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    Banana Boat AvoTriplex technology has got you covered all summer long

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    Since there’s no way of avoiding the sun’s rays especially this summer, enjoy guilt-free, outdoor fun by putting on protection. Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion offers that, and more, with every drop of their product.

    Formulated with AvoTriplex technology, a rub down of Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion offers the skin a three-tiered protection from harmful UV radiation. The benefits of applying Banana Boat Sunscreen are defense against sunburn with its UVB protection and against long-term skin damage with its UVA protection. It also lasts longer than ordinary sunscreen. Those are the facts that make Banana Boat Sunscreen lotions a cut above other sunscreen lotions in the market.

    Of course, there’s always the challenge of striking a balance between getting a good amount of sun and getting too much of it. Banana Boat addresses the challenge with different products that offer different levels of protection. With their core products of Banana Boat Ultra Protect SPF50 and Banana Boat Ultra Protect SPF80, the sunscreen doesn’t only protect, but also offers an invigorating dose of Aloe Vera, to hydrate your skin while protecting it.

    There is also the Banana Boat Sport SPF50 for the more active user. It offers non-greasy, sweat and water resistant protection. More extreme users, on the other hand, will find the Banana Boat Sport SPF110 ideal since it provides the highest level of lotion protection, blocking out 99 percent of harmful burning rays.

    The complete Banana Boat line is also designed to cater to the whole family. The Banana Boat Kids SPF50 ensures a mild and gentle, tear free protection, tested by pediatricians to be safe and effective for child.

    There’s certainly no escaping the sun this summer as the urge to explore the outdoors overpowers caution. Share an extra coat of care with your loved ones by introducing this complete and reliable partner in sun protection. Banana Boat Sunscreen lotion ensures that whatever the sport or the activity might be, we’ve got you covered!

    Asus EA-N66 ups your router’s range in style

    While wireless routers are a great addition to any home, there will be instances where even the magic of WiFi will be unable to penetrate the remote corners of your swanky home. Asus has the perfect solution for that particular first-world problem via the EA-N66, a stylish, dual-band wireless-N900 gigabit Ethernet adapter. It works in a variety of modes, acting as a wireless access point, repeater and as an Ethernet adapter. This dual-band Ethernet adapter uses two bands that helps you get the most out of your wireless network – a normal 2.4GHz band for normal applications, and a faster, more powerful 5GHz band for more data intensive applications, like HD streaming and video. The user-friendly interface helps you setup the EA-N66 without having to dig deep into the manual, which makes setup easy for the normal Joe. The EA-N66 retails for Php 5,990.

    Ozaki outs stylus equipped iPhone 4/4S protective case, the iCoat Finger

    Not getting compliments in your games of Draw Something? Well, here’s a nifty case that might help you get that extra leg-up in your games – the Ozaki iCoat Finger. It’s the first stylus-equipped protective case for the iPhone 4/4S, and aside from giving you a nice, stylish stylus to use in your games of Draw Something, gives your iPhone 4/4S a rugged exterior that’ll help it survive the rigors of daily life. The Ozaki iCoat Finger retails for Php 1,495, and comes in color combinations of black/yellow, red/white, yellow/black, and white/grey.

    Suzuki Philippines launches the Nex115 scooter

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    Just today, Suzuki Philippines officially launched the Nex115 scooter. The afternoon event held in Manila was hosted by brand endorser Ramon Bautista, as the new addition to the Suzuki family was unveiled during a performance of 6CycleMind, one of the country’s well-known bands. Executives of Suzuki Philippines were also highly involved as they gladly discussed the benefits of the newly released ride.

    The Nex115 boasts a whole wide range of features that make it more economical, convenient, sporty and affordable compared to other scooters out in the market today. Among some of these qualities are its fuel efficient CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), its newly designed cylinder fins and fans for increased engine cooling efficiency, its light hollow core mag wheels that give better riding performance and also contribute to fuel efficiency, and its light and compact front disc brake for reliable stopping power.

    Furthermore, it packs a pipe frame that gives a more stable and comfortable ride, a small lightweight muffler that has reduced noise and emission, a lighter power supply for increased fuel efficiency, a roller type rocker arm that reduces frictional losses, and a throttle position sensor that also helps fuel efficiency and prevents the carburetor from an oversupply of gasoline.

    It’s also got a comfortable foot board, a 4.5L compartment under the seat for stashing your things, a clear and stylish speedometer that’s visible in any riding condition, and a sleek and sporty looking headlight.

    The new scooter from Suzuki targets a whole wide range of people, including students, who want a convenient and affordable way to get around for their day-to-day activities. It has a price of Php 60,900 and can be had in green, pink, or white. You can visit http://www.suzuki.com.ph/ for more information.

     

    HTCSense.com undergoing renovation, will be shutting down

    If you’re an HTCSense user, listen up – HTC’s planning to revamp HTCSense.com’s functionality, and has announced that it’s shutting down the service to make it more awesome than it already is. If you’re wondering what’s going to happen to your data, the answer is simple – they’re deleting it. Of course, that’s not going to happen without the company offering your to download your data, which you’ll be able to do until April 30, 2012. After that, all your stuff on their HTCSense servers will be gone – kaput. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

    Source: HTCSense

    Huawei’s Honor smartphone rolling out to stores tomorrow, still has amazing battery life

    Huawei has just given us a heads up that their flagship Android device, the Honor, will be hitting dealers and retails stores now and will be available to purchase tomorrow. You’ll now be able to buy the Honor from major retail shops in and around Metro Manila, such as ePhone, Globotel, Mega Exchange, and MX MemoXpress. The Huawei Honor is a 4-inch, IPS-equipped smartphone that’s powered by a single core 1.4GHz Scorpion processor and a large, 1900mAh battery that Huawei says gives it an astounding battery endurance. You can check out our initial impressions of the Honor here. 

     


    NVIDIA hints at a $199 Tegra 3 powered tablet coming in summer

    Here’s some interesting news for people who are looking for cheap, powerful tablets – NVIDIA’s head honcho, Jen-Hsun Huang has said in a New York Times report that Tegra 3 can and is built cheaply enough that Android tablets as cheap as $199 may be heading to consumer’s way this summer. “We took out $150 in build materials, things like expensive memory,” he said. “At $199, you can just about buy a tablet at a 7-Eleven.” Though most people’s preferred tablet brand is Apple, a tablet priced at $199 (about Php 8700) would mean that there wouldn’t be much of a cost barrier when it comes to purchasing one. Currently the only Android device that approaches that price point is Amazon’s Kindle Fire, which runs a heavily modified version of the Android OS that uses a technically inferior dual-core 1 GHz Cortex-A9 processor.

    Source: New York Times

    Hyundai Elantra hailed as the 2011 – 2012 Car of the Year Philippines

    The Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) hailed a new successor to the Car of the Year title at last night’s awarding ceremonies held at the 8th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). The Hyundai Elantra bested a total of 36 nominees and 11 finalists, and is now the 2011-2012 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P).

    The Hyundai Elantra stood out not only amongst the vehicles in its class, but also above the rest of the entries for this year’s COTY-P. It ranked high in the Qualitative tests, where it was scored based on criteria such as aesthetics, comfort, and drivability, and was one of the top performers in the Technical test that evaluated the acceleration, braking, and handling characteristics of each vehicle, while offering great value for money. Presenting the award to the Hyundai Elantra once again proves that the title of Car of the Year Philippines is not for the fastest, cheapest, or most popular car in the market. Rather, it is an award for the car that offers best value to the consumers.

    Making history, this is the first time that a Korean automaker has won Car of the Year in Philippines, and is the Elantra’s fourth Car of the Year worldwide, winning the same title previously in Canada, North America, and South Africa.

    “The COTY-P award is well-deserved by the Hyundai Elantra and makes this the 4th COTY award received worldwide by the Elantra. The results are also a validation that CAGI’s COTY testing procedures are internationally up to par,” remarked CAGI President Ferman Lao.

    Aside from the prestigious Car of the Year title, there were also 11 category and special award winners recognized.

    2011 – 2012 Car of the Year Category Winners:

    Basic Subcompact Car Kia Picanto 1.0 M/T
    Subcompact Car Suzuki Swift 1.4 A/T
    Compact Car Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS A/T
    Crossover Kia Sportage 2.0
    Luxury Mid sized Car Volvo S60 T4
    Luxury Compact Crossover MINI Countryman S
    Midsize SUV 4×2 Mitsubishi Montero Sport 4×2 M/T
    Midsize SUV 4×4 Mitsubishi Montero Sport GTV 4×4 A/T
    Luxury SUV Ford Explorer V6 AWD
    Pickup 4×2 Mitsubishi Strada 4×2 A/T
    Pickup 4×4 Mitsubishi Strada 4×4 A/T

    Special Awards

    Standard Insurance Worry-Free Award Chevrolet Cruze Diesel
    BOSCH Technical Innovation Award My Ford Touch Sync (Ford Explorer)
    AAP Road Safety Award Volvo S60
    Papa J’s Best Value Award Kia Picanto 1.0 M/T
    Caltex with Techron Enjoy the Journey Award Nissan Teana 350XV
    Cartrige World iSwap iCare Award Suzuki Swift 1.4 A/T
    All Terra All Activity Vehicle Award Toyota Hilux 3.0G 4×4
    Victoria Court Most Spacious Award Foton MPX 2.8L CRDi Long Wheelbase
    Red Rock Travel Most Affordable Car Award Lifan LF320 M/T
    Speedlab Tuner’s Choice Award Hyundai Elantra 1.6 M/T
    Clark International Speedway Motorsports Award Tuason Racing School and Ford Group Philippines (TRS Cup powered by the Ford Fiesta)

    For eight years running, CAGI has recognized the best vehicles in the market, awarding the coveted title of Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) to the car with the best value for money for consumers. The COTY-P awards is an annual consumer-oriented event organized by CAGI, a non-stock, non-profit organization composed of more than 50 motoring journalists from various print, broadcast, and online media outlets.

    The 2011 – 2012 COTY-P awards is presented by the Manila International Auto Show and is supported by the Clark International Speedway, SpeedLab, Caltex Techron, Standard Insurance, BOSCH, Worldbex, Ortigas Home Depot, Automotive Association of the Philippines, Cartridge World, Papa J’s Witches n Wings, MG Madrid & Co., All Terra Cyclery,  Red Rock Travel, Life Line Ambulance Rescue, Winner Graphics, and Victoria Court with media partners Sunshine TV, Auto Extreme, Auto Review, Stoplight TV, Motoring Today, Auto Focus, 99.5RT, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Kotse.com, Motioncars.com, Autoindustriya.com, Sprocket.ph, MotorCycle Magazine, Gadgets Magazine, Speed Magazine, C! Magazine, Power Wheels, Top Gear Philippines, Business World, Business Mirror, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Standard Today, World News, The Philippine STAR, Daily Tribune, Malaya Business Insights, Manila Times, and The Manila Bulletin.

    Alcatel launches new smartphones in the Philippines

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    Alcatel Philippines just recently held an event to launch their new affordable smartphones under its One Touch series, namely the Glory X 918N and the Sapphire HD 995.

    The Glory X 918N is a dual-SIM smartphone that runs on Android Gingerbread with a 650MHz processor. It’s got a 3.2-inch capacitive touch screen, a 3-megapixel camera, 150MB of storage space, and a microSD slot. Its connectivity features include Wi-Fi, HSPA, Bluetooth 4.0, micro USB, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Also, its case is easily interchangeable and you get two different colors upon purchase.

    On the other hand, the Sapphire HD 995 is Alcatel’s new flagship gadget and also runs on Android Gingerbread but it has a 1.4GHz single-core processor and also Alcatel’s 3D UI launcher. Its touch screen is wider at 4.3 inches, and it has a 5-megapixel autofocus camera with 720p@30fps video recording capability. It comes with 1GB of storage and a micro SD slot capable of up to 32GB, while its connectivity features are pretty much the same as what’s on the Glory X 918N.

    The Glory X 918N sells for Php 6,199 and the Sapphire HD 995 sells for Php 13,999. You can visit http://www.alcatelonetouch.com/global-en/ for more information.

     

    Review: Samsung ST700

    By Michelle Callanta-Toledo

    A few months ago, my purse was stolen while I was at an anniversary party for one popular semi-underground indie bar. Now I didn’t mind that my wallet or even my banged up 3-year old phone with all of my contacts was in that purse. What hurt the most was to lose the camera my husband had given me two Christmases ago: a Samsung IT100. He’d gotten it for me after he learned that it was a camera I really enjoyed using (after having reviewed it earlier that year). Not only did I love that camera, my own sisters loved it too that they decided to make me the “official photographer” of all our nights-out. My one sister was so envious; she went off and bought herself a Samsung TL205.

    So when I was given the chance to review the Samsung ST700, I was absolutely excited to see what it could do. Being pleased with the results and performance of my last camera, I immediately (and perhaps, haphazardly) had high hopes for this model.

    Now you couldn’t exactly hold that against me especially once you open the box and see this incredibly chic and shiny camera sitting in it. As it is a DualView camera, the camera face is a mirror—one clear enough for you to check your own makeup with—and where you can find a 1.8-inch front LCD screen and comes with a 5x optical zoom lens starting at 26mm equivalent and a 16-megapixel sensor. At the back is a 3-inch LCD touchscreen with one home button at the bottom right-hand corner. On top is your Playback button, Power button, shutter with zoom, and F.LCD button to activate the front LCD for more accurate self-portraits. Hidden behind a right-hand side compartment is a USB slot for the charger and the AV as well as a slot for an HDMI cable. The bottom latch is for the lithium-ion battery and the 4GB microSD card (which the camera already comes with).

    But that’s as far as it goes when it comes to anything external. Everything else you can find inside the 3-inch LCD touchscreen. Press the Home button and you’ll find an array of features and functions, separated into four pages, if you will, which you slide to the left. The first page includes: Smart Auto, Program, Smart Movie, Self Shot, Children, Pose Guide, Album and Settings. The second page: Jump Shot, Movie, Scene, Vignetting, Beauty Shot, Magic Frame, Photo Editor, Photo Filter. The third: Movie Filter, Night, Palette Effect, Close Up, Simple Shot, DUAL IS, Slide Show, Voice Recorder. On the fourth is Magazine View.

    All these can be activated with just one touch. And with all of these intuitive features to fiddle with, you’re sure to be entertained and amused with all the kinds of shots you can take and how you want to present them. Of course, I went straight for the Beauty Shot function to see how Samsung could’ve possibly improved this God-send of a technology. Now if my old camera just had one setting for the Beauty Shot, this model allows you to adjust the Face Tone (brightness) and the Face Retouch (blur and “smoothness”), though I suggest you just keep both settings on high for quick and painless photo-editing results.

    Now I do have to admit that despite the intuitive interface and the pictures that came with each function (so you know what does what), I did have trouble getting around the camera via the touchscreen. I guess you can say that I’m not used to having to press and drag a screen using a significant amount of pressure. So maneuvering isn’t as quick as I’d like. But nevertheless, the Samsung ST700 can be an awesome digital camera to own, if you don’t mind man-handling it a little.

    Specifications:
    Megapixel count: 16-megapixels
    Zoom and optics: 5x zoom; optical x digital: 25x
    Physical Dimension: 99 x 55 x 20 mm
    Weight: 121g (without battery and memory card)
    Estimated battery life: Approx. 180 shots
    Memory used/internal capacity: External memory: Micro SD Card (up to 4GB) Micro SDHC (up to 8GB)

    What’s Hot:
     • DualView camera
    • Chic design

    What’s Not:
     • Touchscreen not as tactile
    • Lackluster functions and results

    Bottomline:
    For those who want amazing and accurate self-portraits as well as a break from your run-of-the-mill photo, the Samsung ST700 is your camera of choice.

    Buy Meter: 7.9

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

    Citibank launches Mobile Banking Apps for 24/7 banking services

    The country’s largest foreign bank recently unveiled a suite of Mobile Banking Applications for three platforms – Android, BlackBerry and iPhone.  Citibank’s latest move enables both its credit card and bank clients to access their accounts and complete a range of banking transactions using their preferred smartphones.

    “Technology has made banking services ubiquitous, resulting to unparalleled convenience. Our investment in these platforms is in line with our commitment to continue to drive innovation in the banking industry, where we already enjoy a strong track record of success,” related Sergio Zanatti, Consumer Business Manager for Citibank in the Philippines.

    In the 1990s, Citi pioneered 24×7 banking in the country with CitiPhone, giving its clients access to bank products and services via phone.  A decade later, it unveiled Citibank Online, its multi-awarded Internet platform.  Recognizing the popularity of mobile phone with Filipino consumers, Citi Mobile Banking was introduced in 2009, the first user-friendly and purely browser-based mobile banking solution.

    “This launch bolsters our claim that Citi services are available to our clients anywhere and anytime, now through whichever communication channel they prefer – be it landline or mobile phone, smart phone or Internet,” added Zanatti.

    The Mobile Apps allow bill payments, fund transfers, even Rewards points redemption.  But Zanatti expects users to welcome the new features that include instant access to Citibank offers, exclusive dining and shopping deals in nearby establishments or at a specific location, as well as bank branches and ATM locator in the Philippines and around the world.

    “We expect clients to be very excited about the real time offers that we can quickly upload and share with them using these Apps.  We are investing in the latest technology to deliver relevant offers to our clients, as and when they need them,” Zanatti said.

    To download the app on Android phones, go to the Marketplace application and search for Citibank Philippines. Select Citibank PH from the results list then click download. Once successful, the Citi Mobile icon will appear on the phone’s homescreen.

    For iPhone users, go to App Store and search for Citibank Philippines. Select Citibank PH then click install. The Citi Mobile icon appears on the homescreen after installation. This can also be installed in the iPod Touch.  All Citi Mobile Apps are free to use and download.

    Zanatti said as newer technologies are rolled out, banking becomes highly accessible and increasingly flexible for everyone. “Citi will be providing customers with the latest technology as we continue to enhance and facilitate service. We want to be the leading digital bank, here in the Philippines and elsewhere in the world.”

    Find your “dream job” with JobStreet Mobile App

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    The no. 1 job site in the Philippines can now be enjoyed on your mobile devices through the JobStreet Mobile App. Access thousands of jobs from different countries anytime, anywhere. No need to wait for your turn on the computer or rush to internet cafes. All you need are your 3G mobile phone and internet connection.

    Visit: www.jobstreet.com.ph/mobile-app to download the app for FREE

    The JobStreet Mobile App is currently available for the following devices: iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry.

    The main features available are:

    Search Jobs – Users may search for jobs based on job title, skill, or keywords. Users can configure the search criteria such as country, location, specializations, and position. They will be able to view the details of each job in the result list. Once one clicks an interesting job in the list the details of the job posting will be displayed in the job details view and the user will have the option of applying for the job.

    Browse Jobs – Users can browse for jobs by categories such as Accounting/Finance, Admin/Human Resource, Sales/Marketing, Computer/IT, Engineering and others. Users will be able to view the details of each job in the result list. Once one clicks an interesting job in the list the details of the job posting will be displayed in the details view and the user will have the option of applying for the job.

    Job Alerts (Personal job matching) – The Job Alerts will send updates and recommended job posts based on the Job Alert personalization the users previously set. One can receive 1) LiNa Job matches based on your set preferences and 2) Recommended Jobs by LiNa based on your profile.

    Save Jobs – After users view the job details from either the Search or Browse feature, they can save the job for future reference. Saved job posts can be viewed even while offline.

    Share – Users can share the specific job post with friends and family by clicking on the “share” button which will be sent through email with URL and Job title of specific job.

    Past Search / History – The application will keep track of previous search results together with the search criteria enabling users to repeat the previous search without entering the information again.

     

     

    PlayStation 4 Rumors

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    The Sony PlayStation 3 and the Microsoft Xbox 360 went on the market more than 3 years ago, and there hasn’t been any big console releases since then. If you’re waiting for the PlayStation 4 to be released, then you’ll be excited to know that there will be one, but not so pleased to know that it won’t ship anytime this year.

    According to reports, the PlayStation 4 is named “Orbis” and will offer no backwards-compatibility with PlayStation 3 titles. Supposedly, it will also have some sort of anti-used games measure. Users will be able to get the full Orbis games on Blu-ray disc or as a PlayStation Network download, and they’ll be locked to a single PSN account without being able to avoid it by remaining offline. This willthat users are forced to be connected to the PSN to boot up their games.

    Also, while gamers are free to trade in Orbis games, those who purchase a secondhand disc will be restricted to a limited trial mode or some sort of content restriction unless they pay a fee to unlock the full title.

    If you’re wondering what the specs of the Orbis will be like, the developers are planning for an AMD x64 CPU and an AMD Southern Islands GPU, which allows for a 4096 x 2160 resolution as well as 3D games at 1080p. So far, this is all that we’ve heard about the future console.

    Spend your summer profitably! Attend these free briefings for entrepreneurs

     

    The Department of Trade & Industry’s Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (DTI-BMSMED) is offering free briefing sessions for budding entrepreneurs.

    Scheduled every Tuesday from 1:30 to 4:00 PM at the BMSMED Training Room at the Trade & Industry Building along Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City, the briefing sessions for April and May are as follows:

    Apr 03
    BEST (Business Expense Savings Training) Game

    Apr 10
    The BMBE (Barangay Micro Business Enterprise) Law
    Integrated Business Licensing

    Apr 17
    Franchising and Food Cart Business Opportunities

    Apr 24
    Skills Training: Scents & Fragrances (Cologne, Perfume, Linen Spray)

    May 08
    How to be an Entrepreneur
    The BMBE (Barangay Micro Business Enterprise) Law

    May 15
    Managing Your Finances
    How to Enhance Your Business

    May 22
    How to Prepare a Business Plan
    Orientation on Shelf Life Testing and Nutrition Labeling

    May 29
    Product Trends and Design
    Expanding One’s Businesss Through Online Marketing

    For inquiries, contact DTI-BMSMED at telephone numbers 751.5076 or 897.1693 and look for Carissa Sapera, Imelda Gabriel, Edwin Pasahol or Corabeth Magkalas.

    Coffee, Tea, and Mobile Photography with CBTL and Xander Angeles

    This summer, passion and technology collide in one modish event, as The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf walks everyone through the ins and outs of the latest photographic technique that’s taken the world by storm—iPhoneography.

    Celebrate creativity and learn how you can immortalize inspiration or preserve life’s most beautiful moments—when you need it, where you need it—fashion photographer Xander Angeles teaches you how to take professional-looking images using your mobile phone or tablet.

    “This is an effort to put us at par with other countries,” shares Walden Chu, President of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. “Filipinos are one of the most creative races out there. And we at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf believe that the best way to let that creativity shine is to give everyone the skills they need to cultivate them—using methods and technologies that are very familiar and readily available to them.”

    And because a simple talk just isn’t enough for them, they decided to take Xander’s photography lesson up a couple of notches by turning it into a summer party that highlights some of life’s finest pleasures, including the brand’s latest summer offerings—Pineapple Vanilla Ice Blended and Pineapple Fru-Tea.

    “Our new summer drinks were created in such a way that it’s meant not just to complement the season, but improve everyone’s summer experience,” adds Chu. “We’re bringing summer to everyone with these two new drinks; even to those who can’t afford to leave their work for a vacation.”