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    Asus N56V hands-on

    Gadgets Team
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    2
    Asus N56V hands-on

    Asus Philippines reps just came to our office bearing their newest entertainment notebook – the N56V. The N56V is obviously targeted at people who want top notch audio and video in a portable package (as portable as large, 15-inch notebooks can be, at least).

    It’s clear that Asus wanted the N56V to look as svelte and as fashionable as possible – as evidenced by the aluminum alloy lid on the N56V. The body of the device looks to be made out of aluminum as well, at least the top part of the chassis is.

    The N56V has all the ports you need – from Ethernet down to hi-speed, USB 3.0. The N56V uses Asus’ SonicMaster Premium and Bang and Olufsen ICEpower audio technologies for sound reproduction. It’s also pretty damn hefty too, tipping the scales at around 2.7 kilograms.

    The display on this particular behemoth is a 15.3-inch, full HD (1920 x 1080) EMV non-glare FHD. The N56V has a GeForce GT650M GPU, which means it’s able to tackle most games that are currently out right now, as well next generation games come the holidays.

    We’re not allowed to say (yet) what kind of processor this particular unit has, suffice to say that’s it’s powered by Intel’s next generation Core i7 processor.

    Because of the available real-estate on the chassis of the notebook, the N56V features a full-sized, backlit, island-style keyboard with a numpad, especially handy for people who don’t liked the cramped confines of regular notebook keyboards.

    Because of the multimedia tilt of the N56V, Asus has also provided a detachable subwoofer that attaches via a 2.5mm jack on the left side of the device.

    That’s it for now. We’ll update you with performance numbers and actual benchmarks once we get more time with the unit.

    Samsung announces WiFi enabled interchangeable lens NX 1000 camera

    Gadgets Team
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    1
    Samsung announces WiFi enabled interchangeable lens NX 1000 camera

    We were wondering when Samsung’s WiFi tech that’s present in their point-and-shoot line would trickle up to their NX line, and lo and behold, here it is. Meet the newest member of the Samsung NX family: the NX 1000. This particular iteration of the NX line sports a 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, the ability to take Samsung’s NX Mount lenses (which is growing by each release) in a body that’s more portable than your standard DSLR camera.

    The NX 1000 also sports a fast 1/4000 shutter speed, as well as a fast burst shooting speed of 8 FPS. The NX 1000 has an impressive ISO range as well, as it’s able to go up to ISO 12,800. It’s also able to take 3D pictures as well as wide, sweeping panoramic shots. According to Samsung, the NX 1000 will drop in the US at around June, though there’s no official word when this particular device will come to the Philippines.

     

    Review: LG Optimus L3 E400

    Gadgets Team
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    1
    Review: LG Optimus L3 E400

    When Samsung’s Galaxy Y was announced earlier last year, most tech elitists dismissed the potential of the small, relatively inexpensive entry-level Android device. Little did they know that the Galaxy Y would be one of the hottest gadgets during the run-up to the holiday season, with prices soaring over the suggested SRP because of the high demand. That particular success has been noticed by other manufacturers, with LG being one of them. The result is the Optimus L3, a budget Android device that could give the current king of the budget ‘droid a run for its money.

    The Optimus L3 represents the unified style strategy of LG, and adopts the design sensibilities of the members of the higher end Optimus family such as the L5 and the L7. The L3 has eschews round corners for a more angular design and has a textured back finish, allowing for a better grip on the device.

    Since the Optimus L3 slides neatly into the budget Android category, it’s safe to say that you’ll definitely won’t be blown away by its hardware. The Optimus L3 has a 3.2-inch, 240 x 320 resolution 256K capacitive screen which is paired with an 800 MHz processor and is powered with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). LG has provided a 3-megapixel camera on the back of the device, with no front facing camera. Connectivity-wise, you’re looking at WiFi, 3G and Bluetooth.

    Like their other devices, LG has implemented a UI overlay on top of Android. Unlike other UI overlays however, LG’s offering isn’t pretty, something that really surprised me considering the fact that they managed to pull off the absolutely gorgeous UI on the LG Prada 3.0.

    There’s nothing much to say about the hardware, suffice to say that the 800 MHz processor on the device is capable of running basic apps and games without issues. It goes without saying though, that newer, more graphically intense games and apps won’t run quite as smooth on the Optimus L3.

    Performance-wise, the Optimus L3 runs smooth enough – in its stock form with few apps installed, the Optimus L3 was able to keep up with me during my daily grind.  Of course, the low resolution screen was a bit of a downer especially when compared to my regular Android device – which made typing a bit of a hassle – but that’s not unusual for budget Android smartphones.

    Of course, one of the advantages of having a low-resolution screen and slower processor is that the device consumes far less battery than higher spec devices. Combine that with the 1540 mAh battery means that Optimus L3 lasts far longer than most other Android devices. During its time with me, it managed to outlast my HTC Sensation XE by a good day and a half – which says something about the device’s longevity.

    Now to address the question everyone’s asking by now: should you get this or the Samsung Galaxy Y? To be honest, both budget Android devices are almost similar in both specs and price – the Galaxy Y runs on an 830 MHz processor and has a 3-inch, 240 x 320 resolution 256K screen and has a 2-megapixel camera and retails for under Php 6,000. Your choice would probably be dictated by three things – availability, bundles (the Galaxy Y is offered by all three telcos while the LG Optimus L3 is just getting off the ground) and design.

    The LG Optimus L3 isn’t a bad budget Android smartphone – truth be told it’s actually pretty good for a device of its class, but it has the misfortune of going against an already established budget device that already has 5-month head start in the market. The LG Optimus L3 retails for Php 5,990.

     

    What’s Hot:

    Long battery life

    Stylish design

    Relatively inexpensive

     

    What’s Not:

    Low-resolution screen

    Small screen makes it hard to type

     

    Bottomline:

    The LG Optimus L3 E400 is a solid, budget Android device that almost everyone can afford.

     

    Buymeter: 4

     

    Tech Specs:

    • Operating System: Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
    • CPU: 800 MHz
    • LCD size: 3.2-inch, 240 x 320 resolution 256K capacitive screen
    • Physical Dimensions: 102.6 x 61.6 x 11.7 mm
    • Band: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, HSDPA 900 / 2100

     

    Beatsurfing: Takes DJ gear to a whole new level

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Beatsurfing: Takes DJ gear to a whole new level

    While there remains a romantic notion when it comes to the “old-school” methods of DJ-ing – from the vinyl-digging to lugging around your turntables in “coffin” – there’s no denying that technology has made its way into the music scene, making it easier and more accessible for people to get into the art. And one new DJ app that takes DJ-ing to new heights is Beatsurfing: The Music Production Interface. Using only your tablet, you get a screen full of shapes and level-controls which somehow create/emit different sounds, beats, pitches, volumes when touched, tapped, or swiped. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you can pretty much make your own beat anywhere your touchscreen device is willing to go.

     

    Review: Panasonic Lumix G3

    Gadgets Team
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    Review: Panasonic Lumix G3

    By Steven Vea

    Panasonic was the first to introduce the mirrorless camera to the world, and as the years passed, the company has continually set the standard for the revolutionary micro four-thirds (MFT) system. This year, the third generation of the Lumix G series rolls out, with the DMC-G3 as its touted product.

    Out of the box, the G3 looks amazing with a black and glossy finish that makes it look debonair and professional. One of the first things users will notice is that it’s amazingly compact, measuring at a mere 115.2 x 83.6 x 46.7mm and clocking in at approximately 336 grams without a lens attached.

    This amazing feat in a reduced size is due to the smaller sensors that Panasonic has created, which is 17% smaller than its predecessor. However, the G3 still boasts 16 megapixels, which is an amazing set of effective pixels for a MFT system of its size.

    Once cradled in your palms, the G3 feels like it was specifically made for the average-sized hand—it is ergonomic and comfortable. This reviewer would have preferred a more pronounced rubber grip on the exterior to provide the opportunity for tactile one-handed operations, but perhaps lessening the grip’s surface area also helps maintain the camera’s small size.

    The familiar PASM selector (Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual) is present on the top of the unit, which most people should be familiar with by now. Additional beginner friendly modes are also available via the SCN mode, and Panasonic has conveniently provided two custom modes (C1 and C2) for user presets as well.

    One of this reviewer’s favorite shooting options is the Creative Control mode which is represented by a symbol of an artist’s palette on the PASM selector. Selecting this reveals the option to shoot in different styles: Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia and High Dynamic Range. The Expressive mode is perhaps the best performer of all, adding vivid saturation to colors, thus giving photos a vibrant touch. The only downside to using this mode is that certain settings are overridden, such as exposure, and this reviewer finds it odd that Panasonic would disable these when using Creative Control.

    The G3 also features Panasonic’s touted Intelligent Auto (iA) Mode, which automatically adjusts the camera’s settings for the best output. Generally, it functioned quite well, but this reviewer would advise users to use it sparingly—not when capturing the shot is more important than composition and framing. It’s a great option for those that are used to point-and-shoots, but buying an MFT-ILS system somehow implies the desire to learn shooting in different priority modes as well as full manual. Nevertheless, iA offers easy access to useful settings such as the DeFocus mode, which helps users achieve great portraits with sharp subjects in the foreground and background bokeh, via a slider in the camera’s display.

    Speaking of the G3’s remarkable LCD TFT Touch panel, it’s refreshing for manufacturers to reintroduce a tilting screen so that shots taken at difficult and obscure angles can still be previewed. Moreover, one of the G3’s greatest strengths is its bright and accurate Live Viewfinder. Having tested other MFT cameras, this reviewer believes that it’s the most brilliant thus far, and can easily rival TTL viewfinders found on DSLRs. Furthermore, the eyecup on the G3 also protrudes beyond the body ever so slightly, providing ample distance between the user’s face and the camera’s amazing 3-inch LCD touch display.

    The G3 also shoots video at Full 1080i HD 1920×1080 at 60/50 frames per second, which is once again quite noteworthy for a small system. Additionally, (if you’re not impressed just yet), users also have the capability to shoot stills while shooting video, which a lot of shutterbugs will find extremely useful.

    Finally, Panasonic’s Venus Engine FHD offers it users’ better performance, faster shooting speed and a 60% noise reduction at high ISO’s. The continued shooting speed was very impressive, which is officially clocked at 4 frames per second, producing high quality stills of action shots. The resulting images from high ISO’s however, could benefit from a little improvement, but since Panasonic has already introduced their fabulous Leica Summilux DG 25mm f1.4 lens, shooting in low light should no longer be a problem.

    All in all, the Panasonic Lumix G3 is an outstanding mirrorless system, and is an excellent upgrade to its G series line. It’s a great transition for beginners used to point-and-shoots, and it will also impress seasoned photographers who want a portable and powerful camera.

    Specifications
    16.7MP CMOS sensor (standard Micro Four Thirds size)
    ISO 160-6400
    4 fps continuous shooting (20fps at 4MP)
    GF2-style touch screen interface
    1080i60 AVCHD shooting (from 30p sensor output)
    All-area AF point selection
    60-1/4000 sec shutter speed
    Pinpoint AF mode (magnifies focus point to allow confirmation and fine-tune of AF position)
    Tracking AF in video mode
    Picture-in-picture manual focus magnification
    460k dot articulated LCD
    1.44M dot-equivalent electronic viewfinder (phase sequential type)

    What’s Hot:
    • Compact
    • Excellent viewfinder
    • Can shoot stills while filming

    What’s Not:
    • Small rubber grip
    • GUI could use improvement
    • High ISO’s still noisy

    Bottomline:
    The Panasonic Lumix G3 is simply amazing—it’s compact, hosts a wealth of useful features and boasts impressive image quality. It is by far, the most impressive mirrorless camera to date.

    Buy Meter: 9.5

    [This review originally appeared in the August 2011 issue of Gadgets Magazine]

    Nokia releases commercial shot entirely with 808 PureView

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Nokia releases commercial shot entirely with 808 PureView

    Wondering what Nokia’s recently released 41-megapixel Smartphone can do in the right hands? Well, you’re in luck. The Finnish firm has just released a short, 3-inch video that they claim was shot in its entirety with their new 41-megapixel shooter. While the commercial was obviously done by professionals with support personnel and equipment, it’s encouraging to see what the technology can do with the right know-how and skills. Now if it only used Windows Phone 7……

    Source: YouTube (Nokia)

    Pixel Qi laments wasteful iPad screen, says can do one better

    Gadgets Team
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    Pixel Qi laments wasteful iPad screen, says can do one better

    Display manufacturer Pixel Qi has gone on record to say that the new iPad’s screen, while beautiful, wastes too much power – the company says that the hi-res, retina display of the new iPad consumes 90% of the battery on the tablet (about 8 watts). The company also goes on to say that they’re able to match the same quality of the new iPad’s display (and in some cases exceed it), all while keeping power consumption way down, as much as 100% less the peak power consumed by the iPad3 screen when their screen is on low power mode. Of course, their product isn’t out in the wild yet, but they did say that they are ” are finalizing our partner(s) on the development of this new screen family and the sizes we will make it in.” Of course, saying your next display is better is one thing, actually proving it, that’s a completely different story.

    Source: Pixel Qi

    NVIDIA Tegra 3 with LTE dropping in Q3

    Gadgets Team
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    NVIDIA Tegra 3 with LTE dropping in Q3

    We’ve spoken about NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 and LTE before (or more accurately, the lack of LTE in Tegra 3) but it seems that we’ll be seeing LTE in Tegra sooner than later. At the HTC Frequencies conference last week in Seattle, NVIDIA general manager Mike Rayfield said that another version of Tegra 3 will come in Q3, sporting LTE and a significant speed bump. Additionally, Rayfield also said that Tegra 3 could theoretically take LTE, addressing the rumors that Tegra 3 supposedly doesn’t play nice with LTE. According to the PC Mag report, Rayfield said that “the guy who has LTE isn’t all that excited about working with me,” referring to Qualcomm, the largest maker of LTE modems so far, who is also a fierce competitor in the mobile chip race.

    Source: PC Mag

    Genius outs CAVIMANUS, budget 7.1 surround gaming headset

    Gadgets Team
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    Genius outs CAVIMANUS, budget 7.1 surround gaming headset

    Been pining for a 7.1 surround sound gaming headset but coming up short on the cash to buy it with? Then you’ll be happy to know that Genius has outed their own 7.1 gaming offering dubbed CAVIMANUS. The virtual 7.1 channel surround sound headset sports a 40mm Neodymium driver, gold plated USB connectors and a vibration function (likely poweredy by the bass) that gives you a bit of feedback when you play your games. Want one? You’ll be able to pick up your own for Php 3,595.


    LG officially launches Optimus L3 E400 in the Philippines, priced at 5,990

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    LG officially launches Optimus L3 E400 in the Philippines, priced at 5,990

    We had an inkling that LG’s Optimus L3 E400 would challenge Samsung’s Galaxy Y for the budget Android crown, and we were right – the other Korean electronics firm has officially launched the Optimus L3 E400 today at Php 5,990. We got our own review device at our office the other day, so you might want to check out what we initially thought of it here.

    To give the launch a bit of a momentum, LG is giving a nice Php 1000 discount for potential Optimus L3 E400 buyers today. Anyone wanting to pick up the device at a discount can do so at LG’s concept stores at the SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall. The sale will start at 5:00 and will last for about an hour – so if you’re in the area and want to pick it up, today’s your only chance.

    Globe launches Nokia Lumia 800 with summer’s coolest party

    Gadgets Team
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    Globe launches Nokia Lumia 800 with summer’s coolest party

    Globe Nokia Lumia 800 ambassadors Slater Young, Ashley Gosiengfiao, Mikael Daez, Divine Smith and Guji Lorenzana

     

    So you’ve explored many different ways to beat the heat this season: from frequent trips to the malls and the country’s finest beaches, to changing your wardrobe to let your pores breathe more freely, all the way to stacking up a variety of cold refreshments in your fridge. You’ll do whatever it takes to cool down and savor the moment braving the sun.

    Joining the bandwagon is Globe Telecom, which became the first Philippine telco to mount a launch event for the Nokia Lumia line with the unveiling of the Globe-exclusive Nokia Lumia 800 via a cool launch party recently. Hundreds of Nokia fanatics, celebrities, social butterflies and VIPs as well as media guests trooped to Beso Cucina Vinoteka, a new cool place in the heart of Bonifacio Global City Central, to witness everything cool about the Nokia Lumia 800 and how it’s best paired with an unlimited data plan from Globe Postpaid.

    The event was a visual and aural treat to its guests, highlighted by a radical lights, sounds and drum spectacle show led by a group of Buganda drummers, with the lights display consistent with the Nokia Lumia photo wall launch in London. The entrance had walls of interactive screens which were all programmed to play an instructional Nokia Lumia 800 video when guests waved their hand towards the screen. Guests also had the chance to play and tinker around with the device at the device booths, and were treated to free-flowing Spanish food and drinks.

    Model and host Joey Mead emceed the launch and introduced Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Peter Bithos and Nokia Philippines General Manager and Head of Sales Dharmesh Goshalia, who both testified to the strong partnership between Globe and Nokia in bringing to the country the coolest devices that are easy to use. The head honchos also gave out Nokia Lumia phones to 35 lucky event goers that made the crowd go wild.

    Adding some glitz and glamour to the event was the presence of the Globe Nokia Lumia 800 ambassadors such as TV reality show favorites Slater Young and Divine Smith, models and TV personalities Guji Lorenzana and Mikael Daez, and cosplayer-musician Ashley Gosiengfiao. Australian DJ and model Callum David kept the party alive with his brand of dance music playing all throughout the night.

    The night was young for tinsel town’s socialites who also partied at the launch event. Seen at the event were beauty queen Miriam Quiambao, TV hosts Dolly Anne Carvajal and IC Mendoza, social media heartthrob Kimpoy Feliciano, fashion blogger Laureen Uy, Philippine Volcano Eric Tai, fashion designer Rajo Laurel, fashion editor Daryl Chang, models Carlos Concepcion and Marc Gueco, network executive Garlic Garcia, sportscaster Bobby Yan, event expert Stephen Ku, among many stars. The event trended worldwide in Twitter, thanks to its legion of guests, fans and supporters who had everything great to say about the launch.

    “As the expert in devices with our fully-customizable postpaid plans, Globe is proud to be the exclusive partner of Nokia in launching the Nokia Lumia 800, the ultimate social media phone that integrates all your social networks’ features (contacts, messaging, calendars, and events) on your phonebook. With Globe, you get the most out of this ultimate social media phone because we give this to you for free at Unlisurf Plan 1799*, with unlimited surfing, P800 consumable and 3 freebies,” explained Bithos.

    He added,” With our portfolio of unlimited surfing plans, it’s so easy and worry-free to maximize the different features of the Nokia Lumia 800. Users are also assured of a great experience with Globe because of the Globe Guarantee of no billshock and 24/7 exclusive access to our customer service channels. Truly, Globe allows its subscribers to create their own postpaid plan best paired with the most advanced smartphone devices the way they want.”

    To know more about the Globe Nokia Lumia 800, visit www.globe.com.ph/nokialumia.

    Review: Samsung Galaxy Pro B7510

    Gadgets Team
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    Review: Samsung Galaxy Pro B7510

    By M.R. Gavin

    It’s always difficult to make a shift when it comes to phones. I’ve always been a texter and am very much adept to using the normal numerical keypads. I’ve always dreaded QWERTY phones as I keep on messing up my messages.

    So when I pulled out the Samsung Galaxy Pro test unit out of its box, I was a bit apprehensive. Imagine my relief when I found out that it was not just a QWERTY phone, it had a touchscreen too, making it easier to navigate through the pages and go to other features.

    Just below the screen are four physical keys; options, home, back and search. The QWERTY keypads are faceted, making it easier for the user to text. The textured finish of the back cover makes the unit easier to hold.

    The screen is 2.8 inches—much bigger than other QWERTYs out there—with a resolution of 320×240 pixels. Just like any Samsung phone, you can adjust screen brightness but outdoor visibility, especially on direct sunlight, leaves much to be desired. This phone sports an Android Froyo 2.2 operating system and an 800MHz processor. Better performance in a speed that won’t fail you.

    What’s nice about the Samsung Galaxy Pro is that it comes with the Samsung Special Hub premium that is suitable for people like me who likes to have their social media, messages and even IM’s while on-the-go. Everything goes in one inbox; you don’t need to run multiple applications. Thus, the premium hub saves battery life. It also has the “Think Free” Office Document Editor, which is great for viewing and editing MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint files.

    Specifications
    Display: 320 x 240 pixels, 2.8 inches
    Dimensions: 108.6 x 66.7 x 10.7 mm
    Weight: 103.4 g
    Processor: 800 MHz processor
    Memory: MicroSD, up to 32GB
    Camera: 3.15 MP, 2048×1536 pixels, autofocus
    Battery: Standard battery, Li-Ion 1350 mA
    Software: Android Froyo 2.2

    What’s Hot:
    • Android Froyo 2.2
    • Samsung Special Hub premium
    • Think Free Office Document Editor

    What’s Not:
    • Poor outdoor visibility

    Bottomline:
    It is the best phone for those who want everything on the go. The Samsung Galaxy Pro is a cool Android smartphone suitable for all needs and wants

    Buy Meter: 8.6

    [This review originally appeared in the August 2011 issue of Gadgets Magazine]

    All-new Mazda3 and all-new Mazda CX-5 launched, prices announced

    Mika Fernandez-David
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    0
    All-new Mazda3 and all-new Mazda CX-5 launched, prices announced

    Ford Group Philippines president Randy Krieger, together with the top honchos of Mazda Philippines, unveiled the all-new Mazda 3 and the Mazda CX-5 at the NBC tent earlier today.

    The fully redesigned and restyled Mazda3 delivers a fresh appearance, unmatched performance and premium refinements to the compact car segment in the country. Available 1.6L hatchback (Php 999,000) , 1.6L sedan (Php 1,099,000) and 2.0L sedan (Php 1,299,000).

    The all-new Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV is the first vehicle that will adopt the full range of Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology and ‘KODO-Soul of motion’ design theme. The Mazda CX-5 2.0L FWD M/T is priced at Php 1,392,000, while the A/T version can be your for only Php 1,452,000.

    Incidentally, Mazda is holding public testdrives this weekend, April 21-22, over at the Mazda Revolution at the Fort from 9am to 9pm. Full a full vehicle line-up will be on display, testdrives for the all-new Mazda3 as well as the all-new CX-5 will be available. Zoom zoom!

     

    Oakley has been working on Augmented Reality Glasses

    Gadgets Team
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    1
    Oakley has been working on Augmented Reality Glasses

    We heard about Google’s “Google Glasses” about a week ago that make use of augmented reality technology to stream information to the wearer in real time, allowing them to perform tasks that we usually see on smartphones—this includes taking pictures, checking the weather, getting directions, and scheduling meetings. Meanwhile, eyewear manufacturer and sunglasses king, Oakley, had already been silently planning smart glasses of their own for the longest time.

    According to the company, they’ve had a 15-year head start on Google as they’d been working on it since 1997. In fact, some reports say that Oakley seems to be further along than Google in making these glasses a reality, and the company’s efforts will target athletes first. Oakley is making use of its “heads-up” technology, which puts smartphone features into glasses, allowing the glasses to function by themselves and work with smartphones while being controlled through voice commands. The company also acknowledges that while functionality is of course a part of it, aesthetics might play a more important role in getting more people to actually wear them.

     

    Nokia Lumia 710 hands-on, first impressions (video)

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Nokia Lumia 710 hands-on, first impressions (video)

    After Smart’s awesome coming out party for Nokia’s Lumia 710 yesterday, we managed to land our own review unit. And since we couldn’t find a way to take screenshots of the device without rooting it (which we won’t do, as that does not represent the stock version of the device when it finds its way to consumers) we shot a short video of what the Lumia’s Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) OS looks like in person. Check it out below.

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