TechieLobang - News, Tips & Tricks

Sony Tablet P and S Get ICS Update in Singapore (Video)

Joe Teh — Thu, 31 May 2012 23:15:55 +0000

Received this email from Sony yesterday. Sorry for not updating fast enough. From 31st May, Sony Tablet users (Sony Tablet P or Sony Tablet S will get Android 4.0 (or Ice Cream Sandwich) update.

Here are some features in the update: -

Android version to support both phones and tablets
Panoramic camera mode
Updated gallery viewer with direct SD card access
Browser enhancements
‘Small Apps’ that allows a widget-like experience for a browser, calculator or remote control
Ability to launch the camera from the lock screen

Check out the video.

starcount, the Global Social Entertainment Platform, Launched in Singapore

Joe Teh — Thu, 31 May 2012 16:52:26 +0000

Just attended starcount launch event. It is a social media platform where you can see an extensive range of charts measured by the popularity through the social media platform. Today is just phase 1 of their plan. If you read the Press Release, they are planning even bigger events next year together with the Social Star Awards 2013.

At this moment, I feel that the website is a little buggy. Anyway, I suggest you take a look at the website. FYI, there are a total of 1.5 billion fans for starcount as of this writing.

The company is a registered in Singapore and currently has office in Singapore and London. The starcount website can be viewed in 3 languages (English, Russian and Chinese) and it populates its data via 11 social network: Facebook, Renren, Twitter, Tencent Weibo, Sina Weibo, YouTube, Youku, mixi, Vkontakte, Google+ and Orkut.

Here is how it populates its results:

Calculating the score is quite straightforward

We group each social media site into one of the following categories:

Social networks

Microblogs

Video sharing

We then count 2 measurements on each platform:

Popularity (P)

Engagement (E)

Then we apply a weighting to each network type, and network itself which reflects scale and reach and adjusts for the different behaviours and metrics.
The weighting is constantly revised and changes to reflect the dynamic nature of the data we measure. It also allows us to add new networks at any point. The weighting ratio is starcount’s secret ingredient so you can understand why we keep it under wraps!

To understand starcount, it is like a billboard where the most popular song will be on top of the chart. The difference now is that there are many chart that you can check out. And you can even customize your own chart.

Here are the chart lists you can find.

There are already plans for Phase 2 and 3. For phase 2, it should happen in September 2012. starcount is supported by many Singapore (and government linked) companies. Check them out in the PR.

Here is the Press Release

Show Press Release (1,748 More Words)

starcount launches the world’s first global social entertainment charts

Amplified through The Social Star Awards 2013 – the world’s first-ever multi-genre global awards show celebrating the biggest stars on social media – to be staged at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, and The Singapore Social – a 2 day international A-list multi-artist music extravaganza to be staged at Gardens by the Bay

Singapore – 31 May 2012 – All The Worlds Entertainment, along with its subsidiary Digitales, today announced the launch of starcount (www.starcount.com) – the world’s first and largest global, digital platform for social entertainment charts. starcount aims to provide the most extensive range of charts on the planet and be the definitive measure of social media popularity for fans, talent, media and brands alike.

starcount – the world’s global entertainment charts at your fingertips

starcount aggregates public information from the top 11 global social networks to showcase and celebrate the most unique and popular people in the world of social media across all genres. These networks are: Facebook, Renren, Twitter, Tencent Weibo, Sina Weibo, YouTube, Youku, mixi, Vkontakte, Google+ and Orkut. Supported by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and Interactive Digital Media Programme Office (IDMPO), starcount, with its proprietary data system, was developed to serve as the benchmark for popularity across geographies and cultures – the ultimate digital platform for discovering trends and rising stars in social entertainment.

Drew Thomson, co-CEO of All The Worlds Entertainment, said: “starcount is the first of its kind, a truly global measure of popularity. Not only are the starcount charts a unique, dynamic measure of popularity every day, starcount is the world’s first ‘discovery engine’ that constantly seeks to entertain through introducing you to popular worldwide social stars and the latest content that you would have never otherwise known about.”

Thomson adds: “Never before has it been possible to meaningfully compare stars across the spectrum of entertainment, until now. A starcount score will allow fans to uniquely compare stars’ global popularity. It also dynamically aggregates the social media activity of every person in the charts to give fans one place to keep up to date with the social buzz from around the world. In our view, no one else on the planet is able to chart global popularity across such a wide range of genres and people; for this reason, we can say that starcount is the global authority on social popularity.”

Andrew Khaw, Senior Director (Industry Development) of IDA said: “starcount is the first to combine entertainment ratings, the emerging influence of social media and the power of analytics to bring new insights related to the popularity of celebrities and brands. We are pleased that Digitales has chosen Singapore as the global hub for its innovative service. Leveraging on IDA’s Digital Marketplace Programme (DMP), Digitales has an ideal digital platform to reach new markets in Asia. Among other objectives, DMP aims to enable the management and monetisation of digital assets in and through Singapore.”

Regarding the global launch of starcount taking place in Singapore, Thien Kwee Eng, Executive Director, Lifestyle Programme Office, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) added: “starcount’s portal and analytics will allow global brands to gather insights on their Asian consumers, and more effectively build their Asian strategies from Singapore. We warmly welcome starcount’s service and setup in Singapore, and believe that Singapore’s pro-business environment, vibrant entertainment scene, and base of brand owners will help starcount tap into Asia’s growth opportunities.”

The Social Star Awards comes to Singapore

starcount is also very proud to present The Social Star Awards – a globally telecast event, which will be the most glamorous red carpet affair ever to be staged in Asia. This event will honour and reward the world’s biggest international superstars in social media from a plethora of categories ranging from music, movies, fashion, computer gaming, TV and sports.

The Social Star Awards is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) with founding partners Marina Bay Sands along with Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA). BBC Worldwide has been appointed as the distributor for The Social Star Awards and The Singapore Social. The inaugural Social Star Awards will take place on the 31^stof May 2013.

Paul Morrison, co-CEO of All The Worlds Entertainment said: “We will create a huge global media event weekend from Singapore attracting multi-genre A-list superstar talent, the entertainment industry and adoring fans from around the world. The show will be produced by the same team who created the pioneering F1 Rocks event in Singapore, who are also producing the London 2012 opening ceremony and who make The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows in the USA.”

Morrison added: “We’ve cherry picked the best talent in the world to create what we believe will pioneer the evolution of the awards show genre and throw a glamorous party the likes of which Singapore has never seen. The iconic and visually stunning Marina Bay Sands is the perfect location and founding partner for our show.”

“Social media is a borderless platform that connects celebrities and fans from around the world. Marina Bay Sands is proud to partner with All The Worlds Entertainment to bring the first ever Social Star Awards to Singapore. As Marina Bay Sands has become the venue of choice for many visiting celebrities, we feel that we provide a natural home for this inaugural event,” says Mark Juliano, Senior Vice President and CCO of Marina Bay Sands.

“We are excited that All The Worlds Entertainment is launching an innovative entertainment property from Singapore. In our efforts to actively refresh and create new products and experiences, the integration of traditional formats of entertainment with digital enablers pushes Singapore forward as Asia’s leading marketplace and lifestyle hub for unique and forward-thinking entertainment concepts,” says Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board.

The Singapore Social

starcount is all about “bringing social to live.” Hot on the heels of The Social Star Awards, starcount has also announced The Singapore Social, a 2-day music extravaganza hosted at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore on the 1^st and 2^nd of June 2013. The music festival will feature the top music stars of social media from around the world and will be streamed live on social media feeds and broadcast globally on TV.

“The Singapore Social at Gardens by the Bay is a wonderful opportunity to bring the world closer through nature, technology and music. As Singapore’s newest national garden, the Gardens by the Bay celebrates our cultural and natural heritage though carefully crafted gardens that combine intelligent and iconic infrastructure with an amazing array of tropical garden plants from the wealth of biodiversity from the tropical plant kingdom at our disposal.”

“We are therefore most happy to host South East Asia’s largest A-list multi-artist concert series bringing together the biggest music stars from around the world,” said Dr Kiat Tan, CEO of Gardens by the Bay.

-End-

About starcount

starcount is a unique and innovative social entertainment business made up of four elements:

www.starcount.com - Uniquely aggregating multi-genre social media to deliver a real-time score of celebrity and brands measuring popularity and fan engagement; and recognises, celebrates and charts the Superstars (and rising stars) of social media;
The Social Awards - The people’s choice awards show, which re-defines the award show genre, creating truly interactive A-list content;
starcount Live – Year-round events in key strategic locations championing the existing and emerging stars of social media across all genres. The first live event being The Singapore Social music event in June 2013;
starcount² – Unique global insights and measures for both consumers and brands across multiple genres and social media platforms. Aggregation of social media data and trends creates opportunities for content and analysis.

starcount is a Singapore based company with offices in Singapore and in London.

About All The Worlds Entertainment (ATWE Pte Ltd)

ATWE is a unique social entertainment business with the capability and skill sets to create and deliver world-leading social entertainment platforms. ATWE is pioneering the fusion of the main entertainment genres – music, sports, fashion, film, TV, gaming, and bringing together the digital and live environments to create unique properties across the world.

ATWE puts creativity at the centre of everything we do, from the development of our branded entertainment platforms through to the commercial structures we adopt with clients and partners. Peter Kenyon, the former CEO of both Manchester United FC and Chelsea FC is a Non-Executive Director of ATWE Pte Ltd.

ATWE is a Singapore-based company with offices in Singapore and in London.

About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA)
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is committed to growing Singapore into a dynamic global infocomm hub. IDA uses an integrated approach to developing infocommunications in Singapore. This involves nurturing a competitive telecoms market as well as a conducive business environment with programmes and schemes for both local and international companies. For more information, visit www.ida.gov.sg.

About the Singapore Tourism Board (STB)
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is a leading economic development agency in tourism, one of Singapore’s key service sectors. Known for partnership, innovation and excellence, STB champions tourism, making it a key economic driver for Singapore. The STB aims to differentiate and market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering a concentration of user-centric and enriching experiences through the “YourSingapore” brand. For more information, please visit www.stb.gov.sg or www.yoursingapore.com.

About Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd

Marina Bay Sands is the leading business, leisure and entertainment destination in Asia. It features large and flexible convention and exhibition facilities, 2,560 hotel rooms and suites, the rooftop Sands SkyPark, the best shopping mall in Asia, world-class celebrity chef restaurants and an outdoor event plaza. Its two theaters showcase a range of leading entertainment performances including world-renowned Broadway shows. Completing the line-up of attractions is the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands which plays host to permanent and marquee exhibitions. For more information, please visit www.marinabaysands.com.

About Gardens by the Bay

An integral part of Singapore’s “City in a Garden” vision, Gardens by the Bay spans a total of 101 hectares of prime land at the heart of Singapore’s new downtown – Marina Bay. Comprising three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central – Gardens by the Bay will be a showcase of horticulture and garden artistry that will bring the world of plants to Singapore and present Singapore to the World. Bay South, the largest at 54 hectares, will officially open on 29 June 2012.

Gardens by the Bay was started as a project by the National Parks Board. It has since grown to become an independent organisation responsible for developing and managing what will be Asia’s foremost garden destination.

For more information, visit www.gardensbythebay.org.sg.

Check Out this Double-side Touchscreen Transparent Android Smartphone (Video)

Joe Teh — Thu, 31 May 2012 08:01:31 +0000

If you have seen The Avengers, you might have noticed a number of equipments or devices that has semi-transparent touch screen. Of course, they are enhanced by graphics in the show. Nevertheless, it seems that we are a step closer to making them in reality.

Check out this prototype from NTT DOCOMO and Fujitsu. It has a long resolution (320×240) 2.4-inches double-sided touch screen. Each side can work independently, according to the video.

Of course, it is still a prototype and I can bet that no one will buy such a low res screen nowadays. I still prefer this smart window.

(source)

Corrosion on Titanium and Aluminum Makes Them Stronger (Video)

Joe Teh — Thu, 31 May 2012 06:20:53 +0000

Do you want to know how the tough exterior of some gadgets (like iPods and etc) is made. Well, this video is going to show you that in order to make them stronger, they need to be anodized (or make to corrode). Listen to the explanation. Interesting.

Check out how the dye can literally “eat” into the material and how the properties of the material change due to the anodizing process. Basically, the rust builds an oxide layer on the material and the colors differentiate the different thickness of the oxide.

(source)

Sony Introduces Durable and Water Resistant Xperia go and acro S (Video)

Joe Teh — Thu, 31 May 2012 00:57:23 +0000

Finally, Sony has done something different from the rest of the Android devices in the market. Introducing Xperia go and Xperia acro S. Xperia go has an IP67 rating while Xperia acro S has an IP55 and IP57. BTW, Xperia acro S has a 12 MPX camera and they are one of the coolest dust and water resistant smartphones around. They will be available in Q3 2012.

Check out the video of both devices.

Xperia acro S

Xperia go

And here are the specs.

If you are interested, check out the Press Release.

Show Press Release (680 More Words)

Introducing Xperia go and Xperia acro S – two new stylish, durable and water resistant smartphones from Sony

Stylish, sleek and durable smartphones made to resist life’s challenges without compromising on design or functionality
Easy connectivity and premium entertainment from Sony Entertainment Network anywhere, anytime
Reality Display for razor sharp clarity and fast capture camera to go from sleep to snap in just over a second

30 May, Singapore – Sony Mobile Communications today announced two new Xperia™ smartphones for consumers looking for premium specifications and beautiful design with extra durability and water resistance. Xperia go and Xperia acro S have scratch resistant mineral glass displays and meet industry standard IP ratings* (International Protection) for protection against dust and water immersion.

Xperia go and Xperia acro S enable easy connectivity to share and enjoy content on TV, smartphone, laptop or tablet. Xperia go and Xperia acro S will be available globally from the third quarter of 2012.

Consumer demand for durable and water resistant smartphones

Industry research demonstrates that consumers consider durability and water resistance as important features when purchasing a smartphone.

For example, a study conducted in Japan by Mobile Marketing Data Labo** highlighted water resistance in the top three most important features for smartphone buyers. In a recent poll*** on Sony Mobile’s Facebook community more than a third of participants stated durability as the most important feature when choosing a smartphone. Also, Xperia acro HD, which has the same durability and water resistance features as Xperia acro S, has been the best selling smartphone in Japan since its launch in March****, further demonstrating the appeal of durability and water resistance.

Xperia go – the stylish Sony smartphone made for extra durability

With Xperia go consumers can watch the latest movies and TV shows in razor sharp quality and with super fast performance. Its sleek and stylish design means durable and water resistant smartphones no longer have to look bulky and ruggedized.

Key features for Xperia go

3.5” Reality Display powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine gives razor sharp clarity
5MP fast capture camera goes from sleep to snap in just over a second
Scratch resistant mineral glass display with wet finger tracking
Highest level of dust and water resistance in a smartphone – IP67 Rating
1Ghz dual core processor gives consumers super fast performance
Launching on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradeable to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Available in black, white and yellow colours
Xperia go will launch in the US market under the name “Xperia advance”

Xperia acro S – The stylish water resistant HD smartphone

Xperia acro S boasts a 4.3” HD Reality Display for razor sharp clarity, full HD video recording, HD video chat and easy HDMI TV connectivity to enjoy content on the big screen. NFC enabled, Xperia acro S can easily open applications with one touch against an Xperia SmartTag.

Key features for Xperia acro S

4.3” 720p HD Reality Display powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine gives razor sharp clarity
12MP fast capture camera goes from sleep to snap in just over a second with a single key press
PlayStation™ Certified
Full 1080p HD video recording and 720p HD front camera
Scratch resistant mineral glass display with wet finger tracking
IP55 and IP57 Ratings for dust and water resistance
1.5 Ghz dual core processor gives consumers super fast performance
Launching on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Available in black, white and pink colours

*IP67 Rating = Protected against dust and the effects of immersion between 15 cm and 1 m for 30 minutes

IP55 Rating = Protected against dust-limited to ingress (no harmful deposits) and water projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) against enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects

IP57 Rating = Protected against dust-limited to ingress (no harmful deposits) and the effects of immersion between 15 cm and 1 m for 30 minutes

** Japanese research conducted by Mobile Marketing Data Labo (October 2011)

*** 33% stated durability as the most important feature when choosing a smartphone – based on a survey of 1,477 Facebook users through the global Sony Mobile Facebook fan page as of Friday 25 May 2012

**** According to data from ITmedia, Xperia acro HD (for NTT docomo) was the biggest seller across all smartphones for ten weeks between March and May 2012

Flipboard for Android Beta is Out, Get the APK Now

Joe Teh — Wed, 30 May 2012 22:36:34 +0000

Finally, the beautiful Flipboard is now on Android. For the benefit of those who have not heard about Flipboard, it is a magazine-like app that allows you to flip through beautiful pages of content.

You can also log in to your Facebook or Twitter account to flip through the content like a magazine. I particular like see the Facebook content on the Flipboard. To get the beta link to download this app, you will need to sign up for it.

Click Here to Sign Up for Flipboard beta

However, if you are like me, cannot wait 24hrs for the download link, click here to get the APK immediately. I do recommend to join the list as they will be updating everyone with their latest news. Have fun with it.

(source)

Singapore Gets Samsung GALAXY S III

Joe Teh — Wed, 30 May 2012 02:15:03 +0000

Remember the joint advertisement and the “show your interest” websites from the 3 Telcos in Singapore? Well, the day has come (29th May) for those who pre-ordered the Samsung GALAXY S III. Check out the crowd at M1 Paragon.

Here is a picture of the first few person that got their hand on the Samsung GALAXY S III.

Click Here to Know More about Samsung GALAXY S III

Is This Apple iPhone 5?

Joe Teh — Tue, 29 May 2012 18:55:27 +0000

I must say that based on the rumors, I must say that looking at the pictures of the parts that is supposed to be from the new iPhone (or iPhone 5), they look credible. Check out these pictures.

Of course, at this moment, no one can confirm anything. Apple has announced that their annual WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference) will be held on 11th June. But it seems to focus on Lion X than on any iPhone announcement. Of course, I do hope that they can mention more on iOS 6 which is might have Apple’s new maps with 3D function (based on some rumors).

Anyway, here is another picture that is showing the front part.

Some analyst did mention that the new iPhone or iPhone 5 might be out in September or October period. So, lets continue to quench our thirst with more leaks.

(source)

Nokia “Smoke by Windows Phone” Campaign in Singapore with Lumia 900 (Video)

Joe Teh — Tue, 29 May 2012 09:23:20 +0000

Check out the Nokia “Smoke by Windows Phone” campaign in Singapore. It is not something new. However, this time, they are using the latest Nokia Lumia 900 against the rest of the smartphones.

As usual, you should know the winner.

LG Introduces LG Optimus Max 3D Smartphone in Singapore

Joe Teh — Tue, 29 May 2012 06:36:04 +0000

LG Introduces the Optimus Max, a glasses free 3D phone. The phone is available at all StarHub and M1 stores at a recommended retail price of S$698. BTW, it will receive an upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich from Android 2.3 Gingerbread after the launch.

LG’S New Optimus Max Tops With Both 3d Features And Smartphone Performance

More Than Just Glasses-Free 3D, Optimus Max
Pushes the Boundaries of Power Features and Performance

SINGAPORE, May 29, 2012 – Following in the footsteps of last year’s glasses-free 3D smartphone, LG Electronics Singapore introduces the Optimus Max. With powerful 3D technology and sleeker design, the Optimus Max provides a complete 3D entertainment platform and marks a big leap forward in the ever-expanding 3D ecosystem.

“The LG Optimus Max will provide the maximised 3D mobile experiences for Singaporean users through its powerful performance and innovative 3D entertainment features,” said Mr. Scott Jung, Managing Director of LG Electronics Singapore. “Leveraging on LG’s global leadership in the 3D consumer electronics, the phone boasts the latest 3D innovations without compromising its performance as a powerful smartphone.”

LG Optimus Max is equipped with diverse innovations and offers users with advancements including:

■ True Performance Muscle with Latest Mobile Technologies
LG Optimus Max is a powerful smartphone in both 2D and 3D mode and a pleasure to view with LG’s exclusive brightened display. Its 3G network speed has been also improved to HSPA+ 21Mbps. One of its benefits is its automatic setting changes, which create predefined tags that are customized to certain modes such as car-mode, office-mode or sleep-mode. Depending on location, the predefined tags will automatically adjust various phone settings including Wi-Fi, bluetooth, GPS and sound volume.

Beyond its already innovative features, the public will see some of the future benefits that will be made available through a Maintenance Release or an application available on the LG SmartWorld (www.LGsmartworld.com). Additional features include:
- HD Converter to offer HD quality on a TV connected through MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), when transforming Open GL-based 2D games and applications to 3D and viewing Google Earth;
- Range Finder which calculates the distance between the camera and the subject as well as the dimensions of an object through triangulation;
- Out-focusing Shot which enhances camera quality beyond that of other smartphones through image processing using depth information.

- Icon Customizer which allows the creation of personalized icons. Images can be selected from the gallery and can be used as icons or shortcuts for a personalized look.

■ True 3D Entertainment Features with Improved 2D-3D Compatibility

Users can convert Google Earth, Google Maps and other road views into 3D using the enhanced 3D Converter. Furthermore, 3D photos and videos captured by the Optimus Max can also be viewed in a single-screen mode in 2D, using the 3D Hot Key mounted on the side of the phone to easily toggle between 2D and 3D. LG also plans to continue expanding video contents, applications and games optimized for the 3D Converter available from the 3D Zone at LG SmartWorld.

■ True Excellence in Design with Slimmer and Lighter Body

The LG Optimus Max’s premium design comes from LG’s commitment to fine details. LG focused on trimming the details of the design of the Optimus Max by keeping only the essentials and eliminating everything else. Measuring only 9.6 mm thin and weighing 148 grams, the lean body with metallic and rounded edges incorporates the best 3D features in addition to desirable 2D features. The Optimus Max includes unique 3D-style cubicle icons which users can customize with their own photos through the Icon Customizer.

The Optimus Max will receive an upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich from Android 2.3 Gingerbread after the launch. The phone is available at all StarHub and M1 stores at a recommended retail price of S$698.

Key Specifications:

Chipset: 1.2GHz Dual-Core processor (OMAP4430)
Display: 4.3-inch 3D WVGA Display with Gorilla Glass
Memory: 8GB Internal Storage, 1GB Internal Memory
Camera: 5MP Dual-lens
OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Battery: 1,520 mAh
Others: HSPA+ 21Mbps, HDMI connection 2D/3D TV/monitor up to 1080p via MHL, DNLA for wireless connection with TV/PC (3D video also supported)

# # #

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 93,000 people working in over 120 operations around the world. With 2011 global sales of KRW 54.3 trillion (USD 49 billion), LG comprises four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions. LG is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. For more information, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.

About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company

The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a leading global mobile communications and information company. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design capabilities, LG creates handsets that provide an optimized mobile experience to customers around the world. LG is pursuing convergence technology and mobile computing products, while continuing its leadership role in mobile communication with stylish designs and smart technology. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.