Techolo - Philippine Technology Outlook Blog

Free Unlimited 3G from Smart this July 30, 2010

2010-07-29T15:40:00.001+08:00

Smart Communications is all systems go for their Thank God It’s Free-Day promo coming up tomorrow, July 30, 2010. They will be offering free mobile internet to all Smart Buddy subscribers. you can connect to 3G via your phone or even tether using your laptops, iPads, iPod Touches. Be sure you have an app that allows your phone to be a mobile hotspot. For symbian devices check out the free JoikuSpot app. Read more for FAQ’s

Q: WHAT IS T.G.I.Freeday?

A: Its Smart’s one-day offer for all Smart MOBILE subscribers to enjoy using mobile internet services for FREE. That means there are no charges to visit all internet sites using your mobile phone.

Q: When is T.G.I.Freeday available?

A: T.G.I.Freeday will start from 12:00 am of July 30, until 11:59pm of the same day. If you start browsing at 10pm, you only have 11:59 pm to enjoy free mobile internet.

Q: Do I need to register?

A: No registration needed. Just open your web browser, your Uzzap or GoMail application and go!

Q: Is there a special keyword or URL to visit?

A: No need to key in a keyword or a URL to use mobile internet. For as long as you have a data capable handset, you can do mobile surfing all your want. To get more information, text FREEDAY and send to 211.

Q: I don’t know how to use mobile internet. What’s the first thing I do?

A: You need to configure your 3G settings. Text SET <HANDSET MODEL> send to 211 to get your 3G configuration for FREE. Save the configuration and then launch your mobile web browser to start browsing. As simple as that.

Q: Can I use 2G to browse the internet?

A: Yes you can. But for a faster and better experience, it is suggested that you take advantage of Smart’s nation widest coverage by using Smart’s superior 3G, HSPA, HSDPA network.

Q: I want to avail of a daily surfing package on Friday. Will this be allowed?

A: No. You will receive an SMS notification that today is a free day and that you will be able to use the service you wish to avail unlimited for the entire day.

Q: Will I be allowed to avail weekly and monthly package of the data services that I register to?

A: Subscribers can still avail of weekly and monthly packages every Friday but they will be reminded of T.G.I.Freeday Promo and they have to confirm their purchase before transaction is completed.

Q: I have a weekly/ monthly package. Will I be given additional 1 day extension as a result of T.G.I.Freeday?

A: Subscribers with current weekly and monthly packages that traverse on a Friday will not be given extra one day as a result of the free day Friday. The existing validity of their availed package will be retained.

Q: Is there a limit as to the number of services that I can avail for free?

A: For as long as subscribers have a data capable handset, there is no limit as to how many services subscribers can avail of for free.

Q: Is there a minimum maintaining balance?

A: Prepaid subscribers should have minimum balance of P1 to avail of the free services

Q: What if I browse after 11:59pm of Friday?

A: Should subscriber continue to browse even after 11:59pm, default charging P10/30 will commence and transactional fees for chat services will apply.

Q: What are the sites that I can access?

A: You can access all the sites that you want. All the Web Unli Sites offered currently at P20 per day by Smart will be FREE on TGIFreeday!

Examples of WEBSITES you can browse on mobile

Facebook
Friendster
Multiply
Twitter
Plurk
EYP
Inq7
Wikipedia
Flickr
Photobucket
Ebay
TMZ
Cosmopolitan
NBA
ESPN
BBC
Amazon

Q: I don’t have a mobile internet capable phone. How can I participate in the promo?

A: In order to browse the web using your phone, you must have at the least a GPRS handset. To find out the most affordable handset offers Smart has to offer, simply go to the Smart shop, http://shop.smart.com.ph/ However, you can still participate in T.G.I.Freeday because Go Mail can be done even with a non-internet capable handset. All you have to do is text MAIL <HANDSET MODEL> and send to 7077. You will receive a notification message on how to register your email and receive and send email through your phone without having to connect to the internet.

Q: Is this open to Smart BRO prepaid or postpaid subscribers?

A: Nope :) This is just for MOBILE CELLPHONE users

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via: http://www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications#!/notes/smart-communications-inc/tgifreeday-faqs/418247218475

Get 1,000 pesos off on all Nokia C3 on July 31, 2010

2010-07-28T13:41:00.001+08:00

This is a one-day promo only happening on June 31, 2010 on selected Nokia stores. Instant 1,000 pesos savings on Nokia C3 phone.

Collectibles Series: Hot Toys ALIEN Bust 1:4 Scale

2010-07-26T22:15:00.001+08:00

Techolo.com: Collectibles Series will feature unique collectors items ranging from toys, gadgets, and other random treasures. Collectible provided by Toyrewind.com

Here is another bust from Hot Toys and this time it’s from the movie Aliens! The bust stands at approximately 12 inches on a partial alien torso. The paintwork and the intricate molding details are incredible.

If you liked the Predator bust we featured earlier, you’ll also probably like this one. This bust is now sold out on anywhere, maybe except eBay where it is selling for at least double or even triple its original price.

More photos after the jump.

The alien egg is glowing and cracking open…revealing the Alien inside…well..the box

Styrofoam ensures that the bust stays perfectly safe inside the packaging.

Inside the Aliens exoskeleton reveal the actual skull.

If you’re into collecting Hot Toys, might want to check out Hot Toys Philippines.

New Google Image Search looks Bing-ish

2010-07-21T00:33:00.001+08:00

Looks good but the collage look sometimes hurts my eyes. another idea taken from the Bing Team, after allowing background images on the Google homepage.

To Apple, just admit the iPhone 4’s faulty antenna design

2010-07-19T17:53:00.000+08:00

Instead of ducking away and including other smart phone vendors allegedly similar problems in their keynote, Apple should just admit fault on their “revolutionary” antenna design for the iPhone 4.

Every smartphone has a cellular antenna. And nearly every smartphone can lose signal strength if you hold it in a certain way. To demonstrate this, we tested iPhone 4 alongside other smartphones.

Apple have dilly dallied with their response regarding public and press complaints on the antenna issue until they decided (pressured?) to just give away free “bumpers” just to provide a temporary band-aid remedy. First they said it can be fixed by a software update, now they are saying it can’t.

I found inconsistencies from the keynote, one of which Jobs says that Apple already knew that holding the phone on the black strip would cause signal degradation and thinking that people won’t mind. And then later on stress that they didn’t know the issue that’s why they didn’t respond outright and decided to collect data first.

They say they love us, their customers. I say, if you love us. Make iDevices OPEN. One step is to allow Flash to be turned on or off by the user and not by you.

I have never experienced any signal problems on any mobile phones I have owned. Mostly Nokia and HTC. What about your experiences on your own phones prior to knowing and hearing about this issue?

http://www.apple.com/antenna/

Microsoft Zune Sync Dock w/ Zune AC Adapter on eBay.ph

2010-07-13T01:49:00.001+08:00

If you have a Zune HD and in need of a Sync Dock lucky you, choy_zee over at eBay.ph is selling a brand new, sealed Zune Sync Dock with AC Adapter.

Item is being sold at a starting bid of P2,699.75. Better grab it if you need it. Zune accessories are real scarce locally.

You can check out the actual listing here.

Canon releases firmware update for EOS Rebel T2i / 550D

2010-07-08T23:01:00.001+08:00

Canon has release a new firmware for users of 550D (aka T2i). The new version addresses the issue on manual exposure shifting when shooting videos.

Fixes a phenomenon in which the set aperture moves unexpectedly when shooting movies in manual exposure mode using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).

The Version 1.0.8 firmware is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.7. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.0.8, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Read: EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Firmware Update Version 1.0.8

Online Classifieds? Try Sulit

2010-07-07T23:58:00.001+08:00

Since Sulit started in 2006, online netpreneurs and buyers alike have benefitted from Sulit’s free classified services by making products viewable 24/7 and making e-commerce transactions easier (and hopefully safer for buyers)

Sulit.com.ph is having a Banner Making Contest this month and I’m joining in the madness by creating my own :)

Sulit.com.ph is the leading buy and sell website in the Philippines. Post advertisements or find great deals at Sulit.com.ph. Celebrate Sulit.com.ph 4th Anniversary! Join the Sulit Banner Making Contest for July and get a chance to win cool gadgets from Sulit.com.ph, Blackberryzuela.com, and GadgetGrocery. com!

WizPad spotted: Our local iPad Killer?

2010-07-06T14:22:00.001+08:00

Red Fox is not just going into the e-book and phone business, they’re gunning at the iPad this time with the WizPad. Info on this tablet touch screen device is scare other than it looks like a large iPod Touch, even has earpiece holes on top, which means, either this photo is a mockup or this tablet can make calls. It will run on either a Windows or Meego1 operating system. No information if Android is supported. This might steal the show for the more affordable WizLib. People might just opt to buy this instead of the e-ink reader.

Create, Connect, Play, Share.

Create and communicate more with the new RedFox WizPad. Equipped with a touch-screen LCD display combined with its sleek and lightweight design, this tablet PC offers both mobility and style as the optimal solution to one's personal or professional needs.

Powered by either Windows or Meego1 operating system designed to optimize the features of tablet PCs
Ensures greater mobility and durability by compressing components of a regular PC into a single device
Extremely flexible and multi-functional by including applications allowing WizPad to be used as a digital planner, portable internet device, multimedia player, or an e-book reader

http://www.redfox.com.ph/wizpad.html

Red Fox’s WizPhone and WizLib specs

2010-07-06T13:55:00.001+08:00

Techie.com.ph got to tour the recently opened Innotech Lab in Quezon City. Among the gadgets and products featured were Red Fox Technologies’ Android Phone, WizPhone and ebook reader WizLib.

Red Fox WizPhone (Android)

This Android-powered smartphone packs a 3-megapixel camera, a micro-USB port, resistive touchscreen (we’d appreciate a capacitive one, thanks) No suggested retail price as of yet.

Red Fox WizLib

A Kindle-like device that allows users to store and read ebooks, documents and text files. It has WiFi and 3G support for internet connectivity within a wireless hotspot or through any mobile 3G SIM.

The WizLib comes in 3 sizes:
5” display, 600 x 800 resolution, 150g (third from the left)
6” display, 600 x 800 resolution, 260g (first from the left)
9.7” display, 600 x 800 resolution, 600g (far right)

[via] techie.com.ph

Kinect and the Zune Software Video Demo

2010-07-04T23:33:00.001+08:00

The Kinect camera motion sensors seems very accurate in detecting single and dual gestures. The interface with the rollover effect is really cool. The voice recognition is also a great addition for living / entertainment room use. The Zune Hub was redesigned for this Xbox dashboard, and despite the long loading time, it still seems easy to use. Good job on the Xbox + Kinect experience Microsoft!

Cherry Mobile’s Trident first Triple SIM Phone

2010-07-02T13:11:00.001+08:00

Cherry Mobile Trident is the first triple SIM phone in the local market right now. Features include: 2.46” QVGA TFT LCD, 2.0 Megapixel Camera, Touchpad, Wifi, Google Maps, Document Viewer for Word and Excel, Analog TV with Recording capability, FM Radio with Recording capability, G-Sensor, Micros SD support up to 4GB. This phone will retail at Php6,490.

Collectibles Series: Hot Toys Predator Bust 1:4 Scale

2010-06-29T22:52:00.001+08:00

Techolo.com: Collectibles Series will feature unique collectors items ranging from toys, gadgets, and other random treasures. Collectible provided by Toyrewind.com.

This is not from the movie Predator. This is actually the second release of Hot Toys' Predator Collectible Busts. This bust is taken from the classic Predator film with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Even though it is not movie-accurate, the amount of detail put into this piece is amazing.

The bust stands approximately 10 inches tall atop a skull-like stand featuring the Predator logo. The 1:4 scale Predator bust allows limited articulation for head movement and features a removable Predator mask and interchangeable open and closed mandibles.

More photos after the jump.

Box displays the thermal / infrared view of the Predator as seen in the movie.

Opening the packaging reveals the bust with the replaceable mandibles (open jaw) and Predator mask.

Predator with mask on with cannon mounted on top of the armor. The dreads are made of soft plastic that can repositioned.

Arnie fan? Predator series fan? The bust is a perfect display for any one born in the 80’s and enjoyed the film. Makes for a nice conversational piece too! :)

If you’re into collecting Hot Toys, might want to check out Hot Toys Philippines.

Redfox’s WizPhone Android Smartphone and WizLib eBook reader

2010-06-28T15:22:00.001+08:00

RedFox known as the first Filipino laptop and PC system brand is going to the mobile market with the introduction of the WizPhone, Redfox's first mobile phone, runs with the Android OS from Google. The WizPhone will have a music player, digital map, gaming pad, digital camera and features included with the Android operating system. No word yet on pricing.

Looking at their site, they also have a Kindle-looking ebook reader called WizLib.

“The REDFOX WizLib is your mobile digital library. It allows users to store, carry, access, and share books. Being able to view E-books, document and text files, the WizLib is foreseen as the primary device to promote learning, ease of access and provide affordable book rates to students and to the other members of the education sector.”

http://www.redfox.com.ph

Windows 7 64-bit on the iMac 21.5

2010-06-28T02:20:00.001+08:00

So Windows 7 on the iMac 21.5 (Late 2009) How does it fare? Is it stable? Is everything working? I have been using Windows 7 since getting this iMac and have reformatted and reinstalled for more than 3 times. Here’s the rundown of my experience broken into parts. Read more after the jump.

Why Windows?

Okay, first thing. I chose Windows because I’m already comfortable with it. I find Explorer superior than Finder. I find Windows Photo Viewer easier than Preview. I also run Windows-only applications like Zune Software and Live Essentials. I also have Windows-only installation files accumulated in the span of nearly 10 years. In other words, PC EXE’s trumps OSX’ DMG’s.

But in fairness I love Expose, I like Growl notification integrations, I also find the Quick Preview (spacebar method) very convenient. They said that if you go Mac you never go back but I just did go back. I like the flexibility of running two operating system though so thanks to Apple for allowing easy Windows installations.

So why did I buy a Mac then? I didn’t. It was sent to me so it would be a huge waste if I don’t use it. Anyway, I still like the hardware :)

Boot Camp Process

So Apple’s selling point for Intel Macs was the option to install Windows as a second boot operating system. They even made a very handy Boot Camp assistant which helps partition and install any version of Windows.

My Boot Camp process went smooth. I divided the 1TB drive to 300GB OSX then 100GB for Windows 7 and 500GB for my storage files.

Drivers for Windows 7 64-bit

The initial Boot Camp drivers (one of the grey CD’s included in the box) had no problems installing the necessary windows-drivers for everything specially iSight and the SD card reader. The only problem was the Bluetooth Magic Mouse not working prop erly but the software update to Boot Camp 3.1, released on January 19, 2010 fixed it. I suggest visiting Apple’s Boot Camp support page if you’re experiencing any problems. Just upgrade to latest software.

Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse

The Wireless Keyboard is great. Space-saver, excellent to type on, silent and gorgeous. The battery on these two Bluetooth-paired devices are so good that I think I can run 2 months or even more on a single charge of 4 AA batteries. (2 for keyboard, 2 for mouse) and I’m a super heavy user. My Logitech MX Revolution can’t match the battery life of the Magic Mouse.

However I think this is a bug for some if not all iMac Late 2009 units regarding mouse cursor stuttering and skipping when using in conjunction with an external monitor that is turned-of. Some users including me have confirmed that if the iMac is connected to a secondary-display or external monitor thru DVI connection, and the external display is turned off, the cursor skips at intervals. The only solution to the problem until Apple fixes this would be to either 1.) disconnect your DVI Mini Display Port. 2.) turn on the secondary / external display. or 3.) replace your DVI Mini Display port adapter to a VGA one.

Another Serious Bug?

Another thing that has been bugging me more is this serious bug that happens when I start booting the computer. After installing Windows 7 64-bit I have been encountering the “white screen of death” during start-up. The monitor will only display all white and would get stuck there without booting to either osx of windows (I set windows 7 to boot by default via boot camp control panel) At first, I tried rEFit and thought it worked until it happened again.

The problem cannot be replicated and happens at random occasions and at random number of times. Users are saying that only specific Hitachi drives are affected by this and is related to boot loader firmware's. One person’s solution would be to erase the harddrive using the Disk Utility from the OS Z boot disk and selecting the 'Zero Out Data' option under the security page. It would take 1-hour to do the single pass.

Apple has issued no formal admission of the error and so no official fix is seen in the near future for this. Another reason to buy and use a PC hardware. In fairness again to the iMac, this error does not happen if only OSX is installed. But still, if Apple touts Boot Camp as a feature then they need to support issues arising from it.

Unboxing ATI Radeon HD 5770 Graphics by XFX

2010-06-24T11:28:00.001+08:00

ATI Radeon HD 5770 is ATI mid-range DirextX 11 1GB video cards that support ATI EyeFinity, a multidisplay technology that enables using multiple display on games like Crysis Warhead, Call of Duty 4, NFS: Shift. This is video card is priced at 7,600 (HIS brand) at Rising Sun Computers.

More information: http://www.xfxforce.com

Features and Benefits

Get unrivalled visual quality and intense gaming performance and for today and tomorrow with support for Microsoft® DirectX® 11
With ATI Eyefinity technology get the ultimate immersive gaming experience innovative ‘wrap around’ multi-display capabilities
Tap into the massive parallel processing power of your GPU with ATI Stream technology and tackle demanding tasks like video transcoding with incredible speed
Experience the speed, responsiveness and performance of ultra-high bandwidth GDDR5 memory
ATI CrossFireX™ technology in dual-mode offers advanced scalability

Unboxing Siso Tablo by Hantech

2010-06-23T10:50:00.001+08:00

Here is the unboxing of the Siso Tablo by Hantech Corporation. It is simply a usb device that you can hook up on top of your monitor and it instantly becomes a large tablet monitor.

Ultimate Desktop Tablet: iMac running Windows 7 with Tablo

2010-06-22T14:10:00.001+08:00

This is the iMac 21.5 running Windows 7 64bit with Tablo. Make your laptop or even desktop a full-size tablet. Review coming up soon!

iOS 4 is now available for a free download

2010-06-22T01:56:00.001+08:00

You can now update your idevice to iOS4.0 to enable new features like multitasking, app switching, iBooks and other new enhancements. Update is free for iPod Touch 2nd and 3rd gen. iPhone 3G and 3GS. Launch iTunes and check for updates. For updating manually, check our TUAW for iOS4 direct download links.

Official Windows Live Messenger free at the App Store

2010-06-21T21:41:00.001+08:00

Microsoft (or the Apple App Store) has just released Windows Live Messenger for the iPhone / iPod Touch. There are many alternatives on the App Store for a while for Live Messenger users but this official release from Microsoft is a good addition.

I don’t use Live Messenger as my primary chat client, but I have some contacts there as well and I log in almost everyday. This new app would surely make it easier to stay connected my Live list without the need to buy IM+, BeeJive or other paid multi-chat app.

The app is not yet iOS4 nor iPad ready. there are also complaints about non-installation on some countries due to Microsoft’s restrictions. To solve that, register your Live account using a US address.

Download it Free at the App Store

Review: Lenmar PowerPort Mini Charger & Battery

2010-06-18T19:33:00.001+08:00

If you are a gadget junky, chances are that you bring most of them outside from which you are away from a power source. Our cellphones, iPods, mp3 players or PDA’s are all powered by batteries that, let’s admit, runs out whenever we need it the most.

Some people might choose to bring spare batteries. If you have gadgets that require proprietary batteries (if you’re lucky, even battery replaceable) then you need to bring lots of spare batteries of different kinds. Add to the fact that opening and closing your device’s battery cover may cause wear, tear and damage over time. It is practical just to buy something that could charge them instantly.

Enter Lenmar PowerPort Mini Charger and Battery. It’s small, compact and portable. Read the full review after the jump.

The PowerPort Mini comes in different colors (Green, Blue, Red, Silver, Black) and includes 2 tips, one mini-usb and an iPod generic tip. It can charge any IPod Touch and iPhone generation except iPhone 3GS. In case you need a different tip, you can buy it separately from Lenmar. Check your device.

The portable charger packs a 5V 2.5Wh Li-Ion Battery and charges via usb port then the red LED light changes to blue as soon as its full. Charging can take quite a long time and if not used immediately can result in slight discharge.

Lenmar PowerPort Mini works on my iPod Touch and HTC Hero (works with Hero’s charging/mini-usb port). Charging from 15% battery can add at least 20% more battery life. That’s not much but for urgent moments or emergencies, any additional power can help.

The only problem with this portable charger is the charge drain that happens when it is left unplugged. I would recommend leaving this plugged in all the time in case you need it to grab-and-go but in cases where you just leave it in your bag for sometime only to find out it has been discharge when you need it is frustrating. Additional tips could also have been useful.

Microsoft Office Web Apps

2010-06-09T00:00:00.001+08:00

Microsoft has released the online version of Microsoft Office for free! You can now access Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and OneNote right in the browser. There is also a drag-and-drop file upload feature to upload all your documents and store them to Windows Live SkyDrive. If you also happen to have a smartphone, point your browser to office.live.com and you can preview all your files right there. You will need a Windows Live ID login account, or you can just go sign up for free.

http://office.live.com/

Apple WWDC 2010 keynote

2010-06-07T11:38:00.001+08:00

The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is the premier technical conference for developers innovating with Apple technologies. In this year’s keynote, it is expected that Steve Jobs would introduce the newest hardware for the iPhone, dubbed as iPhone 4G or iPhone HD by some. An Apple TV announcement is also expected to steal the thunder from Google TV.

For us in the Philippines it will start tonight at 2:00AM (June 8), tune in to the following blogs for the live coverage of the keynote. No live video streaming, just live commentaries and photos.

http://www.macrumorslive.com | http://live.theappleblog.com | http://www.engadget.com

HTC Desire will be launched on June 18 in the Philippines

2010-06-04T14:40:00.001+08:00

According to Yugatech.com. The HTC Desire will be launched in the Philippines this coming June 18, 2010. The Desire is HTC”s version of the Google Nexus One, 1 Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon, 3.7 AMOLED display, 5mp camera with flash, and comes with their HTC Sense UI. No word yet on final pricing but some local stores are already selling it for 30,000 pesos.

This comes with Android 2.1 already by default and it is Froyo ready as all 2010 HTC phones. If I had to replace this HTC Hero of mine, this would be THE phone. I’ll try to get a hold of one and will post first impressions.

[via] Yugatech

National Bookstore is now a Dell reseller

2010-06-04T11:28:00.001+08:00

“The partnership between Dell and National Bookstore will have the latter reselling exclusively the Dell Adamo M13 notebook PC. National Bookstore will also carry, albeit not exclusively, other Dell products such as Dell Inspiron notebook PCs, Dell monitors and Dell peripherals.” – PhilStar.com

This thin Dell Adamo M13 laptop is now exclusively being sold at National Bookstores. The Dell Adamo M13 is powered by Intel Core 2 duo processors and features a 13.4-inch edge-to-edge LED display, 5 hour battery life, solid-state drive, and runs Windows 7 Home Premium operating system. Available in silver aluminum, pearl and onyx brushed aluminum finish. The Dell Adamo retails at P139,000.