Day: April 17, 2014

Xperia Z, ZL, ZR, and Tablet Z to get KitKat updates

Kevin Bruce Francisco Leave a comment

We’ve reported on Sony promising an Android KitKat update for devices like the Sony Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR, and Xperia Tablet Z last month. True enough, the company kept its word by announcing the schedule of when it will roll out which means it will also follow here in the Philippines.

xperia kitkat update philippines

According to Xperia Blog, the KitKat update for the said devices will be arriving next month. Do expect, though, that these may come mid to late of May 2014. Regarding what the update contains wasn’t disclosed from the announcement but hopefully it adds the list of new integration that was included in last month’s report which includes the following:

Tweaked Status Bar and Quick Settings are more intuitive and customizable so you only get the notifications you need
Sony PlayStation 4-inspired user interface
Proprietary apps like Messaging, MyXperia, Smart Connect, Sony Select, Smart Social Camera get updated and improved
Sony’s media apps integrated with Sony Entertainment Network & PlayMemories with more intuitive UI, better download speeds, and more
Xperia themes with downloadable UI packs from Sony Select

For owners of the mentioned devices, hold on tight as Android KitKat will be available real soon!

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#TBT: Microsoft pays tribute to the man behind “Bliss”

Ronnie Bulaong Leave a comment

Roughly the same time last year, we’ve reported that Microsoft will officially pull the plug on Windows XP. And just as the software giant was about to bid its ageing platform one final farewell, the Redmond-based firm tipped its hat to Charles O’Rear who, in some ways, became an integral part of WinXP.

Mr. O’Rear’s contribution to Windows XP has little to do with the actual OS, or its programs, rather the iconic photo we see above which is entitled Bliss.

But despite being deemed as the most viewed photo in history, little is known about its origins or the man who took the picture. So as part of giving the now-obsolete platform a proper send off, Microsoft took the time to retrace the roots of the Bliss photo by interviewing the man behind the popular wallpaper.

We may all soon forget about Windows XP, and maybe even its iconic wallpaper that most of us have tried replacing the moment we get the opportunity. And it’s totally fine by Mr. O’Rear. For him “it’s enough for me to see it out there and thrilled to know that people have pleasure from looking at it”.

The post #TBT: Microsoft pays tribute to the man behind “Bliss” appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

#TBT: Microsoft pays to tribute to man behind “Bliss”

Ronnie Bulaong Leave a comment

Roughly the same time last year, we’ve reported that Microsoft will officially pull the plug on Windows XP. And just as the software giant was about to bid its ageing platform one final farewell, the Redmond-based firm tipped its hat to Charles O’Rear who, in some ways, became an integral part of WinXP.

Mr. O’Rear’s contribution to Windows XP has little to do with the actual OS, or its programs, rather the iconic photo we see above which is entitled Bliss.

But despite being deemed as the most viewed photo in history, little is known about its origins or the man who took the picture. So as part of giving the now-obsolete platform a proper send off, Microsoft took the time to retrace the roots of the Bliss photo by interviewing the man behind the popular wallpaper.

We may all soon forget about Windows XP, and maybe even its iconic wallpaper that most of us have tried replacing the moment we get the opportunity. And it’s totally fine by Mr. O’Rear. For him “it’s enough for me to see it out there and thrilled to know that people have pleasure from looking at it”.

The post #TBT: Microsoft pays to tribute to man behind “Bliss” appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Virtual Visita Iglesia

Louie Diangson Leave a comment

Visita Iglesia is a popular Roman Catholic Lenten tradition where faithfuls visit seven churches or religious sites in the Philippines. However, it would be challenging for those who could not be physically present like OFWs or the sick. As a solution, the CBCP has put up a website which provides a virtual alternative to Visita Iglesia

visita iglesia

The Visita Iglesia 2014 website was launched last month and is managed by the CBCP Media Office. It features profiles and 360-degree virtual tours of heritage churches across the country, videos of Holy Week Catechisis, live streaming of Novena and Masses, as well as online Lenten retreats.

visita iglesia_1

You can visit the VisitaIglesia.net by clicking on the link provided.

The post Virtual Visita Iglesia appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

A working Project Ara phone only costs under Php4,400

Kevin Bruce Francisco Leave a comment

Google shows off a prototype version of the module-based Project Ara along with a list of updates that you need to know if you’re interested about the upcoming build-it-yourself smartphone. The company is confident that building a working Project Ara would only cost under $100 or around Php4,400.

project ara prototype

We’ve reported about the prototype arriving and you know what Project Ara is. Now it’s time to go a bit into its details and what we, as consumers, could be seeing when it comes out.

The basic “grey” phone costs around $50 (approx. Php2,200, directly converted) when it comes out. The breakdown is as follows: $15 for Endoskeleton frame, $15 for the display, $10 for the main AP module, $5 for battery, and another $5 for a Wi-Fi unit. This is just the very basic set and Google said that getting started with a working Project Ara would only cost under $100 (approx Php4,400).

Here are a few more things to know about Project Ara:

  • The most important component of the device is the chassis or “Endoskeleton”.
  • As previously reported, sizes come in small (around 4.3 inches), medium (5 inches), and large (5.7 inches) with 2×5, 3×6, 4×7 blocks, respectively.
  • Modules come in 1×1, 2×1, and 2×2 blocks
  • The AP or Application Processor module (shown below) is the brain of the phone and it contains the CPU, memory, and SD card slot which are all in one module and couldn’t be separated.

project ara prototype 4

  • There are three main technologies that make Project Ara work: The UniPro which is responsible for the modules to communicate to each other, the capacitive M-PHY which is a physical interface that makes sure its 10 connection points don’t easily get worn out from swapping modules over time, and the electropermanent magnets that keep modules in place. It only uses current to toggle magnets on and off so it doesn’t drain your battery continuously unlike normal electromagnets do.
  • Google expects the Endoskeleton to last 5-6 years. This alone, for me, is reason enough to switch to Project Ara rather than changing your smartphones every two years or so.

project ara prototype 2

  • Swapping the main battery without turning off the device is possible since there’s a built-in battery apart from the main battery embedded in the Endo — a first we’ve seen in smartphones.
  • New 3D printers will be developed to produce customized casings for Project Ara users. The machine will be able to print cases in clear and CMYK colors at 600dpi. Keyword: Customize!

project ara prototype 3

  • We won’t be seeing stock Android on Project Ara. Instead, Google will be developing a specific software that could support the dynamic configurations of the device.
  • The basic “grey” phone could be seen as early as January 2015.

So what do you guys think of the Project Ara with its new updates? Is it something to be excited about? Share those thoughts below!

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