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Head Office: Tel.: 24709171/73/74, Fax : 24795583, Showrooms: Ruwi: Tel: 24795503/4, Digital Showroom(Sabco Centre) Tel.: 24566727 Sohar: Tel: 26845975/6, Fax: 26845977, Salalah: Tel: 23202706, Fax: 23294588. Available in all Leading electronics stores
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MAY 2010
OMAN’S FIRST GADGET MAGAZINE
Home Screen No Second Attempt The first issue did it. We got people to call and mail us back. We even got some of them to go shop to shop asking for the new Sony Xperia X10. Can we honestly say that this means we had hit the mark? I suppose we dare say that we got real close to covering the ‘target’. The second issue is already the ‘momentum keeper’. We had the COMEX that went quite well, and our participation in it opened our eyes to a segment of tech-loving folks who crave to be updated on the latest in their fast-changing industry. We’ve got very interesting stories for you on the inside, including the review of the latest BMW 5-Series, and four brand-new LED TVs to choose from. Then there is a amazing piece on Bassel World – the Frankfurt Motor Show for watches. For a few of them we have put the prices up; there are no typos in there – that indeed are the prices. We also have something for the homemaker: Invisible-flame stoves, and a collection of cookers. Meanwhile, the young adults can have they nirvana in the gaming section where we have put up the new ‘Gaming Calendar’. Enjoy boys! And for the more serious adults, can we interest you in some colourful computing perhaps? If you would like to see a certain segment of the technology industry, or would like to read a particular kind of story, do write us. After all, if we have hit the nail on the head the first time, the least we can do is keep you folks glued to our pages.
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-chief
Tech Analyst
Justin Brass
Senior Designer Designer
Hatim al Taie
Shyniben Koyakkil Muneeb Khan
CORPORATE Managing Director
General Manager
Abdullah al Taie Rathish Ramachandran
Asst. General Manager Sales Manager
Terry Mathukutty Emily Matthews
Happy TECHing! Produced by
Deenar Press and Publishing LLC PO Box 139, PC 102, Al Qurm, Sultanate of Oman Tel: + 968 24 696868, Fax: +968 24 693569 E-mail: info@deenarmedia.com
Published by
Al Roya Press and Publishing LLC
2010 © All rights reserved this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permision of the publishers; while every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information here in, or any consequences arising from it.
Printed at Al Anan Printing Press LLC, Sultanate of Oman Cover model: Sabrina Scehilter Provided by:Cynthia Benoit Modelling Agency www.cbmodelsoman.com
Talk to us!
If you have any queries, contact us at tech@deenarmedia.com
NEW: LEICA X1 And the feeling stays alive. Memories fade. But not with the Leica X1. It captures each moment as it happens – authentic, unrehearsed and in the brilliant picture quality you can expect from Leica. That’s thanks to the CMOS image sensor, as large as that of a high-quality SLR, and the perfectly matched Leica lens. The handy Leica X1 lets you be extremely flexible, spontaneous and creative. Simply switch between automatic or manual control in the blink of an eye. With the Leica X1, the feeling stays alive. Discover more at www.leica-camera.com
OMAN’S FIRST GADGET MAGAZINE
MAY 2010
CONTEN TS Q&A
08
Tech News
10
Nuovo Tech
12
Photography
14
Time Zone
20
A/V Zone
26
Movie Zone
31
Gamers’ Delight
32
Dashboard
36
The Show
40
Computing
44
Home Zone
50
Tech Favourites
54
Mobile Zone
60
Tech Directory
63
Classifieds
64
tech Q&A
Technology and games have recently seen a major boost in sales, which basically tells us that the nationals are now interested in more home based entertainment. Isn’t it true however that the reason related to this rise is due to the fact that piracy has been made largely available in stores With that in mind, apart from the easily replaceable confiscated copies; how can piracy be tackled, and original games made more feasible Sincerely, M I was going through your buyers guide in the last issue. In the article you had mentioned that most multiplatform games look better on an Xbox 360 and that very few games actually utilise the full capabilities of the PS3. Why is this so? And considering what you mentioned how much is the actual difference in graphics in multiplatform games and is it worth me deciding one over the other Regards, Majid al Raisi The reason for this difference can be traced to the development stage of games. Sony, since the very beginning claimed that theirs was the more powerful system. Unfortunately for them, the PS3 was never a very easy console to code for and developers were really struggling to get the best out of the PS3. On the contrary, the Xbox 360 was much simpler beast to work with. Pushing the 360 to its limits was a much easier task, which was and in most cases still is the reason for the difference in graphics between the two consoles. But there was some truth to Sony’s claim. The fact remains that from a pure hardware perspective the PS3 is the more powerful system and as time passed developers are getting more used to the system. In today’s games the graphical difference is next to negligible and quite a few PS3 exclusives manage to showcase the true capabilities of the system. So, if you are specifically looking at multiplatform games to make your decision, just buy the one with the controller that you are more comfortable with or the one that suits your entertainment requirements better, because that will be of bigger consequence that some extremely minor graphical differences. Congratulations Majid, You are the lucky winner of the Blackberry Bold! If you have any queries, quickly mail us on tech@deenarmedia.com, and we will answer them in our next issue
If you have any queries mail us on tech@deenarmedia.com
Personally, we don’t think that piracy is necessarily behind the rise in sales, although it does play a part. Take the PS3 as an example. Its game sales are also on the rise and there is not a pirated game in sight. If anything, piracy is actually working against the local industry. For full-fledged game stores to consider Oman a viable market to open outlets in, they need to see positive numbers in original game sales, not pirated copies. Only once these numbers are generated, and these companies come to Oman, can the local infrastructure actually benfit from such a profitable industry. But to achieve this goal, local shops need to be shown a viable method to shift to Original game sales only and they need the support of us gamers and the local authorities to make that happen. At present though, we are still a ways off before this happens but suffice to say, it definitely will in the future. The Gaming industry is too big and too profitable to ignore after all. First of all, congrats on coming out with such a fantastic magazine! I do have a tech enquiry and hope that your can help me out. I’ve recently taken a keen interest in photography and I would like to buy a digital camera that will help me start out. I’m a novice and hence I do not want to buy a DSLR yet. Is there a digital cam out there which will help me control it’s settings (e.g. shutter speed) up to a reasonable extent and yet not be as complex as a solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded There are so many camera out there that it’s hard to be pick out a good one. Your help will be much appreciated!! Thanks a ton! Regards Sushmita How coincidental! We actually did feature the exact solution in this issue. The answer to your question can be found on page 16 of this issue of TECH - it’s the new Olympus PEN. It fits your description perfectly and is definitely worth considering. Now, we have to go deal with those who think this this letter is a fake.
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tech NEWS
Faster than ever before Now even more powerful, lighter and faster: Audi recently unveiled a limited-production version of it R8 high-performance sports car, the R8 GT. The output of its 5.2-liter V10 has been increased to 560 hp; vehicle weight has been reduced by roughly 100 kilograms. The R8 GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reaches
a top speed of 320 km/h. The exclusive series is limited to 333 units. Each R8 GT has a badge with its production number on the shift lever knob. We have no news yet on whether any of these will make it to the Middle-east but we are definitely hoping they will.
Reach for the gold
Charging made easy Hama multi chargers are now available in Oman. The kit consists of a quick travel charger with a USB socket and a 12V charging cable with USB socket. It also contains a number of adapters for charging nearly all standard mobile phones and MP3 players either on a socket, a cigarette lighter socket or even via PC or Laptop, provided the device can be charged through a USB socket. The charger is ideal for people who travel with a number of gadgets and for added convenience the charger also features a LED function indicator and overcharge protection.
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The “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta, which is poised to be one of the biggest test events in entertainment history, kicks off on March 3. The multiplayer beta is set to be the definitive Xbox LIVE event of the spring and will run from May 3 through May 19. The beta will be accessible via the “Halo 3: ODST” game disc (an Xbox LIVE Gold membership and Internet connection are required to play). The beta will offer millions of “Halo” fans a unique opportunity to test and help refine one of the biggest blockbuster games of 2010. As this is a beta, Bungie will be turning on different modes at different times to optimize testing. The beta kicks off with three playlists featuring the all-new, highly competitive Arena mode (4v4 ranked Team Slayer games) as well as “Free-for-All” and “Grab Bag” playlists, which include a mix of classic and brand new game types. Beginning May 7, the new large-scale Spartan vs. Elite “Invasion” playlist will be added to the beta. Finally, beginning May 14 the “Generator Defense” game type will become available. Everyone who logs in and plays at least one full game of any type in the “Halo: Reach” beta will receive a free “Halo: Reach” Avatar hoodie via the Halo Waypoint portal
on Xbox LIVE. To redeem the hoodie, players must access Halo Waypoint and browse their “Halo” Career statistics after completing a match. “Halo: Reach” launches in autumn 2010 exclusively on Xbox 360.
Bungie and Activision Team Up Bungie, the developer of blockbuster game franchises including Halo, Myth and Marathon, and Activision, a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, announced recently that they have entered into an exclusive 10-year partnership to bring Bungie’s next big action game universe to the market. Under the terms of the agreement, Activision will have exclusive, worldwide rights to publish and distribute all future Bungie games based on the new intellectual property on multiple platforms and device. Bungie
remains an independent company and will continue to own their intellectual property. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The groundbreaking alliance will provide Bungie its first such partnership since splitting off from Microsoft in 2007, significantly broadening its global reach by providing the resources and support to develop, distribute and release games worldwide on multiple platforms and devices.
Activision will broaden its portfolio with a new franchise from one of the industry’s most creative, successful and proven studios, whose games have sold more than 25 million units worldwide. To date, Bungie’s Halo games have generated approximately $1.5 billion in revenues, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and GfK. Activision expects this agreement to be accretive to its operating margins as of the release of the first game.
Israel lifts ban on ipad Here is some good news for iPad lovers. The ban that was in place in Israel on iPads, a few weeks ago, has finally been lifted. For those of you not in the loop, the ban was put into place due to the belief that the device would interfere with other devices’ wireless signals. After through testing, it has been deemed to be completely safe by the Israeli Communications Ministry. According to them, “the iPad identifies the Wi-fi access
point in its surroundings and adjusts itself automatically, enabling the iPad to be operated without interfering with other wireless devices.” As a result of the test, the ministry has allowed the import of a single device per person. This was put into effect on April 25. The ministry also ordered the release of the 20 iPads that had been confiscated.
An icon is back in Oman! Shanfari automotive has finally brought the lotus brand back into Oman. At a recent launch, held at the Oman Automobile Association track, the company introduced the energised crowd to the four models that are to be imported into the country. These include the iconic Elise, your entry level ticket to the world of Lotus but a true Lotus in every sense; the Exige, a beefed-up version of the Elise for the more extreme buyer; the Evora, the most family-friendly of the lotus vehicles and finally the 2-eleven, Lotus’ ultimate track car which is not yet homologated for road use in Oman. TECH / 11
NUOVO TECH
The Fastest STORY Yet Is your regular external hard-drive not fast enough for your needs? Then you definitely need one of these – the new Samsung STORY Station 3.0, the fastest external hard drive yet in the STORY Station product portfolio thanks to its USB 3.0 interface. The top-of-line 3.5-inch external hard drive now offers 10 times faster speed compared to the previous USB 2.0 interface, making it the ideal storage solution for saving and retrieving crucial data in the blink of an eye. The USB 3.0 interface offers a maximum transfer rate of 5 gigabits per second
(Gbps) compared to 480 megabits per second (Mbps) in USB 2.0. Users can now transfer 4MB of music or 6 megapixel image files in approximately 0.02 seconds and an HD movie in 2.3 minutes. The new interface is even backward-compatible
with USB 2.0 and 1.1 interfaces and is available in densities ranging from 1TB to 2TB.
Connect, Create and Entertain. The Nokia N8, Nokia’s latest smartphone, intuitively connects to the people, places and services that matter most. With it, people can create compelling content, connect to their favorite social networks and enjoy on-demand Web TV programs and Ovi Store apps. The Nokia N8 introduces a 12 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, Xenon flash and a large sensor that rivals those found in compact digital cameras. Additionally, the Nokia N8
offers the ability to make HD-quality videos and edit them with an intuitive built-in editing suite. Doubling as a portable entertainment center, people can enjoy HD-quality video with Dolby Digital Plus surround sound by plugging into their home theatre system. It will be made available in select markets during the third quarter of 2010, the estimated retail price of the Nokia N8 is EUR 370 (approx. OMR 190).
Work Up A Sweat The latest ‘wearable WALKMAN’ from Sony lets you work out to your favourite tunes in more comfort and style, whatever the weather. Designed for today’s active lifestyles, the WALKMAN NWZ-W250 series is the first wire-free MP3 player from Sony that resists rain splashes or the sweat of a gruelling gym session. After exercising, just rinse under the tap – or even keep listening to your WALKMAN during a postworkout shower.
Ultimate Sound Experience To deliver a live-sound experience directly to your ears, Ultimate Ears, a product unit of Logitech, introduced the Ultimate Ears 18 Pro Custom Monitors. Featuring the company’s first six-speaker design, the Ultimate Ears 18 Pro monitors offer you and your band one-of-a-kind sound definition and clarity. Handcrafted like the finest instrument for a comfortable fit, while reducing ambient noise by 26 dBs, Ultimate Ears’ new monitors are designed for performing artists and audiophiles alike.
Customised to be as unique as your fingerprint, the Ultimate Ears 18 Pro Custom Monitors feature a proprietary six-speaker design that fits six individually tuned drivers in each ear, delivering the audio without distortion. In addition to the six-speaker design, the monitors combine four-way crossovers with acoustic and electrical tuning, patent-pending triplesound channels and a new low-distortion cable to create the Ultimate Ears sound signature. Each sound channel includes
an acoustically tuned in-line filter that keeps the frequencies separate and balanced until they blend naturally in your ear – not inside the monitors.
Waterproof Photography Sony Gulf has introduced the world’s slimmest waterproof digital still camera, the Cyber-shot DSC-TX5, for those who lead an active lifestyle. The highly fashionable Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 can handle just about anything an active lifestyle holds as it takes outdoor photography to a whole new level because of its waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and weather-resistant capability. With a width of just 16.7mm and waterproof down to three metres, the DSC-TX5 is by far the world’s slimmest waterproof camera. It is equipped with the Exmor R CMOS sensor with 10.2 effective mega pixels, which when combined with an advanced BIONZ image processor and high performance
Available in four sporty colours, the light, all-in-one design eliminates the tangle of headphone wires that can slow things down when you’re working out, running or dancing. 13.5mm EX Series headphones offer clear, powerful sound plus total comfort and a secure fit during physical activity. It’s easy to create the perfect soundtrack as you exercise, allowing you to focus on your workout rather than fiddling with menus. Playlist support lets you pick
Carl Zeiss lens, allows the camera to capture detail-packed images even in extreme low-light conditions. Available in five stunning colour options black, silver, pink, green, and red – the DSCTX5 enables users to select Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG, SD or SDHC memory cards to suit personal preference. It also features built-in Picture Motion Browser (PMB) Portable software for instant uploads of photographs to photo sharing websites. Adding further ease, a wide range of accessories for the camera are also available - a soft, fashionable case in a choice of colours that use water repellent materials to dry the camera while carrying it, and a floating strap that safeguards against losing the camera while users are in the water. If you are looking to purchase one, they are available at Jumbo showrooms with prices starting at OMR 164.900.
your favourite songs in advance, ordering them to match your activity profile from warm-up to wind-down. Press the jog lever and skip to the next folder, selecting a different artist or album to change the mood instantly. And if you’re in a hurry to get active, a quick 3-minute charge gives enough power for 90 minutes listening time. A fully charged battery offers up to 11 hours of uninterrupted listening time – more than enough for that all-day walking expedition.
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PHOTOGRAPHY
The alpha cam Catch your precious moments in perfect detail with these responsive new DSLR cameras from Sony and a chic PEN design
The α500 features a newly-developed 12.3-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor
The rechargeable battery pack of the α500 allows up to1000 shots – the highest capacity of any α series digital SLR camera battery to date The α500 offers a crisp, high-contrast 3.0 type Clear Photo LCD Plus screen with a 180 degree tilt range for clear, comfortable composition and reviewing shots
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Common Features With a new BIONZ image processor and high ISO sensitivity of up to 12,800, users can now have more control during handheld, low-light shooting conditions Also available on both models is the Auto HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode where two exposures are combined to create an optimised image, ensuring that both highlights and shadow detail are fully captured and reproduced Sporting High-speed Continuous Shooting, the new αDSLRs can shoot speeds of up to five frames per second (fps), when using the optical viewfinder, and four fps, during live view shooting
The α550 features a superb (921k dot) 3.0 type Xtra Fine LCD screen for critical focusing and photo-quality viewing with class-leading colour, contrast and detailing. The screen tilts up or down over a full 180 degree range and an ambient light sensor automatically boosts LCD brightness for extra screen clarity when surrounding light levels are high
Incorporating Face Detection technology and fast Phase-Detection AF, both models automatically detect up to eight faces, instantly selecting and focusing on primary targets within the camera’s nine focus zones
After shooting, it’s easy to connect both cameras to your HDTV via HDMI for a stunning big-screen view of your shots. Compatible BRAVIA models automatically switch to PhotoTV HD mode for optimised still image playback
The new range is made to work with any, Minolta or Konica Minolta AF lenses, including the new DT 30mm F2.8 Macro SAM lens and DT 50mm F2.8 SAM lens
The new VG-B50AM Vertical Control Grip holds up to two NP-FM500H batteries. This premium grip gives Α500 users an incredible 2,000 shot maximum capacity (Α550: 1,900 shots), with automatic switchover between batteries and accurate display of power remaining on the camera’s LCD. Both models are coming soon to Jumbo showrooms (24818358).
All cameras feature SteadyShot INSIDE, an in-body optical Image Stabilisation system that automatically counters unwanted camera shakes
The α550 has a Speed Priority mode that allows for up to seven fps (with focus and exposure locked at the first frame) and can be used in both optical viewfinder and Quick AF Live View modes.
The α550 features a14.2-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor
The battery of the Α550 delivers up to 950 shots from a single charge.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Fun Camera, Serious Results
Itching to take professional pictures but intimidated by SLRs? Then look no further than the Olympus E-PL1. This camera has it all: high quality, point-and-shoot simplicity and a chic PEN design
It’s the digital age and for Olympus that means creating the ultimate lightweight, high output camera. Although packed with professional options, the PEN is as easy to use as a compact. A helpful new Live Guide to set difficult SLR features was created with users in mind, and that’s not all the E-PL1 has on offer. Effects ranging from i-Auto and i-Enhance to e-Portrait can all be viewed and framed in real time on
the 2.7” LCD and ensure pictures look like they were shot by a master. Inspired users find their fill with the E-PL1’s creative options. A selection of six Art Filters, such as the new Gentle Sepia, lets them explore their creativity in both film and still photography. HD movie fanatics are in for another treat: they can change depth of field and angle of view, vary the
autofocus and snap high resolution images while they shoot. Previously unthinkable in consumer camcorders, a huge set of interchangeable lenses – including fast and ultra-light Micro Four Thirds models – provides even more possibilities. Giving memories the stage they deserve, the PEN marries quality movie and photo shooting with simplicity and, for that added touch, is available in a choice of four colours.
PEN
The PEN series was first introduced in 1959 as a half-frame camera. With its revolutionary design and price, this camera made photography available for a much bigger user group. The idea behind its design was pure and elegant – to create a camera that was as easy to carry and use as a pen. The PEN was designed by legendary Olympus designer Yoshihisa Maitani, one of the most famous product designers in the history of photography. In 1963 the PEN F was launched as the world’s first 35mm half-frame system SLR. By the time it was introduced, 16 lenses were available. 17 million PEN cameras were sold, making it one of the most popular and successful cameras ever. Today PEN cameras are a much sought after collector’s item and are traded for incredible prices on the second-hand market. 16 / TECH
TruePic V image processor
Olympus’ latest image processing engine. It automatically enhances important aspects of image quality including: colour reproduction (colour range, saturation and brightness), picture sharpness (reduced image noise, improved edge reproduction), as well as providing faster processing speeds. Furthermore, it supports Art Filters, HD movie quality recording, and high sensitivity shooting at up to ISO 3200 to enable unprecedented creative expression.
e-Portrait
Touches up the appearance of subjects even while the shot is being taken. This feature recognises faces and automatically makes skin on the face and adjacent areas appear smoother, brighter and more youthful. (Available now at Shah Nagardas Manji showrooms - 24702772)
HD Movie
High-definition video (HD video) delivers high-quality movies at a resolution of 1280x720 pixels and a rate of 30 frames per second.
Multi Exposure
With this function, two RAW images can be overlapped to create a new picture while shooting. Up to three RAW images can be combined in editing mode.
Depth of field
During movies or picture shooting changing depth of field varies the distance between the closest and most distant points at which a subject appears to be in focus.
i-Auto mode
AF tracking
Supersonic Wave Filter
i-Enhance function
This “intelligent-Auto” mode uses advanced automatic detection technology to allow the camera to recognise the six most commonly used scenes automatically. They enable the capture of perfect photos without any need for manual settings.
Dust entering digital cameras with interchangeable lenses can cause damage to photos. The Supersonic Wave Filter is a transparent filter which is located between the camera’s shutter and sensor. It shakes off settled dust particles by generating a series of ultrasonic vibrations.
This system tracks the moving subject automatically and keeps it continually in focus for pictures that are optimally focused and exposed. It also memorises subject data even when the subject goes out of frame and resumes tracking when it reappears.
By invoking this function, the camera automatically enhances colours. In this way the saved results resemble the way we recollect memories more closely.
Micro Four Thirds Standard
Micro Four Thirds was developed to maximise the performance potential of digital imaging technology. It allows users to enjoy the same high image quality as the Four Thirds Standard’s 4/3-type image sensor in a much more compact body. The new Micro Four Thirds Standard enables the development of ultra-compact interchangeable lens type digital camera systems unlike anything seen before. It also incorporates a greater number of lensmount electrical contacts for the support of new features and expanded system functionality in the future. TECH / 17
PHOTOGRAPHY
The LEICA Trio LEICA D-LUX 4 The LEICA D-LUX 4 sports a high-speed LEICA DC Vario-Summicron 5.1-12.8 mm f/2.0-2.8 ASPH. lens with a focal length range of 24 to 60 mm in 35 mm format. Apart from the particularly high speed, it is the ultra short initial focal length of 24 mm that opens up new creative opportunities in landscape, architecture, travel and reportage photography, for example. An integrated image stabiliSer reliably protects against camera shake in all
LEICA M9 The LEICA M9 is the world’s first digital rangefinder camera with a full-format 24 × 36 mm sensor and also the world’s most compact full-format system camera. The successful combination of an extremely high-resolution image sensor (18-megapixel CCD), the superior performance of M lenses and sophisticated processing of the captured digital information ensures the best
imaging results in all photographic situations. Thanks to its technical specifications, the camera adjusts to all fields of photography from reportage and ‘available light’ to the capture of discreet, aesthetic, fine-art images. This makes the M9 the ideal tool for all photographers who demand the highest standards in image quality and appreciate a freedom of composition that enables the discreet capture of fleeting moments.
LEICA X1 The LEICA X1 is equipped with a CMOS sensor in APS-C format, just like those used in semi-professional DSLR cameras. Together with an all-purpose LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/24 mm lens, the particularly large sensor for this class of camera offers outstanding picture quality that need not fear comparisons with professional cameras. This, in combination
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photographic situations, even in difficult light conditions. What’s new about this camera is its wide range of accessories for additionally widening its photographic potential, offering the sophisticated user even more possibilities for creative photography. With its 1/1.63“ CCD image sensor, which is unusually large for this class of camera, the LEICA D-LUX 4 produces images of superlative quality
with its technical specifications and a broad spectrum of setting options ranging from manual operation to automatic functions, makes the LEICA X1 an ideal companion for quality-conscious and creative photographers. At the same time, the camera is so compact in form that it can be a constant companion for spontaneously capturing those unique moments in life. All models are available at Hi-tech centre - 24497384.
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TIme zone
Each spring, some 2000 companies from the watch, jewellery and precious-stone industries, together with related sectors, showcase their latest developments and innovations in Basel. About 100,000 visitors from the specialist retail and wholesale trade make their way to Basel from all over the world to discover the current trends and view the latest creations from the watch and jewellery sectors. The 38th Baselworld Show was held from March 18 to 25 and featured over 450 Swiss brands and over 1,900 exhibitors. Here are some of the most beautiful, and expensive, watches that were present at the show. Most of these masterpieces cost well in excess of CHF 150,000 (approximately OMR 51,900), are hand crafted and sold in very limited numbers. If you share our love for watches, this should whet your appetite.
MB & F Horological Machine n째 3 Watch out! Horological Machine N째 3 (HM3) is so different from standard timekeepers that it could cause sensory overload. The secret of this extraordinary sculpture is revealed when the watch is turned over: the inverted movement, with its swinging battle-axe shaped rotor and rapidly oscillating balance-wheel, is in the form of two large ceramic bearings transmitting energy to the date wheel and its two unique cones. These cones, perpendicular to the arm in the Sidewinder version and in line with the arm in the Starcruiser version, dominate the three-dimensional case. The first cone, crowned with a day/ night indicator, shows the hours, while the second shows the minutes. The inverted movement, comprising 304 components and partially surrounded by the date wheel displaying large numerals, can be admired through an opening on the top of the watch.
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URWERK UR-103T Mexican Fireleg The 103 collection is celebrating its 7th and final anniversary as Urwerk will be shutting down its production at the end of the year. The “Tarantula” is back in a final attack that takes the form of the “Mexican Fireleg”. This is a UR-103T that has returned to the animal stage - aggressive and venomous - and that is racy with its orange luminescent markers. It comes in a limited edition of 60 timepieces and, for the Shining T version, inspired by the world of manga, a limited edition of 33.
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PATEK PHILIPPE Chronograph Ref 5170 Eagerly anticipated by all watch enthusiasts, the new Patek Philippe chronograph Ref. 5170 is equipped with the brand new hand-wound CH 29-535 PS calibre, with a column-wheel and horizontal toothed-wheel coupling – a movement of classical design developed and manufactured from A to Z in the manufactory’s workshops. This blend of tradition and innovation, crowned by six patents, is presented in a yellow gold case, recalling the magnificent Patek Philippe wristwatch chronographs of the 1940’s. The Patek Philippe seal guarantees the technical, functional and aesthetic excellence of this new haute horlogerie flagship model.
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TIme zone
MB & F Horological Machine n° 2-SV Thanks to the sapphire case, the richness of this timepiece’s 349-component movement is revealed in all its crystalline purity. Limited to a series of just 25, the construction of each Horological Machine N° 2-SV is an amazing feat considering its complex 3-dimensional architecture and the extreme hardness of the sapphire, a very difficult material to work with. It is, in fact, the only mechanical movement in the world to offer an instantaneous jumping hour, concentric retrograde minutes, a retrograde date, a doublehemisphere moon phase, and automatic winding. The patented asymmetricallytoothed gear-trains used for the jumping hours and retrograde minutes guarantee a remarkable level of precision and performance and use very little energy.
HAUTLENCE HL08 Presented for the first time at Baselworld, the HL08 opens the door to new ways of reading the time. Produced as a limited edition of just 88, it is designed around an extremely complex manufactory-made movement. For example, along with the retrograde minute display was the added challenge of creating a jumping disc with a window indicating the jumping hours, a challenge in terms of energy and inertia that Hautlence achieved in a very original manner: the jumping hours on the disc and the retrograde minute display are both driven by the minute cannon-pinion. This novel solution is even protected by a patent.
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LOUIS MOINET Time Explorator The Time Explorator serves as a showcase for the first watch in a series of 12: the JURASSIC Tourbillon. Its dial features an authentic fossilised dinosaur bone believed to be 150 million years old. The quality and veining of this precious historical testimony are described as
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exceptional and have undergone a meticulous process of hand-craftsmanship dedicated to cutting up and highlighting the bone without damaging it. Each of the watches, limited to just 12 pieces, is priced at just CHF310,000 (OMR 111,266)
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MAITRES DU TEMPS Chapter One Featuring an original combination of complications, the first timepiece from MaÎtres du Temps is the work of Christophe Claret and Peter Speake-Marin. This model boasts a tourbillon, a monopusher chronograph, a retrograde date, a retrograde GMT and two distinctive rollers, one at 6 o’clock and the other at 12, indicating respectively the days of the week and the phases of the moon.
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TIme zone
BADOLLET Crystalball Chronograph Taking personalisation to its very limits thanks to a remarkable choice of materials for the dial and case, the Crystalball Chrongraph encapsulates the mastery of the watchmakers of Badollet. The most stunning example is the manufactorymade column-wheel mono-pushpiece chronograph movement combined with a regulator tourbillon and a 120-hour power reserve.
CABESTAN Nostromo Created by Jean-Franรงois Ruchonnet and Eric Coudray, the Cabestan Nostromo draws its inspiration from the world of science fiction, more exactly the legendary film Alien. A single crystal on the case reveals the vertical wheels and drums as well as the ingenious articulated drive shaft used to transmit the energy to the movement. The bridges do not just anchor the wheels, they wrap around the hour, minute and seconds drums, power reserve and barrel to make them simple to read. The Nostromo undergoes a transformation at dusk: a fine phosphorescent coating inside the bridges, windows and surfaces of the movement diffuses a yellow-green light that illuminates the mechanism and spreads over the strap, creating an almost supernatural effect. The retail price for this stunning timepiece starts from CHF150,000 (Approx. OMR 53,900) 24 / TECH
CHRISTOPHE CLARET DualTow NightEagle A jewel of a watch complication, the DualTow is an amalgam of Christophe Claret innovation, savoir-faire and excellence. Launched in 2009 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Manufacture, it has made a deep and permanent impression, as much for its powerful design as for its technical inventiveness. This year, the DualTow has returned in an all black version that is more bewitching than ever. Elegant and very subtle, its face is designed in such a way that the remarkable movement can be admired more fully. Its slim silhouette with its angular tinted horns and sapphire bridges reveals a single-pusher planetary-gear chronograph with a striking mechanism and tourbillon.
BADOLLET Observatoire 1872 Minute Repeater Endowed with an exceptional crystalclear tone, the Observatoire 1872 minute repeater combines the rich horological badollet heritage with resolutely contemporary technical sophistication and functionality. This magnificent model is also equipped with a minute repeater and flying tourbillon and is adorned with an opaline skeleton dial set with 72 diamonds and 12 sapphires, through which the hammers, gongs and flying tourbillon can be admired on the bridge side. The Observatoire 1872 Minute Repeater, like all Badollet Instruments of Time, can be interpreted and customised according to personal wishes within the boundaries of technical feasibility. TECH / 25
A/V zone
On the edge
LED TV’s are all the rage these days, even the prices for these TVs have dropped drastically in the past few months, and thanks to edge LED technology ther are getting slimmer then ever before. So, if you are in the market for one, we will make finding one for you a little easier. Here are four of the latest, and slimmest, LED TVs to be made available in the region
LED TVs have tiny lights either around the edge of the TV (known as Edge LED) or directly behind the TV (known as Full LED). The TV’s slim design and stunning dynamic contrast are all thanks to the Edge LED backlight Enjoy the convenience of built-in wireless connectivity to your home entertainment network and make accessing your online entertainment - including movies, photos, music, videos and more - even easier!
Motionflow 120Hz technology doubles the frame rate from the standard 60 frames per second and applies Image Blur Reduction technology to deliver a crisp, fluid and realistic viewing experience during fast-action scenes
The Bravia automatically increases or decreases the level of brightness of the backlight based on a room’s lighting conditions thanks to the integrated LightSensor technology
Sony Bravia NX700 Series HDTV Backlight Type: Edge LED Display Device: LCD Display Resolution: 1920x1080 Audio Power Output: 10W x 2 Video Inputs: Component Video x 1, Composite Video x 2, HDMI x 4, PC In x 1 Available at: Jumbo electronics
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OMR 799.900 (40” model including wall bracket and installation)
Personalise your viewing experience by adding information apps to your screen so you can instantly access the latest local news, weather, sports headlines and Twitter updates
For the power conscious: Eliminate standby power consumption without having to unplug your TV. Simply turn the Energy Saving Switch to off position and the TV no longer draws energy from the power source
Offered exclusively on Samsung’s LED range, Wide Colour Enhancer Pro (WCE Pro) is the pinnacle of SAMSUNG’s colour enhancement technology, covering the widest colour spectrum to date
With a depth of just 1.2”, the Series 8 is one of the slimmest televisions in the world. Instead of multiple parts moulded together, it is one solid and seamless television.
With its unique crystal neck stand, which takes only one screw to mount the TV, and Touch of Colour frame, the Samsung is definitely one of the better looking TV’s on the market
Animation blur is reduced, producing more natural and smoother picture, by intelligently calculating motion movements, inserting interpolation frames between TV frames and displaying them at 240Hz
Samsung’s ‘Game Mode’ enhances dark areas, sharpens the picture, speeds up the image processing response and enhances the sounds of your games
The Series 8 also features Samsung’s ‘Medi@2.0’, which includes Internet TV (receive content from Yahoo!, Flickr and more), DLNA (sync your connectable home electronics and display remote content on your TV), Pre-loaded Content Library (hours of built-in Flash entertainment which can be personalised using content available online) and USB 2.0 movies (show digital home movies, photos, PC presentations and more on your TV, using the remote)
Samsung Series 8
OMR 1599.900 (55” model including wall bracket and installation)
Backlight Type: Edge LED Display Device: LCD Display Resolution: 1920x1080 Audio Power Output: 15W x 2 Video Inputs: Component Video x 1, Composite Video x 1(Common Use of Component Y), HDMI x 4, PC In x 1 Available at: SARCO showrooms TECH / 27
TIme zone
The Quattron is the only TV to use a four primary colour Display which, for the first time in the industry, adds the colour yellow to the three regular colours of red, green and blue. This combination expands the colour gamut, faithfully rendering nearly all colours that can be discerned with the unaided human eye
The Quattron also includes the latest version of AQUOS Net, which delivers streaming video with Netflix and also gives users instant access to customised Webbased content as well as AQUOS Advantage Live real-time customer support The new product lines are equipped with Sharp’s OPC function that, similarly to the Bravia, automatically adjusts the unit’s brightness based on the lighting of the room
Sharp Quattron LE 810/820 Series Backlight Type: Edge LED Display Device: LCD Display Resolution: 1920x1080 Audio Power Output: 10W x 2 + 15W Subwoofer Video Inputs: Component Video x 1, Composite Video x 1, HDMI x 4, PC In x 1 Available at: Al-Hashar showrooms
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The LE820 and LE810 Series are available in 60”, 52”, 46” and 40” screen class sizes and feature Sharp’s X-Gen LCD panel, which is designed with advanced pixel control to minimize light leakage and a wider aperture to let more light through Sharp’s proprietary Fine Motion Enhanced technology is included for 120 Hz Frame Rate Conversion. If you are willing to wait for the LE920 Series, it will jack up this figure to over 200Hz with its ‘AquoMotion 240’ technology A built-in media player allows for playback of music and photos via the USB port
The SL90 series features LG’s Borderless design, a single edge-to-edge panel of glass over an ultra-slim bezel, creating a seamless and sophisticated look that turns heads whether the TV is on or off
Fine-tuned by renowned audio expert Mr. Mark Levinson, LG TVs utilize a unique speaker system that delivers a clean, polished look and enhanced audio with a wider sound field
The TV features LG’s TruMotion 120Hz to reduce motion blur and create more natural looking images
Picture Wizard’ enables easy selfcalibration by providing on-screen reference points for key picture quality elements, such as black level, color, tint, sharpness and backlight levels
Like the Sony Bravia, the SL90 also has LED lights around the edge of the TV frame giving you an ultra slim TV that is perfect for wall mounting
With its built in Bluetooth technology, you can connect to mobiles, headsets, notebooks and PCs for a totally synchronised home entertainment experience
Using a technology called ‘Clear Voice II’, the TV automatically enhances and amplifies the sound of the human voice frequency range to help keep dialogue audible when background noise swells. This can also be personalised with a new 12-step adjustment level
LG SL90 OMR 999.900 (47” model including wall bracket and installation)
Backlight Type: Edge LED Display Device: LCD Display Resolution: 1920x1080 Audio Power Output: 10W x 2 Video Inputs: Component Video x 2, Composite Video x 1, HDMI x 4, PC In x 1 Available at: OTE showrooms TECH / 29
TIme zone
Big screen, small tag LED TV’s can be pricy but if you are looking for larger screen real estate at a lower price then plasmas are the way to go, and no one does plasmas better than Panasonic
Panasonic Viera S10 Series OMR 499.900
(50” model including wall bracket and installation)
Display Device: Plasma Display Panel Display Resolution: 1920x1080 Audio Power Output: 10W x 2 Video Inputs: Component Video x 1, Composite Video x 4, HDMI x 3, PC In x 1 Available at: OMASCO showrooms
The S10 uses the ‘VIERA Tough Panel’ which protects your plasma screen using a front sheet of glass resistant to impacts of up to four joules. This is particularly reassuring for families with small children or gamers who use motion controllers
When running in ‘Eco Mode’ the S10 uses a photo sensor to measure the ambient light in the room, then adjusts the panel’s brightness accordingly. As a result, a VIERA TV uses up to 55% less power in darkly lit conditions
With 5,120 steps of gradation the plasma panel is able to accurately reproduce even the most delicate shades of colours in a sunrise with amazing clarity and without any colour banding
Based on a 600Hz Sub-field Drive the S10 achieves the highest possible motion picture resolution of 1080 lines
All G12 Panasonic plasma display panels, used by the S10 as well, have a specified 100,000hrs rated life before fading to half brightness!
For a thrilling cinema-feeling at home, the S10 can show films at their original frame rate of 24 pictures per second
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DVD REVEIW
James Cameroon’s Avatar first premiered in London on December 10, 2009, and was released overseas on December 16. It has since become the highest grossing movie of all time, surpassing Titanic, and has also become the first ever movie to gross over USD 2 bn in the box office. It was also nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director and won three, for Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects and Best Art Direction. And
and the invading humans. As an Avatar, he finds himself torn between these two worlds, in a desperate fight for his own survival and that of the indigenous people.
now, this visual masterpiece is available on DVD and Blu-ray.
decent job with the script and pull off their roles quite convincingly, so no complains here.
Avatars story starts in the year 2154 with Jake Sully, a paraplegic former marine, arriving on Pandora, a lush yet extremely hostile Earth-like moon of the planet Polyphemus, to take his brothers place in the Avatar project. Headed by Dr. Grace Augustine, the project involved developing and taking control of specially created hybrid bodies called avatars to facilitate relations with the Na’vi, the ten-foot-tall blue-skinned inhabitants of Pandora. Not long after his arrival, Jake finds himself thrust amidst hostilities between the planet’s exotic life
While the story itself is nothing too special, it is captivating enough to pull you through to the end, even if you aren’t the most avid Sci-Fi fan. Even the acting falls into the same category. There is no single performance that truly stands out. Every actor does a
Where the movie does stand out though, and also the primary reason behind its success, are the visuals and special effects. Even without its eye-popping 3D and even on a smaller screen, Avatar still manages to impress. This movie has been over 10 years in the making, with an official budget of USD 237mn, and it clearly shows. The environments and their inhabitants are created with such attention to detail that they border on faultless. Every rock, plant and creature looks perfectly at home
on Pandora and, despite their unusual appearance, come across as believable and easily acceptable creatures. This may partly have to do with their similarities with creatures we see here on earth. It is clear that a lot of effort went into creating a living, breathing and easily believable eco system, full of wonder and awe. This same attention to detail is carried over to the special effects, which just adds to the already breathtaking experience.
But one question remains – As good as it is, has Avatar raised the bar for computer generated imagery in movies? The answer is an easy yes. James Cameroon developed a lot of new technologies just for this movie alone and has set the bar extremely high for any movie to follow, including the two sequels that he has so far confirmed. We are sure that those of you that saw the movie in 3D are well aware of the incredibly high quality standard that the movie has set. With that in mind and with 3D HDTV’s and Blu-ray players soon to arrive in the market, we can’t wait experience the movie, in its entire 3D glory, right from the comfort of our homes.
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GAMER’S DELIGHT
Having been fans of the series since its inception, we wait in joyful anticipation for the release of the next game in the series. It is finally here in the form of Final Fantasy XIII
In our opinion the last great game, but not the best, we played in the series was Final Fantasy X way back in 2001 for a few reasons. Firstly, it had all the hallmarks that the series is known for, namely – a long captivating and emotional story, stunning graphics, top-quality gameplay and hours-upon-hours of extra content to keep you busy long after the main story was coming to an end. Secondly, the other games that followed didn’t quite cut it – Final Fantasy X-2 wasn’t really a full-fledged game in the series; Final Fantasy XI was an MMORPG; and Final Fantasy XII, while it was a great game in its own right, was somewhat lacking in the emotion department. So, does the latest game in the series beat X to become the best Final Fantasy in recent years? Sadly, the answer is no. While it easily had the potential
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to do so, it was lost while trying to make the game more accessible to a wider audience. It is only once the main story is complete, that you truly realise the game’s immense capability, the reason for which we will explain a little later. The main plot of the story, in proper JRPG style, follows the tale of a bunch of ‘mostly’ strangers who, for reasons not in their control, are pulled into a grander scheme of things, whereby the fate of their world rests in their hands. What makes this story in particular stand out is its unique take on such a generic plot and the meticulous attention to detail. Every single aspect of the game and every piece of jargon the game throws at you is catalogued and filed in the game’s encyclopaedia of sorts. In fact, we are sure that
the intricacies of the story and the believable characters don’t drill this message home, then the breathtaking graphics definitely will. Every character, enemy and location is rendered with remarkable detail and the whole mechanical/ robotic theme that the game is designed around just works brilliantly. And for those of you, who like to have the original Japanese voice work for the game, worry not. While the game may not provide said option, all the cut scenes and even the FMVs (full motion videos) have been completely redone to lipsynch them correctly. Speaking of FMVs, the videos in the game are easily the best we have ever seen and are as photo realistic as we can possibly imagine them to be. Production values aside, the gameplay itself is a bit of a double edged sword. For every two steps it takes forward, it somehow manages to take one back. While most of these can be justified, hardcore fans may not necessarily like them. For one thing the game is extremely linear. The extravagant locations are nothing more than long corridors and there are no actual towns to visit. All shopping is done at the various save stations and an arrow always points to where you have to go. This
can be very restrictive to people who are used to branching paths, exploring towns, chatting with the local townsfolk and shopping at the various merchants. The primary reason behind this is the story-centred gameplay design, which was done to keep the tension and pace running. It is not you until near the end of the game that you get a glimpse of the vast expanses that you are free to explore. But these
you will be left completely clueless of what’s going on unless you keep yourself updated by reading these as they are updated. This doesn’t really interfere with the pace and if anything it actually makes the story that much more interesting. That said, the story wouldn’t have been half as memorable if it weren’t for the likeable characters. Every single one of the six characters that make up your party, from the stubborn and tough Lightning to the free spirited and perky Vanille, are superbly designed and expertly animated, making them quite believable. The top-quality voice acting just adds to this by bring out their emotions with convincing realism, although at times it can get a bit melodramatic. Furthermore, this same attention to detail and quality is carried over to the other characters in the game, making it that much easier to get lost in the games intricate and captivating story. If there is one thing that Square Enix is known for, it is its stunning production values. And if TECH / 33
GAMER’S DELIGHT the best we have seen to date. Levelling up is designed around a streamlined version of a job system with every character filling certain roles. While each is restricted to certain roles initially, the entire gamut of roles and choices opens up near the end-game giving you complete freedom to level your characters in whatever role you desire. The combat system revolves around a semi-real-time system where you take control of one character (the computer controls the other two) and have to have to wait for your ATB gauges to build up before you dish out your attacks, but there is no pause to the action whatsoever. Also, at the end of every battle, characters are completely healed and freed of all status effects. There is even an auto mode where the computer selects the most logical attack to execute in your place. While this may seem way too easy at first, the complexity and the difficulty steadily increase with time and the auto attack function actually frees you up to make more difficult tactical choices during the battle. Also, the replenishing health at the end of every fight has actually helped developers scale up the difficulty for every single battle
are best left till the main story is complete because, on your first visit, you will definitely not be powerful enough to handle a majority of the creatures present there. Finish the main story though and the whole world opens up for you to explore. The significant number of sidequests and extra areas will keep you busy for hours on end. It is only then that you truly feel like you are playing a Final Fantasy. The level up and combat system have been streamlined by taking hints from previous games in the series. The end result is one of
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which keeps players on their toes. And should you fail, you can always restart the game just before the last battle with absolutely no consequence! As a standalone JRPG, it is amongst the best we have seen of the current generation but as a Final Fantasy, its linearity restricts its true potential. But with its amazing combat system and intriguing story we can confidently say that the franchise is moving in the right direction. At the very least, it has raised our expectations of the next game in the series.
Game Release Calendar May 2010 Lost Planet 2 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Platform(s): Xbox 360, PC, PS3 Genre: Action ESRB Rating: Teen
Skate 3
May15
Publisher: EA Games Developer: EA Black Box Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360 Genre: Sports ESRB Rating: R/P
May 18 Alan Wake Publisher: Microsoft Developer: Remedy Entertainment Platform(s): Xbox 360 Genre: Action ESRB Rating: Teen
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Platform(s): Xbox 360, Wii, PSP, PC, DS, PS3 Genre: Adventure ESRB Rating: R/P
Red Dead Redemption
Split/Second
Publisher: Rockstar Games Developer: Rockstar San Diego Platform(s): Xbox 360, PS3 Genre: Action ESRB Rating: R/P
Publisher: Disney Interactive Developer: Black Rock Studio Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360, PC Genre: Driving ESRB Rating: Everyone
May 23
May 25
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Blur
Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Platform(s): Wii Genre: Adventure ESRB Rating: Everyone
Publisher: Activision Developer: Bizarre Creations Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360, PC Genre: Driving ESRB Rating: Everyone
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dashboard
The sporty touch Few cars can match the success and dominance the 5 Series has enjoyed in its segment. We take a new approach in reviewing the newest Bravarian cruise missile
Exterior With the longest wheelbase in the segment, a long and sleek engine compartment lid, short overhangs front and rear and a coupĂŠ-like, graceful roofline, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan stands out clearly from its predecessor. Design features typical of the brand are to be found both at the front with its BMW kidney grille inclined slightly forward and on the strikingly chiselled engine compartment lid, in the stylish and elegant side view of the car, and on the muscular rear end. This is clearly a BMW regardless of which angle you look at it from.
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Behind the wheel One of the first things you notice in the cabin, apart from the obvious, is the slight tilt of the centre console, similar to the older generation 5-series and which was sorely missed in the last. Aside from adding a sporty touch to the cabin, it gives you, as the driver, a sense of authority and control that adds to the satisfaction of being behind the wheel of a new BMW. The iDrive is the same as the one used in the new 7-series and as such is a huge
improvement over the older model. Aside from this the rest is standard BMW fare. Space and practicality is great, aside from maybe the rear centre seats lack of leg room, and it even has a gargantuan boot. The cabin materials used are amongst the best you will find in its class and the seats are as comfortable as can be.
Equipment As far as equipment goes, on basic models, you get all the basic options that you might expect from a car such as this, but this soon changes the higher up you go. The option list is near endless, it feels like BMW has taken every single option available in its class, added some more, improved others and dumped them all into one car. Just be prepared to pay for the ones you want because some will not
come cheap. Our personal advice – almost all the safety equipment comes as standard so you can skimp on the other options should you wish to do so, but do get the Dynamic Drive and Integral Active Steering, it does wonders to the vehicles ride and handling.
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dashboard
Ride and Handling Fully equipped with BMW’s Dynamic Drive and Integral Active Steering, the new 5-series is an absolute joy to drive. The gearbox is quick and responsive, especially for an automatic and the ride quality, even on the sportiest setting, is up there with the best. It feels great to physically experience the effort that BMW has put into making the car a proper driver oriented machine. The only problem is, you need these options to truly experience the immense capability of the new 5-series and they don’t come standard in all models. Without these options, it is only marginally better that the older model. While this is not really a bad thing in any way, we consider it a sin to restrain the capabilities of such a fine vehicle.
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Refinement Every single exterior sound has been brilliantly suppressed when inside the cabin. You would have to travelling at significant speeds to even coax any hints of wind noise out of the vehicle. At regular highway speeds the only hints of the outside world are the trees, signposts and other inanimate objects flying past the window.
Performance The new BMW 5 Series will enter the Oman market with one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder petrol engines. The top model is the BMW 550i powered by a V8 with a BMW TwinPower Turbo producing 407hp. The straight-six, also with a TwinPower Turbo, in the BMW 535i delivers a maximum output of 306hp; while the two straight-six power units develop 258hp and 204hp in the BMW 528i and BMW 523i respectively. Regardless of which you choose all engines are more than adequate for your day-to-day drive or even for a weekend drive through the mountain roads. More power almost always equals more fun so if you can aim higher. We can guarantee that the reward at the end is worth the extra cash. TECH / 39
THE SHOW
Comex 2010
The COMEX story A one-stop shop for all, COMEX 2010 played host to over 100 companies from the GCC, the MENA regions and beyond. The show gave exhibitors the opportunity to present the latest trends in technology, hardware, software, gadgets and consumer electronics for end users as well as business solutions that help improve efficiency whilst reducing operational cost. e.oman projects comprising the Official eGovernment Services Portal, Oman Government Network, ePayment Gateway, National Data Centre, Innovation & Support Centre, eTransactions Law, National IT Training and Awareness, Oman
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National CERT, and the e.oman Awareness campaign were some of the highlights during the five-day ICT show. The services were housed together at the Information Technology Authority (ITA) pavilion. These services were also aimed at improving the government’s electronic service standards, further ensuring accuracy and ease of usage and enhancing the public’s awareness of the importance and practical applications of these services in developing a digital knowledge society. In addition to these new opportunities, the COMEX Expo also featured interactive
seminar sessions designed to offer businesses informative guidance about their most recent technological solutions. A new demonstration area was located at the centre of the exhibition centre, where global ICT providers launched new products as well as demonstrated upcoming technology and gadgets. Next year’s COMEX 2011 promises to be even bigger and better than this year’s spectacular event and we are eagerly looking forward to it.
e.oman show At the Information Technology Authority (ITA) pavilion one could find e.oman projects and initiatives comprising of the Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in eGovernment in addition to the services mentioned earlier. Also this year a record number of ministries and Oman government entities were on hand to display their organisation’s government eServices. The Majlis Al Shura, Muscat Securities Market, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Higher Education, Royal Oman Police, Muscat Municipality and other entities enjoyed the patronage of the tens of thousands who walked through
the venue. Rounding out the Government eServices Exhibition section was the international delegation participation from UAE, Kuwait State, and Singapore on hand to showcase their countries’ services. Alongside the Government eServices Exhibition, COMEX 2010 hosted a specialised conference held on 27 April which focused on eGovernment Technologies and eBusiness Innovation Solutions. The conference served as the platform to discuss ICT-related topics, issues and also as an international forum for knowledge sharing. As well a
CIO Forum was organised for 28 April; exclusively for Chief Information Officers (CIOs), IT managers, and IT professionals to exchange knowledge and ideas on the top ICT challenges, and issues about security. The interaction between the participants and the presenters was beneficially rewarding and at the conclusion, recommendations were given to highlight up-coming plans of eGovernance.
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THE SHOW
Emaximum impact During the course of the exhibition, a large number of people kept coming in at EMAX stalls to catch a glimpse of the wide range products being presented at the COMEX Shoppers Section. This was the first time that EMAX had taken part in the exhibition as the main sponsor and since day one, had been generating a very good response from visitors. The wide range of products
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being launched drew in a large number of visitors. Considering that their primary objective was to provide visitors with greater awareness of the latest gadgets that are now available in the market, it seems they had succeeded, especially so with the iPad. The response for the product was so good in fact, that the stocks were depleting at an alarming rate from the moment it
was launched. Considering the quality of visitors and the general positive response of the market, EMAX will surely continue to support COMEX in the coming years and we look forward to seeing them there again.
eRobot Last but not least, on Wednesday the audience’s were treated to ‘Titan the Robot’ which launched on the expo’s centre stage. ‘Titan the Robot’ is a life-like robot all the way from UK who is a “walking-talking-dancing” electronic wonder. The current Titan in its Mk5 guise is the result of eight years of research, which is still ongoing to make the robot completely
autonomous. In its current form, Titan detects and relays information to the operator about the environment.
even frightened some younger children. All-in-all ‘Titan the Robot’ provided great entertainment at this year’s COMEX.
The operator then uses this information to return appropriate instructions to the robot. This sequence can even take place in real time allowing titan to perform safely even in the toughest of environments. Throughout the show, it continued to amaze the young and old alike, and
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COMPUTING
Crank Up PC Gaming The latest GPU from NVIDIA Delivers Unprecedented DirectX 11 Performance, 3D Vision Surround, PhysX and Interactive Ray-Tracing Hot off the heels of PAX East, the consumer gaming show recently in Boston, NVIDIA officially launched its new flagship graphics processors, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480 and GeForce GTX 470. The top-of-the line in a new family of enthusiast-class GPUs, the GeForce GTX 480 was designed from the ground up to deliver the industry’s most potent tessellation performance, which is the key component of Microsoft’s DirectX
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11 development platform for PC games. Tessellation allows game developers to take advantage of the GeForce GTX 480 GPU’s ability to increase the geometric complexity of models and characters to deliver far more realistic and visually compelling gaming environments. The GeForce GTX 480 is joined by the GeForce GTX 470 as the first products in NVIDIA’s Fermi line and will be available in mid-April. The remainder of the GeForce
400-series lineup will be announced in the coming months, filling out additional performance and price segments. The GeForce GTX 480 and GTX 470 GPUs bring a host of new gaming features never before offered for the PC – including support for real-time ray tracing and NVIDIA 3D Vision Surround for truly immersive widescreen, stereoscopic 3D gaming.
THE TECH BEHIND nvidia’s GTX 480 Gamers want the fastest GPU on the market and GeForce GTX 480 sets the new standard. Its next-generation architecture delivers unprecedented gaming performance at maximum resolution and quality settings. On average, 27 percent faster performance than any GPU on the market in newer DX11 applications. At 19x12 4xAA/16xAF resolution, the GTX 480 is 61 percent faster in Metro 2033, 89 percent faster in Unigine Heaven v2 and 29 percent faster in Battleforge than the closest competitive product.
Before These two images show the dramatically enhanced details provided by DirectX 11 tessellation. The before view
New NVIDIA 3D Vision Surround technology expands the gaming real estate across three monitors in full stereoscopic 3D – making for a truly immersive gaming experience. Combined with NVIDIA 3D Vision wireless active shutter glasses, 3D Vision Surround technology lets you feel like you’re in the game. The card is Capable of
rendering more than 746M pixels/second at full HD 1080p for a mind-blowing, 5760x1080 gaming experience. And if that wasn’t enough, advanced NVIDIA software automatically converts more than 400 games to stereoscopic 3D without the need for special game patches!
After shows the minimal level of detail included in the actual simulation; the after view shows how DirectX 11 tessellation adds millions of
triangles to make the simulation come to life with photorealistic water and non-repeating waves. The new NVIDIA PolyMorph Engine, a scalable geometry processing engine built from the ground up for DirectX 11 tessellation, enables incredibly detailed game characters and terrain with blazing performance. In addition, high-speed 32x anti-aliasing smoothes edges for topnotch visual quality. The GTX 480 is also the world’s first consumer GPU to enable interactive ray tracing for extremely photorealistic scenes.
The NVIDIA DirectX 11 grass simulation depicts more than 3.5 million blades of grass waving and billowing in the wind. The physical properties of the grass are affected by objects placed upon them. Once again, DirectX 11 tessellation adds greater visual fidelity when viewing the grass close up.
Hair has always been one of the most challenging objects to create in video games, due to the computational complexity of realistically rendering thousands of individual strands as they interact with light and each other. In this technology simulation created by NVIDIA, long flowing hair is rendered in amazing detail with realistic physics properties in real time.
NVIDIA PhysX technology brings games to life with dynamic, interactive environments. The new GPU has two times the PhysX technology performance over prior generation GPUs for dynamic game effects, such as turbulence, fluids and smoke. Also, the new NVIDIA GigaThread’ scheduler allows up to 10-times faster switching between graphics and physics processing, enabling more complex effects to be rendered in real time. TECH / 45
COMPUTING
Colour your lives A closer look at Sony’s latest Vaio CW-series laptops The CW Series lets you watch the most recent high-quality Blu-ray Disc titles, and view TV programs recorded on Blu-ray Discs thanks to the Blu Ray compatible optical drive
With a 14-inch display and compact body for enhanced portability, the VAIO CW-series integrates Wireless LAN and Bluetooth®, providing greater mobility and the ability to quickly surf the web even while on-the-go
Designed to handle 3D games and videos, enhanced picture performance and edit photos with ease, the CW-series is equipped with the powerful NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M GPU and 512MB of VRAM (in the high-end model). Swift, power-efficient DDR3 memory and Intel Core i5 processor technologies support multimedia applications
CW-25: OMR 399.900 CW-26: OMR 539.900
The CW Series is available in a stunning array of colours, which include Fiery Red, Icy White, Jet Black, Brilliant Pink, Crystal Rain White, Aqua Blue and Royal Indigo. Suffice to say, no matter what your mood and style may be, you are sure to find a colour to suit your taste
Isolation keyboard provides comfortable typing, especially for female users with long fingernails, while the touch pad allows smooth multi-touch and gesturebased controls
Just use the WEB button for quick start of web browsing, without taking the time to boot the operating system. Connect to the Internet instantly, chat or check emails just before you head out the door
Simply press the DISPLAY OFF button for the relaxing pleasure of listening to audio alone without any visual distraction. Turning off the display also reduces power consumption and helps save energy
Completely colour coordinated, the CW boasts a lustrous, high-gloss exterior and opens up to a subtle gradient of matching colour on the palm rests
A push of the VAIO button activates Media Gallery player, VAIO’s original media player software. It lets you enjoy your photos, videos and music in a fun and intuitive way Available at: Jumbo electronics: 24818358
46 / TECH
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10
3D ModelLing Modelling made easy
Before 3D printers came along, producing a prototype typically took many hours, tools, and skilled labor. Once digitally designed, the drawings were sent to skilled craftspeople where the design on paper was painstakingly followed and a threedimensional prototype was produced in wood by utilising an entire shop full of expensive wood working machinery and tools. This typically was not a speedy
process and cost for skilled labour was not cheap. To combat this problem, rapid prototyping was born. Since then 3D printers have come a long way and have become financially accessible to even small and medium sized business, thereby taking prototyping out of the heavy industry and into the office environment. These advanced printers are even available
in Oman in the form of the Z Corporation’s family of 3D printers, one of the world’s fastest, easiest-to-use and most affordable colour 3D printers. These printers produce physical colour models quickly, easily and inexpensively from computer-aided design (CAD) and other digital data. Here is a quick look at their latest and most advanced printer – the ZPrinter 650.
The Process: Z Corporation technology works by creating a 3D physical model directly from digital data, layer by layer, turning concepts and ideas into real, physical 3D models that you can hold, examine and evaluate. It is all done in a simple three-stage process:
3rd - The process is repeated until every layer is printed and the part is ready to be removed
1st - A 3D CAD file is imported into
ZPrint software. The software slices the file into thin cross-sectional slices, which are fed to the 3D printer
2nd - The printer creates the model
one layer at a time by spreading a layer of powder and inkjet printing a binder in the cross-section of the part
Few 3D printers can match the ZPrinter 650’s 10 x 15 x 8 inch (254 x 381 x 203 mm) build size, which prints very large models in a single piece. The large build size also enables users to produce multiple models at once, which is virtually impossible with competing technologies, especially those that rely on cumbersome structural supports
The 650 employs full-spectrum 24bit colour and five print heads – clear, cyan, magenta, yellow and black – to simultaneously print in multiple colours, delivering the highest colour quality and consistency across hundreds of thousands of possible colour combinations
The printer is nearly five to 10 times faster than most other systems, enabling model production in hours, not days, to support engineering departments and classrooms with ease
The ZPrinter 650 is one of the easiestto-use large format 3D printer ever with fully automated set-up and monitoring, no-touch powder and binder loading and automatic powder recycling
The ZPrinter’s 600 x 540 dpi resolution is one of the highest resolution in a 3D printer, producing models with very fine detail and accuracy TECH / 47
Irresistible offers HP G62-121EE Core i3-330m,4GB RAM, 320GB HDD , ATI Graphics 512 MB dedicated, DVDRW LightScribe, WLAN, BT,5-in-1 DMR ,webcam, 15.6”Screen, Windows 7 Premium CARRY CASE + MOUSE + HEADSET + COOLING PAD + USB SPEAKER
APPLE IPAD
OMR: 297.900
9.7-inch LED-backlit Multi-Touch display, 16GB, 32GB or 64GB flash drive, 1GHz Apple A4 custom-designed processor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, Accelerometer
16GB - OMR: 319.900 32GB - OMR: 369.900 64GB - OMR: 414.900
Nikon P100
Nintendo Dsi XL
26x zoom NIKKOR ED lens, 10.3 MP, 10-fps shooting at maximum size or up to 120-fps in Sport Continuous mode, Full HD Movie shooting 3” vari-angle TFT LCD
Music Playback, 4.2’’ dual screens, Pen Stylus, Camera, Web Browser, SD Memory Card Slot, Music Playback, 14-17 hours Battery Life
PLUS 2GB CARD
OMR: 169.900
OMR: 99.900
HP DV6-2130
Nikon D 3000 kit
Espresso Black,i3-330,4GB RAM,500GB HDD,Nvidia 512MB Dedicated ,DVDRW,Wi-Fi,BT,Cam+Mic, 15.6”Screen, Win 7 Premium 64Bit,FP.
Large 3.0-in 230k-dot LCD, Nikon DXformat CCD image sensor, 10.2 effective megapixels, Integrated Dust Reduction System, Up to 3 fps continuous shooting, Built-in pop-up flash
CARRY CASE + MOUSE+ HEADSET + COOLING PAD + USB SPEAKER
PLUS 2GB CARD
OMR: 329.900
OMR: 234.900 TECH / 49
home zone
Efficient cooking If you are in the market for cooking appliances, these stunning products definitely deserve your attention
Rinnai
Inner-Flame built in hobs
There are three models available in the series: the RB-2CG (two burners), RB-3CG (three burners) and RB-2CGS (basically the RB-2CG but with touch controls)
The stove has higher heat efficiency when compared to normal burners which also means less heat retention on pot handles
The embedded cooker and low pan support secures the pan in place and ensures safe cooking
The inner flame has near perfect simmer control, perfect for making soups
Touch Control (on the RB-2CGS) responds to human touch giving you intuitive and effortless control of the flame
The innovative ‘Inner-Flame’ technology Japan with patented aluminium air inlet frame provides steadier heat combustion producing high heat efficiency while its concentrated point of flame
Scratch-proof aesthetic stove top is made with Schott Ceran ceramic glass from Germany All models available at: Al Hashar showrooms: 24706004
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Cooker hood
Electric oven
A hood is an essential part of a kitchen and Ariston has many models for the same
Stainless steel finish with finger print proof and lcd touch panel makes the unit aesthetic
Low noise (64db) and a three step speed setting are essential features
Safety child lock prevents hazards
Stainless steel professional baffle filter captures almost 75% of grease without obstructing passage of air or the filter
Triple layer flat glass door reduces heat loss and improves efficiency
Ariston
Openspace Ovens Its 70 litre capacity of the oven makes it one of the largest ovens in its class
On certain models, the oven can also be divided into two – a 48 litre (Main Space) and 20 litre (Small Space). Each space can be controlled separately with a temperature difference of up to 100 degree Celsius between them
The oven utilises a ‘Cool Door Gifam’ which keeps the doors temperature at safe levels even when the oven is in use All ovens feature wide windows with full glass inner doors, grey interiors and dual Halogen lamps to provide optimum visibility Although the Open Space takes up the same space as any 60 x 60 oven, it has 20 per cent more space on the inside All doors also feature an automatic locking mechanism All models available at: Al Hashar showrooms: 24706004
Hobs There are different burners to meet all cooking requirements and they are present in the same cooking top which improves performance The ceramic radiant heaters have got many spires to guarantee a very good heat repartition in the bottom of the pan The ergonomic knobs are coordinated perfectly to the oven
Hoods The aspiration rate is 780 m3/h in Free Air and with the use of intensive power you can remove any odour fast. The electronic control alerts you when you have to wash the aluminum filter and when you have to change the charcoal filter. Prime focus on ergonomic design and aesthetics TECH / 51
home zone
Xper
60x60 Professional As an option buyers can opt for a flame failure safety device on hob or the oven Cast iron pan supports hold pans securely in place for peace-of-mind, safe cooking
The cooker is equipped with four Gas burners including a wok
The cooker is also equipped with a thermostat and a minute minder
The electronic one-touch ignition makes igniting the burners a breeze The Oven cavity is equipped with side racks and includes a Wire shelf and enamel baking tray
The adjustable feet allows for easy installation
All models available at: OMASCO showrooms: 24833630
100x60 Square
90x60 Grand chef
Single piece stainless steel hob Heavy duty cast iron grids One touch electronic ignition Electronic LED programmer Second oven Fan cooled oven door Oven light Lower storage compartment Full lenght side panels Flame failure
Single piece stainless steel hob Cast iron pan supports One-Touch electronic ignition Flame failure device Oven light and thermostat Height adjustable legs
52 / TECH
80x50 style X
Stainless steel hob Enamelled grids Lower storage compartment Height adjustable legs Oven light and thermostat
Cool Styling With powerful cooling capability and some of the most advanced technology available in any air conditioner, the Samsung Vivace is more than a match for our summer temperatures. And with its smoked half mirror front panel, it won’t look out of place in even the most stylish of homes
Thanks to its ‘Trimless Design’ and flat smoked half mirror, the Vivace perfectly blends into any room in your home
The hidden LED display lights up when the air conditioner is turned on and hides from view when turned off
Available at SARCO showrooms
The wide open blade system can open the blades to an angle of 90 degrees allowing you to control the airflow vertically or horizontally providing equal distribution of air to any part of the room
Virus doctor
Good’sleep II
Auto Cleaning
The ‘Virus Doctor’ feature improves indoor air quality by eliminating biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria and allergy-causing agents that threaten your health
Samsung’s ‘Good’sleep II’ feature ensures that your environment stays at the optimum temperature and automatically adjusts the moisture in the air to ensure that the user gets a good night’s sleep
The Auto Cleaning function prevents the growth of bacteria and mildew by keeping the interior of the Vivace clean and dry, thus preventing any unpleasant odors
TECH / 53
tech favourites
GRUNDIG GBH-9041 OMR 699.900
PANASONIC TH-P42 C10M OMR 215.000
2 Megapixel, full hdsound, 1.000,000: 1 Contrast, USB recording, 100 HZ motion, dynamic contrast plus
1 MegApixel, hd ready, 2,000,000: 1 contrast, SD card slot, 100-600 HZ, 3HDMI input
LG 42” LED 42SL90QR OMR 754.900
PANASONIC 32” LCD TH32C10M OMR 149.000
2 Megapixel, full HD, 70,000: 1 contrast, 4 HDMI input, USB port
1 Megapixel, HD ready, 30,000: 1 contrast, SD card slot, 3 HDMI input
LG 32” LCD 32LH70 OMR 240.900
2 Megapixel, full HD, 1,00,000: 1 contrast, USB port - DIVX playback, 100 HZ motion flow, bluetooth, 3 HDMI input
SONY 40” LCD KLV40BX400 OMR 299.000
2 Megapixel, full HD, 70,000: 1 contrast, FM radio, 2 HDMI input, USB port
SAMSUNG 55” LED UA55B8000 OMR 1599.9 SAMSUNG PS42B430 OMR 199.900
1 Megapixel / HD ready, 2,000,000: 1 contrast, P.I.P system / 100-600 HZ, swivel stand, 2 HDMI input
2 Megapixel, full HD, net TV, 5.000,000: 1 contrast, WIFIfunction, 200 HZ motion, AMBIlight function, USB port,5 HDMI input, PC input
2 Megapixel, full HD, 3,000,000: 1 contrast, bluetooth, 100 HZ motion, USB port [Divx], dual XD engine
SAMSUNG 40’ LCD LA40B550 OMR 299.500
2 Megapixel, full HD 5,000,000: 1 contrast, 200 HZ motion flow finger slim model, DLNA wireless 4 HDMI input
PHILIPS 46” LED 46PFL9704 OMR 1205.000
SAMSUNG HT-Z425 OMR 155.900
1000 Watts, HDMI 1080P up scaling, bluetooth function, USB play & record, wireless rear speakers, USB port
PHILIPS FED-197 OMR 61.700
SONY DAVF-Z900 OMR 214.900
1000 Watts, HDMI 1080P up scaling, USB play & record, wireless rear speakers, USB port
Audio cassette deck, 1800 W PMPO, USB video Play, FM radio
LG HT934WA OMR 189.900
1000 Watts, HDMI 1080P up scaling, ipod dock, USB play & record, wireless rear speakers, USB port
PHILIPS HTS3578W/98 OMR 165.900
PANASONIC SC-VK880 OMR 144.500
1100 Watts, HDMI 1080P up scaling, wireless rear speakers, USB port
Karaoke function, 11000 w PMPO, USB record & play, 5 disc changer, FM radio, Dolby digital
SONY MHC-GZR99D OMR 157.900
7” LCD screen, USB video play, 7700 W PMPO, 3 disc changer, FM radio, Dolby digital
JVC NX-D7 OMR 169.900
PANASONIC SC-PT875 OMR 166.900
1250 Watts, HDMI 1080P up scaling, wireless rear speakers, Zipod dock, USB port
Karaoke / FM radio, 5000 W PMPO, USB record & play, HDMI out, JPEG / DIVX
SAMSUNG HT-Z425 OMR 155.900
1000 Watts, HDMI 1080P up scaling, bluetooth function, USB play & record, wireless rear speakers, USB port
Tips: Selecting a Hi-Fi system Loudness and total wattage isn’t everything in an audio system. Audio clarity is more important than either. Keep that in mind when testing a system before making a purchase. Most HiFi’s can do more than just play music, use this to your advantage to save money on other home equipment. TECH / 55
tech favourites
SAMSUNG GT-S5620 OMR 91.000
Also called the Samsung Monte, it boasts a host of multimedia features and a sleek design
BLACKBERRY 9700 BOLD OMR 249.900
The 9700 it’s loaded with built-in features and applications to help make your life easier
Nokia N97 mini OMR 167.900
With Handwriting Recognition and Nokia Maps powered with its Built-in GPS system, this is mobile phone you don’t want to leave home without.
Sony Ericsson SATIO OMR 209.900
A touch screen phone with a high resolution camera, and a powerful processor packed in. Resulting in quality media and seamless performance.
NOKIA N900 OMR 219.900
The Nokia N900 broadens the choice for technology enthusiasts who appreciate the ability to multitask and browse the internet like they would on their desktop Sony computer
NWZ-E445 OMR 58.500
Packing a Radio Tuner and playing a wide range of media formats, this Sony 16Gb MP3 player is a wonderful choice. Along with a great price tag!
Griffin Evolve OMR 166.000 Now here’s something interesting! Set up the dock and then remove the speakers and place them anywhere in the room.
Samsung Media Player YP-P3CB OMR 62.900 (8GB)
The ability to upscale your compressed songs and a customisable widget desk. The P3 is a fresh new take in a crowded world of portable media player.
Altec Lansing T612 OMR 88.900
JVC XS-SR3 OMR 49.9000
1Supporting iPods as well as portable game consoles, this JVC packs great sound performance. Plus you can rotate your iPod whilst docked!
With powerful deep bass, full audio spectrum and a smart music pause for incoming calls. This handy sound dock keeps the songs kicking from your iPhone and gives you quiet time for calls!
Tips: Buying a mobile phone Always buy a phone that matches your requirements, be it fashion or practicality. But try to balance the two as much as possible so that you don’t end up with the short end of the stick. Always carry out proper research before purchasing a phone, just because the mobile is from a reputed brand doesn’t mean that it is flawless.
56 / TECH
Convergence is the key to saving cash, phones today can easily replace a number of devices that you would normally carry around. Check the stats correctly and buy smart.
PANASONIC ZR1 OMR 136.800
12.1 Megapixel, 8x optical zoom, HD movie, 25mm wide angle, power OIS, plus 2GB card
CASIO EX-Z400 OMR 109.900
12.1 Megapixel, 4x optical zoom, 3.0”LCD screen, face detection, 28mm wide angle, plus 2GB card & camera case
OLYMPUS MJU 9010 OMR 149.900
CANON IXUS 210 OMR 164.900
14.1 Megapixel, 3.0”LCD touch screen, 5x optical zoom, HD movie, 25mm wide angle, plus camera case & 2GB card
14.1 Megapixel, 10x optical zoom, 2.7” LCD screen, 28mm wide angle, HD movie, plus camera pouch & 2GB card
CANON EOS 50D OMR 799.900
CANON HF200 OMR 379.900
15.1 Megapixel, live view mode, 3.0” Lcd screen, 6.3 Fps + 2GB SD card, 18-200 mm lens
3.1 Mega pixel, 15x optical zoom, 2.7”LCD screen, HD video lens, CMOS sensor, 32GB built in, optical image stabilizer.
10x optical zoom, 3.2”Lcd screen, exmore R CMOS, 12.0 Megapixel, 240 GB hdd, plus camera case & 2GB card
SONY A330 OMR 319.900
10.2 Megapixel, 2.7” LCD screen, 9 point af, quick af live view, 18-55 + 55-200 lens kit, plus 2GB card & camera case
SONY HDR-XR550 OMR 509.900
SONY TX7 OMR 184.900
JVC GZ-HM400 OMR 32.900
10.2 Megapixel, 3.0”LCDscreen, 4x optical zoom, full HD movie, 25mm wide angle, plus camera case & 2GB card
10x optical zoom, AF 2.7” LCD screen, full HD video, 1080 50p, x.V color/1920x1080, 9.1 Megapixel, plus 2GB card & camera case
tech favourites
HISENSE AS18CT OMR 1599.900
1.5 Ton capacity , negative iron filter, digital temperature display
ELECTROLUX EXE18CK4W1 OMR 184.500 ASSET AAS 18 OMR 135.900 1.5 Ton capacity
1.5 Ton capacity, 6 technology air filtration, biohepa filter plasma filters
PANASONIC CS/CU C18JKF OMR 187.900
1.5 Ton capacity, power cooling at 55 degrees selsius
TOSHIBA GRY70TS OMR 229.900
SHARP SJKC53RSL OMR 165.000
680 Ltrs capacity, hybrid plasma technology, insulated wired shelves, deodorizer, double twist ice tray
460 Ltrs capacity, platinum deodorizing, insulated wired shelves, double twist ice tray, black glass finish
492 Ltrs capacity, miulti air flow cooling system, tempered glass shelves
PANASONIC NRB651 OMR 256.900 521 Ltrs capacity, bottom freezer, insulated wired shelves, twist ice tray
TOSHIBA GRRMG46UT OMR 175.900
SHARP SJPT73RHS OMR 254.900
SAMSUNG RT 30 OMR 110.500
300 Ltrs capacity , Three dimensional cooling system, insulated wired shelves
662 Ltrs capacity, plasmacluster ion, hybrid cooling system, led display, tempered glass shelves, double twist ice tray
Tips: Purchasing a refrigerator The first criteria for deciding is capacity required and space occupied by the unit in your kitchen. Large chiller units, Tempered shelves are strong and prevents overspill in most cases. Deodrizer helps reduce odour and IR or UV light bulbs kill harmful bacteria.
58 / TECH
Efficiency of units are a priority. Certain brands have features that performs faster cooling and lower energy consumption.
TOSHIBA Qosmio X500-11G OMR 880.000
This monster of a laptop packs the same raw power, but with an additional Blu-Ray Writer. Entertainment just got wilder. Samsung
N510-JA01A OMR 206.800
This netbook is quite a tough one, with an nVIDIA ION graphic card and LED display. Perfect portable with outstanding features!
HP PAVILION DV6-2170ee OMR 549.900
This mid-range laptop is perfect for a balance between business and pleasure, with its high definition LED screen for picture perfect quality.
HP MINI 210-1013ee OMR 196.800 HP Touchsmart IQ300 OMR 459.900
If you’re looking for something just a little lower, this is it. The hard disk and RAM are quite big for a netbook, great price tag as well.
The PC that does everything, all done by touching the screen! Widescreen display and touch gestures, allows for exploring media with greater control.
ACER Aspire 1810TZ413G OMR 259.600
Aspire series in the netbook family, the performance in this one is wondrous. 64BIT processor at this size is just pure power in a pocket!
SONY VAIO VPCW-216AA/W OMR 219.900
Sony VAIO in the form of a netbook, also features high quality hardware that fits perfectly for frequent travelers.
ACER Ferrari FO200-313G32n OMR 299.800
Exotic style meets portable technology, the Acer Ferrari is a signature ultra portable notebook for fans of the Italian beauty. Elegant design and sleek edges are the key points here.
HP Pavilion DV8-1090ev OMR 838.900
The beast of laptops, which is literally a walking desktop. Large amount of memory, video memory and hard disk. With a SONY VAIO Full HD LCD VGN-FW55MF/B screen.
OMR 599.000
Bringing the quality of Sony to portable computers, the Sony VAIO is the one to choose should you not need as much power. Although slightly lower.
Mobile zone
Moving to Cloud 7even On February 15, at Mobile World Congress 2010, Microsoft unveiled the next generation of Windows Phones, Windows Phone 7 Series. With this new platform, Microsoft will offer a fresh approach to phone software, distinguished by a smart design and truly integrated experiences that bring to the surface the content people care about from the Web and applications. Also, for the first time ever, Microsoft will bring together Xbox LIVE games and the Zune music and video experience on a mobile phone. With Windows Phone 7 Series, Microsoft takes a fundamentally different approach to phone software. Smart design begins with a new, holistic design system that informs every aspect of the phone, from its visually appealing layout and motion to its function and hardware integration. On the Start screen, dynamically updated “live tiles” show users real-time content directly, breaking the mould of static icons that serve as an intermediate step on the way to an application. Create a tile of a friend, and
the user gains a readable, up-to-date view of a friend’s latest pictures and posts, just by glancing at Start. Every Phone 7 Series phone will come with a dedicated hardware button for Bing, providing one-click access to search from anywhere on the phone, while a special implementation of Bing search provides intent-specific results, delivering the most relevant Web or local results, depending on the type of query. Phone 7 Series creates an unrivalled set of integrated experiences on a phone through Windows Phone hubs. Hubs bring together related content from the Web, applications and services into a single view to simplify common tasks. Manufacturers such as Dell, Garmin-Asus, HTC, HP, LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba and Qualcomm have committed to include Windows Phone 7 Series in their portfolio plans. The first phones should be available by holiday 2010.
Pictures The ‘pictures hub’ makes it easy to share pictures and video to a social network in one step. Windows Phone 7 Series also brings together a user’s photos by integrating with the Web and PC, making the phone the ideal place to view a person’s entire picture and video collection.
The ‘market place hub’ allows the user to easily discover and load the phone with certified applications and games.
The ‘office hub’ brings the familiar experience of the world’s leading productivity software to the Windows Phone. With access to Office, OneNote and SharePoint Workspace all in one place, users can easily read, edit and share documents. With the additional power of Outlook Mobile, users stay productive and up to date while on the go. 60 / TECH
The ‘people hub’ delivers an engaging social experience by bringing together relevant content based on the person, including his or her live feeds from social networks and photos. It also provides a central place from which to post updates to Facebook and Windows Live in one step.
The ‘music+video hub’ creates an incredible media experience that brings the best of Zune, including content from a user’s PC, online music services and even a built-in FM radio into one simple place that is all about music and video. Users
can turn their media experience into a social one with Zune Social on a PC and share their media recommendations with like-minded music lovers. The playback experience is rich and easy to navigate, and immerses the listener in the content.
Games The ‘games hub’ delivers the first and only official Xbox LIVE experience on a phone, including Xbox LIVE games, Spotlight feed and the ability to see a gamers’ avatar, Achievements and gamer profile. With more than 23 million active members around the world, Xbox LIVE unlocks a world of friends, games and entertainment on Xbox 360, and now also on Windows Phone 7 Series. TECH / 61
Mobile zone
Built for style Are you a very style-conscious buyer? Whether you are a guy or a gal, Samsung has just the right phone for you The Samsung Monte boasts a host of multimedia features and a sleek, sophisticated design – providing the style and performance of a high-end handset at an affordable price
With a stunning contrasting orange and graphite, or black and silver, colour casing and an intuitive TouchWiz 2.0 Plus User Interface, the Monte is set to become the latest must-have full touch Samsung device.
The Samsung Monte makes staying connected with friends and colleagues incredibly easy with a suite of native social network applications including Facebook and MySpace, allowing users to access their profiles whenever and wherever they choose. The advanced Twitter, Bebo widgets and multi-IM capability provide users with the opportunity to chat in real-time via their chosen service
The Samsung Diva is designed for the woman with exquisite taste, sophistication and an amazing personality. This audience will surely appreciate the Diva’s pearlywhite quilted back cover as well as the diamond-shaped crystal button on the front
The device makes keeping track of communications with friends and colleagues simple. Pop-up SNS (Social Networking Service) instantly notifies users when friends add updates on social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace. Multi-instant messenger combines all accounts into one easy-to-use application so that users can always stay connected.
62 / TECH
The Samsung Monte also includes navigation features with GPS supported by Google Latitude, users will always know where they are and can keep their friends updated on their location at all times. With a Geo-tagging capability, users can imprint their photos with geographic tags to share their experiences with friends. Other connectivity features include optional anytime, anywhere Wi-Fi connectivity, Exchange ActiveSync for access to Outlook email accounts and Google Sync
The Monte comes equipped with a 3.0-inch WQVGA LCD screen with 16:9 landscape viewing and a 3.2-mega pixel camera with imaging features including smile shot, panorama shot, and face detection. The phone also supports Smart Unlock and One finger zoom making it easier and more intuitive to use
The ‘Premium Package’ includes a trendy phone strap and a luxurious handmade genuine leather phone case to dress-up the fashionista phone, all beautifully presented in a stylish package.
With the Diva’s 3.2 megapixel camera featuring ‘Beauty Effect’ and ‘Lomo Effect,’ users can take brilliant photos and flawless portraits.
Other features designed with women in mind include an ‘SOS Message’ function that can send a direct to assigned public security services when needed. ‘Wish List’ helps the user streamline her shopping, while ‘Etiquette mode’ enables consumers to instantaneously silence the mobile at necessary moments. Available at SARCO showrooms.
Company
Product
Showroom
Service Dept.
Al Khalili Group
Acer
Wadi Kabir 24816303
24816303
Bahwan Electornics
Asset, Carrier, Ignis, Napro, Toshiba
Ruwi 24796629/32
24501965 / 66
Jawahir Oman
Bang & Olufsen
Qurm 24563213
24563213
Belltel
Nokia
Ruwi 24798222
24798222
Genetco
Frizicool, Sanyo, Videocon, Yamaha, SanSui
Ruwi 24830919
24503653
Hi Tech Centre
Boston Accoustics, Denon, Leica, Polk Audio
Azaiba 24497384
24497384
Jumbo Electronics
Sony, Blackberry, Supra
MBD 24818358, Al Araimi 24565845 QCC 24470529, Salalah 23291984
Wadi Kabir 24814815, 24814751, Fax 24815267
Khimji Luxury
Krups, Moulinex
Ruwi 24796161
99881627
K R Household
O General, Siemens
Wadi Kabir 24813333
24814793
MHD
Fagor, Pioneer
Ruwi 24732440
24732440
Meta Galaxy
Hitachi
Ruwi 24503653
24503653
Muscat Electronics
Daikin
Ruwi 24702982
24813408
Mustafa Sultan
Haier, Philips, Nevica, Whirlpool
Al Khuwair 24636015
Wadi Kabir 24799450
Oman International Electronics & Trading Co. LLC
Bose, Nikai, Nec, JVC
Qurm 24565490
24830606
Oman Trading Est.
Bosch, LG, Palson, Prolux, White Westinghouse
Ruwi 24834162 Al Araimi 2456148, 24810522
24810522, 24810156, 80075545
Omasco
Panasonic, Xper, Aftron, Black&Decker, GE,
Qurm, 24564310 Ruwi 24833630
24560232
Sarco
Samsung, Frigidaire, Technoflame
Ruwi 24795503
Ghala 24593025
Sayed Bin Nasser Al Hashar
Sharp, Ariston, Frizair Mastergas, Rinnai, Voltas, JBL, Omec-SBNAH, Harmon Qardon
Ruwi 24700571 Ruwi 24706004, 24796007 Ruwi High Street 24834460 Salalah 23291405, Sohar 26840763 Sur 25544613
24704494
Shah Nagardas Manji Co. LLC
Casio, Kodak, Lexar, Olympus, Russell Hobbs
Ruwi 24703803, Qurm 24562656 Lulu Baushe 24593806, Nizwa 25410184
Emax
Multibrand
MCC 24558062, Fax 24558063
Technical Trading Co. LLC
Westinghouse
Ruwi 24703515, Fax 24700010
Photocentre
Sigma, LowePro, ManFrotto, Fuji
Qurm 24565305 Al Khuwair 24479296
P&G
Brawn, Oral-B
24815474
Salman Store
Janome, Coolex
24799332
Abu Hani
La Germania, Starway, Westar, Starline, Tatung
24495141
Jashanmal
Mytag, Hoover
24702312
Loay
Benq
24708795
24700883
24491327
24708845
If you would like to be listed or make corrections, e-mail: tech@deenarmedia.com
TECH / 63
Makita Power Tools manufactures the best in class engineered industrial power tools for the professional user with leading performance, precision and durability. Products include Cordless Tools, Drills & Fastening, Impact Drilling Demolition, Cutting Metal, Grinding & Sanding, Sawing, Planning, Routing, Pneumatic & Accessories .
Tel : + 968 24811238 Fax : + 968 24816146 website : www.arabigsis.com email : gsiscom@omantel.net.om
Advertise here for as low as OMR 50
contact 97753930
64 / TECH
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