Samsung Curved TV (65H8000) Review - Week 4 - 3D Feature

This is my 4^th week with Samsung curved TV and so far loving every single moment of it. Ever heard of seeing a 3D impact without the use of 3D glasses? Seems like the curved TV is able to so.

The curved screen is able to provide a panoramic view that wraps around the viewer and draws the viewer into the picture. Samsung uses an Auto Depth Enhancer technology that brings the image alive! It gives a greater feeling of depth by applying different levels of contrast enhancement on different content areas.

How does the Auto Depth Enhancer technology works? It splits each frame into multiple areas by analyzing the similarity of brightness and color histogram, and automatically optimizes and contrasts to add greater depth to the images.

There are also 3D function, with the use of 3D glasses and this is best experienced via Blu-ray DVD film and HD film. Personally, I enjoyed the 3D effect on animation movies. It literally made the characters to pop out of the screen!

Samsung Stylish 3D Glasses

However, 1 thing I find it disappointing is the 3D glasses are not passive, hence they need to be powered by batteries and there is a switch to connect the glasses with the TV before use. Hence I still preferred those cinema 3D glasses which is just wear and use.

Come to think of it, I do not use 3D glasses at home as I do not watch programs in 3D. How many of you do you actually uses the 3D function at home?

A "Thinking of ways to use the 3D glasses" Polarbear

This post is made as part of the Samsung Curved TV Opinion Leader Facebook Contest. Please note that all opinions expressed here are of the writer's and do not represent Samsung.

Samsung Curved TV (65H8000) Review - Week 3 - SMART TV Features

Samsung Curved TV is not only a TV but a SMART TV.  In my third week, I decided to explore what else the TV can do other than showing TV programs.

Using the SMART Control (The unique egg shaped remote control), I easily navigate through contents and features, using the motion recognition technology and enhanced sensitivity on the touchpad.  After browsing through, I must say I am really impressed with the SMART features!

These are my personal TOP 5 SMART features:

1. Multi-Link Screen

Did it ever happen to you that you are watching TV and surfing on your iPad watching You Tube at the same time or someone wanted to watch another program at the same time? Samsung now got the perfect solution to this! Multi-Link Screen. Now I can watch my program and google something that I have just watched or watch a trailer on You Tube. You can also show 2 programs at the same time and use Bluetooth headset to listen to your own program.

2. Universal Remote Set Up

How many remote controls do you have lying around the TV now? I have at least three remote controls, one for TV, one for Set Up Box and one for Sound Bar. It tends to get very troublesome when I need to reach each of the control for specific action. With Samsung Universal Remote Set Up, you can link all the remote control into the Samsung SMART remote control. Just like Lord of The Rings, 1 remote control to rule them all! I loved this! Not the mention that the set-up is automated!

3. Wide Array Of Content

Before this trial, I am using another brand of TV and I am disappointed with the SMART content they are providing. Not with Samsung, they have a wide range of both popular applications (eg You Tube) and local content applications (eg Toggle, 4D, TOTO). The Samsung TV can be also connected via VPN to watch overseas streaming shows (eg NetFlix).

4. Screen Mirroring

If you are using Samsung Galaxy phone, you can connect the phone with the TV via Screen Mirroring. This allows you to show whatever you are showing on your phone. This is useful when you are sharing your travel photos with your friends in a gathering!

5. Remote Management

This is the first time I heard of using remote management for troubleshooting of TV and I hope I do not need to use this! Touch wood! From my understanding, Samsung Customer Support is able to remotely access the TV to check on the issues if required, provided the TV is also connected to internet. How cool is that?

So which is the SMART feature that impressed you the most?

A "Too many SMART Features to use" Polarbear

This post is made as part of the Samsung Curved TV Opinion Leader Facebook Contest. Please note that all opinions expressed here are of the writer's and do not represent Samsung.

Samsung Curved TV (65H8000) Review - Week 2 - Why Curved is Better?

I used to think that a flat screen TV and a curved screen TV would make no difference in a small living room. After all, the only place I know to have curved screens are cinema screens.

Samsung curved screen actually follows natural curvature with the eyes, hence the TV will have the same viewing angle throughout the whole screen and thus bringing less fatigue to the eyes.

The special figure calculated for the TV screen optimal curvature is 4200R (radius). Why 4200R? This was calculated based on a distance of 3 to 4m watching distance, 4200 radius can deliver the best immersion to the viewer. So is this true? My sofa is 3m away from the TV and I do not find the screen or the picture too overwhelming to watch. Even my wife does agree with me on this!

However after using the Samsung Curved TV for a week, I have to say that the curved screen had elevated my viewing experience to another new level. It drew me into the program that I was watching because it provided a panoramic view which wrapped me in. The curvature actually minimizes the distortion that occurs from the difference of the viewing angle between the viewer’s eyes and the flat screen TV.

Top to Bottom: Left view, Centre View, Right View

See any difference?

So now I am one more step closer to getting my wife to agree why 65” Samsung Curved TV is the right TV for our living room! Another 4 more weeks to fully convince her!

A "Curved is Better" Polarbear

This post is made as part of the Samsung Curved TV Opinion Leader Facebook Contest. Please note that all opinions expressed here are of the writer's and do not represent Samsung.

Samsung Curved TV (65H8000) Review - Week 1

I was excited when I found out that I was selected for the Samsung Curved TV Leader Facebook Contest. It is not any normal TV but Samsung Curved TV (UA65H8000AK). My main aim is to convince my wife that we can fit a 65” TV comfortably in our living room, at the same time, enhance our viewing pleasure.

The excitement starts when the TV was delivered! Look what difference does it made to my living room once installed! My 55” TV instantly turns into a miniature TV with the 65” TV placed in front. It is really love at first sight! Even my wife admitted that 65” TV sits nicely on our TV console. In short, she agrees that the 65” TV fits in the living room!

Look! Even the TV is asking if I am ready!

The installation of the TV, by the delivery guys, is simple. The TV was removed from the box, screwed the Aero stand to the bottom of TV, hook the TV up to the set-up box, power on the TV and BOOM! The set-up is done.

So what is so special about the Aero stand? It is a strategic T-shaped stand attached to the back panel of the TV which helps to maintain the simple form of the TV and provided a lightweight feel.

My first impression of the Samsung curved TV is WOW! The Aero Curved design of the TV is simply visually stunning. It gives a three dimensional effect (due to the curve) that is aesthetically beautiful at any angle. When not in use, the TV is like a stylish art piece in my living room. I can just look at it all day long! Even the remote control is designed in a form of a curved ward, different from those normal long remote control.

After using the TV for the past few days, I am getting used to the new TV, with all the new functions to explore. My family members and neighbours are all impressed with the Samsung 65” as well! Looking forward to spending more time with the new TV in the coming weeks!

This post is made as part of the Samsung Curved TV Opinion Leader Facebook Contest. Please note that all opinions expressed here are of the writer's and do not represent Samsung.

A "New Curved TV to watch" Polarbear

Should I upgrade from Samsung Galaxy Note 3 to Note 4?

I have been using Samsung Galaxy Note 3 for the past year and I am very happy with the phone. Hence when Samsung Galaxy Note 4 came out, I asked myself: “Should I upgrade from Note 3 to Note 4?”. Hmm….

After testing the phone for a week, below are my five reasons why I should upgrade to Note 4.

1. The Display Screen - Both uses Super AMOLED touchscreen (16M colors). However Note 4 has approximate 515 ppi pixel density which is higher than Note 3 approximate 386 ppi pixel density. When both are placed side by side, to me, Note 4 does display the small details better compared to Note 3. I am always a fan of the Super AMOLED touchscreen. It just makes the picture comes alive and looks as if it is popping out of the phone!

Note 4’s screen has a curved glass designed as compared to Note 3’s flat screen design. With the curved glass display, it does elevate its appearance overall and makes it looks classier as well. The minor issue here is there is a small gap around the edge of the display and dirt might get trapped there easily.

2. The Camera - Note 4’s camera comes with an upgrade from 13MP to 16MP and it comes with optical image stabilisation so say bye bye to blur pictures.

The front camera also was upgraded from 2MP to 3.7MP. For selfie lovers, it allows you to take up to a 120 degree selfie photo! This is fantastic for a group photo at arm length, if you do not have a selfie stick at hand. There is a new way to take a selfie as well! Remember how difficult it would be to try to reach for the capture button while doing a selfie. Now you can just place your finger over the heart monitor, below the main camera, and release it when you are ready for the selfie! Wala, your selfie will be automatically taken once your finger is off the heart rate monitor.

3. Larger Battery, Longer Battery Life - In Note 4, the battery is upgraded to from 3200mAh to 3220mAh. The initial thought is how the new battery going to sustain with the upgraded new display screen. I was surprised that the phone still managed to last at least for 2 days for normal usage. Seems like the new battery is powerful enough to power the new chipset and the new display screen.

4. The Fingerprint Sensor - This is a new feature added in, maybe to match with Apple Touch ID. There are 4 features that the fingerprint can be used: Fingerprint lock, Web sign-in, Verify Samsung Account and Pay with Paypal. I tried using the Fingerprint lock. During registration  it would require 10 scan of fingerprint of different area of the finger as well. Hence it makes the fingerprint to be recognised easier when different areas of the finger is used for scanning.

5. The Redesigned S Pen - For Note 3, I tried to use the S Pen to take notes on the phone, but the smooth surface and slim body prevented me to have a good grip of the pen. Samsung have redesigned the S Pen for Note 4. They added ridges on the body of the pen and this makes the pen easier to grip for writing and other task.

Of course, there are other new additional functions and enhancement like heart rate monitor (below the main camera), new notification appearance (easier to navigate) etc.

No phone is prefect though. For me, Note 4 does have 2 points to improve on.

1. Use of micro USB 2.0 instead of micro USB 3.0 used in Note 3 – Why? I also do not understand the change, after all micro USB 3.0 does have a faster transfer speed right?

2. Lack of IP67 certified (dust and water resistant) – If this is included, this phone would be prefect. Maybe this is will be included in Note 5 instead.

After all this, I have decided to still go ahead and make the upgrade from Note 3 to Note 4. I have made a reservation on Note 4 already. So would you have made the change from Note 3 to note 4?

My Experience with Windows Phone (Nokia Lumia 930) and Tablet (Lenovo ThinkPad 8)

Recently I have my first experience with Windows phone and tablet. All along, I have been a user of iOS and Android phones. So I think to myself, how difficult was it to use a Windows phone or tablet?

Nokia Lumia 930

I started with Nokia Lumia 930. The first impression of the phone is it looks bulky. A quick check on the weight of the phone it is in fact 1 gram lighter than the Samsung Note 3 that I am currently using. However, the Nokia phone does feel heavier. A quick comparison on the specifications, it is slightly lower the other popular phones out in the market. For the detailed specifications of the phone, you can click here.

After using the phone for 1 week, the 3 things that I like about the phone is

1. 20 MP camera with dual LED flash – The top photo taken with Nokia Lumia 930 and bottom photo was taken with Samsung Note 3 under the same lighting conditions. I do find the photo taken with the Nokia Lumia phone turns out with brighter color and the small details are captured clearer as compared to the other picture. With such a powerful back camera, how come the secondary (Front) camera is only equipped with a 1.2 MP camera?

2. The 5” display – It is not too big (as compared to 5.5”) but not too small (as compared to 4.7”). To me, a 5” display is just right.

3. Wireless Charging – Even though, I did not manage to test this out (the test set did not come with the charge plate), but I find that able to charge without using USB cables is a must.

However, the phone did not really match up with the current smartphones in the market as compared to the battery life , processor and not to mention the 1.2 MP front camera. Personally, I think Nokia still have a lot of catch up to do in the smartphone department.

      Lenovo ThinkPad 8

I also tested Lenovo ThinkPad 8 during the same week. For tablet, I am currently using is an iPad and I am happy with one with no intention to replace it anytime.

      

      Upon holding the tablet in my hand, I am surprised to see how I can hold the tablet comfortably using on hand. Once powered on, the set up was pretty much like the Nokia phone since it is Windows based. How good the tablet is pretty much depends on Windows 8.1 which I will touch on it later. 

      For full specifications of the tablet, please click here. 

      

      To me, the tablet is not a laptop replacement but it is good enough for someone who likes to use a tablet to watch shows and clear emails.  I will stick to my iPad for the moment,

      Windows 8 Experience

      I upgraded to Windows 8 from Window XP and I was in for a shock! Microsoft have changed almost everything. I felt like a fish out of water when I first used Windows 8 software. 

      

      Like iOS or Android, I would need to create a Microsoft account and this will sync with all Windows devices that I am using. Then I started exploring around and it does bring me back to the time that I first used a Windows computer. Where is the Start button for a start? How do I go to the Desktop? So many questions to be answered. However, it is like cycling, even you just got on a bicycle after a very long break, you will get to cycle like how you used to in no time.

      The Windows App store is still as not as popular as iTunes or Play Store but I am able to find all the common and more popular apps in the Windows App Store so not much of an issue for me.

   

      In short, I do not like the direction that Windows 8 is going and hope that the next upgrade or "Window 9" (Rumour that they are bringing back the Start Button).

      So what is your take on Windows based devices and software? 

      For me, I will still be sticking to what I am using now and using Windows 8 for my laptop.

      A "Confused by Windows" Polarbear

Testing Sony Xperia Z2 in water!

I brought Sony Xperia Z2 for a swim today since it is supposed to be waterproof and able to be submerged in water up to 1.5m deep.

This is my first time using a Sony phone and I am surprised that it is quite a good phone with a lot features much better than other phones in the market now.

To test if the phone can withstand water, I decided to test it in 2 different scenarios.

Warning: Before the phone is ready to have any contact with water, you have to ensure that all slots are covered up, as stated in the manual.

First Scenario: Running tap test.

When the water is splashing on the screen, I find myself unable to unlock the screen. It seems like the phone is also able to defect the running water as "touch". After removing it from the running water, wipe it dry, the phone is as good as new. So the phone is confirmed waterproof! Hee...

Second Scenario: Swimming pool test

Below is a video that I took while I was in testing the phone in the pool.

I have to say I am really impressed by it. The video taken was very clear, taken with 4K mode.

The only thing I found irritating was I was unable to unlock the phone and select camera or video mode when the phone was in the water. I need to surface and select the camera / video mode before I dive in again. Even then, it seems that the touchscreen is able to sense the water and lock the phone up. The phone has to enter the water very smoothly (slowly) and use the camera button to take pictures or video.

I did not have the time to bring this phone to the beach and try if the phone is able to withstand salt water.

Overall, I am impressed with this phone, especially the waterproof feature,I think it will be of great help to those careless people who accidentally like dropped their phone into water. Hee....

Thanks to Starhub Community for the loan phone set.

SmartSupport - StarHub's Latest Value-Added Service

StarHub recently launched their latest value-added service called Smart Support.

So what is SmartSupport all about?

SmartSupport provides the following:

1. Technical Support
2. Data Protection
3. Device Replacement

You can read more information from this link.

After using the service for a month, so what I love about it?

1. Easy to use - No set up is required. Just need to download the Smart Support App, available from both Apple App Store or Android Play Store. Start the app, set up an account and the app will start the rest on its own.

2. The Auto Back-Up Function of the phone's contacts, photos and videos. The back-up is saved in a secure cloud which can be easily retrieved from the Smart Support Website. Who still sync and does back up of their phone to their PC in these days? Please note that only the phone's information is back up, not those information saved in the SD card.

3. There is a Locate function, for this who always misplaces their phone. Once logged into the Smart Support, you can see the last location of the phone, or you can activate an alarm from the phone. The alarm can be sound even the phone is set on silent mode. If there is not access to internet, you can call the Technical Support hot-line to activate the alarm.

4. Device replacement for lost phone within a certain time frame. This is good for those who always seems to lose their phone. The service allows up to 2 phone replacement in a year. However there is a fee for the phone replacement.

So what do I find this service not attractive?

1. The monthly subscription can be confusing. There is SmartSupport Plus and SmartSupport Basic and it is price differently depending on the phone model. You can only subscribe to this service at the point of purchase. Once you walk out of the shop with the new phone, you will not be allowed to subscribe to this service.

2. With free apps providing anti-virus protection and back up services, this might not appeal to experienced users, especially those who do not lose their phones.

I think SmartSupport value-added service can be offered as a trial or time-limited free service to new subscribers and those who reconstruct their phone lines. So they can try the value-added service on their own, and determine if they like to continue to use the service.

So are you using the StarHub's SmartSupport service now? What are your thoughts on it?

Samsung Galaxy S4 Accessories

With a few more weeks to the launch of the phone, what are the accessories that Samsung came out along with the phone?

Phone Cover

Most of the people would get a cover for their phone, hence it is quite important to have this. Samsung came out with a range of different covers for all, from leather pouch to flip cover, some designs came in a range of colours to choose from. 

However, I am sure once the phone is launched, there will be a lot of different cover designs everywhere.

Wireless Charging Pad / Cover

It seems the latest trend to charge the battery is wireless charging. Samsung came out with a wireless changing pad. To charge the phone, just place the phone on the pad and the charging begins. For me, this is a MUST HAVE! No more messy cables! For those who are always on the go, you can always purchase an extra battery. Just remember to charge it though.

Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) and Body Scale

In the market now, Polar and other health brands came out with their own applications to work with their own HRM to monitor and record the data. Samsung now also want to have a share of this market by coming out their products and applications in the phone. This would come in quite useful for those who like to monitor their health status. For me, I would buy these accessories if the price is right.

The above accessories are from the Samsung website. I am sure they will be coming out a lot more accessories to be used with the phone. So which accessories would you aiming at?

A "looking forward to wireless charging" Polarbear

APPvisor

Recently, I just got my first Android phone. As I moved from an OS to another, I was totally unfamiliar with the new Android OS. I got no clue where to start from with the new OS.

Lucky for me, I found out that Starhub had created a series of Andriod Applications to assist newbies like me to set up my new phone with ease.

The first application (app) that I started off is APPvisor. What is APPvisor? From this app, it is similar to the Andriod Play Store but the contents are localised. It is a good way to start downloading the applications with local content. The starting page of the app had different categories which will lead you to the common and popular apps under that specific category.

If you got no idea what app to look for, you can try Discoverio. Just tap on the gears in the brain, it will random generate some topics which will lead to the applications related to the topic.

In Appvisor, there is a faster way to locate all the popular apps. There are 3 “top” list, Top 25 Paid, Top 25 Free and Starhub Apps. This will be a good starting place to start downloading apps, especially from Top 25 Free list. 

So if you are a Starhub and Andriod phone user, I would recommend that you can try downloading this app first as your first app! 

Below is a list of Starhub created apps that you can download as well.

A "where to start for Android newbie" Polarbear

Samsung Galaxy S4 - Software features

I am very impressed with the software features of Samsung Galaxy S4. I think Samsung really go all way out to win some new fans with this new phone. For me, the software will be the main pull factor for me to lay my hands on one when it is released.

Samsung believed in creating a richer, simpler and fuller life and hence the tagline for Samsung Galaxy S4 is Life Companion. So how are they going to do this? Simple, they created the phone based on 4 statements below, which makes the phone to be useful in your daily life.

1. Daily life is more convenient - Making your life easy and hassle free

a) Air View: Preview videos by hovering your finger above the screen, instant preview and speed dial your contacts

b) Samsung Smart Pause: Recognizes when to pause and play your video

c) Samsung WatchON: Making your living room experience more enjoyable with your smartphone

d) Optical Reader: Recognize information

e) Touch and use with gloves

2. Life becomes more fun - Making life’s everyday moments fun and memorable

a) Group Play: Share music: Use multiple phones as speakers

b) Group Play: Play Games: Play Games with your friends in real time

c) Sound and Shot: Give life to your photos by adding audio

d) Cinema Photo: Animate photos to make them fun and interesting

e) Dual shot: Double the joy with a front and rear camera that can be used simultaneously

f) Dual recording: Create a more personal and dynamic video

3. Relationships grow closer - True connections bringing people closer together

a) ChatON: Dual Video Chat: Simultaneously show surroundings during a video call using both front and rear cameras

b) ChatON: Share screen: Share your screen with friends and family

c) S Translator: Communicate globally anytime, anywhere

4. Wellbeing is cared for - Taking care of your health and quality of life

a) Samsung Adapt Display: View more comfortably with a display optimized for your eyes

b) S Health: Monitor your health, reach goals and share with friends

After previewing what the phone’s capabilities during the launch, most of the features appeal to me, the ones that appeals to me most are as follows:

Camera functions – Gives a new definition of taking group photo or video

Air view – Gives a quick preview

Smart Pause – No need to press pause any more, eye ball tracking technology.

S Translator – A great help when travelling, provided if able to use offline.

The feature that are the least appealing to me is S Health as there are currently a lot of apps which are available and has the same functions. There is a need to buy external devices in order to have full use of the feature. I am sure that this function would use up a lot of battery life like using a pedometer to track the number of steps taken. Can the app track while the phone in sleep mode? I do not think so. Hmm… This needs further testing when I have the phone.

So which is your favorite feature of the phone? Do you think Samsung created a Life Companion phone? I think they did manage to do it and set a pretty high bar for other phones to catch up.

For the full functions of the phone, you can just click on the link here.

A "so many functions in a phone" Polarbear

Samsung Galaxy S4 - Hardware features

Samsung Galaxy 4 is finally unveiled and I believed you have read a lot of reviews or discussions about the phone.

Below are some of my favorite hardware features of the phone:

The screen got larger. From 4.8” to 5”, as compared to S3, yet the size of phone still stayed the same.

It got a slimmer body with premium finish. Its back cover is still made from plastic though, available in 2 colors.

It has a Full HD Super AMOLED display to provide an immersive experience. With 1080 x 1920 pixels (441 ppi pixel density), it provides one of the brightest and clearest screen, bringing the vibrant colours alive.

The cameras got upgraded. The rear camera is a 13-megapixel camera, with flash and high shutter mode. The front camera is a 2-megapixel camera which can be used to control the phone as well. Both cameras will be able to capture video at 1080p@30fps.

In order to enable the phone to operate seamlessly, the phone is equipped with either Exynos 5 Octa 5410 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 chipset. Which processor you will be getting, will depend on where you live in the world. 

The eight core unique design is actually a Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A15 & quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7. The more powerful Cortex-A15 cores will be used to handle the more hungry powered tasked where Cortex-A7 will be used to take care of the simpler task, thus extending the battery life.

The phone will comes with a Li-Ion 2600 mAh battery, 500 mAh bigger than the battery used in S3. This will come in handy with all the upgrades of the phone. As usual, the battery is removable, so you can always carry a spare battery around if you are unable to charge your phone.

In terms of hardware wise, it is comparable to S3 with a few upgrades. In fact, it does look like a S3 with a bigger sceen. So what you think of the hardware specifications for S4?

For the full specifications of the phone, you can just click on the link here.

A "want to lay my hands on this phone" Polarbear

Samsung UNPACKED 2013 Launch Event

The long awaited event finally happened on 14 Mar 2013 (Singapore time 15 Apr 13, 7am)! I watched the live streaming over You Tube, anticipating for the unveiling of the latest member of the Galaxy family, Galaxy S4.

Instead of talking of the phone here, I am going about the launch event itself first.

The event was hosted in New York, Radio City Music Hall. Prior to the event, Samsung had billboards all over New York Time Square to hype up the launch.

The event was carried out in a very Hollywood awards ceremony style. It looks more like an award ceremony than an event to launch a new phone.

The event started where the 2 Samsung teasers advertisement left off.  Jeremy Maxwell “the messager” walking onto the stage with the “Unpacked” box. The host, Will Chase, did a short introduction and introduced J.K Shin, President and Head IT and Mobile Communication Division, who introduced and unveiled the new Samsung Galaxy S4.

From left to right: Will Chase and “Jeremy Maxwell”, J.K Shin and Ryan Bidan

After the phone was unveiled, Shin handed the reins over to Ryan Bidan, Director Of Product Marketing to show what Samsung S4 can do. At this time, the presentation turns into a Broadway show and via singing and acting, it showed what the phone can do.

I will be talking the functions of the phone on a later posting.

Through four very different acts, it did managed to highlight the functions of the phone and how the normal users (like us) to use the phone on a daily basis.

After big fanfare, the show wrapped up and the front of the stage was turned into a big exhibition area for audience to view and play with the phone.

I liked the launch event. From the ad teaser leading the way to the actual launch event, it shows how much effort Samsung put into this launch. It was just not a boring presentation with 1 person talking away about how good the phone was but it showed the functions via an interesting way of song and dance.

After all, they went all the way to New York to do the launch rather than to do it in South Korea instead. I wonder why. Hmm…

So if you missed and want to watch the launch, you can always watch it on You Tube.

Please comment if you like the launch event.

Coming up next, I will be talking about the phone and what are my favorite functions of the phone.

Please note that the pictures are screen captures from the live streaming of the show.

A "excited to see the phone" Polarbear

Be Ready 4 The Next Galaxy

Today is a BIG day for all Samsung fans as they are ready to welcome the latest member of the Galaxy family.  I think all Samsung fans would do anything to get a ticket to the event in New York, so that they can be the first in the world to see, touch and play with the new product. I know I would!

This time round, Samsung is going all way out for this product launch with a BANG, based on the hype created and discussion everywhere about the event. To shed some light on this event, Samsung had created 2 advertisements to “explain” what the event would be about.

The story is based on a young boy named Jeremy Maxwell, who is the secret messenger of SAMSUNG UNPACKED 2013, collected a SPECIAL package from Samsung. Is he going to leak out what is in the box? Watch to find out!

Part  1: (Samsung UNPACKED) Be ready 4 The Next Galaxy

Part  2: (Samsung UNPACKED) Be ready 4 The Next Galaxy

So would you be watching the live streaming of the event at 7am, Singapore time? I know I am! Be sure to log into either Samsung Mobile’s official YouTube channel or Samsung’s official Facebook Live streaming to watch the event.

A "excited about Samsung S4" Polarbear

My short but wonderful experience with HTC One X+

All thanks to Starhub and HTC, me and 49 people have the chance to try HTC One X+ for 2 weeks.

For me, I had never been a HTC or Android user. I had been always a BIG fan of the other brand and OS. I think that is enough information to let you guess which phone I am using now. Hee....

In a matter of days, I am convinced to use HTC One X+ as my primary phone!

I am not going to state all the specifications / details / reviews of this phone. You can click on the links below to read it yourself.

1. HTC One X+ Page

2. CNET Review on HTC One X and HTC One X+

I will give my own review of the phone and how come I would to love to own this phone so much!

When I first received the phone, I found the packaging interesting. The box is like an egg carton and the phone is set inside the box like a precious egg. The packaging, like the phone, neat and clean cut.

First look on the screen, I loved the big LCD display. The casing is clean cut. The battery in a internal one. However, the rear camera len is protruding out of the back casing, I would prefer it to flush level with the back casing instead.

Upon switching it on for the first time, I was impressed with the bright screen and the ability to bring out the colours to its true form. It feels like watching HD TV. It is good for watching HD videos on you tube now. Below is a screen capture when I was watching the new Superman trailer.

The setting up of the phone was simple and easy for all ages of people to follow. You can read it here.

The first function I tested for HTC One X+ was the camera. With such a good camera, it really took amazing pictures, similar to point and shoot or DSLR cameras. It is able to bring out the details and colours of the picture. With the available camera functions like HDR, Touch Screen to Capture and many more, there are no reason for you to take lousy pictures again. Below are some of the pictures that I took with the camera and the pictures are in their original form.

 

No worries about the phone running out space to keep all your pictures. With 64 GB internal memory and 25GB of drop box space, there is more than enough for everything that you want to keep in the phone.

 

The purpose of taking all these photos is so that I can share it online with all my friends via social media like FB and Twitter. Using all these apps at the same time is smooth going, all thanks to the super fast Quad processor, there is no lag in the phone speed when I am multi-tasking.

 

 

I always use the phone as my music player, with inbuilt BEATS Audio Amplifier, listening to music is never the same for me again. It just makes me feels like the singer is singing in front of me live!

 

 

Now, with so much things going on with the phone, I would tend to worry for the battery life. Usually I would get a portable battery charger whenever I go. With HTC One X+, I can say that the battery is able to last me for at least 1.5 to 2 days for my normal usage of the phone! This is really a bonus.

 

Of course no product is perfect. I do have a few grouses about this phone.

 

1. The screen is quite reflective especially when using outdoors, making it quite hard to see what is on the screen.

 

2. The battery tend to heat up rather quickly and hot when I am multi-tasking.

 

3. The BEATS Audio does not work when on speaker mode and no BEATS earphones as well to enjoy the full spectrum of music.

 

4. The local version does not come with LTE (4G).

Still, I totally loved this phone and what it is able to do! All my friends were also impressed when I showed them the phone and what it is capable of doing!

My Birthday (which is coming) and XMAS wish would be able to own one HTC One X+ very soon! Hee...

A "Wish I got a HTC One X+ phone for XMAS" Polarbear

Note: This is part of a two weeks trial for the loaned HTC One X+.

HTC One X+ New and Improved Front Camera

For those who always use their phone to take their self portrait pictures, would be happy to know that HTC One X+ has a new and improved 1.6 mega-pixel front camera. I have to say the front camera does take pretty decent self portraits pictures.

One of the functions that I liked is when you are ready to take the picture, just press anywhere on the screen (Touch and Capture Function) . There will be a 2 second countdown before the picture is capture. This will allow for some last minute adjustment or changes before the picture is taken.

There is a portrait mode that automatically detects faces, enhances skin tones and eyes as well.

Below shows 2 pictures taken using the front camera, 1 outdoor and 1 indoor.

Personally I still prefer to use the rear camera to take pictures, as it is able to take better quality pictures.

So what you think?

A "Got a new phone to play with" Polarbear

Note: This is part of a two weeks trial for the loaned HTC One X+.