The TechBlogger » Blog

Cover art for this weeks Economist about Facebook's IPO is really hilarious

Paul Mah — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:01:52 +0000

No related posts.

Looks like SingTel sponsored my TechWatch newsletter this week

Paul Mah — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:11:12 +0000

No related posts.

Review of the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker

Paul Mah — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:53:41 +0000

Local Bose distributor ATLAS Singapore has kindly sent over a unit of the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker. If you recall, the SoundLink Wireless Mobile is a portable speaker that weights 1.29kg with a depth of just 4.8cm with its fold-out stand closed.

The unit I reviewed is the standard version of the SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker (with nylon cover) which retails for S$549. A premium model with dark brown leather cover is also available at S$639. Accessory covers in various color are available separately for S$59 (nylon) and S$99 (leather).

Music performance

Streaming music to the SoundLink from my iPhone

I tested the the SoundLink in the one week that I had it at home, and also brought it on a short trip to Malaysia. As someone who loathes coming back to a silent hotel room in the evenings, I am happy to say that the SoundLink performed superbly.

The speakers delivered credible performance even at high volumes and does not sound muddied like so many portable speakers that I’ve tested. The sound stage, mid-range and bass totally belies its diminutive size. I also did not notice any discernible reduction in the qualify of music playback due to the use of Bluetooth.

Having said that, I felt that its treble could have been better. And its mid-range, while adequate, isn’t exactly impressive. Then again, I’m probably making an unfair comparison against my Yamaha reference speakers which I listen to regularly.

Other observations

Below are some of my other observations of the SoundLink:

Bass: Powerful and deep base. Place it close to a concrete wall for maximum effect – its practically akin to having a separate sub-woofer.
Battery life: At a low volume, I ran the speakers for six hours with no signs of it running out of juice
Portability: The SoundLink is perfect for travelling and will fit comfortably into your luggage
Volume: This is hard to quantify but the SoundLink is probably as loud as your typical TV at maximum volume (But with much better bass)
Range: Works as advertised (10 meters). Music playback cracks up at extreme range, or if there are too many obstacles in between.

One shortcoming of the SoundLink is the absence of Bluetooth AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) support. This results in two sets of volume control: The volume buttons on the SoundLink itself, and on your source device such as iPhone or iPod. Not a deal breaker, but it would have been a great feature. Hopefully, this capability will materialize in a future firmware upgrade via its “Service” port.

In closing

At SG$548 for the standard version, the SoundLink is among the most expensive in portable wireless speakers today. But if you travel for work often and simply must have the best sound in a portable package, then the SoundLink is heartily recommended.

Front view of the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker. Note the illuminated buttons along the top

The SoundLink is slim enough to fit into your luggage when travelling, while its beveled Chrome edges are designed for longevity

The Micro USB ("Service") port is used for upgrading the firmware for the Bose SoundLink

The accessory cover is securely fastened on with a bolt that requires an allen key to release/change

From left to right Altec Lansing inMotion Compact, Bose SoundLink, Altec Lansing inMotion Air

313@somerset launches 313 iDragon iPhone app

Paul Mah — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 01:34:43 +0000

To welcome the Year of the Dragon, 313@somerset has come up with a fresh, innovative shopping experience with the launch of its 313 iDragon iPhone app yesterday. Using the free app, shoppers can use the app to locate and capture hidden “3-D” Jewels which can only be seen through the iDragon app. The app makes it possible to ‘capture’ the Jewel, which transforms into a special CNY promotion or instant gift within the 313@somerset mall.

I was invited down to give it a try, and managed to snag a free 3oz ice-cream from Maggie Moo’s that I redeemed at its B3 outlet.

Here is how it works:

Download the 313 iDragon app from Apple Store, Singapore
Head down to the Fashion Dragon installation located at the atrium of 313@somerset
Launch the app and allow it to determine your location
You will be able to see the 3-D Jewels if you are at or are near to the atrium
Angle your iPhone around to get the Jewel of your choice into your sights
Gently swing your iPhone forward to ‘capture’ it and view the promotion or instant gift

Quick tips:

You are limited to three promotions or instant gifts per day
You can choose to reject any promotions or instant gifts not to your liking; there is no penalty for doing so
Each coupon that you accept comes with an individual expiry date
Present the Jewels stored in the “Vault” section of the app to redeem the promotions or instant gifts
Note: Remember to grab a free Maggie Moo’s ice-cream before it runs out!

According to publicity materials sent to me, a partial list of participating merchants include ESPRIT, Goldheart, Lee Hwa, TianPo, Precious Thots and THEFACESHOP. Food/dining outlets include Toax Box, Maggie Moo’s, Marche and Gong Cha.

The 313 iDragon promotions will continue to run until 6 February 2011.

I snagged a free Maggie Moo's 3oz ice-cream (I've already redeemed this!)

The Fashion Dragon installation located at the atrium of 313@somerset

iDragon app in action

Would you give up your hair for an iPhone 4S?

The ioSafe Rugged Portable SSD

Paul Mah — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:05:27 +0000

ioSafe Rugged Portable SSD

The ioSafe Rugged Portable SSD arrived via UPS yesterday. In case you haven’t heard by now, ioSafe is the technology leader in disaster proof storage hardware. They sell a range of fireproof and waterproof storage devices that uses forced air cooling and other proprietary technologies to achieve a level of ruggedness and protection few would expect from their storage hardware.

The company says its products can survive (Exact specifications vary by product) up to 1550 degrees Fahrenheit (Approx 840 degrees Celsius) of heat or immersion in 10ft (Approx 3 meters) of water for 72 hours.

The Rugged Portable line comes in two distinct flavors: a vanilla model sporting a 2.5-inch 5,400rpm hard disk drive, and a high-end one powered by an SSD (solid-state drive). According to its the ioSafe Rugged Portable SSD product page, the SSD version uses a blistering fast Intel320 Series SSD.

Interestingly, the Rugged Portable family does not appear to be fireproof – I’ll have check with the ioSafe team on that. The tough aluminium exterior however, does offer a layer of protection from chemicals and can survive immersion in nasty liquids such as diesel fuel, oils, hydraulic fluids, aircraft fuels at a depth of 12 ft for 1 hour. And yes, it can survive drops of up to 20 ft (6 meters) too.

As expected, initial tests using a USB 2.0 port shows the Rugged Portable SSD achieving transfer speeds of just over 30MB/s. More than anything, this highlights how the aging USB 2.0 standard is unable to cope with the new generation of SSD-based portable storage.

I will be testing it with a USB 3.0 machine soon, and will post the results here. Stay tuned.

Front view of the Rugged Portable SSD

Back view of the Rugged Portable SSD

I admit to expecting a somewhat nicer packaging for $499; not that this was in any way bad

Back view of the packaging

ioSafe Rugged Portable SSD beside my Apple Wireless Keyboard. The anodized aluminium of the ioSafe looks really good

Seagate unveils the GoFlex Satellite Mobile Wireless Storage

RIM launches BlackBerry App World 3.1

Paul Mah — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:12:09 +0000

RIM has announced the availability of the BlackBerry App World 3.1, which supports features such as Request a Gift, Wi-Fi only support, Content Rating based on the CTIA Wireless Association’s, and support for new languages.

According to information that came into my mailbox, some highlights of BlackBerry App World 3.1 include:

Request a Gift: BlackBerry users can send their BBM friends a request to buy an app, theme, or game from the BlackBerry App World catalog
Wi-Fi only Support: BlackBerry App World has always worked over Wi-Fi – but required a cellular connection to be present. With BlackBerry App World 3.1, no cellular connection is required!
Content Rating and Filtering: BlackBerry users are now presented with a content rating to alert them to the content contained in an application
New Language Support: BlackBerry App World is now available in additional languages including Dutch, Indonesian, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.

BlackBerry App World 3.1 is free and can be downloaded from BlackBerry.com/appworld/

Note: You should see the option to upgrade if you already have an earlier version of App World installed

Evaluating the Sanyo eneloop rechargeable batteries

Paul Mah — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:32:12 +0000

Sanyo was kind enough to send me some of its eneloop NiMH Rechargeable Batteries to review. Those new to the eneloop may be puzzled about the fuss over what appears to be “old tech” NiHM (Nickel–metal hydride) batteries.

To quickly explain: the key difference has to do with how the eneloop is engineered with a very low self-discharge rate compared with standard NiMH batteries. Indeed, Sanyo claims that its new “eneloop glitter” batteries retains 75% of its energy even after three years of storage. Such a lengthy shelf live means that power is available when you need it, making it a perfect green replacement for Alkaline batteries.

In keeping with the expected longevity of your eneloop purchase, Sanyo has given the eneloop glitter a new design that is just gorgeous. (You can see photos of them below)

In the meantime, some key features of the new “eneloop glitter” batteries:

High recharging capability of approximately 1,500 times (50% more than the old eneloops)
A digital camera powered using eneloop batteries can take approximately 4.4 times more shots than conventional dry-cell batteries
Lower self-discharge rate (ready for use with 75% of its energy remaining even after three years of storage!)
eneloop batteries are pre-charged at the factory where they are manufactured in Japan by green power from photovoltaic generation
Comes in a variety of glittery colours

I plan to test out the eneloops by substituting them in some of my battery-powered gadgets that I use on a daily basis. In no particular order: Logitech Anywhere MX (2x AA), Apple Wireless Keyboard (3x AA) and Kensington Presenter Pro Remote with Green Laser and Memory (2x AAA).

Will update in a couple of months on how they fare.

Sanyo sent me 8pcs of the AA andn 4pcs of the AAA "eneloop glitter" batteries

In keeping with their longevity, the eneloop glitter series looks really good!

Obligatory shot of the battery pack (back)

No related posts.

ATLAS unveils Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker

Paul Mah — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 16:09:24 +0000

The SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker produced huge sound from a diminutive form factor

Was invited down for a first hand preview of the new Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker at the ATLAS TripleOne Audiovisual Boutique showroom @ Somerset Road last week. ATLAS Singapore is of course the local distributor of all Bose products in the country.

Well, CEO Michael Tien Wai Keong hosted myself and a trio of local bloggers to a demonstration of the first ever Bluetooth speakers from Bose inside the posh showroom. I must confess that we were bribed with some finger food that was unfortunately left to go cold as we were too busy pawing at the speaker.

Weighing 1.29kg, the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker has a depth of just 4.8cm with its fold-out stand closed. While I don’t consider myself an audiophile in any sense of the word, I am nevertheless rather particular about my music. In the short span of time we spent with it, I must say that the Bose SoundLink produced giant-sized sound that truly belies its diminutive dimensions.

According to Michael, some of the unique characteristics of the SoundLink Wireless is as follows:

Dual-opposing passive radiators: These move in conjunction with the transducers to improve audio performance
Chrome-plated end caps: Protects against bumps and drops
Bluetooth pairing list: History of six recently paired devices are remembered and automatically searched for
USB mini port: For software update (I’ve never seen this in other portable speakers)
Optional 12V car charger: Again, something new here.

Oh yes, the standard version of the SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker with nylon cover retails at S$549, while a premium model with dark brown leather cover will be offered for S$639. Accessory covers in various color are available separately for S$59 and S$99.

I’ll have the chance to review it shortly, so stay tuned.

The SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker as seen from the back

Would you give up your hair for an iPhone 4S?

Paul Mah — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:26:00 +0000

All your hair belongs to us!

Spotted this outside a hair salon and couldn’t resist taking a photo of it. For one, it is evident that whoever put the banner together either stretched the image too much, or used one of those “rumoured” iPhone 4S images that were in circulation prior to its officially announced.

What takes the cake though, would surely be the proclamation that “Where your hair belongs to us.” I suspect that its intended meaning is about how the salon will take as good care of their customers’ hair as their own, as opposed to the “Your hair is a goner” impression that is currently conveyed.

313@somerset launches 313 iDragon iPhone app

Promotional prices for Bose @ SITEX 2011

Paul Mah — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:23:41 +0000

Have got hold of the official promotional prices for Bose @ SITEX 2011 that ends this Sunday.

I’ve posted Bose Promotion at EpicCentre @ COMEX 2011 in September this year. You may do a product-by-product comparison if you’re so inclined. The short answer is that the discounted prices are more or less similar to that of the SITEX promotional prices (+/- of $10 on average). However, the products offering varies slightly; for current SITEX features additional products like the high-end QuietComfort 3 and QuietComfort 15i noise cancellation headphones.

All prices below are in Singapore dollars.

Sound Docks

Bose SoundDock Portable: $579 (Usual: $749)
Bose SoundDock 10: $999 (Usual: $1,249)
Bose SoundDock II: $499 (Usual: $579)

Headphones/Earphones

Bose Around Ear 2 headphones: $189 (Usual: $219)
Bose Around Ear 2i headphones: $229 (Usual: 269)
Bose On Ear headphones: $189 (Usual: $225)
Bose QuietComfort 3: $629 (Usual: $699)
Bose QuietComfort 15i: $539 (Usual: $599)
Bose In Ear 2 earphones: $135 (Usual: $149)
Bose MIE2 mobile headset: $169 (Usual: $199)

PC Speakers

Bose Companion 5: $639 (Usual: $749)
Bose Companion 20: No discount at $539 (Purchase Bose AE/AE2i headphones at 20% off)
Bose Companion 2: $159 (Usual: $199)

And yes, I’m currently reviewing the Bose Around Ear (AE) 2i headphone. Will be posting my impressions on it soon.