Apple announced premium iPhone 5S, together with iPhone 5C for the budget conscious

As expected, and rumoured for a long time, Apple unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the iPhone 5S (premium) and iPhone 5C (lower-priced). I was looking at replacing my still-working iPhone 4S and was hoping that Apple has something special up its sleeves.

iPhone 5S looks identical to the older sibling, iPhone 5

A bit disappointing to see the just-a-refresh iPhone 5S as it is basically an iPhone 5 with some sprucing up on operating system and tweaking on the processor. Then again, people say the iPhone 5S is a stunning phone from the inside, not from the outside.

Yeah, maybe it is to some extent. The 64-bit CPU architecture and the re-written iOS 7 operating system is a consolation.

iPhone 5C for the budget conscious. But is it really affordable?

Comparing the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C and the retired iPhone 5

If you go into details, the newly announced iPhone 5S is not so much different from its predecessor. How so? Here is how:

Credit to Tobey of The Washington Post

But if you've been one to fancy colourful choices, you are in for a treat. The iPhone 5C comes in 5 different colours - white, yellow, green, blue and pink.




Verdict: I've been anticipating a radical change from Apple by introducing iPhone 6 with slightly bigger screen, like 4.3" or 4.5", not just a refreshed iPhone 5S. I like them to maintain the form factor for now.

The display seems like a deal breaker for me, for now. But we'll see when it land on our shore. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm looking at replacing my 4S, so, it's an eager wait for me.


Price of the iPhone 5S? Expect a similar pricing with the iPhone 5: RM2,299 in Malaysia for the 16GB variant and ramp up as the storage gets bigger.

Nokia Lumia 625 is an affordable 4.7", 4G LTE smartphone

Nokia has unveiled its latest addition to its smartphone line-up - the Lumia 625.

Its screen size of 4.7" and dual core 1.2GHz processor reminded me of my newly acquired Samsung Galaxy Win (Grand Quattro), I purchased for RM999 (£204). It is the largest Lumia to date.

Nokia Lumia 625, 4.7" Screen, LTE connectivity

Lumia 625 is targetted for the lower end of the market and looking at the specifications, you will quickly realise that you cannot expect too much from this device. For a low-priced 4G LTE eqipped smartphone, you can expect better specs on Samsung's Galaxy Express which is priced at RM999 currently.

Nokia's Lumia 625 is expected to be retailed at £204 (approx. RM999).

You can choose 5 colours for the back plate

Specifications of the Nokia Lumia 625

BODY        Dimension: 133.25 x 72.25 x 9.15mm
                 Weight: 159g

DISPLAY   Type: LCD touchscreen, Gorilla Glass 2
                 Size: 4.7", WVGA 480 x 800 pixels (201 ppi

MEMORY   Internal storage 8GB, 512MB of RAM
                 Card slot: micro SD

COMMUNICATION
                 HSPA+ and 4G LTE connectivity
                 With Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 + LE
                 GPS + GLONASS for positioning

CAMERA   Primary 5MP
                 Secondary (front-facing - VGA)
                 1080p video

OPERATING SYSTEM
                 Operating System: Windows Phone 8
                 CPU: 1.2GHz, dual-core Snapdragon S4 chip

BATTERY - 2000mAh

Release date: September 2013
Nokia's Lumia 625 will be available starting the third quarter of this year in China, Europe, Asia Pacific, India, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. There is no launch date yet for North America.


TheGreenMechanics:
Both Lumia 625 and Samsung Galaxy Express are equipped with 4G LTE connectivity and use 1.2 GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 chip. However, Galaxy Express has a better display ( super AMOLED), bigger RAM (1 GB), lighter, and better front-facing camera (1.3 MP).

You have to see and feel the slab to tell if the Lumia 625 is comparable. I've seen and fiddled with the Galaxy Express and I think specs-wise it beats the Lumia 625 all the way. Let's see.

World's first 3-in-1 mobile device: ASUS Transformer Book Trio

When I travel, I always have trouble deciding which gadget or mobile device to bring with me, especially if the bulky DSLR is also in the haul.

So, for a short trips I will just bring the iPad along with me and leave the heavier laptop at home. But for a lengthy family trips the bulky laptop tags along with us.

This should be a thing of the past with the launching of ASUS Transformer Book Trio, announced in Taipei on June 3rd, during COMPUTEX 2013. We can now bring along not two, but three mobile devices together - Tablet, Laptop and Desktop PC.

How about that for convenience?

Transform me! The Transformer Book Trio can switch between Android tablet and Windows 8 desktop PC environments seamlessly.

The chameleon's transforming from laptop to tablet

It has a physical hotkey to allow user to switch between OSs

World's first 3-in-1 mobile device

One word: Innovation. ASUS innovated a means to combine tablet, notebook/laptop and desktop PC in a single product, the  Transformer Book Trio, so that you can work, play, and do social activities with flexibility.

The Transformer Book Trio tablet which runs on Google Android features an 11.6-inch screen with 1920x1080 pixel resolution and the detachable hybrid design runs on both Android and Windows 8, which means it uses two Operating Systems.

There is a physical hotkey to allow you to switch between the OSs. However, that hotkey will only work if you have the tablet latched into the keyboard dock; once you unplug the tablet it will only run Android Jelly Bean.


Specifications of the Transformer Book Trio

Special features          : Three-in-one - Tablet, Laptop and desktop PC
Display                        : 11.6-inch
Display Resolution      : 1920 x 1080 pixel
Weight                        : varies according to mode
Operating Systems      : Android Jelly Bean, Windows 8

Processors                  : 2.0GHz Intel® Atom™ (for Tablet) & 4th gen Intel® Core™ i7-4500U (for PC)
Storage                      : 64GB (on Tablet) and 750GB harddrive (on desktop PC)

Interface                     : 2 x USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, mini-DisplayPort, Wireless Display (WiDi)
Battery Capacity         : 2 batteries - 33,000mWh and 19,000mAh
Other features            : PC Dock station also serves as a charger to the Android tablet.

Announced                  : 3 June 2013
Availability                  : 3Q of 2013


Price

It is expected to be sold for at least $1,345 (approx RM4,162) although no official pricing yet from Asus.


What do you think? Will you replace your Tablet, Laptop and Desktop PC with a single device that perform the same tasks?

Google giving away wonder glasses

Step aside bionic eyes, here comes your new challenger - a smart piece of glass.

Well, it's not exactly a 'give away' as the title suggests, as it cost early adopters or 'explorers' $1,500 to own the internet-enabled Google Glass. But its arrival could change the way on how people choose to get connected, and potentially being exposed. Or, do we really want to spend every second that we're awake connected to the net?

: : Photo credits: ndtv and zdnet : :

: :

How it works

It is claimed to perform many of the same tasks as smartphones, except the spectacles respond to voice commands instead of fingers touching a display screen. The glasses include a tiny display screen attached to a rim above the right eye and run on Google's Android operating system for mobile devices.

It will be easier to take pictures or record video anywhere and anytime. Just tell Google Glass to look for specific online search and you'll see the piece of information right in front of your eyes.

I suspect there'll be a bit of a challenge though for Asian users. Google's Android system has a voice search function on smartphones and tablet computers. Apple has its voice assistant Siri. But these voice search apps recognise English mainly in Europe (UK) and North America. What about localised English in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Hong Kong, etc?

But then again, the prospect of wearing a pair of these is pretty exciting.

-    -    -    -    ✄    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -

From  Associated Press on Feb 21:
Google to give contest winners a chance to buy its $1,500 glasses

SAN FRANCISCO: Google is giving more people a chance to pay $1,500 for a pair of the internet-connected glasses that the company is touting as the next breakthrough in mobile computing.

The product, dubbed "Google Glass," will be offered to "bold, creative individuals" selected as part of a contest announced Wednesday. Participants must live in the US and submit an application of up to 50 words explaining what they would do with the Google Glass technology. Entries must include the hash tag "ifihadglass" and be submitted through Google+ or Twitter by February 27. Google did not say how many glasses it will sell this way.

Winners will receive the "Explorer" version of Google Glass, a forerunner of the product that is expected to be released to the mass market next year. Google already sold an unspecified number of the glasses to computer programmers who also paid $1,500 apiece at a company conference last June.

To gauge how people might use its glasses, Google is encouraging entrants in its contest to include up to five photos and 15 seconds of video with their applications. The company doesn't want to see any nudity or violence. "Basically, don't add anything you wouldn't be OK with your Mom seeing," Google advised.

Google Glass is at the forefront of a new wave of technology known as "wearable computing."

Electree - the Eco-friendly solar powered charger

It's actually beautiful and would probably 'mix' well with your other plants at the balcony. Meet Electree+, the solar powered multipurpose charger. Communication tools like hand phones come to mind.

Electree+ by Vivien Muller

Electree+ solar charger

Its leaves might not be green, but its potential for energy efficiency most certainly is. This little mock bonsai tree might look like the kind of thing that just sits prettily on top of a coffee table, but it is actually a rather ornate phone charger.

The Electree+ doubles as both an ornament and a charger for everyday electrical devices - without the need for any delicate pruning.

The device has 27 miniature silicon solar panels - or 'leaves', as they are called - that can be arranged in any way the owner wants to create their own bespoke tree. 

The base of the gadget conceals a battery that stores the solar energy. 

At full capacity it can hold enough power to charge an iPad twice and can charge a phone in just four hours. With energy costs soaring, the gadget has been designed to help technology-geeks charge their phone in a green-friendly manner. 

Created by French designer Vivien Muller, the Electree+ conceals a USB connection underneath its wood-topped base unit. The designer said he was inspired to make the product after observing real trees, noticing that their leaves acted as natural solar panels.

The designer is waiting to receive 400 presale orders for the product before commencing production. Bonsai is a traditional Japanese art form in which trees are grown in miniature pots.

But while the gadget may cut down on your energy bills, it might take you a while to recoup the savings, as it will costs £283.

Wow! that's a lot of money for a charger. Price is equivalent to RM1,387.00


Source: dailymail.co.uk

Rebates for 3G Smartphones in January 2013

The government is ready to implement the granting of a RM200 rebate for the purchase of the 3G smart mobile phones to youths between the ages of 21 and 30 beginning Jan 1, 2013.

Take your pick!

The one-off rebate was announced by Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak, when tabling the 2013 Budget on September 28th for youths to purchase a 3G smartphone to help them access the information superhighway.

In a recent report by Bernama, Information, Communications and Culture Minister, Rais Yatim said he was confident the programme could be implemented without any problem due to the well-planned preparations made by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

However, the ministry was scrutinising the actual meaning of the term 'smartphone' used and the price rate that would qualify the buyer to receive the cash rebate.

"When this has been carried out, I feel there is no problem any more (to implement the rebate). Many people have asked, so we want to give ample space for them to contact the MCMC directly or the shops and agents that have been registered," he said.


Prone to abuse?

It is a noble intention on the part of the government to help the masses - especially the younger generation - better access to information but I can see how people will try to abuse this facility. On a positive note, because of the possible loopholes, the RM200 rebate amount is just nice - not too small and at the same time not much such that it poses significant risk to the government's wallet. 

It is an open secret that the EPF Computer Withdrawal scheme some time ago was riddled with abuses. Contributors tried every means and ways to make the most to get cash rather than laptops. I got mine for RM3,999 and felt it was never worth it. The Compaq Presario was powered by a humble Celeron 600 MHz with many features at minimum specifications. In all honesty, even at that time, for that price you'd expect no less than a Pentium 1.5 GHz processor.

Without clear guidelines from MCMC, this rebate is just another accident waiting to happen. Both retailers and consumers would collaborate to create a 'win-win' situation.

Believe me, with a rebate of RM200, there is a lot to gain from the sale of a RM500/pc smartphone. The sooner you come up with the guidelines the better!

First Malaysia-branded Android tablet for RM999

Last week MalTechPro Sdn Bhd unveiled the first Malaysian made 7-inch tablet known as 1Malaysia Pad, or 1Mpad which is fully equipped with a capacitive touch screen, android system, wireless broadband, 3G and the latest applications.

The 1Malaysia Pad launched on 24 May 2012. Picture credit: The Sun Daily

In my previous posting, I wrote an article regarding India's world cheapest tablet, the Aakash and Malaysia seem to have followed suit in launching an Android tablet. But unlike the US$45 to $70 Indian version, the 1Malaysia Pad is priced further up at RM999 (US$315).


1Mpad specifications in brief

Not much was available from the media coverage but for a start, this are what have been made known:
Price                       : RM999 (introductory price for the first 5,000 units)
Screen size             : 7 inch
Operating system     : Android 2.3, Gingerbread
Storage capacity      : TBA
Mobile connectivity   : WiFi, 3G
Camera                   : 3 MP
Released                 : May 2012
Availability               : available now for pre-order

The Borneo Post reported that the tablet is equipped with a proprietary 1Malaysia messenger app which would allow users to send messages, pictures and videos for free.


First impression

While this appears to be more powerful than the low-coast Aakash, at its current high list price, the tablet doesn't appear to be a fantastic deal. RM999 is relatively expensive for a 7" tablet, more so with better specced and affordable offerings in the market are available, such as the Galaxy Tab 7 Plus at RM1,200 (US$380) and still dropping in price. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 was last seen priced cheaper at RM799 (US$250) but I'm unsure if this model is still available in Malaysia.


Who will buy them?

Befitting its name, this tablet is targetted to be first marketed to students at a discounted price. Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the ministry planned to include MalTechPro as a merchant in the ministry’s student discount card program, due to kick off next month.

The amount of the discount has not been decided yet but this is touted to be a replacement for the current 1Malaysia netbooks in universities.

Would you buy one of these for yourself? I think it is too expensive and the manufacturer will have to persuade the government to push it to the people through various 'donation' programs.


Early Verdict

An introductory price of RM699 - RM799 would have been more appealing considering such technology has been around for sometime, plus, the OS is an outdated one. Throw in the option for WiFi and Wifi + 3G to reduce the price further.

New Android malware spreads on mobile devices

If you are an Android smartphone user or tablet user, beware.

According to Lookout, a smartphone security company, you are now facing another malware threat called NotCompatible. This new trick up malicious programmers’ sleeves, spreads malware through infected or hacked/compromised websites.

Screenshot from mylookout.com

How the malware works

When the you visit a compromised website from your smartphone or tablet (or any Android powered device), your web browser will automatically begin downloading application, a process known as a "drive-by download."

Once downloaded, the device will display a notification prompting the user to click on the notification to install the downloaded app. But for the app to actually install on a device, it must have the “Unknown sources” setting enabled.

The positive side - at least for the time being - is that if  your device "unknown sources" setting is not enabled, the installation will be blocked.


Update by Lookout

An update by the security company stated that NotCompatible is a new Android trojan that appears to serve as a simple TCP relay / proxy while posing as a system update. It does not yet appear to cause any direct harm to a target device, but could potentially be used to gain illicit access to private networks by turning an infected Android device into a proxy.

This appears to be the first time that compromised websites have been used to distribute malware targeting Android devices.

As a matter of concern, a device infected with NotCompatible could potentially be used to gain access to normally protected information or systems, such as those maintained by enterprise or government. So, if you are an administrator of a network at work place, this threat could be of interest to you.


Prevention

For people with Lookout protection, you are covered. For the masses, simply block (don't enable) auto installation of app from unknown sources. Simple as that.

Reference: Lookout mobile security

Mobile Devices to Outnumber Humans in 2012

The world population hit 7 billion in November 2011 and Worldometers estimated that net population growth is about 77,000 per day. Very soon, human will be outnumbered by mobile devices. Infact, according to network firm Cisco, that would happen this year.

Screen-shot of my laptop display.

Not surprising as the usage of mobile communication gadget is increasing at exponential rate and the personal mobile equipment is flooding the market like a huge wave.

The world is getting smaller and data users will be more and more mobile, no doubt. But those who produce data will still need to chain themselves to a desk in that sense; they will not be that mobile. Plus, in order to handle delicate data, you will need the big screens. Then again, how many of us would be managing such data compared to the mostly 'data consumers' masses?

I don't have a 7-inch tablet yet but I can't imagine doing a decent work on one if I can't do the same on my 3.5 inch 4S screen. At the most I read e-mails, news, and other Internet surfing from it. Replying to e-mails with lengthy wordings is a bit of a struggle too.

That said, let's see what the network company, Cisco said in their report.

Go to Cisco's global mobile data traffic forecast page and you will see a comprehensive Cisco VNI Forecast, their ongoing initiative to track and forecast the impact of visual networking applications on global networks. The forecast presents Cisco's major global mobile data traffic and growth trends. The followings are some of the summary of the long report:

1. The number of mobile devices will exceed the world’s population in 2012

2. There will be over 10 billion mobile connected devices in 2016

3. By 2016 monthly global mobile data traffic will surpass 10 exabytes (1 exabytes = approx. 1 billion gigabytes)

4. As a comparison, Cisco reported that mobile data traffic in 2011 was eight times the size of the global internet data in 2000

5. Global mobile-data traffic will increase eighteenfold between now and 2016

6. Currently the average smartphone uses 150MB of data per month but this is expected to rise to 2.6GB gigabytes by 2016. WELCOME TO THE GIGABYTE CLUB!

7. Mobile-network connection speeds will increase ninefold by 2016

8. Two-thirds of the world’s mobile data traffic will be video by 2016

9. In 2011 there were 34 million tablets and by 2016 tablets are predicted to account for more than 10% of global mobile traffic, out-pacing smartphones by miles.

If you like long and comprehensive report, jump to Cisco Visual Networking Index: Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update, 2011–2016