Meet ASUS’ High-Value 5’’ ZenFone with Pixelmaster Camera and Android Lollipop 5.1

A compact, stylish and high-value smartphone for today’s savvy and socially-connected consumers, with a vivid 5-inch IPS HD (1280 x 720) display and a feature-rich 8MP PixelMaster main camera with industry-leading low-light performance. The newest member of the original ZenFone generation keeps the fun rolling with a high-capacity battery that provides almost 30 hours of 3G talk time and over 10 days on standby.

ZenFone Go packs a powerful 1.3GHz quad core processor for superior everyday performance, and includes intelligent dual SIM, dual-active technology that lets users both deal with and switch seamlessly between business and personal needs.

This lightweight marvel also has exclusive ASUS SonicMaster audio technology, controlled by the intuitive ASUS AudioWizard with ICEpower® technology for mobile-audio experiences that sound great in any surroundings.

PixelMaster camera: See what others can’t see

ZenFone Go is equipped for superb everyday photography and fun selfies, with two built-in cameras. The main PixelMaster camera has a 8MP, f/2.0 lens to capture stunning photos. PixelMaster’s industry-leading Low Light mode employs pixel-merging technology to capture up to 400%-brighter photos at night, or in low-light scenes, without the need for a flash — something not previously possible with a 5MP camera.

The ZenFone Go’s PixelMaster main camera also has Backlight (HDR) mode to let users capture vivid, evenly-exposed photos in challenging backlit scenes such as sunset portraits. By using pixel-enhancing technology to increase contrast by up to 400%, Backlight (HDR) mode ensures that foreground subjects stand out clearly and are free of shadows.

ZenFone Go’s ZenUI Camera app also includes loads of powerful features to help users capture the very best photographs and selfies, including Time Rewind that snaps even before the shutter button is pressed and Depth of Field to create stunning miniature-world effects.

Android Lollipop 5.1

Browse through the ZenUI with Android Lollipop 5.1 from out of the box. It gives you the best Android experience with all the bug fixes and improved key aspects of the entire operating system, and added some new tricks and fancy animations to make ZenFone Go even livelier.

SonicMaster audio: Exclusive technology for high-quality mobile sound

ZenFone Go benefits from ASUS-exclusive SonicMaster technology for exceptional mobile-audio experiences. An ingenuous amplifier design enables ZenFone Go to deliver an output voltage that’s up to 25% greater than competing smartphones. The included ASUS AudioWizard app with ICEpower technology helps the users to shape the sound for every environment and situation. The result is rich, powerful and dynamic audio output that delivers louder, distortion-free sound for both work and play, from speakerphone calls and voiced map directions to music and movies.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

ZenFone Go (ZC500TG) will be available next week in all authorized re-sellers nationwide for only P5,995.

MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY AT ITS FINEST: ALCATEL LAUNCHES FLASH 2 EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH LAZADA PHILIPPINES ON SEPTEMBER 30, 12 NOON

New Prime Model From Alcatel Flash Pushes The Limits In Camera and Phone

Alcatel Flash today announced their latest prime model, the Alcatel Flash 2, with an even stronger focus on mobile photography than ever before. Fresh with their new brand color “Flash Green” signifying innovation, youth and energy, the Alcatel Flash 2 builds upon Alcatel Flash’s commitment in providing mobile users a unique mobile photography experience – mobigraphy.

“Mobigraphy is not just an action, but is now a lifestyle. We understand this from the very beginning when we created the Flash series,” Albert Wong, General Manager, Alcatel Flash. “What we have done for Alcatel Flash 2 is to continue to improve on what we already have and make it better yet at the same time continue to provide accessibility and convenience to the users to shoot their best moments.”

“The success of the Flash Plus has inspired the team to devise another smartphone with superb features and specifications at an affordable price,” Lei Zhang, Philippine Country Manager, Alcatel Flash.

Launching exclusively on September 30 at exactly 12 Noon, through the Philippines’ One-Stop Shopping and Selling Destination – Lazada; the Alcatel Flash 2 signifies the strong partnership between Alcatel and Lazada towards having the superior product quality of the Alcatel smartphones be accessible to a wider consumer base through Lazada’s strong logistical capability and robust cash-on-delivery network. With the partnership between Alcatel and Lazada, Filpinos can own the newest smartphone sensation – the Alcatel Flash 2, through the effortless and enjoyable online shopping experience that Lazada Philippines offers to its shoppers.

Improved Camera Technologies

The gSight. 13 Megapixels ƒ/2.0 rear camera provides sharper and clearer pictures. The accompanying RealTone Dual Flash gives an extra advantage in low light conditions while maintaining the colors as true as possible to real life.

For the Profie Cam front camera, Alcatel Flash 2 has the distinct LED flash, shedding light to the users’ selfies.

Design To Fit Perfectly In Your Hand

The Alcatel Flash 2 is ergonomically designed to fit perfectly in any hand. The non-slip and mark-free curved back keeps the device spotless and dirt-free at all times. Meanwhile, the balanced body gives easy access to all the functions by using just one hand.

Sweet Intuitive Android L UI Experience. 

Simple yet elegantly stunning. The authentic Android L UI that comes with the Alcatel Flash 2 is all about simple yet easy-to-use designs that understands the human behavior. The results is an overall user-friendly navigation and experience. 

Robust 64-bit Octa-core Processor. 

Built with the incredibly powerful 64-bit 8 core 1.3Ghz Cortex-A53 MT6753 Processor along with the 2GB LPDDR3 SDRAM, the Alcatel Flash 2 delivers robust performance for heavy duty usage. Users can multitask seamlessly. For peak graphic performance, the Alcatel Flash 2 comes with the Mali-T720MP4 GPU. 

Pricing & Availability 

The Alcatel Flash 2 is available in Volcanic Grey and Mica White. Only the former will be released initially. Philippines will be the first country to launch the device (22 September 2015) and the first to sell (30 September 2015). The Suggested Retail Price is at Php 6,190.00.

Alcatel Flash 2 will be sold exclusively in Lazada via www.lazada.com.ph/alcatel-flash-

Kata launches its newest KATA Box for home entertainment

Kata introduced Kata Box, the not-your-ordinary TV box which delivers not only your favourite channels but a whole new plethora of content – digital media, games and apps that would surely change the way you view home entertainment.

The Kata Box runs on an Android platform, and is equipped with Mali 450 and Amlogic S805 quad-core 1.5GHz processor, which will turn your TV into a whole new world of content. It is operated using Kitkat 4.4. Apart from its fast processor, it also has a built-in 1GB RAM + 8GB ROM internal storage, which allows you to save not only videos, but documents and apps which you could use for other tasks apart from just watching TV programs.

The Kata Box is created to turn your TV into a gateway for an amazing viewing experience.

By simply connecting your Kata Box into your Wi-Fi router, you can begin to download apps, movies and other media, or access your Facebook or YouTube accounts.

Why not enjoy everything on a bigger screen? In order to maximize your digital experience, Kata box also has additional accessories: a game controller which lets you enjoy your favourite android games, wireless keyboard with mouse, and an HDMI to VGA converter. All of these come in affordable prices which is just perfect for the whole family. Kata has been known as a brand which focuses on providing premium devices at affordable prices.

“It is our vision to provide our customers with the best digital experience straight into their homes. Now they can take home any content that they like, and at very affordable prices. It will always be a pleasure for us to turn this vision into something tangible and doable.” says Kata’s CEO.

Tattoo recognizes greatness among connected individuals, communities in 2015 Tatt Awards

Globe Telecom mobile broadband brand Tattoo has kicked off this year’s Tatt Awards, the country’s premier award-giving body that recognizes social media movers and shakers in the Philippines. Currently on its fifth year, the Tatt Awards is honoring greatness in connectivity this year, celebrating individuals, groups, and communities who have made an impact in the online space with their brand of content.

“This 2015, the Tatt Awards not only celebrates those who have been great online, but the connectivity that made their greatness possible. The Tatt Awards is part of Globe Telecom’s commitment to enabling the Filipino digital lifestyle, as it institutionalizes greatness, creativity, and innovation in the digital space. Before any content can make its mark, it must be liked, reposted, shared, followed, and passed on. It is through these connections that good things can become great. It becomes greatness amplified and greatness shared, and this is what this year’s Tatt Awards is all about,” said Ray Guinoo, Director for Tattoo Mobile Broadband.

The public is invited to nominate positive acts, ideas, talents, projects, or movements that achieved greatness by choosing to connect. Unlike previous Tatt Awards, this year’s nominations are not divided into specific categories. Any person or group may be nominated so long as the nominee has been able to create an impact through quality content that made a mark to the greater majority. The nominee must have also used social media to connect with the rest of the world, thus amplifying and sharing the work done. 

The nominations will be screened by the Tatt Council composed of key personalities from various fields, all of which have been chosen for their own brand of greatness. The members of the Tatt Council include environmental advocate Anna Oposa, social entrepreneur Bam Aquino, BasketballTV presenter Jinno Rufino, filmmaker Quark Henares, musician Jim Paredes, TV host and author Bianca Gonzalez-Intal, TV personality Daphne Osena-Paez, Emmy award-winning TV producer Mike Carandang, and technopreneur and Xurpas CEO and founder Nix Nolledo --- all of whom will face the daunting task of choosing the 2015 Tatt Awards winners from the public nominations. 

The ten awardees, or who will be known as The Great Ten, will be revealed and awarded at the Tatt Awards Night on November 11, 2015. Previous winners of the Tatt Awards include phenomenal star Vice Ganda, fashion blogger Tricia Gosingtian, social media sensation Kimpoy Feliciano, celebrity chef Erwan Heussaff, and technology blogger Abe Olandres for Yugatech.com. 

Public nominations will run from September 16 to October 15, 2015. Nominations can be submitted viawww.TattAwards.com.

As campaign versus text spam/scam intensifies to protect customers Globe blocks close to 31M spam/scam messages in less than a year

Globe Telecom blocked a total of 30.8 million of spam and scam text messages in less than a year as the mobile operator intensifies its campaign to rid its network of such annoying and unwanted messages and protect its customers.

The leading telecommunication provider expanded coverage of an automated filtering functionality that keeps its customers from receiving scam and spam messages. With the expansion, majority of the company’s 2.3 million postpaid customers are now covered by the filtering mechanism, said Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Service Management Division, Network Technical Group. 

Such filtering mechanism, which prevents the transmittal of scam messages to mobile devices, has substantially reduced the number of text scams/scams going through the Globe network, Agustin explained. Globe operationalized the automated filtering mechanism in October 2014 as part of the telecommunication provider’s efforts to rid its network of both spam and scam messages.

The volume of messages blocked by the network filtering system averages about 90,000/day, reaching a peak of around 200,000 in July this year. The filtering mechanism can be reconfigured to address the kind of spam and scam messages that goes through the Globe network, Agustin said. Recently, bulk of spam and scam messages delivered to Globe customers originate from sim cards of competition (with prefixes 0922, 0943), he noted.

“We will never tolerate the use of the Globe network by some unscrupulous individuals who want to take advantage of our customers for their own personal gain. Globe has been long committed in eliminating text scam spam as part of our commitment to provide wonderful customer experience,” Agustin stressed. He added that the company is continually developing mechanisms that will purge its network of text spams/scams. According to him, mobile numbers that are identified to be a constant source of spam and scam messages will be temporarily disconnected from service.

Aside from the filtering mechanism, Globe implemented an awareness drive to educate its customers and keep them from falling victims to text spam/text scams through its #stopspam campaign. In addition, Globe made it easier for its customers to immediately report text scams or text spams that they get on their mobile devices thru http://www.globe.com.ph/stopspam. Customers just need to provide all the details required and numbers that are reported as source of text scams will be immediately blocked from the network. 

Mobile customers of Globe Telecom reached 48.4 million at the end of the first half, a 13% rise from 42.7 million a year

Technology: WD and milestone partner to provide video surveillance solutions for business and consumers

Milestone Arcus Video Surveillance Software Available with My Cloud Business Series Systems

Western Digital (WD) ,  a worldwide leader in storage solutions, and Milestone Systems, the security industry leader in video management software, announced today a partnership to deliver video surveillance solutions to businesses and consumers. 

Milestone Arcus™ Surveillance software will be available on WD’s My Cloud® Business Series1network-attached storage (NAS) systems beginning this month; and is expected to be available on other My Cloud systems, such as the My Cloud Expert Series, in the future.

Milestone Arcus is a video surveillance platform designed to be embedded in hardware devices, such as compatible WD My Cloud NAS systems, to deliver customized, market-ready solutions. Integration of Milestone Arcus Surveillance software into My Cloud OS enables users to transform their versatile My Cloud Business Series NAS systems into networked video recording systems for their offices or homes. By simply downloading the Milestone Arcus Surveillance software through the My Cloud App Store, users can install up to 16 cameras, with the first two camera licenses free on My Cloud Business Series products. Additional camera licenses will be available at selected WD authorized distributors.

"Technology advances are enabling video surveillance to be broadly accessible to businesses and individuals across the globe,” said Sven Rathjen, vice president of marketing for WD’s Content Solutions business. “Together, WD and Milestone are focused on making video surveillance easy with a solution they can quickly set up and rely on for years. This is one of many applications available on My Cloud NAS systems, including home automation, media streaming and backup solutions.” 

“Milestone is proud to partner with WD to offer a video surveillance solution for My Cloud NAS systems,” said Lars Nordenlund, vice president of Incubation and Ventures at Milestone Systems. “WD customers can now take advantage of the simple setup with automatic camera discovery, intuitive interface, remote viewing, mobile access and other monitoring features in Milestone Arcus software.”

WD’s My Cloud Business Series NAS systems are available through select distribution partners and resellers in Philippines. 

Acer Launches Two Windows 10-Powered Desktops for the Holiday Season

Acer today announced two new desktops powered by Windows 10 available for the holiday season: the sleek 23.8-inch all-in-one PC Aspire U5 Series, and the tiny 1-liter desktop PC Revo Build Series with modular design for easy customization.

Beautiful, Inside and Out

The new Aspire U5 Series (U5-710) all-in-one PC features a sleek chassis of just 37mm, with a small and elegant metal stand. It has a clean profile with the essential I/O ports (HDMI I/O, DC Jack, Ethernet, USB 2.0 and 2 x USB 3.0, TV tuner neatly organized in the back, and the less-used ports and OSD button tucked away under a flap on the side. The back cover of the Aspire U5 has a true-to-life textile finish, made possible by new manufacturing processes with molds created with 3D printing and laser engraving.

The Aspire U5-710 ships with the latest 6th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 and i5 processors, NVIDIA® GeForce® graphics, and up to 16 GB memory providing a smooth experience for all kinds of computing and entertainment purposes. In addition, the Aspire U5-710 features a built-in Intel® RealSense™ Camera with depth-sensing technology, allowing users to scan 3D objects, control the PC with gestures, or create a more lifelike video chat environment. Users can also login to Windows 10 more securely with their own face through Windows Hello support.

“Acer’s innovative All-in-Ones powered by the new 6th Gen Intel Core processor will provide great performance for consumers,” said Kirk Skaugen, Intel senior vice president and general manager, Client Computing Group. “The 6th Gen Intel Core processor is Intel’s best processor ever. Along with the Intel RealSense Camera, Acer is delivering new experiences for gaming, home entertainment and collaboration. Now is a great time to buy a new Acer PC.”

Crystal Clear Audio and Visuals

The Aspire U5-710 features a 10-point multi-touch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display, which provides crisp and clear graphics with wide-viewing angles and Flicker-less technology. Dolby Audio and Acer TrueHarmony allow it to fill the room with rich and powerful sound, while Acer Purified.Voice along with dual digital microphones ensures users are heard loud and clear.

Build Your Own Computer

The new Revo Build Series (M1-601) Mini PC takes a modular approach to allow consumers to customize their computer without opening up the chassis. “Blocks” with different features can be easily stacked on top of the base unit, which makes adding functionality as easy as playing with toy blocks. The “Blocks” are connected through pogo pins with magnetic alignment so that there’s no hassle with wires when swapping out modules. The Blocks can also work independently or with other PCs. The Revo Build M1-601 desktop is packaged in a tiny 1 liter chassis with a 125 x 125 mm footprint that takes up minimal space and can be placed almost anywhere.

“Blocks” such as the 500GB/1TB hot-swappable Portable Hard Drive will be available at launch, while a Wireless Power Bank for wireless charging, an Audio Block with speakers and microphones, and other expansion “Blocks” will be rolled out gradually. The base unit comes with a Intel® Pentium® or Intel® Celeron® processor with integrated Intel® HD graphics, while the system memory of up to 8GB DDR4 RAM can be easily upgraded by just loosening one screw.

Pricing and Availability

The Acer Aspire U5-710 will be available in EMEA in October with prices starting at €999. 

The Acer Revo Build M1-601 will be available in EMEA in October with prices starting at €199, and in China in December with prices starting at ¥1,999. 

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To find out about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office or retailer viawww.acer.com.

The new products were unveiled today at the next@acer press event at IFA Berlin in Germany, where the company announced its latest devices and solutions for gamers and consumers for the holiday season.

Visit Acer’s booth at IFA 2015 in Messe Berlin (Hall 12/101) or learn about the new product range onacer.com/ifaberlin2015.

DROIDZ AXIS. Your Turning Point.

Today, Rotating Cameras are making rounds on Smart phones. Torque innovate the new DROIDZ Axis. Its rotating camera can swing up to 180° for Selfie/Groufie/Photo Op options. The camera features 8-megapixel of high resolution.

A 7-inch Display is good for watching movies, browsing the internet and for playing games. It also sports 1.2GHZ Quad-core processor for better performance. 8GB ROM + 1GB RAM of storage is a turn on for those who like to store files. It has 3G, Wi-Fi connectivity; GPS and It has a Micro-SD slot up to 32GB. The DROIDZ Axis is priced reasonably at Php 5799 only! With FREE Smart+Tunes Bluetooth Speaker. Available nationwide!

DROIDZ Axis Specs:

- Dual SIM 

- Android 4.4 KK 

- 1.2GHZ Quad-core processor 

- 8GB ROM 

- 1GB RAM 

- Bluetooth 

- GPS 

- Micro-SD upto 32GB 

- Price: P5799 

- 7.0” WXGA Touch Display 

- 3G 850/2100MHZ 

- Quadband GSM 

- 8MP 180° Rotating Camera 

- WiFi

Beyond the Box’s MacBook Air Lifestyle Bundles Limited Offer - Zero24 Installments Lifestyle Bundles

Living digital life to the fullest! One amazing MacBok is now in Zero24 Installments at Beyond the Box’s MacBook Air Lifestyle Bundles.

Now is the perfect time to turn your dream into reality. Starting September 1st, the MacBook Air 11” & 13” 128GB variants will be available in super easy Zero24 installments and will be offered with three unique lifestyle bundles at no extra cost.

The Most Beautiful Laptop You Can Own. It’s not an overstatement. The MacBook Air is the most beautiful laptop you can own. 

From the outside, the aluminum unibody design looks modern and minimalist. The tapering edges also make the laptop genuinely attractive and impressive. Although it’s the same chassis design we’ve been seeing since 2010, there’s really nothing tocomplain about since it resonates with ’premiumness’ that you can only get from Apple. 

Measuring 17mm in diameter and weighing at 1.4kg, the MacBook Air is gorgeously thin and surprisingly light. It’s light enough that it’s barely noticeable in your bag and robust enough that you don’t feel like it’s going to break when you use it. 

Overall, this laptop sends an unequivocal message: the MacBook Air is an engineering feat – one that cannot be copied.

Form September 1 to 30, 2015, the MacBook Air 11" and 13" 128GB variants will be available in super easy #Zero24 installments at Beyond the Box in three unique lifestyle bundles at no extra cost.

Which of the following Lifestyle Bundles fits you best? 

To help you get the most out of your new MacBook Air lifestyle, Beyond the Box is including three unique lifestyle bundles that you could choose from without any extra cost.

Lifestyle Bundles – TRVLR - EXCTV - SCHLR

Check them all out so you can get most out of your new MacBook Air lifestyle by taking full advantage of the complimentary add-ons.

Free-spirited, always out and about. #iAMTRVLR

Bundle inclusions: MacBook Air + Coloud Pop, ACME Made Skinny Sleeve, and Nude Audio Speakers. 

There is no greater feeling than packing your bags and knowing you’re heading to another adventure. That is what the TRVLR Bundle is all about. This bundle is targeted at individuals who travel constantly whether it’s for leisure or work. If you’re a correspondent covering the latest stories, a carefree tourist, or just someone who is in a perpetual working holiday, this is the bundle to get. 

Driven to succeed, a paragon of excellence #iAMEXCTV 

Bundle inclusions: MacBook Air + Soundfreaq Pocket Kick, ACME Made Sleeve 

Nothing compares to the overwhelming sense of accomplishment executives get at the end of each day. The EXCTV Bundle is for high achievers who lead by example and don’t settle for second best – ideal for office professionals and entrepreneurs. 

Inquisitive, thirsty for knowledge #iAMSCHLR

Bundle inclusions: MacBook Air + Urbanears Plattan, Speck MacBook Air Case, JRC Keyboard Protector

The pursuit of knowledge never ends. The SCHLR Bundle seeks to cultivate inquiring minds, nurture curiosity, and aid academics in their quest to learn and educate. If you’re a student or an academic by profession, this bundle is the perfect option.

Promo Mechanics: 

This promo is open to existing credit cardholders with good credit standing. Participating banks are: BDO, BPI, Citibank, Maybank, Metrobank, PNB, and Security Bank, Union Bank

Promo period is from September 1 to September 30, 2015 only.

This promo is not valid in conjunction with any ongoing Beyond the Box promotions.

The approved installment transaction is automatically deducted from the cardholder's available credit limit.

To take advantage of the said promo, cardholder must personally present his or her Credit Card to the Beyond the Box branch with one valid Identification Card and sign the bank charge slip when the transaction is approved.

Applicable to MacBook Air 11" and 13" 128GB only.

Visit Beyond the Box for more information to be in this promo today.

This is the most opportunity to enjoy living digital lifestyle.

Participating Beyond the Box Branches

-Century City Mall

-One Rockwell

-Market! Market!

-Forbestown

-Resorts World Manila

-Lucky Chinatown

-Robinsons Ermita

-Robinson Galleria

-VMall

-Wil Tower

-Veranza

-Ayala Fairview Terraces

Eminent Filipino Fashion designer Avel Bacudio wows the world with Epson fabric prints

Multi-awarded Filipino fashion designer Avel Bacudio will wow the world again with his ‘F Mode Fashion Show/Expo’ that will be held on September 12, 2015 at the Sta. Clara Convention Center in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, California.

Avel has won several fashion awards, including the People’s Choice Award – Concours International Des Jeunes Createurs De Mode, Top 10 Timeless Terno – Metropolitan Museum of Manila, 2012 Breakthrough Designer of the Year, and the 2014 Asia’s Most Influential Designer. His designs have been worn by celebrities and praised in the international scene.

Recently, Avel has been utilizing digital prints to bring his creative ideas to life. 

“Iba ang nagagawa ng digital prints – di na’ko limited. Napu-push yung creativity ko to the next level. Andami kong pwedeng gawing bago para ma-express ko ang sarili ko,” (“Digital prints really make a difference; I am no longer constrained by traditional limitations. I can do a lot to express myself in new ways.”) said Avel. 

To make sure his vision is translated faithfully to fabric, Avel uses the Epson F7170 textile printer. 

“Tuwang-tuwa ako dito kasi napapalabas nya sakto yung vision ko. Kung ano yung nasa isip ko, yun ang nakikita ko,” (I’m delighted with this printer because it faithfully translates my vision to reality. Whatever I picture in my mind is what comes out in the final product,”) he emphasized.

Pamela Albar, Epson’s Head for Commercial and Industrial printers, is all praises for Avel. “It’s an honor to be part of Avel’s work – we’re very happy to be a part of how he’s contributing to the international fashion conversation. And we’re pleased that he has chosen Epson textile printers to break boundaries and push Philippine fashion to new heights.”

Epson and Avel first collaborated in 2014 for a fashion show titled ‘Fashion Forward’. Epson launched their new textile printers in that fashion show and partnered with several Filipino fashion designers to try out the new products. After seeing how easy, effective, and helpful the Epson F7170 was in his work, Avel has been using the printer to do all his digital print designs.

Avel Bacudio will also showcase his designs at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on September 18, 2015 in Paris, France.