Watch this video:

img src=”http://techiegadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/samsung-note-2.jpg” alt=”" title=”samsung note 2″ width=”550″ height=”413″ class=”alignleft size-full wp-image-3643″ />

When Samsung announced the release of the Samsung’s new GT-N7000 Galaxy Note , I thought it was the same old tablet in the market. See my iPad is one gadget that I barely use on a daily basis. Sure, I use it as a backup for multiple tasks. Then I tried out the Samsung Note last week and I have never been so excited. Take note I am in my prime time where my visually challenges makes me more selective on my gadgets. The features in the Samsung note are not present in the iPhone or smartphones in the market. It really depends on your needs. Compare the APPLE iPhone 4S VS SAMSUNG GALAXY Note.

1. Samsung Galaxy with its huge 5.3″ Super AMOLDED display is desirable feature to me. I like my smartphones with a large display because it is easier on my eyes.

2. I love the multi-input experience with the advanced pen-input technology, called the S Pen, together with GALAXY Note’s full touch screen. S Pen lets me draw, write notes and crop any captured screen . My scribble converts to a text file. I need to adjust my penmanship though since the way I capitalize is not recognizable. (Watch the video)

I really want to scribble more than type words just like in the good old days. Sometimes I feel my fingers are not used to writing anymore.

The handwriting recognition allows ideas to be freely captured and shared with other devices without the need to perform any additional digitization. The handwritten text is accurately converted into digital characters.

3. One of the best features is the ability to tap and hold to capture an instant screen capture, which you can open up in an image editor. There you can mark up the grab, circling elements, signing documents, doodle, scribble, and highlight. You can send this to social media sites or via email addresses or save it on the Note.

4. Support for 21Mbps HSPA+ (850, 900, 1900, 2100Mhz), LTE, EDGE and GPRS (850, 900, 1800, 1900MHz) makes it a super fast mobile phone.

Using it as a mobile phone is not too bad. Some say it is too large as a mobile phone but holding it as a phone is comfortable enough for me. It reminds me of the large handsets in the mid 1990 but this time it is lighter and thinner. I have a bit of a hearing problem and I like that the Note’s speaker is LOUD.

5. Attractive features

Aside from the 8 MP, 3264×2448 pixels, autofocus, LED flash camera, the self-photo with a timer makes it even more appealing to me.

The voice talk is also a cool feature for times I don’t need to manually send SMS. I sent an SMS to my husband using the voice talk and it appended “hey love”, without even uttering those words.

Confused whether this is a phone or a tablet? Well I just love this tablet-cum-smartphone and might very well be the very first tablet-cum-smartphone in the market!

I will review more as I get to fiddle with the other features. Endadget offers a comprehensive review complete with videos if you care to read more on the hardware and software.

The suggested retail price is P35,990 but it comes Free with a Smart Postpaid Plan 2000.

I bought my Samsung Note at Digital Walker in Eastwood using my credit card because I wanted a Zero Plan . The Credit card price is 35,990 pesos and it is the same price as the straight credit card purchase. Their cash price is around 34,000 pesos .

Both cash and credit card purchase come with their Urban Ears headphones worth 1,980 pesos. The purchase also comes with a Flip Cover.

Carlo from Unbox.ph says the cash price is around 33,500 pesos from Digital Walker (he must have gotten a 500 peso discount because I saw the listed cash price as 34,000 pesos). Anyway, it is great to get the Samsung Note from licensed distributors. He explains:

One of the benefits of buying from a licensed distributor of the Samsung Galaxy Note is that you get the official Flip Cover for free. This freebie pretty much equalizes the price gap. For example if you try to get the Samsung Galaxy Note with Samsung Warranty from online sellers you can get it for as low as Php31,000. Digital Walker sells it for around Php33,500 if you’ll buy in cash but you get the free Flip Cover. If you peg the price of the cover at Php1,500 then it’s actually just more expensive by Php1,000 which is okay for me since I get peace of mind.

Read Carlo’s Samsung Galaxy Note review and Samsung Galaxy Note Review – once you supersize can you go back…?*

You also get this cute pair of headphones.

It’s official.

Click here at this link iphone4s.globe.com.ph/iphone4sApplication to reserve your iPhone 4s. There is an option for a black or white model and a 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacity and if one wil renew old contract or get a new application.

Well, I applied for a white iPhone 4s with my old contract.

After filling up the form, I received an email confirmation.

This confirms that we’ve received your interest to avail of the new iPhone 4S. Your transaction ID is _____. This is just the first stage of the reservation process.This is just the first stage of the reservation process. Be sure to keep this number, as you’ll be needing it to complete your reservation in the coming weeks. We’ll let you know via SMS and email the status of your request and when reservations are open. All further communication will be via email and SMS as well.

Meanwhile, you can learn more about the newest iPhone 4S by visiting www.apple.com.
Now, you’re on your way to being one of the very first owners of the new iPhone 4S!
Thank you.

I knew that the iOS5 software had 200 new features but one that stands out is iMessage. I finally got to try it out first as group chat message.

What is iMessage?

iMessage allows you to communicate between the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad for free. With iMessage on iOS 5 you are free to chat with pictures, videos, maps, and contacts. iMessaging allows you to contact any iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad user that currently is running on iOS 5.

The iOS 5 software in one phone can detect it in another. So if a text message is sent from one individual with the update to another individual with the update, Apple will recognize that feature and the text will be sent as an iMessage.

How does it work?

First of all, iMessage should be turned ON in settings (Settings>Messages) . It is ON by default.

For iPhones, your phone number is registered in the system, while an email associated with an Apple ID is connected for all iOS hardware. You can later add other email addresses.

“Start a message to someone whose phone number or email address is registered in iOS 5, and Message switches the color of the text balloons from green to blue, and displays “iMessage” in grayed-out type in the field in which you tap in text. (see image above)

IMessage works across carriers and international borders, and is free. When a message is received, Messages shows the word “Delivered” in small type under the corresponding blue balloon. An iOS 5 user can configure Messages to also show when a message is read, but you may find you’re giving away too much information to the sender. (Apple turns that option off by default.)”

This is a sample of a group message chat sent by Jane U from her iPad. She sent this message using my Apple ID email address.

With iMessage, the sent messages are blue instead of green. Received messages are still white.

The highlight of this feature is how seamlessly integrated it is into the usual texting interface. “In other words, the user doesn’t have to change the way they send text messages to use iMessage and save on SMS costs,” says Darren Quick of Gizmodo.

Here is a another screen cap of iMessage sent from an Ipod 4th generation

Watch this video for a sample

The Apple website provide more information:

1. Exchange words. Or photos. Or videos.

If you have more than one iOS device, iMessage keeps the conversation going across all of them. And you can text and send photos and videos via MMS to other mobile phones over 3G. Even ask Siri to text for you. Just say “Tell Peter I’m on my way” and Siri writes your message and fires it off.

2. Text one, Text all

Send a message to one person or to many friends at once — along with photos, videos, or links you like. When someone replies, everyone sees it. With iMessage, as soon as your message appears on a friend’s iOS device, you’ll get a delivery receipt letting you know it went through. You can enable read receipts for a visual “copy that.” And see when someone is in the middle of typing out a reply. iMessages are securely encrypted, so it’s just between friends.

Can you imagine the savings? Wouldn’t that be great if all of your friends use Apple iOS 5?

The highly-anticipated and overhyped iPhone 5 ended up disappointing a number of people who were hoping for a new incarnation of the iPhone. Instead of unveiling a new iPhone, the big Apple event on October 4 ended up revealing a device that’s pretty much the iPhone 4 but better. Called the iPhone 4S, it’s just as sleek-looking as its predecessor and comes with the same crystal clear retina display. But that’s where the similarity ends. The iPhone 4s packs a bunch of exciting new features, such as:

Dual core A5 chip

The iPhone 4S is powered by a a dual core A5 chip, which delivers twice the power and faster graphics. The device is said to be considerably more responsive, which makes a world of difference when you launch apps, play games, and multitask. The A5 chip is also very energy-efficient, which means the iPhone 4S has amazing battery life. It hasn’t been tested yet, but Apple claims that it can provide over 6 hours of 3G browsing, 8 hours of voice calls over 3G, 40 hours of music playback, and 10 hours of video playback.

8-megapixel camera

The iPhone 4S has an 8-megapixel camera equipped with an f/2.4 aperture lens, autofocus, flash, and a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor that delivers improved low light performance. It’s not a camera-killer by any means, but it does deliver brighter colors, sharper details, and improved face detection. The 8-megapixel camera also allows for HD video shooting in stunning 1080p.

iOS 5

The iPhone 4S comes with the full features of iOS 5.

Siri

Perhaps the most interesting feature of the iPhone 4S is the voice assistant Siri, an AI designed to follow voice commands and deliver information you demand from it. You can ask questions like, “Where is the nearest Thai restaurant?” and pulls up the right apps that will find you the answer in an instant. Like a real assistant, Siri will answer phone calls, set reminds, schedule meetings, and more.

What do you think of the new iPhone 4S? Are the new features intriguing enough, or are you satisfied with your current model?

Photo credit

The most anticipated smartphone of the year finally has an official unveiling date! Apple will be holding a media event on October 4 (that’s October 5 Philippine time), and it will be hosted by Apple’s CEO Tim Cook. During this exciting occasion, he will make his first big product introduction – the iPhone 5. It is rumored that the iPhone 5 will be available in stores several weeks after the announcement, putting its launch date near the end of October and just in time for the holidays. The burning question on many people’s mind is if Apple founder Steve Jobs will attend the event, but we can only speculate about his presence until the event itself starts.

My trusty old APC mobile power pack died on me during my last day in Australia. Good thing it conked out on the last day because I used it a lot to power my iPhone. It was bound to die since I have been using this for over a year now. The battery life of iPhone drops drastically when using the internet and firing a lot of apps. So I asked Longbeard , my reliable supplier of gadgets, if he had some sort of mobile power pack. Of course he had a similar product and pointed me to his sulit.ph site : a Power bank external usb power station 5000mah which costs 1,800 pesos. I ordered it along with the ZTE MF 60 USB modem. (Yes I pay for all my gadgets! I needed to say that because of the many questions about my gadgets. )

The packaging is actually labelled as a Power Bank for iPad/iPhone on the top and below says “external battery for iPad”. Something missing with the description. Anyway, the gadget is made in China with a “popo” brand on the top. The USB power pack is quite compatible to many mobile gadgets aside from the iPhone. It can also power the PSP and mp3/mp4 players or any digital device that can be charged via USB port. There are 8 mobile phone connectors too.

Photo via longbeard.sulit.ph

I don’t think I will need all of these connectors so I will just put it aside in case someone may need to charge their mobile phones. I was eager to test it and began charging the unit. The pack does not come with a USB charger though. While the Power station is being charged , blue LED’s will flash and once fully charged, all LEDs will all light up.

One has to power on (all LED lighted) the Power station to connect to the iPhone or other digital device using the USB cable. The 3 LED indicate Power station batter power level.

1 LED light means less than 30% battery power
2 LED lights mean 30-70% power
3 LED lights mean 70-100%

I charged my iphone till 100% and the 3 LED lights are still lit..

It looks like this portable USB power station will be a handy companion for my mobile needs for the next year or so.

Detailed descripton

input:5.0v, 1a(max)

Output: USB1 5.3v,500Ma, USB2 5.1V,1.5A(max)

can charge Apple ipad

Cell: lithium polymer

Capacity: 5000mAh

Size: 110x71x16mm

Weight: 160g

Charge state: 3LED display

Applications: Mobile phone,Mp3/Mp4,PAD,PSP,iphone,and Ipad.

Feature:

Wide compatible

Double Usb output

Powerful with long operation time

Portable and convenient

Hight difficiency of power conversion

Electricity-saving function

User friendly,long cycle life,rapid charge

Package include:

1 X power station
1 X USB cable
1 X user manual
8 X mobile phone connectors

My good friend and TV 5 multi-media head Carlo Ople excitedly shared the good news that TV5 released a new iOS app called InterAksyon. It is TV 5 news app that is totally free. I knew all about this app a few months back when TV 5 launched their Interkasyon in Global City.

I immediately fired up my iphone App Store and typed “interaksyon” to download the app. The first impression is wow “red”, matching the color scheme of TV 5 website. I dare say it is the best free app released by Philippine media.

Here are the top features:

1. RSS feed from InterAksyon.com (TV5 News site) – easy to share via SMS, e-mail, and save for offline reading

2. Launcher for Metro Manila Traffic Navigator

3. Live Stream of Radyo5, 92.3 NewsFM

4. Social Stream of TV5 reporters and anchors

The Interaksyon app is pretty and intuitive. Among the features, I find the Metro Manila traffic navigator so useful. When I am stuck in traffic, I tweet my location straight from the navigator. It takes the stress away since I am busy playing with the app. The radio is something I will need if I need to listen to the radio when I am off to my vacation. It is always good to keep in touch with current events as I jog around.

TV5 is planning to build more features as the days go by. The app is only available for Apple iPhone and iPad. There are plans for the Android and BlackBerry app versions as well.

The download links are here:

Philippine App Store Download link
US App store Download link

Go get “interaksyon” now.

The wait will finally be over soon enough! The OS X Lion will be available for download at the App store sometime today for just $29.99. Apple was being vague about what time the Lion update will be made available, but you can probably expect to see it in the App store by 8 or 9 EST. The OS X Lion will also be available at Apple Stores.

The OS X Lion update is kind of a big deal because it’ll be introducing 250 new features, such as new Multi-Touch gestures, Mission Control, system-wide support for full screen apps, a built-in Mac App Store onto the OS, Launchpad for your apps, and a redesigned Mail app. Make sure you have the latest Snow Lion update so you can download the OS X Lion from the store!

Apple users can now store two lifetimes worth of memories on the new Time Capsules, which was just released on the Apple Store. The Time Capsules now offer up to 3TB of storage, and a 2TB option if you don’t have that many files and media to store. The 3TB Time Capsule is priced at $499, while the 2TB model sells at $299, the same price the 1TB model had before. The old 1TB model can be bought for $209. Learn more at http://store.apple.com.

If you’ve been dying to get your hands on an iPhone 4 but dislike the idea of getting a Globe line, it’s time to start asking relatives in the US to get you one. iPhone users in the US don’t need to be stuck with a contract and hefty termination fees! Apple just started selling unlocked iPhone 4 units at US stores and through the online Apple stores. The phones are priced at $649 for 16GB units and $749 for the 32GB units. White units will ship in 3-5 business days, while the black iPhone 4s will be at your doorstep in 1-3 business days. Unlike the locked iPhone 4 units, these don’t come with a micro-SIM card, so all you have to do is acquire one from any GSM carrier worldwide and you’re good to go!

Check out the unlocked iPhone 4 units at store.apple.com.

Photo credit