Lenovo Vibe Shot announced in PH, costs P16,999

In Phones by Ramon LopezLeave a Comment

Back in March, Lenovo introduced the Vibe Shot at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. As the name suggests, it’s a camera phone designed to replace your old point-and-shoot, because, among other things, you can’t count on that brick of a camera to post your good eats on Instagram. Now it’s heading to local shores, and it will be available first through Lazada Philippines’ website and mobile app starting July 31.

From the back the Vibe Shot looks deceivingly like a camera, too — and an attractive one at that — with its lightweight aluminum frame, 16-megapixel sensor, six-piece modular lens, and tricolor flash (because two isn’t enough).

Lenovo PH just launched the Vibe Shot, a camera phone designed to replace your old point-and-shoot, because, among other things, you can’t count on that brick of a camera to post your good eats on Instagram.

And just like a regular point-and-shoot, it rocks a two-step shutter button, which makes the shooting experience feel more traditional, and a physical toggle to make switching between “Auto” and “Pro” modes easier and quicker.

Lenovo Vibe Shot

Image 1 of 11

Throw in a laser autofocus sensor, plus a wealth of shooting modes and options, and you’ve got a versatile camera phone that’s primed to please shutterbugs who are looking for a midrange option; whether or not it actually does remains to be seen. (I’m working on a follow-up article as we speak.)

The Vibe Shot’s internals are nothing to sneeze at, either; the phone runs Android Lollipop 5.1 on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable storage. Connectivity options include WiFi, 4G LTE, Bluetooth, and GPS. The entire front face is covered by a sheet of scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 3, and underneath that you’ll find a 5-inch IPS display with 1080p resolution.

The Lenovo Vibe Shot may be worth a look if you’ve always fancied an Android smartphone that prioritizes image quality over everything else. It will cost you P16,999 if you get if from Lazada Philippines. Offline stores nationwide will begin selling it in mid-August for P17,999.

Lenovo Vibe Shot specs (Price in the Philippines: P16,999):
* Dual SIM with LTE support
* 1.7GHz 64-bit, octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 CPU
* Adreno 405 GPU
* 3GB RAM
* 32GB internal storage
* microSD card slot (up to 128GB)
* 5-inch IPS display (1,080 x 1,920 resolution)
* 16-megapixel rear camera with tricolor flash and IR autofocus sensor
* 8-megapixel front camera
* 3,000mAh battery
* Android Lollipop 5.1

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5 Android apps I can’t live without

In Games, Apps, and OS by Ramon LopezLeave a Comment

As people who know me personally probably know, I use an Android phone as my daily driver. And, to be honest, I can’t see myself going through a full day without a smartphone in my hand. I just can’t.

For starters, I get my daily dose of news from apps installed on my phone — Appy Geek and Twitter are my favorite sources — I sometimes write blog posts on an app called Keep while in transit; and I entertain myself by listening to Spotify or watching videos beamed to my handset through apps like HOOQ and the NBA’s official app, which I’m a fairly heavy user of for most of the NBA season.

Which brings us to the topic of today’s post: the 5 Android apps I can’t live without. Apps are what make my smartphone indispensable to me, after all. There are many apps on the google play store, and designing your own app has never been easier with thanks to products like Mobile Agency Apps that allow you to build your own apps for Apple and Android devices! However, before we proceed, a disclaimer is in order: I’ve excluded Google’s core apps, such as Chrome, Gmail, and Google Now, because I think pretty much every knowledgeable Android owner out there sees them as smartphone essentials. With that out of the way, let’s talk about my favourite downloads on the Google Play store, in no particular order.

Apps are what make my smartphone indispensable to me. Here are 5 Android apps I can’t live without.

1. HOOQ

It’s been a while since I saw a movie or TV show on cable TV, and that’s largely because of subscription video-on-demand services that allow me to watch what I want, where and when I choose — without tripping over piracy laws.

And for someone who lives in the Philippines, there’s no better option than HOOQ, which offers over 30,000 hours of local and foreign programming, as well as the ability to download content for offline playback. And as far as HOOQ is concerned, there’s no better way to experience it than on mobile. This app does exactly what you think it should: It puts a TV in your pocket.

2. Spotify

If HOOQ is local and cable TV in the Internet age, Spotify is basically all radio stations and my music library rolled into a digital package that I can tweak to my liking. Songs on Spotify are available offline, too, but only if you’re willing to pay the equivalent of a large Starbucks drink each month. To that I say: Go ahead. Spotify is well worth the price of admission for anyone who spends at least 4 hours a day listening to music.

3. Uber

There are few worse things for someone who owns a driving license than plying the crowded streets of Metro Manila, especially during the evening rush hour. Riding the train is an exercise in patience, and hailing a cab is next to impossible when there are a dozen or so commuters jostling for a comfortable seat on the way home after a tiring day at the office.

That’s where Uber, one of the most popular app-based, ride-hailing services in the world, comes in. Uber sends you private a car (chauffeur included) using your phone’s GPS to track you and takes you from point A to B safely and without hassle at a reasonable price. In fact, taking UberX, the most affordable iteration of Uber, is generally cheaper than riding a cab. Uber’s customer support is also second to none; trust me, I’ve been using Uber and its competitors for more than a year already.

4. Facebook

It’s Facebook in app form. Need I say more? Sarcasm aside, nothing beats Mark Zuckerberg’s social network when it comes to size and popularity, regardless of format. And ever since major carriers in the Philippines decided to foot the bill for everyone in the country to get free, albeit limited, access to Facebook for mobile, I’ve begun using it for messaging purposes with increasing frequency.

5. Nova Launcher

Last but definitely not the least is a third-party launcher app called Nova Launcher, which, as Android Central put it, “may be the best thing that ever happened for Android.” I couldn’t agree more. Nova Launcher offers a ton of customization options to play around with, allowing me to change nearly all elements of my phone’s general interface — icons and animations included.

The app is free to download, but to unlock all its cool features, including the ability to assign gestures for various functions, you have to upgrade to the Prime version for P222.

[youtube link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shykyfmb28″ width=”560″ height=”315″]

Google app for mobile

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ASUS ZenPad 7.0 tablet to launch on July 30

In Tablets by Ramon LopezLeave a Comment

After garnering a lot of attention in the smartphone space, courtesy of the high-specced but reasonably priced Zenfone 2, ASUS Philippines will be looking to impress would-be tablet owners next week with the launch of two new additions to its tablet line.

I’ve just received word that both the ASUS ZenPad C 7.0 and ZenPad 7.0 are going to be unveiled on July 30. Naturally, pricing remains a mystery at this point, though a 3G version of the ZenPad C 7.0 has been spotted on Villman going for P5,995, which makes it all the more likely that a local release is not far off.

ASUS Philippines will be looking to impress would-be tablet owners with the launch of the ASUS ZenPad C 7.0 and ZenPad 7.0 on July 30.

The ZenPad C 7.0 carries the “C” moniker to indicate its entry-level status among devices in ASUS’ stable. As such, the slate boasts rather modest specifications that reflect the kind of light to moderate computing users would expect from a device of this caliber. A quad-core Intel Atom processor with 1GB of RAM and up to 16GB of expandable storage runs the ZenPad C 7.0. ASUS’ own ZenUI on top of Android Lollipop takes care of the software side of things.

The ZenPad 7.0, on the other hand, packs improved specs that will likely justify its higher price. Both tablets have a leather-like back cover and a 7-inch IPS display surrounded by relatively thin bezels, which are typical of current-gen tablets, regardless of price. I’ll be sure to write a follow-up post following the launch event next week. In the meantime, check out the ASUS ZenPad 7.0 in the video below.

Specs of the ASUS ZenPad C 7.0:
* Dual-SIM
* 64-bit, quad-core Intel Atom x3 CPU
* Mali-450 GPU
* 1GB RAM
* 16GB internal storage
* microSD card slot
* 7-inch IPS display (1,024 x 600 resolution)
* 2-megapixel rear camera
* VGA front camera
* Android Lollipop 5.0

Specs of the ASUS ZenPad 7.0:
* 64-bit, quad-core Intel Atom x3 CPU
* Mali-450 GPU
* 2GB RAM
* 16GB internal storage
* microSD card slot
* 7-inch IPS display (1,280 x 800 resolution)
* 8-megapixel rear camera
* 2-megapixel front camera
* Android Lollipop 5.0

[youtube link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG8EC4JNytk” width=”560″ height=”315″]

ASUS ZenPad 7.0 first impressions from TabTec

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Xiaomi launches Mi 4i in the Philippines for P9,799

In Press Releases by Revu TeamLeave a Comment

Leading smartphone company Xiaomi announced that it is bringing its stunning flagship series smartphone Mi 4i to the Philippines. Priced at PHP 9,799 and available in dark gray, Mi 4i will be available for online sale on Lazada Philippines starting 29 July, and roll out to offline channels subsequently.

Xiaomi applied its powerful design and engineering capabilities to create Mi 4i, which was first launched in India in April this year. Designed to fit perfectly in your hand, Mi 4i features a 5” 1080p Full HD display with a sleek unibody design. A high-capacity 3120mAh battery powers the ultra-compact phone, a feat made possible only by close cooperation with leading suppliers such as Qualcomm, Samsung, Corning and Sony, and world-class manufacturing partners.

Xiaomi also announced an exclusive carrier partnership with wireless services leader Smart Communications (Smart) to offer Mi 4i through its Surf Plus Plans postpaid lineup. Additionally, users who purchase Mi 4i in non-telco retailers will receive a free Smart prepaid SIM bundled with the device.

Steve Vickers, General Manager, Xiaomi Southeast Asia, said: “We are truly excited to partner exclusively with Smart to offer Mi 4i in the Philippines, as we introduce different ways to make it easier for Mi fans to get their hands on our products. We believe that users of Mi 4i will be able to enjoy an amazing experience with the fast and seamless connectivity nationwide on Smart’s expansive mobile network.”

Ariel P. Fermin, Executive Vice President and Consumer Business Group Head at Smart said: “A breakthrough device as Xiaomi’s Mi 4i deserves to be powered by the country’s largest mobile network. We’re excited to partner with Xiaomi to offer the Mi 4i alongside Smart’s innovative digital services and vast nationwide network, which can truly let our subscribers experience entertainment everywhere in the country.”

Mi 4i has an incredibly sharp display with a pixel density of 441 PPI, and the all-new Sunlight Display dynamically adjusts the contrast of each pixel for crystal-clear images even under direct sunlight.

Xiaomi collaborated with manufacturing partner Foxconn to manufacture a motherboard that is one of the smallest and thinnest found in a phone this size, making space for a huge 3120mAh battery that can power through 1.5 days of normal usage.

For faster performance, Mi 4i comes equipped with a 2nd-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 octa-core 64-bit processor, 2GB of LPDDR3 RAM and 16GB of onboard Flash. It also features 4G dual SIM, dual standby slots.

With a 13MP f/2.0 rear camera, Mi 4i takes gorgeous pictures that are transformed into amazing by its industry-leading HDR mode. The front-facing 5MP camera with an 80-degree wide angle lens is great for selfies, coupled with Beautify.

In a first for MIUI, Mi 4i ships with MIUI 6 based on Android 5.0 Lollipop, the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system.

Mi 4i will be available for pre-registration for Smart customers starting 24 July. It will go on sale off-contract on Lazada starting 29 July, while Smart stores and offline retailers will start selling it on 1 August.Subscribers can register their interest to get the Mi 4i from Smart by visiting http://smart.com.ph/postpaid/ phones/xiaomimi4i.

Globe Telecom opens third and largest GEN3 Store in Cebu

In Press Releases by Revu TeamLeave a Comment

Globe Telecom has recently opened its third and largest Generation 3 (GEN3) Store to date in Cebu, boosting its retail presence in the Visayas region and giving Cebuanos a new retail experience that is up to par with international retail outlets worldwide.

The GEN3 store in Cebu is the telco’s first store in Visayas and is the biggest among the GEN3 stores that Globe has opened to date. It measures over 400 square meters and can accommodate up to 200 customers and store personnel at the same time. It houses four (4) major lifestyle zones namely music, entertainment, life and productivity, each illustrating mobile and broadband technologies as connected solutions featuring the latest devices, apps, digital connectors and services that contribute to the total interactive customer experience.

With the store opening in Cebu, Globe is set to transform the retail experience and enable the digital lifestyle of Cebuanos and nearby markets. It boasts of a wide array of new innovations exclusively offered by Globe such as top-of-the-line speakers, powerbanks, GPS watches, interactive toys, as well as the Zagg machine, which allows customers to custom create a screen protector for their smartphones and gadgets. Globe is first in Asia to have the Zagg machine available for consumers.

“Since we introduced the GEN3 stores last year, we have set a new global standard in retail and customer experience. The focus is no longer on selling just another postpaid plan or a device, but on creating strong emotional connections between Globe as a global digital brand and our customers,” says Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu.

Globe Head of Retail Transformation and Stores Management Joe Caliro shares, “Globe has always considered Cebu as one of the key areas in the Philippines where we strive to expand our presence in. We are very happy to finally bring our world-class GEN3 store here to give our customers a taste of world-class retail experience. With the concept and design of the Globe GEN3 Store in Cebu, we are able to set up a space where everyone who walks in can have a totally different experience and come out learning something new every time.”

The Globe GEN3 stores are designed by Tim Kobe, founder and CEO of Eight, Inc. His most famous work is the Apple Store in New York, alongside his other dynamic designs for international retail stores such as Nike, GAP and Coach, among others. The store has veered away from the basic transactional set-up to a venue where customers can discover and learn new things in the digital space.

This year, Globe is set to open two more GEN3 stores at Greenbelt Mall in Makati by August and at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong by October. Globe also earlier announced the construction of the Globe Iconic Store that is set to be the biggest and grandest Globe store. Its pioneering design will feature a bridge that will link two Globe stores from opposite sides. The Globe Iconic Store will soon rise right above the Bonifacio Global City amphitheatreat the Bonifacio High Street Central in Taguig City.

Globe is also set to convert the rest of its existing stores into GEN3 Stores to bring the world-class retail experience to more Filipinos nationwide.

Xiaomi Mi 4i vs. Meizu M2 Note: tale of the tape

In Phones by Ramon Lopez1 Comment

Now that both the Meizu M2 Note and Xiaomi Mi 4i have been officially priced and confirmed to be heading to Philippine shores soon, pitting them against one another on paper to determine which Android smartphone offers more bang for your money should be a little easier.

In one corner you have the M2 Note, a big-screen, octa-core phone with few compromises. In the other corner you have the Mi 4i, which despite being a slightly watered-down version of Xiaomi’s outgoing flagship phone, combines great hardware and software with an attractive price tag.

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So, which one wins? Both devices look especially good in terms of specifications: dual-SIM slots with support for LTE connections; full-HD screens; octa-core processing power with ample RAM; high-capacity batteries; and Android Lollipop.

In one corner you have the M2 Note, a big-screen phone with few compromises. In the other corner you have the Mi 4i, which combines great hardware and software with a reasonable price.

The Mi 4i, by virtue of its smaller screen, should offer better handling and a more comfortable usage experience than the M2 Note. Still, smartphones with bigger screens are better suited for games and videos, and the M2 Note’s 5.5-inch screen real estate promises to be a treat for mobile gamers and binge-watchers. Oh, and the M2 Note has a microSD expansion slot, which the Mi 4i lacks.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that the answer, as always, comes down to user preference. But if I have to choose one then it would be the Xiaomi Mi 4i because I don’t have a lot of apps installed on my Android phone and I prefer a normal-sized handset that would easily fit into any pocket.

[youtube link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbmfLSqPmaA” width=”560″ height=”315″]

Meizu M2 Note unboxing video

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New Copywriting Positions Available

In News by Alora Uy Guerrero

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P6,999 Meizu M2 Note appears on Lazada PH

In Phones by Ramon LopezLeave a Comment

(UPDATE, July 21: It’s official. Novo7 Tech will sell the Meizu M2 Note for P6,999 on July 22 on Lazada Philippines.)

Remember last month when reports emerged that the Meizu M2 Note is coming to the Philippines sometime in July? Well, it’s likely coming real soon, if the grapevine is to be believed and a recent listing of a P6,999 M2 Note on Lazada Philippines is anything to go by. Local tech blog Yugatech says a Lazada-exclusive sale on July 22 is all but guaranteed.

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After the sale period, the M2 Note will reportedly sell for P7,490 in Novo7 Tech stores. Recall that the Android Lollipop phone sports a 5.5-inch, full-HD display backed by an LTE-capable, octa-core processor with 2GB of RAM and up to 32GB of built-in storage. The version that will be sold here maxes out at 16GB, though it is expandable through the use of a microSD card. If you want a refresher on other key specifications, I’ve listed them below.

The Meizu M2 Note is coming real soon, if the grapevine is to be believed and a recent listing on Lazada Philippines is anything to go by.

Meizu M2 Note specs (Price in the Philippines: P6,999):
* Dual SIM with LTE support
* 1.3GHz 64-bit, octa-core MediaTek MT6753 CPU
* Mali-T720 MP3 GPU
* 2GB RAM
* 16GB/32GB internal storage
* microSD card slot (up to 128GB)
* 5.5-inch IGZO display (1,080 x 1,920 resolution)
* 13-megapixel rear camera with dual-LED flash
* 5-megapixel front camera
* 3,100mAh battery
* Android Lollipop 5.1

[youtube link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbmfLSqPmaA” width=”560″ height=”315″]

Meizu M2 Note unboxing video

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OPPO PH teases Mirror 5 smartphone

In Phones by Ramon LopezLeave a Comment

Judging from a recent Facebook post by OPPO Philippines, another Android smartphone is about to hit the market soon, and it could very well be the OPPO Mirror 5, which debuted this month.

The press renders reveal a boxy exterior, with innards held together by a metallic frame and a reinforced internal structure. But perhaps the most attractive aspect of the phone’s design can be found around the back, where the reflective, diamond-like pattern we saw on the OPPO R1x makes a return.

The most attractive aspect of the Mirror 5’s design can be found around the back, where the diamond-like pattern we saw on the R1x makes a return.

The front of the device flaunts a 5-inch IPS display with qHD resolution and a 5-megapixel selfie camera. Inside, you’ll find a quad-core processor paired with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of expandable storage. On the software side, the Mirror 5 comes preloaded with Android Lollipop 5.1, making it one of two handsets in OPPO’s portfolio that runs the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system.

OPPO Philippines remains mum on a local release, but I expect the Mirror 5 to launch next month. It should retail for somewhere north of P10,000 considering its predecessor, the Mirror 3, is currently priced at P9,990.

OPPO has been listed as one of the top 5 smartphone brands in Southeast Asia, according to a previous report by research firm IDC.

OPPO Mirror 5 specs:
* Dual SIM
* Quad-core processor
* 2GB RAM
* 16GB internal storage
* microSD expansion
* 5-inch IPS display (540 x 960 resolution)
* 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash
* 5-megapixel front camera
* 2,420mAh battery
* Color OS 2.1 based on Android Lollipop 5.1

[youtube link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45hQpWvr3vQ” width=”560″ height=”315″]

OPPO Mirror 5 preview from our YouTube channel

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Motorola re-enters PH market, Moto X, Moto G, Moto E in tow

In Phones by Ramon LopezLeave a Comment

Hoping to bounce back from a lengthy period of dormancy, Motorola Mobility formally announced its re-entry into the Philippine market yesterday, which coincided with the local launch of 3 Motorola smartphones that are slated for release in the near future.

I’m referring to the Moto X (2014), Moto G (2014), and Moto E (2015), which are expected to show up in stores by the end of July. (Sorry, Nexus fans. It looks like a local release is currently out of the question for the Nexus 6.)

The Moto X (2014), Moto G (2014), and Moto E (2015), which are expected to show up in the Philippines by the end of July.

As far as specifications go, the Moto X, the most expensive of the bunch, packs a 5.2-inch AMOLED display with 1080p resolution and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor fitted with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of non-expandable storage.

The Moto G takes aim at the mid-range segment and comes with a 5-inch, 720p IPS display and a quad-core processor with 1GB of RAM, while the entry-level Moto E has a 4.5-inch IPS display and an LTE-capable, quad-core processor. All 3 devices are already running Android Lollipop.

As for pricing, the Moto X, Moto G, and Moto E can be had for P16,999, P8,499, and P6,999, respectively. But I wouldn’t be too quick to drop money on either Moto X or Moto G, as enticing as they are. According to The Verge, Motorola will in all likelihood introduce updates to the Moto X and Moto G lines on July 28, so you’re probably better off waiting if you’re interested.

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Moto X (2014) specs (Price in the Philippines: P16,999):
* LTE
* 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 CPU
* Adreno 330 GPU
* 2GB RAM
* 16GB internal storage
* 5.2-inch AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (1,080 x 1,920 resolution)
* 13-megapixel rear camera with flash
* 2-megapixel front camera
* 2,300mAh battery
* Android Lollipop 5.0

[frame src=”https://www.revu.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Moto-G-Philippines.jpg” target=”_self” width=”620″ height=”412″ alt=”Premium WordPress Themes” align=”center” prettyphoto=”false”]

Moto G (2014) specs (Price in the Philippines: P8,499):
* 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 CPU
* Adreno 305 GPU
* 1GB RAM
* 8GB internal storage
* microSD card slot (up to 32GB)
* 5-inch IPS display (720 x 1,280 resolution)
* 8-megapixel rear camera with flash
* 2-megapixel front camera
* 2,070mAh battery
* Android Lollipop 5.0

[frame src=”https://www.revu.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Moto-E-Philippines.jpg” target=”_self” width=”620″ height=”412″ alt=”Premium WordPress Themes” align=”center” prettyphoto=”false”]

Moto E (2015) specs (Price in the Philippines: P6,999):
* LTE
* 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 CPU
* Adreno 306 GPU
* 1GB RAM
* 8GB internal storage
* microSD card slot (up to 32GB)
* 4.5-inch IPS display (540 x 960 resolution)
* 5-megapixel rear camera with flash
* VGA front camera
* 2,390mAh battery
* Android Lollipop 5.0

[youtube link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_V-tgfgwyU” width=”560″ height=”315″]

Moto Maker for the Moto X 

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10 things you should know about DOST’s free WiFi project

In Business, Laptops, Phones, Tablets by Ramon Lopez2 Comments

There’s hope for a connected Philippines yet. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) held a press conference today to discuss the upcoming rollout of its P1.4-billion public WiFi project and to clarify certain aspects of the landmark service that will connect millions of Filipinos to the Internet at no cost. The internet is now a vital component of every day, be it in public or at home. This has spawned a competitive industry of internet companies trying to provide the best deals for customers. Although there are those who prefer using an office cell signal booster to get the best out of their wifi coverage, there are also those who rely more on cell phone data plans rather than hot spots because it is believed that it might not be safe.

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What does DOST’s 50MB of free Internet get you?

In Business, Laptops, Phones, Tablets by Ramon LopezLeave a Comment

Image via The Verge

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has already begun installing Internet access points in the Quezon City Circle. This is in anticipation of a P1.4-billion project that plans to deploy 7,000 public WiFi hotspots across the Philippines before the end of 2015.

Its initial rollout is slated on July 24, and according to DOST, it will offer free Internet access to anyone with a WiFi-capable device, albeit with certain restrictions — chief of which is a 50MB daily data cap. You can’t use it to download stuff from torrent sites, either, which is probably a good thing if we’re to avoid sluggish connections. (You know what I’m talking about.)

But just what can you do with 50MB of Internet traffic? A lot, apparently. I recently put Globe Tattoo’s online data calculator through its paces and found that you can actually get a lot of things done with just 50MB of data. Here’s what I came up with when I played around with the numbers:

* 100 social-media posts with photo
* 12 4-minute digital song downloads
* 170 website views
* 170 60-second, non-HD YouTube clips
* 1,400 emails (text only)
* 170 emails with document attachments
* 3 standard-sized app downloads

I put Globe Tattoo’s online data calculator through its paces and found that you can get a lot of things done with 50MB of data.

Keep in mind that each line represents 50MB of traffic, and that these figures are only estimates. As such, they may not accurately reflect real-world usage.

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Xiaomi Mi 4i headed to the Philippines this July

In Phones by Ramon Lopez2 Comments

(UPDATE: It’s happening, folks. I just received an invite to the Xiaomi Mi 4i launch event on July 20.)

The days of teasing are essentially over: Xiaomi’s mid-tier variant of its current flagship phone, the Mi 4i, is headed to the Philippines this July. This has been confirmed by no less than the company’s local Facebook page. And if what’s happening in India is anything to go by, the phone may not even be the subject of a flash sale when it becomes available through online and offline stores.

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Similar to most of Xiaomi’s Android offerings, the Mi 4i is a low-cost smartphone whose centerpiece is a second-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor backed by 2GB of RAM and an LTE modem for faster mobile connections. Its 5-inch, full-HD IPS display should make for an enjoyable gaming and movie-wataching experience.

The Mi 4i is headed to the Philippines this July, and it may not even be the subject of a flash sale when it becomes available through online and offline stores.

Unfortunately, its plastic unibody exterior leaves out a couple of Android essentials, namely a microSD card slot and a removable back cover.

The Mi 4i currently retails for Rs. 12,990 in India, where it made its debut. That’s around P9,300, so it may be safe to say that the phone won’t break the P10,000 price barrier.

Specs of the Xiaomi Mi 4i:
* Dual SIM with LTE support
* 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 octa-core CPU
* Adreno 405 GPU
* 2GB RAM
* 16GB non-expandable storage
* 5-inch IPS display with Corning Gorilla Glass (1,080 x 1,920 resolution)
* 13-megapixel rear camera with dual-LED flash
* 5-megapixel front camera
* 3,120mAh battery
* Android 5.0 Lollipop

[youtube link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxymBx8rjos” width=”560″ height=”315″]

Xiaomi Mi 4i review from Android Authority’s YouTube channel

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Samsung Galaxy Note 5 tipped to feature 4GB RAM

In Phones by Ramon LopezLeave a Comment

If the latest word from tech blog SamMobile is to be believed, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is shaping up to be a real contender in the high-end smartphone segment. According to a source familiar with the matter, the next Samsung flagship will reportedly include a whopping 4GB of LP-DDR4 RAM attached to the company’s own Exynos 7422 processor.

There are phones with 4GB of RAM already on the market, of course, so it shouldn’t surprise you at all that Samsung is planning to bring the Galaxy Note line up to speed with the latest in smartphone technology.

It is said that LP-DDR4 RAM brings improved multitasking capabilities and consumes less power than previous-generation memory modules. That’s good to hear, especially considering the many multitasking options available on previous Galaxy Note models.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 will reportedly feature 4GB of LP-DDR4 RAM, which brings improved multitasking capabilities and consumes less power than previous-generation memory modules.

Previously, SamMobile reported that the next Galaxy Note will sport a 5.67-inch Super AMOLED screen with Quad HD resolution and will follow in the Galaxy S6’s footsteps by moving away from the Note 4’s plastic back, opting instead for a glass rear panel. Wireless charging is also said to be included in the package.

Samsung has yet to confirm a launch date for the Galaxy Note 5, but rumors suggest that the company will unveil the handset alongside a curved variant as early as August to preempt the release of the new iPhones.

[youtube link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnPohJWPIJo” width=”560″ height=”315″]

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 leaked renders courtesy of Steve Hemmerstoffer

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Apple had 92% of all smartphone profits in Q1 2015

In Phones by Ramon LopezLeave a Comment

Speaking to investment firm Canaccord Genuity, The Wall Street Journal recently reported that among the top eight smartphone vendors in the world, U.S.-based tech giant Apple took in 92 percent of industry profits in the first quarter of 2015, up 65 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Apple took in 92 percent of smartphone profits in the first quarter of 2015, up 65 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Apple’s fiercest rival, Samsung, placed a far second with 15 percent of the total operating income. (It’s worth noting that the combined percentages exceed 100 percent because some companies actually lost money from making mobile devices.)

What was even more striking was that Apple only accounted for less than a fifth of unit sales in the said period, as Android OEMs continued to dominate the smartphone market in that regard and competition among handsets running Google’s mobile operating system reached a new stratosphere, with the number of companies manufacturing smartphones now estimated to be about 1,000.

The report went on to say that the disparity in profits was the result of iPhones selling for a much higher price than their Android contemporaries, which are mostly aimed at a budget-conscious crowd, and Apple’s favorable business position as the only brand that makes smartphones running Apple software.

As you probably know, iOS and Android are two of the most successful smartphone operating systems today. To wit: The latest IDC report estimates that handsets running iOS or Android account for 96 percent of units shipped in the first quarter of 2015.

[youtube link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q29BYNs6i9g” width=”560″ height=”315″]

First look at iPhone 6S casing and internals courtesy of CNET

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Now available on Lazada: Meizu MX5

In Phones by Ramon LopezLeave a Comment

Heads up, Android fans: Meizu’s newest affordable flagship phone, the MX5, has been spotted on Lazada Philippines’ website for P16,999, which is quite reasonable given its launch price of 1,799 yuan (roughly P13,000) in China.

Announced in Beijing last month, the MX5 aims to compete with the likes of the Apple iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S6, and LG G4, with uncompromising performance and quality that are hard to come by in the mid-priced segment. The Android Lollipop phone features a 7.6mm-thick, brushed-finish metal body reminiscent of the iPhone 6 and a fingerprint sensor that doubles as a physical home button.

The phone’s 5.5-inch AMOLED display delivers a resolution of 1,080 x 1,920 pixels. Inside, you’re getting MediaTek’s latest MT6795 processor, which is clocked at 2.2GHz and is equipped with eight CPU cores, 3GB of RAM, and up to 64GB of non-expandable storage. The unit sold by Lazada’s reseller maxes out at 16GB, so this is something to keep in mind moving forward.

The Meizu MX5 features a 7.6mm-thick, brushed-finish metal body, a fingerprint sensor, a 5.5-inch, 1,080 x 1,920 AMOLED display, and MediaTek’s latest MT6795 processor.

The other possible point of contention is the absence of warranty protection from the importer. This is a smartphone we’re talking about here, so do proceed with caution. As for the rest of the key specs, the MX5 is fitted with 20- and 5-megapixel rear and front cameras and a 3,150mAh non-removable battery.

Specs of the Meizu MX5 (Unofficial price in the Philippines: P16,999):
* Dual SIM with LTE support
* Fingerprint sensor
* 2.2GHz MediaTek MT6795 octa-core CPU
* PowerVR G6200 MP4 GPU
* 3GB RAM
* 16GB internal storage
* 5.5-inch AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (1,080 x 1,920 resolution)
* 20-megapixel rear camera with dual-LED flash
* 5-megapixel front camera
* 3,150mAh battery
* Android 5.0 Lollipop

[youtube link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbmfLSqPmaA” width=”560″ height=”315″]

Meizu M2 Note unboxing video

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Hello (again), Moto: 3 things Motorola must do in PH

In Phones by Ramon LopezLeave a Comment

Earlier this week, a couple of tech blogs reported receiving invites from Motorola Mobility, indicating that the Lenovo-owned electronics manufacturer is looking to make another comeback in the local market after years of near-total absence that allowed other phone manufacturers to flourish.

If that is indeed the case, then this is pretty big news, particularly for people who want to get their hands on the Moto-made Nexus 6 and Moto 360 smartwatch, not to mention those who already own Moto devices. Because even though there’s no guarantee Motorola will honor the warranties of imported devices, the company is all but guaranteed to set up repair centers and provide adequate after-sales service in the Philippines.

But it needs to do more to win consumer trust and leap back into relevance; for Motorola to be successful again in the Philippines after a lengthy period of dormancy, it must do at least three things:

1. Bring its most popular and well-received creations to local shores first.

Motorola doesn’t need to sell its entire product line in physical and online stores. In fact, I wouldn’t mind seeing the company launch with just four products, namely the Nexus 6, Moto X (2014), Moto E (2015), and Moto 360.

These are among the best in their respective categories, and by now it’s pretty much a given that Android fans know what to expect from them (for one, they can expect a near-stock Android Lollipop experience) so it makes sense to sell them first.

2. Launch the awesome Moto Maker service in the Philippines.

Motorola’s Moto Maker website does what its namesake says: It lets you customize the hell out of the Moto X with a choice of front and back colors, trim finishes, and back cover materials, among other things. And who wouldn’t want that? Those wood and leather options cost extra, though.

3. Work with carriers to lower the cost of devices.

As any Nexus 6 or Moto 360 owner can attest to, Motorola devices, in general, don’t come cheap. That said, one way to make them more palatable to consumers is to sell them with carrier subsidies plus a two-year contract.

Given Motorola’s close ties with U.S. carriers like Verizon, working with telecom companies in the Philippines shouldn’t raise any objections. Not if it results in gaining market share quickly in a country where competition is fierce from top to bottom.

Keep in mind that this article isn’t a blueprint for a local resurgence. There are many ways to find success in the mobile space, but in my opinion, these three things in particular seem like the best ways to get things off on the right foot.

[youtube link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_V-tgfgwyU” width=”560″ height=”315″]

Moto Maker for the Moto X 

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ASUS Zenfone 2 hacked to run Windows 7, because why not?

In Phones by Ramon Lopez1 Comment

Remember the ASUS Zenfone 2? Yes, the affordable flagship smartphone that had everyone talking months ago, and perhaps even until today. Well, it turns out the device can be hacked to run Windows 7 — and run it well enough to be potentially useful for those in need of a truly pocketable computer, or those who simply want to impress their peers. With most devices using Windows 10, it is impressive that there is one that can still run Windows 7 (thanks to the Window 10 automatic update). If you are interested in finding out more about the end of Window 7, you might be interested in this article – Windows 7 end of life.

It turns out the Zenfone 2 can be hacked to run Windows 7 — and run it well enough to be potentially useful for those in need of a truly pocketable computer.

Because, really, how often do you come across a phone that can run the same applications as desktop computers?

The hack comes by way of a talented XDA-Developers senior member who goes by the username “ycavan,” and according to the developer, it can be used to install other versions of Microsoft’s operating system as well, such as Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10. You know, operating systems that are actually optimized for touchscreens.

In addition to the ISO file of your OS of choice, some tinkering is involved, of course, as the hack requires a Zenfone 2 with an unlocked bootloader and plenty of know-how when it comes to flashing files manually, partitioning SD cards, and installing Windows software in a virtual-machine environment.

Needless to say, if you don’t know what any of those terms mean, you’re probably better off leaving your phone in its current state, with its warranty intact.

The hack requires a Zenfone 2 with an unlocked bootloader and plenty of know-how when it comes to flashing files and installing Windows in a virtual-machine environment.

And before you ask if it’s possible to install a full-fledged copy of Windows on any handset of your choosing, consider that the ASUS Zenfone 2 makes use of an Intel processor instead of a chip from Qualcomm or MediaTek. And if there’s anything to be learned from the history of Windows, it’s this: It can run on just about any Intel processor with little to no tinkering.

Here’s a short clip showing Windows 7 on an ASUS handset designed for Android:

[youtube link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2Smcq8qLEY” width=”560″ height=”315″]

Video of ASUS Zenfone 2 running Windows 7 from Yua Ca Van’s YouTube channel

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Globe Telecom drives internet adoption in PH with complete suite of free Facebook experiences

In Press Releases by Revu TeamLeave a Comment

The country’s leading mobile brand Globe Telecom reinforces its drive to boost internet penetration in the Philippines as it introduces more ways to get Filipinos connected to Facebook with the launch of a complete suite of access to the social networking site without data charges.

Continuing its commitment to enable the Filipino digital lifestyle with access to social networking to connect with people around the world, Globe is offering its customers Facebook with free data with a new in-app feature that allows customers to choose the type of Facebook access, Free Facebook for 7 Days for TM customers, and Free Facebook with a GoSURF subscription. Some people utilize other social media similar to instragram by adding free followers, getting free ig followers is easy, to power up their facebook social networking efforts.

According to Facebook’s official data, as of March 2015, monthly active users on Facebook in the Philippines has reached 43 million. This represents 23% growth when compared to March 2014. On the same period, mobile monthly active users reached 35 million, a 35% growth compared in the previous year. Daily active users hit 23 million, a 28% growth year-on-year. Finally, mobile daily active users in the Philippines reached 18 million, a 50% growth when compared to March 2014.

“We are thrilled to connect more Filipino users to their favorite social networking site and drive the country’s positioning as the Digital Lifestyle Capital of the World. As more customers are embracing the digital lifestyle, we want to provide Filipinos more ways to access Facebook with free data and connect them to the rest of the world,” says Dan Horan, Senior Advisor for Consumer Business at Globe.

Facebook with free data

Facebook with free data is a zero-rated, lightweight version of Facebook with limited access to photos and videos. Developed for people who are conscious of spending their mobile data, Facebook with free data will give customers more control over their data usage.

To use Facebook with free data, Globe customers will download and launch the latest version of Facebook for Android. They can also visit www.facebook.com in a browser on their mobile. They will then be prompted to opt in or out of Facebook with free data. If they opt out, they will automatically be directed to the full version of Facebook and charged their regular data rate. Those who opt in can begin browsing Facebook for free.

People using Facebook with free data will also get a data control button at the top of Facebook, which lets them easily switch between the free and the full versions of Facebook at any time. This button clearly indicates which version of Facebook the customer is currently using, and can be dismissed so as not to disturb browsing.

When a customer clicks a photo within Facebook, an external link, or any content that leads outside the Facebook app, they will be notified that they are leaving Facebook with free data and will be charged for data usage.

Free Facebook via TM Choose-Your-Number SIM

Available for the value of only P30, customers who have purchased the TM Choose-Your-Number SIM will also receive the bonus of free access to the full Facebook experience for 7 days. Besides allowing customers to choose their own mobile number, the SIM also allows customers to register to different call, text, and mobile internet promos.

Mobile devices must be internet-capable and have a maintaining load balance of P1 in order to access free Facebook on TM SIM cards.

Free access to Facebook via GoSurf

For customers who want a full experience of Facebook with photo and video streaming access, they can register to a GoSURF data plan to access the social networking site for free. GoSURF is the telco’s consumable data plan which paved the way for mobile users to embrace the habit of mobile browsing, with subscriptions growing by 131% and revenues by 124% over the last year.

As the only telco in the country to offer free access to Facebook with a complete browsing experience with a GoSURF subscription, Globe gives customers access to a full experience which includes viewing of photos, streaming of videos uploaded on Facebook, as well as posting, liking, sharing and making comments on the social networking site. Access to the Messenger app, excluding calls, is also free.

Available to Globe Prepaid and TM customers with a GoSURF subscription and to Globe Postpaid customers who will opt-in to the free Facebook promo, free access to Facebook works on any mobile platform, including the Facebook Android app and browsers (via m.facebook.com), without any maintaining balance.

Postpaid customers can access Facebook for free without any purchase requirement while Prepaid and TM customers will automatically get access upon purchase of any GoSURF promo. The validity of the free access to Facebook offer is the same as the subscribed GoSURF promo.

Customers who have successfully registered on GoSURF will receive a text message notifying the availability of the free access to Facebook service, and will also see the “Facebook with Free Data” banner at the top of the mobile site or app once the free access to Facebook promo is activated.
Aside from Free Facebook, customers also get free access to premium content such as Spotify and top mobile games with GoSURF.

With GoSURF50, customers get 300MB of data to access the internet and an additional free 400MB for music streaming and online mobile gaming for only P50 valid for 3 days. The games include Clash of Clans, Candy Crush Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Summoners War, Hay Day, Boom Beach, Soul Seeker, Dungeon Hunter 5, and Asphalt 8: Airborne.

To get free access to Facebook on prepaid or TM via GoSURF, simply register to any GoSURF promo and wait for the Facebook activation notification which will be sent via text message. For customers who wish to avail of the bonus FB trial for TM SIMs, simply text BONUS FB to 8888.

Facebook with free data launches once a customer has updated their FB app to its latest version and will automatically be available to those who are not on Postpaid or any GoSURF plan. For Postpaid customers, opt-in to free Facebook by texting FREE FB ON to 8888. To know more information, text FREE FB to 8888. To inquire about the promo, text FREE FB HELP to 8888. To check status, text FREE FB STATUS to 8888.

To know more or to keep updated about GoSURF, text GoSURF to 8888 or text “GoSURF FREE” to 8888 to get detailed information about the different freebies you can get with the promo. For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph/gosurf.