Four new BMW models launched in Singapore

For the first time in Singapore, BMW Group Asia is launching four new models at once.

First-ever BMW i8 Roadster

The BMW i8 Roadster has doors that open upwards.

This first-ever BMW convertible plug-in hybrid, a "gentleman's racer", can go from 0-100kmh in 4.6 seconds. There is already one in this colour on the roads in Singapore, a first edition. Owner CS Liew, a director with an agricultural science company, said that he initially preferred 'hard top' convertibles, but changed his mind with the i8 Roadster.

BMW representative (left) with Liew posing with the BMW i8 Roadster.

"I was won over because of the way it is designed, because it is just incredible," he said. Liew is the only Asian buyer and the only one from Singapore who owns a BMW i8 Roadster first edition.

New BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer 

The BMW2 Series Gran Tourer.

Equipped with a dual-clutch transmission*, the New BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer have been updated with sport line exteriors, new sport seats, a black panel instrument display and an electronic gear selector.

The All-new BMW X4

Source: BMW Group Asia. The BMW X4.

Powered by xDrive for all-weather and all-terrain capability, this sports activity coupé has a new wider stance, M Sport suspension and variable sport steering. 

The four new models can be seen at the BMW World of Passion and Joy event which ends today. This is the third-ever such event in Singapore, with the previous one held in 2010. Another three new models are showcased, including the All-new BMW Z4 First Edition, which was five years in the making. Visitors have an opportunity to experience the BMW and MINI brands, including BMW heritage cars; explore The MINI Story, and enjoy performances and interactive activities. 

“BMW World of Passion and Joy is the motoring event of the year in Singapore as we aim to unite the past, present and future under one roof,” said Christopher Wehner, MD, BMW Group Asia, who also said that the event is "about values we embrace and experiences we create".

Showcases include:

The new BMW i3s REx electric car

The BMW i3s REx electric car.

The new BMW i3s REx possesses a higher output, model-specific chassis technology and more dynamic driving qualities.

The all-new BMW Z4 First Edition

Performers pose after a skit starring the All-new BMW Z4 First Edition.

The All-new BMW Z4 First Edition boasts lithe and compact proportions and a dynamic silhouette, encapsulating the BMW Group’s vision of a modern roadster.

The All-new BMW 8 Series

Models pose next to The 8 by BMW, with Wehner in the background.

The 8 redefines the sports car. The All-new BMW 8 Series combines lateral and longitudinal dynamic performance with poise, assurance and luxury over long distances. According to Wehner, the 8 Series "is about autonomy and saving the time for people you like and the things that you like and to have unique experiences".

The all-new BMW M2 Competition

The BMW M2 Competition has racing DNA.

The racing DNA is clear here. The BMW M2 Competition has a new bi-turbo inline six-cylinder engine goes from 0-100kmh in 4.2 seconds. It boasts new M Mirrors, a redesigned kidney grille, new M alloy wheels, M Sport bucket seats and an illuminated M2 badge. 

The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance

BMW Concept X7 iPerformance.

The BMW X family’s new top model extends BMW’s offering in the luxury class.

BMW heritage cars at the event include the BMW M5 (E39), BMW M3 CSL (E46), BMW 327 Sports Cabrio and the Isetta.

Test drives

The BMW 2 Series all the way to the BMW 7 Series, the BMW i3 and the BMW X models are available for test drives.

Virtual reality (VR) experiences

VR technology is available to allow visitors to get behind the wheel and check out the vehicle's nooks and crannies.

The MINI Story 

Visitors to the event are also invited to explore five unique chapters in The MINI Story: Creative Solutions, MINI In Design, Personalities, Makers, and Personalisation. Visitors can also create something of their own, walk away with a memento from the MINI photo booth, and explore the past in the Alec Issigonis design studio. Issigonis is known for his development of the MINI.

Designer Mini by Paul Smith

One of three Designer Minis, the Designer Mini by Paul Smith has 86 stripes in 26 colours.

The Designer Mini by Paul Smith is one of three Designer Minis presented by Rover as part of Mini's 40th anniversary in 1998. Taking the inspiration for his design from the stripes characteristic of his 1997 collection, the car was eventually sprayed with 86 stripes in 26 colours.

Details:

BMW World of Passion and Joy

Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Level 4, halls 403 and 404

10am to 10pm

Adult: S$20
Enjoy S$20 off favourite BMW or MINI Lifestyle Collection products after spending a minimum of S$100 nett in a single invoice. Terms and conditions apply.

Explore:

View pictures of the BMW World of Passion and Joy launch event on Facebook

*Also called a semi-automatic transmission; two clutch mechanisms are deployed, one for odd and the other for even gears.

Dell unveils enhanced PC portfolio for consumer, commercial audiences

· Dell Canvas is world’s first horizontal smart workspace of its kind with touch, totem and pen capabilities

· Precision All-in-One (AIO) provides outstanding sound

· Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 8K Monitor is world’s first 32" 8K display

· Dell Precision 7720 is Dell’s most powerful virtual reality (VR)-ready mobile workstation

· World’s first wireless charging 2-in-1 delivers the ultimate “no wires” experience

At the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the US, Dell unveiled innovations that redefined personal computing. Dell also upgraded its line of XPS, Inspiron and Alienware consumer devices and the OptiPlex, Latitude and Precision commercial products have been upgraded with 7th Gen Intel Core processors, USB-C with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity options and updated professional graphics from NVIDIA and AMD. Dell's monitors have been refreshed as well. The new Dell PC portfolio features Windows 10 and 7th Gen Intel Core processors, helping users maximise productivity and creativity.

Source: Dell website. The Dell Canvas.

What began as the Dell smart desk concept in 2014 has evolved into the Dell Canvas—a new category of smart workspace technology that expands creative productivity for content developers and designers. The 27" QHD smart workspace can be used at an angle or laid flat on a desk to enable users to create and communicate as naturally as they would with pen and paper.

Through the use of touch, digital pen and hardware called 'totems', the Dell Canvas turns drawings into part of the digital workflow and enhances collaboration. Developed in partnership with Microsoft and powered by virtually any Windows 10 device, Dell Canvas plugs seamlessly into software solutions from partners including Adobe, Autodesk, AVID, Dassault Systems, SolidWorks and Microsoft.

The Dell Precision AIO is designed with audio-visual quality as a priority. Co-created with Jack Joseph Puig, the Grammy award-winning Producer and Director of creative innovation at Waves Audio, the new Precision AIO features built-in audio quality that previously required an external sound bar. With full frequency range high-fidelity audio built in, it delivers the best sound available in an AIO with 10 speakers pumping out sound at 50W per channel. The viewing experience is managed by a 4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160) edge-to-edge touch display supporting 100% of the Adobe RGB colour gamut.

The Precision AIO delivers more performance options with Intel Xeon processors, AMD Radeon Pro graphics capable of powering VR and guaranteed compatibility with selected third party applications. The Precision AIO comes with ISV certifications for programs like AVID and SolidWorks, as well as leading security and manageability software.

As more VR headsets fly off the shelves, there is a huge opportunity—and demand—for VR content creators. Enter the Dell Precision 7720 mobile workstation—Dell’s first VR-ready mobile workstation designed specifically for VR content creation. This is Dell’s most powerful mobile workstation, thanks to the latest 7th Gen Intel Core and Intel Xeon processors and NVIDIA Pascal Quadro professional graphics. Dell says it has the most PC options in the market which support VR, including XPS, Alienware and Precision workstations that work with Oculus and HTC headsets.

The Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 8K Monitor is the world's first 32" 8K resolution display. It has more than 1 billion colours, 33.2 million pixels of resolution, 100% support of the Adobe RGB and sRGB colour gamut and an unprecedented 280 pixels per inch (ppi)—four times more content than Ultra HD 4K resolution and 16 times more content than Full HD.

Monitors offering this high-end resolution and Dell PremierColor clarity and gradation are important in commercial fields where in-depth image zooming is critical—such as photo and video editing, medicine and diagnostic research, and oil and gas exploration—all among the early adopters of this technology. The monitor's near-borderless display also gives users 32" inches of screen real estate in a highly compact package.

Additionally, Dell is announcing several new monitors with its new HDR feature³ to enhance the visual experience through a wider range of colours for exceptionally vivid images, higher clarity with visibly vibrant textures and increased contrast to capture a multitude of natural shades and hues. New monitors with the HDR feature include: the Dell 27 Ultrathin Monitor, with the world’s thinnest profile in its class, as well as the Dell 24 and 27 InfinityEdge Monitors, which also feature dual 6W external speakers professionally-tuned by Waves MaxxAudio.

Wireless connectivity has been widespread in notebooks for years, but there’s one wire that has always remained in the equation—the power cord. Dell will deliver a true wireless experience by incorporating WiTricity magnetic resonance wireless charging technology in the 12" Latitude 7285 2-in-1 that will be available later this year.

When combined with a charging mat and WiGig wireless dock, users can take the Latitude 2-in-1 with them without disengaging any wires or a physical dock. And when they return to their desk and set the 2-in-1 on the charging mat, it begins charging, automatically reconnects to the WiGig dock and content appears on the external display. More information about the Latitude 7285 2-in-1 and wireless charging will follow at Dell EMC World in May.

Dell has also updated the XPS 15, the smallest 15.6" laptop on the planet¹, with 7th Gen Intel Core processors, NVIDIA Pascal architecture - GeForce GTX 100 graphics and a fingerprint reader for password-free logins via Windows Hello.

Products built for business also feature 7th Gen Intel Core vPro and Xeon processors and new ultrathin notebook and 2-in-1 designs—reflecting customer demands for thin and light professional products that do not compromise on productivity, security and manageability. For example, Dell has introduced the Precision 5520, the world’s lightest 15" mobile workstation. New to the lineup are Latitude 7000 Series Ultrabooks and an award-winning 12" Latitude 5000 Series 2-in-1. The detachable 2-in-1 weighs under 1kg, and features an auto-deploy kickstand that has multiple connectivity options and extends up to 150 degrees for multiple viewing angles.

Dell has further redefined the desktop experience with the new OptiPlex 5250 AIO and an updated line of OptiPlex small and micro form factor desktops. These products provide full desktop performance and productivity in compact chassis that can be mounted behind corresponding displays with Dell's AIO stands or under a table to free up desk space.

New Dell monitors also include the Dell 24 Monitor for Video Conferencing, which features a 2-megapixel Full HD infrared (IR) camera with privacy shutter, noise-cancelling microphone and dual 5W speakers built in, and the Dell 24 Touch Monitor.

Interested?

All products are available through Dell and its authorised partners:

Product	Starting price in S$	Availability in Singapore
Dell 24 Touch Monitor (P2418HT)	$569	Mid-February 2017
Dell 24 Monitor for Video Conferencing (P2418HZ)	$379	in the coming days
Dell 24 InfinityEdge Monitor (S2418HX)	Pricing to be confirmed.	Mid-March 2017
Dell 27 InfinityEdge Monitor (S2718HX)		Mid-March 2017
Dell 27 Ultrathin Monitor (S2718D)		End-March 2017
Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 8K Monitor (UP3218K)		April 2017
Dell Precision 5520 15-inch mobile workstation	Pricing and availability to be announced.
OptiPlex 5050 Micro
OptiPlex 5250 AIO
Dell Precision 7720 VR-Ready Mobile Workstation
Dell Latitude 5285 2-in-1
Dell Canvas
Dell Precision AIO (5720)
Dell XPS 15

Hashtag: #CES2017

New food launches ideal for office pantries

Looking for something new for the office pantry? New introductions which can be seen at FoodAsia2016 will showcase a range of home-grown companies with first-of-a-kind creations as part of the Singapore Pavilion led by the Singapore Manufacturing Federation.

Masarang Forest Sugar from Straits Wholefoods is a low-glycemic, organic sugar wild-harvested from Sulawesi rainforests. The sugar is derived from the sap of male flowers from the wild Arenga Pinnata tree, which has deep roots and prevents soil erosion. The sugar is crystallised through evaporation with geothermal heat, making it particularly ecofriendly as there is no carbon contamination that comes from the burning of wood fuel. The sugar comes from the Masarang Foundation, which aims to save rainforests and wildlife in Asia. The sugar is said to have a creamy caramel taste that enhances foods and beverages (Editor's note: The sugar has a subtle fragrance that will definitely add a hint of depth to coffees and teas). Straits Wholefoods says it particularly excels in baking, imparting a tempting fragrance to cakes and desserts.  Nutritionally, Masarang Sugar is outstanding with a mineral and nutrient profile that is superior than conventional sugar. Masarang Sugar is certified organic by the USDA and European Union. 

Fischeon is a halal, fish-based take on what is popularly known as luncheon meat in Singapore, and spam in the west. The newest Fischeon member is otah flavoured. Traditional otah is fish meat mixed with spices and tapioca flour, wrapped in banana leaves and and grilled over a charcoal fire. The canned version can be eaten straight out of the can or fried, just like normal otah (Editor's note: both fried and ready-to-eat versions have the otah texture, but the ready-to-eat version retains the lemongrass fragrance much better). The plate of nasi lemak to the bottom left features two slices of fried Fischeon otah and a slice of ready-to-eat Fischeon otah in between them. Fischeon comes from Thong Siek Food Industries, which also manufactures the DoDo brand of prepared foods.

FoodAsia, a specialised exhibition dedicated to food and drink, is a part of Food&HotelAsia (FHA), a biennial trade event for the food and hospitality industry in Singapore. Foods featured at the show are likely to be on retail shelves soon after the event.

posted from Bloggeroid

StarHub welcomes iPhone 6s, 6s Plus buyers from 26 September

Source: StarHub. Customers queuing in the comfort of the newly-spruced up StarHub Shop in VivoCity, one of the 38 StarHub retail outlets serving pre-order customers on 25 September.

Pre-order collection for Apple's iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus began on 25 September at 38 StarHub retail outlets across Singapore. Pre-order customers were offered specific collection venues and timeslots during their appointment booking for ease of collection.

Customers may walk in to any StarHub Shop or selected authorised dealers to buy the phones from 26 September.

StarHub cautioned in a statement that initial customer demand often outstrips supply with popular phone launches. "StarHub is working with the manufacturer to replenish stocks as quickly as possible to meet customer demand," the company stated.

Interested?

Learn about pricing and availability

Read the TechTrade Asia blog post on Singtel's launch appointments for the same phones

Excitement marks Windows 10 launch in Singapore

The Windows 10 launch fan event in SIngapore was very well attended. 

Microsoft's Windows 10 is now available as a free upgrade¹ or with new PCs and tablets across 190 countries. Windows 10 includes innovations such as Windows Hello², Cortana³, an Xbox app and the Microsoft Edge browser for a familiar, yet more productive experience.

“Windows 10 is built to enable people and organisations to do great things and the launch of Windows 10 today marks a new era for computing in Singapore and around the world. New innovations on Windows 10 make computing more personal, productive and secure whether you are a consumer, student, professional or business," added Jessica Tan, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore.

"Microsoft is excited that Windows 10 is resonating well from the feedback of over 5 million Windows Insiders and the overwhelming reservations from users. We are also looking forward to the opportunities to work with our developers, retail and devices partners to create new apps, services, devices and experiences for Windows 10. Starting from today, Windows 10 is available as a free upgrade for all Windows 7 and 8 users for one year and we encourage all to upgrade today.”

Quek.

Joy Quek, Windows Business Group Lead, Microsoft Singapore, said Windows 10 will bring more personal computing for all Windows users. "Most of us have more than three devices. Windows 10 brings that experience to all the different form factors. We're really focusing on the user experience and the mobility of the experience," she said.

The most secure Windows ever, Windows 10 is delivered as a service and kept automatically up-to-date with innovations and security updates. Windows 10 offers one experience that will become available on the broadest range of devices, including PCs, tablets, phones, Raspberry Pi, Xbox One, HoloLens and more — with more than 2,000 devices or configurations already in testing. The new Windows Store and Windows Software Development Kit are now available as well, opening the door to more new app experiences on Windows 10.

“A new era of Windows starts today. From the beginning, Windows 10 has been unique — built with feedback from over 5 million fans, delivered as a service and offered as a free upgrade,” said Terry Myerson, Executive VP, Windows and Devices Group, at Microsoft. 

“Windows 10 delivers on our more personal computing vision, with a natural, mobile and trusted experience. Along with our partners, we’re excited to deliver the best Windows ever, which will empower people and organisations around the world to do great things.”

Windows 10 is the "best Windows ever", with voice, pen and gesture input support for natural interaction with PCs and the return of the Start menu plus Live Tiles for instant streaming updates. Windows 10 is also the most secure Windows Microsoft has ever released, with enhancements to Windows Defender and SmartScreen to help safeguard against viruses, malware and phishing. It comes with innovations such as Windows Hello, which offers a fast, secured, password-free way to log in. 

Keeping up-to-date is also simple, as free updates will help people stay current with the latest features and security updates for the supported lifetime of the device.

Highlights include:

Cortana, the personal digital assistant, which makes it easy to find the right information at the right time. Cortana is presently available in Australia, China, India and Japan.

It is now possible to make notes on top of web pages with the Edge browser and a touch screen, and then share that information.

The new Microsoft Edge browser lets people quickly browse, read, annotate and share.

With Windows 10, it is possible for two people to play the same Xbox game with a laptop in one room and the Xbox device in another.

The integrated Xbox app delivers the Xbox experience to Windows 10, bringing together games and accomplishments across Xbox One and Windows 10 devices.

Continuum, which optimises apps and experiences across touch and desktop modes.

Built-in apps including Photos; Maps; Microsoft’s new music app, Groove; and Movies & TV. With OneDrive, files can be easily shared and kept up-to-date across all devices.

A Microsoft Phone Companion app enables iPhones, Android or Windows phones to work seamlessly with Windows 10 devices.

The all new Office Mobile apps for Windows 10 tablets are available in the Windows Store⁴. Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps offer a consistent, touch-first experience for small tablets. For digital note-taking needs, OneNote comes pre-installed with Windows 10. The upcoming release of the Office desktop apps (Office 2016) is designed for the precision of a keyboard and mouse, but will also be optimised for large-screen PCs, laptops and 2-in-1 devices such as the Surface Pro.

Open for business
Windows 10 is also the most extensively tested version of Windows ever. The operating system will help companies protect against modern cyberattacks, deliver better experiences for employees and enable continuous innovation with a platform that keeps companies up-to-date with the latest technology. Businesses will be able to control the frequency of their updates and select the features and functionality that are right for each group of their employees.

Windows 10 includes built-in, enterprise-grade security, so customers can replace passwords with more secure options, protect corporate data and corporate identities, and run only the software they trust. New management and deployment tools simplify device management, help lower costs, and enable companies to power their business with the enterprise strength of the Microsoft Azure cloud.

Apps at the Windows Store
The new Windows Store is now accepting new apps for Windows 10. The new Windows Store is the only store where people can use Cortana to control apps with their voice⁵ and get real-time notifications on their app tiles. All Windows Store content is certified by Microsoft to help keep devices safer. In addition to existing Windows 8.1 apps such as Netflix, Flipboard, Mint.com, Asphalt 8: Airborne and The Weather Channel, the Windows Store provides a constant stream of new and updated Universal Windows Apps and games, including Twitter, Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition beta, Hulu, iHeartRadio, Candy Crush Saga and others including WeChat and QQ, which will launch soon⁶.

Guenter Weimer, General Manager, Windows and Surface, Microsoft Asia Pacific said: “We have a bold vision for Windows 10, where it provides consumers and enterprises with one platform, one store and one experience that extends across the broadest range of devices. In the era of more personal computing, Windows 10 users can expect universal apps delivering seamless and new experiences across devices."

Upgrading tips
Upgrading to Windows 10 is easy for customers running a genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 PC or tablet. Those who reserved their upgrade to Windows 10 will be notified in waves when their upgrade is ready to be installed. For business customers, Windows 10 is available to start deploying within their work environments, and starting August 1, organisations that have volume licensing subscriptions can upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education.

Retail partners are ready to help people upgrade to Windows 10 with the largest tech bench programme ever, including more than 100,000 trained retailers and tens of thousands of stores around the world. Free upgrade programmes are now available, with Windows 10 software becoming broadly available in retail stores around the world between mid-August and September. Devices running Windows 10 will be available in some retail stores, with more devices to become available in the weeks and months ahead.

“We are committed to bringing Windows 10 to as many consumers and organisations as possible in Asia Pacific in the coming months. In addition to the online upgrades, we are working with over 50 leading IT retailers in the region to set up more than 800 Tech Bench locations where consumers can look forward to getting help to migrate from Windows 7 and 8 to the best Windows ever. For consumers and businesses looking for the latest Windows 10 devices, we are excited to announce that we will have the widest range of Windows hardware ever available by this holiday season,” said Weimer.

Bryan Ma, Vice President of Client Devices, IDC Asia/Pacific and Worldwide, was upbeat about the new launch. “Microsoft has really gotten its act together with Windows 10, and we think Microsoft can beat its self-stated goal of reaching 1 billion Windows 10 devices in two to three years. Not only is the user interface (UI) much more polished and intuitive for consumers, the company has also worked very closely with the critical commercial user segment to get the OS to where it needed to be,” he said.

Joe Sweeney, Advisor at IBRS, was also very positive about Windows 10, but cautioned that businesses need to rethink the way they work to really benefit from a version of Windows that works anywhere and everywhere.

“Microsoft’s consumer-led strategy will likely be successful migrating the public to Windows 10 more rapidly than previous Windows releases. In turn, this will drive the demand for enterprise IT groups to support Windows 10 in 6-18 months’ time. While Windows 10 is a relatively painless update from a technical perspective, a simple upgrade is not IBRS’ recommendation," he said.

"Instead, enterprise IT groups should fundamentally rethink the idea of a desktop-centric work environment, and develop a digital workspaces strategy that embraces all the places, devices, and times where work is done. Armed with this knowledge, the scope of Windows 10, among other tools and technologies, can be used to transform the business, rather than simply repeating the past practices.”

#UpgradeYourWorld

As part of the Windows 10 initiative, Microsoft is encouraging people to share how they plan to #UpgradeYourWorld and to vote for a global nonprofit to receive a cash donation by simply mentioning the nonprofit in a post on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and using the hashtags #UpgradeYourWorld and #vote. 

Nine nonprofit organisations have been chosen to receive a donation from Microsoft. These include Code.Org, The Nature Conservancy, Save the Children, CARE, the Malala Fund and the Special Olympics. 

Based on everyone's votes, the 10th nonprofit will receive US$500,000 as well as Microsoft technology and services—part of US$10 million that Microsoft investing in organisations that are upgrading the world. Nonprofits which have at least one branch outside of their home country will be considered, and everyone may vote once a day per social platform, up till the end of August. From September 1, Microsoft will consider votes for a local nonprofit.  

Interested? 

Learn about upgrading, new and compatible devices, and apps for Windows 

Find out more about Upgrade Your World 

¹ Limited time free upgrade offer for qualified and genuine Windows 7 and 8/8.1 devices. Hardware and software requirements apply; see http://www.windows.com/windows10upgrade for details.

² Windows Hello requires specialised hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors.

³ Cortana available in Australia, China, Japan and India in Asia Pacific. Experience may vary by region and device.

⁴ An Office 365 subscription is required to edit Office apps on Windows 10 PCs or larger tablets.

⁵ Hardware dependent.

⁶ Some apps and content sold separately. App and content availability and experience may vary by region and device.

HTC launches smartphone, imaging ecosystem components in Singapore

HTC has launched the RE, a new type of camera, the HTC Desire EYE smartphone, the HTC Eye Experience imaging software, and Zoe, a collaborative video editing community, in Singapore. 

"Back in 1997, we allowed people to leave their laptops at home in favour of powerful, pocket-sized smartphone computing. Today we are taking a similar leap forward - combining incredible hardware with unrivalled software," said Jack Yang, President of South Asia, HTC Corporation. “HTC is reinventing the way we think about imaging. We are taking you out from behind the viewfinder and putting you back where you belong, at the heart of the action and some amazing new innovation in software to enhance the use of technology.” 

HTC also shared pictures taken by the RE, which show its wide angle and adaptive exposure capabilities:

The HTC Desire EYE will available in Coral Red and Submarine Blue, from 27 November 2014, launching at the SITEX Show through StarHub and M1 at a recommended retail price of S$728 including GST. The RE will be available from 19 December 2014 for S$348. Updates will be announced on the HTC Singapore Facebook page. 

Read the blog posts about the launch here and here.

Patricia Rox brings signature colour and detail to Asia

Patricia Rox debuted in Europe in 2013 and is already gaining momentum internationally with plans to establish the brand here in Asia, beginning with Singapore. 

The luxury womenswear company creates globally inspired, traditionally handcrafted pieces, and officially launched the brand and its Spring/Summer 2015 The Fantasy Capsule in Singapore recently. 

With exotic, intricate prints and bright, bold colours at the forefront of its designs, Patricia Rox brings one-of-a-kind ready-to-wear and accessories to discerning, sophisticated women. 

The latest Spring/Summer The Fantasy Capsule features vibrant, circus-inspired scarves and buffalo horn and enamel jewellery which transport the Patricia Rox woman back to her whimsical childhood fantasies. The collection is luxurious yet effortlessly chic, and is versatile enough for a resort, travelling or attending a soiree. 

Model wearing the Hera toga
dress with a backdrop of
scarves with the same print.

Patricia Rox is the brainchild of fashion lawyer Patricia Haywood. Gathering inspiration from her love of travel, Patricia has created a brand that brings together traditional techniques and modern ideas to create unique, handmade pieces, and a brand with a mission to make well-crafted pieces available to women everywhere. 

"At Patricia Rox, we go to great lengths to bring women unique and well-made clothing and accessories. Our vision is to bring together some of the most creative people from different regions to create something special, and to make the art of traditional craftsmanship accessible to women worldwide," says Haywood, Founder and Creative Director, Patricia Rox. 

Every scarf and piece of jewellery is handcrafted by skilled and passionate craftspeople. Patricia Rox works with artisans who are the best at their craft and who are skilled at preserving the integrity of the materials used in each piece created. 

Each print is painstakingly hand-drawn by one artist, with some prints taking 200-300 hours to complete. These one-of-a-kind prints are viewed as works of art. This traditional technique translates to smaller runs and limited editions of each design and ensures that each and every piece will be unique and exquisitely crafted. 

With a mission to find the best natural materials like silk, cotton, linen, horn, enamel and pearl from around the world to create unique pieces that are just as unique as the Patricia Rox woman, all materials are ethically and sustainably sourced from only the best suppliers from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. 

Currently, the collection of Patricia Rox scarves is available online at www.gnossem.com, a Singapore based online shopping site for unique and quality fashion from top, independent designers. Outside of Singapore, Patricia Rox is available in Asia at Aman Resorts in Bali, and www.shopzaozao.com in Hong Kong.

An e-commerce site and physical flagship store are in the works.

*All images from Patricia Rox.

Dell refreshes tablets, introduces 5K monitor, smart desk

Dell has enhanced its PC portfolio to maximise productivity with new tablet features, an Ultra HD 5K monitor and the "smart desk” workspace of the future.

“Organisations don’t ask us for a better PC or software application. They ask us to help them improve productivity, solve problems and drive better business outcomes. That’s where Dell is innovating,” Dell’s Vice Chairman, Operations, and President, Client Solutions, Jeff Clarke, told delegates to the recent Dell World Executive Summit.

The Dell UltraSharp 27 Monitor offers Ultra HD 5K resolution (5,120 x 2,880), seven times the resolution of Full HD. This display will be available in December for US$2,499.

Extending beyond the screen, Dell unveiled a conceptual “smart desk” that combines interactive multi-touch LCD screens with a horizontal digital work surface that ergonomically surrounds the user for natural manipulation. The Dell Precision-powered smart desk creates an immersive and intuitively productive experience for the user. Additionally, multiple users and individual digital desktops can be assembled around a single project for more efficient collaboration.

Source: Dell. The Dell smart desk has a horizontal work surface.

According to a recent Harris International Tablet Survey conducted for Dell, more than one third of IT organisations surveyed are concerned about the time required to set up, configure, manage and secure tablets when compared to laptops. They also believe tablets are more vulnerable to viruses, software security breaches and becoming quickly outdated. In response, Dell has updated the Dell Venue 11 Pro 7000 Series tablets. New Venue 11 Pro features include:

· A fan-less design that is 15% thinner 

· Extended battery life 

· Travel keyboard for a full laptop experience and accompanying thin keyboard for ultra-portability;

· The latest range of Intel Core M processors;

· 10.8" wide-angle full HD (1,920 x 1,080) in-plane switching display;

· Docking station for a traditional monitor, keyboard and mouse PC experience

The Venue 11 Pro, which starts at US$699, can be configured with additional security features including two-factor authentication with integrated smartcard and fingerprint readers as well as the Dell Data Protection suite of client security software. When configured with these options, Dell says the Venue 11 Pro is the most secure and manageable Windows tablet in the industry, and is on the US Department of Defense Unified Capabilities Approved Products List (UC APL).

OPPO launches world's thinnest smartphone

OPPO is showing the world that it is worth watching in the smartphone space with unique innovations that show it knows what users want. The company has just launched the R5, the world's thinnest full high-definition phone, which is just 4.85mm in width. 

Source: OPPO. Bakarrik Azeri, Product Manager, OPPO, introduces the R5, the world's slimmest smartphone, at the launch event in Singapore.

"This phone has been developed with the end user in mind," said Sky Li, General Manager of OPPO's overseas mobile phone business. "We used cutting edge manufacturing techniques to create a phone that fits perfectly into the users' hands and that feels incredible. The frame has been forged nine times and then finished by hand to give a perfect sheen and feel."

Built with top-grade steel and designed with a micro-arc frame that physically strengthens the device, OPPO's R5 is the world's first smartphone that uses phase-change material, maintaining a constant cool temperature while delivering superior functionality. The R5's patented heat dissipation technology "Cool Element" protects its Qualcomm octa-core MSM8939 processor, prolonging the life of the phone. 

A 5.2" AMOLED screen offers for high brightness and colour rendition as well as a low reflection ratio and very good ambient light contrast ratios while Pure Image (PI) 2.0 Plus Flash Shot technology enables pictures to be taken with a maximum focus time of 0.18 seconds. The camera in the R5 handles low light environments easily, with "50MP high-definition quality" for the images.

Charging is a snap with OPPO's VOOC mini rapid charging system, with which a 30-minute charge will provide 75% battery life and a five-minute charge will allow for a two-hour call. 

'The R5, like the rest of the 'R' series, delivers a truly stylish. exquisite and distinctive design and will continue to delight our customers with its innovative yet practical functions," added Li. 

OPPO also introduced the N3, the world’s first smartphone to feature an automated swivel camera, at the same launch event. 

Source: OPPO. The N3.

“We took what our users loved about the N1 and made it even better,” said Li. "The N3 is a perfect demonstration of our commitment to design and innovation.” 

The N3 incorporates the much-loved rotating camera that is also in the earlier N series phones, but adds automation. The N3’s 16 MP camera can rotate 206 degrees and is capable of taking pictures using free-stop and multi-angle shooting. Panoramic shots can also be created through the automatic rotation feature. 

The N3 camera also features OPPO’s target-tracking focus function for panning shots. Users merely need to identify the target to focus on, and the camera will modify its angle to follow the target, helping users create clear photos and videos of a moving subject. Breakthrough mobile camera lens technology developed in partnership with Schneider Optics, enables the camera to take shots that are 64MP-resolution quality, OPPO said.

The OPPO N3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core CPU and is packed with 32GB ROM and 2GB memory plus a 5.5" screen made of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for maximum clarity and durability. The N3 has a hollow underside design which protects the phone if it is dropped. Notifications about incoming texts and messages are presented in the hollow. 

Like the R5, the N3 has OPPO's VOOC mini rapid charging system and PI 2.0 Plus imaging technology.

Both phones are available in the following markets in Asia Pacific and the Middle East: Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the UAE, Vietnam and mainland China.  

Singaporeans can hail a cab with Hailo

Hailo, the world’s highest-rated taxi app, is operational in Singapore as of October 29. The app has 23,000 five-star reviews in the App Store and Google Play, which the company points out is more than any other taxi app. Hailo says a Hailo 'hail' is accepted around the world every two seconds from Hailo’s global network of over 60,000 drivers and more than 1.4 million passengers. 

Source: Hailo. From left: Benny Lim, Managing Director, SMRT Road Holdings; Ron Zeghibe, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Hailo Global, and Yu Hsiang Wong, General Manager, Hailo Singapore.

The Hailo passenger app helps people get a cab with just two taps on their smartphone. Mobile payments eliminate the need to carry cash, and trip receipts are sent instantly by email. Singapore’s taxi drivers can use the Hailo driver app to complete more jobs in less time, earning up to 30% more on every shift they work.

The news follows the announcement of Hailo’s partnership with SMRT Road Holdings. In agreeing to work together, Hailo and SMRT share a common vision to create an inclusive platform that provides equal access and benefits for all of Singapore’s taxi companies and their drivers. Hailo Singapore confirmed today that fleet operator Prime Taxi has joined with SMRT to support the new platform.

Hailo is available to passengers as a free download from the App Store and Google Play. New customers can enter promo code HELLOSING to receive a free S$10 credit on their first ride this week.

Taxi drivers can register via the Hailo website or email singapore.drivers@hailocab.com. The new Hailo Driver Office is located at 46 Kim Yan Road.

Launched in November 2011, Hailo is available in Asia in Osaka as well as Singapore. Hailo has carried over twenty million passengers and sees annualised sales of well over US$100 million.

Read the blog post about the partnership here.

Evernote introduces new items in the Pfeiffer Collection of desktop accessories

Evernote has announced new items in the Pfeiffer Collection, a family of modern desktop accessories created in partnership with product designer Eric Pfeiffer.

The new bent plywood platforms are designed to securely elevate laptops, tablets, and monitors on desktops, with additional space for storage.

Source: Evernote blog.

The new products are:

• Laptop platform - formed of walnut bent ply, this stand holds 13” or 15” laptops steady. Small items can fit in the curved front trough and slot cables through the back.
• Tablet platform - this walnut bent ply platform offers a stable resting place for viewing and working with your tablet.
• Monitor platform - a bigger platform to hold a computer monitor steady. A handy curved front tray fits mobile devices and a rear cable channel is meant for cords.

International distribution of the new products is planned soon.