Mobile Philippines: November 2007 Archives

Over the Years: Windows and OS X

November 30, 2007 2:29 AM | 6 Comments

With both Microsoft and Apple releasing new versions of their renowned OS systems, it nice to contemplate and look back at how these two pieces of software faired against each other through the years. Microsft Windows

Gizmodo recently feature a head-to-head comparison between Windows and the Mac OS across its various iterations, and while it seemed that Microsoft had the early edge with regards to the eye-candy user interface, it didn’t take long before the Mac OS edged out Windows in this particular category with OS X. Though Vista and Leopard may seem to be on equal ground once more with both operating systems offering superb graphic interfaces, function-wise, it is a completely different story which we’ll reserve for a different time, but for now, check out this head-to-head encounter between the two famed OS.

Personally, I value function more than aesthetics, but let's face it, in the real world, it's the eye-candy which lures more buyers than over all perforance. Just take a look at the Motorola RAZR2 V8, Bang & Olufsen products and countless others which have managed to attract cutomers despite features and performance that aren't up to par with its steep price or in line with its elegant and superb design. I guess it just goes to show, as with relationships, that people still tend to value looks over personality er functionality.

Samsung BlackJack Blues

November 29, 2007 3:17 AM | 3 Comments

Current Samsung BlackJack owners who are suddenly experiencing dropped calls or poor signal reception need not look further to seek out the root of their problems as the company has admitted that models manufactured between the months of November 2006 to February 2007 have been found to have design faults. Silent recall?

Gizmodo gets an official Q&A with officials from Samsung regarding this issue and they have laid out the process by which customers suffering from the said problems can have their units replaced. You can check the date of manufacturing by locating the identification sticker in the battery compartment. The lower right side of that sticker indicates the date in the year and month format respectively. Unfortunately, the Q&A only address the concerns of AT&T customers in the US, and those residing outside the US were not given instructions on how to have theirs replaced. Hopefully, the problem is limited to US customers only, but if you discover that you're one of those who unluckily purchased a unit manufactured during the dates mentioned above and expreiencing the said symptoms, then head on over to a Samsung service center because you've got more than enought reason to have yours replaced (or fixed, at the very least).

Windows Mobile SlideShow

November 28, 2007 2:08 AM | 5 Comments

Probably one of the most unutilized and least known features of Windows Vista is SlideShow. I never even heard of this feature until I discovered this latest bit of news regarding it, and according to the Windows SlideShow Team Blog, new inclusions in the Beta SDK are hinting on a possible Windows Mobile version. What is SlideShow really all about? From what I gather, it allows easy viewing of information on a secondary screen such as a remote control or digital frame regardless if your desktop or laptop is on, off, or in sleep mode. Pretty neat and handy, but the problem with the current state of SlideShow is that it requires compatible devices for it to work which quite frankly, isn't that many. So now, there’s a bit of a rumor going around that Windows is finally making some changes which might pave the way for SlideShow to be compatible with existing Windows Mobile devices. If I were those guys, I wouldn't even think twice and definitely make it work for Windows Mobile. After all, SlideShow is just rotting in a little corner on Vista without anyone giving a hoot about it so why not finally put it to some good use?

HTC Touch Dual: Best of Both Worlds

November 27, 2007 2:16 AM | 8 Comments

While looking deceptively like its early predecessor, the HTC Touch Dual cunningly hides a 12-key keyboard underneath its sliding main body. Unveiled to the local media last week, it still features the innovative TouchFlo interface and runs on Windows Mobile 6 Professional. It’s HSDPA, UMTS, GPRS and EDGE capable, but Wifi is sorely missing which could have provided users with a much faster and cheaper alternative to the aforementioned standards. A 2-megapixel camera is available for quick snapshots and secondary one likewise included for video calls.

The available of the Touch Dual adds another model to the fast rising number of multitouch devices in the market which the iPhone spearheads, but I doubt that this unit will make current Touch users switch easily to this new model as it has nothing really new to offer except for the slide-out keypad and actually diminishes its over-all functionality with the removal of Wi-Fi. On the other hand, those who have been turned off by the touch-only input method of the Touch will probably welcome this latest unit from HTC with open arms.

Too much Wi-Fi = Autism

November 26, 2007 2:30 AM | 2 Comments

Wifi not only gives you the net, but also autism?

Wi-fi hotspots nowadays are sprouting out of the woodwork like a virus outbreak. You can find it in restaurants, cafes, schools and even ordinary households providing users with that oh-so-sweet-cable-free internet. While more and more people are converting to this more convenient form of internet connection, Computer Weekly reported that a recent study published in the Australasian Journal of Clinical Environmental Medicine found that the electromagnetic radiation emitted from Wi-fi devices supposedly causes metals to be trapped in a person’s brain cells. According to researchers, this slows down clearance from the brain and accelerates the onset of autism symptoms. However, the World Health Organization has found no clear evidence that proves such claims and assures the public that there is no clear danger. If you might recall in the not so distant past, researchers also warned the public of cancer-causing radiation from mobile phones and up until now the debate goes on despite WHO saying there is no such evidence to prove the validity of that claim. I guess it will take an equal amount of time for the whole Wi-fi issue to be resolved as well, but hey, you can blame a person for being too careful now, can you?

Landline War goes Wireless

November 23, 2007 1:58 AM | 26 Comments

It looks like the local landline phone wars is headed towards the next phase as both PLDT and Bayan (formerly known as Bayantel) are now offering wireless landline services. Wireless landline and more

While both did not disclose much about the technology behind their respective new services, we know enough that at least the Bayan Span wireless landline allows you to send SMS to other Bayan Span users and connect to the internet via dial up albeit its inferior connection speed to the almost mainstream DSL.

PLDT's wireless service, Landline Plus, just limits you to regular phone calls and text capability. Though both services allow you wireless freedom to use your landline phone, the Bayan Span without a doubt offers you more services aside from the usual phone calls. So, is Bayan Span service a great deal? Well, not quite that great at the moment. Call quality is erratic and regular landline calls is still far much better, but I am optimistic that this will improve as the months go by and the technology develops. PLDT, on the other hand, being a late bloomer in the wireless landline department, might want offer more options rather than just regular phone calls if they want to out match Bayan considering that they do have an array of wireless service at their disposal. Keep an eye on both companies as I'm pretty sure this is just the beginning of a heated wireless showdown between the two.

miShare the Love

November 22, 2007 10:44 AM

One of the key features the Zune has is the ability to share content between other Zune users without the need for a PC. That was then, and with the arrival of the miShare, iPod users can now also do the same with their beloved Apple device. iPod content sharing minus the iTunes

The brainchild of a small start-up group based in New York, the miShare has two dock connectors at each end for you to connect two iPods for easy, hassle-free content sharing. Engadget has a hands-on review of this new gizmo and were quite satisfied with it though there is still room for improvement. The creators are really starting from scratch as their website isn’t fully up and running, and reviews on the miShare device itself isn’t widely available on the web. Skeptics will definitely think twice on the over-all worth and value of this device in real-world application, but I am optimistic with the direction of the miShare pending it goes into full production. I’m just hoping it gets a chance to see daylight in this part of the world as most of these new products usually get released in the US only.

iPod FW 1.2.2 disappearing act

November 21, 2007 1:24 AM | 4 Comments

Apple recently released a firmware update for the 5G and 5.5G iPod line which caused a bit of a stir due to reports that upon installing the latest update, the contents of their iPod were completely wiped out.
Is iTunes 7.5 the culprit?
The problem, as some suggest, is due to iTunes which should be version 7.5 when installing the 1.2.2 firmware update, but others refute this claim saying that they themselves, having used lower version of iTunes, were able to update their firmware without a hitch. Others, on the other hand, point the blame on Windows saying that if you’re not using Windows XP with SP 2, chances are you’ll face the same dilemma. While there are no concrete evidence pointing to one or the other as being the true culprit, we know this much: installing the 1.2.2 firmware update via iTunes 7.5 on a Windows XP with SP 2 machine will not result in any problems.

Where's the 1.2.2 update?

All settled then, right? Well, not quite. I am qualified to update my iPod’s firmware based on the criteria I mentioned above, but to my surprise, iTunes is not detecting the availability of a firmware update saying that my 1.2.1 firmware is the latest. Holy crap! What happened to 1.2.2? Did Apple suddenly decide to pull it out due to reports of it erasing content on updated iPods? Well, one things for sure, 1.2.2 has only become more controversial.

Louis Vuitton joins Tech industry

November 20, 2007 1:26 AM | 1 Comment

Probably serving more as a fashion accessory rather than a mobile storage wonder, the Louis Vuitton USB flash drive has luxury written all over it. Discerning buyers will have the option of getting either white or yellow gold with ostrich or alligator accents combination. It carries over its signature lock and key feture from its famed purse line, though I highly doubt if it will serve much of a security function for this device since the key is chained to the unit itself. It's got Louis Vuitton written all over it

It's got Louis Vuitton written all over it

Designers are also planning to integrate either an analog or digital watch on this elegant flash drive for a more functional non-computer related feature. Pricing for this uber luxurious gadget has not been released yet, but expect this to be more expensive than your average pint-sized flash drive. Storage capacity is expected to be 40 GB. I guess now high society has something to look forward in the tech industry.

Move over iTunes, RealPlayer Plus is here

November 19, 2007 1:49 AM | 1 Comment

All new and improved iPod compatible RealPlayer

After being the sole application that enables video content download and transfer to the iPod for a couple of years now, the days of iTunes monopolizing this capability are numbered with the release of the all new and improved RealPlayer. With the RealPlayer plus, you now have an alternative which gives you more choices as to which videos and movies you can download while incorporating the most important iPod-related feature of iTunes, the ability to transfer content. So why choose the RealPlayer over iTunes? For starters, if you’re looking into a more flexible application that can handle a variety of video formats, then the RealPlayer is hands down a winner in this category. Unfortunately, this version isn’t free and will cost you $ 39.99. With the depreciating dollar, this maybe a small amount to pay for a very versatile application, but as they say, if it ain’t broke, why fix it. So personally, I’m sticking with iTunes primarily because for me, it still gets the job done and it still doesn’t cost a penny, but I wouldn't be surprised if many will switch to this new contender.

Rip CDs on the Go

November 16, 2007 1:02 AM | 1 Comment

Kids these days are getting smarter and more resourceful as we speak, and there’s no better example than these Aussie college students who managed to bag themselves a handsome amount of cash for their invention: the Pyglet, a CD-ripping device that transfers music to mp3 players.

The young lads and their invention, the Pyglet

So what’s new about this? Well, this device does it all minus a computer for on-the-go ripping performance. Leave to a bunch of students to come up with a device that meets the needs of fellow students and ordinary folk as well: a hassle free solution that allows you to load music from your CD to your DAP. I bet music pirates all-over the world are smiling on this bit of news, but unfortunately, this product isn't commercially available (yet) as they are still fresh from the heels of sweet victory after winning first prize in a recent eChallenge event in Australia. Good jobs 'mate, keep up the good work!

Nokia N82: It's what cameras have become

November 15, 2007 1:06 AM | 10 Comments | No TrackBacks

Fresh from the launch of a new set of mobile phones, Nokia is at it again with the introduction of the N82.

Sporting a familiar design that of the N81 minus the slider functionality, the N82 takes imaging to the next level with its 5-megapixel camera, Carl Zeiss lens, Xenon flash and auto focus feature. Similar to the N95, it also comes with TV-out and a 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack for audio. GPRS, Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity are likewise available. This is, like most units nowadays, quad-band so you can almost use it in any part of the globe. However, HSDPA is limited to the 2100 MHz band so you won’t be able to use this feature in some countries. It comes with 100 MB of dynamic internal memory and supports microSD card for additional storage.

Basically, the N82 takes the best from the N81 and adds a little of the goodies found in the N95 to come up with a more decent looking and full-featured multimedia/imaging device. Stay tuned for the local launch of this baby soon. For more technical specifications, click here.

Genius releases Digital Photo Keychain

November 14, 2007 5:02 PM | 8 Comments

Genius released the DPF-101K (suggested retail price P990), the Digital Photo Keychain -- a picture viewer in the most mobile form of a keychain. You can download images from your PC and store up to 80 pictures. The DPF-101K can also be used as a calendar and clock. It features a manual or auto slide show of your stored photos, software that compresses all your files, display of real time and calendar and a time setup (on/off). You can view your images in its 1 inch color panel with a resolution of 96 x 64 pixels. The DPF-101K can easily be connected to your PC through a USB port. Weighing only 23 grams, and measuring L45.5 x W38 X H12.5, no album has ever been more portable. Genius products are exclusively distributed in the Philippines by MSI-ECS. For more information on Genius products, contact James Ong at 688-3740, email jong @ msi-ecs.com.ph, or visit www.msi-ecs.com.ph

Android Preview

November 14, 2007 1:03 AM

As promised, the Open Alliance has released the SDK for its Android platform. It’s a good thing it came with an emulator so as early as now, we can already have an idea of what this gPhone software looks like and if it’s worth waiting another 6 months. The guys at Gizmodo give a quick rundown of what’s included in the emulator and SDK, but you can actually check it out for yourself since the SDK is after all free of charge. Here's a ton of screenshots of what Android is all about.

So far, based on what we you'll see, it’s loaded with a lot of eye candy and seems like a pretty decent piece of software. However, the bigger hurdle Android will have to overcome is its real-world application. Will it be an easy-to-use and reliable OS that the people will embraced with open arms or will it be another good concept project that will go down in history as a dud? Only time will tell, but so far; Google, the Open Alliance and Android is on a pretty good start.

Wii-multi-Touch

November 13, 2007 1:27 AM

What to feel all Minority Report-ish and take control of your applications with just the tip of your fingers? Power for your fingers

This latest hack of the Wiimote allows you to do just that with some not so fancy tools for a little homegrown affordable modification. Probably the most expensive part of this trick is the infrared emitter which you will need to place near the infrared port of the Wiimote. Then, with the use of simple reflective tape on your finger tips, you’re finished! Pretty simple, don’t you think? You do need an application that allows your PC to recognize the Wiimote and its infrared camera as peripheral and makes it function with your programs. Once everything is good and set-up, you can now use your fingers like Tom Cruise for that multi-touch control of your screen without even touching it. Check out this video demo/tutorial at YouTube to learn how this simple yet effective hack works.

Breathing while Charging

November 12, 2007 1:51 AM

Everyone is becoming more environmentally conscious nowadays especially with how mother nature is biting us back in the butt for our wasteful ways, and energy conservation has never been more important than it is now. DIY breathing-powered USB charger

Doing their part as resourceful individuals, the guys at instructables are giving us a simple, if you can call it that, step-by-step guide on how to build your own USB charger that’s powered by your own breathing. Not your typical grade 2 DIY kit, it’s a little more technical than it looks, but once you get it running, you can breathe easily while charging a USB device as well. Unfortunately, it’s only estimated to churn out 5 volts, so I wouldn’t completely rely on this contraption to charge an iPod. But what the heck, you get the chance to unleash the mad scientist in you while creating a nifty charger at the same time that will definitely come in handy especially when there’s a power outage.

The Cat's out of the Bag

November 9, 2007 1:26 AM | 2 Comments

The latest version of Mac OS X, Leopard, has been unleashed last Oct. 26 and is now available in the Philippines for a very enticing price of P 7690. We got a first hand taste of how impressive this piece of software is and after spending a few minutes in complete awe of its new features, we were left in pure utter lust for it.

With over 300 new features, Leopard, by far is the best OS to come out for the Mac. Some of the new capabilities include the Cover Flow preview for all documents in Finder and Quick Look which gives you a full preview of the document without launching the main application associated with the document. iChat is further enhanced with the iChat Theater which allows you to share document previews and movies with your chatmate; and Screen Sharing that gives you the capability to take control of your chatmate's desktop.

Time Machine is breath-taking. The new automatic back-up system of Leopard provides a very intuitive and visual interface that allows users to easily restore deleted/moved documents to its original location via a timeline guide for easy navigation. This is far better than Microsoft’s System Restore feature.

I can go on and on with Leopards amazing set of features, but words can only do so much. I suggest you head on to your nearest Mac dealer to get a first hand experience on this latest OS, and be amazed for yourself. By the way, those who purchased a Mac with OS X Tiger not earlier than October 1, 2007 can get a Leopard upgrade for only P 527. Take that Vista!

Mini Vacuum Cleaner

November 8, 2007 1:57 AM | 3 Comments

We’ve seen USB flash drives, USB-powered fans and lights, and even some not-so-wholesome gadgets that easily plug in to a USB port. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, here is another USB device that might prove to be a bit more useful than all the rest albeit looking like it came straight out of a Barbie doll house set. Mini Hoover for your desktop

The USB-powered desktop vacuum cleaner provides you with a handy tool to sweep your desk and laptop clean of all those dirt that gets accumulated from daily use. Standing 8-inches tall and mimicking the features of a classic vacuum cleaner, it might not seem as durable and powerful as the full size cleaner, but it can’t sure make a fine Christmas present that can be put to good use and will more likely than not be an entertaining topic of discussion at the party as well. Via Pocket-Lint

Sony Ericsson K660i: Surf this way

November 7, 2007 1:27 AM | 6 Comments

Sony Ericsson has just announced it latest addition to its K-series of phones: the K660i. Sporting a familiar keypad layout reminiscent of other Sony Ericsson phones, it does come in a new and more vibrant colorful scheme, but what really sets this new handset apart is its new web-optimized features. Unlike traditional candybar phones, the K660i allows you to surf the web horizontally giving users a much bigger display to view internet content and provides a more similar experience to a traditional desktop though I still doubt if it comes even remotely close to what the iPhone offers. It also comes with internet shortcut keys, a 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth and music player with FM radio. It's set to come out in the 1^st quarter of 2008 which is just a month and a couple of weeks away.

Personally, I wish they'd come out with a completely new design because seriously, they're starting to look like clones of one another with minor differences, I can hardly tell them apart already. But hey, if it works and sells, who am I to complain now?

The Alliance is Here

November 6, 2007 1:10 AM | 1 Comment

Looks like Google is rounding up the troops for their latest venture into the mobile phone industry. The Open Handset Alliance currently has 34 members which include Nvidia, Intel, Motorola, Samsung, LG and HTC to name some, and one of their first joint projects and will be the core product of their group is Android, an open system for handset development which is built on Linux and will be made available via the Apache v2 license. Interestingly enough, mobile phone giants Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and Blackberry/RIM are not part of the group as well as Apple and Microsoft. November 12 is the set date for the release of the first version of the Android SDK. Handset availability from partner companies will be in the second half of 2008. That's a mighty long wait if I may say so myself. So for now, the gPhone is just an open-source platform until a handset model becomes available.

Insiders, however, are already hinting on a project headed by HTC code-named Dream as the first gPhone prototype that looks not-surprisingly enough like the iPhone. Of course, this is just another rumor for now until it’s officially unveiled during the 2^nd half of next year.

Pinoy Touch

November 5, 2007 1:09 AM

iPod Touch and iPhone users are gaining in number, and it looks like there’s no stopping the jailbreak-wagon anytime soon. With Apple setting February next year as the target date for their iPhone/Touch SDK release, developers are still having a field day in creating various unofficial applications for Steve’s hi-tech toys. Someone even developed local icons for Filipino Touch/iPhone users.

This is why I strongly back the idea of open-source or at the very least, the availability of SDK tools for developers. This will pave the way for more applications to be developed that will cater to everyone’s needs across the different regions all over the world. More people with technical skills will be allowed to create software that can address the needs of individuals within their location and not wait for someone from the other side of the globe to come out with a version that doesn’t quite exactly fit the bill.

Mobile Facebook

November 2, 2007 1:30 AM | 6 Comments

Facebook to go

Blackberry mobile phones get the Facebook treatment with an application that enables it to easily upload photos and receive messages and new notifications while you’re on the go. Onscreen icons greatly add to the whole experience making essentially every feature of Facebook available on your Blackberry. You can send invites and even accept friend requests on the fly eliminating your downtime from Facebook when a computer with an internet connection isn’t available. This free application can be downloaded from both Facebook and RIM, but data charges do apply when using it.

With the immense popularity of social networks such as Facebook and Friendster here in our country, this could be the start of a new trend that enables mobile devices as tools in keeping people connected to their accounts. Though there have been attempts in the past such as Friendster Mobile, the Facebook app for Blackberry phones is thus by far a more complete package for those totally hooked on the whole social network thing. An S60-compatible version for Friendster, MySpace or Facebook would be great, don’t you think?

Nokia N95 Media Kit

November 1, 2007 1:48 AM | 1 Comment

Reuters has entered into a long-term partnership with Nokia to develop new mobile reporting technologies, and one of the first fruits of their labor is the Nokia N95-based Mobile Journalism kit. Complete with camera via the 5-megapixel cam of the N95, tripod for stable shots, a Sony directional microphone, on the go power supply thanks to the Power Monkey’s solar-power Explorer charger, and a Bluetooth Nokia SU-8W portable keyboard, everything a journalist will ever need minus a full crew is included in this dream package.

The Nokia N95 is already an amazing device, but the peripherals that come with this kit adds great value to this mobile phone, not only in cost but more so in its use. Unfortunately, it’s still in the testing phase and I doubt if it will be available locally anytime soon, but hey, you can add this to your ever-growing list of things to look out for in 2008. I know I have.

November 2007 Archives