenty of room for your photos, videos, music, games and apps. There’s a 13-megapixel rear camera that can also record 1080p Full HD video, as well as a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera.

    One of the interesting features of the LG Optimus G is its QSlide function, which makes mobile multitasking so much easier by allowing users to see two apps or functions at once through transparent layers on the screen. The device also features a Dual Screen Dual Play function that lets you perform other tasks on your smartphone, even if one its running apps is shown on a TV screen wirelessly via SmartShare.

    Another handy feature is the QuickMemo function that allows users to write notes on the screen, capture and save it, and share it via social networkings sites or email. A translator app called the QuickTranslator lets users translate phrases into another language just by scanning it using the Optimus G.

    Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and even 4G LTE. The Optimus G is powered by a Li-Po 3,140mAh battery that won’t have you reaching for a charger too soon; it even has a talk time of up to 13 hours.

    The LG Optimus G will be out in the market starting this month, and will come with a free bumper case and a leather case.

    Keep an eye out for future issues of our magazine, where we will be publishing the full review of the device!

    Temple Run: Oz hits Google Play and Apple App Store

    Gadgets Team
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    Temple Run: Oz hits Google Play and Apple App Store

    After the release of Temple Run 2 earlier this year, Temple Run: Oz hits the app market for both iOS and Android devices.

    The game takes players through the world of Oz, where they try to escape the fierce flying monkeys along the Yellow Brick Road. The elements of the game are chiefly inspired by the movie, Oz the Great and Powerful, which is why part of the journey involves riding in hot air balloons in order to get ahold of more coins.

    Throughout the game, players will be able to collect keys which will open music boxes that include bonus points and items to help boost your final score. Players get to select which among the collection of music boxes they will open at the end of the game. Mashable spoils us a bit, saying that a wooden music box plays a crucial role in the film by which the game was inspired.

    Those who download the game on the first day (yes, right now) will get 1500 coins for free.

    This is Imangi Studios’ second collaboration with Disney to create a movie-inspired version of Temple Run, following Temple Run: Brave.

    Both iOS and Android versions cost USD $0.99.

    Sources: Mashable and SlashGear

    Google Play turns 1!

    Gadgets Team
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    Google Play turns 1!

    Image from Engadget.

    It has been one year since Google rebranded its Android app store as Google Play, and because it’s a special day, the folks at Google have decided to throw in a goodie bag, which gives users free access to discounts and gift cards, as well as game perks!

    “It’s been an incredible first year and we look forward to sharing the gift of digital diversions for many more to come,” reads the promo page on the site.

    Here’s a quick list of Google’s limited-time birthday offers:

    FANCY (APP)

    • Gift Card
      • Users (in the US) get a free USD $15 gift card and free shipping of the items they purchase.

    HOTELS.COM (APP)

    • 10% Discount
      • Upon booking one’s stay through Hotels.com, one can avail of a 10% discount for a limited time.

    YUMBY SMASH (GAME)

    • Exclusive Characters
      • Users get to select Android’s iconic green mascot as a playable character in the game.

    GNOME VILLAGE (GAME)

    • New Location
      • The new “Mars Location” offers unique characters and quests for a limited time.

    ROYAL REVOLT (GAME)

    • In-game Perks
      • Users get a custom birthday-wish themed map, a unique item and 50% savings on in-game goodies.

    Android Central reports that the deals differ according to country and region.

    Happy birthday, Google Play!

    Google’s Chromebook Pixel gets surprise endorsement

    Gadgets Team
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    Google’s Chromebook Pixel gets surprise endorsement

    Google’s Chromebook Pixel has recently gotten a surprise endorsement—and it’s not from any of the top brass at Apple or Microsoft. The surprise endorsement has come from Linux creator Linus Torvalds.

    “The display is so nice that I suspect I’ll make this my primary laptop. I tend to like my laptops slightly smaller, but I think I can lug around this 1.5 kg monster despite feeling fairly strongly that a laptop should weigh 1 kg or less,” Torvalds said. He is also a big fan of its OS, preferring the Chrome OS over his open-source creation, which is used in a small but steadily growing number of devices. “I’m going to be running Chrome OS on this thing, which is good enough for testing out some of my normal work habits, such as reading and writing email,” he said.

    Torvalds, however, didn’t rule out using Linux on his Google Chromebook Pixel. “I want to install a real [Linux] distro on this…for a laptop to be useful to me, I need to not just read and write email, I need to be able to do compiles, have my own git repositories,” he said. It has already been possible to install Linux in place of Chrome OS or to dual boot Linux alongside Chrome OS for over a year now.

    Torvalds also took the time to criticize the PC industry, especially how manufacturers stress full HD (1080p) as its zenith. “One thing that the Chromebook Pixel really brings home is how crap normal laptops have become. Why do PC manufacturers even bother any more? No wonder the PC business isn’t doing well, when they stick to just churning out more crappy stuff and think that ‘full HD’ (aka 1080p) is somehow the epitome of greatness.” Torvalds may also be a big fan of Google Chromebooks because they come with 1 TB of free cloud storage, despite its $1,299 price tag.

    Source: ZDNet

    BlackBerry 10 is here, and it’s in the body of the sexy BlackBerry Z10

    Ren Alcantara
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    0
    BlackBerry 10 is here, and it’s in the body of the sexy BlackBerry Z10

     

    BlackBerry has just now launched the new mobile OS, BB10, and the pure-touch z10 in the Philippines. The z10 runs the BB10 OS, and will serve as the first platform for the re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented BlackBerry OS. Customers will be able to reserve their own Z10 from authorized retailers, or at www.buybb10.com starting this very second, and the new smartphone is expected to be on shelves on the 19th of March, for PHP 29,990, or very soon through any of the three Philippine telcos.

    Cameron Vernest, Country Director for BlackBerry in the Philippines said “2013 is the tenth year since BlackBerry smartphones were first officially introduced here, and today, we are excited to announce that the BlackBerry z10 smartphone is coming to the Philippines. BlackBerry 10 offers a faster and smarter experience that continuously adapts to you. Every feature, every gesture and every detail is designed to keep you moving.”

    Available in both black and white, the Z10 is the fastest BB device in existence. It has a 1.5GHz dual core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, and is expandable via microSD, up to 64GB. It comes with a beautifully sharp display, a microHDMI port for connecting to external devices, and NFC compatibility for wireless data sharing and mobile payments.

    The BB10 OS, on the other hand, features a modern, gesture-based interface that lets you work and play in the most natural way possible. BlackBerry Hub keeps you alerted to all your BB notifications, from all your different streams, be it Social network alerts and updates, email or SMS. The Hub also lets you peek at the notification from anywhere within the ecosystem, so you won’t miss a single update.

    BlackBerry flow integrates different apps so that you can tap on a contact with whom you’re going to have a meeting, to see their online profile, or tap on a photo to launch the editing app, all in a smooth, seamless manner. The default BB10 keyboard is also very smart, and gets smarter as you use it. The device predicts the word you are trying to tap, and a quick swipe upwards completes it. BBM is still present, allowing you to contact your friends, family and co-workers in an instant. As a bonus, BBM on BB10 gives users the ability to initiate voice and video chat. The BB10 camera also gives you Time Shift, which makes sure you get the best photo each and every time. The BB10 Browser sets the industry standard for HTML5 on mobile devices, scrolls smoothly, and is incredibly fast, even with multiple tabs.

    For corporate users, BlackBerry Safeguard technology protects sensitive data both for the user, and the company the user works for. The OS also has built-in support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, and as such can be accessed and managed as simply as other ActiveSync devices. BlackBerry World gives users access to over 70,000 BlackBerry 10 apps, with apps such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Foursquare, with apps from Disney, Cisco and Skype on the horizon.

    For more info on the BlackBerry10 OS Z1, head over to ph.blackberry.com/BlackBerryZ10.

    Petron fuels, proudly Philippine-made

    Press Release
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    Petron fuels, proudly Philippine-made

    Petron, the country’s leading oil company, takes pride in being the only and the biggest Filipino refiner with the local capability to formulate world-class products to meet the diverse fuel needs of Filipino motorists. Unlike other industry players who now rely on imported fuel, Petron—as a Philippine-based company— has the management flexibility and technical competence to create quality products that meet the needs of our countrymen, from the simple tricycle driver to the high-performance luxury vehicles.

    Having served the fuel needs of the country for more than 80 years, Petron has a deep understanding of the unique driving conditions on Philippine roads.  Its R&D team is constantly striving to create diverse products that will deliver optimum efficiency for every type of vehicle. Created by Filipino engineers, Petron fuels and lubricants are designed to meet the motoring needs of everyone.

    World-Class Product Formulations

    A breakthrough gasoline product, Petron Blaze 100 is the first and only premium gasoline in the Philippine market with a 100-octane rating.  Formulated to unleash the full potential of high-performance vehicles, it guarantees excellent engine responsiveness as well as optimum power and acceleration.  It is perfectly matched with Petron Ultron Race, a fully-synthetic high-performance oil engineered for extreme driving conditions such as high-speed, high-temperature operations.

    Petron XCS is a 95-octane gasoline with organic combustion enhancers to maximize the full power potential of your car.  Its excellent detergency maintains engine cleanliness while promoting more efficient combustion and reduced emissions.  It resists engine knock, provides smoother acceleration and ensures better driveability. For maximum engine protection, it is best complemented by Petron Ultron Rallye, a multi-grade synthetic blend engine oil.

    Petron Xtra Unleaded is the proven fuel economy standard-bearer.  It is an environment-friendly, premium gasoline that contains a high-performance gas-saving additive for efficient combustion and lower fuel consumption.   Proven four times over in marathon fuel economy runs through Philippine roads, Petron Xtra Unleaded set the mark for long distance fuel economy runs in the country. Used with Petron Ultron Touring, a multi-grade engine oil designed to protect against engine stress, you can definitely go a long way.

    A technologically advanced diesel fuel, Petron Turbo Diesel contains unique multi-functional additives that have proven non-stop engine cleaning action, power booster and fuel optimizer.  For high performance heavy duty diesel vehicles, Petron Rev-X All-Terrain is a top-tier, fully-synthetic engine oil that has a superior additive system to improve engine protection and advanced emission control.

    Petron DieselMax is a low-sulfur bi0-diesel fuel that delivers superior performance through instantaneous reduction in smoke and particulates, reduced emissions, and improved fuel injection system cleanliness.  Additives also ensure improved fuel economy while providing corrosion protection. It is best matched with Petron Rev-X Trekker, a premium multi-grade engine oil with dynamic cleaning technology for a smooth driving experience and longer engine life.

    Largest Service Station Network 

    In the past two years, Petron embarked on an aggressive expansion program to serve a wider market, and has the widest distribution network nationwide.  Petron now has the largest service station network, with over 2,000 Petron stations all over the archipelago. These range from  mega stations with many convenience facilities and partner establishments along the expressways, to small, strategically-located bulilit stations in remote, rural locations.

    All Petron service stations are built and operated to stringent standards to ensure that customers get fuels tested and handled meticulously every step of the way, accurate fuel volume every time they gas up, along with customer service that goes the extra mile.

    Trusted Brand

    Petron has been serving Filipino motorists for over 80 years. No wonder then, that it has earned the Readers Digest Gold Trusted Brand Award in the Petron Station category for more than 10 consecutive years. This is a highly-coveted seal of approval as it is based on an objective consumer voting process where respondents are asked to rate the brands in terms of trustworthiness, credible image, quality, value, understanding of customers needs, and innovativeness.

    Petron backs its commitment to serving Filipino motorists with its continued investment in upgrading its refinery facilities that currently supplies nearly 40% of the country’s fuel requirements. This commitment is further backed by quality control procedures to ensure that all Petron products are carefully handled and meticulously tested every step of the way, so consumers get the best value for their money.

    Epson launches new 3D and interactive projector models

    Gadgets Team
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    Epson launches new 3D and interactive projector models

    Adding to its roll of projectors, four 3D models and two interactive models were launched yesterday by Epson.


    To replace their former home theater projectors, the EH-TW6000 and EH-TW8000, Epson released the EH-TW6100 and the EH-TW8100—two Full HD and 3D-capable projectors. The company claims that the target market for these projectors consists of those who frequently watch movies at home, purchase Blu-Ray discs, have a suitable dark room for movie-viewing, and are very particular about image and video quality. These two new projectors for the home theater are able to convert 2D content to 3D with a simple push of a button. They also have a split-screen function that gives users a dual display of two different content.

    The EH-TW6100 and the EH-TW8100 have a 480Hz frame refresh rate that’s two times faster than other 3D projectors, thus minimizing the blackout time between 3D image frames. The EH-TW8100, specifically, features a lens shift capability that optically corrects skewed displays that one gets when one places the projector off-center from the screen.


    The EB-W16 and EB-W16SK are the new education/business projectors in the line-up, and are the company’s first projectors to offer a choice between active and passive 3D. The former features an active shutter, while the latter is a dual-stack model that requires users to wear 3D glasses in order to experience the 3D effect. Projecting the video or image on a silver screen is likewise needed to achieve the effect. Unlike the home theater projector models, the two new education/business projectors have no 2D-to-3D converter, so they will only be able to beam content in 3D if it is already in 3D format.

    The new Epson EB-400 series and EB-1400wi/1410wi, meanwhile, are packed with interactive technology. The former is a short-throw projector, while the latter models are ultra short-throw projectors.

    The EB-1400wi and 1410wi are probably the most interesting models in the line of new products as it allows the surface on which the image is projected on to be used as an interactive whiteboard without having to hook them up to a PC. Users can write and doodle notes directly on the presentation using a special pen. This makes the EB-1400wi and the 1410wi perfect for use in collaborative design planning, brainstorming, formulating military strategies, and gaming.

    Users are also given the option to use the surface as a plain colored whiteboard with handy sidebar tools such as pen color.

    The EB-1400wi and the 1410wi feature compatibility with Microsoft Office Ink, which allows users to write on Microsoft documents and save them back into their native format, whether it’s .pptx, .xlsx, or .docx.

    The interactive whiteboard feature of the EB-1400wi and the 1410wi  also enables what Epson calls “multi-location interactive functionality.” Let’s say you are presenting to a panel in the Philippines and you will be co-presenting with someone in the US via video conference. With the use of the projector, the person in the US will be able to see in real time what you write on the interactive whiteboard, and vice versa, via the Internet. The two of you will be able to make notes on the same presentation at the same time.

    The EB-1400wi and the 1410wi are also capable of projecting content from USB sticks, mobile devices, and Epson wireless printers and scanners via Wi-Fi. They are also able to save screens as .jpeg and .pdf files to USB sticks without the aid of a PC.

    Prices of the new projectors are as follows:

    • EH-TW8100—PHP 154, 200 (with 3D glasses)
    • EB-W16—PHP 49,300
    • EB-W16SK—PHP 96,500 (with 3D glasses)
    • EB-1400wi—PHP 90,500
    • EB-1410wi—PHP 94,500
    • EB-400 Series:
      • EB-421i—PHP 53,900
      • EB-431i—PHP 63,900
      • EB-426wi—PHP 63,900
      • EB-436wi—PHP 68,900

    Urbanears outs Slussen: an adapter + app that lets you mix tracks easily with your iPhone

    Gadgets Team
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    Urbanears outs Slussen: an adapter + app that lets you mix tracks easily with your iPhone

    Think you need a turntable to be a DJ? Urbanears sees things differently and claims that you can mix tracks with what you already have in your pocket—your smartphone! All you need is one wee accessory to make it happen—the Slussen. It is a pocket-sized adapter that comes with an app that enables you to mix your favorite tracks while you’re on the go.

    Hidden under a cap attached to a keyring, the Slussen hosts a 3.5mm jack that plugs into the audio port of your iOS gadget. Two audio ports rest on both ends of the U-shape—one that connects to your headphones or earphones, and one that connects to a speaker system.

    As mentioned, the device works with an app you must download on iTunes (it’s free!) that lets you mix tracks easily on your iPhone. The app even comes with an equalizer to make sure you get the perfect sound for your mix.

    Here are some videos to show you how the Slussen app works:

    Urbanears has announced on YouTube that an Android version of the Slussen app is currently in the works.

    Slussen comes in four colors—Pumpkin, Grape, Tomato and Petrol—and is available at the Podium, Astrovision, Automatic Center, Avant, Beyond The Box, Bratpack, Buzz, Complex, Digital Hub, Digital Walker, Egghead, Electroworld, Gadgets in Style, Gui, iCenter, iGig, iStudio, Mobile 1, Power Hub, Power Mac Center, Republik, ROX, Switch, Technoholics, Toby’s Arena and Urban Athletics.

    The LG Optimus G: an unboxing.

    Ren Alcantara
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    0
    The LG Optimus G: an unboxing.

    Android phones have flooded the market of late, and really, since they all run the same OS, there is not a lot by which we can differentiate them, at least when we use them. Still, with the new year, manufacturers are separating themselves from each other by creating phones that look great and give a little better experience than most of the devices that we see on the shelves. LG’s Optimus G is one such product. We were very curious about the device here at the office when we first heard about it, and personally, I have to admit I have always been a fan of how LG phones look. They have had an understated simplicity with just enough detail to catch your attention, and a great feel in hand. Late last week, it arrived at the office, so for those of you who share this fascination with LG and their phones, is our unboxing and our first impressions on the device.

    The box it comes in is a fairly plain deal It’s pretty heavy, and immediately lets you know that there’s something pretty special inside. The top comes off to reveal the phone itself, resting on its little shelf. The device has some heft to it. It feels very solid in the hand and is quite flat, but with nicely curved edges. The finish is a very smooth glass both on the front and back of the device, with a nice, thin, shiny bezel along the outside of the face. It feels nice; LG has not pulled any punches in the looks department. It might actually be a little too slippery. I’s liable to slide right out of your hand if you aren’t pretty careful. The back has a very interesting textured pattern under some protective glass, and it immediately apparent that the battery is not user-accessible; there are no seams to tug at to reveal the inside of the Optimus G. The back is also home to  the 13-Megapixel camera and LED flash, as well as the loudspeaker.


    Controls are sparse, as is the case with most phones these days. There’s a power button on the right edge, when you look at the screen, a volume rocker on the left edge, a microUSB port at the bottom, and a headphone jack up top. There is also a front camera with a 1.3MP sensor for video calls.

    On powerup, you are greeted with a crisp 4.7-inch, 768×1280 HD-IPS screen with a crisp 318 ppi resolution and the familiar LG logo. The combination of Gorilla Glass 2 and sharp images lets you know the Optimus G means business. It runs a quad-core  1.5GHz Krait processor, standard for devices of this tier, and Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. This is great news, as the device was originally planned to get JB through an update, if memory serves right.

    The box contains the standard accoutrements: AC-USB charger, microUSB cable, sim-poppy-out-thing and quite a nice pair of premium, flat-cabled headphones. I’m liking what I see so far, and if the experience is as nice as the looks of this phone, I think we’ll all be in for a treat. Hang on to your wallets, and stay tuned. We’ll be doing a full review in the April edition of our Gadgets Lab.

    Before we go, here’s one last look at the Optimus G, this time from the back, showing off that gorgeous glass and textured pattern underneath.

    Introducing the $10,000 smartphone, the Vertu TI

    Gadgets Team
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    Introducing the $10,000 smartphone, the Vertu TI

    If you’re fortunate enough to be born into royalty, be in the Forbes 500, or just have this impulse to have the expensive things in life, a $10,000 (Php 407,200) smartphone, the Vertu TI, could be one of those things you might have on your shopping list. Outrageously expensive gadgets have been around for quite some time—an $8 million gold-plated iPad 2, $4.7 million 18-karat gold speakers, and a $2 million personal submarine are just some of the devices that require (quite) a few more zeros tacked on to the amount on your paycheck.

    The Vertu TI comes with a sapphire crystal screen that makes Gorilla Glass look like porcelain. One of its stress tests include dropping a 110g ball bearing onto the screen itself from an unspecified height. Despite its extremely strong build, the Vertu TI’s screen in terms of pixels per inch is rather average compared to the relatively less expensive iPhone 5 (5 inches, 640×1136 resolution at 326 ppi) and HTC One (4.7 inches, 1080×1920 resolution at 468 ppi)—a mere 3.7 inches and a 800×480 screen at 252 ppi. The Vertu TI has a titanium alloy body on the outside and a 6000 series aluminum alloy on the inside, so it practically puts the durability of any other smartphone on the market to shame. Another factor justifying its $10,000 price tag? It happens to be crafted by hand and not mass produced like most smartphones are.

    The rest of the physical specs follow that of most smartphones out on the market—a 1.7 GHz dual-core CPU, 1 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage (expandable via microSD), an 8 megapixel back camera and a 1.3 megapixel front camera, and your usual connectivity options—Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, and microUSB, all packaged into the relatively older Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) OS. But what makes the Vertu TI worth its price tag is some of the other apps that are exclusive to the phone. Vertu Life curates articles and exclusive event suggestions based on the user’s passions and location, which can possibly have you rubbing shoulders with the more elite members of society. Vertu Concierge is a 24/7 independent personal assistance service, or in essence, a butler that is available via smartphone. The basic level is free for the first year, and $2,800 (Php 114,016) per year afterwards. Vertu Certainty is a host of security-related services and provides remote technical assistance.

    It also happens to be the company’s first Android offering, making a jump from the Symbian OS. “Vertu Ti is the most rounded product that we have ever designed. The new Android platform and elegant physical presence combined with Vertu’s renowned curated benefits and services deliver a unique and exceptional proposition,” Massimiliano Pogliani, Vertu’s Global Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, said.

    For those who inexplicably still have money to burn, there is also the Titanium Red Gold Mixed Metals edition for $20,000 (Php 814,440).

    Source: International Business Times

    A small lock screen security flaw in the Samsung Galaxy Note II

    Ren Alcantara
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    A small lock screen security flaw in the Samsung Galaxy Note II

    The Samsung Galaxy Note II is a pretty awesome device. You get a comfortably large screen, the S-Pen, loads of connectivity, and the latest version of Android. A little lock screen trick has been discovered though, and while not terribly earth-shattering, is something that Note II owners should be aware of. Basically, from a locked screen, one can access the “emergency call” function, then hit the “emergency contacts” button, and then the “Home” hardkey. This exposes the home screen for a quick while, and allows the user to launch any items while the home screen icons are visible. The phablet will still revert back to the locked state, so interaction with the home screen is limited to launching an app, but, say you have a favorite contact pinned to the home screen, that could be tapped and called, no problem. Like we said, it’s not really a gaping security hole, but it’s something to take note of, particularly if you have sensitive apps pinned to your home screen. For those of you who want to see the trick in action, YouTube user Terence Eden has a video HERE. It’s an exploit present on the Galaxy Note II running 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, and can be done regardless of what lock method you use. The owner of whichever Galaxy Note II you try this on will, of course, reserve the right to punch you in the face for trying, so maybe ask permission first. You have been warned.

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