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    It’s not dead yet – HP making another production run of TouchPads

    Gadgets Team
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    It’s not dead yet – HP making another production run of TouchPads

    It seems that reports of the TouchPad’s demise was greatly exaggerated, as HP is bringing the device back from the  brink for one last hurrah. HP’s making another production run of the hot tablet. HP spokesman Mark Budgell has written in the company’s official blog post that they have decided to make one final run of the TouchPad to appease rabid customers, though he didn’t quote just how many units they’ll be making, saying that “we don’t know exactly when these units will be available or how many we’ll get, and we can’t promise we’ll have enough for everyone.”

    Of course, there’s no guarantee that the TouchPad would still retail for $99 –  according to iSupply (via All Things D), it takes about $300 to make a 16GB version of the TouchPad, which means HP is taking a $200 loss each time the TouchPad is sold at a discounted rate. It’s probably safe to say that when the new shipments arrive they’ll be gone pretty quick, especially since there are modders that are close to making Android run on it.

    Source: The Next Bench

    Review: Samsung NX11

    Gadgets Team
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    Review: Samsung NX11

    Mirrorless systems  should swiftly climb up the ranks of any shutterbug’s must-haves. While they might not have the portability of point-and-shoots or the power of DSLRs, cameras such as the NX11 offer a compromised best of both worlds.

    Out of the box, Samsung’s entry in the NX series is quite stunning. Now modeled more closely to resemble DSLRs, its exterior has been capped off with a sleek black finish along with a new textured handgrip. All the standard controls are present as well, such as the familiar PASM mode dial and menu buttons, so users should expect the learning curve to be minimal.

    Featuring a 14.6 megapixel APS-C sensor, Samsung has definitely given their competition something to think about. With captivating image quality that can easily rival any DSLR, the NX11 provides a fantastic option for consumers looking for something both lightweight and competent. Although mirrorless cameras are generally thought of as a “gateway” for those migrating away from point-and-shoots, the NX11 is a serious image capturing device in itself and should not be considered solely as a transition. It is a solid buy for any photography enthusiast, whether it’s a first purchase or an addition to an ever growing collection.

    The NX11’s 3-inch AMOLED LCD screen is simply brilliant, and is perhaps the NX11’s strongest characteristic. Users will most likely prefer shooting in live mode via the display as opposed to using the electronic 640×480 pixel viewfinder, since the latter can tend to be inaccurate when representing certain hues, and can lead to slight miscalculations when used in full manual.

    However, the viewfinder proves to be invaluable especially when used in conjunction with the iFunction lens, which is unique to Samsung. Having had a previous encounter with this lens , I found it more intuitive the second time around. The option to adjust the camera’s settings (i.e. ISO, shutter speed, etc.) via the iFn lens allows users to maintain their shooting position so they can quickly capture a moment.

     

    Perhaps, the only drawback of Samsung’s NX series is that a fast lens is not yet readily available (at the time this article was written), with the quickest being the 30mm f/2. However, taking into consideration that this line of Samsung’s cameras are still quite new, I wouldn’t be surprised if a classic 50mm f/1.8, or better yet, an f/1.4 will come out soon. Nevertheless, the 18-55mm kit lens is quite remarkable for a beginner’s standard lens, producing sharp high-quality images.

    The improved auto-focus with the NX11’s standard lens is quick and satisfyingly precise, regardless of whether it’s used in shooting stills or 720p HD video. Manual focusing is intuitive as well, although I would have preferred a non-infinity focusing ring to help gauge the focus limitations.

    The addition of Panorama mode makes the NX11 even more desirable. It’s fairly accurate and works excellently within the camera itself, negating the need to stitch the photo via image software. With the added ability to shoot panoramic shots vertically, the NX11 is insatiable.

    Overall, the NX11 isn’t a radical change over its predecessor, the NX10. Instead, Samsung opts for subtle improvements that users will nevertheless appreciate.

     

    What’s Hot:

    –       14.6 mp sensor
    –       Excellent AMOLED screen
    –       Panorama Mode

     

    What’s Not:

    –       lack of faster lenses
    –       viewfinder could be improved

     

     

    Buy Meter: 9.0

     

    Bottomline:

    The Samsung NX11 is serious image capturing device and should find its way into the palms of any shutterbug, whether they are hobbyists or professionals.

     

    Specifications
    • Dimensions/Weight: 123x87x39.8mm, 353g (body only)
    • Sensor: 14.6 effective megapixels 23.4×15.6mm CMOS sensor
    • Display: 3-inch AMOLED Display 1040k resolution
    • Viewfinder: Viewfinder EVF
    • Lens: Samsung NX mount lens,18-55mm OIS iFunction
    • Shutter Speed: 1/4000sec.- 30sec. (1/3EV step manual mode), Bulb (8 minute limit)
    • Flash: TTL Auto Pop-up flash, optional external Samsung flash via HotShoe
    • Stabilisation: Sensor shift+electronic
    • Video: HD video at 720p at 30fps
    • Storage: SD, SDHC or SDXC media card
    • Battery: 400 photos per charge
    • Connections: USB 2.0, AV out, mini HDMI, stereo mini jack

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

    A Preview of Windows 8 Explorer: Ribbon interface and ISO Support

    Gadgets Team
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    A Preview of Windows 8 Explorer: Ribbon interface and ISO Support

    With all the uproar about the recently released OS X Lion, let us not forget about the ongoing development of Windows 8, which promises to be more powerful while remaining user-friendly at the same time.

    One of the main improvements will be ascribed to the legendary Explorer, which will now boast a ribbon interface – one that you might be familiar with if you have been using Microsoft Office 2007 or later. Yes, it did take some getting used to, but it does offer a far more intuitive and visual way to navigate and manage files. There will be five main tabs (File, Home, Share, View, Manage) to access the most commonly used commands.

    The ribbon Explorer will also feature the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT), which provides the ability to customize up to 200 commands. These are then neatly laid out into icons, which you can place above/below the ribbon. The new Explorer will also be optimized for widescreen displays, with a noted increase in the number of items that can be shown.

    But wait, that’s not all. The new Explorer will apparently now have ISO support, without the need of any third-party software. So for all you torrent freaks, you can bid sayōnara to Daemon Tools and PowerISO.

    If you want to read the complete and in-depth article or simply want to get a personal perspective behind the Windows 8 team, vist the Building Windows 8 blog.

    Woman makes a Fallout-themed Monopoly board for her significant other, is spectacularly awesome

    Gadgets Team
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    Woman makes a Fallout-themed Monopoly board for her significant other, is spectacularly awesome

    You gotta hand it to Deviant Art user PinkAxolotl – she’s managed to combine two things that geeks hold dear (Monopoly and Fallout) in one extremely awesome package. Though she says she made this for her boyfriend (which we gotta admit, is one lucky git) it could pass off as an official, licensed Monopoly product. This isn’t just one of those quick and dirty Monopoly homages either – she’s managed to recreate the iconic boardgame while infusing it with the post-apocalyptic style of the Fallout series – complete with Fallout perk themed chance cards and Nuka Cola caps  – which makes us wonder, why isn’t this a thing already? You can head on through the link below to check out the board at her Deviant Art page.

    Source: Deviant Art (PinkAxolotl)

    PETA to launch porn site to raise awareness

    Gadgets Team
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    PETA to launch porn site to raise awareness

    Now I may be as carnivorous as they come and love me a nice juicy steak and cheeseburger from time to time but I am all for the ethical treatment of animals with enough sense to not wear anything that once was a part of one. But now that PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has confirmed to launch a porn (yes, “porn” my esteemed male colleagues) site to showcase animal abuse along with some of your more risque entertainers, I think more people might begin to think twice before they delete those PETA newsletters that come in the mail and give veganism some serious consideration.

    Lindsay Rajt, a PETA spokeswoman, states: “We really want to grab people’s attention, get them talking and to question the status quo and ultimately take action, because the best way we can help the greatest number of animals is simply by not eating them.”

    I’m sure the site’s latest endorsers will be very convincing.

    (And if I may look as great as one, I might just consider veganism, too.)

     

    Source: PSFK

     

    Samsung launches trio of Bada 2.0 powered smartphones aimed at mid-market and new users

    Gadgets Team
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    Samsung launches trio of Bada 2.0 powered smartphones aimed at mid-market and new users

    With all the attention and praise being lauded on Sammy’s Android powered Galaxy S II, let us not forget that the Korean manufacturer has created and marketed its own OS named Bada (which is ocean in Korean) and has created the Wave line of smartphones to make use of it. Now Sammy’s updating the Bada line (which is now in the 2.0 iteration) with three new smartphones – the Wave 3, the Wave M and the Wave Y.

    The Wave 3 has some pretty serious hardware packed into it – you’re looking at a 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED screen, 1.4GHz processor, and a 5-megapixel camera with auto-focus. The Wave M and Wave Y have lower specs (which sounds about right, considering the target market) – while both have a 832MHz processor, the Wave M has a 3.65-inch 320×480 screen, and a 5-megapixel camera, compared to the Wave Y’s smaller 3.2-inch screen and 2-megapixel camera.

    Like Android, Bada has its own app store for your needs, and a multitude of social networking apps will keep you connected to the people who really matter. You might be asking why’d you’d pick up Bada equipped phones over regular Android ones that Samsung makes, right? Well, Bada’s being marketed to the entry-level and mid-market segment, and to people who are new to the smartphone world. You can check out complete details of the devices on the link below. Like all global launches, we don’t have the exact details on when these smartphones will be available locally or how much they’ll go for.

    Source: Samsung Tomorrow

    And it begins – CyagenMod gets Android working on a HP TouchPad

    Gadgets Team
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    And it begins – CyagenMod gets Android working on a HP TouchPad

    One of the main reasons why a lot of people picked up the HP TouchPad when it went on sale a few weeks ago (other than the $99 price) was the hope that modders would be able to wrangle Android in it because hey, you never know right? Well, it seems like we’re going to see Android running on it soon – the crew over at CyagenMod has released a teaser video of sorts, showing a TouchPad clearly running Android (Gingerbread according to the source). Right now the team says everything’s still in Alpha, which is geek talk for “not being remotely done”, but as it stands the team is making good progress. One of their main goals with the project is being able to boot in multiple OSes, including WebOS, Android, CyangenMod OS and 0thers. Check the video for more info.

    Source: RootzWiki

    Making calls more personal with Leadtek videophone

    Gadgets Team
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    Making calls more personal with Leadtek videophone

    When Beyonce collaborated with Lady Gaga, I hadn’t known anyone else who had ever asked a person to “catch them on their videophones.” But with the Leadtek AMOR8210 Videophone, I think even I would want to be “caught” on one.

    With a large 7-inch touchscreen display, built-in speakers, microphones, and a built-in WiFi module for portability, chatting with family, friends, and colleagues takes on a more personal note which may even encourage better understanding and communication as opposed to just texting or calling. It comes with VoIP telephoning capabilities as well as the traditional landline hookup. The Leadtek AMOR8210 also comes with an array of features which include entertainment, health care, security surveillance, media player, 3-way video conference call and location base service (LBS) integration.

    Gadgets is hiring!

    Gadgets Team
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    Want to get in the crazy/awesome world of publishing? Well you’re in luck, as Gadgets Magazine, the premier tech-lifestyle magazine in the country is hiring! We’re looking for:

    ADVERTISING ASSISTANT

    BASIC FUNCTION:
    The Advertising Assistant is primarily responsible in obtaining sales for the Ad pages of magazine He/She handles the procurement of sales leads, product presentation, account servicing and closing deals and ensures that all documents relative to the client’s advertising placement are complete and satisfactorily executed on time.
    QUALIFICATIONS:
    • Graduate of any 4-year course;
    • At least 1 year experience in sales – preferably with exposure in publishing;
    • Excellent written and oral communication skills, and inter-personal relations;
    • Service-oriented; charismatic, articulate, creative, sociable, committed to excellence, highly driven and energetic, morally sound, stylish;
    • Pleasing personality and appearance.

    You may personally bring your resume with photo to:


    GREAT MINDS MEDIA, INC.
    9B Evening News St. West Triangle, QC
    Tel. No. 332-4004 or email cgiray(at)gadgetsmagazine(dawt)com(dawt)ph

     

    Man puts cut up Pentium 3 under the microscope, reveals all kinds of geekery

    Gadgets Team
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    Man puts cut up Pentium 3 under the microscope, reveals all kinds of geekery
    Via sciencystuff.com

    We talk about processors a whole lot on this website, but truth be told, we haven’t really taken a close look at one. Sure, we’ve handled processors dozens of times before, especially when we build new PCs, but we really haven’t seen what’s inside of the things. Well, one man that had access to both a regular microscope and an scanning electron microscope has taken the task at heart, and butchered a Pentium 3 to see what lies beneath all the silicone.

    Via sciencystuff.com

    While he doesn’t reveal anything mind blowing (anyone can research about chip structure and makeup in Wikipedia), it’s still fascinating to see what the actual transistors look like, and geeks like us start to appreciate the engineering prowess that it took to create such mindblowingly small connections and transistors. You can catch the entire article from the link below.

    Source: Sciencystuff.com

     

    Raspberry Pi caught running Quake 3, classrooms will never be the same

    Gadgets Team
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    Raspberry Pi caught running Quake 3, classrooms will never be the same

    We know, we’ve covered the Raspberry Pi twice now, but we simply can’t stop giving love to the $25 linux-capable miniature PC, especially when it pulls off awesome things like running Quake 3. While the game is pretty ancient by today’s standards, the mere fact that it’s able to run it using extremely limited hardware (remember, it’s designed to run educational apps, not gaming grade graphics) makes it more awesome than it already is. While there are some framerate issues evident, the team is confident that it’s going to be able to fix all of that come release time, and maybe connect a couple of Rasberry Pis for some good ol’ fashion LAN deathmatch.

    Source: Rasberry Pi Website

    Lenovo veteran becomes AMD president and CEO

    Gadgets Team
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    Lenovo veteran becomes AMD president and CEO

    7 months after the ouster of AMD’s previous CEO, Dirk Meyer, AMD now has a new head. Lenovo veteran and former COO Rory Read takes the over the reins of AMD, becoming its CEO, President and board member. Read joins AMD from Lenovo Group, Ltd., where he was most recently President and Chief Operating Officer responsible for leading day-to-day global operations while overseeing the development and implementation of the company’s growth strategy.

    Read has a big job ahead of him, and we don’t envy him one bit – he’ll need to figure out a way for AMD to narrow the gap between it’s closest rival, Intel, and find a way to get into the tablet and mobile space which has proven to be highly lucrative (just ask Qualcomm and NVIDIA).

    “I’m very pleased to be joining AMD at this important time in its history. AMD is a true innovator and is uniquely positioned to lead the industry forward, delivering the next big thing both within the PC ecosystem and beyond,” said Read. “AMD has strong momentum and the opportunity to continue profitably gaining share based on its highly differentiated products, solid financial foundation, and passionate and committed employees. I’m excited to be joining AMD’s employees as we write the next chapter not just for the company, but for the industry and consumers around the world.”

    Source: AMD

     

    Acer posts first loss in a decade

    Gadgets Team
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    Acer posts first loss in a decade

    Seems like HP had the right idea when it ditched its PC division after all – prolific Taiwanese manufacturer Acer has posted its first loss in a decade, citing that making a full-year profit will be “impossible”, according to a report in Bloomberg. The company posted a NT$6.8 billion ($234 million) second quarter loss, which is a far cry from the NT$3.6 billion profit a year earlier. The loss in profits is party due to the miserable global economy and increasing competition from Apple’s iPad offerings. Acer has also cut jobs and has taken losses on products in storage because of declining sales.

    According to Gartner, Acer fell from the number two spot (next to HP) in Q2 2010 to number four. And although tablets are holding the public’s fascination, J.T. Wang, chairman of Acer said that “the fever for tablets is going down and the notebook is regaining the interest of the consumer.”

    Source: Bloomberg

     

    TalkO’clock: an app for that wake-up call

    Gadgets Team
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    TalkO’clock: an app for that wake-up call

    I’ve recently tried more pleasing ways to be awakened back to life, even to go as far as listening through the entire tone collection on my phone, and even recording a personal voice message trying to convince me to wake up so I can get to work and get paid. My sister, on the other hand, wakes up to the strangely soothing voice of Penelope Cruz taken from the movie “Vanilla Sky” while my husband uses this unforgivable horn sound that usually wakes me up cranky and hitting him to turn it off.

    It seems everyone would like to find a way to make the disruption of comfortable slumber more tolerable, especially for the perpetual “snoozers” like myself. So of course, if you need it, there’s a probably an app for it. And that app is called the TalkO’clock. The app allows you to be awakened by a complete stranger (with the gender of your choice). These volunteers call you up in hopes that you won’t be as harsh to shut them up as you would with your own alarm clock. But if no volunteer is available, a CallO’Bot will give you a ring to assure you of a punctual day. It may seem a little creepy to have a stranger call you but don’t fret. Phone numbers aren’t shown and connections are made anonymously.

    Now, you just have to choose a pleasant-sounding ringtone for when you get that wake-up call.

    You can use talkO’clock either by downloading the iPhone/Android application, or through their website.

     

    Search for 2011-2012 Car of the Year-Philippines Launched

    Press Release
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    Search for 2011-2012 Car of the Year-Philippines Launched

    Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI), the award-giving body composed of motoring journalists, launched their search for the 2011-2012 Car of the Year-Philippines (COTY-PH) last 26 August 2011, at an official launch night held at the Congo Grille El Pueblo in Ortigas Center.

    CAGI president Ferman Lao noted during his announcement that:  “Despite the slowdown in 2011 car sales after last year’s record highs, prospects for the Philippine automotive industry continue to be bright.  With automotive manufacturers and distributors bringing in the latest models and offering a wider range of product offerings, Filipino consumers now have more options to choose from.  From Chinese car brands offering more affordable entry level vehicles to European luxury brands at the other end of the spectrum, there is certainly a car to match every buyer’s taste and budget.  I believe that through COTY-PH, motoring journalists can provide useful information to Filipino consumers to guide their purchase decisions.”

    This year’s COTY testing is open to all new passenger cars and commercial vehicles introduced in the Philippine market from 01 November 2010 to 31 October 2011.  All eligible entries will be subjected to both qualitative and technical evaluation.

    Qualitative evaluation examines the following vehicle attributes:  (1) Aesthetics (interior/exterior); (2) ergonomics; (3) NVH or noise, vibration and harshness; (4) ride comfort; and (5) space.  The qualitative evaluation process is open to all CAGI members and will be held at the Ortigas Home Depot parking lot over  6 weekends in September and October 2011.

    For the rigorous technical testing, which will be held at the Clark International Speedway in late October 2011, a select team will conduct instrumented tests on the following parameters:  (1) Acceleration, 0-100kph in seconds; (2) Braking distance, 100-0kph in meters; and (3) Handling, through a 120m chicane course.

    Specific award categories vary from year to year, depending on the eligible vehicles.  Typically, qualified entries are classified by:

    • Size: sub-compact, compact, mid-size, etc.

    • Function: sedan, crossover, SUV, pickup, van, truck, etc.

    • Drivetrain:  2WD, 4WD

    • Price: basic, premium, luxury, etc.

    Winners of the 2011-2012 COTY-PH will be announced in April 2012, with the awarding ceremonies to be held during the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) at the World Trade Center.

    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.

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