OCTOBER 2011 / 3
Home Screen OCTOBER 2011
OMAN’S ONLY TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE
EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief
Hatim al Taie Content Head
Sujata Sengupta Dy. Content Head
Poornima Ramani Content Asst.
Sangeetha Gopi Senior Designer
Shyniben Koyakkil Designer
Muneeb Khan
CORPORATE Managing Director
Abdullah al Taie General Manager
Rathish Ramachandran Asst. General Manager
Terry Mathukutty Sales
Mary Gonzales Sami Dalwai Leticia Meneses
Produced by
Redefining technology For technology enthusiasts, the month of September is a very important milestone. It has set the consumer electronics landscape for the next 12 months. We are talking about the IFA 2011 in Berlin, the world’s largest consumer electronics and home appliance show which opened its doors for the 51st time on the 1st of September this year. It is not just a gadget show. The IFA 2011 is a technology event on a massive scale. New gadgets and technology can be expected from industry giants like Sony, Samsung, LG, HTC, Toshiba, Netgear, Dell, Lenovo, and Philips. In this issue of TECH we have given sneak peeks at some of the expected launches. However, closer to the launch dates in the Middle East, we will bring you the latest information in our future editions. In this issue we have covered quite a few recent launches in Oman, including an in-depth review of the Panasonic 3D VT30 series TV (cover story of the month) – a wonderful step up from the VT20 series of last year. We have also provided you with a quick review of the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 which is now available in Oman – a tablet that is definitely worth buying. This issue goes beyond gadgets, however. Toshiba’s new glasses-free 3D TV and LG’s PenTouch TV – two unique technologies – have been featured in the Video Zone. And now, moving on to our gaming fans – after a few dry months, we have got the game of the year in our Gamer’s Delight section. You guessed it – Gears of War 3. As our resident gamer says, Gears 3 is ‘a well-designed and executed final chapter’. Happy reading!
Talk to us! Twitter: @techmagz For queries: tech@deenarmedia.com
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2011 © All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers; while every care has been taken in the preparation of the magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible if factual errors in product and pricing occur. MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. The publishers regret they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this issue. Please check any quoted hardware specifications and pricing with your supplier before purchase.
Printed at Oman Printers & Stationers, Sultanate of Oman
October
Deenar Press and Publishing LLC PO Box 139, PC 102, Al Qurm, Sultanate of Oman Tel: + 968 24696868, Fax: +968 24693569 E-mail: info@deenarmedia.com
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VOL 2
ISSUE 6
OCTOBER 2011
CONTENTS Features Page
Photography
16
- Sony a77 and a65 are for photo enthusiasts - Easy sharing with Panasonic LUMIX FX90 - Fun tips for underwater photography
Mobile Zone
19
Computing
22
- Curve delivers smooth social experiences - Nokia C3-01 is an updated Middle Eastern edition
- Razer Blade features revolutionary user interface - An insanely slim Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 - Kodak expands mobile connectivity
Interview
17 28
M Ramakrishnan, GM of Gulf Telecommunications Co.
30
Video Zone - Panasonic VT30 is the best 3D Plasma HDTV - LG launches the PenTouch TV series - ZL2 is glasses-free 3D TV from Toshiba - Belkin offers wireless home theatre solutions
35
A/V Zone Philips’ new offerings this month
35
36
Event GITEX 2011 is set to start this October
How Stuff Works
38
Figure how a calculator works
TECH Art
39
Adding rain to your pictures
Home Zone
- From icebox to modern refrigerators - LG’s Lightwave Technology is revolutionary - Dyson DC41 Animal has great suction power
40 54
Regulars
Dashboard
48
Gamer’s Delight
50 NouvoTech
Business TECH
Quiz 52 Tech Favourites Tech Directory
Ford EVOS is mean, yet green
- Gears of War 3 is well executed - Resistance 3 is a rewarding gameplay
Makita PV7000C polisher gives you absolute control
Tech News
10 14 55 56 63
Letters to the Editor If you have any queries, mail us on tech@deenarmedia.com, and we will try to answer them in our next issue
Hi, I am planning on buying an Apple laptop. But I would like to know what the difference is between the MacBook Pro and the Air? Thanks,
: @techmagz Hi TECH team, I need a camera. Zoom is an important option for me. But I am confused between Optical Zoom and Digital Zoom. Which one am I supposed to consider? I will be glad if you can help. Thanks Srikanth
Shalini Dear Shalini, Apple products are almost universally easy to use and beautifully designed. And Apple keeps it simple with the product names. Unlike most other computer manufacturers, Apple doesn’t offer a dizzying number of different types of computers identified by confusing letter and number combinations. There are two to choose from – the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. If you travel a lot and portability is what you’re looking for, go for the MacBook Air. If your priority is power, or if you edit a lot of videos and photos, and need physical connectivity options like Firewire, then the MacBook Pro is your best bet. If you need more detailed information on the models, we are quite happy to email them to you. - Ed Dear TECH, I accidentally emptied my recycle bin. How can I get my files back? Please help. Nasser Dear Nasser, Don’t fret. In order to get back your deleted files, you need to make sure to do as little as possible on your computer and avoid writing to the hard drive. Try not to reboot your computer; don’t create and save new files, or open any unnecessary programs. If you have a USB drive download Restoration. Restoration is a free program to recover files from a deleted recycle bin. Save it to your USB drive, and run it from there. If that doesn’t work, or if you don’t feel comfortable using free software, try Recover My Files or Recover Lost Data which charges a small fee. - Ed Dear Editor, I need to know more about netbooks. How is it different from laptops? And are they worth buying? Regards, Fatma Dear Fatma, Netbook is a catch-all term (not a brand name) for a relatively new category of superportable laptops. Netbooks, in general, are very small, with screens usually less than ten inches. They also have slightly smaller
Dear Srikanth, Optical zoom uses high-quality glass to magnify the actual scene you are taking a photo of. If your camera has five megapixels, the optical zoom will allow you to take a five-megapixel photo of the scene. Digital zoom, on the other hand, will only magnify a part of the scene, by cropping it and enlarging it. It’s taking something small and enlarging it. For example, if you take a photo of a flower, using optical zoom, you can zoom right in and have a highdefinition, crystal clear view of each petal and the pollen grains. Digital zoom would take a normal photo of the entire flower arrangement, but to ‘zoom’ it will actually just crop and enlarge the bit with the flower. In short, digital zoom is ‘cheat’ zoom. - Ed
keyboards and are very light They also have above-average battery life when compared to full-size laptops. Any netbook worthy of the name comes with built-in wireless capability. However, most do not come with a built-in CD or DVD drive. Netbooks are great for frequent travellers who don’t need a lot of screen real estate and don’t spend hours on their computers each day. If you’re a traveller, but also like to do a lot of photo editing of your digital pictures while on your trip, a netbook probably isn’t for you, as the small screen size will quickly become a hindrance and probably somewhat annoying. - Ed
TECH NEWS
MSE brings Haier to Oman Haier is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of consumer electronics and home appliances. Its products are sold in over 100 countries around the globe, and the brand is highly recognised and widely accepted in China, India, America and European markets. After making their mark in these countries Haier is now keen to make their stamp in the Sultanate of Oman. A premium global brand, Haier is already a well accepted brand in Oman. The product offerings include LCD, LED TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, dish washers, microwave ovens, and window and split air-conditioners. Some products like the LCD TVs, split air-conditioners and refrigerators have registered huge sales in the past few years. The cutting-edge technology employed in manufacturing ensures excellent product quality and superior performance backed
ADDING MULTIMEDIA Adobe Systems Incorporated announced significant new releases of industry-leading streaming video solutions, including Adobe Flash Media Server 4.5 and Flash Access 3.0 software. With Flash Media Server 4.5, media publishers can extend their already broad mobile reach via Flash-enabled devices, with the new ability to deliver video content to Apple’s iPad and iPhone devices, enabling them to reach the widest audience possible. Adobe Flash Access 3.0, a robust content protection solution, will enable content owners to deliver on-demand content with massive scale and strict studio-level security across a broad range of devices, following the upcoming release of Flash Player 11 and Adobe AIR 3. Flash Media Server 4.5 expands on its mobile delivery options with the addition of iOS support and enables content owners to create HTTP content on the fly to reduce costs brought on by device proliferation. Flash Access 3.0 builds on Adobe’s strong traction in video delivery by extending support to reach mobile devices. This allows content providers to securely deliver and monetise content with a single back-end workflow, delivering rich experiences on desktop, connected TVs, Blu-ray players, tablets and smartphones.
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by elegant looks. The product brings user-friendliness, comfort and great entertainment to the homes of customers, backed by a three-year warranty. Haier products are distributed by Mustafa Sultan Electronics. It is available at retail outlets in Al Khuwair and Ruwi, besides dealers and hypermarkets.
NETGEAR SETS BENCHMARK NETGEAR is setting a new benchmark for speed, range and premium features in home wireless routers with the N900 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router. The NETGEAR N900 router, available now in the US at USD179.99 (approximately RO69), leaps ahead with up to 900 megabits per second of combined Wi-Fi speed and greater Wi-Fi range for maximum performance with even the most demanding tasks, such as wireless 3D and HD video streaming, multiplayer gaming and backing up big files. With up to 50 per cent more speed in the 2.4GHz band than the current generation of 750Mbps routers, the NETGEAR N900 can support a full 450Mbps in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The NETGEAR N900’s six highly sensitive internal antennas, boosted by ultrahigh-power radio amplifiers, provide more Wi-Fi range. Beyond speed and range, the NETGEAR N900 offers a long list of advanced features that make home networks useful and easier to manage.
Personalised walkman Sony Ericsson’s latest offering, the Mix Walkman phone, integrates full touch functionality with a corner user interface similar to that available in the Xperia mini range. Packed with features, the gadget includes a camera enabled with video recording and Wi-Fi connectivity for chatting and browsing. The Sony Ericsson Mix Walkman provides a new and fun way of listening to music. Simply pressing the Zappin key allows a preview of the chorus of the next track, making it easy for the user to choose a favourite song. A karaoke function also enables the vocal track from songs to be lowered instantly, allowing music enthusiasts to sing along with their favourite tunes. The look and feel of the phone can be personalised with a range of exchangeable colour bands that come with the phone. The Sony Ericsson Mix Walkman is available across all major retail outlets across the Middle East.
NEW SATA SSD FROM INTEL Intel Corporation announced its latest solid-state drive (SSD), the Intel SolidState Drive 710 Series, a purpose-built Multi-Level Cell (MLC) data centre SSD and replacement for the Intel X25-E Extreme SSD. The Intel SSD 710 delivers the endurance and performance necessary for data centre, financial
services, embedded, Internet portal, search engine and other demanding storage and server applications, but at a greater value. It utilises the higher capacity and more cost-effective MLC NAND. It achieves write endurance outof-the-box of up to 1.1PB (Petabytes) and comes in 100GB, 200GB and 300GB capacities. In addition to performance, the Intel SSD 710 can replace many power-consuming HDDs with a single SSD to help reduce data centre energy costs. The Intel SSD 710 also includes increased reliability and security features. Providing a better dollar-per-GB value than its previousgeneration Intel X25-E SSD, the Intel SSD 710 Series is priced at USD649
(approximately RO250) for the 100GB version, USD1,289 (approximately RO495) for the 200GB, and USD1,929 (approximately RO740) for 300GB.
WIRELESS TOUCHPAD The Logitech Wireless Touchpad makes it easy to point, scroll and swipe your way to wherever you go on the Web. With multi-touch navigation and intuitive, gesturebased controls, the Logitech Wireless Touchpad lets you navigate your computer naturally. The large touch surface gives you plenty of room to let your fingertips do the clicking. And since there are no cords, there’s no clutter and no hassles. Just put the touchpad anywhere on your desk or tabletop, insert the plug-and-forget Logitech Unifying receiver into your computer’s USB port and let the fun begin. Plus, the receiver stays in your computer and enables you to easily connect up to five other compatible devices. The touchpad’s multi-touch navigation offers up to four-finger gestures and swipes to scroll pages, jump tabs and switch applications. It is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of USD49.99 (approximately RO19). OCTOBER 2011 / 13
CORSAIR UNVEILS VENGEANCE The Vengeance 1500 and 1300 are two top-end models that Corsair is offering gamers. The 1500 supports 7.1 and 5.1 Dolby Headphone positional audio. Both the 1500 and the 1300 feature 50mm drivers and closed back ear-pads. The Vengeance 1500 connects via USB, while the 1300 connects via the regular two 3.5mm jack configuration. The third in the line-up is the Vengeance 1100, which is simpler and comes with 40mm drivers and a noise cancelling cardioids microphone. It comes with both USB and 3.5mm analogue connectors. The 1500 will be priced at USD99 (approximately RO38), the 1300 at USD79 (approximately RO30) and the 1100 at USD39 (approximately RO15). The three headsets are expected to be available this October.
P&G and Powermat join forces The Procter & Gamble Company and Powermat, the pioneer in wireless charging, announced that they intend to form a joint venture to bring the most innovative and compelling wireless power products to consumers around the world. As part of the strategic alliance between P&G’s Duracell brand and Powermat, P&G also expects to make an equity investment in Powermat. It is expected that the joint venture will begin operation early next year, harnessing the capabilities of P&G and Powermat to fulfil this common vision through unrivalled innovation and global reach. Wireless charging became a reality with Powermat’s retail product launch in 2009, and has gained momentum since then, with millions of consumers joining the wireless power revolution.
HP’s new members HP has added powerful and affordable displays for creative professionals and retail businesses to its portfolio, including the company’s first 27-inch diagonal performance display with more than one billion colours, the industry’s first subUSD200 display with in-plane switching (IPS) technology and HP’s first 47-inch diagonal multitouch Digital Signage Display. Among the new products added are the HP ZR2740w, ZR2440w, ZR2240w and ZR2040w performance displays featuring LED-backlit IPS panels, delivering ultimate performance for professionals that value exceptional image accuracy. The HP Compaq LE2202x Essential Display is for businesses that need affordable display technology in a thin profile with a small footprint. The HP LD4220tm and HP LD4720tm Digital Signage Displays allow customers to interact with business messages in a simple yet powerful way. The HP SignagePlayer mp8200 provides smooth and reliable operation in demanding digital signage applications.
Bose introduces SoundLink The SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker from Bose is a portable speaker that connects wirelessly to any Bluetoothenabled device. Available from Bose and select authorised dealers worldwide beginning September 15, 2011, the SoundLink speaker combines four lowprofile neodymium transducers for clear high- and mid-frequencies, with new dual-opposing passive radiators for rich, deep, low notes. At less than two inches thick, and no bigger than an average book, it can easily fit in a bag, backpack 14 / TECH
or briefcase. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery supplies power for more than three hours at high volume, and for more than eight hours at typical listening levels, making it ideal for the beach, park, party, home, or office. The SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker comes with a standard trim level and a dark grey Cordura nylon cover for USD299.95 (approximately RO115), or in the LX model, with a premium trim level and a dark brown leather cover for USD349.95 (approximately RO135).
Kitchen Solutions Belkin recently unveiled a new line-up of kitchen accessories for the iPad 2, including stands and mounts specially designed to protect the tablet from kitchen messes and make cooking more fun and efficient. Chef Stand + Stylus (F5L099), priced at USD39.99 (approximately RO15) is kitchen-safe and made for use with messy hands. It allows you to scroll through recipes without getting your iPad 2 dirty. The product features dual angles for easy viewing and a non-slip rubber base, perfect for combating slippery countertops. The Fridge Mount (F5L098), priced at USD39.99 (approximately RO15), is compatible with most tablets. It allows you to keep your to-do list up-to-date and grocery list handy. The minimalist design stylishly keeps the iPad 2 safe and secure. The Kitchen Cabinet Mount (F5L100), priced at USD49.99 (approximately RO19), helps free up valuable counter space. It can be securely suspended on any cabinet or shelf, easily installed, removed, and stored.
GLASSES-FREE 3D
Sony announced the launch of Head Mounted Display HMZ-T1, a device that offers a spectacular new style for viewing both 2D and 3D content. Simply slip the device onto your head to experience the movie theatre-like virtual screen. It is equipped with the newly-developed 0.7-inch high definition OLED panel (1,280x720). The HMZ-T1 achieves HD picture quality that makes full use of the OLED display’s high contrast, colour reproducibility, and fast response. In addition, the device adopts the ‘Dual Panel 3D Method’ which consists of separate panels for the left and right eye in order to display independent HD picture quality to each eye. Sony has also adopted its original virtual surround signal processing technology. Combined with the high-resolution 3D picture quality, viewers will be able to fully enjoy powerful acoustics equivalent to a maximum of 5.1ch through the left and right headphones alone.
Toshiba Computer Systems Division launched its first laptop with glassesfree 3D in September. The Qosmio F750 3D presents two pioneering achievements: it is the world’s first commercially available glassesfree 3D laptop that can display 2D and 3D content simultaneously in one screen. The Qosmio F750 3D, featuring high-quality DVD 2D to 3D real-time conversion, also opens up fascinating opportunities for professionals such as architects, scientists, product designers and doctors. The Qosmio F750 3D and the non-3D version Qosmio F750 will be available in two colour variations during the third quarter of 2011 in the Middle East. Toshiba uses a switchable active lens to separate the two parallax images and to guide them into the left and the right eye. To allow the viewer to vary his or her position in front of the laptop’s display, the Qosmio F750 3D features an HD web camera with face tracking technology, which continually detects the position of the viewer’s face. With embedded Harman Kardon stereo speakers and Dolby Advanced Audio, users get a truly cinematic experience.
PERSONAL 3D VIEWER
OCTOBER 2011 / 15
FUZZY FUN
GO DIGITAL The new A3 Smart Pen revolutionises the way you write. You can write on paper, and have it shown on your smartphone screen, real-time. You can also write and save them without connecting to your smartphone or computer. This smart pen is fun and useful for those who do a good deal of mindmapping and drawing. You can simply upload the images and export them to Photoshop. By clipping the receiver on a paper, aPen A3 automatically digitises your written notes and can store up to 100 pages wirelessly without having to connect to a computer. It comes with Bluetooth and software to let you sync your files to your BlackBerry or Andriod phone. It comes at the suggested retail price of USD129.99 (approximately RO50).
Touchscreen-friendly gloves have been around for quite a while now but the folks over at Agloves have considerably raised the bar with their line of mittens that offer full ten-finger touchscreen compatibility. The newest item in the range – the Agloves Bamboo – is only USD24 (approximately RO9) and the company’s greenest offering yet. It is knitted with bamboo and 15 per cent silver-coated nylon. As with the original Agloves, Agloves Bamboo gloves use actual silver throughout to optimise the skin’s potential connectivity, thus allowing you to access the touchscreen device. Agloves are compatible with all touchscreen phones, cameras, multimedia devices, game systems, and eReaders.
Paperless eWriters Improv Electronics, the makers of Boogie Board LCD eWriters, recently introduced the long-awaited Boogie Board Rip LCD Writing Tablet with save capabilities at the IFA media event in Berlin, Germany. It is the newest model to join the rapidly growing line of paperless, environmentally-friendly eWriters from Improv Electronics that utilise Kent Displays Reflex No Power LCDs. The Rip (Record Image, Preserve) tablet combines the writing experience of Boogie Board tablets with the ability to save notes or illustrations and then transfer them to a computer for editing, organising, archiving and sharing. Saved images are stored as .pdf files in the tablet’s internal memory and can be uploaded to a PC through its micro USB port. The tablet will begin shipping on 1 November 2011 for purchases made through improvelectronics.com.
16 / TECH
Environment Music House of Marley recently launched the Djembe Jammin’ Speaker, the One Foundation Speaker Dock, and the Get Up, Stand Up Speaker Dock. The three docks are environment-friendly. The Djembe Jammin’ Speaker has a recyclable plastic housing that’s high quality, adds to durability and keeps materials out of the waste stream. The One Foundation Speaker Dock is made from polished FSC-certified wood, giving you that natural look and feel. The iPod/iPhone dock also acts as a charger. AirPlay technology has been added, letting you wirelessly stream music from any room. The Get Up, Stand Up Speaker Dock provides sound with an output of about 25W times two, and makes the bass shine with four-inch driver and two-inch dome tweeters.
TOWERING AUDIO
Revo Technologies recently released its towering K2 digital radio device. A stunning column of aluminium and rubber, it is capable of delivering reception of a wide variety of radio formats including DAB, DAB+, FM and Internet radio. K2 also offers full audio and video playback from iPod, iPhone and iPad, and the ability to wirelessly stream music files from any connected PC or Mac. It produces 40W of room-filling high resolution digital audio, courtesy of a quartet of neodymium Balanced Mode Radiator speaker drivers and dual Class-D amplifiers. K2’s specifications include a large graphical secret-until-lit OLED display, discreet motorised dock for Apple devices, and an array of connection options including stereo RCA and digital optical out, Apple video out, and 3.5mm headphone jack. With a suggested retail price of GBP299.95 (approximately RO185), K2 goes on sale worldwide on the 17 October 2011. K2 can be pre-ordered by visiting www.revo.co.uk.
Innovative Mouse IDEAL SOUND AeroSystem One, developed by Jean Michel Jarre and his team of sound engineers, is a powerful sound system that can accept all digital formats, from MP3, AAC, WMA, and more. It is compatible with all iPod and iPhone models and comes with an integrated USB 2.0 port, as well as a mini-jack port offering the possibility to connect the system to a laptop, a CD or DVD player, smartphones, hard-disk files, as well as a vinyl turn-table. AeroSystem One incorporates an electronic signal circuit, tailor-made to reproduce both the bass line and high notes with optimal precision. It delivers a precise and enveloping sound thanks to its powerful box beam and two-directional speakers. This is a sound system that appeals both to design and music-lovers.
LG’s LSM-100 is a mouse with a built-in scanner. Operating the scanning function is easy. While holding the Smart Scan button on the left side of the mouse, the user simply swipes the mouse over the material to be scanned. The scanned image can then be saved in a variety of file types – PNG, JPEG, TIFF, BMP, PDF, XLS and DOC – or dragged and dropped into the desired application. The LSM-100 is also equipped with LG’s Optical Character Recognition technology, which converts scanned text into a Microsoft Word document. It can scan page sizes up to A3. The laser sensor is accurate and durable, and the stylish design lends itself to easy, smooth motions, providing an ergonomic, comfortable grip.
OCTOBER 2011 / 17
photography
Rich in detail With the α77 and α65 cameras, Sony has extended its Translucent Mirror camera range After a lot of rumors the past few months, the SLT-A77 (α77) and SLT-A65 (α65) from Sony have finally been officially launched. Watch out photo enthusiasts, the cameras are expected to be available this October. With revised ergonomics, which include a comfortably contoured grip design and tactile new button layout for ‘eyes off’ operation while viewing via the high-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder, the α77 boasts a fast continuous AF shooting performance, capturing a burst of full-resolution images at 12 frames per second with full-time phase-detection autofocus. The α65, on the other hand, achieves an impressive 10fps shooting speed. Thanks to a newly developed 19-point autofocus system, precision AF tracking of moving subjects is crisper and more responsive.
Both cameras showcase the XGA OLED TruFinder; with a 2,359k dot (XGA) resolution, this precision electronic viewfinder offers a bright, detail-packed, high contrast image
The α77 adds double control dials for intuitive fingertip operation and a separate top-mounted LCD data display; the durable body features magnesium alloy panels for strength and lightness
The α77 uses the three-way adjustable screen that tilts and pivots freely for effortless framing at any angle; while the α65 sports the two-way adjust LCD
Sony SLT-A77
Type Image Sensor Processor LCD Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight 18 / TECH
The α77 and α65 feature a newly developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor by Sony with 24.3 effective megapixel resolutions, and is teamed with the BIONZ image processing engine
Stills and video can also be composed and reviewed on the adjustable-angle threeinch Xtra Fine LCD that offers high resolution (921k dot) and TruBlack technology for superb detail and contrast
Sony SLT-A65
Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with built-in flash APS-C type (23.5x5.6mm), Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with RGB primary colour filters BIONZ Image Processor Three-inch wide type TFT, Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack Technology 142.6x104x80.9mm 132.1x97.5x80.7mm 653g 543g
In another first for consumeroriented APS-C cameras, Full HD video is now supported at 50p (progressive) frame rates; creative video options are extended further by the addition of manual focusing and P/A/S/M exposure modes
New dimension The easy-to-use, stylish-looking FX90 from Panasonic makes sharing images easy Panasonic’s latest compact digital camera, the LUMIX DMC-FX90, expected to be available in October, comes with Wi-Fi connectivity. This is a feature-rich model that boasts a 24mm ultra-wide LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT lens with F2.5 brightness. The LUMIX CLUB, a
To make accessing Wi-Fi easier, the LUMIX FX90 has a dedicated Wi-Fi button that when pressed, directly opens a Wi-Fi Connection mode outside home and gets WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) connection at home
cloud-based service accessible via a smartphone and a computer browser, is another addition. This allows consumers to upload photos or videos to social network sites such as Facebook, Flickr, Picasa and YouTube. With a LUMIX CLUB account, Panasonic will provide a free,
The performance of the camera is powered by a 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor and is compatible with high-speed, largecapacity signal processing required for 1,920x1,080 60i (sensor output 30p) fullHD video recording in the AVCHD format
dedicated application called LUMIX LINK, which will be compatible with iPhone and Android OS smartphones. This lets consumers share photos by connecting the FX90 just once to their compatible smartphone and then using the carrier network to share photos online.
The advanced image processing Venus Engine assures high picture quality in both photo and video recording; the Venus Engine also provides precise and selective noise reduction to the chromatic noise without affecting the border of colours
Touch Operation The FX90 supports a Smart Touch operation that lets you control Touch AF, Touch Zoom and Touch Shutter during recording and various playback functions. The functions and settings used most often, such as consecutive shooting, auto focus point, image size and LCD mode, are easily accessed by dragging the icon to the main menu area. Various functions such as Beauty Retouch, Aesthetic Retouch, Make-up Retouch and Art Retouch, are incorporated.
Intelligent Zoom is available which extends the zoom ratio by approximately 1.3x, maintaining the picture quality even when using a digital zoom
The DMC-FX90 features a new 3D Photo mode that produces a 3D image in the camera; this image format is compatible with MPO which can then be played back on other MPO-compatible equipment
Panasonic LUMIX FX90
Camera Effective Pixels Optical Zoom/Digital Zoom LCD Monitor Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight
12.1MP 5x/4x Three-inch full touchscreen (460K dots) 102.2x56.3x21.6mm 132g
To complement the video capabilities, the FX90 includes Dolby Digital Creator to record high-quality audio
Additional features • Face Recognition • Intelligent Scene Selector that automatically selects from six Scene modes – Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset • Intelligent Resolution Technology that is activated in the iA mode resulting in higher picture quality OCTOBER 2011 / 19
Underwater fun Set your camera, get in close, compose the shot and enjoy beautiful pictures of marine life
W
ater sports are quite exciting, especially if you know how to capture life underwater. Well, here are a few basics that should help you. The major obstacle in underwater photography is the water itself – it absorbs colour selectively. For example, at 20ft. beneath the surface reds appear dark green to black. At 60ft. there aren’t any yellows, and at 120ft. all colours appear as shades of blue. Also, there is a drastic reduction in light levels, and consequently the contrast. Using fast film would help overcome the reduced light levels. However, it would not restore the colour.
water, set your camera, get in close, compose your photograph carefully and set your strobe to light your subject before you press the shutter release. ready for use before you approach them, so that if you are using a manual system, you need only to make minor adjustments to the focus and aperture once in the desired position
Counter the loss of light and colour – either stay very close to the surface and take photographs when light levels are at their greatest (usually at mid-day) or take down an artificial light source in the form of an underwater strobe; however, if you introduce artificial light, the suspended particles cause scattering of the light, reducing definition still further Also, keep in mind that the water is never clear. This limits the visibility. So, get closer and reduce the distance between the camera lens and the subject. Use lenses ranging from 110mm or 50mm macro to 16mm full-frame fish-eye. Never use telephoto, so that the subject is usually at most two or three feet from the lens. Remember to move slowly through the
To ensure that very little light from the strobe is reflected back into the lens by particles in the water, hold the strobe higher and to the left of the camera, aiming it at the subject so that only the water nearest the subject is illuminated For photographing fish and other active animals set up your camera and strobe
Tips For best composition, get low and shoot at an upwards angle – don’t centre the subject, fill the frame instead
Use auto white-balance when using a strobe or custom white balance otherwise
Position an external strobe or flash away from the underwater camera housing
Adjust your shutter speed for sharp photos – 1/30th for still objects, 1/60th for slow moving ones and 1/125th for faster objects
Set the camera to highest resolution and the lowest ISO to begin with
20 / TECH
Composing pictures with a non-SLR camera has its problems as the viewfinder is generally only marked to frame a subject at two set distances; if the subject is either nearer or farther from the camera than these set distances, then the centre of the subject on the resulting photograph will be either lower or higher than it appears in the viewfinder
Elegance and Performance perfectly matched
mobile zone
Perfect curve
The new Curve smartphones feature next-generation BlackBerry 7 OS, delivering smooth social experiences
R
esearch In Motion (RIM) recently announced the launch of three new BlackBerry smartphones featuring the BlackBerry 7 Operating System. The all-new BlackBerry Curve 9350, 9360 and 9370 smartphones are slim and stylish. Ergonomically designed with a comfortable and iconic keyboard for fast, accurate typing and an optical trackpad for easy, one-handed navigation, the phones support GPS and Wi-Fi. It comes with a 5MP camera with flash and video recording that lets you share your memories instantly on social networks. The new Curve smartphones also feature a range of powerful hardware enhancements, including upgraded processors, displays and memory, and built-in support for NFC (Near Field Communications).
Next-Generation OS
BlackBerry 7 introduces a next-generation BlackBerry browser that combines the performance of the advanced WebKit browser engine with the hardware enhancements in the new Curve smartphones. Additional enhancements have enabled smoother navigation and optimised HTML5 performance for incredible gaming and video experiences. BlackBerry 7 OS includes a number of other pre-loaded applications and integrated functionality for increased productivity. The Premium version of Documents To Go is included free of charge, offering users powerful document editing features as well as a native PDF document viewer.
The latest release of the BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) is pre-loaded and now extends the real-time BBM experience to a range of other apps, such as Foursquare, allowing users to interact with each other from within the ‘BBM Connected’ app
The updated Social Feeds (2.0) app has been extended to capture updates from media, podcasts and favourites, all in one consolidated view
The new Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones (2.0) app introduces features like Facebook Chat and BBM Integration that make it easier for users to connect with their Facebook friends in real time, utilising push notifications
BlackBerry Curve
The next-generation BlackBerry Curve smartphones deliver mobile communications and social experiences with an integrated suite of phone, email, messaging and social apps to keep users connected throughout the day
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Operating System Processor Display Camera Dimensions Weight
BlackBerry OS 7.0 800MHz Processor 2.44-inch TFT Display 5MP, 2,592x1,944 pixels, LED Flash 109x60x11mm 99g
The C3-01 gold-plated special Middle Eastern edition from Nokia has updated hardware
D
esigned exclusively for Eastern European and Middle Eastern markets, the Nokia C3-01 Gold Edition brings together the popular C3-01 Touch and Type with a luxury 18-carat gold plating, ceramic-feel key mat and a matching theme. Offering a quad-band radio and up to HSDPA data speeds alongside Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the connectivity is quite decent. The hardware’s been updated with a 1GHz processor in this model, for better performance. The screen is a 2.4-inch QVGA touchscreen. On the back, there’s a five-megapixel camera with LED flash. There’s also a MicroSD card slot for up to 32GB of extra storage space. On board, there is Nokia Messaging for email and IM functionality and Nokia Communities for checking into Facebook and Twitter. There’s also the Ovi Store for downloading extra apps and games. New to this device is the Nokia Series 40 browser, for fast Web access without high data-use charges.
It lets you personalise your home screen with apps and contact shortcuts; you can also access email, chat, calendar and music with dedicated widgets
This is a touch-and-type phone that allows you to open apps, flip through photos and browse the Web, with just a touch of the screen
With Ovi Chat you can start instant message conversation with friends
Features at a glance Nokia C3-01
Display Processor Camera Dimensions (HxWxD) Weight (With Battery) Estimated Retail Price
2.4-inch Resistive Touchscreen 1GHz Processor 5MP (2,592x1,544 pixels), LED Flash 111x47.5x11mm 100g EUR220 (approximately RO120)
● Touchscreen and keypad ● Customisable Home Screen ● Easy email and Messaging ● Fast Internet and Wi-Fi ● Mobile Entertainment
OCTOBER 2011 / 23
computing
True gaming Razer Blade features portability, incredible performance and a evolutionary user interface
M
easuring about 0.88 inches, and weighing a mere 3.16kg, which is rather less for a good gaming laptop, the Razer Blade has a full aluminium chassis. With a perfect balance between portability and performance, the Blade, developed in partnership with Intel, features an Intel
Core i7 processor. Not to forget, a highperformance NVIDIA GeForce graphics processor, an LED-backlit high-definition 17-inch display, and most important of all, a revolutionary user interface. Known as the Switchblade, the interface has ten dynamic adaptive tactile keys
Razer Blade
Processor Display Memory Storage Dimensions (WxDxH) Weight
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Intel Core i7 Processor; 2.8GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz 17.3-inch (Diagonal); 1,920x1,080 LED-Backlit 8GB of 1,333MHz DDR3 Memory 320GB 7,200rpm SATA 42.7x27.7x2.24cm 3.16kg
that make your job of accessing in-game commands quite simple. And with an LCD capable of two modes – one that displays in-game information when a mouse is in use, the other that functions as an ultrasensitive, multi-touch panel – the Blade has been designed for gaming on the go.
The Switchblade An innovative user interface designed to make the gaming experience exciting, the Switchblade binds a number of commands, skills, and macros to the ten dynamic adaptive keys. The keys can have matching icon overlays for the game you’re currently playing. It is fully customisable for users who prefer to define their own keysets and comes with pre-defined profiles for games such as Battlefield 3, Rift, End of Nations, League of Legends, and many more.
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Tab on
The new GALAXY Tab 10.1 supports a customisable home screen allowing for instant access of content The tablet market is expanding so fast that the fierce competition among manufacturers forces them to try hard and make their devices distinct and favourable. It’s rare to see really unique gadgets these days, especially in the Android territory. The Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 3G, however, is up for any challenge. This tablet’s main selling point is that it’s the most portable ten-inch slate to enter the market. It is thinner than the iPad 2 and a good 42g lighter, while still promising to match its battery performance.
Design
Software
The tablet is insanely slim. Samsung has ditched aluminium and steel for a simple plastic build. Due to its taller and slimmer body, the Tab is easy to hold and has a good overall feel. The Tab is built around a 10.1-inch PLS LCD screen with a resolution of 1,280x800 pixels which makes image quality and viewing angles the best you can find on a tablet. It comes equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack on the top along with the volume buttons and a SIM card slot, and a 30pin proprietary connector from Samsung for charging and connectivity. Both the USB host and HDMI TV out require adapters to work and are sold separately. There is a front-facing 2MP camera along with a 3MP rear camera with LED flash.
The GALAXY Tab 10.1 3G comes with Android Honeycomb 3.1 with a dash of Samsung TouchWiz. This is the same version of the Android that is running on Motorola XOOM. This device is running the Honeycomb 3.1 OS in its purest, unaltered form. Samsung recently released their TouchWiz customisation user interface for the GALAXY Tab 10.1 3G as an OTA update, which literally puts more colour and options into the Honeycomb by offering a good set of customisable widgets and tries to ease your way into Android tablets. It provides Exchange mail capabilities, Web browsing, movie and picture viewing and many others.
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Key Features Thinnest slate to date at just 8.6mm Gorilla Glass display Optional quad-band GPRS/EDGE; Tri-band 3G with HSDPA 21Mbps connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Direct, dual-band, Wi-Fi hotspot Stereo Bluetooth v3.0 Flash 10.3 support GPS with A-GPS Support; Digital Compass DivX/XviD support (full HD), MP4 support up to HD Accelerometer and Proximity Sensor; Three-axis Gyroscope Sensor Pre-installed Polaris Office Document Editor
Performance This device appears by all means to be moving faster than you’d ever really need a device such as this to move, having almost no loading time for any operation save for some larger games which require upwards of a few seconds to boot up. What you’re dealing with here is a 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor for speed and exclusive gameplay allowances through the Tegra Zone portal.
Battery This device has a monstrous 7,000mAh battery in it – one so gigantic it’d do fine in a high-end laptop. You’ll basically never have to power up this tablet – we’ve not needed to charge it at all for the several days we’ve had it out of the box now.
Verdict The Tab 10.1 is indeed the thinnest and the lightest tablet on the market. It’s thinner than the XOOM by a mile, lighter than the Asus Eee Pad Transformer by half, and looks like it was designed by some smooth operators. However, there is no MicroSD card slot included in the device. The 3G connectivity option allows mobile Internet at regular 3G supported by the local service providers. The GALAXY Tab 10.1 3G is the closest any OEM has gotten to competing with the iPad. It is the greatest Android tablet yet.
Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1
Display Operating System Memory Processor Camera
Dimensions (WxDxH) Weight Available at
10.1-inch Widescreen 1,280x800 WXGA TFT LCD Android 3.1 Honeycomb 1GB RAM 1GHz Dual-Core NVIDIA Tegra 2 Processor Front: 2MP Back: 3MP Auto-Focus Camera with LED Flash 720p HD Video Recording at 30fps 256.7x175.3x8.6mm 565g SARCO, 24593025
OCTOBER 2011 / 27
New heroes Mobile connectivity has expanded, thanks to Kodak’s new Google Cloud Print Ready printers
T
he new line-up of HERO printers from Kodak are Google Cloud Print Ready and Kodak Email Print Ready. Allowing users to send documents and photos to the printer from anywhere in the world, using any Internetconnected device, the printers represent the latest innovation in the company’s consumer inkjet portfolio. The line-up combines connectivity with high quality output and affordable ink. Available from September, Kodak has added four newlydesigned printers to its portfolio for the home: the HERO 3.1, HERO 5.1, HERO 7.1 and HERO 9.1 All-in-One printers. For the home office, Kodak is introducing the OFFICE HERO 6.1 All-in-One printer.
Intelligent printing Kodak HERO All-in-One printers let consumers print from their smartphone, laptop or tablet using Google Cloud Print-enabled apps such as Gmail and Google Docs. With the Email Print Service, users can send emails and attachments to the printer using any email account. In addition to cloud printing capabilities, with the Kodak Pic Flick App, consumers can print photos directly from an iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and BlackBerry or Android OS device. The printers feature built-in intelligence – Kodak’s Smart Sensor technology predicts the supplies and time needed to complete a job, and automatically identifies paper, size and amount.
HERO 9.1
Display Built-in Intelligence Printing MSRP
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4.3-inch Colour Touchscreen Display Smart Sensor Technology Automatic Two-Sided Printing USD249.99 (approximately RO96)
The HERO 7.1 and 9.1 printers sport a touchscreen display
The OFFICE HERO 6.1 printer has more automated features, including automatic two-sided printing, copying, scanning and faxing
HERO 7.1
3.5-inch Colour Touchscreen Display Smart Sensor Technology Automatic Two-Sided Printing USD179.99 (approximately RO69)
HERO 5.1
OFFICE HERO 6.1
2.4-inch Colour Display
2.4-inch Colour Display
Smart Sensor Technology Automatic Two-Sided Printing USD129.99 (approximately RO50)
Smart Sensor Technology Automatic Two-Sided Printing, Copying, Scanning, Faxing USD199.99 (approximately RO77)
interview
NINE-YEAR LOVE STORY
M Ramakrishnan shares his experience of working for Mustafa Sultan Enterprises with us
F
ather of two and husband to a loving wife, Geetha, M Ramakrishnan is the general manager of Gulf Telecommunications Company (Hello Mobile Solutions). Hailing from Kerala, India, Ramakrishnan is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmadabad and CUSAT, Cochin. A believer of the motto ‘Learning never ends’, he has a hobby that is quite unique – he visits retail outlets in his leisure. “Apart from reading and travelling, I like to visit retail outlets. I like to see the environment and the constant changes in the outlets. I then try to analyse and see if the changes can be adopted. So, I learn something every day. Learning never ends for me,” he explains. His bond with Gulf Telecom has been long and strong, and he has loved every moment of his nine-year stint there. Gulf Telecom started operations in December 2002 as a joint venture between FONO Distribution Services and Mustafa Sultan Enterprises (MSE). However, ties with FONO were severed in 2009 and the GM is proud that Gulf Telecom is now an independent company of MSE. He gets quite animated when he speaks about his association with the company. “As a team member, I am very proud to be associated with MSE. The company stands for great human values and there are several employees who have long innings in the company. I report to my group CEO, Mr
Minoo Saher. He is my driving force and inspiration. My career in Oman spans almost 19 years, nine of which have been with MSE,” he says. With his stint in the Oman market for so many years, Ramakrishnan shares his experiences. “Omani consumers are the front runners on latest technology devices. They love to own a new device with the latest technology and we have often found that they are well aware of the key features and applications of a mobile handset device,” he explains. Having started off as the distributors of Nokia, being part of FONO, Gulf Telecom has come a long way. “We are now the distributors of Samsung
“Omani consumers are the front runners on latest technology devices. They love to own a new device with the latest technology... they are well aware of the key features and applications of a mobile handset device.”
(distributorship is in the name of Mustafa Sultan Telecommunications Co.) and Sony Ericsson, and the authorised re-sellers of HTC. We also re-distribute and re-sell BlackBerry and Apple iPhones. We cater to the needs of all the leading power retailers in Oman, including Carrefour, Emax and Lulu. In fact, we are the major suppliers for Carrefour,” Ramakrishnan proudly states. Starting off with just two people, the company has now grown to 30 dedicated team members, and two showrooms – one in Qurum and the other in Ruwi, with a branch in Salalah. “The showroom in Qurum is probably the largest mobile showroom in the country. At any point of time, there are around 200 handsets on display there. We also have two authorised service centres for Samsung and Sony Ericsson, one at Qurum and one at Ruwi,” he adds. Talking about the company’s values, Ramakrishnan says, “Hello offers consumers the latest technology devices
and accessories at competitive prices. Our main role is to provide a genuine warrantycovered mobile handset and quality aftersales service. There are retailers who bring mobile handsets from outside, which are not from the genuine source. Our handsets are Arabic-enabled, uploaded with the original Arabic software from direct sources.” Gulf Telecommunications has also been the distributor of Nawras products since the latter’s launch in Oman and Ramakrishnan is proud of the achievements of the company. “Gulf Telecom was awarded the best Ajel (Post Paid) distributor in the country in 2007 by Nawras. Also, the company won the coveted award for crossing 100,000 pre-paid SIM cards in 2007,” he states. Proud and happy with his team at Gulf Telecom, Ramakrishnan concludes with a sense of gratitude to his family (now settled in Trichur, Kerala), and in particular, his wife, for his growth. OCTOBER 2011 / 31
video zone
A performer Panasonic Viera VT30 is currently the best 3D Plasma HDTV around
Panasonic has just launched its flagship plasma range – the all-new Viera VT30 Series (available at Omasco). As most people are now purchasing bigger TV screens, Panasonic is offering this 3D plasma TV in 50 inches for now. It promises better ‘brights’ and energy consumption, and blacker blacks.
Design The feature that really distinguishes this top-of-the-range full HD 3D TV is the single-pane, seamless design where the front glass extends all the way to the TV’s edges. Form has followed function for this 2011 lineup and Panasonic has also returned to its glossy black finish. Its rounded edges, shiny glass surface and silver outer trim make it resemble a giant iPad. The VT30 is only a few centimetres thin and sits securely on top of its supplied tabletop stand. 32 / TECH
Picture The VT30 gives really high-quality 3D viewing which has been a pre-requisite of the Viera VT30 Series – a display of 1,080 lines of moving picture resolution that gives you the best 3D experience possible. The Viera also boasts an Infinite Black Pro 2 Panel, which Panasonic says has more subtle, delicate blacks in both dark and bright environments than previous models. The VT30 did a good job of SD to HD conversion for normal television viewing. Playing back Blu-ray movies on the VT30 was fantastic. The deep blacks, glossy screen coating, judder-free motion, and suitable accurate greyscale and colour reproduction made films like Pirates of the Caribbean 4 look deep, involving and accurate. We also noticed that the VT30 does not partake in any sort of film grain blurring or reduction, so everything you watch is in full detail. The 3D experience gave us the most crosstalk-free experience
we’ve seen in this screen size, with fairly good image quality in its un-calibrated state. HD on the Panasonic VT30 was one
of the best home cinema experiences we can think of outside of dedicated projection setups.
Accessories and Connectivity
Conclusion Although the VT30 is not as bright as some competing 3D LED LCD sets, it still stands out as a strong performer in that segment. Both 2D and 3D picture can be calibrated through the detailed menu for major fine-tuning in pursuit of perfection. And of course, as a Plasma television, there are no viewing angle restrictions worth mentioning. Overall, the Panasonic VT30 is the best performing 50-inch HDTV this year in any dimension. There is no comparable flat-screen television that gives the same rich blacks, excellent screen uniformity, freedom from input lag and lack of 3D crosstalk.
In addition, this television is the company’s most tricked-out set and has a lot of fun additional features. This includes the new Viera Connect with Wi-Fi system offering easy IPTV, DLNA streaming, Skype support, full THX certification for both 2D and 3D, and apps including games. Plus, there’s a 3D image Viewer for photos and videos that uses the SD card slot. It also includes other connectivity options like two USB inputs and four HDMI outputs. The Viera ships with two pairs of active 3D shutter glasses in the box.
Rating Design 8 Features 9 Performance 9 Bottom line: Outstanding picture quality, superior black level performance in THX mode, great 3D picture quality, classy single-pane design. Go buy it now.
OCTOBER 2011 / 33
The PenTouch TV series from LG offers all of the advantages of PCs and the Internet
The PenTouch TV launched by LG Electronics is a novel series of plasma HDTVs. When connected to a personal computer the TV lets viewers use a special touch-sensitive stylus pen to interact with the Internet. It also lets you create, modify and control a variety
of content directly on the screen. With a single click on the remote control users can activate the PenTouch mode. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. In the PenTouch mode, users can
access files created on their PCs – they can work on them, edit or move them around the screen using the stylus. The TV supports simultaneous two-pen use, with pen batteries that can be recharged through USB ports on the TV or PC.
Using PenTouch software that is provided with the TV, budding artists can draw pictures directly onto the screen and then save the files for further editing or manipulation Users can also print their PenTouch creations if the PC is connected to a printer
The LG PenTouch TV uses a protective scratch-resistant glass screen, while auto sharpness control and colour materialisation technology enhance the viewing capability Complementing the stylish TruSlim frame design, the TV incorporates a stand that has been designed to provide more stability
Software features Gallery which comes with a built-in slide show feature Digital Photo Frame which lets users embellish their work with the frame of their choice Family Calendar where you can leave notes and to-do lists for your family members to see
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Three models 60-inch 60PZ850: 3D-capable, earning the coveted THX 3D and 2D Display Certification Price: USD2,199 (approximately RO845) 60-inch 60PV490: Offers Full HD 1,080p display capability, Picture Wizard selfcalibration, Intelligent Sensor automatic picture adjustment and Smart Energy Saving features Price: USD1,699 (approximately RO655) 50-inch 50PV490: Offers Full HD 1,080p display capability, Picture Wizard self-calibration, Intelligent Sensor automatic picture adjustment and Smart Energy Saving features Price: USD1,099 (approximately RO425)
The glasses-free 3D TV from Toshiba has an advanced feature set that is complemented by a stylish design UK’s first large-screen glasses-free 3D TV from Toshiba, the new 55-inch ZL2, features the very latest in imaging technology, including a revolutionary glasses-free 3D display. Boasting a range of leading technologies, including face tracking, Resolution+, Auto Calibration, 2D to 3D conversion, the ZL2 includes Smart TV features such as Toshiba Places. Glasses-free 3D images are delivered through a combination of innovative display technologies and CEVO ENGINE multi-core processing platform. Including a Quad Full HD display, offering up to 3,840x2,160 pixel resolution, the ZL2 offers a 3D viewing experience that can be enjoyed by multiple viewers. It can also display 2D content in four times (Quad) the Full HD resolution.
Face tracking technology – at the touch of a button, the ZL2 can detect the viewer’s position and adjusts the viewing zones by moving the lenslets as required
The CEVO ENGINE provides the ability to upscale 2D content to 3D; DVD, Blu-ray and on-air broadcasts can all be transformed into 3D quality in real time
Key features Face Tracking Technology via Integrated Camera 2D to 3D Conversion with Depth Control Built-in Wi-Fi, DLNA and Windows 7 Compatibility Freeview HD Ready Tuner
Toshiba Places lets viewers enjoy a host of on-demand video and other online services, including Facebook applications
Glasses-free 3D Technology
Resolution+ and 3D Resolution+ Remote Control Operation via iPhone AutoView Ambient Light Sensor Built-in Subwoofer
CEVO ENGINE powers an advanced version of Toshiba’s Resolution+ image enhancement technology; this can upscale content including TV programmes in SD or HD resolution, as well as DVD or Blu-ray content, to up to four times Full HD resolution
Auto Calibration feature analyses colour and greyscale levels via a USB-connected measuring sensor, before producing test images and subsequently adjusting picture settings automatically
Based on the stereoscopic principle of simultaneously delivering a picture for the left eye, and another one with a small offset (parallax), for the right eye, the ZL2 provides 3D images for up to nine different viewing positions. A range of lenticular lenslets guide the dedicated images to each viewer. OCTOBER 2011 / 35
Wireless fun Belkin’s new home theatre solutions deliver full HD content to your HDTV Ever imagined a home theatre setup without messy wires and cables? Well, Belkin has recently launched a new line of wireless home theatre products that will just about satisfy your dream of a ‘wireless’ house. Delivering full HD content to your HDTV, the Belkin ScreenCast AV 4 Wireless AV-to-HDTV Adapter lets you wirelessly connect up to four home theatre devices from a location up to 100ft away. And for wireless video streaming, the Universal Wireless AV Adapter and Universal Wireless HDTV Adapter enable enhanced Wi-Fi performance on Internet-ready smart TVs.
ScreenCast AV 4 Via a transmitter connected to the device’s HDMI connection, the ScreenCast AV 4 connects the home theatre equipment to the HDTV. It is easy to install – simply plug the HDMI transmitter into the source device, such as a Blu-ray player, and plug the receiver into your HDTV. The powerful transmitter enables you to locate AV equipment up to 100ft away and lets you totally control your home entertainment system.
With the ScreenCast AV 4 you get to enjoy good picture and sound quality with full HD 1,080p resolution, 3D video, and up to 5.1 channels of surround sound
The infrared emitter included connects to the ScreenCast transmitter and relays the signal from your AV devices’ remote controls, allowing you to use the existing controllers, even when the devices are located in another room
Universal Wireless AV Adapter Similar to the Universal Wireless HDTV Adapter, the AV Adapter turns an Internet-ready TV into a Wi-Fi-enabled TV. It also provides dual-band performance for better wireless signals and high-quality 3D and HD video streaming. Both the adapters feature easy setup, and support plug-and-play wireless streaming using the existing home network and wireless router. The Universal Wireless AV Adapter is designed to connect up to four AV devices for streaming to multiple components Devices are connected to the adapter, which then accesses the Internet through the existing home network – this allows you to have wireless access in your living room even if your router lives elsewhere in the home
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Universal Wireless HDTV Adapter The Universal Wireless HDTV Adapter turns an Internet-ready TV into a Wi-Fi-enabled TV. Compatible with all brands of Internetready TVs, it provides dual-band performance for better wireless signals and high-quality 3D and HD video streaming. The Universal Wireless HDTV Adapter enables Wi-Fi access for a single Internet-ready TV It is powered by a USB cable that connects to any compatible smart TV It works with all brands of smart TVs and can be mounted anywhere on the back of the TV through the Ethernet port
a/v zone
Feature-rich The new series of media players, docking systems and LED TVs from Philips sport something unique for everyone The media player from Philips supports DivX Plus HD which allows the playback of DivX Plus content while supporting previous versions of DivX video up to 1,080p. The new docking system, which can be used as an alarm clock, sports auto synchronisation feature. And with the MP3 Link connectivity all you have to do is plug your MP3 player to the audio system. The Philips LED TV gives you full HD 3D experience. Active 3D uses the latest generation high speed display for depth and realism in Full HD resolution.
Philips HMP3000 Media Player
Philips DC291 Docking System
The Philips HMP3000 HD Media Player lets you explore multimedia content. You can play movies, music and photos on your TV via SD Card, USB or Hard Disk. And there are no file conversions required. It comes with Dolby Digital DTS2.0. The HMP3000 allows you to easily copy, transfer and delete files. For high-definition DivX playback, the player is DivX Plus HD Certified. RealMedia Video function for movie playback from your PC is also available.
The DC291 is a stylish aluminium iPod/iPhone/iPad docking system that lets you play and charge your device at the same time. The set can be used as an alarm clock. The clock radio has a dual alarm feature, allowing you to set different alarm times for weekdays and weekends. The docking system also automatically synchronises the clock with your device. The Philips DC291 sports neodymium speaker driver for rich sound, with a total output power of 10W RMS. And it comes with MP3 link connectivity that allows direct playback of MP3 content from portable media players.
Philips 58PFL9955H LED TV This ultra-wide LED TV comes with Perfect Pixel HD engine. With Ambilight Spectra 3, the patented Philips technology, you can enlarge the screen by projecting a glow of light on three sides of the TV. Ambilight automatically adjusts the colour and brightness of the light to match the picture, creating an immersive viewing experience. With LED Pro you can now enjoy pictures and use up to 50 per cent less energy. Over 1,000 LEDs are operated selectively in a grid as a backlight for the display. It is a full HD 3D TV that uses Active 3D function. The Cinema 21:9 TV makes sure there are no black bars or picture loss.
OCTOBER 2011 / 37
event
Shopper’s Paradise Eight-day electronics extravaganza promises Middle East shoppers unbeatable prices
T
he 21st edition of GITEX Shopper is set to take place from 8 to 15 October this year at Airport Expo, Dubai. Packed with cutting-edge gadgets at unmatched prices, the biggest names in consumer technology, and more prizes than ever before, retailers are planning the Middle East’s sales extravaganza. With exclusive show offers on over 25,000 different products, bundled deals, exciting competitions and launches of the latest technology products, the show promises an unrivalled shopping experience for all visitors. Bose, Nokia and Virgin Megastore are just a few of the big names who will make their GITEX Shopper debut in 2011, adding to a stellar line-up of exhibitors which includes Du, E4U, E-City, EMAX, Etisalat, iSTYLE, Jacky’s Electronics, Jumbo Electronics, Plug-Ins and Sharaf DG. Consumer favourites Canon, Dell, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard, HTC, Lenovo, Panasonic, RIM–Blackberry and Samsung will also showcase their latest products. “The consumer electronics market across the Middle East continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in the world and GITEX Shopper is an excellent way to provide access to the latest and greatest technology products at one convenient location. The unrivalled line-up of worldclass exhibitors means that shoppers benefit not only from the quality, choice and value on offer, but ultimately from the improvements and enjoyment that great technology brings to our daily lives,” said Trixee Loh, senior vice president
of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event. In addition to the vast array of consumer electronics – from tablets, TVs and iPads, to laptops, flash drives and notepads – GITEX Shopper also has some more unusual products this year. Greensound Technology will launch its eye-catching new wireless glass speakers and Merlin Digital will be showcasing Robostep, a two-wheeled self-balancing electric vehicle and Pleo, the world’s first autonomous robot pet. Adding to the festival feel of the event, numerous competitions give visitors the chance to win fabulous prizes including daily draws for Samsung ‘Shop ‘n‘ Win’ and ‘Visit ‘n’ Win’ vouchers. Getting to the show has never been easier, thanks to a partnership with the RTA that promises free shuttle buses between Rashidiya Metro Station to Airport Expo Dubai and free parking at Sheikh Hamdan Mosque.
Timings October 8 to October 12 – 11am to 10pm October 13 and October 15 – 11am to 11pm October 14 – 3pm to 11pm
HOW STUFF WORKS
Figure it out
From fingers and toes, to abacus and calculators, evolution has changed the way we play with numbers
C
alculators today are an aide for anything involving numbers – from simple maths to calculating tax returns and tipping waiters in restaurants. It will be interesting to see how a calculator works. A modern electronic calculator has an input keyboard with about 40 tiny plastic keys with a rubber membrane and a touch-sensitive circuit underneath, a microchip processor, an LCD which shows the results of calculations and a power source. When you press the key, say number 7, the rubber button on the membrane directly below it gets squashed. This rubber button pushes down making an electrical contact between the two layers in the keyboard sensor underneath. This is then detected by the keyboard circuit. In this way the processor chip finds out which key you have pressed. Corresponding to the number you have pressed a circuit in the processor chip activates the appropriate segments and displays the numbers, in this case number 7. If you press more numbers the micro processor will show them up on the display as well and it will keep doing this until you press one of the operation keys
(+, -, *, /). For example, if you press the addition (+) key, the calculator will store the number you just entered in its memory called the register. Once this is done it will wipe out the display and wait for you to enter another number. The processor
chip displays digit-by-digit the numbers you enter the second time which is stored in another register. Next, when you hit the equal to (=) key, the calculator will add the numbers stored in both the registers and display the result.
You may, at some point of time, have used a calculator to spell out words upside-down. For example, 07734 spells out ‘hELLO’, 7738 spells out ‘BELL’. This is actually a language known as ‘BEGhILOS’ (50714938) after the most common letters you can create using a simple calculator display.
40 / TECH
TECH ART
Make it rain
With these simple steps, learn how to ‘add rain’ to your pictures
1
2
3
Create a new layer with the help of the ‘Layer’ Menu: Layer > New Layer
Add Clouds filter: Filter > Render > Clouds. Make sure BLACK is selected as the primary colour in the colour pallete.
Change the Opacity to 65%
4
5
6
Add Noise filter: Filter > Noise. Add Noise; set Amount at 50%. Select Gaussian and check Monochromatic from the options
Add Motion Blur filter: Filter > Blur > Motion Blur. Angle: -65, Distance: 15
Rain Effect: Finally, from the ‘Select’ Menu on the left of the Levels window, choose ‘Overlay’
OCTOBER 2011 / 41
home zone
Modern icebox An essential part of our everyday lives, choosing a refrigerator can be quite daunting when faced with the variety available in the market today
W
ith technological advancements, it is hard for most of us to imagine life without the luxuries we take for granted these days. It is, however, interesting to know how people survived in the olden days without something as basic as refrigerators. Looking at history, before mechanical refrigeration systems, people used snow and ice to cool their food. They would dig holes in the ground, line them with either straw or wood, and then pack it with snow from the mountains. Refrigerators, however, have evolved from the basic underground cooling and iceboxes that our grandparents used to buy, to what we see in stores today. And the change has been even more dramatic the past decade, with emphasis on features. When you decide to shop for a refrigerator, decide on the capacity, to begin with. But the capacity can’t just be your choice. It will be restricted based on the available space in your house. The space also impacts the style of refrigerator. Efficiency is another important criterion. Energy Star refrigerators are very common these days and are at least 20 per cent more efficient than the minimum required by federal standards.
Variety
Before you decide on a type, have a look at the pros and cons of each type. Here are a few pointers to help you with your shopping.
Bottom-Freezer Models
Recently, sales of bottom-freezers have been growing. This type includes both French-door models, with two narrow refrigerator doors, and four-door models, with an extra drawer between the two-door fridge and freezer drawer. Bottom-freezer models offer the comfort and convenience of an eye-level refrigerator. In-door ice and water dispensers that debuted with side-by-side models are becoming more popular with the bottom-freezer types. There is, however, a disadvantage – the bottom-freezer fridges cost more.
Top-Freezer Models
These are the traditional types, dating back to the earliest refrigerators. For their size, these models offer the most storage. They sport wide refrigerator shelves, making it easy to reach the back.
The freezer takes up about a third of the unit, and is above the fresh-food compartment.
Built-in Refrigerators
Built-in systems are gaining popularity. Designed to fit with cabinets and counters, they typically come in bottom-freezer and side-by-side styles. They also include French-door and four-door configurations. You can, however, buy a separate refrigerator and freezer and build them into a wide opening. Built-in refrigerators offer a sleek overall look to the kitchen. However, they are pricey and are the least space efficient.
French-Door Models
This brings together the best of both worlds – the popular side-by-side model and the bottom-freezer type. The side-byside fresh-food compartment is on the top, and a freezer drawer is on the bottom. The benefit of French-door refrigerators is energy conservation. To grab something out of the fridge you need to open only a small portion of the door.
Side-by-Side Models
A vertical, full-length split places the freezer on one side and refrigerator on the other. Side-by-side refrigerators typically sport through-the-door ice and water dispensers, temperature-controlled bins, and rapid ice-making cycles. And for small kitchens, they are a good fit.
Tips Look out for a refrigerator with the below features: Frost-free Humidity and Temperature Controls Energy Star Auto or Self-Defrost Ice Maker and Dispenser Adjustable Glass Shelves Removable Door Bins Meat Keeper Quick Cool Compartment Freezer Shelving Gallon Jug Bin
HITACHI RW660
The RW660 series from Hitachi is a French-door model with a spacious interior. It sports a smart, one-touch operation control panel. A microcomputer provides four convenient operation modes and all it takes to operate the mode is the push of a button. The inside temperature setting can be adjusted without opening the door. The microcomputer controls the temperature inside the refrigerator by detecting temperature changes with multiple electronic sensors. This realises optimum cooling and energy-saving operation at all times. The refrigerator also sports a Minus-Zero Cooling panel. The ice-cold zero degrees Celsius panel provides uniform cooling inside the refrigerator, preserving moisture and the nutritional value in food. The big vegetable compartment maintains high humidity and keeps the foodstuff crisp and fresh. The centre-divided French doors let you use more space and prevent escape of the chilled air. One of the unique features of the Hitachi RW660 series is the water dispenser with an automatic light that lets you enjoy a comfortable drink of water during the night.
French-Door Model The French-door type of refrigerator brings together the best of sideby-side and the bottom-freezer models. One of the major benefits of a French-door model is energy conservation. You only need to open a small portion of the fridge to grab a carton of milk.
Hitachi RW660 Gross Capacity
Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight
Total: 601L Freezer: 194L Refrigerator: 407L Vegetable: 44.1L 845x1,800x715mm 110kg
Freezing Action
Quick Freezing mode allows a strong flow of icy air to freeze fresh meat or fish. This prevents food from losing nutrients and flavour by dripping. It also lets you make ice quickly. The refrigerator also sports a powerful freezing capacity, which keeps frozen food fresh longer.
Key Features Two-way Humidity Controller Slide-out Chilled Case Tempered Glass Shelves Jumbo Door Pocket Wide Lamp Nano Titanium Filter Mould-proof Door Gasket No Frost CFC Free
LG GR-P277ZCBR
This 756L side-by-side refrigerator comes with a handle and panel set with Swarovski crystals. It sports a tall ice and water dispenser. It features a ‘Miracle Zone’, where the optimum temperature is maintained to keep food fresh longer by selecting ideal refrigeration setting for each product. The gasket in this series is made of anti-bacteria materials which prevent gasket distortion, thus providing a bioshield. The GR-P277ZCBR sports a trim kit door with a hidden hinge. The stylish, sturdy handle can be grabbed from any height, thus complementing the look of the refrigerator. It features an LCD display and a soft-touch controller – you can operate all functions from one easy-to-use panel on the door.
Cooling action
Icebeam door cooling feature allows the refrigerator to reach the desired temperature in a short time, thus providing abundant cool air flow from multiple vents.
Side-by-Side Model
Key Features Tall Water and Ice Dispenser LCD Display Design Multi Air flow Miracle Zone Bioshield Soft Touch Home-bar Indoor Ice Maker Touch Button Controller Trim Kit door with hidden hinge Convertible Vegetable Box Handle with Swarovski crystal
A vertical, full-length split places the freezer on one side and refrigerator on the other. Side-by-side refrigerators typically come with through-the-door ice and water dispensers, temperature-controlled bins, and rapid ice-making cycles. With this type of fridge, the freezer and the fresh-food compartment get equal space. And traditional side-by-side models don’t need as much clearance for the doors, so they can be a good fit in small kitchens. They can also come with gadgets such as TV screens.
LG GR-P277ZCBR Gross Capacity Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight
756L 898x1,758x847mm 133kg
SAMSUNG RS26MBZBL
This is a two-door refrigerator designed by Massimo Zucchi, a world-renowned Italian master designer of jewellry. This refrigerator features LED lights on the surface of the two doors and boasts strengthened energy efficiency with its Smart Eco-system, which consumes less power. The luxurious exterior design stands out and transforms the kitchen into a stylish living space. The elegant Jewel Light delivers sparkles when you open the door. Very apt for the Middle East consumers, the refrigerator has a look that is as stunning as a fashionable Abaya. The sparkling jewels along the pink gold line of the handle offer stylish beauty. The texture of the exterior is based on bid printing, a new technology that shows the texture of the refrigerator by melting ink into the glass. The Samsung Massimo Zucchi fridge offers dual LED lighting that illuminates every corner of the refrigerator to locate items easily and conveniently. It also reduces energy consumption and heat which allows your fruits, vegetables and meat to remain fresh and tasty. This side-by-side refrigerator comes with slim chrome-coloured shelves that add more space, giving you the ability to store larger items into your fridge.
Cooling System
The Twin Cooling System controls cool air for both the fridge and freezer, and because airflow between the two compartments stays separate, the freezer air stays drier while the fridge’s moisture level helps fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer. The system also helps reduce the mixing of odours where each kind of food retains its fresh aroma and flavour. The Samsung’s Massimo Zucchi fridge is characterised by its convenience with its Coolselect Zone – ‘a fridge-within-a-fridge’ feature that allows you to select the temperature in that area to meet your storage needs at the touch of a button.
Smart Eco-System
The Massimo Zucchi reduces energy consumption by over 20 per cent by adjusting cooling capacity according to temperature and humidity. The Smart Eco-system analyses data from ten smart sensors inside your fridge to operate in the most efficient way to save energy.
Samsung RS26MBZBL Gross Capacity Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight
801L 914x1,788x938mm 152kg
Key Features Twin Cooling Plus Dual LED Light Champagne Handle Deco Interior Coolselect Zone Ten Smart Sensors
SHARP SJPT690RS
The Sharp SJPT series sports an exquisite design. The door has been crafted to convey a stylish look. Concealed hinges, cylindrical handles, and the octagonal door design are the featured elements. The refrigerator has an advanced control panel placed on the front of it. This easy-to-read and -use LED control panel allows you to monitor and control the operating conditions of the refrigerator without opening the door. Both the refrigerator and freezer compartments are illuminated with highly sophisticated LED lighting. The Sharp SJPT series also sports a versatile tray-shelf that allows the freezer and refrigerator space to be used with maximum efficiency. It is a movable tray-shelf that can be adjusted to suit your needs. There is a special pocket that makes it easy to store frozen pizza. All you have to do is open the top and slip the pizza box in.
Fun Interior
The refrigerator has a half-paired tempered glass tray. You can use both halves to create a full-size tray for large items. Or one of the trays can be removed to make more space for tall items such as bottles. The door pocket comes with a cover. You can keep small things safely stored in this. The cover keeps them from falling out when the door is opened. The Sharp SJPT series also sports a tube stopper that can be used as a case for small goods. Each compartment is labelled with icons that provide hints as to where to store the various foodstuffs.
Top-Freezer Model
These are the traditional types of refrigerators. They typically offer the most storage for their size. And the fairly wide refrigerator shelves make it easy to reach the back. The freezer compartment takes up about a third of the unit, and sits above the fresh-food compartment.
Key Features No-Frost System with Automatic Defrosting Four-Star Freezer Compartment Fan Cooling, Hybrid Cooling System Plasmacluster Ion System Nano Deodoriser Tempered Glass Shelves Twin Ice Cube Makers Free Movable Tray-Shelf
Sharp SJ-PT690RS Gross Capacity
Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight
Total: 555L Freezer: 139L Refrigerator: 416L 800x1,770x728mm 92kg
TOSHIBA GR-RG
Known as the Glass Collection, the Toshiba GR-RG series of refrigerators is tall, dark and handsome. Gone is the big bland enamel box of yesteryear. In its place is now the dark glass of the sleekest mobile phones. The glass is tempered to make it far stronger than conventional glass – strong enough to withstand the most enthusiastic handling. The GR-RG series has an automatic icemaker feature. Imagine always having ice ready-to-serve, whenever you need it, without the hassle and expense of installing a mains water supply to your fridge. That’s Toshiba’s innovation at work. The Icemaker creates ice-cubes automatically using stored water, thus avoiding the need for any plumbing. It operates at 16 cycles per day at ten cubes per cycle and stores 190 cubes. Production stops automatically when the storage box is full. The refrigerator sports UV Fresh Guard feature. An ultra-violet (UV) LED ray in the chiller compartment kills the bacteria on food, helping it stay fresh for longer. Ag+ Clean Crisper feature incorporates silver to inhibit bacteria growth, keeping fruits and vegetables fresher.
Cool Air
Cool Air Wrap is a new feature that cleans and deodorises the air, giving you a fresher-smelling fridge. It draws cooler, cleaner air from the far corners of the interior and circulates it. This swirl of fresh air brings with it cleansing negative ions to remove allergens and contaminants.
Hybrid Plasma Deodoriser
When you put foodstuffs into the refrigerator, by producing self-destructive ethylene gas, the items start softening and rotting. But Toshiba’s Hybrid Plasma Deodoriser clears the air of bacteria, ethylene and odour molecules, preventing the rotting of food. So, the goods stay in the fridge fresher for longer.
Toshiba GR-RG Gross Capacity Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight
710L 763x1,825x776mm 101kg
Key Features Cool Air Wrap Hybrid Plasma Deodoriser Frost-free Ag+ Clean Crisper LED Illumination
Three times faster than conventional ovens, the Lightwave Technology is LG’s latest revolution LG’s revolutionary Lightwave Technology harnesses the power of light and changes the art of cooking. This unique technology transforms the kitchen into a multi-cuisine fine dining restaurant, ensuring that food stays moist and succulent while retaining its nutrients and flavour. Three times faster than conventional ovens, the Lightwave Technology makes use of radiant heat and halogen light. It combines perfectly with a unique round cavity. This helps you cook better, faster and healthier food. The technology reduces salinity and fat while retaining more Vitamin C, thus making food healthier. LG’s Lightwave Oven is also efficient. The amount of energy saved by using the oven for one year could light up a 103-storey building for almost four hours.
Auto Cook Menu is a part of the oven – just prepare the ingredients, put them in the microwave, select the dish, enter the weight and press ‘Start’
The Auto Cook Menu also includes a unique Health Plus Menu designed for health- and calorie-conscious people
LG MP9889FCR
Capacity Basic Cooking Combination Convection Power Output Timer Grill 1 Grill 2 Grill 3 Convection Speed Combi Colour Accessories
Control Type Display Type Heater Type
48 / TECH
38L STS Round Cavity Maximum 2,350W Maximum 2,300W 900W 0-90 minutes 1,500W 1,100W 700W 250 degrees Celsius Five Floral Red Steam Chef; Solo Cooking Kit; High, Low Rack; Metal Tray; Motorised Rotisserie Pop-up Dial and Button Smart Guide 2L VFD + LED Halogen Ceramic and Sheath
Multi racks in the LG microwave give you more space for cooking larger quantities, thus saving time
One of the important features of the MP9889FCR Lightwave Microwave Oven is the Steam Chef feature; this unique stainless steel accessory helps generate steam to cook food in a healthy and tasty way
Cleaning beast Dyson’s latest vacuum cleaner, the DC41 Animal, makes use of the Radial Root Cyclone technology for greater suction power The cleaner head self-adjusts to maintain optimal contact, reducing air leaks and giving more suction power; the active base plate rises and lowers to set the optimal cleaner head and brush bar configuration for every floor type
It expels clean air by capturing even microscopic particles such as pollen, mould and bacteria
The DC41 Animal is a Dyson Ball upright vacuum cleaner that comes with a mini turbine head. This helps clean pet hair and dirt from narrow spaces such as upholstery, stairs and the car. Sporting the latest Radial Root Cyclone technology, the Dyson DC41 Animal generates the strongest suction power at the cleaner head. With the Ball technology, the vacuum cleaner lets you clean closely around furniture, with less pushing and pulling. Most of the machine’s core components, including the air ducts, motor and filter, are housed in the ball. The pivot angle allows you to steer into awkward corners with ease.
The Dyson DC41 Animal vacuum cleaner is engineered with materials selected for their strength and durability; many parts are made from polypropylene reinforced with glass fibres and high-impact PC-ABS
Dyson DC41 Animal
Patented Technology Suction Power (Air Watts) Bin Capacity Dimensions (WxDxH) Maximum Reach Cord Length Weight Price Available at
Radial Root Cyclone Technology 235AW 2L 340x391x1,077mm 15.8m 10.7m 8kg USD599.99 (approximately RO230) http://www.dyson.com/vacuums/
The latest Dyson vacuum cleaner has a hygienic bin emptying system, where there is no contact with the dirt and just a push of the button is required; the bin is made from high-impact polycarbonate and is transparent so you can see when it needs emptying
OCTOBER 2011 / 49
dashboard
Mean AND green The EVOS is a fusion of design and technology of future Ford vehicles
Design The EVOS is an aggressive design. The car takes the shape of a fastback that features the new ‘face of Ford’, highlighted by a new signature – inverted trapezoidal grille mounted higher on the car giving it a more confident and premium look. Bold, technical shapes, such as the extremely slim lasercut front headlamps or the dynamic graphic created by the front and rear windscreens connected by a thin glazed section of the roof, add a distinctive character to the design. Sculptured flanks highlight attention to detail on the surfacing, which lends a refined quality and a more muscular character. The doors however, will remain a concept, and go no further. Both front and rear doors hinge upwards. This dynamic design of the EVOS is expected to cater to a new generation of buyers. 50 / TECH
Interior The inside of the car offers clean and simple surfaces, with a muscular, athletic character to the slim upper instrument panel, enhanced by bold trapezoidal cut-outs. The cockpit display surfaces sweep down curvaceously on either side of the driver, providing secondary information about vehicle and infotainment systems. The concept’s spectacular hinged gullwingstyle doors, both front and rear, provide outstanding access to the spacious four-seat cabin with individual adjustable sport seats. The EVOS also includes a bold red driver’s seat and the vision of unprecedented driver integration via an advanced driver interface. The two rear seat passengers get an equally special experience, with dedicated touch-screen displays to interact with the vehicle.
Engine The EVOS uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain providing the same next-generation performance and fuel economy as the Ford C-Max scheduled to be released in 2012. Ford ‘powersplit’ hybrid architecture allows the electric motor and petrol engine to work together or separately to maximise efficiency. This advanced powertrain typically runs in all-electric mode before switching to charge-sustaining hybrid mode for continued optimal fuel efficiency.
Technology Ford has been quite vocal about its use of technology. The most advanced features are the cabin electronics, which build on current capabilities to tie the car in with the life of the driver. For example, the car could read the owner’s cloud-based calendar, and pre-enter the addresses for appointments as they approach. Something called ‘driver wellness’ monitors the driver’s heart rate through the seat and adjusts the driving experience accordingly. It would also learn the owner’s routine, and optimise its powertrain for the drive to work, which would occur at approximately the same time very weekday. OCTOBER 2011 / 51
gamer’s delight
The game’s huge, muscular characters in heavy armour have not changed, nor has the action
G
ears of War raised the bar of third-person shooters when it debuted on the Xbox 360 in 2006. It offered incredible graphics with over-the-top, arcade-esque violence and gun mechanics, mixed into an intriguing war with macho characters. Its sequel took the story of the Locust-COG conflict, paving the way for Gears of War 3.
Gears of War 3 offers a deserving conclusion to the trilogy. It’s a definite contender for game of the year. The campaign of Gears 3 picks up a few years since the tragic events of Gears of War 2 – which saw our heroes sink the entire city of Jacinto. There is no time wasted in jumping into the action through the stylistic intro of protagonist Marcus Fenix, kicking the main narrative into gear.
The game world has no actual buildings, just wreckage. It has no love, only regret. We don’t see characters bonding through suffering or performing heroic feats, but simply surviving, fighting, and remembering the things they have lost. Bonds left between characters rip apart even as you play, and all that comforts soldiers is the knowledge that war at least remains a constant in this ruined world. So what happens when even that is removed?
All of the missions are full of varied objectives, offering a constant sense of urgency and accomplishment, never letting players fall into a boring rut of run-and-gun encounters. The mission variety is further enhanced by the addition of Lambent forces which offer a twist on the standard Locust enemy fare. Each kill results in juicy explosions and some Lambent forces transform into larger threats just when it looks like they’ve been defeated. The game features full co-op play through the campaign for up to four players at a time, and two-player split-screen is also supported. It’s worth playing the game in single-player mode once and then co-op, as the game feels very different as you add players. The new Horde 2.0 mode takes the original Horde mode and adds some defensive and strategic elements. Beast mode has you playing the Locust, reversing the intent of Horde 2.0: now
Dark Souls
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox 360
OCTOBER 04
you need to kill the good guys, and you have limited time to do it. This is a well-designed and executed final chapter to one of the best franchises on the Xbox 360. We know there will be more sequels – no series this popular spends much time in mothballs – but the team at Epic will have to begin an entirely new story after this game. And that’s the way it should be.
Publisher: Microsoft Developer: Epic Games Platform(s): Xbox 360 Genre: Action ESRB Rating: Mature PEGI Rating: RP
SCORE Gameplay Graphics Sound Replayability OVERALL
9 9 9 9 9
The Darkness II
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox 360
OCTOBER 04
An engaging and rewarding gameplay
T
he Resistance series has always done certain things really well – great weapons, impressively varied enemies and a storyline that never puts shock value over gritty realism. In this third instalment, developer Insomniac has not changed too much, picking up the story as the Chimera invasion heads for the US to take out the last remaining 10 per cent of the human population. This sequel focuses on new protagonist Joe Capelli, family man, pariah killer of the franchise’s first hero, now set the task of a hazardous journey from Oklahoma to New York where the enemy’s terraforming operation is based. The game is an atmospheric piece of scene setting that’s more nuanced and delicate than the series has previously demonstrated. It starts off quiet and soon after, you’re plunged into an adrenaline-charged showdown across some picture-perfect wind-swept streets before setting off on your travels. Resistance 3 doesn’t pause for breath; it takes in all of the traditional FPS scenarios – counter-sniping in the dead of night, escort missions and a spot of on-rails warfare and throws as many weapon-based variables at them as it can summon up. Boss battles are few and far between; the game is focused more on quick-fire engagements that demand constant consideration for the holy trinity of health, ammo and environment. Health is restored with health packs and Capelli is able to carry 12 weapons, plus a whole stack of grenades and not suffer any fatigue whatsoever. Resistance’s signature has
Forza Motorsport 4 Platforms: Xbox360
OCTOBER 11
always been the inventive and unusual variety of weapons on offer, a trend that continues here. The lack of regenerative health really changes the way you play the game. Play style is much less gung-ho and you’ll tend to be a lot more careful as you push forward. Knowing that stepping out of cover could be certain death really ramps the tension way up. The Chimera themselves are a challenging adversary, coming in a variety of flavours that each demand different weapons and tactics to overcome. There are no wrong ways to kill a Chimera, but as further encouragement to use your entire arsenal, many of the enemies lead themselves to being taken down with certain weapons. Resistance 3 also features support for the PlayStation Move. It’s no better or worse than playing with the Dualshock 3, the experience just being different. The campaign can be played co-operatively in its entirety, but tackling it in this way detracts from the experience, damaging the man-on-a-mission intimacy of the journey. Resistance 3’s strict linearity and handholding add up to an experience that feels
BATMAN: Arkham City Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox 360
OCTOBER 18
like a dash through a film set, but the movie in question has enough charisma to make it worth seeing, with a new creature around every corner and a new weapon with which to dispatch it around the next, the result being an energetic, if disposable, adventure. With fantastic visuals, engaging and rewarding gameplay, Resistance 3 is hard to resist.
Publisher: Sony Developer: Insomniac Games Platform(s): PS3 Genre: Action ESRB Rating: Mature PEGI Rating: RP
SCORE Gameplay Graphics Sound Replayability Overall
9 8 8 8 8
Battlefield 3
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox 360
OCTOBER 25
business tech
Fine polishing The latest Makita polisher gives you absolute control The Makita PV7000C is a polisher with a 180mm pad diameter. It sports a compact body with a low centre of gravity. This give you absolutely control over its operation. It also reduces fatigue. It comes with an electronic control for consistent speed. It has two speed plus variable speed control for a wide range of polishing jobs. The Makita PV7000C has a pre-setting speed control dial for setting optimum speed with full control. It also sports a durable cord guard.
Three water supply holes evenly wet every channel of the polishing pad, protecting the tool from overheating and clogging; the conveniently located valve allows easy water flow control
The Makita PV7000C has a quick-flip speed change for compounding or polishing; it is ideal for effective stone polishing
Makita PV7000C
Continuous Rating Input Capacity No Load Speed Overall Length Net Weight Power Supply Cord Available at
900W Abrasive Disc: 1,800mm Pad: 180mm 600 to 2,000rpm 210mm 2.1kg 2.5m Gulf Services & Industrial Supplies, 93221856
Makita D-33691 - 71-piece Accessory Set - 12pcs HSS Metal Drill Bits (Titanium Coated) - 5pcs Masonry Drill Bits - 5pcs Wood Drill Bits - 3pcs Flat Bits - 9pcs PH Bits (25mm) - 9pcs PZ Bits (50mm) - 6pcs Slotted Bits - 4pcs Allen Key Screw - 6pcsTorx
54 / TECH
- 4pcs Socket Wrench - 1pc Magnet Bit Holder - 1pc Counter Sink - 1pc Diameter Gauge Transparent - 1pc One Touch Bit Holder - 1pc Carpet Knife - 1pc Center Punch - 1pc Screw Driver (Hand Tool) - 3-m Measuring Tape
movie zone
Real Steel
Genre: Action | Drama | Sci-Fi Director: Shawn Levy Cast: Anthony Mackie, Evangeline Lilly, Hugh Jackman Set in the near future where the sport of boxing has gone high-tech, Real Steel stars Hugh Jackman as Charlie Kenton, a washed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2,000-pound, eight-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. Now, Charlie is a small-time promoter and earns just enough money piecing together low-end bots from
scrap metal to get from one underground boxing venue to the next. When he hits rock bottom, Charlie reluctantly teams up with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo) to build and train a championship contender. As the stakes in the arena are raised, Charlie and Max, against all odds, get one last shot at a comeback.
The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn Genre: Animation | Adventure | Family Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Jamie Bell The first in the series, The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn is a 3D motion capture film based on the iconic character created by Georges Remi, better known by his pen name Herge. The film stars Jamie Bell as Tintin, the intrepid young reporter whose relentless pursuit of a good story thrusts him into a world of high adventure,
and Daniel Craig as the nefarious Red Rackham. Bell and Craig are joined by an international cast that includes Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Gad Elmaleh, Toby Jones and Mackenzie Crook. This is based on the adventures of the popular Belgian comic-strip hero Tintin and his faithful dog Snowy.
DVD Releases OCTOBER 10 October
17 October
17 October
28 October
The Beaver
Bad Teacher
Everything Must Go
Larry Crowne
Drama
Comedy
Comedy | Drama
Comedy | Drama | Romance
56 / TECH
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Welcome to our ‘TECH Favourites’ section. With these lists we aim to keep you updated with our favourite products in a concise format. Please give us your feedback on the basis of which we can further improve it.
3D TVs LG 42LW5700 RO499.900
3D LED 42-inch screen, 2MP full HD, Flicker-free 3D, Smart TV, 100Hz Tru-motion flow, four HDMI/PC input, two USB port
Flat-Panel Displays Philips 52PFL5605H RO899.900
This is a 2MP, full-HD 52-inch TV with three HDMI inputs, USB port and PIP. It features Pixel Plus HD and HD natural motion.
Sony KLV40CX520 RO269.900
LG 72LZ9700 RO3,999.900
3D LED 72-inch screen, 400Hz motion flow, four HDMI/PC input, two USB port, two megapixels
Sony KDL55EX720 RO899.900
Panasonic TH-L42U30M RO259.900
3D LED 55-inch screen, full HD, four HDMI/PC input, Internet Video, Wireless LAN Ready
This is a full HD, 42-inch TV with three HDMI/PC input, eco sensor and an SD card slot. It has a contrast ratio of 100,000:1.
Sony KDL60NX720 RO1,599.900
Samsung UA22D5000 RO149.000
Samsung PS51D550 RO500.000
Players
3D LED 60-inch screen, full HD, four HDMI/PC input, Internet TV, USB port, PIP system, Wi-Fi built-in, X-Reality Picture Engine, 200Hz motion flow
3D Plasma 51-inch screen, full HD, two megapixels, 600Hz sub-field motion, USB port, PIP system, four HDMI/PC input, Internet TV
Panasonic TH-P42GT20M RO299.900
3D Plasma 42-inch screen, full HD, Resolution Enhancer, VIERA Cast
Panasonic TH-P50ST30M RO799.900
3D Plasma 50-inch screen, full HD, 600Hz motion drive, Wi-Fi Ready Internet, Eco sensor, three USB ports, four HDMI/PC input, SD card slot
Samsung UA40D6000 RO499.000
3D LED 40-inch screen, full HD, four HDMI/PC input, USB port, Internet TV, 200Hz Clear Motion Rate, Smart Hub, two megapixels
58 /
This is a 40-inch, full HD, 2MP TV. It sports four HDMI inputs, two USB ports, PIP system and Internet TV. It also features an X-Reality engine.
This is a 22-inch full HD TV with an ultra-slim design. It sports two HDMI/PC input, and USB port
LG BD570 RO99.900
NetCast Entertainment Access, Blu-ray and DVD disc playback, standard DVD up-scaling, USB 2.0 Media Host, SimpLink
Philips BDP3000 RO59.000
Blu-ray disc playback, DivX Ultra for enhanced playback of DivX media files, DVD video up-scaling to 1080p, Dolby TrueHD BD-Live, EasyLink
Sony BDPS380 RO64.900
USB playback, XrossMediaBar, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus, Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote Technology Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
57 Laptops Acer Aspire 5820TG-464G50 RO264.900
Intel Core i5 460M processor, 2.53GHz CPU speed, 15.6-inch HD CineCrystal LED screen, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, Wireless, Bluetooth, DVD super multi-drive, AMD Radeon HD 6550M
HP ENVY 14-1111ee RO690.000
Intel Core i7 720QM processor, 1.6GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.8GHz, 6GB RAM, 1,024MB VRAM, 500GB HDD, 14.5-inch HD LCD, DVD super multidrive, Wireless, Bluetooth, 5-in-1 digital media reader, 1.3MP web camera
Asus G51J RO759.900
Intel Core i7 720QM, 1.6GHz Turbo Boost, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 640GB HDD, 1GB VRAM, 15.6-inch HD Glare LED, DVD multi-drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera
Asus N53S RO452.000
Intel Core i7 2,630QM processor, 2GHz Turbo Boost, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 640GB HDD, 15.6-inch LED screen, DVD super multi-drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera, 4x Blu-ray player, TV tuner
HP Pavilion dV7-6099 RO539.900
Intel Core i7 2,630QM second generation processor, 2GHz CPU speed, 8GB DDR3 SDRAM, 1.5TB HDD, 17.3-inch HD BrightView LED, DVD super multi-drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, fingerprint reader, HD web camera
Samsung RF511-S04 RO425.000
Netbooks & Ultra Portables Acer ICONIA TAB A500 RO209.900
32GB, 1GB RAM, 1GHz processor speed, 5MP camera, 2MP front camera, HDMI port, eight hours video playback
Archos Internet Tablet RO119.900
Cortex A8 processor, Android 2.2, seveninch touchscreen, 720p HD video, HDMI output, Wi-Fi, web camera
Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G RO329.900
32GB, 9.7-inch LED backlit screen, 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 processor, Wi-Fi and 3G, two cameras
BlackBerry PlayBook RO299.900
32GB, 1GHz dual-core processor, seven-inch capacitive display, 1GB RAM, dual cameras – 5MP rear and 3MP front
Motorola Xoom RO274.900
Android 3.1 (Honeycomb), 1GHz dual-core processor, 5MP front camera, 2MP web camera with LED flash, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 10.1-inch display, 32GB on-board memory
Intel Core i7 2,630QM processor, 1GB VRAM, 750GB HDD, 15.6-inch HD LED screen, DVD super multi-drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera
Computer Accessories Toshiba Satellite L755-16C RO329.000
Intel Core i5 2,410M processor, 2.53GHz CPU speed, 4GB RAM, 1GB VRAM, 500GB SATA HDD, 15.6-inch TruBrite HD LED screen, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera
Toshiba Satellite P755-10C RO649.000
Intel Core i7 2,630QM, 2GHz CPU speed, 6GB RAM, 500GB SATA HDD, 2GB VRAM, 15.6-inch HD LED, Blu-ray and DVD super multidrive, Wireless, Bluetooth
Sony Vaio VPCCA15FA RO419.900
Intel Core i5 2,410M processor, 2.3GHz CPU speed with Turbo Boost, 1GB VRAM, Dynamic Hybrid Graphics System, 500GB HDD, 14-inch display
Dell XPS-L502-195 (ALM) RO479.900
Intel Core i7 2,630QM processor, 2GHz CPU speed, 6GB RAM, 640GB HDD, 15.6-inch HD WLED screen, DVD super multi-drive, 2GB dedicated graphics, Wireless, Bluetooth, card reader, web camera
Microsoft Arc Keyboard RO27.500
2.4GHz wireless keyboard, stowable nano transceiver, battery life indicator, lightweight
Seagate GoFlex RO45.000
Features USB 3.0 plug-and-play connectivity, illuminated capacity gauge, 1TB portable drive
WD ShareSpace RO410.000
8TB, high-speed Gigabit Ethernet storage system with three USB 2.0 ports, offers multiple RAID configurations for data protection and speed
SteelSeries Siberia v2 RO62.200
Full-size headset with retractable microphone, a 50mm driver unit with clear sound, integrated volume control on the cord
58 Digital Still Cameras Canon A3300is RO71.900
This is a 16-megapixel camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens and 5x optical zoom. It offers the flexibility of a high-resolution image sensor. Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 image processing provides excellent quality shots.
Sony DSC-H70 RO109.900
The H70 sports a 10x optical zoom lens and a 16.1-megapixel sensor. It supports Sweep Panorama mode and HD movie capture capability. It comes with a three-inch LCD and optical image stabilisation.
Fujifilm F500 EXR RO154.900
This is a 16-megapixel camera with a three-inch LCD. It has 15x optical zoom. It also supports full HD movie recording capability and Panorama mode.
Canon IXUS 310 HS RO143.200
This is a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor digital camera with a 3.2inch touch LCD screen. It also has 4.4x optical zoom, an optical image stabiliser and supports full HD with optical zoom.
Sony NEX-5 RO279.900
The NEX-5 supports 1080i AVCHD video recording. It sports a 14MP Exmor CMOS sensor. It is equipped with a wide three-inch LCD screen.
Olympus SZ20 RO149.000
The SZ20 sports a backlit CMOS sensor for low-noise shots, an impressive 12.5x super wide optical zoom. With 1080p full HD movie recording and 16MP, the SZ20 features Smart Panorama and 3D still photo shooting.
Olympus TG310 RO109.000
The TOUGH TG310 from Olympus is waterproof to a depth of 3m, shockproof to a height of 1.5m and freezeproof to -10 degrees Celsius. It features a 14-megapixel sensor with 3.6x wide optical zoom. It sports a 2.7-inch TFT LCD screen.
Sony W580 RO89.900
This is a 16.1-megapixel, 5x optical zoom camera. It comes with a three-inch LCD screen and a 25mm wide-angle lens. It supports Sweep Panorama Mode for the perfect landscape images.
Samsung WB700 RO139.500
This is a 24mm ultra-wide 18x zoom camera with a three-inch TFT LCD screen. The dual image stabiliser feature automatically adjusts to compensate for hand or body movements, resulting in steadier photos.
Fujifilm Z90 RO81.900
This is a 14-megapixel camera with 5x optical zoom. It sports a threeinch LCD touchscreen. It has a Panorama mode for good landscape shots. It also supports HD movie recording.
Offers
Service
Camcorders Panasonic HDC- SDT750 RO449.900
14.2MP, 12x optical zoom, three-inch LCD screen, 3D and 2D playback, full HD video, 5.1-channel surround sound system
Sony HDR-PJ30E RO399.900
7.1 megapixel resolution, 12x optical zoom, threeinch LCD touchscreen, built-in projector, 32GB internal memory
JVC HM970 RO449.000
10x optical zoom, 3D converter, 3.5-inch touch LCD screen, Super LoLux with F1.2 Super Bright Lens and back-illuminated CMOS sensor
Samsung HMX-H300 RO149.500
30x optical zoom, 4.9MP, three-inch LCD screen, OIS Duo stabiliser, three-hour battery time
Sony TD-10E RO649.900
10x optical zoom, 3D Full HD, 2D Optional, 3.5-inch LCD screen, 64GB internal memory, 7.1MP
DSLRs Nikon D5100 RO369.900
16.2 megapixel, 11-point autofocus, three-inch LCD screen, HD movie, 4fps
Canon EOS 1D Mark 4 RO2,329.900 16.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 10fps shooting, three-inch Clear View LCD, HD video recording
Canon EOS-550D RO344.900
18 megapixel, nine-point autofocus, three-inch LCD screen, full HD video
Sony SLT α55 RO399.900
16.7 megapixel, three-inch LCD screen, full HD movie, 10fps, 3D Sweep Panorama mode Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
Emax
59 Phones BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 RO274.900
It sports a 2.8-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen, 5MP camera with LED flash, BlackBerry OS 7.0, 1.2GHz QC 8655 processor and Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP.
Samsung Galaxy SII RO259.900
The Samsung Galaxy SII has a 4.3-inch super AMOLED Plus display with a Dual Core Application Processor. This 8.49mm slim phone operates on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and features an 8MP camera with LED flash, 16GB storage, Wi-Fi and A-GPS support.
Samsung Galaxy S Plus RO199.900
Samsung’s Galaxy S Plus smartphone is Android-powered and boasts a super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen. It includes a 5MP camera with autofocus, HSDPA Internet connectivity, and 8GB storage.
Apple iPhone 4 RO344.900
The iPhone 4 sports a 3.5-inch LED-backlit TFT capacitive touchscreen. With an internal memory of 32GB and a 512MB RAM, the iPhone 4 supports Wi-Fi, A-GPS, Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP. It has a 1GHz Apple A4 processor.
Motorola Milestone XT720 RO199.000
iPod Docks Philips DC-315 RO34.900
Play and charge your iPod or iPhone, 8W RMS total output power, MP3 Link for portable music playback
Gear4 Houseparty RO36.900
iPod dock and recharge, FM radio, 30W RMS
Altec Lansing M602 RO38.500
Dock and Play, recharge for iPod, video output for iPod video, wall-mountable
Logitech S715i RO57.900
Plays and charges iPhone and iPod, eight-hour rechargeable battery, two three-inch laser-tuned neodymium drivers
Bose Sound Dock-10 RO279.000
iPod and iPhone dock, recharge and play, remote control, audio input
This smartphone is Android powered with an 8MP camera and Xenon flash. It features a TFT capacitive touchscreen, Gorilla Glass display with touch-sensitive navigation controls.
MP3 Players
Nokia N8 RO164.900
Apple iPod Nano 6G RO86.500
The Nokia N8 comes with AMOLED capacitive touchscreen. Its features include a 12MP camera with Carl Zeiss optics, 16GB storage, Bluetooth 3.0, micro USB connector and charging, and HDMI port.
Sony Ericsson Neo RO164.900
This Android smartphone sports an 8MP camera and a 3.7-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 854x480 pixels. In addition, it has Wi-Fi, A-GPS and Bluetooth.
LG Optimus One P500 RO99.900
This phone sports a 3.2MP camera with Bluetooth, 3G and Wi-Fi facilities. With TFT capacitive touchscreen this phone runs on Android OS v2.2. It includes a 2GB micro SD card.
Samsung S8530 Wave II RO149.900
It sports a 3.7-inch super clear capacitive touchscreen, 5MP camera, ARM Cortex A8 1GHz processor and Bluetooth v3.0 with A2DP.
HTC Sensation RO299.000
The HTC Sensation is a multimedia superphone that sports a 4.3-inch touchscreen. It operates on a 1.2GHz dual core processor and features an 8MP camera. The design includes contoured glass edging.
16GB, VoiceOver gesture-based screen reader, 1.54-inch (diagonal) colour TFT display, Live Pause feature
Apple iPod Touch 4G RO99.900
8GB, 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen, multi-touch display, 720p HD video capture, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
Sony NWZ-E453 RO39.900
4GB, 50 hours of music playback, SensMe, Lyric Sync, Karaoke Mode and Clear Audio technologies
Philips SA3RGA04R RO19.900
4GB, without case, FM radio and FM recording, one-inch screen, FullSound technology, 22 hours battery support
Sony Walkman NWZ-B162 RO20.900 Built-in equaliser, Bass boost, voice recording, power illuminator, style-up clip, quick charge
60 Air Conditioners & Air Purifiers Sharp AHAP18HME RO200.000
This 1.5-tonne split air conditioner is a low-noise design with Plasmacluster technology. By releasing the cluster ions, it enables the creation of an environment that is very close to that found in nature.
Refrigerators
Samsung AS18DW RO199.500
430L capacity, frost-free, double doors, tempered glass shelves, green ion door cooling
Samsung’s 1.5-tonne capacity split air conditioner is best known for its high efficiency heat exchanger and silver nano filter. It has an anti-rust cabinet.
Panasonic CS-C18MKF RO199.000
The CS-C18MKF incorporates the ECONAVI technology. Advance+ Plus e-ion is designed to monitor changes in the degree of air cleanliness. AUTOCOMFORT is another important feature.
GREE GSFS24SR RO289.900
With an automatic slip design, this is a floor-standing type two-tonne air conditioner. It has an independent dehumidifying function, with electrostatic de-dusting effect. It supports four-angle air supply.
Sharp KC-840E-B RO129.000
This is an air purifier with high-density Plasmacluster technology, humidification function and circulation airflow for home use. This appliance is recommended for a floor area of approximately 26sqm. It comes with washable deodorising filter.
Hitachi RAN-209CP RO132.900
LG GLM432DM RO162.900
Toshiba GR-RG65UD RO219.900
650L capacity, ice maker, frost-free, Hybrid Guard System, container for vegetables and fruits
Samsung RL-52VEBTB RO219.500
350L capacity, LCD touchscreen, bottommounted freezer, blue LED display, silver plus anti-bacterial coating
Hitachi RW-660FUK RO364.900
660L capacity, ice maker with water dispenser, nano titanium cooling system, four-door top mounted no-frost freezer
Sharp SJPT73RS RO295.000
662L capacity, frost-free, doubledoor refrigerator, tempered glass shelves, Plasmacluster ion technology
This 1.5-tonne window air conditioner has a high energy-efficient compressor with a super quite air flow. There is a symmetric twin flow air discharge, washable filters and a rotary compressor.
Washing Machines
Hitachi RAS-18CPX RO192.900
Toshiba AW1160/70 RO126.900
This split-type air conditioner has a Green Fin condenser that is durable, thanks to the green rust-resistant coating. It also employs Nano Titanium technology in its stainless steel filters.
Toshiba RAS-18SKP RO204.900
This is a 1.5-tonne capacity split-type wall-mounted air conditioner. It has a seven-layer air filter and a self-cleaning function that eliminates mould. It also has a new compact chassis.
Sanyo SA186M5 RO117.900
Sanyo’s 1.5-tonne window air conditioner is a low-noise design with a rotary compressor and comes with an anti-bacteria filter. It is easy to clean and allows smooth air flow.
LG T186RC RO288.900
This is a 1.5-tonne capacity split air conditioner with virus and allergy-safe filter. It has a four-way swing and jet cool feature. It also employs a multi-stage tropical compressor.
9.5kg capacity, six wash programmes, digital display, water level selection, top load washer
Sharp ES-N70ESA RO93.000
7kg capacity, six washing programmes, water level selection, revolutionary cylindrical design, hole-less stainless steel tub
LG F1256QDW RO139.900
Front load washer, 7kg capacity, 13 programmes, 1,200rpm, Bio care, child lock, direct drive motor
Samsung WA10V5 RO109.500
8kg capacity, six washing programmes, water level selection, water pump system, diamond drum, air turbo spinning system Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
61 Microwaves & Ovens Elekta EBRO-443 RO21.900
This is a 43L capacity, 2,000W electric oven with a zero to 250 degrees Celsius temperature selector. It has a four-stage heating selector and comes with rotisserie function. It also has a 60-minute timer with a bell signal.
Sanyo EM-C7586V RO54.000
This is a 32L convection microwave with grill function. With an output power of 1,000W, this oven has an electronic timer. It includes auto defrost and auto delay start feature. It has five power levels and ten auto menus.
Samsung GE109MST RO69.500
This is a 28L grill microwave oven. Designed for performance, it has a wide tempered glass door. This microwave features the Triple Distribution System and Steam Clean function.
Samsung GE86N RO39.900
The GE86N is a stylish 23L microwave oven with grill. It has ceramic enamel for a durable surface and comes with anti-bacterial coating. The microwave also features Triple Distribution System.
LG MH6589UR RO49.900
Vacuum Cleaners Philips FC-8146 RO48.900
1,800W vacuum cleaner, bagless, HEPA washable filter, 300W suction power, dust container-full indicator
Hoover HFC-2000 RO29.900
2,000W power vacuum cleaner, indicator for full bag, bagged canister
Samsung SC-4130 RO18.500
3L dust capacity, 1,600W maximum power consumption, 320W suction power, two-way parking for easy storage, dust container-full indicator
Karcher VC 5200 RO77.000
Dry vacuum cleaner, 3.3L dust bag capacity, 1,800W input power, indicator for full bag, HEPA 12 filter
This is a 25L convection microwave with grill function. It includes four auto defrost and four grill/bake programmes. Additional features include quick defrost, child lock and quick start functions.
Domestic Appliances
LG MH7046 RO49.900
Russell Hobbs 15075 RO23.900
This is a 30L microwave oven with grill function. It features an anti-bacterial interior, five power levels and a smart LED display with touch panel. It has six auto cook menus. It also sports a mirror design.
Samsung MW6194ST RO54.900
A 55L microwave oven with 1,000W output power, Samsung’s one-touch sensor cook provides easy cooking at the touch of a button. It sports an LED display that shows microwave settings and other information.
Panasonic NN-CF770M RO122.900
Panasonic’s NN-CF770M features flatbed and inverter technologies. This allows for greater space inside the microwave. It includes turbo defrost, a child lock, variable power levels and an easy-to-read LCD display.
Panasonic NN-ST340W RO35.900
This is a compact microwave oven with 800W output power. It comes with eight auto cook categories, child safety lock, auto reheat and defrost options.
Black & Decker TRO2000 RO26.700
This is a 1,380W toaster oven that features a 19L capacity. It comes with an adjustable timer, a wire rack and a food tray handle. It also has a removable crumb tray for easy crumb disposal.
Four-slice toaster (plus kettle), variable browning control, extra lift facility, removable crumb tray, cancel button
N Espresso C120 RO180.000
Single-serve automatic espresso machine and milk frother, 19 bars of pump pressure, maximum power of 1,710W
Krups EA8255K1 RO284.600
Espresso, Cappuccino and Coffee maker, compact Thermoblock system, metal drip tray, steam function, automatic cleaning
Moulinex FP7381 RO66.900
900W power food processor, 3L bowl capacity, with grinder attachment, juice extractor
Braun K-600 RO50.100
600W power food processor, 2L bowl capacity, 14 levels with turbo boost, useful for chopping, slicing, grating and shredding
62 Gaming Consoles & Accessories PSP 3000+4 Games RO76.000
This current version of the PlayStation Portable has a built-in microphone and a better screen that is able to resist glare and so works better outdoors.
PS3 320GB + Move Bundle RO160.000
The Move is broken into three parts: the ‘Motion Controller’, the ‘Navigation Controller’ and the ‘PlayStation Eye Camera’. The Motion Controller contains built-in motion sensors.
Nintendo 3DS RO129.000
A built-in 3D Depth Slider allows you to adjust the intensity of the 3D settings on the new Nintendo 3DS system. Other features include the built-in motion and gyro sensor.
Logitech G13 RO37.000
The GamePanel LCD in this gaming keyboard keeps you informed of the game stats and other vital information to help you claim victory. It includes programmable G-keys that let you create macros on the fly.
Logitech G27 RO160.000
Logitech racing wheels and flight controllers simulate remarkable realism. Force feedback lets you feel every slip of the tyre, every shudder of the wing and the controls feel like the real thing.
Our Current Top 5 Recommended Games Alice: Madness Returns RO28.900
Publisher: EA Games Developer: Spicy Horse Platform(s): Xbox 360, PS3, PC Genre: Action ESRB Rating: Mature
Dead or Alive Dimensions RO26.700 Publisher: Nintendo of America Developer: Tecmo Koei Platform(s): 3DS Genre: Fighting ESRB Rating: R/P
inFamous 2 RO28.900
XBOX 360 Kinect 250GB RO177.000
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) Developer: Sucker Punch Platform(s): PS3 Genre: Adventure ESRB Rating: Teen
Logitech Z906 RO160.000
L. A. Noire RO28.900
With a stylish design, the integrated internal memory of 250GB allows you to save games and content. It has built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) and 5.1 channel surround sound.
Successor to the highly acclaimed Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speaker System, the new THX-Certified Z906 delivers 500W of pure power.
SteelSeries Spectrum 5XB RO53.600
This is a premium quality, wired headset designed for Xbox 360. With the custom-built soundscape via 40mm SunDancer (SCS) units, you can pinpoint the direction of noises and movement throughout the game.
Thrustmaster T500RS RO241.000
The T500RS employs new H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology) on the wheel’s steering and so offers precision, force feedback and a realistic angle of rotation. The controls feel like the real thing.
Publisher: Rockstar Games Developer: Team Bondi Platform(s): Xbox 360, PS3 Genre: Adventure ESRB Rating: R/P
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time RO26.700 Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Platform(s): 3DS Genre: Action ESRB Rating: R/P
Nintendo Wii Sports Resort Pack RO90.000
Wii Sports Resort has lots of fun activities with more than 18 sports to try, ranging from water sports like canoeing, power cruising and wakeboarding, to ball games like basketball and golf.
SEVEN DAYS EXERCISE T U O H T I W EAK W E N SO MAKE
Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
Excellent range of fitness equipment at fantastic prices!
Company
Products
Showroom
Service Dept.
Abu Hani
La Germania, Starway, Westar, Starline, Tatung
24495141
24491327
Al Khalili Technology
Fijitsu, Siemon, Coral Telecom, Honeywell, Epson, Camtron, Pyronix, SD3, Tripp-lite, Cummins, Schnider Electric, Sanyo, Sakar, Sterline, Sonicwall
24616900
24816303
Bahwan Electronics
Asset, Carrier, Ignis, Napro, Toshiba, Seiko, Casio, Titan, Sony Ericsson, Tempstar, Cooline, Corning, Print electronics, Dolphin, Benq, Ausonia, Daewoo, VIP, Dometic, Corby
Ruwi 24796629/32
24501965 / 66
24798222
Belltel
Nokia
Ruwi 24798222
Emax
Multibrand
MCC 24558062, Fax 24558063
Genetco
Sanyo, Videocon, Fujitsu, Thomson, York, Yamaha, Canon, HAAS, AEG, Sure, Caravell, Gulf Star, Safari, Admiral, Francia, Mitsubishi, Marc Climatic, Vortice, Guntner, Zanussi , Ziegra Imesa, Bitzer , Manitowoc, Bremer, Dito- Electrolux, Metro, Taylor, Costan
Al Qurum 24568806 Al Qurum 24561948 Muttrah 24713138 Ruwi 24830919 Seeb 24422797 Shatti al Qurum 24693292
24503653
HiTec Centre
Boston Accoustics, Denon, Leica, Polk Audio
Azaiba 24497384
24497384
Jashanmal
Mytag, Hoover
24702312
Jawahir Oman
Bang & Olufsen
Qurm 24563213
24563213
Jumbo Electronics
Sony, VAIO, Sony professional Products, Blackberry, Supra, Midea Air-conditioners, Casio, Brother Sewing Machines, Acer, HP, Dyson, Gorenje
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
K R P&G
Braun, Oral-B
24831045
24831045
Loay International
Macintosh, Benq, Epson, Sokkia, Acer
24708795
24708845
MHD
Fagor, Pioneer
Ruwi 24732440
24732440
Meta Galaxy
Hitachi
Ruwi 24503653
24503653
Moayyed Integrated Ente
Daewoo Electronics
24488795
24488795
Molecules
Micromax
24830108
24830108
Muscat Electronics
Daikin, Wansa, Ricoh, Chigo, Media, G-Hanz, Sony Professional products
Ruwi 24702985, 24799246 Sohar:26845647, Salalah:23291617
24813408,24560874
Mustafa Sultan Electronics (MSE)
Samsung, Haier, Philips, Nevica, Whirlpool
Al Khuwair 24636015
Wadi Kabir 24818018
Oman Intl. Electronics & Trading Co.
Bose, Nec, JVC
Qurm 24565490
24830606
Oman Modern Electronics Co.
Sharp, JBL, Mastergas, Harman/Kardon, Onida, Nikai
24702555
24702555
OMASCO
Raymond Weil, Kolber, Westar, Alba, Maxima, HMT, Panasonic, Xper, Aftron, Black&Decker, GE
Qurm, 24564310 Ruwi 24833630
24560232
OMASCO - System Solutions
Panasonic
24565696
24565696
Oman Trading Est.
Bosch, LG, Palson, TCL, Prolux, Promate, Pearl, Souq Technia, GHanz, White Westinghouse, Hostess, Kenstar,
Ruwi 24834162 Al Araimi 2456148, 24810522
24810522, 24810156, 80075545
Photocentre
Fujifilm, Olympus, Hasselblad, Sigma, Manfrotto, Lowepro, EPSON, Mitsubishi Electric, STEINER, Broncolor, Hama, Amano
Qurm 24565305 Al Khuwair 24479296
24571708
Sarco
Samsung, Technoflame
Ruwi
Ghala 24593025
Sayed Bin Nasser Al Hashar
Ariston, Rinnai, Voltas, JBL, Kirloskar, Kardex, Lexmark
Ruwi 24700571 Ruwi 24706004, 24796007 Ruwi High Street 24834460 Salalah 23291405, Sohar 26840763 Sur 25544613
24704494
Salman Store
Seb, Janome, Coolex
24799332
Shah Nagardas Manji Co.
Kodak, Yashica, Cokin, Case Logic, Lexar, Noritsu, Durst, Bushnell, Eiki, Iriver, Steiner, Tasco, White Westinghouse, Igloo, Venus, Russel Hobbs, Addis, Noritake, Ocean, Wenger
Ruwi , Qurm 24562656 Lulu Baushe 24593806, Nizwa 25410184
Technical Trading Co
Westinghouse
Ruwi 24703515, Fax 24700010
If you would like to be listed, e-mail: tech@deenarmedia.com
24700883
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MC8293NS3
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