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    New Qualcomm S4 Snapdragon processors promise better performance, more efficient battery use

    We managed to have a little powow with Qualcomm execs the other day and one of the things that we were able to talk about was their upcoming S4 SoC offering. So what’s new with S4? Well, for one the new processors will now use a 28mm manufacturing process, up from 45mm. The new processors also boast lower power consumption and better thermal performance, and will boast asynchronous dual-core clock speeds of 1.5GHz to 2.5GHz. Unfortunately, the soonest we’ll see the processors will be early 2012, but Qualcomm assured us that samples have already been sent to manufacturers for testing. If you want to read the nitty gritty of the whole thing, you can peruse the whitepaper that Qualcomm released in the source link below.

    Source: Qualcomm

     

    Lenovo Mobile enters the local market

    Lenovo Mobile has entered the Philippine market as part of its expansion throughout Southeast Asia, and eyes 30% of the low-to-mid end segments by 2012.

    Teaming up exclusively with local distribution company Open Communications, Inc., Lenovo Mobile aims to appeal to a market that already recognizes the company’s established reputation as a manufacturer of high quality computer products.

    Worldwide, Lenovo is known for its stylish, affordable computer and mobile phone products that don’t compromise quality and durability. The phones boast of world-class hardware and software technology that Lenovo is known for,” says Hyacinth Serrano, Open Communications’ business unit head.

    This year, Lenovo Mobile will introduce more than 2,000 units for each of its six models: the A60 Android touch screen phone, A336 gamer phone, E156 bar phone, Q330 QWERTY phone, Q350 internet phone and S800 stylish phone.

    All phone models listed above will retail for below P10,000.

    Learn more at www.lenovomobile.com.ph

    Buy a Neo netbook, get tickets to Pacquiao-Marquez bout

    If you’re in the market for a netbook and would like to see Pacquiao kick Marquez’s ass come November (live via satellite, no less) then you really have to get yourself a NEO B3510. This little netbook isn’t just your ticket to seeing Marquez get a beating of a lifetime, as it’s a pretty decent netbook too – Intel Dual Core processor, roomy 320 GB HDD and a a screen size of 11.6-inches and a price tag of   Php 14,999 make this little netbook a nice alternative for people looking for a decently priced and value packed device.

    NVIDIA releases second generation of 3D Vision, brighter, richer 3D coming to a screen near you

    NVIDIA’s 3D Vision technology allowed gamers and notebook owners to experience 3D without having to spring for bigger (and more expensive) 3D HD TVs. Now, the company has announced that the the tech is getting an upgrade via a new, redesigned (and less goofy looking) 3D glasses and NVIDIA 3D LightBoost technology – a unique new display technology that dramatically improves the 3D experience by delivering images that are up to twice as bright and colors that are far richer than those provided by other 3D display technologies.

    The new tech will be debuting in a couple of recently announced products which include the ASUS VG278H, which incidentally, has 3D HDMI 1.4 input, as well as a Dual-link DVI input for full HD 1080p 3D gaming.  ASUS’ exclusive Trace-Free II Technology features 120Hz refresh rates and 2ms response times, resulting in vivid, ultra-smooth visuals. The VG278H is expected to hit at the end of October and will carry a $699 price tag. Gamers looking to grab the newest iteration of 3D Vision glasses can expect to get one for about $99 a pop. Alternatively, you can get the whole kit for $149 in the US.

     

    BMW: highest growth in premium luxury segment in September

    Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), states that BMW continues its drive at the forefront of the premium luxury segment, with impressive increases in sales for the month of September this year.

    ACC, the official importer and distributor of BMW cars in the Philippines, records a 30% increase in sales from the month of August to September. According to the ACC, The 1 series holds the title of the largest growth locally with an increase of “94% in sales, with a 49% share in its segment.” Additionally, the 5 Series has seen the largest growth in its segment, with  a local “39% increase in sales over the same period of the previous year” and a global “30% increase in September year-over-year sales versus 2010”.

    At the core of BMW’s growth is the strength of its products, which carries the momentum upon which BMW has ridden its success,” said ACC President Maricar Parco.

    Even though the total automotive industry is down, the total premium luxury segment registered a 3% increase in September 2011 year-to-date figures, compared to the same period in 2010.

     

    For more information: www.bmw.com.ph

    Google finally killing off Buzz, not one person sheds a tear

     

    Google has just announced that it’s killing off a few of its services the other day, which coincidentally, also includes the company’s social media failure, Google Buzz. Buzz had a lot of privacy issues at launch, so much so that it was universally criticized by a majority of the technorati (if you don’t believe us, start typing in Google Buzz privacy into Google and see what the autocomplete does). If you’re one of the few people still using Buzz, Google says that you’ll be able to view your previous content on your Google+ profile and liberate whatever data you have on Google Takeout. Other services getting the ax are Code Search, Jaiku, iGoogle’s social features and the University Research Program for Google Search.

    Source: Google 

    Sony prettifies PS3, adds two new colors for the holidays

    Want a PS3 but are put off by the serious lack of color? Well, you’ll be glad to know that Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong is launching two colorful variants of the good ol’ PlayStation 3 come November. The new variants come in Splash Blue and Scarlet Red colors, and will ship with a 320GB HDD for storage. The DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller included in the bundle will also come in the same special colors, so you wouldn’t have to worry about color matching come playtime. The new variants will retail for Php 16,999, and will be available once the 25th of November comes around. 

    Google Q3 earnings out, rakes in $9.72 billion in revenue

    Google, our favorite future masters of the world tech company has just posted their Q3 earnings and unsurprisingly, they’re still raking in the dough. How much you ask? Well, the company managed to rake in about $9.72 in revenue, which is a 33 percent rise compared to the same period last year. Interestingly, the company also highlighted the continued popularity of its social network Google+, with Google CEO Larry Page stating that Google+ now has more than 40+ million users. “People are flocking into Google+ at an incredible rate and we are just getting started!”, he said. With metrics like that, you can expect that the company will be expanding their services and reach at an exponential rate. Cheers to your success, Google.

    Source: Google

     

     

    Zipbuds intros second generation of zippable headphones, still ingeniously sexy

    We hate it when our earphones tangle up. It’s an annoying problem that some people may hastag as #firstworldproblems, but it’s true. That’s not a problem with the ingeniously designed Zipbuds, which coincidentally, is now in it’s second generation of hardware. The new G2 Zipbuds still zips up and keeps your headphones nice and organized, but now come with better sound via premium 11mm drivers, has lighter zipper pull and redesigned aluminum ear buds which give gamers and music enthusiasts a better overall experience when playing their games and listening to music.

    “Our 2nd generation Zipbuds earphones have been through a lot in the past year. We like to think that they received an advanced degree in engineering, have been working out and cutting body weight, and studying up on the latest, most cutting edge fashions,” says Vice-President Robin DeFay “Our original concept of the zip-up, tangle-free earphones was the first of its kind to hit the market. Now we’re polishing that design and technology to stay ahead of competitors who are looking to duplicate this forward-thinking trend.”

    Zipbuds are the perfect earbuds for on-the-go listening, whether exercising at the gym, studying, road tripping, laying out at the pool, or travelling. Ultra-flexible and ultra-light, the “vertebrae” zipper design features feather-light flexibility. Its unrivaled sound quality generates richly detailed audio quality with minimized distortion. Zipbuds come in a variety of colors, including black & black, pink & black, blue & black, pink & white, and blue & white. Zipbuds also come with sweat resistant Sport Ear Clips to ensure a comfortable fit during physical activity. They retail for about  $39.99 a pop, and can be found in online stores for now. We’ll update you guys once we find a local distributor.

     

    Sony Ericsson dropping featurephones in 2012, going all-in with smartphones

    Sony Ericsson has decided to drop all non-smartphone products in its lineup, and come next year will only be making and selling Android powered devices. The decision comes after the company posted a break-even third quarter, which was an improvement over the company’s net income loss of 50m euros ($68.8m, £45.7m) in the previous quarter. The company blamed the drop in profits on lower demand of their less advanced products, saying that 80% of the devices they sold were Android-powered devices. “We will continue to invest in the smartphone market, shifting the entire portfolio to smartphones during 2012,” said President and Chief Executive, Bert Nordberg.

    Source: BBC

    Review: Asus Eee Pad Slider SL101

    After being teased mercilessly and getting early hands on look on the Asus’ Eee Pad Slider SL101, we finally managed to grab ourselves a device for review. Does the addition of a non-removable keyboard add to the appeal, or is it a bulky accessory that tablets don’t need? Read on.

    One of the biggest strengths of the original TF101 was its ability to take on an add-on keyboard that essentially made it into an impromptu netbook when users wanted it to. The SL101 is simply takes that concept a step further by adding a non-removable, full QWERTY keyboard on the bottom that’s accessible by a sliding mechanism (thus the name of the device).  The SL101 sports a 10.1-inch LED Backlight WXGA screen and like the TF101, doesn’t have much in the way of physical buttons when the keyboard is underneath. The physical keys that are present have been relocated to accommodate the keyboard. The volume controls, for instance, have been moved to the bottom of the device (when you’re holding it in portrait mode) along with the power key, microSD slot and oddly enough, a reset button. The top of the device holds a single USB port and a 3.5mm jack for audio.

    Accessing the keyboard is a bit tricky the first few times you do it, as you’ll need to lift the top of the screen (when oriented in landscape mode) near the front facing camera to reveal the keyboard and lock the screen in place. The screen locks in a 45 degree angle, giving you a better view of the screen while you type on the keyboard.

    The keyboard is, understandably, a little cramped, and does get a bit of getting used to. The keys are island-type ones and unfortunately doesn’t have enough travel to type on comfortably for long periods of time. Of course, the addition of a keyboard underneath makes the SL101 a lot thicker than the device that came before it – measuring in at 273 x 180.3 x 17.3 mm and tips the scales at a portly 960 grams.

    Hardware-wise the SL101 doesn’t sport anything that we haven’t seen before – it’s powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, has 1GB of memory, a 5 megapixel camera on the rear and a 1.2 megapixel on the front. Admittedly, it’s now powered by Android Honeycomb 3.2 instead of the 3.0 version that was on the TF101 that we reviewed back in June, which now allows the SL101 to take simple devices like USB mice and keyboard attachments, USB sticks and external hard drives.

    We’re not going to dwell into the whole UI experience, suffice to say that what’s on tap is stock Honeycomb. If you’re interested to see how that feels, you can go check out our TF101 review here. The SL101 performs well for the most part, and is able to run everything that the TF101 can which is unsurprising, because the two share pretty much the same hardware. No, what we’re going to talk about is what the integrated sliding keyboard brings to the mix – and that can be summed up in one word: utility.

    See, while the TF101 had the ability to take a keyboard, it wasn’t convenient to always do so. Attaching the keyboard onto the TF101 meant that you’d still be bringing an equivalent of a netbook along with you, and you’d still have to take the darn thing off when you just wanted to use it as a tablet, which takes a bit of fiddling and a whole lot of hassle. With the SL101, you just slide the keyboard out of sight, and you can use it as a tablet again.

    Unfortunately, the addition of a keyboard doesn’t give users better battery life – unlike the detachable keyboard of the TF101 which also doubled as an additional battery. The SL101 managed about 7.7 hours on battery, a little less than the TF101.

    Of course, the addition of the keyboard changes the tablet dynamics a bit. While it’s still pretty portable, it’s not AS portable as the TF101 (it’s not going to fit into any envelopes soon, that’s for sure). The heavier overall weight means that you’ll start to feel its weight sooner when you’re reading e-books and whatnot.

    Another small niggle is that the SL101 does not have a hardware orientation lock, which, to be honest, annoys me to no end. You can lock the orientation of the device through the OS, but that’s not as convenient as flicking a switch on the side of the device.

    The question now is this: why should you get the SL101 over the TF101, or really, any other tablet in the market? Well, for one thing, the keyboard adds a nice layer of convenience when you’re just randomly surfing the web, and no matter what anybody tells you, typing using touchscreens suck. It also props up the tablet to the optimal viewing position which makes it easier to watch movies without having to hold it on your lap, or on the table.

    The Asus Eee Pad Slider SL101 retails for Php 26,995 for the 16GB version.

     

    What’s Hot:

    Integrated keyboard

    Responsive

    Deploying the keyboard props up the device, making it easier to watch movies

    Takes USB devices like external HDDs, mice, keyboards and other peripherals without issues

     

    What’s Not:

    Heavier than your typical tablet

    Still no hardware orientation lock

     

    Bottomline:

    The Eee Pad Slider SL101 is a great device for people who are looking to get into tablets but are not ready to trade in their physical keyboards for virtual ones.

     

    Buymeter: 8.7

     

    Tech Specs:

    • Operating System: Android Honeycomb 3.2
    • CPU: NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor, 1GHz
    • LCD size: 10.1-inch LED Backlight WXGA (1280×800)
    • Physical Dimensions: 273 x 180.3 x 17.3 mm
    • Weight: 960 g
    • Internal memory: 16GB, expandable via microSD

    Review: BlackBerry Torch 9860

    After the release of the original Torch (which had a touchscreen and a sliding keypad underneath) it made sense for the RIM to finally release their own full touchscreen offering, the BlackBerry Torch 9860. The question now is this: does the BlackBerry Torch 9860 have enough features and appeal to break it out of the BlackBerry niche?

    The Torch 9860 sports a large 3.7-inch 800 x 480 display, which is possibly the biggest screen the company has ever put on a device. The exterior of the 9860 eschews the boxy, corporate design of the previous BlackBerries and embraces the curved styling of its competitors. The 9860 has some serious curves, and as a result you get a better grip around it. Below the screen sits five buttons – call, menu, select (which also doubles as the optical trackpad), return and end.

    On the right side of the 9860 sits the volume rocker, camera shortcut key and the 3.5mm jack. You unlock the device through the small unlock button on top, and charge it through the micro-USB slot on the left. There’s a 5 megapixel camera at the back, and a smaller, front facing camera near the top of the LCD.

    Unlike other higher end smartphones currently out in the market, the BlackBerry Torch 9860 is powered by a single core 1.2GHz processor that coincidentally also powers the company’s other high-end device, the Bold 9900. While it might look on paper that the BlackBerry Torch 9860 might be lacking in the number crunching department, it’s OS (simply named BlackBerry OS 7) is utilitarian enough in a sense that it doesn’t have flashy visual effects (or gimmicky features) that require loads of processing power. Additional hardware include the requisite Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, 2.5 GB storage, 768 MB RAM, GPS and so on.

    For the most part, BlackBerry OS 7 is pretty easy to use, especially since this is the first time I’ve actually managed to handle and review a BlackBerry device. You drag the menu bar up if you want to see your apps, settings and other accouterments, which you can actually sort via favorites, frequent and so on. A press of the BlackBerry icon lets you manage the panels and gives you other options when you’re in an application. The device lent to me had various apps pre-installed on it (Facebook, Twitter, the ever important BlackBerry messenger and so on) and you can always find more from BlackBerrie’s App World.

    The 9860’s build quality is good, and the device had that nice, premium feel all over. The screen was responsive enough, and BlackBerry OS 7 was pretty straightforward to use that I never really felt lost when I was using the device. My initial worries about the single core processor was soon laid to rest – apps and different functions opened speedily enough, and though the 9860 stumbled a bit when it came to opening and displaying sites with extremely rich media, it managed to get by.

    Probably my biggest complaint with it is ironically, one of the device’s supposed strengths – messaging. Don’t get me wrong, the 9860 is completely capable of sending out SMS, email and going on BlackBerry Messenger, but the on-screen keyboard is annoyingly small, and hard to use, especially to someone with big digits. RIM obviously wanted to stay true to the traditional layout of the physical BlackBerry keyboard that’s present on their other devices, but it seems that particular layout doesn’t quite fly with a touchscreen. Typing messages (especially with the device on portrait mode) is a chore, and god help you if you’re trying to compose a long reply. In contrast, virtual keyboards on WP7 and Android devices are much easier to type on.

    You’d think that a premium-ish device like the Torch 9860 would at least have some kind of screen protection for the LCD, like Gorilla Glass protection or something. Unfortunately, that’s not an option with the Torch 9860, and the result is a scratched up screen. The demo unit lent to me spent a majority of its time with other phones (a low-end Nokia) and came out scratched after a couple of days. Compare this to other smartphones with Gorilla Glass protection that shared pocket space with keys, coins and other accouterments, and you’ll see why manufacturers need to have some level of screen protection for their products, especially all-touch devices.

    And while you can get additional apps from the BlackBerry App World, the selection is pretty thin. If you’re the sort that likes a lot of variety and a large selection of apps, then you might be disappointed by the offerings in BlackBerry’s App World.

    Call quality was excellent, and the 9860 did not have any trouble finding and holding a signal when calling, which obviously resulted in no drop calls and excellent call quality. Battery life was good, and unlike other smartphones in its class, the 9860 was able to retain a charge after a day and a half of moderate use – texting, calling, internet and the like.

    It’s tough to recommend the Torch 9860 to non-BlackBerry users. It has a great screen, loads of connectivity and multiple messaging options, and the new BlackBerry OS 7 feels tight and focused, without any kind of gimmicks slowing it down. On the other hand, the hard to use virtual keyboard, dearth of apps and annoyingly easily scratched touchscreen mar the overall experience of using the device. While it might be a no-brainer upgrade for existing BlackBerry users, it might not impress the folks who are looking for their first touchscreen smartphone.

     

    What’s Hot:

    Solid construction

    Easy to use

    BlackBerry OS 7 is tight and focused, easy enough to pick up for new users

    Responsive

    Long battery life

     

    What’s Not:

    Virtual keyboard is frustratingly difficult to use

    Not a lot of apps available

    LCD is prone to scratches

     

    Bottomline:

    While the BlackBerry Torch 9860  is definitely a viable upgrade for existing BlackBerry device users, first time smartphone users may not find it to their liking.

     

    Buymeter: 7.9

     

    Technical Specifications:

    • Operating System: BlackBerry OS 7
    • CPU: 1.2 GHz processor
    • LCD size: 3.7-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen
    • Physical Dimensions: 120 x 62 x 11.5 mm
    • Weight: 135 g
    • Band: HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800, GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
    • Internal memory: 2.5 GB storage, expandable up to 32GB

     

     

    Get the Marvel universe in the palm of your hands

    1

    I collected the cards, I encased the holograms, I watched the series on TV as a child, but when it came to Marvel comics, the only one that really stuck was the DC versus Marvel issue. I was only 11 when I had first read the comic book and only last year when I bought the actual graphic novel collection for my husband. Now, you don’t need to download PDF files on your computer and “attempt” to print them (like what I did before I learned there was already a novel I could purchase).

    The Marvel Comics App now allows you to download your favorite comics onto your smartphones so you can get your Wolverine, Phoenix, and the entire Uncanny X-men fix on the go. With over 1400 issues, you’re sure to know everything there is to know about the entire Marvel universe in the palm of your hand. (Then again, there’s reallifesuperheroes.com if you want a more real life application)

    The Marvel Comics App is available for iOS, Android, PSP and iPads.

     

    Source: Marvel

    Cartridge World Philippines supports COTY-PH

    Cartridge World Philippines signs up as COTY-PH sponsor. Officers of the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) recently inked a sponsorship agreement with Cartridge World Philippines for the latter's support in the 2011-2012 Car of the Year-Philippines. In photo are (L-R): CAGI director Bess Zamora, CAGI president Ferman Lao, Cartridge World Philippines chair & CEO Babylyn Decena-Niewfield, and CAGI director Andy Sevilla.

    Cartridge World Philippines has signed up to support the 2011-2012 Car of the Year-Philippines (COTY-PH)

    The global ink and toner experts, Cartridge World Philippines counts car dealers and manufacturers among its client base.  According to its chair & CEO Babylyn Decena-Newfield, an avowed car enthusiast: “We want to be part of the industry in our own little way by partnering with CAGI.  Our products and services may not be aligned with the industry, but complements the idea behind the value of approved and quality products.”

    By offering remanufactured and refilled ink and laser toner cartridges, Cartridge World Philippines also believes it is reducing waste and helping protect the environment.

    Now considered the world leader in inkjet and cartridge refilling, Cartridge World started in Australia in 1997 and currently has about 1,800 branches in 53 countries.  In the Philippines, the franchise has 7 outlets—Pasay Road, Shaw Boulevard, Quezon Avenue, Acropolis, Sucat,  Biñan—and one in Cebu opening very soon.

    The Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) is an award-giving body composed of motoring journalists.  Every year since 2004, CAGI invites automotive manufacturers and distributors to submit their new vehicle models for technical and qualitative testing.  Test results are summarized and subjected to external audit.  Awards are given in various categories, with the most prestigious award being the Car of the Year Award.

    Fire in the hole: Sony recalls 1.6 million Bravias because of fire risk

    Are you a Sony Bravia owner? If so, listen up. The electronics giant is recalling 1.6 million Bravia TV sets because of a faulty component that may cause them to melt or catch fire. The component, which is located in the backlight systems of the TV which could melt the top of the TV and in extreme cases, make the whole unit catch fire. The recall comes after a customer noticed fire and smoke coming from their TV, said Yuki Shima, a Tokyo-based spokeswoman for Sony. While the devices included in the recall are 40-inch models mainly sold in China, Europe, the Americas, Middle East and Europe, it doesn’t hurt to check your Bravia set is included in the recall. The affected models are:

    • KDL-40D3400
    • KDL-40D3500
    • KDL-40D3550
    • KDL-40D3660
    • KDL-40V3000
    • KDL-40W3000
    • KDL-40X3000
    • KDL-40X3500
    If your Bravia TV set is included in the recall, it’s best to call the Sony service center near you to get it fixed, though Shima has said that the company won’t be issuing refunds or replacement TVs.
    UPDATE: Sony Philippines have reached out to us about this particular story. Erica dela Cruz, Assistant Manager for Brand Activations Management, clarified that there will be no recall of the said BRAVIA models but is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the units sold in the Philippines are safe and reliable, and that  owners of the said BRAVIA models can call Sony Philippines Customer Service thru 878-7600 to avail of the free inspection. If a faulty component is found, Sony will replace the part free of charge. Additionally, owners of these TV models are advised to immediately turn off their television, pull out the plug and cease using the TV unit and immediately call Sony’s Customer Service if they notice any abnormality such as unusual noise, unusual smell or smoking. We’ve included their entire reply in italics below.
    Sony Philippines is committed to customer safety, product reliability and quality control. In lieu of reports from Japan that there are rare cases of overheating involving specific models of 40” BRAVIA LCD TVs, which were mostly released between 2007 to 2008, due to a damaged component and could possibly melt a part of the TV’s cabinet ceiling, Sony Philippines is offering free inspection of these BRAVIA models. The models involved are: KDL-40W3000, KDL-40W3100, KDL-40W3500, KDL-40X3100, KDL-40XBR, KLV-40W300A, KLV-40X300A, KLV-40X350A. The said models were mostly released between 2007 and 2008. Sony Philippines clarified that there will be no recall of the said BRAVIA models but is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the units sold in the Philippines are safe and reliable.  Owners of the said BRAVIA models can call Sony Philippines Customer Service thru 878-7600 to avail of the free inspection. When a request is made, Sony’s service representative will promptly visit and check the TV, and will replace the part at no charge if a damaged component is found. Owners of these TV models are advised to immediately turn off their television, pull out the plug and cease using the TV unit and immediately call Sony’s Customer Service if they notice any abnormality such as unusual noise, unusual smell or smoking.
    Sony Philippines wishes to clarify that there would be no recall of the BRAVIA models involved in the reports of rare cases of overheating in Japan due to a damaged component. Sony Philippines is offering free inspection of these specific models to ensure customer safety, product reliability and quality control. Owners of the said models can call Sony’s Customer Service thru 878-7600 and a Sony representative will promptly respond and the damaged component will be replaced if found.
    Source: Bloomberg