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    World’s first super phone coming to the Philippines this May

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    LG Electronics announced the imminent market availability of the world’s first smartphone with a dual core processor, the LG Optimus 2X P990 coming this May. LG collaborated with NVIDIA, the graphics processor powerhouse, to showcase the message of speed and efficiency in the world’s first super phone.

    LG Optimus, meaning ‘best’ in Latin, is comprised of devices running on a range of popular operating systems and Android Tablet PC.

    LG Optimus 2x is equipped with NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor which runs at a clock speed of 1GHz with low power consumption and high performance for audio and video. Tegra 2 processor also makes faster, smoother web browsing and multitasks without screen lag. It also offers 1080p HD video playback and recording while expanding content on external displays to Full HD quality.

     

    This is powered by Android 2.2 that could be upgraded to 2.3. Users can also connect wirelessly to any DLNA-compatible digital devices such as HD TV’s for a console-like gaming experience. This super phone has 4-inch WVGA LCD full Touch Screen and 8.0 mega pixel camera.

    Mr. Richard Javier, mobile communications head of LG Electronics Philippines explains, “This is only the beginning in our intelligent smartphone series. LG is a pioneer in mobile communications and we aim to continue developing innovative technology and providing convenient mobile communications experience for our customers in the near future.” Javier believes that the LG Optimus 2x is a great achievement for the company and exceeds expectations in the smartphone industry.

     

    Globe enterprise customers benefit from cable investments

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    Globe’s enterprise customers are benefiting from the Philippine telco’s investments in diverse cable systems.  Having a solid Business Continuity Program ensures quick crisis recovery and network resiliency critical to large industries that require uninterrupted operations and 24/7 connectivity.

    The recent Japan quake, which affected five submarine cable systems, had very minimal impact to Globe customers.  Globe delivered stable connectivity to the US through the Unity Cable System and the Tata Global Network-Intra Asia Cable System (TGN-IA), which provided the capacity needed to reroute affected circuits.

    According to Jesus C. Romero, head of enterprise segments in Globe Business, “Globe was ready and prepared.  When the earthquake struck, our international network rerouted all services immediately.  We were able to restore 100% of all voice and data services without IP traffic congestion on all international private networks.”

    The Unity Cable System, activated in Q3-2010, is a trans-Pacific cable spanning 9,620-km between Japan and the US.  TGN-IA, which started serving enterprise customers in 2009, is a direct point-to-point express optical fiber submarine cable directly linking the Philippines to Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Vietnam.

    Globe also has investments in the TGN-Pacific Cable, Asia Pacific Cable Network 2 (APCN2), and City to City (C2C) cable network.  Other submarine networks utilized by Globe are South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe Cable Network 3 (SMW3), East Asia Crossing, Japan-US Cable Network (JUCN), and China-US Cable Network (CUCN).

    Globe’s IP infrastructure is linked to multiple peers both globally and locally to ensure that enterprises experience the best route to access content and reach destinations across the internet.  Globe has more than 100Gbps IP port capacity for business continuity and seamless traffic flow in the Philippines and beyond.

    Thinnest, Lightest and Brightest Notebook by Samsung

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    Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) recently launched the THINNEST, LIGHTEST and BRIGHTEST notebook by Samsung at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City.

    The Samsung Notebook Series 9 is Samsung’s thinnest measuring only 16.3mm (0.64 inches) in depth, and with a screen size of 13 inches; Samsung’s LIGHTEST with a weight of only 1.31 kg (2,88lbs.). It is also Samsung’s brightest — using only Samsung’s LED technology: ‘SuperBright Plus’ display (400nit) with 16 million color reproduction 80% brighter than other notebooks, all in the most advanced duralumin metal alloy only used in specialized aircrafts, making it durable yet stylish and ultra light.

    Samsung signed up three of the most noted fashion designers of the country to come up with a collection inspired by the Samsung Notebook Series 9. Rhett Eala, Rajo Laurel and Randy Ortiz showcased their collections at the unveiling of the sexiest notebook by Samsung.

    According to Randy Ortiz, the aesthetics of the Samsung Notebook Series 9 inspired him the most in doing the THIN collection. “The Samsung Notebook Series 9 is very fashionable and stylish. My collection consists of stunning silhouettes and cuts which are both slimming and sexy.”

    Rhett Eala designed the LIGHT collection for the Samsung Series 9 Notebook. “Using the Samsung Notebook Series 9 is an experience itself. And I wanted to capture that experience in my collection. My collection, by using airy and light fabrics, was designed to make you feel good, beautiful and sexy, the same experience as using the Samsung Notebook Series 9 gives.”

    For Rajo Laurel, BRIGHT is fun. “The emotion that I wanted to evoke is FUN. I wanted this collection to be happy, vibrant, and energetic. We’re about to hit summer so I want to be able to capture that excitement.” Rajo used neon colors and dri-fit fabrics in his BRIGHT collection.

    “Truly only the best for the best in Samsung. Samsung has focused on ensuring that its laptops offer truly comprehensive mobile experiences,” said Hannah Francisco, NPC Product Manager of IT-SEPCO. “This is why we are creating not just the best in design with the country’s top designers but the best in display offering our customers a complete and comprehensive notebook that meets all of their needs with one premium device with the Samsung Notebook Series 9.”

    Apple sues Samsung for allegedly copying the iPad

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    It’s way past fighting words now as Apple has filed a lawsuit against Tech giant Samsung over allegedly copying the look, product design and even the packaging and user interface of its products. The 38-page suit was filed Friday in federal court in Northern California. “Rather than innovate and develop its own technology and a unique Samsung style for its smart phone products and computer tablets, Samsung chose to copy Apple’s technology, user interface and innovative style in these infringing products.”

    This isn’t the first time Apple has sued a competitor. It sued Nokia back in 2009 and HTC last year over patent issues as well. Some has expressed concern in the suit, as they feel it’s better to use the money the use for lawsuits for R&D and innovation. The suit will likely drag on for a while, as both parties have extremely deep pockets to call on.

    Source: WSJ

    Asian Hospital and Medical Center introduces first wireless and non-sedative ABR machine

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    Providing innovative and world-class healthcare service, Asian Hospital and Medical Center introduces the Vivosonic Integrity, the first wireless and non-sedative ABR machine to the Philippines.

    Standard ABR (auditory brainstem response) machines required patients to be sedated or be put under general anesthesia as accuracy and reliability depend on very minimal ambient noise. It is these machines that allow for effective and thorough evaluation of auditory brainstem responses to detect any tumors that may affect hearing.

    With the Vivosonic Integrity, patients need not be put to sleep or sedated and can be done even in the presence of noise. Without the need for medication or special equipment, an audiologist can easily do ABR on an awake and active child in any hospital environment. It is also wireless, making it portable and easy to maneuver during testing, especially of active children.

    With the availability of this machine, Asian Hospital expects improved patient care as it eliminates risks associated with anesthesia while ensuring quality hearing healthcare in the country. Patients will also find it beneficial that the Integrity machine offers safe, accurate and inexpensive diagnosis of hearing conditions.

     

    Source: Asian Hospital and Medical Center

    Samsung Reveals Its Spectrum of Togetherness

    As today’s design leader, Samsung unveiled it’s portfolio of 2011 consumer electronics highlighted by new smart TVs and consumer-inspired, easy –to-use cameras at the company’s 2011 Samsung AV Roadshow at the Grand Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

    Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) executives led by President KC Park showcased Samsungs’s 2011 product line-up. These executives also discussed strategic initiatives and exciting new products from the digital imaging and audio-visual divisions. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the environment in terms of innovative product features and greener initiatives.

    Samsung Takes Home Entertainment to the Very Edge

    For 2011, Samsung has re-imagined the TV screen by making the bezel, which until now had traditionally framed the TV, virtually disappear. It had developed its flagship LED televisions for 2011- Samsung D8000 and D7000 LED TV Series. Both with a bezel that is just 0.2 inches wide that provides more screen.

    The Samsung D490 Plasma Series showcases Samsung’s breakthrough Plasma+1 design which features a new narrow bezel design so consumers get an extra inch of viewable screen size for a greater viewing area without increasing the outside dimensions of the set. In addition to this advancement, Samsung also incorporated a smart TV feature called Samsung’s Smart Hub that helps users connect, discover and enjoy a wide range of content. They will be able to search movies, shows and videos via online services and  connected devices, browse the Web from your TV and access a wide variety of apps from Samsung Apps, the world’s first HDTV-based apps store.

    Blu-ray players we’re also unveiled with the new BD-7500- the world slimmest Blu-ray disc player that has 3D convertor that enables customers to enjoy 3D experience with pictures, movies and streaming video

    Digital Imaging: New Experience and ease of use with innovation

    Samsung unveils its newest digital camera and camcorder offerings. The SH100 allows users to post photos straight to Facebook or videos on YouTube in real time. This is also the first camera that connects live to an Android smart phone where the mobile phone can be used to view the shots and even view GPS information of where each photo was taken.

    Samsung also introduced its latest Dual-View camera, the ST700. It has a DualView design adding its largest front screen and features like Smart Filter 2.0 which gives a wide range of photo effects.

    Building on the popularity of the NX11, Samsung unveiled a number of new lens kits. The NX11 will come complete with an 18-55mm i-Function lens, as well as two new i-Function lenses, a 20mm pancake and a 20-50mm zoom silver color lens.

    A performance by world class artists Gerard and  Lea Salonga capped the whole day event.

     

    Philips sells TV business, will have to settle for royalties

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    Seems like Philips’ TV making days are over. Chief Executive Officer Frans Van Houten, who took over the reins of the business just at the start of this month has outlined a new plan to try and get the Amsterdam based company back on track after sustaining a large loss of 87 million euros from TVs in the first quarter. Instead, the company will bundle its TVs into a partnership that will be 70 percent owned by Hong-Kong-based TPV Technology Ltd. Philips will retain the rest and will receive royalty payments of at least 50 million euros ($72 million) annually from 2013 onwards.

    The move yielded positive results, with Philips’ stock gaining as much as 55 cents, or 2.6 percent, to 21.64 euros, the most since Jan. 11. The stock, which traded at 21.66 euros, has lost 5.5 percent so far this year, valuing Philips at about 21.36 billion euros.

    Source: Bloomberg

     

    Gmail now lets users make own themes

    Gmail users can now make their own themes for their inboxes. According to Gmail, there had been many requests to make a personalized mail.

    “For a while, you’ve been able to set your own colors, and starting today you can customize your inbox with your own background image too,” software engineer Jiří Semecký said.

    Users would be able to navigate through Gmail customization just by choosing “Create your own theme” on the themes tab. They will be able to select a background image for the main area, footer and background image.

    Although for users who are not familiar with customizing web content it could be a bit complicated as the wrong combinations for background, text and snippet can render it invisible.

     

    source: gmanews.tv

    GfK Asia: Smartphones and TVs – largest and fastest growing segments

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    Urbanization and economic recovery in Asia Pacific have been propelling growth of the digital technology industry which achieved a total of USD235 billion last year, according to leading market research company GfK Asia.

    As a special invited guest speaker at the IFA 2011 Global Press Conference held in Alicante, Spain last 15 April, GfK Asia’s Regional Commercial Director presented on the topic: Heralding a New Digital Era in Asia, where he shared interesting insights on the digital technology market. “The technology of mobile communication has come a long way and evolved tremendously so much that today’s consumers are able to perform all sorts of tasks digitally via their smart phones, such as banking, navigation, instant messaging, etc,” commented Mr. Kee. “GfK reports show that people in Asia Pacific has been eagerly adopting this smart phone technology, growing the market size of this industry from 31 million units in 2009 by 216 percent to 67 million units last year. And this year, we are expecting to see further growth in annual unit sales of over 60 percent.”

    Another digital product sector which has been experiencing exponential growth is TV. Rising quantities of the popular LED technology TVs have been snapped up by consumers around the region, driving tremendous unit growth which recorded over 3000 percent in 2010 over the previous year. LCD TVs also grew at a significant 56 percent compared to 2009.

    “Asia’s developing countries present huge opportunities to manufacturers in the TV market. More than half of the entire population’s households in countries such as India, Philippines, and Indonesia are still using the old-fashioned CRT TVs and GfK reports confirm the rising trend of consumers in these markets switching over to the newer type of flat TV,” highlighted Mr. Kee.

    According to GfK retail audit for 2010, more than four in every five sets (83%) of TVs sold in India were still CRTs, whereas in Southeast Asia as a whole, the proportion of CRT TV unit sales stood at 58 percent.

    “Six among 10 of the world’s most populous countries helm from Asia, and backed by the region’s young, rapidly urbanizing population who are possessing increasing spending power, the explosion of a new digital technology era is imminent and round the corner, if not already happening in some of the developed markets,” said Mr Kee. “We confidently predict that the overall industry will continue to grow further by at least another 17 percent to hit US275 billion this year,” he concluded.

    Globe commercially rolls out 4G HSPA+, beats Smart to the punch

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    Globe through their website has just announced their commercial roll out of HSPA+ (or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access), which will complement their existing 4G WiMAX network. What makes this so special? Well, HSPA+ is faster than 3G by large margin, and has theoretical download speeds of 21 Mbps with an option to upgrade that later  to 84 Mbps. That means newer HSPA+ phones will be able to stream internet content faster and better than before. I say newer phones because current HSPA phones are not able to use HSPA+. It then follows that Globe might well be rolling out HSPA+ compliant phones and hardware soon to take advantage of the new technology.

    According to the site, the new network will initially be offered in the metro including the areas of Marikina, Quezon City, Makati, Pasay, Las Pinas, Taguig, with other areas added later. Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe Telecom said, “Globe is again pioneering innovation in the Philippines. With the uptake in broadband both on mobile and through other devices, customers want faster broadband in more places. Globe is continuously looking for ways to improve our network infrastructure to meet the demand for quality services. In 2009, we were the first carrier to launch 4G through our WiMax network. Today, we extend our leadership by taking 4G mobile. With our high speed broadband rollout, Globe will continue to lead in customer experience by giving our subscribers better, faster, and more reliable broadband connections on their phone, laptop, PC or tablet.”

    Since Globe now has two of the 4G bases covered (WiMAX, HSPA+) it’ll be interesting to see how Smart will react. It’s not really a secret that Smart may be rolling out their own 4G network soon, as evidenced by the LTE trials that they’ll be offering to visitors in Boracay from April 21 to 24.

     

    Source: Globe

    Petron Lakbay Alalay: Free check-up for a safer trip

    Petron Lakbay Alalay wants to give you a safer trip to your summer destination by offering free service check-ups from mid-March until the end of May.

    The free 15-point service check-up is offered at participating Petron service stations and car care centers nationwide and is part of  Petron’s safety advocacy to help motorists prepare for safe, worry free travel.  The free safety check, which covers tire pressure, oil and radiator water level, and brakes inspection, helps ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and in good running condition.  No purchase is required to avail of these services, which is available to all motorists, absolutely free of charge.

    Petron Lakbay Alalay’s commitment to promoting road safety for everyone is  assured with the assignment of a dedicated mechanic assigned to render the free vehicle check at all participating service stations nationwide.  All you have to do is drive into one of the 118 stations displaying the Petron Lakbay Alalay Free Safety Check streamer.   There are 48 participating stations in Metro Manila, 16 stations in northern Luzon, 10 stations in southern Luzon, 29 stations in the Visayas, and 15 stations in Mindanao.

    In addition to the free safety checks, Petron volunteers and partner expressways will offer emergency roadside assistance in strategically-located Petron stations and base camps inside the major tollways including North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Star Tollway, and Coastal Road.

    Petron employees and dealers have also signed up for selected “Weekends of Volunteerism” during the summer holidays as their way of  reaching out to Filipino motorists and giving them the Petron service that they deserve.

    Summer road-trippers will be pleasantly surprised with Petron’s promo tie-up with the major tollways, billed as “Tollways Instant Win – Free Bunot”.  Every Sunday until the end of May 2011, customers who fill up with P1,000 worth of any Petron fuel gets a chance to win instant prizes such as Cool Air gum, Tiger biscuits, Magnolia water, Magnolia chocolait, and San Mig coffee.  This promotion is further intensified during Holy Week as it becomes a daily activity in the participating stations.

    Petron Lakbay Alalay is celebrating its silver anniversary this year and is the longest-running motorist assistance program in the country.  Run by Petron employee-volunteers as part of the company’s “volunteerism in action” philosophy, the pioneering public service activity has been replicated by other automotive and oil companies.  The term Lakbay Alalay has, in fact, entered daily terminology as a generic term for various motorist assistance activities offering free mechanical help, communications support, medical services, clean restrooms and other services.  Lakbay Alalay is a registered trademark of Petron Corporation.

     

    Music from all sides with Logitech Laptop Speaker Z305

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    Whether you’re staying in or hitting the beach this summer, you’re sure to have a rockin’ good time with the Logitech Laptop Speaker Z305 – your laptop’s clip-on companion.

    Just clip on this tubular sound system right onto the top screen of your portable PC and enjoy the quality of 360-degree sound that’s rich and clear from any angle. It has a neat built-in compartment to store the USB cord as well as an auxiliary input so that it can also serve as a speaker for your mp3 player. The Logitech Z305 Speaker comes with a carrying case and requires no software to function or an external power supply, making this an audio must-have for anyone who is on-the-go.

    Buy a Bravia, help a nation – Sony’s Bravia for a cause

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    It’s been a month since the devastating quake at Japan and the consequent tsunami that followed forever changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, but sadly their ordeal is just beginning. If you’re in the market for a new LCD screen, you might be interested to know that Sony in cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross, is donating Php 100 to the Japan Earthquake Relief operations for each Bravia sold. It’s not a huge amount, but as they say, every little bit helps. Head on over to http://www.sony.com.ph/microsite/AprilNewsletter/BraviaCause.html to see the supersized version of the banner including the terms and conditions.

     

    Flip soon off the racks

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    The popular and affordable Flip video camera will soon be discontinued by Cisco Systems. This is in accordance to the overhaul that the company is planning. In recent statements, Cisco Systems CEO- John Chambers said that they are making tough decisions in the wake of recent lapses in execution. “We are making key, targeted moves as we align operations in support of our network-centric platform strategy,” he added.

    Cisco acquired Flip in 2009 for $590 million in order to build strong consumer business. Despite the fact that there was a choice to sell the brand, Cisco remained silent about why they decided to discontinue it rather than putting it up for purchase.

     

    According to market research firm NDP group, over 23% of Flip cameras we’re sold in the United States on the year 2010, more than the selling point of Sony and Eastman Kodak.

    While waiting to clean up inventory, Cisco will cut approximately 550 jobs from its 73,000 when the Flip is discontinued.

    In earlier reports, they said that the company’s focus would merely be on five areas; routing, switching and services; collaboration; data center virtualization; architectures; and video.

    Source: Reuters

    STYLE ORIGIN: CELEBRATING TRUE BEAUTY WITH NIGEL BARKER AND MISS J ALEXANDER

    The Ayala Malls continues to provide its customers with innovative entertainment through Style Origin. Presenting a series of lifestyle activities, Filipino shoppers are immersed in contemporary trends for design, beauty, fashion and music as Style Origin encourages personalized creativity and style.

    This April, learn more about fashion fundamentals and style essentials as Style Origin brings back noted fashion photographer and former model Nigel Barker, along with runway coach and model Miss J Alexander to give the Filipino public a glimpse on beauty and fashion trends. Popularly known as judges on the reality TV show America’s Next Top Model, both guests are celebrated for their expertise in the fashion and beauty industry. In Nigel Barker’s book entitled Beauty Equation, he shares the formula for revealing inner beauty and enhancing physical appearance. Going beyond the commercial standards of beauty (Be tall! Be skinny! Have flawless skin!), Nigel reveals that true beauty shines through a summation of good looks and positive character.

    Another famed personality on America’s Next Top Model, J Alexander shares his expertise on fashion and beauty from his experience as a world‐renowned runway coach. Recognized for his coaching abilities, he has worked with major designer brands and modeling agencies some of which include Elite, IMG, Next, Ford, Women, and Marilyn Gautier. Miss J. currently trains their models to walk in designer runway shows for Valentino, Galliano, Bill Blass, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Nina Ricci, Christian La Croix, Balmain, Baby Phat, and Zac Posen, to name a few.

    Come and discover the meaning of true beauty as the Ayala Malls features Nigel Barker and Miss J. Alexander at the Greenbelt 3 Park on April 14, 6:30pm; at the TriNoma Activity Center on April 15, 6:30pm; and at the Alabang Town Center Activity Center on April 16, 6:00pm.

    Ayala Malls truly goes beyond the standards in giving its shoppers a unique and creative experience with Style Origin.