Elco Post - Electronic & Computer e-Magazine

Pokemon Smash, an official Pokemon television program in Japan just unveiled the sequel to Pokemon Black and White. According to Pokemon US website the new sequel will be called Pokemon Black Version 2 and Pokemon White Version 2, the website also says that more details about the Pokemon Black and White 2 will be sent out throughout the year.

The Pokemon Black and White Version 2 will be launched in Japan for Nintendo DS this June.

Source: Pokemon via Joystiq

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Samsung officially announced the Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) after unveiling the Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) over a week ago. The Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) comes with dual-core 1GHz processor, 10.1-inch WXGA (1280×800) PLS display, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS, 1GB RAM, 16 or 32GB of internal storage, microSD card slot up to 32GB, 3MP rear-facing camera, VGA front-facing camera, full HD video playback and 720p HD video recording, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HSPA+ support, A-GPS, and 7000mAh battery.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) like the Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) will be released in March starting from UK.


Source: Samsung Mobile Press

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Samsung officially unveiled the Galaxy Beam (GT-I8530), a projector smartphone that comes with an integrated projector capable of 15 lumens of brightness and can project HD image up to 50-inches wide. The Galaxy Beam also comes with a dual-core 1GHz processor, 4-inch WVGA (480x800) display, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, 6GB RAM 768MB RAM, 8GB of internal storage, MicroSD slot up to 32GB, 5MP and 1.3MP cameras, 720p HD video playback and recording, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi, GPS, and 2,000mAh battery.

Update: The Samsung Galaxy Beam 6GB of RAM is just a typo and the device is actually coming with a 768MB of RAM.


Source: Samsung Mobile Press

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Good news to all Cherry Mobile Magnum 2X users, Cherry Mobile just announced on their Facebook page that the Cherry Mobile Magnum 2X can now be upgraded to Android 2.3 Gingerbread. To upgrade just follow these steps after the jump.

How to upgrade your Cherry Mobile Magnum 2X to Android 2.3 Gingerbread:
Step 1
Download the software update - Magnum2X_softwareupdate.zip (119MB)
Step 2
Extract the ZIP file.
Step 3
Follow the instructions on the Word File - magnum 2x software download manual revised.doc
Step 4
Upgrade will start. You can see the progress of the update while you wait.
Step 5
Congratulations, your Cherry Mobile Magnum 2X is now updated to its latest software.

Source: Cherry Mobile

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Italian industrial designer Federico Ciccarese, announced on Google+ this iPhone 5 concept that he made after analyzing various iPhone 5 rumors. Ciccarese’s vision of the iPhone 5 predicts a slightly curved back that looks like Apple’s Magic Mouse and a MacBook like metallic silver back finish. More on Ciccarese’s iPhone 5 concept design after the jump.

Would you like the iPhone 5 to look like this?

Source: CiccareseDesign

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Chinese authorities in Wuhan just seized two warehouses that contains a total of 681 fake iPhone branded gas stoves, after police discovered that they are not real Apple products. According to MIC Gadget, the seize gas stoves comes with a compliance certification label “Apple China Limited”.

Source: MIC Gadget

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Good news to all Asus Transfomer TF101 owners, Asus Global just announced on their Facebook page that the Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101 is now upgradable to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The update is coming over-the-air (OTA) and have started rolling out yesterday.

"Dear valued ASUS fans,

ASUS prides itself on delivering the best products to end-users, which means that we not only aim to deliver innovative products but also to continue improving the out of box experience throughout their life cycle with regular firmware updates.

Many of our Eee Pad Transformer TF101 users have waited patiently for the promised Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update and we are delighted to announce that the first wave of FOTA updates for TF101 firmware v.9.2.1.11 started today in Taiwan. The update will FOTA in other regions soon after.

Although we will announce several new innovations at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week, we take great pride in delivering on-going enhancements and support for products that are well into their life cycle.

Thank you once again for your valued support!"

Source: Asus Global (Facebook) via Yugatech

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Cherry Mobile just announced their latest pricelist of phones for the month of February. If you are wondering about the price of these phones. Well, don't worry, the latest pricelist for Cherry Mobile phones can be viewed after the jump.

Cherry Mobile latest pricelist of phones:

Click to Enlarge

For complete specs of the following phone you have like, just visit Cherry Mobile's official website, http://www.cherrymobile.com.ph/.

Source: Cherry Mobile

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Nokia Philippines just announced that the third and last of the Asha series called Asha 300 is now available here in the Philippines for Php4,980 only, making it in the middle of the Asha family, between the Asha 200 and the Asha 303 in terms of affordability.

The Nokia Asha 300 is a dual-SIM, touch and type phone that comes with a single-core 1GHz processor, 2.4-inch QVGA (240x320) resistive display, 128MB RAM, 140MB of internal storage, microSD up to 32GB, HSDPA support, Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP, FM radio with RDS, 1110mAh battery and a 5-megapixel camera. It also comes pre-installed with Angry Birds and available in three colors - white, red and graphite.

Source: Nokia Philippines (Facebook)

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Smart Communications is now offering the Cherry Mobile Superion for just Php9,995, that's Php10,000 off from its original price of Php19,995. The tablet is now available online via Smart Online Store.

The Cherry Mobile Superion was launched last year and it's the first tablet outed locally that can make calls and send SMS. If you want to buy your very own Cherry Mobile Superion just visit Smart Online Store.

Cherry Mobile Superion Specifications:
Android OS 2.2 (Froyo)
Qualcomm 600 MHz processor
7” WVGA capacitive touchscreen
512MB internal (up to 32GB via microSD)
3G, HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
WiFi 802.11 b/g
Ambient Light sensor
G-Sensor
3MP autofocus camera
Front Facing VGA camera
GPS/AGPS
Bluetooth 2.0
Php9,995

Source: Smart Communications

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Globe Telecom just announced its partnership with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) for giving free WiFi access to Metro Manila’s air passenger terminals, namely the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), NAIA Terminals 2 and 3, as well as the Manila Domestic Airport. According to Globe, the free WiFi will benefit millions of domestic and international air passengers, as it will enable them to work online, check emails or travel itineraries, and surf the net while waiting for their flights.

“Globe recognizes the increasing need for people to stay connected and in touch, whether it’s via a mobile phone or the internet. As we modernize our network and deliver faster broadband service, we are giving back to the Filipino people by powering the gateway to the Philippines with free WiFi service,” said Gil Genio, Head of the International & Business Markets of Globe Telecom.

“As we continue to make improvements on the NAIA terminals, we are happy to have the support of partners like Globe Telecom to help us transform our airport into one of the best in the world. It is through private-public partnerships, such as that of the MIAA and Globe were we can make greater strides in improving public service,” said MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is one of the busiest airports in the world, with over 27-million passengers served in 2010. Moreover, an additional 18-million passengers flew domestic routes. The government has earmarked P1.16-Billion to upgrade the NAIA, which includes an array of structural works and more basic amenities in the 30-year old airport.

Source: Globe Telecom

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Samsung Galaxy Ace 2

Samsung has officially announced two new Android smartphones, the Galaxy Ace 2 and Galaxy Mini 2 and are taking over Samsung’s Galaxy Ace and Galaxy Mini devices with an upgraded display, camera and processor. Both smartphones are also running Samsung's TouchWiz 4.0 on top of Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

The Galaxy Ace 2 comes with a dual-core 800MHz processor, 3.8-inch WVGA (480x800) display, 768MB RAM, 4GB of internal storage, 5 megapixel rear camera with 720p video recording, VGA front camera, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, GPS/GLONASS and a 1,500mAh battery.

Samsung Galaxy Mini 2

The Galaxy Mini 2 comes with a single-core 800MHz processor, 3.27-inch HVGA (480x320) display, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, 3 megapixel fixed-focus rear camera with VGA video recording, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA, A-GPS and a 1,300mAh battery.

Both devices will ship first to Europe with the Galaxy mini 2 in March for $265 and the Galaxy Ace 2 in April for $460, before being available to other markets.

Source: SammyHub

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Research In Motion (RIM) just announced that the new BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 is now available as a free download for all BlackBerry PlayBook tablets starting today. BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 delivers an enhanced tablet experience and allows you to use the BlackBerry PlayBook in new ways throughout the day.

The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 new features include:
•Integrated email client with a powerful unified inbox: With BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 you have the option to use a unified inbox that consolidates all messages in one place, including messages from Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, as well as personal and work email accounts.

•Social Integration with Calendar and Contacts apps: The built-in calendar harnesses information from social networks and makes it available where and when users need it. Contact cards are also dynamically populated with updated information from Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to create a consolidated view of contacts.

•Updated BlackBerry Bridge app: BlackBerry Bridge is a unique app that provides a Bluetooth connection between your BlackBerry PlayBook and core apps on your BlackBerry smartphone (including BBM, Email, Contacts, Calendar and Browser) in order to let you view the content on the larger tablet display. With BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0, it’s easier and quicker than ever to take documents, web pages, emails and photos that appear on your BlackBerry smartphone and display them on your BlackBerry PlayBook for an optimized viewing and editing experience. The updated BlackBerry Bridge app also provides a new remote control feature that allows a BlackBerry smartphone to be used as a wireless keyboard and mouse for a BlackBerry PlayBook.

•Improved mobile productivity: Updated document editing functions, the new Print To Go app, and increased control and manageability of corporate data with BlackBerry Balance  allow you to get more out of your BlackBerry PlayBook every day. Plus, an updated virtual keyboard with auto correction and predictive next word completion learns how you type to enable faster, more accurate typing.

•New apps and content: Thousands of new apps are being added to BlackBerry App World today (including a range of Android apps that will run on the BlackBerry PlayBook). A new BlackBerry Video Store1 is launching today. Enhanced web browsing capabilities are also available with BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0.

Source: RIM

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VideoLAN Organization just released the version 2.0 of the popular open source VLC media player, codenamed "Twoflower" is a major release of the software that brings with it faster decoding on multi-core, GPU, and mobile hardware and the ability to open more formats, notably professional, HD and 10bits codecs. Also making its debut is support for Blu-ray playback (experimental for this time) and completely reworked Mac and Web interfaces. It also promises to fix several hundreds of bugs.

VLC 2.0 remains completely free, to download just visit the link below.
- Download: VLC 2.0 for Windows
- Download: VLC 2.0 for Mac OS X 10.6 & 10.7

Source: VideoLAN Organization

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Sarah Geronimo a Filipino recording artist, actress, dancer and now a worldwide trending topic with over day being on top at Twitter, Facebook and Yahoo! Search. Even American Idol Star Stefano Langone asked "What is Sarah G Day? remained number 1 trending topic on twitter..don't have any idea about it??" and added "Filipino's you really have the power to trend anyone! Social Networking is really fun in the Philippines!"

Update: (02/20/2012) Sarah G. Day is still Twitter's top trending topic in the Philippines, United Arab Emirates and Worldwide. That's 2 days at the top and now becoming one of Twitter's longest trending Philippine-related topic in its history.

Update: (02/22/2012) Sarah G. Day is now on its fourth day as a top trending topic on Twitter, and still number 1 on Twitter's top trending topic in the Philippines. It may also get the record for the longest trending topic in the Philippines.

Sarah G. Day term on Twitter started because Sarah Geronimo appeared on three ABS-CBN shows on Sunday - ASAP, The Buzz and Gandang Gabi Vice. The shows were used to promote Sarah Geronimo’s new show called Sarah G Live. Sarah G. Day with hashtag #SarahGDay was Twitter top trending topic in the Philippines, United Arab Emirates and Worldwide.


Also in Yahoo! Philippines Sarah Geronimo was also number one as the most search topic and Gerald Anderson also comes in fifth.


Source: Twitter, @sarahgfans

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LG just unveiled the 5-inch tablet smartphone hybrid with stylus input capability called Optimus Vu, a direct competitor to Samsung's Galaxy Note. The LG Optimus Vu was expected to be unveiled at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) but it appears that the Korean company simply just couldn't wait.

The LG Optimus Vu comes with a dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, Adreno 220 GPU, 5-inch XGA (1024 x 768) IPS display with a 4x3 aspect ratio, Android 2.3 Gingerbread (Upgradable to Ice Cream Sandwich), 1GB RAM, 32GB of internal storage, 8 megapixel auto-focus rear camera with LED flash, 1.3 megapixel front camera, LTE, HDMI, DLNA, Wi-Fi, 2,080 mAh battery and a 8.5mm thick frame.

The Optimus Vu will be available on SK Telecom and LG+ carriers in South Korea in early March and the rest of the world should be able to see this device shortly thereafter. Pricing is still unknown.


Source: LG

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Rovio just announced the fourth major release in the Angry Birds series and its biggest launch since the original game called Angry Birds Space, the company is also bringing in NASA and National Geographic as launch partners for the game.

The game is said to feature some new physics to deal with like - zero gravity, slow-motion puzzles and "lightspeed" destruction. Rovio also confirmed that the game will feature some completely new birds alongside some familiar ones, now sporting new super powers.

Rovio is launching Angry Birds Space on March 22nd, with a simultaneous rollout planned across mobile gaming, animation, retail, and publishing.


Source: Yahoo! Games, Angry Birds Space

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Microsoft just unveiled the new logo for its Windows 8 operating system, made by design agency Pentagram. The new logo started from a simple question asked by Paula Scher of Pentagram “your name is Windows. Why are you a flag?”, from that question eventually led to the development of a four-paned window with a great influence on Microsoft's Metro style design philosophy of being “Authentically Digital” and the new logo will also welcome you with a slight tilt and change color based on your desktop.

Look back at past Windows logos:

Source: The Windows Blog

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From the creators of The Sims 3 series of best-selling mobile games, EA's The Sims FreePlay for Android that comes with a complete Sims experience is now available to download for free on Android Market. To download just visit Android Market at the source below.

The Sims FreePlay Features:
• Create up to 16 customized Sims from head to toe
• Design dream homes or get fully-furnished houses for your Sims
• Care for pets, grow gardens, even bake a cake
• Give your Sims careers and earn Simoleons to improve their situations
• Complete goals for Lifestyle Points, then spend them on hip items
• Live with your Sims in real-time (when it’s day or night for you, it’s the same for your Sims)

Notes:
- This all-new experience of The Sims is designed for play on Android devices and is not connected to our Facebook game.
- You must have an Internet connection to play, so please make sure your device is connected.
- Due to the rich, immersive quality of this game, we recommend connecting to WiFi to download and play.


Source: Android Market

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Western Digital is introducing here in the Philippines the Sentinel DX4000, a complete network storage solution designed specifically to meet the demands of today's small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs).

Western Digital Sentinel DX4000 includes the Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials operating system software and the Intel D525 Dual Core Atom CPU. The WD Sentinel DX4000 is centralized shared storage and automatic server-based backup and restore for up to 25 devices (PC and Mac) in the network. It offers complete data protection with built-in hardware and software redundancy for all of the connected devices in the network. With capacities including 4 TB and 8 TB, WD Sentinel DX4000 lets small business owners expand small office server storage capacity as their business and storage demands grow. In addition, the WD Sentinel DX4000 small office storage server acts as the “on-premise cloud storage" for the SMB.

Whether they’re personal or professional, digital content and important files are invaluable and often irreplaceable if lost or compromised. WD Sentinel small office storage server provides several ways for businesses to protect their information without user intervention. WD Sentinel comes preconfigured with enterprise-class drives, RAID storage protection, built-in server based backup and recovery software, redundant networking ports and a redundant power option. In addition, WD Sentinel offers users the ability to connect to a “public cloud” storage provider, which offers small businesses an economical and integrated disaster recovery solution against earthquake, theft and fire or water damage.

Software included with WD Sentinel provides business owners and their employees the freedom and flexibility to remotely access files and share files with external employees, independent consultants and satellite offices anywhere in the world.

Five Levels of Data Protection

WD Sentinel DX4000 provides five levels of data protection for every device on the small office network and is supported by WD Guardian Services.

1. The Drives Inside: Pre-configured with WD’s award-winning enterprise-class drives for durability and reliability.
2. RAID: Featuring levels 1 and 5 for data protection and speed.
3. Daily Backup: Automatic backup and recovery software provides daily full system back ups for up to 25 devices on your network. Simply set it and forget it.
4. Redundant Network Connectivity: Dual Gigabit Ethernet configured in Adaptive Fault Tolerance (AFT) automatically switches to second network port in the event of a network failure.
5. Optional Disaster Recovery Protection: Connect to the small business cloud provided by optional disaster recovery software and store your data offsite for disaster recovery.

WD Guardian™ Services for Small Business

WD Sentinel DX4000 is backed by WD’s world-class customer service and support. All WD Sentinel small business customers will receive free tech support for 30 days from the time of the first call. WD Sentinel customers may wish to upgrade their service plan to one of three options:

1. WD Guardian Express: Offers next-day parts replacement service including shipping and handling costs.
2. WD Guardian Pro: Offers a one year support agreement with WD service, express parts replacement and priority access to technical support.
3. Guardian Extended Care: Service that extends the product warranty from the standard three year warranty to five years.

Price and Availability

WD Sentinel DX4000 small office storage server is available at select retailers and is distributed by Iontech Technologies Inc. and EA Global Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. in the Philippines. MSRP is Php 46,265.00 for 4 TB and Php 70,482.00 for the 8 TB.

Source: Western Digital

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