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    Dell XPS 13 now official, starts at Php 59,590

    Gadgets Team
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    Dell XPS 13 now official, starts at Php 59,590

    Dell is the latest manufacturer to jump into the ultrabook bandwagon party, and it’s not about to let HP grab all of the alumunium-body attention. The XPS 13 is the firm’s latest creation, and is aimed to compete with similar, no-nonsense aluminium beauties like the HP Folio 13, Lenovo U300s and the Asus Zenbook.

    Dell’s offering doesn’t veer off the beaten path when it comes to design – the XPS 13 is just 6mm thin at its thinnest point, which bulges out to 18mm at the thickest. It weighs in at around 1.36 kilos, so it’s as light as most of its competitors, if not lighter. While other aluminum clad notebooks use a plastic chassis, the XPS 13 is unique in the sense that it uses a carbon fiber chassis, which does wonders for its overall weight and durability.

    The 13-inch screen is a WLED display that has a native resolution of 1366 x 768, which puts it on par with most ultrabooks today.

    The XPS 13 will be offered in 3 configurations – the entry level Core i5 model with 128 GB SSD will retail for Php 59,999, while the mid-level Core i5 model with 256 GB of SSD memory will run you Php 71,990. The blinged-out, top-of-the-line model will come with a Core i7 processor and about 256 GB of SSD.

    Dell says that the XPS 13 is estimated to run for about 8-12 hours on a single charge, which if true, makes it more of a energy miser than the HP Folio 13, an ultrabook that we’ve tested to be quite an energy saver.

    That’s it for now. We’ll get reviews up once we receive our demo units.

    Nokia’s Lumia line has sold 2 million units in Q1, but is still struggling worldwide

    Gadgets Team
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    Nokia’s Lumia line has sold 2 million units in Q1, but is still struggling worldwide

    Nokia has some good news and some bad news. Good news is that the Finnish handset maker’s Lumia line has managed to gain some traction worldwide, with the firm moving 2 million Lumia devices in Q1. The bad news is that the company will be taking a loss of about 3 percent below it’s break-even figures, though head-honcho Stephen Elop isn’t discouraged. “Within our Smart Devices business unit, we have established early momentum with Lumia, and we are increasing our investments in Lumia to achieve market success. Our operator and distributor partners are providing solid support for Windows Phone as a third ecosystem, as evidenced most recently by the launch of the Lumia 900 by AT&T in the United States.”

    Figures for Q1 are as follows : mobile phones net sales of EUR 2.3 billion (71 million units), smart devices net sales of EUR 1.7 billion (12 million units), and Devices & Services Other net sales of EUR 0.2 billion.

    Locally Nokia’s Lumia line is slowly gaining traction, with both Smart and Globe now offering Lumia based handsets with more on the way.

    Source: Nokia

    Turntable device makes the sound of music with trees

    Gadgets Team
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    Turntable device makes the sound of music with trees

    You may find the rustling leaves and the swaying branches soothing and almost music to any nature lover’s ears but if you really want to know just what kind of music a tree is capable of making then check at ‘Years’ – an innovation that looks like a turntable and uses high-tech computer gear combined with loop-based software music sequencer, Ableton Live,to play slices of a tree trunk like an LP. Created by Netherlands-based artist, Barthalomäus Traubeck, this special instrument analyzes the tree slice similarly to how tree rings are analyzed to determine the tree’s age, and translates the data into music. The output melody is different every time depending on the tree slice.

    Hands On: HTC One X

    Gadgets Team
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    Hands On: HTC One X

    We’ve wrapped up the HTC One X event earlier today, and boy, we’ve never wanted a phone as badly as we want the One X. We’ve poured
    over pictures and videos of the device on the interwebs ever since it was released during Mobile World Congress, but there’s nothing like holding the device in your hands.

    The HTC One X is a huge departure design-wise for HTC – up till the Sensation XE, their flagship devices have almost always been unibody aluminium deals. Not the One X – the device is clothed in a unibody polycarbonate shell that reminds us a lot of the Nokia N9. Not that there’s anything wrong with that – Francisco Y. Torno III did not have a problem with throwing it around on the hard concrete floor on the Smart Experience center during the event, which speaks volumes of its ruggedness.

    The HTC One X is powered by NVIDIA’s Tegra 3, which means this particular device is extremely responsive. Granted we didn’t have that much time with the unit, but from what we gathered during our time with it, it performed extremely well, with no hiccups whatsoever during screen transitions.

    Another feature of the HTC One X that was touted during the event was its camera, an 8-megapixel deal that has an extremely fast burst
    feature. The HTC One X is capable of shooting at 4 frames per second – which puts it on par with other entry level DSLRs when burst shooting is concerned.

    Aside from the large 4.7-inch Super IPS LCD2 capacitive touchscreen, the HTC One X also sports Beats Audio technology, though we did confirm that the device will NOT have Beats branded headphones when it hits retail. There’s still no official pricing from HTC Philippines themselves,
    though we did hear from a source that’s close to the matter that this particular device will be available for Smart subscribers in their Plan 1000,
    though there’s still no word on how much the monthly amortization will be.

    That’s it for now. We’ll update you guys once we get the official price for the HTC One X and when we get our review unit. Check out the video below of the device in action.

     

    HTC One X and One V hands-on, side-by-side photos with HTC Sensation XE

    Gadgets Team
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    HTC One X and One V hands-on, side-by-side photos with HTC Sensation XE

    We’re still waiting for Smart’s official event to start, but we’ve managed to take pictures of the HTC One X in the flesh. This 4.7-inch beauty is such a device to behold, and to be honest, makes us want one real bad. Alongside the One X we also managed to take photos of the One V, the entry level offering of the two. While we don’t know much about how much Smart is offering this particular device, it’s almost certain that it would be attached to one of their higher-end data plans (at least for the One X).

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

    An app that’s intended to control your dreams

    Gadgets Team
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    An app that’s intended to control your dreams

    There’s a new free app available for iOS devices called “Dream: ON” that’s supposedly intended to shape what sort of dreams you have. A psychologist named Richard Wiseman from the Univeristy of Hertfordshire teamed up with the developers from YUZA software company to create the app, and they are currently looking for volunteers to test it out and submit a report of their dream to see whether it really works.

    Here’s what happens—users indicate the time that they want to wake up and the app uses the iOS device’s microphone to monitor their movement in bed to determine whether they are in REM sleep, which is the sleep stage where dreams occur. Approximately 20 minutes before intended wake up time, if that person’s movements do indicate that he or she is in REM sleep, the app will play the selected audio “soundscapes” to trigger a certain dream. Among some of the soundscapes are ones called Peaceful Garden and A Trip to Tokyo. Of course, what exactly happens in that “peaceful garden” will vary.

    When the user starts moving again, signifying that they’re no longer dreaming, the alarm will sound to wake them up. Supposedly, they will also wake up feeling more refreshed due to not being woken up during REM sleep. After a few months, Wiseman and his team will review the submitted user reports to see the results. If the app works well, we can expect to see new soundscapes—some of which will be free and others not. Also, we can expect this app on the Android market soon as well.

    Become the ultimate couch potato with the Sound Sofa

    Gadgets Team
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    Become the ultimate couch potato with the Sound Sofa

     

    Become an official “couch potato” and make it like it were your job to sit around and veg with the CSL Sound Sofa. The incredible and comfy lounge sofa includes built-in speakers and an iPod dock so you never have to get up out your seat ever again especially during those times all you wanna do is listen to Adele all day. Or if you’re feeling less dramatic, you and your friends can lounge about and “soundtrip” to your favorite tracks… without having to leave your couch.

    The set includes a love seat and single seat joined together with a little table-like surface that can hold one’s books, drinks and playing iPod.  The sofa also comes in six different colors to fit your taste and preference.

    HTC One X gets early reveal care of Smart

    Gadgets Team
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    HTC One X gets early reveal care of Smart

    Remember about the time we told you that the HTC One X would be released on Friday? Well, we kinda fibbed there a little. We’ll be seeing the HTC One X in the flesh later tonight at Smart’s Jump Experience Center in Megamall, which where we imagine that the telco would announce that the device would be exclusive to their network for the time being. Of course, that’s all speculation on our part, though it makes sense given the venue of the official unveil. Keep your browsers locked into our Twitter account @gadgetsmagazine to get live updates during the event, which we gather will also include the eventual price of the device in the Philippines, as well as the data plan accompanying it.

    PLDT outs new TelMeHow app for TelPad

    Gadgets Team
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    PLDT outs new TelMeHow app for TelPad

    PLDT has just announced a brand new app that breathes new life to their TelPad phone/tablet device – TelMeHow. The new app is an educational tool that gives users with the TelPad access to a large swath of topics that range from photography, cooking, fashion and other topics. Each category has numerous instructional videos and content that gives users a basic working knowledge of each category.

    PLDT has tapped a number of well known experts from each field, which include Master Photographer Paul Ticzon. In each topic, the expert gives an easy to understand instruction that any novice user can benefit from.

    Patrick Tang, VP and Head of Hime Marketing for Voice and Microbusiness told us that this is just the beginning of the app. He plans to have a way for people to be able to buy related items at the end of the video (a dress at the end of a fashion instruction for example) via the app. Initially he says that the app will be free, and will be regularly updated with new content for a different range of topics. Other, more advanced topics will be pay-to-view, though he did not give out a date when this will happen.

    From what we’ve tried with the app, it seems like an added value proposition for users. The app is easy and simple enough to navigate, and definitely adds to the value of the service. We did experience a bit of slowdown with the videos (as it is streamed directly to the device) which we attributed to the inherent slow internet at the venue.

    We’re composing a video of the service in action as we speak and we’ll be uploading it shortly.  Video is up! Check it out below.

    Toshiba announces new Ivy Bridge all-in-one desktops and gaming laptop

    Gadgets Team
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    Toshiba announces new Ivy Bridge all-in-one desktops and gaming laptop

    Toshiba has been fairly active lately, overhauling its entire consumer lineup for the back-to-school season and announcing its new all-in-one desktop computers and its Qosmio X875 gaming laptop.

    The LX815 and LX835 all-in-one desktop computers are meant to replace the company’s previous 21.5 and 23 inch models. Both of the new releases have a new overhauled chassis with matte surfaces and recessed ports and will come with Ivy Bridge Intel Core Processors and 1080p TN displays with an optional capacitive touch-screen. They’ll offer up to 3TB in hard disk drive storage, a maximum of 16GB in RAM, dual USB 3.0 ports, 4 USB 2.0 sockets, and an HDMI-in. Toshiba plans to make these available during the 3rd quarter of this year with the 21.5-inch model (LX815) to be priced at roughly USD $600 (approximately Php 25,200) and the 23-inch model (LX835) to go for USD $880 (approximately Php 37,000) and up.

    On the other hand, the Qosmio X875 gaming laptop comes with Ivy Bridge processors as well, a new aluminum aesthetic design called Black Widow, NVIDIA GTX 670M graphics with 3GB of video memory, up to 16GB of RAM, a 17.3-inch screen,  dual hard drive bays, and a bunch of other features. This follow-up to Toshiba’s X775 gaming laptop released last year will be available on June 24th, starting at USD $ 1,299 (approximately Php 55,000) with its highest configuration going for USD $ 2,499 (approximately Php 105,000).

     

    Intel launches low cost tablet for students, dubs it Studybook

    Gadgets Team
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    Intel launches low cost tablet for students, dubs it Studybook

    Tablets are fast becoming important education tools for Ivy League schools, unfortunately the inherent cost for these devices means that less fortunate students and schools won’t be able to afford them. Intel’s new low cost tablet, dubbed the Studybook, aims to change all of that. Built to withstand the rigors of the classroom, this rugged tablet is powered by an Intel Atom Z650 processor and comes with a  7-inch capacitive multi-touch screen and purpose built educational software. The device is shock and water resistant, and has collaboration software built-in that allows both teacher and student for ” improved learning efficiency.”

    “An Intel studybook offers students limitless opportunities to enhance their learning experience.” said Kapil Wadhera, general manager of Intel’s Education Market Platform Group. “Expanding the Intel Learning Series portfolio of affordable, purpose-built educational devices brings us closer to our vision of enabling more students and teachers to participate in high quality education.”

    The device shown above is a reference design, with other models supposedly being offered in time by Intel’s partners. While there’s no solid price on the device as of now, Intel’s supposedly pricing this little tablet below $200 (or below Php 8,500) for it to remain affordable enough for most schools.

    Source: Intel

    Review: Samsung NX11

    Gadgets Team
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    Review: Samsung NX11

    By Steven Vea

    Compact camera systems (CSC) should swiftly climb up the ranks of any shutterbug’s must-haves. While CSCs might not have the portability of point-and-shoots or the power of DSLRs, cameras such as the Samsung NX11 offer a compromised best of both worlds.

    Out of the box, Samsung’s newest entry in the NX series is quite stunning. Now modeled more closely to resemble DSLRs, its exterior has been capped off with a sleek black finish along with a new textured handgrip. All the standard controls are present as well, such as the familiar PASM mode dial and menu buttons, so users should expect the learning curve to be at a minimum.

    Featuring a 14.6-megapixel APS-C sensor, Samsung has definitely given its competition something to think about. With captivating image quality that can easily rival any DSLR, the NX11 provides a fantastic option for consumers looking for something both lightweight and competent. Although CSCs and/or other mirrorless cameras are generally thought of as a “gateway” for those migrating from point-and-shoots, the NX11 is a serious image-capturing device in itself and should not be considered solely as a transition. It is a solid buy for any photography enthusiast, whether for a first purchase or an addition to an ever-growing collection.

    The NX11’s 3-inch AMOLED LCD screen is simply brilliant, and is perhaps its strongest characteristic. Users will most likely prefer shooting in live mode via the display as opposed to using the electronic 640×480 pixel viewfinder, since the latter can tend to be inaccurate when representing certain hues and can lead to slight miscalculations when used in full manual.

    The viewfinder proves to be invaluable especially when used in conjunction with the iFunction lens, which is unique to Samsung. Having previous experience with these lenses, this reviewer found it more intuitive the second time around. The option to adjust the camera’s settings (i.e. ISO, shutter speed, etc.) via the trademark lens allows users to maintain their shooting position so they can quickly capture a moment.

    Perhaps, the only drawback of Samsung’s NX series is that a fast lens is not yet readily available, with the quickest being the 30mm f/2. However, taking into consideration that this line of Samsung cameras is still quite new, this reviewer wouldn’t be surprised if a classic 50mm f/1.8, or better yet, an f/1.4, will come out soon. Nevertheless, the 18-55mm kit lens is quite remarkable, producing sharp, high-quality images.

    The improved auto focus with the NX11’s standard lens is quick and satisfyingly precise, regardless of whether it’s used in shooting stills or 720p HD video. Manual focusing is intuitive as well, although this reviewer would have preferred a non-infinity focusing ring.

    The addition of Panorama mode makes the NX11 even more desirable. It’s fairly accurate and works excellently within the camera itself, negating the need to stitch the photo via image software. With the added ability to shoot panoramic shots vertically, the NX11 is insatiable.

    Overall, the NX11 isn’t a radical change over its predecessor, the NX10. Instead, Samsung opts for subtle improvements that users will nevertheless appreciate. The NX11 is not just a worthy contender in the game of mirrorless cameras—it might possibly be the one to buy.

    Specifications:
    Dimensions: 123x87x39.8mm
    Weight: 353g (body only)
    Sensor: 14.6 effective megapixels 23.4×15.6mm CMOS sensor
    Display: 3-inch AMOLED Display 1040k resolution
    Viewfinder: Viewfinder EVF
    Lens: Samsung NX mount lens,18-55mm OIS iFunction
    Shutter Speed: 1/4000sec.- 30sec. (1/3EV step manual mode), Bulb (Limit time: 8 min)
    Flash: TTL Auto Pop-up flash, optional external Samsung flash via HotShoe
    Stabilisation: Sensor shift+electronic
    Video: HD video at 720p at 30fps
    Storage: SD, SDHC or SDXC media card
    Battery: 400 photos per charge
    Connections: USB 2.0, AV out, mini HDMI, stereo mini jack

    What’s Hot:
    • 14.6-megapixel sensor
    • Excellent AMOLED screen
    • Panorama mode

    What’s Not:
    • Lack of faster lenses
    • Viewfinder could be improved

    Bottomline:
    The Samsung NX11 is serious image-capturing device and should find its way into the palm of any shutterbug, whether they are hobbyists or professionals.

    Buy Meter: 9.0

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

    Gartner says iPad will be king till 2016

    Gadgets Team
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    Gartner says iPad will be king till 2016

    While Google’s partners scramble to compete with Apple’s offering, the Cupertino company won’t have to worry about other companies threatening their grasp on the no. 1 position anytime soon – not till 2016 anyway. Gartner has reported that sales of iOS tablets are going to continue to lead the market up till 2016, which is something that Google isn’t too happy about we imagine.

    The state of tablets is increasing at an amazing rate, with the research firm estimating sales of media tablets to reach 118.9 million units this year, which is a 98 percent increase over last year’s 60 million units.

    “Despite PC vendors and phone manufacturers wanting a piece of the pie and launching themselves into the media tablet market, so far, we have seen very limited success outside of Apple with its iPad,” said Carolina Milanesi, research vice president at Gartner. “As vendors struggled to compete on price and differentiate enough on either the hardware or ecosystem, inventories were built and only 60 million units actually reached the hands of consumers across the world. The situation has not improved in early 2012, when the arrival of the new iPad has reset the benchmark for the product to beat.”

    This year, Gartner estimates that there will be around 73 million iOS slates sold, a stark contrast to their estimate for Android tablets which they estimate would reach around 38 million.

    Source: Market Watch

    Lenovo unveils IdeaTab S2109

    Gadgets Team
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    Lenovo unveils IdeaTab S2109

    Just recently, Lenovo unveiled the IdeaTab S2109 through the company’s YouTube channel. The IdeaTab S2109 is Lenovo’s first Ice Cream Sandwich-based tablet (ships with Android 4.0 installed) and comes in a unibody gunmetal finish design with a thickness of 8.9mm while packing a 9.7-inch IPS screen for a wider viewing angle. Its display has an aspect ration of 4:3 and a resolution of 1024 x 768, which matches that of the iPad 2 but falls short of other high-end tablets out in the market. The tablet supposedly has a 10-hour battery life and comes with 4 built-in speakers on the back for stronger bass and sound quality, providing a better multimedia experience. No internal specs were given in the YouTube video, however, and the gadget hasn’t begun shipping yet nor do we know its price.

    You can view the YouTube video here http://youtu.be/__5DlnyEsy4 and see it for yourself.

    Transform your iPad 2 into a mini MacBook Pro

    Gadgets Team
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    Transform your iPad 2 into a mini MacBook Pro

    The iPad is like a more portable version of a laptop that still allows users to do most of their daily activities such as surf the internet, listen to music, watch movies, play games, capture pictures, take notes, prepare presentations, and make use of the nearly countless number of apps out in the market. Since many people would admit that they don’t really need to do much more than that, they opt to buy an iPad and realize that it’s a lot harder to type with a touch-screen software-keyboard.

    With that said, the NoteBookCase for iPad 2 virtually transforms the tablet into a mini MacBook Pro by adding a MacBook style keyboard, a full-size USB port, and an integrated battery that also charges your device. This is perfect for those who can’t afford a MacBook Pro but have an iPad 2. The case connects to the iPad 2 via Bluetooth and retails for about USD $75 (approximately Php 3,150).

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