Thinking of getting a point and shoot this Christmas? You might want to consider Sony’s CyberShot T99 digital camera. Check out Michelle’s unboxing video to find out more!
Unboxing: EPSON Perfection V330
The Epson Perfection V330 Photo is a multifunction photo scanner with a stunning 4800x9600dpi resolution. It comes with Epson’s ReadyScan which enables fast scan speeds without the long warm up times of your usual scanners, and Easy Photo Fix which allows users to tweak and restore old prints as well as remove dust from scanned film or slides.
There are a few things included in the package which includes the power supply, USB connection cable, transparency unit, quick start guide and the CD that has the drivers and bundled software.
The lid is highly flexible and expendable which makes it easy to scan even the thickest books. It can also be adjusted 180-degrees for scanning over-sized objects.
There’s a built-in transparency unit that enables it to scan slides, negatives and film.
There are four customizable buttons for convenient one-touch scanning, copying, scan-to-email, and creating PDFs.
It also comes bundled with a software program called ArcSoft Scan-n-Stitch™ Deluxe. This convenient and intelligent program enables users to scan multiple images such as panoramas, oversized artwork, documents, and scrapbook pages (to name a few) which it stitches together automatically.
The Epson Perfection V330 is compatible with both Windows and OSX.
Unboxing: Iomega ScreenPlay Director
In today’s unboxing, we’re going to be taking a closer look at the Iomega ScreenPlay Director HD Media Player. The ScreenPlay is a one stop solution for storing, distributing and consuming digital content in full HD.
The Iomega ScreenPlay Director has a 1 TB HDD built-in, so you won’t easily run out of space for your files. Unlike other media streamers, the front of the Iomega ScreenPlay Director has a bevy of manual controls, so you’ll be able to control the flow of your content even if the remote is out of reach.
The back of the device has all the connections that you’ll ever need, and includes HDMI (1.4) USB, composite, component and S/PDIF. The Iomega ScreenPlay Director also has an Ethernet port so you can connect it to your home network. The remote control looks simple and easy to use, and the device is able to handle a majority of file formats.
Unboxing: WD TV Live Hub
With so much content available online, it only makes sense to have a device to store and stream it off of. Western Digital has their own suite of solutions. The subject of today’s unboxing is their WD TV Live Hub, a 1 TB storage solution that promises to streamline the way you consume your content.
The WD TV Live Hub is basically a 1 TB HDD with an assortment of audio and video outputs that allows it to connect to both your HDTV and your home network. It supports a myriad of video files including hi definition MKV files. The unit itself looks simple enough and will easily blend in with your other home theater appliances.
The back holds a myriad of outputs and connections, including HDMI, component, composite and S/PDIF out. An Ethernet port allows it to connect to your home network, while a USB port on the front and on the back allows you to watch content on USB thumb drives, and will also accept optional Wireless USB adapters for wireless networking.
[album: https://gadgetsmagazine.com.ph/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/[email protected]/WD TV Live Hub/]
Petron Offers Complete Change Oil Value Packages
In a bid to be more responsive to customer needs, Petron Corporation, the country’s leading oil company, recently introduced its Complete Change Oil Value Packages. Initially available only in selected Metro Manila stations, the value packages offer standard and discounted pricing for a complete change oil service inclusive of engine oil, oil filter and labor charges.
For gasoline engines, the value packages include 4 liters of Petron Ultron, which come in four variants: Race, Rallye, Touring and Extra.
Petron Ultron Race is the ultimate performance, synthetic engine oil with 5W-40 viscosity grade for supreme protection of high-performance engines. Petron Ultron Rallye is a multi-grade semi-synthetic engine oil that contributes to reduced fuel consumption and extended oil drain intervals.
Petron Ultron Touring is a universal multi-grade gasoline engine oil that gives superior anti-wear protection while keeping the engine clean from sludge, rust and deposits. Petron Ultron Extra is a multi-grade engine oil for gasoline engines used in moderate operating conditions such as passenger cars.
The Petron Ultron Complete Change Oil Value Packages are priced at Php 2,499 for Race; Php 1,499 for Rallye; Php 1,049 for Touring; and Php 849 for Extra.
Diesel engine value packages include 6 liters of Petron Rev-X, with the following options: All-Terrain, Trekker, Hauler and HD.
Petron Rev-X All-Terrain is a synthetic, ultra-high, multi-grade, heavy-duty engine oil meeting the highest levels of American and European heavy-duty diesel specifications. Petron Rev-X Trekker is a premium multi-grade, heavy-duty engine oil suitable for meeting the stringent requirements of the latest diesel automotive engines.
Petron Rev-X hauler is a high-performance single-grade engine oil designed to meet the requirements of turbocharged and supercharged automotive diesel engines, especially in passenger cars and buses. Petron Rev-X HD is a single-grade, heavy-duty motor oil recommended for diesel and gasoline engines of passenger vehicles with short drain intervals and used under mild operating conditions.
Pricing for the Petron Rev-X Complete Change Oil Value Packages ranges from Php 2,999 for Rev-X All-Terrain; Php 1,499 for Rev-X Trekker; Php 1,399 for Rev-X Hauler; and Php 1,199 for Rev-X HD.
Rolled out last December 4, 2010 at 40 Petron stations in Metro Manila, the Complete Change Oil Value Packages will soon be implemented nationwide.
Petron operates a world-class lube oil blending plant at its Pandacan Terminal, where it manufactures a wide range of lubricant products. This blending facility is recognized as one of the best in the region, producing consistently high-quality products designed to meet international specifications.
PLDT reinvents the landline – ushers in future with TelPad
In this day and age, many have questioned the relevance of the humble landline in this day and age where almost everyone has a mobile phone and the fastest way to communicate is by text and IM. PLDT has seen fit to revitalize the concept of the landline by giving it a shot of some good ole fashioned technology.
Unveiled last Monday, Dec 13 at the SMX Convention Center at the SM MOA, the PLDT TelPad combines the functionality of a landline with a twist. The TelPad marries the traditional landline with an Android based tablet that acts as a digital hub, if you will, with a dialer and several other multimedia functionality built on top of the custom UI. The 7-inch tablet is docked with a handset for calls, and it’s detachable from the dock if you feel like using it around the house.
The best part is, it won’t cost an arm and a leg to own. The PLDT TelPad will come free with a subscription of Php 1849 per month – that includes the landline and a 1 Mbps connection. Existing MyDSL subscribers will need to pay Php 500 on top of their current bill to enjoy the TelPad. Unfortunately we were unable to handle the TelPad long enough to gauge specs and usability, but as soon as we get a demo you guys will be the first to know.
Hands On – HTC Desire Z
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!
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.
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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.
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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.