Showing posts with label mobile. Show all posts

OPPO Announces the Find 7, World First's 5.5-inch 2K Display Phone

Pretty girls with pretty phones

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7, 2014 – OPPO Electronics Corp. today announced the Malaysian debut of its flagship phone of the Find series, the Find 7 – the first 4G/LTE device from OPPO that also supports Quad HD resolution. The phone made its global entry to the market back in March in Beijing. 

The OPPO Find 7

     Succeeding the award-winning Find 5, the Find 7 was intently crafted with the user in mind whilst raising the bar on innovation in mobile technology. The OPPO Find 7 opens up a new world of resolution with its introduction of a 5.5-inch Quad HD display featuring Touch-on-Lens technology. The Touch-on-Lens technology paired with Gorilla Glass 3 makes the Find 7 screen not only tough, but sees a 40% improvement in strength.

A sample image from the UHD camera mode


     The phone also comes equipped with the Pure Image 2.0, a hardware and software photography solution that enhances images taken by the 13-megapixel camera to 50-megapixel images. This “Ultra-HD” mode accomplishes this by taking ten photos at the back end with just one press of a button, and then combines the photos to create images perfect for high quality prints. Pure Image on the OPPO Find 7 includes six physical lenses, the latest Sony Stacked CMOS IMX214 sensor and f/2.0 wide aperture, ensuring crisp images every time. 

     Built around a solid titanium-aluminium alloy frame, the Find 7 houses some of the most modern technologies. One such innovation is the newly developed VOOC fast charging technology that easily shortens charging time, boosting the phone’s battery life to 75% within 30 minutes. This rapid charging technology also has a safety feature made up of five layers of thermal protective coating that prevents overheating while charging.

     Adding to the entire experience is the Technical GRAMMY Award winning MaxxAudio’s enhancement suite that greatly increases the dynamic range and frequency of the Find 7, providing crisp, high-quality sound for your listening pleasure.

     “Having just launched the brand in Malaysia back in February, we are very excited to introduce one of the most technologically-advanced phones in our range, the Find 7. Continuing the tradition of quality design and craftsmanship in the Find series, the Find 7 utilizes top of the line technologies that aims to enhance the smartphone experience for all our customers,” commented William Fang, OPPO Electronics Chief Executive Officer.

     The Find 7a is officially available at all outlets at price of RM 1,598 while Find 7 will be selling at price of RM 1,998 and will be available in Malaysia nationwide end of June.
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Are you willing to switch to a smartwatch?


    With the recent announcement of Android Wear, the official Android flavour for wearable devices alongside the pioneers which will be among the first to utilize the OS, more notably Motorola's Moto360, it got me thinking: "How many people will actually take the leap?"

The Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887
     Well for myself, I bought one of those fancy swiss watches, to be specific, a Tag Heuer, the swiss watch for hipsters apparently. The Moto360 is expected to arrive at a price as high of $400 which costs about a sixth of a watch with Tag Heuer branding. I expect if Malaysia ever gets to see the Moto360 officially launch over here, it will come slapped with a price tag of about MYR 1599 which is still pretty reasonable for an early adopter I suppose.

The elegant looking Moto360
     However, am I jumping the gun? Comparing a smartwatch to a swiss watch, that's like comparing apples to oranges some might say. Let's see why people buy swiss watches, other than the number one reason which is snob appeal, the other reason would definitely be the elegant design of said timepieces; which brings us to one of the problems that people have with previous smartwatches, the design. Some say the design of previous smartwatches looked like it was meant for nerds only, which I wholeheartedly agree. The lack of appeal to the masses have resulted in a slow adoption rate of the product line. The original Pebble, while being an innovator, to be honest, resembled those hippy kid watches, like ODM watches, which I hate to admit, at some point in time owned one too.
The first generation Pebble
vs
ODM, close enough?
     Things seem to be changing for the better, seeing how the initial renders of the Moto360 are, I'm pretty confident that they have finally nailed the design aspect in order to appeal to the general public. They are using sapphire glass too, which is the same material that they use for swiss watches. With sapphire glass, the watch face will definitely look crisp clear; which brings us into another point that we should consider, the display and the battery life of such a device.

A smartwatch that actually is a watch when it's needed
     Wearing my current watch, I can check the time no matter the condition, pitch black or blaring bright. If you have used your smartphone under the sun, it is a common problem that most have difficulty seeing what is actually being displayed. Okay, let's say the upcoming smartwatches have a display that can counter this problem, how about the battery life of such devices. With a digital display that is constantly on, one would figure that the battery will probably go dry in a day or so. Compared to an automatic watch that runs on the sole action of wearing it, the smartwatch seems quite troublesome if one has to charge it everyday. Of course, the added features the smartwatch will have is to be considered too, so what I ask of is a battery life of 2 or 3 days and I will be sold on this idea.
Something the typical swiss watch can't do
     Am I excited about the idea of premium looking smartwatches that are actually meant for serious people? Definitely. Am I going to get one as soon as it's available? Not necessarily. With the arguments I presented atop, how do you feel about the emergence of smartwatches? Are you willing to stop wearing the swiss watch that you invested so much in? Do leave your thoughts below.
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kenysl.com @ ALCATEL ONETOUCH IDOL X+ / IDOL ALPHA Launch Event

the setting in Skyroom, Federal Kuala Lumpur
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ALCATEL ONETOUCH launches IDOL X+ in Malaysia


KUALA LUMPUR, March 21, 2014 – ALCATEL ONETOUCH has just unveiled the IDOL X+ today with the intent to bring life-like realism to content by featuring matching design along with superb performance.

Building on the global success of the IDOL range, the IDOL X+ combines a 5" FHD 441 ppi display and a 13.1MP camera capable of 1080p recording with an Octa Core 2GHz processor and 2GB RAM, all in an ultra-trim handset that is just 7.9mm thin. Built with content in mind, the IDOL X+ brings vibrant colours to pictures and videos. It is finely-tuned to unleash the full power of the Octa Core processor for smooth web browsing, immersive gameplay and compelling 3D graphics but is also frugal when it comes to power consumption. The new processor increase battery efficiency, which demonstrates a 18% reduce in power consumption compared to a Quad Core chip when decoding 1080p video. It also includes smart performance tweaks like allocating each web page tab to a different CPU core to achieve smooth but fast browsing.


Despite packing a lot of punch under the hood, the exterior of the IDOL X+ stays true to its roots; keeping the slim and sleek styling of the IDOL series. The IDOL X+ takes styling and choice to the next level with its unique IML spin effect and the brushed metal metallic frame.

The almost borderless, 2.4mm edge to edge design enables immersion by allowing pictures and videos to fill the entire space. Added also is the market-leading FHD IPS display that has a viewing angle of more than 170 degrees, which makes the IDOL X+ the perfect device to show off pictures and videos to friends and family.

The perfectly designed side speakers produce louder and higher quality sound, supporting SACD's 24bit/192KHz playback which is 4 times better than CD. The IDOL X+ also retails with specialized JBL earphones, allowing users to listen to music as it is intended.

For a limited time only, Malaysian retail packages of the IDOL X+ is also bundled with a Bluetooth-enabled wristband fitness tracker dubbed the BOOMBand. BOOMBand utilizes an LED system to pass on notifications from the IDOL X+ via a companion app. The tracker monitors movement and sleep, in addition to warning users if it loses contact with the phone.
Alongside the IDOL X+, ALCATEL ONETOUCH has also launched the IDOL ALPHA. ALCATEL ONETOUCH’s design has taken a new direction, with the addition of exciting curves. You will be attracted from the first glance of the device with its unique and sleek design which stands out from the market. It mixes metal case, curves and translucent edges to create a device out of current categories. This innovative design is ideal for both business and casual use. Its unique design and great performance of Quad Core 1.2 GHz simply attract everyone's eyes.

IDOL ALPHA takes creativity to a new level with translucent edges, which illuminate in various modes such as charging, video, notifications, and more to give a smarter experience.

Finely set in an aluminum metal frame with a 7.5mm thin body and a distinctive finish. The 4.7” edge-to-edge HD IPS screen delivers the extraordinary floating lens idea and it is one of the kind.

The IDOL ALPHA shows the evolution of the IDOL family; taking creativity and design in a new and unexpected direction.

The IDOL X+ is retailed at MYR 1,299 while the IDOL ALPHA is retailed at MYR 1,099 and both will be available exclusively at ALCATEL ONETOUCH roadshow at Low Yat Plaza Concourse which goes on until March 23, 2014; thereafter available nationwide.

IDOL X+ 
·         5” Full HD IPS display
·         Octa Core 2 GHz, 2GB RAM
·         13.1 Mpxl Full HD main camera
·         2 Mpxl 1080p front camera
·         Hi-Fi sound with JBL™ earphones
·         HD video
·         7.9mm thin
·         2500mAh

BOOMBand
·         Connect easily via Bluetooth 4.0
·         Vibrate rapidly when user is away from phone
·         Automatic steps and calories calculation
·         Tracks hours slept and record
·         Gentle vibrating morning alarm
IDOL ALPHA
·         4.7” HD IPS display
·         Quad Core 1.2 GHz, 1GB RAM
·         13.1 Mpxl main camera
·         1.3 Mpxl 720p HD front camera
·         Multi-touch 10 points
·         42 Mbps Downlink
·         7.5mm slim design with metal frame
·         Revolutionary translucent structure with lighting
·         HD edge-to-edge display with floating lens
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LG G Pro 2 - Ken's Phone Lookout


     So we finally got to see what LG had installed for us for the phablet section of the mobile market; and without disappointment, we are presented with the LG G Pro 2, a 5.9" 1080p phablet. Full specs down below.
The LG G Pro 2 packs Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC with 2.26GHz quad-core CPU and 3GB of RAM. There are 16 or 32GB of built-in memory, which can be further expanded via microSD card slot. Connectivity options include LTE-A, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, SlimPort, and microUSB port.
The 13MP camera of the LG G Pro 2 features enhanced optical image stabilization (OIS+) and the option to adjust the focus of a photo after its capture. Video recording capabilities include 4K UHD and 720p @ 120 fps. The front-facing camera is a 2.1MP unit
      If you are following me on other social media platforms, you would know that I'm getting pretty bored of what's coming out from MWC 2014 and this is one of the few new devices that got my attention. In my previous posts, I'm looking for a nice big device to replace my kinda worn out HTC One X, but you might say the previous devices I have mentioned are all >7". Well, I'm willing to make the sacrifice and go with a phablet instead. Then you would ask why don't I just go get a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 right this moment. As much as I love the S-Pen, I am still a tinker at the end of the day, meaning I would switch to AOSP ROMs at some point in time, and the S-Pen would be rendered useless by then.

     Well, the LG G Pro 2's software features/implementation is not that tedious compared to other skins. Certainly the settings menu color scheme would bug me, but with Google progressively releasing Android default apps, there might still be some hope, so one would only have to deal with the skinned settings menu and I'm willing to deal with that. Another awesome feature I look forward to is the knock code, check out the video below.


     So, what did your sharp eyes notice? Yes, it's a combination of the "knock knock" to wake plus a lockscreen passcode at the same time. Awesomesauce.

psst, LG send one to me please
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Huawei MediaPad X1 - Ken's Phone Lookout

     I would assume that you've been keeping your eye on the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2014 happening at Barcelona right this instance. Huawei, a Chinese phone manufacturer has unveiled to the world the newest addition to its tablet line-up; the MediaPad X1.

     One of the highlights of this tablet is its form factor, having beat the current head honcho of tablets, the Nexus 7, the MediaPad X1 weighs in at only 239 grams, at a width of 103.9mm and only 7.18mm thick. Huawei claims that the MediaPad X1 is the lightest and thinnest in its class, and boy, Huawei has never been so god damn right.

     Even though being the lightweight fighter, the MediaPad X1 still packs a decent punch with a 1.6GHz quad core HiSilicon Kirin 910 and is backed with a 5000maH battery. The tablet supports LTE connectivity so one would be able to makes call from this "phablet". The MediaPad X1 also sports a 1920x1200 resolution in it's 7" IPS touchscreen which calculates down to 323ppi, which I consider to be more than enough pixels. The MediaPad X1 is also built using aluminium, which makes the lightness of this tablet even astonishing as it is. The camera it houses at its back is 13MP while the front is 5MP.

     I'm pretty excited about this tablet which would be coming out by March 2014. I have been in the market looking for a device to replace my HTC One X and a month ago, I have decided on the Samsung Note Pro 12.2; but with the recent announcement that the Samsung Note Pro 12.2 would retail at RM2999 in Malaysia, the search continues on. The MediaPad X1 might be a suitable candidate for my tastes too. Can't wait to get my hands on this fabulous tablet.
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kenysl.com @ OPPO N1 Launch Event


     As I have mentioned in the post a week ago, I was invited to attend the OPPO N1 Launch event happening at 18th February, KLCC.
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OPPO Debuts in Malaysia - Launches flagship N1 smart phone and three other smartphone models


KUALA LUMPUR, February 18, 2014 – OPPO Electronics Corp, an international manufacturer
of  smartphones  is making its debut in Malaysia with the launch of its flagship Android handset,
the OPPO N1.

OPPO is a globally registered technology brand that has carved a significant presence in North
America  and  Asia.  Having entered the mobile market  in 2008, OPPO Electronics now boasts a
network of offices in several countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, India and Mexico.
The  company  also  has  an  office  in  the  United  States,  where  it  markets  its  blu-ray  range  of
products.

“Malaysia is an exciting market for us. The people here are technology savvy and are constantly looking  for  compelling  designs  and  advanced  capabilities  for  their  mobile  applications.  We believe OPPO is the right match as our main  focus is meeting our customers' needs.  We are a young and innovative company that develops devices to give each user a unique experience without sacrificing simplicity. What makes us different is that from the very beginning, we vowed never to become a regular brand,” said William Fang, OPPO Electronics Chief Executive Officer. 

On  the  OPPO  N1,  he  said  more  than  1,500  engineers  were  involved  in  the  research  and
development  process  to  create  the  cutting-edge  smartphone.  The  company's  engineers
produced  200  patent  applications  every  month  for  technology  innovations,  placing  OPPO
among the 10 most productive companies in terms of technology innovations.

“Typically, we would require a research period of 9-12 months to manufacture a smartphone but for the N1 we invested 18 months in R&D. We manufactured some parts of the phone in-house, and the units underwent several tests including temperature, humidity, and weather conditions before they were ready for the shelves,” explained Product Manager, Haifeng Wang. 

OPPO N1, the star of the N series features a 5.9-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 600, 2GB of
RAM, 16GB of storage, and the signature swiveling 13MP camera. The biggest highlight of the
OPPO N1 is its camera, which can rotate up to 206 degrees and can lock at any angle.

“The key is customers no longer have to choose between taking a selfie with a lower quality
front camera or with the higher quality back camera but shooting blind. Now, all we need to do is just swivel it around and get the shot we want with the same camera”,  beamed Brand Manager, Lu Chen.

The O-touch panel on the backside of the N1 can switch on the picture mode without touching
the screen, and take pictures with it.. It also offers a keychain-friendly O-Click remote that caters
for off-device operation and control, including remote camera operation. It connects wirelessly to  the smartphone via Bluetooth, and it is set on an alarm sound connection on the phone and OClick to help locate a misplaced N1 or O-Click. The N1 is priced at RM1798.

The OPPO N1 also has the distinction of being the  first to  come with Color OS,  and it has over
400 unique design improvements and 37 unique patents in the OS for highly improved usability
and artistic look. The Color OS‟ unique features allow customers to draw on the screen with
one finger, turn on the  phone, camera, or any other applications easily.  The Color OS can  be
activated with a simple touch of a finger and it can recognize gestures.

“For instance,  with  one finger  you  can turn on the phone/flash,  two fingers  to control volume, and  three fingers  to screen shoot. With  more than three  fingers, you can turn on the  camera, and this is called the N1‟s multi-finger gesture,” added Haifeng Wang.

Simultaneously, the company is also introducing the Find 5 Mini, the R1 and the OPPO Neo. All
three phones have distinct features and benefits targeted at different customer segments.



The  OPPO  Find  5  Mini  comes  with  a  4.7-inch  screen  with  a  960  x  540p  resolution,  1.3GHz
quad-core  processor,  1GB  RAM  and  4GB  ROM.  It  has  a  2000mAh  battery  packed  inside  a
7.75mm  thick  body.  The  phone  features  an  8  mega-pixel  f/2.0  rear  camera,  along  with  a  2
mega-pixel front. The device gets OPPO‟s take on Android, i.e., Color OS which is based on
Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

With admirable specifications, the OPPO R1 offers a 5-inch IPS display boasting a resolution of
1280 x 720 pixels with a 1.3GHz quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM. The handset is 142.7 x
70.4 x 7.1mm in size and weighs only 140 grams. The Oppo R1 also has an 8MP camera on
the  rear  with  f2.0  aperture  as  well  as  a  5MP  front-facing  camera  for  video  calls.  Other  key
OPPO  R1  specifications  include  16GB  internal  storage,  WiFi,  Bluetooth,  TD-SCDMA/GSM,
Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

Targeted at the low-end market, the OPPO Neo has a 4.5 inch screen size with IPS display 854
x  480 pixel resolution. It is powered by dual-core 1.3GHz processor and sports with 512MB of
RAM. The phone is coupled with 5 megapixel rear camera and 2 megapixel front facing camera,
and runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean with Color OS user interface and a Quick reach gesture to
operate  the  phone.  OPPO  Neo  also  has  dual-SIM  dual  standby  and  has  1,900  mAh  battery
capacity in 132 x 65.8 x 9.2mm body dimension, and weighs in at 130g.

With the launch of four mobile phones, William Fang  said that OPPO, which means  „friend‟ or
„companion‟   hopes  to  become  good  friends  with  the  over  42  million  mobile  subscribers  in
Malaysia, who make-up 143% of the mobile penetration rate in the country.
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The Waiting Game

     Have you ever been in a waiting game with that crush of yours? Fright not! I'm here to..... Hold on a second, this is a tech blog, ain't nobody wanna read about relationship advice on here (Ken is not qualified for such advice). So, what waiting game am I talking about? Of course, with MWC 2014 right around the corner, it has got to be something that is related to mobile technology!
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