More
    Home Blog Page 1180

    Apple about to taste own medicine: HTC Patents Challenged by Apple Probably Valid, Judge Say


    Apple is about to taste some of its own medicine in regards to patent claims: a Federal Judge has said that HTC patents that was challenged by the Redmond company are probably valid. U.S. International Trade Commission Judge Thomas Pender said that HTC’s patents on transmitting large amounts of data, critical for an LTE equipped device, are valid. HTC has accused Apple that they are infringing on the said patents, and if HTC wins their current battle with Apple in regards to the said patents, HTC could ask for an import ban on the latest iPad, which is LTE capable and on the next iPhone, which is widely believed to have LTE capability, in the US. That’s probably not going to happen though, as it’s more likely that HTC would ask Apple to settle with them, netting the company a substantial amount of cash.

    And since HTC acquired the patents in April of 2011 from ADC Telecommunications Inc., Apple lawyer Michael McKeon of Fish & Richardson contends that the suits “were filed in retaliation against Apple,” referring to HTC’s previous defeats in the courtroom versus Apple. “I don’t care if they bought these patents to sue you or not,” Pender told McKeon. “They are a property right.”

    Source: Bloomberg

    Bill Moggridge, inventor of the laptop, dies at age 69

    Many people own laptops as a result of technology going mobile, but many people don’t know the name of Bill Moggridge, inventor of the modern laptop, who died on September 8 at age 69.

    Many, if not all, tech companies have used (and still use) Moggridge’s clamshell design as a basic design for laptops, ranging from lightweight netbooks to powerful ultrabooks. Moggridge’s GRID Compass was invented in 1979, weighed almost 5 kg (approximately 11 lbs), and cost USD$8,000 when it was rolled out on the market in 1982. Since the price was out of the reach for the average consumer, one of the biggest buyers of Moggridge’s GRID Compass was the United States government. It was eventually used on NASA’s Space Shuttle and by the United States military. The laptop even had a 1200 bit/s modem during a time when modems were a separate device from the computer. The laptop had great connectivity for the very first laptop, allowing one to connect multiple hard drives and floppy drives to its General Purpose Information Bus (GPIB) port.

    As a result of his contributions to the tech field, Moggridge was named a Royal Designer of Industry by the British Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce (RSA) in 1988, won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Design Awards in 2009, won the Prince Philip Designer Prize in 2010, and was presented with an honorary doctorate at the California College of the Arts (CCA) in 2012. He also taught several subjects as a consulting associate professor at Stanford University from 1983 to 2010. He is survived by his wife and two children.

    Generika to give away 500 MyPhones in loyalty card promo

    Generika Drugstore is launching a major nationwide promo exclusively for its Generikard Loyalty Card holders, through the “Generikard Mo, MyPhone Panalo!” promo, which will run from September 1 to November 15, 2012.

    For every minimum single purchase of generic medicines worth P100 net of discount using your Generika Loyalty Card, you earn one electronic raffle entry. This will be indicated on your official receipt, with the following message: “Congratulations, you are now enrolled for the electronic raffle promo of Generikard Mo, MyPhone Panalo.” Since the raffle entry will be linked to your Generikard record, you do not need to fill up a raffle coupon.

    There will be 5 raffle draws to pick out the winners of the following prizes: MyPhone TV phone – 100 winners per draw; Generikard Loyalty points worth P100 – 200 winners per draw; and Generika umbrella – 200 winners per draw. The draw dates are September 14 & 28, October 12 & 26, and November 15, 2012.

    A customer may win a MyPhone TV phone only once for the entire duration of the promo. Winners will be published on the Generika website and Facebook page, and will be officially notified via registered mail and/or contact numbers.

    Getting a Generikard is easy: simply purchase P300 worth of generic medicines and get the card for free, or buy the Generikard for P50. You an apply for a Generikard at any Generika Drugstore nationwide. With your Generikard, you can earn points for all your purchases at Generika Drugstore outlets. Each point earned is equivalent to P1, and can be redeemed at all Generika branches. The Generikard also gives you access to special offers such as discounts on monthly featured products. It also provides exclusive privileges, like the Generikard MyPhone raffle promo.

    Generika Drugstore was founded in September 2003 to educate Filipinos about generic brand drugs and to provide them with quality affordable generic medicines as an alternative to higher cost branded drugs. In 2009, Generika was awarded with the Quality Seal Award by the Bureau of Food & Drugs (BFAD); and in 2008, Generika Drugstore was proclaimed the national winner in the drugstore chain category by the Drugstore Association of the Philippines (DSAP). There are 300 Generika Drugstore locations nationwide.

    Yamaha Opens 7-Day International Motorshow

    0

     

    On September 7th, Yamaha Philippines officially opened the Philippine leg of their International Motorshow at the Mall of Asia Atrium, with displays of their latest local and international offerings, from underbones, sportbikes and even watercraft. It was a spectacular showcase of their extremely varied lineup, and should serve to entice buyers to go with the industry-leading brand.

    Along with the individual bikes, watercraft and gear, the Yamaha executives went on to let the public know that they would be starting to roll out fuel-injected versions of their bikes, which boast increased fuel efficiency as well as reduce the environmental impact and cost of ownership. The company also went on to boast of their local manufacturing facilities that not only produce world-class bikes, but generate employment and income for the communities in which they are located.

    On top of the locally available scoots and bikes, Yamaha brought in the M1 GP bike decked out in Jorge Lorenzo’s Championship livery. The Yamaha motorshow will continue until the 12th of September, at the Mall of Asia, so head over and see the latest from motoring giant.

    Gadgets is Hiring! We’re looking for a Sales Assistant!

    0

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

    As a sales assistant, you are responsible for servicing clients, as well as assisting the Sales Manager in other duties, such as creating reports and preparing proposals and sales contracts. You will also be called upon to identify and resolve client concerns, as well as coordinate with the staff of other companies to accomplish the work required by the sales department. You will also be called upon to prepare a variety of reports, which includes status reports as well as follow up and activity reports.

     

    REQUIREMENTS

    • Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor’s/College Degree, Advertising/Media, Business Studies/Administration/Management, Mass Communications, Marketing or equivalent.
    • Required skills(s): have excellent communication skills, a team player, service oriented, very organized, can work well with deadlines
    • Required language(s): English, Filipino
    • Applicants must be willing to work in Quezon City
    • Fresh graduates/Entry Level applicants are encouraged to apply
    • Full-Time positions are available

    If you are interested, send your resumes to cgiray(at)gadgetsmagazine(dot)com(dot)ph.

    Teenager takes pictures of Earth using DIY spacecraft

    While NASA spends millions on satellites that are launched into outer space to take pictures of the Earth, nineteen-year-old Adam Cudworth managed to achieve this with just a £200 budget.

    Cudworth, an engineering student from Worcester, UK, spent 40 hours working on a simple do-it-yourself spacecraft with a Canon A570 placed in an insulated box carrying a GPS device, a radio transmitter and a microprocessor. He sent the spacecraft 110,210 ft (33,592m) into space using a high-altitude two-meter latex balloon with a parachute. Cudworth’s makeshift spacecraft floated in space for two and a half hours, and it managed to capture several stunning images of the Earth from outer space.

    Cudworth used the GPS tracker to follow the spcecraft’s progress and the radio transmitter to be able to find it when it hit the earth. The built-in circuit board allowed him to constantly track the speed, G-force and the altitude at which his spacecraft was moving.

    “It’s just a bit of hobby really, I just wanted to set myself a challenge—but I’m amazed at the results,” Cudworth tells Telegraph. He says that he is currently working on another project which would hopefully allow him to control where his spacecraft lands when it falls back to earth.

    Sources: Telegraph

    Image Sources: Here, here and here.

    Official Android 4.1 updates for Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and Galaxy Note 10.1 leaks online, download link inside

    Rocking either a Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and a Galaxy Note 10.1 and can’t wait to get your hands on an official Jellybean update? Well, you won’t have to wait long. SamMobile has gotten their hands on the official, OTA updates for both devices and have helpfully posted a complete upgrade guide AND the actual files to get you guys started. Of course, since these are leaked versions of the OTA update, there’s a big chance that the software may still have a few bugs in them, so don’t expect a perfect build. But we’re pretty sure a lot of you really don’t care that much and are raring to get the updates, so we’ve linked them below for your pleasure. Here’s the thing though, tinkering with your device with these builds may invalidate your warranty and brick your device, so do so at your own risk.

    Source: SamMobile (Galaxy Note 10.1 OTA Jellybean), (Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 OTA Jellybean)

    HARI Unveils the 2013 Genesis Coupe in Style

    Hyundai Asia Resources Inc (HARI) revealed the 2013 Genesis Coupe in style, at the 3rd round of the Hyundai Lateral Drift Championship held on September 8, 2012 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Pinoy drifters Gio Rodriguez and Alex Perez wowed the audience with a short drifting exhibition that put the Genesis Coupe in the limelight it deserves.

    The 2013 Genesis Coupe now sports a refreshed, more aggressive, urban-racer distinction with new dagger-shaped, state-of-the-art HID Headlamps and a redesigned Fog Lamps for enhanced visibility.  It comes with a new, massive Hexagonal Front Grille opening, Twin Hood Accents, 19-inch Hyper-Silver Alloy Wheels and new LED Rear Combination Lamps.

    Engine options for the new Coupe is a new 2.0-Liter I4 Theta engine with a Twin-Scroll Turbocharger that provides 260ps and a 3.8-liter V6 Lambda RS engine that promises 303 ps of pure power and outstanding acceleration. This newest Genesis Coupe also offers better fuel efficiency with a new 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with paddle shifts, giving you two additional gears to help keep the engine at its optimal range.

    Brembo Brakes now come standard with the new Genesis Coupe Manual Transmission variants , while other safety enhancements include Active Headrests and six Safety Airbags.

    Inside the new Genesis Coupe is Central Console that is fitted with a 5.6-inch Display with an Infinity Sound System + Bluetooth + USB / Aux-in / iPod Terminal with FM/AM Radio + 6-CD Changer + MP3 Player. Located in the middle of the console is the Triple Gauge Cluster that monitors acceleration, torque and oil temperature readings. A Trip Computer provides the trip distance, average fuel consumption and speed, instant fuel consumption, and the distance to your next refuelling.  Completing the dashboard experience is a Stitched Crashpad, giving a hand-finished look more commonly found on luxury automobiles.  Keeping you safe is a new Seatbelt Extension Guide that provides extra convenience when reaching for the seatbelt.

    The 2013 Genesis Coupe is available in these exciting colors: Dynamic Yellow, Super RedS, White Frost, Blue Shift, Stirring Silver, Magnetic Gray, Phantom Black, Horizon Blue and Crystal Copper.

    Photos by Nicolo A. David

    Sony tears down own Xperia Tablet S

    Product teardowns are usually the realm of third party sites like iFixit, but Sony has taken it upon themselves to splay their latest iteration of their Xperia Tablet S themselves, perhaps saving one poor soul out there the trouble of invalidating their warranty. Sony also thoughtfully included detailed side-by-side photos against the previous generation tablet, which highlights how far the company has come with regards to design, overall thickness and components used. It’s also surprising to see that Sony used carbon fiber material that serves as a cooling system which dissipates the heat. If Sony Philippines decides to release this particular tablet here, you now have an idea how to tear it apart should circumstances force you to do so. You can check out the entire teardown here.

    Source: Sony

    Globe dubs LTE service Tattoo Black, plans start at 1799 for speeds up to 28 Mbps

    Kids, the Philippine LTE wars has officially begun. Globe has officially outed their plans for their LTE service in a full page ad in newspapers today. The new service, dubbed as Globe Tattoo Black, promises to deliver 42Mbps speeds, which is similar to what rival Smart is offering. Unlike Smart, Globe will be offering two pricing tiers for their LTE service – one lower tier priced at 1799 with speeds capped to 28 Mbps, and another one that goes the whole 42Mbps downlink limit which will cost 2499. On paper, Globe’s offering looks superior to what Smart’s LTE service is offering, which is Php 3,500 for 10GB of data. But then again, there’s no word from Globe what the data cap for both plans are – or rather, if there’s even a data cap put in place. And unlike Smart, we haven’t seen Globe’s LTE offering actually working, so it’ll be interesting to see what kind of coverage and speeds Globe’s service will be able to deliver.

     

    HTC One X+ outed by developer

    Seems like HTC is planning to make a refresh of sorts for their One X flagship device. That infamous XDA Developer, Football4PDA who detailed the HTC Accord has outed the supposed new, improved specs of the One X+. According to his tweet, the new device will have a NVIDIA AP37 1.6GHz quad-core processor; 1.7GHz single-core, 32GB of storage and 1GB of RAM, with Android 4.1 Now, we were a bit confused about that whole 1.7GHz single-core mentioned especially since the device has a quad-core processor already, but Football4PDA has clarified that “processor itself is quadcore 1.6 GHz, but One core can be boosted up to 1.7 GHz”, if that makes sense to you guys. The device will be new on the inside but will still have the same polycarbonate design on the outside, so fans of the original need not fret over HTC’s “tweaking” of the design.

     


    Source: Twitter (Football4PDA)

    Apple’s new iPhone will support LTE in the US, Europe and Asia

    We’re days from the official iPhone unveil, and unsurprisingly even more rumors about the upcoming smartphone has surfaced. This time around, it’s about its supposed LTE features – The Wall Street Journal is saying that the new iPhone will feature LTE support for multiple regions, which include the US, Europe and Asia. Unfortunately, not every country with LTE will have an LTE equipped iPhone, as people close to the matter said that it isn’t likely to work with all carriers’ LTE networks in all countries, and it wasn’t clear which country would be left out.Of course, that’s nature of the new wireless standard, but there’s a good chance that we may get some of that sweet iPhone LTE pie, seeing as at least one of our carriers (Smart) uses a similar band to Japan’s NTT DoCoMo, which incidentally, has 2.23 million LTE subscribers.

    Source: Wall Street Journal

    Land Rover teams up with DOT in new campaign

    Land Rover ties up with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) in a campaign to promote Philippine tourist spots and off-road destinations. The campaign, which features a series of TV commercials and print ads, is dubbed as “Land Rovering. More Fun in the Philippines.” Land Rover is the first automotive brand to tie up with DOT through the popular “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign.

    “We are very excited with this project with DOT and TPB which will run until 2013 and hopefully will include an international campaign as well,” shares Land Rover Philippines (LRPhils Motors Inc.) Executive Director Marc Soong.

    At the campaign launch last night in Opus Restaurant and Lounge at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City, LRPhils also kicked off the first video in the campaign’s series of TV commercials. The video shows the Range Rover Evoque cruising through Ilocos Norte, showcasing its popular tourist attractions, like the sand dunes of Paoay and the giant Bangui Wind Mills. The video was crafted by a creative team called Collective Ego, and it will start airing in October.

    And we have a winner!

    After sifting through hundreds of entries, Cherry Mobile and Gadgets Magazine has finally picked a winner for our W900 giveaway! Congratulations to Mr. Junnel Montelibano! You are the winner of a brand, spanking new Cherry Mobile W900! Congratulations to you! Please get in touch with us through our Facebook page.

    If you didn’t win, don’t fret. We have a ton of giveaways lined up for all of you guys, and we’ll be announcing them soon. Thank you for everyone who entered the contest!

     

    Kaspersky Lab’s newest antivirus protects you from socially engineered attacks

    Whenever people buy a new PC, getting some sort of digital prophylactic is usually the first order of business. Most people have a rudimentary knowledge of how to protect themselves online, but unfortunately Malware writers have found newer and more creative ways to steal personal information. Kaspersky knows this, and have crafted new features to counteract this in the latest iteration of their anti-virus, Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 and Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013. The new versions of the anti-virus have several features that help prevent socially engineered attacks against internet users. These are:

    • Unique automatic exploit prevention technology that identifies and blocks exploits
    • Specialized safe money technology which includes specialized “Safe Browser” mode, isolating money-related business from other online activities
    • New antivirus engine with excellent detection rates for all kinds of malicious programs
    • Enhanced anti-spam features
    • Better performance and simplified user experience

    Users can get licenses for both programs for a competitive rate, with prices starting from Php 1,160 for Kaspersky’s Internet Security 2013, and Php 760 for Kaspersky’s Anti Virus 2013.