Last Saturday, we had another show and we have just had a lot of very interesting topics this week. This week we talked about Blackberry 10, DTC TV Phones, Some small news like the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini, the rumored LG Nexus Phone, Nexus 7 upgrade rumors and of course the iPad Mini. Oh and I almost forgot to tell you guys, Mr. Alan Wong with Rafael Oca are live at the Blackberry Jam Hackathon and they just showed us the Blackberry 10 which is expected to be release early next year. He just showed a Blackberry 10 device and showed some of the nifty features that can be found on the BB10 OS. Mr. NFC also invited some guys at the hackathon and we asked them about the apps they made. After that, I showed some of DTC Mobile TV phones that I’ll be raffling out soon (hurray to that!). So why don’t you just check out the #BigTimeShow and the podcast links after the break?
So that’s it for this week. Be sure to check out our previous episodes at Youtube and subscribe to The Technoclast’s YouTube Channel or subscribe to our podcast at iTunes (Awww yeah! we’re on iTunes!). So if you have some time to spare for us, join us every Saturday night at Big Time Show!
Here’s a new addition to the Samsung Galaxy Family, the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini. From its name and design, you can see which roots it came from. It’s a smaller version and this one sports a lower specs compared to its big brother, the Samsung Galaxy S3. The Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini is powered by Jelly bean which will make sure that your phone is buttery smooth. I think that’s just one of the main selling point of this phone since most phones out there won’t be updated to Jelly Bean (Oh and my Samsung Galaxy S3 doesn’t have the JB update as of this posting!). Aside from that, the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini would have the nature-inspired homescreen and wallpapers just like its bigger brother, the Samsung Galaxy S3. Since there’s a word “mini” in it, it is expected to sport a 4.0″ WVGA Super AMOLED screen. Yeah another let-down since a lot of people are expecting that this phone would have a HD screen. The Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini would also have some unique features that can be found on its bigger brother like Direct Call, Smart Alert, S Beam and S Voice.
The rear camera was also downgraded to 5.0 megapixel. Same with the front camera, it’ll sport a VGA camera. The biggest let-down of the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini is the downgrade from the quad core processor to a dual core processor. Oh and the phone can only record 720p videos. Too bad. I think Samsung want to target people who wants to have a phone that has the looks and feel of the Samsung Galaxy S3 but kinda smaller. I wished that they should’ve just name it to Galaxy W2 since the specifications of this phone is kinda at mid-range or 2011-ish. Anyway, I hope the price wouldn’t hurt our pocket.
Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini Specifications 121.55 x 63 x 9.85 mm, 111.5 g 4.0” WVGA Super AMOLED display 1GHz NovaThor Dual Core processor 8 GB Storage with MicroSD up to 32GB Wi-Fi Bluetooth NFC 5 Megapixel camera w/ 720p video recording VGA front Camera 1500mAh battery Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini Price in the Philippines The price of the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini wasn’t announced but I my guess estimate is that the phone will have a price tag of P15,000 and up when it reaches the Philippines shores.
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Cherry Mobile has been known for creating mobile phones that are very very affordable but some of their users are complaining that their UI is too ugly. But this one might change you perspective about Cherry Mobile phones when you’ve seen this phone, the Cherry Mobile W3. The main feature of this phone is that Facebook button which is obviously a shortcut to the Facebook app. It isn’t the first phone to feature that. One of the first few Facebook-dedicated phone is the HTC ChaCha which is a QWERTY Android.
Hardware and construction
First of all, you might notice the three Android buttons at the bottom but unfortunately this phone isn’t Android but this phone packs some apps and features that you can find on most smartphones like the Facebook button below. Yeah, this one is a phone made for Facebook. Anyway, the phone got a 3.5” capacitive display that is quite responsive. I’m quite glad that they used capacitive instead of the resistive touch screen. FYI, the capacitive touch screens are more responsive than the latter. Oh and there’s multi-touch on the phone too. So you can pinch in and out on the image viewer.
The build is quite nice and it doesn’t look and feel that cheap. When it comes to hardware and build, this phone isn’t the best but it does feel solid and it has a nice design. Like what I’ve said earlier, there’s a Facebook button at the bottom of the phone. The button looks nice and it does have a texture. Oh and the Facebook button is not that annoying.
The Facebook Button
Chrome-y sides surround the phone and I don’t think that you can easily chip the chrome sides. There’s a volume rocker on the side there’s no dedicated camera button. At the top is the on/off button and then there’s the hole in where you can put your key chains or other stuffs that you want. At the bottom, there’s the 3.5mm audio jack and, microphone and Micro-USB port. I tried plugging in my speaker and the charger. Don’t worry because you can plug in each other simultaneously. I got no issues with the positioning of the 3.5mm audio jack and the Micro-USB Port.
The 4 sides of the Cherry Mobile W3
The back cover feels solid even though it is made up of plastic. The design is simple yet quite nice. There’s the 3 megapixel camera without the flash and the speaker grill at the bottom right. The speaker is just like any otherI’m quite disappointed to see the LED flash missing. Inside is a 1200 mAh which is already enough for a battery life than can last up to 2-3 days on a normal usage. Not bad for a phone like that and then there’s the dual sim slot inside along with the MicroSD card slot, which is up to 8 GB. Too bad the sim is not hot swappable. But I don’t think that’s a deal breaker. I don’t think you would want to switch SIM cards if you’re already on a Dual Sim.
The Dual Sim slot
The Back cover
The sound quality of the phone is not that bad. It isn’t the best but it is quite loud and clear. Overall, the hardware and construction of the phone is quite nice. It fits just right into the hands of every Filipino but a lot of people might get confused of that Android-looking buttons.
Camera
And just like what I’ve expect on a feature phone. It doesn’t pack an eye-popping camera but just a normal camera. Oh and no autofocus. Well, you might be disappointed with the camera but c’mon guys! This is a feature phone with an affordable price. Check out the pictures below:
For a 3 MP camera with a price like this, I think those are nice already. Anyway, here’s a video sample. It’s not that good but hey for a phone with a price tag like this, I think this is a bit okay.
Software and performance
Like what I’ve said earlier, this phone isn’t equipped with Android so don’t expect apps like Facebook for Android, Google Play Store, Instagram, Angry birds and a lot more. But it’s good to see that there’s Opera Mobile 10.1 inside. Oh and some of the features of the Cherry Mobile W3 feels like Android. Even the phone wasn’t equipped with some fast blazing processor, I feel that the phone is fast and transitions were cool. Oh and yeah, I like the transition when swiping applications.
The cool thing that I love in this phone is that you can have live wallpapers on this one. YES! Live wallpapers just like the Android phones. And just like what I’ve told earlier, there are some apps that you guys might wanna check out like the Facebook and the Opera Mobile 10.1. Well, the Facebook is just the Java version of Facebook but hey it’s pretty usable.
I was very disappointed with the performance of some apps like the Facebook. Sometimes, it force closes due to the lack of memory. Well, I wish Cherry Mobile should do something about it. But the rest of the apps are fine. The games were good and well, they’re not so addicting but I still like those games.
Verdict
Well, the Cherry Mobile W3 isn’t for everybody. Some people need some apps that can only be found on the Smartphone. This is a phone made for people who have low budget but want to see a Wi-Fi, touchscreen and a social-network centric phone. This phone isn’t a waste and I think you should check out this phone. It’s pretty good. It has a 3.5” screen, 3 megapixel camera and a Facebook button. The Cherry Mobile W3 is now available for P3,699.00 at Cherry Mobile kiosk and concept stores. Check it out now!
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If you have been following my tweets and post at JAM Online’s Facebook page especially every saturday night, You’ll see a lot of post about the Big Time Show. Well, Big Time Show or BTS is a podcast/Youtube Live show produced by Alexei Rivera of The Technoclast with editors TJ of Tj’s Daily, Rafael of Family ko, Johann and yours truly Jam Ancheta. So what’s up with the Big Time Show? Every week, we talked about the coolest and latest news on the tech industry. We also have some pretty cool and funny segments like “Cooking With NFC” by Rafael Oca. The Big Time Show a.k.a. BTS had a few runs and you can check out some of our previous episodes and stuffs at my Youtube channel’s playlist. If you want to watch the live streaming of the show, we usually start at Saturday evening or midnight at The Technoclast’s Youtube channel. You can also download our podcast at iTunes (Subscribe now!). Oh and we have a Facebook Page and a Twitter account too. So if you got some problems, suggestions, comments or violent reactions then give us a message at those accounts.
In this episode, we talked about the new Nokia Lumias — the Lumia 920 and 820, Globe’s Nano Sim, Smart LTE and My|Phone Android phones which was discussed by Mr. Chuckie Dreyfus. Yes guys!, we have a TV star at our show already! So what are you waiting for? Check it out now! Oh and don’t worry, there are some annotations on the video. Yeah, you could click on it and listen to the topics that you’re only interested.
So the most awaited Phablet is coming to Widget City! Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Note II is now available for P31,000. I know, the price is quite high but take note, you’ll be one of the first to have the Samsung Galaxy Note II if you pre-order one. Just to give you a recap, the Samsung Galaxy Note II packs a larger 5.5″ screen, a thicker S pen, Android Jelly Bean and a lot of new features. Obviously, it has a very similar design to the Samsung Galaxy S3. So if you place your Samsung Galaxy S3 beside the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. The Galaxy S3 will look like its smaller brother. Anyway, the Samsung Galaxy Note II is now available for pre-order at Widget City for P31,000. To pre-order, contact them on their numbers which can be found on their Facebook page or just check out their site.
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Do you feel that your internet is too slow and you need more speeds on uploading some stuffs then take a look at this. Globe Tattoo Black was launched last week at Greenbelt 5. Globe Tattoo Black is the telco’s premium broadband offering. Yeah, It is their LTE offering. I was able to see the prowess of Globe’s LTE and test their speeds too and yeah it was pretty fast. They also revealed their broadband sticks along with their visionaries — Liz Uy and Fernando Aracama.
The event was hosted by Raymond and Georgina
“Tattoo Black is the future of broadband technology. This is a premium mobile broadband stick that is powered by LTE for Internet connection at break-neck speed and with the best overall broadband performance. On top of the speed, Tattoo Black redefines your broadband experience as it comes with unparalleled customer service plus exclusive perks and freebies,” as explained by Dong Ronquillo, Head of Tattoo Nomadic Broadband Business.
Globe Tattoo Black LTE comes at Plan 1799 and Tattoo Black Elite Plan 1799. The Plan 1799 is Tattoo Black’s entry level offer and the base speed is up to 28 Mbps. Not bad right? The data allowance is up to 12 GB per month but it will take effect on January 31 2013 so if you’ll get a Tattoo Black right now, you can download all you want without the fear of reaching the max data limit. Oh and Tattoo Black Plan 1799 comes with a free USB dongle but you can upgrade to a Superstick that can share your WiFi for up to five devices.
61.01 Mbps. Dat Speed. Well that’s the highest I got.
And then there’s the Tattoo Black Elite Plan 2499 which has a speeds of up to 42 Mbps and it has a data allowance of up to 15 GB but like what I’ve said earlier, there would be no data caps until January 31 2013. It also includes a lot of premium services including a dedicated hotline, priority handling in stores and a personal relationship manager. In short, it feels that you’re like a VIP in Globe stores. Oh and you can also get complimentary tickets to Tattoo events and a priority on Globe handsets and tablet devices. So if you’re a loyal Globe subscriber and you have some money to spare then I suggest that you get this one instead.
the USB Stick(Left) and the Superstick(Right)
Makati will be the first one to get Globe’s LTE service. By the end of October, Globe is expected to have 50 LTE sites in Makati and they are targeting to have 100 LTE sites by the end of the year. So if you’re planning to get the Tattoo Black LTE, be sure that you’re always staying at Makati Central Business district to have that LTE speeds. We tried downloading a 900 MB files and we have downloaded the file in less than 5 minutes. Damn fast. That’s LTE Be one of the first to experience the LTE speeds from Globe when it hits the stores on October 28, 2012. You can register now at the nearest Globe stores or by just checking out http://tattoo.globe.com.ph/
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Who wants a brand new iPhone 5? I Do! We Do! Yeah, we love the iPhone 5 despite mixed first impressions and the disappointing Apple Maps. But who cares about those things if we can get an iPhone 5 for free! Yes! Lazada is raffling away a brand new iPhone 5 for those people who are going to buy products at Lazada and have a minimum purchase of P2,000. A customer can qualify as many as he/she wants as long as he/she can provide single purchase of any of the items. Yeah that’s P2,000 of minimum purchase for 1 raffle ticket. The iPhone 5 raffle has already started yesterday and it will end at October 5 2012. If you want to know more about the mechanics then check out their website.
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Even that girl on that photo was shocked of Smart’s Madness Sale
So you’re planning on switching to Smart or getting a new phone from Smart? Well, I think this is the best time to do that because Smart is having their Switch Madness Sale! So what’s up with their Switch Madness sale? Well, you could get a lot of devices whether it is postpaid or prepaid at a much lower price. The Smart iPhone 4s is also at sale which will be free at Data Plan 1500 and All-in Plan 1800. Pretty interesting right? There are other Android devices that are on sale too! Check out the break for more info.
If you want some smartphones from Smart but you don’t want that lock-in period then here are some of their interesting devices that are on sale but without that lock-in period.
Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray – P7,700
Blackberry 9780 – P14,750
Samsung E1080 – P400
HTC Sensation – P14,100
Those are just some of the devices that are on the list. Some of the perks that you can get in the Smart Switch Madness sale is the price down on Smart Bro devices. Just show your non-smart wireless broadband device and you could get these discounts:
50% Off Power Plug-It at only P625
50% Off Rocket Plug-It Chic at only P1,175
50% Off Pocket WiFi at only P1,945
Oh and you could get a free MicroSim on your 3G/4G tablets too. Yeah, just show your 3G/4G capable tablet and you could get a free MicroSim.
Anyway, if you are very interested on getting one of these devices then you should check out Shangri-La Mall tomorrow and on Saturday (2-Day sale, duh). If you want to know some of their postpaid and prepaid promos then check out their website here
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Another Asha phone have been introduced by Nokia today — The Nokia Asha 309. Since this phone belongs to the Asha family, we know that this phone won’t pack a spectacular or majestic features but hey, this phone is very affordable and it packs a Nokia Xpress browser which is powered by cloud. I think it works similar to the Opera Mini. Just like what I’ve said earlier, it doesn’t pack a spectacular features but it does have a 3.0″ scratchless capacitive WQVGA screen and a quite nice looking design. The thing that I like in here is that the phone supports Nokia Maps even though it is only powered by a Series 40 OS and not Symbian S^3. In my opinion, Nokia Maps is probably the best map app out there. This phone comes with free 40 premium EA games too so I bet, you won’t be bored when you have this phone. This phone doesn’t come with a 3G radio inside so you’re stuck at EDGE which is quite disappointing but thankfully there’s Wi-Fi inside. The camera is only 2.0 megapixel and the video recording is too low. But look on the bright side! the Nokia Asha 309 comes with a very very affordable price.
Nokia Asha 309 Specifications 109.9 x 54 x 13.2 mm, 102g 240 x 400 pixels, 3.0″ scratchless display 20 MB Internal Memory with MicroSD up to 32 GB Wi-Fi Bluetooth GPRS/EDGE 2.0 Megapixel camera with 176×144@10fps recording 1110mAh Battery Series 40
Nokia Asha 309 Price in the Philippines The estimated retail price of this phone is $99 so expect that this phone would have a price tag of P4,500 or below. It is expected to arrive in the Philippines this 4Q 2012
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Mr. Ernest Cu (middle), President and CEO of Globe telecom
Globe recently invited us to a presscon last week and they showed us the recent benchmark test conducted by National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and they discuss why Globe’s network is better than Smart’s network. Yeah, It’s a good move for NTC that they released their findings but unfortunately, there are some things that are still confidential. But hey, at least NTC released some of their findings and their benchmark results of their recent tests. Well, some of you might find it hard to understand some of their findings so I’ll make it more simpler and shorter to you guys.
They compared Globe’s legacy network, Smart modernized network and Globe’s modernized network in Metro Cebu. Well, it’s because Globe is still finishing up their modernized network in some areas. Remember that multi-million dollar upgrade? According to Globe, they’re more than 50% done with their modernization.
According to NTC’s Benchmark test, Legacy network of Globe has a better grade of service than Smart’s modernized network. Globe’s legacy network got a grade of 4.45% while Smart’s modernized network got a grade of 9.95% while Globe’s modernized network in Metro Cebu got 0.60% and NTC’s standard for the Grade of service is 4%. Oh, and lower means better. But Smart got a higher score than Globe’s legacy network on Drop call rate, Ave. received signal quality Ave. received signal quality and call setup time. Yeah, that’s 4 out of 5. But the scores of those parameters are very close. So I think that won’t make much difference. Globe’s modernized network scores are yet to be determined but I guess, it will have a higher score than Smart’s modernized network.
I was expecting to see data speed benchmark of both networks but unfortunately, there are none. Well, I think we shouldn’t really rely on these benchmarks. The difference between the two networks isn’t that big (except in the scores on grade of service. Globe is 2x better in Grade of service). I’m using both Smart and Globe and I experienced delayed messages and dropped calls on both networks. I think the most important thing in here is how good and happy our experience is on the network.
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