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    LG officially launches Optimus L3 E400 in the Philippines, priced at 5,990

    We had an inkling that LG’s Optimus L3 E400 would challenge Samsung’s Galaxy Y for the budget Android crown, and we were right – the other Korean electronics firm has officially launched the Optimus L3 E400 today at Php 5,990. We got our own review device at our office the other day, so you might want to check out what we initially thought of it here.

    To give the launch a bit of a momentum, LG is giving a nice Php 1000 discount for potential Optimus L3 E400 buyers today. Anyone wanting to pick up the device at a discount can do so at LG’s concept stores at the SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall. The sale will start at 5:00 and will last for about an hour – so if you’re in the area and want to pick it up, today’s your only chance.

    Globe launches Nokia Lumia 800 with summer’s coolest party

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    Globe Nokia Lumia 800 ambassadors Slater Young, Ashley Gosiengfiao, Mikael Daez, Divine Smith and Guji Lorenzana

     

    So you’ve explored many different ways to beat the heat this season: from frequent trips to the malls and the country’s finest beaches, to changing your wardrobe to let your pores breathe more freely, all the way to stacking up a variety of cold refreshments in your fridge. You’ll do whatever it takes to cool down and savor the moment braving the sun.

    Joining the bandwagon is Globe Telecom, which became the first Philippine telco to mount a launch event for the Nokia Lumia line with the unveiling of the Globe-exclusive Nokia Lumia 800 via a cool launch party recently. Hundreds of Nokia fanatics, celebrities, social butterflies and VIPs as well as media guests trooped to Beso Cucina Vinoteka, a new cool place in the heart of Bonifacio Global City Central, to witness everything cool about the Nokia Lumia 800 and how it’s best paired with an unlimited data plan from Globe Postpaid.

    The event was a visual and aural treat to its guests, highlighted by a radical lights, sounds and drum spectacle show led by a group of Buganda drummers, with the lights display consistent with the Nokia Lumia photo wall launch in London. The entrance had walls of interactive screens which were all programmed to play an instructional Nokia Lumia 800 video when guests waved their hand towards the screen. Guests also had the chance to play and tinker around with the device at the device booths, and were treated to free-flowing Spanish food and drinks.

    Model and host Joey Mead emceed the launch and introduced Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Peter Bithos and Nokia Philippines General Manager and Head of Sales Dharmesh Goshalia, who both testified to the strong partnership between Globe and Nokia in bringing to the country the coolest devices that are easy to use. The head honchos also gave out Nokia Lumia phones to 35 lucky event goers that made the crowd go wild.

    Adding some glitz and glamour to the event was the presence of the Globe Nokia Lumia 800 ambassadors such as TV reality show favorites Slater Young and Divine Smith, models and TV personalities Guji Lorenzana and Mikael Daez, and cosplayer-musician Ashley Gosiengfiao. Australian DJ and model Callum David kept the party alive with his brand of dance music playing all throughout the night.

    The night was young for tinsel town’s socialites who also partied at the launch event. Seen at the event were beauty queen Miriam Quiambao, TV hosts Dolly Anne Carvajal and IC Mendoza, social media heartthrob Kimpoy Feliciano, fashion blogger Laureen Uy, Philippine Volcano Eric Tai, fashion designer Rajo Laurel, fashion editor Daryl Chang, models Carlos Concepcion and Marc Gueco, network executive Garlic Garcia, sportscaster Bobby Yan, event expert Stephen Ku, among many stars. The event trended worldwide in Twitter, thanks to its legion of guests, fans and supporters who had everything great to say about the launch.

    “As the expert in devices with our fully-customizable postpaid plans, Globe is proud to be the exclusive partner of Nokia in launching the Nokia Lumia 800, the ultimate social media phone that integrates all your social networks’ features (contacts, messaging, calendars, and events) on your phonebook. With Globe, you get the most out of this ultimate social media phone because we give this to you for free at Unlisurf Plan 1799*, with unlimited surfing, P800 consumable and 3 freebies,” explained Bithos.

    He added,” With our portfolio of unlimited surfing plans, it’s so easy and worry-free to maximize the different features of the Nokia Lumia 800. Users are also assured of a great experience with Globe because of the Globe Guarantee of no billshock and 24/7 exclusive access to our customer service channels. Truly, Globe allows its subscribers to create their own postpaid plan best paired with the most advanced smartphone devices the way they want.”

    To know more about the Globe Nokia Lumia 800, visit www.globe.com.ph/nokialumia.

    Review: Samsung Galaxy Pro B7510

    By M.R. Gavin

    It’s always difficult to make a shift when it comes to phones. I’ve always been a texter and am very much adept to using the normal numerical keypads. I’ve always dreaded QWERTY phones as I keep on messing up my messages.

    So when I pulled out the Samsung Galaxy Pro test unit out of its box, I was a bit apprehensive. Imagine my relief when I found out that it was not just a QWERTY phone, it had a touchscreen too, making it easier to navigate through the pages and go to other features.

    Just below the screen are four physical keys; options, home, back and search. The QWERTY keypads are faceted, making it easier for the user to text. The textured finish of the back cover makes the unit easier to hold.

    The screen is 2.8 inches—much bigger than other QWERTYs out there—with a resolution of 320×240 pixels. Just like any Samsung phone, you can adjust screen brightness but outdoor visibility, especially on direct sunlight, leaves much to be desired. This phone sports an Android Froyo 2.2 operating system and an 800MHz processor. Better performance in a speed that won’t fail you.

    What’s nice about the Samsung Galaxy Pro is that it comes with the Samsung Special Hub premium that is suitable for people like me who likes to have their social media, messages and even IM’s while on-the-go. Everything goes in one inbox; you don’t need to run multiple applications. Thus, the premium hub saves battery life. It also has the “Think Free” Office Document Editor, which is great for viewing and editing MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint files.

    Specifications
    Display: 320 x 240 pixels, 2.8 inches
    Dimensions: 108.6 x 66.7 x 10.7 mm
    Weight: 103.4 g
    Processor: 800 MHz processor
    Memory: MicroSD, up to 32GB
    Camera: 3.15 MP, 2048×1536 pixels, autofocus
    Battery: Standard battery, Li-Ion 1350 mA
    Software: Android Froyo 2.2

    What’s Hot:
    • Android Froyo 2.2
    • Samsung Special Hub premium
    • Think Free Office Document Editor

    What’s Not:
    • Poor outdoor visibility

    Bottomline:
    It is the best phone for those who want everything on the go. The Samsung Galaxy Pro is a cool Android smartphone suitable for all needs and wants

    Buy Meter: 8.6

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

    All-new Mazda3 and all-new Mazda CX-5 launched, prices announced

    Ford Group Philippines president Randy Krieger, together with the top honchos of Mazda Philippines, unveiled the all-new Mazda 3 and the Mazda CX-5 at the NBC tent earlier today.

    The fully redesigned and restyled Mazda3 delivers a fresh appearance, unmatched performance and premium refinements to the compact car segment in the country. Available 1.6L hatchback (Php 999,000) , 1.6L sedan (Php 1,099,000) and 2.0L sedan (Php 1,299,000).

    The all-new Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV is the first vehicle that will adopt the full range of Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology and ‘KODO-Soul of motion’ design theme. The Mazda CX-5 2.0L FWD M/T is priced at Php 1,392,000, while the A/T version can be your for only Php 1,452,000.

    Incidentally, Mazda is holding public testdrives this weekend, April 21-22, over at the Mazda Revolution at the Fort from 9am to 9pm. Full a full vehicle line-up will be on display, testdrives for the all-new Mazda3 as well as the all-new CX-5 will be available. Zoom zoom!

     

    Oakley has been working on Augmented Reality Glasses

    We heard about Google’s “Google Glasses” about a week ago that make use of augmented reality technology to stream information to the wearer in real time, allowing them to perform tasks that we usually see on smartphones—this includes taking pictures, checking the weather, getting directions, and scheduling meetings. Meanwhile, eyewear manufacturer and sunglasses king, Oakley, had already been silently planning smart glasses of their own for the longest time.

    According to the company, they’ve had a 15-year head start on Google as they’d been working on it since 1997. In fact, some reports say that Oakley seems to be further along than Google in making these glasses a reality, and the company’s efforts will target athletes first. Oakley is making use of its “heads-up” technology, which puts smartphone features into glasses, allowing the glasses to function by themselves and work with smartphones while being controlled through voice commands. The company also acknowledges that while functionality is of course a part of it, aesthetics might play a more important role in getting more people to actually wear them.

     

    Nokia Lumia 710 hands-on, first impressions (video)

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    After Smart’s awesome coming out party for Nokia’s Lumia 710 yesterday, we managed to land our own review unit. And since we couldn’t find a way to take screenshots of the device without rooting it (which we won’t do, as that does not represent the stock version of the device when it finds its way to consumers) we shot a short video of what the Lumia’s Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) OS looks like in person. Check it out below.

    Chrome for Android Beta: Mobile browsing made clean and simple


    In 2008, Google launched Chrome to help make the web better. Millions of people around the world use Chrome as their primary browser. To keep improving that experience, in February, Googlelaunched Chrome for Android Beta, which brings many of the things you’ve come to love about Chrome to your Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich phone or tablet. Like the desktop version, Chrome for Android Beta is focused on speed and simplicity, but it also features seamless sign-in and sync so you can take personalized web browsing experience wherever, across devices. Toda, Google is introducing an update to Chrome for Android that makes the app available in 31 more languages and in all countries where GooglePlay is available, including the Philippines.

     

    Speed, simplicity, and a signed-in experience

    Chrome for Android is designed from the ground up for mobile devices. You can search, navigate and browse fast—Chromefast. Both search and navigation can all be done quickly from the Chromeomnibox. Google reimagined tabs so they fit just as naturally on a small-screen phone as they do on a larger screen tablet, and you can scroll through web pages as quickly as you can flick your finger. Best of all, you can bring your personalized Chrome experience with you to your Android phone or tablet. If you sign in to Chrome on your Android device, you can:

    ●     View open tabs: Access the tabs you left open on your computer (also signed into Chrome)—picking up exactly where you left off.

    ●     Get smarter suggestions: If you visit a site often on your computer, you’ll also get an autocomplete suggestion for it on your mobile device, so you can spend less time typing.

    ●     Sync bookmarks: Conveniently access your favorite sites no matter where you are or which device you’re using.

     

    Listening to users

    Since the introduction of Chrome for Android Beta, Google has been listening closely to user feedback. Today’s update adds a few requested features to make it even simpler to navigate the mobile web:

    ●     You can now request the desktop version of a website, in case you would rather not view the mobile version.

    ●     Chrome for Android Beta now detects email addresses and phone numbers on web pages. Now you’re one press away from composing an email or making a phone call.

    ●     You can now add your bookmarks as shortcuts to your home screen, so you can get to your favorite sites faster.

    ●     Like Chrome on your desktop, Chrome for Android Beta now has country-specific suggested default search engines to help improve your search experience.

    You can install Chrome for Android Beta from GooglePlay on your Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, phone or tablet.

     

    Toshiba Philippines outs NB500 netbook series

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    Toshiba just enhanced its netbook line-up with the NB510 and NB520 series. They come equipped with an Intel Atom Dual-Core N2800 processor and can handle system memory of up to 2GB, which is more than enough for the average user looking to get work done on-the-go, since netbooks are geared more towards portability rather than performance. You’ll get Windows 7 Starter and 320 GB of hard-disk space, as well as most of the other basic features usually found on notebooks such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a webcam (on the NB520 model), three USB ports, a microphone (on the NB520 model), an SD slot, and an Ethernet port. The NB500 series of netbooks sport 10.1-inch screens and promise great audio quality, up to 7.5 hours of battery life, and incredible portability at only about 1.3 kg in weight and approximately  26 x 19 x 3 cm in size. They also come in a variety of color options.

    Nokia Lumia 900 spotted, we go hands-on

    Also present during Smart’s launch of the Lumia 710 was the Lumia 900 which we managed to pry off the hands of Nokia executive Mike Smith. At first glance we’d forgive you if you though it was an N9 (or a Lumia 800) as it has the same unibody polycarbonate body as the devices we mentioned. Possibly one of the biggest changes you’ll notice with the Lumia 900 is size – it’s a bit bigger than the N9 and the Lumia 800 and has a far larger 4.3-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen.

    As it’s part of Nokia’s Lumia series of devices, the Lumia 900 obviously runs on Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango). Curiously, it’s also one of the few flagship devices in the world that doesn’t use a dual-core or quad-core processor, opting instead to use a Qualcomm APQ8055 Snapdragon processor chugging along at 1.4 GHz.

    The green cover you see on the smartphone is a silicon case that helps protect it from drops and other damage.

    The Nokia Lumia 900 wi

    There’s no word on what plan the Lumia 900 will fall under, but a source close to the matter mentioned that the Lumia 900 will launch in May and would be exclusive to the telco for only 2 months.

    Smart officially launches Nokia Lumia 710, available in Plan 1000, Php 450 amortization per month *UPDATE*

    Seems like Nokia’s getting its groove back, at least as far as the Philippines is concerned. Last night the company officially launched the Lumia 800 with Globe, and tonight they’re partying with the other giant in the telco industry, Smart. Smart has already announced that it would be getting the Lumia 710, the mid-market Windows Phone 7.5 device and tonight it’s finally official.

    To refresh everyone’s memories, the Lumia 710 is a 3.7-inch smartphone powered by Windows Phone 7 .5 Mango and a single core, 1.4 GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon processor. With the new enhancements that was served to the Windows Phone 7 OS via the Mango update, this particular phone is able to stand toe-to-toe with most other mid-end Android device currently in the market.

    The Nokia Lumia 710 will be offered by Smart under their Special Edition Plan 1000 with a monthly amortization of Php 450 a month for 24 months.If you want yours, you better hurry up – the limited edition plan will only be offered by the company till May 8, 2012. A rep from the company also said that there will also be a Windows Phone 7 version of their app SmartNet, as well as an iOS version (that we mentioned about earlier) that will be available at the end of the month on the Windows Marketplace and iOS app store.

     

    Samsung introduces Vacuum tube amplifier home entertainment system to the Philippines, courts hard-core audiophiles

    Hardcore audio enthusiasts know that Vacuum tubes is where audio quality is at. This is probably the reason why Samsung has released their Vacuum tube amplifier-based 7.1 home entertainment system, the HT-E6750W to the Philippines during their AV Roadshow last night. The 7.1 home entertainment system boasts multiple connectivity points as well as professional level sound in an integrated solution that’s relatively affordable. The HT-E6750W has built-in WiFi that allows you to connect to your home network and stream your content to the device, as well as allow you to access Samsung’s numerous content portals for additional content.

    If you’re just looking for an audio dock but want excellent sound quality, Samsung’s DA-E750 might be more your thing. The DA-E750 is the company’s first dual-docking system for the premium audiophile, and supports a broad range of Samsung’s GALAXY devices and Apple devices including the GALAXY S II, GALAXY Note, GALAXY Player, iPhone and iPad via both docked and wireless connectivity.

     

     

    Sulit.com.ph: Three easy steps to help you find what you’re looking for

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    In this digitized age of instant information, more consumers look to online one-stop shops as a more convenient way to browse and purchase items. And when it comes to one-click access to instant information and listings, no other website has revolutionized the way Filipinos search for online finds than sulit.com.ph, the country’s number one classified ads website that has been providing Filipino consumers with endless possibilities all in one cutting-edge platform.

    Featuring a comprehensive offering of deals and steals, sulit.com.ph, Philippines’ number one classified ads website,  lets today’s consumers find everything they want and need in just a few clicks, from consumer electronics, travel packages, repairs and maintenance and event services.

    Co-Founder and Managing Director RJ David shares how he jumpstarted the business and established its place in the local e-commerce industry.  “In just five short years, what started as an experimental venture into online classifieds with my wife Arianne has achieved unexpected success, and has now become an essential tool for a generation of Filipinos,” he says. “We remain committed to providing shareholders, both consumers and advertisers, with a convenient online platform that continues to innovate with the times and keep up with the demands of the steadily growing market.”

     

    Something for everyone

    Catering primarily to the Filipino market, sulit.com.ph lets consumers search for an item that they want to buy, hire, rent, lease or even swap all in one place.

    Fashion-forward individuals can spot unique items to add to their collection, automotive enthusiasts can peruse the extensive directory of both brand new and used cars, employers and job seekers alike can search for business and earning opportunities and business locators, animal lovers can go over various pet listings, real estate hunters and developers can look through properties and establishments, and more.

    Where else can one find a place in the web that houses a diverse array of products and services at great prices?

     

    What else is there?

    Sulit.com.ph, however, isn’t just a typical buy and sell portal. With three easy steps namely Hanap, Usap, Deal, sulit.com.ph streamlines and expedites the entire purchase process.

    The website features a user-friendly messaging system that lets members easily communicate with each other as well as a community forum, where aside from sharing tips on buying and selling, members can engage in discussions of topics that interest them.

    With more than four million page views and 450,000 unique visitors daily, sellers are able to grow their business and enter new markets, while being guaranteed of a good exposure for their advertisements.

    Members can enjoy free advertising and marketing services, with sulit.com.ph making them easily searchable in sites like Google and Yahoo, with each giving their products, services, business, and brand name instant web presence.

    They have also introduced a paid virtual currency in the form of Sulit Gold, which is used to purchase additional features and services that will help sellers make the most out of their advertising strategies.

    Winning several prestigious awards such as the Best E-Business Website from the 12th Philippine Web Awards and the Business Excellence Award Special Award from Go Negosyo and BPI Family Savings Bank only drives the Sulit team to keep Filipino buyers and sellers satisfied.

    Samsung officially launches Smart TV ES8000 and ES7500 in the Philippines

    Samsung Philippines Inc. officially launched vaunted Smart TV offering in the Philippines, bringing a ton of new features, content and methods of interaction to a device that’s largely stayed the same all these years.

    Let’s make this clear right now – Samsung’s new Smart TV lineup isn’t simply just a box anymore – the new sets (namely the ES8000 and ES7500) are powered by a dual-core processor and runs on a highly modified version of Android – which makes the TVs capable of running apps natively on the TV itself, without needing a separate unit.

    The entire brains of the device is housed in an enclosure called the Evolution Kit, which Samsung says can be upgraded as newer technology comes along. Yes, you heard that right – for the first time ever, you’ll now be able to upgrade your TV the way you upgrade your home desktop. Obviously you’ll still be using the same display that you started with, along with any other hardware that came along with the device (which includes the camera on the front of the device) but as long as you can upgrade the Evolution Kit (which Samsung tells us is the brains of the new TVs) you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of the latest TV technology year after year, without purchasing a brand new set.

    Another feature of the new Smart TVs is the ability to control the device through voice recognition and gestures. Because of the aforementioned dual-core processor inside the new Smart TVs, the ES8000 and the ES75000 can recognize voice commands, allowing you to control the TV without lifting a finger. The ES8000 and the ES7500 are also outfitted with Samsung’s motion control technology. Think Microsoft Kinect, but for the TV – the front facing camera that’s on top of the TV captures your gestures and translates them into commands that your TV can understand. We’ve embedded a video of the tech in action below.

    Probably the most significant offering of Samsung’s new Smart TVs is the promise of content. Or to put it simply, the availability of no-bullshit, no region lock content that you can stream from the net to your TV. The lack of content has been our main point of contention when Internet connected TVs first came out, and it’s something that newer Smart TVs from other companies can’t deliver. Samsung’s content drive is made up of two things – apps and streamed content. Samsung’s closely working with developers to provide content to their Smart TVs that further enhance the functionality of the TV sets beyond being passive devices you watch video on. The company is also offering streamed video content that consist of shows, educational programs and other genres direct from the web to their Smart TVs, without region locks and without recurring fees. Lastly, Samsung is also giving people who buy their Bluray players and Smart TVs a complimentary pass to their Blupass service – which basically allows you to rent Bluray movies and have them delivered to your doorstep for free. The pass will be good for six months.

    That’s it for now. We’ll get a more comprehensive review of Samsung’s new Smart TVs once we get a change to have more time with it.


    Samsung supposedly stops production of Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 to add quad-core processor

    Korean firm Samsung is supposedly stopping production of their recently released Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 to add a quad-core processor according to a company insider. According to Netbook News, there’s no word if the new processor getting wrangled into the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is the vaunted 32nm Exynos 4412, or another quad-core processor. We were surprised as everybody else when the firm initially announced that the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 would only pack a 1 GHz dual-core processor, considering that other tablets that was coming out during that time had quad-core processors in them.

    Source: Netbook News

    Sony Xperia S, P, and U officially in the Philippines, prices inside

    Right after Sony’s announcement of their Ericsson buy-out a few months ago, we wondered when Sony’s new, non-Ericsson branded smartphones would hit the market and by extension, what would happen to the staff and personnel of Sony-Ericsson Philippines. Well, that particular question was answered in their event earlier today, where the firm officially released four devices to the Philippines: the Sony Xperia S, U, P and Sola.

    The headline device of the entire shindig was definitely the Sony Xperia S. The S sports a large, 4.3-inch LED display that has a pixel density of 342 ppi, which is one of the highest in its class. That particular display is encased in a body that’s extremely solid and quite pretty, if we do say so ourselves.

    Powering the S is a dual-core, 1.5 GHz Qualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon processor. While the choice of processor isn’t bad per se, it pales in comparison to other, higher-end devices that’s been popping up in the past few months which use faster, quad-core processors.

    Another point against the Xperia S is the use of Android 2.3, aka Gingerbread. Again, while Gingerbread is one of the most stable (and currently widely used) version of Android out now, we would expected the Xperia S to at least have ICS, though in Sony’s defense they did say that the S will get an update to Android 4.0 in the near future.

    Next on the Xperia line-up is the Xperia P. The P slots in the middle of the entire line-up, and externally looks a like lot the S. Come to think of it, the entire Xperia line-up looks eerily familiar to each other, with only the screen and the color of the lower piece of plastic being the major differences externally between the three.

    The screen clocks in about 4-inches and is an LED backlit capacitive deal. The processor is a dual-core, 1 GHz deal, and the whole thing is powered by Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

    The runt of the litter is the Xperia U. Again externally the U looks awfully familiar to its bigger brothers, and is only differentiated by the size of the screen (3.5-inches for the U) and the color of the lower strip of plastic. The U is powered by a 1 GHz dual-core processor and Android 2.3.

    Prices for the different devices are as follows: The Sony Xperia S will retail for Php 27,990, the Xperia P will retail for Php 22,990. The Xperia U goes for Php 13,990.

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