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    Will there really be a Facebook phone named Buffy?

    Gadgets Team
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    Will there really be a Facebook phone named Buffy?

    After spending years of being at the heart of your lives, Facebook is gearing up to be at the heart of a smartphone. And the project is code-named Buffy.

    Yep, you heard it right. Buffy. And yes, its named after the vampire slayer.

    AllthingsD reports that the Facebook phone will have a modded version of Android with social networking functionality as its central focus. Rumors also state that it will support HTML5 as an app platform, and will be manufactured by Taiwanese company HTC, since deals with Samsung didn’t push through.

    The move to mobile is an intelligent yet long-awaited (perhaps too late?) shift on Facebook’s part, and it’s actually quite “baffling” as to why they haven’t traveled down this path sooner, especially since the company reports they have “350million active mobile users”.

    Yes, Facebook has its apps, and has produced half-hearted attempts such as the HTC Cha-Cha, but these don’t really present a “tight” integration between social and smartphone. Granted, they have to compete with Google and Apple, which is by no means any easy feat.

    But the question remains: will you really grab a Facebook phone? Even if it isn’t called Buffy?

    I don’t know about you, but I think I’d rather have the real Buffy in  my pocket.

    AsiaPay and Jollibee allows you to order online and “card” it

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    AsiaPay and Jollibee allows you to order online and “card” it

    Jollibee Foods Corporation, the country’s largest fast-food chain, launches its online payment service with AsiaPay, an electronic payment solution and technology provider in Asia and the company behind PesoPay, to allow Jollibee’s online delivery website (www.jollibeedelivery.com) to accept and collect credit card payments online.

    “AsiaPay’s industry experience combined with the robust PesoPay platform and ready-made shopping cart integration, made them our ideal partner for online payment processing,” said Sarwar Faruque, Project Manager – Digital Media Group of Jollibee Foods Corporation.

    The integration of AsiaPay’s payment platform for the Philippine market, PesoPay, allows Jollibee to offer its customers to pay online using their credit cards with confidence and ease, therefore complementing Jollibee’s three-step ordering process. Additionally, PesoPay’s anti-fraud management tools will enable Jollibee to facilitate online payments securely, thereby detecting and preventing fraud before it happens.

    “Our mission to provide secured and advanced online payment technologies to the market has been achieved with the successful launching of Jollibee’s online payment service for its online delivery website. Enabling Jollibee customers to make payments online, completes the whole electronic ordering cycle while adding value by providing security and ease of use. PesoPay is a powerful tool to all businesses regardless of nature and size, it is the only online payment service with fraud monitoring and other value-added features that are substantial to the security and productivity of online businesses,” comments Mr. Joseph Chan, CEO of AsiaPay.

    LuxePad A9000 gives keyboard-less Honeycomb owners a place to type on

    Gadgets Team
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    LuxePad A9000 gives keyboard-less Honeycomb owners a place to type on

    Not everyone can be like the Asus Transformer and Slider with their slide out/detachable keyboard. Most tablet owners will have to hope against hope that manufacturers make a decent keyboard dock that they’ll be able to use with their beloved tablets. If you’re one of those tablet owners, you’ll be happy to know that Genius has your back, and has released the LuxePad A9000 for all your key-pressing needs. The device is slim enough that you’ll be able to carry it without worrying about adding extra pounds in your bag, and connects via Bluetooth. Genius claims that it’s especially made for Honeycomb tablets and lasts quite a bit because of its low-power design. You’ll be able to snag one from its official distributor, MSI-ECS for Php 2,695.

    SMART rolls out LTE closed beta test, promises speeds up to 42 Mbps

    Gadgets Team
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    SMART rolls out LTE closed beta test, promises speeds up to 42 Mbps

    We’re fresh from Smart’s Jump Experience Center in Megamall where the telco just handed the first units of their Smart Evolution LTE dongles to select beta participants. The beta test aims to help Smart stress test their current LTE infrastructure so they’ll be able to spot trouble areas early and hopefully address those issues before the eventual commercial roll-out sometime next year.

    LTE if you’re not familiar, represents the next evolution of cellular technology and promises speeds greater than 50 Mbps on mobile devices. Smart’s initial widespread beta test (there was another one earlier this year in Boracay) is going to be powered by a Huawei E392 LTE USB dongle that’s theoretically capable of 42 Mbps. Smart tells us that they’re initially targeting select areas for the beta test, which include some prominent areas such as Makati, UP Diliman, Ateneo, Xavierville and SM MoA. Unfortunately, our home office based in West Triangle QC was not included in the initial sites that had LTE, but Smart assured us that they’d be putting up additional towers for better coverage as the beta goes on.

    The LTE dongle itself is pretty big, and is definitely bigger than the other USB dongles we’ve used in the past. There’s provisions on the sides to access the microSD and SIM slot. Speaking of SIMs, Smart has provided us with a specially provisioned SIM card to use with the dongle, which is capped at 50 GB per month.

    We tried our hardest to pry final product availability and pricing information from Smart execs present during the event, but alas, they couldn’t give us a solid timeframe when the service is going to roll out commercially, or how much it was going to charge for it, aside from saying that it’s a premium service and will be priced accordingly. But the fact that they’re opening up the beta test to about 130 select people means that they’re possibly gearing up for a commercial launch soon, and we wouldn’t be surprised if the company does a launch for it on the second quarter of next year.

    Unfortunately though, the Smart team ran into a bit of snag when we tried the unit on our own netbook during the event (it is still a beta test, after all) and we weren’t able to make it run properly there. As we mentioned earlier, our office (where we’re writing this) isn’t covered by LTE, so we’ll be using the dongle for HSPA+ for now. We’ll be reporting our speeds and our experience with the device as the weeks go by, so stand by for updates. For now, we’ll leave you with a lovely screenshot of another notebook that was running a far faster LTE dongle.

     

    Why “doing it yourself” takes skill and SKIL [power tools]

    Gadgets Team
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    Why “doing it yourself” takes skill and SKIL [power tools]

    Bosch, together with leading basketball coach and endorser Norman Black, unveil the new line of Skil power tools at the Phil Construct 2011. (L-R): Ken Vista (Key Account Executive), Marie Faller (Trade Services), Ronald Ipapo (Sales Representative), Norman Black, Jan Natividad (Sales Representative), Gary Dumas (Business Developer), Roy Tabada (Sales Channel Manager), Kristina Reyes (Corp. Communications Manager)

    …

    Bosch recently showcased its new portfolio of high-performance Skil power tools and accessories at the Phil Construct 2011 held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The Skil power tools were designed for demanding professionals in the local construction market.  “The Philippine market has been benefitting from a boom from a variety of industries – be it export, construction or manufacturing. Bosch power tools is committed to meet these demands by introducing new and innovative tools that meet the increasing demand of the Filipino Power Tool user”, said Jam Go, Country Sales Director of Bosch Power Tools in the Philippines.

    The trade show featured a roster of exciting events including a fashion show, where models sashayed down the runway, showcasing the range of new Bosch and Skil products. Guests were given a firsthand experience of a variety of Bosch tools fit for professional use — from high-precision impact drills to portable jackhammers, to circular saws and high-pressure washers. Combining durability, safety and power, the lineup of Bosch and Skil power tools help users perform a wide range of home projects from basic drilling and cutting to more complex building projects. Another event highlight was the presence of top basketball coach and Skil power tools endorser Norman Black. Attendees engaged with the coach in a mini-basketball shooting showdown and participated in a high-octane drill challenge later that day.

                                 Coach Norman Black with his favorite tool, the Skil Impact Drill.

     

    Besides being the current Ateneo de Manila varsity and 4-peat playing coach, Black is also a DIY enthusiast, doing repairs at home: “I used to hire people, but fortunately for me (by using Skil tools) I’m now able to get things done in the house without having to call contractors.” He trusts in the reliability that Skil power tools provide when he does his home projects. And now with Skil, reliability and reputation also come coupled with cost-efficiency. “I’ve been familiar with the Bosch name since I was a little kid. I think anybody who’s into building or repairing knows that reliability is the number one thing when you talk about tools. With reliability the Bosch name has become a household name over the years.” he said. Bosch’s presence in this year’s Phil Construct is proof of the company’s strong commitment to deliver superior quality tools to its consumers. Builders, from professionals to home users, will positively find a fitting Bosch Skil tool for their construction needs – big or small.

    Come and join our GoodBlog Awards!

    Gadgets Team
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    1
    Come and join our GoodBlog Awards!

    We’ve partnered up with Coca-Cola to bring you the GoodBlog Award – a contest that is looking for inspirational blog entries that revolve around the theme to “Spark & Share”

    Joining is easy!

    1. Go to goodblogaward.com
    2. Click on the Register/Login
    3. Follow the on-screen instructions
    4. Share your entry and spread the word!

    You  may submit either a Text, Photo, or Video entry. We also have Special Categories, which offer unique and special prizes!

    The best part is, you don’t have to be a professional or experienced blogger to submit! The contest is open to all and virtually any blogging/social platform! If you’re one of the first 50 people to submit, you’ll get a Gollla mobile phone case for free, so be sure to enter right away!

    And remember, our judging system is based partly on user ratings, so make sure to tell your friends to vote for you!

    Got it? Good!

    Now, tell us something good!

    http:/www.goodblogaward.com

    Contest Info and Rules

    Like us on Facebook!

    If you have other questions/concerns, kindly email:
    [email protected]
     

    More film is being discontinued

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    More film is being discontinued

    It’s another sad day for film enthusiasts, as a rumor has surfaced of Kodak products that will no longer be manufactured.

    Whether you’ve been taking photos before the introduction of DSLRs or have jumped on lomography’s revival craze (and no, Instagram doesn’t count), Kodak’s statement rumor regarding discontinuing film production definitely sets a blow on the photographic community. While digital imagnig is an amazing revolution, it still lacks the character and grit of film, which makes this news disheartening. If your favorite film is listed here, it’s time to stack up while supplies last.

    The following is a list of the film being discontinued:

    • Tmax 400 120 in single rolls
    • Tri-x pan 120 400 in single rolls
    • Elite Chrome 100/36
    • BW400cn/24 three packs
    • Gold 200/24 four packs
    • Max 400/12 single roll
    • Max 400/24 four packs
    UPDATE 11/22/2011:
    Kodak states they are only discontinuing Max 400/12 and Elite Chrome 100/36. The rest of the films listed will be “repackaged” in how it is sold in retail stores.  The T-Max 400 120 and Tri-X Pan 120 400 will come in five-roll “pro-packs” , the Max 400/24 will be packaged in fours, singles and 3-packs, the BW400cn will now e sold individually rather than in three packs.

    And just in case you missed the story, FujiFilm has also cut a number of their prized films:

    Negative Film:
    Sheet film (cut size):
    FujiColor Pro 160NC 4×5 20 sheet pack
    Fujicolor Pro 160NC 4×5 Quick load type 20 sheet pack
     
    Reversal film:
    135 (35mm size):
    Fuji Sensia III 100 24 exp roll
    Fuji Sensia III 100 36 exp roll
    Tungsten T64 36 exop roll
     
    Medium format
    120 size:
    Astia 100F 12 exp 5 pack
    220 size:
    Astia 100F 24 exp 5 pack
     
    Sheet film (cut size):
    Astia 100F 4×5 20 sheet pack
    Astia 100F 8×10 20 sheet pack
    Astia 100F 4×5 quick load 20 sheet pack
     
    Black and white negative film
    135 (35mm size):
    Neopan SS 36 exp roll

     

    Source: PhotoRumors, PetaPixel

    Meet the new Ford Ranger (part 2)

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Meet the new Ford Ranger (part 2)

    So we’ve already given you a quick rundown of the all-new Ford Ranger, but here’s  few more details that you may want to know.

    We’ll start off by just mentioning that Ford’s new pickup has a water-wading capability of up to 800mm on its 4×4 and 4×2 Hi-Rider models, and that’s without a snorkel. But what really gets us is the impressive Hill Descent Control and Hill Launch Assist the new Ranger is equipped with, which practically allows the truck  the drive itself on sloping inclines. We saw a video demo of it going up and down steep and mountainous terrain, without the driver even stepping on the accelerator or the brakes.

    If you’re wondering about the Rager’s power, the new Durtorq TDCi VG Turbo 2.2L and 3.2L engines, have a rather impressive torque of 375Nm and 470Nm respectively. Their also touted to be highly fuel-efficient in its class, with the 2.2L measured at 7.6L/100km on a 4×2 model, with impressive and responsive pulling power. The Duratec 2.5L iVCT on the other hand has a 122kW (166PS) power rating, and its torq increases to 226Nm.

    Want to know more? Pick up a copy of our Feb print issue.

    The new Ford Ranger will be available in the Philippines in Q1 of 2012.

     
    *photos courtesy of Ford

    USB stick-based PC has dual-core processors, Android on board

    Gadgets Team
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    USB stick-based PC has dual-core processors, Android on board

    While it’s not the first time we’ve seen a tiny PC-like device crammed into a unlikely (and tiny) form factor, Norwegian company FXI technologies’ USB based dual-core toting PC is still pretty damn impressive. Dubbed the Cotton Candy, the device is a fully fledged PC and weighs a measly 21 grams, and is powered via a USB plug on the device while video is handled by an HDMI port. The device also has a Bluetooth module inside it so you can remotely connect Bluetooth enabled mice, keyboards and other peripherals to it. The device is powered by a dual-core 1.2-GHz Samsung Exynos ARM CPU (which is the same processor that’s used by the Samsung Galaxy S II) and has 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI-out and a microSD card slot for storage. The device runs Android Gingerbread 2.3, and is completely capable of handling 1080p videos and stream HD clips from the internet. You can also plug the little thing into your PC and it’ll load Android in a new window, which makes it a handy little tool for devs to have, especially when debugging or coding apps. There’s even a demo of the device below, courtesy of Laptop Mag.

    Source: Laptop Mag

    Windows Phone Marketplace surpasses 40,000 app mark

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Windows Phone Marketplace surpasses 40,000 app mark

    It’s no secret that Microsoft is trailing behind Android and iOS when it comes to apps available in their appstore, but the firm from Redmond has passed a milestone of sorts, with All About Windows Phone reporting that apps in the Windows Phone Marketplace has surpassed the 40,000 app mark. The site also says that out of the 165 apps being added per day to the ecosystem, 85% of submissions were apps and 15% were games with 68% being free and 23% paid, and 9% were paid with free trial. The site also states at the current growth of apps, the Windows Phone Marketplace should reach the 50,000 app mark in the second or third week of January, though there is still a slim chance of it reaching it sooner. Good news for all of Microsoft’s phone partners, especially potential Nokia Lumia phone buyers – more apps mean more stuff to choose from once the Windows powered Nokia devices land in the Philippines.

    Source: All About Windows Phone

    Meet the new Ford Ranger (part 1)

    Gadgets Team
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    3
    Meet the new Ford Ranger (part 1)

    Ford says that the brand new Ford Ranger is the new rockstar of compact pickup trucks. And you know what? They might just be right.

    We’re here in Chiang Rai, Thailand, where we got to take a sneak peek and test drive the all-new Ranger. As we mentioned in our earlier post, Ford has taken great measures into incorporating safety into its new design, but its got a lot more to offer than that.

    The new Ranger will have 3 new engines – 2 Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels and 1 Ford Duratec petrol unit. You’ll have your pick from three cab stylings (Double, Open and Single), a choice between 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, and two ride heights.

    We’ll fill you in on the tech details later, but we just have to take note of one of its “smart” features. The Wildtrak edition has a great rear view camera system which displays the image feed directly on the rear view mirror itself instead of a separate LCD. Makes sense doesn’t it?

    Check back in for more tech details later on. For now, we gotta go off-road.

     

    Ice Cream Sandwich ported to Galaxy S II ahead of scheduled update

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Ice Cream Sandwich ported to Galaxy S II ahead of scheduled update

    Well, isn’t that something. Samsung has already announced that their flagship device, the Galaxy S II will be getting an Ice Cream Sandwich update soon, but “soon” wasn’t early enough for some people. Technobolt has reported that an intrepid modder by the name of @xplodwild has beaten the Korean company to it and has successfully ported ICS to his Galaxy S II. While it seems that he got ICS to work, you do need to take note that the whole thing is in alpha stages still, meaning there’s still some things that doesn’t work (like the  audio and modem). If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try to do the same thing on your Galaxy S II, though don’t blame us if something bad happens to it.

    Source: Technobolt, knowmydroid.com

    Gameloft debuts Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation and Gangstar Rio: City of Saints for iOS, Android versions coming soon

    Gadgets Team
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    1
    Gameloft debuts Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation and Gangstar Rio: City of Saints for iOS, Android versions coming soon

    If you’re a fan of first person and third person shooters and want to take the fun on the road with your iOS device, then listen up. Gameloft has officially released two new shooters Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation and Gangstar Rio: City of Saints for iOS, with the Android version coming soon. Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation is the company’s attempt at fully realized FPS for smartphones, and as such includes a 13-mission campaign and a fully fleshed out multiplayer mode that allows players to battle it out against 12 players in 6 exclusive maps and 7 different modes.

    Gangstar Rio: City of Saints meanwhile slakes your thirst for an open world sandbox game and features plenty of shooting, vehicles and a compelling story. You’ll get to explore the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and discover 5 different neighborhoods including the favelas, business district, beaches and jungle. Also, for the first time in the Gangstar series, explore indoor environments fully realized in 3D.

    Gameloft tells us that both games will also be available on the Android platform soon, but for now only iOS owners will be able to play these games. Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation and Gangstar Rio: City of Saints will retail for $6.99 (about Php 308). You can find the games in the iOS store here and here.

    HTC’s 10-inch Quattro tablet leaked, will be powered by Tegra 3

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    HTC’s 10-inch Quattro tablet leaked, will be powered by Tegra 3

    Seems like HTC’s HQ is leakier than a sieve, as another product has supposedly been leaked. Meet the HTC Quattro, the Taiwanese firm’s next tablet device that’s rumored to be powered by NVIDIA’s recently detailed Tegra 3 quad-core processor. This 10-inch tablet has a display resolution of 1280 x 768, and will carry about 1GB of RAM on board. The Quattro is also rumored to ship with Beats in it, similar to the Sensation XE and XL that was recently launched in the Philippines. We gather that HTC would release a Wi-Fi only and a 3G enabled device when it does finally ship, and maybe a sprinkling of that ICS magic too.

    Source: Pocket Now

     

    Samsung Galaxy Note hands-on

    Gadgets Team
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    3
    Samsung Galaxy Note hands-on

    Alright so we finally got Samsung’s newest baby, the Galaxy Note in our office today. The Galaxy Note is a bit different from Samsung’s other mobile offerings, as it’s possibly the biggest smartphone they’ve ever made, with a screen size of 5.3-inches. The Note isn’t traversing unusual territory – Dell’s 5-inch streak has already been through the whole is it a tablet/smartphone dilemma with disappointing results, and it’d be interesting to see how the Note navigates the same hybrid waters as Dell’s offering.

    If it wasn’t obvious already, the Galaxy Note is huge. With dimensions of 146.9 x 83 x 9.7 mm, people with small hands need not apply. The Note’s screen is a 5.3-inch super AMOLED affair, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. The colors just pop, and it’s perfectly capable of displaying black portions of pictures as, you know…black, unlike typical LED or LCD screens that look grey-ish. And even though the Note is a bit on the large side, it’s still comfortably thin, coming in at only 9.7 mm.

    External controls are a bit on the thin side too – you get the volume rocker on the left, power/unlock button on the right and home button near the bottom. Two more capacitive buttons show up on flank the home button when you touch the screen. The omission of a camera button sends a subtle message – the device isn’t primarily for pictures, though it still has a 8-metapixel camera at the back and a front facing camera for video calls.

    Staying true to its name, the Note also features a pen near the bottom that you can take out if you want to draw, write notes or whatnot, and we gather that you’ll be able to use it to compose text messages and the like.

    Powering the whole show is a dual-core 1.4GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor with a Mali-400MP GPU, which means that you won’t have to worry about the device slowing down once you get down and dirty with games and other apps. The Note is powered by Android 2.3, but we won’t be surprised if it gets ICS once the code is made available to the device.

    We’ve also included comparison photos with the relatively smaller 4.3-inch HTC Sensation XE. We’ll be getting our review up as soon as we can. If you can’t wait to get this baby in your hands, you can hit up Samsung’s preorder page here.

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

     

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