Gadgets Magazine | The Philippines' First Tech-Lifestyle Magazine

Parade: Fujifilm X20 Digital Camera

Archives

-

30 Apr 2013

The Fujifilm X20 comes with an advanced optical zoom viewfinder, so the
hassle of finding the best shot possible will be a bit easier. It’s 12-megapixel
X-Trans CMOS II sensor and high-speed auto-focus will allow you to shoot
quality images, even if they’re moving-the X20 has a maximum high-speed
continuous shooting speed of 12-frames per second. It has a 2.8-inch LCD
monitor so you can see your shot even if your face is at an arm’s length
from the device. It also comes with a F2-2.8 bright Fuji non Optical4x Zoom
Lens (28-112mm) that can catch distant objects as well. Like most cameras
nowadays, the X20 can also shoot Full HD (1 080p) video.

PHP32,000

First Published in Gadgets Magazine, April 2013

Parade: MiLi Power Rover Power Bank

Archives

-

30 Apr 2013

0

You’ll have all the power you and your family or friends need for a long trip
with the Mili Power Rover. With 8000 mAh of power, you have enough backup
power on tap for 52 hours of data, 68 hours of talk time, and 180 hours of
music or video. There are two USB ports available, so you can charge a wide
array of gadgets from laptops to tablets to smartphones. You won’t get caught
with an empty charge-the LED power indicator will indicate whether you
have power left, so you aren’t left in the dark, and you can see when you need
to top up via its microUSB port for the next use.

PHP4,650

First Published in Gadgets Magazine, April 2013

Mobility: Nissan Almera Media Ride & Drive

Mobility

-

30 Apr 2013

0

Mobility: Nissan Almera Media Ride & Drive

I am not the kind of guy who makes a lot of fuss over cars. I like them, I love the convenience of owning one, I know how they work, I can even do simple repairs, but for the most part, I just sit and drive them. This may be why I was sent to cover Nissan’s new Almera test drive. I’m more or less the average Juan. I want a roomy, comfortable car with which to get myself, my things, and my people around. I was expecting a pretty sparse, maybe even Spartan ride to and from Anvaya Cove, with as little excitement as possible. I was so glad to have been disappointed.

The day started at 0700. I had gotten up an hour and a half prior, in order to make it to the scheduled call time. We all converged at the North Edsa Nissan dealership, where we all started to get acquainted over breakfast. The vast majority of the folks were, unsurprisingly, from the motoring press, and I, the sole tech writer, stuck out the proverbial sore thumb. I decided to just keep to the task at hand and get a good feel for the car for this article. At breakfast, we were given an overview of the tasks ahead. There were to be five teams, split into two groups each. One group would do a fuel economy run, and the other, an Amazing Race-style set of tasks as we made our way to the venue. Our team, composed of Bam Olivarez (Manila Standard Today), Neil Pagulayan (Powerwheels), Anton Umali (FHM) and myself, was at a handicap; we only had four members against the other groups’ six, so we had to make do. It was immediately decided that Bam and Neil would do the fuel economy run, seeing as they were both part of the motoring press and had a much better chance of nailing the task, while Anton and I would do the adventure race, by virtue ofthe both of us being barely adequate motorists. Before we knew it, we were in our assigned cars, and I was behind the wheel of a new Nissan Almera, driving north. In the car, we opened the envelope containing our first task: it said we were to drive to the first Total fuel station, and along the way, take a quick shot of a Nissan Almera billboard located on the northbound lane ofthe NLEX. I knew we had to make up for a little lost time, so I focused on driving as best I could. The Almera performed admirably, and handled like a champ through all the legal and safe overtaking I was doing. I was so focused on getting us to the billboard, that when I took time to look at the gauge cluster, I was alarmed to find that we were pushing 150 kph. I pointed this out to my navigator, who was just as surprised as I. The Almera gave such a smooth drive, the only clue I had, apart from the speedometer, that we were breaking the legal speed limit, was the fact that we were leaving other cars behind. We were able to take a quick snapshot of the Almera billboard at a very reasonable 90 KpH, and shortly thereafter, found ourselves at the venue for the second challenge: Total NLEX.

At the stop, we were given an envelope that contained the next task, which seemed simple enough. Based on clues, we were to find items that had a Nissan sticker attached to them. After a little searching, a lot of cursing, and a huge mess, Anton and I found the relevant items: A map, a bottle of coolant, sun block, candy, and a sports drink. We hurried over to the checker, who verified that we had the correct items, and were pleasantly surprised to find that we had come in first! This meant bonus points towards our total, and a chance at first place for the whole team. As we waited for the other teams to complete their tasks, we stepped outside to have a chat with the other teams and discuss the drive ahead. Anton and I decided he would be taking the wheel for the next leg, and I would navigate. Because of a slight oversight on our part (and the call of snacks), we neglected to notice that the other cars had been gassed up, and had since left. We were the last team still at the stop, so we hurriedly topped up, got out next clue, and drove off, with Anton and I switching roles.

The broad, flat highway gave us a chance to really stretch the Almera’s legs. In this segment, we found that the Almera, while a little weak at accelerating, had no real trouble once we got to speed. There was great control, and the wheel, while just a bit soft at high speed, gave enough feedback to not make one nervous about losing control. As Anton was furiously playing catch up with the teams that had left us at Total, I took a moment to fiddle with the Almera’s creature comforts. All the controls were large and easy to manipulate for both the driver and front passenger. I had no trouble working the climate controls up front at any point in the trip. Rear passengers would have had it easy as well. The Almera features rear climate control as well, Task three: a fuel economy quiz. We all wished we had wireless data at this point. so even the most scorching of days will be no problem for anyone in the vehicle. It was also very roomy overall. There was a lot of legroom up front, even with the seat pushed forward quite a way, and the high ceiling did a lot to make me feel less tired, even over two hours into our trip.

The next task was at the Total station at Subic, and had us complete a quick fuel efficiency quiz. Both Anton and I thought we were more or less competent enough to handle this, and without the help of our motoring teammates, we would have to. We had ten questions to answer, ranging from the best time of day to refuel, to tire pressure and different fuel types. There were a few trick questions thrown in, and we got snagged; 8/10 wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either.

We then waited for the other teams to complete the challenge, and drove off to Harbor Mall for lunch at Claw Daddy. While at Subic, the Almera really shone. It was scorching hot outside, and we were doing a lot of stop and start driving, but the comfort afforded by the car didn’t suffer. From lunch, it was again my turn behind the wheel, for the final 30 Km to Anvaya Cove. The road to Anvaya was mountainous, uphill and curvy, which gave me a good feel for the handling and braking abilities of the car. I am pleased to say both Anton and I survived the twisty ride. As a matter of fact, the overall handling ofthe car was really quite nice, particularly for a sub-compact. At no point did I feel I was in danger of losing control, even at speed through sharp turns, and the brake pedal was giving me great feedback the entire time. It would take the 1.S-Liter engine a little push to get up to speed, and the engine was shifting a little late for my taste, but, again, for a sub-compact, I could not complain at all.

The sweeping mountain roads were gone just as I was really starting to push the car. While most of us were ready for a snack, a nap, and maybe a drink or three, the Nissan team had more in store for us. As soon as the fuel economy run teams had arrived, it was announced that the teams would have to shoot and edit a 30-second TVC for the Nissan Almera. We were all a little tired from the drive, but, determined to overdo everything worth doing, we soldiered on. Using the original “Where’s George?” TVC as a concept, we re-imagined it to be a little less serious, and a whole lot creepier.

Thanks to Neil’s vision, and the hammed-up acting of the rest of our team, plus the special participation of Greg and Jen, shooting took all of 30 minutes, and Neil had a final edit out in a little over 90 minutes. While shooting, I got a very good look at the massive 490 square foot trunk space on the Almera. It is exceptionally large. More than enough to fit weekend gear for five people, or three Gadgets Magazine Associate Editors. I know the latter from experience.

Between shooting and submitting a final edit, the Nissan Team had more in store for us. They divided all the members of the press into two groups and issued a challenge: Fit the greatest number of people in the Almera, plus items in the trunk, in one minute. The winning team managed 13 people(!) in the cabin, plus 17 medium -sized bags in the trunk. It was an amazing feat, and testament to just how roomy the vehicle is, though I did have to lie down on the dash. The rest of the day was spent at dinner, the spa or the beach, until the program started. At the program, awards were given to the winners of the various tasks. Though our Adventure Race duo failed to nail top spot, we were pleased to find that our Fuel Efficiency duo of Bam and Neil not only won the challenge, but managed to break the Nissan Factory record of 23 Km/L with their own 25.7 Km/L. While we didn’t really have anything to do with the win apart from not interfering, we were still part of the team, and as such, got a share of the loot. The awarding ceremonies signaled an end to the day’s events, and as we made our way back to our rooms, tired but extremely fulfilled, my thoughts drifted to the morning, and all the fun I’d have driving the hundred or so kilometers back home in the most comfortable ride I’d had in awhile.

First published in Gadgets Magazine, April 2013

Words by Ren Alcantara

GadgetsLab: Divoom Bluetune Pop

GadgetsLab

-

30 Apr 2013

0

Specifications:

Bluetooth compatible (up to 10m)

Class-D amplifier with 4W of power microUSB port

3.5mm audio jack

Li-ion battery with 8 hours of playback (5 hours on Bluetooth)

What’s Hot:

• Lightweight

• Loud when popped

What’s Not:

• No volume controls on the speaker

• Included USB cord too short

Bottomline:

If you’re an audiophile and need a portable speaker for your music, consider the Divoom Bluetune Pop. Just remember to pop it up if you want the best sound quality.

Some of our older readers might remember the boombox, one of the biggest mobile devices (literally and figuratively) during the 80s and 90s. You popped your cassette tapes inside and brought it around for you and your friends to listen to (or to annoy the public, depending on what you were listening to). Since then, technology has made speakers and similar audio devices smaller and smaller while improving the quality of audio and keeping the sound just as powerful. Now you have these portable speakers that are a fraction of the size of boomboxes, and can plug in to any device that can play music. If you have a Bluetooth enabled device, you can even just keep it at a distance and control the music from there.

The Divoom Bluetune Pop is one of the many portable speaker offerings from Divoom that you can take around with you and set up at a party to jam with your friends, or get some tunes going in the office to keep everyone awake and lively. It was revealed at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). I unboxed the device and noticed that Divoom didn’t skimp on the aesthetics—it looks like a miniature flying saucer, but aesthetics largely rely on your taste, and this isn’t bad looking at all. The device weighed 255g, just a little heavier than the average smartphone. It also literally pops, so the device name isn’t just some marketing gimmick to get you to buy the device. While unpopped, you can still listen to your music, and the sound is pretty good to begin with. When you pop it open—you can do this simply by pressing the bottom of the device—you get extra bass and improved sound, and also access to the connectivity port. My favorite genres are rap/hip-hop and all the various types of electronic music that most people dance to in the clubs, so I definitely kept it popped open to enjoy my music wherever I was in the house—whether it was downstairs, in my room, or in the shower.

If your music player is a Bluetooth-enabled device, you can use the Bluetune Pop from anywhere the Bluetooth device can reach. If you have older devices that aren’t Bluetooth compatible, there is an audio in jack attached to the cord that comes with the device that you can use to play your music. To charge your device, you’ll need to pop the speaker up to reveal a microUSB port. The cord that comes with the device is a little short, but you can use any cord with a microUSB connector and plug it in to anything with a USB port to charge it. A full charge will last you up to eight hours (five hours if you’re using a Bluetooth device), but that will depend on how loud (or soft) you want to play your music, as playing it louder will use up more battery. A major downer is that there is no volume rocker on the Bluetune Pop itself, which is a blessing and a curse depending on the device you’re streaming your music from. Bluetooth users probably won’t mind that omission, but non-Bluetooth users will find themselves going back to the device that is attached to the speaker just to change the volume.

As for sound quality, I found the Bluetune Pop to be pretty loud. We’re not talking rock concert or eardrum shattering loud, as that’s the job of bigger and more powerful speakers, but loud enough to hear from any room in my apartment when it’s popped. It was so loud that I even had to turn it down while I was in the same room as the device. As I’ve mentioned in some of my previous reviews, living in an apartment can limit the usefulness of certain gadgets, and speakers are one of those gadgets. You don’t want to get any noise complaints from the neighbors—they might not agree with you blasting Calvin Harris or Iron Maiden at 1 am on a Thursday night. However, the sound is impressive from a speaker of that size. Fans of rap/hip-hop and dance music will find that the sound quality of these genres will be brought out pretty well.

At only PHP 1,600, it’s actually quite a bargain—portability-wise and sound quality-wise. You can relive the 80s and 90s, but you don’t need to bring around a huge boombox on your shoulders to do so anymore—all you need is any device that can play music, the Bluetune Pop, and the included cord (if you don’t have a Bluetooth-enabled device).

First Published in Gadgets Magazine, April 2013

Words by Jose Alvarez

GadgetsLab: Nikon D5200

GadgetsLab

-

30 Apr 2013

0

Specifications:

Megapixel count: 24.1 MP

Zoom and Optics: 18-55mm

ISO Range: 100-6400 (25600 with boost)

Dimensions: WIDTH:129 mm, HEIGHT: 98mm, DEPTH: 78mm,

Weight: 505g (1.22 lb/19.58 oz) body only

What’s Hot:

• Ease of use

• HD image and video quality

What’s Not:

• Absence of an in-body AF motor

Bottomline:

The D5200 is a great camera for both amateurs and those going pro.

For me, DSLRs always come with a promise of catering to whatever creative needs one wants met. To make sure that we’re getting our money’s worth, we read the spec sheet over and over again to make sure the camera is worth every cent, and the camera offers key features that we, as shutterbugs, need: an enormous pixel count, processor speed, superb image quality, a wide ISO range, and everything short of the kitchen sink. The pros have a very extensive list of requirements for picking the perfect model, but for less tech-savvy or amateur users, choosing the right DSLR depends more on the experience and usability of the device. Being one of the latter, this was the mindset I was in while testing the Nikon D5200.

Launched last November 2012, the successor of the D5100 hits the market with a newly developed 24.1-megapixel CMOS sensor in DX Format—the standard 24 mm x 16 mm image sensor size. The D5200 is a relatively lightweight DSLR with a plastic body that tips the scales at approximately 550 grams. It has the usual hand and thumb grip, although I am not too fond of the texture. The sides are smooth, which caused my hands to slip. The D5200 retains the fully articulated 3-inch 921,000-dot LCD screen from its predecessor, which allows for convenient live viewing angles and greater flexibility shooting video. The D5200 does give you a little more than its predecessor, in the form of a stereo microphone in front of the hot shoe.

The D5200’s set of external controls are easy to manipulate once you get used to them. The main controls sit on the camera’s top plate. The power switch stays at the edge of the hand grip around the shutter, right where you can access it quickly with your forefinger. Just behind the main switch is the mode dial that allows you to quickly change to one of the D5200’s many camera modes with just a twist of your forefinger and thumb. Beside this is the Live Mode switch that lets you compose your shot in the LCD screen. I found this very handy, as it allowed me to quickly switch to Live Mode and record video without much trouble. The rest of your dedicated buttons are found at the rear of the device: the LCD screen with the multi selector button at its right, the review button above it and the zoom and delete buttons below. Just at the edge of the top plate and the rear is the command dial. Once you hold the camera properly to prepare yourself for shooting, this dial is perfectly within reach. The placement of the external controls was practical enough for me to get used to working with the camera right away, even though I am a first time Nikon user.

I have no complaints regarding the camera’s processor, as the D5200 inherits the EXPEED 3 image processor that is more than capable of handling massive amounts of data. Its frame advance rate is up to 3 frames per second in continuous L and 5 frames per second in continuous H, and videos can be recorded in up to 1080i HD. It should also be noted that the microphone sensitivity of the D5200 is adjustable, which can be very useful in shooting movies.

As the D5200 inherited a lot from its predecessor, it does not have an in-body autofocus motor and still requires one of the current F-mount lenses of Nikon with an integrated AF motor. I don’t think this will be too much of a problem for beginners, though, and I do think that the 18-55mm kit lens will suffice for most applications.

As for the image and video quality, I can say that both are to my liking. This is speaking not only about the image quality, but the camera’s finely saturated colors and balanced tones. The colors were saturated enough and looked good even unaltered. Low-light conditions are not a problem, as the ISO sensitivity range of the D5200 is from 100-6400 and expandable to Hi1 (equivalent to ISO 12800) and Hi 2 (ISO 25600) depending on your internal exposure compensation—although images start to get noisy at ISO 6400.

When it comes to shooting movies, controlling the camera is relatively easy and comfortable for me. D5200 offers additional controls in movie mode where you can control parameters like aperture, shutter speed and ISO, which gives me more creative freedom in shooting film in high definition. The only downside I saw in shooting videos with the D5200 is the shakiness of the capture, which is unlike the smooth recording the have experienced with other models. Other than this minor gripe, though, I can say that the video mode in the D5200 produces great results.

User experience and image and video quality-wise, the Nikon D5200 is a pretty great camera that is well-suited for beginners and pros alike.

First Published in Gadgets Magazine, April 2013

Words by: Cla Gregorio

GadgetsLab: Sony NEX-6

Gadgets Team

-

30 Apr 2013

0

Specifications:

Sensor: 23.5 x 15.6mm 16.1MP Exmor APS-C CMOS
Processor: BIONZ
Mount: Sony E-Mount
Dimensions: 119.9 (W) x 66.9 (H) x 42.6 (D) mm
Weight: Approx. 345 g with battery and memory card
Approx. battery life: 270 frames (viewfinder); 360 frames(LCD screen)
Storage: Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, SD/SDHC/SDXC

What’s Hot:

• Good build quality

• Suitable image quality for web and small prints

• Long battery life

• Quick Navi menu

What’s Not:

• Inefficient wireless features

• Slow AF

• Noticeable noise at ISO 3200

• Pricey

Bottomline:

The NEX-6 may not be much of a game-changer, but it packs features and functions for the mobile user who is still keen on quality.

Think of it as the lovechild of the NEX-7 and the NEX-5R. Sony decided to take the enthusiast-oriented functionality of the former, mesh it with the wireless capabilities of the latter, and pack them into just one nifty camera—the NEX-6.

Inside the NEX-6 is a 16.1-megapixel Exmor APS-C CMOS sensor and a BIONZ image processor. It features a hybrid autofocus (AF) system that combines phase detection AF and contrast detection AF to achieve more speed and precision. The NEX-6 has an ISO range of 100-25600.

In terms of build quality, the NEX-6 looks and feels solid and durable. I accidentally dropped it from waist-level once, and I was incredibly relieved to know that no harm came upon the camera. It is, however, heavier than I expected. The NEX-6 has a polycarbonate body, unlike the NEX-7, which in enclosed in a metal shell.

Like the NEX-7 and unlike the NEX-5, the NEX-6 hosts an electronic viewfinder touted as the XGA OLED Tru-Finder. It has a 2,359K-dot resolution and has a very good level of contrast and saturation—not overly vivid, but not too pale as well. What’s great about the device is that it allows you to frame your shots, instantly see the effects of changes in the exposure setting, shoot images, view them, and scroll through the menu without taking your eye off the viewfinder. The LCD screen, which measures 3.0 inches and features a 921,600-dot resolution, fares just as well. It’s not a touchscreen, but it still is roomy, and the great thing about it is it’s tiltable. You can’t swivel it, though. You can only tilt it upward or down so that you can see the screen at low or high angles.

The power switch/shutter release and function buttons are placed a top the protruding grip. The grip fits in my hand just fine; it isn’t too deep nor is it too shallow. Not only does the camera have a flexible pop-up flash on top; it also hosts a multi-interface hot shoe. A dedicated mode dial sits on top, making the NEX-6 the first camera in the Sony’s mirrorless line to have one. If you look closer, you’ll see that another dial is placed underneath it. This secondary dial controls the aperture in Manual Mode. The shutter speed can be adjusted using the dial/navigation pad on the back of the device.

The dedicated video recording button can be found at the right edge—yes, the edge—of the body. I appreciate this because I didn’t have to switch modes just to shift from taking stills to taking videos. However, I find the placement of the button a bit odd, especially since thumbs don’t normally rest on that part of the camera’s body.

Mounted on the NEX-6 is an E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS power zoom lens that wields a collapsible barrel design that makes it compact and convenient when not in use. The NEX-6 is also compatible with other Sony E-Mount lenses.

Additionally, the NEX-6 can record images in JPEG, RAW, or both at the same time.

Although I was generally happy with image quality, I couldn’t help

but notice after zooming into the images using Photoshop that some noticeably lacked detail. This is, however, expected of the camera’s sensor size, and I’m also guessing that Sony wasn’t after the market that prints hard copies when they made the device. The camera is meant for today’s mobile users, and when you upload the photo on the web, you’ll hardly notice any lack of detail. Noise is also prominent in images shot using a sensitivity level as low as ISO 3200, which is why I would never (ever) recommend shooting at as high as ISO 25,600.

Low light performance was a bit of a drag. Even at higher ISO settings, I had some trouble with the AF as I was shooting events in dark conditions.

Video and audio quality are good, but unremarkable. The NEX-6 can shoot in Full HD at 60 or 24 fps, but the file format of which is AVCHD. When recording in MP4, the maximum resolution is 1440 x 1080 at 30fps.

The wireless function of the NEX-6 is not as efficient as the ones we have already tried in other cameras. For one thing, you’d have to go through the tedious process of connecting to the network and entering the password (if applicable) each time you boot the device. Second, there is no option for social network sharing built into the camera. Third, you would need to install the PlayMemories app on your iOS or Android device to be able to use in tandem with the camera. Fourth, users will only be able to use the service if they have a Sony Entertainment account. Sign-up’s free, but it’s still another layer to pass through before you get to the meat of the wireless feature. Lastly, the wireless services offered by the camera’s PlayMemories app aren’t offered in our country. Hence, we weren’t able to try it out. Honestly, using Instagram is way faster, but of course, it’s never going to beat the quality of a full-fledged Wi-Fi capable camera like the NEX-6. In the end, it’s just a matter of priority: quality or convenience.

Battery life is superb for a mirrorless camera. You can have it running for an entire day of moderate use without having to use the charger.

The NEX-6 retails at PHP 40,999. That’s a big investment for such a camera, considering that it’s even more expensive than smaller DSLRs with just the same sensor size. If you pit it against such DSLRs, the chances don’t look too good for the NEX-6. It’s still agreat camera, though. Suitable photo quality, easy operation, a lightweight body, and wireless functions still make a stellar combo.

First Published in Gadgets Magazine, April 2013

Words by Racine Anne Castro

GadgetsLab: MiLi Power Rover

GadgetsLab

-

30 Apr 2013

0

Specifications:

Battery capacity: 3.7V/8000mAh
microUSB input: 5V/1A (max)
USB 1 output: 5V/1A
USB 2 output: 5V/2.1A (max)

What’s Hot:

Huge battery capacity
Ability to charge two devices at once
Portable for its battery size

What’s Not:

Extremely long charge time
Plain design

Bottomline:

You’ll need to charge it overnight if you want a fresh charge each day—but the Power Rover does its job well.

Everyone hates running out of battery. In fact, we have a habit of using our phones strategically when our battery dips into the red. It would seem natural to assume that the power bank would increase in importance as consumers begin to buy more mobile devices. Current devices need to be charged at least once daily, and for those who are always on the go, you can’t just rush to a power outlet to recharge your phone every time your devices run low on juice. To fill the need for charging your devices on the go, the power bank was invented to make sure that you always have those precious minutes no matter where you are—whether you’re at a meeting in the office, a car trip, or even on a mountain hike—the MiLi Power Rover serves as a power source for many occasions.

Upon unboxing the product, it looked quite plain, but like routers, this isn’t meant to be the star of the show design-wise. It is meant to be behind the scenes to keep your star of the show products, generally smartphones and tablets, humming along happily through the day. It has no distinctive markings on it, except the MiLi logo along the right side of the device, which is a bit hard to see. The power button is on the lower left, with the USB ports on the bottom of the device. The microUSB port that is used to charge the device is between the two USB ports. The indicator that the device is charging are LED lights above the power button. Each light represents 25 percent of power, so four lights means a full charge.

The MiLi Power Rover is a bit bigger and thicker than a smartphone, but it is still portable enough to fit in a backpack or a laptop case. It weighs 211g, which is also a little heavier than a smartphone, but it packs 8000mAh of power that you can use to charge your devices. It has two USB ports and comes with an array of wires and adapters you can use to attach your devices, which encompass both Apple and Android products. There are special wires for Apple products and the Samsung GALAXY Tab. Since this is meant for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, I charged two of my most important mobile gadgets, my iPod Classic and my iPhone 3GS, and I also tested out the Huawei Ascend D1 Quad XL (which is also reviewed in this issue) to see how Android products compared to their Apple counterparts. These were my test subjects for the review.

One issue I have with the device is that it takes a very long time to charge the MiLi Power Rover itself—somewhat understandable since it is a device with a capacity of 8000mAh. It seemed like forever every time I recharged the device for use. If you’re not a patient person and don’t want to wait around for a full charge, you’re better off leaving it plugged into a wall socket overnight if you need a fresh charge for each day. A fully powered Power Rover is one of the best gadgets to have around, especially if you have multiple devices that need charging on the go. I got a full charge on both my iPhone and iPod Classic within a couple of hours, with the Huawei Ascend D1 Quad XL taking a bit longer to charge at because it had a bigger battery than either of my Apple devices. How long it will take your device to charge is largely dependent on its battery capacity and how much juice the Power Rover has. Since smartphones have way less battery capacity than the Power Rover, you can charge your smartphones multiple times if the Power Rover is fully charged or even charge two smartphones at once.

The device advertises that it can power up to 52 hours of data, 68 hours of talk, and 180 hours of media (music and videos usually), but again, those figures will largely depend on your usage and the settings on your devices that allow for more or less usage of the devices that are being charged. The USB 1 port is generally for smartphones, while the USB 2 port, with greater amperage, is for tablets. Those who enjoy gaming on the go will also enjoy this device as gaming tends to take a lot of power out of devices.

If you’re always on the go, consider getting the MiLi Power Rover. 8000mAh is a lot of power waiting for your devices to consume, and as consumers become increasingly mobile with their devices, power banks in general will become more and more necessary.

First Published in Gadgets Magazine, April 2013

Words by Jose Alvarez

GadgetsLab: Sony Xperia Tablet S

GadgetsLab

Gadgets Team

-

30 Apr 2013

0

Specifications:

Operating System: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
CPU: NvidiaTegra 3 quad-core processor
LCD: 9.4-inch 1280 x 800 TFT
Color LCD
Physical Dimension:9.45 (W) x 0.35 (H) x 6.87 (D) inches
Weight: 1.26lbs
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Memory: 10GB internal storage, expandable via SD

What’s Hot:

Excellent screen responsiveness
Good screen resolution
Built-in Social Life app
Comfortable to hold and operate

What’s Not:

Wi-Fi connectivity problems
Short battery life
Tinny sound coming from speakers at full volume
Pricey

Bottomline:

The SonyXperia Tablet S may not be as popular and as competitive as the other tablets within its price range, but it’s an option worth mulling over.

My relationship with tablets is a bit bipolar. There are times when I want to purchase a tablet, as well as times when I realize that they’re not for me. Very few tablets have been able to convince me that I really do want one—the iPad is one device that managed to hit the spot. More recently, I included the Sony Xperia Tablet S to that list. Here’s a closer look at the device, and maybe you’ll understand why I might just consider buying it.

Packed inside the Sony Xperia Tablet S is an Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core chip and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It hosts 1GB of RAM and either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. The device doesn’t support 3G or 4G, so it relies solely on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as connectivity options.

Take a quick tour around the device and you’ll see very minimal controls, like most tablets. Upfront, there’s the 9.4-inch TFT Color LCD screen, and above it is the 1MP camera that you can use for video calls. The back of the device hosts the 8MP camera (with no LED flash in sight), while the bottom of the tablet is home to the device’s speakers and the multi-port where you can plug in the USB cable/charger or the optional keyboard dock (sold separately). On the right side of the device, you will find the power/lock button, the built-in microphone, and the volume rocker. On the left flank are the 3.5mm audio jack for your earphones and speakers, and a full-size SD card slot.

The Xperia Tablet S is a device that can take a bit of a beating. It’s shock-proof, dust-proof, and, like all new Xperia products, waterproof. Do not, however, be misled; just because Sony claims it’s waterproof doesn’t mean you can submerge it in the tub—“splash-proof” would be a more appropriate term. This means that the device is still able to operate even under dripping wet fingers. It also means that it’s safe to bring along to pool or beach parties, of which you’ll be having a ton this season.

The device is pre-loaded with various apps for gaming and browsing, but the one I appreciated the most is a clever social networking app called Social Life, where updates on all your social networking sites are consolidated into a single feed. This is pretty handy since it eliminates the need for users to log on to each site or launch each individual app just to check for updates.

This tablet has an IR emitter that allows it to act as a universal remote control for other electronic devices. It works even if your devices do not carry the Sony label, but if your device is from a brand that the device can’t recognize, you’d have to manually program it.

If you’re looking to get the Xperia Tablet S as a family tablet, then you’re in luck. The device has a nifty “Guest Mode” feature, where users can create various accounts. On these accounts, users can set up personalized configurations and select different sets of wallpapers, apps and widgets for each account. The main user or the “owner” of the device will be able to select and manage the apps that are available to each individual account. With parental controls on-board, mom and dad can ensure that the little ones only have access to safe, family-friendly content.

Performance-wise, the device manages very well. I never experienced lagging in any kind of app that I ran on the device, be it for gaming or for social networking. The device handles multi-tasking almost flawlessly. I tried keeping all my apps open at the same time and switched between them, and the tablet continued to run smoothly.

Both screen resolution and responsiveness fared superbly during my time with the device. I was able to view HD videos in impressive clarity, even if the resolution is only 1280 x 800 pixels. The screen responded to my fingers quite well; never did I have the need to prod the screen harder than normal. Ghosting was never an issue.

Like the smartphones in the Xperia line, the Xperia Tablet S uses the Walkman app as its primary music player. Sony calls the special audio technology in the Xperia Tablet S ClearAudio+, which is supposed to automatically sense track settings and adjust the sound quality accordingly. However, I didn’t really notice the change when I was listening to music with the ClearAudio+ mode on. The audio from the speakers was suitably loud at full volume, but in my opinion, the sound was excruciatingly tinny. It would have been nice to have a boomier, bassier sound.

The cameras on-deck performed well, even under low light. Though the maximum quality of photos is 8MP and videos can be taken in 720p, one should not expect anything too spectacular when it comes to video and image recording on the Xperia Tablet S.

My only major problem is how it loses the Wi-Fi connection whenever I lock the device. That’s just one thing, but it bothered me greatly. Having to re-connect the device to the wireless network every time I locked and unlocked it was incredibly annoying. Leaving the device unlocked, however, eats up all the battery life, and that’s a huge no-no for a mobile device.

Battery life was only so-so for me since I had to charge the device every day, considering that I only used it moderately. My general usage of the tablet involved mostly web browsing, light gaming and occasionally some video streaming.

The 16GB model of the device costs PHP 23,999, while the 32GB model costs PHP 28,999. The Xperia Tablet S is a far cry from other tablets within its price range, but it isn’t a bad device. Far from it, in fact. Despite flaws in its Wi-Fi connectivity and battery life, I was pleased with its overall performance in video streaming, gaming, and browsing. Screen response was what really had me sold.

Here comes the big Q: Should you get one of these babies? I wouldn’t recommend it as a first choice, but with a generally good performance, it’s definitely worth a shot.

First Published in Gadgets Magazine, April 2013

Words by Racine Anne Castro

GadgetsLab: Huawei Ascend D1Quad XL

GadgetsLab

-

30 Apr 2013

0

Specifications:

Network: 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700/1900/2100
SIM: Mini-SIM
Dimensions: 129x64x10.9mm
Weight: 150g
Screen: 4.5-inches, 720×1280 pixels (326ppi)
Memory: 8GB storage, 1GB RAM
Processor: 1.4GHz quad-core CPU
Camera: 8MP primary, 1.3MP secondary

What’s Hot:

Quad-core CPU
Quality sound
Quality screen
Good battery life

What’s Not:

Gets hot to the touch with prolonged use
Low internal storage
Some high-end connectivity options missing (no 4G/LTE, NFC)

Bottomline:

The CPU stands out as the star of the show, but its other features also help make sure that the Ascend D1 Quad XL holds its own against the beefier smartphones out there despite lacking some of the features that are now becoming commonplace for smartphones in 2013.

Huawei finished a strong third in smartphone production to close out 2012—not enough to topple the South Korean tech giants or the Cupertino-based tech firm—but it was proof that they could hold their own against some of the big names in the tech industry. The Ascend D1 Quad XL is one of the latest offerings in the five-inch smartphone market, and will be one of the products representing Huawei’s push to establish itself as one of the big players in the smartphone world.

The back cover felt nice to hold, but those looking for durability won’t like its plastic build. It does have some grip, so dropping the phone should be a rare occurrence. Upon opening the back cover, the SIM card slot is conveniently located right behind the power button and there is no need to remove the battery to insert the SIM card into the slot. The microSD card is above the microUSB port—although it would have been somewhat better if you had access to the microSD slot without needing to remove the cover, especially if you find yourself swapping out microSD cards frequently. The volume rocker is off to the right side, and the 3.5mm jack is on the upper left hand corner.

The Ascend D1 Quad XL’s 4.7-inch display is crisp and clear—the 720×1280 resolution at 326ppi was brought out quite well, although the screen could do better in outside situations. Like most smartphones, it has in-plane switching and capacitive multi-touch, so there’s really not much we can say beyond that. One of its highlights is its quad-core 1.4GHz CPU along with 1GB of RAM, which means it works four times as hard to keep the experience with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) smooth and hassle-free. AnTuTu, Android’s benchmark app, scored the Ascend D1 Quad XL at a solid 14766, below some competitors’ flagship devices, but holding its own against them quite well.

I’m not sure if it was just unique to this unit, but the Google Chrome app was bugged and wouldn’t load properly, so I had to use the stock browser application for my browsing needs. The websites loaded quickly, and scrolling, aside from the occasional jitter, went smoothly. There’s only 8GB of storage on the phone, of which only 5GB is usable, so if you plan to use this as more than just your phone, such as having it double as an MP3 player, camera, or video recorder, you might want to look into getting yourself a microSD card to ensure you have space for your music, photos and videos. Some of my other favorite apps, such as Facebook and Gmail, ran without any problems, as well as games such as Temple Run 2. In an era where mobile gaming is largely becoming the norm, this phone does not disappoint.

Calls and texts went through well—although, like any phone, that will largely depend on your carrier and how strong your signal is. For heavy texters, if you don’t like the default Huawei keyboard, you can also select the regular Android keyboard for familiarity. One thing I noticed, however, is that when I was on the phone for several minutes, the phone got hot to the touch, an indication that quad-core CPUs in mobile phones still need some work. To be fair, it is still a new concept, so there is only room for improvement. Fans of 4G and LTE will not have that option on this phone, which is a bit disappointing as well.

If you plan on using the phone as a camera, you’ll need to make sure the lighting is sufficient—low light situations are like the Kryptonite to the phone’s otherwise decent 8-megapixel main camera and 1.3-megapixel front camera. You can also shoot videos in full 1080p HD with the main camera. The same protocol that applies to photos also applies to videos—you’ll need sufficient lighting to get the most out of it.

The audio was exceptionally strong and of very high quality, as is expected of something with the Dolby logo on it. I’m a deep sleeper, and the alarms on the Ascend D1 Quad XL managed to wake me each time they were scheduled to go off. At full volume, the sound quality is loud and clear, and the Ascend D1 Quad XL makes its presence heard. If you plan on making the Ascend D1 Quad XL the device on which to listen to your music or to view your videos, you won’t be disappointed with the sound quality.

The 2600 mAh Li-Po battery can last up to 10 hours with heavy usage, but I found myself going almost three days of low to moderate use before I had to reach for a charger. If you tinker around with some of the settings, such as lowering the screen’s brightness, and keeping screen timeouts reasonable, you can probably squeeze out an extra hour or two from the battery even with heavy use. But all in all, the battery is great, especially if you’re always on the move and can’t charge your phone too often.

If you want to sample a good quad-core CPU phone, the Huawei Ascend D1 Quad XL is a good bet. For PHP 18,990, it is a bargain for the specs it comes with. It has more positives than negatives overall, and the positives are worth the buy, especially if you’re looking to join in the 5-inch smartphone party that is coming our way in 2013.

First Published in Gadgets Magazine, April 2013

Words by Jose Alvarez

GadgetsLab: Jabra Solemate

GadgetsLab

-

30 Apr 2013

0

Specifications:

Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0, 3.5mm Aux in
Microphone: Omni Directional/noise filter
Battery: Music streaming time: 10-hours (rated), Talk Time: 10-hours (rated), ~8-hours real-world
Dimensions: 172x64x70mm
Weight: 610-grams

What’s Hot:

Handy voice prompts
Great volume and sound fidelity
Has a wired option plus the necessary cable

What’s Not:

Might be a bit heavy for everyday carry

Bottomline:

It looks cool and sounds great. You don’t need much more than that.

I have said it may times in the past: wires are a hindrance to fun. They will snag, catch and break just as you are headed back to your table with a fine cup of tea in your grandmother’s finest china. Fortunately, we are advanced enough as a civilization to have come up with a way to listen to music without the hindrance of cables. One of the greatest achievements of the human race is Bluetooth. It lets you share your music through more powerful speakers than your smartphone has on board, and all without the burden of cables. While you can get one at just about every corner store these days, why would you waste your money with an unproven brand? Jabra, one of the leading manufacturers of Bluetooth headsets, has just released the Solemate. Yes, I spelt this right. It is a Bluetooth speaker that gives you loads of bass, wireless connectivity, an interesting design and trusted Jabra performance in a very usable package.

The Jabra Solemate is so named because of its very distinctive underside. If you flip the pleasantly hefty unit over, you will see what looks like the bottom of a shoe. This is partly to help with grip on various surfaces, and also to give it a very distinctive profile. I have to say it works on both counts. This is a very cool device to look at and use. It’s about one and a half times the size of a can of soda, with a power switch/pairing slider on the side, and volume controls, as well as a special function button on the top. Pairing the Solemate is dead simple. Simply switch the device on and slide the switch further along. The device tells you out loud to go ahead and connect it via the Bluetooth setting on your phone. It was a little weird at first to be told by my device what to do, but it’s a lot better than a vexing combination of button flashes and beeps. Once found, another voice prompt lets you know that pairing is successful, and you can start playing your audio without the encumbrance of wires.

The heft of the Solemate allows it to have some beefy drivers—three in fact—that give it amazing bass response and clarity. Jazz tunes and the more soulful (soleful?) tracks seemed a little on the heavy side, and needed a little tweaking from my device’s equalizer, but the kind of music you would want to share at a party, heavy on the bass, would do great. The bass doesn’t drown out the rest of the tones, mind you, it’s just a little heavier than the mids that I love so much. To be honest, most users wouldn’t really complain, and since this is a pair meant for sharing and not appreciating the fine nuances of audio clarity, I am not deducting points here either.

Power is provided via an internal battery that takes a charge through a micro USB port on the side of the device. Charge time from a dead battery to a full charge was somewhere along the lines of two hours, with the included charger, and while charging via a USB post is possible, it really isn’t recommended. The Solemate is able to keep pumping out tracks for about 8 hours by my most rigorous of unscientific tests. This was via Bluetooth, at about half volume, playing and pausing to change venue about every hour or so. Range on the device was about standard for Bluetooth devices. I was able to stream music with no problem from within a roughly 40-something square meter condo. I’m pretty confident that any device within listening range of the Solemate should have no problem streaming.

A nice little bonus is that when paired with your smartphone, an internal microphone on the Solemate lets you use it as a speakerphone as well. This allows the Solemate to be used a very capable device to handle conference calls when not being used for playtime. It is an obvious application and one I am glad Jabra did not leave out.

If you are an old-schooler or have a device that you want to share, the Solemate comes with an Aux input off to one side, as well as a handy little 3.5mm male-male cable stowed in the rubbery sole of the device. This gives it broad compatibility across any consumer listening device, and should also increase battery life while off the Bluetooth radio. Sound quality does not suffer through either method, and it’s just as clear and lovely through cable or wireless playback.

Overall, the Solemate gets a lot of things right. Excellent sound tried and tested Bluetooth connectivity and a very cool, informative set of pairing and use prompts all allow you to just enjoy the music without having to worry about setting up or being tied down. If you like your music and want a rugged device with which to share it, give the Jabra Solemate a look. You might just like what you hear.

First Published in Gadgets Magazine, April 2013

Words by Ren Alcantara

Hyundai launches 60-minute guaranteed Preventive Maintenance Service

Mobility

Mika Fernandez-David

-

29 Apr 2013

0

Hyundai launches 60-minute guaranteed Preventive Maintenance Service

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) introduced today the Hyundai Jet Service Premium, the brand’s speediest and most cutting-edge Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) ever. Promising the job done in 60-minutes or its free, the Hyundai Jet Service Premium offers a faster and more time-efficient PMS for its loyal customers.

Hyundai is confident they can make the time because each vehicle will be assigned a 3-man team of certified technicians with access to genuine parts, using their new and fully-equipped service bays.

The 60-minutes-or-less PMS includes the following:

Oil/Oil filter replacement
Aircon, lights and charging inspection
Drive belts/weatherstrips/hinges/wiper blades inspection
Suspension/tire pressure inspection
Body bolts check
Replacement of worn or consumable parts.

All PMS standard procedures for the 1k, 5k, 10, 20k and 40k series may include the following optional, additional repairs:

Brake pads replacement
Wiper blades replacement
Busted headlights or tail lights replacement

As if the time guarantee was not enough, customers can also avail of a free 21-point checkup and car wash.

Owners of the following vehicles may opt to book an appointment or take their chances by walking-in to their favorite dealerships: Accent Sedan; Accent Hatch; Elantra; EON, i10, i30, Matrix, Santa Fe, Sonata, Starex, Tucson, and Veracruz. However, PMS for the Azera, Equus, Genesis Coupe and Genesis Sedan, are strictly on an appointment basis only. To ensure that no one’s time is wasted, Customers who booked an appointment should come on time, and the 60-minute timer starts when the vehicle enters the Jet Service Premium Bay. The Jet Service Premium is only available for vehicles purchased from authorized Hyundai dealerships. Vehicles with lapsed warranties may avail of the program provided they have complete PMS repair history.

Jet Service Premium is now available at the following Hyundai dealerships: Abad Santos, Alabang Muntinlupa, Balintawak, Biñan Laguna, Cabanatuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Central EDSA, Commonwealth Avenue, Dagupan, Global City, Greenhills, Las Piñas, Marcos Highway, North EDSA, Pasig City, Quezon Avenue, Santiago City, Shaw Boulevard, Southern Mindanao, and Sucat Road. It will soon be available at all 41 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

Isuzu’s medium and heavy duty truck sales register big gains

Mobility

Gadgets Team

-

29 Apr 2013

0

Isuzu’s medium and heavy duty truck sales register big gains

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) registered huge gains on their medium and heavy-duty truck models in both year-to-date first quarter totals and month-on-month results in March.

According to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association, IPC sold 158 medium and heavy-duty trucks from January to March 2013, a 53.4 percent leap over the 103 units the company sold last year. 462 trucks were sold in the segment in the Philippines in 2013, meaning IPC trucks have taken a 34.2 percent market share in that segment.

IPC also sold 79 trucks in March compared to 37 trucks in February, which represented a 113.5 percent leap. As a whole, the industry total for the segment in the month of March totaled 179 trucks, with IPC trucks taking a 44.1 percent market share in the segment for that month. IPC’s other truck products, the NHR and NKR of the N-series light-duty range have been best-sellers in the segment for a record 14 consecutive years. Sales of the units reached 126 trucks in March, which is a 28.1 percent improvement over February, when IPC sold 101 units. IPC controls 68.5 percent of the segment overall.

Sales of Isuzu trucks in all segments reached 205 trucks in March, compared to 138 units in February, which was a 48 percent gain. “The strong performance of Isuzu’s commercial truck models is directly parallel to the robust health of the Philippine economy,” said IPC Executive Vice President Takashi Tomita. “As various local SMEs and other businesses grow, so does the market’s need for vehicles that can be relied upon to move the country forward.”

The Isuzu Crosswind also helped boost IPC’s first quarter performance. The Crosswind sold 1,518 units in the first quarter over 1,405 units in 2012, an 8 percent improvement. March’s sales of 512 Crosswind units was a 4.5 percent improvement over the 490 sold in February.

IPC’s year-on-year sales from January to March 2013 had a 0.2 percent increase over the previous year, with 2,734 units sold. IPC also sold 984 vehicles in March against 916 in February, which represented a 7.4 percent growth over the previous month.

Take on a life-sized version of Temple Run and more exciting challenges with Smart’s Live All Out!

Technology News

Gadgets Team

-

29 Apr 2013

0

Take on a life-sized version of Temple Run and more exciting challenges with Smart’s Live All Out!

Can you play basketball with a larger-than-life ball and gigantic hoops? Can you take on a life-sized, motion sensor-activated version of Temple Run? Smart dares you to take on these challenges with their Live All Out dare stations!

“Smart believes that the youth can take on any challenge as long as they set their mind to it. That’s why we’re very happy to be the avenue for them to test themselves and achieve tasks that they never thought they could do before,” shared Jane Basas, Head of Smart Prepaid Marketing Group.

Live All Out will have a kick-off party on May 3rd at the beautiful island of Boracay. To participate in a dare, all you need is a Smart Prepaid SIM (though a lot of guts and willpower will help, too).The DJs of Boys’ Night Out—Slick Rick, Tony Toni, and Sam YG—will be hosting the event, and afterwards, there will be a music festival featuring some of the country’s most talented acts.

Smart says that they will also be bringing the Live All Out stations to Puerto Galera, Palawan, Cebu, Zamboanga, Baguio, Pampanga, Ortigas and Taguig, following the Boracay kick-off.

For more information about Live All Out, hit THIS link!

Globe Launches the Samsung Galaxy S4

Ren Alcantara

-

29 Apr 2013

0

Hot on the heels of Samsung’s own Galaxy S4 launch, Globe has just officially announced the availability of the S4 for their postpaid and prepaid subscribers. The launch, held at the Holiday Inn in Makati. Peter Bithos, Senior Adviser for Consumer Business was present at the event, and Debbie Obias, Head of Postpaid Acquisitions, were present of the event, and went out of their way to mention extra features Globe’s My Super Plan will give S4 users, to complement the rich features of the device itself.

Globe has improved their My Super Plan, by allowing their users to choose the length of their contract. Whether a customer wants to have a short, 6-month contract or a longer 30-month contract, Globe has you covered. They will also be offering device protection, in case sticky fingers or suddenly develop a hole in your purse. Ms. Obias noted that they offer the best deal on the device, allowing subscribers to take home the Galaxy S4 at plan PHP999, for just PHP600 a month (billed to the subscriber’s cradit card,) for a total monthly cash out PHP1599.

Mr. Bithos also noted that Globe will be offering LTE service to prepaid subscribers “shortly.” This is great news to all Globe subscribers, as they have completed the first phase of the network modernization that they have embarked upon.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 on the improved My Super Plan is available at your nearest Globe Business Center.

Beer Below Zero goes digital

Apps

Ren Alcantara

-

28 Apr 2013

0

Nobody likes warm beer. It’s just not how nature intended things to be. If you like your beer cold, cold, cold, chances are good you have heard of and tried Beer Below Zero (BBZ). Chances are also good you loved every colder-than-ice sip. If, like us, you can’t get enough of it, it can be frustrating to want that BBZ bite and not fine a place nearby at which to satiate that thirst. There’s an app for that.

BBZ is proud to announce the BBZ App. This app keeps you updated on everything that has anything to do with BBZ: the best drinking spots, promos, events, and most importantly, the Partners tab that lets you find the nearest drinking spot that offers BBZ. Wherever in the world you are, if the BBZ wave has hit, the app can show you just where to go.

The Beer Advisor in the app keeps you up-to-date on the latest promotions by BBZ. It even includes a feature that captures photos in all it’s beered up glory, and allows you to quickly share it on a number of popular social media sites.

Drinking is fun, and a great way to bond with friends, but one has to drink responsibly. The apps Alco-Meter helps you keep track of the number of drinks you have had in a session, and gives you a chard that shows your state from “Buzzed” all the way to “Trainwrecked,” and lets you know approximately how long it will take you to sober up, or if you need to call in a favor to get your butt home.

Interested? Grap your iOS device and find it on the App Store.