HTC One X and One V Finally Launched and Priced in the Philippines! One S to Follow Up Soon

Smart Communications and HTC Philippines has invited us (or me) to witness the pre-launch of the new HTC One series at Jump Experience Center.

The hotly anticipated HTC One X is the first ever quad-core smartphone to hit the Philippine market. It features a gigantic 4.7-inch Super LCD 2 screen display with 720p HD resolution which translates to about 312 pixels per inch (ppi).

It is powered by a 1.5GHz Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core (plus 1 companion core) processor. It runs on the latest Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich with Sense 4.0 on top of it. This is my first time ever to try the Sense UI, and I can say it looks nice. Judging from the looks of the previous versions of Sense UI, I can pretty much say that HTC has eliminated the clutter on it.

The One X is equipped with a 8 Megapixels with f2.0 aperture that will really help shooting great photos in low light conditions. It can activate the camera in just 0.7 seconds and do some focusing in just 0.2 seconds. That's pretty fast judging by the numbers itself. I really need to try this out in real life situations. It can also capture images at up to 4 fps, which means you can go take up to 99 photos in just 25 seconds of continuous shooting.

In terms of video recording, it can do up to 1080p Full HD of recording, and... You can take photos while taking a video! They call it the VideoPic Experience.

For audiophiles, HTC's got you covered with the Beats™ Audio built deeply within the OS. HTC will not be bundling Beats™ headphones this time but they said that now, you won't need a specific type of headphones just to have the rich audio experience. Yes, it will now work with any kind of headphones/headsets!

HTC Philippines Marketing Communications Manager Kiko Torno, delivering the presentation.

Another and probably the most thing that's interesting is the design and build quality of the HTC One X. It is made out of a single polycarbonate piece of plastic. Mind you, even this is made out of plastic, it is really tough! And to support that claim, Mr. Kiko Torno did throw - yes, he threw it out on the floor, not just the usual drop tests. I think the floor got hurt. The screen did not suffered from any major cracks or scratches as it is a Gorilla Glass™ one, which is proven to be really touch.

The HTC One V was also shown at the pre-launch, but the real talks of the town is the One X. Anyway, the HTC One V has a 3.7-inch Super LCD 2 screen display with 800x480 resolution, a 1GHz single-core processor, 5 Megapixels camera with the same technology as the other One phones, Beats™ Audio, and also runs on Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Smart will be exclusively carrying the HTC One X and One V. It will be available starting on April 13th. Price? A whooping P32,990 for the HTC One X and P15,990 for the One V.

We will definitely review the HTC One X (and probably the One V too) here at MisterJonjon.com.

P.S. The beauty-queen HTC One S will be coming on July. ;)

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Meet the Cheapest Nokia Phone Ever - The Nokia 103

Nokia just announced the Nokia 103 yesterday at Nigeria - their most affordable phone ever.

The Nokia 103 features a familiar candybar design, with a dust-proof keypad that will be capable of withstanding extreme conditions, FM radio, 32 polyphonic ringtones (tenenenen-tenenenen-tenenene-neeeeeen! Nokia Tune anyone?), a phonebook capable of holding 500 contacts, call log list, speaking clock and alarm clock - which I remember having it on a Nokia 1112, a flashlight, 250 SMS memory, 3.5mm jack - though I'm not sure how will you use it on this phone, time and prepaid tracker, and na-da... Games!

Nokia 103 Features and Specifications
1.36-inch black and white display
Dual-band GSM 900/1800
Series 30
15.3mm thickness
800mAh battery capacity (up to 27 days of standby time, up to 11 hours of talk time)

The Nokia 103 will be initially available at Nigeria this Q2 2012 with a price tag of 16 Euros or about P900, before taxes and carrier subsidies.

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Instagram for Android is Here

And so it came... Finally, Instagram for Android is now available at Google Play Store.

From now on, you may now share quirky photos from your Android device to your social networks. I guess it's time to share every food you ate eh? Get it here.

P.S. Just as what others are saying, I hope that Instagram is compatible on your device. Good luck! :)

UPDATE: There are a few features that will not be included in the first version of the Android app (Tilt Shift/Blur, Share from Feed, Live Preview and Share to Flickr), but the upcoming versions are intended to bridge any differences. Instagram for Android can be run on any camera phone with Android 2.2 or above with support for OpenGL ES 2. Instagram for Android cannot be run on tablet devices at this time. A Windows Phone version? They have nothing to announce at this time, but they are always actively considering ways to expand Instagram's utility to everyone in the world.

UPDATE 2: Here's some screenshots of Instagram for Android.

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Smart Beefs Up It's Portfolio With the New Windows Phones

Smart is beefing up it's line of smartphones as they introduce Nokia devices running Microsoft's Windows Phone to more Filipinos.

Smart is targeting people across all economic classes, be it the young minds with tight budgets, or the people who wants the premium devices.

"We’re giving Filipinos the full-range of choices.  Whether entry-level, mid-range or high-end, our portfolio of Windows-powered Nokia phones enable our subscribers to get the right device at the right price and enjoy it with the country’s most powerful cellular network," said Smart Broadband Internet and Data Services Head Gio Bacareza.

Nokia Lumia 710
The first Nokia device with Windows Phone to be available from Smart is the mid-range Nokia Lumia 710. People can have it for only P450/month for 24 months on their Limited Edition Data Plan 1000 - which gives them 500 SMS to all networks, 500 minutes of calls to Smart and Talk 'N Text, and of course 1 GB of data. The Nokia Lumia 710 can take advantage of Smart's HSPA+ networks and it can handle up to 14.4 Mbps of data speeds. The 3.7-inch screen and the Internet Explorer 9 will let you surf the web as if you're using your PC.

"That’s just P10,800 for a full-fledged Windows phone,” said Bacareza. “Plus, with the limited edition Plan 1000 the first ‘Lumia-naries’ in the country can maximize the capabilities of this wonderful phone," he added.

Nokia Lumia 610
For those who are looking for a very affordable smartphone, look no more! The most affordable Windows Phone will be soon available from Smart - the Nokia Lumia 610. This phone has an 800 MHz processor, 5 Megapixels autofocus camera which can shoot HD 720p videos, and 8 GB of storage. Having an affordable smartphone doesn't always mean you'll get a cheap hardware.

Nokia Lumia 900
Of course there's the people who's looking for the best in class phone. The Nokia Lumia 900 is the best of Nokia's Windows Phones. It's just beautiful, it's mouth watering, it is jaw-dropping. Oh, and have I mentioned that this phone supports 4G HSPA+ that can give you an up to 42 Mbps of rocket-high speeds?

Dharmesh Goshalia, General Manager and Head of Sales of Nokia Philippines has this to say about the Smart proposition to consumers: "We like the fact that Smart is encouraging Filipinos to ‘live more’ and we believe they can with the Nokia Lumia 710. The purposely built, no-nonsense smartphone is designed for instant social and image sharing and the best browsing experience with IE9. The Windows Phone experience on a Lumia device can be amazing for those willing to try it out."

Keep your eyes peeled at Smart as they will be soon offering these line of Windows Phones.

Oh and to end this article, Smart has been supporting Windows Phone since the launch of the HTC Mozart in 2010.

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Smart Offers the First Truly Unlimited Plans in the Philippines

Smart Communications, Inc. will start to offer the first truly unlimited plans in the country. In a media launch yesterday, Smart Mobile Marketing Head Guido Zaballero said "We have made it more affordable for Smart subscribers to keep in touch with their loved ones who are on the other networks. The money they get to save because of our offers can then be spent on other things that are important to them."

With the aptly named TrueUnli Plans, subscribers now have the power to call and text anyone on any network. Smart will have three variants of TrueUnli Plans.

The TrueUnli Plan 699 will give you unlimited texts to any networks in the country. If you want to call-all-you-want to any number, the TrueUnli Plan 1299 suits you. The other one is the TrueUnli Plan 2499 which has unlimited calls and texts to any networks, as well as 2 GB of data.

Smart subscribers who already enjoy superior call quality and nationwide coverage can also look forward to an even better consumer experience as the wireless leader is currently undertaking massive network transformation initiatives.

Smart and PLDT have invested P67.1 billion for network upgrades, which will result in superior voice connection, quicker SMS delivery, enhanced data connection speeds, and now, they can also enjoy the first true unlimited plans.

The TrueUnli Plans will be available at the same time with their new smartphone line-up - the HTC One X, Nokia Lumia 900, and Sony Xperia S.

For more information about the TrueUnli Plans, please visit their website.

Happy April Fools!

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Nokia Steps Up Drive to Educate Underprivileged Filipino Kids Through London Philippine Fashion Show Sponsorship

Taking to heart its commitment to help provide educational support for underprivileged Filipino children, Nokia Philippines recently lent support as a major sponsor to the first-ever London Philippine Fashion Show held at the Victoria House Basement in Holborn, London.

The fashion show, presented by Prospero World, a UK-based international philanthropy consultancy organization, brought together 15 of the Philippines’ most celebrated fashion designers and local brands to showcase the latest in local fashion design.

Photo shows Ayala Corporation’s Fernando Ayala de Zobel (far right) with esteemed guests (from left), BBC ‘Antiques Roadshow’ presenter Philip Mould; Prospero World’s Bridget Franklin and Sita Schutt; Mia Borromeo; Prospero World’s Sandra Lauckner-Rothschild; Veera Johnson of UK-based bank, Templewood; and Prospero World’s Anna-Louisa Psarras.

Participating in the historic fashion show were renowned Filipino designers Josie Natori, Michael Cinco, Pepito Albert, Randy Ortiz, Rajo Laurel, Lulu Tan Gan, Cary Santiago, Jun Escario, Mich Dulce, Wynn Wynn Ong, Jasper Garvida, Lesley Mobo, Federico de Vera, and Joyce Makitalo, and joined by top local fashion brands Celestina, Bergamo, and Silk Cocoon.

Nokia Philippines supported the event for the benefit of The Ayala Foundation’s Centre of Excellence in State Supported Elementary Education (CENTEX) project, a program which aims to support the education of talented but disadvantaged Filipino children in the Metro Manila area.

“Nokia has always prioritized education as a main thrust of its corporate social responsibility. Here in the Philippines, there is a lot to be done to help underprivileged kids. The company believes that every Filipino child deserves a fair chance at education so that they can build a bright future for themselves,” said Dharmesh Goshalia, general manager and head of sales of Nokia Philippines.

The successful event raised £160,000 from tickets and donations, as well as auctions of antiques, fashion items, and Asian travel packages. Part of the funds were raised by a group of 12 ‘sponsored models’ who are actually business professionals, sharing the catwalk with the real models. One of the ‘sponsored models’ was Alice Motte-Munoz, who is half-Filipina, half-French. The raised funds will be able to support the education of 500 children under the CENTEX education program.

Launched in 1998, the CENTEX program aims to provide high-quality education to bright students from the poorest backgrounds in the Philippines. The program gives selected kids an outstanding education from age 5 to 12 years. To date, the project helps 1,000 children a year, at a cost of $500 per child/school year. It currently works with two state schools in Manila and Batangas, and has consistently topped rankings for the National Achievement Tests in the country. CENTEX also actively supports its alumni by helping them secure scholarships in top high schools, colleges and universities.

The CENTEX program is just one of the efforts being supported by Nokia Philippines that aims to provide educational support to Filipino kids. Among its ongoing efforts is the Text2Teach program, a project it conceptualized in 2004 together with other partners and Ayala Foundation. Text2Teach uses mobile phones as a tool to make learning more fun and effective for grades 5 and 6 students. To date, almost 57,000 students in public elementary schools are learning using mobile technology. Phase 4 of the program is ongoing with an objective to develop new curriculum-based content, reach far-flung areas, enhance teacher training, and upgrade existing programs.

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HTC One X and One V to Hit the Philippines on April 13th?

HTC Philippines is poised to to release the HTC One X and One V in the country soon. The HTC One X and One V was announced last February at MWC.

Then yesterday, they teased on their Facebook page that "Something is coming this April 13". They did not provided more details but their page's cover photo seems to reveal that the HTC One X and One V is about to come, with the notable absence of the One S.

HTC One X Features and Specifications
4.7-inch screen with 720p HD resolution
1.5 GHz quad-core processor
8 megapixel camera with auto focus, smart LED flash, and BSI sensor
1 GB of RAM
32 GB internal storage
Beats Audio™
1800 mAh battery capacity

HTC One V Features and Specifications
3.7-inch screen with 480x800 resolution
1 GHz single-core processor
5 megapixel camera with auto focus, smart LED flash, and BSI sensor
512 MB of RAM
4 GB internal storage with microSD card slot
Beats Audio™
1500 mAh battery capacity

My price estimate for the HTC One X is P30,990. It should be also be carried by Smart on their upcoming line-ups.

Meanwhile, the HTC One V should sell at about P13,000 level.

UPDATE: It looks like the real release date is on April 2. HTC has announced the availability and pricing details for some Asian countries, including the Philippines. [CNET]

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HTC Sensation, XE, and XL Receives the Ice Cream Sandwich Update

Great news to all HTC Sensation, XE, and XL owners in the Philippines! The Taiwanese handset maker just released the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update.

Image credit: PinoyTechBlog.com

The update weighs a hefty 305 MB and is now available over-the-air (OTA). One of the changes this update brings is an update to HTC Sense which bumps it to version 3.6.

To check if the update is now available for your device, go to Settings > About phone > Software updates. Just make sure that you have a sufficient battery charge, and an adequate mobile data, or better yet, connect to a Wi-Fi access point.

Other HTC devices such as the HTC Evo 3D, Rezound (from Verizon), Evo Design 4G, and Amaze 4G is said to also have the update.

Cheers Kuya Calvin of Pinoy Tech Blog for the tip!

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Samsung Officially Launches the Smart Camera WB150F - Your Perfect Beach Companion

Samsung Electronics Philippines launched yesterday their new lineup of digital imaging devices at the Rockwell Tent, Makati, which is led by their new Samsung Smart Camera WB150F.

The Samsung Smart Camera WB150F features an impressive 18x optical zoom, which will come handy when you're trying to capture a photo of someone at a distance. Now, shooting a photo from the shore of someone at the sea is so easy! Worry not, even the images are zoomed in, you can still view them crystal-clear, thanks to the 14.2 Megapixels sensor.

Aside from the 18x optical zoom, the WB150F also features a Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can always share anytime, anywhere - as long as you're within a Wi-Fi network range. You can directly upload photos and/or videos from the camera itself to Facebook, YouTube, and even Picasa and Photobucket. You can even attach a photo and send it thru email to your colleagues or family.

Say goodbye to wires. With the auto backup feature, users can have their photos transferred to any PC wire-free, no more need to unearth a gazillion amount of wires in your drawer. If you also have a Samsung smartphone, you can use the MobileLink app to remotely control your camera. Imagine, you don't have to ask a stranger to take a photo of yourself anymore, just use a tripod or just place your camera in a steady position, use your phone, SNAP! MobileLink also supports instant sharing of photos too.

Samsung Smart Camera WB150F Specifications and Features
18x optical zoom
14.2 megapixels
720p HD movie recording @ 30fps
24mm wide angle lens
Wi-Fi Connectivity (SNS upload, Email, PC Autobackup, Remote Viewfinder, Mobile Link, TV Link)
Full Manual Mode (A, S, M)
f/3.2 aperture
3.0″ hVGA LCD display

“Sharing photographs taken with friends and family is one of the most enjoyable aspects of a photo experience. It’s more than about simply capturing memories – sharing is an integral part of the experience itself. Listening to our customers, we understood that being able to conserve memories by sharing images instantly was what was missing from the high-quality cameras that they trust. With this in mind, we added ground-breaking Wi-Fi functions to our zoom camera, building on the brilliant image quality that high-quality sensors and zoom lenses provide - now with the ability to share and save like never before,” said Mr. Ariel Arias - Samsung Business Unit Head for the Audio Visual group.

The Samsung WB150F is now available for only P11,990.

There's even more features that the Samsung Smart Camera WB150F has to offer! Just watch Ashley Rivera's (aka Petra Mahalimuyak) video below.

The was hosted by Iya Villania, while Sam YG, Laureen Uy, and Ashley Rivera all demoed the features of the WB150F.

Blogger and TV Actress Laureen Uy

Radio and TV Host Sam YG

YouTube Sensation Ashley Rivera aka Petra Mahalimuyak

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Sony Mobile Prices the Xperia Sola at P16,990; Xperia P at P22,990! Coming Soon in the Philippines

Sony Mobile Communications is also about to release the newly announced Xperia Sola, the phone with a magical screen technology called Floating Touch™.

Sony Xperia Sola MT27i Specifications and Features
3.7-inch TFT LCD screen display with 854x480 screen resolution @ 265 ppi with Bravia Mobile Engine, scratch resistant screen
5 Megapixels main camera with LED flash with up to 16x digital zoom
720p HD video recording @ 30 fps
8 GB internal memory, expandable up to 32 GB using microSD
512 MB of RAM
1,320 mAh battery capacity
GSM
3G / HSPA up to 14.4 Mbps
Bluetooth
1 GHz ST-Ericsson U8500 dual-core processor
Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS (upgrade to ICS planned in Q2 2012)

The Sony Xperia Sola will be available on mid-May, and will come with 2 NFC Smart Tags, screen protector, a set of earphones and the other usual stuff in the box. The SRP will be P16,990. Watch the video below to get a glimpse of the Floating Touch™.

Another member of Xperia NXT series is the mid-range Sony Xperia P.

Sony Xperia P LT22i Specifications and Features
4-inch TFT LCD screen display with 960x540 (qHD) screen resolution @ 275 ppi with Bravia Mobile Engine, scratch resistant screen
8 Megapixels main camera with LED flash with up to 16x digital zoom, VGA front-facing camera
Sony Exmor™ R CMOS sensor
1080p Full HD video recording @ 30 fps
16 GB internal memory
1 GB of RAM
1,305 mAh battery capacity
GSM
3G / HSPA up to 14.4 Mbps
Bluetooth
1 GHz NovaThor™ U8500 dual-core processor
Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS (upgrade to ICS planned in Q2 2012)


The package contents of the Xperia P will be somewhat similar to that of the Xperia Sola. It will be also available starting mid-May. The SRP is P22,990. That's a pretty good price considering it's specs.

Now that the four new Xperia phones are about to land here, which one are you considering to buy?

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Temple Run for Android Now Available on Google Play Store!

Run for your life! The addictive mega-hit Temple Run is now out for Android! All your friends are playing it - can you beat their high scores?!

As scheduled, the popular 'escape the monkeys' game is now available for Android devices! The game has racked up to 45 million whopping downloads on iOS! The game is very easy to play, you just need to swipe across the screen to control the character. For example to turn left or right, just swipe your finger horizontally across the screen. Likewise, slide your finger up or down to jump across the breaks or slide under the trees or fire.

Collect coins that you can use to buy power-ups and to unlock new characters.

Now what are you still doing here? Head on to Google Play Store and get it now! Let's see how far can you run.

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Samsung Finally Rolls Out the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Update for Galaxy S II

Samsung has officially rolled-out the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Galaxy S II.

The update has already been made available to users around the world, which started in some European countries and Korea. To get the update, simply hook up your Galaxy S II to your computer and use Samsung Kies. The update seems to be now also available in the Philippines.

Take note that to get the update:
- Your phone must be purchased in authorized retailers in the Philippines. If you acquired your phone from other regions, you may not get the update for now.
- You must be running the official ROM and not a custom one.

Ice Cream Sandwich for others, too
Samsung will also update the Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II LTE, Galaxy R, Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, Galaxy Tab 7.7, Galaxy Tab 8.9 (and the LTE model), and Galaxy Tab 10.1 to ICS soon.

Older models will still get an update
They're not leaving the people who have the older models without a brandnew update though. Devices like the Galaxy S (and the Plus & SLCD models), Galaxy Tab 7, and Galaxy W will receive a new version of Android 2.3 Gingerbread which includes some new features such as Face Unlock, Snapshot, Photo Editor and others.

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And the Nokia Lumia 800 Goes To... *drum-roll*... Globe!

Globe Telecom has just announced on it's Facebook page that they will be offering the Nokia Lumia 800 soon!

The Nokia Lumia 800 will be FREE at P1,499/month which comes with Globe's MySuperPlan UnliSurf Combo 999 for 24 months. Pre-orders will start tomorrow (whoops, too excited!) on Monday, March 26. Yes! You've heard it right.

And just in case you still haven't read my review for the Nokia Lumia 800, click this link.

I'll try to get more details from Globe. Stay tuned!

UPDATE: You can get the Nokia Lumia 800 from Globe for only P12,000 on MySuperPlan UnliSurf Combo 999 if you will use your BPI Credit Card for 24 months. So that will be UnliSurf Combo 999 + P500 per month (P12,000/24 months). On regular plans, you can get this for FREE starting at Plan 2499. You may now pre-order the Lumia 800 here.

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BREAKING!! SMART to Offer Nokia Lumia 710 Soon!

This just in! Smart just put up a coming soon page for the Nokia Lumia 710! We're expecting the Nokia Lumia 710 to be available this April, with a pre-order possibly going in the first two weeks of the month.

My guess is that Smart will offer this phone at Unlimited Data Plan 1500 or 2000, or about P14,000 on pre-paid kit.

UPDATE: Smart will bundle the Nokia Lumia 710 for only P450 for 24 months with their new Special Limited Edition Data Plan 1000, which comes with 1 GB mobile data, 500 SMS to all networks, and 500 minutes of calls to Smart and TNT. You may now pre-order the Lumia 710 here.

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Samsung Galaxy Y Duos - A Dual-SIM Gingerbread for P8,990

The Samsung Galaxy Y Duos is a budget dual-SIM smartphone that runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS. It is for young and practical consumers who want to manage their professional career and busy social life with affordable price.

It also provides users with multiple options to enrich their social lives. It features ChatON, Samsung’s unique cross-platform communication service that connects all mobile users into a single community. Users can also stay connected through Social Hub, which supports email, social network integration and instant messaging, displaying all of your communication in a single inbox.

Samsung Galaxy Y Duos Specifications and Features 
3.14-inch TFT LCD screen display with 320x240 (QVGA) screen resolution @ 127 ppi
Dual-SIM
3 Megapixels fixed-focus camera
832 MHz single-core processor
160 MB internal memory, 2 GB microSD included (expandable up to 32 GB)
384 MB of RAM
1,300 mAh battery capacity
GSM
3G / HSPA up to 7.2 Mbps
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 3.0
A-GPS
Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS

The Samsung Galaxy Y Duos is only selling for an affordable price of P8,990! The power of 2 SIM cards, in one Android phone. Socialize, Work, and Play!

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