2012 v12n8 - THE SUMMER ISSUE by Gadgets Magazine

T HE

P H I LIPPINE S’

FIRS T

TECH

LIFES TYLE

MAGAZINE

HOW TO VACATIONPROOF YOUR GADGETS

Summer issue JENNYLYN MERCADO SIZZLES IN SPEEDO

SAMSUNG

SEA FORUM LG LM9600 CINEMA 3D SMART TV Full-array local dimming LED TV

SAMSUNG WB150F Capture life’s special moments as they happen

Super Sonic

SUMMER RIDES REVIEWED:

ALCATEL ONETOUCH Blaze Glory 918N ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime ASUS PA 238 ProArt Series • Avira Antivirus Premium 2012 • Bang & Olufsen Beosound 8 • LG Prada 3.0 Pentax Q • Samsung Galaxy S Advance • Samsung GT-S8600 Wave 3 Samsung Series 7 Chronos Samsung WB150F • Seagate GoFlex Satellite (500Gb) • Sony Alpha a35 • Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX55

editor’snote R

oad trips, airplane flights, sea crossings and even hiking are in the cards for most people in this hot month of April, starting

with a mass exodus out of the metropolis in the

Maribelle M. Alba

PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The quintessential gadgets girl who loves all things Mac, red and blingy.

first week for the Holy Week break. Going out of town to escape the heat and enjoy some rest and relaxation should not also mean that you be completely disconnected from your network of friends. In this issue we share with you the many gadgets and gizmos that can make traveling more comfortable, less stressful and more enjoyable. Top of the list is to have a great pair of headphones that can improve your listening pleasure while on the move. Then there are the many mobile phones, tablets, apps that can ease the boredom and monotony of waiting in the predeparture terminals. By following our recommendations for the best gadgets in the market today and by discovering new and creative ways to use your existing

Mika fernandez-david

ASST. PUBLISHER Loves family, food, photography, travel, gadgets, office equipment, notebooks & pens, the beach, cooking, foreign supermarkets, coffee, crazy friends and food trips in the guise of photoshoots. Not necessarily in that order.

John nieves

DIGITAL EDITOR All-around geek and gamer. Loves guns, plays airsoft every weekend and games with Battlefield 3 religiously. Has been called a noob approximately 1 million times.

PRESIDENT & CEO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

SALES MANAGER ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE SPECIAL PROJECTS STAFF PR & EVENTS STAFF

Maribelle Alba Mika Fernandez-David Amy Christine Giray Marisa Consuelo Carol Agabin Gerald Coloma MR Gavin Desinira Teh Jeffrey V. Suazo

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Tess Pascua ACCOUNTING STAFF Lorie Bernardo ADMINISTRATION STAFF Ramil Almojano Salvador Da, Jr.

LEGAL COUNSEL

Alba Law Office

GADGETS Magazine is published monthly by Great Minds Media Incorporated. Address all correspondence to 9-B Evening News Street, West Triangle, Quezon City. Our telephone numbers are 332-4004, 376-7356 and 514-8321. Our website is: www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph Our email addresses are: editors@gadgetsmagazine.com.ph; gadgetsmagazine@gmail.com All unsolicited manuscripts, illustrations and photos submitted must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope if they are to be returned. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Every care is taken to ensure that the content of Gadgets is fully accurate; however, the publisher and printer assume no responsibility for the effects arising therefrom. Gadgets Magazine is a registered trademark of Great Minds Media Incorporated.

Michelle Callanta-Toledo

Roni Callanta

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Resident MILF and monthly Beautylab guinea pig. Not to be influenced by pop culture, she remains true to her Multiply account and her Nokia N82, much to the chagrin of her colleagues.

CONTRIBUTOR Other than fashion, music, literary writing and pulling out 250k worth of Hermes and Gucci merchandise for work, she is obsessed with pop culture, glamour, 6-inch heels, smoky eyes and false lashes.

Presy Alba

MR Gavin

Benjamin Arnold

Christopher Kho

Patrick Jude Ilagan

PAOLO Toledo

gizmos, this summer will be super cool even if you find yourself in a heatwave.

Maribelle M. Alba PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITOR-AT-LARGE Websites, anything and everything Apple, Power Tools and unusual gadgets excite her. She also loves to travel, go on food trips, and try out all the new things.

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Since the last issue, he now oversees two artists rounding out his department into three people. His self description skills though haven’t improved.

WE ARE ALSO ON

ART DIRECTOR He is a shutterbug living in the vast jungles of Manila. When not working he is busy reading books, solving the mysteries of life and fighting zombies.

STYLIST/CONTRIBUTOR Sports and fashion may be a little impossible to mix, but our resident celeb stylist and sports savvy writer balances both perfectly. She’s the little girl in 5-inch heels on court.

CONTRIBUTOR He eats, sleeps and drinks racing, and will drive the tires off of just about anything with four wheels and a motor.

CONTRIBUTOR Husband and father to two beautiful ladies. Other roles include: Switch of The Mighty Miscellaneous, DJ Switchtrik, Advertising Creative, Sarisarisounds.com DJ, and an endorser for Team Manila x Daily Grind and UNSCHLD urbanwear.

www.facebook.com/GadgetsMagazine

Jon Uriarte www.twitter.com/GadgetsMagazine

www.youtube.com/GadgetsMagazineTV

APRIL 2012

STAFF WRITER Writer and beat-smith with a geek-like passion for music gear, hip hop culture, and lyricism. If he’s not on stage, he wouldn’t mind being locked in a studio for days on end.

STEVEN VEA

CONTRIBUTOR A writer and musician with a passion for the off-beat and overlooked. If he’s not capturing memories or sculpting sound, he’s out digging for vinyl and old books.

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Opportunities. Grab them all. ULTRA powerful. ULTRA portable. Larger Memory at 1TB HDD • No more waiting with Intel® Core i7 CPU • Thin and Light

Designed to go. Powered to perform.

Introducing Ultrabook™ - inspired by Intel®

ULTRA ASC Ref. No.: S019P031512S *1TB and DVD/CD player only available with 14” model up to 500GB available on 13” model. Appearance and features of the device may vary. © 2012 Samsung Electronics Phil. Corp. — ©2012 Ultrabook™ is a trademark of Intel® Corporation in the U.S. and or other countries.

contents

VOLUME 12 NUMBER 08 | APRIL 2012 ON THE COVER: Photographed by Erwin Barieta; Make-up by Leo de Castro of Make Up For Ever; Hair by Jayr Amador; Art Direction by Benjamin Arnold & Michelle Callanta-Toledo; Styling by MR Gavin; Swimsuits by Speedo; Shoes by Primadona; Shot on Location at Manila Ocean Park & Hotel H20

COVER STORY

SAMSUNG PUSHES THE BOUNDARIES OF THE FUTURE Samsung shares its strategy and showcases its new collection of products at 3rd South East Asia, Oceania and Taiwan Forum.

COVER STORY

62 4

APRIL 2012

photo feature

SUMMER SIREN

VACATIONPROOF YOUR GADGETS

We prepare you for your summer out-of-town trips as we give you in-depth advice on the different ways to protect and save your gadgets from the harmful elements.

A steaming Jennylyn Mercado ushers in the summer sun and the hottest gadgets available this scorching season. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

contents

technology Tech Parade

08 New tech finds

VOLUME 12 NUMBER 07 | MARCH 2012

Find out what’s new, as we showcase the latest gadgets in the market.

GadgetsLab

26 41

Tried & tested, just for you

47 48

We’ve tried and tested them ourselves. Here are our expert reviews.

GAMING

Mass Effect 3

This time around, the brothers of the god-machine have invaded the galaxy and need to be stopped.

9MM

Play the role of a loose-cannon cop out to serve his own brand of justice in this action shooter.

Snapshots

Mobility

Overlooked Landscapes

Veteran photographer Jesus Paul Yan shares with us his wisdom on landscape photography.

TABLETS

44 Traveling Light

Toyota serves new 2012 Innova The country’s best-selling commercial vehicle gets a slight makeover.

Ferrari & Maserati introduce new models & open Philippine dealership

Lifestyle LifeStyle Feature

50 52

The Nissan X-Trail CVT

53 Music

We let you in on an ultimate office and multimedia tool.

Establish your presence in the big leagues with this one.

The true definition of an off-road ride.

The All-new Honda Civic Take a look at what Honda’s first global car is packing this time around.

CD Reviews

ALBUMS BROKEN DOWN & REVIEWED

Hopie Spitshard gives us some Raw Gems; Filipino acoustic sisters Krissy & Erika capture our hearts in Twelve: Fifty-One; New band Hijo under MCA music puts out an EP;

70 76 78 80

45 46 6

FIND MY iPHONE/ FIND MY MAC

Learn how to Activate Find my iPhone/ Find my Mac on all your devices.

APPS

There’s an app for that

These apps are the perfect travel companion.

APRIL 2012

Setting up your ride with the right sound

A primer on what you need to know if you want to set up a kick-ass car audio system.

A pioneer of latin soul, musical legend Joe Bataan comes back to the Philippines for the Malasimbo music and arts festival.

From clothes and footwear to bags and accessories, we prepare you for the summer vacation with these stylish must-haves.

BeautyLab

Tanning Bed

There’s a summer alternative to getting that tan you’ve always wanted.

Home

Washing Machines

The gadgets that do the dirty work for you while you’re out enjoying the summer sun.

Yin & YAng

It’s all about directions

Achieve harmony and balance with these Feng Shui tips.

Events

86 89

Featured Artist

Joe Bataan: the Afro-Filipino

What’s life without style?

Bits & Bytes

LISTEN EVERYTHING APPLE

The luxurious Manila Ocean Park and all of its facilities could be your ideal summer escape this month.

Lifestyle Parade

Walk the walk with the 2011 Toyota Fortuner 2.7G.

The Nissan Teana 3.5L

A Getaway Amidst The City

Gadgets’ Good Blog Awards are coming up and we went to Cebu and Davao to meet bloggers; Skull Candy shows us some super “sick” headphones; Speedo unveils what it’s packing for spring and summer 2012; Unilab Active Health offers bigger events this year.

NewsBits & Bytes

UPDATES ON TECH NEWS

Check out what’s hot off the tech presses.

Buyer’s Guide

Looking for something in particular?

Getting a new gadget? Let us help you out.

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techparade

BE UP-TO-DATE ON THE FRESHEST GADGETS TO HIT THE MARKET

LG CINEMA 3D SMART TV HD TV

One of the things that annoy most people about 3D TVs is the bulky, dorky glasses required to use them. The new LG Cinema 3D Smart TV does away with bulky 3D active shutter glasses and replaces them with stylish, light and battery-free passive 3D glasses that really suck you into whatever 3D movie you are watching. The LG Cinema 3D Smart TV also comes with instant access to the hottest K-Pop content in 3D, so you’ll be able to truly feel the difference of the LG Cinema 3D Smart TV.

LG OPTIMUS L3 E400 SMARTPHONE

Being budget-conscious doesn’t mean that you can’t have stylish gadgets. Take the LG Optimus L3 E400 – it’s elegantly styled and looks fantastic, yet is still affordable enough that it won’t break the bank when you get it. It has all the trappings of an Android device – Android 2.3, an 800GHz processor and access to the Android marketplace – all contained in a smartphone that’s stylish and handy. It sports a 3.2-inch TFT display and connects to the internet via WiFi and 3G.

APRIL 2012

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techparade BE UP-TO-DATE ON THE FRESHEST GADGETS TO HIT THE MARKET

IXUS 125 HS

CANON EOS C300 & C300 PL VIDEO CAMCORDERS

These interchangeable-lens digital video camcorders from Canon unite outstanding imaging performance with mobility and expandability in order to meet the standards of today’s motion picture industry. The EOS C300 is equipped with an EF lens mount so that it can be used with Canon’s array of interchangeable lenses for EOS SLR cameras and the EF Cinema lens lineup. On the other hand, the C300 PL sports a PL lens mount to work with industrystandard PL lenses. Both models feature a super 35mm Canon CMOS sensor, a revolutionary Canon DIGIC DV III image processor, a 50 Mbps 4:2:2 codec, and a plethora of other features and controls that allow cinema quality movie capture.

IXUS 500 HS

CANON IXUS 125 HS & IXUS 500 HS DIGITAL CAMERAS

Socially active people will find a lot of use for the IXUS digital compact cameras from Canon. These stylishly slim devices are small enough to slip into a tight pocket but still pack a range of features for shooting in all types of environments. While the IXUS 125 HS shoots at 16.1-megapixels and the IXUS 500 HS at 10.1-megapixels, both are equipped with the DIGIC 5 image processor that makes them capable of generating low-noise high quality images with accurate colors in all types of lighting conditions. These two models are also capable of full HD video recording and include face detection technology, which allows users register the names and faces of up to 12 people so that the camera can adjust the auto-focus and auto-exposure specifically for them, while photos that include them can be easily searched.

CANON POWERSHOT G1X DIGITAL CAMERA

Combining simplicity and functionality, the Canon PowerShot G1X is the company’s most powerful fixed-lens point-and-shoot digital camera, adopting technologies from its high-end EOS models and featuring a 14.3-megapixel, 1.5-inch CMOS sensor. Its unique CMOS sensor is four times larger than those found in most compact cameras, making it capable of shooting images with higher resolutions. Capable of ISO speeds of up to 12,800 and equipped with a built-in 4x zoom 28mm lens, the G1X also packs a DIGIC 5 imaging processor that is the same one found on top-of-the-line Canon DSLRs. The camera also sports a flip-out adjustable monitor for maximum versatility when shooting, and an abundance of other features and controls on its ergonomically-designed body that make it the dream compact camera for photography enthusiasts.

APRIL 2012

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techparade

ACCUTONE

IN-EAR EARPHONES

AQUARIUS IN-EAR SERIES

BE UP-TO-DATE ON THE FRESHEST GADGETS TO HIT THE MARKET

Accutone combines aesthetics and acoustics with its Aquarius in-ear series headsets, making them perfect companions for your music player. With 6 vibrant colors to choose from, these earphones with noise-isolation come in a comfortable lightweight design sporting elegant curves and deliver an excellent balance of clarity and bass. It also features an ergonomic rotary volume control, a tangle-free cable, and comes with a leatherette zipper bag and 3 sizes of earbuds for the best possible fit. The Aquarius collection comes in white, orange, pink, lime, purple, and blue.

PHP 1,800

PISCES DIGITAL IN-EAR SERIES The Accutone Pisces Digital in-ear headsets with noise-isolation are perfect for smartphones, MP3 players and other personal audio devices. With 9.2mm speaker drivers, they are professionally tuned to enhance the spectrum details in highresolution music. The Digital series comes with a flat-cable design and is a certified “Made for iPhone and iPod” product with an in-line 3-buttons digital remote that can directly access your iOS device’s audio volume. It also has a callanswer/play button and comes with a magnetic leatherette bag and a selection of memory foam and silicon earbuds to give you the best fit. The Digital series can be purchased in black, white, and orange color designs.

PHP 4,900

PISCES STANDARD IN-EAR SERIES The Accutone Pisces Standard in-ear headsets with noise-isolation are perfect for smartphones, MP3 players and other personal audio devices. With 9.2mm speaker drivers, they are professionally tuned to enhance the spectrum details in highresolution music. The Standard version comes with a Dual-WearSpin-Cable design and an ergonomic rotary volume control for minute adjustments. It also includes a magnetic leatherette bag and a selection of memory foam and silicon earbuds to give you the best fit. The Standard series comes in a glossy black design.

PHP 3,900 www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

APRIL 2012

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HTC ONE V SMARTPHONE

We’d forgive you if you mistook HTC’s newest budget device, the One V, as one of its iconic devices, the Legend. Though it has the same lines, aluminum construction and iconic chin of the Legend, the One V isn’t a rehashed device. It’s powered by a single core 1GHz processor and sports Android 4.0 and Sense 4.0 right out of the bat, so you’ll be able to keep up with all the features and apps that other smartphones have. A 5-megapixel camera helps you capture what’s important to you and multiple connectivity options that include 3G and Wi-Fi lets you share your thoughts and content to the world.

HTC ONE X SMARTPHONE

HTC’s bringing out it’s A game with their quadcore smartphone offering, the One X. The Taiwanese manufacturer’s flagship device for 2012 uses NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 quadcore processor running at 1.5GHz with 1GB of DDR3 RAM to deliver blistering speeds when you need it. The device is encased in a polycarbonate body that holds an 8MP f/2.0 camera that’s equipped with HTC’s ImageChip technology that allows you to take shots even if you’re currently shooting HD video. That’s topped off with excellent sound quality via Beats Audio tech in the smartphone.

APRIL 2012

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techparade

BLAUPUNKT

HEADSETS & EARPHONES

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COMFORT 112 NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES ON-EAR HEADPHONES

The Comfort 112 on-ear headphones from Blaupunkt have active noise attenuation to eliminate outside noise interference while you’re listening to music, making them ideal for use on an airplane, train, or bus. The 40mm speakers with a frequency response of 15–23,000Hz and a sound pressure level of 102dB will pump deep bass, extended treble, and high fidelity into your ears during your travels. These headphones also come with a carrying box.

PHP 5,985

EASY 111 EARPHONES IN-EAR HEADSET

These charming little blue in-ear earphones are very lightweight, making them ideal for outdoor and casual use. Packing 10mm speakers, they’ll perfectly compliment your smartphone, MP3 player, or personal audio device and they’re easy to stow away in your pocket. Sporting a simple yet stylish design, these earbuds come with 3 different sizes of ear cushion so you can find the most comfortable fit.

PHP 475

SPORT 111 TALK EARPHONES HEADSET

These earphones from Blaupunkt not only provide great sound performance, they also give you a secure fit so you can use them during sports activities. A flexible ear clip system or neckband fit will make sure that they don’t fall off during your workout. The Sport 111 Talk earphones are equipped with 4 powerful speakers for an extremely precise and powerful sound reproduction, and it also has a built-in microphone for phone calls. These earphones also feature a unique 3D technology that allows the speakers to be rotated in 3 directions for added flexibility while further ensuring comfort for long hours of use.

PHP 2,995 www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

APRIL 2012

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PANASONIC LUMIX ZS20 DIGITAL CAMERA

When you absolutely need a powerful camera with meaty zoom capabilities that’s stylish and sleek, you shouldn’t look further than Panasonic’s Lumix ZS20. Equipped with a 20x optical zoom LEICA DC lens (24mm Ultra Wide Angle) that can reach out further than other cameras, the Lumix ZS20 is the best camera you can get if you fancy taking long distance shots. The Lumix ZS20 is also a powerful camera in its own right, and is equipped with a 14.1-megapixel sensor, GPS for easy geotagging, 3-inch touchscreen display and a multitude of other shooting modes.

PANASONIC LUMIX S2 DIGITAL CAMERA

The Panasonic Lumix S2 is a no-frills digital camera that comes with all the necessary features that you’d expect from a brand such as Panasonic. A 14.1-megapixel sensor gives the camera serious imaging teeth, while staying at a slim 21mm thickness for easy storage. The Lumix S2 can also take HD video (720p), which makes it a versatile tool for capturing special memories.

PANASONIC LUMIX SZ7 DIGITAL CAMERA

Tired of lugging your old bulky point and shoot around town? Then you might want to take a gander at the Panasonic Lumix SZ7 – a compact yet powerful digital camera that’s equipped with all bells and whistles you can ask for. A 14.1-megapixel sensor gives the Lumix SZ7 some serious imaging teeth, while a 10x optical zoom with a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIOELMAR lens lets you take pictures in astounding clarity. The 3-inch display helps you choose which shot stays and which one gets chucked out, while a multitude of shooting modes lets you unleash your creativity when inspiration hits.

APRIL 2012

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AUDIO-TECHNICA HEADPHONES

ATH-WS55

ATH-BB500

ATH-M50S/LE

The over-ear ATH-WS55 model from Audio-Technica is ideal for those who want great sound quality from headphones that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so rugged. It features a solid bass system with a new double air chamber in order to reproduce deeper and richer bass through its 40mm speaker drivers. Despite its not-so-bulky look, its ear pads are acoustically sealed to help minimize sound leakage. These cans are foldable and come in aluminum housing with an adjustable headband, making it the perfect lightweight companion for out-of-town trips where you still want remarkable sound quality.

The ATH-BB500 is a pair of street-style headphones built for extreme conditions. It makes use of an adjustable back-band, which is meant to go around the back of your head or neck, to keep your hairstyle in place and enhance comfort during long listening sessions. The slider enables convenient adjustment to fit any head size. Rocking newly developed 44mm speaker drivers and thick cables for added durability, these cans also feature drip proof textured ear pads that provide excellent acoustic sealing and stability for on-the-go usage. They are available in black and camouflage colors.

The ATH-M50s/LE closed-back dynamic headphones from Audio Technica are ideal for professional audio mixing and mastering due to its detail and accurate and flat reproduction of sound. To achieve this, they use proprietary 45mm large-aperture speaker drivers with neodymium magnet systems. These headphones also sport a collapsible design to help with portability and storage, a specially designed 6.3mm gold-plated wooden plug with the AudioTechnica 50th Anniversary logo, and cushioned ear cups to ensure comfort during long hours of use.

PHP 3,799

PHP 4,999

PHP 9,999

ATHPRO500MK2

ATHW3000ANV

The ATH-PRO500MK2 closed-back headphones are the ideal tool for professional DJs. It sports a shock resistant elastomer frame and a hand grip design for DJ play, as well as a folding design for compact storage and portability. The ear pads have a 50/90 degree swiveling capability that makes it ideal for the monitoring needs of DJs. Packing high performance 53mm speaker drivers, these headphones also sport a screw-on detachable 3.0m coiled cord, while 2 types of cables are included for different usages. Delivering a wide frequency response and the proper impedance needed for DJ use, music listeners of all types will surely enjoy these headphones as well, and they can be purchased in either red or black.

These beautifully designed closedback dynamic headphones from Audio-Technica are built for the most critical of audiophiles. It features a traditional Echizen lacquer-finished housing made from quality Hokkaido Asada Cherry hardwood, while its driver unit includes high magnetic Permedeur material to create a low distortion magnetic circuit. These cans deliver a delicate and detailed performance through its super high quality OFC-7N Bobbin-wound voice coil, while its large 53mm speaker drivers with a strong magnet enable a spectacular wide range reproduction of sound and a 5-42,000Hz frequency response. Its lightweight magnesium frame suppresses unnecessary vibration during use, while its madein-Spain lambskin ear pads guarantee the utmost comfort for long listening sessions.

PHP 10,999 16

APRIL 2012

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SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 10.1 TABLET

We knew that Samsung wouldn’t let the momentum of its phone/tablet hybrid, the Galaxy Note, fade away. That’s probably why the Korean company thought of releasing a full-sized tablet with their innovative S-pen, the Galaxy Note 10.1, to the public. The Galaxy Note 10.1 has almost all the features of the smaller, 5.3-inch device into a full sized, 10.1-inch tablet, which includes their patented and versatile S-pen. This particular tablet packs a 10.1-inch WXGA (1280×800) PLS TFT screen and comes with Android 4.0 on-board. The Galaxy Note 10.1 also has a myriad of productivity and picture editing apps bundled in so you’ll be able to make the most out of the S-pen which includes Adobe’s Photoshop Touch and Ideas.

SAMSUNG WAVE 3 SMARTPHONE

Samsung unleashes another sequel with the stylish Wave 3 smartphone. It comes with a 4” touchscreen, a refined brushed aluminum surface and a 9.9mm slim design to suit your modern lifestyle. You can always stay in-touch with your contacts wherever you are via OnChat, Samsung’s own global communication service. Its Bada 2.0 operating system allows users to launch various user friendly platforms for their mobile activities as well as other services including Samsung apps, Social Hub, Music Hub, and Gaming Hub, all of which keep you connected or entertained. Connectivity is further enhanced through its HSPA 14.4mbps capability that enables lightning fast downloads. At 126.9 x 64.0 x 9.9mm in size and 127g in weight, the Wave 3 packs a 1.4GHz processor and a 5-megapixel camera that is capable of shooting video in 720p HD.

APRIL 2012

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NOKIA ASHA 302 MOBILE PHONE

The Nokia Asha 302 straddles the line between a smartphone and a featurephone, delivering essential business features to customers who need to stretch their budget. It’s currently Nokia’s first Series 40 device that has support for Mail for Exchange, giving people access to their emails, contacts and calendar on an exchange server. The phone features a QWERTY keyboard and is powered by a 1GHz processor, and enables chatting through Whatsapp and other IM services.

PHP 5,290

NOKIA PUREVIEW 808 MOBILE PHONE

How many megapixels can you cram into a phone? 8? 12? In Nokia’s case, the magic number was 41. Meet the PureView 808 – a smartphone that packs a massive 41-megapixel camera into a frame that’s still comfortable to use and hold. The Finnish company has billed the Nokia PureView 808 as their imaging flagship device, and employs a technology called oversampling, which essentially uses 7 pixels worth of information to fill 1 pixel, which results in amazing image quality. Of course, the PureView 808 is still a phone, so it’s still decked out with all the usual implements that you’d expect from a device like it – single core, 1.3GHz processor, WiFi and 3G connectivity, 4-inch screen with Symbian Belle. 20

APRIL 2012

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DELL XPS 14Z NOTEBOOK

Why settle for an ultraportable that doesn’t have enough oomph to get you through your day? The Dell XPS 14z has everything you’ll ever want from a notebook—blisteringly fast performance via its Intel Core i5/i7 processor, large, 14-inch screen, discrete graphics via an NVIDIA GT 250M GPU—all in a chassis that’s only 23mm thick, and only as big 13-inch notebook. You’ll also be turning heads when you take it out of your bag, as the notebook is clothed in stylish, sturdy aluminium.

INTEL CORE I5 – PHP 65,150 INTEL CORE I7 – PHP 69,590

ECS BLACK X79 SERIES MOTHERBOARD

So you bought yourself a new Intel Sandy Bridge-E processor. Now what? Well, you can get a boring reference board for it, or you can buy something that’s truly deserving of that fine piece of silicon. ECS’ Black X79 series fits that particular bill, sporting four PCIe Gen 3 x16 slots for 4-way GPUs supporting NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireXTM graphics cards, allowing you to make a gaming station worthy of the gods themselves. The ECS Black X79 also supports quad-channel memory up to 64GB providing off-the-chart task processing speeds, and gives you the ability to overclock the memory frequency 2500MHz.

SAMSUNG WB150F CAMERA

Capable of shooting at 14.2 megapixels and HD movie recording (720/30p) through its 24mm wide-angle lens with 18x optical zoom, the Samsung WB150F also packs a lot of other features that makes it your perfect companion during out-of-town trips this summer. Equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, you can upload your photos and videos to social networks like Facebook and YouTube directly from the camera or send them through email. When used with cloudbased storage, you’ll never run out of space in your memory card and you’ll never lose valuable memories again. Also, you can use your phone as a remote viewfinder and control for the camera.

PHP 11,990

APRIL 2012

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techparade

OTTERBOX

PROTECTIVE CASE

DEFENDER SERIES

The Commuter series is the most stylish of the OtterBox products with a smooth finish that allows it to be easily slipped in and out of pockets. It’s a slim and tough protective case with a custom molded polycarbonate shell and a durable silicone mid-layer. This provides added protection against scratches, bumps, and shock, while the included silicon plugs keep out dust and dirt. Like the others in the series, it also sports a self adhering clear protective film to protect your device’s screen, while its design allows access to all of your gadget’s side buttons. Different OtterBox cases are made to fit the most current gadgets in the market, and so the company keeps its products ready for whatever is out there.

The Defender series is the most rugged of the OtterBox products, providing the most serious protection. These cases are made of a clear protective membrane, a high-impact polycarbonate shell interior, and a durable silicone exterior that provide protection against scratches, dust, bumps, drops, and shock for your handheld devices. The clear protective membrane that’s built into the case keeps your screen shielded, while the high-impact polycarbonate shell interior ensures there will be no damage done when you drop your gadget. The durable silicone outer layer keeps out dust and dirt, while the included belt clip holster also doubles as a media viewing stand.

IMPACT SERIES

REFLEX SERIES

The Impact series is the most simple of the OtterBox products. It features compression molded silicon with an inner coring that dispels shock and creates added protection against scratches and bumps. It also has a self adhering clear protective film for the protection of your device’s screen and its outer layer is made of sturdy silicone. The casing provides access to the charging port, headphone jack, camera, and other side buttons of your gadget.

The Reflex series is the most adaptive of the OtterBox products providing innovative drop protection that’s inspired by the crumple zone of a car. It integrates polycarbonate and rubber to create maximum protection in the slimmest fitting form. It surrounds your device with a cushion of air that causes the case to flex upon impact and then return to its original form, providing fantastic shock dispersion. It also packs a self-adhering clear protective film for your gadget’s screen and the entire case can be easily snapped off when you want to dock your device due to the case’s two-piece configuration.

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COMMUTER SERIES

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NEO VIVID NETBOOK

The Vivid series of netbooks from NEO are ideal for those looking for a portable solution to their work needs. These netbooks are powered by the latest Intel Atom Processor N2600, have 2GB of RAM, and have 500GB of storage space. With dimensions of 266 x 185 x 19.7mm and a weight of 1.08 kg, it’s a lot smaller than regular sized laptops, making it easy to lug around in your bag. It features a 10.1-inch LED display and includes 3 USB ports, a webcam, Bluetooth 3.0, and an HDMI port for use with other multimedia devices. The Vivid series comes equipped with Windows 7 Starter and boasts up to 8 hours of battery life.

PHP 15,990

WESTERN DIGITAL MY BOOK LIVE DUO 4TB EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE

The Western Digital My Book Live Duo 4TB is your ultimate storage solution. It provides dual-drive shared storage on your network that’s wirelessly accessible from connected devices such as tablets, computers, and smartphones. It allows users to create their own personal cloud for storing their data, which can then be accessed securely and remotely over the internet without having to pay monthly fees. It also features double-safe backup with RAID 1 technology, which makes a second copy of all your files on the other drive to ensure that you never lose your files when one of the drives fail. At 6.2 x 3.9 x 6.5 inches in size, 4.7 lbs in weight, and a whopping 4 TB of hard drive space, the unit boasts low power consumption and quiet, cool operation. The My Book Live Duo gives you automatic wireless backup for all of your computers, and it also comes with a built in media server making it capable of streaming music, movies, and photos to any DNLA-certified multimedia device such as Blu-Ray Disc players and WD TV Live network media players. Packed with an 800 MHz CPU for maximum performance when it comes to powering applications, it’s also been designed around the Ethernet chip technology to deliver the best read speeds that are faster than traditional USB 2.0 drives. 24

APRIL 2012

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SKULLCANDY

HEADPHONES & EARPHONES

SMOKIN’ BUDS SERIES

PHP 995

ROCNATION AVIATOR The Rocnation Aviator over-ear headphones deliver platinum sound performance through its 40mm Mylar speaker drivers. They feature a very eye-catching classy design with the ear pads somewhat resembling aviator sunglasses due its shape and premium, slightly transparent polished surface. Its build is composed of stainless steel, aluminum, and a polycarbonate speaker housing, while providing an ideal contour fit and travel design. The Rocnation Aviators can be had in an elegant black, white, or brown gold color.

PHP 8,900

THE MIX MASTER Whether you’re a casual listener, an audiophile, a sound engineer, or a DJ, Skullcandy’s high-end headphones named The Mix Master will certainly not disappoint. They’ve been tested, approved, and endorsed by Mix Master Mike himself and this pair of cans utilizes the company’s proprietary Mylar drivers for an outstanding dynamic range and earth-shattering bass. Ideal for gig and live situations, the headphones pack dual cable inputs, articulated earcups that trigger single-channel cue control, and a one-touch mute button for easy monitoring. Made from only the best quality components, its Encore ear pads are like lush pillows on your ears, making it very comfortable even for long periods of use. It is also designed to ensure minimal to zero sound leakage.

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The Smokin’ Buds series from Skullcandy are in-ear earbuds that can take you on a music journey through its 9mm speaker drivers. Featuring a tactical rubber housing and including a satin travel bag, these earbuds are the perfect travel companion. They are available in different styles and colors and also include 2 silicone gel sizes to choose from to maximize comfort.

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TRIED AND TESTED TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT

27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 ASUS PA 238 39 ProArt Series 40 LED MONITOR

Samsung GT-S8600 Wave 3 SMARTPHONE

Avira Antivirus Premium 2012 ANTIVIRUS

SAMSUNG WB150F SMART CAMERA

Samsung Series 7 Chronos NOTEBOOK

Sony Alpha a35 SLT CAMERA

Bang & Olufsen Beosound 8 SPEAKER DOCK

LG Prada 3.0

SMARTPHONE

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55 DIGITAL CAMERA

Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime TABLET

ALCATEL ONETOUCH BLAZE GLORY 918N SMARTPHONE

PENTAX Q

MIRRORLESS INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA

Samsung Galaxy S Advance SMARTPHONE

Seagate GoFlex Satellite (500GB) MOBILE WIRELESS STORAGE

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SMARTPHONE By Roni Callanta

3.5

SPECIFICATIONS: OPERATING SYSTEM: Bada 2.0 CPU: 1.4GHz Processor LCD SIZE: 4” WVGA Super AMOLED PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS: 125.9 × 64.2 × 9.9 mm WEIGHT: 127g BAND: HSDPA 14.4/ HSUPA 5.76 900/2100 EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900

TRIED AND TESTED TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT

In the search for the perfect smart phone, nowadays, we don’t look for the flashy, complex-looking handsets anymore. A powerful processor and crisp screen resolution are usually the selling points for a new smart phone purchase.

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Samsung GT-S8600 Wave 3

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WHAT’S HOT: • Great display • Stylish, sleek, well-built and slim • Long battery life • Good audio and video playback • Very good camera • Excellent Social Hub • Brilliant high-res screen • Great touch-screen and keyboard

WHAT’S NOT: • Lags on command (shifting from typing and browsing orientation) • Anorexic app store • Average browser • Limited Smart Dialing • Intermittent slowdowns and crashes • Absence of physical camera button • No exterior traction

BOTTOMLINE:

The new Wave III is the third member of the family to carry the flag for Samsung’s Bada platform. At 4 inches, it has a larger screen than its predecessors, and it also boasts a more powerful processor: 4 GB of internal memory and an improved user interface. It’s more affordable than a top-of-therange smart phone but still has its own app store. The Wave III’s looks may not have strayed too far from its predecessor, the Wave II, but the Wave III boasts a careful balance between quality plastics and brushed metal, giving it a clean, refined, and minimalist style.

It used to be that, the smaller the phone, the better or more expensive. Then out came the bigger, bulkier cell phones that would open up into tacky mini laptops of sorts. But nowadays, smart phone producers have been creating phones that are much bigger in size than our old phones, but dramatically thinner. Two sizes away and a smart phone can be a tablet. The Wave III showcases its lightweight 122 g frame and wafer-thin 9.9 mm from front to back. Having a 4’-inch screen means it has to be pretty large, but the Wave III still manages not

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to feel bulky, even when you have it in a pocket. Another external element that is approval-worthy is the flap at the back which opens to give easy access to the battery, SIM card slot and the microSD card; it’s a system we’d be happy to see on lots of other mobiles. The feature I enjoyed the most during my week with the Wave III was its camera and video. Samsung has given the Wave III a great 480 x 800 pixel Super AMOLED display, with infinite contrast and excellent brightness. Despite it being only a 5-megapixel camera. Video-capturing was so sharp that it almost seemed

like I was watching from an HD camera. However, the absence of a physical button for photo-taking is a bit frustrating. And with its exterior being rather bigger and so sleek and sophisticated, the absence of a traction makes the smart phone slip from your hands most of the time. Samsung only uses Bada OS for its Wave range of smart phones, and the Wave III is the first to get version 2.0. That includes a new version of the TouchWiz interface, with new icons, more home screens, animated transitions and a notification area. There are also a handful of new

The Samsung GT-S8600 Wave 3 is a good upgrade from the Wave 2 and possesses basic needs for a smart phone user. Its sleek exterior gives it a more professional look and camera and video-usage is a treat.

features, including the ability to sort apps into folders, which is helpful if you download them by the dozen. That’s not the only thing that Bada OS has in common with Android, or iOS for that matter—the general navigation structure is almost identical between all three platforms. The Wave III all-in-all has a smooth interface but may run a little slower than other high-end smart phones especially when overwhelmed with multiple browsing.

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ASUS PA 238 ProArt Series

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5.0

SPECIFICATIONS:

LED MONITOR By Benjamin Arnold

Every artist has a meticulous decision-making process when it comes to choosing their tools for their trade. Every item—no matter the medium—has a specific use or reason for being given an honor to be used as an instrument for creation. ASUS took this desire for perfection into account when they made the ASUS PA 238 ProArt series LED monitor.

DISPLAY PANEL: 23 inches (16:9) RESOLUTION: (1920 x 1080) DISPLAY COLOURS: 16.7 million BRIGHTNESS: 250 cd/m2 CONTRAST RATIO: Native 1,000:1 / ASCR 50,000,000:1 VIEWING ANGLE : Horizontal:178°/vertical:178° RESPONSE TIME: 6ms VIDEO I/O: DisplayPort 1.1a, HDMI 1.3, DVI, D-sub AUDIO I/O: 3.5mm mini-jack (for HDMI and DisplayPort) ADJUSTMENTS: 4-way ergonomic adjustments (height, pivot, swivel and tilt) DIMENSIONS (WxHxD): 548.8mm x 495.7mm x 201mm NET WEIGHT: 5.5 kg

WHAT’S HOT: • Simple black matte artisttargeted design with thin frame bezel • Huge screen, connectivity options including USB expansions • 4-way ergonomic adjustments which includes height, pivot, swivel and tilt • 178-degree viewing angle • Color gamut with the best color reproduction of Adobe RGB and sRGB color space • QuickFit layout and measuring option for on screen sizing • Sturdy base

WHAT’S NOT: The ASUS PA 238 out of the box is a beautiful giant. This mammoth monitor stands at 495.7mm in height and has an adjustable stand that allows the screen to be placed in either a landscape or portrait orientation. The monitor comes in a basic matte black color with a plain red line that runs along the bottom of the screen. The actual physical design is boxy with straight lines and sharp corners from end to end. Though this may seem like a less-than-pretty monitor compared to monitors that feature contoured edges and glass embellishments, the simplicity in style works well with its purpose of being 28

APRIL 2012

an artist targeted monitor as the minimalist design provides fewer distractions so the user is able to focus more on his artistic creation rather than the bright lights or shiny reflective edges of other screens. The screen bezel is thin, measuring 17mm, which allows an enhanced multi-display set up. The screen size itself is 23-inches (16:9) and has a Full HD Resolution of 1920 x 1080 which displays 16.7 million colors. It uses 50,000,000:1 ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio with a response time of 6ms. The monitor comes fitted with a variety of connectivity options including the

standard VGA, DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort and also features a USB expansion port where in you can connect the monitor to your CPU via a USB cable. This allows the additional two USB 2.0 ports fitted on the side of the monitor to be used as active USB ports. The ASUS PA 238 monitor features a 4-way ergonomic adjustable stand that allows the monitor to swivel from left to right at 60-degrees in either direction; tilt up at 20-degrees or 5-degrees down; and a height adjustment that adjusts from 0 to 100mm to accommodate the pivoting from landscape to portrait orientations. The 4-way

adjustment options work well with the fact that the monitor has a viewing angle of 178-degrees both vertical and horizontal keeping the colors consistent from any direction. In addition to the adjustment features, the ASUS PA 238 has two other main reasons why it is the ideal monitor for those in the art industry: a color gamut with the best color reproduction of Adobe RGB and sRGB color space and a QuickFit layout and measuring option for on screen sizing. Out of the box, the ASUS PA 238 monitor is certified to have accurate Adobe RGB

• The calibration doesn’t match the exact calibration of every industry

BOTTOMLINE: Though the calibration of the ASUS PA 238 ProArt Series LED monitor doesn’t match the specification of every industry exactly, the color calibration out of the box is nearly perfect. When paired with the 4-way ergonomic adjustment features, QuickFit layouts and measurements, the simple yet sturdy design results into an ideal monitor for every artist in any industry.

and sRGB color reproduction leaving little to no color adjustment needed to keep your work consistent and precise. Though it doesn’t fit the exact color calibration that we use for the production of our magazine, the minimal difference is

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ANTIVIRUS By John Nieves

Avira has been the go-to free antivirus solution for some time now. I’ve seen firsthand how capable the free version has been since the notebooks and PCs that I own have been running Avira as my antivirus of choice for quite some time now. So when the opportunity to try out the paid version of the software came up, I wasted no time in installing it on my main machine at home.

WHAT’S HOT: • Excellent detection • A lot of extra features not present in the free version • Light on resources

WHAT’S NOT: • Full system scan takes quite a bit of time to finish

BOTTOMLINE: Avira’s Antivirus Premium 2012 is worth the money that it asks for to keep your PC clean.

right from the get go. You’ll see each module clearly highlighted, and resolving problems is as easy as clicking on the affected module and following the instructions provided. When it comes to virus detection, Avira has one of the best records compared to the competition. According to antivirus comparative site avcomparatives.org, Avira has a 99.5% detection rate, which means it’s able to find and detect almost all of the nasty bugs currently floating around the net. Avira claims that system usage on this version is smaller than their previous AV, and I did feel the slight difference while conducting a full-system scan of my machine. Of course, you can always customize your scan settings, from just scanning removable drives to certain folders in your PC. The paid version also includes Avira’s built-in behavior monitoring tech which gives the software a fair chance at discovering newly minted malware and viruses.

Another attribute worth mentioning is the weight of the monitor. At 5.5 kg and a sturdy base, the monitor stays steady on any surface, providing perfect balance and minimal shaking. In the end, though a little color adjustment would be needed to match the color calibration of our magazine printer, the pre-calibrated sRGB color space is nearly perfect straight out of the box. Pair this with the 4-way ergonomic adjustment features, QuickFit options and simplicity of style and function which provides maximum attention to the design one is working on, and the ASUS PA 238 ProArt series LED monitor is truly worthy of being inducted into any artists’ array of artistic tools.

4.0

Avira’s antivirus solution comes in three flavors— free, premium and full. My review license allowed me to test out the premium version of the software, which adds proactive detection, mail, web and anti-phishing detection, and adds a bit of extra features to the mix.

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Installing it is pretty easy, as you have tw o choices to choose from – grab it in its retail box form or buy the license online. Installation and set-up is extremely easy either way you go, and the software only warns you of potential conflicts (like another competing anti-virus

software installed in your PC) once, and will still go through with the installation even if you decide to use them both. The main status screen of the program gives you a nice idea of where your PC is protection-wise, with all the information accessible

Sure you could grab Avira as a free software download, but the additional features that the paid version gives you is well worth the money in my opinion. It does take quite a bit of time to finish a whole system scan from scratch, but to be honest it’s not that big of an issue. APRIL 2012

TRIED AND TESTED TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT

The QuickFit feature is an ingenious option that helps printing industry artists as it provides a variety of on-screen borders and grids featuring commonlyused layout sizes (such as A4, Letter and common photograph measurements), measurement grids (consisting of centimeters and inches) and a rule of thirds alignment guide. The layout sizes also provide two options: one with a border that has a slight opacity to allow better focus on the elements within the border; and a plain border line. The monitor also provides an option to adjust the location of these commonly-used sizes to allow it to border any element on the screen. All of these features are easily accessible from the lower right buttons on the screen’s frame.

Avira Antivirus Premium 2012

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mainly attributed to the brightness of the screen as RGB refers to the color of emitted light while our magazine uses CMYK inks for printing. In terms of color consistency throughout the entire screen, the ASUS PA 238 is uniform with no ghosting or flickering encountered throughout the entire testing period.

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SAMSUNG WB150F

BUY METER

4.5

SMART CAMERA By Paolo Toledo

We’ve come to a point where innovation and integration are second nature. We hope for something new in every gadget, without losing any of the previous features we still deem necessary. Nothing’s supposed to give and everything must be gained.

SPECIFICATIONS: CAMERA TYPE: Long Zoom WIFI, compact SIZE (WXHXD): 4.19” x 2.35” x .92” (1.26”) IMAGE SENSOR: 14.2 Megapixel, 1/2.3” CCD LENS: Schneider-KREUZNACH OPTICAL ZOOM: 18x ISO: Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 VIDEO: 1280×720, 640×480, 320×240 STORAGE: 25MB Internal, SDSC (up to 2GB), SDHC (up to 32GB), SDXC (up to 64GB) External INPUT-OUTPUT: USB 2.0; NTSC / PAL (video) POWER: SLB-10A battery, 4.2V power input

WHAT’S HOT: • WiFi direct storage, upload and sync • Smartphone remote control • High-quality images across lighting conditions • Classy design, with sturdy build • Packed with features and settings

WHAT’S NOT: • Screen reflections under direct sun • No jog dial for manual mode

BOTTOMLINE:

This holds true especially in the cluttered realm of digital cameras. From the DSLRs down to the compacts, it seems as if each one has tried (and is trying) to cram as many add-ons as it can. Versatility becomes the currency, and one device that could genuinely “put its money where its mouth is,” is the Samsung WB150F SMART camera. In other words, the WB150F can pretty much be your compact “soulmate” when it comes to being a complete package—both in form and function. In true Samsung fashion, it has all the things you want, and even a few that you don’t really need. But then again, we’ll never settle for less, and this 30

APRIL 2012

camera is definitely more than meets the eye. The WB150F is very well put together as a compact camera. The build and finish are at the right proportions, while the performance features are equally as fantastic—given its price point. It boasts of a 14-megapixel 1/2.3” CCD sensor, coupled with a Schneider-Kreuznach 24mm lens (18x optical zoom) that produces stunning low-noise photos in various lighting conditions, and even when closing in on details from a distance. But the real draw of this camera is its capacity for connectivity. It features a built-in wireless function

that allows you to use conventional Wi-Fi to directly upload and store those high-quality photos to social networking sites (i.e. Facebook, YouTube, Photobucket, etc), or easily transfer them to your workstation or smartphone without the need for cables or close proximity. Not to mention that it also allows you to send your snaps to any email address, or save for free on Samsung’s cloud storage site called AllShare Play, or to Microsoft SkyDrive. But of course—and as with anything that requires WiFi— the potential of this function will always be dependent on the speed of your wireless network. I found

that it doesn’t necessarily work as easily in free public hotspots or even some coffee shops, but it did very well when used in private networks, or more powerful office Wi-Fi connections. The wireless functionality also allows for some cool device integration since you can control the WB150F using your smartphone as a remote viewfinder. Although I was ill-equipped to test out this feature extensively (as it only applies to select phones), the gist of it is that users can download a Remote Viewfinder app that lets you view images, zoom, frame, and adjust camera settings all by using your phone as a wireless controller of up to 10-meters away.

Given its price point, the Samsung WB150F is a highlyrecommended camera that combines everything you need, with a lot more that you should want. It’s packed with features and settings, not to mention WiFi connectivity options. All of this while still delivering stunning images and practical design.

The back of the camera is mostly occupied by the 3.0-inch AMOLED display that provides good contrast and vibrant colors, with self-adjusting brightness that configures to environmental lighting. It’s quite sad though that screen resolution is only at 640 x 480, and given that the WB150F lacks a built-in viewfinder, it can be an issue previewing photos under bright sunlight because of distracting reflections on the display.

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Samsung Series 7 Chronos By John Nieves

There’s no mistaking the excitement over ultrabooks nowadays, but lest people forget, there’s still a large market for notebooks that can deliver that extra oomph. That’s why there are still notebooks like Samsung’s Series 7 Chronos – large, powerful machines that are built for day-to-day computing with occasional bursts of high performance computing.

All things considered, Samsung did a great job with the WB150F as part of its new line of Smart Cameras. It’s a well-balanced device that delivers high-quality imaging, practical design, connectivity features, and of course, all the entertaining knick-knacks and shooting modes that we’ve all grown to love from the Korean manufacturer.

SPECIFICATIONS: SCREEN: 15-inch HD LED, 300 nits of brightness, 1600 x 900 resolution MEMORY: 6GB of RAM CPU: Intel Core i5-2430M (2.4GHz) PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS: 363 x 238.7 x 23.8mm WARRANTY: 1 year on parts and labor

WHAT’S HOT: • Solidly built, excellent design • Powerful processor • Discrete graphics • Excellent battery life

Button layout on the exterior is also intuitive and convenient, with the shutter button up top, beside the zoom controls, and the main mode dial that features a slightly different selection between (P) Program, (SCN) Scene, Wi-Fi, Video, Special Features, and an option to switch to manual controls with (ASM) Aperture/ Shutter/Manual. Again, standard buttons occupy the back such as the D-pad, Playback, Video Rec, and Menu buttons to name a few. But one thing that I found to be desired was a scroll wheel which is normally found with the D-pad, and that proves really helpful when quickly adjusting settings in Manual mode. But overall, both exterior controls and the UI menu on the screen were easy to navigate through and get used to.

4.0

TRIED AND TESTED TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT

NOTEBOOK

gadgetslab

Moving to the form and feel of the camera, the WB150F really came out strong design-wise. Its semi-metal body and combined black matte and gloss finish both lend to its sophisticated image, moving it beyond the “fun and casual” slimtype compacts. Its build is solid and with the right bulk (and contoured finger grip) to make it comfortable to handle, and more durable to use in outdoor settings. The overall effect is a nice blend of seriousness and svelte appealing to every type of shutterbug.

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WHAT’S NOT: • Expensive • Trackpad is problematic, prone to misclicks

BOTTOMLINE: The Samsung Series 7 Chronos is a bit expensive, but is totally worth every cent.

notebook with as much raw number crunching power as the Chronos, those numbers are pretty impressive.

Once you take out the Chronos out of the box, you’re greeted by a smooth, elegant aluminum design that just screams quality. The bezel, lid and keyboard deck is swathed in aluminum, and is certainly pleasant to look at. The Chronos is a 15-inch notebook, though if you look closely at the bezel and the actual size of the device, (363 x 238.7 x 23.8mm) you’ll notice it’s closer in size to a 14-inch notebook. Samsung managed to accomplish this by reducing the overall size of the bezel to accommodate the 15-inch screen into a space that’s usually reserved for smaller, 14-inch notebooks. There are plenty of USB ports on the Chronos—two in the left (which are USB 3.0), one on the right— which is fantastic, as I’m tired of sparse connection

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options on some of the devices I’ve reviewed before. You also get a full sized HDMI port, Ethernet, as well as a slot loading optical disk drive located on the right of the device.

to its AMD Radeon 6750M discrete graphics. A 750GB HDD finishes off the specs.

The keyboard on the Chronos is a backlit, island-type with just the right travel. The trackpad is a clickpad made by Elan, which means there’s no physical separator for left and right clicks. If you’ve handled one of these things before, you’d know that they’re far from the perfect pointing solution for notebooks, as they’re prone to misclicks.

As expected, the Chronos performed admirably during its time with me. The notebook didn’t even blink when we went through our daily browsing routine, and even with almost 20 tabs open in chrome (2 of which were playing HD videos) the Chronos didn’t even slow down. The discrete graphics option gave the device quite a bit of oomph, allowing me to play games on the road which was especially helpful when you’re at the airport trying to pass away the time.

Powering the whole affair is an Intel Core i5-2430M (2.4GHz) processor with 6GB of RAM. The Chronos is also capable of some heavy duty number crunching and graphical grunt work, thanks

Battery life is pretty great too, as the Chronos managed to post an impressive 6 hours of battery life with moderate use, and about 4 and a half hours with heavy use. For a

Typing is also pretty pleasant with the Chronos, as the island style keyboard had excellent throw and was pretty damn comfortable to use. Possibly the only nitpick I had with the input was the trackpad – it’s woefully inaccurate, and had me misclicking things left and right. If you ever decide to buy this particular notebook, it’d be a good idea to pair it up with its own mouse. When all is said and done, Samsung has hit another one out of the ballpark with the Series 7 Chronos. Great, solid design, excellent battery life and fantastic performance make this one of the better notebooks to come out of the Korean stable this year. Unfortunately, you’ll be forking over a bit of cash for the privilege of owning one —the Series 7 Chronos starts at Php 59,990—which is an amount of money that not all of us are willing to spend on a notebook. APRIL 2012

gadgetslab TRIED AND TESTED TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT

Sony Alpha a35

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4.0

SLT CAMERA

By Benjamin Arnold I thought I knew every type of camera out there, whether it be a point-and-shoot camera, mirrorless-interchangable lens camera or a DSLR camera. Then Sony introduced a whole new line of cameras that provide new features through developed innovations. The Sony Alpha a35 (SLT-A35K) camera with a Single-Lens Transparent falls in between mirrorless-interchangeable lens cameras and DSLR’s.

SPECIFICATIONS LENS USED: Sony A-mount lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lenses SENSOR: 23.5 x 15.6mm (APS-C type), Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with RGB primary color filter PIXELS: 16.5 megapixels SENSITIVITY: Auto, ISO 100 to 12800 RECORDING MEDIA: Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, SD Memory card, SDHC Memory card, SDXC memory card LCD MONITOR: 3.0-inch (100% field of view), SPEED RANGE: 1/4000 sec. -30 sec., bulb VIEWFINDER TYPE: Electronic viewfinder (color) BATTERY PERFORMANCE: Approx. 440 shots (EVF) / Approx. 420 shots (LCD) DIMENSIONS (W x H x D): Approx. 124.4 x 92 x 84.7mm WEIGHT: Approx. 433g (not including battery, memory card or accessories) PRICE: Php 39,999

WHAT’S HOT:

At first glance, the black plastic bodied camera looks like any typical DSLR camera with a mode dial and a variety of option buttons, viewing screen and view finder, built-in flash and shutter button. It comes with an 1855mm lens which can be easily removed with a simple press of a button accompanied by a twist of the lens. The camera is also fitted with a simple in-camera help feature that gives you a small description of certain modes or the use of certain features while using the camera (which can be turned off any time in the menu.) The battery life is sufficent and provides proper usage time. The buttons are positioned in an understandable manner with all the buttons easily accessible either with your thumbs or index 32

APRIL 2012

finger for easy adjustments before or during shooting. The shutter speed (when shooting in manual mode) can be adjusted with a simple turning of the dial under the shutter button. The aperture on the other hand needs a little more work to change as you need to hold down the +/button while turning the dial to adjust the aperture. The camera also features adjustable ISO levels ranging from ISO 100 to ISO 12800 and comes with a variety of white balance pre-sets or if you feel like going manual, you can adjust the color temperature setting yourself.

beyond the usual would be the Tele-Zoom Continuous Priority AE which (according to the in-camera help) is a “mode for capturing images continuously at maximum speed by recording the center part of the image.” Sony also included a SCN/ Picture Effect mode that “selects a mode or effect suitable for the subject and shooting environment.” To further help newbies to photography, the camera also has an Auto+ feature wherein the camera automatically detects a scene, provides auto HDR options along with continuous shooting, and image saving.

The mode dial features the standard DSLR modes such as Auto, Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual Exposure and No Flash. Additional modes that Sony included

Of all the modes, the one that I found most interesting would have to be the Sweep Shooting mode that allows a panorama sweeping mode where in the camera guides you along a path which you

follow while it automatically shoots continuously and stitches the images together to create an amazing panoramic photo. This can also be done in 3D which can be viewable on 3D capable TV’s. The camera was also fitted with movie recording which can be initialized by pressing the red record button on the upper right side of the viewing screen. It records in Full HD AVCHD format and because STL technology, the lens automatically focuses on its own in less than a second. However, this adjustment can make the final video a little jittery as the autofocusing can be a bit abrupt. The Sony Alpha a35 camera falls under a new line of cameras that use Translucent Mirror Technology. With the use of semi-translucent mirrors called Single-Lens

• Good solid body • Buttons are easy to access while shooting • In-camera Help System • Variety of shooting modes • High Quality Full HD Movie Recording • Fast Burst Speeds and AutoFocus while recording videos • Electronic view finder lets you see what you get • Adjustable aspect ratio

WHAT’S NOT: • Finding the aperture button was confusing • Electronic view finder could be unattractive to actual view finder loyalists • Only provided Sony program or 3rd party external program is needed for processing RAW files

BOTTOMLINE: Though it does have its down points, the Sony Alpha a35 camera is a quality camera that produces stunning images and professional-style movies.

Translucent (SLT)—which don’t move like typical DSLR camera mirrors when taking a photo—a few new advantages become available. One of these advantages is that it allows the camera to have higher burst speeds that reach up to 7 fps and gives an added

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The Sony Alpha a35 produces wonderful 16-megapixel images that are very clear. It can shoot in a variety of sizes from small, medium to large and can also shoot in either .JPEG or .AWR Raw files or a combination of both (though in order to process the RAW files, you either have to use the provided Sony program or an external .AWR Raw file processing program like Light Room as Adobe CameraRaw can’t read this format.) You can even adjust the size of the image to either be the standard photograph size or a 16:9 wide screen sized image that is perfect for HD TV viewing. Though the electronic view finder doesn’t tickle my fancy and the layout of the viewing screen can be a little confusing plus a battery life that doesn’t last as long as other brands, overall performance of the Sony Alpha a35 is top notch for its Php 39,999 price point. With the translucent mirror technology, it adds a little something that sets the Sony Alpha a35 apart from the typical cameras we see in the market today.

SPEAKER DOCK By Jon Uriarte

Although the speaker dock market may already be oversaturated with so many brands and products looking to capitalize on the growing iPod, iPad, and iPhone trend, there still aren’t that many in the high-end range. Bang & Olufsen, an electronics company that has been making speakers since 1925, has decided to make its entry with the Beosound 8.

BUY METER

4.0

SPECIFICATIONS: INPUT TYPE: 30 Pin Dock, 3.5mm Stereo Jack (to RCA), USB USAGE: Remote Control FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 38 24,000Hz DRIVERS: 5-inch woofer, 0.75inch tweeter; neodymium magnets DIMENSIONS: 66 x 24 x 16.5cm WEIGHT: 4.24 kg POWER SOURCE: AC

TRIED AND TESTED TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT

Another feature of the SLT mirror is that the camera has an electronic viewfinder which allows the viewer to see exactly what the camera sees in terms of how dark or how bright the image is with the applied shutter speed and aperture. Though I found this a little less attractive as I prefer the view-finder which allows me to view the optical image directly as generated by the lens I am using, this would be a better route for beginners who would prefer not to be bothered with the guessing game of mixing shutter speeds with aperture.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound 8

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simplicity to shooting videos as the SLT lets the camera automatically adjust the focus while shooting.

WHAT’S HOT: • Exceptional sound quality up to very high volumes • Beautiful design • Includes a remote control • Can connect via USB and RCA • Charges your docked device

WHAT’S NOT:

At first glance, one of the best traits of the Beosound 8 is its elegant, eye-catching, and well-constructed design. At a little more than 2 feet in length, it features two large conical shaped speakers joined together by an aluminum middle-section where the control panel is located and on top of which your device can be docked. The docking station, which also charges your device when the Beosound 8 is turned on, has a small circular back rest for your iPhone, iPod, or iPad. On the rear of the unit, there is a removable lid that reveals the connection sockets for USB, RCA, the power plug, and the 3-position manual room adaptation switch that optimizes the sound whether the device is by the wall, not near any wall, or in a corner. There is a small hole for where the wires go through when the lid is attached, but I found it generally difficult and tedious to get to these rear options, especially when the speaker dock is mounted on the wall. The unit comes with two small

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screw-able leg stands and a pair of wall mounts, both of which were quite easy to set up. After plugging in the unit and docking my iPhone on it, I was instantly able to enjoy my playlist. The control panel of the speaker dock features a play/pause, previous/rewind, next/fast-forward, volume up, and volume down button, all of which I found convenient. The Beosound 8 also comes with a remote control with the same shape and with the same controls as what’s found on the speaker dock. This was a great plus as it allowed me to perform basic commands from a distance, while in bed or during a party, and I didn’t have any problems with its range at all as long as the unit was in sight. When I wanted to navigate more thoroughly through my playlist, however, I had to do that on my docked device. I found the audio quality of the Beosound 8 to be incredibly pleasing with that full-bodied high quality sound that made me want to keep playing music. It produced a very unified output with deep

lows, a smooth mid range, and a clear top end that didn’t distort or become piercing at all even at really high volumes. In fact, the speakers are able to get really loud, enough to satisfy a crowded house party area of about half the size of a basketball court. At lower volumes, however, the sound was a little bit scattered and slightly muddy, but not enough that I was turned off by it. I was able to use the Beosound 8 as an audio system for my laptop and my turntable using the USB connection and RCA sockets, respectively, but it doesn’t have connectivity for Bluetooth, Airplay, or Wi-Fi. Although the speaker dock is not meant to be portable, it was still light and small enough to transport when I needed to, even if I was afraid that it could get easily scratched or damaged. I would have wished that the unit had some sort of carrying handle, however. Also, the unit doesn’t have a battery and has to be plugged in, so if you were to use it as a portable audio

• No chargeable battery, must be plugged in power socket to use • Outrageous price tag • No wireless connectivity integrated • Difficult to access rear connection panel • Hard to carry around with no handle

BOTTOMLINE: The Beosound 8 is a powerful speaker dock that delivers breath-taking sound quality even at high volumes and comes in a beautiful design.

system you must ensure that there will be an electrical socket available. If you’re looking for an audio system for your living room or bedroom that includes a docking station for your iOS devices, you won’t be disappointed with the Beosound 8. It’s great for house parties, but it might be a bit fragile, bulky, and simply not portable enough for out-of-town trips. While you might find a set of speakers more suited for your home theater system or for music production, it does produce incredible sound for almost every other purpose with a quality that makes it sit at the top of its class in the high-end speaker dock market. APRIL 2012

gadgetslab TRIED AND TESTED TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT

LG Prada 3.0

BUY METER

4.0

SMARTPHONE By John Nieves

Tech companies collaborating with well known fashion brands aren’t new. We’ve seen the results of such partnerships in the form of the Dolce & Gabbana Motorola phone, the Porsche Design P´9981 and of course, the first two LG Prada devices. This is a review of the third offspring of that glorious collaboration—the LG Prada 3.0.

SPECIFICATIONS: OPERATING SYSTEM: Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) CPU: Dual-core 1GHz Cortex-A9 LCD SIZE: 4.3 inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS: 127.5 x 69 x 8.5 mm WEIGHT: 138 g BAND: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 INTERNAL MEMORY: 8 GB storage, 1 GB RAM, 512 MB ROM, expandable through microSD

WHAT’S HOT: • Elegant, simple design • Awesome custom UI • Extremely bright screen • Good battery endurance

WHAT’S NOT: • Needs more premium materials in construction • Small virtual keyboard, no autocorrect • Middling processor • A bit expensive

BOTTOMLINE: It’s certainly not the fastest nor the thinnest, but the LG Prada 3.0 still brings something unique to the table.

While the LG Prada 3.0 bears the name of one of Italy’s posh lifestyle brands, the device doesn’t exude the same luxurious feel. Don’t misunderstand; the LG Prada 3.0 is still a top-tier Android device, and its design reflects this—8.5mm thickness, metallic accents around the bezel, elegant spun aluminium camera and power buttons on top. Unfortunately, if it wasn’t for the large, Prada branding on the back and front, you’d assume that this particular device was just another regular, high-end device. You do get Prada’s trademark Saffiano pattern at the back of the device, so there’s that. 34

APRIL 2012

The LG Prada 3.0 bears a 4.3-inch NOVA IPS display that has a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. The display has an impressive 830 nits of luminance, which makes it, as my friend delicately puts it, a neon sign, especially in dark environments. The LG Prada 3.0 is powered by a relatively sedate dual-core 1GHz Cortex A9, which means it’s not the fastest smartphone on the block. Imaging duties are handled by an 8-megapixel camera on the back, with a smaller, front facing camera on the front for video calling duties. What really sets the LG Prada 3.0 apart from other devices that have similar

specs is the custom UI loaded into the device. While the LG Prada 3.0 still uses Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), LG heavily modified the UI to match the subdued elegance of the device. The result is probably one of the best looking custom UI’s I’ve seen in a while. What LG did wasn’t extremely hard or complicated – just white icons on a black background – but the way they managed to integrate it into the whole feel of the device just feels right. As a phone, the LG Prada 3.0 performed well – both outgoing and incoming calls were excellent, with nary a

dropped call during our time with it. It also had better than average battery life compared to faster devices, and managed to last about a day and a half with semimoderate use, a feat that a lot of other smartphones struggle to achieve. The device performed well even though it wasn’t as fast as other smartphones currently in the market, and it performed well during its time with me. That doesn’t mean that the LG Prada 3.0 is perfect. One of the things I really had an issue with was its keyboard. I don’t know if it’s just tiny or a result of a different layout, but I found myself

misspelling text messages more than usual. That, combined with the lack of an autocorrect feature made for some really slow typing. At first glance the LG Prada 3.0 may seems to be relying on the Prada brand to sell itself, but a deeper look reveals something more. It’s a solid smartphone that performs well, and even with the small niggles, it’s still a particularly fine smartphone for stylish people. The device retails for about Php 29,990.

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DIGITAL CAMERA By Jon Uriarte

4.0

SPECIFICATIONS: SENSOR: 16.2MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor LENS: 5x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom Lens digitally extended for up to 10x zoom DISPLAY: 3.3” OLED Touch Screen Display DIMENSIONS: 93 x 54 x 13mm WEIGHT: 109g

TRIED AND TESTED TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT

Anybody who knows a little bit about today’s world of digital photography recognizes that point-and-shoot cameras will never be on the level of SLRs because cameras are rarely as smart as the photographer. While SLRs generally pack better tools for the job, and allow you to change lenses, control the shutter speed, adjust the aperture, and everything else that makes for a perfect picture, point-and-shoot cameras always win in the portability and ease-of-use department. Moreover, point-and-shoot cameras are getting more and more upgrades that bring image quality and features closer to what SLRs offer.

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55

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WHAT’S HOT: • Super slim and compact • Great design with sliding lens cover and touch screen • High-resolution with a 16.2-megapixel sensor • Includes cool picture effects • 10x Clear Image Zoom feature

WHAT’S NOT: • Hardly any manual controls • Movie mode is limited, can’t apply effects • Can’t take videos in lowlight conditions • Display screen is misleading

BOTTOMLINE: The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55 is an ultra compact digital point-and-shoot camera with high-resolution and a lot of features and effects that make it ideal for casual use.

Although there are some digital point-and-shoot cameras currently out in the market offering full manual controls and higher-quality lenses, the Sony Cybershot DSC-TX55 isn’t one of them as it chooses to bank on its ultra compact physique, built-in shooting modes, and image sensor. Indeed, the DSC-TX55 is very compact and dubbed the world’s slimmest camera with optical anti-shake for a reason, with a sliding lens cover and a touch screen that helps to minimize its size. The camera only has 3 hardware controls: an on/off button, the shutter button, and the zoom switch for the 10x Clear Image Zoom feature, which worked like a charm. The only manually tweak-able settings are a -2.0 to +2.0 EV slider and

ISO. All of the other controls are found on the touch screen, which might seem overwhelming and a little cluttered at first, but I was able to get the hang of the navigation soon enough. Being able to simply slide my finger on the screen in order to sift through pictures was great, but there were instances where I found the response time a little delayed. Also, when transferring pictures and videos onto my computer via the included USB connector, I found that the display screen on the camera was quite misleading, as the pictures appeared much more colorful and slightly brighter on the camera’s display than they actually were.

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This is a cause for complaint since there is no proper viewfinder on the unit. The Cyber-shot also comes with a stylus for the touch screen, which comes in handy for some of the in-camera photo editing tools, but I found it more convenient to use my fingers for everything else. For its size, the camera packs a lot of features. It comes with an automatic mode where the camera will do the needed adjustments for your shot, a variety of picture effects, 3D and panorama shooting, a number of scene selections, and HD movie mode. The included effects are HDR painting, pop color, toy camera, miniature, soft high-key, partial color, and rich-tone monochrome, all

of which I found to work very well and added a lot of fun to the pictures. The 3D and panorama modes were also useful and enjoyable, and the scene selections were helpful for properly capturing subjects in various conditions. Other useful features are white balance adjustment, face detection, smile shutter, and the ability to take snapshots during video capture. One of the gripes I have about the DSC-TX55 was is its movie mode. Sure, it’s capable of recording in HD, but none of the effects and scene adjustments could be applied while taking video, making it nearly futile to take videos in low-light conditions as the EV slider only has a slight effect on video as compared to

photos. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC TX55 definitely packs a lot features for its size and sports an incredible design, which is what I like about it the most, but it certainly will not replace your digital SLR. It’s capable of delivering clear high-quality images, but it works best in the right conditions. If you’re looking for a small point-and-shoot device to fit in your pocket for casual use, this camera will give you 16.2-megapixel shots with a variety of cool effects as well as HD videos and up to 10x of Clear Image Zoom, but you won’t have that much manual tweaking ability.

APRIL 2012

gadgetslab TRIED AND TESTED TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT

Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime

BUY METER

5.0

SPECIFICATIONS:

TABLET

By John Nieves Around this time last year, there were few options to choose from if you wanted a tablet that didn’t bear an Apple logo. Since then, Android tablets have literally exploded in both number and form factor, and now you can get anything from a compact 7-inch tablet to a full sized 10.1-inch deal from a variety of manufacturers. To get noticed in a market that’s fast getting crowded by a flood of devices, a tablet needs to have something special up its sleeve.

OPERATING SYSTEM: Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) CPU: NVIDIA Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9 LCD SIZE: 10.1-inch Super IPS+ LCD PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS: 263 x 180.8 x 8.3 mm WEIGHT: 586g INTERNAL MEMORY: 32GB/64GB

WHAT’S HOT: • Thin and light design • Excellent build quality • Powerful processor • Long battery life

WHAT’S NOT: • Expensive • Only tablet and keyboard bundle is available locally, no tablet only option

BOTTOMLINE: Asus’ Transformer Prime is currently the best Android tablet that you’ll be able to buy.

Asus’ newly released tablet, the Eee Pad Transformer Prime has that special somethin’ somethin’. Powered by NVIDIA’s newly released Tegra 3 processor and featuring a thinner, sleeker chassis than before, it’s currently one of my favorite tablets yet. The overall aesthetics of the Transformer Prime is a marked departure from the look of the original. Instead of a textured, plastic back, Asus decided to drape the Transformer Prime in aluminium, which makes the tablet look a lot like their ultrabook offering, the UX21. Not that that’s a bad thing—I absolutely adored the overall design of the UX21, and it’s safe to say that I like how the Transformer Prime looks, too. The front of the device is dominated by the 10.136

APRIL 2012

inch Super IPS+ LCD screen that’s capable of 1280 x 800 resolution. The left side holds the volume rocker, while the power button is located on the upper left corner of the tablet. The device also has an 8-megapixel camera, as well as a smaller, 1.2-megapixel secondary camera located on the front. The bottom of the tablet holds the charging port, as well as the necessary holes to lock the tablet in the accompanying keyboard dock. Like the original Transformer, the Transformer Prime has a keyboard that also acts as the device’s secondary battery. The keyboard also features a USB slot and an SD card reader. The keys are a bit small for my liking; though to be honest people with regular sized digits

would probably be able to type on it just fine.

and connected it to the internet.

Possibly the biggest ace in the hole that the Transformer Prime has over other tablets currently in the market is it’s heart – it’s powered by NVIDIA’s quad-core Tegra 3 processor running at 1.3GHz, which undoubtedly makes it the fastest tablet now out in the local market. Nothing else comes close. There’s also going to be two versions of the Transformer Prime shipping – a 32GB version and a 64GB one.

Since the device is thinner (8.3 vs. 13mm) than the previous iteration, it’s also a bit lighter which makes it easier to use as an e-reader, for example. Also, all that raw horsepower running under the hood translates to an overall smoother user experience for playing games, browsing the net and running applications.

While the Transformer Prime shipped with Android 3.2 (Honeycomb) when it first came out, an Android 4.0 (ICS) update has already been pushed to the device which our demo received near instantaneously when I first took it out of the box

crazy, if you ask me.

Battery life for the Transformer Prime clocked in at around 10 hours of moderate use, which pretty much puts the Transformer Prime in the same running with the iPad 2 when it comes to consuming juice. With the keyboard dock attached, the Transformer Prime managed an astounding 17 hours throughout, which is pretty

Of course, there’s a catch. If you’re the sort of person that just wants the main tablet without the keyboard, you’re out of luck – Asus has said that they will only be offering the 32GB version of the device with the keyboard, which should be hitting retailers now at around Php 32,999. There will be no tablet only bundles available. That doesn’t mean that that should stop you from buying it of course. Its design, performance and longevity is an excellent trifecta of features that most tablets can’t match, and for the moment, the Asus Transformer Prime is the king of the hill as far as Android tablets are concerned.

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

3.5

SPECIFICATIONS

By Steven Vea

Alcatel has been busy lately, and one of their latest releases, the ONETOUCH Blaze Glory 918N grants an entry-level Android experience at a very light price tag. Let’s see how it shapes out. Glory 918N is an entry-level device, don’t expect to play intense games or have an extremely smooth web browsing experience. There were a few lags and some minor frustrations, but at this price tag and a little patience, you get access to the thousands of apps on the Android Market and a dual-SIM smartphone. Moreover, having had the chance to briefly test similar smartphones in this price range from other manufacturers, the Glory 918N is perhaps one of the best in its class.

On the top you’ll find the 3.5mm audio jack, on the right, you’ll find the volume controls and the power/ sleep button, and on the left side is the microUSB port where you connect the USB cable/charger. Looking at it from the view

of using it, laid neatly in a row are the three familiar navigation touch buttons for Menu, Search and Return. There is also one physical Home button located in the center below it. We like that that the touch buttons are visible even when the Glory 918N is shut off because it adds to an overall visually pleasing smartphone design. The Glory 918N has a 3.2inch capacitive touchscreen with a 320 x 480 resolution at 256k colors, and even before you turn it on, it already makes this smartphone look sleek. The display has a black plastic trim surrounding it with Alcatel’s logo above it, and serves to make this smartphone look a little more expensive than it really is.

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You insert the SIM cards by opening the rear panel where you’ll also find the 3.2 megapixel camera (which we’ll talk about later). It’s initially quite confusing on how to put in your SIMs, and it’s actually also a little difficult taking it out, but since you’ll probably only do this process once, it’s no big hurdle. When the rear panel is off, you’ll also notice that a 2GB microSD card has already been included, which can be expanded up to 32GB. Running on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and a 650MHz processor, we were actually quite impressed with the Glory, since it brings an affordable Android smartphone that performs surprisingly well. Since the

When it comes to messaging and managing your two SIMs, there is no steep learning curve and you’ll find yourself get into the swing of things almost immediately, which a lot of people will appreciate. Although only one SIM can access 3G, managing your contacts and messages from either SIM is pretty straightforward and intuitive. The touchscreen on the Glory 918N is also quite responsive, but you’ll want to veer away from using the QWERTY keyboard, since the keys are quite small on the 3.2-inch display. You should opt for the more traditional 3x4 keypad in portrait mode or alternatively use TouchPal Curve which lets you “trace” letters with your finger. Nevertheless, regardless of which keypad type you choose, the touchscreen is responsive and you’ll find that it’s wonderfully easy to use.

DISPLAY: 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen (320 x 480), TFT 262K PROCESSOR: 650MHz Processor OS: Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread MEMORY: 200MB RAM, 150MB internal memory, expandable up to 32GB via microSD CAMERA: 3.2-megapixel camera w/o flash CONNECTIVITY: 3G / Wi-Fi / HSPA 7.2Mbps; Bluetooth 3.0, GPS with A-GPS,FM Radio with RDS BATTERY: Li-Ion 1300mAh battery

TRIED AND TESTED TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT

SMARTPHONE

Once the Blaze Glory is in the palm of your hands, you’ll immediately notice the great texture of its exterior, which is a form of rubberized grip that makes the phone feel safe and solid. It’s a little heavy for its size, but it’s a fair trade off to make the phone feel secure in your palms, and it feels more expensive than it actually is. We’re pretty sure that this phone can take a considerable amount of abuse.

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ALCATEL ONETOUCH BLAZE GLORY 918N

BUY METER

WHAT’S HOT: • Rubberized Grip • Dual-SIM • Affordable

WHAT’S NOT: • Camera isn’t great • Small keys make it difficult to type

BOTTOMLINE: If you’re on a budget, and want an Android smartphone, the Glory 918N is perhaps one of the best in its class and price range. Not only do you get access to lots of apps, but you also get a dual-SIM device.

When it comes to the rear 3.2megapixel camera, it will do a decent job if you’re in an area with generous lighting conditions, since there is no onboard flash. It will perform well enough if you really need to capture an image, but don’t rely on it to produce fantastic results. It can also shoot video at 480p @30fps, which adds a nice touch to this device, and only adds to make it more appealing. In the end, the Alcatel Blaze Glory 918N is an excellent entry-level dual-SIM Android smartphone. We really like the texture of its exterior, and it performs quite well and comes at an affordable price. It also has a decent battery life for a touchscreen smartphone, and if power is managed well, you can even go up to two days before a recharge.

APRIL 2012

gadgetslab TRIED AND TESTED TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT

PENTAX Q

BUY METER

3.5

MIRRORLESS INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA By Steven Vea

The Pentax Q has been one of the most anticipated cameras to be released. Touted as being the smallest interchangeable lens system, does size really matter?

SPECIFICATIONS: DIMENSIONS: 57.5mm x 98mm x 31mm WEIGHT: 180grams SENSOR: CMOS PIXELS: 12.75MP total, 12.4 effective ISO: 125-6400 (1/3 EV steps) DISPLAY: 3-inch TFT color LCD, 460k dots FLASH: Built-in retractable P-TTL VIDEO (MAX): 1920x1080, 30fps, MPEG-4 IMAGE (MAX): 4000x3000 PORTS: USB (PC/AV), HDMI MEMORY CARD SUPPORT: SD, SDHC,SDXC BATTERY LIFE: approx. 250 shots

WHAT’S HOT: • Extremely small size • Interchangeable lenses • Quick-Dial

When you look at the Pentax Q, its size will definitely grab your attention – it literally looks like it’s been victimized by a shrink ray, roughly the size of a cassette tape or a small mobile phone. However, don’t be fooled, for despite its miniscule size, it feels solidly built and is coated with a “rubber” grip-friendly surface. Looking at the Q’s physical controls, you’ll see the two familiar mode control dials, the elevated shutter button, and the on/off switch on the top right side. To the left of that you’ll see the play/ preview button as well as a sliding switch that pops up the flash (which we’ll talk about later), although the Q also has a hotshoe. Eyeing it from the front, you’ll see the Quick-Dial, which lets you easily access up to four preset shooting (Smart Effect) modes of your choosing. This dial is very handy, despite its awkward placement, but it lets you swiftly use the builtin analog-inspired effects without having to go through the cumbersome navigation menu. 38

APRIL 2012

When held in its prescribed shooting position, on the right side is where you’ll find the familiar mode selectors (ISO, WB, etc.), the INFO button and MENU button, and the programmable GREEN button that lets you access certain functions quickly. As you may have guessed, all the buttons on the Q are quite small, but they’re surprisingly not hard to use, even if you have large fingers. The Pentax Q is quite easy to use in full auto, P, TV or AV. You simply turn it on, set the dial to which auto/semiauto mode you want to shoot, and away you go. The standard shooting format is 12-megapixel JPEGs for stills, but there is an option to “retrieve” the RAW image data after you take the photo. While this is handy, it takes a few seconds to save, so shooting in JPEG is your safest bet. And considering that the Q will most likely be targeted at a market that won’t post process their images, this is not a major problem. Although using the Q as a

point-and-shoot is pretty straightforward, things get a little trickier if you want to take advantage of being able to shoot and focus manually, especially since the AF speed and accuracy leaves more to be desired. When shooting in Manual mode, the LCD doesn’t instantly reflect your settings, so when you adjust your aperture, the Q won’t show how it affects the resulting image in real time, which makes it difficult. However, pressing the Green button recommends a setting for you to employ when you’re shooting in Manual, which sort of defeats the purpose. Additionally, the Pentax Q has a Blur Control (BC) mode that mimics bokeh, and while it’s fun to experiment with, it’s not very intuitive. To make up for this, Pentax has added the familiar SCN mode which grants you a lot of useful and well-constructed options to shoot with. It lets you use 21 preset shooting modes, such as Portrait, Macro, Food, Candlelight, etc. and Pentax has even added an HDR (High Dynamic Range)

preset which captures 3 images in succession and combines them completely in-camera. While this can definitely come in handy for capturing landscapes, images taken in HDR take quite a bit of time to process. At one point, the Q even froze and had to be “reset.” Nevertheless, the standard 8.5mm f/1.9 prime lens that arrives with the Pentax Q is pretty sharp when there’s a generous amount of light. If you find yourself in poorly lit surroundings, you can adjust your ISO up to 6400, although you can expect a significant amount of grain. You can alternatively use the built-in flash, which you can pop-out to widen the discharge area up to 28mm. The Pentax Q shoots Full HD video (1920x1280 at 30fps), and sound is recorded in mono to its built-in microphone. Video is pretty sharp, and auto-focus works relatively well, but after about 10-15 minutes of shooting video, (and even stills), the right side of the camera near the LCD begins to heat up.

WHAT’S NOT: • Heats up • No touchscreen

BOTTOMLINE: It doesn’t get more compact than this. The Pentax Q is the perfect camera for those looking for a small but powerful mirrorless system.

It’s not unbearable, but its temperature is something you’ll notice, and may force you to turn off the camera. Nevertheless, the 3-inch TFT LCD is clear, bright and vivid despite its heat problems. I would have liked there to be some touchscreen functionality on the Q like its mirrorless counterparts, but with a camera of this size, you can’t expect to have everything. In the end, if you’re looking for an interchangeable lens system that’s extremely compact, the Q is a good camera. It fits neatly into your palm, can be operated with one hand, and is easy to conceal, which makes it ideal for street or candid photography. If small is in, the Q passes with flying colors.

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4.5

SPECIFICATIONS:

By Steven Vea

As we all know by now, the Samsung SII was a big hit in the market, offering a significant heavyweight competitor from the Android camp with an equally challenging price. Now, Samsung offers consumers the Galaxy S Advance—a more cost-effective solution with almost the same power as its big brother. So how does it shape out? The S Advance has a 4-inch WVGA sAMOLED screen with a resolution of 480×800, and you’ll notice how bright and vivid colors are as soon as you turn it on. Moreover, the display is quite easy to read even under direct sunlight, which a lot of people will appreciate. Viewing images and videos you’ve captured will look amazing, and the display will be even more stunning once you’re playing your favorite games on the S Advance. The touchscreen is ultra-responsive and typing text messages and responding to emails was a breeze, even when using the QWERTY keyboard format in portrait mode, which is often difficult with other smartphones.

It measures in at 9.69mm thin and weighs a mere 123.2g—a pretty common and decent size for your average smartphone. It has a height of 123.2mm and a width of 63mm, similar to its bigger brother.

The physical controls and ports are at a bare minimum, making it look neat and sleek. On the left side you’ll find the volume rocker and on the right is where you’ll discover the hybrid power/sleep/wake button. You connect the USB charger/cable on the bottom, where you’ll also find the 3.5mm jack. Holding it in position for normal use, you’ll find the familiar physical home button on the lower center, flanked by backlit touch controls to access the Menu, as well as a Back/Return key. On the top left corner

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you’ll notice the subtle 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for vanity shots and video chat. The main 5-megapixel camera with AF and LED flash is located on the rear of the S Advance. If set on its maximum setting, resulting images from the main cam are at 2560 x 1920, with a file size of approximately 1MB. Additionally, it can also record and playback video of up to 720p@30fps. While the camera isn’t by far one of the best we’ve seen, it will do the job and will do it well enough to quickly capture a memory.

Running Android Gingerbread 2.3 along with Samsung’s TouchWiz interface, the S Advance is highly intuitive, letting you stay productive, connected and entertained. You get a total of 7 swipeable homescreens, where you can place shortcuts to all your favorite apps for quick access. Additionally, since it’s powered by a dual core 1.0GHz processor, you can lay back and fully enjoy whatever form of entertainment you dabble in without worrying about hiccups in performance. So whether it’s keeping up with your social networks, browsing the web, or playing games, the Galaxy S Advance performs well, as expected. If we’re talking everyday use for the average person, the S Advance will satisfy

DIMENSIONS: 123.2×63. x9.69mm WEIGHT: 123.2g DISPLAY: 4.o” 480×800 (WVGA) sAMOLED CHIPSET: U8500 (Dual 1.0GHz) BEARER: HSPA 14.4/5.76 850/900/1900/2100, EDGE/ GPRS 820/900/1800/1900 MEMORY: 768 MB RAM, 2 GB ROM, 8/16GB Internal Memory CAMERA/FLASH: 5MP AF+LED Flash / 1.3MP Front CONNECTORS: MicroUSB, USB 2.0, 3.5mm earjack WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY:BT 3.0+HS, WiFi a/b/g/n, DLNA GPS: A-GPS UI/WEB BROWSER: Next TouchWiz/Android Browser RADIO: FM Radio (RDS) AUDIO: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, AC3 VIDEO: MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV, VC-1

TRIED AND TESTED TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT

SMARTPHONE

If we’re talking aesthetics, the S Advance looks stunning, adopting Samsung’s classic and elegant design, and it will fit well in the palm of any executive, and would make the average person look even more attractive. The S Advance has a slightly curved body, serving to make it both sexy and ergonomic.

gadgetslab

Samsung Galaxy S Advance

BUY METER

WHAT’S HOT: • Excellent display and touchscreen • Quick WiFi connectivity

WHAT’S NOT: • Camera could use improvement

BOTTOMLINE: The Samsung Galaxy S Advance is an excellent smartphone that is well worth its asking price.

the wants and needs of just about anybody. What impressed us the most is its quick connectivity – it’s able to detect and access any WiFi hotspot instantly and effortlessly, granting you immediate access to the web. Battery life is not so bad either—with normal use, this smartphone lasted around a day before needing to be recharged. Overall, the Galaxy S Advance is an excellent smartphone which offers you more than what you’re paying for. At a price tag of Php 22,990, it’s a great solution for those who want performance almost equal to the SII, but at a lighter price tag. APRIL 2012

gadgetslab TRIED AND TESTED TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT

Seagate GoFlex Satellite (500GB)

BUY METER

3.5

SPECIFICATIONS:

MOBILE WIRELESS STORAGE By Steven Vea

The Seagate GoFlex Satellite is one of the few solutions out there to grant you greater mobile storage capability. Let’s find it how useful it can be.

DEVICE TYPE: Network drive CONNECTIVITY: SuperSpeed USB3.0 and 802.11b/g/n CAPACITY: 500GB DIMENSIONS (H X W X D): 0.9in x 3.5in x 4.7in WEIGHT: 9.4oz CONTROLLER TYPE: Serial ATA

WHAT’S HOT: • Can be accessed wirelessly • Flexible solution for mobile devices

WHAT’S NOT: • Not exactly portable • Can’t access web while connected to it

BOTTOMLINE: The Seagate GoFlex Satellite will be a godsend for those who want to add 500GB of storage to their tablet or smartphone.

Once you open the box, you’ll take notice that the GoFlex Satellite comes with a multitude of adapters. You are given a USB 3.0 adapter, compact wall adapter car charger, USB and DC cable. It would have been nice if they provided a carrying case for all of these, but you probably won’t need to carry any of the adapters around anyway, since it has a battery life of up to 5 hours of continuous use. Taking a look at the GoFlex Satellite, some people might not exactly consider it as mobile or portable. While it does fall on the size range of the smaller external drives, it’s thicker and heavier than we’d like, although considering it has a capacity of 500GB, it’s 40

APRIL 2012

a fair trade off. Moreover, the GoFlex Satellite looks great - it’s got a clean black glossy finish, and except for the Satellite’s logo, two LED indicators, and the power button, that’s about it. While the GoFlex Satellite can function as a normal external drive via USB, what makes it unique is that it can be accessed wirelessly, adding 500GB of storage to your tablet or smartphone. Setting it up for initial use isn’t too difficult, but requires quite a few minutes of your time to get it up and running. When using it with a portable device, you must first download the Seagate Media Sync software, as this will be your main “installer” and dashboard to access your stored files.

Once the app is installed, the GoFlex Satellite appears as a hotspot or network connection, so linking it up with your mobile device is done similar to accessing a new WiFi hotspot. What’s great is that you can also access it using a web browser, although performance isn’t as smooth. Now at this point you may have already foreseen the biggest drawback of the GoFlex Satellite. Once you’re connected to it wirelessly, you no longer have access to the web, since it acts as its own network. So, in effect, you can’t surf the web or download media while you’re using the GoFlex Satellite wirelessly. So, if you’re a multi-tasker,

you may find this quite disappointing. However, the GoFlex Satellite is not just limited to use with mobile devices - you can also use it wirelessly with your PC as well, although we recommend that you take advantage of using it via its SuperSpeed USB 3.0 cable instead. Transferring files is blazingly fast, and apart from that, you’re able to access the web at the same time. Another point to consider is that since the GoFlex Satellite appears a wireless network on your mobile device, it can be shared by multiple users. While this is a great option, and could definitely be useful

down the road, you must remember to password protect your GoFlex Satellite, or else anybody within range of at least 150 feet will be able to access all your files. In the end, if you’re looking to carry 500GB of generous storage with your tablet or smartphone, the GoFlex Satellite could be the solution you’re looking for. However, in our opinion, it would more useful for Android devices due to file compatibility issues that iOS is known for. It’s not exactly ultraportable, but it’s flexible and it’s better than lugging around a laptop. And with a battery life of at least 5 hours on continuous use, it seems like a pretty good deal.

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gaming

WHERE PLAYING AROUND IS A GOOD THING

9mm

By John Nieves

Mass Effect 3 Mass Effect 3 Developer: Bioware Publisher: EA

To some extent, Mass Effect 3 will be a disappointment to some. There’s not much developer Bioware can do about that–a science fiction narrative as massive, epic and sprawling as the one that Bioware has created will always have its detractors, no matter how much the developer tries to satisfy each and every one of the characters’ subplots. But to a vast majority, the finale of the tale of the first human Specter will be a satisfying one, which proves once and for all that Bioware knows how to make an engaging story with rich, robust characters while still making it a fun way to blow 40 hours. The first Mass Effect was about stopping a god-machine, while the second one was about trying to stop one being created from scratch. The third and final game deals with the invasion of the brothers of the said godmachine who are dead-set in eliminating all life in the known galaxy. That’s as far as I’m willing to go with the plot, for fear of spoiling a lot of the story. You’d have to play the game yourself to find out just how the whole thing unfolds. Like Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3 allows you to import your old character from the previous game. This doesn’t just save you time and effort when creating a character–the decisions you made in the previous game carries over to Mass Effect 3, including all the right and wrong choices you’ve made in the past. The old paragon and renegade system is still in play wherein you get to decide how much of a goodie two shoes you’ll be to a person who needs your help, or how much of an asshole you are to those who piss you off. These decisions now affect a greater swath of the galaxy, unlike before when it only affected certain personalities in the story. Unfortunately, most choices are pretty black and white, and there’s no reward in lingering in the grey area– you’ll soon find yourself to be either space-Jesus or robo-Hitler. There’s a lot to take in when it comes to gameplay. It’s still quite an action-oriented game, with a heavy handed emphasis on combat. Old standbys are still present like being able to snap to cover and heavy use of Biotics (think spells, only more future-y), though there’s now substantial weapon customization options, so you’ll be able to trick out your weaponry before going into each fight. Multiplayer has now been added to the mix, a first for the series. Up to four people can now fight waves of enemies in six different maps, with each player being able to play as a different alien species to compliment your crew. The multiplayer mode might not hold water on its own, but since it’s being offered more like a side dish to an already excellent singleplayer experience, I have no complaints.

Mass Effect 3 may not please everyone, but in my opinion it’s a great sendoff to a series that I’ve played since the day one. The multiple story lines, arches, twists and decisions that you won’t be able to satisfy in just one playthrough. It’s an automatic buy for true fans of the series. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

There aren’t a lot of Android games out there that are aimed at mature audiences. Gameloft’s decidedly more mature action shooter, 9MM, is a welcome break from the cheesy, kiddie games that currently inhabit the Android Marketplace. You control John Kannon, a er... loose-cannon cop out to serve his own brand of justice. Granted the story isn’t as well thought out as most of the titles I usually play (with the plot following the usual tropes of a man not willing to play by the rules) but it has its own special charm. While you definitely won’t come for the story, you’ll absolutely stay for the action. 9MM features a lot of large set pieces where John just lets loose with the artillery, with a literal crap ton of bad guys swarming you at any given time. To combat the hordes of bad guys, John has access to a large arsenal of weapons, from the trusty .50 cal handguns to fully automatic assault rifles. John also has the ability to enter bullet time, which slows down time dramatically and allows players to strategically shoot baddies without getting riddled full of holes. The game also has a multiplayer segment where you can go up against other players online. You can upgrade you equipment either by earning money going through the game and beating other players online or you can just buy the upgrades and weapons using your hard-earned cash. Whatever route you take, the game’s multiplayer is a fun way to kill a few hours. APRIL 2012

snapshots

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY IN A SNAP

Overlooked BY BENJAMIN ARNOLD

landscapes

Some photographers look off into the distance— deep in thought—looking for inspiration. Others look off into the distance for their next shot. This kind of photographer—often referred to as a Landscape Photographer—sees something evocative in a particular vista and brings this to our attention through his lens. 42

APRIL 2012

“Sagada Fog” © Jesus Paul Yan

JESUS PAUL YAN, a well-known Filipino advertising photographer who is a regular member of the Camera Club of the Philippines—has been an industry teacher for years sharing his knowledge with young photographers regarding fashion, glamour, food, product and architectural photography. Gadgets Magazine was able to get his insights on Landscape Photography. THE GEAR:

For photographers that want to venture into landscape photography, the best gear to begin with would have to

be “A camera with a kit lens (laughs). Everything takes off from there,” says Yan. “[But] a wider-angle zoom lens—which allows the entire width of a landscape to be taken in a single shot, a decent tripod—preferably a heavy one—plus a couple of classic landscape photography books [would be the next best investment.] I would choose a lens that is capable of covering the specific angle of view that I need. I prefer to use a 24mm full frame equivalent lens. Others would probably choose a 20mm lens, [but] my choice of lens focal length has been developed over time,

and it is the range that I normally use.”

When it comes to tripods, Yan says that he is “notorious for not carrying a tripod. But yes, for most intents and purposes a tripod should be necessary equipment for landscapes. But that is why I am considered a rebel in that regard. A tripod steadies the camera and allows for very slow shutter speeds not otherwise advisable when handholding it. Using a tripod is considered the correct way.” Lenses on the other hand, “are purpose-built,” says

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Ask other photographers if you can borrow their gear and test them out before purchasing to find out which items you are comfortable using and work best with your style. Think of how you will use it and if you will actually use the gear before investing big bucks. THE SHOT: When it comes to composing shots, instinct is key. Yan says, “The better photographers often do it instinctively. Most of the time, when you look at the

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chosen landscape, you will immediately get a feel [for the shot and know] where to point your camera. I teach people to ‘look’ first, and then ‘point’ the camera. It is a good visual exercise.” When asked if there are rules when taking landscape shots, he replied saying, “Yes, there are rules. But the [image] that has something that catches the eye is what defines a good photograph— regardless of the rules. So, when photographing a landscape, first try to define why that landscape is attractive enough for you to photograph. Once you have done that, use that as your basis on how to frame the shot. But there is one tip I would like to offer: Make sure the horizon line is straight. That is [one rule constantly] overlooked.” It is also important to keep in mind the camera settings. “Ansel Adams and the f64 Club recommend

using the smallest possible aperture,” Yan mentioned. “I [personally] would be happy using f5.6 or f11. I would [also] insist that the photographer use the correct White Balance setting, which ensures accurate color.” This can be applied when shooting landscapes that involve a blue sky. “If the sky is already a deep blue, then there is nothing else to do. But if the white balance is set to an incorrect setting, then there will be a color shift. But then again there is always Photoshop (laughs).”

lenses, you can make use of panoramic stitching. “Panoramic stitching allows the photographer to take multiple consecutive shots of several parts of a scene and then assembles the images into a single photograph [using photo editing software.]” In the end, Yan suggests photographers who are interested in getting into landscape photography should “look at lots of landscape photographs first. [And I mean] lots of them. And then learn to use your camera.”

In regards to using Photoshop, if you don’t have access to wide angle HOYA 67mm HD Circular Polarizer CIR-PL Filter

“Nueva Ecija Cows” © Jesus Paul Yan

APRIL 2012

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY IN A SNAP

For the purpose of landscape photography, Yan suggests using Polarizer filters that reduce reflections from some surfaces, and are capable of darkening the sky to get those deep blue colors; ND filters, which allow a photographer to change the aperture, exposure time and motion blur of a subject in different situations such as

environments with bright or harsh light; Colored filters, which compensate for the effects of lighting on color temperature; Infrared filters or IR filters, which produce a false-color or black-and-white image with a dreamlike or sometimes lurid appearance known as the "Wood Effect;" and Starburst filters which simply apply a star effect to light sources caught in the shot.

snapshots

Yan. “If the purpose is within the realm of your photographic context, then use it. Do not do a particular kind of shot simply because you bought a filter someone said was essential for landscape photography. A good example would be the use of Neutral Density (ND) Filters. ND filters were purpose-built to reduce the brightness of a scene, which is necessary if we need to use a specific shutter speed. But I notice that the people who buy ND filters have no idea why they would benefit from using a specific shutter speed.”

tablets

Traveling Light

A PORTABLE PERSONAL COMPUTER

By Presy Alba

It’s summertime. Many of you will be driving off to the beach or to the mountains, or even fly out to some distant land in order to take a break from the heat and the stress of work and school. With so much stuff to bring along when traveling and the strict weight limits imposed by the airlines especially to economy class passengers, an iPad or a tablet is the most practical solution to staying connected while on the road. The new Android phones and the iPhone may have the capability to let you stay online and connected with family and friends, but having a larger screen does have its advantages. If you’re traveling within the country, unless you’re in a very remote area, chances are your hotel will have WiFi access or, if it does not, you can always use your phone as your personal WiFi hotspot—just make sure that you use unli-surf or register to use the timed browsing of your mobile service provider to avoid the bill shock from the default “per kilobyte” mobile downloads. If you’re traveling abroad, turning on data roaming can be very expensive—so I recommend that you don’t even think about it. Before you leave, check if there are prepaid data SIMs that you can purchase at your destination, then if you have an unlocked wireless mobile router, you may be able to use it as a personal hotspot while on the go. Ultimately, you will encounter moments when you cannot go online for one reason or another. With this in mind, I’d like to share with you the most important travel apps you need to load on your tablet, and some tips and tricks on how you can use your tablet offline.

Creating offline guides using Maps, iPhoto, Safari For street maps and directions, nothing beats the Maps app in my opinion, but it requires an Internet connection. With a little preparation, you will never be without a map to your destination. Here’s how: while you still have 44

APRIL 2012

WiFi access, open maps and get the directions from one location to your destination. Once map with direction loads, take a screen shot by pressing the Power then the Home button of your iPad. You will know a photo was taken because your screen will flash and you hear a click. The screenshot will automatically be saved in the Photos gallery of your iPad. You can then sort the maps and directions by location using iPhoto. You can also use the screenshot trick to capture webpages from your browser for offline web information.

Backup Files using Save2PDF/ PDF Reader It is important to have backup copies of your travel documents just in case they get lost or misplaced. Backing up your documents to iCloud is great but saving a copy on your iPad for offline access may just save you a lot of trouble. You can scan all of your travel documents – airline ticket, hotel reservation, passport, travel insurance, etc. in PDF format and load it to the PDF Reader (or a similar app) on your iPad via iTunes.

Using the iPad as an Entertainment Center Download and install Games, Ebooks, Audiobooks and Music on your iPad so that you won’t have a boring moment while on the road or waiting in airports. There are a lot of freebies that you can download from the App store. Just make sure that the apps you select will run without Internet access. If you’re planning to visit popular landmarks and museums, check if there are downloadable apps or e-guides so that you can have a more well-rounded visit filled with trivia and information that will make your visit more Interesting.

Batteries and Accessories Lastly, if you bring along backup power packs and external speakers, you will be able to make your iPad last longer and also share your music with your travel companions. And never leave home without your chargers!

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everythingapple

GADGETS THAT DON’T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE

How To Activate Find My Iphone/Find My Mac On All Your Devices

By Presy Alba

Having iCloud is really awesome. It allows users to access, backup and synchronize their apps and files seamlessly. But of all the iCloud features, I like Find my iPhone the most. Many of us have lost mobile phones before, either by accident or through theft, and we’ve all felt helpless because we had no way of locating our phones. In the pilot episode of the new TV show Touch starring Keifer Sutherland, a man on his way to India accidentally dropped his cellphone at London Heathrow Airport and it gets phone skipped across the globe. The desperate owner who had the last photos of his deceased daughter in the phone kept calling it in the hope that someone would return it—he was lucky to get it back in the end after going through a lot of drama. You’ll have to watch the episode to see how. On a road trip to Cebu, one of my colleagues lost his phone. We all thought that he must have dropped it somewhere, and he was ready to buy a replacement phone when our driver found it stuck in between the seats while he was cleaning the van after we got back. It was still on after the 2-day trip but because it was in silent mode, we had no way of detecting that it was just inside the van. In both cases, if it had been an iPhone with the Find my iPhone feature activated, the owner would have known where his phone was in real time and he would probably have been able to retrieve it so much earlier. Having Find my iPhone on in all your iOS devices not only improves your security, it also improves your chances of retrieving your device in case you misplace or lose it. Turning it on in your iOS device is very easy—all you need to do is make sure that your device is running iOS 5 or higher, and that you have the iCloud app installed. Then in Settings, click on iCloud and make sure that the Find my iPad/ iPhone feature is turned on. To see if it works, all you need to do now is www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

download the Find iPhone app from the app store. This is a free app that requires you to login using the same Apple ID that you use in iCloud. You can also check the location of your devices online by logging on to www.icloud.com using your Apple ID. Turning on Find my Mac on your Mac computers works in pretty much the same way—with an updated operating system (Mac OS X Lion) and iCloud installed, go to System Preferences, and click on the iCloud icon in the Internet & Wireless section, then check the Find my Mac feature to turn it on. In some cases, turning on Find my Mac can be a little problematic, especially if you upgraded to Mac OS X Lion instead of doing a clean install like I did. If the Find my Mac feature is grayed when you go to iCloud, you may need to update your operating system. If, after updating, you get a message that your system already has the latest update, but you are still unable to turn on the Find my Mac feature, you need to do the following steps: 1. Shut down your Macbook and restart while holding down the Command and R keys – this

will start your computer from the Recovery partition of your startup drive. 2. Once you enter into Recovery Mode, select the fourth option: Disk Utility. 3. On the Disk Utility pane, select your main disk, usually named Macintosh HD, then click Repair Disk. 4. Once Repair Disk is complete, restart your computer the normal way. 5. Using your browser go to support.apple. com/downloads/ and download and install the Lion Recovery Update. 6. Restart your computer after the recovery update has been installed. 7. Go to iCloud on System Preferences, then click on Find my Mac to activate it. With the Find feature turned on, your devices will now be easier to locate as long as it has WiFi connection. This should not negate the usual care that you take in securing your gadgets from theft but it will assist you in establishing the location or your device and support your claim of ownership in case of a dispute. APRIL 2012

apps

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

Compiled by Marianne Aganon

T-Vacation

Pack & Go - To Do, Task and Travel Packing List

TripDeck – Travel Itinerary Manager

iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad iOS 3.0 or later

iPhone and iPad iOS 3.2 or later

iPhone, iPod touch & iPad iOS 3.0 or later

T-Minus displays and updates anything you want to “count down” on your home screen. Once you have selected the date you want to count down to, exit the application and you will see the number of days shown on the app’s icon. The countdown is updated automatically at midnight every night (using the same time zone as your iPhone). The countdown number will always be up to date so there’s no need to launch the application again unless you set a new date. T-Vacation is a themed version of the popular T-Minus app. This version has a tropical island theme for its icon. Use this app to count down the days to your next vacation!

As featured in the NY Times, Travel Channel, USA Today, Budget Travel Magazine, App Store Essentials and many others, this app is an extensive “To Do” packing travel checklist and automated tasks reminder system tailored specifically for families and large groups of friends. Pack & Go enables you to manage trips instantly by using the many readymade packing lists and allows you to personalize your own travel or shopping lists by adding photos, sounds, and even background colors.

The best itinerary organizer is available for free. Manage hotel reservations, car rentals, flights, cruises, restaurants meetings and more! Get easy access to check-in times, seat number, and confirmation numbers, as well as gate information so you’re sure to never to miss a flight. You can also view your entire itinerary on a gorgeous map. Available at the Apps Store for Free

Available at the apps Store for $0.99

CWT To Go

iTranslator PRO for BlackBerry

Trip Journal

BlackBerry OS

Android

Your business travel companion provided by global trusted travel leader, Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT). Whether you are a road warrior or an occasional business traveler, you can rely on CWT To Go to help you stay organized, informed, and productive while on the go, all via your BlackBerry.

Planning a trip abroad? Need help understanding different languages? This application is exactly what you need lest you pull a “lost in translation.” It can translate words and phrases for over 50 languages using Google Translate Element directly from email, sms, or memo.

Are you a passionate traveler, ready to set off on your next travel adventure? Trip Journal is the ultimate travel app (winner of Android Development Challenge) to track, record, document, and share your travels with friends and family. Record your trips and share them with your friends on Facebook, Earth and more.

Available at BlackBerry App World for free

Available at BlackBerry App World for US $1.99 USD Available at Android Market for Php 169.03

APRIL 2012

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THE HOTTEST MACHINES THAT GET YOU PLACES

mobility

Fresh Out The Oven, Toyota Serves New 2012 Innova Words and photos by Christopher Kho

After six years of dominance, the country’s best-selling commercial vehicle (CV) returns anew. And to make the occasion more epic, Toyota sent us to the beautiful island of Boracay last February 23, 2012 to officially introduce the new 2012 Innova. Off the bat, let me clarify that this it is not an “allnew” model, so under the skin, it’s still mostly the Innova we’ve known and loved over the years. What’s new though are the restyled front grill, cornered headlights, blackened fog light housings, and clear tail lights. Plus, they’ve sculpted the front and rear bumper, hood, and fenders to give it more muscle. Top of the line variants also receive side mirror turn lamps, side skirts, and an altered license garnish. With all these changes, the new Innova certainly looks sharper, more sophisticated, and perhaps, a little bit like the Camry. Inside, the four-spoke steering wheel with audio controls, restyled instrument panel, and wood trims with silver accents help spruce up the generally untouched interior. There’s also a slight change to the A/C controls and the new 2-DIN CD/MP3 player now comes with AUX and USB connectivity. Under the hood of the new Innova, you’ll find the same trusty 2.0L four-cylinder VVT-i gasoline engine and 2.5L four-cylinder D-4D www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

diesel. Even the 4-speed auto or 5-speed manual transmission remains untouched. Assembled at Toyota Motor Philippines’ plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, the new 2012 Innova comes in eight colors: Silver Metallic, Black, Bronze Mica Metallic, Super White II, Beige Metallic, Light Blue Mica Metallic, White Pearl, and Red Mica Metallic. The J variant starts at Php 813,000, the E at Php 923,000, the G at Php 1,040,000, and the top of the line V at Php 1,165,000. For those who are calling out for an all-new model, Toyota’s obviously trusting on the “why fix it if it ain’t broke” philosophy. Indeed, after selling over 70,000 units and counting since the model was introduced in 2005, there’s really no logical reason to change the tried and tested formula, especially when it’s Toyota’s second best-selling model after the Vios. And if you’re looking for a reliable sevenor- eight seat people mover, there’s not much out in the market that can beat the Innova. APRIL 2012

mobility

Ferrari & Maserati Introduce New Models, Open Philippine Dealership

THE HOTTEST MACHINES THAT GET YOU PLACES

“Ladies and gentlemen, Ferrari and Maserati are here to stay in the Philippines,” were the welcoming remarks from Mr. Wellington C. Soong, chairman and president of Autostrada Motore, Inc. The Philippines is now officially the 58th market in the world of the Ferrari and Maserati names as Autostrada Motore, Inc. opened its showroom and factory certified service center last March1, 2012 at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, becoming the country’s first importer-distributor of the two brands. Interestingly, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for 18% of the overall global sales of Ferrari last year. Present at the launch to show their all-out support were the brand’s regional executives, namely: Simon Inglefield, head of region for Ferrari Asia Pacific; Herbert Appleroth, president & CEO of Ferrari Asia Pacific; Gaetano Marino, Maserati regional sales director for South East Asia & the Pacific; and the Italian ambassador to the Philippines Luca Fornari. The highlight of the opening was the unveiling of the Ferrari 458 and the Maserati Granturismo MC Stradale that drew “oooohs” and “aaaahs” from the eager crowd. The Ferrari 458 Italia unites functionality and style, and assures optimal performance plus visual impact while continuing the classic Maranello 8-cylinder engine tradition but with outstanding fuel consumption and emission levels. The Maserati Granturismo MC Stradale, on the other hand, is regarded as the first street-legal Maserati car, being the first to be supplied with carbon-ceramic brakes and advanced electronics that minimize gearshift. It is also the company’s first model to top 300 km/h and the first road-going car to sport a dedicated Race Mode. While only two new models were showcased in depth at the opening of the showroom, guests were assured that the entire range would also be available at Autostrada Motore, Inc. “As the official dealership for Ferrari and Maserati, we are aligned with the new corporate identity, which reflects passion, technical excellence, and unique style of brands. As part of a worldwide network of Ferrari and Maserati dealerships, Autostrada Motore Inc. ensures customers that they will receive only top-of-the-line customer service to match the legendary performance, technology and style of their cars,” said the Soong patriarch. Although the Ferrari and Maserati brands are known for their supercars, Appleroth shared that ecology and social responsibility are also at the forefront of their development, and they have, in fact, reduced their carbon emission by 25% with the newer releases. Marc Soong, Executive Director for Ferrari; Simon Inglefield, Head of Region for Ferrari Asia Pacific Other Countries; Herbert Appleroth, President and CEO of Ferrari Asia Pacific; Wellington Soong, Chair and President of Autostrada Motore, Inc.; Gaetano Marino, Regional Sales Director for South East Asia Pacific of Maserati; and Jason Soong, Executive Director for Maserati

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The Autostrada Motore, Inc. showroom and service center is located at 32nd & 4th Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

mobility THE HOTTEST MACHINES THAT GET YOU PLACES

The Nissan Teana 3.5L

There’s nothing like rolling up in a ride that establishes your presence in the big league. Crafted to exude luxury living, the European style Teana 3.5L sedan achieves harmony between driving performance, comfort, and elegant interior and exterior design. The Teana runs with 249hp and 335Nm of torque using Nissan’s award-winning VQ35DE V6 engine, which is the only engine to be included in Ward’s 10 best engines for 14 consecutive years. It also delivers class-leading fuel economy and responsive acceleration through the company’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission that also eliminates shift shock, making for a more efficient and comfortable ride. The luxurious ride features a classy one-touch electric retractable UV-protected top-load sunroof with a tilt-and-slide function. Inside the car is a ventilated eight-way adjustable powered driver’s seat and a ventilated four-way adjustable powered front passenger seat, the latter having a power-operated Ottoman-style leg rest with adjustment controls for the calf-support position to provide enhanced comfort. It also features an iPod-ready multimedia system to keep passengers entertained for long drives, allowing them to easily play DVDs and music. The system also 50

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doubles as a reverse camera that packs a safety CCD (Charged-Coupled Device) with night vision capability that makes parking easier in tight spaces. Receiving the top six-star rating in the Japan New Car Assessment Program, the Teana boasts a plush interior, which includes a dashboard that lies gracefully on top of a large wood panel, and chrome finishes to the door latch, grip handles, and double-stitched leather door trim. Additionally, it also comes with a dual-zone auto air-conditioning system, interior mood lighting, audio and cruise control steering buttons, Intelligent Key for keyless operation, and a trunk with a 506-liter capacity. Asserting its place in the local automotive market, the Nissan Teana 3.5L is a modern world-class ride for high-flyers presented in four exterior colors; White Pearl, Sapphire Black, Deep Amethyst Purple, and Brilliant Silver. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

mobility THE HOTTEST MACHINES THAT GET YOU PLACES

Nissan X-TRAIL CVT

The Nissan X-TRAIL CVT stays true to the definition of an SUV with its actual off-road capability. Powered by its QR25DE engine that offers state-of-the-art low to mid torque strength, the X-TRAIL CVT is able to traverse rough roads effortlessly due to its all-mode 4x4 I-System structure. The SUV does this through its 4WD controller and engine control module that make use of various sensors including the G sensor and steering angle sensor to study the driving conditions in order to make the proper adjustments. An electric current is then sent to distribute optimized torque to each wheel, allowing the vehicle to drive around slippery curves, uneven terrain, and even moon-like surfaces when less than four wheels are on the ground. Achieving more than just its off-road potential, the X-TRAIL CVT also guarantees increased gas mileage through its Xtronic Continuous Variable Transmission that provides powerful acceleration and smooth perfectly-timed gear changing with no shift-shock when maneuvering through difficult terrain or travelling on paved roads. This ride also promises comfort and convenience for long out-of-town trips as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s packed with leather seating that includes 6-way power adjustable front seats. It also sports a trunk drawer, fold-flat rear seats, and an iPod-ready multimedia system for movies, music, and hands-free calling. Featuring a 6.5-inch TFT LCD touch screen, motorists are provided with a nationwide touch screen navigation system as well as a reverse camera that contains a safety CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) with night vision that makes parking a lot easier. The X-TRAIL CVT is crafted to exude strength through its tough exterior, unyielding posture, and superior body structure with a timeless boxy design. At the same time, it also possesses the best safety features while maximizing interior space to perfectly unite form and function, and thus opening the road to true adventure. 52

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By Mika Fernandez-David

mobility

The All-new Honda Civic An Eco coaching ambient meter on either side of the digital speedometer helps monitor driving efficiency by lighting up in green when you are driving efficiently, and blue when driving more aggressively.

“ECON” stands for “Effective Control” which, when engaged, activates the super economy mode.

Quick specs: Variant: •1.8 EXI Engine and Transmission •1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder •Maximum power: 141 ps @ 6,500 rpm •Maximum torque: 17.7 kg-m @ 4,300 rpm •5-speed automatic transmission Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala President and COO of Ayala Corporation, Mr. Noriaki Abe, [General Manager of Asia and Oceania Operations of Honda Motor Company Limited], Mr. Tatsuya Natsume [President and General Manager, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.]& Ms. Helen Yuchengco Dee [Chairperson of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation} pose with the all-new Honda Civic

“The Civic is Honda’s first global car and it owes its continued existence to the strong market acceptance of its values which are fun-to-drive, advanced technology and fuel efficiency,” said Tatsuya Natsume, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines. Keeping the 9th generation Civic fun to drive, the body is now a tad stiffer for improved handling. It is also a bit lighter than the previous model. Revised suspension settings, added insulation and other improvements directly translate to a better overall ride. The exterior boasts a mono-form body design that is designed for aerodynamic efficiency without compromising styling. Noteworthy inclusions are the projector headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, side mirror turn signal lights and www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

cruise control. From the outside, the much-awaited upgrade to this popular sedan may seem like just a bigger version of the Honda City—but wait till you see the gadgets and gizmos installed in this CBU (Completely Built-Up) import from Japan. To help the driver achieve better fuel economy, the technology that was once only found in Honda’s hybrid models is now in the all-new Civic. Billed as Eco-Assist technology, the push of a bright green button labeled ECON to the left of the steering wheel, puts the engine into smart mode where key systems affecting fuel efficiency—Drive By Wire, AT Shift map, and even the air conditioning— are automatically adjusted. An Eco coaching ambient meter on either side of the digital speedometer

helps monitor driving efficiency by lighting up in green when you are driving efficiently, and blue when driving more aggressively. Also on the dash is Honda’s Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-Mid) system that boasts of a 5-inch color LCD screen. Depending on which setting you choose, the iMid menu may display audio or lighting information, fuel consumption, the time, outside temperature, as well as – get this – see what’s behind you via the factory installed rear-backup camera. Also part of this smart interphase are intuitive and easy-tooperate controls at the steering wheel, which allow you to control your devices while keeping both hands on the wheel. Initially available in the 1.8 liter EXi with automatic transmission, the all-new Honda Civic comes in Urban

Exterior: •Projector-type halogen headlights •Front fog lights •16” alloy wheels •Door mirror-mounted side turn lights •Rear reverse camera (displayed in the i-MID screen) Interior: •Integrated audio system with CD/MP3/WMA player; USB connectivity and Auxiliary In •6 speakers (including tweeters) •Steering wheel controls (for i-MID and audio system) •Cruise controls (steering wheel mounted) •Bluetooth hands free telephone function (steering wheel integrated) •60:40 split-folding rear seats •Manually adjustable headlight leveling switch •Leather steering wheel •Beige interior fabric Safety: •G-CON (G-Force Control) collision safety technology •Dual SRS airbags •ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) •Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Exterior Colors: •Carnelian Red (new) •Urban Titanium •Taffeta White •Crystal Black Suggested Retail Price (SRP): •Php 1,074,000

Titanium Metallic, Taffeta White, Crystal Black Pearl, and the new Carnelain Red Pearl with a price tag of Php 1.074 million. APRIL 2012

THE HOTTEST MACHINES THAT GET YOU PLACES

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. signaled it is ready to reestablish its presence in the Philippine automotive market with the launch of the all-new Honda Civic and the opening of “Honda Mania,” an exhibit and test-drive event held at the Bonifacio Global City last February 16.

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s e h s u P g n Samsu e r u t u F e h T f O s e i r a , a i Bound s A t s a E h t u o S d r i m At Its Th u r o F n a w i a T & a i n y a d o t f o Ocea r e m u new age cons e h t g n i r e w o p Em

Photos by Michelle Callanta-Toledo

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, showcased its diverse array of new products at the Samsung South East Asia, Oceania and Taiwan Forum 2012 in Bangkok. Embracing its commitment to push the boundaries of innovation and consumer experience, the company shared its strategy to expand its Asian markets. 54

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The company introduced its 2012 product catalogue and its vision to deliver connectivity and content across all of its devices—from TVs to mobile phones, tablets to Notebook PCs and cameras to home appliances. “The lifestyles and demands of the new age consumer today are rapidly changing and the technological landscape is fast advancing. Consumers are looking for innovative products that enrich and accommodate their lifestyle, be it for entertainment, personal or corporate needs, and this creates exciting growth opportunities for new markets, particularly in Asia,” said Gregory Lee, President and CEO of Samsung Asia. “Smart devices like phones, tablets, TVs, cameras, printers and home appliances permeate homes, enterprises and mobile lifestyles of consumers. We want to excel in affecting consumers positively with innovative products and excellent made-for-Asia content.” In 2011, Samsung Electronics achieved record sales of $143 billion. In South East Asia, Oceania and Taiwan, the company achieved 41% revenue growth in 2011 and retained its number one position in TVs, monitors, and refrigerators. It also became the number one brand for mobile phones and smartphones for the first time. Additionally, Samsung shared the worldwide launch of its CSR platforms under the banner of Hope for Youth in South East Asia, Oceania and Taiwan. In Taiwan, the company collaborated to create the Hope Classroom afterschool program, providing volunteers’ time, and 1.5 million digital devices to give disadvantaged children access to e-learning programs and digital education activities. Similarly in Vietnam, Samsung has created Smart Libraries in suburban areas, providing laptops and Smart TVs loaded with educational content to help children in need. In Indonesia, Samsung has partnered with Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa (YCAB), a non-profit organization, to create an Engineering Academy providing underprivileged children with industrial skills and training for future employment. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Samsung Smart TV: Ultimate Quality, Content For 2012, Samsung has pushed the boundaries of home entertainment to meet the needs and challenges of its consumers. The company has unveiled its 2012 product innovations under three guiding pillars: Smart Interaction, Smart Content and Smart Evolution. The new family of products offers more content, smarter interfaces, intuitive controls, incredible picture quality and stunning design. The ES8000 LED TV features the slim bezel Samsung first introduced in 2011, complemented this year by a new matching arch flow stand and an increased screen size of up to 75 inches. Inside, a dual-core processor powers the ES8000, allowing users to multitask by surfing the web while using or downloading multiple apps simultaneously. A variety of content is also available through Samsung Apps, the industry’s preferred TV apps platform.

The ES8000 LED TV encompasses Samsung’s three guiding philosophies that equip consumers with the future of Smart TV technology: Smart Interaction enables Smart TV owners to communicate with their TVs via voice control, motion control and face recognition. For example, consumers can use the Samsung Skype HD camera and dualmicrophones to prompt the TV. Say “Hi TV” and turn on voice control, speak “Web Browser” to get online, and browse and select results or increase the volume by just pointing a hand. Smart Content includes the expansion of more robust and personalized content through Smart TV apps, as well as AllShare Play, which enables consumers to easily access personal content across multiple device screens – anywhere, anytime. Additional exclusive services include Family Story, Fitness and Kids. Smart Evolution is defined by

Samsung’s new Evolution Kit. Each year, the kit will include all necessary hardware and software enhancements using proprietary system-on-chip technology. Select 2012 TVs will come equipped with a simple slot-in to the back of the TV. GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) and GALAXY Tab 2 (10.1) powered by Android 4.0 Samsung introduces its first line-up of tablets for 2012 with the launch of the GALAXY Tab 2 series, expanding the choice of tablets to customers. The GALAXY Tab 2 series includes 7-inch and 10.1-inch models. The GALAXY Tab 2 series is available in 3G and WiFi versions. Light and portable, the GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) is the ideal on-the-go device, while the larger GALAXY Tab 2 (10.1) model is well-suited for home and family use. Samsung’s first Android 4.0-powered tablet features new and improved Android OS features. This includes Google Play, your new hub for APRIL 2012

feature more than 450,000 applications, as well as improved web browsing, faster response times and a more intuitive UI with upgraded swipe control applications. The device’s new operating system is further enhanced by HSPA+ 21Mbps or WiFi connectivity. More than ever, consumers can enjoy more multimedia access, playback and sharing experiences through Samsung Hub services. Readers Hub gives users access to more than 2.3 million e-books, 2,300 magazines, and more than 2,000 newspapers in 51 languages. Game Hub instantly connects users to the latest game titles. Beyond content, the GALAXY Tab 2 series makes connecting and sharing socially easier than ever. With the voice call capability, consumers can use the GALAXY Tab 2 just as a phone or spontaneously schedule multi-party video calls via Google+ hangouts. Samsung’s cross-platform communication service, ChatON, further enhances social networking experiences. SMART Wi-Fi Camera Technology The shift from analog to digital imaging has never been so evident than with today’s culture of instantly capturing, uploading and sharing photos with friends and family. To make this process more accessible, convenient and fast, Samsung introduced a full line of SMART cameras and camcorders with the new SMART Wi-Fi technology. Leading the new line-up of Wi-Fi enabled SMART cameras is the WB850F, a long zoom camera that boasts a 21x optical zoom and ultra-compact design to give users the freedom to shoot in stunning clarity while on the move. With Wi-Fi Direct, photo enthusiasts can link 56

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their camera to a phone or tablet for photo sharing across platforms like Facebook, YouTube or Picasa. Photos can even be emailed directly from the camera for simple sharing. Additionally, users can use the Auto Backup function to transfer images to their PC without having to carry around cables. New Generation of Home Appliances offering Solutions for Energy Efficiency and Space For 2012, Samsung will expand the use of innovative features in its home appliances in Asia. The company is approaching this by investing in the development and launch of new products that push boundaries, in the present and future, through three pillars: Eco, Space and Smart Future. Samsung is committed to developing environmentally friendly technologies and products for the home. A prime example is Samsung’s EcoBubble Technology, which allows large energy savings for washing in cool water on the Super Eco cycle but delivers the same wash performance achieved with a warmer 40°C cotton wash. In addition, Samsung’s brand new WiFi-enabled air conditioner is a smart energy saver with Double Saving feature thanks to Samsung’s advanced Inverter technology and Minimum Standby Power. This year also marks Samsung’s investment in the development of components, specifically for the expansion of its Digital Inverter Motors within the EcoBubble line-up and Digital Inverter Compressor for the Refrigerator Line-up. The latest motors and compressors feature optimal energy consumption and durability. In fact, Samsung offers a 10-year warranty to consumers for these components.

Keeping its Asian consumer needs in mind, Samsung also applied various space technologies to its newest product line. With refrigeration and food storage, the vast majority of Asian consumers are experiencing restrictions and limitations when using their fridge freezers. To help minimize these space constraints, Samsung developed the Perfect Fit bottommount freezer which not only fits well with their kitchen line, but gives a wide and big 430-liter capacity. This is achieved by applying Space Max—a technology that increases the inner storage space, by reducing the thickness of the product wall without affecting the refrigerator’s body size. Delivering on the Smart Future vision, Samsung’s Wi-Fi-enabled smart air conditioner comes equipped with a new Smart Control System. As a result, consumers can remotely connect to the air conditioner using a wireless router and a smartphone application regardless of their physical proximity. In addition, the Samsung NaviBot S, the next generation of an already successful robotic cleaner line-up, now features an Auto Dust Emptying function and an upgraded Visionary Mapping Plus System which allows speedy and smooth movements around the home. To address a growing need for protection against airborne infections, Samsung’s new 3-in-1 multi-functional air purifier with humidifying functions and Samsung’s Virus Doctor(S-Plasma ion) technology provides a total air care system for a better and cleaner indoor air quality. The World’s Slimmest Notebook Also unveiled today was the second generation of Samsung’s Notebook Series 9. Benefiting from more than 33,000 hours of development and design, the new Series 9 is 21 percent thinner and 28 percent smaller than its predecessor. Demonstrating

Samsung’s pioneering innovation and design leadership, the Series 9 stands as the thinnest premium notebook on the market. Thanks to its Intel Core i7 Processor and Samsung SSD, the notebook powers up in just 9.8 seconds and wakes in only 1.4 seconds. A single-shell aluminum body forms the exterior, with an innovative sand-blasted surface that prevents fingerprints. Its Super Bright Plus display enables superior picture quality with 400nit brightness. Powerful Office Technology In addition to the company’s notebooks, Samsung announced its mono laser multi-function printer, the SCX-3405FW. The printer’s state of the art “ecobutton” will reduce overall print costs by more than 20 percent. The device also comes set with a downloadable mobile print application, enabling customers to print and order items all from the convenience of a single smart device, such as PCs, mobile phones and tablets. The SCX-3405FW has a 20 page per minute printing speed along with faxing, scanning, copying capabilities. Samsung also announced its 27-inch Series 9 (S27B970) monitor that provides the best viewing experience with life-like picture quality. The S27B970 features Samsung’s exclusive professional-grade Plane Line Switching (PLS) panel technology for accurate color reproduction with over one billion colors that can be viewed at wide horizontal and vertical angles. With customization and attention to detail in mind, the new Series 9 monitor utilizes Samsung’s exclusive Natural Color Expert technology for maximum panel performance.

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IN-DEPTH TOPICS ON ALL THINGS TECH AND LIFESTYLE

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N O I T A C A v F O O R P S T E G GAD Summer’s here and there’s no way you’re vacationing without your favorite gadgets to make the vacay even more memorable and more entertaining. So don’t let the sun, sea, and sand ruin your summer for you. Here are a few ideas to help you protect those precious gadgets. By Steven Vea

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APRIL 2012

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CASES

IN-DEPTH TOPICS ON ALL THINGS TECH AND LIFESTYLE

The most convenient and most reliable way to waterproof your device is obviously to purchase a case that is specially designed for the task. We know that there are a multitude of gadgets out there and multiple case manufacturers to choose from, so while we can’t choose for you, we sure can steer you in the right direction. The first thing you need to take note of when it comes to purchasing a “proof-case” is that it must primarily serve function over form. After all, the main purpose of your search for a case is to find something to protect your gadget, and the way it looks comes second in your decision-making process. Not only must it safeguard your device, but you should also keep in mind its functionality —meaning that some cases might make your gadget a little harder to use because of the protective covering. So, that’s something you should consider as well. Aside from making sure that you can still use your gadget while it’s in the waterproof case, you’ll also want to consider added functionality. Lately, a lot of different manufacturers are incorporating “bonus” features into their case designs, such as adding extra hours of battery life or the ability of the protective case to double up as a stand or dock. With that said, a few brands that we can recommend are Otterbox, Drycase, Pelican and Benzitech. There are various manufacturers out there that create waterproof casings, offering different degrees of protection and differences in design. Pick the one that best suits your needs.

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One great, cheap and easy method is to use Ziploc bags, or any other brand or product that offers a similar air-tight form factor. While your device can stay safe with just one bag, we recommend that you “double bag” to ensure the best protection. An additional step you can take is adding silica gel packets (in the first bag if you double it up), to make sure that unwanted moisture is properly absorbed away from your device. Another trick is to use a vacuum sealer or a “food saver”, which some of you may already have in your homes. These machines can easily wrap a layer of air tight protection around your gadget, and acquiring one comes at a reasonable starting price of around Php 4,000. Although for that cost, you may as well shell out for a real waterproof case instead.

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APRIL 2012

IN-DEPTH TOPICS ON ALL THINGS TECH AND LIFESTYLE

Sometimes, you may find yourself with the need to create a DIY solution to waterproof your gadget, whether it’s due to a skimpy budget or you simply find yourself in an unfortunate situation with limited resources. If this sounds like you, there a few tried and tested methods that you can do yourself, although we do not recommend this and hold no responsibility if you try it, and it ends in a less than stellar ending.

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DIY SOLUTIONS

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OH NO! TIPS

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Unfortunately, there will come a time when you will accidentally spill water on your gadget or even worse, it might fall and submerge into a body of water. If or when it does, here’s what you do: 1 .Act fast. This is the most important thing you can do. The longer your gadget stays in the “trouble” zone, the chances of saving it decrease. 2. Turn off your beloved device as soon as possible. If it turns off due to a complete submersion, resist the temptation to power it up to check if it’s working. You must cut power immediately to prevent the electronics from shorting out. 3. Take the battery and SIM card out, and let it air dry. Some people like to dose it with a few sprays from a can of compressed air, as this can help “push” water out without spreading around too much. If possible, you can also submerge it in a bowl of dry uncooked rice or silica gel, as these items will absorb moisture even in those hard to reach areas. 4. If salt water is the culprit liquid, you need to first take out the battery and SIM, and dunk your gadget in fresh water first. This will flush out and minimize the salt crystals that can be left behind because pure water on its own is actually not what can harm your gadget the most, but the impurities in it. 5. If you’re heading out to the beach, you may want to bring a can of compressed air, since sand is a deadlier culprit to your device than water. At the end of each day on the sand, you may want to give your gadget a few sprays. 6. If you simply must send it to a service center, keep in mind that your warranty may not cover water damage. If that is the case, don’t lie about what happened to your phone. Most new gadgets have a “water sticker” that changes color to indicate that it got wet.

APRIL 2012

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One avenue of innovation that a few companies are looking towards is by introducing a transparent gel-like coating that will completely cover your gadget, rendering it immune to the elements of nature. One such product is Liquipel, which was unveiled at the CES 2012. This revolutionary product has been described by its makers as “nano-sized armor” for your smartphone and is essentially a repelling gel-like substance that adds a microscopic nano coating layer that is virtually undetectable. Liquipel protects both the internal mechanisms and exterior of your gadget, acting as a “force field” against harmful elements. As of now, Liquipel only stands at a waterproof rating of IPX-7 (which translates to a submersion depth of up to 1 meter for no longer than 30mins), can only be applied onto your device by sending it to the company, and supports only a handful of devices thus far. Nevertheless, with other companies such as HZo and P2i creating similar gel-like protective coatings, we can expect these products to be available commercially in the near future. Another thing we can expect in the coming years is for smartphones and tablets to already be waterproof themselves, without needing an external case for protection. Recently, Fujitsu quietly unveiled a waterproof tablet at CeBIT 2012, and the product’s demonstration included dunking the device into an aquarium. While Fujitsu is very reserved about releasing details on their current project, it wouldn’t be far-fetched (by way of demand and what is technologically possible) to see gadgets be element-proof sooner than we can imagine.

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APRIL 2012

IN-DEPTH TOPICS ON ALL THINGS TECH AND LIFESTYLE

With the growing number of consumers that take their smartphones and tablets with them to “antigadget” places such as bathrooms and beaches, manufacturers have finally taken greater strides to addressing those needs. We can expect more innovative, permanent and less intrusive ways to protect our gadgets in the future, and perhaps even expect them to be completely waterproof.

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PROOF IN THE FUTURE

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WHEN GORGEOUS GIRLS MEET HIGH-TECH GADGETS

Samsung WB150F Wherever thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a WiFi connection, you can upload your photos and videos to your favorite social networks or email them, all directly from the WB150F. You can use your phone as a remote viewfinder and control for the camera, while pairing this up with cloud-based storage ensures you never lose valuable memories. Samsungâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WB150F shoots at 14.2 megapixels and offers 18x optical zoom as well as HD movie recording.

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Words by Michelle Callanta-Toledo

Photographed by Erwin Barleta Make-up by Leo de Castro of Make Up For Ever • Hair by Jayr Amador Art Direction by Benjamin Arnold & Michelle Callanta-Toledo Styling by MR Gavin • Swimsuits by Speedo • Shoes by Primadonna Shot on Location at Manila Ocean Park & Hotel H20

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APRIL 2012

WHEN GORGEOUS GIRLS MEET HIGH-TECH GADGETS

Summer Siren A steaming Jennylyn Mercado ushers in the summer sun and the hottest gadgets available this scorching season.

photofeature WHEN GORGEOUS GIRLS MEET HIGH-TECH GADGETS

Samsung Series 7 Chronos Big, fast and beautiful – that’s what Samsung’s newest Series 7 Chronos is in a nutshell. This powerful 15-inch notebook comes equipped with Intel’s latest Core i5 and i7 processors that make short work of whatever tasks you throw at it. A discrete graphics card makes it a versatile tool, whether you’re just playing with the latest games or doing some heavy graphic-intensive task.

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ASUS PA238 Pro Art Series Though Taiwanese company Asus has made their fortune making motherboards and notebooks, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little known fact that the company also makes high-end IPS displays. The PA238 Pro Art IPS monitor is one such display, and has a multitude of features aimed at discerning professionals. The PA238 has 100% sRGB coverage and can be pivoted up to 90 degrees. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

APRIL 2012

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WHEN GORGEOUS GIRLS MEET HIGH-TECH GADGETS

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Favorite Gadgeet4s?s 1. iPhon ckberry Bold 2. Bla 3. Canoyn N7eDx5 4. Son

WHEN GORGEOUS GIRLS MEET HIGH-TECH GADGETS

s e v a h t s u m r e m m u s s ' n e J x5 e N y n o S

? Summer essentkials& lipbalm c lo b n u S

he summer? s t d n e sp o t e k li u o y o How d & friend y l i m fa h t i w h c a e b e h At t

Canon 7D

summer? s i h t t e g d a g st e t t o H ause it has c e b s, 4 e n o h P i g in it! n i h t ry e v e

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lifestylefeature A Getaway Amidst the City Manila, with its rich history, modern attractions and spectacular sunset, offers an idyllic escape into a tropical world. The capital city of the Philippines is just two hours by air from Hong Kong or Taipei, three hours from Bangkok, and four hours from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo.

In April 2010, China Oceanis Philippines opened Hotel H2O, the first aquarium-themed urban resort hotel in the Philippines. Great care was taken to ensure that the architecture blended harmoniously with the natural environment, combining comfort and elegance with traditional Philippine design and colours. After a hearty lunch of Southeast Asian specialties at Hotel H2O’s Makan-Makan Asian Food Village, get ready to visit another continent and beyond that, another world. Hotel H2O is part of the Manila Ocean Park complex and just an elevator ride transports you to the Oceanarium, where you come face-to-face with the wonders of the coasts, the rivers and the deep sea in all their spectacular glory.

The hotel, designed by GSN + P Architecture Studio, comprises two floors connected by a long aquarium wall, housing the Club H2O Lounge, Fitness Centre and Spa. The 128 rooms and 19 suites, pleasantly furnished with Turkish sandalwood marble, natural fabrics and artworks, have all the customary upscale amenities, comfortable queen or twin beds, individually controlled air-conditioning, mini bar, personal safe, and LCD television with remote control showing in-house movies and cable television.

APRIL 2012

There is never a dull moment at Hotel H2O. A typical day starts with an early morning stroll at historic Rizal Park, just around the corner from the hotel. Walk through this expansive square—Manila’s largest expanse of greenery—or join one of the many groups performing tai chi, shibashi and other exercise rituals. It’s a great way to start the day. Then, hit the hotel’s fitness centre, with its fully equipped gym, before going on a mid-day walkathon of another kind—shopping at the labyrinthine bazaars of nearby Malate, where charming little shops selling curios and antiques abound.

One of the current exhibits is “Trails to Antarctica,” where you get acquainted with friendly Humboldt penguins in “Penguin Quest” and experience first-hand the sub-zero temperatures of the frozen continent in the ice and snow village. After all that walking through the exhibits and sloshing through the snow, relax and take in the Musical Fountain Show at the Acquatica complex. Or have a fun night-out with friends at the Liquid Pool Lounge or Genius Club Tech. Finally, cap an eventful day by de-stressing from all the hectic activity. Head to Zenyu Eco Spa, just steps away from

your room or suite. Here, experience the “negative ion” treatment that makes this spa the most soughtafter in the wellness field. Heated ceramic-tile beds and deoxidizers in the therapy rooms emit high doses of healthy negative ions that cleanse the air and rejuvenate the body. The overall effect is holistic wellness for the tired body and even the weary soul. To maximize your stay in Manila, numerous business-and-leisure package tours can be organized to some of the most important attractions in the city, including the Old Walled City of Intramuros, the bustling Chinatown district of Binondo, and 400-year-old, Baroque-style Malate Church.

Hotel H2O is a member of the WORLDHOTELS, the largest and most established Europe-based global hotel group for independent hotels and regional hotel brands, with a strong emphasis on properties with character and distinction. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

This year, Manila Ocean Park is the “All-Season Holiday Destination” within the city. An integrated resort facility with marine life attractions, themed hotel with entertainment and lifestyle facilities, the park is definitely a venue for locals and tourists of all ages to enjoy. SUMMER ESCAPE Lush tropical paradise is found in the Oceanarium, home to 10,000 marine life species indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Its 25 meter long, 220° curved walkway tunnel provides a stunning underwater view of amazing sea creatures. Enjoy an indoor boat trip in the Glass Bottom Boat Ride for a closer view of the marine species. If you prefer a close-up interaction with the stingrays and fishes, the Aquanaut Voyage is your best option for a thrilling encounter. The Jellies Exhibit where the colorful jellyfish varieties can be found is also an attraction to behold. Then, there’s the Fish Spa to experience a unique way of rejuvenating your tired feet, while family bonding becomes more exciting with the indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Manila Ocean Park is also home to some of the world’s most exciting shows like the Sea Lion Show, Bird Show, Day Fountain Show and the spectacular Musical Fountain Show. The Tweeter Bird Showdown is a highly-entertaining bird show featuring the most beautiful and intelligent winged creatures as they perform amusing tricks and smart stunts.

WINTER SURPRISE Feel the winter chill in Trails to Antarctica, an attraction that offers freezing temperature of -15° in Snow Village. Take a ride on

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lifestylefeature

MANILA OCEAN PARK: LIFE IS A HOLIDAY!

Slide o ‘Fun, the 42 meter long ice slide before you get a glimpse of the Penguin Exhibit. It is home to Humboldt penguins - see them toddle, swim and eat with gusto. Have a lively conversation with Hamboo, the first penguin digital puppet in the country, giving you real-time interaction with an animated character in the Penguin Talk Show.

DINING EXPERIENCE & UNIQUE BARS Come and experience a fusion of South East Asian cuisine at Makan Makan Asian Food Village. Enjoy a merry mix of flavors with a worldclass sunset view. Unwind at Liquid Pool and Lounge with its signature drinks and indoor pool setting. See the best bayside scene at Whitemoon Bar and groove to the latest sounds.

HOTEL & SPA Have a relaxing stay at Hotel H2O, a member of World Hotels—the largest and most established Europe-based global hotel group for independent and regional hotels with strong emphasis on properties with character and distinction. It has 147 rooms and suites, highlighting aqua-themed rooms and panoramic views of Manila Bay. Zenyu Eco Spa is a unique facility that pioneers negative ion hot bed treatment from Japan. Negative ions are free air molecules that help stabilize the effects of free radicals which caused major diseases. The spa also offers the first fish spa jacuzzi in the country. APRIL 2012

lifestyleparade

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFESTYLE DECISIONS

Baya Flip and Baya Slide by Crocs Get ready for summer as Crocs brings you their Spring/Summer 2012 collection. With the Crocs name proudly displayed on the side of this signature flip and slide, you can proudly show off your comfy footwear. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made of fully-molded Croslite material construction for lightweight cushioning, while the footbed features Croslite material circulation rubs for a massage-like feel.

Php 1,545

APRIL 2012

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lifestyleparade SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFESTYLE DECISIONS

Blanca by Native Shoes Human history: thousands of years of wearing sandals, thousands of years spent without Native sandals. Unfortunately, these years cannot be replaced. Journey back to the Coliseum, dazzle Caesar and get a guaranteed thumbs up for mixing the inherently old fashioned with the modern age. The perfect mix, all yay, no nay.

Php 1,790

Paolo by Native Shoes Goth beware of the beach, here is the unequivocal flip-flop from Native that also comes in black. A beach classic, and if pale is the new tanned, and if the sun isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too lewd, come on down to the beach and scare us with our veinstained skindows. The secret to a longer lasting and more comfortable sandal is its two piece sandwich construction. The reinforced sole defends against wear and tear, while the feet peaks on top stimulate your soles, comforting your feet and relieving your mind.

Php 1,590 www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

APRIL 2013

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Automation by Gold Dot

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFESTYLE DECISIONS

Walk or strut; you can never go wrong with Gold Dot shoes. With their Automation collection, there is a little something for everyone. Whether you want chunky heels, wedges, or platforms, GD’s got you covered. They took the shoe game a notch higher with creative and unique designs that you’ll never see with other brands. Designed and crafted by local designers, the shoes, though they may look a little complicated, are still very fashionable and comfortable and with their high heels, you are definitely one step closer to heaven.

Drei Php 3,895.00

Denise Php 3,795.00

Swimsuits by Jellybean

Dax Php 3,895.00 72

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Pastels are in this summer season and Jellybean is showing us how it’s done. Their 2012 swimsuit line shows us fresh and fashionable swimsuits that will surely be a hit on the beach. You can mix and match different tops and bottoms, depending on your mood, maybe even try some color blocking or a pattern combo to suit your individuality. What are you waiting for? Join the heat wave to a fashionable summer.

Php 849 www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

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RFID Blocking Executive Organizer by Travelon

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFESTYLE DECISIONS

For those who don’t know, US passports issued after October 2006 and many debit/credit cards have RFID chips with personal data in them. The protective document case will not only organize your vital ticketing and ID, but will block unauthorized RFID readers from accessing your personal information. Enjoy easy, organized travel throughout airport check-in and security checkpoints without worrying about whether or not some bad guy is accessing your private information. With the RFID Blocking Executive Organizer, you can feel extra safe as you travel because it effectively blocks readers and prevents unauthorized access. Made of 1680 D. Balistic Nylon with Leather Trim, the organizer also includes card slots, an ID window, a passport pocket and a compartment for tickets/currency. Available in black.

Php 2,190

Anti-theft Tour Bag - small by Travelon

With the dozen or so Travelon security purses you’ll find a variety of pickpocket defying features. The small Anti-theft Tour Bag has a slash-proof chain-link construction throughout the front pocket that keeps the piece from being slashed so bad guys can’t have the contents of your bag exposed. A steel cable-reinforced, cut-proof shoulder strap ensures the adjustable strap stays on your shoulder. Finally, the Travelon Tour Bag has a dome top with a main compartment for easy viewing of pockets and sleeves within and comes with a removable LED light. All the card slots are RFID blocking so your credit card information can’t be compromised.

Php 2,490

On Your Weigh Scale by Travelon With the Travelon On Your Weigh portable luggage scales, you’ll be able to weigh your luggage before arriving at the airport, giving you plenty of time to juggle things around a bit, or if you need a good excuse to leave some of those horrible souvenirs at your hotel. Save on hefty overweight luggage fees as the scale’s backlit display changes from blue to red when your bag is overweight. It can weigh up 50kg and requires 2 lithium batteries which are included.

Php 2,490

Set of 2 Smart Tubes by Travelon If you have been searching for a leak-proof and spill-proof travel bottle we can offer you a quality set of bottles from our friends at Travelon. The Travelon Smart Tubes are available in a variety of sets including either two ounce or three ounce bottles. Security-friendly and carry-on compliant when traveling through airports, the Smart Tubes can be packed in a one-quart bag and carried on the cabin of an airplane. Perfect for creating and transporting travel size quantities of personal care products, the Travelon Smart Tubes dispense of your lotions in precise quantities so you don’t waste pouring out more than you need. Available in Pink, Purple, Green, and Yellow.

Php 1,390 www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

APRIL 2013

Cece Smith, the urban clothing line that is a mixture of oriental urban flair infused with the laidback feel of the islands, showcases its hottest designs for summer. While Cece Smith gets a lot of its inspiration from the musical stylings of hip-hop, it retains a rockstar edge thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glamorous, sassy, and definitely feminine. If you want to add a bit of spunk and personality into your summer suits, check out Cece Smith.

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFESTYLE DECISIONS

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Urban Clothing by: Cece Smith

Aaliyah Php 3,100

Summer Cecilia Exclusive Php 2,700

Whitney Php 2,100 74

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Tyra Php 2,100

Amelia Php 2,100 www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

lifestyleparade The new Shapewear by Reebok gives you an extra boost of confidence during your workout. The fashionable shapewear collection is designed with Shape n’ Hug technology and features incredibly soft and lightweight fabrics, perfect for use in the gym. The Shape n’ Hug compression panels are strategically placed in the apparel to give control and definition. Shapewear by Reebok smooths and shapes the waist, hips and butt. The new Shapewear range from Reebok is the innovative in-gym apparel that women have been waiting for—a sexy alternative to boxy, ill-fitting t-shirts or sweatpants. With the control and definition of Shapewear by Reebok and the Shape n’ Hug panels, anyone can look their best in the gym.

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APRIL 2012

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFESTYLE DECISIONS

Shapewear by Reebok

beautylab

BEAUTY SECRETS REVEALED

AFTER THE SECOND SESSION

BEFORE

indoor Sunbathing By Michelle Callanta-Toledo

APRIL 2012

hen J.Lo came into the scene sporting her toned, bootylicious, sunkissed body and almost singlehandedly turned bronze into the new fair, I knew that thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly how I wanted to look. Even though being fair-skinned seems to be the standard of beauty for a lot of women, I always felt there was something healthy-looking about having a nice, tanned glow. Sunkissed hues usually meant an active lifestyle, and anyone sporting a tan showed that they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afraid to let some sunshine into their pale lives. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

As it was my first time, I decided to go completely bare and insisted trying it with a tanning lotion (I used the Smoke 02 Tan Maximizer). I stepped in the fluorescent-covered bed, put on the tanning goggles (that diffuse the brightness

of the lights) and rested my head on the bed’s headrest. I also opted to have the tanning bed fan on, located at the foot of the bed just in case I couldn’t take the heat inside. Since I was completely alone, I had to close the bed on my own by simply pulling on the handle located on the inside top part of the bed. Now maybe it’s because I’m somewhat claustrophobic and the whole act of clamping the bed shut and lying in such a small space was too creepily reminiscent of a coffin, but once I was inside, I had to calm myself down. That was probably the only uncomfortable thing about the whole experience. Other than that, I barely felt the heat being emitted by the lights and thanks to the fan, I kept pretty cool and dry. Before you know it, your 15-minutes are up—a big difference from my usual 6-hour long sunbathing sessions on the beach. Admittedly, my first session was a bit of a let-down, probably because I expected to look like Jennifer Lopez after just one take. But as explained to me by Stefan Wilczynski, owner and creative director of Basement Salon, desired results don’t usually come until after several sessions and what people need to understand about tanning is that there’s a certain procedure they follow to avoid overexposure from UVA and UVB rays which can cause long-term damage to the skin. Even every session needs at least one day’s rest for the skin to recover from the exposure. And true enough, though my first session didn’t reveal a more golden look, I did begin to feel a bit prickly on my face where I didn’t put any lotion. That’s because one 15-minute session is equivalent to an hour under the sun (perhaps just not under the intense tropical

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BEAUTY SECRETS REVEALED

While there are many ways to mimic the effects of being out in the sun such as tanning lotions and sprays, I prefer to let my body go through the process of tanning naturally, lest the tanning lotion starts to streak and drip from the tropical heat. Basement Salon offers a great tanning service at an affordable price (Php 600 per session/Php 4,000 for 10 sessions). Since the salon itself is already pretty upscale, the facilities are nice and cozy for any session, be it tanning or just getting your hair done. At Basement Salon, the tanning bed is located in a private room complete with one tanning bed, a sofa to keep your things, and a bathroom. A technician sets the timer on the tanning bed for 15-20minutes and then leaves you to go about your business. You can opt to wear a swimsuit for that sexy tan-line or go in your birthday suit for an even, whole body tan. Tanning goggles are also available in the room as well as alcohol if you want to do any lastminute disinfecting.

beautylab

Now this might seem fine and dandy if the sun didn’t give off any harmful UV rays that cause wrinkles, photo-aged skin, and even cancer. And it’s not as if most beach-loving bums and partyphiles have the actual discipline to apply and reapply the sunblock on like clockwork to avoid painful sunburn. So how do you get that beach bronze body without having to sunbathe all day on the beach? The solution is closer than you think.

sun we’re used to). I came in for my second session two days after. This time, I decided to use the JWOWW (of the Jersey Shore fame) Black Bronzer tanning lotion and without the use of the fan. While it was a bit warmer inside the tanning bed, I was beginning to become more comfortable just lying there and dozing off knowing that the timer will shut off automatically and I won’t burn to a crisp. And when I came out, I was looking a tad more “orange” than when I came in. So perhaps it also depends on the type of lotion you use aside from the number of sessions. But true enough, you will see results, with patience and moderation.

Coincidentally, two days after my second tanning bed session, I went to enjoy the beaches of Puerto Galera, hoping to speed up the tanning process. Not heeding the general rule of sunblock and

constant reapplication, I, not surprisingly, came back to Manila with a painful sunburn which in the end, was not worth the trouble of looking like J.Lo.

APRIL 2012

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TECH LIVING AT ITS BEST

By Michelle Callanta-Toledo This year’s active summer may need you to change more than once a day as travel from one vacation spot to the next. Keep your clothes looking and smelling fresh and clean all summer long with these washing machines that are sure to get the job done. So while you’re out enjoying the tropical sun and getting a chance to frolic and play, they’re the ones doing all the dirty work.

LG Direct Drive WD1403RD

LG Direct Drive features a state-of-the-art integration of motor, belt, and pulley into a single, quiet, and durable motor that is directly attached to the drum. Its Shower Spray System uses less water by pumping it from the bottom of the drum to the top during washing and rinsing. It saves electricity and improves wash performance by dissolving and distributing all your detergent evenly. This revolutionary programme ensures that 99.98% of allergens, such as dust mites and pollen, are removed from the wash load, making it ideal for a baby’s sensitive skin. It detects the weight of the wash load, and uses the appropriate amount of water, saving energy and time. It also displays running time and error messages on a bright, easy-to-read screen. The LG Direct Drive has a unique Dampening and Ball Balancing System that is so quiet that you could run it in the middle of the night. With noise and vibration almost non-existent at just 54dB (max), it’s only a few whispers louder than a library.

Php 47,995

APRIL 2012

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Samsung Aegis

TECH LIVING AT ITS BEST

WF16025W5V

Its superior voltage and leakage protection functions ensure that the Samsung Aegis washing machine will last longer. Outstanding fabric care functions such as the protective diamond-shaped embossed drum keep cloths looking new even after repeated washes. Samsung’s Eco Bubble Technology innovation allows this washing machine to deliver the best washing performance of its class. Using air and water to dissolve detergent, Eco Bubble technology creates powerful cleansing bubbles that penetrate and absorb evenly into your laundry 40 times faster for a sure, thorough clean. Samsung’s Volt Control guarantees that your washing machine works safely, even with voltage deviations of ±25%, and ensures consistent volt control to protect the life of the washing machine.

Php 26,995

Sanyo Soft Spin ASW-82HT

The Sanyo Soft Spin washing machine features Child-Safety Mode, EcoSpeedy, Neuro & Fuzzy Logic Control which automatically detects the quantity and fabric types to deliver the optimum washing course. Its Jet Wash Action Effect is a vertical water flow that increases detergent action and prevents uneven washing. It also has a dynamic soaking function, a preset timer, and automatic detection of water level.

Php 10,838

Panasonic Fully Automatic NA-F80B2HRM

With Panasonic’s Fully Automatic washing machine, the conventional soak-rinse method has been replaced with the shower-rinse method, thus saving more water and making it more environment- friendly. Its Aquabeat Wash produces more powerful water flow to penetrate deep into fibers and beat out ingrained dirt, and works with the innovative Foam Wash to remove stubborn stains for fresh, clean laundry all the time. Timer functions can be set for up to 24 hours so you can decide when you want to have your laundry done. The digital control panel and transparent lid it complete the high-tech image, while the child lock door protects against accidents while the machine is operational.

Php 16,798 www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

APRIL 2012

yinyang

KNOW YOUTR GADGET’S FORTUNE

It’s All About Directions

By Princesse Lim-Fernandez

NORTH WEST ROBBERY STAR

NORTH STAR SICKNESS & BACKSTABBING STAR THREE KILLER STAR

NORTH EAST STAR PROSPERITY STAR

WEST WEALTH STAR

CENTER TRAVEL STAR

EAST PROMOTION & ACADEMIC STAR

SOUTH WEST CONFLICT STAR

SOUTH STAR ROMANCE STAR

SOUTH EAST DISASTER STAR TAI SUEY DIRECTION

CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, YOU ARE NOT DOOMED FOREVER WHEN THE BAD STARS FLY YOUR DIRECTION. THERE ARE WAYS TO EASE THE EFFECT OF THESE BAD STARS AND ENHANCE YOUR GOOD LUCK. Lucky directions depend on the Flying Stars chart of the year. The chart below shows that of the current year, there are 5 lucky stars and 4 unlucky ones. Each direction has a certain cure to enhance luck or ease ill luck. Check the direction of your main door, bedroom, bedroom door, headboard, kitchen and office/ work table. If you are affected by any of the unlucky directions below, you may neutralize this by placing the appropriate cure for that specific direction. Let’s start off the year with some good vibes. On the center direction is the Travel Star—everyone who resides on it will get opportunities to travel and/or to migrate. The Sure Win Horse should be placed in this direction. The horse literally means “you win money immediately,” so it promotes monetary gain in the near future. Since the Travel star is in the center of the Feng Shui chart, the horse is considered the superstar of the year’s chart. Having this in the center will enhance your winning prospects and attract money from overseas. Everyone experienced losing money, whether spending it or just losing it. This 2012 on the Northwest direction is the Robbery star. This 80

APRIL 2012

direction should be guarded by the right Feng Shui cures to be able to ease its effects. A Hippo guard is a must and very important for this Year of the Water Dragon because the robbery star may affect everyone’s money luck. The Robbery star causes loss of money, money leakage, or just being cheated out of money. This is in the shape of a hippopotamus, also known as the water horse which is the proper element and depiction in reducing the effects of this unlucky star. Another cure/luck item that can be placed on the northwest direction is the crystal money bag charm. Since the Robbery star’s effect is quite strong this year, everyone should pay extra attention to their money luck. Having this moneybag charm will prevent from losing money, getting cheated and money leaking unexpectedly. Made of auspicious crystal that promotes fruitfulness, it represents a bag of gold or a treasure bag. The West direction is one of the lucky directions of the 2012 Flying Stars chart. Being in this direction will give people better money luck. To enhance the luck in this direction, one should place a Vivacious Prince of wealth cure. This is a dynamic, young and active wealth master presented in the shape of a child, full of vim, vigor and vitality. Especially appropriate for the current Feng Shui Trend Eight Cycle of 2004-2024 which is represented by the young generation. Having this Prince in your place helps invite wealth to come actively.

Feng Shui expert Princesse Lim-Fernandez of Yin and Yang Shop of Harmony at the Mandarin Oriental Manila Hotel was trained under the watchful eyes of two masters—the late Master Paul Lau Tak Lun who established Yin and Yang with her—and Master Joseph Chau Kam Shing of Hong Kong who is now the resident feng shui consultant of the Mandarin Oriental group. She graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in management engineering and now has successful businesses in various industries that are aided and supported by her knowledge of Feng Shui. Princesse and Master Chau have been vital in the popularity of Mandarin Oriental’s annual Chinese New Year celebrations. Their clients include both corporate and private individuals from all around the world.

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cdreview

GET OUR TAKE ON THE LATEST TRACKS TO HIT THE MARKET Another original track featured on the album is 12:51 which is where the album got its title. The song is a more emotional song that speaks of someone who hasn’t fully moved on from a heart break but staying strong and doing their best get over the break up.

Twelve: Fifty One Krissy & Ericka MCA Music Inc. By Benjamin Arnold

It is not often that you find female musicians that play at the level of Taylor Swift, Michelle Branch or Vanessa Carlton—even less in the local scene. But young Filipino acoustic sisters, Krissy and Ericka Villongco are making it big with their talented voices, skilful playing and beautiful faces. “Twelve: Fifty One” is an 11-track feel-good album—one of which is a bonus track that was also featured on MCA’s “90’s Music Comes Alive” compilation album. With angelic voices singing a mix of original songs and covers, this duo is set to capture hearts with their siren songs. The album opens with an original composition by the sisters entitled Rewind which features the vocals of AJ Rafael. Rewind speaks of looking back on memories with the hope of changing events between two people to bring them together to be more than just friends.

In Your Arms is another original song that speaks of taking comfort in the arms of another yet can’t commit to holding on. When you take the three songs together, it gives a deeper insight that, in a way, interlocks the songs into a single story. Pair the meaning of the songs with the lovely music, silky smooth voices and well written lyrics, and the album gives a level of attractiveness not often found in local music styles. Other songs on the album consists of well-arranged and talentedly interpreted covers of some of the music industries best-known names. These include Adele’s Rolling In The Deep; Justin Bieber’s That Should Be Me; Katy Perry’s Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.); Taylor Swift’s Back To December; Far East Movement’s Rocketeer which features DJ Lamar; Rhianna’s Love The Way You Lie 2; Marie Digby’s Anything which also features the vocals of Marie Digby; and a bonus track of Eric Clapton’s Change The World which, as previously mentioned, was featured on “MCA’s 90’s Music Comes Alive.”

Hopie Spitshard Raw Gems By Paolo Toledo

Filipinos have always found a way into the heart of hiphop, and vice versa. We have never been short on talent when it comes to all angles of the genre. Whether in pop mainstream or the indie underground, a growing crop of talented Pinoys (here and abroad) is found moving the scene. One such overseas artist is the rebellious firespitting female MC, Hopie Spitshard. The San Francisco-based Pinay has amazed both crowds and contemporaries alike with her raw skills on the microphone, and for the work in her first two releases (The Diamond Dame, Dulce Vita EP). She has broken barriers with her distinct sound and has represented not just her gender, but also an entire breed of in-your-face MC-ing.

In the end, both the original as well as the cover songs showcase Krissy and Ericka’s musical talent in all aspects whether it be lyrical, instrumental or vocal—which from my point of view, is above par.

Now—after a brief hiatus to get her law degree—Hopie is back with her second full-length album, “Raw Gems.”

Hijo Slow Rock Volume 1/2 MCA Music Inc.

Sadness filled the air when news of Bamboo’s break up broke, but it is said that despite starting relatively fresh, Hijo is the next and closest thing fans and Bamboo believers can have to the good OPM they’ve grown up to and they surely do not disappoint.

By Roni Callanta

Ex-Bamboo band members Nathan Azarcon now on vocals and bass, Vic Mercado on drums, Ira Cruz on guitar and now with Radioactive Sago Project’s Junji Lerma also on guitars and Jay-O Orduna on keyboard regroup to form new band Hijo under MCA Music.

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gem indeed. Balancing an eclectic vibe with the old school bump, this album is more an experiment that stretches its bounds. Produced by long-time collaborator 6Fingers, each song is an expanse of electric boom-bap that hits hard, perfectly complementing a vocal that “spits hard”.

The 13-track release is a hiphop

Still in the works of a new album, Slow Rock Volume ½ has four tracks, Tamalee, Dahil Sa Iyo, Torquemada and Di Mo Na Kaya.

Speaking of vocal prowess, Hopie does not fall short of delivering her no-holds-barred style of wordplay and melody—with topics stretching from sunny to straight up swag. Not to mention she holds her own alongside some notable featured friends like Donwill (Tanya Morgan) and the incomparable Del The Funky Homosapien (Heiroglyphics). Listening to tracks like 1Life2Live, Space Case, It’s Beautiful, Knock, and String Em Up provide shining moments on the album and showcase the diversity of both Hopie and 6Fingers as a unit. Real hiphop fans will surely be treated to the creativity infused throughout the album and with it, comes a quiet sense of Philippine pride for all kababayans. Visit Hopie’s official site www. hopiespitshard.com to buy her albums.

“...each song is an expanse of electric boom-bap that hits hard, perfectly complementing a vocal that ‘spits hard.’“ This EP possesses that forlorn anguish that Bamboo was known for. Songs filled with love gained and love lost, mayhem cradled by powerful yet heart-wrenching guitars. After all, Bamboo was known for their massively powerful hooks and mean guitar riffs that pretty much captured their audience and gained the respect from the music industry they have now and Hijo’s EP is just a taste of what’s to come. APRIL 2012

listen

HIT THE RIGHT BEATS WITH THE LATEST SOUND TECH

Setting Up Your Ride with the Right Sound By Jon Uriarte

If you’re looking to hook your ride up with some great sounding audio systems and don’t know where to start, it can be quite complicated and overwhelming at first, especially for a novice. The task involves knowing what components you need, what they’re for, how to use them, and how to set it all up so it works and delivers the right type of sound. This could serve as a primer so you know how to go about it. When it comes to car audio, there are 3 recommended brands that come to mind: Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, and DLS, and although these are US brands, there are dealers in the Philippines that carry them. Some people like to keep certain components strictly under one brand, while others like to mix and match to their preference. Firstly, you have to determine what type of sound you’re after, whether it’s clarity, a lot of bass or just super loud audio. From there, you can choose your components, so let’s take a look at the different ones you might want. Speakers will produce the mid-range and top-end frequencies of the sound spectrum. Some speakers are called separates because they function as either only a mid-range speaker or a tweeter. Subwoofers produce the low-end or bass section of your sound spectrum. Amplifiers are what are needed to power the speakers and subwoofers. What’s important to know is that your amplifiers shouldn’t go over the maximum wattage that your speakers can handle; otherwise you’ll blow the speakers. Another important thing to consider is the box enclosure for your subwoofer because how the box is made and what it is made from will definitely affect the overall sound. Some subwoofers already come inside a box, and for the ones that don’t, you can purchase an enclosure for it. Some brands also offer powered subwoofers, which is a subwoofer and an amplifier already combined into an enclosure, making its setup more plug-and-play. You may also want to spend on a good radio or head unit that has a dedicated subwoofer out. 82

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Kicker PES10C Substation Powered Subs These powered subs from Kicker provide hardhitting bass and convenience with its 10-inch solo classic subwoofer with a 450-watt, high-efficiency class-D amp. It has its own amplifier and box enclosure, and features Velcro straps for securing into place, remote adjustable gain, crossover, and +18dB bass boost for precise bass tuning.

Rockford Fosgate T2D412 12-inch Power T2 4-Ohm DVC Subwoofer This bad-ass subwoofer is built for the most extreme car audio fanatics and features dual 4-Ohm voice coils and 1,200 Watts RMS power handling. It’s built like a tank on a precision cast aluminum alloy basket and features a high excursion Thermo-Rubber surround with a revised cone and a new spider design and with better cooling than the previous model.

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listen HIT THE RIGHT BEATS WITH THE LATEST SOUND TECH

“SETTING UP A GOOD CAR AUDIO SYSTEM IS CERTAINLY AN EXPENSIVE FEAT” Rockford Fosgate T1000-4AD Power 4-Channel Amplifier This 4-channel amplifier from Rockford Fosgate delivers superior sound quality through its dynamic switching frequency control. It offers high fidelity in a full-range configuration and its constant power circuitry produces optimized output at a range of impedances.

Rockford Fosgate T5652-S 6.5” Power T5 Component System The T5652-S is currently the best 6.5-inch 2-way component system from Rockford Fosgate that includes two woofers with grilles, a pair of tweeters, and a multi-function audiophile crossover and mounting hardware. It is rated at 150 Watts RMS.

DLS Gothia 3 Ultimate Midrange Speaker These midrange speakers from DLS are 75mm neodymium magnets providing a frequency range of 250 - 8,000Hz with a power handling capacity of 100 W RMS and an impedance of 4 ohm. This further development of the Iridium 3 model has large rear ventilation instead of a rear chamber and the unit doesn’t require any box. DLS Gothia 1 Tweeter Speaker These tweeters from DLS are 28mm silk dome neodymium magnets providing a frequency range of 1000 – 25,000Hz with a power handling capacity of 50 W RMS and an impedance of 4 ohm. It features a metal housing for improved stability and sound, and the tweeter grille is removable.

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Setting up a good car audio system is certainly an expensive feat, but some enthusiasts have been able to get around this by spending their money on high-end speakers and subwoofers while making use of less expensive amplifiers and then upgrading later on. Speakers are usually installed into the door panels, but if you have the budget for it, you can do something different like having fiberglass molds installed for them. There are also a bunch of add-ons in the world of car audio, such as capacitors, hardcore fuses, crossovers, and equalizers to name a few. Capacitors store power and help with power management so that your sound system doesn’t strain the car battery. Hardcore fuses protect the whole electrical system from blowing if you go overboard on the volume. Crossovers will separate your low, mid, and high frequencies so that they are sent to the right speakers, although crossovers are included in today’s amplifiers. Equalizers enable you to fine tune the overall sound by making adjustments in the frequency response. You may also want to line the interior of your car with the proper sound proofing and acoustic treatment in order to get rid of rattles and vibrations when you blast your sounds. In the end, the possibilities are endless when setting up your ride with a sound system. You can install as many tweeters, midrange speakers, mid bass drivers, and subwoofers as you want as long as you’re getting the sound you want, but the general aim is to get a full-bodied, powerful yet balanced output.

APRIL 2012

featuredartist

ARTISTS AND THEIR TOYS

Joe Bataan The Afro-Filipino By Michelle Callanta-Toledo Photos by Brendan Goco

The Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival held annually at Mount Malasimbo in Puerto Galera is more than just a gathering of musicians, artists, and party-goers. It is a celebration of talent and a gathering of those who wish to advance our music, arts, and culture, while helping to preserve our natural surroundings. The grass-terraced amphitheatre surrounded by lush coconut trees and luxurious hills sets the stage for this yearly event that supports and showcases not only the musical and artistic talent that fills the mountain, but the culture of Mangyan tribes living around area as well. 84

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Bataan was born in Spanish Harlem, NYC in 1942 to an African-American mother and Filipino father. Influenced by Latin and R&B, he merged both genres and became one of the pioneers of Latin Soul and hip-hop as he penned “Rap-O Clap-O,” one of the first rap songs ever recorded.

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Last March 2-4, 2012 artists both local and international set the line-up for the three day-long festivities. But the highlight of this year’s Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival was none other than the Afro-Filipino, Latin Soul king himself: Joe Bataan.

“I am so happy. It took me 69 years to come back home. My father was born in Manila and it was his dream to come back to the island. And that time he said 7 pesos to one, I live like a king. If he only knew we were up to 40 pesos now. I look at my father and for years I never knew my identity because I grew up with Latinos, I had to learn Spanish and I grew up with blacks, I grew up with everybody. But for some reason, the Filipino never understood and never discovered Joe Bataan. I even tried to see why I didn’t look like a lot of Filipinos so my father got some coconut oil and he said “you try this.” He heated it up and put it in my hair and my hair was stiff for three months and I couldn’t get the smell out. So, these are some of the memories that I had of my father. When I was back in New York, as a young kid, there were a handful of Filipinos and you know Filipinos keep to themselves and they always wanna know news about back home. My father was no different. He never realized his dream to come back here but his son is here and the Lord is with us today.

“I am so happy. It took me 69 years to come back home.”

I just wanna tell you this story because a lot of musicians come and they play and then they go home and you know nothing about them. It’s important because today is a historical occasion. People don’t know but I am supporting, along with Ruben [Blades] and Miro [DJ Miro] who brought me here to the Philippines. That today is gonna be World Wide Filipino Unity Day. Next year everybody here will bring 10 people. And the ports of Malasimbo Bay will be international. I see visions of Manny Pacquiao fighting here with an exhibition. I see international yachts coming here. I see the Black Eyed Peas coming. I see Bruno Mars coming. And what I saw is, they have a term in America “The Lost Filipino” because for a long time Filipinos didn’t write their history so they knew nothing. So many few people knew that Filipinos settled in the United States back in 1500 in Louisiana and they came with the Spanish galley. Filipino are good people, but of course we welcome everybody else to come and share the kindness and love that we gonna bring you today. I’m so proud to be here I cannot tell you. If they told me the only way I would get here was swim, I would try. So without further ado, I grew up in Spanish Harlem, I was a young kid that was in search of his identity and I took a liking to latin music, and then I incorporated them with black sound. I’m the pioneer of Salsoul records. I recorded one of the first rap songs ever heard in the world. So you can be proud that this Afro-Filipino is part of your familia, and there’s no question about it, I love you.”

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APRIL 2012

ARTISTS AND THEIR TOYS

As he performs for the first time in the Philippines, Joe Bataan shares his experiences growing up in New York and expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to finally be home:

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Skullcandy

Super “Sick” Headphones

Famed for its colorful and unique headphones selection, Skullcandy, one of the world’s leading audio brands is keen on its expansion plans in the local scene. Filipinos’ inherent love for music is a key factor on why Skullcandy sees the Philippines as a huge growing market. The headphones brand has been around locally for 5 years. It has gained a massive fan base from the action sports market, down to the broad music crowd. “Filipinos have extensively patronized our products. The love for music and style is so intertwined, it’s fascinating,” says Skullcandy’s Business Development Manager, Kris Altenburger. He adds, “Even Ellen Degeneres confirms (on Twitter) that some of the best singers are actually from this part of the globe. In addition, Filipinos are renowned creators and consumers of music, and there is definitely a natural affinity between the Philippines and Skullcandy.” Skullcandy’s line of products includes earphones and earbuds, on-ear headphones, and over-ear headphones. Bursting with life and color, these products are not here to just influence style, as their functions are pretty serious too. Some headphones come with built-in microphones that can be used with multimedia phones, or MP3 players. Similar to the headphones, earphones can be customized for that perfect fit, as some have interchangeable buds. They also offer optimum sound, from controllable subwoofers, to noise-reduction headphones, to iPod controls. Ron Basilio, Marketing Manager of Rains International Corporation, Skullcandy’s local distributor, shares his thrill for the expansion plans. “We are in touch with many retail outlets, malls, and specialty shops to make Skullcandy accessible for more Filipinos to enjoy. We live and breathe music, so there’s always a need for quality audio products, and that’s what we have for them.” Skullcandy is now widely available in 59 stores nationwide. This 2012, Rains International projects that it will be located in at least 300 stores within Metro Manila, and 50 stores in the provinces. “Skullcandy’s partnership with Rains International reinforces our commitment to further expand the brand and align ourselves in markets that reflect our passion for sound, sport, and fashion. We believe Rains has the market experience, knowledge, and reach that will enable our goal of becoming a music and fashion staple among Filipinos,” Altenburger says. Living up to its mantra, “every revolution needs a soundtrack,” Skullcandy comes fit for everyone with different lifestyles. The skull logo has become an icon, a rebellion that demands a control for a personal music experience.

APRIL 2012

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events

SPEEDO UNVEILS COLLECTIONS FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2012 Speedo’s Spring/Summer 2012 seasonal collections have a key focus on the colour themes of ‘Light’ and ‘Identity,’ echoing the fluidity of water and the free and unrestricted movement provided by Speedo swimwear. The ‘Light’ colour inspiration draws on a wide selection of mid-tones and pastels across the palette, alluding to feelings of escape, weightlessness and floating. The theme will span across all types of Speedo products, be it products for those consumers looking to have fun on the beach, swimming for fitness in the pool, or competitive swimmers going for gold. The theme of ‘Identity’ is driven by inspirations from all over the world, giving a sense of nations and cultures coming together as one. The broad range of colours not only heralds the earthy tones of the earth’s landscape, but also the bright and vibrant hues which echo feelings of cultural identity and national pride. Play and Fun Combining fashionable, fun and on-trend designs with the quality for which Speedo is known, the Play and Fun range is aimed at leisure swimmers. The collection includes beach sports staples taking inspiration from the brand’s heritage on the beach to deliver a bright, retro- inspired range of bikinis, tankinis, boardies, and watershorts that are cool and multi-functional whether being active or just relaxing on the beach. New for the season is Speedo Aquapack, a compact short which is packaged in its own pocket for ease of carrying and storing. The range also features the Speedo LZR Racer Xpress Dry, a watershort that dries three times faster than conventional watershorts, and combines a lightweight design with strength and durability. Also in this range is the Speedo Aussie collection. Playful and sophisticated, the range emanates the sunny and holiday atmosphere of the summer season. Health and Well-being Speedo’s Health and Wellbeing line features a selection of products to give advanced support and overall comfort for those who enjoy waterwww.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

based exercises such as aqua aerobics, water running and underwater cycling. Aqua activity involves extra movement not associated with regular lane swimming, with a great deal of jumping and bouncing in the water, a suit offering superior support and overall hold is absolutely essential. The Health and Well-being line offers just that with suits providing extra support and hold when you need it most. A staple suit in the range is the Aquaspir suit which features a new “control print” design adding not only an attractive and on-trend detail but also provides greater hold. For underwater cycling or water running, the Cross Back two piece will provide greater flexibility of movement and increased bust support. Swim Fitness Aimed at those who swim regularly for fitness rather than to compete, the Swim Fitness collection is engineered to maximise the impact of swimming as part of an exercise regimen. The range is stylish and sporty, and available in a choice of silhouettes in a variety of different colourways. Manufactured using hardwearing 100% chlorine resistant Speedo Endurance+ fabric, the Swim Fitness collection offers highly technical swimwear that does not need to be replaced too often. Key products include the new HydroSprint Splice and HydroGleam suits, and the Speedo Superiority range. These suits are designed in response to consumer research which identified comfort, freedom of movement and bust support as the key requirements for fitness swimwear. For men, a selection of jammers, aquashorts and classic Speedo briefs are available in colours matching the women’s range. Competitive With many athletes working towards their goals for 2012, the seasonal range of competitive

products sees a keen focus on the training offering and racing. To help swimmers work towards their personal best, Speedo offers a comprehensive collection of hardwearing Endurance+ swimwear, providing a highly technical swimming garment which does not need to be replaced too often. For competition, Speedo introduces a world’s first racing system created for optimum performance. For training, Speedo designed the Powersprint Placement range which has an attractive color print combining byron (deep brown) and hot flamingo (neon peach) and navy colourway featuring phantom (purple) and vital blue print. Beyond the training pool, Speedo came up with a new innovation for which it has secured full FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) approval. A world’s first concept revolution in the sport of swimming–a cap, goggles and suit engineered to work together as one revolutionary Racing System-offering swimmers a cohesive, hydrodynamic solution to cut through the water with maximum efficiency. The Speedo FASTSKIN3 Racing System offers unrivalled benefits to swimmers. With a distinctive and futuristic design that considers both the physiology and psychology of the elite swimmer, the Speedo FASTSKIN3 Racing System enhances hydrodynamic efficiency and comfort, while improving the athlete’s focus to perform. Though suits, caps and goggles are conventionally designed separately, Speedo has designed and engineered all three elements together to generate a unified system that works in synergy, incorporating many world firsts in swimming technology. Speedo FASTSKIN3 collection features three levels of technology, each tailored to the needs of swimmers of differing abilities: SUPER ELITE for professional athletes; ELITE for advanced competitors; and PRO for intermediate swimmers. APRIL 2012

events

UNILAB ACTIVE HEALTH OFFERS BIGGER EVENTS THIS 2012 Building on the success of the series of events that Unilab Active Health has organized since 2010, Unilab Laboratories, Inc. (Unilab) accelerates further its campaign in 2012 for an active lifestyle with bigger and more exciting banner events: Run United, a running event, Tri United, a triathlon race, and Bike United, a cycling race. As the leading pharmaceutical and healthcare company in the Philippines, Unilab has always set the trail in helping Filipinos live a healthier lifestyle. The Unilab Active Health sports programs are envisioned to provide avenues to Filipino families to be inspired, to take interest or become more committed in leading an active and healthy lifestyle with the help of sports such as running, cycling, and triathlon. The Unilab Active Health events were carefully designed with race experts and coaches to help Filipinos sustain and pursue an active lifestyle all year round. “When we did the first Run United in 2010, we said that we wanted to organize an event that will provide an opportunity for families to get into sports while at the same time have a bonding moment together. After organizing ten legs for the last two years, we see more and more families joining from toddlers 5 years old and up to senior adults. This is quite fulfilling. It is for this reason that we find ourselves even more committed in organizing bigger and better events,” says Alex Panlilio, Unilab Active Health head. And true enough, 2012 promises to unveil more exhilarating firsts in the Active Health events starting off with the introduction of its partners in three sports namely, running, triathlon and cycling, 88

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who will serve as mentors to coach and motivate the new breed of fitter and healthier Filipinos. Representing the running community is Coach Rio dela Cruz - an accomplished runner and Race Director of Runrio Inc. one of the country’s premier race organizers. He has competed in several international marathons in New York, Boston, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and New Zealand. He makes it a point to apply his learning from these events to his own events in the Philippines to help continuously provide a better running experience to his race participants. Another partner from the running community is Jaymie Pizarro, more popularly known as “The Bull Runner.” She has finished a number of marathons here and abroad, including the Hong Kong Marathon, Singapore Marathon, ING New York City Marathon, and California International Marathon. She shares her passion for the sport in her widely followed blog (www.thebullrunner.com), and fitness magazine of the same name. She is also the founder and race director of The Bull Runner Dream Marathon, the first and only marathon in the Philippines that is specially designed to help runners finish their first ever dream marathon. Among cyclists and triathletes, Raul Cuevas is considered as “The Master.” He is a veteran longdistance triathlete, Ironman finisher, and former coach of the Philippine National Triathlon Team. The Bike United and Tri-United partner is the man behind Bike King, a group that coaches cyclists, organizes cycling events across the country, and makes cycling peripherals and gear available, in the hopes of getting more people into the sport. Power couple Dan and Ani Brown are the partnerathletes from the triathlon community. Dan “the Ultraman” Brown, is a 15-time Ironman finisher and the coach of the Philippine National Triathlon Team. Among her many notable achievements, Ani set the benchmark for local triathletes as the first ever Filipina to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. She is also a

triathlon coach and race director of ironkids. “People at Unilab Active Health practice what they preach. The managers I’ve met and even the CEO, Clinton Hess, are athletes and they train despite their heavy workload,” Jaymie added. “The Active Health campaign is borne from a sincere desire to promote a healthier lifestyle because they themselves have seen the positive changes it has made in their lives.” Ani echoes this statement. “Unilab has done a great job with the Run United races in the past years—they’re very involved and I can see their commitment in improving the quality of their races,” she said. “I’m sure this year’s Active Health sports program will be even better and extremely beneficial for the local running, cycling, and triathlon communities, as well as for people who are interested in getting into these sports,” added Dan. “We feel honored to be chosen by Unilab Active Health as partner-athletes,” Raul said. “We look forward to training and coaching the growing number of people who are now focusing more attention into their lifestyle and wellness, thanks to Unilab’s support.” Watch out for Unilab Active Health’s events for the first half of 2012: Run United sprints on March 4 and June 17, and Tri United races on April 14-15 in Batangas, and June 30-July 1 in Bataan. Unilab Active Health is also an active title sponsor of this year’s The Bull Runner Dream Marathon, which will be held on March 18. And to help grow the multisport community further, running and triathlon clinics are scheduled throughout the year. For those who are serious about running, something to look forward to is UNILAB Active Health’s first ever Run United Philippine Marathon slated on October 28. Pursue your active lifestyle and be a part of Unilab Active Health community now. For more information, log on to www.unilabactivehealth.com. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

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THE BIGGEST NEWS SERVED FRESH IN BYTE-SIZED QUANTITIES

Suzuki Philippines Inc (SPH) donates to GMA Kapuso Foundation

Huawei Lamco partnership launch

SPH President Satoshi Uchida, GMAKF Programs Development Manager Marivic Calixto and SPH Managing Director Catalina Calderon

Japanese compact car and motorcycle manufacturer Suzuki Philippines Inc (SPH) recently handed a check worth Php 100,000 to the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), to help drive the company’s rehabilitation efforts for the Sendong-devastated areas in the Northern Mindanao. Mr. Satoshi Uchida, SPH president said, “Suzuki Philippines Inc is highly committed to the Philippines. Giving back is one of our missions as a company. We hope that through our little donation, we hope to be able to help uplift the lives of those who were afflicted by Typhoon Sendong. For her part, SPH managing director Catalina Calderon said, “Suzuki wishes to extend our arms in re-establishing parts of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and even Dumaguete as a community. The Kapuso Village, a site for over 200 homes, will be living proof of the Filipino people’s solidarity and resilience and we want to be one with them during that rebuilding phase.”

Asiasoft Online launches MapleSEA in the Philippines

Percival Marciano, Business Development Manager, LAMCO International; Crissy Bancil, Channels Manager for Distributors and Registered Partners, Enterprise Business Group, Huawei Technologies Philippines Inc.; Wilson Lim, Executive Vice President & General Manager, LAMCO International; Richard Yang, Country Manager, Enterprise Business Group, Huawei Technologies Philippines Inc.; Tess Rigor, Vice President for Sales & Marketing, LAMCO International; Irene Martin, Product Manager, LAMCO International

Huawei Technologies Philippines has tapped Lamco International, a pioneer in the IT distribution industry to market its enterprise business solutions to different business segments, emphasizing on the growing business process outsourcing industry as one of its primary market. Richard Yan, Huawei Enterprise Business Group country manager told reporters during the Huawei-Lamco Partnership Launch that they are looking at six markets for Huawei’s full range of enterprise solution, namely, finance, transportation, energy, education, government and BPOs. “In the Philippines, our number one focus in the Philippine market is the BPO industry,” Yan said. The Philippines is currently one of the prime BPO destinations in the world. Huawei BPO Solution provides

all sets of end-to-end units, such as the access platform, middleware, supporting components, operation management platform, and service systems. Aside from BPO solutions, Huawei’s enterprise business portfolio of product offerings spans enterprise network and security, network management, wireless LAN and transmissions, communications, data centers, IT applications and server and storage solutions. Nathan Wang, vice president for sales - Huawei Southest Asia, noted that, Huawei selected Lamco International for its success in the IT industry. “Huawei is very keen in eyeing Lamco to develop well-built partnerships and achieve its vision and mission and be able to focus on completing its coverage of the enterprise market,” Wang said.

Lamco International has been an IT distribution company for the past 25 years. Lamco International’s expertise in product selection, market knowledge, operational efficiency and product availabiltiy provides the company an edge in the marketplace. Huawei, for its part, is a leading global ICT solutions provider. Its solutions and products are deployed in more than 140 countries. Huawei recently bagged the contract to modernize and upgrade Globe Telecom’s network under a deal costing $800 million. “Huawei Philippines, together with Lamco International is positive that this partnership extends potentials in consistently developing the business. We are currently the sole distributor of Huawei’s enterprise solutions,” Wilson Lim, executive vice president of Lamco International said.

Globe introduces Load Watch balance updates. This will help subscribers avoid suspected cases of load theft or “nakaw-load”.

Asiasoft Online announced its official expansion with the launch of MapleSEA, the localized version of MapleStory and popular 2D sidescrolling Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG), in the Philippines. Fans of the game can now play, interact, and exchange Maple tips with well-established communities from Singapore and Malaysia. Through the server aptly named Artemis, the Goddess of the Wild, Filipino Maplers can now embark on their Maple journey and experience the world of MapleSEA for themselves. The launch of MapleSEA will feature its latest content JUMP, a content update where the three job classes – Warrior, Bowman, and Magician, user interface and party quests will be revamped. In addition, new maps and monsters will be introduced to enhance the gaming experience in MapleStory. Visit www.MapleSEA.com for more on activities to celebrate the launch of JUMP, as well as the latest news for upcoming content. Gamers can also visit MapleSEA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MapleSEA to seek party members for the Amazing Monster Park Challenge.

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Fresh from unveiling its new lineup of prepaid promos available via *143#, Globe Telecom launches its load notification service that will guarantee a worry-free experience for its growing prepaid subscriber base. Globe Prepaid Load Watch is a free and automatic load notification service triggered by specific load usage scenarios and other related transactions. Using the Globe Prepaid Load Watch, prepaid subscribers will receive

alerts on their mobile phones when their load reaches P5 or less, when they have insufficient balance to make calls or send a text message, or every end of a chargeable call, among many others. These alerts will also indicate the remaining load amount, expiry date and time, as well as promo balance. With Globe Prepaid Load Watch, prepaid subscribers get free and automatic real-time notifications on their load usage without having to regularly inquire for

“One of the issues confronting prepaid subscribers today is unknown deductions from their prepaid load. With Globe Prepaid Load Watch, our prepaid users will never have to worry about this anymore because they are proactively informed of their load status and balance through up-to-date notifications, thus no surprises,” explained KD Dizon, Head for Globe Prepaid. “Through this innovative service, our subscribers are secured and know how their prepaid loads are consumed, so that they can go lang ng go and enjoy Globe Prepaid their way.” Visit www.globe.com.ph/ loadwatch to know more about the Globe Prepaid Load Watch.

APRIL 2012

newsbits&bytes THE BIGGEST NEWS SERVED FRESH IN BYTE-SIZED QUANTITIES

Aronamin Gold multivitamins endorsed by James and Phil Younghusband

Aronamin Gold held a press conference to highlight James and Phil Younghusband’s endorsement of the multivitamin product. The brothers arrived at the event to discuss with media the benefit that Aronamin multivitamins have provided them given that they lead very active lifestyles. In fact, they have been active since childhood whether on or off football season due to training and practice, while the days leading up to a game are when they do a lot of running and intense fitness work. Interestingly, Aronamin Gold differs from other multivitamins in that it contains fat soluble components of vitamin B1 and B2, which are

beneficial for energy production, the nervous system, brain function, and cardiovascular function. Being that Aronamin Gold provides these components in a fat soluble form as opposed to a water soluble one, they stay longer in the body and are not easily excreted during physical exertion. The Philippine football stars give recognition to Aronamin Gold for helping them perform at their best every day by maintaining the high energy levels needed to suit their lifestyle. The endorsers have been taking the product for more than a year and have seen fast-acting and noticeable results for daily physical and mental stress. As expressed by

the two brothers, balance is essential in upholding a healthy and active lifestyle. This involves getting the right amount of exercise, sleep, and a balanced diet. Also featured at the press conference was the new video advertisement for the product, which showcased James and Phil performing numerous football tricks on an all-white backdrop with the Aronamin Gold logo at the bottom right of the screen. Aronamin Gold can be purchased at selected South Star and Metro Manila Mercury branches at a suggested retail price of Php13 per tablet.

Petron promotes safety awareness through Biker Meet-Up Petron Corporation, the country’s leading oil company, signified its support for safety awareness especially among motorcycle riders by sponsoring the first Biker Meet-Up of Safe-T-Ryders Training Center, held last 18 February 2012 at the Ortigas Home Depot Complex in Pasig City. Targeted at TODAs, motorcycle clubs and individual riders, the Biker Meet-Up program included an open forum with former LTO chief Alberto Suansing, who is currently the executive director of the Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership (PGRSP). In a lively exchange of ideas, Suansing discussed safety concerns with the bikerparticipants. TV-radio host and biker LoveLove Tioseco was the celebrity guest for the Meet-and-Greet portion of the event, and the participants had the opportunity

APRIL 2012

to have their photos taken with her. Finally, the program concluded with a short presentation on the dangers of riding under the influence of alcohol. In an interactive demonstration using FatalVision goggles, the Safe-T-Ryder team simulated the effects of drinking on visual perception and the damaging consequences that can result in injuries and even death. The range of Petron Sprint 4T motorcycle oils was also introduced to the participants, with an overview of their

Sony Philippines partners with The Mind Museum

specifications and uses. Formulated to meet the different performance requirements of four-stroke motorcycles operating under moderate to severe driving conditions, Petron Sprint 4T is available in three variants—Sprint 4T Enduro for racing, Sprint 4T Rider for riding dependability, and Sprint 4T Extra for reliable performance. Through its partnership with Safe-T-Ryders Training Center, Petron continues to strengthen its safety riding advocacy, particularly efforts to educate motorcycle riders to become responsible road users.

Sony Philippines, a company that we all know for being a leader in technology and innovation is in a partnership with the first ever world-class science museum in the Philippines – The Mind Museum. Sony, as it has been doing in the past, is continuing to support education, this time by providing the museum with its latest technologies in order to bring them closer to Filipino youth and their families. The Mind Museum in Taguig opened its doors last month as it aims to be the country’s center for the public understanding of science, enchanting visitors with its beauty and fascinating influence. The museum is a very exquisitely designed learning facility for anyone between the age of 6 and 96 that presents over 250 interactive exhibits in 5 main galleries. Sony Philippines has provided the museum with top-of-theline gadgets such as Bravia LCD televisions, touch screen VAIOs, 3D projector systems, and a plethora of other state-of-the-art devices to make learning within the premises that much more enjoyable. The museum’s Hall of the 10 Most Beautiful Experiments, for instance, makes use of Sony Bravia Screens, while the Hall of Philippine Science features digital photos for its

various topics. The Atom Gallery, also with Sony Bravia screens, employs Sony 3D active glasses and VAIO touch screen units, while the Earth Gallery operates with Sony’s 3D projection system. There is also the Life Gallery, the Universe Gallery, and the Technology Gallery, all of which use Sony’s equipment. Many things can be learned at The Mind Museum. Visitors can view the 4.6 billion year history of the earth in a 12-minute 3D show, the history of the Philippines in a 6-minute one, the transformation process of DNA into complete organisms, the splendor of distant galaxies and astronomical bodies, the use of nuclear energy, the innovations of mankind throughout the years, and so much more. Geeks and non-geeks alike will be in awe at the entire experience imparted by the facility. The museum also has an auditorium, a laboratory, and classrooms, all for educational workshops. The combination of Sony’s technology and the intriguing design of the museum cause guests to be pleasantly ensnared by the knowledge that lies beneath as they immerse themselves in a learning process that has never been so fun, inspiring, and captivating.

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Kaspersky Lab awarded AsiaPay Launches ePayAlert Canon to Provide Advanced Online Product of the Year at the AVbrings Comparatives’ Annual Awards Fraud Detection successful project to Banaue

The Canon PhotoSkwela in Banaue proved to be one of the biggest and most successful among the slew of PhotoSkwela events held in Manila and neighboring provinces. The series of photography, videography, and scrapbooking workshops was launched by the company to reach out to budding photographers and trigger-happy shooters alike. The 2-day workshop aimed to provide the Ifugaos with an opportunity to learn from professional photographers and equip them with skills they can use to earn a living. Participants were given a glimpse of the different kinds of photography ranging from travel and landscape photography to photojournalism. With this endeavor, Canon was able to provide the Ifugaos with the basics of a new art form, but the event was more importantly an avenue for the locals to appreciate more and promote the great landmark they call home. “The opportunity to bring this project to Banaue was just once a dream,” Canon Vice President and Imaging Communications Product Director Bong Serevo says. “But now that we have successfully brought photography to the Ifugaos, we are inspired to bring it to even farther places. At the end of the day, more than just taking photos, I think we have also given the Ifugaos a different perspective of the vast and breathtaking landscape they live in.” The Canon PhotoSkwela in Banaue workshops were headed by Canon brand ambassadors John Chua, Jay Jallorina, Edwin Martinez, Ernie Sarmiento, Albert Garcia, Per-Andre Hoffmann and professors from the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, George Cabig, Juan Rodriguez, Jiggie Alejandrino, Amir Alba, Chris Malinao, Meo Remalante, and Roy Van Morales.

“In today’s online retail environment, it’s imperative that businesses put into place userfriendly tools to effectively identify and mitigate online fraud to help protect both consumers and the organization’s reputation, and such protection can also be extended to the mobile payment environment,” said Joseph Chan, CEO of AsiaPay. “To address this need, we’re introducing a comprehensive online fraud solution and service which provides risk managers and analysts the ability to customize their own risk parameters, extend risk alerts via email or SMS, and download detailed reports and statistics with additional in-depth analysis thereby, allowing them to focus their attention on fraudulent transactions while fast-tracking valid orders through fulfillment.” ePayAlert is being offered either as an online service, white-labelled hosted service, or as a total solution license model. The key features are: Data Format Checking – assesses customer information gathered against pre-determined rules Blacklist Control – verifies payment information against a comprehensive blacklist database and maintains these blacklisted data items

Geographical Checking – crossexamines different geographical data identified in the transaction Velocity Checking – cross-examines velocity of the related data item in the transaction Transaction Limit Checking – validates limit control at bank/ merchant level across different time periods Historical Negative Record Checking – validates payment transaction against historical payment and negative records Risk Scoring – applies real-time scoring of payment transaction with customizable rules and weights Real-time Alert – prompts merchants on suspicious payment transactions Real-time Reporting Console – enables merchants to access realtime fraud reports anytime Moreover, it can be tailored to meet the specific fraud prevention needs of businesses of any size. For more information on ePayAlert, visit www.epayalert.com.

Kaspersky Lab saw in the New Year in a positive mood after a series of wins with top marks in several comparative tests conducted by different respected independent testing organizations in December of last year. Topping off this run of successes, Kaspersky Lab was also awarded Product of the Year at the AV-Comparatives’ Annual Awards-awards based on multiple comparative tests conducted throughout the whole year-as the only security solution provider to get top marks in all the year’s key tests. This prestigious award given to the year’s industry beater was based on the results in nine different key comparative tests of consumer antivirus solutions conducted in 2011, which in Kaspersky Lab’s case meant two products-Kaspersky AntiVirus and Kaspersky Internet Security. Significantly, Kaspersky Lab was the only solution provider awarded the highest grade–Advanced+ in all nine tests. Nikolay Grebennikov, Chief Technology Officer of Kaspersky Lab, commented: “The importance of these independent test results for our wide range of consumer and corporate security products cannot be underestimated. If we were to compare them to a sports contest, they would be like winning gold medals in all the disciplines of the Olympic Games. Achieving excellent detection rates is one of our main goals, because in a world seeing tens of thousands of new malware samples each day no one can afford to miss just one serious threat. We are very happy to see the world’s most reputable independent research institutions praising the effectiveness of our products, while at the same time we refuse to rest on our laurels and will strive to improve our products even further into the future.”

Introducing Chrome for Android

Chrome is now available in Beta from the Android Market, in select countries for phones and tablets with Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich

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Google recxently launched the Chrome for Android Beta. As always, it continues to bring many preferred features and apps of Chrome to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich phones or tablets. Like the desktop version, Chrome for Android Beta is focused on speed and simplicity, but it also features seamless sign-in and sync so you can take the web experience to a whole new level.

Simplicity Chrome for Android is designed from the ground up for mobile devices. We reimagined tabs so they fit just as naturally on a small-screen phone as they do on a larger screen tablet. You can flip or swipe between an unlimited number of tabs using intuitive gestures, as if you’re holding a deck of cards in the palm of your hands, each one a new window to the web.

Speed With Chrome for Android, you can search, navigate and browse fast— Chrome fast. You can scroll through web pages as quickly as you can flick your finger. When searching, your top search results are loaded in the background as you type so pages appear instantly. And of course, both search and navigation can all be done quickly from the Chrome omnibox.

One of the biggest pains of mobile browsing is selecting the correct link out of several on a small-screen device. Link Preview does away with hunting and pecking for links on a web page by automatically zooming in on links to make selecting the precise one easier. And as with Chrome on desktop, we built Chrome for Android with privacy in mind from the beginning, including incognito mode for private

browsing and fine-grained privacy options (tap menu icon, ‘Settings,’ and then ‘Privacy’). Sign in You can now bring your personalized Chrome experience with you to your Android phone or tablet. If you sign in to Chrome on your Android device, you can: •View open tabs: Access the tabs you left open on your computer (also signed into Chrome)—picking up exactly where you left off. •Get smarter suggestions: If you visit a site often on your computer, you’ll also get an autocomplete suggestion for it on your mobile device, so you can spend less time typing. •Sync bookmarks: Conveniently access your favorite sites no matter where you are or which device you’re using.

APRIL 2012

THE BIGGEST NEWS SERVED FRESH IN BYTE-SIZED QUANTITIES

Proving that photography knows no boundaries, imaging giant Canon brought one of their most successful projectsCanon PhotoSkwela–to a very unfamiliar and unconventional territory where, surprisingly, over 400 photography enthusiasts participated with much gusto.

AsiaPay announced the launch of ePayAlert, a comprehensive online fraud prevention service and solution suite for protecting banks, payment service providers, airlines, hotels, and merchants from the risks associated with card-not-present transactions. This advanced, highly customizable solution and service fully processes and checks online payment transactions with extensive use of dynamic rules with real-time fraud reporting and alert support.

buyers’guide

ADVERTISER’S ROW

NEO

SAMSUNG

SAMSUNG GALAXY FIT S5670 3.31-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen Android 2.2 (Froyo) 600 MHz processor 110.2 x 61.2 x 12.6 mm GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSDPA 900/2100 Php 12,890

SAMSUNG GALAXY ACE S5830 3.5-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen Android 2.2 (Froyo) 800 MHz ARM 11 processor, Adreno 200 GPU, Qualcomm MSM7227 chipset 112.4 x 59.9 x 11.5 mm GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSDPA 900/2100 Php 16,500

L5756 N Intel Core i7-2670QM Processor 2.2 GHz, 6MB Smart Cache Ubuntu Linux 8GB DDR3 Memory, 750GB Hard Drive NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M (2GB VRAM) 14” HD LED Display, Bluetooth Php 35,599 | 0% 12 months

MAGNUM 2X 3.8” Capacitive touch screen NVIDIA cortex A9 dual core 1GHz processor Android Froyo 2.2 Expandable microSD to 32GB WiFi Php 15,899

STELLAR 3.5” Capacitive touch panel Dual sim/Dual standby Android Gingerbread 2.3 Expandable microSD to 32GB WiFi Php 7,899

B3390 N Intel Atom N570 Processor 1.66GHz, 1MB Cache 2GB DDR3 Memory 320GB Hard Drive 10.1” LED Display Bluetooth Php 10,999

CANDY CHAT 14-inch LED 2.4” resisrive touch screen with Qwerty pad Dual sim/Dual standby Android Froyo 2.2 Expandable microSD to 16GB WiFi Php 3,699

CANDY 2.8” resistive touch screen Dual sim/Dual standby Android Froyo 2.2 Expandable microSD to 16GB WiFi Php 3,699

ECLIPSE 2.2 3.2 WQVGA resistive touch screen Dual sim/Dual standby Android Froyo 2.2 Expandable microSD to 32GB WiFi Php 4,899

B5122 N Intel Pentiu, B950 Processor 2.1GHz, 2MB Cache, Ubuntu Linux 2Gb DDR3 Memory, 640GB Hard Drive Intel HD Graphics DVDRW SuperMulti 14” HD LED Display, Bluetooth Php 18,999

CHERRY PAD 7” resistive touch screen via vm8650 800 MHz processor Android Froyo 2.2 Expandable microSD to 32GB WiFi Php 3,899

CHERRY PAD TURBO 7” resistive touch panel cortexA8 1.2 GHz processor Android Gingerbread 2.3 Expandable microSD to 32GB WiFi Php 6,899

SUPREME 10.1 capacitive touch screen nVidia tegra2 dual core 1 GHz processor Android Froyo 2.2 (upgradeable) Expandable microSD to 32GB WiFi Php 16,899

B5125 N Intel Core i3-2312M Processor 2GB DDR3 Memory 640GB Hard Drive Intel HD Graphic 3000 14” HD LED Display Bluetooth Php 22,999 | 0% 12 months

SAMSUNG GALAXY MINI S5570 3.14-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen Android 2.2 (Froyo) 600 MHz processor 110.4 x 60.8 x 12.1 mm GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSDPA 900/2100 Php 10,690

CHERRY MOBILE

MAY 2012

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EEE PC 1215T 12-inch LED AMD V105, 1.2 GHz 2GB DDR3 1-year Warranty parts and labor 320GB HDD Php 19,995

K42F-VX329 Intel Core i3-380 2GB DDR3 1066 Mhz SDRAM 500GB HDD, 14" LED Display, Super Multi ODD, Card Reader, BT, 0.3MP webcam HDMI port, No OS, Bag Php 26,995

ESSENTIO CP6130 WITH VH2197T 18.5” LED panel DVI input with HDCP Intel® SnB G620, Intel H61 Express 2 GB DDR3, 500GB SATAII Intel GMA X4500 HD HD hardware solution Php 24,995

N43SL-V1G-VX132 14-inch LED Intel Core i5 2410M (2.3 GHz) 2GB DDR 1333 Mhz SDRAM 1 year Warranty parts and labor 500 GB HDD Php 39,995

1005PXD Red, 10.1" Anti-Glare display, N455 1GB DDR2, 250GB HDD, BT, 802.11 b/g wireless, 2 USB, BT, Card reader 0.3MP webcam, Win 7 Starter Available in red, blue, and black Php 14,995

EEE PAD TRANSFORMER 10.1” LED Backlight WXGA Android Honeycomb Nvidia Tegra2 Nvidia Tegra2 16GEMMC Memory 1.2MP front camera G Sensor Php 29,995

K43SJ Intel Core i3-2310, 2GB DDR3 1333 Mhz SDRAM, 500GB HDD, NVIDIA GT520 1GBgraphics,Super Multi ODD, Card Reader, WiFi B/G/N, BT, 0.3MPwebcam, HDMI port, No OS, No Bag Php 27,995

ML SERIES (ML229H) Wide Screen 21.5” Full HD 1080P Trace Free Technology Net Weight (Esti.): 3.1kg ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio Php 9,490

K42SJ 2nd generation Intel Core i3-2310 2GB DDR3 1333 Mhz SDRAM 500GB, 14" LED Display, NVIDIA GT520 1GB graphics, Super Multi ODD, Card Reader, BT, webcam, HDMI port Php 26,995

ADVERTISERS’ ROW

K42N-VX057O 14-inch LED AMD V140, 2.3 GHz 2GB DDR2 800 MHz SDRAM 1-year Warranty parts and labor 320 GB HDD Php 18,995

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ASUS

A SERIES (A43SJ-VX335) 14” LED Display DDR3 1333 MHz Intel B940 2GB DDR3 1333 Mhz SDRAM 500GB HDD NVIDIA GT520 512MBgraphics Super Multi ODD Php 24,995

ESSENTIO CM6830 DOS 2 x DIMM Dual Channel DDR3 1333/1066/800 MHz. SATA3 3.5” Supported Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD Php 31,995 w/ monitor

HTC

HTC DESIRE Z 3.7-inch S-LCD capacitive touchscreen Android 2.2 (Froyo) 800 MHz Scorpion processor, Adreno 205 GPU, Qualcomm MSM 7230 chipset 119 x 60.4 x 14.2 mm GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSDPA 900/2100 Php 30,800

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HTC DESIRE HD 4.3-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen Android 2.2 (Froyo) 1 GHz Scorpion processor, Adreno 205 GPU, Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon chipset 123 x 68 x 11.8 mm GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSDPA 900/2100 Php 33,500

HTC HD7 4.3-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen Microsoft Windows Phone 7 1 GHz Scorpion processor, Adreno 200 GPU, Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon chipset 122 x 68 x 11.2 mm GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSDPA 900/2100 Php 36,900

O!PLAY HD2 USB 3.0 Flexible 3.5” HDD storage with NAS support TrueHD with 7.1 channel surround audio DLNA Php 6,990

MAY 2012

buyers’guide ADVERTISERS’ ROW

MINI 110-3101TU 10.1-inch LCD Intel Atom N475 1GB DDR2 1-year warranty parts and labor 250GB HDD Php 18,990

MINI 210-2005TU/ 2025TU BLACK/RED 10.1 LED flush display Intel Atom N475 2GB DDR3 1-year warranty parts and labor 320GB HDD Php 22,990

MINI 210-1102TU/1103 RED/BLUE 10.1 LED flush display Intel Atom N475 1GB 667DDR3 1-year warranty parts and labor 250GB HDD Php 21,490

G42-368TX 14-inch LED Intel Core i3 380M 2GB 1066DDR3 1-year warranty parts and labor 500GB HDD Php 39,990

G42-370TX 14-inch LED Intel Core i5 460M 2GB 1066DDR3 1-year warranty parts and labor 500GB HDD Php 40,990

CQ42-292TX 14-inch LED Intel Core i3 350M 2GB 1066DDR3 1-year warranty parts and labor 320GB HDD Php 38,990

G42-372TX 14-inch LED Intel Core i5 460M 2GB 1066DDR3 1-year warranty parts and labor 500GB HDD Php 43,990

G42-366TX 14-inch LED Intel Core i3 380M 2GB 1066DDR3 1-year warranty parts and labor 500GB HDD Php 35,990

PENTAX

K-5 (18-55mm kit) 16.3-megapixel resolution with CMOS sensor Highest sensitivity 80-51200 ISO 1/8000 shutter speed 1080p HD video 3-inch LCD screen 77 segment metering system Php 74,990

PENTAX Q 12.4-megapixel resolution Sensor shift shake reduction 3-inch LCD screen Film filters including infrared 5fps continuous shooting Full HD movie 1080p (1920x1080) Built-in pop-up flash with extra-high extension Php 34,990

RZ18 16-megapixel resolution Wide angle 18x optical zoom 3-inch HVGA display HD movie 720p Dual shake reduction Php 13,990

WG1 14-megapixel resolution Wide angle 5x optical zoom 2.7-inch LCD screen HD movie 70p (1280x720) Water proof (up to 33ft), cold proof, shock proof, crash proof, dust proof Digital microscope mode 5 macro LEDs Php 17,990

DELL

RS1000 14 megapixel 3-inch LCD screen 4x optical zoom HD movie 720p (1280x720) Interchangeable faceplate Php 4,990

MAY 2012

INSPIRON 2320 ALL-IN-ONE 23 inch with 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution standard Multi-Touch screen Intel Pentium processor G620 Up to 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333Mhz Nvidia Geforce GT 525M Php 54,900

XPS 8300 DESKTOP Intel Core i7 3.4 GHz 1.5 GB - 7200 rpm ATI Mobility RADEON HD 5870 Microsoft Windows 7 Home Professional Php 54,990

XPS15Z 15 inch display 2nd generation Intel Core i7-2640M processor 2.80 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.50 GHz Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-Bit 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M 2GB graphics Php 62,000

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EOS 600D 18 megapixel resolution 3-inch wide LCD with vari-angle SD card, SDHC card or SDXC card EF-S 18-55mm f.3.5-5.6 IS II (Kit lens) 133.1 x 99.5 x 79.7 mm Php 49,950

EOS 1D MARK IV 16.1 megapixel resolution 3.0 inches TFT colour liquid-crystal monitor Type I or II CF card, SD memory card, MicroDrive 156 x 156.6 x 79.9mm Php 249,950 (body only)

EOS 1000D 10.50 megapixel resolution 2.5in TFT color liquid-crystal monitor SD card, SDHC card 18-55mm kit lens 126.1 x 97.5 x 61.9mm Php 27,950

EOS 5D MARK II 21.10 megapixel resolution 3-inch TFT color liquid-crystal monitor with Live view shooting Type I or II CF card, UDMA-compatible Canon EF lenses 152 x 113.5 x 75mm Php 129,950 (body only)

EOS 7D 18 megapixel resolution 3.0-inch TFT color liquid-crystal monitor SD, SDHC and SDXC card 128.8 x 97.5 x 75.3mm Php 89,950

DIGITAL IXUS 310 HS 12.1 megapixel resolution 3.2-inchPureColor II Touch LCD screen SD card, SDHC card or SDXC card 4.4x Optical zoom 100.6 x 55.4 x 25.0 mm Php 19,950

DIGITAL IXUS 220 HS 12.1-megapixel resolution 2.7-inch PureColor II G LCD SD card, SDHC card or SDXC card 24mm, 5x zoom, Optical IS 92.2 x 55.9 x 19.5 mm Php 16,950

POWERSHOT A800 10.0 megapixel resolution 2.5 TFT LCD SD, SDHC, SDXC, MultiMediaCard, MMCplus, HC MMCplus card 24mm, 5x zoom, Optical IS 6.6 - 21.6mm, 3.3 optical zoom Php 3,950

POWERSHOT SX130 IS 12.1 megapixel resolution 3.0-inch TFT colour LCD with wide viewing angle SD, SDHC, SDXC, MultiMediaCard, MMCplus, HC MMCplus 113.3 x 73.2 x 45.8mm Php 15,950

POWERSHOT A1200 12.1 megapixel resolution 2.7-inch type TFT colour wide viewing angle type SD, SDHC, SDXC, MultiMediaCard, MMCplus, HC MMCplus 97.5 x 62.5 x 30.7mm Php 4,590

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POWERSHOT A3300 IS 16 megapixel resolution 3.0-inch TFT LCD SD card, SDHC card or SDXC card 5.0 – 25.0 mm, 5x optical zoom 95.1 x 56.7 x 23.9 mm Php 9,950

ADVERTISERS’ ROW

EOS 1100D 12.2 megapixel resolution 2.7-inch LCD with Live View shooting SD card, SDHC card or SDXC card EF-S 18-55mm f.3.5-5.6 IS II (Kit lens) 129.9x 99.7x 77.9mm Php 31,950

buyers’guide

CANON

POWERSHOT A2200 14.1 megapixel resolution 2.7-inch TFT colour wide viewing angle type SD, SDHC memory, SDXC, MultiMediaCard, MMCplus, HC MMCplus 93.2 x 57.2 x 23.6mm Php 6,950

VIXIA FS400 2.7-inch widescreen colour 37x optical zoom SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card 53 x 59 x 122mm Php 12,950

MAY 2012

links

YOUR GADGETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DIRECTORY

Technology AOC, NEO, HITACHI Glee Electronics, Inc. Unit 203 2/F Taipan Place Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr. Avenue Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel. 633 4533

ASUS Hanston Bldg., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel. 634 0309 http://ph.asus.com

LG ELECTRONICS PHILIPPINES INC. No. 15F. Legaspi St., Maybunga, Pasig City Tel. 641 4181

MSI-ECS Topy II Bldg. #3 Economia Street Libis, Quezon City Tel. 688 3333

NOKIA

38 West Ave., Quezon City Tel. 920 8320

Nokia (Philippines), Inc. 40/F Philamlife Tower, 8767 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City Tel. 886 1234

AVIRA

OTTERBOX

Timog Ave., Quezon City Tel. 413 4173

Tenkie Box Concepts, Inc. Tel. 750 0312 www.tenkiebox.ph

AUDIO TECHNICA

BANG & OLUFSEN Makati City Living Innovations Corp. 2nd floor Makati Shangri-La Makati City Tel. 830 2230

CANON 3/F Southpark Plaza, Phase 1 Santiago Street, Paseo De Magallanes Commercial Center Makati City 884 8000

DELL Electroworld Office Systems 8/F Cityland 10, Tower 1 6815 H. V. Dela Costa Street Salcedo Village Makati Tel. 892 0407

HTC SiSPH Technologies, Inc. Suite 3003, 30th flr. Atlanta Center, 31 Annapolis St., Greenhills, San Juan City Tel. 7283388

100

MAY 2012

SAMSUNG 7/F Hanjinphil Bldg. 1128 University Parkway, North Bonifacio Global City Taguig City Tel. 1 800 SAMSUNG

Home

Lifestyle

Ortigas Avenue Extension, Taytay, Rizal Tel. 636 3101

www.facebook.com/ cecesmithfashion

SANYO

All Condition Gear Philippines, Inc. 7 Jadc Compound, E. Rodriguez Avenue, Bagong Ilog, Pasig, Metro Manila Tel. 671 2965 - 66

PANASONIC PHILIPPINES

Basement, Solid House Building, 2285 Don Chino Roces Ave. Extn., Makati City Tel. 894 3314

beautylaB BASEMENT SALON

Carpark Building, Shanri-La Mall, Mandaluyong City Tel. 683 2222

Mobility FERRARI/MASERATI Autostrada Motore Inc. 32nd & 4th Crescent Park West Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

HONDA

1 Guijo Street, San Antonio Village Makati City Tel. 403 0734

Honda Cars Phils., Inc. 105 South Main Avenue Laguna Technopark Sta. Rosa, Laguna Tel. (02) 857-7200

SONY

NISSAN

SKULLCANDY

11/F Marajo Tower 312 26th Street West cor. 4th Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Tel. 860 3333

TOSHIBA NOTEBOOKS TRICOM DYNAMICS, INC. Metro House 345 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City Tel. 890 6525

CECE SMITH

CROCS

GOLD DOT Unit 4 Goldkey Mansion Pluto St. Brgy. Bahay Toro, Project 8, Quezon City Tel. 455 4520

JELLY BEAN 20 Panay Ave. cor. Roces Ave., Quezon City Tel. 372 6556

NATIVE/TRAVELON Primer Group of Companies Tel. 303 1234

REEBOK RSH Marketing Philippines, Inc. Tel. 635 4301

2232 Don Chino Roces Ave. Makati City 1200 Tel. 810 0151 www.mynissan.com.ph

TOYOTA Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. 31F GT Tower International 6813 Ayala Avenue Cor. HV dela Costa St. Makati City Tel. 858 8200

WESTERN DIGITAL www.wdthepowerofchoice.com