Sony New Alpha A7 II Stabilization Power

Sony Alpha A7 II

Sony’s excellent Alpha A7 series of full-frame mirrorless cameras has evolved a lot since its introduction a year ago. The original Alpha A7 and its higher-resolution sibling, the A7R, were announced last October. Both promised (and mostly delivered) a full-frame sensor and pro-DSLR performance in a smallish body. This summer, the A7S joined the party with its 4K video and ISO 409,600 capabilities.

Now there’s already a second-generation A7 for the series. The new Sony Alpha A7 II (Mark 2) has a magnesium alloy frame, and it keeps many of the same specs as the first-gen A7: A 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, shutter speeds of up to 1/8000 second, ISO that cranks up to 25,600, and all the Wi-Fi and NFC options we’ve come to expect on newfangled cameras. It also has the same hybrid autofocus system as its predecessor, encompassing a combined 142 phase- and contrast-detection points. Sony says that AF speed has improved by 30 percent over the original A7.

But this one borrows a great trait from Olympus’s OM-D and PEN cameras. The new Sony camera has a five-axis stabilization system built into it, and if it works anywhere near as well as the system found in Olympus’s cameras, it should make the second-gen A7 an attractive option for macro and telephoto shooters.

You’ll still have to splurge on the A7S to get 4K video capture, but the new Sony Alpha A7 II does use the higher-bitrate XAVC S codec that Sony has been rolling into its newer high-end cameras. Recording 1080p video at 60fps and 50Mbps—about twice the bitrate of the AVCHD video mode on the original A7—the A7 II should provide a nice uptick in the video-quality department. Keep in mind that previous Sony cameras have required a 64GB Class 10 SDXC card to record XAVC S video, so plan your storage-card purchases accordingly.

Like the first-generation A7, the new camera tops out at 5fps in burst mode, but this one is able to shoot at that speed with autofocus enabled. You’ll get a slightly higher-resolution tilting LCD screen on the back of it (1.2 million dots vs. 921,600 on the original A7), as well as the same 2.3-million-dot OLED eye-level viewfinder.

It’ll also have the same price as its predecessor. Starting today, the Sony Alpha A7 II is available for preorder as a a kit with a 28mm to 70mm E-mount lens. That price drops to $1,699 for the body only, and the cameras are set to ship on December 9. The original A7 will survive, and it’s now one hell of a bargain. Its new price is $1,300 for the body only and $1,600 as a kit—very low prices for a year-old full-frame camera.

BMW Exec Cited by TESDA

Joel Villanueva

MANILA, Philippines—The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) cited on Wednesday a luxury car manufacturing company executive for helping produce world-class automobile technicians.

Tesda Director General Joel Villanueva awarded BMW-Asia senior vice president for special projects Kay Segler with a special citation for his contribution to the country’s technical-vocational education and training (TVET).

In a simple ceremony held at the Tesda Women’s Center in Taguig City, Villanueva said that Segler’s contribution and invaluable support had provided world-class training for TVET trainees in automobile technology.

According to the Tesda chief, “Dr. Segler deserves the accolade for leading the way in involving BMW through its support for advanced training modules and providing access to the company’s innovations and technologies…[in producing] top-level technicians with competencies at par with international standards.”

Segler, who is in charge of expanding BMW operations in the Asian region, has come up with programs providing TVET to aspiring automotive mechanics and for being instrumental to the establishment of the Jose Ch. Alvarez (JCA) technology complex in 2012.

The JCA technology complex within the Xavier University compound in Cagayan de Oro City imparts BMW automotive technological innovations to Tesda students in Northern Mindanao.

Villanueva said that the training complex “adopts BMW’s standards to maximize the learning experience of the students in the automotive, computer, electronics and mechanical courses” which would keep their skills at par with automotive workers in other countries.

“We need more executives like Dr. Segler, a friend of tech-voc, who can harmonize business with social responsibility,” the Tesda director general concluded.

Mio Fuse Wristband Heart Rate Monitors

If you have not heard of Mio Global before, perhaps now is the time for you to sit up and pay attention to what they offer. Mio Global happens to be the manufacturers of the world’s first heart rate monitors that are capable of offering continuous, performance-accurate data without the need for a chest strap, and this time around, they have announced the availability for one to place a pre-order for the Mio FUSE. The Mio FUSE Wristband happens to be one unique activity tracker unlike others that we have seen before, since it will boast the functions of a heart rate monitor, sports watch, and all-day activity tracker, rolled into one.

Sporting a 0.99 correlation to EKG (electrocardiogram), the Mio FUSE would make its mark in the market as the most accurate wristband to provide heart rate, step count, distance, speed, pace, and calorie burn. Similar to the rest of the Mio products that are in the market, the FUSE will play nice with other devices such as smartphones, bike computers, GPS watches, and different sport devices.

The Mio FUSE Wristband works by transmitting heart rate data through Bluetooth Smart 4.0 and ANT+. It is different from the other sports devices in the market that remain tied to a closed manufacturer’s infrastructure, as the Mio FUSE wristband will be able to play nice with third-party apps, providing users with total and full control over how they can track, store, and review workout data.

Working in tandem with the Mio GO app, the Mio FUSE will allow users to set their heart rate zones, select preferred device settings, customize display screens, and automatically sync data. Not only that, users too can monitor their progress towards a daily step, distance, or calorie burn goal simply by checking their stats displayed on the device itself, or through the use of Mio GO. Expect the Mio FUSE to arrive in time for the holiday season, where it will boast of two sizes; and Crimson and Aqua colors to pick from.

P91.3 M TESDA Calamity Rehab Allocation

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Western Visayas (Tesda) has allocated P91.3 million for emergency response, rehabilitation and recovery for 7,510 beneficiaries in 2014.

The amount will be spent for trainings of beneficiaries in several livelihood and entrepreneurial skills to help them recover and cope up from the destruction brought by calamities in the region.

Of the P91.3 million, P35.2 million will be given to Iloilo province (2,921 beneficiaries), P23.6 million will be given to Capiz (1,933 beneficiaries), P9.5 million will be allocated to Negros Occidental (784 beneficiaries), and P7.4 million will be given to Antique (607 beneficiaries).

The allocation will help train and rehabilitate the beneficiary-victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which devastated northern Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique last year.

Meanwhile, Tesda also has an allocation of P59.4 million this year for the special training for employment program (Step), which is in collaboration with the members of House of Representatives in 18 congressional districts in Western Visayas.

An estimated 4,356 beneficiaries in the region were expected to undergo training with the province of Negros Occidental, which has seven congressional districts receiving P23.1 million for 1,694 beneficiaries.

The province of Iloilo, which has six congressional districts, will have P19.8 million for 1,452 beneficiaries, while Capiz, which has two congressional districts, will have P6.6 million for 484 beneficiaries.

Aklan, which has a lone district, will have P3.3 million for 242 beneficiaries, while Antique with a lone district will get P3.3 million for 242 beneficiaries.

Guimaras, which has a lone district, will have P3.3 million for 242 beneficiaries.

Other Tesda training programs for 2014 in the region are training for work scholarship with an allocation of P73.9 million for 9,537 beneficiaries, and the private education student financial assistance with an allocation of P20.4 million for 2,941 beneficiaries.

Iloilo LGU Avail TESDA Scholarship Voucher

ILOILO CITY - Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Emmanuel Joel Villanueva turned over scholarship vouchers worth P3 million when he visited this city on Tuesday.

The scholarship vouchers were divided among the provincial government of Iloilo, city government of Iloilo and the municipality of Mina where they each got P1 million worth of vouchers under the agency’s Training for Work Scholarship Program.

Vice Governor Raul Tupas, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and former Mina Mayor Lydia Grabato received the vouchers from Villanueva in a simple ceremony held during the half time break of the Shoot for Your Dreams, an exhibition game between TEAM TRABAHO of the Secretary and TEAM SPECIALISTAS in Iloilo City.

For this year, out of the P73,902,000 allocation for the implementation of TWSP in Western Visayas some P21, 049, 189 were alloted for the province of Iloilo benefiting 2,806 grantees.

It will be recalled that an additional P1.4 billion was released by President Benigno Aquino in 2014 to augment TESDA funds for the TWSP.

In his short message, Villanueva assured that the administration of President Aquino continues to think, make and create ways to reach out to Filipinos and to have meaningful programs.

Through the SHOOT for your DREAMS, Villanueva wants to reach out especially to Filipino youth and let them know the various scholarships being offered by TESDA which they could avail of and will help them reach their dreams.

The exhibition game at the Iloilo Covered Gym was the first stop where Philippine Basketball Association’s former star players Alvin Patrimonio, Marlou Aquino, Jerry Cordinera, Bal David, Bobby Jose and Rodney Santos along with players from the local media joined Villanueva in TRABAHO TEAM.

TESDA Free Assessment for OFW

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is inviting Overseas Filipino Workers, industry workers and instructors to their National Technical – Vocational Education and Training(TVET) Competency Assessment and Certification (NATCAC) set on May 12 to 16.

TESDA’s NATCAC is a national synchronized conduct of competency assessment and certification for free in identified demand.  It aims to expand client’s access to assessment and certification, and to strengthen the scale and popularity of the TESDA assessment and certification program through a purposive advocacy to raise people’s awareness of the program.

TESDA Information Officer Anthony “Guy” Oria, in an interview over PIA Hour radio, announced that interested individuals  may visit them at the TESDA Regional Office along Loakan Road here  or the TESDA provincial offices in the region.

In 2013, Oria reported that 2,814 availed of NATCAC  regionwide  and 2,678 of them were successfully certified. They were TVET graduates in the sector of agri-fishery and processed foods, automotive, construction, garments, health, social and other services; information and communication technology, land transport, metals and engineering, and tourism.

Oria also disclosed that aside from strengthening their TVET courses and curriculum, TESDA is set to bring-in higher level of education to its  agenda  such as level 3 (NC3), Level 4 (NC4) and Diploma courses (3 years duration), in line with the implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Program of the Department of Education and in pushing the competitiveness of the Filipino workforce for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015.

Oria explained  that TESDA’s National Certification NC 1 is for apprentice  while NC2 is for skilled workers that could help  workers  enter a job or be employed.

NC3 (supervisory level) and NC4 (managerial level) certifications  as well as TVET diploma courses will boost the competitiveness of our workforce, he said.

Summer Technical Vocational Studies

MANILA, Philippines - Instead of being idle this summer, the Technical Educational and Development Authority on Monday urged students to take up technical-vocational studies or training after finishing high school.

He also  called on the parents of high school graduates to encourage and support their children who want to get into tech-voc, saying that it would be a worthy investment.

"Many graduates look to college after high school and wait for the school year opening in June or August. Instead of spending idle months, they may enroll in a tech-voc course that interests them," TESDA director general Joel Villanueva said.

"I urge our youth to find the means to be productive. Being a tambay (idle) after high school is not totally cool," he added.

Villanueva said that this early, high school graduates should begin mapping out their career path, knowing what they want to learn, and how to get there.

Graduates should think out of the box and see beyond the traditional college course education.

"It's not always college education equals job equals success.  Jobs come easy when one possesses the knowledge and skills relevant to what the industries and employers need," he said.

Villanueva said that graduates should also think global and learn things that will open up a wide array of employment opportunities.

As the government agency mandated to promote technical vocational education and training, TESDA and its network of public and private institutions offer a host of courses that can be completed in a short period of time; some even in less than a month .

Currently, there are close to 20,000 programs in these institutions that are registered with the agency.

In partnership with companies, TESDA also has apprenticeship programs that involve actual work exposure and prepare the youth to the world of work.

Villanueva said that most of the universities and colleges will begin the new school year in June, while some like the Ateneo de Manila University and several campuses of the University of the Philippines will embark on a new school year opening in August.

"This gives the graduates three to five months of free time, which can be used productively to enroll in a tech-voc course," Villanueva said.

P6.6M TESDA Training Programs

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has allocated P6.6 million for the conduct of community-based training programs in Zamboanga City.

Tesda Director-General Joel Villanueva said the allocation is part of the P1.022 billion funds that President Benigno Aquino III has allotted for the community-based trainings of Tesda.

Villanueva said the community-based training program is for out-of-school youths (OSYs) who are interested to earn skills to be able to land jobs for a living.

Villanueva said that among the skills trainings that will be conducted for OSYs are welding, computer, and language.

He said the P6.6-million allocation will be divided into the two congressional districts in the city.

He said the OSYs, upon completion of the training, will receive a National Certificate and will be provided with livelihood starter kits.

2014 ASEAN Skills Competition

Eyeing the 2014 ASEAN Skills Competition (ASC), over 100 technical vocational (tech-voc) graduates and trainees will compete against each other starting today for national honor and ASC slots.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) opens today in three venues the 2014 Philippine National Skills Competition (PNSC) to showcase the skills learned by tech-voc graduates and trainees.

Winners in the April 7-10 PNSC will earn a slot, aside from honor and prestige, at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) event to be held in Vietnam this year.

TESDA Secretary Joel J. Villanueva lauded the national finalists for embracing excellence in their skills.

“The national finalists have shown they have what it takes to excel in rapidly-growing trades and industries,” he said.

Villanueva, TESDA director general, said the skills competition which demonstrates competencies of tech-voc graduates and skilled workers “brings them to a spot in which they are seen as role models to other young people who want to explore careers in high-demand qualifications.”

TESDA-National Capital Region Director Mitzi Tangonan said the participants come from the country’s various tech-voc institutions (TVIs).

She said the PNSC will be held simultaneously at TESDA-NCR (MFI-Foundation, Pasig City); Region III (San Fernando City, Pampanga); and Region IV-A (Batangas City).

The Philippine winners will go to Vietnam for the ASC to compete with tech-voc national champions among members of the ASEAN. Comprising ASEAN are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

TESDA said the national finalists will participate in either of the following trade areas: Automobile Technology; Beauty Therapy; Cooking; Electrical Installation and Maintenance; Electronics; Fashion Technology; Graphic Design Technology; Hairdressing; IT Network Systems Administration; IT Software Solution for Business; Information Network Cabling; Mechanical Engineering Design-CAD; Mechatronics; Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Servicing; Restaurant Servicing; Web Design; and Welding.

Villanueva said he is hopeful the PNCS participants will have a challenging and fun experience as they compete with each other to test their stamina and skill.

Dubai – Wanted 4000 Female Workers

MANILA - More than 4,000 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) certified female workers are needed in Dubai, according to TESDA Dir. Gen. Joel Villanueva.

Villanueva said the 4,200 job offers are from Placewell International Services, which is looking for female workers who have trained under TESDA.

Among those needed in Dubai are workers specializing in electrical installation and maintenance, plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning.

The hiring period for workers will go on until 2016.

Villanueva added that Placewell International Services believe in the skills of workers who are TESDA-certified.

Those who will be hired for Dubai will be given a salary from $600 to $800 a month.

TESDA Help Empower Women Retailers

MANILA, Philippines - Coca-Cola Philippines is helping empower women retailers through the Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The STAR program, which has been successfully running in various communities in the Philippines for the last two years, is in line with the 5by20 global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company, which aims to economically empower 5 million women by year 2020.

The STAR Program is a gender-sensitive module customized for women micro-entrepreneurs. Acknowledging women as active players in economic development, the STAR Program has emerged as one of the most successful of 5by20 initiative in the ASEAN region.

"Women are already pillars of our business and of the communities we proudly serve. Giving them access to the various components of the 5by20 STAR Program will help transform them into becoming better entrepreneurs," Atty. Adel Tamano, Coca-Cola Philippines Director for Public Affairs and Communications, said.

TESDA deputy director general Atty. Teodoro Pascua noted Coca-Cola’s STAR Program is "one of the best corporate social responsibility projects".

Malaysia’s Department of Women Development deputy-general Che Azizah BT Che Rashid visited the Philippines last month to attend a day-long orientation of the STAR program. Women’s organizations and microfinance institutions from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand also attended the event.

"We are proud of what Coca-Cola Philippines and TESDA have achieved so far, their passion and enthusiasm with a willing heart to continuously share best practices like this is already making a difference within the ASEAN neighboring countries as they get ready to implement 5by20 women economic empowerment programs in their respective markets," Jackie Duff, Coca-Cola Director for Women's Economic Empowerment, said.

Gilda Custodio-Maquilan, 5by20 Philippines STAR Program Chairperson, said investing in women economic empowerment is investing the future of communities.

"“We are encouraged by the participation of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia in this learning exercise. Sharing the Philippine 5by20 experience will mean we will be able to empower more women in ASEAN," Custodio-Maquilan said.

Training Skills Offer by TESDA to ODWs

TUGUEGARAO CITY - To provide equal access to livelihood opportunities for the Occupationally Displaced Workers (ODWs), the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) has tied-up with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for free skills and entrepreneurial trainings.

Remedios Andrada of ECC region 2, said they offer the training to facilitate integration of ODWs into the economic mainstream and assist them in establishing their self-managed micro-enterprise or home-based business.

“We have plenty of workers who suffered disabilities from their former works locally and abroad. Because of their disabilities, they lost their works and now looking for opportunities to earn for a living for their families,” Andrada stated.

She said they offer the training through the ‘Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan (KAGABAY) program, a special program for ODWs who lost employment by reason of work-related disabilities and sickness.

“Under the program, the ODWs are granted either free training for re-employment or for entrepreneurial purposes. This is an effort to help the displaced workers,” Andrada added.

On the other hand, TESDA Provincial Director Romeo Talosig also stated that their institution appreciates much if the ODWs would also undergo other TESDA skills training offerings that fit their capabilities.

As per agreement, ECC will pay the enrollment fee, including food and transportation allowance of the ODW trainees and their basic tool kits and starter kits shall also be reimbursed.

Andrada also stressed that only ODWs with approved disability claims from either SSS or GSIS can avail of the program. ODWs with approved claims may visit ECC office at DOLE Regional Office 2, Caritan, Tuguegarao City.

Samsung Reveals Galaxy Gear 2 Smartwatch

Samsung’s updated Galaxy Gear 2 smartwatch focus on health and music as S5 launch approaches. The Korean manufacturer claimed the Galaxy Gear 2 and the cheaper Galaxy Gear 2 Neo smartwatches would offer increased connectivity, customisation, and control.

The original Galaxy Gear smartwatch was met with a critical reception after claims it failed to offer sufficient features. A software update addressed some of those, such as its inability to show Google mail messages, but Samsung indicated it will persist with the category with an update that it said was “designed to take the freedom, convenience and style of wearable technology to the next level”. Both devices offer enhanced connectivity and integration with other devices for a more personal, wearable experience, the company said.

Samsung’s bid to create a new product category has been hampered by poor reviews, high return rates and claims that the device is not yet ready for mainstream adoption. Other companies, including Sony and HTC, are however also expected to announce new smartwatches at the upcoming Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona, indicating the industry’s continued commitment to wearable technologies.

Samsung itself is expected to dominate the show with its announcement of the new S5 smartphone. The new models will now integrate the camera with the screen, rather than placing it on the strap, and improve the design. Users will also be able to change the home screen background, clock face and font. As currently, the Gears will show incoming calls and messages, but new features will also allow them to work as remote controls for TVs or set-top boxes and as a standalone music player when paired with a bluetooth headset.

A heart rate monitor is also now included, and Samsung said both models, although based on the new Tizen operating system, will be compatible with more than a dozen Samsung Galaxy smartphones at launch from April. The new Gear 2 includes an identical screen to its predecessor, but the new operating system runs on a faster, 1GHz processor, and upgrades to camera from 1.3MP to 2MP. Its fractionally smaller battery claims to offer a similar level of performance.

Acer Iconia W510 Advantages Disadvantages

Nothing like other PC retailers who are focal pointing on Windows 8 convertibles with sliding and twisty screens, Acer's Iconia W510 is a humble 10.1-inch device that consists of a tablet module paired with a removable keyboard dock. It's not precisely unique, as Asus' Transformer slates have brought this idea back into the mainstream.

Acer Iconia W510 Advantages

Acer declares that its keyboard dock has an additional usage manner match up to other competition. Dubbed "presentation mode", it is mainly a hinge that turns the tablet screen outward so that it can be used as a presenter. The dock on W510 works as you would suppose. The interior battery is drained first if the keyboard is coupled to the tablet. Jointly with the battery on the tablet, Acer says that users will benefit from up to 18 hours of uptime. There's also a single USB port on the dock.

The W510 is powered by the newest Intel Atom processor (1.5GHz) and comes with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of interior storage. This also means that it runs the full version of Windows 8, not the locked-down Windows RT that's intended for devices using ARM processors, which entails all apps to be installed via the Windows Store. Even though the hardware on the W510 isn't as swift as it would be with an Intel Core-i chip, the tablet should have improved battery life.

Acer Iconia W510 Disadvantages

While the W510 feels light--at around 580g, it is typical for a 10.1-inch tablet--this is attained using a plastic chassis. Though it is resilient and isn't simply scratched similar to aluminum, plastic just doesn't sense as premium. Nevertheless, the weight more than twice to 1.26kg once you incorporate the keyboard dock.The keyboard is only 95 percent of a standard keyboard, giving us a dissimilar Netbook feel. It isn't as relaxing as we would like, but it's usable.
The 1,366 x 768-pixel screen resolution on the W510 isn't going to bang you off your feet similar to the high-resolution displays found on other tablets. On the other hand, the Windows 8 devices we have seen so far seem to be favor this screen resolution, at least for the 10-inch models.

Acer Looking Forward To

Acer plans to sell the Wi-Fi version of the Iconia W510, which consist of the keyboard accessory, at around S$1,198 in Singapore. It will be obtainable from October 26. The company also exposed that there will be a 3G reproduction in the near future.

Intel Core i7-3632QM Launched Standing

Intel rolled out huge amount of mobile microprocessors throughout their fall line-up revives. Generally they released 15 new Celeron, Pentium and Core i3 and Core i7 SKUs. There were also quite a few processors, that we expected to see this fall, but they certainly not formally launched. One of these CPUs was Core i7-3632QM, a quad-core mobile processor, competent of executing 8 threads at once. We said "was" since this week the 3632QM was added to Intel's product database, and at present has the "launched" standing.

Core i7-3632QM is a speed bump of i7-3612QM, established back in April. The 3612QM had 2.1 GHz base clock that possibly will be raised as high as 3.1 GHz when only one core was functioning. The i7-3632QM bumps those frequencies by 100 MHz, to 2.2 GHz base and 3.2 GHz utmost Turbo frequencies. The rest of the i7-3632QM characteristics are identical to the 3612QM. The CPU has 4 cores, 6 MB level 3 cache, and maintain Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost technologies, as well as AVX and AES instruction set extensions. Similar to other Core i7s, the 3632QM incorporate HD 4000 graphics unit. The GPU on this chip is clocked at 650 MHz, and up to 1.15 GHz when required. Similar to 3612QM, there are BGA and PGA variations of Core i7-3632QM microprocessor. The BGA version, moreover different type of package, adds support of VT-d virtualization. The distinctive quality of both versions is low 35 Watt Thermal Design Power. Mainly, other quad-core Core i7s at this time have 45 Watt or higher TDP.

Next Generation Screen by HTC and Sharp

HTC and Sharp have revealed devices characterising next-generation screens. HTC's J Butterfly phone has a 5inch (12.7cm) display contributing an industry-leading 440 pixels per inch. This recommends 25-40% higher resolution meaning added feature than comparable devices from Samsung, Apple, Nokia and LG. Sharp's new Aquos Pad tablet is the first to use its original Igzo technology which has sharper images though using less power. Sharp has formerly said at least one of its consumers also intended to incorporate the improvement in its devices. Numerous device makers have indicated plans to pronounce new tablets over the coming weeks.

HTC's Android-based device is set to go on trade in Japan in December. Its size places it somewhere amid a classic Smartphone and tablet in a class some term a "phablet". The Taiwanese firm is advertising both the size and resolution of its screen as being supreme to watch 1080p movies. Smaller, heavily packed pixels mean users can hold a device to their face without being able to differentiate the individual blocks of colour used to make up an image. HTC's 440ppi - pixels per inch - resolution recommends a performance-boost over contender flagship devices counting Samsung's similarly-sized Galaxy Note 2 with a 267ppi screen. Apple's iPhone 5 offers 326ppi, Nokia's upcoming Lumia 920 332ppi and LG's Optimus G 318ppi. To sustain the facility, HTC has integrated Qualcomm's top-end Snapdragon S4 Pro processor. Though, it has not yet revealed what toll supporting the quality will have on its battery.

Sharp's new tablet takes a more fundamental approach by being the first device if its type to integrate a new kind of LCD (liquid crystal display) technology. Igzo (indium gallium zinc oxide) screens have higher transparency than standard TFT (thin film transistor) LCDs, meaning they are enhanced at letting light go by through them. As an outcome devices that utilize them need fewer LEDs (light-emitting diodes) to supply backlighting, letting the screen to obtain a smaller amount room and use fewer power. Sharp boasts its new Aquos Pad SHT 21 tablet can last two and a half times longer than its antecedent.

The company also proposed it has improved touch accurateness than competitors, making it easier to note down with a stylus. The product has a 7in screen, but Sharp has thought that it would also make panels in 10in and 32in ranges, telling its use in other tablets and desktop computers. The firm said its new tablet would commence in Japan in December, but has not released facts of plans elsewhere. The statements come in advance of a spell of new releases. Over the next fortnight Microsoft, Apple and Google have all planned foremost product launches.

A number of Windows 8 tablets - counting Microsoft's own Surface - have already been revealed and will go on sale next week. There is also the probability of an "iPad Mini" and new Nexus-branded devices. One analyst said that with several rival products on offer, display quality was growing to be a deciding aspect for some customers. "Screen resolution has become a differential point for several manufacturers," Chris Green, primary technology analyst at Davies Murphy Group Europe, said.

"Given that many people now use their devices to stream video, having a high-resolution that can finest show off HD video is far more essential than it was two years ago.  "There is still a trade-off although as some of these displays eating more power as a result and battery technologies have not reserved pace with other advances. Since screens are the principal power ditch on mobile devices, that's why a lot of examine is going into how to decrease their power needs."

Acer Iconia Tab A110 7 inch Slate

The smaller end of the tablet market is getting greater. Formerly the island of oddity slates, the 7-inch category of tablets has turned into an arms battle of extraordinary gadgets at consumer-friendly prices. Google’s Nexus 7, Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD, and Barnes & Noble’s Nook HD are prime case in point. And, of course, Apple is likely to jump in with an iPad Mini next week.

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Acer has a new 7-inch slate, too. The company publicized the new Iconia Tab A110. The A110 will go on sale Oct. 30 for $230 — $30 more than the base price of the Nexus 7, Fire HD or Nook HD. Like all three of those rival tablets, the new Iconia Tab characterise a 7-inch display. But, not like those three, the A110 doesn’t have a high-definition display, instead falling just short of 720p with a 1024 x 600 pixel screen.

Acer Iconia Tab A110 Features

The A110 will be shipping with Google’s latest version of Android, 4.1 Jelly Bean. At the present, the only other 7-incher with Google’s flagship OS has been the Nexus 7. Inside, the A110 is powered by Nvidia’s Tegra 3 quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM. It comes with just 8GB but built-in storage, but there is a microSD card slot for those looking for more on-board space to store movies, music, photos and apps. There’s also a built-in microHDMI port for hooking the A110 to a TV — something the Fire HD also has.

While we would have preferred a true 720p display (or better) on the A110, the essential ingredients for a solid device all seem to be in place here — except for that $230 price tag. Granted, that’s not much more than $200 price of the competition, but it sure does feel like Acer is asking for a little bit more money for just a bit less tablet.

Apple Lost Plea Against Samsung Design

Apple has lost its plea in opposition to a UK decision that Samsung had not infringed its design rights. A judge at the High Court in London had initially ruled in July that the look of Samsung's Galaxy Tab computers was not too alike to designs registered in relationship with the iPad. He said at the time that Samsung's devices were not as "cool" because they lacked Apple's "extreme simplicity".

Apple still wants to run ads saying Samsung had not infringed its rights. The US firm had formerly been ordered to put a notice to that result - with a link to the unique judgement - on its website and put other commercials in the Daily Mail, Financial Times, T3 Magazine and other publications to "correct the damaging impression" that Samsung was a copycat. The petition judges certain not to upset the decision on the beginning that a related Apple design-rights battle in the German courts risked causing uncertainty in consumers' minds.

"The acknowledgment must come from the horse's mouth," they said. "Nothing short of that will be sure to do the job completely." Nevertheless, they added that the progress need not "clutter" Apple's homepage as it would only have to add a link entitled "Samsung/Apple judgement" for a one-month period. A spokeswoman for Samsung said it welcomed the newest ruling.

"We maintain to believe that Apple was not the first to propose a tablet with a rectangular form and rounded corners and that the origins of Apple's registered design quality can be found in numerous examples of prior art.

"Should Apple prolong to make unnecessary legal claims in other countries based on such common designs, originality in the industry could be harmed and consumer choice unduly limited." Apple refused to state. It can still demand to the UK Supreme Court, otherwise the ruling applies across the European Union.

Apple Registered Design

Three judges were drawn in the Court of Appeal re-examine of the case. Apple had reasserted its state saying that the front face and overall shape of the tablets was the most important factor - rather than the overall design - because users would expend mainly of their time looking at a tablet's screen and holding it.

One of the judges - who noted he owned an iPad himself - explained why Apple had lost the appeal in his ruling. "Because this case (and parallel cases in other countries) has generated much publicity, it will evade mystification to say what this case is about and not about," wrote Sir Robin Jacob.

"It is not about whether Samsung copied Apple's iPad. Infringement of a registered design does not entail any subject of whether there was copying: the issue is basically whether the accused design is too close to the registered design according to the tests laid down in the law." "So this case is all about, and only about, Apple's registered design and the Samsung products."

Sir Robin noted that Samsung's conclusion to put its logo on the front of its devices distinguished them from Apple's registered design which said there should be "no ornamentation". He also highlighted the reality that the sides of the iPad's design - which featured a "sharp edge" - were extensively dissimilar from those of the Galaxy Tabs.

In addition, Sir Robin wrote that Samsung's designs were "altogether busier" with a more diverse use of colour on the devices' rear and their enclosure of a thicker division to house a camera.

International lawsuits

Apple has now lost a sequence of lawsuits next to Samsung based on the design of their tablets. These comprise cases in the Netherlands, Australia and US - even though sometimes winning provisional sales bans. Though, the California-based company has been more winning with other claims.

Most notably a US jury proposed Samsung have to pay Apple a $1.05bn (£650m) fine for infringing numerous software rights, and the look and feel of the iPhone. Samsung is appealing the verdict.

Microsoft Surface RT Hard as Skateboard

It is hard to believe that Microsoft released a tablet PC that aside from its amazing functionality its durability is superb. Steven Sinofsky President of Microsoft Corporation demonstrated previous days the durability of the Microsoft Surface RT Tablet PC. Literally Steven rode a tablet prepared with a skateboarding wheels, he was at the Microsoft Redmund Campus Studio B when he do the demonstration.

On the same day Microsoft made Surface RT Tablet available for pre order, the RT Surface Tablet 10.6 inch screen was just big enough for Sinofsky to rest both of his feet as he started rolling along the RT Surface Tablet as skateboard on the carpeted floor. Sinofky says that “Couldn’t resist taking it out for a spin”. But the overall gimmick was not for Steven to show his skateboarding ability, but for Microsoft to show and promote their Surface RT Tablet.

Microsoft has covered all subway stations and other locations to put their advertising ads about this new product. Surface RT Tablet is now available for pre-order on Microsoft online store. Surface Tablet price ranging from 500$ to 700$, likewise the Microsoft Company will be hosting Windows 8 and Surface RT Launch event in New York City on October 25, and both product will be available on sale starting Midnight on October 26, 2012.

Microsoft Surface RT Tablet Specification

This lovable Tablet PC comes with its superb specifications, the thickness is less than an inch which is .36 inches and weight is at 1.5 pounds. It has 10.6 inches screen size which is measured diagonally it is multi-touch and it has a capacitive touchscreen type. Processor was produced by Nvidia and it belongs to Tegra CPU Family, internal storage drive has an option starting from 32-64GB which is enough for saving important files for presentation and even music and videos, and it can support an external storage drive which is microSD. Good thing that it has Wi-Fi where in you can access anywhere as long as it has a Wi-Fi hot spot, it can support from 802.11n, 802.11g and 802.11b. It has an external ports that can support USB for data connection and HD video port that can support HD display. Battery power is at 31.5 Wh and it can be used up to 8 hours, well of course this gadget is run by Windows RT OS.

See Also Video Commercial

The Pirate Bay File Sharing to Cloud

The famous file sharing hosting website The Pirate Bay has moved its servers to the cloud; this is to avoid authorities for shutting down their server operations. It has been known that this website has been blamed for supporting illegal file sharing. To protect their operations they are now moving to cloud hosting providers across the globe. Aside from the reason that law enforcer will have a hard time to shutdown their operations, moving to cloud will lessen their cost for the equipment.

It has been known that last 2006 Sweden Authorities raided The Pirate Bay and confiscated their servers causing them to become offline. The Pirate Bay now stated that it’s a new cloud based servers which use only internet to transfer files for storage, it will not be hosted by the same provider or even in the same continent. With this being stated authorities will have difficulties of tracing the hosting servers and cannot be close down at anytime.

The Pirate Bay representative also stated that their website will look the same and be there to provide the same services, for as long as they want to. Being there to their client, but it will be a ghost for those who will harm them. Moving to the cloud will have them the capability to move from country to country, crossing the globe flawlessly without any downtime. He also added that the hosting provider will have no idea that they are hosting The Pirate Bay, and even if they knew it, it would be impossible for them collect data from the users.

Also, it will retain controlled by technology, load balancers and transit routers will be the medium to distribute file sharing request across from multiple computers. And also can protect the identity of both the users and the cloud provider. He also added that if ever authorities will decide to raid them again they will find no servers in their area but only transit routers. Now, if authorities will track down to the next node or hosting country all they can find is a load balancer and a diskless server. If ever they will found the cloud provider all they can get are encrypted disk images.