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Creative achieves next breakthrough with Super X-Fi by investing USD 100M and 20 years into R&D

Falling sales, reduced production and loss of investors’ interests – for the last decades, these are some of the negative stuff you’ve heard about our homegrown Creative Technology (“Creative”). However, this has not deterred Mr Sim Wong Hoo, founder of Creative, from continuing his fight in the struggling audio business and this year, they are coming back with their latest technology that aims to change the way how consumer experience audio entertainment – Super X-Fi. The Neo Dimension is fortunate to be invited to Creative headquarters to hear first-hand from Mr Sim on this technology.

 

Announced in the CES 2018, Super X-Fi received positive reviews from the media and audio experts at the event. This latest technology has also been named “Best of CES 2018”. Back in Singapore, this technology has sparked investors’ interests in the company. The stock (stock quote: C76.SI) has jumped more than 300% within a week and the rally does not show any signs of slowing down!

 

So what exactly is Super X-Fi?

To put it simply, it is a new audio technology designed specifically for headphones to produce an immersive surround audio experience to users. Mr Sim further explains that every person is unique and perception of “good audio” varies person-to-person. This perception of “good audio” is what he called individual’s custom sound map. The beauty of Super X-Fi is that it matches the audio output to the individual’s custom sound map by analysing anthropological features of one’s head and ears.

Creative has invested USD 100M in research on a perfect sound profile. For the past 20 years, they have run countless trials on rooms, sound systems, headphones and test subjects. With the help of an artificial intelligence (AI) engine, the anthropological features of a person’s head are extracted along with the dynamics of the targeted headphones, and the AI engine synthesizes them to create a multi-dimensional map of the desired room acoustics.

 

Using this synthesized SXFI map, Super X-Fi recreates the audio holography to create a magical listening experience for headphones, custom-made to each individual’s unique physique.

 

Despite the level of sophistication in the technology, the end-user experience is extremely simple. All users need to do is take pictures of their head with their phone, select their headphone type, and they can start playing.

 

Technology – Good or Bad?

Before the presentation started, they took images of my head and ears using a mobile phone. Then the technology analyzed the data and mapped a sound profile that is customized to me. I listened to the demo and it was mind-blowing! The surround sound I heard from the headphone was amazing and I even took the headphones off just to confirm that I wasn’t hearing the sound from the physical surround speakers. Judging from the guests’ reactions, they were equally or almost as impressed as I am.

 

As part of the demo, we get to hear other guests’ sound profiles and indeed, those sounded horrible to me.

 

We all know that everybody has their own perception on what is considered a “good sound” but no one in the industry could solve this decades-long problem. Creative’s Super X-Fi could be the game changer.

 

Mr Sim Wong Hoo analogize Creative’s Super X-Fi to a Color TV. He further elaborated, “Before TV you are watching black and white, then the switch of black and white TV to color TV; so we are now witnessing the switch right now!”

 

 

A Good Technology = A Good Business?

A good technology is an asset to the company but how much return you could squeeze from this technology depends on the strategies and business models.

 

For the past decades, Creative has been making losses. In recent years, it has been increasingly more difficult to compete with new and upcoming entrants in the market. The key success factor for Creative’s Super X-Fi would be to gain adoption in the market speedily by licensing this technology to headphones or smartphone markers. Speed is crucial, especially in the technology space.

 

 

As part of the plan, Creative will be launching a free Super X-Fi app where users could play downloaded content without purchasing any Creative headphones. Creative hopes to acquire 50 million users.

 

To get the full experience of Super X-Fi, users can purchase the dongle which Creative plans to sell at a competitive price point of USD 150 to attract consumers.

 

The free Super X-Fi app and the dongle will be available by mid-2018.

 

Creative, A Growth Stock Again?

 

Investors seem to be convinced that Super X-Fi is going to turn Creative around. It makes perfect sense for the company to focus on the headphones market given the projected high growth in the global market.  Quoting Mr Sachin Mittal, a DBS analyst in a Bloomberg report, “If the product gains just 0.5 percent share of the global headset market in 2020, Creative would gain revenues of $232 million”

 

I believe that the growth of the global headset market is inflated in the Bloomberg report. Based on their statement, this puts the value of the global headset market at USD 46B. Several research papers suggest that the global market could be worth USD 11B to USD 20B by 2020 to 2025. Suppose we take a more conservative yet optimistic estimate of USD 20B, that would be approx. USD 100m of revenue by 2023 (more than 100% jump from Creative’s revenue in 2017!).

 

Without a doubt, Creative is a growth stock. However, high growth essentially means high-risk. The challenge for Creative is to sign their first purchase order to start the first mass-production of the chip.  Now, it is hard to predict which headphone maker is going to give them the business. On the flip side, they are competitors as well.  The strategies of launching app and dongle are sound but is it good enough for Creative to turn their enemy into Frienemy?

 

How about licensing their technology to smartphone makers? Smartphone leaders like Apple and Samsung have already started the battle in the audio space. Apple has acquired celebrity headphone brand Beats Audio in 2014 and has started to manufacture their own audio headsets. Samsung, on the other hand, has acquired a US-based audio specialist Harmon in 2016. Ever since then, they have been bundling AKG earphones, Harmon’s subsidiary, with Samsung Galaxy S’s series of phones. Now, the question is, “If not Apple nor Samsung, who else can Creative offer their technology to in the smartphone market?”

 

To the investors, is the risk worth taking?

Fundamentally, Creative is holding approx. USD 100M of cash and more importantly, it is debt-free as of now. They should have sufficient financial capacity to market this technology for the next couple of years (They should be able to weather through if this new technology fails).

 

However, this stock is likely to be volatile in the short term which could be an opportunity for speculative traders.

 

For long term investors, this stock is a high-risk-high-return play. As I have mentioned earlier on, the extreme scenario is unlikely to bankrupt the company, but the high volatility may be of concern to some investors. Based solely on the potential of this technology, this stock could be undervalued but sign of market acceptance has yet to be seen.

 

Important! Please Read: All comments and suggestions here are purely my opinions. Investors should exercise their own discretions before taking up any positions on this stock.     

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Samsung Launches Galaxy A8 and A8+ in Singapore

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+.

Source: Instagram user @weewu

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.

Source: Instagram user @weewuOpening of the Revamped Samsung Experience Store@Vivocity Promotion

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.

 

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Samsung Launches Galaxy Note8 in Singapore

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.

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.

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

 

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Samsung Showcases New Galaxy Plus and Rich Product and Service Ecosystem at Galaxy Studio

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.

 

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.

 

  • 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.

 

  • 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”]

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Review of Sony Xperia XZ – A Good Camera Phone

Build of the phone

Large screen might not be always better. The New Sony Xperia XZ comes with 5.2 Inch display with Full HD resolutions. Personally, I like the screen size. It is large enough for mobile entertainment and small enough to be held with one hand.

 

Another feature that surprised me is the fingerprint sensor; which is located on the power button. That makes a lot of sense since users are so used to wake up the phone by pressing the power button. As of now, I am rather neutral to the location and accuracy of the fingerprint sensor. Nonetheless, it is generally fine provided you don’t press and release your finger too quickly.

Sony Xperia XZ
Sony Xperia XZ

Stunning camera performance
There are several attributes of the camera that excites me. First, the 23MP of the rear camera which produce sharp and clear images. Second, its proprietary RGBC-IR sensor which Sony claimed it is capable to produce rich and vibrant colour. Ok, I am sold by the camera.

Well, pictures speak a thousand words. I have uploaded some of my photos below:

Night Scene of Singapore. Source: Instagram user @weewu
Night Scene of Singapore. Source: Instagram user @weewu
Captured moving car in front of Fullerton Hotel. Source: Instagram user @weewu
Captured moving car in front of Fullerton Hotel. Source: Instagram user @weewu
Selfie with
Selfie with “Rainbow Warrior” in Taiwan. Source: Instagram user @weewu
Rays of lights at Mt Maokong, Taiwan. Source: Instagram user @weewu
Rays of lights at Mt Maokong, Taiwan. Source: Instagram user @weewu
Jiufen, Taiwan. Source: Instagram user @weewu
Jiufen, Taiwan. Source: Instagram user @weewu

Don’t believe in the photo I’ve uploaded? Check out #shotbyxperia, #shotbyxperiaxz & #sonymobilesg for more photos

The camera also starts fast and responses quickly when u press the shutter. In my opinion, *it is so much better than the older Xperia phones.

*I didn’t own the older Xperia precisely because their camera are quite laggy. But, the new Xperia XZ has changed my perception).  

Front facing camera is packed with 13MP sensor which produces nice selfie photo. To a certain extent, I feel its front facing camera could perform as well as rear camera of mid-range phones currently in the market. **The handshutter feature could accurately detect your palm. Since you do not need to touch the shutter on the camera, it greatly reduces the chance of getting blur selfie photo.

Trying
Trying “handshuttle” feature on the front-facing camera. Source: Instagram user @weewu

Another feature by Sony Xperia XZ that most phones or even some DSLRs in the market could not offer – 4K video recording. I shot a night scene of Singapore in 4K and I was impressed by the amount of details even under a low light condition. Take a look of the sample video below.

 

Sample Video of Singapore River (Night)

 

**I understand that I have mentioned on my Facebook before that the phone camera seems to be a bit laggy after playing with it for a while during its Singapore launch. I would like to take back what I’ve said. The fact is I have brought this device to Japan and Taiwan for a long holiday. The phone performs well under different environments be it up on the high mountain to wet conditions. I suspect an update was done to fix the issue.

Battery and Heat Management.

Battery capacity is only 2900 mAh which is comparatively lower than what most of the smartphones in the market offer. Well, I think it is unfair to judge the battery performance by just looking at its capacity.  Nonetheless, it will be still one of the key factors that determines the time of usage.

During my visit to Taiwan and Japan, I took hundreds of photos and videos. Battery life becomes exceptionally challenging. With lots of video and photo-taking, the phone could not last more than 10 hours.

Heat management has improved compared to the previous Xperia XZ. I have run tonnes of apps on the phone and I don’t remember experiencing any crashes or any heat issues.

The only time that I experienced heat issues is when I was doing a video recording with the device. The device gets hot and there was once, some camera functions were disabled (in-build safety feature to manage the heat and to protect the phone as well as the user)

 

Price

Price wise is competitive if you compare to other high-end smartphones in the market and it is certainly one of the models that you should be put in your radar. Recommended retail price – SGD 998/-

 

Likes And Dislikes

Likes: Camera and price (if you compare to other high-end devices in the smartphone market)

Dislikes: Heat issue

 

Who should buy?

If you are looking for a productive phone, the Sony Xperia XZ is certainly not designed for your liking. However, it is a good travel phone for people who love taking photos but do not wish to carry lots of camera equipment. The battery life issue could be solved with power bank (anybody don’t pack a power bank when out for tour? Don’t think so…)

The dual SIM cards slot also makes Xperia XZ travel-friendly. (The best part you do not need to use a pin to open the SIM card slot)

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The New Samsung Galaxy Tab A 4G with S Pen – Specification and Price

White Galaxy Tab A With Stylus. Photo: Samsung Singapore
White Galaxy Tab A With Stylus. Photo: Samsung Singapore

Samsung Electronics Singapore announced the new Samsung Galaxy Tab A (2016, 10.1”) with S Pen 4G.

The Galaxy Tab A (2016, 10.1”) with S Pen 4G comes equipped with an improved S Pen, enabling users to complete their tasks more efficiently and accurately.

Equipped with long lasting battery, users are powered with up to 13 hours of Internet usage on the tablet, be it surfing the net or

Black Galaxy Tab A. Photo: Samsung Singapore
Black Galaxy Tab A. Photo: Samsung Singapore

watching movies on-the-go.

With the Galaxy Tab A (2016, 10.1”) with S Pen 4G, consumers can enjoy additional storage of up to 256GB through the microSD card slot, offering even more content storage versatility.

Local Pricing and Availability

The Galaxy Tab A (2016, 10.1”) with S Pen 4G is available now in Black and White at a recommended retail price of $498.

 

Galaxy Tab A (2016, 10.1”) 4G with S Pen Product Specifications:

Model Code SM-P585
Dimensions 254.3 x 164.2 x 8.2mm, 558g
Display 10.1” 16M colours WUXGA (1920 x 1200) full touch (C-type)

TFT LCD screen
Platform AndroidTM 6.0.1 (Marshmallow)
Processor 1.6GHz Octa Core
 

Network

 4G 4G LTE Cat 4 up to 150Mbps/ 4G LTE FDD [Band 1

(2100MHz)/ Band 3 (1800MHz)/ Band 5 (850MHz)/ Band 7

(2600MHz)/ Band 8 (900MHz)/ Band 28 (700MHz)]/ 4G LTE

TDD [Band 38 (2600MHz/ Band 40 (2300MHz)]/ 3.5G

(HSPA+ up to 42Mbps)/ 3G [Band 1 (2100MHz)/ Band 2

(1900MHz)/ Band 5 (850MHz)/ Band 8 (900MHz)]/ EDGE/

GPRS Class 33/ GSM Quad-band (850/ 900/ 1800/ 1900MHz)
 

Camera

 8.0MP Rear Camera (4:3) [4X Digital Zoom, Auto,

Panorama Shot, HDR (High Dynamic Range) Shot, Beauty

Face, Sports Shot, Pro Shot, Continuous Shot, Sound &

Shot, Night Shot] + 2.0MP Front Camera (4:3) [Selfie Shot,

Sound & Shot, Night Shot], FHD Video Player [3GP,

MPEG4, MP4, H.263, H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), WMV,

ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV, WEBM, VC-1, Sorenson Spark]

1080p @ 60fps & FHD Video Recorder [3GP, MPEG4,

MP4, H.263, H.264 (AVC)] 1080p @ 30fps
 

Memory

 16GB7 memory + MicroSD slot (up to 256GB) with 3GB

RAM
 

Connectivity

 Bluetooth® 4.2 LE, Micro USB 2.0, Wi-Fi® 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

(2.4G + 5GHz), VHT80, Wi-Fi Direct®, GPS, GLONASS,

Beidou, Mobile hotspot & Tethering
Email Exchange, ActiveSync, GmailTM
Battery 7,300mAh
Talk Time4 Up to 43hrs (3G)
 

Services

 S Pen, Samsung Notes, PEN.UP, Samsung Kids Mode 4.0,

Smart Switch (downloadable), MyKnox (downloadable), Pop

Up Play, Multi Window8, Quick Connect3, Galaxy Apps/

Google PlayTM, S Planner, Google Voice SearchTM,

ChromeTM/ AndroidTM Browser, YouTubeTM, Microsoft

Word®, Microsoft Excel®, Microsoft Powerpoint®, Microsoft

OneNote®, Microsoft OneDrive®, Google MapsTM, GoogleTM

Search, Google PlayTM Music, Google PhotosTM, Google

DriveTM, Google NowTM, HangoutsTM, Ultra Power Saving Mode9
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Event – SYFY TEAMS UP WITH SAMSUNG TO BRING HYBRID VR SERIES – HALCYON

halcyon-1-25fps-polish-00-02-07-02-still006

Syfy welcomes its original Hybrid Virtual Reality (VR) series, HALCYON, premiering on 22 September, Thursday at 10pm (Syfy, StarHub Ch 517).

To give viewers the ultimate Halcyon experience, Syfy Asia has teamed up with Samsung for the series to be available on the Samsung Gear VR. The partnership enabled Syfy superfans to get a sneak preview of the series with the Gear VR at the Singapore Toys, Games and Comic Convention (STGCC) over the weekend, while members of the press in Singapore were treated to experience select episodes from the series at the Samsung Experience Store at Vivocity.

Experience VR episode with Samsung Gear VR
Experience VR episode with Samsung Gear VR

HALCYON is set in 2040 and follows Julie Dover, a detective in the Virtual Reality Crimes Unit, as she investigates the first real-life murder to take place within virtual reality – a crime that shouldn’t even be possible – and the conspiracy she discovers behind it. Directed by BAFTA-nominated Benjamin Arfmann (Random Stop), Halcyon provides compelling cliff-hangers moving fans across TV, online and VR platforms to find out what will happen next.

 

The 15-episode series consists of 10 x 5-minute linear episodes available to binge-watch on TV (Syfy – StarHub Ch 517), online (http://halcyon.syfy.asia) and on VR (Samsung Gear VR). In addition to the 10 episodes, viewers will also be able to enjoy five special episodes that will be available exclusively via the Halcyon VR app, which can be downloaded from the Oculus store for US$4.99 (from 22-25 Sep) and US$9.99 (from 25 Sep) on the Samsung Gear VR.

 

The Samsung Gear VR allows users to enjoy Halcyon episodes in a truly immersive and cinematic manner. Episodes will alternate between short-form and VR to showcase a next-level entertainment experience that combines the immersive nature of VR with the narrative arc of a linear TV series:

vr-interface

Halcyon’s story can be understood from just its linear episodes, but watching both linear and VR episodes will allow viewers a more enriched experience. For viewers who only watch the linear episodes, a short recap of the previous VR episode will be played before each linear episode begins, to ensure that they will be able to follow the complete storyline.

Viewers in Singapore hoping to catch the series in both linear and VR will be able to do so with the Samsung Gear VR.

HOW TO WATCH HALCYON
TV: Premieres 22 September, Thursday at 10pm on Syfy (StarHub Ch 517)
Online: Available anytime from 22 September on http://halcyon.syfy.asia
VR: Available on Samsung Gear VR through the Halcyon VR app

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Event – NVIDIA Launches GeForce GTX 10-Series For Laptops

NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) releases new GeForce GTX 10-series GPU 1060, 1070, 1080 for notebooks.

Powered by the NVIDIA Pascal™ architecture, these advanced GPUs are built with ultra-fast FinFET (Fin Field Effect Transistor) and support for DirectX 12 features to deliver the fastest, smoothest gaming notebook experiences.

Group Photo. Source: Instagram user @weewu
Group Photo. Source: Instagram user @weewu

Additionally, NVIDIA VRWorks™ technologies brings VR performance on to mobile platform. These include NVIDIA Simultaneous Multi-Projection technology, which can yield up to a 3x VR graphics performance improvement over previous-generation GPUs, allowing notebook gamers to play VR games with higher levels of detail for a more realistic, immersive experience.

Experience NVIDIA VRWorks Technologies. Source: Instagram user @weewu
Experience NVIDIA VRWorks Technologies. Source: Instagram user @weewu

Compared with prior-generation Maxwell architecture-based GPUs, the new GeForce GTX 10Series GPUs for notebooks deliver up to 75 percent more performance right out of the box. With the Dual-FET power supply and multi-phased power controllers, they offer more than 3x the overclocking potential for even faster performance.

Watch the Facebook Live Video on John Gillooly‘s presentation of the product launch.

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Smartphone Market Maintains Growth in South East Asia in 16Q2; Samsung, OPPO, True and ASUS Dominate

According to the latest International Data Corporation (IDC) Asia/Pacific Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, total smartphone shipments in the South East Asia (SEA) region is approximately 28 million units in the second quarter of 2016 reflecting an 18.1% increase quarter-on quarter (QoQ) and continued positive growth year-on-year (YoY) of 6.5%. Countries in the SEA region tracked by IDC’s local and regional analysts are Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The report states that competitive price points and heavy marketing activities in a now crowded market are the key driving factors for the budget conscious SEA market.

In terms of market share, the overall smartphone market remains dominated by Samsung, followed by OPPO, True (an operator in Thailand), Asus and Lava.

 

 

  • Samsung retained its top position by relying on its price and spec competitive Galaxy J series which was highly suited for the budget conscious SEA market. Meanwhile, the flagship Galaxy S7 series saw better YoY performance in terms of unit shipments compared to the Galaxy S6 series launched back in 2015.
  • OPPO moved to second position for the first time. Despite Oppo’s continued marketing investments to build a solid brand equity for its F1 family, it was the Neo model that drove up its volume.
  • Asus’ position is supported by its highly affordable Zenfone Go model. Meanwhile, the growth of its flagship, the Zenfone 2 Laser, slowed down in preparation for the new Zenfone 3 targeted for launch in the third quarter.
  • Unit shipments for True and Lava were propelled by heavy operator activities to increase 3G subscribers nationwide in Thailand.

 

 

Meanwhile, 3G handsets still make up majority of the market share as they carry significantly lower price points as opposed to 4G ones, a pivotal factor particularly for SEA consumers. Furthermore, the slow uptake of 4G is largely attributed to the temporary rise of 3G devices in Thailand, where operators were in a rush to migrate subscribers from 2G to 3G, handing out large amounts of free or heavily discounted handsets.

Source: IDC

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Press Release: Singtel Offers ZoneAlarm Mobile Security App

Singapore, 5 September, 2016 – Singtel is collaborating with Check Point Software Technologies Ltd to offer ZoneAlarm Mobile Security, a world-class mobile security app that provides comprehensive protection from malware, hackers, WiFi attacks and other cyber threats.

 

Available for iOS and Android devices, ZoneAlarm performs detailed risk assessments by scanning installed apps, detecting unsafe WiFi networks and recommending the most secure WiFi hotspot options. It alerts users of suspicious processes running on their phones and protects their operating
system from attacks.

 

“For convenience, many people keep their credit card details, passwords and other sensitive information on their mobile devices. Mobile security is more important than ever as cyber threats become more prevalent. With ZoneAlarm and other products in the new Singtel Mobile Protection suite, our customers can enjoy a worry-free experience for mobile banking, online shopping and web surfing,” said Ms Diana Chen, Vice President of Mobile Marketing, Singtel.

 

ZoneAlarm is available as a value-added service to all Singtel mobile postpaid customers at a special price of S$2.90 per month. It is available at a further discounted price of S$2.00 with any subscription of MobileSwop, Singtel’s device care add-on service.

 

Customers can sign up for ZoneAlarm via My Singtel app or any Singtel Retail Shop