Apple iPad 2: It just gets better

To appreciate the new iPad, get your hands on one;

by Shane Richmond technology@mediacorp.com.sg

05:56 AM Mar 04, 2011

 

The new iPad is an evolution from its predecessor, not a revolution. That was the word that began to seep out in the build-up to yesterday's launch, and so it has proved. However, that's not to say that it isn't a very impressive device.

The iPad 2 is strikingly thin, and though it isn't that much lighter than the original iPad, its slender form makes it feel less hefty overall.

The improvement in the form factor is similar to the change between the early iPod touch and the more recent model, but in the iPad's case the difference is even more stark.

I never really liked the white version of the iPhone 4 - yes, I was one of the lucky few to have seen one - but the white iPad 2 looks good and is bound to be very popular. Personally, I still prefer black.

The new tablet, which is running a new version of Apple's iOS, feels faster. Apps open and close very quickly, and even switching between screens seems faster.

The difference is subtle because the original iPad never really felt slow but there seems to be an extra zip to things on the new device. The changes powering that speed are hidden away inside; more obvious are the two cameras, one on the front and a second on the back.

I'm not entirely convinced of the need for a camera on the back of the device. The iPad is certainly not an obvious gadget to use for taking photos, though it's possible that app developers will find a use for the rear camera, perhaps for augmented reality.

The front-facing camera is a more obvious addition. FaceTime works brilliantly but it's Photo Booth that really shows what the device can do.

The photo app, which lets you play around with funny self portraits, shows several realtime videos of you at once, each with different effects applied. The app is a trivial one but this bit shows the power of the device.

The new Smart Cover is one of the highlights, perhaps because it's something we've never seen before.

Its magnetic hinges fix it to the side of the iPad, and it slips into place over the screen, putting the device to sleep as it does so. Lift the cover off and the iPad wakes up. The cover then rolls up to form a handy stand to put the iPad in position for typing or watching a video.

It's the sort of thing that Apple's critics will dismiss as gimmickry, but it's actually a very clever solution to the problem of protecting the iPad screen without adding too much bulk to the device.

The time that I had with the iPad 2 was nowhere near enough to form a detailed impression. I want to try it with a range of apps to get a sense of how performance has improved, and I'd like to sit on the sofa with it for an hour so that I can tell how much lighter it feels in practice.

One thing's for sure: I've had long enough with it to know that I'd like use it more.THE TELEGRAPH

Soure: www.todayonline.com

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Smartphone-tablet hybrid is latest challenge to iPad

JAKARTA

ASIA has continued with its challenge to Apple’s iPad, with the latest coming from Picopad, a mobile Internet device built on Google’s Android platform.

The device, developed by Singapore-incorporated technology company Axioo, has both tablet and phone functions, the Jakarta Globe reported.

Mr David Kartono, Axioo’s Vice-president for Product Development and International Sales, said “the gap between a smartphone and a notebook” inspired the company to create the product.

A smartphone-tablet hybrid would allow the user to work on the go with ease, while a notebook computer would be too cumbersome, said Mr Kartono.

Added Mr Budi Wahyu Jati, corporate director of Axioo: “There are no (Indonesian) products between them. Axioo saw this as an opportunity.”

The Picopad comes with a customised design for Indonesians and supports the Indonesian language, the Jakarta Globe said.

Users can also access Android Market, which contains more than 100,000 paid and/or free applications.

The touchscreen Picopad measures 18cm by 11cm – almost the same as the Samsung Galaxy Tab – and weighs 375g.

It was launched in Indonesia late last month and is also available in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.

The Picopad is priced at about US$520 (S$668).

Source: www.mypaper.com.sg

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Make full use of your iPad with the ZAGGmate

SAN FRANCISCO

ONE of the chief beefs about the iPad is that, while it is great for consuming music, movies and the Web, it is inadequate for producing anything, even simple documents.

That is largely because of the lack of a physical keyboard.

Zagg, a company best known for its stick-on skins which protect phones, computers and other devices from dings and scratches, has come up with a thin, lightweight Bluetooth keyboard to address the problem.

Called the ZAGGmate, the keyboard is about the same dimensions as the iPad itself, and doubles as a cover.

When not using the iPad, flip the glass side towards the keyboard and it slips into the case, which has an aluminium appearance that matches the back of the iPad. The board’s keys also have a very similar feel to a Mac laptop keyboard.

However, it does take some getting used to. A New York Times writer wrote that it feels “so much like a computer that people trying it out would inevitably feel around for a mouse to move the cursor, forgetting that the iPad is a touchscreen”.

NYT
ZAGG LEATHERskin Italian Tan for Apple iPad

Source: www.mypaper.com.sg

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Creative takes on iPad with price ace

Published November 5, 2010


Ziio touchscreen tablet to be offered in Dec at half the price of iPad

By WINSTON CHAI


CREATIVE Technology is looking to rediscover the Midas touch with new touchscreen tablets that promise to go head-to-head with Apple's wildly popular iPad in functionality - but at half the price.

The homegrown company, which suffered a first-quarter loss of US$3.6 million as sales of its music and media players continue to wane, will be hoping to turn the tide by latching on to the latest consumer craze for touch-screen gizmos.

Creative's new product family, dubbed Ziio, will initially comprise two models: a 7-inch and a 10-inch touchscreen tablet. These will be offered with memory capacities of 8 gigabyte (GB) and 16 GB respectively.

Both will be powered by Creative's self-developed ZMS-08 processor and run Google's Android 2.1 operating system (OS).

Android is the favoured choice of companies looking to emulate Apple's success as it is seen as the closest contender to the operating system the latter uses on the iPhone and iPad.

Last week, Singapore Telecom announced it had scored an exclusive deal to sell Samsung's Android-powered tablet - the Galaxy Tab - from next week.

Other gadget makers including Hewlett-Packard, Viewsonic, Asus and Acer are also expected to throw down the gauntlet in the coming months.

While Apple's touch-screen slate has a minimum price tag of $728, Creative's basic Ziio model is more than 50 per cent cheaper at $359.

Besides costing less, the Ziio has another key selling point in its audio performance. The use of Creative's X-Fi technology means its tablets can deliver audio that rivals a high-end speaker system, the company said in a statement.

Industry watchers believe Creative's latest product foray should benefit from the growing popularity of the tablet-form factor. However, it would be tough for any company to lay claim to the mantle of iPad killer, they said.

According to research firm Strategy Analytics, the iPad accounted for a whopping 95 per cent of the 4.4 million tablets that were shipped globally in the third quarter this year.

As in the iPad, consumers will be able to download applications on to Creative Ziio tablets from the Web and the company's online ZiiStore.

Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, along with a built-in camera and support for high-definition video output, are also standard on the device.

However, the Ziio does not support cellular connections. So users will have to connect to a Wi-Fi network to surf and check email.

The Ziio will be available online from December and be sold in Creative stores by the end of January.


Source: www.businesstimes.com.sg

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BlackBerry maker RIM unveils 'PlayBook' tablet computer

AN FRANCISCO: BlackBerry maker Research in Motion unveiled a touchscreen tablet computer on Monday called "PlayBook" aimed at business users.

"It is the world's first professional tablet," RIM president and co-chief executive Mike Lazaridis said as he showed off the device at an RIM event in San Francisco.

The PlayBook is one of a number of tablet computers slated for release in a bid to challenge Apple's popular iPad and is the first foray outside the mobile phone realm for the Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM.

The PlayBook has a seven-inch (17.8-centimetre) touchscreen, smaller than the 9.7 inches of Apple's iPad, and also plays Adobe Flash video software, which is banned from the Apple device.

"You are going to be able to get the full Web experience," Lazaridis said, stressing its integration with RIM's BlackBerry smartphone, a favourite among many professionals.

BlackBerry smartphone users can pair their handset with the PlayBook using a Bluetooth connection to view their email, calendar, documents or other content.

The PlayBook also features front- and rear-facing cameras to support video conferencing and allows multi-tasking between programmes.

RIM expects to begin selling PlayBooks in the United States in early 2011 and rolling the tablets out to other countries by the middle of the year.

Lazaridis did not reveal how much RIM plans to charge for the PlayBook.

"RIM set out to engineer the best professional-grade tablet in the industry with cutting-edge hardware features and one of the world's most robust and flexible operating systems," Lazaridis said.

"The BlackBerry PlayBook solidly hits the mark with industry leading power, true multitasking, uncompromised Web browsing and high performance multimedia," he said.

RIM said that in the coming weeks it would release a software kit so third-party developers can begin tailoring applications, or "apps," for PlayBook.

PlayBook debuted at BlackBerry DEVCON, a combined boot camp and pep rally for outside developers crafting programmes for the Canadian firm's devices.

RIM introduced tools that make it easier to build applications for BlackBerry handsets and make money with ads or "in-app" purchases.

RIM is also launching a free analytics service that provides applications makers with feedback regarding how, when and where BlackBerry owners are using programmes.

"We are enabling developers to better monetise their services and drive deeper engagement to create richer, more interesting social apps for BlackBerry," said Alan Brenner, senior vice president of the BlackBerry platform.

Approximately 35 million people use the BlackBerry "App World" shop, with 1.5 million programmes downloaded daily, according to RIM vice president of global alliances and developer relationships Tyler Lessard.

RIM released tools intended to let developers make "super apps" that can work with data in smartphones to automatically handle tasks such as sensing when a BlackBerry user is driving in a car and read email messages aloud.

RIM also opened the door to more "social" applications that tap into phone features such as chat, instant messaging, and groups, according to Lessard.

Hip, fun or functional programmes made by third-party developers have become vital to the popularity of smartphones and tablet computers.

Apple's App Store features more than 250,000 mini-programmes for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Blackberry's App World has about 11,000 applications, but programmes are also sold at other websites by developers.

Google has been aggressively working to expand an Android Marketplace, which boasts more than 80,000 apps for smartphones running on the California Internet titan's Android mobile operating system.

- AFP/de

Posted: 28 September 2010 0629 hrs

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/technologynews/view/1083762/1/.html

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Talk of 7-inch iPad surfaces

TAIPEI

ECONOMIC Daily News, a Taiwan-based newspaper, is reporting that Apple will be releasing a 7-inch iPad, adding to reports of such a device that began in earnest with Taiwan daily DigiTimes earlier this month, Macobserver.com reported.

ECD reported on Tuesday that Apple was prepping a smallerversion of the iPad for release as early as the end of this year. The present version has a 9.7-
inch touchscreen.

In the report, ECD said that the new device would weigh about 500g, less than the 700g of the current device.

Whereas DigiTimes said the new iPad model would sport an OLED display, ECD reported
that the device would use the IPS display used in the current iPad.

The report named two manufacturers that have won contracts to supply components for
the iPad: Chimei Innolux will supply the 7-inch IPS display while Cando Corporation will reportedly supply the touchscreen technology. Compal Electronics will assemble the device.

Apple is notorious for its product secrecy, and the company has not announced a new
iPad model.

The current model went on sale in April, and a product rev before the end of this year would be at odds with the roughly yearly update cycle the company has employed with the iPhone and, before that, with most iPod models.

On the other hand, the company has faced a number of leaks coming out of Taiwan,
with both the iPad and the last two iPhone models the subject of unprecedented levels of leaks.

While some of those leaks were the result of a prototype that was lost by an Apple engineer, many other details had already leaked from Apple’s Taiwan- based uppliers.
AGENCIES

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Amazon ups the ante in e-reader war

SAN FRANCISCO

THE chief executive of Amazon. com has cut prices and added features to the Kindle to defend it against a threat from Apple in the fast-growing market for electronic readers.

Mr Jeff Bezos introduced two new versions of the device yesterday, including a US$139 (S$190) model that works with Wi-Fi.

A second version, with 3G mobile technology as well as Wi-Fi to download books, costs US$189.

Mr Bezos said that focusing on features that make it easier to download and read books will help distinguish its e-reader from Apple’s multi-purpose iPad.

The Kindle is the centrepiece of Amazon.com’s strategy to capitalise on growing consumer interest in digital books.

By offering best-selling e-books for US$9.99 that can be read only on the Kindle or its software, Amazon.com is seeking to lock in consumers while it is still the market leader.

“We’re trying to build something that’s great for long-form reading, something you’d use if you want to sit down and read for two hours,” Mr Bezos said in an interview.

He added: “Our mission on the device side of the business is to use the latest technology to make the very best purpose-built reading device. We think that’s a mass product.”

The latest Kindles are thinner and lighter than previous versions and feature faster
page turns and sharper resolution.

They are also designed for easier reading in sunlight and have batteries that will last for a month on a single charge – two weeks longer than those for a previous model. The devices will ship on Aug 27. A notice on the company’s website said that a Kindle model costing US$189 is temporarily out of stock.

Mr Bezos said Kindle sales began accelerating when the price was cut by 27 per cent to US$189 last month. Offering a Kindle for US$50 below that price will spur adoption even more, he said.

BLOOMBERG


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Pinch and pull with this iMac companion

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA

APPLE has unveiled the latest update to its line of desktop computers, promising faster speeds and offering the option of multi-touch controls, similar to those used on the iPhone. Apple said its new line of iMac desktops, with new processors from Intel and new graphics chips, are the company’s fastest, AP reported.

The iMacs, which tuck the inner workings of the computer behind the flat-screen monitor, cost US$1,199 (S$1,635) to US$1,999, depending on speed and screen size.

Windows computer makers, such as Dell and Hewlett-Packard, have turned their similar all-in-one desktop computers into touch-screen media centres, where families can, for example, browse through photos and play music.

Apple, however, has maintained that, while touch screens work well on the iPhone and the iPad, they do not make sense on a Mac.

Its MacBook laptops have track pads that respond to the two-finger pinch-and-pull controls of the iPhone.

Now, Mac buyers can also pay an extra US$69 for what Apple calls the Magic Trackpad, a sleek, glass-topped aluminium touch pad that connects to Apple computers using wireless Bluetooth technology, PCWorld reported.

The standalone device works with all of Apple’s computers and runs on two AA batteries.

The Magic Trackpad is likely to please fans such as PCWorld writer Harry McCracken, who described it as appealing and stylish.

He wrote: “I’m not exactly anti-mouse, but mice take up a lot of space, have a nasty habit of colliding with papers and other items, and are sometimes hostile to southpaws like me.”

Mr McCracken even proposed that Apple actively promote its Magic Trackpad by making it the default pointing device that ships with iMacs and Mac Pros.

Apple on Tuesday also released a new line of Mac Pro desktops, which resemble a traditional boxy PC and require a separate monitor.

Like the new iMacs, Apple said that the latest Pro computers carry faster processors – the brains of a computer – as well as new graphics chips that produce a sharper display, according to AP.

Additionally, the company has released a new standalone 27-inch LED screen for US$999, which can be hooked up to a laptop or desktop.

Apple said that the display is 60 per cent bigger than its 24-inch LED display.

AGENCIES

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iPad

iPad it up

With cool accessories like these, what's not to like about Apple's new iPad?
by Trevor Tan
05:55 AM Jul 23, 2010

If you haven't already heard, the Apple iPad will be officially launched in Singapore today. If you're queuing up to get one now, we recommend these accessories as well - they'll go a long way in protecting and complementing your prized possession.



1. Speck CandyShell Case ($69; www.distexpress.com)

You'll most likely want to protect the iPad's magnificent-looking aluminum back. The Speck CandyShell Case will do the job with its hard shell and soft rubberised interior lining that protect your iPad from scratches. Even the front bezel lining and button covers are rubberised to offer more shock absorption and protection. Plus, a flip-back panel located at the bottom lets you dock the device on Apple's iPad Dock or Keyboard Dock without having to remove the case. Available in black or purple.



2. Power Support Air Jacket Set for iPad - Clear ($99.90; www.mcbay.com.sg)

If you want to protect your iPad but would like the lovely Apple logo to be visible on the back of the device, use the Power Support Air Jacket Set Clear case. It comes with a screen protector and a great microfiber cloth. The case fits snugly and is easy to install. The thin plastic casing looks as though it's not there but gives you the comfort of knowing that your device is well protected. A black version is available as well.



3. Twelve South BookArc for iPad ($65; www.equestinternational.com)

Twelve South's BookArc for iPad is probably one of the best-looking tabletop iPad stands. Made from a single piece of solid steel and carved into a stylish but sturdy arc with a slot in the middle to house your iPad, the BookArc lets you view your iPad horizontally or vertically while it's still connected to a charging cable. The arc in front of the slot lets you access the iPad's Home button when the iPad is placed vertically. A silicon insert around the slot ensures your iPad remains scratch-free. There's even a second insert to accommodate your iPad if it has a shell-style case. How thoughtful!



4. Gelaskins for iPad (US$29.95; www.gelaskins.com)

Having a case fixed on your iPad might not be everyone's cup of tea as it makes the iPad look bigger than it is. Try the fabulous Gelaskins - removable and customisable covers with a durable anti-scratch and anti-ultraviolet coating that protects your iPad from abrasion. The skins utilise patented 3M adhesive that make Gelaskins easy to apply without air bubbles. If your first application is not perfect, just peel the skin off and reapply it. You can choose from numerous arty designs for the skin and download the accompanying wallpaper to complete the look.



5. Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (US$29, http://store.apple.com/sg/)

One accessory that you have to get is Apple's very own iPad Camera Connection Kit. It includes two connectors with different interfaces - one with a USB port, the other an SD card reader. Both connectors allow you to download photos from your camera or your SD card onto the iPad. And apparently, you can use USB keyboards and other USB-based audio devices on the USB connector, even though they are not officially supported. This hot entity goes for more than $100 on local online forums. Local pricing was not available at press time. Nonetheless, by the time you read this sentence, the kit's probably sold out in local stores, too.



6. Capdase PrivacyGuard Roamer 360 Degree ($99.90; www.mcbay.com.sg)

Holding your iPad in a cafe or in the MRT might score you some attention but it could attract unwelcome peeks from your neighbours as well. Fret not. Use the Capdase Privacyguard Roamer 360 Degree screen protector. Not only does it protect your iPad screen, it also prevents curious onlookers from peeking at your screen as it reduces the viewing angle to 35 degrees. Be careful when you apply the screen protector. The smallest twitch during application will cause air bubbles.



7. MacAlly BTKeyMini (Pricing TBC; www.macally.com)

If you value practicality over looks, pick up the MacAlly BTKeyMini portable Bluetooth keyboard and stand. The 77-key keyboard has a cover that doubles as a stand, allowing you to place your iPad in landscape or portrait mode. Despite its ordinary looks, the keyboard is small and slim enough (222x103x16mm) for you to slot into your bag. And it works with the iPhone, iPod Touch and any computer with Bluetooth capability. However, worldwide availability and pricing is yet to be confirmed.



8. SwitchEasy TRIG for iPad ($59; www.distexpress.com)

There are tons of iPad sleeves in the market now. You can try the SwitchEasy TRIG. It not only houses your iPad but doubles as a stand. Fold the flaps and snap on the buttons to secure the device. You can then place your iPad on the base grip vertically or horizontally. The reinforced panels offer protection and stability. And the inner lining is so soft you can slide your iPad in and out effortlessly. A screen guard, a microfiber cloth and a handy screen squeegee are bundled in the package. TRIG comes in six colours - black, arctic (white), magnesium, mustard, blue and viola (purple).



9. iHome iB969 (Pricing TBC; www.techventis.com)

The iHome iB969 is a charging station that wants to charge not only your iPad but also almost every other gadget you have. With a built-in iPad stand and dual universal docks, you can charge your iPad, iPhone, iPod, Amazon Kindle and even a Blackberry through USB. There is an expandable rest area that fits almost all eBook readers. According to its local distributor, the iHome iB969 will only be available in Singapore in the last quarter of this year.



Visit Tech Talk at http://blogs.todayonline.com/techtalk/ to read our thoughts on the iPad.

http://www.todayonline.com/Tech/EDC100723-0000050/iPad-it-up

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Cisco sees chance to challenge iPad

UNITED States networking equipment-maker Cisco unveiled a tablet computer for business professionals on Tuesday as technology rivals lined up to compete with Apple’s iPad.

The Cisco Cius – pronounced “see us” – is powered by Google’s open-source Android operating system and boasts eight hours of battery life.

Customer trials of the Cius would begin later this year and the device would be available in the first quarter of next year.

It weighs 0.52kg, less than the iPad’s 0.68kg, and has a 7-inch screen, smaller than the 9.7-inch screen on the Apple device.

Unlike the iPad, which does not have a camera, the Cius features two: A front-mounted high-definition camera which allows for high-definition video streaming and real-time video, and a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera.

The Cius also offers e-mail, instant messaging, Web browsing through Wi-Fi and eventually 4G connectivity, and the ability to produce, edit and share content stored locally oron the Internet.

Cisco said the device was designed to provide workers with “the ability to access and share the content they need from any place on the network”.

Said Mr Tony Bates, a Cisco senior vice-president: “This platform can transform how healthcare professionals advance patient care, how retailers deliver service experiences to consumers, or how universities deliver world-class education to their
students.”

Cisco is making more products that transmit video, moving beyond its core business of routers and switches.

The Cius will cost less than US$1,000 (S$1,400), said Mr Bates.

AFP, BLOOMBERG

Soure: www.mypaper.com.sg

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Chordica XL for the iPad

As easy as 1, 2, 3

Learn to play the piano on Chordica, an app that uses a number-based system

WANT to play music without having to learn how to read a score?

That's the premise behind Chordica (www.chordica.com), an iPhone application developed by Joash Chee, 29, founder of two-and-a-half-year-old music training school Scoreless Music.

At the school, Chee offers students an alternative way of learning the piano or keyboard using a system based on numbers. Students read and play from a numerical sequence instead of music notation.

Said Chee: "When I was young, I developed this ability to play anything I hear, and I wanted to replicate everything I heard. In the process, I formulated certain theories and methods, which became the Scoreless Music method."

With the help of a friend, Chee developed the Chordica app, which allows users to play a virtual piano using his method. In Chordica, the user is presented with a grid layout of numbered buttons. The buttons on the left each activate a base note and the ones on the right activate a triad of notes. Tapping on two buttons from each side simultaneously produces a chord. Users can create a tune by tapping on the buttons in a specific sequence.

According to Chee, the US$2.99 ($4) app has seen more than 1,200 downloads since its launch in January last year. Its free version has seen 7,200 downloads.

The Chordica XL for the iPad has garnered around 2,000 downloads.

Chee is also planning to develop a professional version that will allow musicians to tinker with chords, sequencing and looping music.

While he admits he doesn't have any time for hobbies, Chee wants to create a physical board game - and develop a digital version of it for the iPad. It'll be like a strategy war game, such as Risk, he said.

While he had help developing Chordica, Chee has started to branch out on his own, creating a timer app for presentations called Vocal Slide Timer, and Free ABC Songs, a set of children's songs for the iPad. Key Finder, an iOS app he created to aid users in finding the key of a song, has received some 52,400 downloads.

The enterprising developer has set up a company dubbed Divzero (http://iphonetraining.sg). The firm conducts courses to teach people with no programming experience to create iPhone apps.

He hopes that realising simple applications and small projects will motivate people to move on to the advanced stages of coding.

Taking a cue from the way he teaches music, Chee explained: "Most of the people who hate learning music do so because of the tedious structures of the way it's taught. We want people to enjoy the process of learning."



To watch Chee demonstrating Chordica, visit www.todayonline.com/Gallery/Today/Video.

by Hedirman Supian

Updated 05:39 PM Jun 25, 2010

http://www.todayonline.com/Tech/Mobileapps/EDC100625-0000047/As-easy-as-1,-2,-3

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Location, location, location

Location, location, location

 

Free navigation services boost growth of location-based apps

by Hedirman Supian

05:55 AM Jun 18, 2010

Free navigation services, such as Nokia's Ovi Maps, are causing a surge in location-based mobile applications, says digital map information provider Navteq.

"People who never had experience with navigation, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, can now try it for free. Previously, you had to buy an expensive device," said Ogi Redzic, Navteq's Asia-Pacific vice-president (business development and sales).

Navteq (www.navteq.com), based in the United States, conducted the Asia-Pacific edition of its annual Global LBS (location-based services) Challenge competition in Singapore earlier this week, where developers the world over submitted applications aimed at the region.

Winning US$735,000 ($1.03 million) in cash, data and tool licences, and services, French company Visioglobe (www.visioglobe.com) emerged the champion with its 3D navigation software dubbed Visiostreet. It scored the most points in the competition criteria that included commercial appeal, indispensability, aesthetic appeal, being innovative and the effective use of Navteq's maps or content.

Demonstrated on an Apple iPad and an Android-based smartphone during the event, Visiostreet could display a 3D model of a city and allow the user to search for points of interest, geotagged photos on Flickr or tweets in real time. The app also supports mobile advertising. It has not been launched commercially and Visioglobe plans to develop it for the Symbian and Windows platforms as well.

Another app showcased at the Navteq competition was Snips (Surround Networks Indoor Positioning System), an indoor location-based app developed by finalist Surround Networks, a Singapore-based company.

Snips provides users with a map of the layout of a building (such as a mall), enabling users to determine their location and navigate easily using their WiFi-enabled phones. Though not commercially released yet, it has been developed for Android devices and the iPhone, with plans for other mobile platforms in the works.

"Our app can not only show you where you are, it can also show you which direction you're facing if you have a digital compass in your phone," said William Adjiewinoto, chief executive of Surround Networks (www.surroundnetworks.com).

According to Adjiewinoto, the company is in talks with local shopping malls to customise the app and provide it to consumers. Hedirman Supian

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Anatomy of the next iPhone

What's new? Is it worth the upgrade? Take a look at the key new features of the Apple iPhone 4 and decide

by Hedirman Supian

05:55 AM Jun 11, 2010

 

Design

At 9.3mm, the svelte design of the iPhone 4 contributes to its much improved form factor. And the hardy custom glass screen that covers its front and back is the same material used in the windshields of helicopters and high-speed trains. The stainless steel band that wraps along the sides of the phone is reportedly five times stronger than standard steel and also doubles as its wireless antenna.



Retina Display

Dubbed so because it has four times the resolution of its predecessor, the bright, ultra-high resolution display delivers a wide viewing angle and renders text as sharp as print.



FaceTime

FaceTime is what Apple calls its new video call function. Higher in quality than standard 3G video calls, it can only be used over WiFi and between the new iPhones. But Apple is working with telcos to use it over their cellular networks, and will push it as an open standard that can be used by other devices. Switch between the front and back cameras with just one tap.



iOS 4

The updated operating system enables multitasking, so several apps can run in the background. The built-in email app now features a universal inbox and threaded emails. To better handle the burgeoning number of apps you might have, you can now organise them easily into folders.



5-megapixel camera and high-definition video capture

To put it simply, the higher-resolution camera sensor can absorb more light, resulting in better pictures. There's also an LED flash that can be used for photos and videos. High-definition video is captured at 720p resolution, at 30 frames per second. Using the iPhone's GPS feature, movies and photos will be automatically geo-tagged with location information as well.



Other hardware improvements

The iPhone 4 has the same efficient processor as the iPad, so you can expect speedier performance. There's also an extra mic on the iPhone that enables noise cancellation for clearer calls. The inclusion of a gyroscope makes the smartphone even more sensitive to motion controls that can be employed in games and other apps. The phone also supports the wireless 802.11n standard for wider range and faster file transfers.



Worth the upgrade?

You can almost picture hardcore geeks the world over collectively rolling their eyes as Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone 4 at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference this week. After all, the new features - such as high-definition video capture and high-quality video calls - are already available on many smartphones.

But while the features aren't new, Apple is counting on luring consumers by delivering a smooth and immersive user experience. FaceTime, for instance, one-ups the conventional 3G video call by making it a breeze to talk to your loved ones "face to face", and have them see what you're seeing on a big, bright screen. If you're a travelling parent or caught in a long-distance relationship, FaceTime could be reason enough to upgrade.

If you have an iPhone 3GS, you'll get the software improvements that come with iOS 4 (out on June 21), but you won't get the sharper screen and other hardware improvements that come with iPhone 4. iPhone 3G owners can update to the new OS but you won't be allowed to multitask apps because of the device's slower processor.

According to Apple, the iPhone 4 will arrive on our shores next month. With all three telcos here offering the iPhone, consumers will also need to consider the cost of the subscription plans. And keep in mind that the iPad will see its official launch here around the same time - us mortals with not-so-deep pockets have a tough decision indeed.

 

http://www.todayonline.com/Tech/EDC100611-0000071/Anatomy-of-the-next-iPhone

 

 

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The next big thing: Smartbooks

BY KENNY CHEE

THE line between smartphones and netbooks is blurring, with more products such as tablet computers
and mini netbook-like devices hitting shelves. These gadgets are in a class of their own, with industry players dubbing them mobile Internet devices or smartbooks.

Last month, Sony unveiled in Singapore an update of its compact Wi-Fi-capable Vaio P, but with new, decidedly phone-like features.

The original Vaio P was already treading the line between phones and netbooks, with its 8-inch screen and keyboard (netbooks typically have 10-inch screens, while many smartphone screens measure fewer
than 5 inches).

But the latest Vaio P moved closer to smartphones, with an accelerometer that allows it to reorientate its screen display when you tilt it. You can also browse documents and photos by flicking it.

With the mouse trackpad and buttons found on both sides of the screen, you can hold the device with both hands, like a smartphone, to use it.

Sony is not the only one catching on to the market. Last December, Fujitsu launched a mobile Internet device with a keyboard that could log on to 3G networks. It is so small that it can fit comfortably into a handbag.

Apple’s iPad, which will be launched next month in Singapore, also falls into this category. The tablet, marketed as an e-reader, lacks a physical keyboard but has a 9.7-inch touchscreen and can be used to surf
the Web.

There are no commonly agreed-upon definitions as to what exactly is a mobile Internet device. Some will say that it is anything portable that can log on to 3G networks, so this includes smartphones, netbooks,
tablets and anything in between.

Others will say it is a tablet or netbook-like device that must have smartphone components. But what is certain is that there is growth potential for this group of gadgets.

According to market-research firm IDC, the number of global users that accessed the Internet through mobile devices was 450 million last year. This number is expected to double by 2013, because of the popularity
and affordability of mobile phones and other wireless gadgets.

Home-grown firm McCoy, which sells digital lifestyle products, said its Viliv mobile Internet device sales increased by 10 per cent this year compared to last year’s, because of rising product awareness and greater
consumer tech-savviness.

Mr Marc Einstein, an industry manager for market-research firm Frost & Sullivan, said that mobile Internet devices received mixed reactions in the past, but that the release of the iPad is raising interest in theproduct class from both consumersand tech companies.

While he saw more potential for tablet-related devices, Mr Einstein said there could be a positive spillover effect for netbook- like mobile Internet devices.

Tech firms my paper spoke to said they saw a market gap to be filled, where consumers wanted a device between smartphones and netbooks.

Sony believes that consumers will always require a PC on the go, but mobile phones cannot replace notebooks in terms of performance, despite Internet capabilities. Hence, its spokesman said that its Vaio P products fill the gap as a pocket PC with full-fledged notebook features.

Fujitsu said that mobile Internet devices continue to be one of the gadgets that the industry is focused on right now, against a backdrop of wireless and cloud computing.

It added that improvements in the devices would also be fuelled by better and cheaper Internet data plans.

For iKnow, it sees growth in mobile Internet devices with more 3G-enabled gadgets, especially in the second half of the year, and is forming its business plans accordingly.

Check out the devices below – some of which can be bought at The PC Show this weekend at Suntec Singapore.
kennyc@sph.com.sg

http://myepaper.mypaper.sg/ebook/web_php/System/Zoom_In/Zoom_In_Page.html

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China’s Hanvon takes on Apple

CHINA’S leading electronics manufacturer Hanvon has beaten Apple in launching a portable tablet PC
for the Chinese market, ntdtv.com reported.

At the launch last week, an apple-shaped ice sculpture was smashed to signal a challenge to its competitor: The Chinese manufacturer wants its own TouchPad to beat its rival on time, price and consumer appeal.

The unveiling had more theatrics than a usual product unveiling, with techno music, the new Hanvon TouchPad B10 rising from the ground, and models walking the tablets up and down a runway.

Back to the tablet itself, it actually doesn’t look that bad.
Here are the official specs:
Intel ULV743 at 1.3GHz
2GB RAM
Intel GMA integrated graphics
10-inch multi-touch display
Windows 7 Home Premium
250GB HDD
Webcam, Bluetooth, HDMI,
VGA, USB

At first glance, the tablet looks attractive, as it looks to be of a different screen ratio than that of the iPad, reported Nexus404.com.

Unlike the iPad, it has a x86 processor and a full-desktop operating system. Following Hanvon’s usual
business model, the TouchPad will probably be sold in China  under the Hanvon name, and it will be offered to Western manufacturers, who may sell the device in North America and Europe under their own name.
(So it could end up as the Dell Edge or HP Titan).

Hanvon said the B10 will be priced in the 500-euro (S$880) range. No release date was announced.
AGENCIES

Source: www.mypaper.com.sg

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