If you like the previous post of Microsoft provoking the hates of Apple fans by using the Siri voice to mention things that iPad cannot do, this video is going to do the same thing but with actual reference to a tablet model and showing off the features one by one.

Again, I have to say that this series of videos by Microsoft is one of the few that most people will like. It is clear and simple. Maybe some haters will do a parody to show the weakness of the Windows 8 tablets.

In the meanwhile, I hope Microsoft will not do too many of these videos. Sometimes, less is more. We already got what you want to say. Try to improve the apps eco-structure of the Windows store. It will be much appreciated.

Here is the video.

Now I am waiting patiently for a tablet that runs on Windows Blue (Windows 8.1), has Intel Haswell processor, LTE connection and nice design like the Microsoft Surface. That will be perfect.

WeChat has achieved a milestone when they reach 50 million user base recently. In my opinion, WeChat has placed itself as a unique product with features such as Look Around, Shake and etc. I believe many might not have used them. Do check them out. Read the Press Release for more information.

Press Release

WECHAT’S USER BASE REACHES 50 MILLION GLOBALLY

• WeChat has more than 50 million overseas active users
• WeChat tops the charts as one of the most downloaded apps on iTunes, Google Play and Windows App store in Singapore

Singapore, 21 May 2013 – WeChat continues its momentum in the mobile social communications space with the announcement today that it has achieved a major milestone with 50 million registered user accounts. Designed for the international market, WeChat provides an innovative way for users to communicate with friends from all around the world. The rapid growth of WeChat is attributed to its strong adoption in emerging markets. WeChat has also dominated the charts as one of the most downloaded applications on iTunes, Google Play Store and the Windows App Store in a number of markets including Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico and The Philippines.

In the bid to expand its user base in Singapore, WeChat also recently launched a TVC that was aired on Chinese channels such as Channel 8, Channel U, VV drama and E-City. Starring Taiwan’s super-duo, Rainie Yang and Show Luo, the TVC reflected how WeChat is designed to be convenient even in the midst of one’s busyness.

WeChat and Weixin, a sister product designed for users in Mainland China, previously announced a milestone when registered user accounts surpassed 300 million on January 15 this year. At the end of March, the combined monthly active users of WeChat and Weixin reached 194.4 million, representing a year-on-year growth rate of 228.4%. Both WeChat and Weixin are fast becoming the mobile social application of choice worldwide and are redefining communication and interaction among users in their daily lives by offering a wide spectrum of features within the application.

Popular Features Users Love about WeChat

WeChat is free to install, use and download. Users can text each other, swap voice messages with a “Hold to Talk” feature, video chat, as well as share images, music, and videos. The social networking mobile application is now available on the following operating systems: iOS, Android, Windows, Blackberry and Symbian. WeChat also comes with comprehensive privacy setting functions, which enable users to limit who they share their information with.

Key features that WeChat offer:

• Moments – Sharing photos, texts and URL links with trusted friends and contacts.
• Shake – Contact other people around the world by shaking your devices and start chatting.
• Look Around – Find people around to chat.
• Drift Bottle – Include a text or voice message in a bottle, throw it into the “sea” and wait to see who picks it up from anywhere in the world. A fun way to meet new people all around the world.
• Official Accounts – A feature that can be utilised by companies and merchants to build interactivity with their followers. Free SDK and API are available for “Official Accounts” owners and developers to develop applications on WeChat.
• Web WeChat – Chat with someone using a computer.

###

ABOUT WECHAT

WeChat is an innovative mobile social communications application designed for smartphone users.  WeChat is free for downloads from app stores running on iOS, Android, Symbian, BlackBerry and Windows Phone operating systems*.

WeChat users can add friends by a wide range of innovative actions and methods, including scanning QR codes, connecting users’ Facebook profiles and phone books and activating location-based functions such as “Look Around” and “Shake”. This application enhances social interaction by supporting exchanges of text, voice and video, emoticons, and photos with their friends over data networks.  Users can choose to communicate on one-on-one, or within their closed social network through “Moments”.

For more information and application download, please visit: www.wechat.com

*Some features may not be available for certain operating systems due to the product development cycle. 

For further information, please visit:

WEBPAGE           http://www.wechatapp.com

FACEBOOK          http://www.facebook.com/wechatsingapore

Samsung today declared that their global channel sales of the Samsung GALAXY S4 has surpassed 10 million units in less than a month. This results is better than GALAXY S, S II or S III sales. Congrats to Samsung. More information in the Press Release.

Samsung GALAXY S4 Hits 10 Million Milestone in First Month

Four GALAXY S4 smartphones sold every second

SINGAPORE – May 23, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that global channel sales of its GALAXY S4, a life companion for a richer, fuller, simpler life, has surpassed 10 million units sold in less than one month after its commercial debut. Launched globally on April 27, the phone is estimated to be selling at a rate of four units per second.

The GALAXY S4 sets a new record for Samsung, generating sales quicker than any of its predecessors. Sales of the GALAXY S III reached the 10-million mark 50 days after its launch in 2012, while the GALAXY S II took five months and the GALAXY S seven months to reach the same milestone.

“On behalf of Samsung, I would like to thank the millions of customers around the world who have chosen the Samsung GALAXY S4. At Samsung we’ll continue to pursue innovation inspired by and for people,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of the IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.

The GALAXY S4 was developed to enhance the meaningful moments in our lives through its innovative features and superior hardware. It has the world’s first Full HD Super AMOLED display that showcases images at their very best on a 5-inch screen with 441ppi. Equipped with a powerful rear 13MP camera, the GALAXY S4 also boasts a Dual Camera function that allows simultaneous use of both front and rear cameras. The GALAXY S4’s new and innovative software features include Air View and Air Gesture for effortless tasks, while it also keeps users up-to-date with information about their health and wellbeing using S Health.

Samsung GALAXY S4 is available in more than 110 countries and will gradually be rolled out to a total of 155 countries in cooperation with 327 partners.

＊ All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 236,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales of US$187.8 billion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

This is one of the Windows 8 advertisement that, in my opinion, shows the big differences in a Windows 8 tablet and an iPad (in terms of productivity – not referring to productivity in playing games). Of course, the apps eco-structure for Windows 8 is no where near iOS but a Windows 8 (not Windows RT) tablet can install almost any PC software in the market, makes it even more interesting.

Microsoft has also set up a site to compare iPad (4th Gen) directly with some of the Windows 8/RT tablets. Again, in my opinion, I think it is good comparison (I am not siding Microsoft but stating the facts based on the comparison).

Here is the video on the comparison. Microsoft has cleverly added Siri voice as the voice over during the advertisement to Windows 8 advantage. For example, Siri says “I am sorry, I can only do one thing at a time” when Microsoft is showing multi-tasking feature. Can I add one more? You cannot even attach a document to the email (without jailbreaking) when this is one of the most common features for any mail service.

BTW, I have my own rant for Windows 8 too. But I think it is easy to resolve (like adding a bloody SIM card option to Surface for a start).

Click Here to Windows 8 vs iPad comparison site

(source)

I believe many people are shopping online nowadays. However, I also believe many are unaware of the danger of online shopping. This infographic shows some tips that you might find useful for your next online shopping.

(comGateway)

Today, ASUS launches the 2-in-1 hybrid PadFone Infinity in Singapore. It has a 5-inch full HD screen for the smartphone and a 10.1-inch full HD screen for the tablet station. The PadFone Infinity is retailing at RRP S$898 for 32GB and S$998 for the 64GB. The PadFone Infinity Station is retailing at RRP S$368. More information in the Press Release. Read on for the specifications.

Here is the specifications

PADFONE™ INFINITY SPECIFICATIONS

PADFONE™ INFINITY STATION SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors.

Press Release

Here is a digital quiz on how vulnerable you when you are exposed to the Social medias, the Internet and secure websites that requires password. Of course, the quiz is meant to be simple and if you answered incorrectly, it will tell you more about what you can or should do to prevent it. Do it NOW!

Click image to open interactive version (via simplisafe.com).

Finally, Microsoft has unveiled its latest gaming console to the world. It is called the Xbox One (thank goodness, it is not Xbox 720) and it comes with a new Kinect Sensor and its latest gaming controller with a new design Dpad.

Microsoft wants you to think that the Xbox One, as the name implies, is a All-in-One concept. It has integrated TV, Internet, Skype and gaming into one console. Here is the home screen. BTW, it can be voice controlled (like saying “Xbox On”).

In my opinion, Microsoft design the Xbox One in such a way that it resembles the Windows 8 experience. First, it has a boxy chassis. Next, all the apps are tiled like Windows 8.

Some features of the Xbox One/Kinect

Xbox One

• 8-core x86 processor
• HDMI pass thru (means that it can show the TV program when you are connected to your cable box (no need to switch input)
• 8 GB of RAM
• 500GB of Hard disk space
• Blu-ray disc
• Snap feature allows you to talk on Skype and watch a movie at the same time.

New Kinect

• 1080p camera
• IR camera to see in the dark.
• Can control your TV and etc.
• Has Multi Microphone array to filter game sound, ambient noise and your voice.

Here is the Introductory video of Microsoft Xbox One

When launched (later this year), Xbox One will have exclusive to Call of Duty: Ghosts first. Here is the trailer.

The Verge has done a nice 4 minutes summary of the event. Check it out.

Not sure how the world will react to this new Xbox One (when it reaches the gamers hand). It seems that Microsoft has tried to blend gaming, entertainment and social into one single console. This is definitely going to be a major distraction when you are concentrating on a game.

For more details, please check out the Microsoft Official Xbox One site.

Click Here to the Official Xbox One site

And one last information. There will be one Halo Live Action TV series, a partnership with 343 Industries and Steven Spielberg.

(source)

M1 today announces that they are going to spend S$5 million to S$20 million by appointing Alcatel-Lucent to deploy a Small Cell (Femtocell) solution to further enhance its 3G radio coverage and capacity in indoor premises. The solution will be available in Q3 this year. More information in the Press Release.

M1 deploys Small Cell solution

To improve 3G indoor mobile coverage

SINGAPORE, 21 May 2013 – M1 Limited (M1) today announced the appointment of Alcatel-Lucent to deploy a Small Cell (Femtocell) solution to further enhance its 3G radio coverage and capacity in indoor premises. This network improvement work is valued at between S$5 million and S$20 million, depending on the extent of deployment.

A femtocell is a small, low-power mobile base station that will improve indoor voice coverage and data performance for users. By placing a dedicated femtocell indoor, it connects to M1’s mobile network via fixed broadband access and addresses any indoor coverage gap. The introduction of femtocells will further enhance customers’ indoor 3G experience.

“At M1, we are committed to continually invest in our network infrastructure to enhance our customers’ experience. With the Femtocell solution, our customers will benefit from improved indoor coverage, both at work or at play,” said Mr Patrick Scodeller, Chief Operating Officer, M1 Limited.

M1’s Femtocell solution will be made available in the third quarter of 2013.

M1 is Singapore’s most vibrant and dynamic communications company, providing mobile and fixed services to over 2 million customers. Established in 1997, M1 achieved many firsts, including the first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, as well as ultra high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN). With a continual focus on network quality, customer service, value and innovation, M1 links anyone and anything; anytime, anywhere. For more information, visit www.m1.com.sg.

This might come as a shock to many people waiting for HTC One. As many are aware, HTC One comes without expandable memory slot. However, this is NOT true for the version of HTC One in China.

HTC One in China has dual micro SIM card and an external MicroSD card slot. It comes in 32GB configuration but the battery is still embedded. Apparently, there  is a strong market in China for dual SIM card. Therefore, I think HTC might as well throw in a MicroSD card slot. Of course, that means it has an detachable cover to access the SIMs and memory.

The only setback for this version of HTC One is it is thicker (from 9.3mm to 10.4mm) and heavier (from 143g to 156g) and I don’t think it comes with LTE. As for the rest of the specs, it looks the same. If you think I am joking, check out their official HTC China site.

Click Here to HTC One site from China