Is smaller better? Korg goes the handheld route with its brand new Kaosillator 2 and Mini Kaoss Pad 2.
Rovio CEO: Piracy may not be a bad thing – it can get us more business at the end of the day
There’s a ton of both licensed and unlicensed Angry Birds merchandise floating around the world, and you’d think that the developer of the most recognizable mobile app today would be worried about piracy and protecting their IP. That’s not the case, says Rovio Chief Exec Mikael Hed during the Midem conference in Cannes. “We have some issues with piracy, not only in apps, but also especially in the consumer products. There is tons and tons of merchandise out there, especially in Asia, which is not officially licensed products,” said Hed. Rovio’s chief also said that the company has learned what not to do in these cases from the way that the music industry tried to combat piracy. “We took something from the music industry, which was to stop treating the customers as users, and start treating them as fans. We do that today: we talk about how many fans we have. If we lose that fanbase, our business is done, but if we can grow that fanbase, our business will grow.”
His approach to the problem mirrors what visionaries like Gabe Newell, the CEO of Valve, has done in the past and says that “If we have failed to make our legitimate products the easiest thing to buy, it’s almost our fault that we get pirated.” The music and movie industry needs to take a page from Rovio’s playbook – the digital space has a different set of rules than the meatspace, and the sooner the movie and music industry sees that, the better.
Gadgets turns “green” and clean this February with Athena Imperial
“Miss Philippines-Earth is not just following the plastic-free Philippines movement but is pushing for it. Scattered plastic continues to remain one of the biggest environmental problems. Two hundred million tonnes of plastic are being produced annually. Using conservative estimates, we will be able to encircle the earth more than 41,000 times with these plastic materials. Most of the used plastics are thrown away to the landfills, drainage, rivers, and to the other water forms. Marine and terrestrial animals mistake them for food. More so, because plastics are non-biodegradable, littered plastics are a nuisance to the environment. Nonetheless, it is never too late to solve this dilemma.”
Get to know more about Athena Imperial, our very own Miss Earth, in our February “Green” issue.
Opinion: Today’s smartphones and tablets aren’t about hardware – it’s about ecosystems
I have friend that has always been swimming in the Apple ecosystem. She has an iPhone, a MacBook Pro and surprise, surprise, an iPad. Her life organized around the apps, tools and software that Apple has provided. As part of her recent bump up the corporate ladder, she was issued an Android phone for her use. To get the same kind of performance from the Android device that she got from her iPhone, she wanted her contacts (from her iPhone) to sync with her Android device. Unfortunately, this being her first experience with an Android device, she failed at that simple task – spectacularly if I might add. It wasn’t because she was a tech airhead – far from it. It’s just that being on Apple’s ecosystem has acclimated her to a different set of rules, and as a result, made using another kind of device from another ecosystem a frustrating experience.
Her experience with Android only highlights something that I’ve actually only recently found out myself – it’s easy to change devices, it’s damn near impossible to change ecosystems, especially if you’re already committed to it. I personally can’t change to iOS even if I wanted to (and believe me, I’ve tried it) – I personally already have 4 Android devices knocking around in my house. My life is organized around Google Calendar which allows me to function with some semblance of efficiency (which is in turn, updated via someone in our office using the same app) and my app investments are substantial (I have 20 plus PAID apps installed in my Sensation XE).
From experience, it’s easy to dismiss a product when there’s not much riding on the line. The Nokia N9 that I reviewed a couple of months ago was a fantastic smartphone by its own right, unfortunately it’s not just hardware that’s sells devices nowadays. Manufacturers that have always wanted to compete with the iPhone with their self anointed “iPhone Killer” phones have always had this mindset that the reason iPhones sold so well was that it had decent hardware. So what do they do? They make devices that had extremely decent hardware which was sometimes leaps and bounds above the specs of the whatever generation iPhone they were tying to compete with, thinking that this was the way to beat it. Imagine their surprise when they were outsold by Apple using relatively inferior hardware. In today’s world, hardware is only one side of the story. Your software and your ecosystem makes up the other side.
So it wasn’t surprising that Apple made their smartphones and tablets to have roughly the same kind of user experience. You don’t have to re-learn anything when you buy an iPhone 4S and then buy an iPad 2 – they both function the same way, and aside from the obvious differences in function, give you the same consistent user experience whether you’re navigating through an iPhone to send a text message or sorting through your iPad 2 to watch a movie.
Which is probably why Google used Ice Cream Sandwich for both smartphones and tablets. A consistent user experience with a robust system in place means that people making the jump from one device to another won’t be at a loss when it comes to navigating and general use. People need to understand that the choice of a smartphone or tablet nowadays doesn’t stop at the manufacturer – it usually means you’ll also have to make a choice which ecosystem you’re throwing your lot with – Google, Android or Microsoft. As for my friend? She’s giving back her phone to the company and is thinking about getting another iPhone instead.
Bosch plans to enter inverter market with voltwerk electronics
The Bosch Group plans to acquire voltwerk electronics GmbH, a Hamburg-based supplier of electronic components and software solutions for the operation of photovoltaic arrays.
“In acquiring voltwerk electronics, Bosch can enter the inverter market, as well as draw on a broad product portfolio ranging from 3 kW string inverters to 1400 kW central inverters,” said Joseph Hong, managing director of Bosch Philippines. Alexander Gorski, Conergy’s director of operations and sales, commented: “We are very pleased to have found an investor and partner that is so highly regarded and strong as Bosch. It will now develop and drive forward the business of voltwerk electronics.” For Conergy, he continued, the sale of voltwerk electronics was an important move in the context of its strategic reorientation.
Inverters are used wherever direct current has to be converted into alternating current. As renewable energy and electromobility become more and more widespread, these inverters are playing an increasingly important role. For example, the direct current generated by a solar cell has to be converted into alternating current before it can be fed into the grid. And in 2 electric vehicles, a conversion process is also needed so that the electric motor can use the direct current from the battery. Furthermore, when recuperating brake energy and feeding it back into the battery, inverters and their sophisticated power electronics are needed once more.
Expanding the product range
Voltwerk electronics is to become part of the Böblingen-based Bosch Power Tec GmbH. Set up last January, its task is to drive forward the inverter business within the Bosch Group and to develop new generations of devices. This acquisition also marks the new company’s operational entry into this market. Bosch Power Tec will start its operating activities in the area of photovoltaics. “Inverters are at the heart of every solar array. In the coming years, therefore, we want to grow with this dynamic market in all the world’s major regions,” said Dr. Andreas Stratmann, the general manager of Bosch Power Tec.
New Senate bill will now penalize Cybersex in the Philippines
Have the hots for a (hopefully) female player you met over the web and want to bump uglies virtually? Don’t. Because according to Senate Bill 2796, you can be imprisoned for 6 to 12 years and made to pay fines of Php 200,000 to Php 1 million. Senate Bill 2796 which has snaked through the Senate today, has essentially made the act of making virtual love illegal with stiff (heh) fines and penalties for people who get caught doing it. The bill also contains measures to combat child pornography on the web, spamming, and other crimes in the series of tubes we call the internet. Unfortunately, the slightly obtuse wording of the cybersex definition which is described as “the willful engagement, maintenance, control, or operation, directly or indirectly, of any lascivious exhibition of sexual organs or sexual activity, with the aid of a computer system” means that under the new law, two consenting adults may still be charged with breaking the law, even if both are willing participants in said activity.
Source: ABS-CBN
Malicious Android virus Android.Counterclank spreading in the wild, largest infection so far this year
Heads up Android users: Symantec has just identified a certain nasty bug going around targeting Android devices, hiding inside legitimate apps. Dubbed Android.Counterclank, Symantec says the bug is a bot-like threat that can receive commands to trigger certain actions, as well as steal information on any device it’s in. This particularly nasty piece of malware is currently the biggest distribution of any malware identified so far this year, meaning it’s currently spreading like wildfire. Symantec has helpfully provided a list of applications that this bug has been riding in, so if you have downloaded ANY of the apps below, it’d be best if you uninstall the app and do a wipe on your device. Another way to identify if this bug is currently residing in your phone is the presence of a Search icon above on the home screen, and if there are two instances of an app running when you open it.
| Publisher | Malicious App Title | Category |
| iApps7 Inc | Counter Elite Force | Arcade & Action |
| iApps7 Inc | Counter Strike Ground Force | Arcade & Action |
| iApps7 Inc | CounterStrike Hit Enemy | Arcade & Action |
| iApps7 Inc | Heart Live Wallpaper | Entertainment |
| iApps7 Inc | Hit Counter Terrorist | Arcade & Action |
| iApps7 Inc | Stripper Touch girl | Entertainment |
| Ogre Games | Balloon Game | Sports Games |
| Ogre Games | Deal & Be Millionaire | Sports Games |
| Ogre Games | Wild Man | Arcade & Action |
| redmicapps | Pretty women lingerie puzzle | Photography |
| redmicapps | Sexy Girls Photo Game | Lifestyle |
| redmicapps | Sexy Girls Puzzle | Brain & Puzzle |
| redmicapps | Sexy Women Puzzle | Brain & Puzzle |
Source: Symantec
Apple slowly becoming manufacturer of choice for businesses, bosses – Forrester
The enterprise space has long been dominated by brands like Lenovo’s ThinkPad notebooks and RIM’s BlackBerry devices. But a report from Forrester says that may soon be a thing of the past. The research firm has said that in a survey across 10,000 enterprise users across 17 countries, about a fifth of them say that they use an Apple product for work. Also notable is that half of the enterprises surveyed during the study say that they plan to increase the use of Macs by 52 percent. The report also says that managers and execs are more than twice as likely to use Apple products, with younger info workers are twice as likely to use Apple products as older ones. This may be great news for Apple, but dire news for enterprise stalwarts like BlackBerry, Microsoft and Lenovo.
Source: Forrester
Gaming and why it’s more fun in the Philippines
ABS-CBN Multimedia has recently culminated its “Amped4Fun” awareness campaign where players of Shaiya and WarRock Philippines submitted their own cheeky spin-off of DOT’s popular viral “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”
Rare weapons and enhancements such as a red FAMAS weapon for WarRock and a +2 enchant for Shaiya were awarded to 11 players whose entries garnered the most ‘likes’ on Amped’s official Facebook page. Among the 109 entries from Shaiya and 183 from WarRock, Mark Achel Bacsafra Gagalac, Jerick Ebanreb, Jezreel Recolito, Clarisa Joyce Velasco, Drakken Joe, Noel Seblos, Geass Gelizon, Allan Abelada, Mark Dave Gregorio, Nikko Treveno, and Jhun Del Rosario emerged as winners last January 25.
Shaiya features a rich and expansive back story, clean graphics, immersive gameplay, tons of dungeons, and quests. Players can also choose which race their characters will come from including Human, Elves, Vail, and Nordein.
WarRock, on the other hand, gives players a fresh alternative to the various Role Playing games in the country with five different military character classes—Military Engineer, Scout, Combatant, and Heavy Weapons unit. Players can also enjoy technologically advanced vehicles and weapon systems.
Watch out for more exciting contests from ABS-CBN Multimedia’s gaming brand, Amped. For more information and updates, check out www.amped.ph, www.shaiya.ph, and www.warrock.ph.
Former Palm head honcho Jon Rubinstein leaves HP
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.
Source: All Things D
Twitter to censor tweets in certain countries
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.
Official Steam Android app now in beta test
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.
Smart cuts price of the NetPhone 701, now only 4,999
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.
Sony unveils Alpha NEX-5N, A65 and A77
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 partners up with Dep Ed to help students move up to A+ excellence
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.