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    Parallels Desktop Upgrades to Version 7

    Gadgets Team
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    Parallels Desktop Upgrades to Version 7

    If you haven’t heard of Parallels Desktop yet, this is the perfect time to tune in, as they have recently announced that an update will be available within the week. Version 7 is set to be released on September 6, and boasts several new features and some impressive enhancements.

    In the simplest terms, the program lets you “run Windows on your Mac” without needing to reboot, providing a intuitive and seamless integration between the two platforms. This gives you the advantage of using all those Windows-only programs that you already own or would like to have, and it also serves as a great transition for PC users who have just plunged into the world of Apple’s computers.

    Parallels Desktop 7 has several new features, such as support for Lion, but its improvements over its predecessor is what grabs my attention. Apparently, there is 45% increase in graphics performance (now up to 1GB of vRAM), enhanced startup and resume of Windows, and quicker file transfer speed. Compatibility with iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch has also been improved.

    Parallels Desktop 7 will be available for download and retail on September 6 2011. It is priced at $79.99 (Php 3,377) with a student version at $39.99 (Php 1,688). To learn more, go here.

    Kaspersky Labs: A New Trojan is Targeting Mobile Devices

    Gadgets Team
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    Kaspersky Labs: A New Trojan is Targeting Mobile Devices

    Kasperky Labs reports that a new version of the PC-based ZeuS Trojan is out and about, which is primarily targeting Android devices. This new malware is actually a revamped version of the ZitMo Trojan, which has infected the Symbian, Android, Windows Mobile and BlackBerry operating systems.

    This updated ZitMo Trojan has the ability to steal mobile transaction authentication (mTAN) codes, which are essentially the single-use passwords sent by banks via SMS to execute remote transactions. Kaspersky says that users who have been hit by both the ZeuS and Zitmo Trojan are especially vulnerable, because syncing data between their mobile device and their computers provides a greater vantage point for cybercriminals.

    Aside from bank accounts, cybercriminals apparently like to travel. Kaspersky reports that one of the latest phishing trends is the theft of frequent flyer miles. The stolen credits are used to buy tickets or as currency to trade with other cybercriminals for other illicit items/services.

    In short, always exercise caution when downloading and installing apps on your mobile devices.

     

    For more information, visit Kaspersky Labs

    Google honors Freddie Mercury with awesome tribute

    Gadgets Team
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    Google honors Freddie Mercury with awesome tribute

    If you haven’t noticed, Google is a bit different today. The search company has decided to honor Queen front man/sex symbol/rock legend Freddie Mercury’s birthday by creating an awesome tribute to his accomplishments via Google Doodles on Google today. If you haven’t seen it, head on to it right now, click on the play button, and get ready for about two minute’s worth of awesome.

    Don’t be sad. Be “anti-S.A.D.” with PWCTU fun run for clean living

    Gadgets Team
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    Don’t be sad. Be “anti-S.A.D.” with PWCTU fun run for clean living

     

    I used to think that exercising a modest amount of happy intemperance was normal for any young adult. But after having a child of my own, I think that perhaps the best gift you can give your child (aside from formal education) is the value of temperance and clean living. The Philippine Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (PWCTU), an organization of civic-minded women, has set to bestow upon us just that with its benefit fun run entitled “BE GLAD…YOU’RE ANTI S.A.D (Smoking, Alcoholism, Drugs) A  FUN RUN FOR TEMPERANCE AND CLEAN LIVING”  on September 10, 2011 (Saturday), 5:00 a.m. at the Quezon Memorial Circle, QC. This event is in coordination with the QC Local Government thru the Office of Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte. This also marks its National Temperance Week as mandated by the Presidential Proclamation 225, as well as to celebrate the association’s 82nd Foundation Day.

    PWCTU has been spreading the word against cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, ingestion of narcotics and other illegal substances and their ill effects through seminars, open fora, oratorical contests and distribution of leaflets and other materials, in and out of Metro Manila. It had partnered with government agencies like the DOH, DOJ, NBI, DepEd/ City Schools, Dangerous Drugs Board, PDEA, DWSD and PNP in these endeavors. Other goals include the battle against concomitant vices of pornography and (now) cybersex.

    PWCTU has seriously endeavored to inculcate in everybody’s mind and heart the biblical injunction “Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in you?… Therefore glorify God in your body”. And in the nation as well. Its world motto – “For God, Home and even land”- says it all.

    About the Fun Run – race categories are 3 laps (7.5K); 2 laps (5K); 1 lap (2.5K) and a Fun Walk. Winners for the 3-2-1 Lap race categories will win cash prizes and medals. Registration fee at P350 and P300 only with singlet. Registration sites at Chris Sports in SM North Annex, SM Fairview, Ever Gotesco Grand Central & Ever Gotesco Commonwealth; Second Wind at 44 Malingap St. Teachers Village * Metro Walk, Ortigas Depot. For more inquiries, please call 4906512 or cell 09152903601/ 09398151258/09335433811. Partners of the events are BusinessWorld, DILG, Dangerous Drugs Board, San Miguel Corporation, Phil Christian University, Insular Life, Unilab, Magic 89.9, Benecure Water Station, Artesgraphics and Creativemediamax.

     

    Ultrabooks: what they are, and who has ’em

    Gadgets Team
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    Ultrabooks: what they are, and who has ’em

    Anyone who’s been following the techno-sphere as religiously as us might have probably encountered the newest buzzword in the industry: the ultrabook. With different companies coming out with their own model of the ultrabook, we thought it’d be nice to explain what it is exactly.

    The ultrabook is term that chip manufacturer Intel coined for an emerging niche of products that are exceptionally thin and light while retaining mainstream-like functionality and excellent battery life. It’s like ultra-light notebooks of yore, we guess, without the crippled performance that those units usually give.

    Basically, think of ultrabooks as Window-fied MacBook Airs.

    And there’s a bunch of ultrabooks coming your way once the holiday season rolls around. There’s the Asus UX21 (which we spotted back in COMPUTEX) that’ll be sporting a Core i3, i5 or i7 processor, Lenovo’s IdeaPad U300s, Acer’s Aspire A3 and Toshiba’s PORTÉGÉ Z830.

    Canon wants you to fulfill your indie movie dreams with the Vixia line of camcorders

    Gadgets Team
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    Canon wants you to fulfill your indie movie dreams with the Vixia line of camcorders

    Canon just informed us that they’ve launched new models for their VIXIA line of camcorders. The new FS400, HF R20 and HF M40 combine powerful specs with simple and easy to use controls. You can expect a  DIGIC DV II processor, a Canon Video Lens and a powerful magnification with up to 41x Advanced Zoom for the FS400. The HF R20 meanwhile,offers full HD 1920 x 1080 video, a 1/4.85-inch 3.28-megapixel HD CMOS sensor and a third-generation DIGIC DV III processor. Finally, the HF M40 offers a 1/3-inch, 2.37 megapixel HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor and an improved internal microphone.

    Review: WD Scorpio Blue 1TB

    Gadgets Team
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    2
    Review: WD Scorpio Blue 1TB

    Notebooks don’t have the roomiest of drives. The most space you can expect out of a HDD of a standard notebook is 320GB – 500GB if you’re lucky. That’s the main reason many notebook owners spring for an external HDD to store their data – their notebooks simply don’t have enough room. Well, there’s another solution to your space woes – the Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD10JPVT 1TB drive. This little 2.5-inch drive has enough space for a majority of data while giving you decent performance.

    One of the reasons why you don’t see notebooks sporting 1TB hard drives is because of height. Early 1TB 2.5-inch drives had a 12.5mm height requirement, which meant early drives couldn’t fit in standard notebooks which could only accommodate 9.5mm drives. The Scorpio Blue manages to pull this off through the use of two 500GB platters under the hood of the drive. Other features include shock resistance (which is important for mobile drives) and decreased power consumption (the Scorpio Blue pulls in 1.4 watts during active use).

    Of course, the WD10JPVT doesn’t have it all. It has a 5400 RPM spindle speed and 8MB cache, which is the typical specs of hard drives in its class. If you’re looking for fast drive for your notebook, this ain’t it. But again, storage is one of the main concerns of mobile users, not speed.

    Nevertheless, we would be remiss if we didn’t at least paint a picture of how the  WD10JPVT performs. We used two programs to gauge the performance of the WD10JPVT – CrystalDiskMark 3.0.1 and HD Tune Pro 4.61.

    Under HD Tune Pro 4.61, we get an average transfer rate of 85.3 MB/s, with a peak of 112.1 MB/s.

    For CrystalDiskMark 3.0.1, it was pretty much the same – 112.8 MB/s read, 110 MB/s write. Judging from those numbers, the WD10JPVT had pretty respectable performance, especially considering this is a 5400 RPM drive. We also didn’t notice increased noise during testing, which again is a plus for a mobile drive.

    Of course, that amount of storage doesn’t come cheap. If you’re set on buying one for your notebook, expect to shell out Php 5,995.

    What’s Hot:

    Respectable performance

    1TB of available space

    Quiet

    What’s Not:

    Not as fast as 7200 RPM drives

    Pricey

    Bottomline:

    The WD Digital Scorpio Blue WD10JPVT 1TB is a good upgrade for people who crave more storage in their notebooks – as long as you can afford the Php 5,995 sticker price.

    Buymeter: 8.5

     

    Samsung partners with Intel and MeeGo for Sing-to-win promo

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Samsung partners with Intel and MeeGo for Sing-to-win promo

    Samsung, MeeGo and Intel has partnered up to deliver a new promo that’s sure to endear them to musically-inclined pinoys. The Sing-to-win promo gives regular folks a chance to be discovered on YouTube (like Charice and Arnel Pineda) and win a Samsung N100 netbook. Interested? The rules are pretty simple. You just need to catch the Sing to Win roadshow in SM Baguio from Sept. 1-7; SM Pampanga, Sept. 15-21, and; SM North Edsa, Sept. 29 to Oct. 5, 2011, and choose a song and perform it at the Intel-Samsung booth. Then, at the end of the song, say why or how the PC has/will change your life. Jazz it up some more by editing the video using Intel-powered computers on site, and then upload it to Youtube. The video that has the most number of likes receives a Samsung N100 netbook.

    Also in part of the Sing to Win contest, Samsung is giving away exciting freebies for every purchase of Samsung mobile PCs. There’s a free Meego netbook sleeve for every purchase of N100; a Samsung E1080 handset for the Samsung NC110 series, NP300, and RV420 series, and; a Samsung ML-2525 printer for RC418 and RC420 series. This promo is valid in all of the participating IT shops on the following dates – August 22 to September 21, 2011 at SM Naga, September 1 -30 at SM Baguio, September 15 to October 14 at SM Pampanga, and October 1 to 31 at SM North EDSA. Customers just need to present a photocopy of any valid ID and sales invoice to the designated redemption areas to redeem their free items.

     

    Hands on: Archos 101 Tablet

    Gadgets Team
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    Hands on: Archos 101 Tablet

    While there certainly is no shortage of choice when it comes to tablets, the price of some models are way out of the reach of the practical consumer. Like it or not, price will always be major factor when it comes to purchase decisions for a majority of consumers, which is something that tablet manufacturer Archos wants to exploit. The Archos 101 isn’t the fastest nor the best looking of the bunch, but it’s capable of fulfilling most of the functions a tablet performs and for a lot of people, that’s what counts.

    Like we said, the Archos 101 isn’t the fastest tablet in block – it has a single core 1.0GHz ARM processor with 16GB of internal memory and sports a 10.1-inch capacitive screen capable of 1024×600 pixel resolution. You can connect to the internet via the built-in WiFi, and it’s able to accept USB sticks through the USB Slave/USB Host connection on the device.

    It’s able to handle a wide range of multimedia formats, and is fully capable of playing back 720p content. It’s pretty light, and only tips the scales at 480 g. Sadly, it’s only powered by Android 2.2 (Froyo) but to be honest, I don’t think that’s a big issue anymore. Sure, you miss out on excellent user experience that Honeycomb puts out but the tradeoff is that you get access to a bigger app library. Hopefully the Archos 101 will be able to take the Ice Cream Sandwich update when it’s ready.

    There’s a deploy-able stand on the back that allows the Archos 101 to tilt all the way down and any position in between, allowing you to watch your content and type on the device comfortably.

    As we mentioned earlier, the Archos 101 is a device that’s aimed for the practical consumer. It doesn’t have the fastest processor or the latest OS, but with a sticker price of Php 15,999, it’s hard to ignore.

     

    Lenovo announces $199 IdeaPad A1 tablet, rocks tablet pricing to the core

    Gadgets Team
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    3
    Lenovo announces $199 IdeaPad A1 tablet, rocks tablet pricing to the core

    Looks like Lenovo’s doing some major arm flexing at IFA. The company has just announced their IdeaPad A1 tablet at a price point many won’t be able to resist – $199 (about Php 8500), undercutting many of its competitors by at least half. The diminutive tablet is understandably not the fastest or the biggest of the bunch as it only packs a 7-inch 1024×600 IPS touchscreen display, 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor, 3MP rear camera but it’s undeniably hard to resist at that price point. It will initially launch with Gingerbread on board, but with Ice Cream Sandwich coming soon (which promises to merge both smartphone and tablet UI into one coherent experience) that complaint is a minor one.

    Source: Geek

     

    Apps that help maintain our national pride

    Gadgets Team
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    Apps that help maintain our national pride

    Everyone might have enjoyed all the long weekends August had to offer but let’s not forget why those extra holidays were important as it allows us to relive our national pride (if not everyday). And even though many Filipinos look up to today’s personalities who carry the national flag, such as Manny Pacquiao, the Philippine Azkals, and the Philippine Dragon Boat team, among others, we should also look back to their cultural and historical roots by searching for our national heroes in Google.com.ph. Below are the top five most-searched national heroes in 2010, according to Google:

    1. Andres Bonifacio
    2. Emilio Aguinaldo
    3. Jose Rizal
    4. Emilio Jacinto
    5. Juan Luna

    Pinoy pride can also be seen in the applications that local developers have made available in the global marketplace of Android and Chrome.

    Android apps

    • Ang Mahiwagang Kamiseta Lite:The first Filipino storybook app, “Ang Mahiwagang Kamiseta” relates the story of Juancho and his magical shirt, which makes him popular to everyone he encounters. The storybook app is based on the storybook of the same title.
    • KKB: This Android app helps the Pinoy group in going dutch – which is termed as “KKB” or “kanya-kanyang bayad” in Filipino. The app splits the bill effectively and even adds individuals to groups, adding a personal touch to each bill split.
    • Pinoy Radio: Music is embedded in the Filipino culture and this app, Pinoy Radio, can help Pinoys to listen to Filipino AM and FM radio stations from anywhere in the globe.
    • True Filipino Theme: Show your nationalism with your Android phone theme by integrating icons designed with the national flag.
    • Learn Filipino Free Wordpower: This Android app allows the user to learn Filipino in their own pace, even including the audio version of the words.

     

    Chrome themes/extension


    • Rizal theme: Show your appreciation for the national hero with the Rizal theme by Team Manila for Google Chrome.
    • Makiling by Arnold Arre: Appreciate Filipino artists by making this art of Mount Makiling by well-known graphic novel artist Arnold Arre as your Google Chrome theme.
    • Chikka: The Philippines is the text messaging capital of the world and this Chikka Chrome extension can feed the nation’s love for texting.

    Samsung introduces the NX200

    Gadgets Team
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    1
    Samsung introduces the NX200

    Say hello to the newest member of Samsung’s NX series, the NX200, which features a 20.3 -megapixel APS-C sensor housed within a “Retro Modern” body.

    Samsung’s latest interchangeable lens mirrorless system certainly looks the part, and taking a glance at its specifications could make this one of the company’s most desired cameras to date. It has the ability to record 1080p HD video at 30fps, has an ISO of 100-12800 and can shoot at a staggering 7fps in burst/continuous shot mode.

    While I would have liked to see Sammy add a viewfinder to the NX200, they did keep the brilliant 3-inch 614k AMOLED display. There is no built-in flash. Purchasing the NX200 kit however includes a hotshoe flash, as well as the 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 OIS i-Function lens.

    The Samsung NX200 kit (lens + flash) has a reported retail price of $900 (Php 38,454).

    Et tu, Microsoft? Microsoft being sued for collecting location data without consent

    Gadgets Team
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    Et tu, Microsoft? Microsoft being sued for collecting location data without consent

    Apple has been the public whipping boy for location concerns a few months ago, but it seems that even Microsoft is guilty of the same thing. A class action lawsuit filed against the software giant in Seattle alleges that their mobile operating system, Windows Phone 7, collects users location data even after you opt out or say no. The piece of code (pictured above) was found by Samy Kamkar in the camera’s application. Once you fire it up, it users if they want to allow the app to use their location. Kamkar found out that even if you say no, the device still proceeds to gather location information anyway.

    “The Windows Mobile operating system is clearly sending information that can lead to accurate location information of the mobile device regardless of whether the user allowed it,” said Kamkar. Kamkar started poking around the code at the behest of Seattle-based law firm Tousley Brain Stephens, which filed the suit saying, “Microsoft surreptitiously forces even unwilling users into its non-stop geo-tracking program in the interest of developing its digital marketing grid.”

    If the allegations do turn out to be true, then Microsoft is in a perilous position – during the heady days of Apple’s locationgate scandal, the firm sent a letter to congress saying that Windows Phone 7 will not store any location data unless a user has “expressly allowed an application to collect” it.

    Source: CNET, Tech Crunch

    HTC drops Mango equipped Titan and Radar

    Gadgets Team
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    HTC drops Mango equipped Titan and Radar
    Pictures via Engadget

    HTC’s Windows Phone 7 offerings have been slim pickings, and aside from the three devices unveiled when the OS launched last year (Trophy, HD7 and Mozart) the company has more or less concentrated on strengthening their Android lineup. So it came as a bit of a surprise to see Engadget handling two newly announced Mango equipped HTC devices – the Titan and Radar – being handled on their site. The HTC Titan definitely lived up to its name – it sports an absolutely huge 4.7-inch SLCD display, 1.5GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and 16GB of flash storage. The Radar meanwhile packs a smaller 3.8-inch screen, 1GHz processor and 8GB of storage and is probably aimed at the mid-market sensibilities. The crew at Engadget says that the new devices will be made available (in the States, we suppose) come October, while the rest of HTC’s Phone 7 lineup will be Mango-fied in September. Check out the link for more images.

    Source: Engadget

    Panasonic Releases World’s First Digital Interchangeable Power Zoom Lens

    Gadgets Team
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    Panasonic Releases World’s First Digital Interchangeable Power Zoom Lens

    For those of you that have read my Panasonic Lumix GF3 review, you’ll be ecstatic to know that a new lens has been announced by the company, and will be made as an alternate kit lens option for the GF3X micro four-thirds camera.

    Meet the brilliant LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm POWER O.I.S., which has an aperture of f3.5-5.6, touted as the world’s first digital interchangeable power zoom lens. Now don’t be fooled by this product’s mouthful of a name, for it’s physical size is more of a nibble than a bite.

    It has an electric-powered retractable zoom, and measures 26.8mm in length and weighs around 94 grams. According to Panasonic, the Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm is capable of extremely quick AF speeds at around 1/10 of a second. There are now individual zoom and focus switches on the lens barrel as well, which are much awaited additions to their lenses, and should make shooting much easier.

    With the official release date at October 2011, the Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm is reported at a suggested retail price of $399.99 (approx. Php 17,090), and is compatible with any Lumix G series camera.

     

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