From that post, you’d know that I got my hands on an exclusive yet unreleased unit of the Samsung Galaxy S III for review. This gives me to give you an exclusive sneak peek on the smartphone and answer any questions that you have before it’s (rumoured to be) released end of the month.

*Image courtesy of VernonChan.com

Needless to say, I was super excited to get my review unit of the Samsung Galaxy S III at the end of the event last week. See my happy face!

So, here’s a quick unboxing post on what you’d find in the package of the latest Android super phone.

The packaging is very much like its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S II (read my review on it here).

Just to recap, here’s a quick highlight of the smartphone’s specifications:-

• 4.8″ HD Super AMOLED display
• 1.4 GHz quad core Exynos processor
• 16 GB, 32 GB (possible 64 GB) internal memory (with expandable microSD slot)
• Available in 2 colours; Pebble Blue and Marble White
• Powered by Android OS 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (with Samsung TouchWiz UI)
• 8 megapixel rear camera, 1.9 megapixel front facing camera
• 8.5 mm thin, weighing only 133 grams
• Li-Ion 2,100 mAh battery

Unboxing the Samsung Galaxy S III

Inside, you’ll find the gorgeous 4.8 inch HD Super AMOLED screen in all it’s glory. The screen sticker highlights it all. It boasts a quad core CPU processor, the 2nd Android phone to include this right after the HTC One X. My review on that will be coming soon as well.

Samsung has included NFC (Near Field Communication) in this phone, along with Google’s plans to bring this technology to all. NFC is basically like your Touch N Go technology. You tap your phone to NFC readers to pay, transfer files, etc.

Inside the box, once you remove the smartphone, you’ll find the usual suspects – User manuals, charger adapter, micro USB charger cable, Samsung in-ear headphones and a Li-Ion 2,100 mAh battery. The battery on the older SGS2 is 1,650 mAh. This is quite the boost.

For the first time, Samsung is using a micro USB charging cable. No longer is it the proprietary Samsung 30 pin, long flat cable.

The hardware is of the phone is very reminiscent of its predecessor. Other than some minor modification, the SGS3 is a larger, rounder corners, more refined version of SGS2.

Clockwise from top left…

At the front of the device, you’ll see the gorgeous 4.8 inches HD Super AMOLED screen. Samsung has always been great with their display technology and this is no exception. The screen looks crisp, vivid and gorgeous as always.

There is a front facing camera at the top, which not only is used for video calling, but also for self portrait picture and video. Yes… and video. You can now take self video for the camwhores like me. There is the usual proximity sensor next to the camera – which dims the screen when you’re taking a phone call.

At 8.6mm thin, the phone is indeed slim and thin. The power button is on the right while the volume toggles are on the left. This took me awhile to adjust, actually. The 3.5mm headphone jack is at the top, while the micro USB slot is at the bottom of the device.

At the bottom, like the SGS2, there is a physical home button at the centre. Unlike the rectangular, rounded corners one on SGS2, Samsung has made the SGS3 home button thinner. Personally, I don’t like this too much. I know it makes it look more refined, but it’s a little too thin for comfortable pressing. Like the SGS2 though, there is the usual capacitive buttons for “Menu” on the left and “Back” button on the right. The lights for these capacitive buttons come on only when you press it.

At the back, you’ll find the 8 megapixel camera with LED flash by the left side. On the right, there is a small little square speaker. A bit of an odd placement, I feel.

I think I have a slight manufacturing faulty device in my hand with this review unit.

The “Menu” capacitive button is missing its blue light. Although, the menu function is working. Just missing the light. Odd.

Samsung Galaxy S III vs Samsung Galaxy S II

So, what is new with the Samsung Galaxy S III versus the older version? In my last post on the SGS3 Media Launch here, I shared a good article from GSM Arena that you can check out here.

Quick comparison of the new Samsung Galaxy S III vs the older Samsung Galaxy S II (which sold over 20 million units worldwide, by the way):-

For the full spec comparison, check out GSM Arena’s link HERE.

Samsung Galaxy S III vs HTC One X

No doubt, the Samsung Galaxy S III will be compared to the other flagship Android smartphone that just recently hit the market – the HTC One X. Luckily, I have the HTC One X on hand, so I couldn’t resist the hardware comparisons. (Yes, hardware only, OK?)

(Left) Samsung Galaxy S III, Marble White colour (Right) HTC One X, Glamour Grey colour

SGS3 has a 4.8′ HD Super AMOLED screen, while the HTC One X has a 4.7″ Super IPS LCD2 screen. While both screens have its pros and cons, it is truly up to your personal preference which you prefer. In terms of built quality though, HTC One X takes the prize. The unibody polycarbonate body feels superior and well made. Samsung’s device however, uses the same material (plastic) as the SGS2.

(Left) Samsung Galaxy S III removable backplate (Right) HTC One X unibody

Samsung Galaxy S III, like it’s older brother has a removable backplate to access your battery, micro SIM and microSD slots. HTC One X on the other hand has built in batteries that are non-removable, has no microSD expansion slots and microSIM accessible at the top using a pin included in the box. SGS3 is glossy white, so can be a bit of a fingerprint magnet, while the HTC1X has a matte finish that feels rubber like.

Both has 8 megapixel rear camera with LED Flash

Both the SGS3 and HTC1X has 8 megapixel rear cameras with LED Flash. Hardware wise, the Samsung camera was better built. Eventhough it juts out just a few millimetres, it doesn’t protrude too much like the HTC. This is annoying when you place the phone on its back, the camera gets scratched easily.

Both Samsung and HTC has improved their camera functions tremendously – both offering unique features on its camera software functions that sets itself apart from the so many Android phones in the market. More on this in my full review.

(Top) Samsung Galaxy S III at 8.6mm (Bottom) HTC One X at 8.9mm

The Samsung Galaxy S III is thinner at 8.6mm, while the HTC One X is 8.9mm thin. The curve design of the SGS3 makes it look really sexy, with a thin chrome line along the sides. However, the HTC One X is lighter at 130 grams, while the Samsung Galaxy S III weighs in at 133 grams. In your hand, however, the SGS3 feels lighter.

Conclusion on first impression

On the first official day I walked out in public with the Samsung Galaxy S III, I do get some head turns from true geeks like myself. People stopping me to ask, “Is that the new Galaxy S3? But it’s not out yet?”

After fondling it for a couple of seconds, general impression is that it is a sexy device. It feels very good in your hands. It looks sexy. The screen looks gorgeous and crisp. It seems like some Apple fanbois might even be converted.

Here I am with the Samsung Galaxy S III in hand, next to my face. In case you were wondering if the 4.8″ screen seems too huge. Compared to the 3.7″ iPhone, of course it’s big. With more and more Android phone getting to this 4.X inch size (except 5.3″ phablets like Galaxy Note), you’d grow to love the size and wonder how you ever lived with 3.X inches before.

Two thumb typing is much easier with this screen size. Watching videos (like YouTube) with this size is way better than a 3.X inch screen. With the display technology improvement, the screen size is pure joy to use.

I will be using the Samsung Galaxy S III as my primary device for the next full week, at least. As a moderate to heavy user, it would be a real test for the device.

My full review of the SGS3 will be coming in a week or two. Other than the usual daily use and Samsung’s feature highlights, do drop your comment on what you’d like me to test on this device. Stay tuned…

Having sold over 20 million units of the previous Samsung Galaxy S II (read my review here), the new Samsung Galaxy S III is likely to be the best selling Android smartphone from the Korean phone giant.

Yours truly was one of the many media guests invited to the Exclusive Media Launch last Thursday Night at One World Hotel in Bandar Utama.

I’m always happy to be invited to such “media” events, considering I’m just a lowly tech blogger. To have this privilege to be the selected few to get a peek of this highly anticipated Android superphone was exhilarating.

I arrived a little late. After signing in at the media registration counter, I hurried into the ballroom where I’ve already missed 10 mins of the opening speech. Check out the massive turn out.

Mr. Kwon Jae Hoon, Managing Director of Samsung Malaysia Electronics welcomes guests to the Samsung GALAXY S III Launch.

A quick overview of the Samsung Galaxy S III specifications:-

• 4.8″ HD Super AMOLED display
• 1.4 GHz quad core Exynos processor
• 16 GB, 32 GB (possible 64 GB) internal memory (with expandable microSD slot)
• Available in 2 colours; Pebble Blue and Marble White
• Powered by Android OS 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (with Samsung TouchWiz UI)
• 8 megapixel rear camera, 1.9 megapixel front facing camera
• 8.5 mm thin, weighing only 133 grams
• Li-Ion 2,100 mAh battery

After walking the guest through the innovation and inspiration of the Samsung Galaxy S III, the stage was then occupied by SME’s Product Marketing Managers who walks us through the features and highlights of the SGS3.

There were some demos on the highlighted functions of the Samsung Galaxy S III which got the crowd excited and clapping.

• Pop Up Play – Like Picture-in-Picture function on your TV, you can have a video “pop up” in a small screen in the corner while you do other things like send SMS, check your Twitter, etc. Handy function, really.
• S Voice – Samsung’s version of Apple’s Siri. Voice activated control for your phone for when you want to operate it hands-free.
• Smart Stay – Intelligently dims the phone when your eyes are not looking at the phone screen. Handy for when you’re reading a long article / e-book, it will not auto dim at the standard time but stay lighted until your eyes look away.
• S Beam – Samsung’ version of Android OS 4.0 ICS’ Android Beam, which uses NFC function to share files by tapping the back of the phones together.
• Camera functions
• Burst Shot – In this mode, press and hold the camera shutter to snap up to 20 shots consecutively. Good for sports / action shots.
• Best Photo – Take up to 8 consecutive pictures in one snap. The phone will analyse these pics and recommend the best picture of the bunch.
• Video and Picture capture simultaneously – Like on the HTC One X, you can snap a picture while you’re recording a video.
• Self cam- and video shots – Girls who love cam whoring, you can now record a video with the front facing camera.

Of course, that is not all. There are many more cool features and functions that Samsung has included in this smartphone. Look out for them in my full review soon.

Samsung then announced that all 3 major telcos in the country will be offering packages for the device, and will start their Pre-Registration of Interest very soon.

Celcom, DiGi and Maxis will be offering plans for the SGS3 in Malaysia

Then, the Samsung Malaysia Electronics and Malaysian Telco executives got on stage for a photo op.

(From L-R) Mr. Charles Kim, Advisor of Mobile Phone Division, Samsung Malaysia Electronics; Mr. Kwon Jae Hoon, Managing Director, Samsung Malaysia Electronics; Mr. Zalman Aefendy, Chief Marketing Officer, Celcom Axiata; Mr. Vijaya Kumar, Head of Device, DiGi Telecommunications; and Mr. Lee Yen Ming, Senior Manager of Device Team, Maxis Communications, presenting the new Samsung GALAXY S III on stage.

After the Press Announcement, the guests were lead to the Experience Area to play around with the Samsung Galaxy S III.

Handling the Samsung Galaxy S III

The phone that understands you – guests testing out the notable S-Voice feature of the Samsung GALAXY S III.

I really like the Samsung Galaxy S III, it feels really light in my hand. It’s incredibly thin. The screen is gorgeous (as always with Samsung phones) and fits great in my hands.

Of course, there are a bunch of official accessories on display.

Official SGS3 accessories – Pebble Blue & Marble White phone cases, AllShare Cast Hub and Desktop Docking Station

After the Media Launch ended, yours truly was led to a secret room and emerged with…

*Image courtesy of VernonChan.com

Yes, I got a review unit of the yet unreleased Samsung Galaxy S III. Wait for my Unboxing blog post coming up next.

No official RRP (Recommended Retail Price) was announced though. However, rumours around the floor seem to indicate that it will be sold around RM 2,099.

No official availability date was announced as well. Again, rumours and Samsung executives indicated it will be available end of the month. So, look forward to seeing this on shelves come 31 May 2012.

For more information on the new Samsung GALAXY S III, please visit www.samsung.com/my or the SGS3 global microsite at  http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxys3/index.html or visit Samsung Mobile Malaysia Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/samsungmobilemalaysia.

Show Press Release

If you don’t already know, the Philips Air Fryer introduces a new technology of kitchen appliance convenient for people like me. I like deep fried food, but it’s way too unhealthy. The Air Fryer introduces a new way of frying your food, without the oil!!!

Philips Air Fryer overview

The Philips Air Fryer is about the size of bigger rice cooker. It sits nicely on your kitchen counter.

It’s so easy to navigate the appliance, you really don’t need to look at the manual.

Pull out the handle, pop in your food. There’s a dial at the top for the temperature, aother dial to set time. There’s a sticker on the appliance, in case you want to refer to it as a guide.  That’s it!

How does Philips Air Fryer work?

I am somewhat culinary challenged (proof here) although I have improved a lot in the last few years. But I’m still relatively lazy. I buy a lot of frozen food, or prefer to pop something in the microwave or pot and come back to it later to serve and eat.

Frozen dinners are unhealthy. I know. But I really like my fish fingers, nuggets, chicken wings and… fried chickin’. *drool*

We used to have a deep fryer in the kitchen. We used it so much, it got disgusting real quick  with the bowls of sitting oil in the fryer. Finally, one day, we broke it. It just wouldn’t work anymore. We didn’t replace it. The thought that we ate so much deep fried food that we broke the fryer scared us a little. Time to eat healthy.

Then, we heard about the Philips Air Fryer. The articles that we read online told us that you don’t need to use oil to deep fry. How is that possible? Well, apparently, it uses the oil inside the food itself to fry the food on the outside.

For example:-

• Chicken has oil in it already. So you basically just pop in raw or marinated chicken, turn the dials (to select the time and temperature) and the chicken will come out with crispy skin, just like how it would look if you put it in a deep fryer.
• To make chips (aka fries), cut up potato strips, sprinkle a little bit of oil on the potato, pop it in the Air Fryer and it’s your very own chips made without having to deep fry!!!

The Philips Air Fryer is now a permanent fixture in my kitchen.

Here, I pop in my favourite Ayamas Deep Fried Chicken Drummets – spicy batter and frozen.

Turn the dial at the top to set the temperature (in this case 180 degrees, as stated in the back of the packet) and the other dial above the handle (packet says 20 – 22 minutes). Now you can walk away and come back later when the fryer “dings”.

22 minutes or so later, the Air Fryer “dings” to tell you that the time is up.

Check out the delicious deep fried chicken drummets “air fried” without a single drop of oil.

You don’t have to be unhealthy like me to air-fry frozen food. The Philips Air Fryer comes with a recommended recipe book for you to cook other stuff, too. All (supposedly) deep fried food, cooked with no (or little) oil.

How does it really work? Like, you want to know how the technology work and all? Check out the Philips Air Fryer website here.

Yes, it’s true. There are recipes using the Philips Air Fryer to not only make your usual chips (or if you prefer to call it French Fries), you can also make other delicious stuff like quiche, prawns in blanket, and brownies too.

How much is it?

There was only a white version when I bought it. Today, there is a black coloured “limited edition” version on sale. Personally, the black looks way cooler. Sleek looking, black coloured kitchen appliance.

The Philips Air Fryer is retailing in Malaysia for the Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of RM 1,199. You should be able to find it in most electrical stores, like Harvey Norman, SenHeng, Best Denki, etc.

Although I do come across very different prices in different places. At Jasons Grocers, BSC earlier today, I saw it selling for RM 1,299. My younger brother informed me that the shops in SS2 is selling it (promo prices) at RM 999.

For more information, go check out the Philips Air Fryer website here.

If you already own the Philips Air Fryer, tell me if you share my enthusiasm for it. This kitchen appliance is a life-saver for me, man.

“FROG Chill on a BENCH Like a Human”

My colleague showed me this the other day. It made me laugh out loud. Literally. It’s just a video of a frog, chilling. Didn’t know a frog can sit like that.

“Hamster on a Piano”

I saw this on Ricky Gervais’ new TV show pilot, Derek. It was cute. Not something air normally watch or share, but I’m feeling light hearted lately.

Valeria Lukyanova – The Real-Life Barbie Doll

There’s a link going around about this 21 year old Ukranian girl who’s always dreamed of looking like a Barbie doll. So she went ahead with a bunch of surgeries and now she looks like this! Watch this video of her pictures.

Enjoy!!!

Those who have already *LIKED* my Facebook Page at Facebook.com/WinnieKepala would (probably) notice that I have recently updated my Cover Photo with a picture of my new Twitter handle necklace.

Lookie, lookie – I have a custom Twitter necklace with my Twitter handle @WinnieKepala (psst. Follow me on Twitter here)

Yes, I have been eye-ing to get my very own custom Twitter necklace since I read about the company, Survival of The Hippest. Ladies would be familiar with this style of necklaces, famously known as the “Carrie necklace” made famous by Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City.

I also had one like that in the late 80s, early 90s. It’s been so many years now and I can’t find a local shop that can custom such necklace anymore. Well, maybe there is, but I can’t be bothered to go hunt for one.

So, The Hippest (follow them on Twitter here) folks come to the rescue. They offer these custom Twitter necklace in silver (from USD$ 49.95) or gold (from USD$ 89.95). Other than Twitter necklaces, they also offer other accessories like anklets, keychains, bracelets, pins and tie clips.

*Image Source : Survival of the Hippest

After less than 10 days of confirming my order from the site (I’m so used to ordering stuff from US), I received the small parcel from them along with some Thank You note, brochures and my custom Twitter necklace!!!

I love the necklace so much, it’s almost my daily jewelry now. Thanks a billion to the folks at The Hippest. *grin* You like?