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    Asia/Pacific PC market grew 11%, Lenovo number 1 with Acer following close behind – IDC

    You’d think that after all the challenges from both natural (the Thai flood) and man-made (economic downturn) disasters that rocked our part of the world that there’d be a slump when it came to PC sales, but IDC says otherwise – the firm has just announced that the PC market actually grew by 11% – not the best growth numbers sure, but hey, it’s still growth. And even though there were supply issues for PCs because of the floods in Thailand, markets like Indonesia and China were partially insulated from the hard disk drive shortages that IDC had initially feared would hurt shipments.

    “The PC market took a number of punches last year, be it from the uncertain global economy or from Media Tablets that competed for consumer attention,” said Bryan Ma, Associate Vice President of Asia/Pacific Client Devices Research at IDC.  “PCs will still face disk drive supply challenges in the early part of 2012, but IDC also expects the market to rebound quickly by the second half of the year to remain close to 10% growth for the year in the Asia/Pacific region.”

    The biggest winner for this year in the region were, unsurprisingly, Lenovo, with the manufacturer growing about 24% from last year. Acer also grew quite a bit, with the manufacturer growing about 38% even though it posted their first loss in a decade this year. Another big winner here is Asus, as the Taiwanese manufacturer grew 34% this year. Unfortunately, all the troubles in HP did nothing to help the brand, with the manufacturer suffering -6% growth as far as market share is concerned.

    Table 1

    Asia/Pacific (ex. Japan) PC Shipments by Vendor,  2011 (Preliminary) vs 2010

    Rank

    Vendor 2011

    Market Share

    2010

    Market Share

    Year-on-Year Unit Growth

    1

    Lenovo

    22.5%

    20.2%

    24%

    2

    Acer

    11.6%

    9.3%

    38%

    3

    Dell

    10.4%

    9.4%

    23%

    4

    HP

    9.9%

    11.8%

    -6%

    5

    ASUS

    6.4%

    5.3%

    34%

    Others

    39.2%

    44.0%

    -1%

    Total 100.0% 100.0% 11%
    Source: IDC, January 2012
    Table 2

    Asia/Pacific (ex. Japan) PC Shipments by Vendor,  4Q11 (Preliminary) vs 3Q11 and 4Q10

    Rank

    Vendor 4Q11

    Market Share

    3Q11

    Market Share

    4Q10

    Market Share

    Year-on-Year Unit Growth

    1

    Lenovo

    25.4%

    22.9%

    22.4%

    26%

    2

    Acer

    11.9%

    11.7%

    11.1%

    19%

    3

    Dell

    10.5%

    10.1%

    8.7%

    34%

    4

    HP

    8.1%

    10.0%

    10.8%

    -17%

    5

    ASUS

    6.5%

    7.2%

    5.2%

    38%

    Others

    37.6%

    38.1%

    41.8%

    -1%

    Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 11%
    Source: IDC, January 2012

    Leaked: LG’s Quad-Core X3 Smartphone

    This year is certainly shaping up to be the year of the quad-core, as another quad-core device has leaked ahead of its scheduled unveil. Today it’s LG’s X3, a supposedly sub 9mm thick smartphone that’s packing quite a hefty amount of goodies. Aside from NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 quad-core processor, the X3 supposedly packs a large, 4.7-inch HD display with a resolution of 1280 x 720, 8 megapixel camera, 16GB on internal storage and ICS on launch. Connectivity is brought to us via Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and HSPA. PocketNow is also reporting a rather large 2000mAh battery, which means that this particular quad-core device may have more legs than its competitors. PocketNow is saying that this particular device will drop in the 1st quarter of 2012, so it makes sense that we might hear the official word come February during MWC.

    Source: PocketNow

    17th Edition of Cards & Payments Asia 2012 brings you latest NFC and contactless payment technology

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    Opens in Singapore 25 – 27 April 2012, Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre

    The 17th edition, Cards & Payments Asia 2012, Asia’s largest smart technology exhibition is set to wow with a bigger and better event this year. It will showcase highly anticipated new technologies in Near Field Communication (NFC) and contactless payment together with the entire spectrum of smart technology initiatives. Key stakeholders from the telecommunications, government authorities and services, banking, hospitality, retail, healthcare, transport, aviation and logistics sectors will come together to reveal how the latest applications and product innovations can drive service, growth and business opportunities in their respective industries across Asia.

    Singapore may be one of the first nations to see the widespread adoption of NFC as a payment mode. This is made possible via the S$40 million Call-for-Collaboration (CFC) initiative, allowing up to 20,000 retail points and taxis to be NFC-enabled by mid 2012. This initiative, by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and 7 companies, namely mobile operators M1, StarHub, SingTel, payment service providers Citibank, DBS and EZ-Link, as well as Gemalto, a digital security company, marks Asia’s first interoperable nationwide deployment of NFC mobile payment system. Along with the rest of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region which sees more than 9 countries like Thailand, Malaysia, India, China, South Korea and Sri Lanka making advances in NFC technology, experts believe that this tech savvy region could be the first adopters of NFC enabled mobile payment for their next mobility solutions.

    Richard Ireland, Chief Executive, Terrapinn Asia Pacific said, “This year’s Cards & Payments Asia not only allows attendees to gain valuable insights on how to capitalise on the exponential growth of    e-commerce and mobile commerce, but leverage on cutting-edge knowledge of multi-channel strategies for effective customer engagement, making it a must-attend event for all stakeholders seeking an edge over their competitions.”

    This three-day event expects to draw more than 8,000 attendees, over 200 international leading solution providers from Singapore, China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Germany, Italy and many more.  7 concurrent conferences and pre- and post-workshops will feature renowned speakers from all over Asia and beyond.

    Co-located with Cards & Payments Asia 2012 are seven synergistic events: Prepaid Cards Asia, Near Field Communication (NFC) World Asia, Digital ID World Asia, RFID World Asia, Retail World Asia, Online Retail World Asia  and Digital Signage World Asia .

    To participate in Cards & Payments Asia 2012, please visit http://www.terrapinn.com/conference/cards-asia/.

    Audio Technica’s ATH-M50 is now available in white

    6

    After the long line of requests from Apple users, the famous ATH-M50 monitoring headphones now comes in white.

    RIM has a new CEO, Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis are out

    RIM’s two co-CEOs have just stepped down from their position from the company (effective tomorrow), handing over the reins of the company to Thorsten Heins, which previously held the position of COO of the company. The changes come after cstruggling to compete with smartphone rivals, namely Apple and Google. The new CEO has his work cut out for him, and as such has a few things planned to reinvigorate the brand, including the possible licensing of RIM’s BlackBerry OS to other manufacturers. Will BlackBerry’s luck finally turn in the US and thrive this year under Heins’ leadership? More importantly, will other smartphone manufacturers pick up BlackBerry OS? Do they have a reason to? All of that remains to be seen, though the company may still have some fight left in it especially since it’s under new management.

    Source: RIM

    SpareOne: the only mobile phone that is powered by a AA battery and stays charged for 15 years

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    One of the biggest issues with mobile devices nowadays is how fast they guzzle up power. A typical smartphone will probably get you through the day, but if you forget to charge it, it’ll be dead the next morning. Not the SpareOne. Although it doesn’t have all the features of a smartphone, it’s a mobile phone that you’ll probably depend on when the shit hits the fan – which happens quite a bit in our country, to be honest. The SpareOne doesn’t have a display, so it’s only going to be used primarily for calls and is powered by a single AA battery, which gives it about 10 hours of vital talk time, and will keep a charge for 15 years. The SpareOne will cost about $50 (Php 2200) and will be available come March at their online store here.

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

    Source: SpareOne

    Angry Birds Seasons gets Chinese New Year Update

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    Heads up, lovers of birds screeching through the air – Rovio has pushed a Year of the Dragon update for Angry Birds Seasons. Players can expect the same building busting, masonry collapsing, bird-related mayhemthat is the hallmark of the series, along with a collection of new levels, appropriate Chinese New Year livery and the appearance of the Mighty Dragon. Best part is that the CNY update is absolutely free. You can check out the update here, or in the Android Marketplace on your Android device.

    Counter Strike unofficially ported to Android (VIDEO)

    2

    We have fond memories of Counter Strike – the hit multiplayer FPS that filled cyber cafes back in the day. Now you can play the iconic FPS on your Android equipped device, thanks to the enterprising work of the members of XDA Developers. The game is being rebuilt from the ground up using the Unity3D platform, and will feature cross-platform play with the Facebook and Kongregate versions of the game. Apparently there will be 2 versions of the game – a series 5o version for Android 2.0+ owners and a 6p version for Android 2.3+. The game will reportedly have all the modes maps and features of the original, as well as support for mods. The game is still a bit buggy, but if you’re looking for a way to pwn your friends on the go, then this could be your ticket. Download links have been provided below.

    Series 5o 

    6p

    Source: Phandroid, XDA Developers

    Want your Galaxy Nexus? You’ll have to get it through Smart

    Want to get Ice Cream Sandwich before everyone else? Well, You’re in luck, as the Galaxy Nexus, the first Android 4.0 ICS device is here, and it’s being carried exclusively by Smart. If you’ve forgotten what makes the Galaxy Nexus so great (well, aside from ICS) then let us remind you: 4.65-inch HD AMOLED display, dual-core 1.2GHz processor and a crap-ton of OS improvements via Android 4.0. Interested? Of course you are. Head on over to  http://smart.com.ph/samsung-nexus to express your interest. Once registered, you’ll only have to wait till the 28th of January to claim your very own Galaxy Nexus.

    Get more from Globe Tattoo with these 3 latest offers

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    Armed with unbeaten offers, Tattoo, powered by Globe sets itself apart as it becomes faster with their roll-out of the 4G network – making all services bolder and more powerful than ever. As the #1 most preferred broadband in the country, Tattoo makes sure that each service goes with every fast-paced lifestyle.

    Expensive connections and limited coverage are history with Tattoo’s pre-paid devices and packages that let’s every individual spark a trend on-line. Run of the mill offers are long gone. Tattoo resists mediocrity with peerless Prepaid offers. The Tattoo Sonic is Tattoo’s most affordable device at Php 995 powered by 3G. Its speeds reach up to 3.6Mbps and you can even enjoy Facebook free for the first 10 days. Tattoo Flash device on the other hand at Php 1245 is already run under the 4G umbrella with speeds reaching to 7.2Mbps that comes with 25 days free Facebook usage. Lastly, pre-paid users can now experience The Tattoo Superstick Prepaid powered by 4G up to 7.2Mbps for only Php 3895 also with 25 days free Facebook usage.

     

    And even on a prepaid service, you can still be in the loop resisting limitations in connectivity. All of these devices upon purchase come with Free 120 hours of unlimited connection for 5 days.

    Tattoo’s new post-paid plans define living without limits – resisting uniformity on plan offers that don’t follow suit with each unique lifestyle. Tattoo’s new Postpaid portfolio starts with their lowest plans at Php 299 and Php 499 a month. Both come with the 4G-powered USB dongle that reaches 7.2Mbps. The Tattoo device at plan Php 999 on the other hand has speeds of up to 12 Mbps  while the Tattoo Superstick at plan Php 1299 keeps you on-line up to 21 Mbps both running on 4G.

    Pushing the limits in bandwidth are their exceptional add-ons with the Speed and Volume Boost. Speed Boosts go for up to 12 Mbps for additional P 100/month; Up to 21 Mbps for P 150/month and up to 42 mbps for Php 250/month. Wider bandwidth also becomes more accessible with the Volume Boost that starts with an additional 5GB for Php 200/month; additional 10GB for Php  300/month and a Surf-All-You want option for only an additional Php 400/month.

     

    Securing their position in the world-wide web, 2012 is bound to be more groundbreaking for Tattoo – with technological innovations, new devices, revitalized services, and matchless deals that RESIST the tired and traditional model. With a new and empowered broadband that packs a punch, in a super sleek and stylish package, Tattoo reveals the new and progressive face of internet technology.

    Learn more about Tattoo’s latest products and services by visiting http://tattoo.globe.com.ph

     

    Meet the Thermaltake Level 10 M Mouse, the coolest mouse you’ll see today

    Most mouse designs follow a certain formula – a bit of curves here, a dash of LED lights there, a bunch of buttons scattered about. But Thermaltake, together with BMW Group subsidiary DesignworksUSA would have none of that, and designed possibly the best looking mouse we’ve ever seen. One look at its sleek lines, nearly empty middle and futuristic design makes you wonder how the thing would feel like in your hands. Even if it doesn’t perform as well as it looks, it still looks freaking awesome.

    Source: BMW Group

    Intel offers overclocking protection plan for unlocked processors

    We know there’s a lot of you out there that like pushing your processors to the very limit, oftentimes with disastrous results. Intel knows that fact all too well, and as a result has come up with the Performance Tuning Protection Plan, which is basically like insurance for overclockers. If at any time your processor decides to kick the bucket because of your enthusiastic applications of voltage, then you’re qualified for a single replacement free of charge. The plan is available for unlocked processors only and ranges from $20-$35 bucks depending on the processor you’re packing.

    Source: Intel

    HP’s Mini 210 – Beats Audio for the cash strapped

    Can’t afford HP’s recently unveiled Pavilion dm4 Beats Edition notebook but still want Beats audio tech in your hands? Well, you might want to check the Mini 210. HP’s seen fit to cram this little notebook with Beats Audio, as well as an Intel Atom N455 processor, 10.1-inch display and 1GB of DDR3 memory. It’s not the fastest of notebooks (and doesn’t sport Beats branding from head to toe) but hey, it’s something, right? The Mini 210 retails for Php 19,990.

    Megaupload taken down by Feds, anonymous retaliates by crashing UMG, MPAA and FBI website

    Bad news for people who like sharing huge, possibly copyrighted material over the web: CNN is reporting that popular file sharing site Megaupload has been taken down by Federal agents just a few hours ago, with its founders and owner being charged with violating piracy laws. Federal prosecutors are saying that the file sharing site has cost copyright holders more than $500 million in lost revenue, and that 4 executives including Megaupload founder Kim “Dotcom” Schmitz were arrested in in New Zealand at the request of U.S. officials. The takedown of the filesharing site is a huge blow, especially when you consider the site’s metrics – 150 million registered users, 50 million daily visitors accounting for about 4% of total internet traffic.

    Of course, hacking collective Anonymous was not happy with the takedown, and has flown into a hacking fury. The group has initiated massive retaliatory strikes against the websites of the Department of Justice (DoJ.gov), the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Universal Music Group (UMG), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and a whole host of other industry related sites. The attacks are still ongoing right now, and while some of the sites have gotten back up, most of them are still feeling the massive pain from Anonymous’ DDoS attacks. Gizmodo says that this is possibly one of the biggest coordinated DDoS attacks ever assembled by the hacking collective. The group has released the statement below following the attacks.

    January 19th, 2012

    Popular file-sharing website megaupload.com gets shutdown by U.S Justice – FBI and charged its founder with violating piracy laws. Four Megaupload members were also arrested. The FBI released a press release on its website which you can view here:
    http://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/justice-department-charges-leaders-of-megaupload-with-widespread-online-copyright-infringement

    We Anonymous are launching our largest attack ever on government and music industry sites. Lulz. The FBI didn’t think they would get away with this did they? They should have expected us.

    #OpMegaupload
    The following sites were taken down in response to the FBI shutting down megaupload.com
    :) TANGO DOWN

    justice.gov
    universalmusic.com
    riaa.org
    mpaa.org
    copyright.gov
    hadopi.fr
    wmg.com
    usdoj.gov
    bmi.com
    fbi.gov

    (We have removed the addresses of MPAA Chairman Christopher Dodd because of privacy)

    Motion Picture Association of America Corporate Offices:

    Washington, D.C.
    1600 Eye St., NW
    Washington, D.C. 20006
    Phone: (202) 293-1966
    Fax: (202) 296-7410

    Los Angeles
    15301 Ventura Blvd., Building E
    Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
    Phone: (818) 995-6600
    Fax: (818) 285-4403

    New York
    200 White Plains Road 1st Floor
    Tarrytown, NY 10591
    Phone: (914) 333-8892
    Fax: (914) 333-7541

    Chicago
    1010 Lake St.
    Suite 422
    Oak Park, IL 60301
    708-660-0481
    Phone: (708) 660-0481
    Fax:(708) 660-0484

    Dallas
    1425 Greenway Dr.
    Suite 270
    Irving, TX 75038
    Phone: (972) 756-9078
    Fax: (972) 756-9402

    Sao Paulo, Brazil
    Rua Jerônimo da Veiga, 45, Conj 121/122, 12º Floor
    Jardim Europa, São Paulo, S.P
    04536-000, Brazil
    Phone: 011-55-11-3667-2080
    Website: www.mpaal.org.br

    Brussels, Belgium
    Motion Picture Association
    Brussels office
    Avenue des Arts 46 box 8
    B – 1000 Brussels
    Phone: +32 2 778 27 11
    Fax: +32 2 778 27 00/+32 2 778 27 50

    Mexico City, Mexico
    Lafontaine #42
    Chapultepec Polanco
    Mexico, 11560 DF
    Phone: 011-5255 5280 6878/5281 6090

    Singapore
    #04-07 Central Mall
    No. 1 Magazine Road
    Singapore 059567
    Phone: +65 6253 1033
    Phone: +65 6255 1838
    Website: www.mpa-i.org

    Toronto, Canada
    55 St. Clair Avenue, West
    Suite 210
    Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7
    Phone: (416) 961-1888
    Phone: (416) 968-1016
    Website: www.mpa-canada.org

    MPAA Email: [email protected]

    Other Contact Info:
    Website: http://chrisdodd.com
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SenChrisDodd
    Twitter: http://twitter.com/SenChrisDodd
    YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/SenChrisDodd
    Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/SenChrisDodd
    Miscellanous: http://www.peekyou.com/chris_dodd/229085828

    We are Anonymous.
    We are Legion.
    We do not Forgive.
    We do not Forget.
    Expect Us.

    @AnonymousWiki

    Source: CNN, Gizmodo

    Globe introduces 3 new ambassadors to head the resistance

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    Pushing the bounds of connectivity, Tattoo has taken on the challenge that continues to make Filipinos more mobile, powerful, global and consequentially, revolutionary. Get ready for a new domination in your broadband – with three reasons to resist the slow and unreliable broadband internet that plagues the market. With an empowered prepaid and postpaid portfolio Tattoo outdoes competition yet again in etching a permanent mark in the minds of the young, mobile, and techno-savvy. More to these, it is their new brand ambassadors, it seems, that causes the most buzz in the beeline.

    Proof that Tattoo packs a punch in providing value for money for the best deals, the “Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire raises his fist in resisting mediocrity with the tired old broadband we all have been accustomed to. The current World Bantamweight Champion has risen from jaggedness and aims for prominence. And putting up the same stance for the country’s #1 most preferred broadband, Tattoo promises internet service that is uninterrupted, with strong and powerful signals at unbeatable speeds.

    With his perma-lined eyes, black swept hair, and his melodic howl, vocalist Miggy Chavez has raised a strong following for a religion he calls Chicosci. Armed with hypnotic guitar riffs, surreal lyrics, and, Chavez’s addicting vocal styling, Chicosci has reared a legion of head-banging cronies for their “Vampire Social Club”, a historic hit for Philippine rock. And with Tattoo on his side, Miggy Chavez can take his ‘vampiric’ social network following to virally fanatic proportions, with reliable bandwidths designed for instant updates, super-sonic uploads and downloads, and unlimited interaction. Backed up by Tattoo, Miggy breaks through limitations caused by slow, unreliable internet access, as he puts his rock-cult status in the burning spotlight and paves the way to musical innovations that would bring the Pinoy sound to the international arena.

    Model marvel Georgina Wilson on the other hand, with her multi-faceted persona has invaded the international fashion consciousness and left an indelible mark all her own. And this resistance against Uniformity of modeling stereotypes has transformed Wilson into a global household name, her tweets instantly becoming the first words on anything from fashion, social graces, to the elusive pursuits of the finer things in life. Her @iloveGeorgina Twitter account has caused quite a social network traffic this holiday season when Georgina asked her followers “What will you RESIST this 2012?” And judging from the amount of replies she received, her words fronted by a pretty picture will always be irresistible. With Grace, Glamour, intelligible Grasp, and a Gorgeous face, Georgina Wilson displays the 4G that could launch a thousand hits, likes, and followings, and that is exactly what Tattoo does with its new generation Superstick, that outfits 4G in a super sleek and stylish package.

    Tattoo challenges you to RESIST all your old notions of what your broadband can be. It is time to RESIST the undependable, and start living your connected lives without limits, as it takes you to the new generation of global broadband domination.

    www.tattoo.globe.com.ph