Installing PC Games: Then and Now

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at March 16th, 2012

Huge, huge realization about the PC gaming industry today. You see, I finally found the time to install Mass Effect 3 for the PC. Yup, you read it right. You actually need to dedicate time to installing it as if it were a chore. If the multiplayer wasn’t so epic, I would have thrown a fit.

Here’s why:

Installing Games Before:

1. Buy the retail box
2. Insert disc into PC
3. Install the game
4. Play the game

Installing Games Today:

1. Pre-order the game to get exclusive in-game bonuses
2. Buy the game (either from the retail store or via digital download)
3. Insert disc into PC (if retail copy)
4. Install Download Client (EA uses Origin) by downloading it (you NEED Internet)
5. Figure out if Origin carries over from previous EA Account
6. Retrieve old password from EA Account
7. Install the game
8. Download the patch fixes
9. Retrieve pre-order rewards via DLC
10. Purchase Day 1 DLC that DID NOT come free with the game, yet still very important because it contains a huge crux of the game’s lore
11. Download 500+ MB of data for update
12. Play the game

I mean, WTF right? I’m all for giving money to the gaming industry but I can really understand why people pirate games. It isn’t just about not being able to afford an original copy, but also about how bootleg versions don’t put you through such a tedious process.

Live from the SEA Samsung Forum 2012 in Bangkok

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at March 15th, 2012

Hi guys! We’re here in Bangkok for the annual Samsung Forum for South East Asia. What exactly is it? Every year, Samsung brings together all its regional dealers and the media together for several days of product announcements and briefings. The PH contingent is composed of about 100+ members from Samsung, the local media (print + online) and the store dealers. This year, the focus of the announcements will be in new AV products (will we see the SMART Window?). I’m particularly excited because this also means looking at updates for their SMART TV line which is getting more and more interesting with more things to do under the hood. Will they announce new software updates to their TV line? What about new home theater systems? Android ICS updates? Stay tuned!

For updates during the day (March 15 2012), I will be posting from both Twitter and Instagram with omnibus blog posts wrapping up the day with analysis and summaries.

You can follow me via Twitter (@jayvee) and if you’re on Instagram simply look for @jayveef for photo updates. Stay tuned! It starts in a few hours!

Finally! A commercial that captures SMART’s Brand Equity

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at March 11th, 2012

I’ve been a loyal SMART subscriber for more than 8 long years and I’ve always seen them as the better network (which is also why I chose to work with them). This commercial finally captures their brand equity.

I wouldn’t have stuck with them for this long if their service was crap.

Lenovo A335: Dual SIM, Custom Background Sounds for PHP 2,490.00

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at March 5th, 2012

Let’s go on low gear for a bit and talk about feature phones. The Lenovo A335 is a feature phone (OMG it’s not a smartphone!) that carries dual SIM features, camera, MP3 player and a 1700mAh battery that will last you more than 2 days.

But its best feature is the customized ambient sounds that is built into the phone. When you’re talking to someone, you can .. well.. fabricate your whereabouts. From being in transit on the MRT to being on a bike or a restaurant. And you can even add your own. Like .. if you’re talking to your loved one, have the sound of wedding bells in the background! O diba!
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Beyond the Box now open 24 hours on weekends for emergency gadget purchases

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at March 2nd, 2012

We have 24-hour convenience stores and 24-hour fast food chains. But sometimes, because our lives are so intertwined with technology we sometimes NEED to find a new laptop before the start of a new day. Or an iPad. Or a charger for your MacBook (because the old one broke while you were burning the midnight oil). Or a replacement battery.

Well just so you know, the flagship store of Beyond the Box is open 24 hours on weekends and until 12 midnight on weekdays. BTW this will last till the end of summer but who knows, if there is demand for this place to stay open at 4AM, then hopefully Charlie will keep these store hours.

The Beyond the Box flagship store is located in One Rockwell. If you haven’t been there, it’s not exactly in the mall. It’s a street cross away and can be found near Wine Story and right beside the new Apartment 1B.

ZALORA Online Retail NOW OPEN in the Philippines

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at February 29th, 2012

Word is out on the street that ZALORA is launching in the Philippines. And it looks like the rumors are true. Like Zappos, ZALORA is fashion retail done online focusing on Asian markets like Malaysia and the Philippines. And guess what, the Philippines store is now open! Zalora is powered by the guys from rather controversial Rocket Internet. These are the ones who created Pinspire, which is very similar to Pinterest in order to appeal to regional markets.

Payment methods include VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, BDO and more. The items are delivered via LBC.

Is the Philippines ready for online retail? The answer is a big resounding YES! Multiply stores, eBay, Express Regalo and Amazon have been the front act for online retail in the Philippines. With more and more payment methods being accepted apart from credit cards, online retail brings the convenience of shopping to your computer. Yes, there’s always that natural high brought about by window shopping, but shopping online beats the long lines.

From their About Page:

ZALORA is an online fashion retailer in the Philippines. It is part of the largest online platform retailers in Southeast Asia. We are working with the best international and local suppliers, distributors and retailers to bring the major fashion brands to the online Philippine market.

Links you need to know
Site: ZALORA.com.ph
Twitter: @ZALORAPH
Facebook: facebook.com/ZALORAPH
Hotline: +632.531.0373

Samsung congratulates SMART for LTE Networks at Mobile World Congress 2012 ;)

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at February 29th, 2012

Straight from the camera of Jim Ayson, here’s a rather interesting video he took of a Samsung ad on the bridgeway of the convention center for Mobile World Congress 2012. It’s been a year since I was last in Barcelona for the Netphone launch and seeing these photos and videos brings about a tech nostalgia that only a geek can get lucid on.

Congratulations to Rico and Diana!

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at February 28th, 2012

Last Saturday, one of my dearest childhood friends tied the knot with his college sweetheart. Congratulations, Rico and Diana!

Boostcase doubles iPhone 4 / 4s battery life in a most elegant fashion

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at February 23rd, 2012

OK guys, if you’re reading this post it means that you most probably own a sexy iPhone 4 or 4s. You’ve made love to it, cradled it in your pocket for days, and have sworn everything to it. You tell everyone how beautiful a phone you have and yes you can even take it underwater. But, deep down, there is this one dark secret that you feel embarrassed about and it becomes a frustration which you try to justify every day: that your iPhone 4s has really crappy battery life. Take it out at 9AM and you’re down to 50% battery after lunch. Sucks doesn’t it?
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Borderlands 2 Trailer: Best cell shading I’ve seen (also 96% more dubstep!)

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at February 23rd, 2012

Saw this today. And it’s still months away from September 2012. Impressive.

There is signal underwater! Hands on with the Patima iPhone 4s UW Housing

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at February 20th, 2012

UPDATE For a more affordable iPhone 4/4s casing, check out the iDive Site case for only PHP 5,999.00

Photo above: That’s me, doing extreme camwhoring! Shot by Boogs Rosales.

EDIT 3: Have a look at the new Patima housing for the GoPro HERO / HERO2

EDIT 2: Instead of hardware, iOS 5.1 users can download the i-Patima app that lets you use the camera underwater. DOWNLOAD IT HERE.

EDIT: Since the new iOS 5.1 update that changes the way users access the camera from the lock screen, Patima is releasing an adapter that will allow you to continue using the iPhone4s as intended underwater.

Some time ago I got word of a pretty little item that would amaze SCUBA divers and iPhone users. Made in Korea, the Patima underwater housing could withstand pressures up to 300 meters deep. That’s almost 1,000 feet and way way beyond recreational depths. Well I finally got the chance to try it out thanks to Jovic of Splash UW Imaging. Before I continue, note that I am not affiliated with Splash UW Imaging in any way nor do I get anything from the sales of this product.

Let’s begin!
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