tech world - 22 march 2015

StarSpecialTHE STAR Sunday 22 March 2015

In sync with the global traveller > 4 Unparalleled freedom to handheld imaging > 8

TECH WORLD

constantly fuelled by its solid track record of performance and innovation in the industry.

As a mobile Internet provider that is always committed to being the best of its kind, Digi makes access to the Internet easy, seamless and enjoyable through its high speed network, competitive smart device bundles and plans, and good user experience.

The telecommunication provider has always been known for making it easy for its customers to enjoy the services they need by offering value-for-money deals.

Its Internet plans are packaged in such a way to cater to a broad spectrum of user lifestyles and financial means, enabling affordable mobile Internet access at a wide range of price points.

Digi is committed to being the best mobile Internet provider for the mass market.

To date, Digi is the fastest growing mobile Internet services provider in the country with data revenue that accounts for 40% of total services revenue in 2014.

Additionally, it has expanded its 3G network to 86% population

2 TECH WORLD StarSpecial, Sunday 22 March 2015

Digi offers its customers the services they need with value-for-money deals.

Earlier this year, Digi had its brand refreshed – featuring a new logo and tagline, ‘Let’s Inspire’.

Giving customers the best value

DIGI SmartPlan gives customers a choice of packages that suits their

needs – whether they need more voice and text services or more data, there is bound to be a plan that suits their preferences.

Internet lovers can choose a more data-heavy plan while those who require less data and prefer to talk or text can choose a voice- and SMS-heavy monthly plan.

Digi is the first telco in Malaysia to introduce an Internet-centric postpaid when its SmartPlan was introduced in 2010.

There is a range of plans to choose from – the one that offers up to 6GB of data to the one with unlimited calls and SMS every month.

Those who are heavy social media users know that loading images and streaming videos use a lot of data, which can be expensive on a pay-per-use basis.

Hence, Digi’s High Data offering of 6GB at only RM148 a month gives the best value for data-heavy users. On the other hand, users who prefer to talk and send text messages to connect with their loved ones can opt for Digi’s High Voice plan.

The SmartPlan also comes with free high-speed Facebook access and unlimited WhatsApp and WeChat usage when users sign up for selected plans.

On top of that, users who sign up for the device bundle can also enjoy the luxury of selecting a free smartphone to go with their choice of 12- or 24-month contract.

As you commit to higher plans such as SmartPlan 78, 108

Monthly Fee

Selection

Digi SmartPlan 50

HighData

Data 2GB 250MB 3GB 1GB 5GB 1.5GB 6GB 3GB

HighVoice

HighData

HighVoice

HighData

HighVoice

HighData

HighVoice

Digi SmartPlan 78 Digi SmartPlan 108 Digi SmartPlan 148

Talktime 100 min 400 min 200 min 800 min 300 minUnlimited

400 min

SMS

UnlimitedWhatsApp& WeChat

Free MusicFreedom

FreeFacebook

100 SMS

-

-

-

-

-

- - - -

400 SMS 200 SMS 800 SMS 300 SMS 400 SMSUnlimited

RM50 RM78 RM108 RM148

Both the High Data and High Voice selections are available on all of Digi’s SmartPlans.

and 148, you can enjoy additional value such as Digi’s Music Freedom free subscription.

Digi Music Freedom

New Digi SmartPlan subscribers can now enjoy unlimited access to Digi Music Freedom. Digi Music Freedom lets users enjoy all their favourite music from a comprehensive selection of music apps – non-stop, anytime, anywhere on their mobile devices.

This exciting feature allows users to listen to music without using up their data quota and with zero data charges.

It also supports music apps such as Deezer, Spotify, Rdio, KKBOX, SoundHound, Digi Music Play, Hitz.fm, Era.fm, My.fm, Q.us and Be-AT.TV.

To access and activate Digi Music Freedom, simply install the app, which is available on Google Play and Apple App Store.

Internet for all

Mobile connectivity

and Internet consumption are so ubiquitous in this day and age,

especially with the advent of

smartphones and tablets.As long as the Internet

connection is stable, fast and affordable, users are contented. Digi strives to deliver more than just that.

With its strong commitment to service excellence and a customer-focused approach, Digi aims to be the integral source of digital inspiration for its customers and to enable and encourage them to inspire others as well.

Earlier this year, Digi had its brand refreshed – featuring a new logo and tagline, “Let’s Inspire”.

The brand’s philosophy focuses on bringing high-quality mobile Internet services to the growing number of Internet-loving users by connecting them to enriching content and delivering inspiring experiences.

Digi’s new visual identity does not deviate too much from its previous one. It still maintains its strong signature yellow but now incorporates the Telenor logo that represents its affiliation to one of the world’s leading telecommunications companies.

The popular brand remains

coverage, introduced LTE services in more locations and increased its fibre network to more than 4,700 km nationwide.

With its refreshed brand identity and promise to provide mobile Internet service for the mass market, Digi invites its customers from all walks of life – whether first-time users or experienced, savvy ones – to an Internet-inspired life.

Digi SmartPlan packages cater to customers’ needs.

Sunday 22 March 2015 StarSpecial 3


In sync with the global travellerIN today’s fast-paced world,

time is a commodity that few can afford to waste. The savvy,

jet-setting business person needs a device that allows him to stay on top of matters at home and abroad.

Casio Malaysia has three watch series that utilise technology to help keep precise time anywhere in the world.

Smart syncing

The new Edifice EQB-500 Series with Bluetooth Smart Connectivity is the first range of watches that can link to your smartphone.

The EQB-500 allows you to easily access precise local time information from more than 300 cities globally by connecting your watch to your smartphone via Bluetooth.

Once connected, you can adjust time settings by selecting from a list of cities in Casio’s Watch+ smartphone app.

The Dual Dial World Time function displays the time of two different cities simultaneously by using the hour and minute hands and an inset dial so that you can work quickly and efficiently.

The watch and app also come with a phone finder feature. Should you misplace your phone, the EQB-500 can be used to trigger a beeping sound in your phone.

The new Edifice EQB-500 series sports a stainless steel metal casing that comes in two colours – silver and black – with an elegant black watch face that makes it sleek enough for the boardroom while being sporty enough for a casual day out.

You can find the Edifice EQB-500 at G-Factory outlets nationwide, major retail outlets and other Edifice exclusive dealers.

Hybrid system

Casio’s new G-Shock GPW-1000 series was inspired by the speed and accuracy of modern aviators. It features the world’s first hybrid time-keeping system.

The GPW-1000 uses global positioning system (GPS) technology and radio wave time-calibration signals to ensure precise and reliable time-keeping.

This allows the watch to receive GPS and radio wave time calibration signals simultaneously from six stations worldwide.

This means you can rely on the watch to accurately adjust the time display according to changes in time zone and daylight savings as you travel around the world.

The GPW-1000 has been designed to be durable without compromising on comfort and style. It also features shadow-

dispersing solar cells for long-lasting performance and

a low-power GPS LSI to receive GPS signals without draining the batteries.

The pursuit of even greater toughness has

produced a tough structure that stands up to three types of

powerful gravitational acceleration – shocks,

centrifugal forces and vibrations.

The strength to operate normally under the most

brutal conditions enables users to take full advantage of the GPS hybrid radio wave reception system’s unique ability to receive

Great prizes to be won

IN conjunction with this year’s Malaysian Grand Prix, Edifice, as the official partner of Red Bull Racing, is running a Facebook contest.

Check out Casio Timepiece Malaysia’s Facebook page for more information on the contest and stand a chance to win an Infiniti Red Bull Racing Limited Edition Watch.

Looking ahead, Casio will continue to develop analogue watches with superior functionality like these, based on its Global Time Sync development concept offering world-time functions for this era of rapid globalisation.

Casio’s manufacturing process produces the highest quality products through a process of micron-level assembly and quality consistency checking.

The G-Shock GPW-1000-1A.

The Oceanus OCW-G1000-1A.

Casio’s multifunction analogue watches are manufactured at the advanced Yamagata Casio factory in Japan.

The Edifice EQB-500D-1A.

transmissions in any part of the world.

The G-Shock GPW-1000 can be found at all G-Factory outlets nationwide.

Advanced technology

As the World’s First Full-Metal GSP Hybrid Wave Ceptor, the Oceanus range contains the same hybrid time-keeping system as G-Shock GPW-1000 series, but its design is a sophisticated marriage of elegance and technology.

This functional beauty allows

you to access information on your exact location, determine the time zone you are in and adjust for daylight savings time with just the push of a button.

The watches can correct the time using either GPS signals or radio wave time-calibration signals within seven seconds.

The sharply styled Oceanus also features Dual Dial World Time function, which lets you set the time of two different cities simultaneously, making travel and work simple and efficient.

This range also has shadow-dispersing solar cells, as well as a slim-line titanium case with a highly refined watch face design that features dual-curved sapphire glass with an anti-reflective coating on both sides.

The Sallaz mirror polishing is a special treatment that provides high abrasion resistance to the metal and brings out the full beauty of the watch’s silver colouring.

You can find the Oceanus range in selected G-Factory outlets (Sunway Pyramid, 1 Utama, Fahrenheit 88) and KLIA Pop-up Store.

Tradition and modernity

The Tough Movement at the heart of the Sky Pilot GPW-1000 and Oceanus G1000 series

is manufactured by Casio’s Yamagata Factory, the

brand’s mother factory, where

advanced technologies

and

skilled craftsmanship join forces for integrated manufacture of multifunction analogue watches.

Looking ahead, Casio will continue to develop analogue watches with superior functionality like these, based on its Global Time Sync development concept offering world-time functions for this era of rapid globalisation.


What was once considered speculative technology is now within reach.

Virtual reality, such as that depicted in The Matrix (1999), is perhaps one of the most exciting new technologies currently in development.

Nothing is out of this worldBy TINA CARMILLIA

SCIENCE fiction, whether literary or cinematic, is broadly accepted as

the artistic exploration and expression of ideas beyond the realms of reality.

And yet it has become increasingly apparent that fictitious technology has made its way into reality, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.

Authors such as HG Wells and Ray Bradbury, and filmmakers such as Gene Roddenberry (of Star Trek fame) and Stanley Kubrick with Arthur C. Clarke (2001: A Space Odyssey) imagined a world that transcended the technology of its time when their works were produced.

Their forecasts of inventions such as the atomic bomb, earbud headphones and automated doorways – all of which did not exist during their time – have mostly come to pass.

Here are a few of the most “far-fetched” and entertaining science fiction technology that have become a reality:

The tablet

In 2010, Apple introduced the iPad tablet – not quite a phone yet not a laptop – a new category of device that is the best of both worlds.

A similar technology appeared in Clarke’s novel version of Kubrick’s Space Odyssey (1968), where it was named the “newspad”.

In the novel, the newspad is a foolscap-sized electronic gadget that is used to scan latest reports and read the world’s major electronic papers. It is also touchscreen-enabled.

Although it is undeniably primitive compared to the far more extensive capabilities of the tablet device we have today – stream films and music in high definition, take photos, store digital books and even navigate - it was certainly a highly futuristic prediction that eventually came true.

3D printer

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a novel series by Douglas Adams based on his radio series of the same name.

The novel was first published in 1979, and a film adaptation was made in 2005. In both the novel and the film, the Nutri-Matic machine allows users to instantly synthesise any drink they desire.

Similarly, the Star Trek series introduced its audience to the Replicator, a machine that is capable of creating and recycling objects – and not just food.

The Replicator synthesises organic and inorganic materials by rearranging subatomic particles, which are abundant anywhere in the universe.

By providing food, water, emergency medical supplies and spare parts, this technology effectively eliminates the need for stock provisions on the spaceships.

Today, 3D printing has entered the mass market after

several decades of research and development that started in the late 1970s.

By the early 2010s, the technology, also known as additive manufacturing, was employed in several industries, including aerospace, architecture, automotive and medical.

One of the earliest medical usages of 3D printing was in 2013 when medical pioneers replaced part of a patient’s skull with a 3D plastic implant of the exact match of the patient’s bone structure.

Several companies are now making efforts to develop 3D printers for consumer home desktop use.

Although there is still a long way to go before we can synthesise food and other materials, the 3D printer is a promising start.

Virtual reality media

A computer-simulated environment that mimics physical presence in the real world or in an imagined, alternative world is also known as immersive multimedia.

The whole premise of The Matrix (1999) is about humans who live in a simulated reality, the Matrix, created by sentient machines to harness energy from humans while keeping them subdued and oblivious.

Virtual reality is perhaps one of the most exciting new technologies currently in development.

One of the leading manufacturers of this technology is Oculus VR that developed the Oculus Rift, a head-mounted virtual-reality device.

The consumer version of this product is expected to become available sometime this year, with gamers being their target market.

Another company, Leap Motion, has developed a computer hardware sensor device that supports hand

and finger motion input that is similar to a mouse but requires no physical contact, much like the air-touch technology in Philip K Dick’s 1958 sci-fi short story, The Minority Report that was also adapted into a film.

The Leap Motion enables whole-body tracking in a space the size of a living room. The device can perform tasks such

as navigating websites, pinch-to-zoom gestures, high-precision drawing and manipulating 3D visualisations.

Virtual technology has a wide range of practical applications, including education, therapy and training – but hopefully not to enslave a human community in oblivion.

Personalisedadvertising

At least two films have depicted some form of face-scanning targeted marketing technology: They Live (1998) and Minority Report (2002).

In these films, the protagonists are confronted with personalised advertising on billboards and other digital media everywhere they go.

While advertising used to be for the mass consumer market, today, targeted advertising is much more established, thanks to facial-recognition technology, supplemented by information about one’s Internet-browsing history and personal data that is stored digitally.

By determining a customer’s gender, age, socio-economic background and interests, among other things, advertisers can now cater specifically to an individual’s

There is no doubt that most, if not all, of these technological developments are made primarily with the well-being of the human population and future in mind. Thus, education plays an important role in creating awareness and encouraging ethical consumption of new technology.

current needs and wants.Simply log on to social media

websites such as Facebook and Twitter, and one can see that advertisements are now tailored based on one’s recent keywords in search engine or browser history.

British supermarket giant Tesco is also aggregating data from petrol stations run by the retailer to generate ads based on a customer’s demographic profile.

It will also take into account the customer’s purchase history to amass real-time data that will allow the advertisers to modify and change their marketing campaigns as they are played out.

Truth is strangerthan fiction

Evidently, the modern age has matched many of the technologically advanced visions imagined by science fiction writers and filmmakers.

The speed at which technology progresses means that policymakers, businesses and the public rarely have time to compute its benefits and drawbacks.

As such, despite these developments’ primarily purpose to improve the quality of life, they also bring about grave concerns and challenges such as ethics and legislation, which will need to catch up since there is not much jurisprudence to say, for example, how the law will apply if 3D printers become mainstream and individuals begin manufacturing firearms for personal use or to make profit.

Yet, there is no doubt that most, if not all, of these technological developments are made primarily with the well-being of the human population and future in mind.

Thus, education plays an important role in creating awareness and encouraging ethical consumption of new technology.

In fact, with such knowledge, it may inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, artists and designers to improve or develop even more astounding inventions for the future.

After all, there is also much to explore in terms of driverless transportation, wearable technology and virtual reality.

If life imitates art, and science fiction is any indication, we might not be too far away from more sci-fi becoming sci-fact.

StarSpecial, Sunday 22 March 2015 TECH WORLD 7

A range of smart options NOWADAYS, people use their

mobile phones for so much more than calls and text

messaging. Phones with Internet connectivity have become a staple, and on top of that, users require devices that have good cameras and great audio capabilities.

With so many different smartphones in the market, picking the one that suits your needs becomes a little harder.

Digi SmartPlans that come bundled with a smartphone have now made owning a smartphone more affordable.

Here is a look at some smartphones that Digi is offering.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G

Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note not too long ago and has recently put out a 4G version of the device alongside the original.

There is no external difference between the two

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G.

versions. The Redmi Note is the largest phone in Xiaomi’s device range, with a 5.5-inch (0.14m) in-plane switching (IPS) display, which means the screen is big enough for watching videos, surfing the Internet or gaming.

There is a 13-megapixel camera that performs well in daylight with an LED flash that allows for high-quality photos in lower light situations.

The Redmi Note comes with the LTE-capable quad-core 1.6GHz Snapdragon 400 processor. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G is free with the Digi SmartPlan

108.

Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime

Well-equipped with a five-inch Quad HD display, eight-megapixel camera and dual-SIM capability, the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime is a good mid-range phone.

The front camera has a wide-angle lens, which makes this phone one of the best for group shots or “wefies”. The long battery life also allows for hours of photo taking. The slim build makes it easy to handle.

The quad-core 1.2GHz processor is more than sufficient to handle all the Galaxy Grand Prime’s functions.

The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime is free with the Digi SmartPlan 108.

Honor 6Huawei calls the Honor 6

the world’s fastest smartphone because of its octa-core 1.7Ghz processor and LTE connectivity. It runs on the Android v4.4.2 KitKat operating system.

The Honor 6 has a five-inch IPS display and comes with a 13-megapixel camera. It has been dubbed as the best for selfies because of its better-than-average five-megapixel front camera, which has 10 levels of auto-face enhancement capabilities and an 88° large viewing angle for its panoramic selfie mode.

Another exciting feature is that you can turn the phone into a universal remote control.

The Honor 6 is free

with the Digi SmartPlan 148.

Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime.

Meizu MX4 The Meizu MX4 has a

customised MediaTek 6595 CPU. This is a quad-core 2.2GHz Cortex-A17 processor and quad-core 1.7GHz Cortex-A7 processor backed by 2GB of RAM. The eight cores can be turned on simultaneously.

The camera is 20.7-megapixel Sony premium IMX220 Exmor RS with a dual-LED flash, which snaps sharp, high-quality images both indoors and outdoors. The single speaker is loud and clear, great for watching videos or listening to music.

When it comes to connectivity, the 802.11ac Wi-Fi protocol brings blistering Internet speeds. The 3100mAh battery provides long-lasting power.

The Meizu MX4 runs on the Android 4.4.4 KitKat with Meizu’s custom Flyme 4.0 on top of that.

The Meizu MX4 is RM869 with the Digi SmartPlan 78.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4The Galaxy Note 4’s 5.7-

inch display has great pixel density and has been given

a further boost by Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology, which provides vivid colours for an impressive viewing experience.

The phone comes with a 16-megapixel camera equipped with a dual-LED flash for capturing bright and clear images. It can also capture 2160p videos.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 has an octa-core 1.9GHz processor and runs on the Android 4.4.4 KitKat operating system.

It also comes with a new, advanced S pen that has been improved in terms of sensitivity and accuracy. It can be used for writing as well as a replacement for your finger on the touch screen.

The Galaxy Note 4 is RM1,169 with the Digi SmartPlan 148.

Meizu MX4.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4.

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge.

With so many different smartphones in the market, picking the one that suits your needs becomes a little harder. Digi SmartPlans that come bundled with a smartphone have now made owning a smartphone more affordable.

Samsung Galaxy Note EdgeThe Galaxy Note Edge comes

with a 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display and it also has an OLED (organic light emitting diodes) panel. The curved display is innovative and can independently show information.

It comes with the Android 4.4.4 KitKat operating system and a quad-core 2.7GHz CPU, which allows for easy multitasking, especially as the notification bar has been moved to the edge screen. It also comes with an advance S pen.

The Galaxy Note Edge has a 16-megapixel camera with CMOS sensor. The auto-focus feature allows for stunning, shake-free photos. It can also capture video in low-light conditions.

The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is RM1,599 with Digi SmartPlan 148.

Honor 6.


Unparalleled freedomto handheld imaging

OLYMPUS Imaging recently announced the launch of the new OM-D E-M5

Mark II interchangeable lens camera (ILC), which has the world’s most advanced five-axis stabilisation system that is said to bring about freedom to handheld photography and filmmaking.

“The technological development of digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, which is based on mechanical and traditional technology, has plateaued.

“By removing the mirror box from the ILC, digital lenses produce edge-to-edge photo sharpness and live composite features with instant exposure. Even the auto-focus speed for still subjects on ILC has surpassed that of the DSLR,” says Yong Kee Nyap, general manager of Olympus Malaysia.

The future of the camera business

The new E-M5 Mark II takes imaging stabilisation (IS) performance and imaging freedom to a new level to provide users with up to five shutter speed steps of shake-compensation, cinematic quality “OM-D Movie” stabilised video recording and reliable splash- and dust-proofing.

“This camera can produce blur-free images and videos even in challenging low-light shooting conditions. It is also lightweight, compact and weather-proof,” says Yong.

With this 16-megapixel camera, users can embrace natural light photography and shoot sports, nature and wildlife photos with telephoto

lenses without a tripod. Its special high-resolution

shot mode uses an advanced sensor-shifting technology that captures 40-megapixel full-frame resolution quality photos using the camera’s Voice Coil Motor-driven IS mechanism to systematically shift the image sensor by half a pixel’s width as it takes eight shots in sequence.

The resulting image composites have extraordinary colour and clarity.

The camera also boasts a silent shooting mode that utilises an electronic shutter with a 1/16000th second top shutter speed that freezes the actions in shots.

The “quick sleep” power management mode enables battery life for up to 750 shots.

The Movie IS system in the E-M5 Mark II has been engineered to provide cinema-like quality stability typically available only with professional gyro-stabilised external rigs.

The system is so effective that stable dynamic action footage can be recorded while the camera is held by a running user.

Additionally, a sophisticated blend of hybrid-stabilisation with optimised acceleration

and deceleration algorithms allows for smooth

pan-sequences.

Designed for freedom

The E-M5 Mark II has low-profile styling and design.

Its top control layout is organised with tactile knobs, dials and buttons that are ergonomically positioned, enabling users to change exposure and other key camera settings without having to take their eye away from the viewfinder.

The metal alloy chassis is splash-, dust- and freeze-proof.

A large high-speed

Feature highlights

16-megapixel LiveMOS image sensor

5-axis in-body VCM IS systemproviding up to five shutterspeeds of stability

Splash-, dust- and freeze-proof

OM-D movie stable and smoothcinema-quality video

Full HD 24/25/30/60P with All-I andIPB modes (max 77/52Mbps approx)

40-megapixel hi-resolution shotusing sensor shift technology

1/8000th sec shutter speed(1/16,000th sec. electronic)

Improved FAST-AF with 81 focuspoints

2.36-megapixel electronic viewfinder(100%;1.48X)

Wi-Fi remote control and transfervia iOS and Android apps

1.04-megapixel touch-sensitivevari-angle LCD

Touch AF and movie touch controls

10 frames per second sequentialshooting

Live Art Filters and Creative Control

Metal alloy chassis

The OM-D E-M5 Mark II is a lightweight, compact and weather-proof camera.

Versatile all-occasion lensLAUNCHED simultaneously with the E-M5 Mark II is the new weather-proof Olympus M.Zuiko 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 II super-zoom lens.This compact and lightweight 10.7x zoom lens combines with the E-M5 Mark II to become an easily carried, high-performance camera ideal for travel and all-occasion photography.

“A crucial strength that the Olympus OM-D system has is the wide range of fully compatible, high-quality lens selection. We already have many fast prime lenses that have garnered highly positive response, such as M.Zuiko 75mm F1.8, 45mm F1.8 and 17mm F1.8,” says Yong Kee Nyap, general manager of Olympus Malaysia.

“The complete M.Zuiko lens line-up is high in optical quality and superior in performance, allowing our OM-D users to make the best of the system.”

The revamped M.Zuiko 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 II super-zoom lens has 28-300mm zoom range

Feature highlights

28-300mm equivalent(35mm format)

F4.0-5.6 aperture

Splash- and dust-proof

7-blade circular aperture

58mm filter diameter

MSC (Movie & Still Compatible)silent and fast AF drive system

Design styling matched to OM-Dseries camera bodies

Lightweight and compact: 285g;L 83mm x D 63.5mm

ZERO coating (Zuiko Extra-lowReflection Optical coating)

15 elements in 11 groupsoptical design

DSA, Aspherical ED, ED and HRhigh-performance lens elements

0.5m near shooting distance atall zoom settings

versatility and is fully splash- and dust-proof.

With a compact size and a versatile wide-

angle to long-telephoto 28-300mm zoom

range, Olympus’ latest M.Zuiko Digital ED

14-150mm f4.0-5.6 II lens is ideal

for “one-lens” travel, sports and family

photography.Retaining the

sophisticated optical design of the earlier

M.Zuiko Digital 14-150mm super-zoom model, Olympus’ pro-grade ZERO lens coating is applied to all lens surfaces of this new lens, significantly enhancing optical performance in terms of picture contrast, flare-resistance and clarity.

Its near focus range of 0.5m is achievable at all zoom settings, giving macro capability even at the 300m telephoto end. The lens aperture system has also been reworked for improved video exposure stability. The Movie & Still Compatible auto-focus drive system provides silent and rapid focus.

The new M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm II is an ideal lens choice for all-occasion photographic and movie capture convenience. It is compatible with all MFT cameras.

2.36-megapixel digital viewfinder with a high 1.48x magnification provides a clear composition.

Its flip and swivel vari-angle LiveView LCD with 1.04-megapixel resolution provides compositional flexibility for stills and video.

The Olympus OM-D camera is user-friendly with Touch AF (touch to shoot with full autofocus capability via the LCD screen), live guide mode and art filter modes.

It also has a built-in Wi-Fi function for quick image transfer to smart devices, as well as remote control function.

As a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) standard system interchangeable lens camera, the E-M5 Mark II can be used with more than 50 different MFT lenses from seven different lens brands.

With an advanced five-axis VCM IS system built into the camera body, every lens used with the E-M5 Mark II benefits from image stabilisation.


The Epson EB-z11000 high-brightness business projector.

360o projection and the new potrait mode enables vertical image projection, which is ideal for retail applications.

Compelling new technologyAS the world’s No.1 projector maker, Epson has been at the forefront of projection

technology innovation and development, designing and manufacturing modern projection systems that offer a host of compelling benefits.

Pioneered by Epson, 3LCD is now the world’s leading projection technology. It delivers bright and natural colour and amazing detail with proven reliability.

3LCD projectors use an innovative three-chip optical device that allows the brightness level of each primary colour to be precisely controlled to produce the specific colour and brightness level required on the screen.

Some key advantages of 3LCD technology include:l Colour brightness and accuracy – Colour light output is the new standard for users to measure image quality instead of white light output. 3LCD projectors are capable of producing equal white and colour light output, delivering up to three times brighter colours that result in crisper, clearer and richer true-to-life colours at high resolution.l Improved eye-friendliness – Unlike one-chip DLP projectors, Epson’s 3LCD projectors are easier on the eyes as there are no “colour breakup” or “rainbow” effects.l Ultra large image reproduction – 3LCD technology has enabled the development of higher performance projectors that are capable of producing larger images. Epson’s high brightness EB-Z series projectors, for example, offer up to 11,000 lumens of white and colour brightness, making them suitable

for large venue settings and other commercial applications.l Improved energy efficiency – Since the lamp light in 3LCD projectors is focused only on image creation, lamp energy wastage is minimised. On average, 3LCD projectors use up to 25% less power than DLP projectors, which also translates to lower operating heat that results in longer-lasting lamps.

New interactive features in modern 3LCD projectors offer users better collaboration for more compelling presentations and business discussions.

A good example is Epson’s newest interactive projector – the EB-1430Wi. It comes with finger-touch interactivity so users can scroll, press and tap, pinch in/out and rotate images even on wireless projections.

By further combining this capability with interactive pens and PC-free functionality, as many as eight people can seamlessly

coordinate collaboration on-screen or from diverse

devices connected wirelessly.

Additionally, the Epson iProjection application for iOS and

Android makes wireless projection from a smart

device possible while multi-location interactivity allows for simultaneous meetings at up to four different locations around the world, with individual mouse control from each location.

Modern projection systems are also designed to be incredibly versatile and durable.

Epson’s ultra-short throw lens only needs 47cm to project on an 80-inch (2.03m) screen. This drastically reduces shadow interference and obstruction that can be disrupting during presentations.

Users can also project on different surfaces including onto a table, expanding the possibilities for various applications such as interactive lessons in the classroom or retail window display projection.

Epson’s high brightness projectors (the EB-G and EB-Z series) offer 360o projection and include a range of lenses that allows users to project images from any angle, so there is no limitation, whatever the space restrictions.

Additionally, a new portrait

mode allows for selected models to be placed on its side with no impact on its performance,

enabling vertical image projection that is ideal for advertisements and digital signages.

Epson projectors in actionMAGIQADS, a subsidiary of Redberry Media Group, has selected Epson projectors to create Animated Floorstoppers, which are animated floor advertisements that resemble 3D images. It offers a new media experience aimed at delighting and engaging shoppers.

“We required a projector that could be mounted vertically about 12 feet (3.65m) above the floor. Epson was the only manufacturer that

made projectors we could use vertically, straight out of the box. This allowed us to keep costs down and make Animated Floorstoppers more accessible,” says Irwan Saufi Rafek, head of 3D and VI Engineering at MagiqAds.

Other factors that led to MagiqAds’ decision to choose Epson included superior image quality in well-lit spaces, ease of maintenance and enhanced durability.

StarSpecial, Sunday 22 March 2015 TECH WORLD 11

Quirky apps for the fun-loving

Pimple Popper by Room Candy GamesLadies and men alike may find some sense of

satisfaction in popping virtual pimples, a much better option than bursting one’s own pimples

for hygienic reasons. It allows you to use your fingers to

squeeze and pop whiteheads, blackheads, full-blown pimples or scratch off any crusty

scabs, all with your fingers on a screen. Disgusting? You will not be the first to

say so. Despite the abundance of disgusted reviews the app has received, it has still managed

to find its way into the hands of many people. The app is available for iOS and Android platforms.

RunPee by polyGeek Do you hear these words in your head often

during a movie? – I need a toilet break. But what if I miss something important? Should I go now?

Worry no more as RunPee will solve every movie lovers’ toilet break problem. Equipped with a list of appropriate toilet run moments during the movie, users can set a timer from the start that makes the phone vibrate before the time for each toilet break.

Now you can enjoy a movie without the discomfort of a full bladder and not worry about missing anything particularly important.

The app is available for iOS and Android platforms.

iNap@Work byDe SilentLogic Studios

Need a micro nap but worry about having your bosses peek into your cubicle or room because of the suspicious absence of the sound of you typing or clicking your mouse?

Look no further for a solution as iNap@Work comes with a variety of “work-like sounds”. Adjust the volume, speed and frequency of sounds of typing, paper scrunching, mouse clicking and even throat clearing or coughing.

While it may not be an entirely smart idea to sleep on the job, the app can provide amusement at work when you need it.

iNap@Work is only available for iOS platforms.

IN the ever growing world of technology, mobile apps are being created faster than we

can download them. There are a myriad of useful ones in various genres, including education, fitness, nutrition and lifestyle.

There is also a largely developed genre of weird apps that some may find either useful, strange in nature or just mindlessly fun to use.

Here are some of the weird apps you can find and download for iOS from the App Store or for Android phones from Google Play.

Places I’ve pooped by Mike JudgePerhaps not the most conventional

travelling app, the Places I’ve pooped app allows you to track all the places you have taken a dump at in the world. With this app, you can now mark your territory at your favourite spots and even share it on your Facebook timeline.

If you are someone who is concerned about your bodily functions with an obsessive desire to remember where you last cleared your bowels, this may be just the app you need. It is a strange app indeed, but it may give you the satisfaction you are looking for if you are feeling particularly territorial.

This app is available for iOS and Android platforms.

Fake Conversation by Dr. Strange AppEver find yourself stuck in a conversation you need to get

out of? With the Fake Conversation app, you can receive a simulated inbound phone call that plays a pre-recorded audio for you to imitate, making the entire call a pretty convincing conversation.

Forget casual conversations; these recordings are geared to making you look impressive. Some conversation prompts will fool others into thinking you are a professional such as a doctor, athlete or music producer. So before you head to that party full of strangers, it might be a good idea to have this handy app installed in your phone.

This app is available for iOS and Android platforms.

Carrr Matey by Lionebra Studios“Need to find your carrrrrr matey?” are words a

pirate might say to you if he finds you looking for your car in the city. Though the cast of Pirates of the Caribbean may not be around the corner, Carrr Matey will help you track down where you parked your car in pirate-speak, whether you are in an unfamiliar city or a massive parking lot.

Using your phone’s GPS, a drop-anchor is placed on a treasure map interface, locating your car instantly and allowing you to track it later. This app is available for iOS and Android platforms.

Fake-A-Text Free Finding it hard to even answer

a fake phone call to get out of a conversation? Fear no more as the Fake-A-Text Free app can provide you with another avenue to escape.

Simply type the name of the person you want to appear on your screen, turn off your screen and wait for the text to arrive. Stock text messages are available for a quick pick.

How about taking it one step further and start getting creative with the app. Make your friends believe you know a celebrity or that you have won the lottery. Great for an April Fool trick or getting yourself out of a sticky situation.

The app is available for iOS and Android platforms.


WE live in a world with endless possibilities brought about by ever-

evolving technology. These gadgets provide simple solutions to everyday issues and help make lives easier.

One such item is the Panocam, a Wi-Fi camera with a fisheye lens that uses advanced wireless camera technology.

This device enables you to keep track of things that matter to you in high-definition imagery.

A Micro-Star International (MSI) offering, Panocam’s easy setup and two-way communication make it perfect for remote monitoring of a room and casual home surveillance.

Once connected, the Panocam delivers a live surveillance feed to your phone, allowing you to monitor situations no matter where you are.

The impressive features on this device include a 360° view with a fisheye lens, which is more effective than the conventional 120° wide angle lens and grants you access to an unrestricted view of your surveillance area.

Remote monitoring is made easier with the multi-sharing option, which enables video sharing with up to two people viewing at once.

This means you can authorise friends and family to watch your video streams from anywhere in the world.

The sensitive microphone aids in excellent two-way communication, recording every sound and allowing you to communicate via the talk-back function.

These streams can be recorded

in local or time-lapse modes for playback at a later time, and Panocam also delivers high-quality images that enable you to view recorded footage with perfect clarity.

All these functions are made easy with Wi-Fi portability for instant access to your stream without the hassle of cables.

The Panocam brings CCTV surveillance one step further with several advanced features, including the ability to send and receive data via a computer network and over the Internet.

Panocam users need not fumble through a complicated set-up as the Panocam application, which can be downloaded on your mobile phone, helps you set up the device.

This is done through a unique audio-pairing technology implemented by MSI.

Connecting your Panocam is as simple as turning on the device and playing the audio with your phone application.

Physically, the Panocam is small, sleek and stylish. It has

a diamond-cut, minimalistic cylindrical metallic body that fits in the smallest nooks and crannies.

The camera provides a full-spectrum, eye-level perspective

horizontal view as well as upward and downward views.

The device weighs 215g and is able to support a micro SD card with a storage capacity of up to 32GB.

The MSI Panocam can be used for various security surveillance purposes at home, schools, shops, restaurants and banks, among others.

This device is supported by Apple products with iOS 7.1.2 or later, Android products with Android 4.0.4 or later, Windows 7 or later, and MAC OS X 10.8 or later. Panocam will be available in the market this April onwards.

Panocam is brought to you by MSI’s new lifestyle platform, Somethings, which focuses on utilising technology to enhance the human experience by integrating simple set-ups and straightforward usage in daily life.

MSI recognises the need for speed and reliability in the tech-savvy world today and aims to deliver information at any time and place to meet these demands, adopting rapidly advancing technological solutions to make everyday life easier.

n For more information, visit somethings.msi.com

The Panocam is an advanced Wi-Fi camera with a fisheye lens.

The Panocam allows you to monitor

situations within your surveillance area

from anywhere in the world.

Remote monitoring is made easier with the multi-sharing option, which enables video sharing with up to two people viewing at once.

Sleek and stylish

tech world - 22 march 2015

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