Jayvee Fernandez | Pinoy Tech, Diving, Gadgets

The First Official Foursquare Badge in the Philippines

Jayvee Fernandez — Mon, 21 May 2012 07:56:25 +0000

EDIT: Jim Ayson from SMART noted that the USD $25k cost for a badge is not accurate. Post edited to reflect this. Quoting Jim from G+ “Well let’s just say that Foursquare is a very close partner, we worked it out! We also worked with them very collaboratively on this project and the mechanics of the Smart badge and the campaign. Foursquare peeps were great, they were very creative, they rock!”

In a country where #trending on Twitter has turned into a ~~questionable~~ measurable goal of success, SMART Communications has launched the country’s first official Foursquare swarm badge which unlocks during the two-day Lady Gaga concert at the Mall of Asia Arena. This is, in my opinion, a fresh and more than welcome spectacle vs. trending.

The badge will unlock after a swarm of 250 check ins are recorded between 6PM to 2AM on the 21st and 22nd of May 2012. The badge is not geo-tagged which means that you can check in and claim it even if you are nowhere near the Mall of Asia. Those who check in and receive the badges are automatically enrolled in a smartphone giveaway – two Samsung Galaxy Nexus units will be given away each night.

On a personal note, after this stunt, several brands will definitely want to have their own Foursquare badges ~~but the enrollment and maintenance comes at a heavy price tag: USD $25,000 per month for three months minimum~~. If you have that kind money, submit your proposal here.

Samsung SMART TV Buying Guide: Difference between the 1st and 2nd Generation

Jayvee Fernandez — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:06:28 +0000

I own two first generation Samsung SMART TV’s. They’re exactly alike. I’m describing the mid-range 40″ LED model that comes with built-in Internet capability (there’s a more affordable version that doesn’t come with Internet). It has all the bells and whistles of a modern day flat screen LED TV including 4 HDMI ports and one USB port, being 3D-ready, with Ethernet port (for wired Internet), 1080p + up-scaling and all that. I own two because one was a wedding present.

In the past 2 months, Samsung had given me a very in-depth look at the new line of SMART TV’s for 2012. And deep inside I felt really bad about the current one I have in the living room for a number of reasons. The following is a comparison between the 2011 SMART TV and the 2012 SMART TV line for those who are interested to invest in a unit. But before that, some notes:

What it is: The SMART TV is your flat screen TV + apps. It’s your TV and a tablet combined, sans the touch screen.

What makes it valuable: Built-in apps that can potentially enhance your living room viewing experience

APPS

1st Gen
Nothing particularly epic to write home about. The app marketplace doesn’t have that “killer app” that you would want to run instead of watching a Blu-ray movie.

In terms of social, you get the usual plethora of Facebook and Twitter. There’s also Picasa, GTalk and Skype — the latter is most useful for long distance living room video calls. The bummer: despite being a SMART TV, the first generation model doesn’t ship with a built-in web browser. You absolutely need to do a firmware upgrade to have this installed.

The most useful stock app: YouTube. Because the television is situated in the living room, I load up my favorite playlists and the TV upscales the quality, if it isn’t already in 1080p. If you’re asking what my favorite series to watch is, well it is a show called TANKED on Animal Planet, a show that focuses on epic marine aquarium builds.

OK so apart from that, nothing to write home about.

2nd Gen
This is where it all changes. Although Samsung shares the same app marketplace across TV’s, the same firmware upgrade (that comes out of the box) offers so much more swoon than the previous model. Call it a hardware issue on the part of the 1st generation units, but the new SMART TV’s have access to a number of features including:

a. All Share – if Apple has iCloud, Samsung has All Share across a wider breadth of devices: smartphones, computers and TV’s. I forgot what it’s called, but Samsung has a “timeline” sort of thing where you can showcase family photos in a very elegant way on the TV
b. Viki Premiere – streaming service for Asian telenovelas
c. Angry Birds. But more on that later.

USER INTERFACE

1st Gen

You have the remote control as a default to browse the UI. It’s a semi-chore as there is a 1 second delay to the controller. Response time can be improved by using an iOS device or an Android phone with the Samsung Remote application which is free to download. Keying in items on search (for YouTube) is a tad difficult unless you have a wireless keyboard remote (sold separately) or make use of your Android device’s keyboard.

2nd Gen
You have the same options above but also have access to a special voice remote controller and hand gestures similar to the Kinect. The 2nd generation models come with a built-in webcam which was a mere accessory if you had the first. The webcam is used for video conferencing and for hand gesture movements, moving the open palm of your hand like a mouse and making a quick fist when making a selection. The “Minority Report” interface opens up voice commands so that you don’t need to use the remote control. It only functions as an authority device in a very noise room but other than that you can control your television with just your voice and hands.

Both these technologies are amazing to demo, but honestly I’d still stick the remote control because I’m an old fart like that. Kids would love it though. I think this is one of those tipping points where kids just get things faster than the older generation.

VALUE

1st Gen
Don’t get me wrong, this is a solid flatscreen television with extra features that can actually be engaging for the family with the right equipment (i.e. webcam + wireless keyboard controller). The firmware upgrade adds the browser functionality which is good, but nothing else.

2nd Gen
The new models come with slots that allow you to upgrade “modules” within the television. Samsung is the only SMART TV manufacturer that has enabled consumers to buy upgrades to the TV which you can slide in and out from the back panel. This includes faster processors In other words, you will always have a new flat screen TV every year if you choose to purchase the upgrades.

One thing though — they completely removed the 40″ model which means these TV’s will come at a higher price point.

BOTTOMLINE
If you’re in the market for a SMART TV, now is the time to buy one because this new generation of flat screens have been future-proofed. There will always be new features on the way (including a gesture-based Angry Birds upgrade). If you look at the other offers, only Samsung seems to have an ecosystem that was thought through with Viki Premiere, All Share and the modular upgrades. So that’s that: there is no contest. Choose Samsung when you’re looking for a SMART TV.

The Underwater Photographer

Jayvee Fernandez — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:19:43 +0000

An inside look how serious enthusiasts and pros endure the most arduous of conditions just to take that perfect underwater shot. Poisonous marine life, sweeping currents, unpredictable water visibility, limited bottom time juxtaposed high risk to expensive photo gear & self are just some of the variables which make underwater photography one of the most difficult yet highly rewarding branches of photography.

Photos and Video by Jun Lao.

I joined my first underwater photo competition last week. There were a total of 82 participants from the Philippines and beyond and it was a literal breath-taking experience. I did a total of 5 dives over the weeek end, two spent in San Agapito Reef with some of the strongest currents experienced by man. It was so strong, we had to abort one dive because we got swept away into the blue.

Silent LED Mutewatch sells for PHP 12,950

Jayvee Fernandez — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:14:03 +0000

It’s called the Mutewatch because it’s silent. No moving parts, everything digital. The Mutewatch reminds me of the Nike+ bands that got all-too popular because of the running craze back in 2008. I finally got my hands on one, thanks to the fine folks of Digits Trading and I’ve never been so excited to wear a watch. Because, well, I hate watches. This one is geeky, so it’s a different story.

What it is: A touch screen watch that charges via USB

What makes it cool: Geek factor

It doesn’t play music. It doesn’t store data. So why does the Mutewatch make my head turn? I’m not even fond of watches but I’m wearing this one today!

Above: The strap is pretty much snap-on. And wait, I forgot to set the time!

The Mutewatch is a minimalist archon of beauty with a LED display capable of working for 5 days on a single charge. The watch strap hides a USB slot which you can plug into any computer to charge. Two things to note: the LED display has an accelerometer underneath which lets you flick your wrist to activate the clock. The display is also capacitive, so swiping it left and right scrolls through the slim number of features which are essentially the clock settings, alarm, mode, and timer.

Peel open the strap flap and you’ll find the USB plug for charging purposes. One charge can last about 5 days.

The Mutewatch sells for PHP 12,950.00 and can be bought in Digital Walker.

Diablo 3 Day I Pitstop: How’s your Internet Connection?

Jayvee Fernandez — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:44:58 +0000

If it’s one thing gamers will never compromise, it’s their Internet connection. The launch of Diablo III has prompted gamers around the country to scrutinize the quality of their Internet connectivity. As a fan myself, I really take these things seriously and no amount of marketing BS will convince me otherwise. The proof is in the pudding and it seems that not everyone is a chef.

This feedback is based on a number of qualitative feedback from friends and personal experience as well.

So far, it seems that Diablo 3 works fine with the following ISP’s

Wireless:
Smart (tethered) – I tether my MacBook with my iPhone 4s and get to play just fine
Globe (tethered) – I get to play with Rico of Technogra.ph (he tethers using a Samsung Galaxy S II)

Wired
PLDT – Generally good. I hopped into a number of games of friends and we’re rolling seamlessly.

On another note, one ISP stands out to be the provider to avoid for Diablo III:

Sky Broadband – Woes to Sky Broadband. They really dropped the ball on this one. I used to swear by Sky publicly as the best wired connection money can buy in the country. Service has dropped to a really poor rating in the past 2 months.

Brendan outlined it all here in a comment:

Hi there,

Many many emails to Skybroadband support center regarding Blizzard downloader P2P issues and unplayable in game experience with Diablo 3 (may be DNS, but may be that they have restricted Port 1119, which Diablo 3 uses) – to no avail.

Sky simply does not respond to queries and when you call them they tell you to send an email through to support center. Its a vicious circle.

Playing it on my friends PLDT connection works perfectly.

After 2 years with Sky, seems like PLDT really is the way to go.

- Brendan

As my cousin said, ” Pre-term fee for Sky is PHP 2,000.00, Diablo 3 is priceless. If it doesn’t work at 3Mbps, I’m dropping them for (insert ISP here).” Sorry Sky Broadband. I swore by your services. I really did. But sad gamer can’t compromise.

You know what’s most interesting? My wireless tethering is faster than my ethernet connection. Why, Sky, why? Note that I write this not to smear Sky’s reputation but 2 months of your IT support not knowing what the problem is makes for really bad service. Fans have waited for Diablo III for about a decade and we absolutely need to be online to play this (there is no offline mode). So you definitely should understand why gamers feel really bad about this and need to switch. We waited 9 years for Diablo III. We absolutely can’t wait for you.

To the others: how’s your gaming experience? Add me up: LOLMOWER#1648

Charge your smartphone wirelessly with the Powermat Wireless Charging Platform

Jayvee Fernandez — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:09:13 +0000

One commentary I always make about the smartphone industry is that there’s always a huge focus on making devices more and more responsive as time goes by. Every year, every smartphone is always “faster” or “lighter” or “thinner.” Screen technology is improving very fast from LCD to LED to AMOLED to Super AMOLED to Super AMOLED Plus. BUT — and that’s a big but: what about battery technology? Lithium ion and lithium polymer have been around since the 80′s and although there are improvements to how devices save battery life, there isn’t much on the forefront of next-generation battery technology. The near future is bright however, with graphene (wrote about that here as a thought piece on the iPad rumor) being looked at as the new wonder-element for semiconductors and battery technology.

But that’s the future. What about now?

Imagine your current WiFi technology: you’re at the mall and your phone can access the Internet via several seamless hotspots. Some are password protected while others aren’t. Now imagine the same thing, but applied to battery technology and being free for everyone! Imagine your phone being able to charge itself wirelessly through magnetic induction. The proof of concept is already here: I have two Powermats at home, one a solo dock for the iPhone 4/4s while the other is an actual mat that allows you to charge up to two devices.

The platform comes with proprietary cases for the iPhone and a number of BlackBerry models. Yes, you need a case to charge. The case has a magnetic strip that helps dock the phone in place and also makes the induction of your “charge” possible. If you’re on other devices, the PowerCube comes with different endings for various phones including Android, Sony Ericsson, iOS and BlackBerry.

But wait, if I use the cube, doesn’t that still count as a “wired” charge? The cube seems to be the practical workaround for the entire system as future PowerMat products will even include an insane microSD card that links your phone to a charger. Wirelessly. It’s called the Wireless Charging Card.

By themselves, these PowerMats have two advantages apart from the wireless charging:

a. They all have fast-charging features

b. They all have auto-off features once battery is at 100%

So what do you think? Useful? Maybe the pricing will help you decide:

PowerMat with Powercube PHP 3,990.00
PowerMat for iPhone 4s w/ case PHP 3,490.00

For me, the platform is really useful in a BlackBerry or iPhone-filled household or office space because the induction technology is built into the phone case so you really don’t need to plug in anything, anymore.

——————————–

On a timely note, here’s a very fresh press release on a new partnership between Qualcomm and Samsung for wireless freedom in battery technology:

Alliance for Wireless Power – Global Technology Power Players Unite to Form Alliance for Wireless Power Cre…

Stay a while and listen: The Diablo III Launch

Jayvee Fernandez — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:21:33 +0000

EDIT: In the finishing stretch of the installer, the devs change the color of the progress bar and go into minute details of how much longer it’s going to take. Brilliant. The anticipation!!!

—————–

At 8:01AM PDT servers around the world opened for the launch of Diablo III. But Blizzard really knows how to tease and the servers only unlock the installer, in time for the actual launch of the game which is sometime on the 15th of May PDT.

You know what’s better than trending on Twitter? Crashing a server. After the game unlocked, everyone got this error:

“ERROR: Unable to initialize streaming. Please check
your Internet connection. If this problem persists,
please contact Blizzard Techinical Support.
(CreateStreamingManifest::GetStreamingManifestContents)”

Looks like the seed hasn’t been uploaded yet. Or something. Or really there are just too many people.

This is the most in(tense) product launch ever. A launch I’ve been waiting for over a decade. Exciting!

So Kris Aquino endorses Nokia Lumia

Jayvee Fernandez — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:15:38 +0000

When smartphones were not yet that “smart” Kris Aquino had already been using a Nokia (circa N95 days), which she would place on the coffee table during her talk shows. Back then, she wasn’t a real endorser but Nokia did take notice of this and voila, she’s now the new Nokia Lumia endorser!

The story above comes from Nikka Abes of Nokia Philippines.

Although the ad only shows the Lumia 610, 710 and 800, she is also the endorser of the flagship Lumia 900 which will be officially launched next week.

So my question to you is .. how do you feel about Kris Aquino being their new endorser?

To a number of IT folks, the idea may be unsettling as she’s obviously not tech-oriented but given Nokia and Microsoft’s strategy to push Windows Phone and the Lumia as devices for the highly untapped feature-phone oriented consumers, then the endorsement is spot on. If you’re already a heavy iOS user, you definitely won’t make the switch. Windows Phone is aimed towards non-smartphone users, so the advertorial is apt.

One day till Diablo III. Retail Version vs Digital Download

Jayvee Fernandez — Mon, 14 May 2012 03:21:45 +0000

Don’t be surprised if a lot of people call in sick tomorrow. Starting 3AM, Tuesday, May 15 the servers for Diablo III are going live. Fans have been waiting a decade for the triumvirate to be completed. I still remember my days in college, cutting a few classes just to join in on the LAN sessions at the gaming cafe beside school.

For the record I didn’t buy the collector’s edition as I’ve learned the hard way that these things take up a lot of space (case in point: Warhammer Online Collector’s Ed) and despite the fact that the box comes with cool add ons to your character, the real-money auction house system will definitely spark a number of doodads that will make the Collector’s Ed exclusives cry manly tears.

On the D3 Facebook group, Joseph Datu has unboxed his PHP 11,000 Collectors Edition with the Diablo Skull + 4GB USB Soulstone. It’s huge!

D3 Collector’s Ed photo by Joseph Datu. Congratulations! If I had more space in my place, I’d definitely get this.

Instead of the retail box — Collector’s Edition counted, I really just wanted to download the game way ahead of time so it would be a breeze installing. No box. No lines. I still own the game. Not sure if this is symptoms of getting old, but at this point in my life, 10 years after Diablo II, I prefer foregoing the formalities and getting it on. Save paper.

So that’s it. Looks like a long evening. 3AM guys. See ya in New Tristam.

Man screws magnets on arms to mount iPod

Jayvee Fernandez — Sun, 13 May 2012 02:00:16 +0000

How far would you go to integrate your gear with your daily life? This man bolted four tiny magnets into his arm so that he could use it to mount his iPod (or any gadget with opposing poles). Crazy. But crazy awesome.

Jayvee Fernandez | Pinoy Tech, Diving, Gadgets

The First Official Foursquare Badge in the Philippines

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Samsung SMART TV Buying Guide: Difference between the 1st and 2nd Generation

APPS

USER INTERFACE

VALUE

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The Underwater Photographer

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