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    Canon unveils multicolor EOS 1100D, other camera goodies on the M/V Spirit of Manila

    Gadgets Team
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    Canon unveils multicolor EOS 1100D, other camera goodies on the M/V Spirit of Manila

    There was fun in the high seas yesterday as Canon unveiled a multitude of goodies, including new IXUS models and the much awaited EOS 1100D on the M/V Spirit of Manila. The newly revamped IXUS models all now have the spectacular HS or high sensitivity system that makes it easier to shoot in low light conditions. The new HS equipped models include the iconic IXUS310 HS, IXUS220 HS and IXUS115 HS.

    But the star of the launch yesterday is definitely the newest member of the EOS family, the EOS 1100D. Aimed at casual compact users that want to do away with the inconveniences of slower focusing speeds, lower picture quality in low-light conditions, and the blur that usually accompany dynamic action shots. One particular departure from normal DSLR design is the availability of different colors – red, brown, and metallic gray and the traditional black.

    New Powershot models were also present, including the the PowerShot A3300 IS, PowerShot A3200 IS, PowerShot A2200 and PowerShot A1200. The new Powershots features all new shooting modes that include Fish-eye, Miniature, Super Vivid, Poster, Toy Camera and Monochrome.

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

     

    S.N.A.K. on these hotkeys, Facebook

    Gadgets Team
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    S.N.A.K. on these hotkeys, Facebook

    Now there is an easier and more efficient way for you to do all of your Facebook super-poking and prodding – this I mean by way of just one push of a button (as opposed to the navigation that comes before the click of the mouse).

     

    Introducing the ‘Social Network Access Keyboard’ or S.N.A.K. was created by Robert Amoto, founder and CEO of the company Social Keyboards who also came up with typing tools for Classmates.com and MySpace… though hopefully, this one will prove to be more successful. With 19 individual buttons, you can now readily do what you normally do on your Facebook, from poking to liking to leaving comments, uploading photos, the works. I do doubt there is a function for “stalking” but alas, we can’t have it all.

    These ‘hotkeys’ will also disable once you log out so no need for you to worry about sharing your keyboard.

    Sony heats up your summer with brand new gadgets, Internet TV

    Gadgets Team
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    Sony heats up your summer with brand new gadgets, Internet TV

    Sony has just outed their much awaited internet TV equipped models a mere 5 months after its unveiling in the states, along with a bevy of new units for their Cybershot, VAIO and Walkman line. The concept behind the whole campaign  covers the wide spectrum from network connectivity to bustling destinations.  Headlining the campaign are exciting new releases from the global leader, including the world’s first Sony Internet TV, and new must-bring travel companions to vacation hotspots – the first-ever Cyber-shot models with 3D still imaging, and innovative new Handycam models outfitted with projectors.

    Probably the main attraction of the whole campaign is Sony’s Internet TVs. The new line promises to deliver internet content right to your TV. One of the main advantages of Sony’s approach to internet within the TV as opposed to other internet equipped TVs is the content – the internet TV initiative (or Google TV) is aimed at delivering much more content to the comfort of your own home. The TV is also able to surf the net and access all the relevant social networking sites that you need. Sony’s Internet TV models can also use smartphones as their remotes, making searching and general internet use easier.

    There were also a bevy of other Sony gadgets on display, including new Cybershot, VAIO and Handycam models. There were also demo units aplenty around the trade hall for people to experience the products firsth. If you want to know more about the newest Sony gadgets for this summer you can join the four-day expo from March 11 – 13, 2011, happening at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 1.

     

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

     

     

    Fashion brands continue to move to cyberspace

    Gadgets Team
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    Fashion brands continue to move to cyberspace

    A few weeks ago we published a story about how famous fashion brands were now going the “blogging” way, that is, they began making online accounts in Tumblr and used it to announce new collections, interact with consumers and more.

    This isn’t the only tech-step that fashion has taken. Online store Zugara has also made the leap to cyberspace through their augmented reality feature on their site that allows consumers to try on items in the comfort of their own home.

     

    More recently, Italian brand Terranova has launched a new campaign for their Spring 2011 collection, by putting up a video on YouTube and using their Facebook fan page to encourage visitors to shop online.

    This campaign features a new product everyday on Facebook and the more “Likes” a look gets, the bigger the discount fans/consumers will get on the items the next day. One “Like” is equal to € 0.05. Peep the video. It’s in Italian, but you’ll get the gist of it.

     

     

    Source: Terranovastyle.com

    H20 outs water powered radio

    Gadgets Team
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    H20 outs water powered radio

    Love singing along to the radio while taking a bath? Well, tech company H2O has just what you need. The H2O water pressure powered radio is the first one of its kind, and draws power solely through the water pressure that goes through it. A tiny turbine spins inside the device when the water is turned on which subsequently powers the FM radio contained within. This little environmentally friendly gadget is a nifty idea since it utilizes water that’s literally going down the drain as you shower. It’s easy to connect and install, and works on almost 99% of all showers.

     

    Source: Techdigest

    ZAZOO: Sleep aid for children

    Gadgets Team
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    ZAZOO: Sleep aid for children

    Are the kids keeping you up at night? Those bedtime stories and lullabies and even that warm glass of milk not putting them to sleep? Do they wake up before the sun is up? Here’s one device that may help kids sleep earlier and parents sleep in longer.

    The ZAZOO photo clock is designed specially for kids and comes with a set of features that will make telling time and knowing when it’s time to wake up or go to sleep much more fun. Features include pre-programmed “awake” and “asleep” images, rotating digital photo frame, alarm clock, and MP3 and Video. The ZAZOO photo clock also has a 7-inch LCD screen so kids can better see the time.

    It comes in 5 different styles and colors and costs $89 each.

    Apple iSync: Going green into the future

    Gadgets Team
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    Apple iSync: Going green into the future

    With all the buzz Apple’s been making what with the release of the iPad 2, what better way to titillate your senses even further than by giving you yet another Apple creation you can perhaps one day add to your growing Apple family of gadgets. Introducing the Apple iSync, a concept car from designer Nathan Williams who has successfully integrated Mother Nature with probably the most famous fruit in the tech world.

    This three-wheeled electric pod car is designed to sync up with (yes, you guessed it) all Apple gadgets. As the name implies, you can be sure that aside from driving, you can also check messages, play music, receive updates, connect, share, and do whatever it is your Apple artillery can do individually… but all together now.

    Maybe once all the hype of the iPad 2 dies down, Microsoft might want to give this cool ride some attention. I mean, you can’t get any more “mobile” than with a car, right?

    Source: Ecofriend

    Crysis 2 Multiplayer Beta: First impressions

    Gadgets Team
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    Crysis 2 Multiplayer Beta: First impressions

    Are you itching to get back into your nanosuit and bitch-slap aliens again in Crysis 2? Well, here’s something to scratch that itch before you get the game on the 22nd: EA’s been kind enough to give prospective buyers a chance to take the multiplayer component of the game for a spin. There’s two modes available – the standard team deathmatch (Team Instant Action), and a domination type game (Crash Site) where each team vies for control of crashed alien pods. There’s four main weapons to try out for each of the four classes, mainly a fully automatic assault rifle, semi-auto shotgun, sniper rifle and a machine gun for the assault, recon, sniper and heavy classes respectively. 

    The two maps on the demo are Pier 17 and Skyline. Skyline takes place in interconnected skyscrapers that make for some really close quarters combat. Pier 17 on the other hand, has two main buildings separated by a long expanse of flat terrain with little cover, which is a prime location for snipers to do their thing. Like other multiplayer shooters currently in the market, Crysis 2 allows players to customize their soldiers by adding different enhancements to both their guns and their suits. There’s also a nice leveling system in place.

    The game is unquestionably fast paced. Like the previous game the nano suit allows players to enhance their combat prowess by either adding an extra layer of armor on top of their health, or by cloaking them. Players can also jump higher than a mere mortal by pressing the space button longer, and while in the air they can stomp on unsuspecting enemies. It is a bit annoying though that there isn’t a dedicated hot key for grenades, and the game still requires you to switch to them first before throwing.

    The question in everyone’s mind by this point is how hard is the new game on requirements? Well, you’ll be happy to know that Crysis 2 has comparably low system requirements compared to the first game. The rig we ran it on was only a first generation Core i5 running at 3.33GHz paired with an ASUS HD6970 but it managed to keep the framerate at a zippy 50-60 FPS at 19200 x 1080. The graphics are undeniably pretty, and there’s plenty of servers for you to run in on. While there are no local servers for the Pinoy gaming community, I was able to connect and play properly at a California based server without any large issues.

     

    Crysis 2 will be available to purchase starting March 22, and it’s more than likely you’ll be able to grab your copy from Datablitz. You can download the demo from here.

    Samsung Galaxy S II and Tab 10.1 coming soon

    Gadgets Team
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    Samsung Galaxy S II and Tab 10.1 coming soon

    Our editor in chief, Armin Amio, is in Singapore for the Samsung SEA Forum and sent in this piece of news. After being introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in LasVegas last January, it looks like Samsung’s much-awaited Galaxy S II and Tab 10.1 will finally arrive on Philippine shores sooner than expected.

    Samsung Electronics Philippines say the two devices may be launched in the country by next month, or the latest, in May. “It depends on the arrival of stocks,”said Benjie Jimenez, marketing director.

    The lightning-fast, dual-core Samsung Galaxy S II powered by AndroidGingerbread has been equipped with a new crystal-clear Super AMOLED Plus screen.

    The 10.1-inch new Galaxy Tab is an entertainment powerhouse. A dual-core smart media device powered by Android Honeycomb, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 boasts of a lightweight and thin design. The device has been developed todeliver the ultimate mobile entertainment experience to immerse users with its dual surround-sound speakers.

    Other Galaxy smartphones introduced during the SEA Forum in Singapore are:

    Galaxy Ace – Designed for the trendy young professionals, the Ace offers a premium experience with a 3.5” display on a compact and comfortable handset. Its 800MHz processor, voice search and ThinkFree document viewer give it quality performance.

    Galaxy Fit – Crafted for the user who wants a device that meets all the challenges of a career and busy social life. With a 3.31” display, the Fit is functional and fun, delivering a user experience optimized for sharing and web browsing on the go.

    Galaxy Gio – Developed for stylish young professionals who want to stay connected with a sleek device, the Gio keeps you connected thru its enhancedsocial networking capabilities.

    Galaxy mini –The first smartphone designed for trendy and sociable youngsters. With a 3.14” display, the mini delivers optimal productivity and performance ina compact design and is the perfect gift for smartphone rookies. It also offersGoogle voice actions and Quick Office document viewer, all powered by a 600MHz processor.

    Galaxy Pro – Designed as a smartphone with an edge, the Pro comes withSamsung’s Social Hub Premium and a dual-inputcontrol based on a touchscreen and QWERTY keyboard. On a 2.8” display, professionals are able to get ahead of the game when managing their busy work and social lives.

    But before all these, Samsung expects to put out its push for its TVs, particularlythe flagship LED series sets.

    The South Korean electronics powerhouse sees the television becoming the centerpiece of technology in the living room, thus consumers will use it increasingly in more unique and personal ways.

    The Samsung Smart Hub feature is basically a menu system used to connect, discover and enjoy a wide range of content. Users can search for movies, shows and videos via online services and across connected devices, browse the Webfrom their TVs and access apps from Samsung Apps, the world’s first applicationstore for the television. This is featured in all Samsung’s 2011 LED TVs above LED D5500 series and PDP D6900 and Blu-ray products as well as 3D and TVaccessories have been designed to seamlessly accomplish this.

    Also coming up are the Samsung D8000 and D7000 LED TV. Here, Samsung has redesigned the TV screen by slimming down the bezel to 0.2 inches. By virtually eliminating the traditional TV frame, Samsung’s ultra-narrow bezel provides consumers with extra screen size without increasing the outside dimensions of the set.

    Additionally, the D8000 Plasma Series showcases Samsung’s Plasma+1 designand have 51 and 64-inches of viewable screen size.

     

    WD buys Hitachi GST for $4.3 billion, showdown with Seagate inevitable?

    Gadgets Team
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    WD buys Hitachi GST for $4.3 billion, showdown with Seagate inevitable?

    Massive. That pretty much sums up WD’s acquisition of Hitachi GST, one of their main competitors. WD, responsible for the world’s first 1TB 2.5-inch drive will pony up $3.5 billion in cash and $750 million in common stock, which at the time of acquisition was pegged at $30.01 per share. In return, Hitachi will own approximately ten percent of Western Digital shares outstanding after issuance of the shares and two representatives of Hitachi will be added to the WD board of directors at closing. This isn’t an unprecedented move as WD’s main competitor Seagate took Maxtor for $2 billion back in 2005. It’s still pretty unclear what this means for consumers, though you can be sure that the fight for your storage just got a bit more intense.

     

    Source: Bloomberg

    The evolution of baby talk to real talk

    Gadgets Team
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    The evolution of baby talk to real talk

    Talk about capturing your child’s every precious moment. Deb Roy from MIT decided to capture and track their family’s every movement. With a series of fisheye lenses in every room in their house, they hoped to learn how we understand language through the use of context. Of course, what better subject than their own baby.

    Using cutting edge vocal analysis software and speech transcription BlitzScribe, the Roy’s were able to parse 200 terrabytes of data representing 90’000 hours of their life. This vocal parsing software was able to capture the emergence and development of words in their son’s vocabulary.

    Unreal 3-D visualizations allowed his team to zoom through the house like a dollhouse and map the utterance of each word in its context.

    In a landscape-like image with peaks and valleys, you can see that the word “water” was uttered most often in the kitchen, while “bye” took place at the door.

    The aim is to some day bring the platform into more commercial contexts such as charting how social media environments interact with televisual live broadcasting events.

    Perhaps with this information, we’ll know better how to communicate with our own children.

    Source: PSFK

     

    Game Review: Dong Dong Never Die

    Gadgets Team
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    Game Review: Dong Dong Never Die

    Think of all the crazy things that made you go WTF you’ve seen come out of Japan. Now think of all the fighting games you’ve ever played. Now combine both of those, but instead of Japan, think China. That pretty much sums up Dong Dong Never Die, a freeware 2D fighting game that almost manages to usurp Japan as the center of all things WTF, but only just. The insanity starts at the character selection screen, which is reminiscent of the Super Street Fighter selection screen, only much more insane. Because only in Dong Dong Never Die can you play as two nurses against a guy who thinks he’s the Asian Micheal Jackson.

    What, did you think we were joking?

    At first glance, the game looks like someone re skinned a bunch of fighting icons like Iori (KOF) and Ryu (Streetfighter) with a unique (some may say deranged) twist. Like the guy that fights with an inner tube for example.

    You've never seen a guy fight with an inner tube before?

    Or Mario.

    It's-a-me, Mario

    Once you get past the initial WTF AM I PLAYING stage of shock, the game’s fighting mechanics are pretty good. It’s not as polished as the ones in commercial games obviously, but the hitboxes and the character animations are surprisingly well done. You can initiate hyper moves right after super moves for example, delivering some massive damage when timed correctly.It’s all very impressive, and the fact that it’s made by a bunch of Chinese fans is a nice plus. Special effects are nice and some of the super moves are superbly executed, like the one where the dainty girl with the umbrella calls Optimus Prime to beat you down.

    Because, at this point, why not?

    I don’t really endorse freeware games all that much, but this game just begs to be played. It’s a nice conversation piece when your friends come over, and heck, who can resist kicking ass as an obese construction worker?

    We should all be that lucky

    You can download the game from here.

    [album: https://gadgetsmagazine.com.ph/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/[email protected]/Dong Dong Never Die /]

    Facebook now valued at $65 billion

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Facebook now valued at $65 billion

    Last time we checked, the digits were $15 billion less. According to a new report, investment firm General Atlantic has bought out some shares from former Facebook employees—giving them a 0.1 percent stake in the company. This puts the social network at a 30% increase from its last investment which valued it at $50 billion.

    What does this all mean? Facebook is growing at a fast rate, and it’s not even a publicly-traded company yet. Word on it being opened to the public has yet to be made; for now, we’ll have to rely on the news that employees having stock options and that 17-billion-dollar investment firms are putting their money into it.

    General Atlantic bought about 2.5 million shares of stock; but while their deal with former employees have been made, it will still need Facebook’s approval to push through.

    Apparently, investors have been on the hunt for Facebook stock so much that they’ve been hunting down former employees and large stockholders from its earlier days.

    We’ve been keeping tabs on Facebook ourselves, and like we said before. If it’s already valued this much while it’s still a private company, how much will each share cost when they’ve finally decided to trade publicly?

     

     

    Source: Reuters, CNBC.com

    Introducing the tape house

    Gadgets Team
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    Introducing the tape house

    I remember the last walkman I ever had was a Sony Sports Walkman while the last cassette tape I recall playing on that walkman was the “One in a Million” album by the late, great Aaliyah. I remember the anticipation of waiting for the next song to play or the excitement that grew as I rewound my favorite track so that I could listen to it again (4-page letter was a favorite). And I remember sitting down by my tape player, surrounded by my favorite cassette tapes, and patiently trying to come up with my own mixtape.

    Of course now, the mixtape has been replaced with what we call “the playlist” and hardly as romantic.

    As an ode to the obsolete and nostalgic, architecture student Emmett McNamara of Edinburgh College of Art decided to create, nay, erect a structure using nothing but old cassette tapes. Using over 7,000 tapes he had collected from friends, charity shops, and tape dealers, Emmett thought he could not only explicitly showcase the importance of reusing old materials, he also wanted to elicit an emotional response by tapping into his own emotions. Aptly named “tape house”, Emmett shares in an article in Archdaily, “I wanted to build something that evoked emotional memory attachment in conjunction with the practical re use of an abundant waste material. Tapes have a special place in a lot of people’s hearts. I remember making mix tapes for girls I liked. The first album I bought was a tape. When someone sees a tape they perceive it in these terms. The associated cognitive imagery is part of a deeper emotional part of us.”

    Perhaps in a few years, someone can erect the “iPod house.” For that I will gladly donate my personal (and still very usable) iPod Nano First Gen.

     

    Reports: BBM will launch on Android and iOS

    Gadgets Team
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    1
    Reports: BBM will launch on Android and iOS

    BGR.com reports that Research In Motion has plans to launch its proprietary messaging service—BlackBerry Messenger—on Android phones and soon on the iOS platform too. While details haven’t been finalized and no announcement has been made from RIM’s side yet, Jonathan Geller of BGR.com reports that the company might make the software free for users.

    Why did RIM decide on giving users of other platforms access to BBM? More importantly, is this true? Your guess is as good as ours.

     

    Source: BGR.com

     

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