If you’re the kind of person who takes pride in benchmark scores and creating extremely fast desktop rigs, then you might want to listen up. Western Digital has announced that they’ve unveiled 4TB versions of their performance hard drive, the WD Black. No longer will modders, overclockers and hardcore gaming enthusiasts have to choose between drive capacity and performance – the WD Black has both. WD Black hard drives combine 7200 RPM spin speed, 64 MB cache, dual stage actuator technology, SATA 6 gigabits per second (Gb/s) interface, and an integrated dual processor to deliver ultimate performance in a maximum-capacity drive. You will have to pay a premium for one of these bad boys though – expect to pay around Php 14, 899 for one.
Razer has announced that they have just upgraded their DeathAdder gaming mouse. The iconic mouse has been sold by the gaming peripheral company since 2006, and it seems an update is in order. The new version of the mouse swaps out the 3.5G optical sensor for a more powerful 4G infrared sensor that’s capable of 6400 DPI resolution.
The company didn’t want to mess with the external design of the mouse too much, so they opted to just add textured rubber grips to the side of the mouse to improve control during those hot and heavy gaming sessions. The newly improved mouse retails at $69.99, though no word on local availability has been set yet.
Here in our last installment on our Canon launch story, we give you the newest PowerShot models that they let us touch and try out during the event.
PowerShot S110
This touch-screen camera is optimized for low-light conditions as it features the DIGIC 5 image processor, an enhanced HS SYSTEM, and a large f/2.0 aperture. It packs a 12.1-megapixel sensor and has Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities, enabling you to send your photos to your Android or iOS device via the Canon CameraWindow app. Its Wi-Fi connectivity also allows you to connect with wireless printers.
Its fixed lens has a ring that lets you control several image settings, like ISO, zoom, white balance and exposure compensation. You can even use it as a focus ring. All you have to do is hit the Ring Function button at the back of the device and select the setting you want to adjust.
It features a Handheld Night Scene mode, which automatically takes two shots—one with flash and one without—and merges them. The brighter details of the shot with flash properly expose the subject against the background landscape, while the one without flash maintains the ambience of the night. The PowerShot S110 retails at PHP 25,998.
PowerShot SX500 HS
We were pretty impressed with the zoom capability of this little tyke. The 16-megapixel PowerShot SX500 IS, powered by a DIGIC 4 image processor, wields a powerful 30x (24-720mm) optical zoom that can even be extended to up to 24000mm using the 100x ZoomPlus feature. This guarantees that you will be able to take the perfect shot, even at a distance. It’s also equipped with a Zoom Framing Assist Lock button to help reduce the blur in your shots when shooting telephoto images.
Its seek function, Zoom Framing Assist Seek, will help users find their subjects in a zoomed position quickly by zooming out first and letting the user locate the subject, keeping the previous zoomed-in frame within guiding borders.
The PowerShot SX500 IS retails at PHP 18,998.
PowerShot G15
The heavyweight in the group is the Canon PowerShot G15. It pairs a 12.1-megapixel sensor and the DIGIC 5 image processor to achieve clear and stunning photos. It has a really fast and responsive AF system, allowing you to focus on a subject in just 0.17 seconds. Its fixed lens has a focal length of 28mm (with 5x optical zoom) with a maximum aperture of f/1.8. The G15 has a maximum shutter speed of and can shoot in up to ISO 12800.
It’s incredibly handy especially for photographers who want to keep their eye on the viewfinder as it features two dials for no-look control over the image settings. The G15 also lets you shoot in RAW for maximum control over the output of the image.
The PowerShot G15 also features a Dual Axis Electronic Levelling system that helps you shoot photos in perfect balance. While shooting, a graphical indicator will appear to show you if your photo is leveled or skewed.
LG has joined the ranks of Sony and Toshiba in unveiling a 4K capable TV, or as the marketing gurus like to call it “Ultra HD TV”, in the Philippines. The LG 84LM9600 sports a display that is a whopping 84-inches large, and has a native display resolution of 3840 x 2160, or almost twice that of a regular HD TV. Of course, there isn’t an abundant supply of 4K encoded content out in the market today, so LG also included their Upscaler Plus technology that, along with their Triple XD engine, gives higher detail from current HD/SD external sources.
As far as 3D is concerned, the TV uses a passive, polarized system to deliver 3D images which is pretty consistent with what the company has done with their other 3D offerings. The 3D system is light, easy to use and doesn’t require users to wear bulky, dorky glasses.
Like other hi-end LG TVs, this humongous TV has internet capabilities and can stream content from the internet. The TV also uses LG’s Magic Remote (it basically works like a Wii remote) which should allow users to navigate through LG’s UI better.
Like we mentioned before, we’ve seen other 4K TV’s before, and we never really get tired at looking at the gorgeous displays that 4K TVs bring. The 84LM9600 is no exception – the picture quality is simply stunning, and words simply fail to describe how breathtakingly beautiful the TV is.
If you guys want to see the TV for yourself, you can check out Ansons in Makati right beside Makati Shangri-La. This TV will set you back a whopping Php 849,990
We’re all familiar with the phrase “History repeats itself.” This also applies to the world of tech and gadgets. For example, the original design of the laptop is still largely intact, albeit thinner. But when it comes to the Windows operating system (OS), sometimes you need to look a little bit deeper into proving that statement correct.
People are reporting all sorts of problems with Windows 8 right now—from criticism of its user interface to random phone reboots, the problems have piled up so much that Windows division chief Steven Sinofsky, the man who was widely expected to succeed current CEO Steve Ballmer, left the company following a lukewarm reception to Windows 8.
Microsoft isn’t exactly new to having versions of its OS fall short of expectations—Windows ME was widely panned and its successor, Windows XP, became at one point the most used OS in the world. Windows Vista went through the same fate, and Windows 7 had more success than its predecessor. The problem even goes all the way back to Windows 1.0, Microsoft’s first operating system that was announced in November 1983 and released two years later to similar lukewarm reviews.
“Windows provides unprecedented power to users today and a foundation for hardware and software advancements of the next few years. It is unique software designed for the serious PC user, who places high value on the productivity that a personal computer can bring,” the Windows 1.0 press release said. At the time, Microsoft was a relatively new player in developing an OS that had a graphical user interface (GUI)—just as it is today in 2012 with developing an OS that can be used on tablets. Microsoft had experimented with using its OS on tablets before Windows 8, but didn’t make much of an impact as Apple’s iPad continued to be on top of tablet sales.
The same problems came up back then as well—InfoWorld writer John Markoff noted that certain programs were “misbehaving”, and many companies were skeptical about using Windows 1.0. One of the major similarities between Windows 1.0 and Windows 8 is that windowed programs no longer overlap, a function that is available on every Microsoft OS that we are familiar with. Windows 1.0 was criticized for being notoriously slow, and although the same thing cannot be said about Windows 8, it surely took a big step backward when it came to user interface design. So, history did repeat itself, possibly in the most blatant way possible: in its GUI.
After toying with the EOS-M at the Canon launch yesterday, we also had the chance to get to know the company’s newest full-frame DSLR, the EOS 6D.
The 6D is probably the smallest and lightest full-frame DSLR that Canon has ever made, being nearly half as big as its fellow full-framer, the 5D Mark II. The 6D is also Canon’s first EOS camera to feature built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. According to Canon, the 6D is marketed towards those who want a mid-range full-frame DSLR that’s light and compact for better portability.
The 6D packs a 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, and an 11-point AF system with a single cross-type sensor. It hosts a DIGIC 5+ image processor, which performs up to three times faster than DIGIC 5, making low-light shooting easier. The 6D even has a Handheld Night Scene mode, which helps users take a perfect night shot by rapidly snapping four shots and automatically compositing them into one. It also has an HDR Backlight Control mode, which employs a similar technique, for shooting dark subjects against a strong backlight. Additionally, the 6D also has a creative shooting mode that allows you to merge multiple exposures into a single image. The native ISO range is 100 to 25,600, but the expansion settings allow a broader range of 50 to 102,400.
The 6D shoots at a maximum of 4.5fps in burst mode. It can also record videos in Full HD at up to 30fps, and 720p at up to 60fps. Plus, it comes with a stereo mic jack for enhanced audio.
A 3.2-inch, 1.04 million dot ClearView LCD (larger than that of the 5D Mark II) can be found out back. It supports an LP-E6 battery type, the same one that’s used by the 5D Mark II and III, 60D and 7D.
As mentioned, the 6D has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities—something new in the high-end camera market—which is why Canon has come up with an iOS and Android app called the EOS Remote, which enables the smartphone’s screen to double as the camera’s live view screen.
No word yet on the price, but Canon promises that the 6D will soon be available—that’s good news for those who are looking to upgrade their cameras.
If you were looking for a sweet camera deal this Christmas, you’re not going to find anything better than what Samsung Philippines is offering. The company is giving away mucho freebies when consumers buy their latest mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, the NX1000. What kind of freebies?
Well, they’re throwing in an HMX-W300 all weather pocket camera to sweeten the pot, as well as a 20-50mm Lens Kit, External Flash and a 4GB SD card. So you’re basically getting two awesome cameras with your purchase, and an external flash as well. You’re looking at shelling out Php 29,990 for the deal, which is a pretty good price if you ask us.
Heads-up, smartphone bargain hunters: Nokia Philippines has notified us that their inexpensive Lumia 510 has started shipping locally via one of their dealers, Wellcom. You can expect to drop Php 7290 to get this 5-megapixel shooting, Windows Phone 7.8 packing , 4-inch displaye’d smartphone. Nokia says that the red, black and white versions will be available, and will be exclusively sold by Wellcom.
Bosch Security Systems, a global provider of security products and solutions, has officially launched here in the Philippines. Bosch Security Systems offers products ranging from IP and analog video surveillance, conference systems, PA and voice alarm systems, intrusion and fire alarm systems, and emergency communication systems among other solutions. Bosch’s commitment to the APAC region is bolstered by the presence of their China manufacturing plant; their largest facility for security systems production. Bosch VP of Sales in the Asia Pacific, Wilfred Steeman said that they believed the Philippine market is ready for the quality and innovation brings to the security market.
The Bosch Group is a global leader in the market of security technology and services. Yearly, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion Euros for research and development, with 3,000 patents worldwide. Locally, Bosch Security Systems will be offering the same products and services around the world. Their portfolio includes CCTV systems, Access control systems, intrusion detection and control, fire alarm systems, security management systems, and public address systems. Their also offer top-of-the-line software that is able to accomplish complex tasks like tracking, motion projection and identification. They also have the systems in place to offer training for the use of the security systems, as well as partners that will assist in the execution and installation of the necessary hardware. Their presence in the local market will ensure that their products and services are made much more accessible to local consumers, from homeowners and SMEs to large structures, communities and complexes. Bosch Security systems will be launching products over the course of the next few months, so stay tuned and stay safe.
For those who haven’t been in the loop, the EOS-M is Canon’s attempt at competing with the mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that have been sprouting in the market. The company dubs it as the first ever digital single lens non-reflex camera. It hosts an 18.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and has the same image processor as the EOS 650D—the DIGIC 5 processor. That’s not the only thing the two devices share. In fact, the M has been dubbed by several reviews online as a smaller version of the 650D. The M also adapts the 31-point Hybrid AF system (combining phase detection and contrast measurement) that was featured in the 650D. The M has an ISO range of 100-12,800, but is expandable to up to ISO 25,600.
Despite having many similarities with the 650D under the hood, the M reminds me more of Canon’s Powershot cameras, only with a detachable lens. Its build is made out of stainless steel, magnesium alloy, polycarbonate and glass fibre, giving it a sleek look and solid feel. Notably, the M is very lightweight, even with the kit lens attached to it.
The M has a mode dial on top, but it only carries three shooting options. Each mode has submenus which you can control via the camera’s screen. The M has no built-in flash, but luckily it has a hotshoe on top so you can attach a Speedlite. Canon also offers a retail package that includes a Canon Speedlite.
On the back of the device, you’ll see the 3-inch 1,0404,000-dot, which is also the only means by which you can frame your shot. The M does not have a viewfinder and neither does it provide any port to attach an external VF. The screen is touch-sensitive, thus explaining why there are hardly any controls on the device. As we tried shooting and navigating our way through the menus, we were really impressed with how responsive the screen is. What’s great about it is that you can control AF and trigger the shutter just by tapping on the screen. You also get a preview of the result on the screen as you adjust image settings. We were also tried out the playback function, where you swipe the screen to go through your images. It enables pinch-to-zoom for easy detail-checking.
Here’s a short video demonstrating the touch shutter and image playback:
Below is another video that gives you a quick tour of the touchscreen menu.
Program, shutter priority, aperture priority and manual exposure modes are all present, giving you a lot of control options to get that perfect shot. The camera also features a collection of creative effects, like Toy Camera, Soft Focus, Fish Eye and many others. The M also lets you record videos in Full HD at 24/25 fps. Users are allowed to adjust the exposure settings during video capture (see video below), as well as take stills.
The video below gives you a glimpse of the manual shooting function and video shooting function of the M.
Canon also sells an adaptor that allows you to mount your EF and EF-S lenses on the M.
The basic kit comes with an EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and is priced at PHP 35,998. Meanwhile, the kit that includes an EF-M 22mm f/2.0 pancake lens and an EF Mount adaptor costs PHP 40,998. At PHP 47,998, you can get both lenses plus a Canon Speedlite 90EX.
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UPDATE!
Here are some of the photos we took with the EOS-M! (They’ve been resized for this post.)
Black Friday is seen as an American tradition where people rush the stores in massive numbers in hopes of getting the latest gadget or gift for the people in their lives at the most affordable price. However, this American tradition is now making its way to the Philippines via Globe GCASH, the pioneering mobile commerce service of Globe Telecom, in partnership with American Express, so you can shop at US stores such as Best Buy, Target and Amazon.
“Black Friday is the biggest pre-Christmas shopping sale in the US and now that Christmas is fast approaching, you can enjoy your gift-buying in the US with big discounts using the GCASH American Express Virtual Card! This is the most-awaited sale in the US and now, we can all shop even if we’re here in the Philippines,” said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu. Black Friday this year will be held on November 23 in the United States.
To avail of this offer, simply register your GCASH wallet and email address online at www.globe.com.ph/gcash-amex. Once we have validated your account, you will immediately receive your virtual card number, your personalized US shipping address, and other pertinent information via email so you can already start shopping. Just remember that you need to have enough balance in your GCASH wallet for the transaction to push through. Converting cash to GCASH is FREE at any over 7,000 GCASH outlets nationwide.
First-time subscribers get a one month free trial. After the trial, subscribers can continue with the subscription by paying as low as P250 per year via GCASH or charge it to their postpaid bill. Monthly and semi-annual subscriptions are also available.
We’re fresh from today’s Philip’s launch of their new monitors today. While monitors don’t really hold the same amount of excitement compared to other, flashier IT products, two of their newest releases really caught our eye, in a sense. One is their newest 3D monitor, the Gioco with the company’s latest Ambiglow technology, and the other is their LightFrame 2 with the appropriately named LightFrame technology.
The Gioco uses a 27-inch AH-IPS LED display that’s paired with polarized lens technology. What this means for 3D junkies is that you don’t need to use those clunky, dorky looking active 3D glasses to enjoy your 3D content, as the Gioco uses lighter, sleeker polarized glasses that allows you to watch 3D content without feeling (and looking) like a huge dork. The Gioco also has Philip’s Ambiglow technology built-in, which means that the display emits a soft backlight at the rear of the display, which the company says helps in visually enlarging a screen and gives you a truly immersive 3D experience. The Gioco will retail for Php 24890.
The LifeFrame 2 meanwhile emits a specific wavelength blue light which the company says reduces eye fatigue while working and improves concentration. The display uses a 23.5-inch LED display, and has a nice aluminum die-cast base to help in stability and build quality. Unfortunately, we don’t have actual pictures of the LifeFrame 2 as Philips tells us that the models are still stuck in customs (boo), but they’ve confirmed that the monitor pictured above looks exactly the same as the LightFrame 2 sans the LightFrame. It will retail for 14,799.
Yesterday we told you that some Windows Phone 8 users are experiencing issues with their devices. Now CNET is reporting that Microsoft knows about the issue and is investigating it. Aside from the random rebooting madness, some users have also reported that they’re also getting email sync issues with the new OS. Some anecdotal evidence point to Skype Preview being the source of strife, although some users who have the issues say that they’ve experienced the problems without the app installed. The good news here is that the firm from Redmond is now aware of the issues and are trying to look for a fix.
If you were waiting for a WP 8 device to call your own, you might want to know that several early adopters of WP8 devices in other parts of the world are having issues with the new OS. These problems extend to both the Nokia Lumia 920 and the Windows Phone 8X by HTC, which suggests to us that it’s a software related issue. Users at WPCentral have reported issues with their devices, and unsurprisingly, there’s even a thread on Microsoft’s own support forums about the problem. There’s also a thread about the same issues in Nokia’s own forum, which confirms that it’s not a hardware related issue. Microsoft has yet to officially comment on the issue.
We got a hold of the iPad Mini today, and here we give you a closer look at Apple’s newest device.
For those who aren’t in the loop yet, the iPad Mini is Apple’s 7.9-inch tablet that carries a dual-core 1GHz A5 processor, hosts 16/32/64GB of memory, and comes in Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + 3G variations. The unit in our office was Wi-Fi only and had 16GB of storage.
It’s exactly what its name says it is—it’s literally a smaller iPad with all the ports and buttons in the same place and having practically the same features and functions. It also appears to be thinner than the regular iPad, checking in at 7.2mm. The device was easy and comfortable to manipulate and hold in your hands, owing to its sleekness and lightness.
Of course, being a smaller device, the iPad Mini wields a smaller screen, yet as we see it, there isn’t much of a difference between the display of the iPad Mini and the original iPad (not the iPad with retina display). The device has a 7.9-inch LED-backlit Multi-Touch IPS display (1024 x 768-pixel resolution). On top, you can see the 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera that has face detection and a back-illuminated sensor. The FaceTime HD camera can take 720p HD videos.
Out back, you’ll notice that it has a brushed aluminum surface. On the upper left corner, you’ll see the 5.0-megapixel iSight camera that has autofocus and face detection. The device can take 1080p HD videos, enables tap to focus while recording and features video stabilization and face detection.
As mentioned, the buttons and ports are pretty much the same as that of the iPad. On top, you’ll find the screen lock button and the 3.5mm audio jack. The left side features the MUTE switch and the volume rocker. Below is the port for Apple’s new Lightning connector.
We tried it out, running some of the applications onboard, and we’re happy to say that the iPad Mini was highly responsive and ran very smoothly. The retail package includes a Lightning to USB cable and a USB power adapter. As opposed to the older iPads, the iPad Mini comes with a 5-watt charger, which is the same charger that comes with iPods and iPhones. The regular iPads come with 10-watt chargers and the iPad with retina display comes with a 12-watt charger.
If you think about it, the iPad Mini is hardly anything new. But, again, it all goes back to the name of the device. Its main selling point is its more portable size compared to your regular iPad. That alone, for us, is a great reason why you ought to get one. It gives you the same value as the regular iPad at a lower price and at a smaller and lighter form factor. It’s a great buy for current iPad owners as well, especially if they want an upgrade in terms of portability.
![The Canon EOS-M in the flesh! [UPDATE: Demo videos + Photos taken with the M!]](https://gadgetsmagazine.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_0037-768x576.jpg "The Canon EOS-M in the flesh! [UPDATE: Demo videos + Photos taken with the M!]")
