Though it’s currently just a prototype, the mere fact that SanDisk’s 1 TB SDXC card exists is proof that first: Moore’s Law is still very applicable today; second: the current flash storage form factor will remain standard for the next couple of years; and third: science does because science can. It’s meant to handle 4K and above, virtual reality, and 360 degree content which are some of the most storage-intensive formats available today. That means content creators can shoot longer in one go, minimizing the breaks needed for changing cards or dumping files. The down side? It’s bound to be prohibitively expensive upon official release.
Quick Look: Nokia 216—the modern relic
Quick Specs:
- RAM: 16 MB RAM
- Memory: expandable up to 32 GB
- Display: 2.4 inch QVGA LCD @ 167 ppi
- Cameras: 0.3 MP VGA fixed focus with 2x digital zoom and LED flash rear; 0.3 MP VGA with selfie flash front
- Battery: Removable 1020 mAh battery with up to 18 hours 2G talk time
- Operating System: Series 30+
- Connections: dual-SIM, Bluetooth 3.0, 3.5 mm jack, micro USB
- Dimensions: 118 x 50.2 x 13.5 mm; 82.6 g
This dual-SIM phone is a definite throwback to the time when Nokia was dominating both local and international markets with their sturdy, tank-like phones. The 216 also sports innards that reflect the simpler times, with a mere 16 MB of RAM, storage space for 2,000 contacts, Series 30+ operating system, and a 2.4 inch QVGA display. It does strut 0.3 MP VGA shooters at the back and front (both with flash), as well as a microSD slot for up to 32 GB of storage so you can at least take some photos. It’s also powered by a 1020 mAh battery that—given its basicness—should last for up to 47 hours of music playback and 18 hours of 2G talk time. Oh, and it has a 3.5 mm jack. Beat that, Apple.
Sophos Launches Intercept X anti-exploit and anti-ransomware product
Network and endpoint security company Sophos officially launched the Intercept X Tuesday, September 20.
Intercept X is an endpoint security product that prevents stealth attacks, zero-day or previously unknown malware, and exploit variants that attack system vulnerabilities.
Dan Schiappa, senior vice president of the End User Protection group at Sophos said, “Using big data analytics along with our deep understanding of threat patterns, attack vectors and criminal motivations, we designed Intercept X from the ground up to recognize malicious behaviors and stop potential attacks much sooner in the kill-chain, without the need for updates or signatures.”
The product provides protection for devices that are potential entry points for security threats. Its anti-malware and anti-hacker functions defend users against zero-day, memory-resident, and unknown attacks without having to do a scan.
The CryptoGuard feature identifies and intercepts malicious encryption activity and blocks ransomware that can lock systems or initiate denial of service (DoS) attacks and rolls back any encrypted files to its pre-encrypted state.
The Sophos Clean function can be initiated to provide a deep sweep of spyware and embedded malware.
The Intecept X also records data on attack events allowing users to trace where attacks occurred and what files may have been affected.
The product’s pricing is available on the Intercept X official website as well as a free trial.
WSI, Nuance launch PDF Power 2
Nuance Communications, Inc., a global provider of speech and imaging solutions, has partnered with Wordtext Systems, Inc. (WSI) to distribute Power PDF 2, a software that makes it easy for businesses to gain control over PDF workflows with the ability to create, convert, edit, assemble and securely share PDF files.
Delivering enterprise-grade capabilities, Power PDF 2 combines and delivers usability, compatibility and security to organizations that work with PDF files heavily on a daily operational basis. Sectors that stand to gain from this software include government, banking and finance, legal, engineering, healthcare and manufacturing industries.
“The Power PDF 2 is a cost-effective choice for organizations seeking increased productivity, process automation, cost reduction, robust security, and ease of deployment and use. The software is customizable to meet business needs, regardless of company size or nature,” noted Mr Emmanuel Catimbang, Channel and OEM Manager for Nuance Communications in the Asia-Pacific region.
Power PDF 2 packs standard features such as form publishing/creation, editing, scanning, commenting, conversion, forms, security, search and file storage. With its OCR conversion’s OmniPage OCR technology, the software provides unparalleled accuracy on image and PDF conversion to Microsoft Office formats. For security, users can access Microsoft Active Directory Rights Management Services to lock down confidential documents without passwords and apply customized protection based on predefined enterprise policies for each sender and recipient.
Its PDF form support allows users to create dynamic forms easily without the need to retype fields, and enables users to handle all types of PDF forms available on the web. Power PDF 2’s Dragon NaturallySpeaking product can transcribe and fill in forms via speech-to-text integration.
IT department heads will likely be surprised that a Power PDF 2 perpetual license costs only 1/3 of the price of other PDF tools. This brings businesses an estimated 79% savings over subscription-based licenses over a three-year period.
“We see a lot of businesses struggle with mounting software costs due to the vendor’s shift to the subscription model. We at Nuance are happy to provide a top-notch alternative to high-priced PDF tools while maintaining the same value and experience expected from a first-rate PDF software,” Catimbang pointed out.
“We are enthusiastic about this partnership with WSI to introduce and build the Nuance Power PDF 2 brand in the local market. Many companies can benefit from the advantages of this software, and we trust WSI to help us spread the word about Power PDF 2 to their partner resellers and local businesses nationwide,” he added.
Mr Juan Chua, President of WSI, noted that this new strategic partnership with Nuance will help them reach new customers and revenue channels such as the education industry. He also declared that Nuance’s line of products can help different businesses advance towards the path to innovation.
Smart launches new data package for TNT subscribers
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) recently launched a new data package called TNT Babad Apps for its value prepaid brand TNT.
This package allows subscribers access to popular mobile applications such as Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, Viber, WeChat, Instagram, Snapchat, Wattpad, Youtube, Clash of Clans and Clash Royale for three days for only PHP 10.
Traditionally the value brand of Smart for voice and SMS, TNT is now increasingly addressing a young market segment with a growing appetite for more and more digital services.
Combined with other recently introduced affordable data packages, TNT Babad Apps is expected to further boost the fast rising data usage of Smart’s subscriber base which set the pace for the industry in the first half of 2016.
“Providing our subscribers with affordable, relevant data services that are tailor-suited to their needs is our No. 1 priority. This new TNT offer fits perfectly with our existing portfolio of mobile data packages. This includes GigaSurf for the really heavy data users and All Out Surf 30 for those who use data along with SMS and calls,” said Ariel P. Fermin, executive vice president, and head of consumer business for both PLDT and Smart.
Smart’s mobile data revenues grew by 55 percent to PHP 8.1 billion in January to June this year, up from PHP 5.2 billion in the same period last year, following its efforts to encourage smartphone use, roll out compelling data packages and offer exciting digital content for subscribers.
Mobile data now accounts for 27 percent of Smart’s total wireless data and broadband revenues for the period, up from 20 percent a year ago.
Power Mac Center to hold Sync Sessions 2016 workshops
Power Mac Center’s Sync Sessions will be returning to the stage in a special way: this year, they’ll be introducing Masterclass sessions conducted by OPM legends and technical trainings on music production apps. Indie acts will also be holding in-store concerts for the brand.
“This year’s Power Mac Center Sync Sessions aims to encourage more artists to experiment on music production–be it for songs, sound effects, movies, or home videos. We hope that by providing the technical knowhow through our brand ambassadors and invited experts, we’ll be able to spark greater interest in the use of Apple technology in creating music,” said Power Mac Center marketing director Joey Alvarez.
Sync Sessions is an audio experience that demonstrate the power of Apple apps, accessories, and devices in making music. This year, it will feature intense workshops from music legends including Gary Valenciano on September 27; Urbandub’s Gabby Alipe on October 1; and Raimund Marasigan on October 16. All Masterclass sessions will be held at Power Mac Center Greenbelt 3 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
The Masterclass sessions will be supported by Logic Pro X training for beginners, to be facilitated by De La Salle-College of St. Benilde music professor Teresa Barrozo. There are three schedules available: September 25 and October 9 at Power Mac Center SM Aura, and October 23 at Power Mac Center the SM North EDSA Annex. These are free of charge and interested participants can register at tinyurl.com/SyncSessions2016.
Other artists to be featured include: ambient synth-pop singer-songwriter BP Valenzuela (September 24, Power Mac Center TriNoMa); six-piece indie folk/rock band The Ransom Collective (October 8, Power Mac Center SM Megamall); and producer and beatmaker CRWN with Jess Connelly (October 22, Power Mac Center Power Plant Mall). Their performances will be open to the public and will start at 4:00 PM.
Visit www.powermaccenter.com for more information.
Quick Look: BenQ i500
The i500’s shorthrow projection enables a panoramic, full HD, 80-inch view projecting from just one meter away from the screen. This compact projector allows users to stream video and audio content via a wireless connection: no need to plug in anything extra. The projector has built-in streaming applications like Spotify and Vimeo. The i500 has a dual-chambered speaker system that promises to provide clear audio especially for dialogue. The tiny projector also has a USB port that lets users view media from an external drive including Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, and PowerPoint presentations.
Quick Look: GoPro Hero 5 Black
GoPro recently announced the flagship Hero 5 Black as an update to the Hero 4 to be launched October 2.
The Hero 5 Black shoots 4K video at 30fps and 12-megapixel images. It sports a two-inch touch display, electronic stabilization, and footage geo-tagging through its built-in GPS. The adventurer’s dream also has voice control and three-mic stereo recording. It can save RAW files and is able to shoot in Wide Dynamic Range mode which captures added highlight and shadow detail. The camera also has an on-screen exposure control, making it easier to take the perfect photos. The Hero 5 Black is waterproof without a case at 10m.
The Hero 5 Black’s announced price is USD 399.
Globe expansion of network infrastructure, capacity at full throttle
Globe Telecom goes full throttle in its ongoing expansion of its network infrastructure and capacities to improve the internet experience of its customers. The company’s aggressive stance in expanding its network capacities is in line with the company’s new vision for the Philippines to become an admired nation for having a first world internet connectivity.
Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said that more and more of the company’s customers will experience improved services as adoption of LTE-capable devices increases and as the telco provider continues to deploy LTE 700 in more sites. “Guided by our new purpose of ‘treating people right to create a Globe of Good’, the company is aggressively fast tracking a multi-pronged network infrastructure and capacity expansion build to provide our customer a better internet experience,” said Cu.
Cu said the company’s deployment of LTE service using the 700 megahertz (MHz) frequency is now in full swing, adding Globe expects to have around 250 LTE 700 sites by the end of September. According to Cu, the company plans to activate more than 500 LTE 700 sites across the country by the end 2016. Majority of the company’s LTE 700 sites will cover major business districts and highly-urbanized and populated areas in the country, including Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao. He emphasized Globe is maximizing the use of the previously idle 700 MHz band in fulfillment of its commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to improve the overall internet experience of its customers following the sell-out of San Miguel’s telco assets.
Parallel to this, Globe also began rolling out a capacity expansion program for its corporate data network to address bandwidth requirement of its enterprise clients as they make use of various data solutions to improve business efficiency, enhance productivity, and boost competitiveness, Cu disclosed. Specifically, the company will be upgrading its corporate sites with the deployment of fiber-optic technology. This year alone, at least 61 sites are being upgraded, with 455 sites scheduled for next year.
As part of its efforts to create an internet superhighway nationwide, Globe recently completed the deployment of fiber broadband technology in Binondo, Manila, an initiative that will provide world-class internet experience for Globe customers in the district, said Cu. Globe plans to deploy fiber optics in 20,000 barangays by 2020 that will provide ultra-fast internet access to around 2 million homes nationwide.
Delsan celebrates 25th year of operation
Delsan Office System Corp., a managed document and business process solutions provider, recently celebrated its 25 years of operation by hosting a company partner’s night for stakeholders, media, and other VIP guests. The event symbolized Delsan’s drive of delivering incredible experiences to its customers.
Delsan was established in 1991 as a toner refill business with three dedicated employees in the early days of the country’s computer printer industry. Since then, the company’s mission in offering continuous technological improvement to its clients, saving the environment through recycling, and providing equal employment opportunities to fellow Filipinos continues to inspire Delsan in everything it sets out to achieve. Today, Delsan is the managed document and business solutions expert with a workforce of more than 200 employees, eight international hardware partners, seven international software partners, and with more than 2,000 clients nationwide.
Over the last 25 years, Delsan has achieved multiple milestones, including having sold over 600,000 eco-friendly cartridges. Delsan has also specialized in laser printers and is the first to introduce cost-saving remanufactured laser toner alternatives. In 1997, Delsan offered its Total Laser Care program to its clients with free on-site repair and maintenance services.
Last year, Delsan Business Innovations was launched. It is the company’s brand focused on offering the latest software solutions in partnership with its local and international suppliers such as Newtech, PrintSolv, Bizmann, Agilysis, Fuji Xerox, Samsung, and Business Network Solutions.
Looking forward, Delsan pledges to create mindsets and methodologies to uncover important and unsolved problems while focusing, validating, and refining innovation to meet clients’ needs and expectations.
In photo above: Icaro, Cherry Dacera of EMR, Ken Kozak of FujiXerox Printer Channel, Melvin Espino of Canon, Celso Ravina of MSI-ECS, Christopher Sanchez of Epson, Ody Santos, Hiroake Abe-San of FujiXerox Phils, James Kwon of Samsung, Chiharu Asai of OKI, Glenn Gucor, Cecile Santos, Maura Jimenez, Jun Tagamolina, Willy Pablo, and Toynbee Navarro.
Epson showcases advanced printing technologies in Davao leg of Print & Label 2016
On September 9 to 11, Epson Philippines extended its reach to its regional customers through the Davao leg of Print & Label 2016 held at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City.
With over 150 from various industries and organizations including the Philippine Center for Print Excellence Foundation, Packaging Institute of the Philippines and Philippine Plastic Industry Association in attendance, business owners and technology enthusiasts witnessed how Epson’s high performance printers can help businesses excel further through printing applications at the Epson booth.
For Print & Label Davao 2016, Epson’s booth was peppered with football-inspired elements produced using Epson printers. These elements include a mini football field and a stadium background which made the Epson booth stand out during the event.
The Commercial and Industrial Printers team also organized an engaging product presentation and demo session for event attendees to learn more about Epson’s latest printers. Among the products that were showcased are the SureColor S-Series printers, Epson’s latest high-performance roll-to-roll eco-solvent signage printers with new technological advancements.
Included in the featured line-up is the high-performance PrecisionCore TFP printhead that produces output quality at high speed, a new Print Mode that improves image quality by reducing visible banding, and an auto media adjustment system for significantly faster speeds. Among the SureColor S-Series line is the Epson SureColor SC-S60670. The SC-S60670 incorporates the latest Epson printing technologies that allow high-volume printing with minimal downtime.
The Epson SureColor SC-F6270 was also highlighted at the Print & Label Davao 2016 and proved to be a crowd favorite among textile business owners. This able machine is designed for sheet production, ideal for short-volume dye-sublimation transfer printing of custom clothing, soft signage, merchandise and even hard surface work.
For photography buffs, the highlight was the SL-D700. It can print high-quality photos of up to one meter in length. Also, the SL-D700 is Epson’s first 6-colour compact photo production printer with inkjet technology. It utilizes Epson’s Micro Piezo printhead and image processing technology which all make for the vivid quality on photos, cards, art reproductions and other quality print products.
Epson also presented the SureColor-P7000 Large Format Printer’s state-of-the-art features and its advanced color printing technologies. Along with its advanced features and capabilities, the SureColor-P7000 is also equipped with industry-leading software solutions which make it the perfect business equipment for large format output.
Meanwhile, the SureColor SC-P407 was commended by event attendees that are currently in the professional photo printing industry. Its professional-quality output can be attributed to the SureColor SC-P407’sadvanced pigment ink set, the UltraChrome Hi-Gloss 2 that delivers an ultra-wide range of colors.
“We are truly honoured to elevate printing by bringing the latest technologies and innovations to our dear customers here in Davao City through Print & Label 2016,” shared Pamela Albar, head of Epson Philippines Corporation’s Commercial & Industrial Printers business. “Epson Philippines is continuously seeking avenues where we can further strengthen our relationships with industry leaders who continue to make Epson their partner in advancing their businesses,” she added.
Suzuki’s Vinales secures top spot at Silverstone MotoGP
Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Maverick Vinales was able to secure the top spot at the Silverstone Octo British Grand Prix, one of the world’s grandest motorsport stages. Though the returning team’s is only in its second consecutive year of competition, it has consistently won podium finishes in prestigious tournaments, including Vinales’ bronze outing in Le Mans France.
The crew faced almost a decade of absence before making its comeback with the new GSX-RR.
“This victory has been really emotional, my first in MotoGP and also the first for Suzuki since 2007 I felt I was in a good condition and that here we had the potential, but until the race ends you can never know. The team did an absolutely great job, improving the bike since the last races and also in the whole weekend. After the first start I felt really confident and I thought I had a margin to keep ahead, and this gave me the needed confidence to do it again after the second start. My feeling with the machine was perfect, I tried to push hard at the beginning to take advantage and then I just controlled the race. After the last races we felt we had the potential and finally we proved that the job we are doing is really in the right direction,” commented Vinales.
Meanwhile, fellow Team Suzuki rider Aleix Espargaró finished in seventh.
Renderbee demos virtual reality architecture rendering service
Filipino rendering service provider RenderBee officially launched its architectural virtual reality (VR) rendering service September 20 in Makati.
The company is the first in the country to offer “architectural virtualization” wherein 3D models of architectural plans are then rendered in VR allowing clients to explore the structures as if they were there.
The VR renders can be viewed through compatible VR headsets such as the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive.
Established in 2015 and incorporated earlier this year, Renderbee is a direct challenge to foreign companies who offer rendering services, with executives citing the abundance of local talent as one of the reasons why the company was formed.
“We saw that there is a growing demand since most of the studios catering to this market are foreign companies whose developments are done elsewhere and not in the country,” Renderbee CEO Maria Carmencita Burgos-Nepomuceno said.
The company also offers rendering services of 3D stills and animations apart from the architectural virtualization service.
Co-founder and managing director Jackeline Chua of the Synergy Group of Companies, of which Renderbee is a subsidiary, says that the company offers fast turnaround for projects due to their render farm facility in Quezon City.
“Key to our speed in delivery is our in-house render farm facility. The other studios can’t match our speed and quality because they do not have an in-house render farm. In contrast, we have our very own data center in the country.”
The company has a total of 16 servers in their render farm. One server is equivalent to five Core i7 CPUs, allowing a high quality 3D render to be completed in seven to eight minutes which would have taken two hours on a regular computer, while an animated render will take only six days to finish compared to 80 days in non-render farm studios.
Nepomuceno said that right now, due to their pioneering state in Philippine architectural rendering, the company’s goal is to educate the market on the technology involved to raise awareness and desire for the product.
Petron Supercar Super Series Limited Edition
Enthusiasts now have a chance to add to their toy car collection with the Petron Supercar Series Limited Edition promo running from September 15 to October 15, 2016. For every Php 500-worth of single or accumulated purchase of Petron Blaze 100, Petron XCS, Petron Xtra Advance, Petron Turbo Diesel, Petron Diesel Max, Petron Ultron, Petron Rev-X, or Petron Sprint 4T, you are entitled to buy your choice of big toy car for only Php 700 each at participating Petron stations nationwide.
Three limited edition super cars are being offered in this exclusive promo: the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 in blue, the Audi R8 LMS in red, and the Bentley Continental GT3 Concept in white. Worthy additions to the Petron Supercar Limited Edition collection, these are made from high-quality die-cast metal with detailed parts, and are larger scale 1:24, 7-inch models packaged in a 5-side see-thru box. It has features such as alarm sounds with lights when you open the doors, while start-up, rev, and acceleration sounds are activated when you press the hood.
The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 played a starring role as the antagonist Lockdown in the film Transformers: Age of Extinction, and is easily recognizable through its signature scissors doors up design. It is powered by a 6.5-liter V12 engine that claims an official top speed of 350 kph.
The Audi R8 LMS is the next generation model for a sports car with a winning heritage, renowned for its 28 GT Championship titles from 2009 to 2015. It sports a 5.2-liter V10 engine.
The Bentley Continental GT3 Concept is a race car powered by a 4.0-li twin-turbo V8 engine, built specifically for the race track. It started its first race season in 2015, debuting with wins in Europe and America.
You may avail of this promo by presenting your eligible receipts to the pump attendant at the service station where you purchased the Petron fuel or lubricants. The promo is valid for cash and credit card payments, as well as bulk, purchase order, and wholesale transactions. Avail of this opportunity to top off your big toy car collection with these new supercars made exclusively for Petron, by visiting your nearest participating Petron service station.
SEAOIL offers discounted fuel to Uber drivers
SEAOIL Philippines, Inc., has partnered with Uber to provide its drivers 5% discount on gasoline and 2% discount on diesel.
The promo is ongoing in all SEAOIL stations within Metro Manila. Uber drivers must present their driver app for verification to station crew to get the discount and then sign a monitoring sheet and invoice.
With over a million drivers worldwide, Uber is one of the fastest growing app-based transport networks. Riders make a trip request online and the app alerts the nearest drivers in their location to service them. Uber drivers can find themselves driving almost anywhere across the metro, and will find the convenience of over 60 SEAOIL stations.
The Uber-SEAOIL fuel discount runs until September 30, 2016.
SEAOIL has been one of the most innovative in the industry, even pioneering the shift to unleaded gasoline and introducing low-sulfur diesel to lessen harmful exhaust emissions from public utility vehicles. The company has also been at the forefront of shifting to alternative fuels like bioethanol gasoline and biodiesel.
Its franchising packages have proven to be highly successful ventures for entrepreneurs nationwide. With its latest partnership with Uber, SEAOIL continues to build opportunities for high quality and affordable fuel products to reach more consumers.