Asus Zenfone - affordable Android phone for SE Asia market, starts at RM299

South-East Asia market is not short of high-end smartphones, and a lot of users in this region are using either the latest Samsung flagship, the Galaxy series or the top-end iPhone. But it is also in need of mid-priced to low-but-well-equipped phones. Asus meets this requirement with its latest Zenfone offerings.

The computer maker has launched the dual-SIM Zenfone series, comprising the Zenfone 4, Zenfone 5 and Zenfone 6, all named for their respective screen sizes, for the SEA market.

Asus Zenfone 6: RM899

Asus Zenfone 5: RM599

Asus Zenfone 4: RM299

Asus Zenfone 4, 5 and 6 Specifications

On paper, the Zenfone series specifications are comparable to the medium to high-end models from oher brands such as Sony, Samsung, LG and Apple. Time will tell, however, if the user experience and durability are up to expectations.

	Zenfone 4	Zenfone 5	Zenfone 6
Screen size	4-inch	5-inch	6-inch
Resolution	800 x 480  pix	1,280 x 720 pix HD	1,280 x 720 ix HD
	233 ppi	233 ppi	233 ppi
Processor	Intel Atom Multicore	Intel Atom Multicore	Intel Atom Multicore
O.System	Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean)	Android 4.3	Android 4.3
RAM Memory	1 GB	1 GB	2 GB
Storage	8GB internal	8GB internal	8GB internal
Additional	5GB Asus Cloud	5GB Asus Cloud	5GB Asus Cloud
Camera	PixelMaster	PixelMaster	PixelMaster
	18 camera modes	18 camera modes	18 camera modes
Battery	1,200mAh	2,050mAh	3,230mAh
SIM card	dual-SIM	dual-SIM	dual-SIM
Price	RM299	RM599	RM899

New in the offering are features such as What’s Next, which presents the user’s most important information on the lock screen, home screen and notification drawer. Also, there is the Do It Later feature which allows users to focus on the current task at hand by automatically creating reminders to help them follow up on things they may not have been able to attend to.

In real life, this is how the Zenfone measure up in the hand of a user.

Asus Zenfone: Prices and Availability

The phones are expected to be available in Malaysia from end-April 2014. Asus stated that the operating system can be upgraded to the latest Android 4.4 version (KitKat) by the end of the year. Recommended retail prices are as follows:

Asus Zenfone 4: RM299
Asus Zenfone 5: RM599
Asus Zenfone 6: RM899

Read more at Tech News.


TheGreenMechanics: More choices for consumers. Hopefully performance-wise, they are up to standard. Asus is pretty well known in the consumer electronic goods, in particular, computers.

Lenovo's LTE smartphone the Vive Z launched in Malaysia

Lenovo's new Vibe Z is now available in Malaysia but for the first month, this will be exclusive to Celcom customers only. It will then be available to the rest of us starting April 15.


Lenovo Vibe Z is equipped with 4G LTE connectivity


For the consumers, this will give them alternative to the expensive iPhone and HTC, and the market dominating Galaxy series. The Vibe Z screen size is 5.5-inch compared to Galaxy S5's 5.1-inch. So, this is more comparable to Galaxy Note 3 in terms of dimension.


Lenovo Vibe Z: Specifications

Screen	-	5.5-inch IPS LCD
Resolution	-	1920 x 1080 pixels, pixel density: 401 PPI
OS	-	Android 4.3 Jelly Bean
Storage	-	16GB
Processor	-	Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, quad-core 2.2GHz Krait 400 CPU
RAM	-	2GB
Connectivity	-	4G LTE, 3G, DC-HSDPA up to 42Mbps, WiFi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0, FM radio, A-GPS
Camera	-	Back: 13 MP with f/1.8 aperture lens, Front: 5 MP
Battery	-	3,000mAh
Dimension	-	149 x 77 x 7.9 mm
Weight	-	147 gram

Malaysia launching of the Lenovo Vibe Z. Photo: Computerworld


Lenovo says that the introduction of the Vibe Z further highlights how the Vibe series has begun to show a real impact in the premium segment of the smartphone market.

The Vibe Z focuses on the premium space of the smartphone market - gesture controls, photo enhancement software and other technologies in a razor-thin form, etc


Lenovo Vibe Z: Price

The retail price of the Vibe Z is RM1,799 but I've seen online price of as low as RM1,350 (iPmart) although this probably would not be equipped with 4G LTE connectivity.

For the early birds, they can get one from Celcom during the launch on March 15 for as low as RM688 ( I suppose this would come with a contract attached to it). You can go to Celcom website to find out more.


TheGreenMechanics:
With the rapid advancement in the manufacturing of mobile devices, prices should be going down and not up. Personal computers and laptops are good examples.

6 tips for smartphone privacy and security

You own a smartphone, or perhaps two.

Do you know that our smartphones track wherever we go, what we say, who we say it to, our likes and dislikes, and when we are playing games instead of working? And that our computers track and record the same types of information day in and day out?




There is a long literature written by R.Kaplan in the Computerworld, a link which I have provided at the end of this article. You can scroll right down if you are interested, but if you are more for tips then these are the 6 that was recommended:

Note: I found Iip no.2 to be particularly useful but it'd cost more. How about Item no.6? I think many people enjoy doing them. I see that all the time on Facebook - "Currently enjoying dinner at...", etc.


1. Make sure you continually ask yourself when using mobile devices

Ask yourself, "Do I care if anyone knows this?" where "this" means where you are, what's in the photos, what I am searching for on Google, that I am watching a movie, that I am telling a joke, or a host of other information you are producing.


2. Isolate your professional life from your personal life

While it is clearly more convenient for you to use a single device for dual purposes, realize that if you maintain the integrity of your devices you will be able to shield irrelevant and personal information from business interrogations.

While this is not ideal, it is light years better that being questioned about the homophobic, sexist, or racist joke you sent to your brother last year.


3. Keep some privileged or confidential information on your devices

While this will not likely keep your devices free from prying eyes, it will necessitate the need to implement more costly procedures in the examination of your devices which protect the integrity and character of your information.


4. Control the number and location of backups

The existence and locations of backup media can often be discovered in an examination of a device. If these backups are discovered by a competent examiner, you will be forced to produce them.


5. Don't try to fool the professionals by hiding or deleting information

Be aware that the courts have tools for punishing those who get caught. Since you likely have little idea of the operating characteristics of all the applications and the operating system running on your device, you are not capable of discreetly eliminating data from your device.


6. Quit posting everything you do on social networking sites

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Foursquare and the like are fun, but can prove dangerous to your privacy. If you do post information on social networking sites make certain you use the privacy settings so that you can limit who has access to your information on an ongoing basis and so you can demonstrate your desire for privacy to a court if it orders your information production.

At least don't use your common identity (your first and last name) to catalogue your information.



This was written by Ronald Kaplan for Computerworld and if you would like to read more, you can hop to this link.

Android phones are world’s most malware-infected mobile devices

This is because smart phones running on Android system dominate the mobile device population. This does not necessarily means that Android phones are more prone to attack than those running on Windows and iOS.

According to an article published in Computerworld, the most common types of malware infecting Android devices arethe following:

• Adware
• Information Stealers
• SpyPhone
• SMS Trojans
• Banking Trojans
• Fake Security Software

Samsung Galaxy S4. Samsung smartphones and tabs are running on Android operating system.


Most malware-infected

Android smart phones are the world's most malware-infected mobile devices with 60% of them globally having been successfully targeted by malicious software in the last quarter of (Q4) 2013.

This was according to the Kindsight Security Labs Malware Report-Q4 2013 whose findings have been made available recently. The report by the malware detection arm of the Ontario-based network security solutions provider said the figures regarding infected devices was conservative.

It explained that this was because detectors of Alcatel-Lucent-Kindsight's parent company-were not employed in China and Russia where infection rates are known to be higher.


Android devices have the largest market share

The report attributed the 60% infection rate to the fact that Android devices hold the largest share of the global market for smartphones. It explained cybercriminals often go after low hanging fruit to maximise results from their efforts. It likewise said 40% of infected devices were Windows PCs connected to the mobile network.

On the other hand, iPhone, Blackberry, Symbian and Windows Mobile accounted for less than one percent of infected mobile devices.

Unlike the iPhone or Blackberry, the Android offers the ability to load them from third party app sites.

Source: Computerworld Malaysia


TheGreenMechanics: International Telecommunications Union estimated that there are 2.1 billion smartphones globally. If you are in the higher risk bracket, just play safe and be very careful with what you download into your phone.

Huawei phone that can charge other phones

Not my idea of buying a phone.

But if you are in a mood to share juice, then Huawei's Ascend Mate 2 might just be your answer. It is so big (it comes with a 4050 mAh battery) that you can actually connect another phone to it and get it charged.

The Ascend Mate 2 features a 'reverse' charging facility, allowing it to charge other devices.

Huawei's Ascend Mate 2 - The battery stores 3 times the amount of energy stored in an iPhone.


Ascend Mate 2 is a 6.1-inch phone and it charges other phones

Huawei, China's largest cellphone manufacturer, is releasing a phone that can be thought of as the inflight refueling system of the mobile world: it can be used to recharge other phones.

The Ascend Mate 2 has a 6.1-inch screen, making it more than twice as big as an iPhone 5. It's almost the size of a tablet, giving rise to the half-joking term "phablet." It's the successor to a phone of the same size launched last year.

The huge size of the Ascend Mate provides space for a large battery, with roughly three times the amount of energy stored in an iPhone battery. Huawei claims it will last for 3.5 days of "normal" usage, or half that for heavy usage. Through a USB port, this battery can be used to charge smaller phones.


Specifications of the Ascend Mate 2

Phone name	-	Ascend Mate 2
Processor	-	Snapdragon 400, 1.6 GHz quad-core
Graphic processing unit	-	Adreno 306
RAM	-	2 GB
Storage	-	16 GB
Screen size	-	6.1-inch
Thickness	-	9.5mm
Weight	-	202 g
Camera (back)	-	13-megapixel, autofocus, HDR-capable, f/2.0
Camera (front)	-	5-megapixel, f/2.4
Cellular	-	4G LTE, capable of 150Mbps download
Battery	-	4050 mAh, lasts 3 days on normal usage

If all you want is a long-lasting smartphone battery, this is the deal.


TheGreenMechanics: Now, that's what I call a 'phablet'. Move over Samsung Mega!

HTC One Max launched in Malaysia, retailed at RM2,499

HTC South Asia senior executives with SKWong (2nd right) Country Manager of HTC Malaysia at the launch. Photo - Computerworld Malaysia


HTC Malaysia has launched HTC One Max, a supersized version of its flagship smartphone that includes a new fingerprint scan feature, which delivers an enhanced smartphone experience, said the Taiwan-headquartered mobile devices manufacturer.

HTC phones are regarded as expensive alternative to Samsung's and the build quality is said to better with good luxury feel, although I've never bought one for myself to have the kind of experience.

HTC claimed that the upgrade to HTC Sense 5.5 (that's HTC's Android skin to you and me) will provide our most amazing mobile experience yet, with the HTC One max delivering the size and power required to do "everything you want, and more, without compromise."


HTC One Max specifications

Display           : 5.9" full HD1080p
Processor       : Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600
CPU speed     : 1.7 GHz
Memory         : 16GB or 32GB (news has it that the 32GB version may not be offered here)
Card slot        : micro SD
Battery           : 3300 mAh
Android skin  : HTC Sense 5.5
Price              : RM2,499 (expected retail price)

Additional 50GB of additional free Google Drive online storage is offered to HTC One max owners.

The built-in fingerprint scan feature, which is located on the back of the device, allows users to lock and unlock the screen and launch up to three favourite applications by assigning an individual finger to each, he said.

The HTC One max is available in Malaysia at all HTC retailers and selected mobile operators.


TheGreenMechanics: This is a phablet capable of giving Samsung Galaxy Note 3 a run for its money. The race for larger smartphone (or rather phablet) screen size isn't going to stop anytime soon, it seems. But I'll stick to my trusty old 4" screen phone for now, and maybe save a little bit of money.

I tend to agree with the recent research finding that bigger phones mean bigger bills.


Source: Computerworld Malaysia

iPhone 5S, 5C to launch in Malaysia on November 1

Good news for iPhone lovers. iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C will be available in Malaysia starting Novermber 1, 2013 according to recent Apple press release.



Apple announced that the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C will be available in 35 new countries on October 25 and in another 16 countries on November 1.

Countries such as South Korea, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Thailand are among the 35 countries that will get the new iPhones slightly earlier than Malaysia on October 25, which is about one away:-

Launch Date	Countries
October 25	Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, French West Indies, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Island, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and Thailand.
November 1	Albania, Armenia, Bahrain, Colombia, El Savador, Guam, Guatemala, India, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and UEA.

Major telcos have updated their websites indicating availability of the devices at launch date and you can view them here:

• Celcom
• Maxis
• DiGi

No official pricing yet at the time this article was written but you can expect the iPhone 5S to be marketed here starting at RM2,199 (16GB) as posted here.

If you would like to purchase from the official Apple Store, the pricing there looks good and is according to the officially-released prices. You can also purchase from re-sellers but from my previous experience, they would increase the prices up to RM300 more than the recommended retail price, RRP.

If you are in Sabah, you can purchase it at the actual RRP at Technocrats, one of the few premium re-sellers in Malaysia.


TheGreenMechanics: Have fun with your new toy!

Smartphone market share for Europe Big-Five markets, and Malaysia

The top-five markets in Europe - sometimes called The Big-Five markets - collectively have a majority of consumers using smartphones, and that proportion continues to grow. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK are now reporting more 60% smartphone penetration.

In Europe, and in particular the top five markets, Android remains the top operating system with a 70.1% market share. The other two, iOS (16.1%) and Window Phones (9.2%) paled in comparison.

Smartphone market share in Big Five European markets. Source: Engadget

What about us?

I read in Computerworld Malaysia online magazine last month and was shocked that, Malaysians are actually "smartphone crazy" - we have higher smartphone penetration rates than the United States and the European Big-Five markets!

Who would have thought about that?

We are now categorised as "Developed Asia", aren't we? Source: Nielsen

According to Nielsen, our penetration rate now stands at 80%, compared with US' 60% and UK's 72%. That, I think, is because many of us have more than one smartphones at any one time, not to mention the primary school-going children having their own smartphones.


Are we worried?

Why would these figures concern me? I don't know, maybe you are not at all concerned. And why should you? That's the way the society seems to be moving to. We have just got to be 'smarter' than the smartphones so as not to be enslaved by them, I suppose.

But if this fact is freaking you out, you are not alone, there are many out there who share the same concern with you.

As a matter of coincidence, this reminds me of one of Will Smith's movies where he fought with the smarter-than-human robots. Things were in complete disorder before human finally prevailed.

Have a nice weekend everyone!

New iPhone 5S price in Malaysia

The US unlocked price for the iPhone 5S was announced ten days after its official launch on September 10, 2013. T-Mobile contract-free prices for the the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB are $649, $749 and $849, respectively.

Some say the new iPhone 5S is awesome from the inside, not from the outside

Closer to home, the iPhone 5S is now available in Singapore at the following retail prices:

16GB : S$988.00
32GB : S$1,148.00
64GB : S$1,288.00

A direct conversion of Singapore prices to Malaysian Ringgit would give us a price range of between RM2,502 and RM3,262 which is quite unbelievable.


iPhone 5S Malaysia prices

It has not been announced yet but from past experience, prices for Malaysia market are most likely to be as follows (at current exchange rate):

16GB : RM2,199.00
32GB : RM2,499.00
64GB : RM2,799.00

I won't confirm this but I'm quite certain of the Malaysia pricing. Stay tuned, this space will be updated when the official pricing is announced. Bear in mind though, that retailers other than Apple Store will start selling the sets at RM200 higher.

Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhone driving 55% increase in mobile phoneDisplay Revenues in 2013

Just to keep us abreast of the latest development in the display technology - used in smartphones, laptops, desktps, TVs, etc.

Source: NPD DisplaySearch

Mobile phone display market is split into two:

• AMOLED and LTPS TFT LCDs - high-end smartphone models,
• a-Si TFT LCD  - low-priced, high-volume smartphone models.

Not surprisingly, in the mobile phone sector, Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhone lead the way in terms of deployment of displays/screens. The huge increase in revenue means more people are getting themselves smartphones. 

Meaning, family members 'talking' to their mobile devices more than talking to each other while at dining table would become a common sight.


Demand for larger, High-resolution smartphones increased

Increased demand for higher resolution, larger touch-enabled smartphones is leading to strong revenue growth in the mobile phone display market in 2013.

According to the Quarterly Mobile Phone Display Shipment and Forecast Report by NPD DisplaySearch, overall mobile phone display revenues are expected to reach $33.3 billion by the end of this year, which is a 55% increase over 2012.

This revenue growth is being driven by rising smartphone display average selling prices (ASPs). Shipments of mobile phone displays are expected to grow 15% in 2013, reaching 1.9 billion units.

Samsung with its Galaxy S4 series and Apple with its iPhone 5 series, continue to increase production volume and market share. The growth in sales for these popular smartphone brands has led to increased requirements for high-end flat panel displays, including AMOLED used in the Galaxy S4 and LTPS TFT LCD used in the iPhone 5.

The increase in OLED mobile phone display revenue can be primarily attributed to the growth in the size and resolution of AMOLED displays, as Samsung moves from Galaxy S3 models (4.8” 1280 × 720) to Galaxy S4 (5.0” 1920 × 1080, with on-cell touch).

Similarly, LTPS TFT LCD revenue growth can be attributed to the shift from the iPhone 4S (3.5” 960 × 640) to the iPhone 5 (4.0” 1164 × 640, with in-cell touch).

AMOLED is expected to take the lead in mobile phone display revenues in 2013, accounting for a 37% share, closely followed by LTPS TFT LCD with 36.1% and a-Si TFT LCD with 26.5%.

Source:  NPD Displaysearch

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.

Apple launching iPhone 5S and another cheaper model: Report

Consumers will get to lay their hands on the new Samsung Galaxy S4 anytime now. Specs-wise, I must admit it is very impressive and I might be tempted to change side. Maybe.

In a bid to increase the company's market share and to catch up with Android-based mobile phone sales, Apple is said to be launching 2 new models of its flagship iPhone, one of which is dubbed iPhone 5S.

Apple is set to launch its next flagship smartphone this summer: Wall Street Journal

As at end-February 2013, Android-based phones dominates the market with more than half of the share, at least in the US:

Android smartphone sales  : 51.2%
Apple iPhone                    : 43.5%
Windows phones              : 4.1%
BlackBerry                       : 0.7%


Apple launching two iPhones this summer

A report in the Wall Street Journal claims that production of the next iPhone, dubbed the iPhone 5S, has already begun in time for its official unveiling this summer and that it will be joined by a cheaper version of the smartphone in order to increase the company's existing market share.

Rumours about both devices have been flying around since the end of 2012. However, when something appears in the Wall Street Journal or Bloomberg, it is taken seriously because, as well as a reputation for secrecy, Apple also has a reputation for 'leaking' stories to those two papers.

Unsurprisingly, unnamed sources reported in the article appear to confirm stories that first started circulating at the beginning of 2013 that suggested the next iPhone would simply be an incremental update of the existing flagship, but that it would be joined by a cheaper model - likened in appearance to an iPod Classic - aimed at emerging markets where Apple's premium price is still a hurdle to growing market share.

News that the next handset will be an incremental improvement will no doubt disappoint any number of analysts and investors who have been calling for the company to innovate for the past 12 months and in the process have driven the company's share price down by more than 50%. In particular, Forrester CEO George Colony will feel very let down.

Despite admitting that he knows very little about the technological mastery involved in achieving such a goal, he took to his Counterintuitive CEO blog this week and, within a post entitled "Apple's Foldable Future," called on Apple to make a seamless folding iPhone that opened out into a paper-thin widescreen tablet and that had a full-body screen without a bezel. - ©AFP/Relaxnews 2013

Source: TechCentral


TheGreenMechanics: More choices for consumers and hopefully cheaper, too.

Samsung Galaxy S4 supports wireless charging

You are going to like this.

Although not really 'wireless' in the sense that it will not sap the juice while you're walking and holding it, Samsung's recently announced Galaxy S4 smartphone will support wireless charging - with the help of a pad.

Charging pad for the Galaxy S4 - wireless but not 'independent'

Wireless charging but Charging Pad not included in the package

There's some confusion over whether the Samsung Galaxy S4 supports wireless charging or not. The new flagship Android smartphone does support the feature but not out of the box.

It was rumoured that the Galaxy S4 would feature wireless charging but Samsung made no mention of it during the New York launch event last week. The rumour was not unfounded as the Galaxy S3 was supposed to support it but Samsung never actually released the accessories.

The catch is that the Galaxy S4 doesn't support wireless charging out of the box like such phones as the Google Nexus 4. However, a wireless charging cover and wireless charging pad will go on sale soon.

Qi has announced that its wireless charging standard will be supported by the Galaxy S4, according to a UK retailer, Clove. "In theory you should be able to use other Qi wireless charging accessories rather than Samsung's own ones, but we'll need to confirm that once we've received stock of the device." said the retailer.


Prices of the Galaxy S4, and the Charger Pad

There's no price or release date for the Samsung Galaxy S4 wireless charging cover or wireless charging pad.

The Galaxy S4 features a 5in Full HD screen, 8-core processor and a 13Mp camera. The flagship smartphone will be released on 26 April,2013 in the UK. Although pricing is still to be confirmed, one retailer has put a £529 (approx. RM2,495), matching the iPhone 5.

A retailer in Kota Kinabalu is confident that the S4 will be released in Malaysia late April.


References:-

• Clove: Samsung Galaxy S4 will support wireless charging
• Qi: Galaxy S4 has Qi wireless charging

Dual-screen YotaPhone: Would you use it?

The YotaPhone was showcased at the recent CES in Las Vegas.

It is a dual-screen 9mm thin - about the same thickness of an iPhone 4S - device that's half Android smartphone and half ebook reader. On one side is a standard full-colour screen, but flip the phone and you have an electronic paper display, the kind that is found in e-readers.

Colour screen on one side

grey-scale e-reader screen on another

YotaPhone Specifications

Powered by         : Qualcomm's 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus
Memory              : 2GB RAM
Screen size          : 4.3 inch
Resolution           : 1,280 x 820
Thickness            : 9 mm
Connectivity        : 4G LTE, and NFC
Camera               : 12 MP, front camera 1.3 MP
Video                  : 1080p HD video
Storage capacity  : 32GB and 64GB
Expansion slot     : Without
Weight                :139g


Would you use one?

If you've been thinking why would a mobile phone need two screens, the idea is to improve both usability and battery life. The e-reader side will provide an easy interface for reading, while the colour screen will be perfect for browsing photos and videos.

Using the electronic paper display rather than the colour screen to browse the internet, write texts, and check emails should dramatically increase the phone's battery life.

I participated in a mini poll carried out by ScienceFocus magazine and the the following is the result as of today:

Would you use a dual-screen phone?

Availability

The YotaPhone is expected to go on sale at premium unlocked prices, arriving first in Russia in the second half of 2013, before coming to other countries. After that, expect another two to three months before it arrives  in Malaysia.

Latest list of 70 3G smartphones offered with RM200 rebate

MCMC has updated additional 28 models of smartphones eligible for the RM200 rebate for youths. This is part of the 70 models approved by Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture.

Youth Communication Package

Earlier, in December 2012 there were 23 models of 3G phones priced below RM500 approved under the scheme. This make it 51 models so far and you are encouraged to check MCMC's portal from time to time to find out what's next in the line-up.

The latest list includes top-of-the-line models from Apple, HTC, Samsung and other makes:

1. iPhone 5
2. Samsung Galaxy S3
3. Samsung Galaxy Mini 2
4. Samsung Galaxy Y
5. Samsung Galaxy Note 2
6. Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus
7. Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini
8. Samsung Galaxy Note
9. Samsung Galaxy Nexus
10. LG Optimus LE E400
11. HTC Desire C
12. HTC One X
13. HTC Wildfire S
14. HTC Desire X
15. HTC One S
16. Nokia Asha 311
17. Sony Xperia Tipo Single
18. Sony Xperia SL
19. Sony Xperia Ion
20. Sony Xperia S
21. Huawei Ascend P1
22. Windows Phone 8X By HTC
23. Ninetology Blackpearl 2 i9400
24. Ninetology Stealth 2 i9500
25. Palette i5300 
26. ZTE Acqua
27. Buzz 4G Cloud Phone
28. Insight i9430

In a press release dated Jan 11, 2013 MCMC also announced that telecommunication companies involved in the Pakej Komunikasi Belia (Youth Communication Package) have appointed about 1,000 dealers nationwide and more will be added in time to come.

Also, check here the previous List of 23 3G smartphones offered for RM200 rebate.


TheGreenMechanics' two cents:

Seriously, if you can afford the top-of-the-line iPhone 5 priced at RM2,799 then you really should not be eligible for the RM200 rebate. What is the government thinking? What's next - lifting the age limit of applicant? This decision flip-flop need to stop!

List of smartphones with RM200 rebate for youths - Starting Jan 1, 2013

Recently I posted about the Government getting ready to implement the RM200 rebate to buy 3G enabled smartphone to youths aged 21 to 30 in January 2013. Recently the relevant agency came out with the initial list of 3G phones.

The list of smartphones that will be offered are as follows: (This is as at 26 Dec 2012 and the models list will be updated from time to time in the Service Provider's website) -

1)  Alcatel 993D
2)  Alcatel OneTouch Glory 2
3)  Alcatel OneTouch Inspire 2
4)  The Buzz Phone
5)  HTC Wildfire
6)  Huawei Ideos X3
7)  LG Optimus L3
8)  Ninetology Black Pearl II
9)  Ninetology Palette
10) Nokia 2730
11) Nokia 7230
12) Nokia Asha 305
13) Nokia Asha 308
14) Nokia Asha 311
15) Nokia C2-03
16) Nokia Lumia 610
17) Samsung Galaxy Chat
18) Samsung Galaxy Mini
19) Samsung Galaxy Pocket
20) Samsung Galaxy Y
21) Sony Xperia Tipo
22) ZTE Acqua
23) ZTE V790

UPDATE: Check the List of additional 28 smartphones announced by MCMC on Jan 11, 2013, including iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3.

Note: The brand, model and quantity offered may differ amongst different Service Providers.


Eligible youths can apply online

Youths aged 21 to 30 will be able to start applying for the RM200 rebate off selected 3G smartphones from celco nominated registered dealers. Applications for the Youth Communication Package (YCP) (or Pakej Komunikasi Belia (PKB)), under the National Broadband Initiative; can be made by registering online at http://nbi.skmm.gov.my/ starting from 1 January 2013.

The scheme is on a first-come-first served basis and will be for the first 1.5 million eligible youths who may claim their smartphones while stocks last.

Youths who qualify for the RM200 rebate will be able to purchase 'selected' 3G smartphones costing up to RM500 from selected dealers and agents appointed by service providers. With the rebate, they are expected to pay no more than RM300 to own a new 3G smartphone.


MCMC in refuting speculations that the RM500 price limit was low:

“The idea is to spread the incentive across to those who do not yet use smartphones. We really want to help those who cannot afford to change phones to upgrade from their old 2G phones to a basic 3G smartphone. Those who can afford phones priced above RM500 are really not in the intended category or target market. Some of those phones can reach prices of over RM2,500 without contract. A RM200 rebate does not even make a dent but if the phone is priced at RM500, a RM200 rebate goes a long way.”

For more information visit http://www.skmm.gov.my

Sorry folks, there'll be no incentive for iPhone 5, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, or HTC One X. LOL

Wikipedia sees future and threat in mobile phones

Wikipedia is definitely useful. I use and access it from my smartphone.

But to penetrate the poor nations, and to use it as educational tool, it must also provide for 'text only' alternative so that places with low broadband penetration can also benefit from it.

The Wikipedia website accessed on an iPhone. Photograph: de engineur

Wikipedia sees future - and threat - in cell phones
AFP, Dec 13
Cell phones could be Wikipedia's path to global domination, but may also pose a risk to the crowd sourcing culture the online encyclopedia relies on, chief executive Sue Gardner says.

On one hand, says Gardner, who is also executive director of the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation, cell phones are by far the best way to reach vast new audiences in the developing southern hemisphere where people rely heavily on handheld devices, rather than desktops or laptops.

Right now, "Wikipedia is most popular and most effective in richer countries, because they have fast band, good Internet penetration and people own lots of devices," she told AFP in New York. "In developing countries, people are going straight to the Internet only with mobile phones."

To make Wikipedia take root in Latin America and Arabic-speaking countries, for example, the huge organization wants cell phone companies to offer access without charge.

"Data charges are a big barrier to Internet use in poor countries," Gardner said, adding that a streamlined, text version of the encyclopedia will be built to reduce those phone charges and speed downloads.

Ironically, though, the rise of the smart phone and incremental retreat of larger computers could threaten the lifeblood of Wikipedia, which is the crowd-based, volunteer collaboration between readers in creating content.

People may constantly demand more information at their fingertips, but the question ultimately may be: who takes the time to provide it if they're glued to their smart phone?

7 million Malaysian smartphone users exposed to cyber hacks

Are you reading this article from your tablet, or smartphone?

If yes, you are one of the 7 million smartphone users in Malaysia that are exposed to threats from cyber hackers. Between January to September this year, losses incurred from cyber crime totaled RM21.8 million:

• Illegally intercepted online purchases     - 1,298 cases (RM14.5 million)
• Text messaging service or phone calls   - 412 cases   (RM3.4 million)
• Hacking                                               - 24 cases     (RM3.3 million)
• Internet and phone banking                   - 74 cases      (RM590,000)

TOTAL : RM21.8 million

Be warned and take all the precautions to avoid heartbreak.


Seven Million Smartphone Users Exposed To Threat From Cyber Hackers
Nov 2, 2012
KUALA LUMPUR: About seven million smartphone users nationwide are exposed to threats from cyber hackers who use smartphones as mediums through which to carry out fraudulent activities like stealing money.

Bukit Aman director of Commercial Crime Investigation Department, Datuk Syed Ismail Syed Azizan said a lack of awareness about smartphone security made smartphone users easy victims.

"The hackers' modus operandi is to send a malicious Trojan application disguised as a text message to consumers.

"They are unknowingly charged when they reply to the fake message. "Consumers only realise this after receiving costly phone bills although they did not subscribe to the phony services," he said.

The hackers' activities were executed via downloaded applications such as "type on" that caused the victims to bear the hidden expenses even when they had uninstalled the application.

Lookout Mobile Security was quoted as saying that worldwide users lost millions of dollars last year via malware and toll fraud that attacked smartphone users who had accessed applications from suspicious sources rather than trusted ones such as Apple and Google.

Ismail said police statistics records showed that from January to September this year, losses incurred from cyber crime via text or phone call totalled RM21.8 million. The cyber hackers targeted users of Internet and phone banking services, hacking into and abusing these networks.

Cases of illegally intercepted online purchases recorded the highest losses at RM14.5 million (1,298 cases) followed by text messaging service or phone calls at RM3.4 million (412 cases), hacking at RM3.3 million (24 cases) and Internet and phone banking at RM590,000 (74 cases).

However, there were no losses in cases of network abuse since they did not involve the loss of property but the extortion of victims by using personal photographs and threatening words. Twenty-five such cases were recorded.

Ismail said apart from seven million smartphone users, Malaysia had 7.7 million mobile Internet users. - Bernama

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!

Microsoft says: Kids get on the phone well before starting school

Is your child one of them? Well, you are not alone. Microsoft says that young kids are learning how to use the phone (esp. smartphones) before their 3rd birthday!

I think it is a fair assessment.


Read the article from MIS Asia:
Kids get on the phone well before starting school: Microsoft

Children are learning how to use a smartphone before they can even spell their name or have started school, according to new research from Microsoft which shows many children are playing with their smartphones before they have started school or even learnt to spell their own name. Young kids are mainly playing with phones for games and entertainment, with 57 per cent of parents who have children under five years reporting that their child started playing with their phone before their fifth birthday and 37 per cent stating their child did so before their third birthday.

The survey, developed with Galaxy Research, found that 67 per cent of Australian parents allow their young children to play with their smartphones for entertainment and admitted it was a way to keep them occupied. The research also highlighted the need for smartphones to now be 'kid proofed', with one in three parents reporting some sort of mishap with young children using their smartphone, including accidentally changing settings, deleting contacts, making calls or downloading content their parents did not want them to access.

The research comes as Microsoft officially unveiled Windows Phone 8 yesterday, the latest version of the company's smartphone operating system, and the world's most personal Smartphone. It includes an in-built Kid's Corner, a child-friendly environment where kids can play the games, music or videos they like without the risk of accessing parents' private information. Microsoft's research found parents are looking for a way to better manage their child's phone use, with 55% saying they would like more control over the content their child can access. Two in three parents said they would consider a feature that allows them to restrict or monitor the content their child can access on their smartphone.

"As a parent I know that children love to play with smartphones for the games, music and entertainment, and for the most part its good fun," Microsoft Australia Windows Phone Business Group Lead, Megan Howard, said.

"That is, until they decide to text message your boss on your behalf or find the factory reset button on your phone! From settings, I can create my Kid's Corner and then pick their favourite games, input some music or videos and choose some appropriate Apps to keep them entertained."

"Then, from a locked phone, I simply open it by swiping open across, as opposed to up, and I have access to Kid's Corner. I enter into a safer environment where my children can even customise their corner to give it a name and change the theme colour. "They can rearrange and resize tiles to personalise their Start Screen so it's unique for them."


Source: MIS-Asia