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    Vision Petron recognized in Anvil Awards

    Petron Corporation received four Anvil Awards for its Vision Petron National Student Art Competition at awarding ceremonies held last 24 February 2012 at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel.

    The Anvil Award of Excellence was given for: (1) Vision Petron 11 Collaterals in the external publications category; and (2) Brushstrokes from the Heart: 365Day E-calendar in the digital-internet category.

    Lakbay Pinoy earned an Anvil Award of Merit for public relations programs directed at specific stakeholders – special interest groups category, while the Petron Wall Calendar 2011: Dynamic Partnerships received another Anvil Award of Merit in the external publications category.

    Vision Petron was the most eagerly awaited national student art contest and the Lakbay Pinoy contest theme garnered the biggest number of entries and number of school participation in 2011.

    Over the years, Petron Corporation has been a consistent recipient of the Anvil Award, recognizing its high level of excellence in the practice of public relations to promote public interest, good values, and real public service.

    The Anvil is awarded by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the country’s premier organization for public relations professionals, to outstanding PR programs and tools.

    Samsung’s DV300F lets you take great self-portraits that you can upload wirelessly

    We all know about Samsung’s front-facing cameras that help you take that perfect self-shot. Now Sammy’s updating that line by adding near instantaneous sharing of photos to your favorite social networks via Wi-Fi. The DV300F has all the features you’ve come to expect from Samsung’s 2View line of cameras which include an impressive 16 megapixel sensor, 5x Optical zoom, 25mm wide-angle lens and a secondary 1.5-inch LCD screen on the front of the camera that helps you shoot self-portraits with ease. The camera also comes with a multitude of shooting mode which turns the most boring photo-session into something special. The DV300F will retail for Php 9,990.

    Windows 8 Consumer Preview up for download

    Want to catch a glimpse of what Microsoft’s newest OS, Windows 8 will look like when it launches later this year? Well, you can head over to Microsoft’s Windows 8 Consumer Preview portal site to download the latest build of the next generation OS. It stands to reason that the latest version of Windows 8 would be more refined than the Developer Preview we saw a while back, with Microsoft promising a better overall experience, XBOX Live integration and the availability of the Windows store. Unfortunately, the version of the Consumer Preview being offered to the public will only work for x86 devices, though Microsoft has stated that they will be providing ARM based hardware with Windows 8 already installed to developers (which include chips made by Qualcomm and NVIDIA) to help them make apps for the soon to be launched OS.

    Source: Microsoft

    Nokia unveils Lumia 610: a Windows phone for the masses

    Thought that the PureView 808 was the only Nokia phone that caught our eye this past MWC? Far from it. Our attention was drawn to another recent release of the firm from Espoo this past week – the Lumia 610. While it’s far from being the hardware powerhouse that it’s bigger, Symbian toting, 41-megapixel sporting brother is, the Lumia 610 is possibly one of the most affordable Windows Phone 7 devices we’ve seen, and is slated to retail for about 189 Euros, or about Php 10,700 before taxes. Hardware-wise this device really doesn’t impress that much – 3.7-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen, 800 MHz processor, 5-megapixel camera and toting the latest version of Windows Phone 7 (Mango). Nokia says this little number should land around the second quarter of 2011.

    Ferrari and Maserati dealership opens in Taguig, launches two new models

    Autostrada Motore, Inc. has brought in Ferrari and Maserati into the country as it opened its dealership showroom at 32nd & 4th Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The ribbon cutting ceremonies, led by Mr. Wellington C. Soong, chairman and president of Autostrada Motore, Inc. formally made these italian supercars available to the Philippine market.

    Marc Soong, Executive Director for Ferrari; Simon Inglefield, Head of Region for Ferrari Asia Pacific Other Countries; Herbert Appleroth, President and CEO of Ferrari Asia Pacific; Wellington Soong, Chair and President of Autostrada Motore, Inc.; Gaetano Marino, Regional Sales Director for South East Asia Pacific of Maserati; and Jason Soong, Executive Director for Maserati

    The Ferrari 458 Italia unites functionality and style and assures optimal performance plus visual impact while continuing the classic Maranello 8-cylinder engine tradition but with outstanding fuel consumption and emission levels.

    The Maserati Granturismo MC Stradale on the other hand is regarded as the first street-legal Maserati car, being the first to be supplied with carbon-ceramic brakes and advanced electronics that minimize gearshift.  It is also the company’s first model to top 300 km/h and the first road-going car to sport a dedicated Race mode.

    Apart from these new models, the entire range will also be available as imported by Autostrada Motore, Inc. Drop by their showroom and drool over these beauties for yourself.

    EPSON wins 6 2012 iF Product Design Awards

    Epson’s product design has again been recognized by the highly regarded iF Product Design Awards 2012 at the official awards ceremony held in Munich, Germany last February 10.  Products across Epson’s range were selected for this year’s award, including its business projectors; label, receipt, airline boarding pass, retail and photo printers. These Epson products now carry the coveted iF logo.

     

    The Epson iF Design Award Winners are:

    Epson LabelWorks LW-300 / 400 Label Printer

    Epson ME Office 535

    Epson EB-W02 / W12 Projectors

    Epson Stylus Pro R3000 Photo Printer

    Epson TM-L500A Boarding Pass and Baggage Tag Printer

    Epson TM-H Series Receipt Printer with Cheque-Clearing Function

     

    Established in 1953, the iF (International Forum) product design award is today among the most important awards for innovative product design.  The Award attracts thousands of entries from various nations, and is judged by renowned experts.

    Hideto Nakamura, Country Manager of Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) commented, “Epson products are not only characterized by precision engineering and elegant style. Our global company goes the extra mile to emphasize usability based on scientific understanding of actual user situations. In every Epson product, we incorporate measures to reduce environmental impact and improve user flexibility through smart, compact designs. We are glad to receive the good news on the global accolade for Epson products. The iF Award certifies the depth and consistency of design excellence Epson offers to our customers.”

    The Epson TM-H Series Receipt Printer with Cheque-Clearing Function, the Epson ME Office 535, the Epson Stylus Pro R3000 photo printer and the EB-W12 projector are already available in the Philippines. The Epson LabelWorks LW-300 / 400 Label Printer and the Epson TM-L500A Boarding Pass & Baggage Tag Printer will also be launched in the Philippines within the first half of 2012.

     

    Tascam iM2 Stereo Condenser Microphone for your iOS device

    Tascam is celebrated in the professional audio industry for having provided the world with high-quality audio recording equipment for the past three decades. So when the company made the iM2 digital recorder that attaches to iOS devices, we knew it wasn’t just a toy. The iM2 turns an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch into a high-quality stereo recorder, providing it with a pair of condenser microphones that are of the same class as Tascam’s best-selling DR-series recorders. The gadget plugs into the dock connector of your Apple device and allows you to record stereo CD quality (44.1kHz PCM) wave files.


    The iM2 works well with pretty much every recording app including your device’s video camera, which means you can take videos with hi-definition stereo sound. The microphone level is adjustable using a knob on the side of the unit so you can record at the right volume whether the source is soft or loud. It can handle up to 125dB sound levels and contains a stereo limiter for taming sudden loud sounds, which means that you can capture even the loudest concerts without distortion. The iM2 has its own microphone preamp and analog-to-digital converter that is way better than what comes with your iOS device, so your recordings will have lower noise and superior sonic clarity.

    The twin microphones are adjustable over 180 degrees so you can point them to a desired subject, which adds the needed flexibility in many situations such as recording interviews and podcasts. It’s powered through the dock connector so there’s no need for batteries or charging, and it even includes a USB input so that you can charge your iOS device while the iM2 is attached. The Tascam iM2 is at its best when partnered with its accompanying PCM recording app that has similar controls as Tascam’s range of pro-class audio recorders. The iM2 sells for USD $79.99 (approximately Php 3,360).

     

    NECA is making a life-sized Portal gun replica, GLaDOS still hates you

    There have been Portal gun replicas made in the past, but most of those were one-off affairs, only fit to be held by people who have intolerable amounts of money. But now figure maker NECA is making a limited production of the iconic Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device that you can buy and claim as your own. The replica will start making its way to toy stores in April, though we’re pretty sure it’s only going to show up in the US and other territories. The replica is has both orange and blue LED lights and have the sounds to go with it and is powered by 3 C batteries. Best part is that it’s not going to cost an arm and a leg – NECA says it’ll be available for less than 200 in the US, though no solid price have been made available. All that’s left now is making your own GLaDOS potato fig to go with it.

    [album: https://gadgetsmagazine.com.ph/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/[email protected]/Portal 2/]

    Source: NECA

     

    iPad 3 official unveil is on March 7

    Finally we have a date for the big iPad 3 unveil – March 7 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco. And while we won’t be able to cover it live (living thousands of miles away does that) we’ll still be able to give you guys what we think of it through the power of livestreams and blogs. We can finally find out which one of the iPad 3 rumors were true and which one were figments of an overactive imagination.

    Source: Engadget

    3 Audio-Technica headphones that will break the bank

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    Audio-Technica is a well known and respected brand in the world of professional and consumer audio products for their industry-standard microphones, headphones, and wireless systems. Although the company offers a lot of affordable means to enjoy stellar sound quality, here are some headphones that will empty your wallets.

    First on list is the Audio-Technica ATH-W3000ANV. These beautifully designed closed-back dynamic headphones are built for the most critical of audiophiles. It features a traditional Echizen lacquer-finished housing made from quality Hokkaido Asada Cherry hardwood, while its driver unit includes high magnetic Permedeur material to create a low distortion magnetic circuit. These cans deliver a delicate and detailed performance through its super high quality OFC-7N Bobbin-wound voice coil, while its large 53mm speaker drivers with a strong magnet enable a spectacular wide range reproduction of sound and a 5 – 42,000Hz frequency response. Its lightweight magnesium frame suppresses unnecessary vibration during use, while its made-in-Spain lambskin ear pads guarantee the utmost comfort for long listening sessions. Yes, that all sounds spectacular, but these headphones can only be had for a very steep price.


    Audio-Technica ATH-W3000ANV

    Php 67,499.00

     

    Next on the list are the ATH-PRO500MK2 closed-back headphones, which are an ideal tool for professional DJs. These cans sports a shock resistant elastomer frame and a hand grip design for DJ play, as well as a folding design for compact storage and portability. The ear pads have a 50/90 degree swiveling capability that makes it ideal for the monitoring needs of DJs. Packing high performance 53mm speaker drivers, these headphones also sport a screw-on detachable 3.0m coiled cord, while 2 types of cables are included for different usages. Delivering a wide frequency response and the proper impedance needed for DJ use, music listeners of all types will surely enjoy these headphones as well, and they can be purchased in either red or black.

     

    Audio-Technica ATH-PRO500MK2

    Php 10,999.00

     

    Lastly, we have the popular ATH-M50s/LE closed-back dynamic headphones that are ideal for professional audio mixing and mastering due to its detail and accurate and flat reproduction of sound. To achieve this, they feature proprietary 45mm large-aperture speaker drivers with neodymium magnet systems. These headphones also sport a collapsible design to help with portability and storage, a specially designed 6.3mm gold-plated wooden plug with the Audio-Technica 50th Anniversary logo, and cushioned ear cups to ensure comfort during long hours of use.

    Audio-Technica ATH-M50s/LE

    Php 9,999.00

     

    AntiGravity Aerial Yoga: Zen-like suspension

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    First-timer Michelle Callanta-Toledo in the “Chandelier Pose” [digital artwork by Benjamin Arnold

     

    Now all of this may seem intimidating especially since you’re suspended in the air with what is still essentially a piece of cloth (despite its amazing strength as an AntiGravity Hammock can hold up to 1000lbs.), but there is something very alluring and beautiful about how the poses look and are executed. (Think singer Pink’s performance at the Grammy’s). It’s almost reminiscent of how you used to play on the monkey bars and you’d flip over bravely, knowing you wouldn’t break your neck (and still look really cool doing it). Perhaps the apprehensions come with age. In my case, though there was the anxiety of falling off (if only a short distance off the floor) I was more afraid of looking completely ungraceful and utterly foolish. But if you’re determined, and if you listen carefully to your instructor, you’ll find yourself defying the very laws of gravity and strengthening your very core as well.

     

    Find out more about AntiGravity Yoga in our March issue out in stores now.

     

     

    Globe announces integrated billing for BlackBerry App World


    Not all releases in this year’s MWC are about phones. Partnerships about backend services are just as important as the latest quad-core smartphone. Today Globe has announced that it has partnered with RIM to deliver integrated app billing to purchases made using the BlackBerry App World. The new service will now allow users to buy apps and charge them to their postpaid or prepaid account. Previously, the only way to buy apps from the BlackBerry App World was to use a credit card, something that not all pinoys posses. The new service is expected to roll out in the second quarter of 2012.

    “Integrated billing will make it easier than ever for our subscribers to purchase apps for their BlackBerry smartphones,” said Peter Bithos, Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business. “Through the secure billing system interface, we are able to provide our subscribers a convenient and worry-free way to purchase premium content on BlackBerry App World without the need for a credit card or direct cash payments. The cost of apps purchased from the app store will be charged to their postpaid phone bill or from their prepaid credits. We are delighted to enable this new level of flexibility and convenience in purchasing BlackBerry apps for our customers.” 

    Roland SPD-SX sampling pad: An ideal tool for music production

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    The Roland SPD-SX is currently the company’s most advanced sampling percussion pad. This piece of gear is an exceptionally flexible tool for music production that includes a backlit LCD screen and 9 highly responsive velocity-sensitive pads (two of which are triggered on the edge of the unit). Each pad has an LED indicator, and the hardware comes packed with tons of sounds that can be passed through a number of effects, including 21 master effects, an equalizer, and 40 kit effects. You can also use your own samples as the machine comes with 2GB of internal memory for up to 3 hours of onboard sampling.


    What separates the SPD-SX from other pads is its ability to make sampling external audio incredibly easy. Users just have to route a signal through the 1/4” inputs or via USB from a computer and touch a pad at the desired start and end points in order to capture a perfect loop. If you have a turntable, the SPD-SX makes it extremely effortless to sample from vinyl whenever inspiration hits you. These can then be kept on the machine’s memory for use in live gigs, or you can record your performance straight to your computer’s recording software.

    The SPD-SX can also be used as a midi controller if you just want to have that hardware feel when triggering samples on your software samplers, drum machines, virtual instruments, and other music programs. Due to the large size of the pads and the inclusion of edge pads, this pad sampler was actually designed to be triggered using drum sticks, although it’s not necessary.

    The SPD-SX sells for about USD $799 (approximately Php 33,560). You can visit www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.php?ProductId=1177 for more information on this product.

    Smart and WAC: enabling payments, empowering developers

    You’re at a store and see a shoe you like. Unfortunately, your last late night drinking session has utterly drained whatever remained of your meager salary and through a series of unfortunate (yet hilarious) series of events, you do not have a credit card. What you do have though, is an Android phone, a Smart account and an app called Shoephoric that allows you to post the shoe you want online to other users and more importantly, make them pay for it using their load. A few rounds of begging/cajoling of your friends later, you now have enough dough to buy the shoe that you like.

    This isn’t fiction – the entire scenario above is completely plausible and more importantly, is now a reality, thanks to Smart and the Wholesale Applications Community, more commonly referred to as WAC. WAC in a nutshell, allows seamless interoperability of software, digital products, and services for mobile devices. Smart is one of the members of WAC, which include other operators around the world like AT&T, NTT DOCOMO and SK Telecom. What WAC and by extension, the WAC NAPI enables is in-app operator billing – which is fancy talk for allowing people to pay for goods, services and other things using their mobile load from apps, like the Shoephoric app we mentioned earlier.

    What’s nice about WAC is that other operators around the world (that uses it) can use it and send funds through apps like Shoephoric. For example, you had a relative in the US using AT&T and she saw your cry for help in buying shoes. She can then send funds using her AT&T account to help you purchase the shoes that you want, all without going through a separate billing portal. She just clicks and away she goes.

    And from what we’ve been hearing from Smart, this is just the beginning. As other devs catch wind and create their apps with the WAC NAPI, the list will start growing. What’s nice about the WAC NAPI is that it allows devs to monetize their apps not just in the Philippines, but across a large swath of operators – code once, deploy everywhere. Soon you’ll be able to buy gadgets, in-game items and almost everything else using your load, without the use of a credit card. Wouldn’t that be just awesome? Check out the screenshots and videos of some more WAC NAPI enabled apps below.

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

    Gadgets Magazine gets its GAME ON this March

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    Time to put your game faces on as Gadgets Magazine brings you its Gaming Issue out in stores now! Read up on the latest games available out in the market be it for your PC, console, or phone, and perhaps even get inspired to be play your favorite hero in real life. As our quirky and lovable covergirl Krista Kleiner shares, “If gamers implement the positive feelings given to them when playing and their noble intentions of conquering challenges into their real lives, gaming can help individuals to continue to improve themselves and conquer real life challenges. Also, gaming is a fun way to learn how to trust and cooperate with other people to achieve a goal, which is a great life skill.”

     

    Grab your copy of the March issue!