Former Palm Chief Exec Jon Rubinstein has left HP, after fulfilling the 24 month commitment period that he signed when HP bought Palm in 2010. “Jon has fulfilled his commitment and we wish him well,” HP spokeswoman Mylene Mangalindan said. Rubinstein rose to fame in Apple after developing the iMac and PowerMac desktops before leading the charge with the iPod. Rubinstein left Apple in 2006 and joined Palm, and was instrumental in creating the Palm Pre and developing WebOS before being bought by HP in 2010. As for his plans, Rubinstein said, “I am going to take a well deserved break after four and a half years of developing webOS.” We don’t blame the guy – after the rough time he had at HP, he probably deserves all the rest he needs.
Twitter just came out with some disturbing news a couple of days ago: the microblogging site has announced that it will withhold content in certain countries, essentially censoring tweets. While the rest of the world will still see the offending tweet, users in the targeted country will not. The move by the hugely popular messaging site was unexpected, considering that the company has previously stated that “The open exchange of information can have a positive global impact. This is both a practical and ethical belief.” And that “From an ethical perspective, almost every country in the world agrees that freedom of expression is a human right. Many countries also agree that freedom of expression carries with it responsibilities and has limits.”
In a blog post called “The Tweets Still Must Flow”, the company states that content that is deemed inappropriate by a particular country can and will be withed locally, while appearing to the rest of the world. Twitter says that it will contact users whose tweets are affected. Mashable notes that the change comes after Twitter said it would be available in Arabic, Farsi and Hebrew and Urdu – languages that are associated with governments that have strict media restrictions.
While we’re sure that Twitter will try its best to maintain transparency when dealing with this particular issue, this change in its policy is huge. Many believe social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter were instrumental in letting the word spread in countries included in the Arab Spring uprisings like Egypt and Tunisia, that had state controlled media. With the new policy in place, Tweets from dissidents can now be blocked by governments, which takes away one of the principal weapons of protesters.
If you’re a hardcore gamer, chances are you have Valve’s digital content delivery system, AKA Steam, installed in your PC. Understandably, it was only a matter of time till the game developer/internet rockstars made a mobile version of their app available for mobile devices. Well, the wait is almost over. Currently in closed beta, the Steam mobile app allows users to buy games directly on their phone that they can then download and play later on their PC, as well as connect with friends and communities they already have on Steam. Unfortunately, while the app is now available in the Android Marketplace, if you’re not part of the people who are included in the closed beta, you won’t be able to access it. Don’t worry though – we have a feeling that Valve won’t let gamers waiting for long. Let’s just hope the release date isn’t based on Valve-time.
If you’ve balked at getting Smart’s NetPhone 701 because of the monetary commitment involved, you’ll be happy to know that the telco has cut the price of their NetPhone 701 to Php 4,999 from it’s original price of Php 9,900. No reason not to get it now we suppose, but we’re assuming that people who got it for the full price won’t be happy about the price cut. Interested? You can read our review of the NetPhone 701 here. If you made up your mind and want to get yours delivered straight to your door, you can order yours on Smart’s online store here.
We’re fresh out of Photoworld Asia, and guess what Sony has in store for budding photogs? Why, their Alpha NEX-5N, A65 and A77 of course. These three new interchangeable lens cameras give both amateurs and serious professionals the tools to take the perfect shot. Constructed out of magnesium alloy, the NEX-5N boasts a solidly constructed body with a relatively thin 23.3mm cross section. While the NEX-5N closely resembles its predecessor it boasts an upgraded megapixel count (16.1 megapixels from 14.2 megapixels), higher overall ISO (26500 from 12800) and a new BIONZ processor.
The A65 meanwhile boasts a 24.3 megapixel APS-C-sized Exmor HD CMOS sensor and an OLED EVF (electronic viewfinder). The A65 (and its bigger brother, the A77) uses a slighty different system than traditional DSLRs named Single Lens Translucent (SLT). In a traditional DSLR, the mirror has to swing out of the way when the user presses the shutter in order for the light to hit the sensor and the image to be taken. SLTs uses a translucent mirror that allows 70% of the light entering through the lens to pass through it directly to the imaging sensor, allowing it to take shots faster. But since there’s less light coming into the sensor, there’s the question of low-light performance issues – we didn’t have enough time to actually play with the A65 to see if the pictures suffered any ill-effects from the use of the new system.
The A77 is similar to the A65 as it’s the bigger, pricier model with a bunch of extras thrown in aside from the standard features that are present in the A65. It uses the same kind of sensor that the A65 uses (24.3 megapixel APS-C-sized Exmor HD CMOS) has a 19-point autofocus (AF) system and an absolutely gorgeous OLED electronic viewfinder. It’s also capable of blisteringly fast 12fps burst mode for subjects that are just too quick for other cameras.
HP has unveiled its pioneering education campaign that aims to help students achieve academic excellence through their imaging and printing technologies. Dubbed by the company as the A+ campaign, the firm hopes to make a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of students through a full roster of year-long, youth-enriching activities with the Department of Education-NCR. One of the major components of the campaign is Write&Read, a collaborative story-writing program that the company launched along with the A+ campaign yesterday at the Trinoma Activity center. Along with CNN Hero of the Year and Lakandula Award recipient Efren Peñaflorida, the Write&Read program aims to inspire creativity in Filipino students.
The unveiling also was an opportunity for HP to show off its Ink Advantage Printers and inks, which offer excellent print quality and value for money. For less than Php 400, students can buy ink that allows them to print homework, projects and other materials related to their studies.
Akai’s been rolling out one impressive product after another this year, beginning with the MPC Renaissance and Studio. But it seems as if they’re not done just yet.
Like other geeks, we love Minecraft. And unsurprisingly, we also love LEGOs. So it made sense that the two combine to make the most awesome toy ever made for geeks via LEGO’s CUUSOO page. LEGO CUUSOO, for the uninitiated, allows the community to pitch ideas to the LEGO team and if there’s enough community traction behind it, it eventually gets made into an actual thing. Here’s the official word from LEGO:
Happy New Year! Since the Minecraft™ project reached 10,000 supporters on LEGO CUUSOO, many of you have been eagerly awaiting our update. Until now, the project has been in the LEGO Review—a stage before product development begins where a LEGO Jury evaluates the idea’s feasibility as a product and makes a decision.
We’re happy to announce that the Minecraft project on LEGO CUUSOO has passed the LEGO review and we are now developing a concept that celebrates the best aspects of building with the LEGO system and in Minecraft and we can’t wait to show it to you—but we aren’t ready just yet. These things take time, so we appreciate your patience. More details are to come.
This means our favorite ABS construction toy will soon meet our favorite virtual construction game soon. Really soon. You better believe that we’ll let you guys know when these things are finally available for purchase.
If you’re a tablet owner, chances are you’ve affixed some kind of protective cover on it to help it withstand the rigors of daily use. Of course, that doesn’t guarantee that it won’t get damaged – slips and falls happen, especially if you have anything remotely similar to our butter covered hands. Electronics accessory company HELO wants to prevent your prized tablet from falling to the ground with an ingenious strap system that secures it to your hand while still allowing full 360 degree rotation. It also allows you to share the screen with other people while keeping a solid hold on the device. The HELOStrap is available in a variety of colors and retails for $19.95. There is currently no local retailer for the device, though you can buy one through Amazon if you really want one.
With its coral cover assessed to be in alarmingly poor condition, proponents of the Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP) have undertaken coral reef restoration efforts as part of its coastal resources management program.
In September 2011, the BBMP-Technical Working Group launched their coral reef restoration efforts with activities consisting of the establishment of coral nurseries, transplantation of coral nubbins on degraded reefs, and deployment of reef domes. Monitoring reports by the coastal and marine resources team headed by Mike Labatiao have reported encouraging results.
Mayor John P. Yap and other volunteers deployed the domes from the barge, which the divers then arranged underwater.
Earlier studies revealed that Boracay’s live coral cover had seriously deteriorated to only about 15-20%. In 2009, the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation Inc. (CCEFI) reported that coral conditions on the western side consisted of about 23% live coral, while about 77% were non-living. A Xavier University assessment of the eastern side in 2010 recorded 42% live coral cover, while a 2011 study of the southern side by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) indicated an alarmingly low 9% live coral cover.
Malay, Aklan Mayor John P. Yap
Through the initiative of the local government of Malay, Aklan, under the leadership of Mayor John P. Yap, and in close collaboration with Boracay Foundation Inc., Petron Foundation, San Miguel Corporation and other stakeholders, the Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP) focused on coastal resources management as one of its priority areas.
In particular, Petron partnered with Boracay Foundation Inc. to champion the reef rehabilitation program. In September 2010, a coral nursery using PVC nets was established near Crocodile Island. Another coral nursery, made of biotech screens, was planted at the Balinghai snorkeling area in May 2011. Coral nubbins from the nurseries were then transplanted and attached to dead coral to encourage regrowth and eventually restore live coral cover.
Mr. Mike Labatiao of the Boracay Foundation briefs the volunteer divers and lifeguards before the deployment of the artificial reef domes
Last January 17, 2011, ten multi-functional reef domes were deployed about 100-meters from the Boracay shoreline. Made from a mixture of cement and other organic materials, these slightly re-designed artificial reef domes not only serve as fish sanctuaries which help increase fish density, but also serve as wave breakers during typhoon season. Because of their utility, the BBMP-TWG is building more reef domes to be deployed along Boracay’s main beach area.
With its previous experience in the United Nations Development Programme’s Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) framework, Petron coordinated the local government initiatives of Mayor Yap to target seven priority areas under the BBMP. These include coastal resources management, water and waste water management, solid waste management, watershed protection, hazard prevention, local governance, and information, education and communication. With a strong partnership among stakeholders under the leadership of the local government unit, other partner agencies who actively contribute to the BBMP include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local agencies, non-government organizations, youth groups, and the business sector.
Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP) Volunteer divers and lifeguards
For a complete list of BBMP’s partners, please visit the For Boracay I Will Facebook page.
Tattoo@Home introduces its brand ambassador, Filipina supermodel Danica Magpantay (2nd from left). Photo shows (from left) Nikko Acosta, Broadband Business Head of Globe Telecom; Jurist Gamban, Head of Globe Telecom’s At-Home Broadband Business; and Dong Ronquillo, Head of the Nomadic Broadband Business of Globe.
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Tattoo, the flagship broadband brand of Globe Telecom, unveils its new line-up of broadband offers for consumers that offer superior and customizable speeds and the best value-for-money packages in the market today.
Using the most diverse array of broadband technologies in the country—Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), 4G WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and GPON (Gigabit-capable
Passive Optical Network)–Tattoo@Home provide stable and flexible connections that give families the best internet experience at home, from parents working or paying bills online, young adults downloading their favorite songs or movies to kids and teens doing research and expressing themselves in multiple ways online. The best part about Tattoo@Home is that the plans are customizable based on the subscribers’ unique needs.
For instance, Tattoo@Home Plan 1099, a DSL and landline bundle, runs of speeds of up to 1mbps. Plus, customers get free NDD calls forever (to Globelines and Globe DUO subscribers) and one month of speed boost for free. On the other hand, Tatttoo@Home Plan 1299 runs on speeds of up to 2 mbps and subscribers get free NDD calls forever (to Globelines and Globe DUO subscribers), one month of speed boost and a free WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) router.
Launching its greatest value for money and high-speed broadband plans for the whole family, Tattoo@Home also introduced Ford Supermodel of the World 2010 Danica Flores Magpantay as its newest brand ambassador.
Mobile World Congress is less than a month away, so you know what that means: rumor time! Today’s juicy tidbit comes from Russian Tech Blogger Eldar Murtazin on the eagerly anticipated successor to Samsung’s record breaking Samsung Galaxy S II, the aptly named Galaxy S III. The S III is supposedly landing in April, right after its official unveil at MWC. The blogger said that the S III will be sporting a quad-core processor, ICS, HD screen and a 12-megapixel camera, which to be honest, isn’t a surprise, seeing as these are the same specs that were being pranced about by other manufacturers back in CES. Still, if the rumors are true, it’s nice to know that Samsung is on the right track specs-wise, and we’re pretty sure that there’s going to be a lot of demand once the S III is officially unveiled.
It may seem like a no brainer, but it’s nice to hear nonetheless – Smart has said that they expect Smartphone use to rise sharply in 2012. Not exactly shocking news, but it seems to confirm a growing trend for consumers who are dumping feature phones and are snagging more smartphones. So what smartphone OS is rising in this country? Unsurprisingly, it’s Android – a series of one-day snapshots of Smart’s network taken from August to December showed Android increasing 300%, as opposed to its competitors BlackBerry 66% and iOS 62%.
“Our subscribers have responded very well to our attractive and innovative smartphone offers campaigns, particularly in the second half of the year. At the same time, our network modernization program which is far ahead of the competition, is already delivering a superior mobile internet experience to our subscribers today,” Smart Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando B. Vea said. “The growth of iOS is significant given that Smart started offering iPhones only last December 2011,” Vea adds.
We’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus to our shores ever since it was announced late last year. After Smart announced that they’ll be the exclusive carrier for Google’s latest ICS laden smartphone, we knew it was only a matter of time before it landed in our office. Well, today is the day. Samsung Philippines have delivered the Galaxy Nexus to our office today, and we are impressed.
First off, let’s start with the basics. Measuring at 135.5 x 67.9 x 8.9mm, it’s considerably larger than most typical 4.3-inch smartphones currently out in the market. And while it’s overall size is a bit larger than the norm, it’ll still fit in the palm of most people’s hands, unlike the truly monstrous Galaxy Note.
It It uses a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED display that has a resolution of 1280 x 720. To be honest, we’re smitten with the display of the Galaxy Nexus, and it’s not hard to see why – colors really just pop at you, and blacks are just truly black, not light gray. Powering the whole thing is a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, which is paired with about 1GB of RAM.
Of course the biggest star of the whole show is Android 4.0, better known as Ice Cream Sandwich. A lot has changed from the jump from 2.3 to 4.0, most notable of which is the disappearance of the four soft touch keys that are typically found at the bottom of Android devices. It’s been replaced by three keys (home, back, and running apps) that are built-in directly to the display. While this setup works well with the larger screened Galaxy Nexus, we’re not sure how this will work on devices with smaller screens once they’re upgraded to ICS.
Once you’re in the apps screen, swiping left will allow you to go through your app list until it runs out of apps to show, at which point it starts showing widgets you can embed into your home screen (complete with information on how much screen real-estate it’ll take up).
It sounds weird, but it works pretty well in practice.
Another nice feature we’re sure a lot of you will appreciate is the ability to monitor and cut-off data depending on the limits you’ve set – handy for preventing bill-shock.
That’s it for now. We’re sure we missed a lot of other features, but don’t worry, we’ll be doing a more in-depth review of the device once we get more time in. In the meantime, enjoy more photos of the Galaxy Nexus below along with comparison shots with the HTC Sensation XE and XL.
