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    SKYBROADBAND unleashes a speed master at 999

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    SKYBROADBAND, the internet service unit of Lopez-owned Skycable is now offering the best internet package in the land – speedy 5 Mbps for only 999 with a 15GB cap.

    1 Mbps is the minimum accepted speed for internet, and usually any number lower that is considered a dial-up connection. The typical internet package here is Php 999 for about 1 Mbps. Skybroadband now offers consumers the same price for a speedier 5 Mbps connection with a few caveats.

    Rodrigo P. Montinola, head of marketing of SkyCable, said in a press launch last March 28 held at the at 9501 restaurant at the 14th Floor of the ELJ Communications Center in Quezon City, that the company had to balance the fast speed requirement of consumers with the limits of technology through through data allocation. The plan offers users 15GB of data (roughly 3,750 songs, 25 movies or 125 hours of YouTube clips) for 1 month, and includes a free subscription of iWantTV!

    Users will be alerted through email and SMS when they hit 50% of their allocated data plan, with subsequent alerts being sent when they start to consume 75%, 90% and 100% of the allocated plan. They’ll also be able to check their current consumption by logging on to their account online. There’s also a nifty little usage calculator that you can use to help you compute your monthly use. According to Joy Lantin, head for broadband marketing of SkyCable said that the usage calculator was developed for consumers to be able to identify which plan suits them best, whether 15GB or 35GB.

    If you do use up all of your allotted data, you can opt to top-up your account via 1GB increments that cost Php 100. There’s also another plan available for users if they deem 15GB isn’t enough for them, with 35GB for Php 1999.

     

    NOKIA PURE: the new typeface

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    Nokia has just recently decided that it was high time their image needed to evolve with the very fashionable times. So from a Nokia Sans typeface, Nokia has moved to a more aesthetically-redefining Nokia Pure, a font described to have “seamless motion” to set the tone of Nokia’s overall new look, feel, and branding.

    “For a brand like Nokia, looking to reinvent and revitalise, the typeface literally sets the tone. In many ways, it’s the touchstone for every other visual element in the branding palette. So it needs to be considered, rigorous and send out exactly the right message.”

    Swiss-born typographic designer Bruno Maag collaborated with Nokia to come up with the new font for a more beautifully minimal and simple design.

     

    Source: Brandbook

    AVT Navigation Systems at Manila International Auto Show; special 50%-off promo

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    Road-trippers will have the opportunity to avail of a special 50%-off promo on a portable GPS navigation device, the AVT Navigator P900, at the Manila International Auto Show to be held from April 7-10, 2011 at the World Trade Center Complex in Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

    The AVT Navigator was introduced in the Philippines in early 2009, the first-ever portable GPS navigation system with extensive local support for updated maps of Metro Manila and the country’s key cities and major travel destinations.  Since its first launch with the AVT Navigator A800, the product range has expanded to include the upgraded AVT Navigator A820 and the AVT Navigator P900, as well as the latest models AVT Navigator PN301, AVT Navigator PN401, and AVT Navigator PN501 with Bluetooth function.

    All AVT Navigator devices feature a high-resolution color touch-screen, SD card slot, multi-media functionality, and voice-prompt technology.  Extremely portable, the AVT Navigator range can be set-up in any car in minutes.  Users can add favorite locations and set their home location so it’s easy to get back from unfamiliar places.

    The strength of all AVT Navigator products is the strong local support provided by iNav, a company dedicated to updating and verifying the accuracy of local maps.  Comprehensive iNav map coverage now includes over 100,000 points of interest and close to 100% of road networks for Metro Manila, as well as updated maps for over 200 key cities and municipalities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.  The latest iNav upgrade incorporates the unique junction view, which provides a street-level depiction of critical waypoints.  For Metro Manila, users can now input house or building numbers for more accurate route information.

    During the Manila International Auto Show, visitors to the AVT booth will be able to purchase the AVT Navigator P900 for only P9,000, marked down by 50% from the original SRP of P18,000.  BPI cardholders who avail of the zero-installment plan will enjoy an additional discount.  The special discounted price is only applicable to MIAS purchases, and is good while supply lasts.

    As a mark of approval, BPI has chosen the AVT Navigator for its Free GPS Promo, where qualified brand-new personal vehicles financed by BPI Family Auto Loan receive a free AVT Navigator PN301.  AVT navigation devices have also received the thumbs-up from leading local car manufacturers, and are factory-installed as OE (original equipment) for certain high-end models.

    AVT (which stands for Audio-Video Technology) specializes in premium audio-visual entertainment systems for mobile applications.  In addition to navigation systems, the company will soon be launching a range of mobile tracking devices for vehicle and personal security.  AVT offers a wide range of in-car mobile electronics, including display monitors, DVD players, digital and analog terrestrial receivers, sound processor/high-power amplifiers, specialist speakers, and AV controllers and accessories to suit all types of in-vehicle installations.  For the mobile entertainment market, it also carries all-in-one LCD DVD players in various screen sizes to meet every budget and application.  Aside from consumer products which retail in car dealer accessories shops, AVT is also an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for many of the country’s leading car brands.   iNAV is a subsidiary company dedicated to providing mapping support exclusively for AVT navigation devices.

    PLDT acquires Sun Cellular, Globe showdown inevitable?

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    This is major – PLDT has just confirmed it’s buying a majority stake in the Gokongwei-owned Digitel Telecommunications Philippines Inc.(DTPI), which operates one of its competitors, Sun Cellular. The telecom behemoth will acquire a 51.5% stake in Digitel, which amounts to Php 69.2 billion, with the payment being made through an offering of PLDT shares at Php 2,500 a piece under the name of DTPI parent JG Summit Holdings Inc. In exchange, James L. Go, chairman and CEO of JG Summit Holdings, will occupy a board seat in PLDT.

    PLDT plans to keep Sun intact, which gives the company a trifecta of cellular operations – Smart, Red Mobile and now, Sun. In response to reactions that PLDT is poised to create a monopoly when it comes to the telco market, Napoleon Nazareno, president and CEO of PLDT and Smart said that “We expect competition to remain very robust given other operators are formidable and well-founded,” he said. “We would also have to face growing competition from so-called over-the-top service providers, those that offer social networking, instant messaging and VoIP services,” he added.

    So that leaves two Telcos left in the game. Globe has issued an official reaction to the news via a press release. Mr. Ernest L. Cu, Globe President and CEO, said “The Digitel and PLDT merger will not fundamentally change our strategy.  We stand ready to compete, and to defend and grow our market share. This industry has always been intensely competitive, and we have been a strong challenger to a dominant incumbent all this time. We will continue to focus on delivering relevant products to our retail and corporate customers, providing differentiated customer service, and enhancing our network to deliver the best experience possible to our subscribers”, said Mr. Cu.

    One thing’s for sure, the months ahead will sure be interesting for Globe.

    Source: GMANews.TV

     

    Audiophiles, rejoice! KICKER performance audio delivers a Livin’ Loud experience

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    KICKER PERFORMANCE AUDIO. Starting out as a two-person operation hand-building speaker systems for local requirements in Oklahoma in 1973, KICKER made its mark in the car audio market when it introduced the first full-frequency-range speaker box designed specifically for cars and trucks.

    Building on their success as car audio innovators, KICKER is now entering the personal audio market with a range of digital docking systems and high-performance headphones that produce the detailed highs, smooth midrange and legendary bass response for which the brand is known.

    KICKER IK150 | Digital Docking System with Alarm. Designed for the iPod and iPhone, this digital docking system is also a table radio with alarm clock, making it a perfect bedside companion.   The iK150’s exclusive Tuned-Port Enclosure provides enhanced bass response and signature Legendary Kicker BassTM.  Speaker design is two-way, full-range 10-watt woofers with a powerful integrated amplifier.  The built-in dock is certified for 4th-generation or newer iPods and iPhones, while an auxiliary input jack connects other music players.  A built-in AM/FM tuner  can be preset to 12 stations, while the clock features a dual alarm and sleeptimer.  An internal power back-up saves all settings in case of power failure.  Surprisingly affordable at Php 7,990.

    KICKER EB91M | In-Ear Stereo Headset with Microphone. One-third smaller than standard in-ear headsets, its Comfort-MicroFit TM aluminum housing makes this one of the most lightweight and comfortable monitors in the market.  Cables are wrapped in black braided cloth for durability.  Also included in the package are four sizes of silicone tips to ensure comfort.  An in-line microphone allows the EB91M to be used with the iPhone, as well Blackberry and other smart phones.  A multi-function button provides calling and listening convenience.  Delivers audio enjoyment well beyond its Php 1,990 price tag.

     

    KICKER EB141 | In-Ear Stereo Headset. This advanced full-range in-ear monitor features a large speaker diaphragm for ultimate aural clarity and full-bodied sound.  Users may choose from three sizes of noise-isolating silicone tips or a set of memory foam tips.  The four-foot long ultra-Gauge cable is covered in woven-cloth, while the 3.55mm plug is nickel-plated to be corrosion-resistant.  Retails for Php 2,490.

    KICKER HP541 | DJ-Style Headphones. These DJ-style headphones feature over-the-ear, full-swivel ear cups with dynamic, full-range audio and life-like vocals. Interchangeable cables give the HP541 versatility for use with either iPhone or other music players using the 4-ft cable, or at the studio with an 11.5-ft cable.  In addition to the corrosion-resistant nickel-plated 3.55mm plug, the package also comes with a removable, gold-plated ¼” stereo adapter.  A great bargain at only Php 2,990.

    KICKER home and personal performance audio products may be purchased through Gadgets Magazine.

     

     

    ASUS G73J finally here, better late than never

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    This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the ASUS G73J, as we’ve been salivating at the Core i7 equipped monster since it was released early last year. At long last, it’s managed to pop up at the Gadgets office, and we went to town unboxing this gaming monster.

    Right off the bat you know that there’s something different about the G73J. It’s not your regular notebook, and the box tells you that right away, sporting that distinctive Republic of Gamers branding that ASUS uses to differentiate its gaming and enthusiast line.

    Once you get the unit out of the box, its full size immediately hits you. This isn’t one of those thin and light deals you get with normal notebooks. The G73J is utterly massive, with physical dimensions of 42.0 x 31.0 x 5.68 cm. The gargantuan 17.3-inch display and 3.85 kg weight makes this a desktop replacement more than anything else, not something you’d want to carry around everywhere with you.

    The materials used in the chassis and lid are a tad different than most notebooks. The matte black finish is a refreshing change from the normal gloss black deals of most other notebooks.

    The rear of the G73J has gigantic ventilation grills that feel more at home at the back of an F-117 more than anywhere else.

    The G73J also has an illuminated keyboard, so you’ll be able to game properly even during the wee hours of the morning.

    The G73J features Intel’s first generation Core i processors, disappointing since the second generation chips, codenamed Sandybridge is already trickling down to OEM partners and manufacturers. Still, the Core i7-720QM (1.6GHz, 2.8GHz with TurboBoost) is still pretty potent.

    That processor is married to an ATI Mobility Radeon 5870 discrete graphics, so the G73J is able to handle whatever games and apps you throw at it.

    And that’s it for this unboxing. Watch out for the G73J’s review in next month’s issue of Gadgets.

     

     

     

    THE AMAZING INTEL CHASE: Powered by the 2nd Gen Intel Core Processor

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    Selected members from the Philippine media took on the challenge at last week’s Amazing Intel Chase where teams of three had to go around the metro in search of one amazingly powerful processor, Intel’s very own Sandybridge for a chance to win a Canon Powershot G12.

    Here’s a teaser of the actual race (yes, I’m the pretty girl member of the Green Team =)

     

    iPhone luxury pocket-watch

    When phones became more mobile, they began to take over other gadgets and their functions. Though unwittingly, mobile phones not only began to take over the “landline” telephone but not surprisingly, the watch as well. But as with anything truly fashionable, one knows that it always finds a way to return to the classic forms.

    One designer “reinventing” the past is watchmaker De Bethune and their attempt to bring the pocket-watch back to life. The DBM De Bethune iPhone case takes the classic pocket-watch and infuses it with a more contemporary and masculine alligator skin cover. The analog clock on the iPhone case has a DB 1024-caliber movement and offers a six-day power reserve. The DBM De Bethune case is protected by a fine oxide coating on its surface. Now this may seem a bit redundant of an item for a phone that can already tell the time, but then again, luxury is a reason all on its own and for the serious collector, this is one accessory worth coveting.

    Source: Gentleman’s Gadgets

    Acer becomes touchy-feely with the ICONIA-484G64ns and

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    We’ve managed to handle and play around with Acer’s dual-screen offering the ICONIA-484G64ns unofficially through other media friends, but yesterday’s launch at the New World Hotel in Makati was the first time we’ve really been able to sit down for some quality time with this dual screened wonder. Sporting two 14-inch multi-touch screen, the ICONIA-484G64ns does away with the traditional keyboard and instead uses a virtual keyboard for typing. The availability of two screens opens up a whole slew of opportunities, like watching a movie on the bottom screen while checking your friends’ status on Facebook on the top one.

    The device is powered by a Intel Core i5-480M (3MB L3 cache, 2.66GHz) processor that’s capable of handling almost any task you ask of it. Unfortunately, the ICONIA-484G64ns’ dual screens use up a lot of power, and we’ve heard that it’s only able to run for 2 to 3 hours when away from a power socket.

    If you’re not a fan of the the gargantuan ICONIA-484G64ns, then you might like the ICONIA Tab W500. The ICONIA Tab W500 is a tablet PC, and is the first for Acer. It’s built with mobility in mind, so the overall size and weight has been trimmed down when compared to the ICONIA-484G64ns. It uses a 10.1-inch multitouch display and while Acer execs claim it’s a capacitive screen, we’re a bit skeptical – especially since it didn’t pass the pen pressure test (a pen is pressed down on the display, if the screen registers the input, it’s most likely a resistive screen. A capacitive screen can only be used with your finger, or with special pens and gloves built with capacitive ends).

    If you fancy working with a keyboard, the ICONIA Tab W500 can dock with a keyboard so you can use it like a traditional notebook. The ICONIA Tab W500 is powered by an AMD C-Series C-50 (1MB L2 cache, 1 GHz, DDR3 1066MHz, 9W) processor, AMD A50M Fusion Controller Hub chipset and has up to 2GB DDR3 memory chip with a 32GB SDD capacity.

    Both the ICONIA-484G64ns and the ICONIA Tab W500 will use Windows 7 as their main OS. The ICONIA-484G64ns will retail for Php 70,900. Unfortunately there’s currently no SRP of the ICONIA Tab W500 yet, although the Acer execs estimate the price range will be around Php 30,000.

    Check out more pics of both products on the gallery below.

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

     

     

    PBSP urges companies to “go beyond the Hour”

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    The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), a corporate-led social development foundation, and a supporting partner of Earth Hour Philippines, calls on the private sector to look at energy conservation initiatives for their businesses all year round and urges companies to do more beyond switching off lights for 60 minutes.

    “As part of our Corporate Citizenship advocacy, PBSP encourages companies to look at operational efficiencies to manage their solid waste and minimize energy consumption,” says Lopa.  “By advocating for the reduction of our carbon footprint, natural resources are better utilized and our vulnerability especially our less fortunate countrymen and women to disasters and climate change risks are decreased,” PBSP Executive Director, Rafael C. Lopa explains. “We definitely encourage our member companies and their families to support Earth Hour [tomorrow] by switching off non-essential lights between 8.30pm and 9.30pm. Participating in this annual event, reminds us that there should be a conscious and deliberate effort to find ways and means to reduce our carbon footprint in our homes and in our workplaces.”

    Last year, other PBSP member-companies Ramcar Group of Companies-Motolite, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., SM Investments Corp., Jollibee Foods Corp., SGV & Co., Isla Lipana, PLDT, the Aboitiz Group, Union Bank of the Philippines, IBM Philippines, Inc., HSBC Philippines, Unilever, First Philippine Holdings, Corp., Yutivo Corp., and the Bellevue Hotel Manila also supported Earth Hour Philippines by switching off lights at their offices.

    Perhaps through these efforts, Earth Hour will become more than just an hour once a year. It will become a daily habit.

    Petron EnerTripid promotes fuel savings and road safety

    _Enertipid1Petron Corporation is coming out with a series of quick and catchy reminders for the motoring public as part of its Petron EnerTripid campaign, a public information advocacy for fuel efficient driving and road safety.  These fuel conservation tips have become more relevant in the light of high oil prices.

    Petron EnerTripid educates motorists on how to optimize their resources and get the most value from their fuel expenses.  Some Petron EnerTripid tips that can help us save on fuel consumption are:

    1. Beating the red light consumes more gas.  We tend to accelerate as we approach an intersection, particularly when trying to avoid getting caught at a stop light.  More often than not, this effort is futile and just wastes gas.

    2. Don’t go heavy on the pedal. To save gas, step lightly on the pedal.  A heavy foot on the accelerator is not only a gas-guzzler, it can also produce an uncomfortable, jerky ride with short bursts of speed and constant braking.   Save yourself and your passengers from a high-stress ride, keep your foot light on the pedal.

    3. Life is not a race. To save gas, maintain a steady pace.  Even race drivers know that a smooth drive is also a fast drive.  Maintaining a constant speed at the recommended speed limit is often the quickest way to get to your destination.  Enjoy the drive.

    4. The longer you stay in low gear, the more gas you spend.  Shift up to save gas.  Be a mindful driver and take note of your engine rpm.  Shift up at the earliest possible time, not only to save gas but also to keep your engine running at the most efficient gear.

    5. Maintain the recommended tire pressure.  Studies have shown that under-inflated tires result in higher gas consumption.  Make sure to have your tire pressure checked each time you gas up.

    6. Plan ahead and combine several trips into one.  Each time you start your car from a cold start consumes more fuel.  Instead of running several short trips, try to schedule all your errands into one longer trip to save gas.

    7. Giving your car a regular tune-up saves gas.  Follow your vehicle’s recommended service maintenance schedule to keep it in tip-top shape.  A well-tuned vehicle is more fuel-efficient than a run-down one.

    The Petron EnerTripid campaign is a fuel conservation advocacy in cooperation with the Department of Energy, and consists of a series of radio plugs and newspaper ads containing different energy saving tips.

    German expert to conduct Liqui Moly service workshops and car club day

    Liqui MolyEuropean Advanced Technik Corporation, the exclusive Philippine distributor of German automotive brands Liqui Moly and Varta, has announced that a German technical expert will be conducting a series of Liqui Moly service workshops on March 31 to April 1, 2011, and a car club day on April 2, 2011.

    Flying in from Germany to share his expertise is Steffen Niemietz, a technical application engineer from Liqui Moly’s R&D.  Niemietz, was part of the development team of the Mercedes Benz “Smart” car, and was intimately involved from the prototype phase to road-testing.  He was a member of the “Smart” task force deployed worldwide to address problems on-site.  Starting out as a master craftsman, Niemietz also has extensive experience in all aspects of service workshop operations.  He is currently one of nine full-time trainers with Liqui Moly’s Technical R&D department.

    Liqui Moly holds the patent for the production of molybdenum disulphide, a chemical additive that improves the lubricating ability of engine oil and lengthens the life of the engine.  Liqui Moly now has a range of over 4,000 products including engine and gear oils, additives and vehicle care products, workshop equipment and service parts.  It is the market leader for additives in Germany, and is sold in more than 90 countries worldwide.  All Liqui Moly products are manufactured in a single plant in Germany, for consistent quality control.

    In the Liqui Moly Service Workshops, Niemietz will show how the use of high-quality products can positively impact service operations and ensure customer satisfaction.  In the face of competition, the most successful service workshop is usually the one perceived by clients as offering the best value-for-money, not the cheapest products or services.  The Liqui Moly Service Workshops are open to car dealers, independent workshops, service managers, and other interested automotive workers.  These will be held on March 31 and April 1, 2011, at White Space in Makati City.   Attendance is free of charge; reserve your slot by sending an email to [email protected].

    Niemietz will also be available for more informal discussions with car enthusiasts at the Liqui Moly Car Club Day to be held on April 2, 2011, at the Ortigas Home Depot parking lot at Julio Vargas Ave. in Pasig City.  Car owners and motoring enthusiasts who want to learn about the latest European car care products and trends are welcome to drop in from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Car club members may get tickets from their club officers, or email  [email protected].  There will be hourly raffle draws as well as a Grand Raffle Draw to all attendees.

    European Advanced Technik Corporation (EATC) is the exclusive Philippine distributor of Liqui Moly motor oils, additives and car care products.  It also distributes another German brand, Varta automotive batteries.

    Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders

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    Philippine national, provincial and government officials witnessed the launch of “Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders” at the commission on information and communications Technology (CICT), UP Diliman, Quezon City, yesterday.

    The launch was initiated and organized by the National Computer Institute (NCI) and the United Nations Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (UN-APCICT/ESCAP) with the advocacy on the use of ICT among government institutions and agencies in the Philippines.

    Through this academy, seminars would be facilitated by NCI for local and provincial leaders and other government officials. NCI is the training arm of the National Computer Center, which is the under the CICT.

    NSS officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Juli ana Sudario, UN-APCICT/ESCAP director Hyeun-Suk Rhee, UN-APCICT/ESCAP Program Officer Anshuman Varma, and CICT Chairman Ivan John E. Uy delivered their addresses followed by a press conference for questions.

    The afternoon sessions tackled different Academy modules led by officials from the UN, NCC, and Philippine government institutions.

    UN-APCICT is the regional institute of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Established in 2006, its role and mission is to “strengthen the efforts of the 62 member countries to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) in their socio-economic development through building the human and institutional capacity for ICT.”

    ACICT focuses on “three inter-related pillars – Training, Research and knowledge Sharing, and Advisory Services” that form an integrated approach to ICT human capacity building.

    Android and BlackBerry Java apps supported by PlayBook

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    Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) recently announced plans to greatly expand the application ecosystem for the BlackBerry PlayBook. Developers wanting to bring their new and existing apps to the highly anticipated BlackBerry PlayBook tablet will soon have additional tools and options to enhance and expand their commercial opportunities.

    Two optional “app players” that provide an application run-time environment for BlackBerry Java apps and Android v2.3 apps are scheduled to be launched. These will allow users to download BlackBerry Java apps and Android apps from BlackBerry App World and run them on their BlackBerry PlayBook.

    With a high degree of API compatibility, developers for the BlackBerry or Android platforms will be able to quickly and easily port their apps to run on the BlackBerry Tablet OS. The new optional app players will be available for download from BlackBerry App World and will be placed in a secure “sandbox” on the BlackBerry PlayBook where the BlackBerry Java or Android apps can be run.

    BlackBerry Java and Android apps will be repackaged and submitted to BlackBerry App World. The apps will then be distributed through BlackBerry App World, providing a new opportunity for many developers to reach BlackBerry PlayBook users.

    The new app players for the BlackBerry PlayBook are expected to be available from BlackBerry App World this summer in the US and Canada.

    Source: BlackBerry

    iPod Speaker Dock and Work of Art rolled into one

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    Now works of art can be more than just pretty things to look at.

    Korean architect Shi-hyung Jeon, of Jeon Associates, worked together with the HI-MACS team at LG Hausys to create a work of art that can play all of your favorite songs.

    Introducing the ‘Horn,’ this iPod speaker dock was designed to deliver a full spectrum of sounds while aesthetically reinterpreting the line of the sleeve of the traditional Korean “Han-bok” and “Beo-seon” into something more contemporary.
    Specification:

    Frequency range: 6Db 47Hz ~ 20KHz
    Drive units 8 x 3 inch full range driver
    Amplifier output power 2 x 25W
    Power input voltage 240V ~ 50/60Hz
    Rated power consumption 20W
    Standby power consumption 3.7W
    Inputs 30 – pin iPod connector
    Height 1312 mm
    Width 600 mm
    Depth 395 mm
    Material: HI-MACS® Alpine White (6 and 12 mm)