Like it’s predecessor, it the S4 mini appears and is spec’d like a midranged Galaxy S4. It sports a 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display, a currently undisclosed dual-core processor running at 1.7GHz, 1.5GB RAM, an 8-megapixel rear-facing with a 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera and 8GB of internal storage.

The S4 mini will be available in two colors, White Frost and Black Mist, and will come in three variants: a 4G LTE model, 3G HSPA model, and 3G Dual SIM model.

No word on availablity but the 3G Dual Sim model is likely to be available in select markets only.

source Samsung Tomorrow

Samsung makes the Galaxy S4 Mini official originally appeared on the Daily Blend on May 30, 2013, 1:17 pm.

The 2013 16GB iPod Touch model retains the 4-inch Retina display, dual-core A5 processor, and front-facing FaceTime HD camera and drops the the 5-megapixels rear camera and the “loop” lanyard hook.

The lack of the rear camera might put off buyers and make them more inclined with the higher capacity models.  For budget concious consumers, the 2013 16GB iPod Touch is attractive as it’s priced at $229 - Php12,490 $229 via the Apple Store and is available in black and silver colors.

via The Verge source Apple PH Store

Apple introduces 5th Generation 16GB iPod Touch with no rear-facing camera originally appeared on the Daily Blend on May 30, 2013, 12:50 pm.

Plan 499: 65 hours 3G/4G/Smart LTE  usage with 24 months lock-in period

For Prepaid users, the iPad Mini will be available for:

• Php22,402 (16GB)
• Php27,723 (32GB)
• Php32,991 (64GB)

Smart iPad with Retina Display options

Plan 999: Unlimited 3G/4G/Smart LTE usage with 24 months lock-in period

Plan 499: 65 hours 3G/4G/Smart LTE  usage with 24 months lock-in period

For Prepaid users, the iPad Mini will be available for:

• Php30,437 (16GB)
• Php34,853 (32GB)
• Php39,962 (64GB)

Note:

• Prepaid subscriptions come with a free 3G/4G/SmartLTE Sim for the device made in cash or using a credit card.
• Plan 499 Anti Bill Shock Feature: Beyond the 65 hours, default charging is P10/30 minutes until you reach a maximum amount of P999 a month. Upon reaching P999, you will already be able to do unlimited surfing.

These deals are available in all Smart Communication stores and kiosks.  For more information just head to www.smart.com.ph/getmini.

Smart starts offerring 4th Gen iPad & iPad Mini with LTE originally appeared on the Daily Blend on May 20, 2013, 2:43 pm.

The company claims that customers “vastly prefer” the cloud-based subscription options over the stand-alone downloadable suites, and that they will cater not only to people who need the entire suite but also to those who need/prefer ala carte options.

On June 17th, subscribers of the Adobe Creative Cloud will receive updates on all their applications.  Even after the update, users will be able to run the programs offline, although there is a once a month need to verify your subscription with Adobe’s authentication servers..

While this move is in part due to the need to stem piracy for their products, Adobe’s subscription model is enticing to hobbyists and students who might need their software only for a set amount of time.

Pricing for the Creative Cloud subscription is $49.99 per month for the whole package and $19.99 per month (only till June, it hikes to $29.99 after said period) for individual applications. More info on the pricing page.

source The Verge, Adobe

Adobe Photoshop and Creative Suite becomes subscription only products originally appeared on the Daily Blend on May 6, 2013, 10:50 pm.

According to PhoneArena’s evleaks, the HTC M4 — it’s code derived from the M7 codename of the HTC One, will be equipped with a 4.3″ 720p display, dual-core processors, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, a 1,700mAh non-removable battery, and Android 4.2 Jellybean with HTC Sense 5.  Specwise, that might be a tad disappointing in terms of the resolution and the number of cores for the processor but one has to note that this is still just a midrange phone.

On the upside, the same report indicates that the UltraPixel camera will also be available for the M4 although it’s not yet certain of the same optics and sensor will be used.

source Phone Arena

Leaked info points to HTC M4, a midrange HTC One originally appeared on the Daily Blend on May 2, 2013, 12:26 am.

Christopher Nolan lends his hand to director Zack Snyder, both of commendable experience in the industry for the Dark Knight trilogy and 300. In this trailer we see a glimpse of the other actors like Russell Crowe as Superman’s father and Michael Shannon as General Zod.

From the get go it feels like a darker, more mature take on the Superman series.

Man of Steel [Official Trailer 3] originally appeared on the Daily Blend on April 17, 2013, 2:31 am.

According to sources by the Verge, Microsoft is currently testing builds of Windows 8.1, known as codename Windows Blue, that include an option to boot directly to the traditional desktop.  Supporting this claim are references to a “CanSuppressStartScreen” option in early builds of the Windows 8.1 registry were recently discovered by members of the My Digital Life forum.

Both sources indicate that there is currently no UI to enable this feature and it can currently only be accessed by tweaking the registry.

As of now, for users already on Windows 8, the only option of having your PC start straight into the desktop is by installing third party tools.

source My Digital Life forum, The Verge

Windows 8.1 will include boot to desktop option originally appeared on the Daily Blend on April 16, 2013, 11:24 pm.

Sony-supported ISP So-net has launched what’s being hailed as the world’s fastest commercially-provided home internet service: Nuro. Nuro’s fiber connection pulls down data at 2Gbps, and sends it up at 1Gbps. Aside from the seriously blazing internet speed, So-net also bundles in a modem with three Gigabit ethernet ports and supports 450Mbps over 802.11 a/b/g/n.

Interestingly, the only downside from a foreigner’s perspective aside from the two-year contract is the one time installation fee of 52,500 yen (roughly $540) as the whole service clocks in at just 4,980 yen ($51) per month.

Nuro is currently only available in Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Tokyo, Kanagawa or Saitama.

via Engadget, source So-net

So-net launches the world’s fastest commercial Fiber-to-Home internet in Japan originally appeared on the Daily Blend on April 16, 2013, 11:08 pm.

Enter the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3.

Though these phones share a common branding, they pack varying innards, putting the Galaxy Mega 5.8 behind with it’s 1.4GHz dual-core processor, a 5.8″ display with a relatively low 960 x 540-pixel resolution, 8GB of storage and an 8-megapixel camera. The higher spec’d Galaxy Mega 6.3 has 6.3″ HD display, an 8-megapixel camera, a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat and 8GB of onboard storage

Both phones have microSD slots to complement the smaller 8GB onboard storage and can support upto 64GB of additional storage. Out of the box, the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3 will run Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 GT-I9200 specs:
6.3-inch HD TFT LCD
Exynos 5250 Dual 1.7GHz dual core processor
1.5GB RAM
8MP autofocus rear camera
1.9MP front-facing camera
8/16GB internal storage
Expandable up to 64GB
DC-HSDPA 42Mbps, LTE 100Mbps
WiFi 802.11ac
NFC
IR Blaster
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS w/ A-GPS, GLONASS
3200mAh battery
Android 4.2
167.6 x 88 x 7.9mm
199g
Black & White

Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 GT-I9152 specs:
5.8-inch qHD (960×540) TFT display
1.4GHz dual-core processor
1.5GB RAM
8 megapixel rear camera
1.9 megapixel front-facing camera
8GB internal storage
Expandable up to 64GB
HSPA+ 21Mbps
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS w/ A-GPS, GLONASS
2600mAh battery
Android 4.2
162.6 x 82.4 x 9.0 mm
182g

No price indicated as of yet but initially, these phone will be available in Russia and Europe by May.

Samsung Introduces the GALAXY Mega

New GALAXY Mega offers the latest smartphone features with an extensive viewing experience.

SEOUL, Korea, April 11, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the Samsung GALAXY Mega, a device that combines the portability and convenience of a smartphone with the power, multitasking capabilities and extensive viewing experience of a tablet. The newest addition to the GALAXY family balances an optimal viewing experience on a 6.3-inch HD screen, yet is ultra-thin and portable enough to put into a pocket or hold in one hand. The GALAXY Mega offers a mix of popular smartphone and tablet features such as an effortless user experience, a split screen, multitasking between video and other apps and more.

“We are aware of a great potential in the bigger screen for extensive viewing multimedia, web browsing, and more,” said JK Shin, CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Business, Samsung Electronics. “We are excited to provide another choice to meet our consumers’ varying lifestyles, all while maintaining the high-quality features of the award-winning GALAXY series.”

Best of Both Worlds

The GALAXY Mega is an ideal choice for customers who want to get the most out of one device that brings great quality at an even greater value. With a 6.3-inch HD LCD screen with landscape mode support, the GALAXY Mega enables an exceptional widescreen view for various applications including web browsing, video, and SNS.

The GALAXY Mega is also light and thin for incredible portability and easy, convenient mobile phone use. Customers can stay connected with a variety of new phone features including:

· ‘Group Play’: Enables easy content sharing for up to 8 devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
· ‘Samsung WatchON’: Transforms into an IR remote controller for a richer TV experience. Connect the device to your home entertainment system, and it will provide program recommendations, schedules, and even remotely control your TV.
· ‘Samsung Link’: Easily streams photos, videos, notes, or music to your television, tablet or computer.
· ‘S Translator’: Say or text what you need translated into the GALAXY Mega, and it will provide instant translation, using text or voice translation on applications including email, and ChatON.
· ‘ChatON’: Share what’s on your screen with friends to stay more connected.

Productivity and Multimedia for the Multi-Tasker

GALAXY Mega users will accomplish more with the rich, interactive experience and increased usability of the widescreen mode. Split screen capability for a variety of applications including email, messages, ‘MyFiles,’ ‘S Memo,’ ‘S Planner’, and more, makes for increased efficiency. With the popular ‘Air View’ feature, customers can preview information in emails, photos in Gallery, and speed dial contacts.
The GALAXY Mega is equipped with an enhanced 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with a 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera, along with a variety of camera modes including ‘Drama Shot’ (merging continuous shots of a moving object), ‘Sound & Shot’ (captures 9 seconds of sound and voice together as the picture is taken to capture moments), ‘Rich tone,’ ‘Sports’ and more. The device also packs various newly-introduced features for endless entertainment, including:

· ‘S Travel’: Provides trip information, local guides and resources and more

· ‘Story Album’: Allows customers to create albums of daily events, keep special moments in one place using a timeline, geo-tag information and publish digital albums in hard copy
For users seeking the same great tablet features with even more portability, Samsung is introducing the GALAXY Mega 5.8. This more compact version features a 5.8-inch screen.

Both GALAXY Mega 6.3 and 5.8 run on the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean experience, and feature Dual Core Processor, spacious internal storage along with up to 64GB of expandable memory to store favorite apps, music, videos, photos and more. The devices’ advanced software also facilitates more efficient processor use for improved battery life, meaning users can enjoy longer talk time and multimedia use.

The GALAXY Mega will be available globally beginning May from Europe and Russia. The product availability varies by market and will be rolled out gradually.

Samsung announces Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3 Phablets originally appeared on the Daily Blend on April 11, 2013, 11:12 pm.

The phone in the video, the upcoming Sony Xperia SP (C530X) has a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller in it’s Xperia menu. Pair the Xperia SP with a PlayStation 3 controller and use DLNA to stream to a compatible TV and you’ve got yourself a gaming device (albeit much more expensive than the Ouya).

With this feature allowing all future Xperia phones to be competent gaming devices (so long as you can handle bringing a controller along), one has to wonder if Sony still has plans to expand on it’s forgotten PlayStation Phone line, the Xperia Play.

Sony adding native PlayStation 3 controller support to Xperia phones originally appeared on the Daily Blend on April 9, 2013, 4:17 pm.