SHARP launches the safety-first AQUOS wish5s

- Safety-first smartphone enhanced with elegant design, smarter AI and immersive audio 

- Featuring new navy and copper metallic design, AI-powered imaging with Shadow Removal and 8way audio

- Trusted durability, long battery life and built-in SOS features

 

SHARP, the consumer technology specialist, has launched the AQUOS wish5s, a smartphone that prioritises everyday
safety and usability. The latest model introduces an elegant metallic design, AI-powered imaging with Shadow Removal and 8way audio, while continuing to deliver durability, long battery life and built-in SOS security features. 

Source: SHARP. Key visual for the Aquos wish5s.

The AQUOS wish5s builds on the AQUOS wish5, the first smartphone series to feature a vibration-activated SOS security function, alongside an AI-powered call assistant and US military-grade toughness. The smartphone retains the distinctive “free curve” design supervised by the Miyake Design studio, which has been carried over from the previous model due to its strong reception. The softly-rounded form fits comfortably in the hand and is now paired with a refined metallic texture, available in Navy and Copper. 

The AQUOS wish5s is equipped with an approximately 6.6" display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, delivering a fluid viewing experience. Paired with a large 5,000 mAh battery and an Intelligent Charge function to optimise charging behaviour, it supports extended streaming, browsing and gaming throughout the day. 

Users can enjoy AI-powered imaging capabilities that enhance everyday photography. An approximately 50.1-megapixel rear camera, powered by SHARP’s proprietary ProPix lite engine, enables clear and vivid captures of night scenes and portraits. It automatically detects scenes and selects the optimal shooting mode, while AI Shadow Removal reduces unwanted shadows in close-up shots such as food and helps minimise reflections when capturing images through glass. 

In addition, the smartphone has built-in 8way audio technology, delivering a more immersive listening experience when used with wireless or over-ear headphones. By simulating sound from multiple directions, users can enjoy a wider and more realistic soundstage.

The AQUOS wish5s further supports IPX9* waterproof performance. It is capable of withstanding high temperatures of up to 80°C and high-pressure water exposure. It also complies with US Department of Defense procurement standards, MIL-STD-810H, for waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant performance, including resistance to drops on concrete**. 

A vibration-activated SOS security alert triggers a loud alarm and automatically contacts pre-registered contacts with location information when the device is shaken, even when stored in a bag. In addition, the AI-powered call assistant helps detect and block suspicious calls.

It features up to 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of ROM, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor. MicroSD cards of up to 2 TB are supported. 

Details 

The AQUOS wish5s is available exclusively via SHARP Singapore’s online channels, including sharp.com.sg, SHARP Lazada and SHARP Shopee, at a recommended retail price (RRP) of S$399.

Specifications***

Operating system: Android TM 15

Size/weight: ~166 mm H x 76 mm W x 8.8 mm D  / ~187 g 

CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 2.4 GHz × 2 + 2 GHz × 6 octacore

Built-in memory: 8 GB RAM + 8 GB virtual RAM / 256 GB ROM 

Display: ~6.6" HD+ (720 x 1,612 pixels) LCD display 

Rear-facing cameras

Effective pixel count: ~50.1 M (wide) + 1.9 M (depth); CMOS sensor; f1.8 lens [wide angle 79°]

Front-facing camera

Effective pixel count: ~8 M; CMOS sensor; f2.0 lens [wide angle 78°]

Wi-Fi: IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac

Bluetooth: v5.3 

Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh (standard capacity of built-in battery) 

Waterproof/dustproof/shock-resistance: IPX5 / IPX8 / IPX9 / IP6X* (waterproof and dustproof standards)/MIL-STD-810H (shockproof standard)

Biometric authentication: Facial recognition (mask compatible), fingerprint authentication 

Other functions: NFC, nano SIM + eSIM Dual SIM Dual VoLTE, microSDXC (up to 2 TB) card-compatible 

*IPX5 means that using a nozzle with an inner diameter of 6.3mm, water can be sprayed from all directions at a rate of 12.5 l per minute from a distance of approximately 3 m for at least 3 minutes, while maintaining its functionality as a communication device. 

IPX8 indicates that when a mobile phone is submerged in tap water at room temperature in still water at a depth of 1.5
m and left for about 30 minutes, it retains its functionality as a communication device upon retrieval. 

IPX9 means that even after being subjected to high-pressure jets of water at high temperatures (80°C) from four different angles (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°) for 30 seconds each (for a total of 2 minutes), the phone retains its functionality as a device.

**An ISTA 2A drop test was conducted from a height of 1.22 m onto a concrete surface at 26 different angles. This does not guarantee that the product is free from damage or malfunction under all impacts.

***Specifications and design are subject to change at the time of release. 

Emirates spells out procedures for Thai travel

Emirates has announced that its services to and from Bangkok, Thailand continue to operate as normal, but asks passengers to allow extra journey time in getting to and from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport because traffic congestion is expected. 
 

Emirates counter area at Changi Airport in Singapore.

"Please visit the emirates.com website to check the status of your flight before departing for the airport," the airline said in an operational update on its website.
 
EK passengers and Skywards members who have tickets issued on or before 22 May 2014 to travel to and from Bangkok (BKK) or Phuket (HKT) and wish to re-book; request a re-issue; or cancel their tickets will have associated charges waived if they booked to travel between 22 and 29 May 2014, inclusive, said the airline.

The following applies for ticket changes:

Re-booking shall be made onto an available Emirates flight to the same destination for travel on/before 10th June 2014 and in the same booking class. This will be at no additional cost to the passenger and if required, the validity of the ticket may be extended.
 
Re-booking shall also be permitted for the return journey within a 10 day period after the original flight date in the same booking class and at no additional cost to the passenger provided the maximum stay requirement of the fare used is maintained. If required, the validity of the ticket may be extended.
 
However, only one free of charge change is permitted per ticket, and re-routing onto other airlines is not permitted.

The following options are available to passengers who wish to cancel their trips:
 
Fully unused tickets – A full refund may be offered.
Partially used tickets – Refund of the residual amount after deduction of the applicable one-way fare for the utilised portion. Alternatively the residual amount may be converted into an eMD* for future travel on Emirates, valid for one year from the date of issue.

Skywards Reward tickets - Skywards members who wish to refund their tickets (for travel booked between 22 May and 29 May 2014 inclusive) may do so without any cancellation charges. Expired Miles will be reinstated in the member's account.

Skywards reward tickets which are unutilised or partially utilised can be re-booked to the same destination in line with commercial ticket policy at no additional cost to the member. Service fees and difference in miles will be waived off.

The options outlined above are; however, not available to passengers travelling on tickets issued as a part of an inclusive tour by a tour operator or travel agent. Such passengers should be requested to contact their respective tour operator or travel agent for reissue or cancellation.
 
*eMD, or Electronic Miscellaneous Document, can be used to purchase additional travel or services from Emirates or can be exchanged for a refund at any Emirates office, but are only valid for a year from the date of issue and must be used or refunded within that period. According to the current statement, the eMDs issued may be used for future travel on Emirates valid for one year from date of issue.

Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Jetstar advise on flight bookings and cancellations for Thailand

Sign at Singapore Airlines counter, Changi Airport

Singapore Airlines is operating its flights to and from Bangkok as scheduled, but advises passengers to be prepared for traffic jams in the city due to road closures or additional security checks.

"Customers are advised to make arrangements to head to the airport at least four hours prior to departure and where possible to use the airport rail link," noted the 23 May alert on its website.

The airline said it will waive administrative fees and penalties for refunds, re-booking or re-routing, for customers holding confirmed tickets issued on or before 19 May 2014, for travel to and from Bangkok, on or before 31 May 2014. This also applies to redemption tickets.

Budget airline Scoot, which is owned by Singapore Airlines, is also operating flights to and from Bangkok as scheduled.

The company will allow passengers who have made bookings before 23 May 2014 for travel on Scoot to/ from Bangkok up to and including 31 May 2014 to re-book or re-rout flights free of charge, subject to payment of any fare differences.

Jetstar plane at Changi Airport, Singapore.

Another budget airline, Jetstar, is also operating flights to Thailand as usual but said there are "options available" to passengers holding a valid ticket issued on or before 23 May 2014 for travel to/from Thailand who wish to re-book or re-route for travel up to and including 31 May 2014. A fare difference will apply.

Etihad Airways issues statement on military coup in Thailand

Etihad Airways has advised passengers booked on its EY407 flight from Bangkok to Abu Dhabi to present their passports and tickets if requested by the military on the way to Suvarnabhumi Airport to catch this flight during curfew hours, which run from 10pm to 5am local time. "Guests are advised to allow extra time to reach the airport," the statement reads.

As all public transportation is suspended from 9pm local time and taxi availability may be limited, Etihad further advised hotel guests to consider airport limousine services through their hotels.

The airline continues to maintain its daily schedule to and from Bangkok and Phuket, but will continue to monitor the situation closely. The EY407 flight is scheduled to leave Bangkok at 2.55am.

Etihad is allowing passengers to change or cancel their reservations to and from Thailand (Bangkok or Phuket) under the following conditions:

Changes – For tickets issued on or before 21^st May 2014, one free of charge move to another date of travel on/before 15^th June, 2014 in the original class of booking. If the original booking class is not available, then the next higher available class can be booked and the additional fare difference paid. No-show and change fees are waived for this one instance only, any subsequent changes will be subject to normal reissue fees.

Cancellations/Refunds - Cancellation fees/conditions are waived on tickets issued on or before 21^st May, 2014 with travel before 5 June, 2014. All refunds must be processed by 30 June, 2014. Refunds of partially utilised tickets will be calculated using the pro-rate mileage value of unutilised sector(s).   

Guests are advised to check the airline's website www.etihad.com, or contact the Etihad Airways’ Contact Centre on +971 2 599 00 00 (UAE) or 001 800 441 9283 (Thailand) for any latest updates.