More BlackBerry Touch UI video surface
BlackBerry fans, this is it. A new BlackBerry device is coming this year and it appears that the people at RIM have finally realised that to win more customers, a major redesign of its UI architecture is required. But for BlackBerry, things are more complicated because if the new UI brings with it a completely different user experience, RIM run a very real risk of losing a substantial number of its loyal users who have resisted from jumping onto the iOS or Android bandwagon because of the BlackBerry experience. It’s basic, no frills and when you get the hang of it, BlackBerry devices are pretty easy to use for those who like it.
And so we have this, a new series of videos showcasing the new BlackBerry UI on top of the two videos we posted earlier. We like what we see. The interface is contemporary, looks sleek and puts the BlackBerry brand closer to Android and iOS. Heck, we’re intrigued.
Head on over to after the jump for the videos.
Sony Ericsson outs new Xperia Play ads. We approve
After the weird Xperia Play Donor ad and the even weirder series of ads featuring Kristen Schaal, Sony Ericsson has finally come to their senses and puts out perfectly normal TV commercial for the Xperia Play. We approve.
Wonder when this is coming to Malaysia.
Head to after the jump for another Xperia Play commercial in the same series
Celcom to offer LG Optimus 2X in Malaysia
Celcom has placed a simple teaser on its front page that they will be bringing in the LG Optimus 2X. No dates were given but if it is happening this month, Celcom is seriously jumping in front of the Android pack as being the first to offer a dual-core Android smart phone in Malaysia. Currently the other dual-core smart phone, Samsung Galaxy S II is slated to be released much later in May. Who knows, Samsung might revise their plans and offer the Galaxy II earlier?
The LG Optimus 2X is powered by a dual-core Tegra 2 processor and comes with a 4″ WVGA screen. It supports 1080p HD video recording with its 8MP camera and also comes with a dedicated HDMI port as well. When it was announced earlier, it was mentioned to be running on Android 2.2 with Android 2.3 Gingerbread expected to be roll out later. Let’s hope it will be running on Android 2.3 when it gets here.
So who will be the first to bring in dual-core Android? LG or Samsung? Another question would be what’s happening with Celcom’s iPhone 4 launch?
Samsung Galaxy Ace: A decent Android phone for under RM1k
When Samsung introduced its range of four new affordable Android devices early February this year we noted that the Samsung Galaxy Ace would very likely make its way to Malaysia.
Specifically, in our earlier post we said:
The Samsung Galaxy family will be showcased at the Mobile World Congress on February 14. No word on pricing or whether there will be availability here in Malaysia but if we know Samsung Malaysia then we know that at least one out of this four Galaxy phones will make it here. Our bet’s on the Galaxy Ace.
And so here it is the Galaxy Ace is now available in Malaysia for a RM1 under RM1,000. With a 800Mhz processor, Android 2.2 froyo, a 5MP camera and a 3.5-inch 320×480 screen along with a host of other useful features, it’s hard to recommend a more decently speced Android at this price point.
The only thing that baffled us is how the marketing people didn’t promote the Galaxy Ace as aggressively as we think they should. It’s a good phone with a good price, there’s really a lot to like.
Here’s hoping Samsung Mobile Malaysia would be proactive in promoting their mobile devices and not just focus on the big ticket items like the Nexus S. And when they do focus on the big ticket items, we hope they make sure its reasonably priced as well.
Head on to after the jump for the full specs of the Samsung Galaxy Ace.
Comparison: TM UniFi vs Maxis FTTH
Update: We’re gotten some response from both Maxis and TM PR with more information on their services. Maxis says that their Home Broadband is currently available in the following areas — Bangsar, Taman Tun Doktor Ismail and Bandar Utama.
TM tells us that one of the other value added service that they offer with UniFi is the Streamyx ZONE WiFi hotspot access. UniFi subscribers get free WiFi access at over 12,000 Streamyx ZONE WiFi hotspots nationwide albeit limited to 384kbps. We have a feeling not many UniFi subscribers are aware of this, so to find out what your Streamyx ZONE login ID is give UniFi a call at 1 300 88 1221. Also TM points out that currently it has yet to enforce data quotas for UniFi subscribers across the board. This explains why TM have subscribers who download terabytes of data on UniFi.
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Maxis recently updated its HSBB service offering with three different plans where previously there was only one to choose from. This move makes Maxis a direct competitor to Malaysia’s premier HSBB provider, UniFi. This is good for the consumer because now there is more choice and more choice means better value as providers offer the best rates and services to vie for your attention.
On the surface this is the case but between the two, which provider offers the best value for money? We’ve assembled this comparison table for you to easily compare the offerings from TM and Maxis.
So how does the two fair? If it was us forking out the cash, which one would we choose?