Hightech Hankerings

Hankering for a Phone: iPhone in the Philippines

2008-09-17T03:51:00.000-07:00

Up until recently, those who've been wanting to own an iPhone in the Philippines have been forced to buy their unit abroad, have it unlocked, and risk bricking it everytime they use it (ok, maybe a bit over exaggerating with this line, but you know what I mean). They might have the newest Apple toy on the block, but they won't have the full functionality of the fully-working official deal.

Lately however, one of the biggest networks in the country have decided to officially bring the iPhone to the Philippines. Globe has recently announced and started selling the iPhone locally. Lucky you if you happen to subscribe to one of the higher plans that globe provides, or if you intend to get a line and stick yourself with the minimum 2 years at those rates, but if you're thinking of just buying the phone outright, as a prepaid kit, and keep your old prepaid number, get ready to shell out at least Php 37,599 (for the 8 gig model) or Php 43,799 (for the 16 gig).

Hankering for a Camera: Olympus E520

2008-09-17T03:49:00.000-07:00

Woohoo!! I mentioned this model in a previous entry about the E420. And it's finally arrived. Was it worth waiting for? Well, near as I can tell, it is.

pictures from dpreview.com

Announced May 13, 2008, the E520 is Olympus' upper-entry level camera upgrade to the E510. The E520 sports similar features to its older counterpart, with nearly identical external features, even down to the measurements and weight. One of the few cosmetic differences one would notice between the two would be blue markings instead of green. Another would be a differently texutrized and finished command dial. However, one of the biggest differences between the E510 and E520 comes in a bigger 2.7 inch, 230,000 pixel LCD screen.

E510 rear (photo from dpreview)

VS

E520 rear (photo from dpreview)

While both the E510 and E520 have the sensor-shift image stabilization feature, (a feature you won't find in their compact little brothers, the E410 and E420), other improvements you'll find in the later model are...

Contrast detect autofocus (with select lenses)
Face detection in live view mode
Auto Gradation (Dynamic Range enhancement)
Faster continuous shooting speeds (3.5 vs 3.0 fps)
Wireless flash control (Up to three groups)
Additional Image Stabilization mode for panning

While most of the features that the E520 possesses would be a considerable upgrade from the E410, or even from the E420 that it came out with, if you're able to do without the above mentioned new features, you'd probably be set with the E510. But then again, who wouldn't want additional Image Stabilization for panning, or wireless flash control? :)

For a more indepth interview, please visit depreview.

cross-posting: photobu.

Hankering for a Phone: iPhone gets Better Batt life and good Glass

2007-06-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

After receiving so much criticism over the short battery life, seems like Job's people have given in and given the potential consumers what they want. The latest on the iPhone is that it's going to be able do deliver more with a better battery life.

From the promised battery capability times published before: 5 hours of talk, internet use, video viewing and 16 hours of audio playback, Apple has promised that the iPhone's capabilities have increased to 8 hours of talk, 6 hours of internet, 7 hours of video and 24 hours of music. I assume those are dedicated-task times. I don't think it could be capable of giving all of that on one charge. Anyway, they've also announced that they're genius box is capable of up to 250 hours of stand-by time. That's 10 days and 10 hours of not being touched, contacted or what so ever... I don't think any one owner of any mobile gadget could go 1 day not touching his tech, never mind 10. I guess we'll never know if it would be capable of such eh?

The other upgrade has to do with its display. What used to be plastic is now going to be optical-quality glass. Meaning the display will be more scratch resistant and hopefully be clearer.

In a statement / comment about the improvements, Steve says that it outlasts any smart phone and many MP3 players out on the market. How it will actually perform in the hands of a real owner is still up for questioning though. We'll soon find out I'm sure, seeing as the launch is 9 days a way.

To those intent on getting 1, good luck lining up. :)

source

Hankering for a Phone: AT&T fine tune its EDGE network, Apple Preps 3 Million units

2007-06-09T07:46:00.004-07:00

With the launch date looming ever so near, two companies most invested in the iPhone are making some last minute preparations.

AT&T has been busy upgrading their EDGE network for the past 6 weeks now. Scheduled to finish by the 15th of June, project "Fine Edge" involves adding T-1 connections to some of AT&T's poorest performing towers in an effort to improve the network's throughput, latency and coverage, to double their current data rate of 40kbps to the current industry minimum of 80kbps.

Apple on the other hand are busy preparing 3 million units of the iPhone. While it's been said that there will be an intentional supply shortage of the revolutionary handheld, this latest tidbit of news should be enough to put it to rest. Then again, there was also something in the news about 3 million being the maximum number of iPhones to be sold this year. Whether they'll really be able to stagger sales throughout what remains of 2007 remains to be seen.

If AT&T isn't going to be able to deliver the service that the projected 3 million potential new subscribers will need or if any of the 3 million Apple iPhones turn out to be lemons, iPhone critics are going to have a hay day, and lawyers from both companies are going to have their hands quite full.

(fine edge source)

(3 million source)

Hankering for a Phone: Motorola F3, W220 or W375

2007-06-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Ok. Not exactly the newest phones on the block, I know. Well, while these phones might not exactly be hightech, I think any of these three would afford its potential owner a bit of style with a lot of base-functionality. If you're torn between simplifying your cellular-phone experience and staying in the technologically functional world, you might consider owning one of these. I am at any rate.

Why am I blogging about them at all? Well, I'm looking for a new phone to replace my sickly 2 year old C651 that's breaking apart. I'm not really looking for the most hightech of phones (for personal security while on the road, among other reasons) and since I'm sort of on a budget, I've been looking at Motorola's lower end handhelds for options. With a budget of around 5000 pesos, I can choose from the Motorola F3 Motofone, the Motorola W375 and the W220.

Of the 3, the F3 is the cheapest. Not surprisingly so. It is the simplest of all three phones, only allowing the most basic of tasks such as SMS and calling, without storage or even color to speak of. On the plus side, it is easily the slimmest of the lot (one of the slimmest phones available on the market today), and because it does away with all the power-zapping extraneous functionality and uses a more reader and power friendly display, it boasts of an impressively long battery life. However, it is a bit too spartan for me.

I cannot look at the W220 without comparing it to the W375. Upon inspection of available information on the web as well as from available pamphlets, both seem to have more in common than just the clamshell form factor. Both carry FM radios, and, as models under the W series, were designed to come cheap. However, it seems that the W220, compared to its newer, VGA camera toting brother, the W375, carries more bang for the buck.
While the W375 might possess a camera and thus allow for picture phonebook entries, said entries are limited to just 100 contacts. The W220 on the other hand allows the user to store up to 600 phonebook entries on the phone itself. While no information is known as far as inbox capacity for the W375, available literature says that he W220 can accomodate 250 SMS, which is 215 more than what either of my current phones (a C651, and an E398) are capable of keeping.

I guess those two differences mentioned above are the swing vote for me. While having a camera phone might be fun initially, knowing that, within the budget I'm shooting for, I won't be getting anything better than VGA quality anyway grounds my phone desires closer to reality. And while the thinness of the F3 might be fashion forward, its simplicity is a bit too much, or rather too little for me.

That settles it. I'm getting a Moto W220.

This entry was more of an exercise in rationalization and shopper-guilt justification for maybe buying the phone for myself. Heaven knows if I had the money, or if someone who had money were generous enough to give me a phone condition free, I'd be asking for maybe an Apple iPhone. Haha. But for now, until either of my old phones or this new one conks out, I'm going to be a loyal Motorola-head for awhile.

Hankering for a Computer: Coffee-table-top Computer from Microsoft

2007-06-04T10:51:00.001-07:00

Who wouldn't want one of these?

The "surface computer" was designed to replace the mouse and keyboard interface with voice, pen and touch. The computer, dubbed Microsoft Surface, will have a 30-inch display under a hard-plastic tabletop, which will enable the user to manipulate objects on screen (sorta kinda like a giant iPhone, don't you think? Well, at least I think so).
Possible applications might include a more personal order-placement at restaurants and the like. Another boon to technophiles using this interface: the Microsoft Surface can interact with devices placed on its surface. Cell phone users could get access to the latest ringtones, or even change payment plans by placing their phones on in-store displays of these computers. I wonder if, just by placing, say, a digital camera on top of the display, could one be granted access to memory card contents? One could hope.

Being one of the first to own one of these Windows Vista OS-using table-tops will cost you a pretty penny, with units ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. However, Microsoft is aiming to reduce prices to a consumer-affordable range, and introduce other different shapes in the next 3 to 5 years. One wonders, however, if anyone in the Open Source world be able to come up with something like it by then. Only time will tell.

source

Hankering for a Camera: 50 Megapixels crammed in Canon CMOS Prototype

2007-06-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

Ok. No camera yet. But heck, if a camera does come out with one of these, I'd want one.

Apparently, the 50 megapixel CMOS sensor that the company is working on is meant for a large format surveillance camera for monitoring a massive and active area, such as parking lots and theme parks. It could also be used to monitor detail heavy work in factory part inspections. However, seeing as they've been able to make a 19 x 28 mm sensor prototype, the same dimensions as the sensors currently used in DSLRs, we might, one day, in the far future, see one of these babies mounted in a commercially available camera. When it does, I bet it's going to cost an arm and a leg... heck, I've got two of those. I can take pictures with just one of either, can't I?

source

Hankering for a Phone: iPhone Release slated for the 29th

2007-06-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

Yes. It's confirmed. The iPhone can be yours on the 29th of June, not the 20th as it was formerly assumed to be.

The commercial was aired on 60 minutes, and is available for viewing at the apple site. Apple iPhone owners-to-be are shaking in their shoes, sweating in their seats, and are getting ready to camp out in front of the nearest Apple store near them. No doubt the line is going to go around the block, and might even cross several pedestrian cross-walks.

It's rumored that there's going to be an iPhone stock shortage shortly after the release, not for the volume of pre-orders or the shortage of parts or anything like that though. Apparently, AT&T is going to control iPhone outflow from the source. It's supposedly standard practice when selling high-end phones.

So if you've got your heart set on owning one of these sought-after handsets on the first day, either get a-camping in front of the apple store bright and early several days in advance, or try falling in line at AT&T/Cingular outlets.

Good luck to you and anyone else attempting either though. :) if you happen to have $600 to spare, send one my way? :) I'll pay for shipping. Promise.

Hankering for a Phone: iPhone causes Anxiety in Apple Execs

2007-06-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

"The anticipation, which is intense even by Jobsian standards, has led to some quiet, behind-the-scenes anxiety at Apple. Some Apple executives worry privately that expectations for the one-button phones may be too high and that first-generation buyers will end up disappointed."

Apple execs have a right to feel anxious. They've hyped the iPhone up to a fever pitch, and now that it's release is eminent, risk of consumer disillusionment is becoming all too real. But, if they've put as much energy into the handset as they have into their ad campaigns, I doubt they'd have anything to be afraid of. Still though, seeing that it's going to be the first of its kind, consumers are bound to run into some lemons in the batch. Good luck to both consumers and producers on this one.

Hankering for a Phone: iPhone to launch on June 20!

2007-05-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

Excitement is building up for subscribers in the US as the Apple announced launch month looms ahead. Thanks to CNBC, would-be-owners have been practically whipped into a frenzy. According to CNBC, the Apple iPhone will be available for retail sale for $500 by the 20th of June! No word from Apple however if the announcement is accurate.

We'll all just have to wait and see then. Someone, anyone, feeling charitable, buy one for me eh? :)

source

Hankering for a Phone: iPhone restricted to GSM

2007-05-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

Look, look, look folks! GSM subscribers rejoice! It seems that the recently announced deal between Apple and AT&T stipulate that the much coveted, 5-years-ahead-of-its-time, do-it-all handset is going to come out with support for GSM bands only, not CDMA that other US providers (Verizon and Sprint) prefer, further enforcing the AT&T exclusivity.

While that' s bad news for US subscribers who plan on buying an iPhone and switching back to their old network, it seems that this announcement would be a boon to most Asian and international subscribers who are angling to get their hands on the phone.

If anybody is planning on visiting the US in the coming months, and say, they have enough cash to buy me one of these, I'd consider it the best birthday gift anyone could ever give. For at least the next 5 years.

Although... I wonder if it's going to be Sim-locked...

source

Hankering for a Dino-bot: UGOBE's Pleo

2007-05-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

I want this. I want, I want, I want! :) And who wouldn't want a baby Camarasaurus that can interact, express a range of emotions, learn, sneeze, and even dream? This little darling of a dino was initially announced way back when, and has seen considerable delays, price increase, as well as further development.

While Pleo might not meet any practical need... well, except the need to love... it's set to be one of the more interesting artificial life-forms ever to be created. If you want to buy one (for me?), it'll set you back around $600 and you'll have to wait in line like everyone else who've been gathering cobwebs for this baby to walk off the drawing boards and into their living-room and into their hearts.

Hankering for a Robot: Korntech's Rogun

2007-05-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

Who wouldn't want one of these? While Korntech's robot, designated Rogun isn't the first to sport face-recognition software and intruder alert capabilities, it is the first among the rest to make it to (not so mass) production. This child-friendly 1 meter high robot is available for a built to order value of $100,000. Expensive? Heck yeah. Korntech aims to sell this baby for just $5000 eventually, but until then, being one of the first to own one these little guys is going to cost you quite a hefty sum.

Why buy one of these? Well, aside from the novelty of such a thing, there's the fact that it can and does interact with others using embedded cameras and face-tracking software. It also functions as a security guard, calling its owner on their mobile if there are strangers visiting the empty house at night, or streaming live video of naughty children from to their cell phone.

While I'd love to own one of these, maybe in the future when they sell for $5000, if anyone did come breaking and entering with the intent to steal, I'm pretty sure they'd take this little security guard with them on the way out. I mean, who wouldn't want to?

Wouldn't it be cool though if it actually came with a stun gun to use when it's in security guard mode? It does have "gun" in its name after all. Rogun with stun gun. No danger stunning family members since you've got face-recognition tech built in. Hmmmmmmmm. Maybe someone should suggest it.

Hankering for a Camera: Olympus E510

2007-05-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

I want a dSLR. And not just any dSLR... well, ok, I'd settle for any, but if I had the means, I'd probably go for the Oly EVOLT 510. Why?
Well, aside from the digital dedicated 4/3 format which allows for smaller and lighter lenses that gather more light than those made for 35mm, there's the 10 megapixel Live-MOS imaging sensor, enabling the user to compose pictures with the 2.5 inch hypercrystal LCD (which in itself allows a viewing angle of up to 170 degrees without shadow or glare) in Live View mode, not something that most dSLRs are able to do. It also utilizes two storage mediums: CF and XD memory cards, allowing the user more storage options than your usual dSLR. Like other Oly EVOLT dSLRs, it possesses a Supersonic Wave Filter for sensor dust protection, allowing the user to change lenses in almost any field condition. It also features an in-body image stabilizer, meaning that, since it's part of the body itself, image stabilization with this camera can be used with any lens.

Honestly, I haven't got much in the way of experience with dSLRs. If I do get to have though, I'd want to have one of these. :D According to www.olympusamerica.com, it retails for about $999.99 with two lenses: 14-42mm and a 40-150mm! Wow. Anyone need a liver? I'm kidding.

Hankering for a Phone: iPhone gets FCC OK!

2007-05-18T01:24:00.000-07:00

I, along with the rest of the world, looks eagerly back and forth, from and to Apple and the calendar, awaiting the iPhone's release. Who wouldn't want one of these? It's an iPod video plus phone plus camera plus PDA plus almost anything... well, not almost anything. What Apple promises to deliver is a handset with software that is 5 years ahead of any other competing cellphone on the market. Just recently, that promise has come one step closer to fruition.

The good folks at the FCC have recently given the thumbs-up to Apple's iPhone, which I don't think anyone doubted would happen, helping its entry into the US market. While available documents from the FCC revealing nothing more about the phone that what is known, we really don't need the FCC to tell us anything we haven't already found out from other sources, or things we've already dreamed about that the iPhone can do... like fly...

While I doubt we're going to see any real iPhones carried locally in Asia any time soon (a rare thing for new mobile phone releases), I'm sure those who really want it will find a way to get it. For my part, I'm sure I could live without this phone for the time being. At least up until every other company develops software that comes at par to what Apple promises... that'll be in approximately 5 years. Til then, I'll just have to content myself to staring at pictures of it, and watching videos about it. If someone gave me one though, then that would be a completely different story! :)

Welcome to Hightech Hankerings!

2007-05-17T23:06:00.000-07:00

As the name implies, this blog is going to contain items that one might, that I happen to, yearn for. Mostly, advances in technology and other items that I know I could live without (if I had to) but would mostly want to own if I had the money. We all have those right? Could be a digital camera, a new car, a computer, a watch.
While this blog doesn't really aim to accomplish much as far as anything revolutionary, one could take it as a very elaborate wish list (hint hint). So those who have the capacity to grant any of these wishes and if you feel the desire to make someone happy, you could start with not so little old me! Haha. Good luck to me.