Voice apps are changing the way we communicate. The insatiable growth in smartphone use along with the increasing ubiquity of data connections means that apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger and many other VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service providers are offering an entirely new platform for users to talk to each other.

Opensignal, an independent mobile analytics firm, has just released a report that measures the quality of over-the-top (OTT) voice services experienced by consumers across 80 countries, including Singapore. This marks the industry’s largest, independent survey of user experience of OTT services.

Singapore is The Only Asia country Emerges the Top 10.

Of the 80 countries analysed for overall Voice App Experience, almost 25% (19) achieved a ‘Good’ rating — meaning many users in these countries were satisfied and experienced minor quality impairments while using Voice Apps to communicate.

Singapore scores 81.7 trailing closely behind Switzerland (81.9) securing 8^th position among 80 countries surveyed. No country globally attained an ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’ rating.

Only six were from outside Europe, which are Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand get “Good” rating.

Voice App Experience on 4G networks is most often ‘Good’

The 3G Voice App Experience scores are consistently lower in every country compared with their 4G equivalents, including Singapore. In this region, Singapore and Hong Kong were the only countries who had a difference of less than 5 points between their 3G and 4G Voice App Experience score — an indicator of what the mobile experience will be in future for highly matured markets where 4G Availability is rising and is replacing 3G as operators enhance their networks for smoother transitions. 

To read more about the survey results, you may access the report here

Wednesday, 21 November 2018 – Internet service provider Spaceroam Pte Ltd (“Spaceroam”) and 7-Eleven, the leading convenience store in Singapore, will be partnering to make travel more convenient for all travellers residing in Singapore. With Pocket Wi-Fi devices becoming an essential to stay connected 24/7 anywhere and anytime when travelling, convenient travel starts when the Wi-Fi devices can be picked up and dropped off conveniently.

This will be made possible by the end of the year when Spaceroam partners 7-Eleven to place Wi-Fi devices in 59 7-Eleven outlets. This partnership marks the widest distribution network and largest number of collection and return points for rented pocket Wi-Fi devices in Singapore.

 

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SpaceRoam (aka @y5buddysg) has signed MoU with @m1_singapore. M1 Singapore is the preferred local data provider for all of #SpaceRoam ‘s Wi-Fi rental devices in #Singapore (From left)Mr Willis Sim, Chief Corporate Sales and Solutions Officer, M1 Limited, Mr Jacky Chua, #CEO and Founder of SpaceRoam #travelsg #instagadget #instatech #techsg #sgtech

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Aside from the 7-Eleven partnership, Spaceroam has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with telecommunications operator M1 Limited today, the latest in a string of partnerships in Spaceroam’s bid to bring better Wi-Fi services to Singaporeans. This partnership will see M1 Limited becoming the preferred local data provider for all of Spaceroam’s Wi-Fi rental devices. This means that majority of the users of Spaceroam’s Wi-Fi devices or services in Singapore will be connected via the M1 local data network.

About Spaceroam Pte Ltd

Spaceroam Pte Ltd was established in 2010 to provide internet services and telecommunication support to local events and concerts. Since then, Spaceroam Pte Ltd has expanded its range of services to include providing corporate internet services and launching an international mobile Wi-Fi rental service.

Spaceroam has provided its IT services to over 20 events in Singapore, and has also worked with MNCs and Government Organizations and help install the infrastructure for Wi-Fi at factories and worker dormitories.

Previously known as Simply Unique Pte Ltd, Spaceroam’s Wi-Fi rental arm, Y5Buddy Singapore, started out with 15 Wi-Fi devices that served internet connectivity for seven Asian countries. To date, Spaceroam’s devices now provide travellers with Wi-Fi coverage at over 130 countries around the world. Today, Spaceroam’s Wi-Fi rental serves over 50,000 customers and over 80 companies, and the company seeks to expand and become the top global data and application company in Singapore.

Singapore, 21 September 2018 – Singtel this morning launched the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max and Apple Watch Series 4 at its Singtel Comcentre Shop.

A long queue of Singtel customers formed around the Singtel flagship store hours before the shop opened. First in line was Mr K. A. Ng, 37, who had queued since 5.30am to get his hands on the new iPhone before heading off to work.

 

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@tangenghui has offered his #iphone7plus for us to do the size comparison with the new #iphonexsmax. #apple #iphone #iphonexs #smartphone #instagadget #instaphone #sgtech

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“Singtel has provided top notch service to me over the years and the booking process for the iPhone this time round has been really smooth,” said Mr Ng, who has been a Singtel customer for more than 20 years. “I’m excited to be the first to purchase the new iPhone Xs Max and I love its gorgeous new Gold colour and advanced camera capabilities.”

 

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Mr K.A. Ng, 37, (second from Right) is the first in line at #Singtel #iPhoneXs launch. Accompanied him are Mr Yuen Kwan Moon, #CEO of Consumer Singapore, @singtel (Second from Left), emcees of the event @soniachew and Joakim Gomez #instagadget #iphone #iphoneXsMax #singapore # sgtech #instatech

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Singtel is offering customers who buy the iPhones an exclusive Apple bundle that includes a new DataX4 add-on, MobileSwop Unlimited service and Apple Music, at a promotional price of S$26.90 per month, a 32 percent discount from the usual price of S$39.78. Customers who subscribe to this bundle will also enjoy S$100 off their new iPhone.

Singtel is the only provider in Singapore that enables cellular connectivity on the new Apple Watch. Customers can activate their cellular connectivity with a free 6-month subscription of Singtel’s NumberShare service (usual price S$6.90/mth).

 

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Singtel is also selling the new #applewatch4 (cellular version)! With #singtel NumberShare, you can leave your #iphone behind while you are out for a run and you can receive call on your #Apple Watch! #instatech #instagadget #techsg #sgtech #singtel #gadget #wearables #IoT

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Although Singtel is offering cellular services to the new Apple Watch 4, nothing has been confirmed with Apple to roll up cellular services through the new iPhone Xs’ embedded eSim. Singtel spokesperson’s reply, “We are getting more information from Apple to review the offering of digital eSim on iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max and iPhone Xr.”

Ever since we have started Entrepreneur’s Insights, we have been hearing a lot of feedback from the readers that they would like to hear more entrepreneurial stories from Singapore. We are aware that for the past 1 year, The Neo Dimension might have disappointed some of the readers for not bringing enough of such stories.

To kickstart 2018, we would like to shout out to our readers “The wait is over!” We are publishing an QnA with not 1 but 2 local entrepreneurs from Whiz Communications (WhizComms) – Chiang Chee Cheong, Managing Director and Jason Kuek, Deputy Managing Director. .

Mr Chiang and Mr Kuek started Phoenix Communications in the 90s as a callback operator and subsequently expanded their arena to International Direct Dialing Services (You remember Phoenix IDD?). In November 2016, they have ventured into the ISP space and started WhizComms

Doing an interview with the founders of the #WhizComms, a new entrant of Singapore’s ISP space. From Right: Chiang Chee Cheong, #ManagingDirector & Jason Kuek, Deputy Managing Director.

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1.Whiz Communications(WhizComms) is a new entrant in Singapore’s ISP market. Do you mind give a short description of the company as well as your rationale of venturing into this space?

Chiang – WhizComms is a telecommunication company providing home broadband and IDD service.  We rolled out our business in November 2016 and currently we have a staff strength of 20.

As an ISP, our primary objective is to provide high-speed Internet service to all residential homes in Singapore.

As Singapore is moving towards a smart nation, we saw the potential growth in these areas.   Fibre Broadband has become the essential service for the home. We want to make it easy and affordable for all.

2.Technology sector is growing exponentially in Southeast Asia region (SEA). As a seasoned professional in the Telecommunication field, what’s your views on future development of SEA Telcos or ISPs? 

Chiang – Telcos and ISP will continue to be equipped with high-speed infrastructures to cater for technology advancements. Besides infrastructures, service providers will also be looking into providing solutions such as IOT, Cyber Security, AI and Data Analytic as part of the trend in the industry.

3. There are many ISPs that offer more comprehensive and wider range of services. How is WhizComms different from others? 

Chiang – Our fundamental goals remain – we provide affordable solutions to cater to our customers’ basic essential needs. We un-bundle telecom services so that customers only pay for what they need. Our pure broadband no frills service has been the lowest-priced of its kind in town from the start of our business. We also help customers to solve WiFi coverage problems at home by introducing WiFi clinic service to customers who are less technically inclined. We are also amongst the first to introduce mesh WiFi solution to improve home WiFi coverage and un-interrupted internet surfing.

4. What are the challenges or opportunities for WhizComms in the next 3 years?

Jason – I foresee that there will be more entries from ISPs players, and this will bring the overall prices down. Other than bracing the price war, we will need to deliver our commitments to our customers to stay competitive. As IOT (internet of things) advances, we will want to introduce them to customers at an appropriate time to meet their day-to-day need.

5. What is the significant milestone that WhizComms has achieved in 2017?

Chiang – After one year of operation, we have significant amount of customer subscription base. We believe this is due to our sincerity and genuinity in our service offering, and customers see the true value we offer. We have managed to deliver what we have promised. We will continue to impress our customers with our services.

6. You are a seasoned entrepreneur. What advice will you give for our budding entrepreneurs or people who want to start a business? 

Jason – To start with, you must have a good and realistic business plan, followed by sufficient financial fundings to run your businesses operations.  The calibre of people or partners managing the business are very important.   They need to have good acumen in identifying risks and returns in their overall business.  Team work and trust must be established across the organisation hierarchy to grow the business as planned.

Any business that will help customers to solve their problem is a good business. As an entrepreneur, look for areas that customers need help. After identify the business, a proper business plan will have to be developed including the technical knowhow, funding, and the people.

7. It is said that every entrepreneur has their own set of checklist while evaluating a venture. As an entrepreneur, do you mind sharing with us yours?

Jason – I will be definitely be looking for potential revenue drivers that can bring in sustainable income. Of course, the cost of operations and as well as the potential of growth in the business are also critical.  A good business plan will be very helpful.  More importantly, we must maintain a good balance sheet on the financial and a healthy cash flow.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 22 December 2017 – Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (“Spackman Entertainment Group” or the “Company” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group“) (Stock Quote: SGX: 40E), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups founded by Mr. Charles Spackman, wishes to announce that the Company has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with independent third parties to acquire the entire issued and paid-up share capital of the Constellation Agency Pte. Ltd. (“Constellation Agency“) (the “Proposed Acquisition“).

Constellation Agency is primarily involved in the business of representing and advising Korean artists in overseas markets outside of Korea.  It acts as agent and advisor to a selective group of major Korean artists in entertainment content projects, events, and commercial endorsements in overseas markets, namely, in Greater China, Southeast Asia, and the U.S.

Constellation Agency owns The P Factory Co., Ltd. (“The P Factory“), an innovative marketing solutions provider specializing in event and branded content production. The P Factory leverages on its expertise across film, television, digital media, music, and access to key talent to originate and execute creative marketing strategies that enhance the marketing position of brands of various consumer products and services.

Constellation Agency also owns Platform Media Group Co., Ltd. (“PMG“), a talent management agency which represents and manages the careers of major artists in film, television, commercial endorsements, and branded entertainment. The artist roster of PMG includes drama and film artists such as Wang Ji-won (ONE LINE 2017, HOSPITAL SHIP 2017), Lee Ji-hun (I CAN SPEAK 2017, THE UNIVERSE’S STAR 2016), Han Ji-an (MARITAL HARMONY 2017, THAT SUN IN THE SKY 2016) and Oh Cho-hee (BLACK 2017, VOICE 2017).

The total purchase consideration for the Proposed Acquisition shall be 144,770,861 newly issued ordinary shares of the Company at S$0.115 per share, which was arrived at following arm’s length negotiations on a willing buyer, willing seller basis, and taking into account, inter alia, the Constellation Agency’s unaudited net profit of US$1.2 million (approximately S$1.6 million) for the period from the date of its incorporation to 30 November 2017 and its unaudited net asset value of US$3.6 million (approximately S$5.0 million) as at 30 November 2017.

(Johor Bahru, 18 December 2017) Following an intense sing-off among the eight finalists, Lim Wen Suen of Team Gary emerged as the champion of《The Voice 决战好声》. Chosen solely through public voting, she walked away with a co-management contract with mm2 Entertainment (a wholly owned subsidiary of mm2 Asia Ltd.) and Universal Music Group, which includes the release of a single and an EP.

《The Voice 决战好声》 has achieved remarkable success since making its debut on Astro and StarHub in September. Its online videos have garnered over 9 million views before last night’s final. Talents in the show received invaluable personal coaching from four highly accomplished celebrity coaches Tan Hanjin 陈奂仁, Della Ding 丁当, Gary Chaw 曹格 and Sky Wu 伍思凯. With their coaches’ help and guidance, they produced some mesmerizing performances that left audiences in awe. The four celebrity coaches were big crowd pullers too, entertaining audiences with witty bantering and insightful comments.

Fans can catch the full series and highlights of 《The Voice 决战好声》on StarHub Go for free. The Grand Final episode is also available for catch up on Hub E City (StarHub TV Channel 111/825) via the yellow button. Astro viewers can catch up on the full series of The Voice via On Demand or Astro GO, while all Malaysians can enjoy the show through the free live streaming app, NJOI Now anytime, anywhere.

Running a Food & Beverage (F&B) business usually involves a lot of co-ordination ranging from sales ordering to stock replenishment. Often, small business owners find themselves spending too much time handling manual business operations instead of putting resources in more higher yield activities.

The Neo Dimension has recently visited Franchising & Licensing Asia 2017 and got to know Habitat Blue, a startup specializing in providing end-to-end point of sales (POS) solutions. During the tour, Dr Koh Wee Lit , Chief Technology Officer Habitat Blue, shared with us his experience in handling small businesses in developing South East Asian markets and the company’s Orca business system has successfully helped entrepreneurs grow their businesses. In 2016 alone, the company processed over approximately SGD 32 million worth of transactions.

Cost should not be the barrier for small businesses in Singapore to jump onto the technology bandwagon. At the booth, Dr Koh showcased their range of products that aims to help F&B businesses in improving productivity without incurring high investment cost.

Dr Koh Wee Lit, Chief Technology Officer Habitat Blue, speaks about the challenges of retail sector and how Orca Business system could be the solution. Read up more at https://theneodimension.com/a-malaysian-startup-wants-to-solve-problems-in-singapores-retail-sector

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For example, one of the products, Orca Lite, is an all-in-one POS system that allows small businesses to get an overview of their stock inventory and sales transactions via any Android-powered tablet at the price of SGD49 per month. For young startups, Habitat Blue also offers the entire installation package which includes both the software and all the required hardware at an affordable price of below SGD 1,200.

For more established businesses, Habitat Blue has a more advanced version of Orca that can handle more complex F&B operations. More importantly, it is highly customizable to support the customer’s requirements including data migration and/or integration with existing systems.

Below is the video on how a F&B outlet is using Orca Business Operating System to handle food ordering and kitchen workflow.

https://youtu.be/NbhC57BOoPw

Sony Mobile Communications Singapore launched three smartphone innovations in Singapore, the Sony Xperia XZ1, Xperia XZ1 Compact and Xperia XA1 Plus.

@sonymobile.sg launches new #sony #xperia XZ1, #xperiaXZ1compact and #XperiaXA1 #smartphones #instagadget #instaphoto #sonymobile

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The Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ1 Compact will be among the first smartphones to launch with Android 8.0 (Oreo), available exclusively for at all Sony Store, Sony Centre and on Lazada Singapore website.

These flagship models along with the super midrange Xperia XA1 Plus, will officially launch on 7 October at authorised local retailers.

The new Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ1 Compact target at the mid to premium segment of the market (RPP SGD 898 and SGD 688) whereas the Xperia XA1 Plus is designed for the more budget-conscious consumers (RPP SGD498) .

Let’s just zoom in to what’s on the plate for the new Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ1 Compact.

Super Low Motion: Following through the success of their predecessor Xperia XZ Premium, both devices are equipped with Sony’s Motion Eye cameras that allow video recording at super slow motion. In case you are new to the Sony’s Motion Eye technology,  the “Predictive Capture”, as the name suggested, actually captures the images before the user tap on the shutter button of the camera; this means that it is highly unlikely that you will miss the moment for the perfect shot.

3D Scan: I think this is the highlight of the new Xperia. For the first time, we see 3D technology built-in to the smartphone. Sony has developed in-house algorithm that are able to generate high quality 3D scans of objects in just one minute using four scan modes; head scan, face scan, food scan and freeform scan.

The 3D renders can be shared via messenger apps as stickers or online 3D communities such as Sketchfab. They can also be brought to life as fun avatars using the camera’s AR effects option, 3^rd party apps or set as a one-of-a-kind live wallpaper. Those interested in creating memorable keepsakes may also easily send their scans directly to 3D printing companies like Shapeways.

We got the chance to try the #3DScan using the newly launched #Sony #XperiaXZ1 and #xperiaXZ1compact. The video is created by #3DCreator which comes together with the phone and yeah now I can “dance” very well! Thanks @jakengg for creating this video! #sonymobilesg #smartphones #instagadget #instaphoto #sonymobile

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Difference between Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ1 Compact

Notably, both phones are armed with Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processors and 4GM RAM so in terms of speed and performance, these 2 devices are essentially the same.

The key difference lies on the front facing camera – The Xperia XZ1 sports a 13MP camera higher than the 8MP camera on the Xperia XZ1 Compact. This may matter to those who do a lot of video conferencing or selfie with their phone.

When comes to the display, both devices are packed with Sony’s proprietary TRILUMINOS technology which is modified from Sony TV display technology.  However, the Xperia XZ1 has a bigger 5.2 -inch IPS LCD than the Xperia XZ1 Compact’s 4.6 – inch IPS LCD.  In addition, the resolution on the XZ1 (424ppi) is higher than XZ1 Compact (319ppi). If you are super anal about the display, this is something that you need to know.

Singapore, 5 October 2017 – Singtel (stock quote: Z74.SI) today announced that it will bring the highly anticipated Google Pixel 2 XL to Singapore as its official telco partner. Singtel customers will be the first in Southeast Asia to purchase the brand new device when it is launched on 15 November.

Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, Chief Executive Officer, Consumer Singapore, Singtel, said, “We’re excited to bring the Pixel 2 XL to Singapore. It is a device that many Android fans here have been eagerly waiting for, and we are sure they will be amazed by its innovative features. With our extensive 4G network speeds and new Combo plans, coupled with our unlimited data options, customers will enjoy the optimal Google Pixel 2 XL experience – they can take and upload as many selfies as they want and ask Google Assistant endless questions!”

On the fastest mobile network in Singapore, the Pixel 2 XL, a Cat 11 4G LTE device, allows customers to experience data speeds of up to 500Mbps island wide.

The Pixel 2 XL is equipped with powerful features such as a camera that takes beautiful photos and standout videos in any light, unlimited cloud storage¹ for all your photos and videos in Google Photos, and a long-lasting battery with 7 hours of battery from 15 minutes of charge². The Pixel 2 XL also comes with Google Lens, a new set of visual smarts that helps you learn about the world around you and get things done, and a localised version of Google Assistant, which will be launched later this year for use with Singaporean English.

Customers can register their interest for Google Pixel 2 XL at singtel.com/googlepixel, from 9am today.

Mr Eng Guan Theng, who purchased 2 #iPhone8plus from #singtel, was the first in line at #MarinaBaySands. He came in at 6am this morning. #smartphones #instagadget #Singapore

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