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    Nokia Asha 202 now shipping in the Philippines

    Gadgets Team
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    Nokia Asha 202 now shipping in the Philippines

    Heads up, lovers of all things dual-sim’ed and affordable – Nokia has told us that their Asha 202 feature phone has just gone on sale all over the country. If you’re wondering what an Asha 202 is, well, let us refresh your memory, dear readers – it’s a compact feature phone made by Nokia that’s capable of handling two sims at the same time yet can still deliver a pleasurable web browsing experience by compressing the data efficiently via Nokia’s web browser. The new device also comes pre-loaded with games like Need For Speed The Run and Bejeweled. The Asha 202 is priced at an affordable Php 3,550.

     

    Skyrim Dawnguard trailer is now up

    Gadgets Team
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    Skyrim Dawnguard trailer is now up

    Finally, a month after Bethesda announced that they would release the first add-on for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the official trailer for Skyrim Dawnguard is now up on the web.

    The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an open-world action-fantasy RPG and the fifth installment in The Elder Scrolls series, which was first released way back in 1994. At Skyrim, you can take on challenging quests and embark on an adventure in mystic lands.

    The Dawnguard add-on features a vampire lord who seeks the Elder Scrolls in order to obtain its powers to bring forth darkness on earth so that he and his fellow vampires can roam the earth without burning. You have the option to team up with these creeps or with their hunters–the Dawnguard.

    Bethesda, publisher of The Elder Scrolls series, refers to Dawnguard as an add-on or an expansion pack, not a DLC. Dawnguard will be available within the next couple of months for Xbox 360. The PC and PS3 versions will be released 30 days after it goes live for Xbox users. It is worth 1600 Microsoft Points or $20.

    Below is the Dawnguard trailer, and from the looks of it, we have a lot to look forward to.

    PS Vita gets a YouTube app

    Gadgets Team
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    PS Vita gets a YouTube app

    Owners of the PS Vita will be happy about this news, and those considering getting one might have yet another reason to do so. Sony has apparently announced that in addition to its Facebook and Twitter apps, it will also be getting a YouTube app by the end of the month. Since the Vita’s built-in browser can’t handle Flash or HTML5, users are currently unable to watch YouTube videos on the device. Indeed, it seems the console’s large 5-inch touchscreen would be a great place to surf YouTube while on-the-go. Unfortunately, there aren’t much details yet about the news.

    Agent 47 is back

    Ren Alcantara
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    Agent 47 is back

    The strong, silent wetworks specialist 47 is back for the fifth installment of the Hitman franchise. Dubbed “Hitman: Absolution,” the game will take a different story path from past Hitman games. Where once 47 was out on the hunt, taking contracts, this script has him on the run, and struggling to uncover the truth behind the betrayal that cost him his livelihood, and the reason everyone is out to get him.

    Along with changes to the heart of the story, gameplay will be a little different from the previous titles. There is more of a focus on action and shooting, but the game does its part to help the player along, with bullet time-esque abilities and a skill that allows 47 to see the predicted path of patrolling characters. Despite the greater focus on action, however, the developers were careful to say that series veterans will not be disappointed. They have made sure that there are still ways to achieve the ultimate rank of “Silent Assassin,” as in the earlier titles, and that there is still enough openness in the game environment for players to be creative with their hits. The fun starts on the 2oth of November, so start stretching your trigger fingers, and head over to www.hitman.com for more teaser-trailers.

    First Impressions: Fanny Wang 3001

    Gadgets Team
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    First Impressions: Fanny Wang 3001

     

    One of the high-end headphone models from a company called Fanny Wang came into our office just recently—the 3001 Over Ear Headphones with Active Noise Cancelling. We don’t have its exact SRP in the Philippines yet, but according to internet sources it belongs somewhere in the somewhat pricey US $400 range (about Php 16,800).

    First and foremost, the headphones’ build and construction is very high-quality—everything from ear cushions to ear cups to headband to overall design. The 3001 is slightly bulky and a little on the heavy side with circular ear cups (as opposed to oblong-shaped ones) that make the headphones even larger. The headband is wide and sturdy as well as collapsible and adjustable. What really struck me upon first inspection, however, is its unique rubber matte exterior with a texture design that is supposedly unique to Fanny Wang. The headphones were incredibly comfortable to wear and probably the most comfortable ones I’ve ever tried.

    The package came with a detachable cord that featured a microphone, a remote control panel, and a Duo Jack to allow another person to plug in their headphones and listen to the same music. It also came with two AAA batteries that needed to be loaded into the right ear cup in order to power the active noise cancelling and the bass boost. Other accessories included were a hard foam carry case and some audio adaptors.

    That’s all we’re going to leave you with for now. If you want to know what we thought of its sound quality and its active noise cancelling and bass boost features, you’ll have to catch our upcoming review in the July 2012 issue.

    Google introduces Chrombox, the first Chrome OS desktop

    Gadgets Team
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    Google introduces Chrombox, the first Chrome OS desktop

    Introducing the Chromebox—Google and Samsung’s new desktop computer based on Google’s cloud-based operating system called Chrome OS that provides only access to the web and nothing else. It features the same cloud-centric focus as last year’s Chromebooks except in a compact desktop configuration where you’ll need to connect your own mouse, keyboard, monitor, and such. You can also attach external HDDs via USB for additional storage.

    Compared to the original Chromebooks, the Chromebox has better performance featuring an Intel Celeron 1.9 Ghz processor, 4 GB f RAM, a 16 GB Solid State Drive (SSD), 6 USB ports, Bluetooth, an on-board mono speaker, Wi-Fi, 1 DVI port, and 2 display ports that can handle two high-resolution monitors at once. It might not be much, but keep in mind that Chrome OS is a light-weight operating system and most of the work and storage is carried out in the cloud.

    The device measuring only 19 x 19 x 3.3 cm and weighing 1.2 kg is available for US $329 (about Php 13,800). Google and Samsung also introduced a more powerful Series 5 550 Chromebook that costs US $449 for the Wi-Fi model and US $ 549 for the 3G-enabled model.

     

    Humble Indie Bundle V assembles indie game bestsellers, best bundle ever

    Gadgets Team
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    Humble Indie Bundle V assembles indie game bestsellers, best bundle ever

    Hey, remember the Humble Bundle? That fantastic gaming bundle where they bring you awesome indie games at the price you set? Well, it’s back, and it’s bringing along indie game hard hitters to play. The current bundle includes titles like Amnesia: Dark Descent, Psychonauts, LIMBO, Superbrothers: Sword and Sorcery EP. If you beat the average price (which is at $7.55 right now), you’ll also be getting the amazing platforming game, Bastion. You’ll also be getting the awesome soundtracks of said with your purchase, along with the warm, fuzzy feeling of helping out gamers as your purchase also help out the EFF and Child’s Play, a charity for gamers by gamers. So what are you waiting for, go check it out now.

     

    More teasers from Asus for COMPUTEX, dual-boot tablets, possible dual-touchscreens?

    Gadgets Team
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    More teasers from Asus for COMPUTEX, dual-boot tablets, possible dual-touchscreens?

    It’s two days before June 4 kiddies, and Asus has once again decided to tease some of the features of the products that’ll come out in COMPUTEX. The firm has outed two teaser videos that we’ve conveniently linked below. The first one is pretty easy to guess – they’ll probably release a dual-booting tablet (or notebook, which doesn’t seem likely) that will be able to use Android and Windows 8, as both will be able to run on ARM chips that modern tablets favor. The second one is much tougher, maybe a dual-touchscreen layout for a notebook or hybrid device? Maybe an ultrabook that has a capacitive screen on the back to make it double as a tablet? Don’t worry folks, we’ll be there once they make the unveil, and will be liveblogging the event so you won’t miss out.

    Source: Asus

    Review: Alcatel One Touch 990

    Gadgets Team
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    Review: Alcatel One Touch 990

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

    By Roni Callanta

    Almost everyone I know has a Facebook and/or Twitter account. Nowadays, it is all about being able to manage your social networking sites right at the palm of your hand. And that’s where the smartphone sashays right in.

    Sporting a seemingly similar physique to the iPhone, the Alcatel One Touch 990 catches your eye with its sleek and stylish exterior. Quite an impressive look to a brand that is fresh in the smartphone game.

    Packing Android 2.2, WiFi, HSDPA connectivity and a 3.5-inch capacitive screen, the smartphone allows you to display images with large and sharp resolution (320×480).

    Photo and video-taking are made convenient with its 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and autofocus, and an additional sensor on the front for video conferencing.

    Not only does the One Touch 990 have similar exterior features to the iPhone, but it also has almost the same interface—navigation is made just as easy with a few swipes of your thumb from top to bottom, left to right.

    The One Touch 990 packs your basic smartphone necessities such as Google Chrome, (Opera Mini – surf the Internet with Google Chrome and Opera Mini browsers), instant messengers, push e-mail and various social networking sites, as well as an FM radio and an assisted GPS.

    With only 200 MB of internal memory space, packing the smartphone up is only made possible with a microSD card slot that can carry up to 32GB.

    Despite the Alcatel One Touch 990 being relatively new in the smartphone business, it gets the job done when it comes to your browsing, Facebook and Twitter needs.

    SPECIFICATIONS
    Operating System: Android Froyo 2.2
    CPU: 600 MHz processor
    LCD Size: 3.5” capacitive touch 262k
    Resolution: 320 x 480
    Physical Dimensions: 116 x 62.2 x 12.2 mm
    Weight: 140g
    Band: 2G – GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, 3G – HSDPA 900 / 2100

    WHAT’S HOT:
    Similar iPhone physique and interface
    Optical trackpad
    Reasonably priced
    Facebook button for easy share

    WHAT’S NOT:
    Faulty touch-sensitive controls
    Lags on command
    Small touchscreen keypad

    BOTTOMLINE:
    The Alcatel One Touch 990 displays your basic needs in social networking sites at a reasonable price.

    BUY METER:  8


    Google announces possibility of .google domain name

    Gadgets Team
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    Google announces possibility of .google domain name

    Slashgear and Ad Age report that Google is currently submitting applications for more than 50 top-level domain names (TLDs) at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to enhance the diversity of the web space.

    A TLD is basically an Internet domain name extension placed at the end of a web address. The most common suffix is, of course, the .com. Google predicts that in four years, nearly half of the world’s population will be under the .com category. Because of this, they fully encourage expansion in the variety of domain name extensions to provide more diversified options and possibilities. ICANN opened its doors in 2008 for new generic TLD, and Google has seen this as an opportunity to expand the business and change the face of cyberspace.

    According to a statement by Google, they are currently applying for the approval of at least four main categories of TLDs. The first category is for their trademarks, such as .google. The second is for their core business, including .docs, which will be associated to the Google Docs. Third is for domains that, in Google’s opinion, will amplify user experience. An example of this is .youtube, which could possibly provide easier access to content on YouTube. Finally, Google is also applying for domain extensions that they consider to have interesting possibilities, like .lol.

    What’s exciting about this is that it not only paves the way for an improved user experience, but also for more business opportunities on the web. There is a possibility that these new domain names could enhance website visibility, although currently, .com extensions are still being prioritized in search engine results. But with Google leading the way in the introduction of new generic TLDs, the potential has just gotten bigger.

    Source of photo: here.

    Gigabyte Announces the World’s Lightest Notebook

    Ren Alcantara
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    0
    Gigabyte Announces the World’s Lightest Notebook

    Believing that a notebook can never be too light, Gigabyte has just released the 975-gram X11. This little device sports a 128-GB SSD, a USB 3.0 port, and Intel’s Ivy Bridge processor. Gigabyte managed this amazing weight-saving feat by using extremely light carbon fiber for the X11’s shell. Along with the huge reductions in weight that carbon fiber brings, it also makes for a superbly tough laptop, which the manufacturer touts as being several times tougher than devices trimmed in other, less awesome materials. To add a little eye-candy and ensure this heavy-hitting featherweight lasts, Gigabyte chose to build the X11 with a sturdy aluminum hinge, which they assure is capable of handling the stress of opening and closing tens of thousands of times. The entire package is a sleek 3.5mm at the thinnest point, and 16.5mm at the thickest. No word on pricing just yet, but if the idea of owning the lightest laptop in existence has your attention, head over to www.gigabyte.com for more info and drool-worthy pics.

    Review: Samsung Series 5 Ultra

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Review: Samsung Series 5 Ultra

    It’s easy to find ultrabook nowadays that promise performance in a thin and light package. Its way harder to find an ultrabook that has both, and can be realistically purchased by mortal men. Samsung’s Series 5 Ultra is one such ultrabook, and combines performance and portability in a package that most of us can afford.

    Externally, the Series 5 Ultra isn’t as attractive as other ultrabook designs currently out in the market today. That doesn’t mean it’s not nice to look at – far from it – but it does feel a bit bland, considering the folks that made it are also behind the design of the Series 9, a notebook that some say was the first ultrabook before the category ever existed. The Series 5 Ultra sports a metallic gray finish all around, with Samsung’s logo tastefully emblazoned on the middle right side of the lid. Unlike other ultrabooks, the material used in the 315 x 218 x 14.7mm chassis is simple plastic, not aluminium or carbon fiber. The Series 5 Ultra weighs in at around 1.4 kilos.

    To be fair to the Series 5 Ultra, the chassis is solid as a rock, and while it doesn’t use exotic materials or plastics, the notebook still looks impressive in its own right. Build quality is top notch, and there is little to no flex, a surprise since it’s using an all plastic body.

    Open the lid and you’ll see a bright, 13.3-inch 300 nit HD LED SuperBright screen sporting a resolution of 1366 x 768. The keyboard is unsurprisingly an island-style deal, and has a good amount of separation and travel.

    The trackpad isn’t anything special, though one thing we appreciated was that the buttons had physical separators for the left and right mouse buttons. There’s also a large number of ports available – 3 USB (with one being USB 3.0), Ethernet, HDMI (one full size, one micro HDMI) and a universal card reader.

    Powering the entire thing is an Intel Core i5-2467M processor running at 1.6GHz, paired with 4GB of RAM. Sharp eyed readers may notice that the processor listed is a previous generation Sandybridge processor, and not the latest 22nm Ivy Bridge processors that Intel recently launched. The Series 5 Ultra has a small, 16GB SSD drive where the OS sits to facilitate faster boot times, as well as a larger, 500GB HDD for general storage duties.

    Performance-wise, the Series 5 Ultra did okay. It’s not about to set new speed records because of the processor and HDD storage, but its overall performance is pretty good, especially for users looking for a notebook that can do most day-to-day tasks. You’re looking at a 20-25 second boot time, and a near instantaneous 1-2 second wake from sleep. When we ran 3D Mark ’06, we got a respectable score of 3230. Battery life is around 5.5 hours with normal use, which would probably stretch to 6 if you toned down the brightness of the screen.

    We do have slight issues with the device, chief of which is its overall thickness. While it’s 14.7mm at its thinnest point, the Series 5 Ultra is 17.5mm at its thickest, which makes it a bit thicker than competing brands. The middling performance might also be a bit of an issue to power users.

    Amid all of those issues, there’s one thing you do need to keep in mind – its price. The Samsung Series 5 Ultra might be a bit thicker and a bit slower than its contemporaries, but the upside is that it’s also a lot cheaper – the unit we reviewed retails for only Php 44,900, which is a few thousand bucks cheaper than other ultrabooks currently out in the market today.

     

    What’s Hot:

    Large storage for an ultrabook

    Plenty of connections

    Excellent keyboard and trackpad

    Affordable

     

    What’s Not:

    Thicker than other ultrabooks

    Middling performance

     

    Bottomline:

    It may not be prettiest or the fastest, but the Samsung Series 5 Ultra might just very well be your next ultrabook.

     

    Buymeter: 4

     

    Tech Specs:

    • Screen Size: 13.3-inch 300nit HD LED SuperBright screen, 1366 x 768 resolution
    • Memory: 4GB DDR3
    • CPU and chipset: Intel Core i5-2467M processor, 1.6GHz
    • Physical Dimensions: 315 x 218 x 14.7mm
    • Warranty: 1 year warranty on parts and labor

    Gadgets magazine supports the Ateneo Varsity Bowling Team

    Press Release
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    Gadgets magazine supports the Ateneo Varsity Bowling Team

    400 Frames Of Summer: Ending the season in a rich competitive spirit

    CLICK TO ENLARGE

    As the season comes to a close, the Ateneo de Manila University Varsity Bowling Team holds one last tribute to summer with 400 Frames Of Summer, a 2-day weekend bowling marathon and charity bowl. The event will bring together individual bowlers and bowling teams from various institutions, schools, and companies in a friendly competition that serves as a bonding fellowship and social avenue. While the marathon will showcase bowling as a rich competitive sport for the youth, the charity bowl aims to raise support for benefit of the Ateneo Scholarship Foundation.

    In the spirit of sportsmanship and athletic excellence, the Ateneo Varsity Bowling Team would like to invite all amateur bowlers and bowling enthusiasts to the team’s annual flagship event, to be held at E-Lanes, along Ortigas Avenue in Greenhills, San Juan City.

    400 Frames Of Summer will be held in two parts – the bowling marathon on June 9, Saturday from 12noon onwards, and the charity bowl on June 10, Sunday from 9am onwards. This event is open to all amateur bowlers, young and “young-at-heart” alike. Interested parties may contact Kat Tiu at 0917-5855838.

    400 Frames Of Summer is supported by COL Financial Philippines, Mann Hann Restaurant, Blaupunkt Personal Audio, Central Corrugated, Gadgets Magazine, Garnier Philippines, NexTrade Philippines, Inc., and Oriental Assurance Corp.

    400 Frames Of Summer would like to thanks its media partners: Boys Night Out of Magic 89.9, Jam Radio 88.3, and Timson Advertising.

    Lenovo outs lightweight IdeaPad S2109

    Gadgets Team
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    Lenovo outs lightweight IdeaPad S2109

    Lenovo has just given us the heads up that they’ve released their multimedia tablet IdeaPad S2109. The company says that the S2109 is “amped” with multimedia features, which include four SRS surround sound speakers, Micro HDMI output, and an extra-bright 9.7-inch IPS display for high quality image viewing. It’s powered by a Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 dual core CPU, 1GB of system memory and Android ICS. The device is only 1/3 of an inch thick, and weighs in at only 1.27 lbs. Lenovo has set the price of the S2109 at $349 stateside, and will hit the streets this June. Unfortunately, no word on Philippine pricing or availability has been set as of this time.

    Mass Effect 3 Rebellion Pack DLC now live on Xbox 360

    Gadgets Team
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    Mass Effect 3 Rebellion Pack DLC now live on Xbox 360

    Mass Effect 3 has just released its new installment of downloadable content (DLC) called the Rebellion Pack for Xbox 360.

    Mass Effect is an action role-playing game developed by BioWare, published by Electronic Arts for Xbox 360, PS3, and Windows. Mass Effect 3, the third installment that capped the trilogy, was released only two months ago. In Ashes, the first DLC that was released at the same time that the game was released included an alternate outfit for each squadmate, a new squadmate, a mission and a weapon. Unlike In Ashes, which was a single player pack, the second DLC called Resurgence was a multiplayer pack that was released last month. This pack included character classes, weapons, and maps. Rebellion is another multiplayer pack that also includes new character classes, new weapons, new maps and a new gear slot.

    Rebellion opens two new maps called Firebase Jade and Firebase Goddess. According to the Mass Effect website, the pack features three new weapons—Reegar Carbine, Krysae Sniper Rifle and Cerberus Harrier. The pack also includes new equipment, consumables, six new characters and a new gear slot.

    The developers announced last month that they will release an extended cut of Mass Effect 3 that will feature extended scenes that would elaborate and provide more context to the game’s conclusion. According the Bioware blog, they plan to make it available within the year. For now, Mass Effect fans get to enjoy the Rebellion pack while waiting for the anticipated extended cut.

    Though the Rebellion pack for Xbox 360 is now up for grabs, it still isn’t available on PC and PS3. As of today, BioWare has yet to reveal the details on their release, so PC and PS3 owners still have to hang tight.

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