Singaporean love gadgets. In this small island-state with no more than 6 million people, we have one mega electronic fair in every 2 months approximately. It is also not surprising to know that we have one of the highest smartphone penetration rates in the world. On average, one Singaporean is carrying 1.5 smartphones; no wonder many international brands choose to launch their smartphones in this tiny red dot.

 

There were so many smartphones launches recently in Singapore last week and the consumers have been spoiled for choices. If you have yet to find time to read out all the press releases, this article serves as a summary to make sure you are in the know.

 

Google Pixel 3/Pixel 3 XL

The Google Pixel 3 is probably the most high-profile launches recently. The Pixel UI has won praises in the market and a handful of tech reviewers has commented that the UI used in the Google Pixel line of phones are better than the “stock” android.

 

Besides improvements in the hardware from the earlier pixel phones, the biggest highlight of the Google Pixel 3 is the use of a new security chip called the Titan M. This is the same chip that Google used in their data centre which means that Google is bringing enterprise-level security technology to smartphones.

 

Google has also ditched 3.5mm port joining the likes of Apple to push for adopting new cable standard for our audio devices. For those who are still using the conventional headphones with the standard 3.5mm audio jack, the Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL are shipped with USB-C 3.5mm audio jack adaptor. You could still use your old expensive headphones with Google Pixel 3.

 

iPhone users, listen up! Before you feel like converting, you may wish to look on the CNET video below for comparison.

Samsung Galaxy A9

The rise of budget phones in recent years has prompted Samsung to launch mid-range Galaxy A series. Consumers has certainly benefited from the intense competition among the smartphone brands. At a lower price-point, the Galaxy A9 is offering specifications that are very comparable to those so-called “flagship phones” are offering.

 

The Galaxy A9 has caught attention from the media of being the first smartphone in the world that has not 2, not 3 but 4 rear cameras! Every camera sensor has its own purpose – ability for better optical zoom (2x to be exact), able to take wider images, better depth of field and better image qualities under low-light conditions.

The rationale of having 4 camera sensors is to give flexibility to the users who could toggle across different camera sensors to suit the users’ requirement – for instance long shots or wide shots.

 

Blockchain-powered XPhone

Pundi X, a Singapore-based blockchain start-up, has announced their very own smartphone called XPhone that runs on their own Function X OS based off Android OS 9.0. Essentially, it is still an Android phone powered by their own Function X blockchain; that means the data transmitted via your phone i.e. apps, pictures, video, messages, calls or any types of file are being stored or distributed through a network of decentralized nodes.

 

Traditionally, phone users go through the centralized mobile carrier to make a call via a number that is unique to every phone user. With Pundi X’s proprietary FXTP, users could by-pass the conventional internet protocol (http) completely to transmit data to another device. To put it simply, X Phone could potentially work independently at places without mobile signal. You should look at their product demo here.

The idea of X Phone is revolutionary. However, Pundi X comments the viability of its blockchain infrastructure depends largely on the spread of nodes (in this case, number of XPhone users).

Last month,  LG Singapore held LG HE and IT Product Launch at Marina Bay Sand.  At the event, LG Singapore launched their new LG gram ultrabooks that target at mobile workforce.

 

LG Singapore pitches that Portability, Functionality, Battery Life, Durability are the 4 ingredients in their development of LG gram.

 

Portability: The New LG gram comes in 3 distinct models – 13.3 -, 14- and 15.6- inch  weigh approximately between 960g – 1.1kg which honestly speaking, is very light compared to similar laptops in the market.  All the 3 models measured not more than 1.68cm which could fit comfortably into most sling bags used by mobile executives.

 

Functionality:   The new LG gram is equipped with latest 8th Gen Intel Core and SSD storage that delivers performance for mobile workers. Despite its slim body, it still has all the the necessary ports such as HDMI. microSD, USB, USB-C and headphone jack (Yes, this is a feature!)

 

The product also comes with Fingerprint ID that enable users to log in and power on with the press of a button without comprising security.

 

Battery Life: LG gram is equipped with a 72Wh battery that LG claims could last up to 22.5hrs in a single charge. The long battery life is very ideal for busy executives who are always on the move.

 

Durability: The new LG gram has improved its build quality;  a magnesium alloy called Nano Carbon (with Magnesium) is used for the LG gram’s body. This material is known to be tough and light and is commonly used  in aerospace engineering. LG gram is even put under US military MIL-STD 810G durability tests for resistance to impact, pressure and temperature. You may wish to see the short demo we shot at the event below.

 

My thoughts: The product demo is impressive and freelancer like me who is always on the move will be keen to own one.  Speaking about the price, the LG gram is selling at RRP starting from SGD1,999 . Indeed, it is a hefty price tag compared to other similar products. Afterall, you have to pay a price for the portability and toughness of the product.

 

In business, it is about productivity and impression. The LG gram has packed with supreme hardware features that promises to deliver productivity and powerful. However, LG, in the laptop market, has not established a clear business impression as compared to other established names like Lenovo’s ThinkPad and Apple’s Mac (ok, Mac is for creative professionals). In my opinion, you are paying more on the LG gram’s hardwares than the brand. In short, you are getting what you pay for but this product may not the one that caters to all.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. introduces the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ this month. The new phones are redesigned with a new Dual Aperture lens that powers an innovative low light camera, Super Slow-mo video capabilities and personalized AR Emoji.

First Impression – What’s New in Galaxy S9 and S9+ compared to S8 and S8+?

In terms of hardware, the most notable difference is the overall dimension and weight. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ is slightly shorter  and wider than its predecessor making the device looks less elongated.

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ are also slightly thicker and heavier than the S8 and S8+. (S9/S9+ is 8.5mm thick and weighs 163g and 189g respectively, S8/S8+ is 8.0mm thick and weights 155g and 173g) . This is probably due to the new Super Speed Dual Pixel 12MP AF camera sensor with OIS (F1.5/F2.4) used in the Galaxy S9 and S9+. Despite the slight difference in the overall dimension, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ shared the same display size of the Galaxy S8 and S8+.

The camera, which is the main selling point of this year’s Galaxy S9 and S9+, is packed with Samsung’s Dual Aperture (F1.5 / F2.4) that automatically lets in more light under low-light condition. Like Sony’s Xperia range of smartphones, Samsung has included Super Slow-mo features in Galaxy S9 and S9+ to allow users to take dramatic slow-motion video.

Having packed with new enhancement in Galaxy S9 and S9+, faster processors (10nm, 64-bit, Octa-core processor (2.7 GHz Quad + 1.7 GHz Quad) 10nm, 64-bit, and Octa-core processor (2.8 GHz Quad + 1.7 GHz Quad) respectively ) are used to power the devices.

Samsung adds AR Emoji in Galaxy S9 and S9+ which allows users to create an emoji that looks, sounds and acts like them. AR Emoji analyzes a 2D image of the user and maps out more than 100 facial features to create a 3D model that reflects and imitates expressions, like winks and nods, for true personalization.

That’s my AR Emoji! created by #SamsungGalaxyS9 and #samsungGalaxyS9Plus.

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on Feb 28, 2018 at 6:56am PST

 

Overall, my first impression on Galaxy S9 and S9+ – the phone looks and feels like the Galaxy S8 and S8+. Comparing the specifications, slight enhancement made in Galaxy S9 and S9+ may not attract consumers. Nonetheless, first impression may not do any justice to Samsung.

Price and Availability

The Galaxy S9 (64GB) is selling at SGD 1,198 whereas Galaxy S9+ is selling at SGD 1,348 (64GB)/SGD 1,498 (256GB). Pre-order commerce from 1 March 2018, Thursday 12pm.

To kickstart the year 2018, Samsung Electronics Singapore debuted their latest smartphones in the Galaxy A series – the Galaxy A8(2018) and the Galaxy A8+(2018). Samsung prided their A-series as a mid-range smartphones for the young.

So how far has Samsung achieved in attracting the young to switch from iPhones to their Galaxy Series? Let’s take a closer look of the Galaxy A8 and A8+.

Enhanced Front Camera Capabilities – Dual Front Camera with Live Focus and Face-Unlock Features

The new Galaxy A8(2018) and the Galaxy A8+(2018) feature a new 16MP + 8MP F1.9 Dual Front Camera in addition to an impressive 16MP rear camera, allowing users to capture important moments and memories at any time and location. As the Dual Front Camera is made up of two separate cameras, users have the flexibility in choosing the type of selfies to take – from close-ups with the background, to portrait shots with a clear and crisp background. With the advanced Live Focus feature, users can easily create and adjust the bokeh effect on the smartphones before or after taking a picture.

 

Also fitted with facial recognition security features, consumers can opt for a quick and hassle-free way to unlock their Galaxy A8(2018) or Galaxy A8+(2018) with just a look. By simply scanning your face with the front camera and enabling the facial recognition feature under the security settings, consumers are ready to unlock their phone in a quick and effortless manner.

 

 

Though I like the idea of putting 2 cameras on the front, I still find it strange that they didn’t do it like-wise for the back.

 

Galaxy S8’s and Note 8’s Infinity Display on Galaxy A8

For the first time on the Galaxy A, Samsung brings in the Infinity Display which is the key feature of their Samsung’s premium Galaxy S8 and Note 8. The Galaxy A8 and A8+ comes in 5.6-inch and 6.0-inch screen size respectively. With an 18.5:9 display ratio that goes beyond the bezel, the device provides users with the ultimate cinematic experience. The smartphone screen is also supported with a premium metal frame and a curved glass on the back and front, providing users an ergonomic and comfortable grip when using the sleek and stylish device.

 

 

Water Resistance – IP68 – Certified, Separated Dual Sim Card Slot and MircoSD card slot

Continued from the previous Galaxy A series, the new Galaxy A8(2018) and A8+(2018) are equipped with IP68-certified water and dust resistant capabilities, allowing them to withstand elements including rain, sweat, sand and dust.

 

One thing to note, the Galaxy A8(2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018) supports Dual Sim and microSD cards expandable storage upto 256GB and they have the 2 slots separated from one another. Unlike their previous Galaxy S series which use a hybrid microSD and Sim card slot, you could use both Sim cards and microSD simultaneously.

 

Supports Samsung Pay and Gear VR models

Both the Galaxy A8(2018) and A8+(2018) are also the first in the Galaxy A line-up to support most of their Gear VR models.

 

The Galaxy A8 and A8+ are equipped with Samsung Pay where users can make safe and secure mobile payments almost anywhere. Simply swipe up to bring up the last transacted credit or debit card, scan your fingerprint or key in your PIN and make payment.

 

 

Local Pricing and Availability

The Galaxy A8(2018) and A8+(2018) will be available from 27 January 2017 at a recommended retail price of $648 and $798 respectively, including GST. Available in Gold and Black, the devices will be available at all local telecommunication operators, selected consumer electronic stores, authorised mobile retailers, Samsung Experience Stores and selected online marketplace.

In celebration of the revamping of the Samsung Electronics Store at VivoCity, customers who purchase any Galaxy smartphone or tablet at a recommended retail price of $400 and above will receive a $30 Mapletree voucher at the point of purchase. Customers who purchase a Galaxy Note8, S8+, S8 or Tab S3 will receive a $50 Mapletree voucher instead. This promotion will commence from 18 January 2018 on a while stocks last basis.

 

Epson has launched its new A4 duplex integrated ink tank printer, the new L-series printers that offer one of the lowest printing costs in the market.

The new integrated L-series printers significantly lower the total cost of ownership to businesses with its ultra-high page yields. Each complete set of 4 ink bottles yields 7,500 black and white pages and 6,000 colour pages to help businesses lower their operating costs.

 

The new L6160, L6170, L6190 printers come with auto-duplex print function which affords users up to 50 per cent savings on paper cost, reducing running costs even further. Epson is currently the only brand offering ink tank printers with auto-duplex function in the market.

 

The new L6160, L6170, L6190 printers are equipped with Epson’s proprietary  PrecisionCore printheads for high performance, achieving high ISO print speeds of up to 15ppm for standard black and white printing and 33ppm for draft printing, for improved business efficiency. Delivering a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, Epson’s PrecisionCore printheads are composed of Micro Thin Film Piezo print chips for precise multi-size droplet control capabilities, ensuring the greatest details and extremely smooth gradations in documents or photographs.

 

The integrated ink tank printers deliver exceptional quality black and white prints with the use of black pigment ink that produces water and smudge-resistant printouts. For photo printing, the printers offer outstanding lab-quality photos when printing on photo media. Large-sized photo printing is made possible as the printers support borderless printing of up to A4 size.

 

Sporting a brand new sleek design, the new L6160, L6170, L6190 are designed to be compact, offering the smallest footprint amongst all ink tank printer brands.

Designed with the customers’ experience in mind, its easy-to-use spill-free ink bottles offer users ease and convenience when refilling the ink bottles. The ink bottles are designed with a unique “lock & key” bottle nozzle with each ink bottle nozzle uniquely customised to fit its matching colour tank, in order to prevent re-filling errors.

 

The ink tank printers support printing on-the-go and comes equipped with Ethernet2, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity, enabling users to print wirelessly within a network, connect to mobile devices or print remotely from anywhere via Epson Connect, Epson’s suite of connectivity solutions.

 

The new L6160, L6170, L6190 printers will be priced SGD459, SGD499 & SGD539 respectively and will be available at major retailers from 22 September 2017 onwards.

Singapore – 24 August 2017 – Samsung Electronics Singapore introduces the Galaxy Note8. With the Galaxy Note8, Samsung claims that consumers can get a bigger Infinity Display that fits comfortably in one hand, an enhanced S Pen that allows communication in a more personal ways, and improved camera for better photo experience.

Enjoy and Do More on the Infinity Display 

Featuring a 6.3-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display that allows users to see more and scroll less, the Galaxy Note8 has the biggest screen ever on a Note device, yet its narrow body makes it comfortable to hold in one hand. With the new Galaxy Note8, users are equipped with more room to watch, read and draw—making it the ultimate multitasking smartphone.

 

Live Messaging with Enhance S Pen

Samsung introduces Live Messaging that allows users to create animated messages and this works on any apps that supported animated GIF files.

 

Better Pictures with Galaxy Note8’s Camera

The Galaxy Note8 is equipped with two 12MP rear cameras with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) on both the wide-angle lens and the telephoto lens. Whether users are exploring a new city or running around their backyard, OIS allows them to capture sharper images.

 

For more advanced photo-taking, the Galaxy Note8’s Live Focus feature lets users control the depth of field by allowing them to adjust the bokeh effect in preview mode and after they take the photo.

 

In Dual Capture mode, both rear cameras take two pictures simultaneously and allow users to save both images; one close-up shot from the telephoto lens and one wide-angle shot that shows the entire background.

 

The wide-angle lens has a Dual Pixel sensor with rapid Auto Focus, so that users can capture sharper, clearer shots, even in low-light environments. The Galaxy Note8 is also equipped with an industry-leading 8MP Smart Auto Focus front-facing camera for sharp selfies and video.

Local Pricing and Availability

Interested buyers can place their pre-order from 25 Aug 2017. The Galaxy Note8 will be available from 15 September 2017 at a recommended retail price of $1,398 including GST. Available in MidnightBlack, Maple Gold and Orchid Gray, the device will be available at all local telecommunication operators, major consumer electronic stores, authorised mobile retailers, Samsung Experience Stores and Lazada Singapore.

Galaxy Note8 Product Specifications:

	Galaxy Note8
OS	AndroidTM 7.1.1 (Nougat)
Network	LTE Cat. 1623
Dimension	162.5 x 74.8 x 8.6mm, 195g
Processor	10nm, Exynos 2.3GHz Quad + 1.7GHz Quad
Memory	RAM: 6GB ROM: 64GB External Storage: microSD slot up to 256GB
Display	6.3” Infinity Display, Quad HD+ 18.5:9, 2960×1440
Camera	Rear: Dual Camera [Wide] 12MP Dual Pixel OIS AF (F1.7), [Tele] 12MP OIS AF (F2.4) Front: 8MP AF (F1.7)
Battery	3,300mAh
Charging	Ultra Fast Charging, Fast Wireless Charging (built-in)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi® 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz + 5GHz), VHT80, MU-MIMO, 1024-QAM, Wi-Fi Direct®, Bluetooth® 5.0, USB 3.1 Type-C, NFC
Audio	Format Supported: UHQ 32-bit audio & DSD (Direct Stream Digital) 64/128
Video	UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) | @30fps
Water Resistance	Water & Dust Resistance (IP68) – Note 8 and S Pen
In-box Accessories	Transparent clear cover, Micro USB Connector, Earphones Tuned by AKG by Harman, Travel Adaptor, Type-C USB Cable, Ejection Pin

 

Samsung Electronics Singapore showcased at Galaxy Studio the new line-up of device and service additions to the Galaxy ecosystem that puts the newly launched Galaxy S8 and S8+ at its heart. The Galaxy Studio consumer event is held in celebration of the recent launch of the Galaxy S8 and S8+, and will be held at Civic Plaza, Ngee Ann City, from today till 29 June.

 

#SamsungDeX station uses #GalaxyS8 and S8+ to provide desktop-like functionality and let users take their work onto a bigger screen, with familiar desktop features like multi-windows, resizing windows and even drag & drop. Shoppers can get to try the device at the #SamsungGalaxyStudio happening at Ngee Ang City from 14 Apr to 29 Jun. The device is currently selling at recommended retail price of SGD $198 and will be available from 29 Apr onwards.

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on Apr 13, 2017 at 5:07pm PDT

Galaxy Studio will introduce the new Galaxy Plus, offering options for consumers to get more out of their Galaxy S8 and S8+, made possible by the Galaxy ecosystem of products including the Samsung DeX Station, the Gear VR with Controller, the Gear 360 (2017) and the Mobile Photo Printer. With a range of Samsung companion devices and services that seamlessly complement the new Galaxy S8 and S8+, users can discover new ways to explore, experience and interact with their world.

 

This year, #Samsung #GalaxyStudio brings new #4D experience with Whiplash Pulsar 4D chair. Together with #Samsung, get a feel of being a pilot of extreme aircraft stunts!

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on Apr 13, 2017 at 12:12am PDT

• VRtainment

Unlocking endless entertainment and VR possibilities, the Gear VR with Controller, when paired with the Galaxy S8 and S8+, allows users to embark on immersive adventures anytime and anywhere.

 

#Samsung #Gear360 (2017) is selling at recommended retail price SGD 348. If you purchase #GalaxyS8 or 8+ from 29 Apr to 31 May, you could buy the Gear 360 at SGD 298.

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on Apr 13, 2017 at 8:52am PDT

• Live 360°

It is now easier than ever to create beautiful memories to look back on, all with 360-degree videos and images captured in stunning 4K resolution on the Gear 360 (2017).

• Work X Play

Consumers can now enjoy enhanced productivity with a desktop-like experience from their smartphones.

• Secure Shopping with Samsung Pay

With Samsung Pay on the Galaxy S8 and S8+, users can now leave their wallets at home, and enjoy the seamless convenience from making payments on-the-go.

 

Consumers are also invited to experience the different elements of Galaxy Plus at various selected Samsung Experience Stores and major consumer IT and electronics stores island-wide.

 

Galaxy Studio Activities

Showcasing the best of Samsung’s innovations, the Singapore leg of Galaxy Studio will comprise of themed experiential zones, each incorporating the use of the latest Samsung Galaxy products. Through a slew of delightful and immersive activities at the zones, consumers can experience for themselves how Samsung’s connected suite of devices and services integrates perfectly with consumers’ daily lives.

 

Local Pricing and Availability

The Gear VR with Controller, Gear 360 (2017) and Samsung DeX Station will be available at all local telecommunication operators, major consumer IT and electronics stores, authorised mobile retailers, Samsung Experience Stores and selected online marketplace from 29 April, while the Mobile Photo Printer will be available from Q3 2017. The new devices will be available at the following recommended retail prices:

• Gear VR with Controller: $188
• Gear 360 (2017): $348
• Samsung DeX Station: $198
• Mobile Photo Printer: $198

Read the full press release

[pdf-embedder url=”https://theneodimension.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Media-Release-Samsung-Showcases-New-Galaxy-Plus-and-Rich-Product-and-Service-Ecosystem-at-Galaxy-Studio.pdf” title=”[Media Release] Samsung Showcases New Galaxy Plus and Rich Product and Service Ecosystem at Galaxy Studio”]

HP announced new technology innovations to help businesses start building their “Office of the Future.”

Quick peak at @hp #OfficeOfTheFuture 2017 in #Singapore #hpkeepreinventing #hp #business #instaphoto #innovation

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on Mar 11, 2017 at 9:08pm PST

HP pairs beautiful, stylish design with the latest security and collaboration features in its commercial devices to help businesses make gradual improvements to their workspaces and technology infrastructure. The new HP devices make collaboration, content creation, consumption and exchange of ideas, whether virtually or face-to-face, more efficient but still secure. These include:

#HP unveils latest products at #HPofficeofthefuture 2017.

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on Mar 9, 2017 at 6:24pm PST

• HP EliteBook x360 – According to HP, this is the world’s thinnest business convertible. It combines powerful thin and light stylish design, collaboration capabilities, enterprise-class security and durability, as well as the longest battery life in a convertible range of up to 16 hours. It also includes the latest security innovations such as HP Sure Start Gen36, a self-healing BIOS now with run-time memory protection.

• HP Pro x2 612 G2 – the 2-in-1 detachable allows for agile work anywhere in field services, government, healthcare, and retail verticals of up to 11 hours battery life. The device was built from the ground up for secure work environments and includes a built-in smart card reader, a removable SSD, and the HP Client Security Suite Gen38. It features a removable back cover for easy serviceability.

• HP Z2 Mini Workstation – the world’s first mini workstation delivers server grade power but in a compact package just 2.3” high and 90% smaller than a traditional business-class tower. Twice as powerful as any commercial mini PC on the market today, it is able to handle CAD users’ fast speed of creation and increasingly complexity of projects to bring their creative visions to life.

• HP mt43 Mobile Thin Client – Mobile cloud computing is easier and more convenient than ever with HP’s thinnest and lightest mobile thin client. The multiple security features, easy-to-use setup and deployment software, and quick access to shared data that employees require make management of this device a breeze for IT managers.

• EliteOne 800 G3 All-in-One – the newly redesigned AiO is the first commercial AiO with dual-facing cameras12, and non-glare touch screen13. Not only does it look good on open floor plans and reception areas, but it also allows desks to be clutter-free for conducive discussions.

• HP Elite x3 Mobile Scanning Solution – This extends the benefits of the HP Elite x3 3-in-1 mobile device beyond the mobile professional to mobilise vertical workflows for healthcare, field and retail workers. The integrated barcode scanner can be used to check prices, access inventory and CRM information on the go and then seamlessly transition to the back-office with the ability to dock and connect to a display, mouse, and keyboard for a full PC experience14.

• HP Elite Slice – An inventive alternative to traditional desktop PC designs, this makes interactive meeting spaces a reality. The clean modular design with no messy cables, a small footprint lets businesses configure their own specific desktop solution. The addition of the Collaboration Cover, Audio Module and Intel Unite software transforms the HP Elite Slice into a complete conferencing solution for meeting rooms.

Providing additional options for the fulfilment of the individual gaming experience, BenQ ZOWIE  announced its new e-Sports gaming monitors, the XL2540 and XL2735.

The launch event highlighted BenQ ZOWIE’s latest addition to its XL series for PC e-Sports – the new 24.5” FHD e-Sports gaming monitor – XL2540 which introduces the native 240Hz refresh rate to deliver a whole new level to gameplay experience as the computer generates over 240 frames per second (FPS) providing experienced smoothness in-game.

Another highlight was the XL2735, a 27” WQHD e-Sports gaming monitor crafted with exclusive DyAcTM Technology that maintains remarkable clarity during in-game movement, to deliver a smoother experience and enable players to swiftly capture and hit targets.

BenQ ZOWIE’s XL-series features premier monitors for PC e-Sports, fine-tuned to guarantee the smoothest and most responsive experience with the clearest images to arm gamers for competition.

Both the e-Sports gaming monitors come with Shields to help gamers focus on the game and an LCD frame that is specially designed to reduce light reflection from the screen to ensure a better gaming experience. Aside from the new design and features, the brand’s tailor-made features for gamers are still available on both models – Black eQualizer increases visibility in dark scenes without overexposing the bright areas while S Switch is designed for easy access to settings and switching between saved modes, The Height Adjustable Stand can easily adjust the height of the monitor to a gamer’s preferred viewing angle, maximizing comfort and the Color Vibrance feature gives gamers the flexibility on color performance with 20 levels of setting.

BenQ ZOWIE also offers a full range peripherals from Mice, Mousepad, Audio System to Accessories. Combining the core competencies of BenQ and ZOWIE, BenQ ZOWIE promises to provide innovations that truly enhance player performance and enjoyment from monitors to peripherals.

BenQ ZOWIE’s newest XL2540 and XL2735 are available now, and are priced at SGD 799 and SGD 1,049 respectively. For more information on the BenQ ZOWIE line of products visit http://zowie.benq.com/

Singapore, February 7, 2017 — A familiar brand in Singapore, Garmin’s consumer products have been sold here through distributors since the early 1990s. As part of the brand’s strategic plan to strengthen their presence in the region, Garmin will now be directly managing the sales and marketing of its consumer business devices in the Southeast Asia and India region.

Singapore was selected as the regional headquarters for Garmin’s regional expansion because of the nation’s vibrant pro-business environment, political stability, centralised geography and strong infrastructure.

The company has appointed Mr. Engelhard (Al) Sundoro as Managing Director for the South Asia/ India Region since January 2017. Mr. Sundoro brings with him a wealth of experience having worked with Garmin International in America since 2007. Mr. Sundoro will manage Garmin’s consumer business in six South-east Asian countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand) and India and its marine business in South-east Asia, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and India.

“As a company, we need to be an enduring brand that consistently innovates. In order to do that, it is essential for us to be closer to our customers to understand what they need. Even as a global brand, Garmin sees each market differently as the customer needs in each region is diverse. Outside of US, China and Taiwan, it is a natural step for the brand to strengthen our presence in South-east Asia with Singapore as our headquarters as consumers here tend to be early adopters of technology,” said Mr. Al Sundoro, Managing Director for South Asia/ India Region.

Garmin has a strong foundation in engineering products for aviation and marine since 1989. With engineering a fundamental part of the brand’s DNA, innovation, precision and attention to details are ingrained in the products designed by the brand.

Aiming to engineer quality wearables to complement the daily active lifestyles of users, Garmin recently announced its partnership with EZ-Link to launch a special version of its vívosmart HR activity tracker with built-in NFC contactless payment smarts. Users can tap their fitness band to make payment for train and bus rides, cab rides and retail purchases in Singapore.

“Working with partners such as EZ-Link to make our products more meaningful to consumers in each locale is an example of what we want to do with our business here,” added Mr. Sundoro.