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Recent Reviews
BlackBerry pushes 10.1 OS update – it’s 1GB heavy
Posted:
May 8, 2013
By: soyacincau
1 comment
BlackBerry has started rolling out its first ever major OS update that carries the version 10.1. So far a BlackBerry Z10 user in Philippines has received notification of the update and it is expected to be available in more countries soon. Some of the changes the update will bring include:
- HDR option for taking photos
- PIN to PIN messaging now available and present in the BlackBerry Hub
- APN editing is now enabled (Though this may remain carrier based)
- ‘Highlights” for text such as word correction on the keyboard are now green, instead of blue
- ‘Text Picker’ has been improved, now allows for easily moving left and right between letters easier
- Sharing menu is now black, just like on the BlackBerry Q10
- New help demos and walkthroughs after initial boot
- Select All for broadcast messages is now available
- Ability to turn off alerts for specific applications
- Easier to check for updates in BlackBerry World
- Phone can be fully unlocked at lock screen now by the power button
- BlackBerry World now has options for coupon redemption
- Pasting of phone numbers directly into dialpad
- Installed apps can be opened from with BlackBerry World (No longer shows ‘installed’ now shows ‘open’)
Hopefully the new update will improve stability and fix some niggles especially the camera app that isn’t ready to take a picture if you didn’t close it properly. You can check out our hands-on with the BlackBerry Z10 here.
For BlackBerry Z10 users that received the update, make sure you’re connected to WiFi as the update is a massive 1GB in file size.
Samsung announces Galaxy Core, dual-SIM device with a 4.3″ display
Posted:
May 6, 2013
By: soyacincau
4 comments
If you’re looking for a dual-sim smart phone with a practical size that fits comfortably with a single hand, Samsung has announced the Galaxy Core. Another Galaxy family member with dual-sim slots in a 4.3″ display dimensions.
Looking like a slightly bigger brother of the Galaxy S III mini, the Galaxy Core is rather similar with its 5 incher Galaxy Grand with a dual-core 1.2GHz processor mated with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. The 4.3″ TFT display does 800×480 pixels resolution.
In terms of camera, the Galaxy Core comes with a mediocre 5MP camera that shoots 480p videos and there’s also a front facing VGA camera. Out of the box, it runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and comes juiced up with a 1,800mAh battery. Like any new Samsung Galaxy devices today, it also come with smart features such as Smart Stay, Smart Alert and S Voice.
Available countries are not mentioned at the moment but the dual-SIM version will roll out in May while the Single SIM variant will be available much later from July onwards.
Head after the break for more official images.
Unboxed: Samsung Galaxy S4
Posted:
May 3, 2013
By: soyacincau
21 comments
The Samsung Galaxy S4 was just launched in Malaysia last weekend with the Octa-Core version at RM2,199. To recap, the Octa-Core version (i9500) comes with 8 cores which runs in either 1.6GHz quad-core or a 1.2GHz quad-core sets for maximum efficiency. If you’re looking for 4G LTE support, there’s the 1.9GHz Quad-Core version (i9505) which supports our local LTE bands and that model will be coming a bit later.
In terms of packaging, the box looks rather unique and it is better than the Galaxy S III with its wooden grain design. The box is rather eco-friendly with the usage of 100% recycled paper and soy-based ink for printing. Inside the box, you’ll get your typical manuals, white colour USB cable, headphones with buds and power adapter. Since this is a black mist colour unit, we would prefer if they provided the accompanying cables and plugs in black instead.
In the hands, the Galaxy S4 feels just like its predecessor. Build of the device doesn’t wow us but it feels good in the hands with its thinner dimensions. The back panel is very reflective on the Black Mist as if it is a mirror with dotted spots all over. As comparison, the Frost White version has a solid glossy white look.
Watch the unboxing of the Galaxy S4 after the break.
Upcoming Galaxy Note III to rumoured run on Exynos 5 Octa with 3GB of RAM and 8-core GPU
Posted:
May 3, 2013
By: soyacincau
8 comments
With the Galaxy S4 now out from the woods, all eyes are focused at their next Galaxy Note sequel. The upcoming Galaxy Note III is said to be powered with an Octa-Core Exynos 5 processor and comes with a Mali-450 GPU with 8-cores. Memory is rumoured to be a humongous 3GB as well.
Continuing with their tradition of display upsizing, the Galaxy Note III is said to be having a large 5.99″ Full HD Super AMOLED display, a 13MP camera and comes with its signature S-Pen as well. Despite its huge display size, the Galaxy Note III is also rumoured to be of the similar size with the Galaxy Mega 5.8 thanks to its thinner bezel design.
Like the Galaxy Note II, the Note III is expected to be announced in Berlin’s IFA 2013 which is happening in September. While we can hope for a brand new design, we don’t expect the design language to be any different from its current range of Galaxy models.
[ SOURCE ]
VIDEO: Samsung Galaxy S4 Design Story
Posted:
May 2, 2013
By: soyacincau
No comments
Samsung has released a design story video of its current flagship, the Galaxy S4. While the design isn’t a big difference from its Galaxy S III predecessor, its designers emphasises on evolution and how to make lives better. Although that sounds like all fluff, the Galaxy S4 currently has one of the best hardware specs with a choice of a Octa-Core or Quad-Core processor, a 5″ Full HD screen and a large 2,600mAh battery which is one of the biggest in its class.
Other differences lies in the software where they have added more “Smart” features that enhances usability. Although they try to demonstrate more attention to the details, we can’t help to feel that they could have made it perfect with premium materials being used.
Watch the video after the break.
HTC One now available on U Mobile from RM1,488
Posted:
May 2, 2013
By: soyacincau
1 comment
The metallic HTC One is also available for contract bundling on U Mobile and it is offered from as low as RM1,488 with its usual U Postpaid plans.
Retailing at RM2,299, the HTC One is offered with 24 months contract duration with U28 (1GB), U58 (2GB) and U88 (3GB). During sign up, an upfront payment between RM168-RM528 is required which will be rebated back to your month usage.
U Mobile’s full bundled pricing as follows:
U28 (24 months) – RM1,888
U58 (24 months) – RM1,688
U88 (24 months) – RM1,488
In terms of colour availability, only the Silver version is being offered. To recap on the specs, the HTC One comes with a 4.7″ Super LCD 3 Full HD display and is powered with a Quad-Core 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 processor with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.
For more information, head over to U Mobile.
Celcom offers Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 from RM1,088
Posted:
May 2, 2013
By: soyacincau
1 comment
Looking for something bigger? The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 which retails at RM1,699 is now available for bundling on Celcom. It is offered from as low as RM1,088 on its Celcom First Data + Voice plans. These are basically mobile interent only plans and additional usage of calls/sms are charged separately. Calls are charged at 15sen/minute to all networks while SMS are charged at 10 sen each.
Full bundled pricing as follows:
Celcom First Data Lite (1.5GB) 12 months – RM1,488
Celcom First Data Lite (1.5GB) 24 months – RM1,388Celcom First Data Basic (4.0GB) 12 months – RM1,388
Celcom First Data Basic (4.0GB) 24 months – RM1,288Celcom First Data Advance (6.0GB) 12 months – RM1,288
Celcom First Data Advance (6.0GB) 24 months – RM1,088
There’s an upfront payment between RM200-500 required during signup depending on plan and it will be refunded back to your monthly bill across 10 months evenly.
To recap on the Galaxy Note 8.0 specs, it comes with a 8.0″ display that does 1280×800 resolution and it is powered with a quad-core 1.6GHz processor with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. Just like its name suggest, it comes with an S-Pen which lets you draw or sketch with the stylus. It runs on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean with the usual Samsung UI enhancements such as Multi-Window and Smart Stay. There’s a rear 5MP camera without flash and a front facing 1.9MP camera. Juicing up the device is a 4,600mAh battery and it weighs 338 grams with a thickness of 7.95 grams.
For more information, head over to Celcom’s Galaxy Note 8.0 product page.
Sony rumoured to be working on 6.44″ display and super camera smart phone models
Posted:
May 2, 2013
By: soyacincau
No comments
Just when other smart phone maker has been churning out new flagship models that shadows their Xperia Z/ZL models, Sony is seems to be working hard on their next upcoming model. Coming in 2nd half of 2013, Sony is rumoured to be releasing 2 new models with the codename Togari and Honami.
The Togari model is rumoured to be a large form factor device which comes with a massive 6.44″ 1080p HD display while the Honami boasts as a “One Sony” model which combines the best of Sony. Although that sounds very cliche, the Honami seems to be a very special model especially when it comes to camera. It is rumoured that it will come with a 16MP or possible 20MP shooter with a larger sensor size of 1/1.6″. In comparison, that sensor size is right between the Nokia N8 (1/1.83″) and the Nokia 808 PureView (1/1.2″).
In terms of design, it is said to be slim just like the Xperia Z and Xperia Tablet Z. Processing wise, the Honami is said to be running on a newer quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 clocked at 2.3GHz and comes with a non-removable battery between 2700mAh to 3000mAh capacity. If the rumours are true, this would be an interesting phone which might give Samsung and HTC a run for their money.
HTC M4 – Mid-spec One with similar unibody design leaked
Posted:
May 2, 2013
By: soyacincau
1 comment
Following the release of its HTC One flagship model codenamed M7, they are now preparing to launch more models for the mid-range and entry level segment. The M4 pictured above is the alleged mid-range model which carries similar design and features but with its specification a notch lower.
The display would obviously be smaller with a more sensible 4.3″ display that pushes a respectable 720″ HD resolution at 342ppi. In terms of CPU, it runs on a dual-core processor but is mated with a generous 2GB of RAM which makes it no slouch.
There’s no word on the speakers but hopefully it also comes with a pair of front facing units like the ones found on its flagship model. Also included is its Ultrapixels camera but there’s no word on its pixel count. Since it is a mid-spec device, the battery capacity is a notch lower as well at 1,700mAh which is 600mAh less than the HTC One.
There’s no exact dates of availability but it is expected to be launched by middle of this year with LTE compatibility. It will be interesting to see how HTC would name this model since the flagship is simply “One” without any additional letters at the back.
[ SOURCE ]
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0″ announced with similar hardware design
Posted:
April 30, 2013
By: soyacincau
12 comments
Right after the Galaxy S4 is being rolled out globally, Samsung has now moved its attention to its tablets with the announcement of its Samsung Galaxy Tab 3. This time around, only their 7″ version the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0″ is being revealed in WiFi only and 3G variant.
In terms of specs it doesn’t differ much from its previous Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, except for its exterior appearance that looks like a Galaxy Note 8.0. The front 7″ TFT display pushes a rather low resolution of 1024×600 and it is powered with a dual-core 1.2GHz processor that’s mated with 1GB of RAM.
Camera wise it has a 3MP shooter at the rear and has a front facing 1MP camera. Meanwhile you’ll have a storage option of 16GB/32GB with an option of expanding more via microSD up to 64GB. Juicing up the device is a 4,000mAh battery which weighs just 306 grams and has a thickness of 9.9mm. Overall, the specs doesn’t seem much of a change from its previous predecessor at all.
For the 3G version, you can use it as a phone has it comes with an earpiece at the top. With growing popularity for smaller sized tablets, it is no surprise they have left out the 10″ version for now. Probably we would expect something more ground breaking for its upcoming larger sized tablets.
Head after the break for more product images.