Beyond communication

Technology that connects the world.

StarSpecialTHE STAR Sunday 22 June 2014

Business and play on a budget > 6

TECH WORLD

Good vibes for new smartphone > 7

2 TECH WORLD StarSpecial, Sunday 22 June 2014

The evolution of mobile technologyBy ANDREW KASIMIR

MANY of us reach for our phones when we wake up in the morning to turn off

the alarm, check the time or to flip through e-mails.

Just 15 years ago this was not common practice. The desire or rather the need to own a smartphone in developed and developing countries has boosted the telecommunications industry into a billion-dollar one.

These days, mobile phones have become an essential part of our lives. Tasks that used to be carried out exclusively on a computer or on another device can now be performed on a phone and also in a quicker fashion.

For example, cameras and e-mails now come as a default feature on mobile phones and are also widely used. Litmus, an e-mails testing and e-mails marketing analytics website, found that 47% of e-mails are now opened on mobile phones. Litmus also found that 68% of Gmail and Yahoo! e-mails are opened on mobile phones or tablets.

In retrospect, the only thing that held phones back was the inability to connect to the Internet. Advancements in technology in the telecommunications industry have now propelled phones to become the ubiquitous mini computers that we use all day.

Before web browsing was made mobile friendly, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) offered limited web browsing facilities to mobile phone users. Nevertheless, this was the advent of mobile Internet on mobile phones.

Wireless industry veteran and author Jeff McLaughlin’s book Consumer’s Guide to Cell Phones and Wireless Service Plans explains that 1997 saw Nokia, Motorola, Ericsson and Phone.com come together to create WAP. These companies strongly believed that a universal standard was needed for the application of the wireless Internet.

However, in a 2000 article in

The Register, a prominent online tech publication, IBM executives stated that WAP phones were not going to be the next big thing nor were they going to be the access device of choice.

This was because devices such as personal digital assistants (PDA) (the Palm, for example) were starting to be produced with wireless Internet access that WAP phones would not be able to compete against.

WAP has since been phased out now that most mobile Internet browsers support full Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), which is currently the standard markup language that is used to build web pages.

A study by Jane Vincent, a researcher at the London School of Economics and Political Science and the University of Surrey in 2013 titled Is the Mobile Phone a Personalized Social Robot? found that as a result of almost five billion mobile phone subscriptions worldwide, there are more phones with wireless Internet connectivity than personal computers.

While mobile phones are still used for making calls and text messaging, other features such as downloadable applications and file sharing have become essentials in

our daily use.

Automated home

The things we do with our mobile phones have been nothing short of incredible and as the months or years go by, the limitations are quickly disappearing. Wireless Internet connection being built into home appliances has bridged the use of mobile phones with televisions, microwaves, thermostats and a whole host of other appliances.

If you can afford it, you could automate your whole home from the doors to the lighting. Home automation can be as simple as having a smart television or as complex as a complete smart home built from the ground up.

In fact, the latest research on smart television shipments from Strategy Analytics, which specialises in data and analytics, found that global shipments had increased by 55% year-on-year by last year, suggesting that people are becoming more receptive to smart appliances in their homes.

Nowadays, home automation solutions such as the Loxone Minisever, a device that connects to smart devices in the home, can help homes go from “dumb homes to smart homes” as mentioned on

their website. The server allows the user

to control the house’s lighting, heating, energy saving, music, curtains and blinds, and security from an application.

The application can be downloaded onto the user’s laptop, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad or any Android device.

Mobile technology has evolved to resemble something out of a science fiction movie, where applications such as Loxone’s turn the home owner’s phone and tablet into a master control for the home so that you can even control your appliances if you are not at home.

In Malaysia, Sime Darby Properties is one of the few property developers building smart homes with state-of-the-art technology.

According to Sime Darby’s website, its Seri Pilmoor township in Ara Damansara is designed in line with its “Safe City” concept, which integrates a sophisticated perimeter intrusion detection system, home alarm, video intercom and VoIP (voice-over-Internet protocol) calls.

The homes are also furnished with Digital Smart Home features, which allow video calls to Sime Darby Medical Centre where

residents can get real-time consultation and health reports.

There is no telling how technology is going to further change the way we use our mobile phones and ultimately the way we live.

Amber Case, a cyborg anthropologist in an interview with Meedabyte.com explains that we have become cyborgs and that we become one for a period of time when we concentrate on a laptop or phone.

This is because we immerse ourselves into a technosocial relationship with something that is not human.

Some may say this is detrimental to our society as a whole and some feel it is a step forward.

While it is a good thing to embrace technology, it is important to find a balance to optimise the technological and human experience.

• Flexible phones – These devices will ultimately be tougher and cracked displays could be a thing of the past. Imagine folding your phone and slipping it into your pocket like a piece of paper. Samsung showed off the world’s first foldable AMOLED display during a private event at the Consumer Electronics Show 2014.• Holograms – 3D smartphones have only recently entered the market with phones such as the LG Optimus 3D and Motorola MT810 but technology never rests.Smartphones capable of hologram projection is the next possible feature. Techradar.com, UK’s largest consumer technology news and reviews website, has reported that while the technology for hologram projection already exists, Edinburgh-based start-up Holoxica is further developing 3D holograms and displays that can produce 3D images in mid-air.

Phones of the near future

You can turn your phone into a master control for your home.

Stunning displays meet powerful performanceTHE Toshiba Satellite P50’s 15.6-inch diagonal Ultra HD Clear SuperView touchscreen display shows life-like, crystal-clear definition and houses four times as many pixels as a full HD screen.

Delivering a native 3840x2160 resolution with 282PPI (pixels per inch), this laptop computer’s display produces smooth imagery and an astounding level of detail.

The display, with IPS (In Plane Switching) technology, also allows for higher resolutions and wider viewing angles, enabling photographers, videographers and graphic designers to create, review and view media with true and accurate colours.

Each Ultra HD display is individually calibrated by ChromaTune and is Technicolor Color Certified during production to realise natural colour expressions with an accurate colour range to ensure true to life imagery.

In addition, users can manage individual colour space control of wide-range displays and apply to a variety of software applications depending on their use of the preinstalled ChromaTune for Toshiba software. As a result, everything displayed on screen is reproduced according to the original intent and there are no mismatches when viewing photos or other imagery.

Ideal for creating and viewing large media files, the Satellite P50 series’ power is complemented

with by an AMD Radeon R9 M265X graphics card and 2GB of GDDR5 VRAM delivering a smooth and seamless editing and gaming experience.

The entertainment experience is maximised with high-quality stereo speakers by Harman Kardon, a leader in premium audio, and is accompanied by audio processing by the DTS sound system, thus providing outstanding audio quality for both movies and games.

With an aluminium clamshell casing and chrome accents, the laptop’s chic design makes the series ideal for urban trend-setters. From the frameless LED-backlit keyboard to the large Clickpad, the P50 series is stylishly defined, with each feature adding to the usability of what is a powerful and portable device.

n For more information, visit pc.toshiba-asia.com

Satellite P50Specifications Satellite P50tProcessor 4th generation Intel Quad-Core i7

Memory Up to 16GB DDR3L RAM (1,600 MHz)

ODD Super-Multi DVD drive

Communication Bluetooth 4.0, Intel Wireless Display, Intel Dual Band Wireless-N 7260AC+AGN with Intel Wireless Display, Gigabit LAN, HD Webcam

Connectivity 4xUSB 3.0 incl. 1x Sleep-and-Charge, 1xHDMI-out (with ultra HD and3D support), SD/SDHC slot supporting UHS-II, mic-in withsleep-and-music, headphone out, microphone in

Sound 2xHarman Kardon stereo speakers with Slip Stream Technologyenhanced by DTS Sound and Toshiba audio enhancement

Battery 4-cell battery 43Wh, up to five hoursOS Windows 8.1 64 bitDimensions 377.5x244x25.8mmt 377.5x244x27.9mm

Weight Starting from 2.20kg Starting from 2.35kg

Graphics AMD Radeon R9 M265X with 2GB GDDR5 VRAM

Display 15.6-inch Clear SuperView full HD 1920x1080 IPS (In Plane Switching) screen with LED backlighting, 300 ITs

15.6-inch ultra HD 3840x2160 screen with LED backlighting, Touchscreen with 10 point touch support, 282PPI and 300NITs. Ultra HD display: True-to-life colour calibration by ChromaTune and Technicolor certified, plus preinstalled ChromaTune for TOSHIBA software

HDD 1TB HDD 5400rpm with 3D HDD Sensor

1TB Hybrid HDD 5400rpm with 8GB SSD with 3D HDD Sensor

The Satellite PSO’s Ultra HD display is calibrated to ensure true-to-life imagery.

StarSpecial 3Sunday 22 June 2014

The World Cupexperience in your hands

4 TECH WORLD StarSpecial, Sunday 22 June 2014

How do I join?Subscribe to any eligible DiGi Mobile Internet plans and follow the steps below:

Step 1

SMS WC to 20000 or headover to digi.my/livesscore

Step 2

Select the team you think will winin the next day’s match.

What can I win?

101 x 50” LED TVto be given away.

A signed jerseyfrom an international football star.9

STREAM live World Cup matches and receive updates from a range of phones available from DiGi such as the Samsung Galaxy S5, Samsung Galaxy Note III (LTE), Sony Xperia Z2, Xiaomi Mi 3, Samsung Galaxy Trend Plus, Samsung Galaxy Grand Quattro, HTC Desire 310, Sony Xperia M2, Alcatel One Touch Scribe Easy and Huawei Ascend G510.

Samsung GALAXY S5 withDG SmartPlan 148.

HTC Desire 310 withDG SmartPlan 78.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra withDG SmartPlan 148.

Lenovo A680 withDG SmartPlan 78.

Alcatel One Touch Scribe Easywith DG SmartPlan 78.

Huawei Ascend G510with DG SmartPlan 78.

Samsung GALAXY Grand Quattro with DG SmartPlan 108.

Sony Xperia M2 withDG SmartPlan 148.

Samsung GALAXY withDG SmartPlan 148.

Xiaomi Mi 3 with DG SmartPlan 148.

Samsung GALAXY Trend Plus with DG SmartPlan 78.

Subscribe and win attractive prizes

THE world’s biggest football event is back and DiGi is giving away 101 LED

televisions and football jerseys signed by international football stars.

If you are a new subscriber, you are in for a treat when you buy selected smartphones from DiGi bundled with a DG SmartPlan or when you sign up for one of the

DG SmartPlans.New subscribers to DiGi will

get RM5 off their monthly fee as well as an additional 1GB of Internet data.

Here is the list of DG SmartPlans:l RM23 a month under the DG Smart Family plan comes with 600MB of Internet data.l RM45 a month under the DG

SmartPlan 50 comes with 2GB + 1GB of Internet data.l RM73 a month under the DG SmartPlan 78 comes with 3GB + 1GB of Internet data.l RM103 a month under the DG SmartPlan 108 comes with 5GB + 1GB Internet data.l RM 143 a month under the DG SmartPlan 148 comes with 6GB + 1GB Internet data.

You can also be in the running for these prizes by signing up for one of DiGi’s Prepaid Mobile Internet plans.

By doing so you will be able to enjoy up to 888MB of free Internet data.

The Prepaid Mobile Internet plans are:l RM7 a week comes with 150MB of free Internet data.

l RM30 a month comes with 888MB of free Internet data.l RM48 a month comes with 888MB of free Internet data.l RM68 a month comes with 888MB of free Internet data.l RM88 a month comes with 888MB of free Internet data.

n For more information, visit www.digi.com.my

Stand a chance to win attractive prizes by subscribing to any of DiGi’s eligible Mobile Internet Plans.

StarSpecial, Sunday 22 June 2014 TECH WORLD 5

An innovative andefficient business solution

RICOH, the world’s largest manufacturer of office equipment and one of the

leading office solutions providers, has been operating in Malaysia for more than seven decades.

In that time, the company has provided Malaysians with innovative products and services designed to meet the everyday challenges of today’s tough business environment.

Two of its latest products – a series of ultra short throw portable projectors and a battery-powered Geljet multi-functional product (MFD) – have been getting good reviews. In fact, this MFP is the first battery-powered Geljet MFP in the world.

Powerful projectors for small spaces

The RICOH PJ WX4141 series of ultra short throw portable projectors can be placed just centimetres from a screen and still display vivid images up to 80 inches in size. The projectors are compact and light-weight, making them great for a modern agile business.

The projectors can be used almost anywhere – in small rooms or shop windows, for example – enabling businesses to convert the smallest spaces into ad-hoc meeting rooms or information displays.

They also eliminate the things most people do not like about desktop projectors, such as table clutter, lamp glare and onscreen shadows.

The devices in the series are equipped with energy-saving features that enable users to cut

down on running costs and reduce the projectors’ carbon footprints.

The Eco Mode, for example, reduces lamp intensity and power consumption by a third and extends lamp life from 3,500 hours to 5,000 hours. There is also an automatic on/off feature that allows users to schedule device shut down in advance.

There are three models in this series:l RICOH PJ WX4141Lightweight (3kg) and perfect for mobile use, this model is also easy to operate and has a quick start of three seconds.

l RICOH PJ WX4141NThis model is equipped with wired and wireless networking for

Windows and Mac OS devices and a USB port for PC-free presentations. It also has support for DLNA and UPnP standards, so it can display material from smartphones and digital media servers.

A quick projection utility allows for a direct connection with a wireless device.

l RICOH PJ WX4141NIWith an interactive utility, this model allows users to add notes and drawings to projected images and link the projector to interactive whiteboards and projectors at other sites.

Quality performance any place, any time

The world’s first battery-powered Geljet MFP, the SG 3120B SFNw, is a combined printer, photocopier, scanner and fax.

It uses the fast-drying, viscous Liquid Gel technology. It can be used in the office or in out-of-the-way places (a warehouse, for example) where power sockets are unavailable, at outdoor events without the inconvenience of using an extension cord, and even in

The RICOH PJWX4141 series of ultra short throw portable projectors can be used almost anywhere.

The world’s first battery-powered Geljet MFP can be used in remote areas where there is no electricity.

remote areas where there is no electricity.

The SG 3120B SFNw can operate on external power; the battery will kick in if there is a power fluctuation or cut so that the device continues working without interruption.

The device is also designed for low power consumption, making it efficient and cost-effective. The battery can last for up to 500 copies or 1,000 prints.

The device has a fast print speed of 29 pages per minute (colour or black and white), and a total paper capacity of 850 sheets, which is abundant for a battery-powered device.

6 TECH WORLD StarSpecial, Sunday 22 June 2014

DG SmartPlanSign up for the best Internet plan for your needs.

Plan Monthly Fee Bundled Internet Bundled Voice Calls Bundled SMS

DG SmartPlan 50 RM45 2GB N/A200 SMS(DiGi - DiGi)

New!!

DG SmartPlan 78 RM78 3GB 100 mins 100 SMSNew!!

DG SmartPlan 108 RM108 5GB 300 mins 300 SMSNew!!

DG SmartPlan 148 RM148 6GB 600 mins 600 SMS

Business and play on a budgetOWNING a smartphone has

become a norm or even a necessity for most. While it

would be nice to have the latest Samsung phone or Apple iPhone, the reality is that not all of us can afford them.

As the cost of living increases in Malaysia, and across the world, phone manufacturers have started developing cheaper alternatives to their best-sellers to cater to the growing demand for mobile phones. Although these phones may be cheaper, they perform just as well and handle both work and play with ease.

Samsung GalaxyGrand Quattro

Officially released in May last year, the Samsung Grand Quattro looks a lot like Samsung’s other Galaxy phones and comes equipped with a Snapdragon 200 8625Q processor. This allows you to switch between applications with ease and if you are using the Samsung Grand Quattro for work then multi-tasking should not be a problem.

This phone has a 4.7-inch touch screen display, which is only a little smaller than the Samsung Galaxy S5’s 5.1-inch display.

Shutterbugs will be happy to know that the Samsung Grand Quattro has a resolution of 800x480 and a pixel density of 198ppi to enjoy pictures and videos.

The five-megapixel back camera comes with a LED flash to brighten up your pictures. Like most budget phones, this one has a 0.3-megapixel or video graphics array front-facing camera.

This phone is available from DiGi on the DG SmartPlan 78 and DG SmartPlan 108.

Lenovo A680Lenovo burst into the

smartphone scene with its Vibe S and P series phones but they also have a line of phones that are more affordable under the A series. One such phone is the Lenovo A680.

This phone has a lot of basic features and is good for both business and casual users.

The Lenovo A680 comes with a powerful quad-core 1.3GHz processor and pre-installed Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system. With these features, you can navigate through e-mails and messages easily without the phone slowing down.

There is also 4GB internal memory but if that is not enough, you have the option of inserting micro SD card of up to 32GB.

Pictures can be taken with the phone’s five-megapixel rear camera and 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera.

The Lenovo A680 comes free when you sign up for DiGi’s DG Smart Plan 78. With a monthly fee of RM78 over the span of 24 months, you can get 3GB of bundled Internet data, 100 minutes worth of voice calls and 100 text messages.

HTC Desire 310The HTC Desire 310 is loaded

with a quad-core 1.3GHz processor and an expandable memory of up to 32GB. This allows you to download and use more apps than you actually need in addition to storing photos and videos.

The phone’s five-megapixel rear camera is able to record video in 1080p as well.

Like most new phones in the market, the HTC Desire 310 has two SIM card slots. If you prefer a phone that enables single-handed operation, then this phone will give you just that with its 4.5-inch screen.

DiGi’s DG SmartPlan 78 allows you to get this phone for free on a 24-month contract.

Samsung Galaxy Grand Quattro.

Samsung Galaxy Trend Plus.

Lenovo A680.

Sony Xperia M2.

Xiaomi Mi 3.

A monthly fee of RM78 can get you 3GB bundled Internet data, 100 minutes bundled voice calls and 100 text messages.

HTC Desire 310.

Samsung Galaxy Trend Plus

Just like the Samsung Galaxy Grand Quattro, the Samsung Galaxy Trend Plus is perfect if you do not want to stretch your budget.

Unlike the other phones in this list, the Samsung Galaxy Trend Plus operates on a dual-core 1.2GHz processor.

The rear camera comes equipped with a five-megapixel camera and an LED flash while the front has a 0.3-megapixel camera.

The camera produces good-quality photographs with the

added auto-focus feature.The Samsung Galaxy Trend Plus

is also a good choice if you are constantly on the go as you will be able to flip through e-mails with just one hand on itsfour-inch screen.

This Samsung phone is free on DiGi’s DG SmartPlan 78. The RM78 monthly fee over a period of 24 months entitles you to 3GB bundled Internet data, 100 minutes of voice calls and 100 text messages.

Sony Xperia M2If you have a bigger budget

but one that is not big enough for the higher end phones, then the Sony Xperia M2 is the phone for you.

This phone comes with a 4.8-inch display, which is generous for a mid-range phone.

The screen makes it easier to check e-mails and other documents when you areon the go.

Users who enjoy browsing YouTube and flipping through photographs will also enjoy doing so on this phone because of the size of its display.

A big surprise feature on this phone is the eight-megapixel rear

camera, which comes with touch focus, panorama and

image stabilisation.The Sony Xperia M2 is free

when you sign up with DiGi’s DG SmartPlan 78, 108 or 148.

DG SmartPlan 78 and 108 are the provider’s newly introduced

plans where you will receive 3GB and 5GB bundled Internet data respectively.

The SmartPlan 78 also gives you 100 minutes of bundled voice calls and 100 text messages while the SmartPlan 108 gives you 300 minutes of bundled voice calls and 300 text messages.

Xiaomi Mi 3Just like the Sony Xperia M2,

the Xiaomi Mi 3 is at the higher end of budget smartphones with its top-of-the-line features but mid-range price tag.

Powered by a quad-core 2.3GHz Krait 400 processor, this phone proves that you do not need to settle for second best when on a budget.

Both the phone’s front and rear cameras are able to record videos at 1080p and produce photographs with vivid colours.

The Xiaomi Mi 3 comes with a 13-megapixel rear camera and a two-megapixel front camera.

The Xiaomi Mi 3 is free when you sign up with DiGi’s DG SmartPlan 78, 108 or 148.

A RESPECTED name in the PC and laptop markets, Lenovo’s latest smartphone,

the Vibe Z, has been receiving good reviews since its launch in Malaysia in March.

Lenovo has labelled the Vibe Z, its first LTE-enabled smartphone, as a top-tier smartphone, which is not surprising as it has specifications that make it comparable to rival Korean and Japanese brands.

The Lenovo Vibe Z retails at RM1,599 and comes with the following specifications:

l Qualcomm 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processorThis power-efficient processor gives the smartphone thrilling speed and smooth navigation and delivers the requirements to match any combination of apps, videos or 3D games.

l Dual high resolution camerasThe five-megapixel front camera has an 840 wide-angle lens for

StarSpecial, Sunday 22 June 2014 TECH WORLD 7

Good vibes for new smartphone

Football contest with great prizesIN conjunction with World Cup 2014 and in celebration of the game, Lenovo has organised the Lenovo Game On campaign. This initiative offers great rewards and prizes for consumers and will run until July 6.

Customers who purchase the Lenovo A- and S-series smartphones will be rewarded with a RM10 and RM20 shopping voucher respectively, accompanied with entry into the contest. Customers who purchase the premium Vibe series will walk away with a Lenovo power bank and double their chances of winning a 50-inch LED TV.

How to enter the Lenovo Game On contest

• Step 1Purchase an eligible Lenovo Smartphone from any authorised Lenovo distributor and reseller by July 6.• Step 2Fill in the contest form and attach a copy of the original receipt or invoice to redeem the rewards.• Step 3To enter the contest, count the total number of footballs in the entry form and complete a simple slogan.• Step 4Eligible recipients will be informed via phone or e-mail.

For more information, subscribe to Lenovo’s RSS feeds atnews.lenovo.com/rss_feeds.cfm or follow Lenovo Mobile Malaysia on Facebook.

The Vibe Z by Lenovo is a top-tier smartphone.

Win a Vibe Z

AS part of the Lenovo My Football My Selfie Contest, Lenovo representatives will be roaming around nightspots in Kuala Lumpur on June 27 and 28.They will be at IDarts and Movida in Scott Garden on June 27 and at Rabbit Hole and Movida in Changkat Bukit Bintang on June 28.

If you spot someone dressed in the Brazil home jersey, take a selfie with them and upload it onto the Lenovo Mobile Malaysia Facebook page.

The person with the selfie that gets the highest number of votes will win a new Lenovo Vibe Z smartphone.

high-quality self-shots and is great for video chat too. Users can also capture sensational images even in low-light conditions with a 13- megapixel rear camera that comes with a BSI sensor and can shoot 1080 pixels HD videos.

l 4G speedThe Vibe Z supports high-speed LTE (4G) networks for fast data connectivity.

l 20/20 VisionThe phone’s 5.5-inch 1920x1080 full HD resolution display provides vibrant and sharp images for gaming and video. With more than 400 pixels per inch, users can browse full-version websites, and enjoy and share high-resolution images and videos. In-plane switching (IPS) allows for nearly 1800 wide-angle viewing.

l Lenovo DOit AppsThe new DOit series of appsallows users to do more withtheir devices, including

sharing data with other Android devices without requiring a network, deterring viruses and malware, backing up contacts and having an SMS log.

l Lenovo Smart UIThe Smart User Interface makes one-hand control of the smartphone easier. Users can use the volume button to brighten the screen display. Calls can be answered by just placing theVibe Z next to the user’s ear. In addition, Smart UI’s simple drag-and-drop folder organisation makes it easier for users to find their favourite apps.

l Android 4.3 The Android 4.3 Jelly Bean includes restricted profiles that control access to apps and content, thus helping secure the contents

of the smartphone. There is also an option to upgrade to Android 4.4.2 KitKat. In addition, Bluetooth Smart support enables mobile apps that connect to fitness sensors. The 3D realistic, high-performance graphics powered by OpenGL ES 3.0 make games look great.

l Comfortable and lightweightAt 7.9mm, the Vibe Z is ultra thin and at only 147g, it has an enviable power-to-weight ratio, making it easy to keep in a pocket or bag.It has a tough Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display and its laser-etched fabric-feel rear cover also offers a comfortable grip and is resistant to fingerprint and scratch marks.

Sunday 22 June 20148 StarSpecial