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    Chrome for Android Beta: Mobile browsing made clean and simple

    Gadgets Team
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    Chrome for Android Beta: Mobile browsing made clean and simple


    In 2008, Google launched Chrome to help make the web better. Millions of people around the world use Chrome as their primary browser. To keep improving that experience, in February, Googlelaunched Chrome for Android Beta, which brings many of the things you’ve come to love about Chrome to your Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich phone or tablet. Like the desktop version, Chrome for Android Beta is focused on speed and simplicity, but it also features seamless sign-in and sync so you can take personalized web browsing experience wherever, across devices. Toda, Google is introducing an update to Chrome for Android that makes the app available in 31 more languages and in all countries where GooglePlay is available, including the Philippines.

     

    Speed, simplicity, and a signed-in experience

    Chrome for Android is designed from the ground up for mobile devices. You can search, navigate and browse fast—Chromefast. Both search and navigation can all be done quickly from the Chromeomnibox. Google reimagined tabs so they fit just as naturally on a small-screen phone as they do on a larger screen tablet, and you can scroll through web pages as quickly as you can flick your finger. Best of all, you can bring your personalized Chrome experience with you to your Android phone or tablet. If you sign in to Chrome on your Android device, you can:

    ●     View open tabs: Access the tabs you left open on your computer (also signed into Chrome)—picking up exactly where you left off.

    ●     Get smarter suggestions: If you visit a site often on your computer, you’ll also get an autocomplete suggestion for it on your mobile device, so you can spend less time typing.

    ●     Sync bookmarks: Conveniently access your favorite sites no matter where you are or which device you’re using.

     

    Listening to users

    Since the introduction of Chrome for Android Beta, Google has been listening closely to user feedback. Today’s update adds a few requested features to make it even simpler to navigate the mobile web:

    ●     You can now request the desktop version of a website, in case you would rather not view the mobile version.

    ●     Chrome for Android Beta now detects email addresses and phone numbers on web pages. Now you’re one press away from composing an email or making a phone call.

    ●     You can now add your bookmarks as shortcuts to your home screen, so you can get to your favorite sites faster.

    ●     Like Chrome on your desktop, Chrome for Android Beta now has country-specific suggested default search engines to help improve your search experience.

    You can install Chrome for Android Beta from GooglePlay on your Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, phone or tablet.

     

    Toshiba Philippines outs NB500 netbook series

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Toshiba Philippines outs NB500 netbook series

    Toshiba just enhanced its netbook line-up with the NB510 and NB520 series. They come equipped with an Intel Atom Dual-Core N2800 processor and can handle system memory of up to 2GB, which is more than enough for the average user looking to get work done on-the-go, since netbooks are geared more towards portability rather than performance. You’ll get Windows 7 Starter and 320 GB of hard-disk space, as well as most of the other basic features usually found on notebooks such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a webcam (on the NB520 model), three USB ports, a microphone (on the NB520 model), an SD slot, and an Ethernet port. The NB500 series of netbooks sport 10.1-inch screens and promise great audio quality, up to 7.5 hours of battery life, and incredible portability at only about 1.3 kg in weight and approximately  26 x 19 x 3 cm in size. They also come in a variety of color options.

    Nokia Lumia 900 spotted, we go hands-on

    Gadgets Team
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    Nokia Lumia 900 spotted, we go hands-on

    Also present during Smart’s launch of the Lumia 710 was the Lumia 900 which we managed to pry off the hands of Nokia executive Mike Smith. At first glance we’d forgive you if you though it was an N9 (or a Lumia 800) as it has the same unibody polycarbonate body as the devices we mentioned. Possibly one of the biggest changes you’ll notice with the Lumia 900 is size – it’s a bit bigger than the N9 and the Lumia 800 and has a far larger 4.3-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen.

    As it’s part of Nokia’s Lumia series of devices, the Lumia 900 obviously runs on Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango). Curiously, it’s also one of the few flagship devices in the world that doesn’t use a dual-core or quad-core processor, opting instead to use a Qualcomm APQ8055 Snapdragon processor chugging along at 1.4 GHz.

    The green cover you see on the smartphone is a silicon case that helps protect it from drops and other damage.

    The Nokia Lumia 900 wi

    There’s no word on what plan the Lumia 900 will fall under, but a source close to the matter mentioned that the Lumia 900 will launch in May and would be exclusive to the telco for only 2 months.

    Smart officially launches Nokia Lumia 710, available in Plan 1000, Php 450 amortization per month *UPDATE*

    Gadgets Team
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    1
    Smart officially launches Nokia Lumia 710, available in Plan 1000, Php 450 amortization per month *UPDATE*

    Seems like Nokia’s getting its groove back, at least as far as the Philippines is concerned. Last night the company officially launched the Lumia 800 with Globe, and tonight they’re partying with the other giant in the telco industry, Smart. Smart has already announced that it would be getting the Lumia 710, the mid-market Windows Phone 7.5 device and tonight it’s finally official.

    To refresh everyone’s memories, the Lumia 710 is a 3.7-inch smartphone powered by Windows Phone 7 .5 Mango and a single core, 1.4 GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon processor. With the new enhancements that was served to the Windows Phone 7 OS via the Mango update, this particular phone is able to stand toe-to-toe with most other mid-end Android device currently in the market.

    The Nokia Lumia 710 will be offered by Smart under their Special Edition Plan 1000 with a monthly amortization of Php 450 a month for 24 months.If you want yours, you better hurry up – the limited edition plan will only be offered by the company till May 8, 2012. A rep from the company also said that there will also be a Windows Phone 7 version of their app SmartNet, as well as an iOS version (that we mentioned about earlier) that will be available at the end of the month on the Windows Marketplace and iOS app store.

     

    Samsung introduces Vacuum tube amplifier home entertainment system to the Philippines, courts hard-core audiophiles

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Samsung introduces Vacuum tube amplifier home entertainment system to the Philippines, courts hard-core audiophiles

    Hardcore audio enthusiasts know that Vacuum tubes is where audio quality is at. This is probably the reason why Samsung has released their Vacuum tube amplifier-based 7.1 home entertainment system, the HT-E6750W to the Philippines during their AV Roadshow last night. The 7.1 home entertainment system boasts multiple connectivity points as well as professional level sound in an integrated solution that’s relatively affordable. The HT-E6750W has built-in WiFi that allows you to connect to your home network and stream your content to the device, as well as allow you to access Samsung’s numerous content portals for additional content.

    If you’re just looking for an audio dock but want excellent sound quality, Samsung’s DA-E750 might be more your thing. The DA-E750 is the company’s first dual-docking system for the premium audiophile, and supports a broad range of Samsung’s GALAXY devices and Apple devices including the GALAXY S II, GALAXY Note, GALAXY Player, iPhone and iPad via both docked and wireless connectivity.

     

     

    Sulit.com.ph: Three easy steps to help you find what you’re looking for

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Sulit.com.ph: Three easy steps to help you find what you’re looking for

    In this digitized age of instant information, more consumers look to online one-stop shops as a more convenient way to browse and purchase items. And when it comes to one-click access to instant information and listings, no other website has revolutionized the way Filipinos search for online finds than sulit.com.ph, the country’s number one classified ads website that has been providing Filipino consumers with endless possibilities all in one cutting-edge platform.

    Featuring a comprehensive offering of deals and steals, sulit.com.ph, Philippines’ number one classified ads website,  lets today’s consumers find everything they want and need in just a few clicks, from consumer electronics, travel packages, repairs and maintenance and event services.

    Co-Founder and Managing Director RJ David shares how he jumpstarted the business and established its place in the local e-commerce industry.  “In just five short years, what started as an experimental venture into online classifieds with my wife Arianne has achieved unexpected success, and has now become an essential tool for a generation of Filipinos,” he says. “We remain committed to providing shareholders, both consumers and advertisers, with a convenient online platform that continues to innovate with the times and keep up with the demands of the steadily growing market.”

     

    Something for everyone

    Catering primarily to the Filipino market, sulit.com.ph lets consumers search for an item that they want to buy, hire, rent, lease or even swap all in one place.

    Fashion-forward individuals can spot unique items to add to their collection, automotive enthusiasts can peruse the extensive directory of both brand new and used cars, employers and job seekers alike can search for business and earning opportunities and business locators, animal lovers can go over various pet listings, real estate hunters and developers can look through properties and establishments, and more.

    Where else can one find a place in the web that houses a diverse array of products and services at great prices?

     

    What else is there?

    Sulit.com.ph, however, isn’t just a typical buy and sell portal. With three easy steps namely Hanap, Usap, Deal, sulit.com.ph streamlines and expedites the entire purchase process.

    The website features a user-friendly messaging system that lets members easily communicate with each other as well as a community forum, where aside from sharing tips on buying and selling, members can engage in discussions of topics that interest them.

    With more than four million page views and 450,000 unique visitors daily, sellers are able to grow their business and enter new markets, while being guaranteed of a good exposure for their advertisements.

    Members can enjoy free advertising and marketing services, with sulit.com.ph making them easily searchable in sites like Google and Yahoo, with each giving their products, services, business, and brand name instant web presence.

    They have also introduced a paid virtual currency in the form of Sulit Gold, which is used to purchase additional features and services that will help sellers make the most out of their advertising strategies.

    Winning several prestigious awards such as the Best E-Business Website from the 12th Philippine Web Awards and the Business Excellence Award Special Award from Go Negosyo and BPI Family Savings Bank only drives the Sulit team to keep Filipino buyers and sellers satisfied.

    Samsung officially launches Smart TV ES8000 and ES7500 in the Philippines

    Gadgets Team
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    2
    Samsung officially launches Smart TV ES8000 and ES7500 in the Philippines

    Samsung Philippines Inc. officially launched vaunted Smart TV offering in the Philippines, bringing a ton of new features, content and methods of interaction to a device that’s largely stayed the same all these years.

    Let’s make this clear right now – Samsung’s new Smart TV lineup isn’t simply just a box anymore – the new sets (namely the ES8000 and ES7500) are powered by a dual-core processor and runs on a highly modified version of Android – which makes the TVs capable of running apps natively on the TV itself, without needing a separate unit.

    The entire brains of the device is housed in an enclosure called the Evolution Kit, which Samsung says can be upgraded as newer technology comes along. Yes, you heard that right – for the first time ever, you’ll now be able to upgrade your TV the way you upgrade your home desktop. Obviously you’ll still be using the same display that you started with, along with any other hardware that came along with the device (which includes the camera on the front of the device) but as long as you can upgrade the Evolution Kit (which Samsung tells us is the brains of the new TVs) you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of the latest TV technology year after year, without purchasing a brand new set.

    Another feature of the new Smart TVs is the ability to control the device through voice recognition and gestures. Because of the aforementioned dual-core processor inside the new Smart TVs, the ES8000 and the ES75000 can recognize voice commands, allowing you to control the TV without lifting a finger. The ES8000 and the ES7500 are also outfitted with Samsung’s motion control technology. Think Microsoft Kinect, but for the TV – the front facing camera that’s on top of the TV captures your gestures and translates them into commands that your TV can understand. We’ve embedded a video of the tech in action below.

    Probably the most significant offering of Samsung’s new Smart TVs is the promise of content. Or to put it simply, the availability of no-bullshit, no region lock content that you can stream from the net to your TV. The lack of content has been our main point of contention when Internet connected TVs first came out, and it’s something that newer Smart TVs from other companies can’t deliver. Samsung’s content drive is made up of two things – apps and streamed content. Samsung’s closely working with developers to provide content to their Smart TVs that further enhance the functionality of the TV sets beyond being passive devices you watch video on. The company is also offering streamed video content that consist of shows, educational programs and other genres direct from the web to their Smart TVs, without region locks and without recurring fees. Lastly, Samsung is also giving people who buy their Bluray players and Smart TVs a complimentary pass to their Blupass service – which basically allows you to rent Bluray movies and have them delivered to your doorstep for free. The pass will be good for six months.

    That’s it for now. We’ll get a more comprehensive review of Samsung’s new Smart TVs once we get a change to have more time with it.


    Samsung supposedly stops production of Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 to add quad-core processor

    Gadgets Team
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    3
    Samsung supposedly stops production of Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 to add quad-core processor

    Korean firm Samsung is supposedly stopping production of their recently released Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 to add a quad-core processor according to a company insider. According to Netbook News, there’s no word if the new processor getting wrangled into the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is the vaunted 32nm Exynos 4412, or another quad-core processor. We were surprised as everybody else when the firm initially announced that the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 would only pack a 1 GHz dual-core processor, considering that other tablets that was coming out during that time had quad-core processors in them.

    Source: Netbook News

    Sony Xperia S, P, and U officially in the Philippines, prices inside

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Sony Xperia S, P, and U officially in the Philippines, prices inside

    Right after Sony’s announcement of their Ericsson buy-out a few months ago, we wondered when Sony’s new, non-Ericsson branded smartphones would hit the market and by extension, what would happen to the staff and personnel of Sony-Ericsson Philippines. Well, that particular question was answered in their event earlier today, where the firm officially released four devices to the Philippines: the Sony Xperia S, U, P and Sola.

    The headline device of the entire shindig was definitely the Sony Xperia S. The S sports a large, 4.3-inch LED display that has a pixel density of 342 ppi, which is one of the highest in its class. That particular display is encased in a body that’s extremely solid and quite pretty, if we do say so ourselves.

    Powering the S is a dual-core, 1.5 GHz Qualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon processor. While the choice of processor isn’t bad per se, it pales in comparison to other, higher-end devices that’s been popping up in the past few months which use faster, quad-core processors.

    Another point against the Xperia S is the use of Android 2.3, aka Gingerbread. Again, while Gingerbread is one of the most stable (and currently widely used) version of Android out now, we would expected the Xperia S to at least have ICS, though in Sony’s defense they did say that the S will get an update to Android 4.0 in the near future.

    Next on the Xperia line-up is the Xperia P. The P slots in the middle of the entire line-up, and externally looks a like lot the S. Come to think of it, the entire Xperia line-up looks eerily familiar to each other, with only the screen and the color of the lower piece of plastic being the major differences externally between the three.

    The screen clocks in about 4-inches and is an LED backlit capacitive deal. The processor is a dual-core, 1 GHz deal, and the whole thing is powered by Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

    The runt of the litter is the Xperia U. Again externally the U looks awfully familiar to its bigger brothers, and is only differentiated by the size of the screen (3.5-inches for the U) and the color of the lower strip of plastic. The U is powered by a 1 GHz dual-core processor and Android 2.3.

    Prices for the different devices are as follows: The Sony Xperia S will retail for Php 27,990, the Xperia P will retail for Php 22,990. The Xperia U goes for Php 13,990.

    [album: https://gadgetsmagazine.com.ph/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/[email protected]/Sony X/]

    Review: BlackBerry Bold 9780

    Gadgets Team
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    Review: BlackBerry Bold 9780

    By Roni Callanta

    Gone are the days when the cellphone was just some gadget you use to call or text somebody. Now it can be considered as an accessory—a wedding band of sorts that you can never part with.

    One of the newest additions to the BlackBerry family is the Bold 9780. If you thought the Curve was sleek, wait till you get your hands on this sexy handheld.

    The 9780’s external design is essentially identical to the phone’s predecessor, the Bold 9700, with a landscape-oriented screen just above the navigation controls and track pad, as well as its QWERTY keyboard. The 2.44-inch screen does, however, pale in comparison to the large displays most touchscreen smartphones have nowadays. Browsing the web or watching a video does feel a bit cramped but it is still efficient enough to get by.

    The keys are a wee bit bigger than the Curve while the design is definitely much sleeker and professional-looking with a small patch of faux leather adorning the back providing a nice, soft, tactile feel.

    General typing on the keyboard is made much more comfortably and convenient. The keys are individually mounted making typing secure and responsive. Although, unlike the much more advanced BlackBerry model such as the Torch, having the option to also type on an onscreen keyboard produces much faster results. The 9780 does provide a backlight as a bonus.

    For someone who takes massive amounts of photos anywhere at any given time, the best news is that the 9780’s camera has been bumped to 5 megapixels from 3.2MP found in the 9700, and now with its own built-in flash. With autofocus and an LED on board, one can generally take photos that are nice enough. That also goes for its non-HD (640×480) video, though the limit of only 24fps does make the movement a little jerky and inconvenient.

    When it comes to viewing videos and browsing the web, the 480×360 pixels is superbly sharp enough to enhance strong colors and produce deep blacks.

    No matter how enjoyable most of the features of the 9780 are, there were times when it would get a little frustrating. It is no surprise to the BlackBerry user that the trackpad can get temperamental when overwhelmed with navigation—stalling one minute then jumping to a completely different spot the next. That is something RIM should look into because this is a problem that frustrates most BlackBerry users, especially for Facebook and Twitter junkies like myself.

    Despite its glitches, the BlackBerry 9780 is an ideal smartphone for those who like to remain anti-social among groups. I must admit, already having a habit of using BlackBerry Messenger, “Tweeting” and “Facebook-ing” a little too much, this smartphone made my habit even worse—it really did feel like I’ve upgraded to a much better one, with its built-in flash. Not only was I glued to the social networking sites 24/7, but I was compelled to take photos and videos.

    Specifications
    FORM FACTOR: QWERTY Candybar
    DISPLAY: 480×360 pixels
    PHYSICAL DEMENSION: 109 x 60 x 14 mm
    WEIGHT (with battery): 122kg
    INTERNAL MEMORY: 0.256GB; MicroSD Memory card slot up to 8GB
    OPERATING SYSTEM: BlackBerry OS 6.0

    What’s Hot:
     • Sleeker and sexier design
    • Sharper resolution
    • 5-megapixel camera with built-in flash
    • Bluetooth, 3G and Wi-Fi capable
    • Push Email
    • BlackBerry Messenger and GPS
    • One-click access to features and apps
    • Excellent call quality and battery life
    • Class leading messaging interface
    • Enhanced web browsing

    What’s Not:
     • Small screen
    • Would be further enhanced with a touchscreen
    • Temperamental trackpad
    • Small keys
    • No front-facing camera
    • App store is limited

     

    Bottomline:
    It’s a great smartphone from one of the leading smartphone makers that covers almost everything one needs when one is on-the-go.

    Buy Meter: 8.5

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

    New Android malware can hack your smartphone via text

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    New Android malware can hack your smartphone via text

    Here’s another good reason to install only trusted apps and games in your Android device obtained through the Google Play Store: NQ Mobile reports that they have managed to track and isolate a new Android malware that’s able to hack your smartphone via text. Dubbed TigerBot, this new breed of Android Malware is able to control your smartphone via text, which can trigger a number of behaviors in your device that ranges from recording your voice messages and surroundings to uploading your current GPS location to god knows who.

    NQ Mobile says that the new malware was found through non-official Android channels and hides in your device by masquerading as legitimate applications. The security firm says that the malware listens for a specific kind of SMS that has encoded instructions in it. When the SMS has the code that the malware is looking for, it then hides the message so the user does not see it, then executes whatever command is contained in the said SMS that include the following:

    • Record the sounds in the phone, including the phone calls, the surrounding sounds and etc.
    • Change the network setting.
    • Upload the current GPS location.
    • Capture and upload the image.
    • Send SMS to a particular number.
    • Reboot the phone.
    • Kill other running processes.
    NQ Mobile says that to avoid being a victim of said malware, it’s important to follow several simple security steps. One is only download applications from trusted sources, reputable application stores, and markets, and be sure to check reviews, ratings and developer information before downloading, and never accept application requests from unknown sources. Also, closely monitoring permissions requested by any application is also a good idea, and any application that request permission to do more than what it offers in its official list of features should automatically raise a red flag when you’re about to install it.
    Source: NQ Mobile

    Google launching its own cloud storage service, will compete with Dropbox

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Google launching its own cloud storage service, will compete with Dropbox

    The Next Web is reporting that search giant Google is on the cusp of unveiling it’s own cloud storage service, dubbed Google Drive, that’s aimed at competing against competing solutions – namely Dropbox. The service is reportedly scheduled to launch next week, and will offer users 5 GB worth of free space with an option to buy more if needed. Google’s offering beats the current 2 GB offer of Dropbox for free accounts (though you stand to get 23 GB more if you buy an HTC One device) and will be made available for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.

    Source: The Next Web, Talk Android

    Manila International Auto Show 2012

    Gadgets Team
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    Manila International Auto Show 2012

    The Manila International Auto Show 2012, now in its 8th year, was held last March 29 to April 1 at the World Trade Center and was undoubtedly the biggest and most anticipated event for car enthusiasts. 400 cars on display including the newest sports cars from different brands, the best concept cars, hybrid cars, and a lot more were showcased to the over 88,600 people who attended.

    The massive show area of 30,000 sqm was where they held the Russ Swift Precision Driving Stunt Show, the motorsports exhibits, the special demonstrations, and the Top Gear exhibit, among others. Car launches from Ford, BMW, Chrysler, Subaru, Hyundai, Mini, Vespa, Piaggio, and APE took place as well, and a Gala Night for the Car of the Year Awards Philippines 2012 competition transpired, hosted by the Car Awards Group, Inc., giving the title of Car of the Year to the Hyundai Elantra.

    Photos are here => http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.344766322237124.70665.168628753184216&type=3

    Tupac comes alive in Coachella via Holograms and visual effects

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Tupac comes alive in Coachella via Holograms and visual effects

    Concert goers to California’s annual Coachella music festival were in for a surprise on Sunday, as the show was stolen by an artist that has been dead for more than 15 years. A performance of Tupac Shakur, a rapper who died in 1995, stole the show at the annual music festival which was attended by more than 100,000 music fans. He was joined by other rap heavy-hitters like Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre who performed and interacted along with the ghostly projection of the long dead rapper.

    The feat was made possible by AV Concepts, a production company that specializes in creating such lifelike projections of deceased icons. According to an interview with MTV, AV Concepts president Nick Smith said that they worked closely with Dr. Dre, and the performance of Tupac during the music festival was recreated and was not made from archival footage.

    The technology used to present Tupac uses a AV Concepts’ proprietary Liquid Scenic server to deliver uncompressed HD video which can be projected as holograms in an entertainment setting or as 3D imagery on building exteriors, interior walls, stage sets and other structures.

    We’ve embedded a video of the performance below, but please be guided that it’s for mature audiences only because of the use of excessive profanity (this is Tupac, after all).

    Source: Huffington Post

    Xtec’s My Tablet costs $150 and runs on Android 4.0.3

    Gadgets Team
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    3
    Xtec’s My Tablet costs $150 and runs on Android 4.0.3

    If you’re looking for a tablet that runs on the Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3 operating system, you’re probably expecting to have a hard time finding one that’s affordable. Well, here’s one called My Tablet from Xtec that goes for US $150 (approximately Php 6,300) and measures 7-inches. It’s powered by a 1.5 GHz processor and has 1GB of RAM, a 16GB hard-disk drive that’s expandable to 48GB, an HDMI port and standard USB ports. The reason it’s not as expensive as other tablets is because of its screen resolution of 800 x 480 and the fact that it only has Wi-Fi connectivity. Also, its front-facing camera is only 2-megapixels. Still, you’ll be able to surf the net, watch movies, listen to music, and avail of the nearly countless number of apps on the Android market. The My Tablet comes in black, white, and pink variants.

    Source: www.engadget.com

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