ZTE announces Grand Memo phablet and the Open - Firefox OS

ZTE just brought two interesting phones to the MWC - ZTE Grand Memo for being the first to use the Snapdragon 800 chipset and ZTE Open, an entry-level Firefox OS phone.

ZTE Grand Memo Key Specification :

• 5.7” 720p resolution
• 1.5GHz Quad-core Krait 400, Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800
• Adreno 330
• 1GB RAM
• 13 MP back camera with 1080p@30fps video
• 1 MP front camera
• LTE
• 3,200mAh
• 4.1 Jelly Bean

ZTE Open Key Specification :

• 3.5” with 320 x 480 pixels resolution
• 1.0 GHz Cortex-A5, Qualcomm MSM7225A Snapdragon
• Adreno 200
• 256MB RAM
• 3.15 MP back camera
• 1200 mAh
• Firefox OS

No pricing and avaibility reveal yet.

My Opinion : Beside the latest chipset in Grand Memo, nothing interesting. Well, it is not bad actually it just that, how will it to compare with current competitor? Of course I am interested to know how the latest and fastest Snapdragon 800 chipset perform. ZTE Open seem pretty low end spec. But it doesn't matter as long as it can handle the OS and apps smoothly without lag.

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Asus Padfone Infinity and Fonepad announced

ASUS just unveils next generation of Padfone and also a 7 inch tablet that can has telephone capability, FonePad.

ASUS Padfone Infinity Key Specification :

• 5” IPS 1080p screen and anti-fingerprint coating
• 1.7GHz Quad Core Krait 300 CPU, Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 Chipset
• 2GB RAM
• 13MP back facing camera with 1080p@30fps video
• 2MP front camera
• 64GB internal memory
• LTE
• NFC
• 2,400mAh
• Android 4.2 Jelly Bean

ASUS Padfone Infinity Tablet Key Specification :

• 10.1” screen with 1920x1200 resolution and anti-fingerprint coating
• 5,000mAh

The whole package will cost around $1325 (Converted RM 3975).

ASUS FonePad Key Specification :

• 7” IPS with 1280 x 800 resolution
• 1.2GHz single-core CPU Intel Atom Z2420 chipset
• PowerVR SGX540
• 1GB RAM
• 1.2MP/3MP Front facing camera
• 8/16GB GB internal memory with microSD slot
• 4,270mAh
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

Dont freak out with the front camera because There will be two versions of the Asus Fonepad. In Europe, the tablet will come with 16GB of built-in storage and a 1.2MP front-facing camera. It will launch in April for €220 (Converted RM 890.95). For the APAC region, the Fonepad will have only 8GB of built-in storage but it grows a 3MP camera on the back and will launch in March for $250 (Converted RM 750). Both have microSD card slots and 5GB of lifetime Asus WebStorage.

My Opinion : As a Padfone (1st Gen) user, I am pretty rage! Ok just kidding. But ASUS just make my barely half year old Padfone 2 generation behind now. Sad to see the bad cover lost the unique Zenbook-alike-design on Padfone Infinity. The price was pretty high which can easily buy a notebook (or even Ultrabook). In the meantime, FonePad quite interesting for using Intel Atom processor. Other than that, for godsake the naming not sure is genius or lazy. PadFone, FonePad? What's next?

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LG unveil Optimus G Pro, F5 and F7, second-gen L-series

LG is flooding MWC with all their latest phones!

LG Optimus G Pro Key Specification :

• 5.5-inch IPS with 1080p display
• 1.6GHz quad-core Krait 300, Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 chipset
• Adreno 320 GPU
• 2GB RAM
• 13MP back camera
• 2.1MP front camera with dual-recording enabled
• 3140 mAh
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean swith Optimus UI

LG Optimus F7 Key Specification :

• 4.7” True HD IPS 720p screen
• 1.5GHz dual-core processor
• 2GB RAM
• 8MP back camera
• 2.1MP front camera with dual-recording enabled
• 8GB Internal memory with microSD slot
• LTE

LG Optimus F5 Key Specification :

• 4.3” IPS LCD qHD resolution
• 1.2GHz dual-core processor
• 1GB RAM
• 5MP back camera
• 8GB Internal memory with microSD slot
• LTE

LG Optimus L7 II Key Specification :

• 4.3" IPS WVGA display
• 1GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8225 Snapdragon S4
• Adreno 203
• 768MB RAM
• 8MP back camera
• VGA front camera
• 4GB Internal memory with microSD slot
• 2,460 mAh
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• Optional : dual-SIM unit known as L7 II dual

LG Optimus L5 II Key Specification :

• 4" IPS WVGA display
• 1GHz MediaTek MT6575 single-core processor
• PowerVR SGX531
• 5MP back camera
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• Optional : dual-SIM unit known as L5 II dual

LG Optimus L3 II Key Specification :

• 3.2" IPS QVGA display
• 1GHz single-core MediaTek processor
• 3MP back camera
• microSD slot
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• Optional : dual-SIM unit known as L5 II dual

My Opinion : Within half year Optimus G has refreshment, G Pro. I bet alot consumer gonna rage. Of course, it is par with current competitor. Optimus F7 seem very decent mid range phone and it could sell if it market with a proper price. While L II series seem cater for more budget series though official price doesn't reveal yet. Optimus L7 II pretty good with high battery capacity.

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Nokai announces Lumia 720 and 520

Nokia just announces Lumia 720 and 520, both sibling that packed with a dual-core 1 GHz Snapdragon S4 processor.

Nokia Lumia 720 Key Specification :

• 4.3" ClearBlack display of WVGA with 800 x 480 resolution and super sensitive touch
• 1 GHz Snapdragon S4 processor
• 512MB RAM
• 8GB Internal memory with microSD slot
• 6.7MP back facing camera with Carl Zeiss lens
• NFC
• Wireless charging
• LTE
• 2000 mAh
• red, yellow, cyan, magenta color
• $330 (Converted RM990)

Nokia Lumia 520 Key Specification :

• 4" WVGA IPS LCD and super sensitive touch
• 1 GHz Snapdragon S4 processor
• 512MB RAM
• 5MP back facing camera and 720p video
• $183 (Converted RM549)

Both phone will be release on Q2 starting with China. Later on it will hit the rest of Asia, Europe and T-Mobile in the US.

My Opinion : I abit lost track with Nokia window phones model except high end range. However Lumia 720 seem like a good buy as mid range window phones which packed with Carl Zeiss optics on it. Not to mention some features such as LTE and Wireless Charging was included too. In the same time, Lumia 520 is value buy as a entry level phone.

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Nokia announces 105 and 301 feature phones

Nokia has announced two new feature phones at the MWC, the Nokia 105 and the Nokia 301.

Nokia 105 is basic phone with very cheap price rate, €15 (Converted RM 60.99). It has all the basic features such as a color display, FM radio, multiple alarm clocks, talking clock, and the mandatory flashlight - all in a dust and splash resistant body.

The Nokia 105 will be sold in black and cyan in China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Russia, Vietnam and other markets in Africa, Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Europe this quarter.

On other hand, Nokia 301 seem shine brigther than 105 since it features a 2.4" display, 3.2 megapixel camera with some camera goodies inspired by the Lenses feature on the Lumia phones. There's a Nokia Xpress Browser on board and 3.5G connectivity.

The Nokia 301 will be available in cyan, black, magenta, yellow and white for €65 (Converted RM264.30). The phone will be available in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, India, Middle East and Latin America starting in Q2. There will also be a dual-SIM version of the device.

My Opinion : Value buy for people who just need basic phone. Maybe as secondary phone as well.

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Alcatel unveils One Touch Idol X

Look like Alcatel is trying to get back into game and release the high end One Touch Idol X.

Alcatel One Touch Idol X Key Specification :

• 5" with 1920 X 1080 resolution
• 1.2 GHz quad-core processor
• 16GB internal memory with microSD slot
• 13MP back camera
• 2000mAh battery
• 7.1mm thickness
• Android 4.2 Jelly Bean stock
• blue, yellow and red color

Pricing and availability to be confirm.

My Opinion : Honestly the design quite nice. The thin bezel very attractive :D Clean and minimal design. Hope it start selling on right price.

An astute reader noticed that the image Alcatel provided of the One Touch Idol X says it has an 8-megapixel camera, but the company's PR states it has a 13-megapixel camera. According to the Alcatel team at MWC, the camera's megapixel count will vary depending on the market where it is released - TheVerge

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HP announced Slate 7

After dead from WebOS, HP is back with Android OS and announced the new budget tablet, Slate 7.

HP Slate 7 Key Specification :

• 7.0-inch with 1024 x 600 resolution FFS+ LCD
• 1.6GHz dual-core ARM Cortex A9 CPU
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB internal memory with microSD slot
• 3MP back facing camera
• VGA front camera
• Beats Audio
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

The HP Slate 7 will be priced at $169.99 (Converted RM 510) and will go on sale in April.

My Opinion : The price indeed very attractive and spec much better than ASUS MemoPad. Recommended for people who are looking for decent 7 inch tablet :)

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Lenovo unveils the A1000, A3000, and S6000 entry-level Android Tablets

Lenovo just unveils three entry-level Android Tablets at MWC2013. Unfortunately we didn't get any solid spec on it.

Lenovo S6000 Key Specification :

• 10-inch IPS display of 1280 x 800 resolution
• 1.2 GHz quad-core MediaTek 8389/8125 processor
• 8.6mm thickness

Lenovo A3000 Key Specification :

• 7-inch IPS display with 1024 x 600 pixel resolution
• 1.2 GHz quad-core MediaTek 8389/8125 processor
• 11mm thickness

Lenovo A1000 Key Specification :

• 7-inch with 1024 x 600 pixel resolution
• 1.2 GHz dual-core processor
• Dolby Digital Plus audio enhancements

All this three budget tablet will available on Q2.

My Opnion : Budget? I wonder how budget will it be since no price mentioned yet.

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Huawei Ascend P2 unveiled

The company finally unveiled the successor of P1, Ascend P2.

Huawei Ascend P2 Key Specification :

• 4.7-inch with 720p IPS display
• 1.5GHz quad-core processor K3V2 chipset
• 1GB RAM
• 16GB internal memory
• 13MP camera with 1080p video recording with HDR
• NFC
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with Huawei's Emotion UI v1.6

Huawei Ascend P2 is expected to launch globally in Q2 of this year with a retail price of about €400 (converted RM 1637.59).

My Opinion : Was expecting Ascend P2 will join the 1080p war but sadly nop. However I love the dedicated camera button for this phone ;) Nothing much to comment it seem normal, nothing surprising and quite thin, measured as thin as 8.4mm. Not the thinnest but good enough.

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Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 goes official with S Pen on board

After several leaked, finally the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 goes official.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 Key Specification :

• 8" WXGA resolution with 1280 x 800 pixels (189ppi)
• 1.6GHz A9 quad-core CPU Exynos chipset
• 2GB RAM
• 16/32 GB internal memory with microSD slot
• 5MP Back facing camera
• 1.3MP front facing camera
• S Pen
• Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz UI

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 be available worldwide in Q2 this year in Wi-Fi only, 3G and 4G LTE versions. Telephony support will also be available. Pricing is yet to be revealed.

My Opinion : Nothing surprising from me. It is overscale or probably resize version of Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 or Note II. It could be good competitor with iPad Mini. I can't find a reason to get this if I already got Samsung Galaxy Note II with more or less same or even better spec except the screen size.

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Nikon unveils D7100

It has been almost 2 years since Nikon D7000 release. New replacement is out now, introducing the Nikon D7100!

Nikon D7100 Key Specification :

• 24.1 megapixels
• APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 3 imaging processor
• ISO 100 – 6400, Lo-1 (ISO 50), Hi-1 (ISO 12,800), Hi-2 (ISO 25,600)
• 51 Number of focus points
• 3.2″ Fixed LCD Screen
• 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 25, 24 fps) video recording
• Built-In Wi-Fi
• Equivalent water and dust resistance to D800/D300S
• Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery
• $1,599 (RM4800 after converted) With 18-105mm F3.5-5.6 VR lens/ $1199.95 (RM3600 after converted) body only

The Nikon D7100 will be available starting in March 2013. Additionally, the new MB-D15 battery grip will available too on March 2013. Pricing still unknown.

My Opinion : Newer sensor, newer imaging processor, better video, more focus point and here what we got, Nikon D7100 as to compare with it previous brother, Nikon D7000. What more? It doesn't have the AA filter like Nikon D800E :D It is time to get D7100 for those who still using entry level DSLR. It might be good buy too changing from D90 to D7100.

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Sony announces NEX-3N

Sony has announced the NEX-3N, its entry-level NEX camera, replacing the NEX-F3.

Sony Alpha NEX-3N Key Specification :

• 16.1 megapixels
• CMOS sensor
• BIONZ imaging processor
• ISO 200 - 16000
• 25 Number of focus points
• 3″ tilting LCD Screen
• 1920 x 1080 video recording

Sony claimed that it has smaller body than the F3, and it is the smallest, lightest mirrorless camera to feature an APS-C sensor, despite featuring a built-in flash. Sony Alpha NEX-3N will available in Europe from March 2013. Price to be expected with current NEX-F3. The camera will be bundled with the e-mount 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 power zoom lens, to make the most of the camera's zoom control.

My Opinion : Once a year, Sony NEX series is getting refreshment and I am getting tired remembering the model naming convention. Yes it confuse me too much :P Nevertheless, nice to see Sony tried to shrink to size of mirrorless camera while maintaining the CMOS sensor. Perhaps in future we could see pocketable sized mirrorless?

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Sony announces SLT-A58

Sony just announced brand new mid range SLT camera, A58 with a newly-developed 20MP sensor. The A58 will replace both the A37 and A57 models.

Sony Alpha SLT-A58 Key Specification :

• 20.1 megapixels
• APS-CMOS Sensor
• ISO 100 - 16000 (25600 with boost)
• 15 Number of focus points
• 2.7″ Fully articulated LCD Screen
• Electronic Viewfinder
• 1920 x 1080 video recording

Sony Alpha SLT-A58 will be sold with a redesigned DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II kit lens that offers quieter autofocus and available from April 2013.

My Opinion : No complain on this camera unless you do mind on the small LCD Screen (2.7" size is so yesterday!) and also little 15 focus points. I can easily survive even with 3 focus points (refering to my belated Nikon D60).

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Sony launches Cyber-shot WX300, HX300 and TX30

Sony has announced three brand new Cyber-shot compact cameras - DSC-WX300, DSC-HX300 and DSC-TX30.

Sony Cyber-shot WX300 Key Specification :

• 18.2 megapixels
• 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor
• 25–500 mm with F3.5 - F6.5
• 3" Fixed LCD Screen
• 1920 x 1080 (60, 50 fps) video recording
• Built-In Wi-Fi
• $329 (RM990 after converted)

Sony Cyber-shot HX300 Key Specification :

• 20.4 megapixels
• 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor
• 24–1200 mm with F2.8 - F6.3
• 3" Fixed LCD Screen
• 1920 x 1080 (60, 50 fps) video recording
• $499 (RM1,500 after converted)

Sony Cyber-shot TX30 Key Specification :

• 18.2 megapixels
• 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor
• 26–130 mm with F3.5 - F4.8
• 3.3″ Fixed LCD Screen
• 1920 x 1080 (60, 50 fps) video recording
• $349 (RM1050 after converted)

The new Cyber-shot™ WX300, TX30 and HX300 compact digital cameras from Sony are available for pre-order from today and will be on general sale in Europe from March 2013.

My Opinion : Well nothing much interesting. Just a bunch of new compact cameras. IMHO HX300 is ugly.

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HTC One goes official

Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2013 kick off with HTC event on the first day! HTC just officially announce their new flagship phone, HTC One (Previously known as M7). Let's take a look on the spec first.

HTC One Key Specification :

• 4.7-inch Super LCD 3 with 1080p resolution (469ppi)
• 1.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 600
• Adreno 320
• 2GB RAM
• 32/64 GB internal memory
• 4MP back facing camera with 1080p@30fps video recording (with HDR)
• 2.1MP front facing camera
• NFC
• 2300 mAh
• Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean

Don't be surprise with the 4MP back camera. HTC said it is "Ultrapixels", which are much larger than the regular smartphone pixels and promise vastly improved per-pixel quality and low-light performance. The HTC One made out of aluminum and is about 9.3 mm thick.

My Opinion : Well I am abit surprise with the 4MP but hey, as a photographer myself I know megapixel is not everything. HTC One camera features 1/3" BSI sensor, f2 and also 28 mm lens which is good enough to satisfy casual shooter. Of course I would love to see the showdown between HTC One and Nokia lumia 920. My bet, if this phone market properly it will be a hit ;)

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