Nokia Asha 302: Specs, Price, Release Date in the Philippines

Nokia just announced the new Nokia Asha 302 at MWC. The Nokia Asha 302 is the first S40 phone to support the Mail for Exchange service that will give people the ability to sync their mail, contacts, and calendars on supported exchange servers. All that in a sub 100 Euro phone.

Nokia Asha 302 Specifications and Features
2.4-inch TFT screen display with 320x240 (QVGA) screen resolution
3.2 Megapixels camera
1 GHz processor
256 MB internal memory which is expandable up to 32GB thru micro-SD
128 MB of RAM
QWERTY keyboard
1430mAh of battery - BL-5J
9 hrs of talk time, 50 hrs of music playback time
GSM / EDGE - 850/900/1800/1900
3G/HSPA - 850/900/1700-2100/1900/2100
Mail for Exchange support

The Nokia Asha 302 has started to ship since the announcement and it is now available at Nokia Stores nationwide! The suggested retail price for the Nokia Asha 302 is ₱5,290.

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HTC One Series Announced! Meet One X, One S, and One V

HTC has also announced their own range of new Android phones at MWC. The new HTC One series is highlighted with an amazing camera and authentic sound experience.

“The best moments in life are captured with a photo or remembered by a song, so it was key for the HTC One series to improve these emotional experiences with an amazing camera and authentic sound experience,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “We are very focused on creating a camera and audio experience customers will love and use often and we believe the HTC One series delivers this in a way never seen on a phone before.”

The HTC One series includes the new Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS, the new HTC Sense™ 4, and their new HTC ImageSense™ feature that will set apart the HTC One series from their other smartphones.

HTC One X
The HTC One X features a beautifully crafted polycarbonate unibody that has the ruggedness of metal but is super lightweight. With seamless construction, the unibody combines a unique high gloss 'piano' finish and a matte back. HTC One X is blazing fast with the new NVIDIA® Tegra 3 Mobile Processor for clear graphics, faster applications and longer battery life. It includes a 1.5GHz Super 4-PLUS-1™ quad-core with an integrated fifth Battery Saver Core and a high-performance 12-Core NVIDIA® GPU. The HTC One X also has an amazing 4.7-inch, 720p HD screen crafted from contoured Corning™ Gorilla Glass.

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
Utilizing the classic, award-winning design of the HTC Legend, the HTC One V brings top-end design to a smartphone with broad appeal and a premium experience that delivers an amazing camera and authentic sound. It features a simple, iconic aluminum unibody design that exudes craftsmanship and quality.

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

HTC One S
The HTC One S is for people who want a high-end smartphone in a more compact size. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with up to 1.5GHz dual-core CPU’s. It also includes a 4.3-inch screen crafted from contoured Corning™ Gorilla Glass. HTC One S brings HTC’s innovative metal unibody styling to a new thin 7.9-mm design, making it HTC’s thinnest phone yet. The HTC One S sports two new finishes that break new ground in mobile phone innovation. The first is an ultra-matte black Ceramic Metal surface that is the result of a microarc oxidation (MAO) process originally developed for use in satellites. It transforms the surface of the aluminum unibody into a ceramic, super-dense crystalline structure that is four times harder than anodized aluminum, enabling the HTC One S to look great over time. The second finish for the One S takes anodizing to a new level with a new patented process that creates a light-to-dark gradient fade that looks gorgeous and sophisticated.

Features and Specifications
4.3-inch screen with 540x960 (qHD) resolution
1.5 GHz dual-core processor
8 megapixel camera with auto focus, smart LED flash, and BSI sensor
1 GB of RAM
16 GB internal storage
Beats Audio™
1650 mAh battery capacity

The HTC One series will be launched here in the Philippines sometime in April. The lineup will be available on both Smart and Globe.

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Nokia 808 PureView is Now Official!

Nokia has just announced the successor of the N8, meet the Nokia 808 PureView with 41 Megapixels camera resolution!

Nokia 808 PureView Features and Specifications
41 megapixel camera sensor with Nokia Pureview Pro imaging technology and Carl Zeiss optics
1.3 GHz single-core processor
512 MB RAM
4-inch AMOLED ClearBlack screen with 640x360 (nHD) resolution
Full HD 1080p video recording
Symbian Belle Feature Pack 1
1400 mAh battery capacity
Gorilla Glass
16 GB internal memory

Nokia 808 PureView Product Page

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Nokia Philippines Bans Sales of Lumia Phones from Grey Market Sellers

In a Facebook post, Widget City - a big retailer of a range of devices, including yet unreleased phones in the Philippines, said that Nokia Philippines has restricted them to sell the Lumia lineup in the country.

The reason for the restriction has not been disclosed by Widget City. We're not yet also sure if this action applies to most, if not all, of the grey market retailers. We've reached out to Nokia Philippines for an update.

Widget City added that the sales will resume again by April, which adds credibility to the rumors that the Lumia lineup will be released in the country at the month.

Source: Widget City
Via: @jameancheta

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Contest: Like, Follow & Share and You'll Have a Chance to Win a NokiaAsha 200!

I will be finally having the first ever contest here at MisterJonjon.com! This one is sort of a follow up to the original "Why do you QWERTY" contest last year. So without any further ado, I am now announcing to my blog readers that I will be giving away a brand new Nokia Asha 200!

Nokia Asha 200 Specifications and Features
Dual SIM
2.4-inch screen display with 320x240 screen resolution
2 Megapixels camera
64 MB internal memory which is expandable up to 32GB thru micro-SD
QWERTY keyboard
Generous 1430mAh of battery - BL-5J
7 hrs of talk time, 52 hrs of music playback time
GSM / EDGE - 900/1800

To be able to get a chance to win this cute dual-SIM QWERTY phone, just follow the mechanics closely below.

UPDATE: Nokia has requested me to extend this contest until at least we get 500 Facebook likes or Twitter followers.
NOTE: You may only submit your entry once!

UPDATED MECHANICS!

Mechanics
1. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. ***THIS IS REQUIRED!***


Follow @MisterJonjon
2. Tweet and Share. Post a tweet on Twitter or a status update on Facebook with the following message: ***THIS IS REQUIRED!***

Win a Nokia Asha 200 just by liking/following, and tweeting/sharing! Details here http://mrjongo.co/JpjXd8

Tweet
3. Post the link of your tweet or status update in the Disqus comments section below. This is the most important part! ***THIS IS REQUIRED!***

The contest will close once we reach 1,000 likes on Facebook or 500 Twitter followers (whichever comes first). The prize will be one (1) Nokia Asha 200!

Only one (1) entry/comment per person is allowed!

And here's the full contest terms & conditions. If you have any questions, read this first. The answer to your question might be already here.

Terms & Conditions
Duration for Submission of Entries
The entries will be accepted starting February 25, 2012.
Deadline of Submission of Entries
The deadline for the submission of entries will be when we have already reached 500 Facebook likes or 500 Twitter followers, whichever comes first. I will announce in a blog post once we have reached that milestone.
The Prize
The prize will be one (1) Nokia Asha 200 phone.
Eligibility
This contest is open to Philippine residents only, aged 13 and over.
How do I Qualify?
To qualify in this contest, you must follow all the steps in the mechanics.
Prize Claiming / Delivery
The prize will be delivered to the winner via courier. A valid ID may be required when receiving the item.
The Winner
The winner will be randomly drawn using random.org. To qualify for an entry, you must post the link to your tweet or status update in the Disqus comments section below. The odds of winning will depend on the number of entries received by e-mail.
Notification of the Winner
The winner will be notified via e-mail within 24 hours of the announcement.
Prize Acceptance
You must respond to our e-mail within 48 hours (2 days) after the notification with your name, phone number, and complete address.
Alternate Winner
In case that the winner has not responded within the required time frame, we will forfeit the prize and will award it to another person who has submitted an entry.
Sponsor
Contest sponsor is Nokia Philippines.


Special thanks to Nokia Philippines for making this happen. =)

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Globe Sets Up Wi-Fi Network at Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Globe Telecom has partnered with the MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority) to provide free Wi-Fi access to all of NAIA's terminals. The partnership will be done through Globe's Tattoo broadband brand.

The free service will surely benefit many people while waiting for their flights. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is one of the world's busiest airport, with more than 27 million passengers passing through the airport in 2010, with 18 million more for domestic routes.

“As we continue to make improvements on the NAIA terminals, we are happy to have
the support of partners like Globe Telecom to help us transform our airport into one of the best
in the world. It is through private-public partnerships, such as that of the MIAA and Globe were
we can make greater strides in improving public service,” said MIAA General Manager Jose
Angel Honrado.

The government has earmarked P1.16-Billion to upgrade the NAIA, which includes an array of structural works and more basic amenities in the 30-year old airport.

Globe is doing a massive upgrade to it's network to provide more modern and more reliable network quality, rare dropped calls, and faster mobile data connectivity, with the help of wide 3G coverage. The network modernization program is pegged at $700 million.

I am sure a lot of people will indeed benefit from this great move by Globe and MIAA. That will make time-passing a little less boring. Let's see how the network goes there when we visit NAIA for out Palawan trip on March.

Globe partners with MIAA for NAIA WiFi

Globe Telecom partners with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) for Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) access for Metro Manila’s air passenger terminals, namely the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), NAIA Terminals 2 and 3, as well as the Manila Domestic Airport. The partnership comes on the heels of Globe, through flagship broadband brand Tattoo, being certified as the number one broadband brand in the Philippines and on the back of the massive modernization in the company’s telecommunications network.

The free WiFi will benefit millions of domestic and international air passengers, as it will enable them to work online, check emails or travel itineraries, and surf the net while waiting for their flights.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is one of the busiest airports in the world, with over 27-million passengers served in 2010. Moreover, an additional 18-million passengers flew domestic routes.

“Globe recognizes the increasing need for people to stay connected and in touch, whether it’s via a mobile phone or the internet. As we modernize our network and deliver faster broadband service, we are giving back to the Filipino people by powering the gateway to the Philippines with free WiFi service,” said Gil Genio, Head of the International & Business Markets of Globe Telecom.

“As we continue to make improvements on the NAIA terminals, we are happy to have the support of partners like Globe Telecom to help us transform our airport into one of the best in the world. It is through private-public partnerships, such as that of the MIAA and Globe were we can make greater strides in improving public service,” said MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado.

The government has earmarked P1.16-Billion to upgrade the NAIA, which includes an array of structural works and more basic amenities in the 30-year old airport.

Globe is in the thick of a massive, $700-Million mobile network modernization program which will transform the entire Globe network infrastructure into the most modern and most resilient the country and give customers vastly improved call quality under pervasive 3G coverage, rare dropped calls, and instantaneous SMS delivery as well as enjoy blazingly fast mobile internet access.

Globe also maintains the widest international coverage among all Philippine telecommunication companies, with over 600 roaming partners from all over the world. Globe also has the lowest IDD call rates, IDD Sakto Calls, at 15 centavos per second (P0.15) to the United States, Hawaii, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Kuwait, Equatorial Guinea, and Saudi Arabia — places that have some of the highest numbers of OFWs. Globe also has a wide range of IDD and international SMS offers that enable families in the Philippines to stay in touch with overseas Filipinos. These include the IDD Sakto Calls, which reduce IDD rates by as much as 70%; and Super US Direct, a unique service that gives subscribers virtual US landline numbers so friends and family in the US can contact them at local US call rates.

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Nokia Asha 300 Hits Philippine Stores

Nokia Philippines announced today the launch and availability of the Nokia Asha 300. The Asha 300 is a touch and type phone, which allows you to easily text and message your friends and family with the good ol' alphanumeric keypad, and at the same time, gives you the ability to play games with it's touch screen.

“Our latest smart feature phone, the Nokia Asha 300, is one of Nokia’s lowest cost 3G phones,” said Dharmesh Goshalia, General Manager and Head of Sales, Nokia Philippines. “This again shows our commitment to bringing great experiences to people with different needs –from consumers to business users.”

Nokia Asha 300 Specifications and Features
Dual SIM
2.4-inch touch screen display with 320x240 (QVGA) screen resolution
5 Megapixels full focus (EDoF) camera with LED flash
140 MB internal memory which is expandable up to 32GB thru micro-SD
Alphanumeric keypad
FM radio
Generous 1110mAh of battery - BL-5J
6 hrs and 54 minutes of talk time
GSM / EDGE - 850/900/1800/1900
3G / HSPA - 850/900/1900/2100
Preloaded with Angry Birds game

The Nokia Asha 300 is now available at Nokia Stores nationwide with a suggested retail price (SRP) of P4,890.

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Smart LTE Goes Live in Baguio City, More Markets to Follow

Smart Communications, Inc. has flipped the switch for their 4G LTE network at Baguio City, just in time for the Panagbenga Festival and also making it the first 4G LTE network to go live at the summer capital.

“We are very pleased that residents of Baguio City and the tourists that are expected to flock to the city during Panagbenga will be among the first to experience the future of mobile broadband, which is LTE,” said Rolando G. Peña, head for technology of both Smart and parent company Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT).

With Smart LTE, users can download full HD movies in minutes, stream music or videos online without the buffering, and do other tasks that requires high-speed internet connection. Smart LTE was first demoed at Boracay last Holy Week, followed by their test-runs at Cebu, and also at Camarines Sur. The LTE network is now also up on Metro Manila.

Smart plans to bring their LTE network to more markets this year. “In line with our Internet for All advocacy, in the coming months we will bring LTE to other cities and municipalities all over the Philippines, as we upgrade our network and make it world-class, while at the same time, make it more stable and more reliable,” added Peña.

What isn't clear though is how users will be able to experience or use the LTE network at Baguio City. Smart's not yet offering any LTE capable device at the moment, I guess they will do demonstrations again at the city.

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Summer is Coming Soon, Read These Tips on How to Travel Efficiently

Summer is fast approaching. And that means it's time for vacation and lots of travels! And I am here to give you tips on how to pack efficiently so your vacation will be fun and relaxing.

Image via daddu.net

Packing for a travel vacation may be hard for some. Sometimes, people want to take many stuffs as much as they can. But that is not always possible as there is a limitation on how much stuffs we can bring specially if we will travel on a plane. Want to save space on your travel bags? Read on.

How to Travel Efficiently
1. Think. Think what should you bring. Instead of bring separate things for different functions, think of a thing that can do all of the things that you will need in your trip. A good example, would be the Nokia N9. The N9 is an all-in-one device. Music player, camera, HD video recorder, not to mention it's still a phone. This is just an example, you can do the same for other things too.

2. Set priorities. When packing, you should make a priority list for different things. First things first, like your passports and tickets. Use your phone to make reminders, or you could just use a pen and paper.
3. Don't double. Toothpaste, shampoo, soaps. You don't have to take one of them for every people that will go with you, right? My suggestion, buy bigger packs of those kinds of things and just share them with your family. Much less load to carry.
4. Be Appy! Are you still bring your good 'ol maps? Why don't you just use your phone and download essential apps for your vacation? Nokia Maps will help you do the job for that. It is always reliable, ever. Other apps may include flight trackers, weather apps, etc.
5. Fill those spaces for souvenirs. If you followed the tips above, sure you've saved some space now. Fill those space with souvenirs before heading back home.
6. Wear large clothes now. Instead of putting your jackets, pants, and other big clothes in the bag, why not just use them when you travel? It will help you save space again, and will keep you warm if you'll be on a plane.
7. Check the forecast. Will it be rainy or sunny when you go out? Check the weather forecast from PAGASA, on the newspapers, or on TV. You may also use apps on your phone to check it. Did you know that Nokia Maps Suite has a weather app included?
8. Plan your activities. An itinerary list would be handy on your travel. If you're going to stay on a hotel at your destination, ask them if they are offering tour services. Tell them what places do you want to visit.
9. Check baggage rules. Contact the airline and ask the baggage rules before you go because they often charge for overages.

Now I hope you will have a happy, stress-free, and a wonderful summer vacation with these tips. =)

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LG Optimus Vu Announced! Takes a Punch on the Galaxy Note

LG Electronics can't take the long wait and went ahead and announced their own phone-tablet hybrid, the LG Optimus Vu.

The LG Optimus Vu is a 5-inch phone-tablet hybrid that aims to steal the success from the Samsung Galaxy Note.

LG Optimus Vu Specifications and Features
5-inch IPS with 1024x768 (XGA) screen resolution
8 Megapixels main camera with LED flash, 1.3 Megapixel front-facing camera
32 GB internal memory
1.5 GHz dual core processor
2080mAh of battery capacity
Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS
HDMI
DLNA
Wi-Fi Direct
T-DMB support

An update to Ice Cream Sandwich will be made available within 3 months after the Optimus Vu is released.

Pricing and availability info for the Philippines is not yet available at this time. My estimate price for the Optimus Vu is around P27,000.

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Have a Feature Phone with No App Store of it's Own? Then Try Globe's MyAppsMall

People today usually care for the operating system of the phone that they are about to buy, and if it has a lot of apps available on their respective application store. iOS has App Store, Android has the Android Market, Nokia Store for the Nokia devices, Marketplace for Windows Phones, and a bunch of other stores.

But what if you've got a feature phone, or other phones that don't have their own app stores? Where will you get your apps? Downloading apps on the web is very risky since there's a lot of threats in unauthorized apps.

Globe Telecom solves that problem by offering their own app store, introducing the MyAppsMall.

MyAppsMall offers apps and games to various phone brands, from Nokia, Samsung, LG, to Sony Ericsson (now Sony Mobile), and other brands, you name it.

Here's the top 5 must-have apps for me:
1. Opera Mobile - This browser is know for it's Opera Turbo technology which compresses web pages to save data bandwidth. Instead of loading up a whole 2Mb webpage, Opera Mobile will do the job and compress it to say 200kB. This will come very handy if you're subscribed to Globe's PowerSurf MB data plans.
2. FriendCaster - A fully loaded Facebook app for Android Phones with extra features such as photo editing with effects, this could be the best Facebook app ever for Android! Plus, it's free. I know Filipinos likes things with the word FREE.
3. TweetCaster - I'm always on Twitter. Before I sleep, I check Twitter. Before I get up in the morning, I check Twitter. Everyone seems to be doing the same. Get TweetCaster and it will make tweeting a lot more easier! It has multiple accounts support, TwitLonger support if 140 characters is not enough for you, and, posting to Facebook!
4. Windows Live Hotmail - Straight to the point, this is a Hotmail email client that you would appreciate. Checking your emails would be a breeze if you install this app!
5. Google - This app is the portal to everything Google! GMail, Search, Transalations, and more in one app.

That's the 5 apps that I always use on my phone in my everyday life. How about you? Download apps now at MyAppsMall to get started! =)

This is my official entry to the Globe-YugaTech My Apps Mall Contest.

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Survey: Most Pinoys Still Own a Nokia Phone; 2012 to be a More Exciting Year

Nokia, the phone brand that is still preferred by most Filipinos last year. That results were from the recent Mobile Life 2012 study by TNS, world's leading custom research company. The survey was done in Metro Manila with 500 face-to-face interviews among people aged 16-60 in all economic classes.

320 (or 64%) out of the 500 people said that they currently own a Nokia phone. The percentage dropped from 70% of the previous year 2010. There's a huge leap on the second brand preferred by the Filipinos, with it getting only 12% (about 60 for every 500 people).

“These results from the Mobile Life Study of TNS only show that the Philippines is still a Nokia country,” says Dharmesh Goshalia, General Manager of Nokia Philippines. “Despite the deluge of other mobile phone brands, Nokia remains in the consciousness of Filipinos as a reliable mobile device that meets their lifestyle.”

Goshalia further reveals that Nokia has set its sights on making 2012 another landmark year. The company is geared up to deliver aspirational products that offer choice for consumers, with differentiation on quality and value for money. "Watch out for our Nokia with Windows Phones coming very soon. Those Lumia devices will amaze everyone who try it out. Also, expect more Dual SIM and QWERTY devices. We promise that it will be more fun with Nokia."

Dharmesh Goshalia, General Manager and Head of Sales for Nokia Philippines

Mobile Phones Now More Common than DVD Players
The study also revealed that mobile phones are now more commonly owned in the country than DVD players. Smartphone ownership also showed a significant increase since 2010.

Lumia 900 800, one of the Nokia with Windows Phones to "watch out for," says Goshalia.

The General Manager even let a word slip about the upcoming Nokia Lumia 900.

Exciting.

UPDATE: That was a typo error on the press release.

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A Wi-Fi Enabled Camera? Meet the Samsung WB150F Long Zoom Camera

Samsung Philippines announced the launch of the Wi-Fi enabled long zoom camera, the WB150F, which was just announced last January at CES 2012. The Samsung WB150F enhances the advanced optical zoom and image quality that the WB range is known for, with Wi-Fi capability to facilitate sharing and saving of images – wherever you are in the world. Housed in a compact, light and durable body, the new zoom camera from Samsung makes the perfect travel companion.

Featuring the Smart Wi-Fi technology, users won't have to look for confusing cables just to transfer their photos. Imagine taking a photo at a local Starbucks shop and uploading it easily to your Facebook and account without even having to open your computer!

This camera also have 18x optical super zoom that will make capturing small objects super easy, without sacrificing the very good details that usually happens on cameras which uses digital zoom. Plus, the WB150F is equipped with a 14.2 Megapixels resolution that in turn, you may view on it's 3-inch LCD display.

“Sharing photographs taken with friends and family is one of the most enjoyable aspects of travelling. It’s about more than simply capturing memories – it’s an integral part of the experience itself. Listening to our customers, we understood that being able to conserve memory 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 travel zoom camera, building on the brilliant image quality that high-quality sensors and zoom lenses provide - now with the ability to store and share like never before.”, Mr. Ariel T. Arias, Business Unit Head of the Audio-Visual Group said.

Shoot Unforgettable Moments in HD
The WB150F is also capable of shooting 720p HD video in 30 frames per second. You can always capture the great moments happening and share them with other people, for example, on YouTube.

Make Everyone Else Freeze While You Dance
This is possible with the help of Samsung's Motion Photo. With Motion Photo, you can make one element of your photograph move while leaving the rest still. Sounds like you're in a Hollywood movie? Yes?

Create a Triplets of Yourself
The Samsung WB150F also features Split Shot. The Split Shot simply slits the viewfinder into 3 shots, which you can then combine later. Imagine taking a photo of yourself or anyone 3 times, the result? An instant triplets.

Don't Leave Others in the Photo
With the Live Panorama feature, you can take wide panoramic photos, be it your large group of friends or an amazing landscape view. Simply hold down the shutter button and sweep the camera sideways, you may then view the result in it's 3-inch screen.

Take Advantage of Your Skills
Take it to the next level! The WB150F allows you to experiment with the settings with the Full Manual Control, also taking advantage of the OIS (whatever that means, just kidding).

Click the photos to view in full resolution.

That's a lot of features, right? But hey, you don't need to shell out a huge pile of money to get the Samsung WB150F. This only costs P11,990! How amazing!

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UPDATED: New Telco Coming in the Philippines, Name is Vodafone?

Most of you have probably heard today about the news that Vodafone will be coming here in the Philippines.

Okay, so here's how it started. I was using Twitter this noon and I noticed a tiny Vodafone logo on the "Who to follow" box below the text box. At first I just ignored that who to follow thing as everyone does and typed what I'm about to tweet. But no, after looking at it again it turned out that it is an account for Vodafone Philippines.

If you visit their Twitter profile you'll see that they have no tweets yet, nor any announcements. The description of their profile reads...

Welcome to Vodafone Philippines’ official twitter account. You can also find us on Facebook and YouTube at /vodafonePhilippines. We are coming soon!

It seems that they are now putting up their social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. At the end of the description, they say "We are coming soon!".

Could they be the next big telecommunications company in the Philippines?

Vodafone is the second biggest telecommunications company in the world, basing on their number of subscribers worldwide. They have presence in many countries in Europe (UK, Germany, Italy, etc.), Africa (Egypt, etc.), Asia (India, Turkey, etc.), as well as Australia and New Zealand.

Well, this could be true. Just look at the two photos below.

What isn't clear at the moment is if they will have a partnership with one of the local telcos, specially Smart. I hope not, we need a new independent telco here.

UPDATE: Someone from Smart got back to me regarding the rumors of them having a partnership with Vodafone.

"Thank you for getting in touch with us but unfortunately we don’t have information regarding this at this time--best contact somebody from Vodafone."

It seems they also don't have clues regarding the upcoming - if true - carrier. He also added...

"Our current partnership with Vodafone only covers international roaming."

UPDATE 2: Someone from Vodafone UK has commented on the news...

"As Vodafone UK is a separate company to the Vodafone networks in other countries, albeit under the same Vodafone banner, we don't have any information on overseas expansions or acquisitions at this time."

UPDATE 3: Just found out that if you try to enter the URL http://vodaphone.com.ph (note the different spelling), it will redirect to http://vodafone.com.

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Samsung Launches the NX200 Compact System Camera in the Philippines: Specs, Price, Release Date

Samsung Philippines just announced their new NX200 for the local launch in the country. The NX200 is a new compact system camera that can deliver professional standard photography. Equipped with a 20.3 Megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor, a 3.0-inch AMOLED display with 640x480 resolution, and Samsung's unique i-Function lens, the NX200 will let you easily capture high quality images without the need to carry huge equipment. It is also capable of capturing full HD videos (1920x1080) at 30 frames per second.

The NX200 also features the Smart Panel, which will make taking perfect pictures simple and fuss-free, even for first-time users. An intuitive control comes from the camera’s Smart Panel featuring a Hot Key, enabling users to jump easily to key functions without the need to scroll through confusing menus to get to their desired shot.

The Samsung NX200 is now available in the Philippines for P39,990.

Premium Style Meets Professional Performance with the Samsung NX200

Capture your memorable images in the best picture quality, with the Samsung NX200

Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation, one of the country’s leaders in digital media and digital convergence technology, finally announces the launch of the Samsung NX200, a new compact system camera that delivers professional standard photography.

The Samsung NX200 guarantees an easy experience that lets you unleash your creativity to the fullest. It features premium functions such as a 20.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with 3.0” VGA AMOLED Display, High Speed Capture, Wide Range ISO (100-12800), Full HD movie recording and Samsung’s unique i-Function Lens. With NX200’s high-performance features built into a compact premium metallic design, you no longer have to compromise style with high quality images.

The NX200 is the perfect combination of design and professional performance, delivering DSLR quality imaging in a camera that is compact and easy to use. The camera’s 20.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor developed in-house by Samsung ensures high quality imaging and places high performance at the fingertips of all photographers. To allow for high speed capture, the NX200 achieves 100ms Advanced AF speed. With its Fast Boot and seven frames per second continuous shooting, the NX200 is the perfect tool to capture that split-second action in an instant.

In addition, the camera’s Wide Range ISO (100-12800, covering seven steps) gives life-like color and sharp details even in dark environments. To capture movement on video, the NX200 also features 1920x1080/30p (H.264) Full HD movie recording. All these are incorporated into a compact and sleek body with premium metal design, light enough to be carried anywhere. Also, the high quality images you captured can be viewed instantly in brilliant quality with its 3.0” VGA AMOLED display.

The NX200 also enables state-of-the-art usability through Samsung’s i-Function 2.0 lenses which allow the users to control a range of parameters from the lens without having to take their eyes off the shot. The NX200 is fully compatible with the wide range of nine different i-Function lenses allowing quick and easy toggling of shutter speed, aperture, EV, WB, and ISO through the ring and button on the lens. With the upgraded i-Function 2.0 on the NX200, users can also control six different Smart Filters and the intelli-Zoom function from the lens while in Lens Priority Mode. New lenses for the i-Function system include 18-200mm, 16mm, 60mm and 85mm focal lengths.

Mr. Ariel T. Arias commented: “With the NX range we have pioneered the compact system camera that allows any user to get the results that they’ve always wanted from their pictures without having to manage complicated controls or carry heavy, clunky equipment. The NX200 is the next step in providing the ambitious amateur with first-class picture quality through the combination of professional-standard features. With technology like this built into a stylish and compact body, the NX200 is the ultimate tool for achieving professional quality in a compact camera.”

He added: “The NX200 represents Samsung’s continued commitment to leading the way in making cutting-edge technology fit to the needs and knowledge of the consumer – proving technology does not need to be complicated to deliver great results, every time.”  

Effortless creativity

One of the key ways in which Samsung’s NX200 stands out is by making it easy for users to realize their own creativity through a range of fun and easy-to-use features and settings. The camera features ten different Smart Filter effects, six of which can be easily accessed through the i-Function lens, allowing the user to capture a uniquely creative image of their object without having to take their eyes off it in order to change the filter. The new NX200 also includes Magic Frame technology, which enables the user to encapsulate their pictures with thirteen different frames, from magazine covers to holiday themes for fun sharing of images with family and friends.

Professional standards made simple

With its Smart Panel, the NX200 makes taking perfect pictures simple and fuss-free, even for first-time users. An intuitive control comes from the camera’s Smart Panel featuring a Hot Key, enabling users to jump easily to key functions without the need to scroll through confusing menus to get to their desired shot.

Expanding horizons

The NX200 enables users to capture even more from their experiences by using exciting new features and cutting-edge Samsung technology. The new Panorama function means that users can take lengthened shots of large or wide objects or turn the image into a 3D scene, bringing the object to life. To capture even more of the moment for posterity, Samsung has also added the Sound Picture function to the NX200, so that a snippet of sound can be recorded to accompany a still image to add even more memories to a photograph.

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LG Optimus 3D Gets Gingerbread in the Philippines

I'm not sure whether the Gingerbread update has been out for the LG Optimus 3D for a while now, but I saw this post on LG Philippines' Facebook page announcing that the Gingerbread update for the device is now finally available. I guess it only applies to Philippine models.

To get the upgrade for the Optimus 3D, follow the instructions below.
1. Visit the LG Philippines homepage (http://www.lg.com/ph).
2. Select “Support > Mobile Phone Support”.
3. Find the model number of your phone (LGP920).
4. Click on and install “WINDOWS USB Driver”.
5. Click on “Software Update” and open the file.
The LG Mobile Support Tool will be installed automatically.
6. Connect your smartphone to the PC using the USB Cable.
7. Click on “Start Updating”.
8. After completing the upgrade, unplug the phone.

Better late than never, right?

Via: LG Philippines

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Smart Launches the Bro Rocket Chic Wireless Dongle

Smart Communications launched a Twitter campaign just earlier today, using the hashtag #RocketHigh. And then a few hours later, they have finally unveiled the Smart Bro Rocket Chic, a new device that belongs to the Rocket line-up that is designed for the women. And just as the other Rocket devices from Smart, this one also runs on their HSPA+ network and is capable of achieving speeds of up to 12 Mbps.

The device itself is coated in a pink acrylic finish, which is a very good gift idea this Valentine's Day. The Smart Bro Rocket Chic is priced at P2,345, and is now available at Smart Online Store and Smart Stores nationwide.

Smart is actively deploying more and more HSPA+ cellsites around the country. As of now, they have a total of 1,501 HSPA+ cellsites in the country, with more to be added soon.

Surf in Style with Smart Bro Rocket Chic
[03 February 2012] Wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has officially launched the first 4G Internet dongle designed for women – Smart Bro’s Rocket Chic.

Featuring a glossy pink acrylic finish, the Rocket Chic is a class of its own. The sliding USB plug allows the device to disguise itself as a regular cosmetic product or even a piece of jewelry.

And like the modern Filipina, the Rocket Chic is more than meets the eye. Inside the sleek shell is the bona fide brains and brawn of a true 4G device. Powered by Smart’s unparalleled High Speed Packet Access Plus (HSPA+) network, the Rocket Chic can blast off into the Internet at speeds of up to 12 Mbps.

“This is a limited time offer and the timing is just right because the Rocket Chic is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift,” said Smart Broadband Internet and Data Services Manager Anne Binuya. “Guys, here’s your chance to prove just how serious you are—is your love for your lady as strong and resilient as Smart’s network?”

The Rocket Chic is priced at P2,345 bundled with a Smart Bro prepaid SIM and is available in select Smart Stores nationwide.

Also available are the 12Mbps Smart Bro Rocket Plug-It, the first prepaid 4G dongle in the Philippines which is now more affordable at P2,345 and the 20Mbps Smart Bro Rocket WiFi, the country’s fastest pocket WiFi router, for only P6,495.

The Best Network
Backing up Smart’s stellar lineup of broadband offerings is the widest 4G network in the Philippines.

Together with parent company, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Smart is committed to making its wireless access infrastructure completely future-proofed by mid-2012 under the group’s P67.1 billion network transformation program.

According to PLDT and Smart Technology Group Head Rolando G. Peña, the conglomerate is investing heavily on installing fiber optic cables which will link its base stations to the core network, international gateways, and Single Radio Access Network (Single RAN) antennas for its cellsites.

“Single RAN antennas enable us to make available 4G services such as HSPA+ and LTE (Long Term Evolution) with a simple software upgrade,” said Peña. “Expanding our coverage will literally be as easy as flicking a light switch,” he said.

To purchase your very own Smart Bro Rocket Chic go to http://store.smart.com.ph or visit www.smart.com.ph/bro for more information.

About Smart
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is the Philippines' leading wireless services provider with 47.7 million subscribers on its GSM network as of end-September 2011. Smart has built a reputation for innovation, having introduced world-first wireless data services, such as Smart Money, Smart Load, Smart Padala and the Netphone. Smart also offers 3G and HSPA services. Its Smart Link service provides communications to the global maritime industry. Smart Broadband, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, offers a wireless broadband service, Smart BRO, with over 1.5 million subscribers as of end-September 2011. Smart is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Philippines' leading telecommunications carrier, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company. For more information, visit http://www.smart.com.ph.

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Windows Phone Marketplace Now Available in the Philippines!

Good news to all Windows Phone owners in the Philippines! Microsoft has just flipped the switch today and now, the Marketplace is now officially available in our country! That means we may now use our local credit cards to buy apps and games for our Windows Phones!

To be able to access the Philippine Marketplace, you need to update your phone to Windows Phone 7.5, which obviously you should have by now. Marketplace is now also available in Argentina, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Peru.

But Microsoft needs to work on a very serious (or not) issue. A lot of Windows Phone users selected different countries just to access the Marketplace, for example, I selected the US for my account. At the moment, there is no option to change it to another country, i.e. the Philippines. I hope Microsoft will consider on taking requests to change it.

Happy apping! :D

Source: Windows Phone Blog

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Samsung Launches the Galaxy Tab 7.7 in the Philippines

Samsung Philippines will finally launch the Galaxy Tab 7.7 later today at Eastwood, Quezon City! The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 was announced way back in September 2011, and is only launching this time.

The official SRP for the Galaxy Tab 7.7 is P32,990, which is a bit high in the 7-inch category. But hey, it has a very sleek metallic look, and it has a Super AMOLED display! Samsung will be offering discounts today at the event, ranging from P1,000 up to P25,000 discounts! So, what are you waiting for? You may want to drop by there now.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 Specifications and Features
7.7-inch Super AMOLED screen display with 1280x800 screen resolutio
1.4 GHz dual-core processor
3 Megapixels autofocus primary camera with LED flash, 2 Megapixels front-facing camera
16/32/64 GB internal memory which is expandable up to 32GB thru micro-SD
5100mAh of battery
49 hrs of talk time on 2G, 27 hours of tal time on 3G, 50 hrs of music playback time
GSM / EDGE - 859/900/1800/1900
HSPA+ - 850/900/1900/2100
Up to 21Mbps HSPA+ speeds
WiFi b/g/n
Bluetooth 3.0
A-GPS and GLONASS support
Gyroscope
Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS

Via: Unbox.ph

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Nokia (Symbian) Belle Appears on Navifirm! For Prototype Devices For Now

Today is February 1, isn't it? Save for some time zones, of course. But Nokia seems to have already, or is already putting up the firmwares for Nokia (Symbian) Belle for the N8 on Navifirm. The official version will be 111.030.0609. The current variant available for now is for the 0585950 product code, which seems to be for a prototype device.

Other variants for other countries should follow up immediately!

Via: Symbiantweet

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No Samsung Galaxy S III on MWC? Due in H1 2012

Samsung has just issued that the successor to it's flagship Android phone, will not be announced on MWC this February. Instead, it will be announced on a separate event later this year, on the first half of 2012 to be exact. However, Samsung is said to be "introducing and demonstrating exciting new mobile products" at MWC.

This is a good news to current Galaxy S II owners as they will have more time to enjoy their phones without thinking of it as already obsolete.

Samsung, by the way, announced a refresh to it's original Galaxy S, dubbed the Galaxy S Advance, which packs a 1 GHz dual core processor, and a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen.

"Samsung is looking forward to introducing and demonstrating exciting new mobile products at Mobile World Congress 2012. The successor to the Galaxy S II smartphone will be unveiled at a separate Samsung-hosted event in the first half of the year, closer to commercial availability of the product. Samsung stays committed to providing the best possible mobile experiences for customers around the world."

Via: The Verge

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Nokia (Symbian) Carla Appears on Nokia Developer! Will be Also Available for Older Devices?

Four bug reports mentioning the new update for Symbian devices has been spotted at Nokia Developers! The next update after Nokia (Symbian) Belle is indeed will be named Carla. Firmware version 112.010.0404, dated January 3, 2012 has been reportedly running on Nokia 701, and possibly on Nokia E6 and E7 too.

Does that mean first generation Symbian^3 devices will also receive another update after Belle? Another excitement is building up on me.

Source: Nokia Developer
Via: MyNokiaBlog

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