Singapore Expo CNY Fair gives discounts of S$380 to the first 888 customers daily

-  Angbaos (lucky red packets) containing the discounts can be used to purchase selected items on top of promotions offered (terms and conditions apply)

- Items offered at up to 88% off-

The Singapore Expo CNY Fair will be giving out free lucky anbaos g pows worth S$380 each to the first 888 customers per day from 10 to 12 January. The event will take place at Singapore Expo Hall 6 from 12 pm to 9 pm daily. 


Customers may use the vouchers in the angbaos to purchase electronics appliances. The discount is applied on top of promotional prices that are up to 88% off. Brands such as Apple, Acer, Bosch, Electrolux, Hitachi, Kadeka, Karcher, LG, Mitsubishi, Philips, Samsung, Sharp Panasonic, 707 and more will be at the fair.

Source: Singapore Expo CNY Fair. Part of the brochure showing offers for home entertainment.

Details:

One angbao will be given out per person, for the first 888 customers per day. Interested customers are required to RSVP online and redeem their angbaos at the fair between 10-12 January 2020. Each S$380 lucky angbao consists of the following discounts:

Two vouchers each for: Eligible technology items (terms and conditions apply)  S$10 (minimum spend of S$30) Mobile phones & tablet TV box Laptop accessories S$30 (no minimum spend) TVs with screens of 32” and above Soundbars Electronic keyboards Refurbished desktop/notebook products S$50 (no minimum spend) 48” and above TVs Dolby Atmos Soundbars Computer monitors S$100 (no minimum spend) TVs with 55” screens and above Desktop/notebook products

Singapore Expo CNY Fair
Date: 10 – 12 January 2020
Venue: Singapore Expo Hall 6
Opening hours: 12 pm – 9 pm

*Terms and conditions: While stocks last. The vouchers cannot be used for specific items. Check the event brochures for more information.

Unified Electronic Contract kicks in January 2018 in UAE

Source: DED. Al Zaabi.

The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in Dubai Economy - the Department of Economic Development (DED) - has organised a workshop for electronics companies to explain the regulations regarding the unified contract that should be part of any sale or service of electronic goods and spare parts in the UAE effective 2018.

The Unified Electronic Contract, which includes three contracts for sale, warranty, maintenance and spare parts, will be effective as of early January 2018. The unified contract should include all product details, serial number and date of purchase. The seller may also add other information, provided that they do not conflict with any of the provisions of the unified contract or Consumer Protection Law No. 24 of 2006.

Each dealer or distributor will be required to honour all the guarantees provided by the producer or the customer in accordance with Article 12 of the Consumer Protection No. 24 act of 2006, which obliges suppliers of any commodity to repair, maintain and provide after-sales service, and return the commodity within a specified time once a defect is brought to their attention. Sale of any electronic product without a dated contract is prohibited. Maintenance contracts agreed upon by the parties concerned must be documented by the company in accordance with the terms of the Unified Maintenance Contract, which should also state consumer obligations and practices that may result in the cancellation of the company's obligations.

"The main objective of unified contract is to ensure the commitment of electronics companies to the interests of consumers and enhance consumer confidence in the local market, in addition to eliminating any after-sale uncertainties," said Ahmad Al Zaabi, Senior Manager Consumer Awareness, CCCP at the DED.

"The warranty terms must be clarified by the dealer or distributor in accordance with the Consumer Protection Law, and the contract should include customer information and warranty period in addition to the warranty terms."



Explore:

The contract format is available on the Consumer Protection website. Companies in the UAE can also contact Dubai Economy on 04 445 555 to receive the contract copy by e-mail.

Philips shares tips for a healthier heart, introduces new product innovations

· Chronic illnesses are on the rise, and cardiovascular disease is the top cause of death globally¹. In Singapore, nearly one out of three deaths is due to heart disease or stroke².

· Healthy homemade food boosts heart health and brings people together, while good oral health habits can lower risk of heart disease

· Philips’ product innovations empower consumers to take control of their own health


Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology and partner of the World Heart Federation, celebrated World Heart Day on 29 September in Singapore, by bringing awareness to cardiovascular diseases and collaborating with industry experts – a chef, a nutritionist from the Singapore Heart Foundation and a dentist – to bring into focus the everyday issues faced by consumers that are hindering them from being healthy.

In Asia, megatrends such as an ageing population and sedentary lifestyles are leading to chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease. In fact, nearly 1 out of 3 deaths in Singapore is due to heart disease or stroke2. However, simple changes such as eating healthier food, ensuring good oral care habits and taking ownership of our own health can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

“Taking control of our health is a daily choice, whether it’s consuming healthy food and drinks or building good oral care habits. To help make this daily decision simpler, Philips’ breakthrough product innovations empower consumers to make healthier choices more often and enjoy the longer-term health benefits of good eating and brushing habits, such as reduced risk of obesity and heart disease,” said Matt Moran, GM, Personal Health, Philips ASEAN Pacific.

In Singapore, a love of local food, coupled with the pressures of urban life, mean that consumers often struggle to prepare meals that are healthy yet tasty. To bridge this gap Philips partnered with Angela May, culinary host, chef and restaurant owner, to produce recipes inspired by giving local food a healthy twist.

Source: Philips. Healthy breakfast recipes.

Source: Philips. Healthy lunch recipes.

“Food and healthy living are two things I am passionate about, so it made sense to combine the two into heart-healthy versions of local dishes. People generally have a misconception that healthy food is not tasty. However innovations in technology have made it possible to prepare great tasting meals in an easy and convenient way. I hope these recipes will make it easier for Singaporeans to eat healthier without compromising on delicious local fare,” said May, Culinary Host and Consultant, Chef-Owner of Ange Cafe @ Glasshouse Robinsons The Heeren.

Not many know that oral healthcare can also have an impact on heart health. Severe gum disease can lead to increased risk of stroke and heart attack – one study found that people with severe gum disease reported 40% more chronic conditions such as liver disease, coronary heart disease and even congestive heart failure than those without³.

"Good oral health habits can impact more than just your smile. It's clear that oral care is linked to overall wellbeing, and is a key part of caring for your personal health. I hope that with proper guidance and education, Singaporeans will have better health by taking better care of their teeth, gums and tongue functions, starting at home," said Dr Yue Weng Cheu, Clinical Director of DP Dental and The Linguadontics Clinic.

Philips’ suite of products is designed to make it convenient and sustainable for consumers to stay empowered in their personal health journey, narrowing the gap between professional and personal healthcare. This World Heart Day, Philips is presenting several new innovations to accomplish just that.

• Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart HX9924/46 - Singapore is the first country in Southeast Asia where it has been launched
• Philips Avance Collection Blender HR3658/01 
• Philips Viva Collection Blender HR3556/00 

Source: Philips. The Philips Avance Collection Blender HR3658/01.

Source: Philips. The Philips Viva Collection Blender HR3556/00.

Source: Philips. The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart HX9924/46 is connected to the Philips Sonicare app.

The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart HX9924/46 is a new connected toothbrush and total oral care solution bringing together the ultimate in Philips Sonicare performance, smart sensor technology and an intuitive brushing experience to help users achieve their oral health goals³. Connected to the Philips Sonicare app, smart sensors in the toothbrush help users improve their brushing technique and achieve better results in-between visits to their dental practitioner.

For more efficient cleaning, the four new smart brush heads automatically select the optimal settings and work with Philips’ Sonic technology to remove up to 10x more plaque⁴ and 100% more stains in just three days⁵.

Additionally, two new Philips blenders – the Philips Avance Collection Blender HR3658/01 and Philips Viva Collection Blender HR3556/00 – feature the latest blending technology, enabling a fast and easy way to get a full day’s worth of nutrients.

The Philips Viva Collection Blender has an On-the-Go tumbler that allows users to blend smoothies directly in it, cap the tumbler and go. The texture of the smoothie can be varied with the easy-grip control dial and pulse function. It features the ProBlend 6 blender design for effective blending and mixing, and a 700W motor that can even crush ice.

The Philips Avance Collection Blender features a 2l glass jar and Advanced ProBlend 6 3D blending technology, plus a 1,400W 35,000rpm motor to ensure that all ingredients are quickly and evenly blended.

Interested?

The Philips Avance Collection Blender has a recommended retail price (RRP) of S$449 while the The Philips Viva Collection Blender has a RRP of S$249.

The Sonicare Diamondclean Smart Sonic electric toothbrush costs S$399. The Philips Sonicare app is free to download and available on iOS and Android devices.

All products are available in Singapore now at Philips as well as from selected electronic stores, major departmental stores and authorised dealers. 

Do you have heart disease?

The subtle symptoms of heart disease⁶ include:

1 Extreme fatigue 

2 Swollen feet 

3 Pain or cramping when climbing, walking, or moving 

4 Feeling dizzy or light-headed 

5 Shortness of breath   

6 Depression 

7 Migraines 

8 Loud heartbeat 

9 Combined anxiety, sweating and nausea attack

Oral care tips

Oral health impacts overall wellbeing, and gum disease and poor oral health have been linked to health conditions such as cardiovascular disease³. Philips's oral care tips include: 

- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.

- Avoid rinsing with water straight after brushing; spit out excess toothpaste to maximise the protective effects of fluoride.

- Limit the amount of fizzy drinks and fruit juice drunk – they can both be high in sugar, which can cause tooth decay. 

- Avoid tobacco use for good oral health. 

- To protect your teeth, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after every main meal.

- Visit a dentist at least once a year, and seek advice if you see signs of bad oral health. 

    

Improving heart health

                                                    

A heart-healthy diet may reduce the risk of someone developing heart disease or having a stroke by 80%⁷. Philips' tips for heart health include:

- Try to restrict your intake of salt and sugar by not adding them to food unless necessary.

- Daily fat intake should not exceed 30% of the total daily energy intake according to the World Health Organization.

- Avoid fast food and other processed foods that are high in saturated fats.

- Prepare homemade food as it gives control over the ingredients used.

- Use an appliance such as the Philips Airfryer to reduce your fat intake – it helps you to prepare tasty, healthier food at home, with little to no oil.

- Include plenty of fruit and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, lean meat, and fish. 

1 World Health Organization Factsheet, July 2017

2 Heart disease statistics

3 Bensley, L. VanEwyk, J and Ossiander, EM. Associations of self-reported periodontal disease with metabolic syndrome and number of self-reported chronic conditions. May 2010 and The FDI Oral Health Atlas. April 2015.

4 Than a manual toothbrush.

5 As compared to a manual toothbrush with a leading whitening toothpaste.

6 Cardiovascular disease and physical activity

7 Heart-healthy diet tips

Download StarHub's flyers for CEE 2017

Source: StarHub.

StarHub has announced that Singapore’s greenest telco will be present at Consumer Electornics Exhibition (CEE) 2017.

Promotional flyers containing details about the company's mobile, TV, broadband and hubbing offers are available online for enterprise customers, and include the Business Fibre Broadband Bundle.

CEE 2017 runs from June 1 to 4 at Suntec from 11am to 9pm (levels 1 and 3) and 12pm to 9pm (level 4, Halls 403 to 406). Admission is free.

Deep discounts on gadgets galore at the Shopee Online IT Fair

The Shopee Online IT Fair lets consumers score IT deals while avoiding the crowds till 19 March 2017. There is something for everyone on the mobile-first marketplace:

15 March: Everything at $5 Sale

Buy selected products such as the Xplorer 3300 Mouse & Keyboard bundle at S$5.

16 March: Everything at $3 Sale

Selected products such as the Toshiba 8GB Thumbdrive week be available at S$3.

17 March: Everything at $1 Sale

Selected products such as Google Virtual Reality Glasses are to be had at S$1.

17 – 19 March: Bye 2G Phone Mega Sale

Affected by the discontinuation of 2G phones in 1 April 2017 in Singapore? There is a curated list of 3G smartphones such as Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X selling at major discounts at the Shopee Online IT Fair.

Shoppers should also keep their eyes peeled for limited time offers:

11 – 12 March

Source: Shopee. The GoPro Hero 5.

GoPro Hero 5

Original price: S$550
Sale price: S$459 (save 17%)

Capture smooth video in 4K resolution. Designed to withstand rugged conditions, this device can be used underwater too.

15 – 16 March

Source: Shopee. The Xbox One.

Xbox One 500GB Console Bundle

Original price: S$300
Sale price: S$250 (save 17%)

With advanced features like Game DVR and in-home streaming, take gameplay to another level with the Xbox One Bundle. Five games are included, such as theUFC, Dragon Age and Pro Evolution Soccer.

17 – 19 March

Source: Shopee. The Razer Firefly (left), and the Razer Diamondback (right).

Razer Bundle: Razer Diamondback Gaming Mouse and Razer Firefly Gaming Mouse Mat

Original price: S$239
Sale price: S$119 (save 50%)

Featuring the world’s first optical gaming sensor, the Razer Diamondback now supports ambidextrous use to deliver even better accuracy and speed. The Razer Firefly’s micro-textured finish is designed to complement the Diamondback even through the most action-packed gaming showdown.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X LTE Dual Sim

Original price: S$240
Sale price: S$199 (save 17%)

Source: Shopee. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X LTE Dual Sim.

Boasting a 13-megapixel primary camera on the rear and 5 megapixels upfront, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X ensures that there’s no compromise on photo quality. This device also comes with a 5.5” touchscreen display for improved user experience and clarity.

LG G6

As part of the Bye 2G Phone Mega Sale campaign, the LG G6 will be exclusive to Shopee with a sale price lower than the current retail prices in Korea. The highly anticipated phone is not available in Singapore yet.

This mobile phone employs a Hi-Fi Quad DAC for a spectacular audio experience. Control the phone with Google Assistant – the LG G6 is the first non-Pixel device to support the voice activated technology.

One lucky winner will also take home the latest game console, the Nintendo Switch. As part of the campaign, Shopee is giving away a Nintendo Switch and two games, Legend of Zelda and 1-2 Switch, worth S$669 in total.

Interested?

The free Shopee app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play store in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan.

Browse through discounted products by clicking on the in-app Online IT Fair banner.

All sales start at 12am Singapore time on the stipulated dates

Contest giveaway details will be posted on Shopee’s Facebook page. Participants have to ‘Like’ and ‘Share’ the post, and post a wefie in the comments section. Everyone in the wefie must have the Shopee app visible on their devices. The more people you have in your photo, the higher the chances of winning!

posted from Bloggeroid

Dubai consumer electronics market to be worth over US$3 billion by 2020

A Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) analysis, released during GITEX Technology Week 2016, has predicted that the Dubai consumer electronics market will grow at 4.7% over the next four years to exceed US$3 billion by 2020.

The analysis highlights Dubai’s growing retail sales activity despite mounting pressure from low oil prices and rising global economic uncertainty. Such resilience is attributed to solid fundamentals that include rising population and incomes together with a steady influx of tourists to the emirate. Dubai’s young population in particular is interested in technological developments and keep up to date with the latest innovations. In addition, many consumers see electronic gadgets such as smartphones, tablets and smart watches as status symbols.

According to the report, based on latest UAE retail sales data from Euromonitor, the portable consumer electronics subcategory is expected to keep its lead with a 2020 sales forecast of US$1.27 billion. The computers and peripherals subcategory is to retain its size at US$937 million, while in-home consumer electronics is expected to hit US$900 million. The in-car entertainment subcategory will remain flat however, with a sales forecast of US$23 million.

In terms of future growth, in-home consumer electronics has a CAGR forecast of 7.6% between 2015 and 2020, while portable consumer electronics is in next place with a CAGR of 6.4%. Growth is set to cool off in the computer and peripherals subcategory with a CAGR forecast of 0.9%; while in-car entertainment is expected to have a CAGR of 0.7% over the forecast period.

The analysis estimates Dubai’s consumer electronics market size in 2015 at US$2.4 billion after effectively expanding at a CAGR of 8.9% over the past five years.

Source: DCCI, Dubai Statistics Centre, Euromonitor. Dubai consumer electronics market size (US$ billion)

Total sales for the category stems from portable consumer electronics (US$930 million), computers and peripherals (US$902 million), in-home consumer electronics (US$621 million) and in-car entertainment (US$22 million).

In terms of growth, in-home consumer electronics has led the four sub-categories with a CAGR of 17% between 2010 and 2015, while computers and peripherals followed with a CAGR of 6.9%, and portable personal electronics came in third with a CAGR of 6.8%. In-car entertainment shrank at a negative CAGR of -3.5% over the same period.

Market observers indicate that the main trend seen last year in consumer electronics sales is the gradual move towards more compact and multifunctional devices, especially those that offer Internet connectivity. Tablets and smartphones enjoyed solid growth in sales. However, the increasing quality, processing power, and range of applications offered by these devices are taking market share from other items, such as digital cameras, portable MP3 players, digital video disc (DVD) players, laptops and desktops.

Dubai’s electronics and appliance specialist retailers continue to be the leading channel in consumer electronics as they have a wide product selection and price range, and can offer expert advice and tailored recommendations.

Consumer electronics distribution breakdown (%)

Outlets (% share in sales)	2010	2015	% change
Store-Based Retailing
Hypermarkets	32.8	42.4	+29.3%
Electronics and appliance specialist retailers	46.7	43.7	-6.4%
Mixed retailers	6.2	2.0	-67.7%
Other non-grocery specialists	11.1	8.4	-24.3%
Non-store retailing
Internet retail	3.1	3.5	+12.9%

Source: DCCI, Euromonitor

It is worth noting that the number of electronics and appliance specialist retailer outlets is strongly linked with the opening of new malls and shopping centres. At the same time, leading hypermarket chains such as Carrefour and Lulu are offering wide product ranges at very reasonable prices.

The strong presence of shopping malls in the emirate has limited the size of the Internet retailing market. However, store-based electronics retailers are realising a complementary Internet retailing site is becoming increasingly important to drive sales of consumer electronics to their physical stores, with many consumers checking prices and models online before or during shopping trips.

Another subcategory, home audio and cinema, has benefited greatly from the residents’ frequent purchases and product upgrades. Sales volumes rose by 16% last year despite high price tags. A similar growth rate is seen in sales of smart TVs, which gained in popularity at the expense of a -28% decline in demand for conventional TVs.

The special deals at the 26th The PC Show

Source: The PC Show. The PC Show in 2015 was packed.

The PC Show celebrates 26 years of IT and consumer electronics offerings in Singapore this year. Familiar names like Best Denki, Canon, Courts, Creative, Dell, Epson, Harvey Norman, HP, Lenovo, M1, Newstead, Samsung, Seagate, Singtel and Toshiba are back to woo the crowd with exciting new products, unbeatable deals and some of the best prices in town.

Gillian Loh, Project Manager, organiser Lines Exposition and Management Services, said: “We know that those who can, will wait for The PC Show to land a good bargain while some make it a point to attend so that they can keep up with the latest in IT gadgets and consumer electronics.

“Every year we try to give visitors to The PC Show an even better experience than they had before so that they will be happy and come back for the next show. For our 26th year, we are ramping up the excitement level with dedicated zones for those with special interests, on-the-ground coverage with postings online to keep customers informed of deals, hot new products and technology.”

Special zones have been carved out within the two connecting exhibition halls to help visitors to zoom in on their areas of interests. These include:

· MoveFuture Personal Electric Mobility Devices
Also a first for The PC Show, the zone features the latest in personal mobility such as electric scooters, electric bikes and hoverboards.

· Know your Tech
Exhibitors like Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung will be showcasing their latest technology and products to educate visitors on what’s hot and new. A strictly no-sales zone.

There will be discounts and debuts galore. Local company Passion Gadgets is offering the Inokim Light at a discounted price of S$978 at The PC Show. Designed for personal light transportation over short distances, the compact MYWAY/Inokim Light is energy-efficient and portable. It weighs about 13kg, folds easily and will transport a user weighing up to a maximum of 100kg. The company is also offering the Passion10 electric scooter (Speedway) at the discounted price of S$759 and Passion E2 (ETWOW S2/E-twow Gen 2) Eco/Master/Booster at S$799.

Source: The PC Show. The Portégé Z20t.

Toshiba is offering visitors special prices and giveaways for its products at the show. The company is rolling out a full range of business notebook PCs which are designed and developed for enterprise use. This includes the Portégé Z20t, a 12.5", 2 in 1 detachable ultrabook with reversible dock. The laptops come loaded with productivity and security features, plus 6th generation Intel Core M processors.

Watch content wirelessly on the large screen with the Toshiba Canvio Aerocast Wireless Portable Hard Drive. This is the world’s first hard drive that is compatible with Google Chromecast*. It allows users to stream videos to a HDTV via Chromecast, save digital content from mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets as well as archive photos from cameras with its built-in SD card slot. Toshiba is also showcasing 3TB models of its popular Canvio Ready and Canvio Connect II portable hard drives. The newly-developed 2.5" Canvio Connect II 3TB comes with remote access capabilities, cloud backup and the ability to share and stream content.

Source: The PC Show. The Canon EOS M10.

The EOS M10, Canon’s newest addition to the EOS M series of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, weighs about 300g and is the lightest in the series. The Canon EOS M10 is paired with the new compact EFM15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens for high quality images, backed by an APS-C sensor and the Hybrid CMOS AF II system.

The tilt-type LCD screen activates the self-portrait mode when it is extended to 180 degrees for the best selfies, which can be quickly shared via NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity.

For The PC Show, Canon is offering a promotion price for its special edition EOS M10 camera, bundled with a limited edition 24-cm Rilakkuma plush toy in a special gift pack.

Visitors to The PC Show will be among the first to view several GPS products by Maka GPS Technologies which are making their debut. The Marbella Pilot S features a 5-in-1 LCD touch screen display with day and night views for high visibility, along with an 800MHz processor.

Source: The PC Show. The Marbella Pilot S.

The Marbella Pilot S also supports Bluetooth and will stream music between mobile devices. Its audio-video input function allows direct input of Reverse and Car Forward Camera (DVR) while its FM transmitter helps drivers to avoid any late turning, allowing them to enjoy localised voice guidance or music through the car’s speakers. Just for The PC Show, the first 50 customers who purchase the Marbella Pilot S each day will receive a free new Marbella VR3 HD 720P Driving Roadcorder.  

Joining the Marbella Pilot S is the Marbella LX5, a 2CH Dashcam. Maka GPS is offering Marbella LX5 at the promotional launch price of S$259 (usually S$329). Limited to the first 50 customers per day is Maka GPS’ exclusive bundle which comes with free 32GB Class 10 MicroSD card, Bluetooth speaker, MaxPower 2200mAh Power Bank, smartphone holder, incar splitter and HDMI cable. All Marbella users are entitled to free detailed routable navigation maps in over 70 countries around the world for their travelling needs.

Source: The PC Show. Seagate's new
Backup Plus Ultra Slim drives.

The Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim is the world’s thinnest 2TB mobile hard drive. At just 9.6mm, the Backup Plus Ultra Slim employs Seagate’s 2.5" HDD technology, enabling it to be more than 50% thinner than other 2TB drives on the market. The external drive comes equipped with Lyve software, which helps users protect precious photos and videos and automatically organises them into a single unified library, accessible from any mobile device or computer. It also includes Seagate’s Dashboard software, which offers users one-click on-demand or customised, scheduled backups. Users can also enjoy 200GB of free Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage for two years.

Komoco Motors, a Singapore motor company, is sponsoring this year’s grand lucky draw prize of a Hyundai Elantra Elite car worth S$61,000**. Visitors to The PC Show are entitled to a lucky draw ticket for every S$100 spent at the show.

Interested?

The PC Show is at Singapore Expo, Halls 5 and 6 from 2 to 5 June 2016, from 12pm to 9pm daily

*Sold separately.
**Excludes certificate of entitlement (COE)

posted from Bloggeroid

New designer crystals could create more powerful devices

Source: CSIRO. Dr Styles.

A new process that uses vapour– rather than liquid – to grow designer crystals could lead to faster, more powerful electronic devices. The crystals are the world's most porous materials, and if applied to microelectronic devices, could significantly boost their processing power.

For the first time, researchers have shown how the designer crystals known as metal organic frameworks (MOFs), can be grown using a vapour method that is similar to steam hovering over a pot of hot water. The method, invented by scientists from the University of Leuven in Belgium, the National University of Singapore and CSIRO has been published in the journal Nature Materials.

According to CSIRO researcher Dr Mark Styles, the crystals could previously only be grown and applied using a liquid solvent, making them unsuitable for electronics applications. "Just like your smart phone doesn't like being dropped in water, electronic devices don't like the liquid solvent that's used to grow MOF crystals," Dr Styles said. "It can corrode and damage the delicate circuitry. Our new vapour method for growing and applying MOF crystals overcomes this barrier and has the potential to disrupt the microelectronics industry.

"On the atomic scale, MOF crystals look like bird cages that can be tailor-made to be different shapes and sizes. They have an extremely large surface area, meaning they can be up to 80% empty inside. The net result is a structure where almost every atom is exposed to empty space: one gram of MOF crystals has a surface area of over 5,000 sq m – that's the size of a football field. Crucially, we can use this vast space to trap other molecules, which can change the properties of a material. In the case of electronics, this means we can fit a lot more transistors on a microchip, making it faster and far more powerful."

The international team, which was led by Ivo Stassen and Professor Rob Ameloot from the University of Leuven in Belgium, drew on specialist X-ray analysis techniques from CSIRO and the Australian Synchrotron to understand how the vapour process works, and how it can be used to grow the MOF crystals.

According to Dr Styles, the applications for MOFs can only be limited by your imagination. "Another potential use for this technology would be in portable chemical sensing devices that could be used in hazardous environments such as chemical processing plants and underground mines," he said.

Interested?

Read the Nature paper

posted from Bloggeroid

LG G3s first to get the Lollipop upgrade

LG Electronics says it is the first global smartphone manufacturer to offer the Lollipop upgrade in 2014. The new version of the Android operating system which is used in smartphones, Android 5.0 or "Lollipop", will be rolled out to its G3 smartphones starting in Poland the week of November 10, to be followed by other key markets in the near future, LG said. 

Source: LG.

This latest Android OS delivers a host of improvements including added depth, shadows and animations. Notifications are improved with a new layout and colour scheme and will be available on the new lock screen. A new security feature to strengthen the connectivity between devices will include enabling users to unlock their smartphone when it is physically near a pre-registered Bluetooth device such as the LG G Watch or G Watch R. 

“LG is absolutely committed to giving our customers the best mobile experiences available and bringing Android Lollipop to G3 owners as soon as possible is a top priority,” said Dr Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The new features and improvements in Android 5.0 will bring a whole new user experience to the G3 and make it even better than it already is.”

Additional details related to LG devices, including an upgrade schedule for other LG mobile devices, will be announced in the near future as the Lollipop upgrade becomes available in local markets.

LG launches G3 Beat mid-tier G3 model in Korea

Source: LG.

LG Electronics (LG) has officially launched the LG G3 Beat, a mid-tier variant of LG’s G3 smartphone, in Korea on July 18. The LG G3 Beat delivers a similar premium user experience with the Floating Arc design and fast Laser Auto Focus technology featured in the G3, but in a more compact package dominated by a 5" thin-bezel display. 

"Smartphone manufacturers cannot ignore this growing segment of consumers who want the best balance of looks, features, performance and, of course, price,” said Dr Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. 

“The LG G3 Beat represents our commitment to the mid-tier smartphone market that demands mature technology, proven branding, great innovation and attractive price, all in a single device.”

The LG G3 Beat features the Floating Arc Design first unveiled on the LG G3, boasting smooth curved sides and gradually tapered edges. It also comes with a HD IPS display with a screen-to-body ratio of 74.1%, which LG says is the highest in the mid-tier smartphone segment, and Smart Keyboard, which learns how users type to reduce errors by up to 75%. The 2,540mAh battery supports advanced camera features such as: 

￭ Laser Auto Focus, which measures the distance between the subject and the camera using a laser beam.

￭ Touch & Shoot lets users touch anywhere on the display to focus and shoot.

￭ Gesture Shot allows users to clench a hand in front of the screen to automatically begin a three-second countdown before the picture is snapped.

Key Specifications:

￭ Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor 1.2 GHz Quad-Core
￭ Display: 5.0-inch HD IPS (1,280 x 720, 294ppi)
￭ Memory: 8GB / 1GB RAM / MicroSD slot
￭ Camera: Rear 8MP with Laser Auto Focus / Front 1.3MP
￭ Battery: 2,540mAh (removable)
￭ Operating System: Android 4.4.2 KitKat
￭ Size: 137.7 x 69.6 x 10.3mm
￭ Weight: 134g
￭ Network: 4G LTE / HSPA+ 21Mbps (3G)
￭ Connectivity: Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, A-GPS/Glonass, NFC, USB 2.0
￭ Colours: Metallic Black, Silk White, Shine Gold
￭ Other: Touch & Shoot, Smart Keyboard, QuickMemo+, Gesture Shot

A number of phone manufacturers are introducing lower-end models of their premium phones. Read about HTC's offering here. 

Manufacturers go vertical to gain productivity

Two Singapore manufacturers have been able to upgrade their capabilities, increase production capacity and expand into higher value-added activities just by relocating to JTC Space @ Tanjong Kling*, a next-generation industrial infrastructure that allows renters to operate over several floors. Tenants can enjoy lower land rental without  sacrificing their gross floor area, optimising industrial land usage. 

Source: JTC website. Designer's illustration of small footprint
standard factories.

Chan Kian Metal Works designs and fabricates hydraulic manifolds with integrated circuits found in offshore / marine equipment and construction machinery. When the company decided to expand, their fabrication space at Pandan Loop was too small to allow them to take on higher value-added projects. Chan Kian Metal Works moved into JTC Space @ Tanjong Kling in January 2014, and installed a goods handling system within their three-storey factory which has enabled them to integrate their production line vertically - moving their raw materials and final products seamlessly between floors. 

This has allowed them to enjoy immediate improvement in land productivity by three times. The unit also provides them with  sufficient space to take on higher value-added activities such as the sub-assembly of hydraulics systems.

Delta Optics, on the other hand, specialises in the design and ultra-precision machining of optical mould inserts used in plastic injection moulding of lens for the optics and consumer electronics industries. Initially located at four flatted factories at Ayer Rajah, Delta Optics consolidated its operations and took up a larger production space at JTC Space @ Tanjong Kling. 

They have upgraded their capabilities by forming business collaborations with major MNCs and expanded into new higher value-added activities such as injection moulding of silicon and progressive lenses. 

The National Productivity and Continuing Education Council (NPCEC), led by Chairman Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who is also Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister visited both SMEs, and said: "The Government is actively developing innovative space solutions and infrastructure to help our SMEs transform and upgrade business processes. 

"The JTC Space @ Tanjong Kling, with its unique structural features, has enabled companies like Chan Kian and Delta Optics to configure their own space and integrate their processes over multiple floors. It also allows them to grow by building new capabilities and expanding into higher value-added activities. ”

JTC Space @ Tanjong Kling has enjoyed a good takeup rate, with 15 of its 18 units occupied to date. JTC is currently exploring the development of an improved version of the small footprint factory concept. The new development will not only incorporate the unique structural provisions, but could also provide higher building specifications including higher floor loading and ceiling height, allowing industrialists to undertake a broader range of manufacturing processes.

*Formally known as Small Footprint Standard Factories 

McAfee and LG partner to bring anti-theft feature to G3 smartphone

McAfee, part of Intel Security, and LG Electronics have announced that the new LG G3 is pre-installed with a unique version of McAfee Mobile Security that includes an anti-theft feature designed to protect G3 users from unauthorised factory resets. 

Source: LG website. The G3.

A 'Kill' Switch allows users to disable their phones even if they are lost or stolen. Content can also be deleted to prevent personal information from being compromised. 

The McAfee Mobile Security lock screen blocks attempts to reset the phone, requires password authentication, and can be controlled by the user from the device or the a web console. 

Smartphones have become a target for criminals because of their monetary value and the personal data that consumers store on them. The growing prevalence of malware is also a concern for mobile users. McAfee’s Consumer Mobile Security Report findings show that the quantity of Android malware rose 197% between December 2012 and December 2013.

“The implementation of the Kill Switch feature is just one of several specific measures we are taking to ensure that our users can easily and comprehensively protect themselves from the growing threat landscape, both physical and online,” said Dr. Ramchan Woo, Head, smartphone planning division of LG.  

“Our collaboration with LG is intended to develop unique means of protecting users’ digital lives,” said David Freer, Vice President, Consumer – APAC at McAfee. 

Through a multi-year global partnership, LG G3 is now equipped with a unique version of McAfee Mobile Security to protect users from security and privacy threats and identity theft. Antivirus, data backup, remote lock and wipe, and remote tracking are all available through the McAfee app for five years at no cost.

McAfee Mobile Security has been pre-installed and the Kill Switch feature has been automatically activated on LG G3 phones from May 28. McAfee Mobile Security is available for free on the Google Play Store.

Read more about the free version of McAfee Mobile Security here.