My Year in Photos
Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at December 31st, 2011
Wow what a year. Just being at the cusp of a new year makes me realize how short time is, yet the irony of also realizing how you’ve actually done a lot in the past 365 days. To my friends and family, thank you for everything and may the new year greet us with one big bro-fist!
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Is i.PH shutting down?
Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at December 29th, 2011Bad news for the relatively huge blogging community of i.PH. Straight from Joel Disini’s mouth, i.PH is closing its blogging service. He’s giving bloggers 6 months to export their blog posts to other services.
Unfortunately, he said that he will be closing down i.ph soon so it would be best for me to start copy pasting all my posts and blog files. I couldn’t believe it. He said i.ph is no longer making profit and he’s giving us bloggers around 6 months before it fully shuts down.
Well, it was bound to happen. I’ve talked to many friends working for this company, (the mother organization owns the rights to the .ph registrar) and I’ve observed that while there were so many great ideas in the boiler room (i.e. mirroring services like SquareSpace, premium services, etc) none of these ever shipped. And in this industry, shipping is really important.
And it’s really not just about i.PH itself but the presence of so many other great blogging platforms — Tumblr, Blogger, WordPress, SquareSpace.. competition is fast improving services while domain registration and hosting is getting cheaper by the day.
Thus far there is no official word on the i.PH blog. This piece of information comes from an encounter with Disini. If the news is 100% true (and it looks like it is), sad to see it go. Here’s a way to go out with a bang: have the community do one huge “transfer” party where everyone exports their blogs at the same time to other services.
Dear Internet: The Atty. Topacio Meme
Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at December 28th, 2011
So a number of people were rather “disturbed” by the screen grab of Atty. Topacio’s interview. The portait sitting above him was one of Adolf Hitler. Does having a portrait of someone nailed to the wall behind you really mean that much?
Well.
Dear Internet, presenting the Topacio Meme:
Turn your Facebook profile into an emoticon; amaze your friends!
Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at December 28th, 2011
Wanna see something cool? First, try chatting with someone. Anyone. Via Facebook chat. Do this through the desktop. It doesn’t work when using Facebook Messenger for mobile.
Then, insert the Facebook profile name of anyone using this [[insert name here]] variable. For instance [[jayveefernandez]]. Press enter. If no profile name is available, use the number ID of your friend’s page. Remember, use the profile name stated in the Facebook address, not the first + last name. So if mine was facebook.com/jayveefernandez then the ID is [[jayveefernandez]].
Amaze your friends!
[image via Mashable]
Apple Rumors: iPad 3 on February 23, Wearable Siri Accessories
Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at December 27th, 2011
More than the news about the coming iPhone 5 (which should be completely redesigned to support a bigger 4.3″ screen), I’m more interested in two Apple rumors namely the iPad 3 allegedly going to be released the day before Steve Jobs’ birthday on the 24th of February 2012 and the Siri app being ported as a wearable device to communicate with your iDevices. So for those asking about the mythical 3rd iPad, Q1 is the safe bet and yeah it’s actually due for a refresh. Some of my predictions would include:
- full screen “natural” 16:9 viewing (with sides of the app leaving space for thumbs in App view)
- virtual middle button
- Siri integration
- better camera
There’s rumor of an “iPad mini” going round as well and in its current vaporware form should be something like the Samsung Galaxy Note. If more of these configs get introduced there is no doubt Apple may bump iCloud storage up for free. Well, they’re rumors. So whatev.
Then there’s Siri. More than being a piece of software embedded in a phone or tablet, the iRumor is that it’s going full blown wearable hardware albeit more elegant than those Bluetooth headsets people wear on their ears. Maybe watches. Maybe. But then again, I’d be more excited to see Siri support more locations as its pretty limited in geo-services in the Philippines.
A third rumor, though not happening anytime in 2012 is the switch to hydrogen cells for powering the iPhone and iPad. This will enable iDevices to run for weeks on a single charge. It’s no secret that battery technology is one of the most archaic in today’s age as lithium ion is a really a thing of the past. Smartphones need that added power to stay alive and li-ion just doesn’t cut it anymore. The move to more efficient power was supposed to be through a sweet little item called Graphene but it looks like Apple is going through a completely different direction. Again, rumors.
[image c/o DigitalTrends]
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!
Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at December 24th, 2011
Christmas Tree Worm
Spirobranchus giganteus
Found abundantly in the Philippines
Just finished my geeky holiday shopping! Budget: USD $30.00
Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at December 23rd, 2011
When I was a kid, Christmas presents didn’t mean the act of opening everything on the morning of the 25th. For me, the holidays was a careful chore which I’d gladly do with my dad as I would “hint” what I wanted (in the 80′s it was Sky Commanders, Ninja Turtles and GI Joe’s) and we’d go from store to store (I remember the 3rd floor toy section of Landmark clearly) and I’d tell him what I wanted. It was a better choice for me to sacrifice the “surprise” (of getting something I did not really want) versus knowing what was exactly in the package.
Fast forward to today, and I envy the leisure my parents had in shopping for gifts. December, in this modern age, is horrible. The last time I bought something in Rustan’s, I had to wait for 2 days to get it wrapped (P.S. I’m a guy, I don’t know these things). Traffic is compounded by 10 and the mall is just crazy.
So the past two years really got me thinking how I could make shopping more efficient and meaningful for friends. So I did a quick run through of the company I keep and to no surprise, a lot of them belong to the category of “Geeks” under a sub-category of “Gamers.”
Gamers.
Gamers like video games.
And I could get them something from Datablitz.
But that’s old skool.
In the age of the Internet, we go for digital downloads. Every holiday season, the Steam Store goes crazy-insane with game sales. For the uninitiated, Steam is like “Facebook for PC Gamers” (no not the Farmville type!) and everyday there are new deals at 50%-75% off. It’s just a matter of knowing what games go on sale and what types of genres your friends want.
So for the holidays, I bought 10 friends 10 games via Steam. Total Budget: USD $30.00 (INSANE!) That’s roughly USD $2.49 per game ++ at over 75% off. Steam allows you to “gift” any title to your friend’s email or Steam account (sign up here). No lines. No duplicates (the system tells you if your friend already owns a game you want to buy for ‘em; as a corollary, it also tells you what your friend’s wish list is for the holidays). No hassle. Did everything in less than 10 minutes. Since these are digital goods, there’s no delivery fee!
For the non-geeks reading this, I’m sure you have loved ones who would really appreciate PC games for the holidays. It may be a bit weird at first, but trust me, it works. Think of the time and money you can save while still getting exactly what your friends want.
Always wanted to do this, but these guys took it to the next level
Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at December 21st, 2011Shot across 10 months with hundreds of dives.
This is a short music video titled Our Blue by the Tank Bangers. And it’s epic. First off, it takes a lot of skill to sing underwater. Or play the guitar. No but really, as Filipinos there’s an absolute need to re-embrace our heritage as islanders and that includes our affinity to the water.
Alcatel Blaze 918N: Dual SIM Android for PHP 5,999 anyone?
Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at December 17th, 2011
A couple of days ago we reviewed the Lenovo A60, a dual SIM Android 2.3 device that only sets you back by only PHP 7,990.00.
Now here’s another frugal gem we found in the local market for even less. Meet Alcatel’s Blaze 918N, a decent Android powered smartphone for less than seven grand. So it isn’t dual SIM but that’s completely OK for those of us who are single-minded when it comes to telco of choice. IT’S DUAL SIM WTF!
Specs include:
Android 2.3 OS
3.2MP camera
320×480 screen resolution
Up to 32GB microSD support
Bluetooth 3.0 A2DP (A2DP means you can stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth, not just calls)
Of course the phone also comes with the usual bells and whistles of Android such as App marketplace support, WiFi, tethering and the like. It doesn’t say anything about how much internal memory it comes with neither does it say anything about a secondary front camera, but the product shot clearly shows that it comes with one.
If you wish to view Alcatel’s other Android powered smartphones, click here.
Review to follow soon.
Open comments on the DTI blogging promo final draft thing
Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at December 15th, 2011To those who are concerned (this would include bloggers who make money online and agencies who tap bloggers for campaigns), the ongoing DTI thing really sucks but there’s a final draft being spread online with comments due till the 19th. Would be great if you could read it, be informed and send a note to Juned or Tonyo as they are appointed members of a committee that will work on this for us.
I mean yeah, let’s just get this over and done with.
The full report can be found here (in blog format by Juned) and here (in Scribd format by Tonyo). Deadline for comments is on the 19th. Best we say what’s on our minds.
The crux of the report, however is in the last part. These are the recommendations and I will paste it all here:
RECOMMENDATION
The BTRCP recommends the following:
1. Individual bloggers are not required to file and secure sales promo permit.
2. Individuals who work with companies or are being utilized by companies in their product advertising and marketing using blogs must file and secure sales promo permit.
3. Businesses who use blogging as their venue for product advertising and marketing should file the sales promo permit application.
4. Blogging community must police themselves and determine those professional bloggers who use blogs associated with business.
5. DTI – NCR should brief IMMAP member associations/organizations to have them familiarized with DAO No. 10-02, Series of 2010 and JAO No. 01, Series of 2008 stating the rules and regulations on Sales Promotion and Electronic Commerce.
Comments:
1. Regards to recommendation #2, it should clearly be stated that this should only apply if a sale is involved. Raffles and contests should not be included.
2. I’m all for DTI permits in order to prevent Mickey Mouse campaigns but applying for one should be made easier. And when I say easier, it should be done online and ready within the hour. The DTI should push itself to adapt to these changes and that is the only time the industry can take them seriously. Apply online. Ready in an hour. Delivered to your email. Otherwise the whole thing is a joke and can potentially lead to another venue for milking the cow and corruption.
3. The permit should be applied for by the agency or company that sponsors the contest, not the supplier of the service. In this regard, #1 and #2 are confusing when put together.
4. Good luck with #4. It’s a vague call to action.
5. Let’s clearly define “business.” Does it mean an exchange of goods (x-deal) or making money? It’s vague.
6. Let’s clearly define “professional.” Because you only become a professional “something” if you’re cashing in around 40% (I may be mistaken with the percentage) of your total income. So if, say, you’re making PHP 100,000 a month and PHP 40,000 comes from blogging while the rest comes from your sideline as a circus clown, you are considered “professional” in your blogging field. What if this income isn’t fixed? Also, will it matter? The permit only applies to cash sales promotions.
7. Let’s condense the whole thing into one rule: Corporations that do online campaigns with a sales component need DTI permits. Application for permits should fall on the responsibility of the sponsor.
That’s all. Hope you chime in.
Draft DTI Final Report on online sales promotions by bloggers
Download SmartNet from Android Marketplace
Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at December 13th, 2011
One of the reasons why I had decided to support Smart’s efforts as a consultant early this year was due to their shift in direction, moving away from the “archaic” cellular business (i.e. SMS and calls) and shifting attention to data and mobile applications. From the words of Bong Mojica at Mobile World Congress, SMART is slowly shifting their culture and products to that of a web company.
Today, SmartNet released the Netphone app into the Android Marketplace (for those of you asking for the iOS version for your iPhone, that’s in the works too). Download the SmartNet app and turn your Android device into a Netphone. If you’re on mobile, simply do a search for “SmartNet” in the Android Marketplace and download it for free. Enjoy!
*Note that this is compatible up to Android v2.3 Gingerbread. The v4 Ice Cream Sandwich update is in the works.
SmartNet is simply a suite of applications that works closely with the Smart Network which makes using the services easier than ever. These services are the Global Directory, Social Stream, Netphone Messaging, Safe Browse and many more.
This application currently supports Smart subscribers only. Non-Smart subscribers may visit www.smartnet.ph on the web or m.smartnet.ph for mobile.
