Samsung announces Viki Premiere: All-Asian Telenovelas Download Service

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at March 20th, 2012

I read an article yesterday about how the Philippines (as well as other countries in Asia) are pushing for an All-Asean VISA pass for foreigners. It’s similar to a Schengen VISA, but applied to Asia so that it unites then entire Asia in terms of tourism. After reading this, I hopped on to another announcement that’s in a different field altogether but still relevant by principle.

Last week at the Samsung SEA Forum, our very own Ariel Arias announced a new line of SMART TV’s (and I really feel bad because it renders my two 40″ Samsung SMART TV’s obsolescent!) but alongside this he also announced a new service called Viki Premiere which will debut in South East Asia. Essentially, Viki premiere is a subscription-based service exclusive to Samsung allowing all Asean neighbors to download and watch each other’s popular “Jewel in the Palace” tele-novelas (Korean, Filipino, Chinese, etc) and they will have respective subtitles and / or dubbing in each country’s language.

Why is this epic?

• It is a powerful statement to go for digital downloads. The Philippines (and the rest of Asia) absolutely needs its own digital distribution system for music, movies and other forms of entertainment. We can’t default to iTunes because they have Western-focused content. What about Asia?
• It is contextually brilliant as it brings together the rich pop culture of all the nations in South East Asia, pushing them to compare, improve and discuss their shows in a one stop digital platform.
• Because digital distribution is sexy

Although they didn’t go into detail about how this will work, it appears that the service will be tied into their new line of SMART TV’s (I’m not sure if the previous models will be able to avail of the upgrade but theoretically, they should). In addition, Samsung has revamped its AllShare platform turning it into its own Cloud-based sync platform. This allows you to sync content between your SMART TV, Galaxy phones and tablets.

Parting shot: World Domination.

Thoughts on the Samsung Galaxy Beam: Android Phone with Built-in Projector

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at March 16th, 2012

I really want this phone to fly. Well, if not the phone, then at least the concept of adding a 15-lumen projector to a smartphone, in the same way that cameras and GPS are now built into your mobile, it doesn’t get highlighted as a main selling point, but as a staple in handheld devices. Imagine the following scenarios:

• an artist (in this case an independent film maker) wants to show off his new movie via an impromptu screening in a public area. All you need is a wall and the requirement that the movie be no longer than 2 hours (that’s the battery life of the phone when you turn on the projector)
• Protest rallies .. you can easily set up a multimedia hub
• Impromptu statements, which, although highly controversial can really serve its purpose: “Eat here!” or “Don’t eat here — service really bad!”

Marketers have been consistently trying to find more ways to bring together the Internet and real-world behavior. With “social” and “sharing” becoming the buzz of the industry the past few years, how would retailers feel if you could literally write something on their store wall, and not just on Facebook?

The Samsung Galaxy Beam boasts a decent spec sheet for a modern-day smartphone: ships with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, 4″ WVGA display, and runs on a 1GHz dual-core processor. The Beam is their first projector-enabled smartphone (640 x 360 at 50 inches maximum size) at 15 lumens. It doesn’t perform very well during daylight but at night, it can definitely grab your attention.

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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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

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.

Outbreak Manila: A 5k run I would join

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at February 16th, 2012

Similar to the US-based Run for Your Lives 5k zombie infested obstacle course, Outbreak Manila is a 5k thematic race where you can either role play as a survivor or a zombie. The race has goals: survivors will have 3 red flags attached onto their person. In turn, zombies must grab the flags. Once a runner has run out of flags, his brains are eaten. Figuratively of course.

The race will be held in Nuvali. For more details, check out:

Facebook: Outbreak Manila
Twitter: @OutbreakManila
Website: www.outbreakmanila.com

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at February 14th, 2012

To the younger readers, you probably may not remember this but back in the days when the Sony Walkman was the portable music player to have, it had one particular feature that trumped any other portable device. Yes even the iPod. At that time, carrying around a Walkman enabled you to “share music” but in a way different from how we share music today.

You see, the original Walkman came with two mini headphone jacks, allowing you and a friend to listen to the same music, out of the box. Of course, nowadays you can always buy a third party splitter for your 3.5mm headphone jack, but I was quite glad to find this feature being brought back with the set of Fanny Wang’s sitting on my desk. Aside from being epic noise-canceling over ears, it comes with a splitter so you can share your music with another person sitting beside you. Romantic!

Isn’t that such a romantic thing? You and a special someone can listen to the same music without getting all awkward with a single set of headphones.

Happy Valentine’s Day, dear readers! Full review soon!

Geeky things you can buy for P50.00

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at February 13th, 2012

When Apple revamped the music industry with single track purchases for less than P50.00 per track, that changed the way people sold applications and in-app purchases. It’s essentially the “tingi” method turned into a digital business. Now there’s a huge product launch tomorrow but all we can say is that it has something to do with the power of P50.00.

In the digital age, there are surprisingly a lot of things you can buy with fifty pesos. Here are some examples:

2,500 Coins in Temple Run

A definite chart topper on iOS devices, I still have no idea how people can score over 3,000,000 points in a single run. But I do know this — if you’re really frustrated and want to earn those coins without any effort, you can always drop $0.99 for 2,500 coins to help you buy upgrades for your brave explorer.

“GRAND UPPERCUT!!”

Streets of Rage 2

Streets of Rage 2 has my childhood written all over it. It’s become one of the defining games of its genre, released way back in the 90′s for the SEGA Genesis. And guess what? It’s here for iOS for less than fifty pesos. That’s totally awesome. I’m reliving an epic two-player side scrolling beat ‘em up experience with Axel, Blaze, Skate and Max as they take on Shiva and Mr. X. Streets of Rage 2 is a complete port to iOS. It even includes multiplayer support via wireless connectivity.

Two Games of Half Life 2: Survivor

I now have a new reason to head over to Resorts World and it has nothing to do with the casino. The new “Gamezoo” arcade is a two-storey haven for a lot of coin-op arcade machines that are practically hard to find. Case in point: Half Life 2: Survivor. This arcade series was never released in the USA and quite frankly I’m baffled as to how Gamezoo even knew that this game existed. It’s out and it’s in Resort’s World. A single game costs P20.00. Half Life 2: Survivor is a marriage between Team Fortress 2 and the Half Life franchise allowing up to 8 players to battle simultaneously in a single arena.

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These are just three cheap (and geeky) thrills you can get with PHP 50.00. What about you? What are your most favorite apps that retail for less than a dollar?

Take your iPhone 4s underwater (up to 300 meters!!!) with Patima

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at January 19th, 2012

As a guys who likes to take photos underwater, I tend to keep my choice of camera brands within the confines of the “1-Way Test” … which simply begs the question “Can I take it underwater?” So I’m more inclined to invest in photography equipment which you can wet. The geeky appeal of it all is trying to figure out how to keep electronics from staying dry at 100 ft below the surface and the concept is challenging. Well, we did it for an iPod, so what’s stopping us from taking the iPhone down?!

So when I got an iPhone 4s from SMART, I really had no intention to take it down. Well, I knew it could be technically done with a special consumer-rated case from Lifeproof (Howard did a review on it on Technoodling recently) and Gabe Mercado did give me a demonstration at 5ft deep in salt water.

But the question is, can you take the iPhone 4s down to recreational SCUBA depths of 60-120ft? Well, Patima’s new casing exclusively for the iPhone 4s allows you to do so. Not just into recreational depths … but up to 300 meters folks.

Exclusive for camera or video functions of the iPhone 4S
- Rated to 300meters, anti-moisture and anti-dust purposes
- Simple operation with 4 buttons
- Compact Size and light weight
- Material – CNC milled Aluminium Acetal, Stainless Steel
- Finishing – Anodized after Barrel, Sanding and coating
- Color – Silver
- Size: 185 x 70 x 40mm
- Weight – 400g on land
- Available controls: Rec Button, STOP button, Program Confirm Button, Camera/Camcorder mode Button and Power Button

PRICE: PHP 15,000.00 via Splash UW Imaging located at the 2nd Floor Greenhills Shopping Mall (across Krispy Kreme)

OK looking at the shots, I’m really wondering how exactly will you unlock the iPhone with the three buttons? The three buttons + home is obviously used for the camera, gallery and photo / video switch (again not sure how you’re going to switch). I’ll probably get an explanation how it works and hopefully a run-through. I don’t see any slots for strobes or video lights so you pretty much have to do a DIY config to get this thing working 100%. Nonetheless, I don’t think Patima designed this to be your primary underwater camera, but still. It delivers.

This Patima case doesn’t seem to be compatible with other iPhone models.

Smart Online Store: iPhone4s delivered to your home

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at January 10th, 2012

SMART Communications recently launched their online store. The deal here is that you can order your iPhone4s (+ other devices) without having to wait in line. In the case of the iPhone, you can choose your color and capacity then have it delivered to your place. This applies to prepaid purchases. Free delivery until June 30 2012.

No to Mining in Palawan Online Signature Campaign (YES to Tourism!)

Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at January 5th, 2012

This is very timely especially since the Philippines is re-launching its new tourism campaign. I am not against mining per se, but mining in an archipelago — one of the centers of the world’s biodiversity — is like taking away our core competence when in fact eco-tourism is so scarce nowadays we’re one of the few countries that the world is willing to spend $$$ on to get here. And when I say “here” it’s not Manila. It’s the islands.

What happens to the signatures? It will be sent to PNOY as they finalize the deliberations for the future of the economy. If you’re pro-tourism, then the Philippines has a special type of tourism tied to its environment.

Add yourr name here if you believe in it.