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    Samsung beefs up software arsenal, starts hiring outside talent

    Gadgets Team
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    Samsung beefs up software arsenal, starts hiring outside talent

    Samsung has always been a firm believer in keeping everything in-house. But even juggernauts like Samsung need help in the fast evolving world of technology. That’s why the Korean company is now seeking to acquire top notch tech talent, as well as embracing acquisitions to shore up their pool of engineers and innovations to keep up with rivals like Apple. In light of this, the company has begun hiring foreign software engineers, with a large number of those hires hailing from India.

    In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the president of Samsung ‘s mobile business, J.K. Shin said that “The technology industry is growing very quickly and it is too much of a burden to try to do everything in-house. There are many qualified workers from India that are very skilled in software. And there are small companies that we can acquire that have good research and development capabilities.”

    Samsung sees the future of their mobile success in software, not hardware. Younghee Lee, senior vice president of sales and marketing said that while Samsung will continue to work with Android, their company’s strategy is to work with multiple software platforms, and to continue investing in Bada. Bada is Samsung’s own OS offering, and though the company has implemented the OS in several of its phones, the OS is nowhere near Android in terms of popularity and appeal.

    Source: Wall Street Journal

    Draw Something’s appeal is fading, Zynga left with 200 million bag

    Gadgets Team
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    Draw Something’s appeal is fading, Zynga left with 200 million bag

    It seems like the owners of OMGPOP had the right idea in selling their game company to Zynga when it did as there have been numerous reports that have said that the popularity of their hit game, Draw Something, is quickly fading. Business Insider did a check on the active users playing the social game and have found that the number of active players are quickly diminishing, and has dropped from a peak of 15 million down to only 10 million.

    Zynga’s purchase of the company for 200 million seemed like a good idea back then, but with the popularity of the game largely diminished, Zynga may be regretting it’s purchase. Comparisons to another casual runaway hit, Angry Birds, is not unheard of but unlike Draw Something, Angry Birds has managed to keep on the top of the downloads chart by offering new levels and content, something that Draw Something has failed to do so far.

    Source: Atlantic Wire

    Android malware uses drive-by downloads to infect devices

    Gadgets Team
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    Android malware uses drive-by downloads to infect devices

    If there ever was a reason to not set your Android device to accept programs from unknown sources, here it is. The H Open is reporting that malware writers have hacked several websites with the intention of delivering malware packages to Android devices that visit the pages. The malware has been dubbed NotCompatible by Lookout Security and embeds itself in the bottom of the webpage as an iframe. When an Android user arrives at the page, a file called update.apk starts downloading automatically.

    Here’s the catch though – the file is only offered up for installation if the user of the Android device has his/her “Unknown Sources” setting in the system preferences enabled. Otherwise, the installation would be blocked. The malware seems to be simple TCP relay/proxy which could be used to access private networks, which could be used to infiltrate private networks like those used in businesses and such.

    Source:  H Open

    LG releases Optimus L7 in Europe this May, landing in other countries soon

    Gadgets Team
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    LG releases Optimus L7 in Europe this May, landing in other countries soon

    LG’s just announced that the Optimus L3’s big brother, the Optimus L7, is hitting European markets this May and will be made available to Asian markets soon after. The Optimus L7 is LG’s top-of-the-line Android smartphone for its L family of devices, and sports a 4.3-inch screen, Cortex A5 1GHz processor, 5-megapixel camera, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and a relatively large 1,700mAh battery.

    [album: https://gadgetsmagazine.com.ph/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/[email protected]/Optimus L7/]

    Asus outs dual-GPU GeForce GTX 690 offering

    Gadgets Team
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    Asus outs dual-GPU GeForce GTX 690 offering

    Just like clockwork, PC parts manufacturer Asus has released their own take on NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 690. You get to enjoy the benefits of the massive computing power that’s given off by two GTX 680 cores in the card, while enjoying a relatively modest TDP of 200 watts. Other key features of this monster is the 4096MB GDDR5 of video memory, a base clock of 915MHz (that boosts up to 1019MHz), 3072 CUDA cores and a memory clock of 3004MHz (1502MHz GDDR5). No word on price or availability at this point, but you can expect this monster to burn a GPU sized hole in your bank book if you decide to get one.

    Researchers use laser light to create a 1Gbps wireless network

    Gadgets Team
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    Researchers use laser light to create a 1Gbps wireless network

    The wireless networks that we use to connect to the internet nowadays use radio frequencies to communicate. Researchers from the National Taipei University of Technology have created a network that bypasses radio frequencies entirely and makes use of lasers to transfer data.

    Although its setup and the science behind it are more complicated, here’s a basic idea of how it works. The model utilizes basic AAA battery-powered red and green laser pointers and some other components that are worth a mere US $600. The researchers pointed the laser pointers at photodiode receptors stationed about 30 feet away and strobed the lights on-and-off at a rate of 500 million times per second. With this, they were able to create a 500 Mbps data stream over each laser, thus adding up to 1Gbps in speed. That’s an incredible rate and way faster than our Wi-Fi routers can transfer data.

    The bit error rate was only about one bad bit per billion, which is extremely lower than the one bad bit per 100,000 on most Wi-Fi streams. Also, since the technology makes use of light, it isn’t subject to over-the-airwaves interference. The downside though, is that it’s susceptible to interference from actual physical objects blocking the path, including fog and rain. It can also only travel where it’s pointed, unlike radio frequencies.

    Because of these drawbacks, we doubt that this technology will replace radio-based data communication. It may become a feasible way to transfer data indoors, however, in places such as hospitals that can’t tolerate radio interference.

    LG officially launches Cinema 3D Smart TV line

    Gadgets Team
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    LG officially launches Cinema 3D Smart TV line

    We’ve taken LG’s top-of-the-line Smart TV through it’s paces and have already reviewed the device so all that’s left is pricing and availability. We attended the official launch of not only the high-end LM9600, but also three other lower models destined for the mid-market and entry level categories. There will be four product lines: the LM9600, LM7600, LM6700 and the LM6200. The four TVs will come in 32, 42, 47, 55 and 65-inches.

    Aside from the obvious Smart TV aspects of the new TVs, there was one product that caught our eye during the launch. LG’s Pentouch equipped TV, the PM9600 can be used a huge writing board via the Pentouch controls included.

    The PenTouch equipped TV isn’t part of the formal product line launched during the day, though it still retains internet connectivity. The 60-inch version of the PM6900 retails for Php 169,990 while the smaller 50-inch version goes for 79,990.

    Since Samsung had a good lineup content-wise on the release of their Smart TV, we wondered what LG would bring to the table. Sadly, aside from the K-Pop content and 3D World line-up that we talked about during the review, LG won’t be offering anything more. They did talk about bringing in content from local content partners, but that pales in comparison to what Samsung did with their Smart TV.

    The 55-inch LM9600 goes for 299,990, while the LM7600 will go for roughly Php 60,000 lower, give or take a few thousand depending on the size of the panel used. No word on the pricing LM6700 and LM6200.

    An iPhone 4 unthethered iOS 5.1 jailbreak?

    Gadgets Team
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    An iPhone 4 unthethered iOS 5.1 jailbreak?

    This one might annoy Apple a little, but the hacking community has supposedly been able to create an untethered jailbreak for iOS 5.1 on the iPhone 4. It’s been a while since the release of iOS 5.1 and a jailbreak for it has not existed until now. The jailbreaking software isn’t out for public download yet but a lot of the more recent iPhone 4 users are hoping for it to be available soon. We did hear about a possible untethered jailbreak for iOS 5.1 on the latest iPad, but that one is nowhere to be found either.

    Asiasoft launches LEGENDS in the Philippines

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Asiasoft launches LEGENDS in the Philippines

    Asiasoft Online (“Asiasoft”), the videogame publishing company that brought the successful 2D side-scrolling massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) to the Philippines, has officially launched the MapleSEA LEGENDS patch.

    The LEGENDS patch is divided into four parts: the prelude, released on April 5, 2012; Cannon Shooter on May 16; Mercedes on May 30, and Demon Slayer in July. The interface changes, classes, and feature updates were formally announced this week.

    According to the game’s developers, the updates to the game include the launch of three new exciting classes, new 4th potential legendary tier items, quick move system, item re-purchase system and radical skills system. All of the above will also be accompanied by a faster and more intuitive user interface (UI).

    “The online videogame community constantly changes, but we aim to give our MapleSEA gamers consistency in quality.

    MapleSEA LEGENDS will cater to the clamor for new challenges in this hugely popular MMORPG. We will continuously strive to give only the best for the Singaporean, Malaysian, and Filipino MapleSEA gamers,” said Sherman Tan, chairman of Asiasoft Online.

    MapleSEA: LEGENDS is the first patch released in the Philippines. It contains three new classes that gamers can choose from, namely the Canon Shooter, Mercedes and Demon Slayer, among others.

    MapleSEA was first introduced to the Singaporean and Malaysian online videogame market six years ago from Korea. To date, there are over 4 million MapleSEA gamers in Singapore and Malaysia, making it the most popular 2D MMORPG in Southeast Asia.

    Review: HTC ChaCha

    Gadgets Team
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    1
    Review: HTC ChaCha

    By MR Gavin

    When the blog-o-sphere was buzzing about a Facebook phone, I really thought it was a phone made by the social network giant until the HTC ChaCha was presented being the Facebook phone.

    With more than 750 million Facebook subscribers, it is no wonder why a phone wholly dedicated to the social network will be a hit in the market. With everyone wanting to be connected 24/7, the HTC ChaCha might just be the answer.

    HTC always churns out amazingly designed phones, and the HTC ChaCha is no exception. Its angular design made it easier to hold and navigate through the pages and apps. The phone is made with metal and plastic, making its design distinct and hip. It sports a candy-bar form factor with a full QWERTY running on Android and HTC sense.

    It has a very spacious QWERTY keyboard that made it easier to compose messages without accidentally pressing other buttons. The downside with the keyboard is that it has the “FN + @” bug. Apparently, the letter “Y “has an alternate function of the symbol “@,” but when you try to use the function the # sign or “£” appears. This would have passed my attention if the “@” sign is not often used, but as this is a Facebook phone, it will be often used to sign in and out of the social network. You can still find the “@” button as the alternate function of “P”, leaving out the labeled “~”. Just below the display are the touch controls for home, menu, back and search. The volume control is on the right side, and lock on the top right. Though there is no shortcut for the camera, there are two calling buttons just above the QWERTY pad so you can answer calls even without navigating through your screen.

    There are two cameras, a 5-megapixel at the back with an LED flash and a VGA front camera which you can also use as a mirror. The 2.6-inch screen is just right for composing messages and updating your social network but not enough for other applications. It is pinch to zoom, making it easier to see clearly on its small screen. But with this small screen, it’s a bit of pain for the internet. You may need to zoom in and out for you to get a better view of sites. But you will be able to enjoy graphics crisp and clear because they are cramped into a small screen.

     

    The main attraction of the HTC ChaCha is the Facebook button, wholly dedicated to your Facebook account. With one click, you will be directed to your Facebook page, saving you a second or two than looking for an app. While browsing through music, photos or video, you can click the button and you can easily share it on your page. While using the camera, you can also click the Facebook button to instantly upload your photo.

    The ChaCha is very social, it has Friend Stream where you can see Facebook, Flickr and tweet updates all in one screen. If you want to organize communication not by application, you can view from the people button so all your calls, messages and updates will be organized by contact. It also has an integrated Facebook chat, making it easier to catch up with friends online.

    It runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, making it work smoother and faster for your social networking demands. There are seven home screens which you can customize however you want. From your Facebook and Twitter updates to people you often call or send messages to.

    What’s best with HTC phones is that you get access to HTC Sense.com where you can backup your files, contacts and messages through HTC’s cloud server. It can also help you track and lock your phone if ever you lose them.

    Battery life can be dreadful, when you are connected through WiFi all day and updating your Facebook here and there, your battery will be drained by the end of the day. But with it on standby and with average usage, it can last up to 2 days.

    HTC ChaCha could be your ultimate social networking phone, though you need a decent internet plan for you to stay connected all the time. It is exclusively distributed by Smart with a retail price of Php 15,500 or for a consumable plan

    Php 1,800 or unlimited plan Php 1,500.

    Specifications
    Operating System: Android 2.3 Gingerbread with HTC Sense
    CPU: 800MHz
    LCD size: 2.6-inch capacitive touchscreen
    Physical Dimensions: 114.4mm  x 64.6mm x 10.7 mm
    Weight: 120g
    Band: 2G – GSM 850/900/1800/1900, 3G – HSDPA 900/2100

    What’s Hot:
     • Curved design
    • Facebook button for easy share
    • Spacious keypad
    • Reasonably priced

    What’s Not:
     • Small screen
    • Keypad bug

    Bottomline:
    Being connected is the ultimate reason to own the HTC ChaCha, and if you are the ultimate Facebook fan, this is definitely on top of your list.

    Buy Meter: 8.2

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

    Samsung’s Series 9 makes an appearance, Ivy Bridge in tow

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Samsung’s Series 9 makes an appearance, Ivy Bridge in tow

    Just like clockwork, Ivy Bridge equipped notebooks are now popping up in manufacturer’s sites. The latest product to proudly wear the Ivy Bridge badge is Samsung’s Series 9 ultrabook. Like a lot of other products in its class, this particular ultrabook uses an aluminum chassis to protect its innards and features a 15-inch display with a native resolution of 1600 x 900.

    Under the hood runs an Intel Core i5-3317U (1.7GHz), 128GB SSD and about 8GB of DDR3 memory. The whole thing is only 14.9mm thick, and only weighs in at around 1.65 kilos. No price or availability has been set by Samsung.

     

    Ubuntu for Android makes your smartphone into a PC

    Gadgets Team
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    2
    Ubuntu for Android makes your smartphone into a PC

    We’ve always observed that at the rate most Android smartphones are evolving nowadays, they’d probably surpass most low-end notebooks and PCs when it comes to computing power. Linux OS maker Ubuntu also made that particular observation, only they decided to do something to utilize the inherent processing capabilities that are locked in our smartphones. Ubuntu for Android is just an idea for now, but if it’s implemented by Android manufacturers and other peripheral makers, it’s set to change the way we look at our Android phones as just a method to communicate. Ubuntu says that with Ubuntu for Android users can enjoy a full desktop experience by just using their multi-core Android device, a keyboard, mouse and monitor.

    Source: Ubuntu

    ABS-CBN news app now available in more devices

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    ABS-CBN news app now available in more devices

    ABS-CBN pioneers yet another first in Philippine mobile technology as abs-cbnnews.com becomes the first Philippine TV network to release its mobile application for Windows Phone – including Lumia of Nokia, and phones with Symbian, Java, and Qt Meego operating systems. This app not only gives users instant access to the latest news but also empowers them to become vigilant citizen journalists.

    The latest innovation comes after the launch of abs-cbnnews.com‘s applications for Android phones and tablets, as well as for iOS devices iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch last year that enabled Filipinos on the go a new and faster way of getting news and information from the country’s most trusted news organization.

    The free downloadable app is also the first among local news apps to introduce a citizen journalism feature with its “Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo” (BMPM) ticker. Through this feature – available in Android, iOS and Qt Meego devices – users are able to send reports directly to ABS-CBN News.

    The app also has a customizable feature that lets users choose which particular section — Recommended, Latest, Nation, Metro, Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Sports, Global Filipino — they want to subscribe to.  It also has a breaking news ticker and a Philippine Peso-US Dollar exchange rate.

    Users can access and download the application directly from the app stores and markets in their mobile devices.

    ABS-CBN’s move to expand its mobile news offering to more operating systems is yet part of its continuing effort to be in the service of the Filipino anywhere in the world.

    Research delves into robots that decompose

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Research delves into robots that decompose

    The world we live in is getting more and more futuristic. It’s nowhere near The Jetsons yet, but our human race has already managed to create and use robots to manage some tasks that we would rather not do ourselves. This includes menial tasks related to manufacturing, dangerous ones such as bomb-disposal and ocean exploration, and even some to keep our cities clean.

    Speaking of keeping our cities clean, we realize that these robots are made primarily from metal and plastic—meaning they’re non-biodegradable and thus harmful to our environment once they meet their end. Dr. Jonathan Rossiter from the University of Bristol and Dr. Ioannis Ieropoulous from the University of the West of England have begun a two-year research mission to find a robot that decomposes.

    Both researchers are from the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) that focuses on creating robots that can intelligently act by themselves without human assistance. These robots still need to be recovered and dismantled eventually, though, lest they pollute the earth. By constructing robots from biodegradable materials, they can simply decompose into the earth after their tasks are done.

     

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