Motorola XOOM 2 available in Singapore now (pricing included)

 Technology  No Responses »
Jan 132012
 

The Motorola XOOM 2 features Android 3.2 (Honeycomb), a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, a brilliant display with scratch resistant Corning Gorilla Glass, and a splashguard coating for a go anywhere, do everything attitude. Additionally, it is packed with a battery that delivers up to 10 hours of video playback and comes pre-installed with MOTOPRINT – a key app that allows you to print wirelessly from your tablet.

The Motorola XOOM 2 comes with both 3G and WiFi, available from today onwards at major retail stores in Singapore at a RRP of SGD$978.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 8.9 is now Available in Singapore (Pricing)

 Technology  8 Responses »
Nov 142011
 

If you think the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 is too big, Samsung GALAXY Tab 8.9 3G (16GB) model is now available in Singapore at SGD $768. A slick chick size weighing at 453 grams and just 8.6mm thin, the Samsung GALAXY Tab 8.9 makes for a great companion device for reading e-books, news, emails and surfing the web.

Key highlights of the Samsung GALAXY Tab 8.9:

  • Features Samsung’s own TouchWiz user interface implemented on the Android™ 3.0 (Honeycomb) platform, offering superior multi-tasking and enhanced user interaction and navigation
  • Supports HSPA+ network speeds of up to 21Mbps as well as Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity to deliver rapid mobile download speeds and reduce data transfer times
  • Feature a 3 megapixel rear camera and a 2 megapixel front camera, providing smooth transition and seamless 1080p HD video and Flash playback for a rich entertainment experience

Specifications after the break. Continue reading »

Sony Tablet S (WiFi) Available in Singapore at the end of October, pre-orders now

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Sep 302011
 

The Sony Tablet S is an Android 3.2 Honeycomb device with a NVIDIA Tegra 2 mobile processor, 9.4-inch LED-backlit TruBlack IPS screen (1280×800) and WiFi (no 3G), weighing only 598g and its unique asymmetric design conveys a sense of lightness. Sony Tablet S comes with a 5MP rear camera and a 0.3MP front camera, infrared to enable Universal Remote Control, DLNA to connect to other devices and the first Playstation Certified tablet.

A range of optional accessories is available for Sony Tablet S, including a cradle, AC adapter, LCD screen protector, carrying case and USB adaptor cable, as well as a Bluetooth keyboard.

Sony Tablet S is available in both 16GB and 32GB version for $668 and $798 respectively and will be available in Singapore at the end of October 2011. You can pre-order the Sony Tablet S at all Sony Stores (except T3), Sony Centres, Best Denki, Courts, Harvey Norman.

Initial thoughts:

  • I’ve held the Sony Tablet S, it really “feels” very light, even compared to the iPad 2 or the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1. Love the sleek ergonomic design.
  • The Universal Remote Control makes the Sony Tablet S a very good coffee table device.
  • The IPS screen has very good viewing angles, but it’s a fingerprint magnet.
  • I wish they had more content delivery service available for Singapore, like integrating their PSN content, video, music, e-books.
  • If the Sony Tablet S had, 3G would be a perfect device.
  • The Playstation games run very smoothly. Resizable and moveable onscreen controls and buttons.
  • I think the touch responsiveness still needs to be better and I attribute that to Honeycomb rather than the hardware. However, it’s obviously more responsive than other Android tablet device.
  • Uses a proprietary connector for charging and docking. Not sure if the microUSB can be used to charge the device.
That’s all folks. Would you buy the Sony Tablet S when it comes out? Or better still, pre-order the Sony Tablet S?

One Minute with Sony Tablet S – Connectivity and Entertainment

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Sep 232011
 

Next 2 key features of the Sony Tablet S is Connectivity and Entertainment. The Sony Tablet S wirelessly connects to DLNA compatible devices, such as Sony BRAVIA televisions, so users can “throw” their favourite photos and movies onto a big screen for greater enjoyment with friends, family and that special one. A built-in infrared sensor also allows the Sony Tablet S  to function as a remote control.

The Sony Tablet S is also the first series of PlayStation Certified tablets on which original PlayStation games like Crash Bandicoot and Pinball Heroes can be played anytime and anywhere. There’s actually more entertainment available like music, video and e-books, but there’s no word on whether if it will be available in Singapore.

One Minute with Sony Tablet S – Design and Performance

 Technology  1 Response »
Sep 202011
 

The distinctive design of the Sony Tablet S provides an intuitive grip allowing me to stay connected and entertained (...while looking cool too!) anywhere, anytime (...see third image lol!!!)

Sony Tablet S (previous known as Sony Tablet S1) is landing on Singapore’s shores for pre-orders on 29th September, and there are 4 things you probably want to know about this new Sony Tablet S that is running Android 3.2 Honeycomb. Below are just 2 that makes the Sony Tablet S stand out from the rest.

Firstly, the Sony Tablet S sports a new unique curved ergonomic asymmetric design, shifting the device’s weight closer to your palm, weighing around 600 grams, making it feel lighter and more comfortable while reading a book or magazine.

David and Bala are two men with no luck in love and have decided to find the woman of their dreams on a social dating website. David’s Sony Tablet S with Quick view capabilities gives him the upper hand over Bala. When it comes to the ladies…you have to act fast!

Secondly, the Sony Tablet S is driven by the NVIDIA Tegra 2 mobile processor, and comes with Quick touch and Quick view capabilities, loading of information-heavy websites and high touch-responsiveness is a breeze.

P.S. So far from what we’ve seen on all Android Honeycomb devices, touch-responsiveness has been very bad even though they all run on pretty much the same Tegra 2 hardware. I’ll be surprised if Sony Tablet S will be any different.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 now available in Singapore

 Technology  8 Responses »
Aug 192011
 

The Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 is finally here in Singapore after so many delays.

Combining the Samsung GALAXY Tab’s ultra-thin form factor with a lightweight design, the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 measures just 8.6 mm in thickness and at a mere 560g (WiFi) or 565g (3G) in weight, is the world’s thinnest tablet and will appeal to increasingly connected Singaporeans.

Powered by Android 3.1 Honeycomb platform, and featuring a 1GHz dual core application processor and HSPA+ network speeds of up to 21Mbps, the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 offers a powerful multimedia and web browsing experience. In addition, with its surround-sound stereo speakers and support for Adobe Flash Player 10.3, the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 delivers premium entertainment experience for videos, movies or games. Boasting a three-megapixel rear camera and a two-megapixel front camera, the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 also provides smooth transition and seamless 1080p HD video and Flash playback for a rich entertainment experience.

The Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 also offers superior multi-tasking and enhanced user interaction and navigation on Samsung’s own TouchWiz user interface. Designed with a Live Panel menu for users to customise and display a variety of content on the home screen including digital pictures, favourite Web sites and social network feeds, the interface also includes an application tray of commonly used features such as task manager, calendar and music player for easy access.

The Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 with 3G (16GB) is now available at $848 (inclusive of GST), without line contract.

Product Specifications after the break - Continue reading »

HP TouchPad First Initial Thoughts

 Technology  No Responses »
Aug 022011
 

I just want to quickly type out my initial thoughts on the HP TouchPad. Do note that these are my very first initial opinions when I played with the HP TouchPad for a few minutes.

The Good:

  • WebOS 3.0 makes the HP TouchPad a TouchPad. I like what WebOS offers.
  • No rear camera – I’ve always asked why the hell do I need a rear camera on my big-ass tablet (if it’s 7″ or less then it might make sense)? Give me a high-res front-facing camera with proper video conferencing capabilities. In this case, 1.3MP.
  • If you think the Blackberry Playbook is good, try WebOS. It’s stable, more matured, a better thought out UX.
  • Love the touchstone charging, and the ability to transfer information from HP Pre 3 to your HP TouchPad. Expand that to more apps and you’ve got a killer feature.
  • Great email, calendar, and browser app – on-par if not better than Android Honeycomb.
  • Universal search with “Just type…”. It’s better than any search I’ve seen, even Android and iOS.

The Bad:

  • It’s heavy – ~740 grams is very heavy by today’s standards.
  • Fingerprint magnet – both screen and back cover.
  • After using the Blackberry Playbook, any tablet’s sound pales in comparison. This includes the HP Touchpad, even though it has the “Beats Audio”, but the speakers weren’t well placed.
  • Doesn’t play divx out of the box (or at least I don’t think so). Supports only MPEG-4, H.263, H.264.
  • Lack of apps right now, but it’ll slowly increase.
  • I’m waiting for the 3G version.

The lowdown – Improve the hardware (not specifications but the looks), increase the number of apps on WebOS, stabilize WebOS (fix the bugs, which they should be hard at work), integrate services – and you’ll have an awesome tablet competitor in the market.

I can’t wait for the next version of HP TouchPad to be released to market hopefully next year.

Huawei MediaPad – The World’s first 7-inch Android 3.2 Honeycomb Dual-Core Tablet

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Jun 212011
 

Huawei MediaPad is the world’s first 7-inch Android 3.2 Honeycomb tablet. The MediaPad is a complete entertainment powerhouse driven by Qualcomm’s dual-core 1.2GHz processor, supported by Huawei Device’s Hi-Space cloud solution and Google Android Market. The MediaPad provides a fabulous user-experience in a stylish, high-performing and ultra-portable
package.

Technical Specs

  • Android Honeycomb 3.2 OS
    • Optimized for 7-inch screens
    • Better hardware graphics acceleration
    • Updated Google Maps
  • 1280 x 800, 217ppi, 7-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen
  • 10.5mm (0.4 inches) slim, ~390g weight (0.86 pounds)
  • 1.3 MP front-facing camera, 5 MP auto focus rear facing camera with HD video recording capabilities
  • HSPA+ 14.4 Mbps, WiFi 11n
  • Dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm processor
  • Over 6 hours battery life
  • 1080p full HD playback and HDMI port
  • Flash 10.3
  • Support from Real Media Player for Android with various codecs available

Pre-installed Apps

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Let’s Golf
  • Document to go

The Huawei MediaPad will be available in various markets (Singapore included) sometime in Q3 2011. Pricing is unknown but it will be more expensive than the current Huawei IDEOS product line, but I suspect it will be cheaper than any of the tablets we see on the market right now.

Swype 3.0 Released for Beta – More Choices, More Power, More Magic

 Technology  No Responses »
Jun 142011
 

Here are the details:

  • Swype v3 introduces two major new features: Tap Correction and Horizontal Word Choice List
  • Our Tap Correction engine utilizes many of the concepts that make swyping so accurate. Seamlessly go from typing to swyping and back without missing a beat!
  • The Horizontal Word Choice List replaces our popup word choice window, giving users an experience more in-line with evolving Android standards. It also makes dictionary control and word selection faster and easier.
  • Swype v3 is available for devices with HVGA, WVGA, FWVGA, QVGA, WQVGA, WSVGA, qHD screen sizes
  • Introducing a special Honeycomb-only WXGA version for Android tablets, with features like “moveable keyboard” (3 positions – bottom left, bottom center, bottom right) that you won’t find anywhere else!

Get the Swype 3.0 beta now.

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