Kata i4 Plus Free Powerbank Available For Pre-Order Starting Jan. 5

Kata Philippines has announced that their newest flagship, Kata i4, will be up for pre-order starting January 15 next year.

CloudFone Introduces Its first Full HD Tablet With 8 Cores

It's never too late to welcome new gadgets as we generously spend for gifts and celebrate this holiday season. Yesterday, CloudFone has announced on their FB page their newest tablet offering packing a Full High Definition display and octa-core processor.

With the CloudPad's 700FHD's 7-inch screen size  and 1080p resolution, you would hardly see the pixels with its compact pixel density. Plus, the use of an IPS display will surely give great viewing angles and rich colors. While many medium-sized tablets now are in the 8-inch zone (iPad mini size), this size would still give better mobility as it will consume less space.

The device is powered by an octa-core processor (probably MediaTek) making it worthy of handling heavy apps and games. It has 16GB of internal storage and 1GB RAM, which maybe short but killing idle apps will do. The cameras equipped are both promising at 13MP main and 8MP front. It comes with Android 4.4 Kitkat out-of-the box.

What makes the CloudPad 700FHD more special is its phone-functionality capability, meaning you can make calls and send text messages with it. So, you can have an instant back up phone with this tablet at hand. All these features at just P8,999, but no words still when will this be available at the moment.


{source}

Xiaomi Introduces New Product: An Air Purifier

Xiaomi has took the smartphone market by storm in our country and also abroad and the acceptance increased gradually and certainly even with the absence of big advertisements. Recently, the company has announced a new product which baffled the many - a high-tech air purifier.

Wearables, O+ Tag and O+ Time, for Techies Announced at an Affordable Price

While high-tech wearables are still out of reach for the many due to its hefty price tag and unfathomed functionalities, slowly but surely, many companies are venturing on introducing these new gadgets to the market. With this, O+ USA has brought two companions for their smartphones, the O+ Tag and O+ Time.

Basically, wearables are small gadgets that are connected to our smartphones and provide basic phone functionalities such as notification display, fitness tracker, and essential controls usually connected through bluetooth. O+ has a good start at introducing these two wearables with specs that give the general features many can get to know at a price that's friendly with our pockets. Let's take a look at their features below:

O+ Tag & O+ Time:

• Mobile Sidekick
• Alerts
• Water Resistant
• Alarm
• Bluetooth Selfie
• Pedometer
• SMS Reader
• Hands-free Calls

O+ Time:

• 0.91" OLED Display
• 57.4x22.4x13.1mm
• 30g
• SMS Reader
• Phone Radar
• Phone Finder
• Gravity Sensor
• Colors: Orange/Black

Cool features, isn't it? It's really helpful specially if you're lazy taking your smartphone out of your pocket or if you're in a crowded place not suitable or unsafe for precious gadgets. It can also assist you on your jogging or brisk walking sessions for a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, locating your lost phone with this is another indispensable key point. It's exciting to see these promising stuffs soon.

{source: O+}

Itching to Buy Yourself a Christmas Gift? Check Out Lazada's Black Friday Event

Black Friday, a busy shopping day in the US, will be just hours away from now. There will be awesome deals, large discounts and mouth-watering promos on a wide variety of goods, from furnitures, clothes to electronic items and more. But in our country, we can enjoy this shopping spree through Lazada's own Black Friday event online.

There's a long, long list of items included in the sale - electonics, apparels, household goods, thousands are exhibited and the discounts may reach up to 75% off. Although some price cuts may look like exaggerated, jaw-dropping deals are there and some can be bought at an installment basis using your BDO debit cards. Some items that can be witnessed on the sale are the hottest gadgets in town, which includes Samsung Galaxy Note 4 at P35,199, Canon EOS D1200 DSLR at P20,988, Apple iPad Mini Retina WiFi 16GB at P15,999, and many more.


For more products head to Lazada's Black Friday page.

Cherry Mobile Flare Dash Price Cut: Snapdragon Quad-core and 1GB RAM at P2,999

Just in time for the season to be jolly, Cherry Mobile has slashed the price of its quad-core phone, Flare Dash. From it's previous price of P3,299, you can now save P300 when you buy it on November 28-30.

The picture above was posted via their Instagram account showing the Cherry Mobile Flare Dash' Price was now at P2,999 on the dates stated above. It boasts to be the cheapest quad-core with a 1GB RAM combo.

The Flare Dash was launched last June. It is powered by a notable 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor with Adreno 302 GPU, which are great at this price point. It has a 4GB of internal memory and 1GB RAM. The main camera at 5MP also good at this level while the front cam is at VGA quality. 

If you're looking for a worthy phone at sub P3000 price point, then save these dates and get this. It will be available at all participating Cherry Mobile stores, dealers and kiosks nationwide.

Cherry Mobile Flare Dash Specs:

•  1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor
• Adreno 302 GPU
• 1GB RAM
• 4-inch Display
• 4GB ROM with microSIM slot upto 32GB
• 5MP Main Cam and 0.3 Front cam
• Dual-sim
• WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS
• FM Radio
• 1500mAh battery

{source}

Nokia Is Back With An Android Tablet - N1

We saw just a couple of days ago about the Lumia bearing a new brand, Microsoft. Today, we saw the name we grew up with, Nokia, showcasing a new android tablet that can rival other well-known brands in its league such as the new Nexus 9 and the iPads.

 So, Nokia, the part that was not bought by Microsoft, is back again with the new Android tablet dubbed as N1. We won't see new Nokia phones for sometime now, but here's a new premium tablet offering that looks promising. It's their first tablet running on Android operating system. "The N1 has a delightfully intuitive interface and an industrial design to match it. This is a great product for Nokia fans and everyone who has not found the right Android tablet yet." said Sebastian Nyström, Head of Products at Nokia Technologies.

The Nokia N1 has a 7.9-inch IPS laminated display with 2048x1536 resolution at 4:3 ratio. It has zero air-gap providing a slim profile and is protected by Gorilla Glass 3. It is powered by a 2.3GHz Intel Atom Z3580 quad-core processor coupled with PowerVR G6430, 533 MHz GPU. The internal phone storage is 32GB and 2GB of RAM for multitasking.

For your tablet photography needs, there's a main camera at 8MP and fixed-focus camera at 5MP. A Li-Po battery with a capacity of 5300 mAh provides the juices. Two 0.5-Watt speakers are at the front, Bluetooth 4.0 and WiFi. A reversible micro-USB 2.0 Type C connector is present, something new in the mobile world.

For the software side, the Nokia N1 comes with their own launcher called Nokia Z launcher and learns according to the user's app usage. It's also based on the new Android Lollipop 5.0. For the availability, it is planned to be available at the first quarter of 2015 initially at China. It would cost $249 before taxes. That's approximately 11,200 in Php, direct conversion without the taxes, which is a quite reasonable price for its specs. Natural Aluminum and Lava Gray will be your color options.


 {source 1, 2}

Google Messenger Now Available For Download, Try It Now!

As the newest android upgrade, Lollipop, is currently rolling for nexus and other selected devices, it's native messaging app has reached Google Playstore and apparently, available for download. Have a look at its refreshing visuals.

Bright, popping colors please the eye and conforms with the Material Design scheme. We have seen these changes progressively with the recent updates of Google Maps, Gmail, Chrome,  etc. With this update, a messaging app catering SMS and MMS solely blends well with the minimalistic, plain, colorful and relaxing design brought by the Material Design update.

After a half day of using the Messenger, I have seen its fluidity and functionality as well as some expectations not met, for now. The sending animation is something fresh, but I was looking for more animation other than the send button. The color assigned to contacts are random;  like what we've seen on Gmail.

Features highlighted are:
- Faster sharing: Select or take pictures and videos directly from the app and share easily. You can even send audio messages to your contacts.
- Easy search: Search through contacts and conversation threads to find exactly what you are looking for.
- Purposeful design: New, fluid, material design that is intuitive and delightful.
- More control: Ability to block SMS senders. No interruptions when you don’t want them!
- More features: audio messages, emoji support, colored text threads, message archiving and more.

Overall, I recommend other Android users to try this new Messenger app. But only android version 4.1 and up can install and use it. If you liked it, make it your default messaging app under its settings.



Download it at Google Playstore.

After Nokia Brand Was Dropped, Here Comes The New Microsoft Lumia 535

Farewell to our beloved Nokia brand. Microsoft has released its newest entry-level Windows Phone, Lumia 535. It has the familiar looks we commonly see on other Lumia smartphones aside from the Nokia logo at the front and back which now bare the name, Microsoft.

Lazada Philippines Online Revolution, The Biggest Sale Online, Starts Now

Just in time to buy gifts for Christmas, Lazada Philippines has an ongoing sale, Online Revolution, similar to online sales abroad such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The online sale has kicked-off today, Nov. 11, featuring heavily discounted items and other awesome surprises.

Globe and Smart iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus Plans Pricing Revealed

The most awaited iOS device will be coming in the Philippines this November. Pre-orders are now ongoing and two telco giants in our country, Globe Telecom and Smart Communications, Inc., have showcased their plan offerings. Check out the tables and choose what fits in your budget.

Globe iPhone 6 16GB, 64GB and 128GB

Hate to Carry Extra Powerbank? Check Gionee's Marathon M3

Sometimes, carrying a powerbank to charge a smartphone is crossed out when portability is a priority. If you're often trapped in this situation, Gionee has a new smartphone offering packing a huge battery to answer this concern - the Marathon M3.

Buying a Power Bank? Here's a Guide

We cannot deny the importance of smartphones, tablets and other gadgets in our daily lives. Their services to us in performing our daily tasks, hobbies and entertainment needs are commendable. We started to use our gadgets to the fullest, explore its features and utilize them in exchange for the not-so-cheap price we paid for them. But with all those advancements, our phones will just be as good as a paperweight when the battery becomes empty.

 Thanks to the constantly evolving technology, power banks are now here to rescue our hunger to be connected with the world. No need to reduce our display to the dimmest and disconnecting our mobile data, just plug it in with the portable battery pack and we can use our phones and tablets again.

Apple iPad Air 2 and Mini 3: What's Changed?

New tablet offerings from Apple was just unveiled last October 16. Apple iPad Air 2 and mini 3 were shown in the spotlight. So, what's new and what's not? Should you buy soon? Please read on.

Google Nexus 6: Price, Specs and What's So Special About It

Google surprisingly announced the latest Nexus devices and Android L few days ago. Included in the list is the company's own flagship smartphone, the Nexus 6, running Android 5.0 Lollipop. Let's take a look at its feats below.

Starmobile Up+: Plus more space at P5490

Starmobile UP+ was unveiled packing a beefed up spec. The plus in its name basically points out on the 4GB bump on the internal phone memory compared to the previously announced android smartphone, Starmobile UP.

SKK Mobile Platinum Lite and Platinum Advance Specs and Price

SKK Mobile recently introduced two new smartphones added to their line of phablet offerings. The SKK Platinum Advance is an octa-core smartphone, while its more affordable sibling is a quad-core one, Platinum Lite.

Globe's Rolling Out Free Facebook Now

Free Facebook for Globe and TM subscribers is back! Check out your phones now if you received a text message like the one as seen below.

Starting today, Globe subscribers can finally use Facebook again for free, even without WiFi. You can browse, post photos, like statuses, and be updated with your friends without data limitations. The Free FB will be available for prepaid and postpaid Globe and TM subscribers.

By Sunday, all Globe and TM subscribers can experience this free facebook promo. The text message sent to me pointed out to dial *143# and choose FREE FB but it's absent as the time of this writing. Instead, try texting FREEFB to 8888 to register once. Blackberry browsers cannot be used as per their sms. For others, your smartphone browsers and of course, the official app will do.

Free FB will be available until November 30, which is the same date of promo expiration as Smart's Free Internet Promo.

HP Stream Notebooks and Tablets Announced at an Affordable Price

We don't commonly see HP products priced for the budget-conscious consumers here in our country. But today, HP launched two new laptops and two new tablets that would cater your basic needs without shedding too much.

Xiaomi Piston 2 Review: Great Quality In-Ear Earphones For All

It's just a couple of months ago since Xiaomi has arrived on our land and introduced bang-for-the-buck smartphones started by Mi 3 and followed by the Redmi 1s. But not only those, the company also brought high quality accessories including the in-ear earphones, Piston 2. In this post, we will review the golden Piston rescuing the audiophiles out there without wrecking their pockets.

Smart Gives Free Internet For Prepaid Subscribers

Free internet for you mobile phone? Then here's a great news, Smart Communications, Inc. launches free mobile internet for Smart, Talk 'N Text and Sun Cellular prepaid subscribers! Over 66 million Filipinos can enjoy and be connected to the world wide web.

BlackBerry Passport: Flagship in Square, Specs and Price

It's a rare occasion wherein we see a new smartphone and get star-strucked the moment we land our sight on it without knowing the specs. But that's what many felt upon seeing the new phone by a world-renowned mobile communications company, BlackBerry.

Change Your Sun Pocket WiFi Password With These Easy Steps

Got your new pocket wifi? Here's how to change your password and WiFi SSID (name of your WiFi connection) in few easy steps:

How To Stop Third-Party Advisories From Eating Your Load (Globe)

It's been several months of  mystery with my prepaid load vanishing on my Globe sim. It's like what they say, being 'eaten' or in Filipino, 'kinakain ang load' putting your hard earned money to waste. Don't change your number at once, 'cause this may work for you.

Cosmic Rays From Mars: Fake or True?

Last night, my girlfriend asked me if the news about 'cosmic rays coming from mars' are true, and if she needed to turn her cellphone off to avoid very strong radiations. Asking for Google's help to check things out, I discovered that this buzz are circulating not just in the Philippines, but all around the world.

Don't have enough space for iOS 8 update? Try This Instead.

It's not an ordinary smartphone day for iOS users as Apple releases their newest software update, iOS 8, for selected iPhone, iPad and iPod devices starting today. The operating system contains nifty updates and couple of new features for every user to enjoy.

Google Android One Coming Soon to the Philippines

A brand new android smartphone for you this coming holiday season is possible, thanks to Google's initiative - the Android One - on bridging the gap between high quality smartphones and more than five billion people in the world yet to experience them.

Android one was launched last June in Google's I/O annual developer conference. It addresses the three main concerns on why many people can't get their hands on high-quality smartphones: the software, hardware and connectivity. It's a great news for people who still don't know what's beyond their feature phones and also those suffering with laggy and outdated android phones.

SKK V2: Flagship Looking Phone For P4999

SKK has been introducing new phones recently that made some netizens buzzing. A while ago, they introduced another incoming phone that packs promising features for just a price tag of almost P5000 - the SKK V2.

The announcement on their fb page made positive comments with its great features and affordable price but some are not impressed with its resemblance with the flagship phone, G3. However, still, the smartphone poses well on its price range. Let's see the specs below:

SKK Mobile V2 Specs:

• 5-inch qHD (540x960) IPS Display
• 1.3GHz quad-core MT6582 processor, Mali-400MP GPU
• 8GB internal phone storage
• 1GB RAM
• Dual-sim, dual standby
• 3G, HSPA+
• Bluetooth 4.0, FM Radio, GPS, A-GPS
• Android 4.4 Kitkat
• 8MP Main and 5MP Front camera
• 2500mAh battery
• Gestures, heart rate monitor sensor
• Price 4,999
• Availability TBA

It's a budget phone but armed with capable hardware that can accommodate your light to medium use of a smartphone. The gestures, heart rate sensor, and premium looks are strong points at this price range. It's good to know that innovation has come for those with tight budget.



{via: skk fb}

Cherry Mobile Alpha Style and Alpha Lux: Windows Phone Experience For All

Cherry Mobile has brought two new smartphones for Filipinos to enjoy. This time, they are not Android-based, but a phone running under the Operating System by Microsoft - Windows Phone.

Aside from running a Windows Phone OS, another feature that may catch the interest of many are the price tags of these two. First, let's take a look at their specs:

Cherry Mobile Alpha Style Specs:

• 1.2Ghz quad-core Snapdragon 200 processor
• Adreno 302 GPU
• 4-inch WVGA IPS Display
• 4GB internal phone storage
• MicroSD card slot up to 32GB
• 512MB RAM
• Dual-sim, dual standby
• VGA Front and 5MP w/ LED Flash Main camera
• 1500mAh
• 3G, HSPA+, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS
• Windows 8.1
• Colors: Black, Red
• Price (SRP) : P2,999

Cherry Mobile Alpha Luxe Specs:

• 1.2Ghz quad-core Snapdragon 200 processor
• Adreno 302 GPU
• 5-inch HD IPS Display w/ Dragontrail Glass
• 8GB internal phone storage
• MicroSD card slot up to 32GB
• 1GB RAM
• Dual-sim, dual standby
• 8MP Main camera w/ LED flash, 2MP Front camera
• 2000mAh
• 3G, HSPA+, Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi, GPS
• Windows 8.1
• Price: P4,999

With a glance at the above specs, we can say that the Alpha Style suits less demanding smartphone users and those with very tight budget that wants to explore the features of a Windows Phone. The Alpha Luxe on the other hand, packs much better specs that may suit a wider range of expectations.

This is a great opportunity for those wanting to try the Windows Phone world without breaking the bank.

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus Unveiled: Bigger and Better

One of the most anticipated and craved smartphone, the Apple iPhone, was finally unveiled in California last night. In line with the rumors circulating the web these past few months, two bigger iPhones was announced – the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus.

The vast majority of people do wished for a bigger smartphone, and Apple has answered with a bigger screen and even ventured on the phablet category pioneered by top tier Android flagships such as the Galaxy Note 4 and LG G Pro 2. But aside from its size what has changed? Let’s look at the major ones.

Their screens now sport the “Retina HD display.” So how does their resolution compare to the new and eyebrow-raising Quad HD screen of LG G3 and the new Note? The answer is that they are miles apart. But what Apple did was improve the viewing angles, contrast and other screen elements for great viewing pleasures. The iPhone 6 has a 1334 x 750 resolution resulting in 326ppi and its larger brother has a sharper one at 1920 x 1080 pixels with 401ppi. 

Both models have faster A8 processors. They are also equipped with Near Field Communications (NFC) that was skipped by the previous iPhones even though it existed few years back. But this time, the NFC was used effectively with Apple Pay, a new payment feature that was introduced on these devices.

On the aspect of mobile photography, both iPhones have the 8MP rear camera and F2.2 aperture. Yes, it’s the same resolution as the former iPhone but a new sensor was adapted for greater focus and image quality. They can take 1080p video at 60fps and slow motion ones at 240fps. The FaceTime HD camera or commonly called the front camera, also, has a new sensor allowing 80% more light. A difference seen in this aspect is that the iPhone 6 has digital image stabilization while the iPhone 6 Plus has an optical image stabilization which is better than its smaller brother.

The two models also differ in terms of battery life. The bigger one of course provides more juice as it can hold bigger battery. There’s no specific battery capacity mentioned commonly measured in mAh but the estimates said that the iPhone 6 can last up to 11 hours on WiFi browsing and up to 10 days standby time, while the iPhone 6 Plus can do up to 12 hours WiFi browsing and up to 16 days standby time.

Another cool feature these iPhones have is that they will have the new iOS 8 out-of-the-box, so you won’t wait for the OTA upgrade to enjoy the fresh features like the better messaging app, new smart keyboard, notifications, etc. 

For its price, the iPhone 6 would cost $199 dollar for 16GB in a two-year contract for carriers abroad. In the Philippines, we have seen the iPhone 5s launched at the same price and our telcos priced them when it came at approximately P2500 per month (16GB) without cash out in a two-year contract.  We don’t know when will Smart and Globe lower the prices of their iPhone 5s plans like what other carriers abroad just did and place the new iPhone 6 in the former's price range. But many hope to see these new iPhones on those reachable prices so many can experience them and enjoy. 

{source}

McDo Philippines Launches App

Innovation and keeping updated with the modern technology is a trend for international and local businesses abroad. With this, one of the Philippines favorite fast food restaurant, McDonald's, has launched a new app putting their whole menu in your pocket.

*now at version 1.3.2

The new McDo Philippines app is now on android and iOS. Fans out there like me would find this a big help on getting our favorite french fries and sundae at our bellies with less hassle and long lines.

Main Menu

Party Options

On the main menu, you can find all the features: McDelivery, Coupons, Store Locator, What's New and McCelebrations. In the McCelebration, you can browse themes and party packages if you'll be throwing an event. The Coupons option is still empty but we hope there will be freebies soon. 

The Store Locator is a nifty tool for travelers. Type in the city and it will show you the nearest branches available. Be sure to turn on your GPS on your mobile to find more accurate results.

No need to memorize the McDo Delivery numbers as this app will get your orders at your doorstep within 30 minutes. The menu is complete as well so you can choose with ease without the hassle of searching for menus online. By looking at the check out page, you can see that the delivery fee is still at P40.

The What's New option features the latest news and exclusive promos for the ones who installed this app. This is a great tool for smartphone users out there isn't it? I hope other companies and industries will follow soon. 

You can download the McDo PH app via:

Google Play
Appstore

{via @McDo_PH}

Sony Xperia Z3, Specs vs Xperia Z2: And the Difference?

A new Sony flagship phone, the Xperia Z3, has been announced at the IFA recently. It does have the flagship attributes on it, but will the current Xperia Z2 owners feel the need to upgrade? Let's take a look at their key specs.

Xperia Z3 White

Display:
Xperia Z3 - 5.2 inches Full HD (1080 x 1920 pixels), ~424ppi, Triluminous Display
Xperia Z2 - 5.2 inches Full HD (1080 x 1920 pixels), ~424ppi, Triluminous Display

The Xperia Z3 didn't get the bump on its screen size and stayed at 5.2 inches. The screen resolution also stayed the same at Full HD, 1080 x 1920 pixels. It's quite a puzzle why it didn't get the QHD screen, but FHD does look good and sharp, anyway.

Processor:
Xperia Z3 - 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, Adreno 330
Xperia Z2 - 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, Adreno 330

The same chipset, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, as the Z2 was used. Although, by looking closely, the clock speed was bumped by a small amount. It won't give significant boost, but may help still on doing heavy tasks.

Physical Attributes:
Xperia Z3 - 146 x 72 x 7.3 mm, 152g, IP68 certified
Xperia Z2 - 146.8 x 73.3 x 8.2 mm, 163g, IP58 certified

The Xperia Z3 has explicit revisions in its design, including its rounded edges and buttons. By looking at the dimensions above, the Z3 is thinner and lighter compared to its predecessor. It's now IP68 certified from IP58 meaning it can go a little further under the water.

Memory:
Xperia Z3 - 16GB internal phone storage, expandable up to 128GB via microSD, 3GB RAM
Xperia Z2 - 16GB internal phone storage, expandable up to 128GB via microSD, 3GB RAM

The Z3 also retained its internal phone storage. The RAM also stayed at 3GB.

Camera:
Xperia Z3 - 20.7MP main camera and 2.2MP front camera
Xperia Z2 - 20.7MP main camera and 2.2MP front camera

The camera is also at 20.7MP, same as the Xperia Z2. Although in the new flagship, the light sensitivity was boosted and the highest in a smartphone so far at ISO 3200. It means better photos even in low light conditions.

Battery:
Xperia Z3 - 3100mAh
Xperia Z2 - 3200mAh

The battery was reduced by 100mAh compared to the last gen Xperia. But this time, they emphasized a two-day battery life on average use. It can even extend the juices further using the ultra stamina mode limiting to the phone's basic call and text functions.

Overall, the changes are not that head-turning when compared to its former flagship. You may not feel the urge to upgrade if you already have the Z2 which still looks gorgeous and premium even though it aged a bit.



{sources 1, 2, 3}

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 & Note Edge: Powerful and Innovative Smartphone

Samsung has finally unpacked its latest flagship in this year's IFA, the Galaxy Note 4, plus a big surprise to all with the announcement of the Galaxy Note Edge. The pioneer phablet packs a big bump of specs upgrade and new cool innovations.

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge

The Galaxy Note Series is prominent for its unique feature like the S-Pen for taking your notes and a top-notch hardware for demanding and heavy users. In this fourth generation of note, the display stayed in its comfort zone at 5.7 inches. The Galaxy Note 4 has still one of the most gorgeous screen in the market with its Quad-HD (2560x1440 pixels) Super AMOLED display. 

The Galaxy Note Edge on the other hand has slight difference from the Note 4. It has an extra 160 x 1440 pixels curved screen on its right. This display on the edge is a remarkable innovation providing added functionality and ease of use. It is like an extra notification bar on the side which gives you the shortcuts to favorite apps and notifications even if you're playing a whole-screen game or watching a video.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

The imaging department has been also upgraded with its 16MP Main camera with Optical Image Stabilization as an aid for your shaky hands for a sharper image. The front camera is a 3.7MP with f1.9 and wide angle lens for better selfie and group shots.

Of course, these note devices are powered by one of the newest and fastest processors around. Depending on location or market, a 2.7GHz Krait 450 Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 Processor with Adreno 420 or an Exynos 5433 with four 1.3GHz Cortex A-53 and four 1.9GHz Cortex A-57 coupled with Mali-T760 will be available.

The Galaxy Note 4 will be available starting October globally and the Note Edge in select markets later this year.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Specs:

• 5.7 inch Quad-HD Super AMOLED (2560 x 1440 pixels), ~515ppi, GG3
• 2.7GHz Krait 450 Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 Processor or Exynos 5433 ( quad-core 1.3GHz Cortex A-53 and quad-core 1.9GHz Cortex A-57)
• 16MP Main camera with Optical Image Stabilization & 3.7MP with f1.9 front camera
• 32GB internal phone storage expandable up to 64GB
• 3GB RAM
• LTE, HSPA+
• Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, Infrared
• Android Kitkat 4.4.4
• GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
• Accelerometer, Gyro, Heart-rate sensor, Promixity, Gesture, UV, Finger scanner
• 3,220mAh, with fast charging
• S-Pen Optimized Features
• 153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5mm, 176g (Note 4)

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge Specs:

• 5.6-inch Quad-HD Super AMOLED (2560x1600 pixels), ~524ppi, GG3
• 2.7GHz Krait 450 Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 Processor or Exynos 5433 ( quad-core 1.3GHz Cortex A-53 and quad-core 1.9GHz Cortex A-57)
• 16MP Main camera with Optical Image Stabilization & 3.7MP with f1.9 front camera
• 32/64GB internal phone storage expandable up to 64GB
• 3GB RAM
• LTE, HSPA+
• Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, Infrared
• GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
• Accelerometer, Gyro, Heart-rate sensor, Promixity, Gesture, UV, Finger scanner
• 3,000mAh battery
• 151.3x82.4x8.3mm, 174g

{source 1, 2, 3}

THL T6S, Another Affordable 5-inch Smartphone

Novo7 Tech will be bringing the THL T6s on September 5 at their selected branches. It's another interesting smartphone with a large 5-inch screen and suits the common needs of a budget-conscious consumers out there.

The T6S can be seen on online stores already but at a higher price compared to this upcoming offer. It will be priced at P3,999 battling closely with SKK Phoenix G1 and Cherry Mobile Flare 3.

It packs a 5-inch screen with 854x480 pixels. Despite its low resolution at this large screen size, the JDI screen with IPS technology might be there to compensate it. JDI stands for Japan Display Inc., which is a joint venture by companies Sony, Toshiba and Hitachi. With this we can expect a great viewing experience.

A 1.3GHz MTK6582m quad-core processor was used. It is paired with Mali-400MP, a pretty combination for medium to slightly heavy-demanding games. The internal phone storage is at 8GB with microSD slot up to 32GB, and a 1GB RAM for multitasking.

The T6S is powered by 1900mAh battery which is just good with moderate usage. A 5MP main camera and 0.3MP Front camera are also provided.  Other features are dual-sim, dual standby, bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and Android 4.4.2 Kitkat.

For more info, head to Novo7 Tech fb. 

SKK Phoenix G1 vs Cherry Mobile Flare 3, Specs Comparison

SKK has announced on their facebook page their latest smartphone offering, Phoenix G1, beating with a quad-core processor and waving its affordable price tag at only P3,799. Let's see how the cheapest quad-core yet matches with CM Flare 3, specs-wise.

Processor:

SKK Phoenix G1 - 1.3GHz Quad-Core MediaTek 6582 processor

Cherry Mobile Flare 3 - 1.3GHz Quad-Core MediaTek 6582 processor

RAM:

SKK Phoenix G1 - 1GB RAM

Cherry Mobile Flare 3 - 1GB RAM

It's obvious that both phones share very similar specs. They are powered by the same processor, MT 6582 clocked at 1.3GHz so expect identical performance and smoothness. Days of lagging affordable androids are almost gone with its 1GB RAM for multitasking, provided that you close apps frequently that aren't on use. 

Display:

SKK Phoenix G1 - 5-inch, qHD (540x960 pixels) IPS Display

Cherry Mobile Flare 3 - 5-inch qHD (540x960 pixels) IPS OGS Scratch-resistant Display

Flare 3 has detailed that their screen is scratch-resistant and made with One Glass Solution. SKK on the other hand did not give further info, but having an IPS on both is good news. However, almost all users put screen protectors on their phone, so still, close call.

Camera:

SKK Phoenix G1 - 8MP Main and 5MP Front Camera

Cherry Mobile Flare 3 - 8MP Main and 3MP Front Camera

In this field, the SKK Phoenix has an upper hand with its higher resolution front camera. It will capture higher details but we may want to see the real life capabilities in terms of Image Quality.

Memory:

SKK Phoenix G1 - 8GB internal phone storage expandable up to 64GB via microSD card

Cherry Mobile Flare 3 - 8GB internal phone storage expandable up to 64GB via microSD card

OS:

SKK Phoenix G1 - Android 4.4 Kitkat

Cherry Mobile Flare 3 - Android 4.4 Kitkat

Battery:

SKK Phoenix G1 - 2000mAh

Cherry Mobile Flare 3 - 1980mAh

Connectivity:

SKK Phoenix G1 - 3G, HSPA+, Dual-sim, Dual-standby

Cherry Mobile Flare 3 - 3G, HSPA+, Dual-sim, Dual-standby

Price:

SKK Phoenix G1 - P3,799

Cherry Mobile Flare 3 - P3,999 

Other Features:

SKK Phoenix G1 - WiFi Hotspot, Bluetooth 4.0, A-GPS, GPS, FM Radio, Gestures, USB On-The-Go

Cherry Mobile Flare 3 - WiFi Hotspot, Bluetooth 4.0, A-GPS, GPS

Tough competition between these two, isn't it? The SKK Phoneix G1 might have an advantage in terms of specifications on paper. It is also priced P200 cheaper than Cherry Mobile Flare 3. At this though rivalry, the things that may matter now is their availability and customer support. The Flare 3 is out now but it's very hard to get because of tight supply. Phoenix G1 is yet to debut on its kiosks and stalls nationwide.

{sources: SKK, CM}

Xiaomi Redmi 1S vs Asus Zenfone 5, Specs Comparison

Xiaomi will be bringing its second smartphone here in the Philippines on September 4. This time, it will be their most affordable phone, Redmi 1s, without having compromise of performance and build quality. With its affordable price, the battle in its price range will be exciting.

Redmi 1s

If you're looking for an international brand at an affordable price range, Xiaomi's Redmi 1s and Asus Zenfone will be a great choice. So how does this two warriors compare with each other? Let's take a look of their key points.

Asus Zenfone 5

Display: 

Zenfone 5 - 5-inch HD (720x1280 pixels, 294ppi) with Gorilla Glass 3

Redmi 1s - 4.7-inch HD (720x1280 pixels, 312ppi) with Gorilla Glass 2

The screen size may be deciding factor for some, and an extra 0.3 inches might be a big deal for others. For me, it's not a big difference and the screen quality is of more concern. But since they are both IPS and High Definition, they are on par. The Gorilla Glass difference is negligible on average use, both will perform similarly vs scratches.

Processor:

Zenfone 5 - 1.6 GHz dual-core Intel Atom Z2560 (ver. here in PH) / PowerVR SGX544MP2

Redmi 1s - 1.6 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 / Adreno 305

The Zenfone 5 has an Antutu score of ~19660 and the Redmi 1s has a score of ~21600 so there's a little difference in terms of performance. Their SOCs are both good and you can play graphic intensive games on these two. Take note that the dual-core processor is hyper-threaded so it also acts just like the other non-Intel quad-core cpus.

Camera:

Zenfone 5 - 8MP Main Camera and 2MP Front Cam

Redmi 1s - 8MP Main Camera and 1.6MP Front Cam

Both phones have 8MP Main camera and promises to deliver great photos even in low light. They both have 1.4ųm sensor, LED Flash and AF. The aperture of Zenfone is at F2.0 and the Redmi has F2.2.

Memory:

Zenfone 5 - 8GB internal phone storage up to 64GB microSD, 2GB RAM (now with 16GB ver.)

Redmi 1s - 8GB internal phone storage up to 32GB microSD, 1GB RAM

The internal storage are 8GB for both but zenfone 5 supports higher microSD card slot. The 16GB for Zenfone 5 is on the way to its shelves. Plus it also has a higher RAM for multi-tasking. So the Zenfone has a slight advantage at this area for heavy users hoarding apps and stuffs on their phones.

OS/ROM:

Zenfone 5 - Android 4.3 upgradable to Kitkat, ASUS ZenUI

Redmi 1s - MIUIv5 (based on Android 4.3), upgradable to MIUI v6 soon

Basically, they have the same Android versions but has custom skins, ZenUI for ASUS and the highly modified MIUI for Redmi. Both UI have great impressions and not that cluttered compared to others.

Battery:

Zenfone 5 -2110mAH

Redmi 1s -2000mAh

Their battery capacity are almost the same, also not removable. Real-life usage will surely be different, but based on their capacity, once a day charging might be foreseen on average use.

Connectivity:

Zenfone 5 - 3G, HSPA+, Bluetooth 4.0, USB On-the-Go, Dual-sim/standby

Redmi 1s - 3G, HSPA+, Bluetooth 4.0, USB On-the-Go, Dual-sim/standby

They both feature the most basic needs in terms of connectivity, the versions featured here are dual-sim, but we know that both of these phones have LTE versions yet to appear here in the Philippines.

Price:

Zenfone 5 - P6,495 official price for 8GB (P6,995 for 16GB version)

Redmi 1s - P5,599

These phones are highly anticipated, thus, supplies are limited at least for now. Zenfone 5 are available on few outlets but the good news for new buyers is 16GB will be coming at a price of just P500 more vs the 8GB version. Xiaomi Redmi 1s is almost a thousand peso cheaper which makes it a great choice for more budget-concerned customers looking for great smartphone performance.

Other Features: Both phones are well-equipped indeed. A-GPS, GLONASS, FM Radio, Compass, etc.

They can be your daily companion providing your multimedia needs without needing to break your wallets. For people with international brand preference, these phones are great choices and by looking at their specs and support, you cannot go wrong if you choose either of the two. The challenge here is their availability. The demands are high and the supplies are limited, so better plan ahead if you're gonna buy soon. 

{sources: 1, 2, 3}

Smart Wearables Samsung Gear S and LG G Watch R Announced

Today, two leading electronic brands have separately announced their latest smartwatches. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has unveiled the Samsung Galaxy Gear S while LG showcased the G Watch R.

Samsung Galaxy Gear S White

The Samsung Galaxy Gear S features an innovative wearable experience equipping it with 3G connectivity together with Bluetooth and WiFi. That means you can see your social media notifications, compose and send messages, and even receive and make calls.

"The Samsung Gear S redefines the idea of the smart wearable and the culture of mobile communication. It will let consumers live a truly connected life anywhere, anytime," said JK Shin, CEO and head of IT & mobile communication at Samsung Electronics.

The smartwatch has a 2-inch Super AMOLED display with curved profile so it suits your wrist well. It also has useful applications and widgets such as turn-by-turn pedestrian navigation, news feed and instant notifications with Facebook.

Being a smart wearable, it is also equipped with sensors in use for S Health and Nike+ Running applications for fitness enthusiasts. The Gear S has a dual-core 1GHz processor and 512RAM ticking inside, and a 300mAh Li-ion battery keeps it serving you for approximately 2 days. It also has 4GB internal storage, GPS, GLONASS, usb 2.0, compass, barometer and heart rate sensor. That beats even some smartphones out there. The Samsung Galaxy Gear S will be available globally starting October.

LG G Watch R

LG, on the other hand, has announced a circular wearable device to be unveiled at IFA 2014 next week. Many will be hunting for this with its round face, utilizing a new Plastic OLED which is said to boast stunning visuals even under direct sunlight and wide viewing angles. 

LG G Watch R is powered by a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor, 512MB RAM and 410mAh battery. 

It also has an on-board 4GB storage and able to run compatible apps from Google Play. It also has smart notifications for missed calls, messages, events and weather forecasts.

Like the Samsung Gear S, the G Watch R has an IP67 Ingress Protection Rating that can be immersed up to 1 meter deep in 30 minutes of fresh water. It also has fitness and health apps together with a heart monitor, making them a worthy companion during workout sessions.

Both smart wearables look very promising. Each of them has a unique identity that suits the various style and experience preference of customers. We hope that these gadgets will come to our land soon at an affordable price so we can see it on mainstream not too long.

{source: LG, Samsung}