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    Occupy Rockwell: How Smart closed down a mall and threw the biggest tech event of the year

    When we went to Smart’s iPhone 4S launching at the Rockwell Mall yesterday, we weren’t sure what we were getting into. For one, the event was at 10 PM, a call time that was nearly unheard of for media. Two, they managed to close down Rockwell Power Plant for the duration of the event, which was officially slated to run from 10 PM to 4 AM. But as we learned as the night went on, it was only the beginning of the wild, crazy, party.

    See, this wasn’t just an iPhone 4S launch party. The event which was dubbed Smart’s Holiday Camp Out, was like a gigantic thank you to all of Smart’s subscribers and was possibly the biggest technology event we’ve covered this year in the Philippines. Apparently, the whole rationale for closing down the Rockwell Power Plant mall was to allow Smart to make some of the amenities of the mall available to select subscribers and VIPs – free food at Burgoo, Cibo and Sumo Sam, free booze absolutely everywhere, coffee at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and Starbucks, free screenings of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol until 1:00 am, absolutely free arcade play at the Q Powerstation. We would be remiss if we didn’t include the raffles that Smart did for the people who were present during the event. 27-inch iMacs, Macbook Airs up the wazoo, iPads, iPods, PS3s, XBOX Kinects, Beats by Dr. Dre and the mother of all raffle prizes – a Subaru Impreza STi. Smart also rocked the house with massive foreign talent with Lupe Fiasco and Jermain Dupri, and excellent DJs DJ Ace, Skratchmark and Mars Miranda.

    Of course, the biggest story at the event was the launch of the iPhone 4S. Smart had that covered too – unbeknownst to the first ten subscribers, the telco prepared extra goodies to sweeten the deal. The first ten Smart iPhone 4S subscribers got absolutely massive freebies – 27-inch iMacs, Macbook Airs and XBOX 360s were given away. The first Smart iPhone 4S subscriber Mr. Sherwin Soriaga who bought a 64GB iPhone 4S also took home a 27-inch iMac (absolutely free) and more importantly, shared a photo with the man himself, Manny V. Pangilinan, Chairman of Smart.

    And then there’s the plans – Smart’s iPhone 4S plans are extremely competitive, with the lowest pre-paid cash out being Php 33,200 for the 16GB version. You can check out the pricing details here.

    It still remains to be seen if Smart’s iPhone 4S sign-ups surpasses Globe’s, but one thing is for sure – they seriously know how to throw a great party.

    Orange updates the OPC, a computer built just for musicians

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    Orange has finally upgraded their  Orange OPC with improved hardware specs, now featuring Intel’s 2nd gen i7 processors with 8 virtual cores and and 8GB RAM.

    Google will answer back with Majel

    If you’re a devoted Google fan, but want your own Siri, you may have something to look forward to. Google has been working on Majel, a virtual assistant that is expected to match wits with its Apple counterpart.

    Smart iPhone 4S pricing finally unveiled

    We’re currently chilling at the Rockwell Power Plant for the iPhone 4S launch, and we’ve managed to get the final pricing for the iPhone 4S. Here it is:

    Prepaid Cash Out:

    16GB 33,200

    32GB 38,200

    64GB 43,200

    iPhone Plans

    Plan 2499

    16GB Free

    32GB Php 200/month for 24 months

    64GB Php 400/month for 24 months

    Plan 999

    16GB Php 999/month for 24 months

    32GB Php 1,200/month for 24 months

    64GB Php 1,400/month for 24 months

    Unlimited Data Plans

    Plan 4000

    16GB, 32GB and 64GB Free

    Plan 3000

    16GB and 32GB Free

    64GB Php 5,000

    Plan 2000

    16GB Php 2,500

    32GB Php 8,000

    64GB Php 12,000

    Plan 1500

    16GB Php 12,500

    32GB Php 17,500

    64GB Php 22,500

     

    LG debuts Prada 3.0 smartphone, gives Android a bit of class

    Remember LG’s Prada line of phones? The ones that infused the Italian fashion brand’s sensibilities with LG’s mobile tech? Well, LG and Prada brought out the latest device based on that partnership in an event in London earlier today in the form of the LG Prada 3.0. This latest incarnation of the partnership between the Korean and Italian brands is a sight to behold, marrying decent specs with some serious bling. The LG Prada 3.0 has a 4.3-inch NOVA touchscreen display that was present on their Optimus Black. The LG Prada 3.0 also comes with a 1GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 CPU, 1GB of RAM and an 8-megapixel camera. The whole device boasts a slim 8.5mm profile with a special leather back cover that adds to the whole ultra-premium feel to the device. It’s not clear when (or if) the LG Prada 3.0 will come to our shores, and how much you’ll have to drop to grab this little beauty.

    Source: GSMArena

    Review: AVT PN-403 Intelligent Navigation System

    If you’re looking for a personal navigation system that is both portable and flexible, you may want to take a look at the AVT (Audio-Video Technology) PN-403.

    Globe unveils country’s first-ever augmented reality print campaign

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    Globe Telecom stands at the forefront of innovation once again as the first Philippine company to launch the country’s first-ever augmented reality campaign on print media.

    Augmented reality (AR) is a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video or graphics which involves layering of computer-generated imagery on top of a view of the real world as seen through the camera of a smartphone or tablet computer.

    AR is becoming a fast growing technology and is considered as one of the more important marketing communications tools nowadays. It helps transform the way information and consumers are engaged towards a specific product or service, as well as it brings brand experiences to life. It also aids digital campaigns as a means to drive traffic to various social media sites or as part of coupon or redemption-led strategies for sales promotion programs.

    Data from ABI Research made a forecast that the market for augmented reality will reach US$350 million by 2014 in the United States alone. During the recent Philippine Advertising Congress which talked about game-changing advertising initiatives, Singapore Press Holdings general manager Geoff Tan said that the use of AR is already prevalent and widely accepted by the Singapore market. AR is typically seen and used in events, exhibitions and roadshows, point-of-sale programs, interactive installation, website and digital marketing, and mobile marketing and m-commerce solutions.

    “Once again, Globe is pioneering another effort in the advertising industry. The use of AR in our marketing campaigns will engage our customers further. With the AR, we will establish a more personal affiliation with our brand, immerse them through the use of their senses, and forge a more robust interaction with our products and services,” said Yoly Crisanto, Head of Globe Corporate Communications. “This is indeed taking technology up a notch and we are happy that we have made this milestone in the Philippine advertising industry.”

    To jumpstart the use of AR in its marketing campaigns, Globe will use the technology on its Christmas campaign entitled Globe Gets Me. Through the AR-empowered print campaign, Globe celebrates diversity in the way Filipinos celebrate the Yuletide season, including the way they connect and communicate with their loved ones. As a brand that lets subscribers enjoy their way, Globe leads the industry with a strong portfolio of innovative, customizable and affordable offers that truly enrich the lives of Filipinos, especially this Christmas.

    Samsung Galaxy W now locally available

    Seems like Samsung is in the mood to end the year with a slew of new Android smartphones and has followed up the Samsung Galaxy Y Pro with the Galaxy W. The Galaxy W looks like your typical mid-market Android device – 1.4 GHz single core processor, 3.7-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen, 512 MB of RAM and a slew of other features including 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Galaxy W also features a 5-megapixel camera for imaging, GPS with A-GPS, Bluetooth 3.0, micro USB 2.0, and a 1.7 GB-Internal memory which can stretch up to 16GB Memory with the use of a microSD card. Samsung claims that the Galaxy W has a robust battery that can do 12 days of standby time and 200 minutes of 3G video calling. Samsung hasn’t posted a price for this one unfortunately, but we reckon it’ll drop in the 16K-18K price range.

     

    Samsung releases business minded Galaxy Y Pro

    Love the Galaxy Y but feel that it would be vastly superior if it had a keyboard? Well, so did Samsung, so the Korean company went ahead and bodged a QWERTY keyboard into the Galaxy Y, which resulted in the aptly named Galaxy Y Pro. This nifty little Android smartphone is powered by the 2.3 Gingerbread, and packs a 832MHz processor to keep apps running smoothly. Samsung also saw fit to add their integrated Social Hub Premium to the mix, which gives you one-touch access to all of your emails, instant messages and social networking accounts. And although your primary input is through the keyboard, the Galaxy Y Pro still uses a 2.6-inch touchscreen LQVGA(320×240) TFT LCD, effectively giving you two input choices depending on the situation. The Galaxy Y Pro also has a couple of business apps to keep you productive, which includes a document viewer / editor when you need to fix-up a report on the move. The Galaxy Y Pro will set you back Php 9,990.

     

    Microsoft’s fantastic gift this holiday – OneNote for iOS

     

    Tired of missing out everything on your shopping lists, gift giving plans, event or travel planning this Christmas? Well, Microsoft has got your back. The company has just released the new version of OneNote for iOS devices just in time for your holiday- to-do-lists. It is a note-taking app designed for iOS devices making it easier for iPad to use for its larger screen. The new features of version 1.3 includes Localization for several new languages and markets, Tabbed user interface, Quick note creation in the Unfiled Notes section, Table rendering, Improved Windows Live sign-in experience, and Integrated upgrade option.

    With OneNote on your iOS devices, notes and lists will no longer be trapped on your hard disks as it is easily accessible anytime and anywhere. OneNote is free to download and allows you to use up to 500 notes. This app is now available worldwide.

    source: OneNote Blog

    Visit RUNNR to check out the perfect Christmas gift

     

    Runnr, the first world-class running specialty store in the country, has raised the bar in running technology amidst the resurgence of the sport in the country with the widest range of equipment and the revolutionary Footworx.

    A combination of  Footprint Analysis, Video Gait Analysis and Custom Insole Moulding, the innovative Footworx provides runners of all levels the best gear for the best experience walking, jogging or running, or achieve the best results in competition, with improved injury prevention.

    All that, plus all the name brands and all models for different running styles and conditions for everyone from relatives to co-workers, training partners of even the rival athlete—it’s Christmas, after all—are in store at Runnr.

    The most efficient “natural” running shoes ever produced are exclusively available at Runnr. The Newton MV2 Speed Racer, one of the lightest running shoes—a size 9 weighs just 5.8 ounces—provides greater protection on hard surfaces and inspires speed. With a level to the ground profile (zero-pitch) and a unique biomechanical metatarsal sensor plate, the foot can sense the ground quicker, allowing for a higher cadence.

    Runnr also recognizes the needs of active women and has brought the Newton Lady Isaac Guidance Trainer to Runnr Bonifacio High Street, Runnr Trinoma, Runnr at Ayala Center in Cebu and select Toby’s Sports stores.

    The innovative women-specific design elements such as the beveled heel and toe and beveled lugs contribute to the “intelligent control” that guides runners of all levels to gradually improve stride for better results, comfort and injury prevention.

    Style, besides functionality, is also a primary consideration for mom, sister, girlfriend and boss, and a perfect present is the CW-X VersatX Support Bra. Balance support, comfort and adjustability with a flattering silhouette, the VersatX features a five-point Targeted Support Web™ built into each cup for optimal motion control.

    For more information, visit www.runnr.com.ph.

    Smart Netphone App now available in Android Market

    One of things we liked about the Netphone 701 was the Netphone application that powered the whole experience. Now you can have the same charge-less internet experience that you enjoyed with the 701 on any Android device courtesy of the downloadable NetPhone app that’s now available on the Android market. You still get more or less the same experience that we had on the Netphone 701 which include that ever important safe browse feature that allowed you to check Facebook and chat with your contacts for free. The new app also seems to come with a few newer tricks up its sleeves (if the screenshots are to be believed) which includes being able to buy different connectivity packages from the app itself  using your existing load. The app works with Android versions up to 2.3, and Jayvee says that an ICS version of the app will also be available soon. The app obviously will only work with Smart subscribers, so if you want to take the plunge in the world of the Netphone, you’re going have to switch to their network. We’ve included a few screenshots of the app below.

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

    Source: A Bugged Life

    Messaging vulnerability in Windows Phone 7 found, disables messaging hub

    Windows Phone 7 owners, heads up. Tom Warren at Winrumors.com has found a vulnerability in Microsoft’s latest operating system that can potentially cripple your phone’s ability to send and receive messages. The flaw is pretty simple: a message is sent to your Phone 7 device, which in turn shuts off and reboots. Once the phone is up and running again, you’ll won’t be able to open the messaging hub. The only way to fix this is to do a painful wipe and restore on your device. The flaw affects the current build of Windows Phone 7 (codenamed Mango) and is not manufacturer specific. Tom says that the flaw can also be triggered by Facebook chat and Windows Live Messenger.

    The content of the message isn’t detailed in his post in Winrumors.com for obvious reasons, and he, along with one of his readers, Khaled Salameh is now in talks with Microsoft to find a way to fix the issue. Unfortunately, there is workaround for this particular issue yet, aside from the already mentioned restart and wipe fix. We’ve embedded a video below of how the whole thing goes down.

    Source: Winrumors

    Becoming Agents of Change through Arts

    Making a difference to make the world a better place is such a challenging feat. For VSO Bahaginan, a premier development organization in the Philippines, such goal is achievable by bringing people to work together. As a federation member of the international organization, VSO, VSO Bahaginan has a network of people who help them in addressing issues in poverty. It creates positive change by engaging volunteers and partners through its wide range of volunteer programs and development initiatives.

    Today, VSO Bahaginan celebrates another milestone in empowering people to become agents of change as individuals and institutions participate in the first “Art of Volunteerism” charity exhibit. It highlights Filipinos’ spirit of bayanihan as event unites the lovers of art and goodwill.

    Shaped with the objective of opening door of volunteerism to a fresh ground, the “Art of Volunteerism” pools together 17 distinguished academics and professional visual artists from renowned universities in the Philippines for the realization of this project. The participating artists include MAro Ruben Malto II, Daniel “Dansoy” Coquilla, Benjie Cabangis, Jonathan Olazo, Mervy Pueblo, Nestor Olarte Vinluan, Noell EL Farol, Zean Cabangis, Riel Jaramillo Hilario, Ferdinand Cacnio, Rosscapili, Dexter Sy, Leeroy New, Mark Justiniani, and Paolo Ban Santos.

    “With VSO, every peso you share brings people together to spark a chain reaction. You will help make life better not just for an individual of a family, but for a community or even a country,” said Malou Pantua-Juanito, executive director of VSO Bahaginan.

    The funds that will be raised by the “Art of Volunteerism” project will be used to help fund the organization’s Model Forest Projects in Ulot, Samar and Carood, Bohol. This environment program is in partnership with the International Model Forest Network (IMFN) and the Department of Environment and natural Resources. The project focuses on the sustainable management of Carood Watershed  in Bohol and the Ulot Watershed in Samar.

    VSO invites you to be part of this drive to transform lives. Together, we can help enable our local communities become champions of environmental protection and sustainability while still allowing them to be self-sufficient and productive.

    The “Art of Volunteerism” has been made possible with strong support of Globe Telecommunications. Inc. Pioneer Insurance, and American Data Exchange Corporation. Also extending assistance to the event are Riego de Dios Law Offices and Voyage Studios.

    If you want to be a stakeholder in the process of development through this initiative, visit http”//artofvolunteerism/wordpress.com for details on how you can make a difference. The site also contains information on the participating artists and artworks.

    Trend Micro prediction on 2012 threats: Attacks Take on More Sophistication in the Post-PC, BYOD Era

    Anti-virus and Internet Security firm Trend Micro has just published their threat prediction for next year. Among some of the predictions include the challenges and dangers of the BYOD (bring your own device) era brings to companies and organizations worldwide, as well as the security risks that some mobile applications bring with them. Another big threat is the rise of hacking groups like Lulzsec and Anonymous, which as you recall, wreaked havoc on several sites and managed to effectively hide from law enforcement entities. You can check out the entire report here.

    Source: Trend Micro