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    Hands On – HTC Desire Z

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    Lookie what we have here – HTC has seen fit to send us their newest Froyo powered beauty, the HTC Desire Z. While the Z serves up all the usual trimmings that a high end Android device entails, it also gives the touchscreen averse crowd a full 4-row QWERTY keyboard. The keyboard pivots out from under the LCD with a solid push, and is generally easy to work and type on.

    As mentioned, the Desire Z runs on the latest build of Android, Froyo 2.2. You’ll now be able to share the Desire Z’s data connection via WiFi tethering to nearby devices if there’s no WiFi signal nearby to supply your notebook or other devices with a connection.

    The Desire Z is big, and thanks to its pivoting QWERTY keyboard, it’s also a bit thicker than your average smartphone. Here’s the Desire Z alongside its smaller cousin, the HTC Wildfire. Aside from the QWERTY keyboard, there’s few physical keys – a volume rocker sits on the left side while a camera shortcut key sits on the right, along with a mechanism that pops the battery cover open. The power key sits on top, right beside a 3.5mm jack.

    Typing with the QWERTY keyboard is fantastic, and even with my bigger than average digits I found it easy to use. Once the keyboard is in place, there’s very little play. In fact, the whole device is rock solid and I’m pretty impressed with the build quality.

    Alright, that’s pretty much it folks, you can catch our review of the HTC Desire Z in the next issue of the magazine. Till then, you can check out the gallery below for additional views and pictures of the Z.

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

    Our Do It Yourself December-January Issue is out!

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    Another good year comes to an end. 2010 has surely been an awesome year for techies worldwide. From new 3d laptops, to smartphones, to video gaming peripherals – there’s just something new for everyone!

    This December is definitely a good time to save so we could all have money to spend on gifts. With this in mind, we have brought to you ways of improving yourself and even marketing yourself. We’ve also come up with features on DIYing practically everything from jailbraking , building your own recording studio, to making your own home beauty treatment.

    We also have the annual Gadgets Magazine wishlist, to guide everybody for their holiday shopping on the newest and most popular gizmos and accessories around.

    You can also check out the photo feature on the gorgeous Rhian Ramos.

    Put your computer on hibernate and grab a copy now!

    Hitachi’s LifeStudio HDDs make backing up easy

    Backing up your precious data should be the first thing you should be doing when you turn on the PC, but let’s be honest – no one really does it religiously enough to be effective. Hitachi wants to change all of that with their newest LifeStudio HDDs that boast an automatic backup software and convenient USB sync so you don’t have to take the bulky drive with you when you need to transfer files.

    How does it work? Well, first off the new drives utilize a slick GUI (that’s powered by cooliris) that makes it easy to search and categorize your files. Heck, the thing can automatically categorize your pics (according to set parameters) and even auto-rotates your pictures the right way. It also allows you to seamlessly upload your pictures and video to your favorite social networking site like Facebook, Picasa and the like.

    Now the thing that really sets it apart is the detachable USB thumb drive called the SmartKey that automatically syncs with the main drive. So you can keep the bigger, bulkier hard drive at home and take the smaller, much more portable SmartKey with you when you need to grab files from the office or wherever and you just sync it back when you get home. It’s easy, convenient and dead simple.

    It’s only natural that the Hitachi LifeStudio line of drives is going to be more expensive than your regular external HDD. You’re looking at Php 4,995 for the 500GB Hitachi LifeStudio Mobile Plus (with 4GB SmartKey) as opposed to Php 4,560 for the same capacity without the SmartKey. A 2TB Hitachi LifeStudio Desk Plus (with 4GB SmartKey) will set you back Php 7,600 as opposed to the regular version without the SmartKey that retails for Php 6,840.

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

    Microsoft officially launches Windows Phone 7 in the Philippines

    Microsoft Philippines, in partnership with HTC Corp. and Smart Communications, Inc., launched Windows Phone 7, the latest and much-awaited mobile technology from Microsoft, to join the battle for supremacy among mobile operating systems. Is it a worthy contender? Read along to see our first impression.

    A completely new experience:

    The new Windows Phone 7 OS delivers a completely fresh user experience. The home screen is unlike any other mobile OS out there. Microsoft uses a unique home screen they call Live Tiles – which is practically a wall of everything you need to see on your phone on a regular basis. Oh, it also has live updates and push notifications so literally, you’ll find everything in a glance. These Live Tiles can be created from virtually any application or content such as music, websites, images.

    The Windows Phone 7 is all about the cloud. The people hub displays live updates from your contact’s twitter and facebook – all details are connected and synced. Another amazing feature is that whenever you access your gallery, it will not only show you pictures stored on your phone but your pictures in facebook as well. You can also access and edit documents on your Windows skydrive using the pre-installed Office application. Now that’s a cloud phone.

    The transitions of the OS look snappy and responsive. As a matter of fact, Windows Phone 7 strictly enforces a specific hardware specification for their devices so that the experience is consistent among different devices. There’s pretty much no slowdown or lag when it comes to standard commands and navigation.

    The Windows Phone market has more than a thousand apps already, which really is more than enough for the essentials – there’s facebook, twitter, messaging plus a couple of games. Knowing how aggressive Windows is, we’ll be seeing more apps in the near future for sure.

    A bit premature:

    As amazing as the Windows Phone 7 is, there are a few setbacks that makes me think that it’s still a bit premature. One of course is the lack of cut/paste. Windows Phone 7 also lacks multitasking for third party applications. Lastly, there are very limited options in the network settings. You won’t be able to manually set the IP address of your device, nor can you connect to a VPN.

    Also, although more of a personal preference, there is no option to view apps in grid format. It becomes tedious to have to scroll down a long list of apps just to find the one you need.

    Most of these, however, are software related and hopefully, can be adjusted in the next software updates.

    The Hardware:

    Leading the way is the HTC Mozart which will be the first available Windows Phone 7 phone in the country. It will only be available through loyalty/retention with Smart starting January 2011.

    Here are the specs:

    CPU: Qualcomm QSD 8250 1GHz

    Memory: 512MB ROM, 576MB RAM

    Storage: 8GB internal

    Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth, microUSB, GPS

    Camera: 8mp with auto focus and xenon flash, 720p video recording

    Others: Dolby SRS surround sound

    We expect more phones to be released in the early months of 2011. In the meantime, check out this small gallery to get a better look at the HTC Mozart.

    [album: https://gadgetsmagazine.com.ph/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/[email protected]/wp7launch/]

    SkyCable announces launch of Personal Video Recorder (PVR) service

    SKYCABLE, the country’s cable TV pioneer, is moving at the forefront of providing consumers with choices of how, what, when, and where they watch TV content and is set to introduce next year another first-of-its-kind service – the personal video recorder (PVR) system in the country.

    Also known as a digital video recorder (DVR), the PVR is a device that records TV onto a hard drive in digital format. Unlike video and DVD recorders, there is no need for tapes or disks. PVRs give you the ability to pause live TV, instantly replay scenes just watched while continuing to record. It is similar to TiVO, the world’s first digital video recorder which has a very large following in the US.

    At the heart of any PVR is the electronic program guide (EPG). It’s what makes possible the selection of all the shows and programs you want your PVR to record. The better the EPG, the more intuitive your PVR becomes, recording programs by itself based on your previous choices.
    SKYCABLE PVR service is currently on trial and will be commercially available by the first quarter of 2011.

    Coming this 2011: Adidas Originals Blue Denim Collection

    Adidas finally launches their first in-house denim line called the adidas Orinigals Blue collection. The collection’s name is homage to the iconic adidas originals blue color tone “bluebird”, which is very familiar to adidas originals fans.

    It comes with varying washings and is available both for men and women. As a novelty, adidas Originals introduces the first sneaker protector on jeans. They incorporated a special material on the inside cuff of the jeans’ leggings to protect light-colored suede or canvas sneakers from being dyed.

    Now you can truly sport that true blue street/hipster adidas originals look from head to toe!

    The new adidas Originals Blue denim collection will be available by January 2011 in the Adidas Originals concept store in Trinoma. Price of the adidas Originals Blue ranges from Php 3,900- Php 6,400.

    Also check out these pictures we got from the event!

    This huge shoebox is actually an Adidas Originals pop-up store where they sell tons of limited edition Adidas footwear and apparel, including the Adidas+Starwars line. It can be found in Alabang Town Center, only until January 2011.

    The big guys of Adidas and the hosts of the event.

    Steaming hot models for the brand spanking new adidas Originals blue denim collection.

    Huawei unveils cheapest Froyo powered smartphone so far

    All of you smartphone loving folks out there that haven’t taken the plunge into Google’s dessert themed mobile OS, listen up. Huawei, a Technology manufacturing giant has just unveiled their IDEOS smartphone – an Android 2.2 smartphone that has all the bells and whistles you’ve come to expect from a Google powered mobile at a quarter of the price. WiFi tethering, WCDMA + WiFi dual network support, capacitive touchsreen are just some of the features you can expect from the IDEOS. The IDEOS is going to retail for Php 8,888.

    Also revealed in the event was the S7 Tablet, a 7-inch beauty that’s powered by Android 2.1 that boasts better web browsing through Chrome Lite, HD playback and an easy to use, Huawei specific home screen. Sadly, there’s no word on availability or SRP yet, but it’s expected to surface next year at around Php 15,000.

    With so many gadgets requiring internet connections, it was only natural that Huawei introduced their E5836 wireless modem that allows you to share a 3G connection with everyone. Just pop in your SIM, configure and there you go – shareable internet for everyone.

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

    iAcademy awarded as the first IBM Center of Excellence

    If you’re familiar at all with the BPO industry, you already know that getting talented people is becoming increasingly difficult. Cultivating talent and expertise has been iAcademy’s top priorities, and because of that IBM has seen fit to name it as the first IBM Center of Excellence in the country in a ceremony conducted in the school’s premises yesterday.

    iAcademy was chosen to receive the recognition in lieu of several merits, including students that are now working in IBM and providing IBM with quality interns that manage to excel in the company.

    As a center of excellence, IBM will conduct faculty development training programs and student development programs in iAcademy. IBM will also include certification-oriented training progams for the faculty and students of iAcademy.

    To know more about iAcademy, point your browsers to www.iacademy.edu.ph

    Bosch commends strong growth of RP auto industry

    Bosch Inc. recognizes the strong growth of the Philippine auto sector, which according to a recent study is ranked among the country’s top five GDP contributors.  To date, the industry stands on the threshold of selling a milestone 175 thousand units by yearend – a 32 percent increase over the previous year’s 132 thousand units.

    On the eve of celebrating an entire industry’s success, Bosch joins the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) in staging the Car of the Year 2010-2011 as a recognition program for the best cars available in the local market.   CAGI is a non-stock, non-profit organization spearheaded by the country’s premier motoring journalists from television, print, online and broadcast media.

    “Bosch is proud to once again support the Car of the Year awards,” says Joseph Hong, Managing Director of Robert Bosch Inc. and the first Filipino to assume the automotive technology company’s highest local post.  “We likewise commend the leadership of CAGI and the group’s sterling initiative to help Filipino motorists choose the most suitable and reliable vehicles for their needs.”

    Among other awards in the upcoming culmination event, both the company and CAGI will confer a Best in Innovation award, which recognizes advancements in vehicle safety and overall “green” efficiency.

    MSI-ECS becomes Dell’s PartnerDirect program, is now complete

    L-R CHRISTOPHER “Chris” Papa Country Manager, Small and Medium Business Dell Global BV, Philippine Representative Office, Catherine Lian Regional Director for Consumer and Commercial Channel, South Asia & Korea (DELL), Jimmy Go President & CEO, MSI-ECS Phils., Inc., RICKY BENIPAYO LOPEZ Country Manager (LCA/PUB) Dell Global B.V. (Philippine Representative Office)

    Prolific gadget distributor MSI-ECS is on the radar again, and after partnering with Belkin has joined Dell’s PartnerDirect program as a Certified Dell Partner to serve the needs of the constantly growing IT community. On display during the event was two of Dell’s newest Vostro notebooks and two desktop PCs aimed at SMBs. The Vostro line is aimed at SMBs that have almost the same requirement of enterprise class companies with the quarter of their budget. And while they’re being marketed as low cost alternatives to more expensive products, the products on display were sleek and sexy, especially the Vostro V13.

    This stylish and sleek notebook is armed with Intel’s Core 2 Duo processor that, while a bit slower than newer Core i models, is efficient and reduces the overall weight of the device. The Vostro V13 ships with Linux as its OS. It’ll retail for Php 36,900.

    The bigger and beefier Vostro 3400 might be to your liking if the V13’s specs don’t impress you. This powerhouse has an Intel Core i5 processor powering it, and has a large, 14-inch screen for better productivity. It’ll retail for Php 51,900.

    The Vostro V230 is aimed at businesses who want a solid and reliable desktop with a reasonable price tag. Equipped with an Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 processor, 2GB of memory and 250GB HD, the V230 is great for branch offices and general use. It’s priced at Php 37,900.

    The better specs of the Vostro V430 make it the go-to tower for businesses who require better number crunching capabilities, as it ships with a either a Core i3, i5 or i7 depending on the configuration and and a discrete video card. It’s priced at Php 54,900.

    Also on hand during the launch was one of Dell’s pocket projectors. Details were sparse about the little thing, but we expect it to hit our shores sometime next year and have a retail price of about $500 more or less.

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

    Gadgets Sunday: HP Mini 210, ASUS 1018P, Nokia C1, ASUS Wicast

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    Check out another dose of reviews and previews of your favorite Gadgets in Business Mirror’s Gadgets Sunday! Featuring netbooks from ASUS and HP, A wireless hd transmitter from ASUS and Nokia’s latest budget phone!

    Gadgets Magazine takes home two Tinta Awards

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    Gadgets Magazine, the leading tech-lifestyle magazine in the Philippines bagged two awards at the United Print Media Group’s Tinta awards. Gadgets Magazine had two entries under the Most Innovative Creative Execution category and out of more than a hundred entries, both entries got an award!

    Toshiba Regza cross lip and ear ad was awarded bronze for Most Innovative Creative Execution

    Samsung 3D LED TV Ad was awarded Silver for Most Creative Special Execution

    It has indeed been a very fruitful year for Gadgets Magazine. Hopefully this sets the momentum as a new year starts.

    Special discount on Opt and MiLi items this November 26-29

    Together with The A.Shop, style and function take centerstage this coming weekend as MiLi Mobile Power Solutionsand OPT Lifestyle Cases get together to showcase their entire product line-up. From November 26 – 29, 2010 (Friday to Monday), customers will get to experience the convenience and practicality of owning a portable external charger for their mobile devices, as well as discover a brand of casings that are meant to protect their much-loved Apple devices in designs that are chic and trendy.

    The MiLi and OPT booth will be an interactive display, located in front of The A.Shop on the 2nd floor of The Podium. This will showcase not only the functional relevance of the products, but also the high-quality workmanship that went into each item. Product trials will be conducted at the booth and interested buyers can purchase their own MiLi and OPT items inside The A.Shop. In conjunction with the pre-Christmas sale for The Podium, all items will be on a special discount just for these 4 days.

    For more information on MiLi Mobile Power Solutions, please visit http://miliphil.com.

    To know about OPT Lifestyle Cases, check out www.facebook.com/OPT.Philippines.

    Belkin holds hands with MSI-ECS, looks to strengthen Philippine presence

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    Belkin, a company that’s known for their excellent Apple peripherals and add-ons, are looking to strengthen their Philippine presence by joining forces with one of the most well known gadget distributors in the country, MSI-ECS.

    In an event held in the Marriott Hotel in Pasay, the event was attended by key Belkin and MSI-ECS execs, including Louise Lye, ASEAN general manager for Belkin and, Jimmy Go, president and CEO, of MSI-ECS Philippines. The partnership heralds a new era for Belkin in the country, as the company will start offering not only Apple peripherals, but almost all of their products including networking devices, power strips and mice.

    On hand during the event were several zones where Belkin products on display covering home, enterprise and on-the-go solutions. Of particular note were their power strips, as Belkin has an attached device warranty in which they state that if the attached devices to the strip are damaged or destroyed as a direct fault of the strip, Belkin will repair and replace the power strip and all the devices attached to it. How’s that for confidence?

    Also unveiled during the event was Belkin’s home network routers. The routers have are packed to the brim with features and an easy to use GUI, which means that even the most inexperienced user can set it up and connect it within minutes. The price of the routers range from Php 1990 for the entry level model to Php 5990 for the high end Play Max model.

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

    iOS 4.2 is out!

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    The much awaited update to Apple’s mobile devices finally rolled out. iPad owners finally enjoy multi-tasking, folders and game center. The orientation lock button is now a mute button. All devices also get AirPlay and AirPrint for wireless media streaming and printing.