InfoHiway

SKK Mobile - A new entry to the Pinoy phone and tablet market

2013-05-18T20:29:00.000+08:00

SKK Mobile came to my attention last year when I saw people crowding a new kiosk at the SM Fairview Cyberzone. It drew my curiosity so I checked it out and found a brand name that is really new to me. They have nice looking phones that are very affordable but no Android ones.

Recently, I've been seeing new SKK Mobile kiosks in different malls and it got my attention again since now they're giving out a large glossy flyer showcasing their products ranging from simple bar phones to quad-core Android smartphones and tablets.

SKK Mobile will be an addition to the ever growing Pinoy phone and tablet market. I'll be featuring products of SKK Mobile on my future posts.

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Communication Accessories to Keep You at the Top of Your Game

2013-04-21T20:17:00.000+08:00

We all are aware that despite the constant and never-ending “smartification” of smartphones,
they still aren’t perfect. Some things can be awesome, magnificent and whatnot, but nothing
can be perfect in the utter sense of the word. Like it or not, there will always be some sort of a
communication need your smartphone won’t be able to address on its own, hence the need for
accessories, add-ons, apps or plug-ins.

Take for instance the following communication accessories:

Mobile repeater

Strange as it may seem, not all signal transmitters can reach your location at all times,
especially when you live far from the city, when your house or flat is located too far from a cell
phone base station or worse, when you’re always hanging out in a certain part of town where
there is constant signal shortage.

This signal shortage may also happen even when you’re in commercial areas due to saturation
of signal, shielding or shadow effect from other buildings. So when your business is located
in a particularly populous part of the city, crowded with other huge buildings that may cause
obstruction to wireless signal transmission, having a mobile repeater is a reliable way to make
up for the shortage.

Another way to extend your connectivity is to install a repeater in your own car, making sure
you are reachable at all times even while driving. You don’t have to worry about encountering
barred or choppy signal even when going to remote places.

GSM earpiece

With a flawless wireless connection made possible by your mobile repeater, the second gadget
you may want to add to your list to help make those awkward or top-secret conversations
possible is one that comes in a tiny package, in the form of a barely noticeable GSM earpiece.
This gadget can become very useful in cases when you may need to communicate with outside
help, especially in times of emergencies, and mobile phones are not necessarily allowed inside
the premises.

One situation where the GSM earpiece can come in handy is when you’re about to make a
public speech or enter into a debate competition. With the GSM earpiece, you can have your
coach on-hand, ready to give you instructions and needed information, making it easy for you
to instantly give snappy answers and reactions to your audience or opponent without having
to look at or sift through your notes, especially when having to go through them while already
on the spot is frowned upon.

You can even make use of this gadget while trading or negotiating a business deal, since it
makes it possible for you to receive information real-time from a trusted colleague.

Conclusion

To make sure your phone's signal doesn't malfunction on you in your time of need, equip
yourself and/or your partner with a mobile repeater while you keep your spy earpiece on
hand. Whether it be for practical, riskier and more complicated situations that you will use
these gadgets for, these are certainly ones that you can add to your checklist when it comes to
investments worth making.

About the Author:
Maricel is a blogger, freelance writer and online marketing professional specializing in web
content writing and business promotion through guest posting. You may follow her on
Twitter: @careermomonline.

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MyPhone A919i: a Quad-core HD smartphone [Price & Specs]

2013-04-18T21:32:00.001+08:00

It's been a while since MyPhone released a new phone model and now after months of anticipation, they have a new smartphone for the Pinoy Android market - the MyPhone A919i Duo.

The new MyPhone A919i Duo is a quad-core phone that will run Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean out of the box. It is powered by 1.2GHz quad-core MT6589 processor with 1GB of RAM. Other impressive features of this phone are the 5-inch HD IPS capacitive display and the 8MP autofocus camera with dual LED flash capable of 720p@30fps HD video recording.

The A919i Duo is the local version of India's Micromax A116 Canvas HD with an SRP of Php9,590.

MyPhone A919i Detailed Specs:

Dual SIM / Dual Standby
5-inch HD (720x1280) IPS capacitive display 294 pixel density
1.2GHz quad-core MT6589 processor Cortex A7
PowerVR SGX544 GPU
Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
1GB of RAM / 4GB of internal storage (microSD support up to 32GB)
8MP autofocus camera with dual LED flash with 720p@30fps HD video recording
2MP front camera
GPS with A-GPS support
Bluetooth v4.0 with A2DP
microUSB v2.0 / 3.5mm audio jack
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi hotspot
Multimedia player / FM radio
Dual-band GSM 900/1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
HSDPA 42Mbps / HSUPA 5.76Mbps
3G/HSPA (UMTS 2100)
Motion / Light / Proximity Sensor
Li-Ion 2,100mAh battery with talk time up to 5 hours
144 x 74 x 10.7mm (dimensions) / 156g (weight)

Starmobile Goal: "Smart, Swift, Seamless" [Price & Specs]

2013-04-18T20:33:00.001+08:00

Starmobile Goal is the new addition to the Android lineup of Starmobile. This phone is also known as the i-Style Q5 of i-Mobile Thailand and is exclusively available at Lazada.

The Starmobile Goal promises a "smart, swift and seamless" user experience with its rich features at a very affordable price of only Php5,990. Check out the detailed specs below to find out why. One caveat though is the lack of camera flash that may come in handy when taking pictures/videos in low light conditions.

Starmobile Goal Specifications:

Dual SIM / Dual Standby
1GHz MediaTek MT6577 dual-core processor
PowerVR SGX531 GPU
4.5-inch FWVGA (854x480) capacitive display with 5-point multitouch
Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
512MB RAM / 4GB of internal storage (microSD support up to 32GB)
8MP autofocus camera (No flash) with 720p HD video recording
VGA (0.3MP) front camera
WiFi / Bluetooth / GPS with A-GPS
microUSB v2.0 / 3.5mm audio jack
HSDPA 7.2Mbps / HSUPA 5.76Mbps
GSM 900/1800/1900 (Tri-band)
3G/HSPA (UMTS 850/2100)
Proximity / Gravity Sensor
Li-Ion 1,800mAh battery
131 x 66 x 10.5mm (dimension) / 72g (weight)

How to fix SMS auto-rotate of Cherry Mobile Flare for landscape texting

2013-03-30T13:05:00.001+08:00

In my Cherry Mobile Flare review, I mentioned that there's no landscape option for texting, but that was months ago. I was not able to update you guys that I was able to fix the SMS auto-rotate of Flare for landscape texting even without updating the firmware and it's actually very easy. This may seem a bit late but I hope this will be useful to those who have been longing for this feature.

Composing message in landscape mode using NumberPad Keyboard app

Your Cherry Mobile Flare should already be rooted in order to perform this update, if not then follow the steps in rooting your Flare. Titanium Backup should be installed on your phone, you may wanna backup existing messages first before doing this method. Make sure also that RotaLock is disabled on your Flare.

Steps to fix SMS auto-rotate of Cherry Mobile Flare

Download this MMS.APK file and copy it to your phone
Using Titanium Backup, uninstall the existing messaging app on your phone
Install the MMS.APK you downloaded

Use Titanium Backup to uninstall existing messaging app

Message viewing in landscape mode

Composing message in landscape mode using Android keyboard

That's all it takes to fix SMS auto-rotate of Cherry Mobile Flare and enjoy landscape texting!

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Cherry Mobile Flame 2.0 or Cherry Mobile Omega HD: Which one to choose?

2013-03-23T13:03:00.000+08:00

This summer, two great smartphones will be released in the Philippine market thanks to Cherry Mobile. The quad-core Cherry Mobile Flame 2.0 at Php6,999 price tag and the Cherry Mobile Omega HD at Php7,999. Both models are expected to be in full roll out in April. With very affordable price tags and great specs, it will be hard to decide which one to choose as soon as they come out.

Cherry Mobile Flame 2.0

Cherry Mobile Flame 2.0 is a big leap from Cherry Mobile Flame and enters the Pinoy Android scene with guns ablaze sporting a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm MSM8225Q Snapdragon S4 processor and 1GB of RAM. Being the first locally branded quad-core phone, it promises snappy response running your favorite apps and games. You'll definitely enjoy the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS at its full capacity because it doesn't skimp on RAM, 512MB is not enough as with previous releases. These are the main selling points of Flame 2.0 plus the price tag that could persuade one in getting this unit.

At first glance, the Cherry Mobile Flame 2.0 could be mistaken as an iPhone, although it looks more like the Cherry Mobile Flare. It's not surprising as both Cherry Mobile phones came from the same OEM family: the Flame 2.0 aka Karbonn S1 Titanium and the Flare aka Karbonn A9+.

Completing the notable features of Cherry Mobile Flame 2.0 are the 5MP autofocus main camera with LED flash, 4.5-inch QHD IPS display at 540 x 960 pixels and dual SIM capability. The downside of the Flame 2.0 is its low capacity battery of only 1,600mAh but don't fret out as it will come with a free Cherry Mobile power bank until May 31.

Cherry Mobile Flame 2.0 Specs:

Dual-SIM
1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm MSM8225Q Snapdragon S4 CPU
Adreno 203 GPU
Android Jelly Bean (version 4.1)
1GB RAM | 4GB internal storage
microSD card slot (up to 32GB)
4.5-inch IPS Capacitive Touchscreen qHD display (540 x 960 resolution)
5-megapixel rear camera with LED flash
VGA front camera
WiFi b/g/n, WiFi Hotspot, GPS, 3G, Bluetooth
1600mAh battery (free Cherry Mobile power bank until May 31)
Comes in Black or White

Cherry Mobile Omega HD

Now comes the Cherry Mobile Omega HD, which is basically way above the Cherry Mobile Omega when it comes to features, boasts a 5-inch IPS HD display that is scratch resistant thanks to its Dragontrail Glass protection. So even if you purposely scratch its screen with a knife or a key it will not leave any marks on the screen!

Another key feature of the Omega HD is its 12MP BSI autofocus camera with LED flash that can shoot 1080p HD video. Backside illumination (BSI) technology greatly improves image capture even at low-light conditions.

Also known as i-Mobile IQ6, the Cherry Mobile Omega HD is powered by 1GHz MT6577H dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM that smoothly runs the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system. Battery life should be good, thanks to its 2,100mAh battery.

Cherry Mobile Omega HD Specs:

Dual SIM
1GHz dual-core MT6577H CPU
PowerVR SGX531 GPU
Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean
1GB RAM
4GB Internal Storage, expandable up to 32GB via microSD
5-inch IPS Capacitive Touchscreen, 1280×720 resolution (HD)
Scratch-resistant Dragon Trail Glass Technology
12.0-megapixels rear-facing camera with BSI and LED Flash
2.0-megapixels front-facing camera with BSI
2,100 mAh battery
Comes in Black or White

The Cherry Mobile Omega HD is the direct competition of Starmobile Diamond but at a cheaper price tag.

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Starmobile Diamond: 5-inch Dual-core Android Jelly Bean (Price and Features)

2013-03-23T09:56:00.000+08:00

The Starmobile Diamond is the latest offering from the Happy Man. Just released a few days ago, it is officially priced at Php9,990 and will be Starmobile's latest flagship model in their growing Android smartphone lineup.

Starmobile Diamond runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean out of the box that will surely run smoothly because the unit is powered by a 1GHz MTK6577H dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM. What's impressive about the Diamond is its scratch resistant 5-inch IPS display protected by Dragontail Glass that can deliver HD graphics with its 1280 x 720 pixel resolution.

Of course, not to be left out is its 12MP main camera with LED flash and BSI that can capture beautiful photos plus its 3MP front camera with BSI as well. Oh, and let me add that it comes with a free 8GB microSD to store your precious apps and files.

BSI (Backside Illumination) is a type of digital image sensor that uses a novel arrangement of the imaging elements to increase the amount of light captured and thereby improve low-light performance.

Starmobile Diamond Specifications:

1GHz Dual-core MTK6577H Processor
Enhanced SGXS31 GPU
1GB RAM
4GB Internal Storage, expandable up to 32GB via microSD Card
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
5.0-inches IPS Capacitive Touchscreen with HD Resolution (1280 x 720 pixels)
Dragontrail Glass (Scratch Resistant)
12.0-megapixels rear-facing camera with LED Flash and BSI
3.0-megapixels front-facing camera with BSI
WiFi, WiFi Hotspot, 3G, Bluetooth, GPS with A-GPS Support
2,000mAh Battery

Get Cherry Mobile's Burst or Flare with Sun's Plan 350

2013-03-22T15:18:00.001+08:00

Twin brothers, Cherry Mobile Flare and Cherry Mobile Burst, are now available for just Php350 monthly plan with Sun Cellular's postpaid. One can now enjoy these awesome phones at very affordable package with options to suit your needs.

You may choose from the following Profiles:

Call & Text Unlimited
Get the following:
-Unlimited Calls & Texts*
-250 FREE SMS to other networks

Text Unlimited
Get the following:
-Unlimited Texts*
-P200 Consumable** (except International/Domestic Operator-assisted calls)
-250 FREE SMS to other networks

Fully Consumable
Get the following:
-P350 Consumable** (except International/Domestic Operator-assisted calls)
-250 FREE SMS to other networks

* Local Sun-to-Sun Calls and/or Texts only.
** Consumable may be used for the following:
Sun Cellular calls to other networks – including NDD & IDD
Sun - to - Sun MMS
SMS2Email

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Lenovo K900 - the first Intel Clover Trail+ powered phone

2013-03-10T10:09:00.000+08:00

The Lenovo K900 is the first phone to sport the new Intel Clover Trail+ (Atom Z2580) processor and boasts a 5.5-inch 1080HD panel. It is a great looking phone that packs a lot of power on its 6.9 mm thin stainless steel body making it durable. It is capable of Antutu scores of up to 25,000!

Lenovo K900 Specifications:

IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
5.5 inch 1080 x 1920 pixels, (~401 ppi pixel density)
Corning Gorilla Glass 2
Dual-core 2GHz Intel Atom Z2580
PowerVR SGX544 GPU
2 GB RAM
13 MP, autofocus, dual-LED flash
2MP secondary camera
Android OS, v4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual band, Wi-Fi hotspot
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 + 3G HSDPA

The K900 will be available by April in China and in select regional markets soon thereafter. Going by Lenovo's growth, countries like Indonesia, India, Philippines, and Vietnam and any country where Lenovo has strong brand presence will probably be the first markets to enjoy the phone.

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Top quad-core Android phones: When will they arrive in the Philippines?

2013-03-10T09:20:00.001+08:00

Each year, technology is getting better and a lot cheaper; and 2013 is the year for quad-core Android devices. Many of these devices were released (and soon to be released) on the first quarter of this year in the world's biggest phone market - China. Let's take a look at these top quad-core Android phones that I hope will be released locally.

Alcatel One Touch Idol X

Alcatel is TCL’s international brand under which it sells its phones. We know that TCL is the world's biggest television manufacturer and Alcatel is a high quality brand that offers great quality and affordability. The One Touch Idol X is a quad-core phone powered by 1.5GHz MT6589 processor and 2GB of RAM. It has a 5-inch 1080 HD display with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution that. It runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and sports a 13MP autofocus rear camera with LED flash.

ZTE Grand S

ZTE Grand S packs a lot of features despite its very thin body at only 6.9 mm. Under its hood is a quad-core1.7 GHz Snapdrgon CPU, 2GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage. It sports a 13MP autofocus camera with LED flash and 5-inch 1080 display at a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. At $480,it's a great hardware with thin design at a low price that comes with LTE. One sacrifice to make though is the battery as it is powered by non-removable Li-Ion 1780 mAh battery.

Huawei Ascend D2

Ascend D2 is Huawei's flagship model to date. It combines great features from different models and packed it into its 140 x 71 x 9.4 mm body. Huawei developed its own quad-core processor and slapped it in inside the Ascend D2 - the Huawei K3V2 that runs at 1.5Ghz. It has 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage rather than just 16GB. At the back is a 13MP, 4032 x 3224 pixels, autofocus camera with LED flash. The impressive 5-inch Corning Gorilla Glass display has a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. It is also dust and water resistant!

Oppo Find 5

The Oppo Find 5 is a handsome phone that has the right features. There is a Snapdragon S4 Pro (Qualcomm APQ8064) 1.5Ghz CPU, 2GB RAM and 13 mega-pixel Sony Exmor Pro rear autofocus camera with LED flash. The 5-inch display with 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution is protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass 2. The sound will not disappoint as it has Dolby Mobile sound enhancement for your listening pleasure.

Umi X2

The UMi X2 was one of the first MTK quad-core phones to be announced. The design may not be striking but it still packs the features of the other more expensive phones in this line up. Costing only $240 or Php9,800, it is run by 1.2 GHz MTK6589 quad-core processor from MediaTek, PowerVR SGX544 GPU and has 2GB of RAM. It has a 5-inch 1080 HD display and comes with 13MP shooter with LED flash.
One more feature to love on this phone is it offers dual-sim support.

iOcean X7

iOcean have been making affordable Android phones in China for years, but the brand only started making waves with the announcement of the iOcean X7. It is a fusion Oppo Find 5 and Umi X2. The X7 looks similar to the Oppo Find 5 with its angular design, while the hardware and features are exactly the same as the Umi X2. Quad-core MT6589, dual-sim, 5-inch 1080 HD display, 2GB RAM, 13 mega-pixel rear camera, and so on. What's good about it? The $160 price tag which is merely Php6,500!

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How To Change Boot Logo/Splash Image Of Your Android Phone

2013-03-03T13:04:00.000+08:00

In my previous article "How to change boot animation of Cherry Mobile Flare", I've shown you how to change the boot animation of your phone, and now I will show you how to customize the boot logo or splash image of your Android phone by following simple steps.

Preliminary steps:

Rooted phone. If your phone is not yet rooted, follow the steps here.
Download this TOOL and extract it to your computer.
Prepare your desired image to be used as the splash image using your favorite image editing program. I used Photoshop to create my image and set the size to 480 x 800 pixels since I am using Cherry Mobile Flare.
*The image size depends on the display resolution of your phone.
Boot your phone into Fastboot mode and connect it to your computer using its USB cable.
*To boot Cherry Mobile Flare into Fastboot: turn it off > hold down Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time until you see the green screen then release the buttons

Steps in changing boot logo of your Android phone:

Run the Android AIO Flasher
Click the Splash Image Maker tab
Set the following fields:
Conversion Method: ffmpeg
Resolution: (depends on your phone)
Click "Browse" and select the image you want to set as the splash image
Click "Convert"
Check "In Fastboot Mode?"
Click on "Flash the Spla$h" button
Click Ok, then Ok again
Go to the AIO Flasher Tab
Select "From Fastboot" under Reboot Menu
Click "Reboot" button
Wait for your phone to reboot and you should be able to see the boot logo / splash image you set

You may also want to check out How to change boot animation of Cherry Mobile Flare.

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Samsung Galaxy Grand I9080 - A 5" dual SIM Jelly Bean Smartphone

2013-02-24T11:45:00.000+08:00

Samsung Galaxy Grand I9080 is an attempt by Korean electronics giant Samsung to cater to every possible segment of the smartphone market priced at Php16,999. It is a 5 incher that measures 143.5 x 76.9 x 9.6mm that can hold decently well in your hand.

The Galaxy Grand features 8GB on-board storage and a 1.2 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 processor. The RAM is at 1 GB and runs on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

Samsung Galaxy Grand I9080 Specifications:

GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz | UMTS 850/900/1900/2100 MHz (SIM 1 only), HSDPA 21 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps
5" 16M-color WVGA (480 x 800 pixels) capacitive touchscreen
Dual-core ARM Cortex A9 1.2 GHz processor
Broadcomm VideoCore IV
1GB RAM | 8GB internal storage, microSD card slot
Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
8MP auto-focus camera with face detection, touch focus and image stabilization; Full HD (1080p) video recording at 30fps, LED flash, front facing camera, video-calls
Connectivity: Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 4.0+HS, MHL-enabled standard microUSB port, GPS receiver with A-GPS and GLONASS, 3.5mm audio jack, FM radio, USB-on-the-go
143.5 x 76.9 x 9.6 mm | 162 g
Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery
TouchWiz 5.0 Nature UX, DivX/XviD codec support, built-in accelerometer, multi-touch input, proximity sensor, gyroscope sensor

Cherry Mobile Thunder launching exclusively on Lazada

2013-02-08T06:21:00.002+08:00

Cherry Mobile Philippines announced on their Facebook page the release of a new smartphone that will be launched on February 9 exclusively through online store Lazada. Leaked specs of the Cherry Mobile Thunder were made available online (as well as specs of Cherry Mobile Burst and Cherry Mobile Titan TV).

Priced at only Php4999,Cherry Mobile is yet to post the official specs of the Thunder but basing from the leaked reports, here's a quick info about this new smartphone.

Cherry Mobile Thunder Specs:

1GHz Dual-core CPU
512MB RAM
4GB Internal Storage, expandable up to 32GB via MicroSD
4.5-inch FWVGA Screen
5.0-megapixel rear-facing camera
VGA front-facing camera
WiFi, WiFi Hotspot, Bluetooth, 3G, GPS
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

The specs of the Cherry Mobile Thunder is similar to the Cherry Mobile Flare, although with bigger screen. This could be another big seller from Cherry Mobile and to those who wanna get their hands on this new device, make sure to check Lazada on February 9 before initial stocks run out.

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How to change boot animation of Cherry Mobile Flare

2013-02-01T10:36:00.000+08:00

I've been getting questions on how to customize the theme, boot splash image and boot animation of Cherry Mobile Flare after I posted "My full review of Cherry Mobile Flare" and "How to root your Cherry Mobile Flare" articles. But due to work schedule, I can only accommodate certain requests and inquiries so now I'll be showing you an easy way to change the boot animation of this Android device. Watch the tutorial video at the bottom of this page.

Before proceeding, make sure you have root access to your phone, if not then head out to "How to root your Cherry Mobile Flare". Also, you will need a file manager app with root access like Root Explorer, FX File Explorer or ES File Explorer to name a few - I used the free FX File Explorer in this tutorial.

You will also need the boot animation of your choice, if you don't have one yet, checkout the boot animations available from androidbootanimation.com and copy it to your phone.

For steps on how to change the boot logo/splash image of your Android phone, click here.

Steps in customizing Cherry Mobile Flare's boot animation:

Using FX File Explorer, locate where you saved your boot animation file on your phone
Long press the file then choose Copy
Navigate to the directory "/data/local" then Paste
If there's an existing file named "bootanimation.zip", rename it for backup purposes
Reboot your phone to see changes

Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise Software – Which Side of the Fence Are You On? [Guest Post]

2013-01-28T10:33:00.000+08:00

Cloud computing may be one of the greatest innovations of the new millennium, coming on the heels of the Internet. Cloud computing allows businesses and individuals alike to remotely store their computing resources, both hardware and software, over a remote location to be delivered as a service. In essence, with cloud computing, an entity entrusts its hardware, software, data and services to a remote server.

If you aren’t already aware, some well-known cloud computing examples are Yahoo! Mail, Gmail, Facebook, Google+, among so many other things. All of your data can be accessed over the Internet, regardless of your location and device you’re accessing the data from. Now, wouldn’t it be cool if your work management software has the same capabilities?

Cloud computing vs. on-premise software

Cliché, I know, but nothing beats consumer power brought about by an informed decision. Knowing the pros and cons of both cloud-based and on-premise software can help you come up with the best software option for your business, project or activity.

Cloud computing

Pros:

• Runs in the cloud and can be accessed anywhere

Because it runs in the cloud and can be accessed wherever there’s Internet connection, you don’t have to be at your work desk to commence work, especially if it’s work that needs to be done outright.

• No IT and infrastructure costs

Being cloud-based, your organization does not have to provide for expenses associated with the purchase of servers and computer workstations.

• Immediate access to a whole slew of applications

As your data and applications can be accessed via the cloud, server uptime is generally faster, and depending on your software security protocol, you have immediate access to every application you’re cleared to access, like IT helpdesk, software management, Human Resources tool, office management solution, just to name a few.

• Lower upfront costs

Aside from not having to pay for computers and other related infrastructure, cloud-based software solution providers offer packages that would either be dependent on the number of users or the amount of bandwidth your entire business uses.

Cons:

• Possible downtime

Downtime doesn’t have to be caused by problems from the software provider’s end. It can also be because of degraded or interrupted Internet connection. Cloud-based software solutions require that you have a stable and reliable Internet connection for you to access your files and applications.

• Security issues

While software providers go to whatever lengths to ensure your data is secure, online criminals abound, and once your data is compromised, there’s no telling what damage that can do to your organization.

• Delayed or lack of support

Because your data and workflow process is entrusted to a third-party provider, immediate support may not be readily available, especially when you have most need of it.

• Data is stored outside the organization

With cloud storage, users relinquish full control over their data. While cloud-based solutions providers aren’t likely to compromise user data, knowing that your sensitive data is within business premises and controlled by somebody scrutinized and on-boarded by the company provides more peace of mind.

On-premise software

Pros:

• Runs on your servers

Knowing you have your data in-house is sure to give you a good night’s sleep. Your data is safe and isn’t exposed to unsavory online criminals.

• Increased customization and maximum control

An on-premise application solution allows you maximum control over your workflow processes. Changes can be implemented if and when warranted, especially if the software supports ultra-flexibility where changes can be made on-the-fly.

• Client-owned software license

Once you’ve paid for your software licenses, they’re yours to keep. If and when license costs arise afterwards, they are generally minimal.

• Internet connection is not be required

As long as you have a shared network drive that can be readily accessed by the right people in the organization, an Internet connectivity problem shouldn’t bring your operations to a screeching halt.

Cons:

• Larger initial investment

As opposed to the cloud-based software model, using on-premise software requires that you have enough user workstations and server bandwidth to support your business’ and/or project’s hardware needs.

• Hardware upgrade and maintenance

Top-of-the-line hardware today may need upgrade and maintenance tomorrow, hence, additional investment costs.

• In-house IT department required

Taking your business automation solutions on-premise require that you keep an able IT department to oversee all of your IT-related operations.

• Physical space for computers and other hardware

Because you have computers and other space-consuming infrastructure, naturally, there should be enough space in your company premises to safely house your hardware.

Final word

Now that you have the information you need to finally sit down and contemplate, whether you decide to go the cloud computing or on-premise route is something you (or your top thinkers) alone can decide upon. But whether you take your business automation system to the cloud or keep it in-house, remember to choose a workflow management software provider you can trust.

Author Bio:
Maricel Rivera is a freelance writer currently in collaboration with Comindware, a business solutions provider.

Starmobile Energy - 4" Android ICS with Mobile TV (Price, Specs, Availability)

2013-01-28T09:58:00.000+08:00

After Astra, Bright and Crystal, here comes Starmobile Energy. Looks like Starmobile skipped D when launching their new handset in their growing Android phone lineup. Anyway, this new smartphone runs on Ice Cream Sandwich OS with mobile TV feature. Great!

On the outside, the front is occupied mostly by the 4-inch capacitive display that has a WVGA resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, which is just right for its screen size. There is also a VGA camera in front that is useful for making video calls. At the back of the unit is an 8MP snapper, there's no indication though if it is equipped with flash.

Under the hood, the Starmobile Energy is powered by a single-core 1GHz processor and Adreno 200 GPU. It has 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage that is expandable up to 32GB via micro SD. To keep everything running is a big 2200mAh battery that promises around 9 hours of talk time.

Starmobile Energy specifications:

Dual SIM
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS
1 GHz Single-core Processor
512MB RAM / 4GB ROM
Adreno 200 GPU
4.0" TFT Capacitive Touchscreen (800 x 480 pixels)
8MP main camera + VGA front camera
3G 850/2100 MHz | 2G 900/1800 MHz
WIFI with WIFI Tethering
Bluetooth A2DP / Micro USB
Motion and Proximity Sensors
2200 mAh battery

The Starmobile Energy is now available in gray and white with a price of only Php5,690. It comes free with 4GB miscro SD card, screen protector and jelly case.

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Cherry Mobile Omega now officially out! (Price, Specs, Availability)

2013-01-26T10:10:00.001+08:00

After the long wait, Cherry Mobile Omega is now officially out and those who've been waiting for this smartphone's release maybe quite disappointed about its features. Priced at Php6,699 it is the most expensive unit in the ever growing Android lineup of Cherry Mobile to date but is still very affordable considering its specs.

As expected, the Cherry Mobile Omega runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean out of the box. But the 512MB RAM may not be sufficient to run Jelly Bean OS smoothly.

What's good is this handset is equipped with a 2300mAh battery that can powerful enough to last a day's use without recharging. Here's the detailed specs of Cherry Mobile Omega.

Cherry Mobile OMEGA full specifications:

SIM Slot: Dual SIM
OS: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
Processor : 1GHz Dual Core
Camera: 5MP (main); VGA (front)
Dimensions: 152.3 mm x 80 mm x 11 mm
Screen Type: Capacitive
Screen Size: 5.2 inches
Multitouch: 5 point
Internal Memory: ROM: 4GB; RAM: 512MB
Memory Expansion: microSD, up to 32GB
Battery Capacity: 2300mAH
FM Radio: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
USB Port: Yes, micro USB
Wi-Fi: Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
GPS: Yes
3G/HSDPA: Yes
GPRS/EDGE: Yes
Sensors: Accelerometer, Proximity, Light
Available Colors: Black, White
Suggested Retail Price (SRP): Php6,699

Cherry Mobile Cruize: Big Screen and Powerful Battery

2013-01-25T10:04:00.002+08:00

Cherry Mobile Cruize is the latest offering by Pinoy phone maker Cherry Mobile for the new year. If you're wondering what this new handset has to offer, I tell you two things: big screen and big battery. Priced at only Php4,499 will this be the next best value for money Pinoy Android phone? Can it surpass the monumental success of the Cherry Mobile Flare?

Let's take a look at the specs of the Cherry Mobile Cruize because at this price point, something has to give in. The main selling points of this phone are its large display at 5.2-inch with a WVGA resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and its high capacity battery rated at 2500mAh that promises to give juice to the phone for more than a day.

This smartphone runs on Android 4.0 ICS and is powered by a single-core 1GHz processor. Now, in the age of dual-core and quad-core smartphones, is there still a room for single-core smartphones? The answer will depend on how you'll use it.

If you're a gamer this is not for you, but if you'll use the handset for call, text, internet browsing, as a multimedia player, and as a digital organizer, then the Cherry Mobile Cruize might be the right phone for you specially if you're on a tight budget but wanted to have a capable phone for everyday use.

Cherry Mobile Cruize specs:

Dual SIM, dual-standby
5.2″ WVGA display @ 480 x 800 (179 ppi)
1GHz single-core processor
Android Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0.4)
512MB RAM
4GB internal storage (up to 32GB via microSD card)
5MP autofocus camera with LED flash (720p HD video)
VGA front-facing camera
3G/HSDPA
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 2.1
GPS with A-GPS Support
Li-Ion 2500mAh battery

The Cherry Mobile Cruize could also be the G'Five G95 as they have the same look and features except that the G95 has 8MP main camera and screen size of 5.3-inch. I'm not sure though if Cruize will also come in black which is more good looking than the white one.

Quad Core Android Phones for less than Php10,000? Jiayu G4, NEO N003 or HDC Galaxy S4

2013-01-19T02:06:00.001+08:00

Looks like the year 2013 will be the year of quad-core Android phones as we'll expect that once more quad-core chips are produced, more manufacturers will be implementing them in their upcoming phone models. Let's take a look at these three phones whose specs are impressive but costs only less than Php10,000: Jiayu G4, NEO N003 and HDC Galaxy S4.

Things that are common in this roundup are:

MT6589 Quad Core processor
IPS HD OGS (One Glass Solution) touchscreen
1GB of RAM
12MP-13MP main camera
2MP front camera
Dual SIM

OGS or One Glass Solution integrates ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) sensor on the backside of the cover glass, reducing the weight and thickness of touch panels dramatically. Such single-sheet glass is both a strong and safe, combining cover glass and a touch sensor.This not only reduces weight but also simplifies the materials and manufacturing process to decrease panel thickness and enhances light transmission.

Jiayu G4

Following the success of Jiayu G3, which was released last year, Jiayu released a new model that is the Jiayu G4. Its features are very impressive but price is still very affordable at just Php9,760 ($240) for the standard model.

This quad-core phone runs on Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean out of the box and has a 4.7-inch IPS HD OGS screen with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. It is powered by MediaTek's MT6589 quad-core processor at 1.2GHz speed and 1GB of RAM with an option for 2GB RAM.

Jiayu G4 Specifications:

Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean OS
1.2GHz MT6589 Quad Core processor
4GB ROM (32GB for flagship model) / 1GB RAM (2GB RAM for flagship model)
4.7inch Gorilla IPS HD OGS touchscreen (1280 x 720 pixels)
13MP rear camera + 2MP front camera
Li-on battery 1800mAh (3000mAh for flagship model)
GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz + WCDMA 850/2100MHz
Dimensions: 155.1mm x 64.3mm x 9.1mm (10mm for flagship model)
Weight: 162g

What's inside the box:

1 * Jiayu G4 Android phone
1 * Travel Charger
1 * Battery
1 * USB Data Cable
1 * Headset
1 * Manual

NEO N003

The Neo N003 will replace the N002 as their flagship phone. A large 5.3inch IPS HD OGS display will dominate the face of this phone, with resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. The 12 megapixel CMOS image sensor is located at the back.

Running on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (with update to Jelly Bean), it is powered by MediaTek's MT6589 quad-core processor clocked at 1.3GHz and 1GB of RAM with an internal storage of 8GB.

The NEO N003 has an impressive 3000mAh battery that promises to give juice to this phone for up to 300 hours and is priced at Php9,354 ($230).

NEO N003 Specifications:

Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean OS
1.2GHz MT6589 Quad Core processor
8GB ROM / 1GB RAM
5.3inch IPS HD OGS touchscreen (1280 x 720 pixels)
12MP rear camera + 2MP front camera
Li-on battery 3000mAh
GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz + WCDMA 850/2100MHz
Dimensions: 152.1mm x 77.3mm x 10.1mm
Weight: 184g

What's inside the box:

1 * NEO N003 Android phone
1 * Travel Charger
1 * Battery
1 * USB Data Cable
1 * Headset
1 * Manual

HDC Galaxy S4

The name of this phone may sound a combination of two popular brands but its specs is something to think about. The HDC Galaxy S4 sports a 5.0inch IPS HD OGS display and has a big 28000mAh battery to make sure that this phone will run for hours.

With all its features, the Php9,720 ($239) price tag of HDC Galaxy S4 is well worth it as it also comes with an extra battery.

NEO N003 Specifications:

Android 4.1.1 Ice Cream Sandwich OS
1.3GHz MT6589 Quad Core processor
8GB ROM / 1GB RAM (2GB optional)
5.0inch IPS HD OGS touchscreen (1280 x 720 pixels)
13MP rear camera + 2MP front camera
Li-on battery 2800mAh
GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz + WCDMA 850/2100MHz
Dimensions: 164.1mm x 64.3mm x 9.8mm
Weight: 172g

What's inside the box:

1 * HDC Galaxy S4 Android phone
1 * Travel Charger
2 * Batteries
1 * USB Data Cable
1 * Headset
1 * Manual

Prices quoted are from FastCardTech as of January 17, 2013.
Price conversion from Yahoo! Finance

O+ 8.9 Dual Core Smartphone with Air Shuffle is a 5 Incher

2013-01-18T21:56:00.000+08:00

O+ or O Plus, a US-based company, recently released in the Philippine phone market a 5-inch dual-core smartphone called the O+ 8.9 priced at Php8,995.

O+ 8.9 is quite huge and has a resemblance to Cherry Mobile Titan if not for the piano black finish, which is personally what I don't like on phones since it's smudge and finger print magnet.

This phone is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor with 512MB of RAM and 4GB ROM expandable up to 32GB via micro SD; and runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with support for a Jelly Bean update.

Like the Cherry Mobile Titan, the O+ 8.9 has a 5-inch IPS capacitive touchscreen with a WVGA resolution of 800 x 480 pixels which may seem stretched out considering the pixel density. It also has a 5MP rear camera with LED flash and VGA front camera that is useful for video calling apps like Skype since it's also 3G capable.

It has this feature called Air Shuffle which allows users to navigate through photos, radio stations, music, or take photos by just swiping your hand over its front camera.

O+ 8.9 Specifications:

Dual-core 1.0 GHz processor
512 MB RAM, 4 GB ROM up to 32 GB
5.0 MP rear camera with LED flash, VGA front camera
5.0" IPS capacitive touchscreen, 262K Colors, 480x800 resolution
WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n
Android 4.0 ICS with support to Jelly Bean update

Tutorial: How to Root your Cherry Mobile Flare

2013-01-15T14:09:00.000+08:00

After tinkering with your Cherry Mobile Flare, sooner or later you'll be needing to root your phone for whatever reason. And whether this is your first time or nth time to this process, you wanna make sure that it will not make your phone unusable.

This tutorial in rooting your Cherry Mobile Flare is meant to make the steps as simple and easy as possible that's why I also included a video showing you how I rooted my own unit. As always, make sure that you follow steps carefully and don't rush.

DISCLAIMER: Rooting can brick your phone and will also void its warranty. DO IT AT YOUR OWN RISK. I'm not responsible for any possible damage that may happen to your device.

I basically used the same procedures from my previous article on How to Root MyPhone A919 Duo.

How to change boot animation of Cherry Mobile Flare
How To Change Boot Logo/Splash Image Of Your Android Phone

Before Rooting:

Download to your computer this Root Tools zip file that contains PdaNet for Windows XP/Vista/7 and Root with Restore by Bin4ry> DOWNLOAD HERE
Unzip the file after download
For Windows 7/8/Vista, after unzipping, right click RunMe then click on Properties > click the Compatibility tab > check Compatibility and set it to Windows XP SP3 > Ok
Enable USB debugging on your phone. Go to Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging.
Don't connect your phone to the computer until you're told to do so.

Rooting your Cherry Mobile Flare:

On your PC, double click on PdaNetZ350 and continue with the installation until you see a pop-up message like the one below.

Select Others then click OK.
A warning message will appear saying that "Windows can't verify the publisher of this driver software." Click on "Install this driver software anyway"

PdaNet will now ask you to connect your device to the computer. Connect your phone to your computer via USB cable. Don't enable any modes like USB storage, etc.
Let the driver installation complete then finish.
On your PC again, double click on RunMe.

A command prompt window will pop-up. Press 1 and hit the Enter.

NOTE: If you want to UNROOT your Cherry Mobile Flare, follow step 6 onward until you reach this point but instead of typing 1, type x then hit enter and follow the instructions after that.

On your phone, tap “Restore my data”, this will reboot your phone, wait for your phone to be fully ready.
On your computer, the command prompt will require you to press any key to continue.
That's it! You've successfully rooted your Cherry Mobile Flare.

How to Root Cherry Mobile Video:

How to check if your phone is rooted:

Install this Root Checker App to your phone. Download Here
Run the app and tap on Check Now
It should show the status of the phone.

My Full Review of Cherry Mobile Flare

2013-01-13T03:55:00.002+08:00

Cherry Mobile Flare was released November of last year and it's so successful that until now, it's hard to find an available one in stores. I've spent a week now with this phone that I ordered from Lazada and this is my full review of this budget friendly but very capable unit.

Features and Performance

Flare is a dual SIM smartphone that runs on Android 4.0 ICS and has a nice clean interface. The 4-inch display is very nice even at different angles thanks to its IPS technology and 480 x 800 resolution. The unit is fast and has fluid response because of its 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor and 512MB of RAM.

It has the basic apps preinstalled, good thing is it has Google Play so it's easy to download and install a needed applications. I have not rooted unit yet, I just installed some apps and games for testing purposes.

Call and text features of the phone is ok although there's no landscape option when composing text messages but I like the easy option of sending either via SIM1 or SIM2.

Camera

Cherry Mobile Flare sports a 5MP autofocus rear camera with LED flash and a VGA front camera. Surprisingly, it can take very good photos specially on well-lit areas. Check the unedited sample photos (JPEG / 5MP) below taken using this phone, click the image to view it in full size.

There's not much to talk about the front camera so we'll just focus on the rear camera. Pictures captured at 5MP resolution has a dimension of 2592 x 1944 pixels. The picture size can be set to 5MP, 3MP, 2MP, 1MP, VGA and QVGA. There are 3 scene modes: auto, action and night; and you can also take photos in monochrome or sepia.

In terms of video recording, there are 4 video quality options: 480p (720 x 480), VGA (640 x 480), QVGA (320 x 240) and QCIF (176 x 144) which is mainly use for sending MMS. Check the sample video below, taken while I'm on a bus on a rainy morning. Video files are saved in 3gp format.

One more feature of the camera is to capture panoramic photos.

Multimedia

This phone can play 3gp and MP3 files. To watch MKV, FLV, AVI and MP4 videos, I installed MX Player that was able to play these file types without any problems even those with subtitles. The preinstalled music player app, though simple, is very good. The phone's speaker sound quality is clear although somewhat weak. I'm disappointed with the sound quality of the unit's headset as it is very weak and a bit clunky.

One thing lacking though is an FM Radio app so I had to download and install it. It's easy to enable FM radio on this phone, which I will feature soon.

Gaming

I'm not much into mobile gaming, I installed several games like Judge Dredd, Subway Surfers and Temple Run, for testing purposes. The phone was able to run these games without any lags, I have yet to try NBA 2K13.

Connectivity

WIFI on this phone is very good, I did not encounter problems connecting to available hotspots. I was able to browse fast and download some needed apps from Play Store. Connecting through 3G also worked ok. Sending and receiving files via Bluetooth has no issues; as well as moving and copying files from phone to pc and vice versa is a breeze.

Battery

Cherry Mobile Flare's battery is rated at 1500mAh, which may not be enough for a day's use specially for heavy users. For me, it's sufficient enough as my phone was able to last the day without recharging. I usually use it for 1 hour of WIFI browsing and downloading, 2 hours of listening to music via headset, 30 minutes of gaming, text messaging and some calls.

My Shopping Experience with Lazada

2013-01-12T12:10:00.000+08:00

Online shopping promises hassle free transactions that's why more and more Filipinos are trying it out. One of the online shopping portals in the Philippines is Lazada and let me share to you my experience with them.

I've been wanting to get a hold of Cherry Mobile Flare since November of last year but stocks were always sold out the moment they arrived in stores. Other sellers are marking its price up as high as Php5,000 from the original price of Php3,999. Since I don't have much time looking for Flare's availability, I decided to buy a MyPhone A919 instead.

But my experience with MyPhone A919 is very short since I lost it to a pick pocket just few days after rooting it. So in need of another phone, and low on budget, I decided to look for Flare again and fortunately when I checked at Lazada, it was in-stock so I immediately ordered one and have it delivered to my work address, COD (cash on delivery). Just after an hour, Flare was out of stock again.

I have not received any confirmation in my email that my order was successful so I called Lazada's hotline number (02)7958900 but all I got is "The number you dialed is not yet in service." I've been trying to call them for 2 days but to no avail. I also contacted them through their Contact Us page to follow up on my order but did not get immediate reply.

I've started to feel that something might be wrong so I decided to browse online regarding customers' experience with Lazada, and majority of the feedback are not good,

After 4 days though, the package arrived at the office delivered via 2GO. I was very delighted and immediately inspected the package and paid the delivery man. I asked him, "I thought it's through LBC?" and he said "We're the one who replaced them."

I was expecting that the unit will arrive in wrapped in bubble-wrap but it did not. But the package is in very good condition so I'm very happy with the outcome of my transaction with Lazada coz they kept heir promise of delivery within 5 days within Metro Manila. May I say though that Lazada should improve their customer service support and fix their hotline so that customers can actually get in touch with them real time.

If you enjoyed this article and wish to receive more great articles from me then don't forget to subscribe to my regular Email Updates to receive Latest Articles in your Mailbox. You can share your thoughts and insights by using the comment form below.

Top 10 Pinoy Android Smartphones of 2012

2013-01-05T15:58:00.002+08:00

We saw the rise of Pinoy Android smartphones during the last quarter of 2012. Smartphones are now available at very affordable prices thanks to local companies like MyPhone, Cherry Mobile, Starmobile and Cloudfone. Even the common Pinoys or the "masa" can now enjoy the latest in Android powered devices without the hefty price tag. This list of Top 10 Pinoy Android smartphones of 2012 includes phone models that are so hot they were the topics of blogs and online forums. Things considered are price, features, and performance.

I tried to make this list as concise as possible and if you ever have something to share, don't hesitate to post your comments below. Also, I created a poll and I hope you can participate in voting for your best Pinoy Android smartphone of 2012.

Which is your Top Pinoy Android Phone?

10. MyPhone A848i Duo (Php5,990)

MyPhone A848i Duo (which happens to be also known as the i-STYLE Q3 from Thai telecom company i-Mobile.) comes with a 4-inch WVGA 480 x 800 Capacitive display. It has a 1GHz MT6577 dual-core processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB ROM, 5MP autofocus camera with LED flash, 1,600mAh battery and runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

9. Cherry Mobile Blaze (Php6,500)

At first glance, this new unit will be mistaken as the Galaxy S3 as their design are strikingly similar. Powered by the popular MT6577 dual-core processor running at 1Ghz, the Cherry Mobile Blaze has 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage that runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS. It boasts a 4.7-inch capacitive display at 854x480 FWVGA resolution. Located at the back of the unit is an 8MP autofocus camera with LED flash capable of 720p HD video recording. But despite all these features specially the large screen, it only has 1,500mAh battery which means you need to keep the charger handy or have a backup battery.

8. Cloudfone Thrill 430x (Php7,777)

The Cloudfone Thrill 430x (also known as Innos D9) is equipped with a very nice display of 4.3-inch QHD (960 x 540 pixels) IPS capacitive screen, which is the original Sharp ASV full-angle screen. It is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8225 dual-core processor with 1.2GHz matched up with 768MB RAM and 4GB ROM. This phone has an 8MP main autofocus camera to the rear with dual LED flash while the front camera is 0.3MP and runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. But what sets Cloudfone Thrill 430x apart is its impressive 4,160mAh battery that Cloudfone claims is powerful enough to run the phone for up to three days of moderate use.

7. Starmobile Crystal (Php7,990)

This new Android ICS phone is powered by the popular dual-core 1GHz MT6577 processor and has 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. It has capacitive touchscreen with display resolution of 960 x 540 pixels (QHD). It also features an 8MP autofocus camera w/ LED flash and a 2MP front camera. The battery is a 1700mAh Li-Ion.

6. MyPhone A888 Duo (Php7,490)

The new MyPhone A888 Duo promises to "marry elegance with functionality." This new 3G Android phone comes with a 4.5-inch qHD (960 x 540 pixels) display resolution IPS capacitive screen but thickness is merely at 8.99mm. It has an 8MP rear autofocus camera with dual LED flash that can record 720p HD video while the front camera is also impressive at 1.3MP.

5. MyPhone A898 Duo (Php7,499)

The MyPhone A898 DUO is an upgrade of the MyPhone A878 DUO that was released last October. It features a 1.0 GHz dual-core MTK6577 processor by Media Tek with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of ROM (expandable up to 32GB via micro SD card). This phone has a front facing VGA camera for video calls and an auto-focus 5MP rear camera with dual LED flash that can also record 720p HD videos. It is run by Android 4.0 ICS and powered by a 1800 mAh battery. Connecting this phone to a bigger display via RCA connectors is possible thanks to its TV-out feature. It has a 4.3-inch IPS Capacitive Touchscreen WVGA display at 800x480 pixels resolution.

4. Starmobile Astra (Php6,990)

Starmobile Astra has a front facing VGA camera for video calls and an 8MP auto-focus with LED flash rear camera that can also record 720p HD videos. This phone features a 1.0 GHz dual-core MT6577 processor with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of ROM that is expandable up to 32GB via micro SD card slot. It is run by Android 4.0 ICS and powered by a 1500 mAh battery. One nice addition to this phone is its mobile TV feature so that you can enjoy watching your favorite shows on its 4.3-inch IPS Capacitive Touchscreen WVGA display at 800x480 pixels resolution while on the road.

3. Cherry Mobile Titan W500 (Php6,499)

Boasting a screen size of 5.0-inch Capacitive Touchscreen at 800x480 pixels, the Cherry Mobile Titan (W500) has the biggest display in this group. Priced at Php6,499, it features a 1.0 GHz dual-core MTK6577 processor by Media Tek with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of ROM (expandable up to 32GB via micro SD card). This phone has a front facing VGA camera for video calls and a 5MP auto-focus with LED flash rear camera that can also record 720p HD videos. It is run by Android 4.0 ICS and the big 2300 mAh battery will make sure that the phone has enough juice to power its large display.

2. MyPhone A919 Duo (Php7,990)

The MyPhone A919 Duo features a dual-core MT6577 processor from MediaTek, 512MB RAM, 4GB ROM, and boasts a whopping 5-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen at 16M colors with resolution of 480 x 854 pixels (196 ppi pixel density). It has an 8MP autofocus rear camera with dual LED flash that can record 720p HD or a 3264 x 2448 pixels image. It runs on Android 4.0 ICS and is powered by a Li-Ion 2,000 mAh battery.

1. Cherry Mobile Flare (Php3,999)

Read My Full Review of Cherry Mobile Flare

Aptly named "Ang dual-core ng bayan", and with a price of only Php3,999, the Cherry Mobile Flare is the most affordable dual-core Android smartphone in the Philippines. It is such a hit in the local market that it's hard to find available units and you have to wait long lines before you can get a hold of it. Flare features a 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8225 S4 processor with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of ROM (expandable up to 32GB via micro SD card). It has a 4.0-inch IPS Capacitive Touchscreen WVGA display at 800x480 pixels. This phone has a front facing VGA camera for video calls and a 5MP auto-focus with LED flash rear camera that can also record 720p HD videos. It is run by Android 4.0 ICS and powered by a 1500 mAh battery.

If you enjoyed this article and wish to receive more great articles from me then don't forget to subscribe to my regular Email Updates to receive Latest Articles in your Mailbox. You can share your thoughts and insights by using the comment form below.

Let's have some fun! Find the Easter Egg on your Android devices

2013-01-04T08:04:00.000+08:00

For those of you who don't know yet, there's an Easter Egg hidden in your Android device. Easter Egg is an intentional hidden message or feature in a computer program including Android operating systems. Each version of Android since Gingerbread (Android 2.3) has included an Easter Egg, which is always accessed in the same way.

The Easter Eggs in the latest versions are becoming more complex, with animations and interactivity. Each one is themed to fit with the Android version’s release name.

How to access Android’s Easter Eggs

To access the Easter egg in your version of Android, open the Settings screen and tap About phone or About tablet at the bottom of the screen.

Quickly tap the Android version number and the Easter Egg will appear. Look for “Firmware version” instead of “Android version” on Gingerbread.

Jelly Bean (Android 4.1)

Jelly Bean’s Easter Egg is a large, red jelly bean. Tap it with your finger and a face will appear.

If you long-press the jelly bean and an interactive jelly bean mini-game will appear. A cluster of jelly beans will float around the screen. You can move them around and swipe them off the screen with your finger.

Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0)

Ice Cream Sandwich’s Easter egg is a pixel-art Android wearing an ice cream sandwich.

Long-press the android and a swarm of androids wearing ice cream sandwiches will start flying across the screen.

Honeycomb (Android 3)

Honeycomb’s Easter Egg also includes art inspired by its code name – a honeybee, in this case. The honeybee is electric blue, in the style of Honeycomb’s other interface elements.

Gingerbread (Android 2.3)

Gingerbread’s Easter egg is a zombie-themed painting with a zombie gingerbread man.