TECH Issue 26

JUNE 2012 ISSUE 26

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Tech-addiction

ISSUE 26

JUNE 2012

Editor-in-chief

Hatim al Taie Managing Director

Abdullah al Taie General Manager

Rathish Ramachandran Asst. General Manager

Terry Mathukutty Content Head

Sujata Sengupta

Today people are not amazed by technology like they used to be. It has become normal for someone to check the weather, send a text, pay a bill and look up a restaurant or movie reviews and listings in about five minutes on the same device - all while listening to music or on a call. But there comes a point where technology becomes just too much by being a priority in some of our lives.

A study done at the University of Maryland found people might be addicted to technology. After asking a group of college students to give up all technology for 24 hours, including mp3 players, phones and laptops, participants reported feelings of withdrawal and anxiety. That is not so surprising, considering children age 8 through 18 spend an average 7.5 hours per day using such devices. Or that half of teens, 12 through 17, report sending 50 or more text messages per day, and one-third send 100 or more. One study participant described sending a text message every minute or so, and felt ashamed for not being able to go 24 hours without a phone.

Even more damaging than occupying the time of teenagers is the potential effect so much technology might have on how children develop. The question is will it lead to people becoming less interested in face-to-face interactions, which are important for social and emotional skills, such as reading body language or feeling empathy. Surely, technology has been beneficial in many ways. Some parents point out that socialnetworking sites such as Facebook have been particularly helpful in starting friendships for children too shy to interact in person.

But how big of a role should technology play in our lives?

Dy. Content Head

Poornima Ramani Head - Design

Shyniben Koyakkil Senior Designer

Manu Martin Sales

Aaron Davidson Leticia Meneses Angelyn Delos Reyes

Sending text messages every few minutes and spending more than seven hours a day using technology is just too much.

Parents would do well to bring in some changes to ensure they are not contributing to creation of a generation of socially and emotionally inept children.

Produced by

- Ed 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

$ Printed at Oman Printers & Stationers

2012 Š 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.

JUNE 2012 ISSUE 26

18 PhoTograPhy New line-up from Canon combines technology and style

20 comPuTiNg Series of ‘Security Hardening’ guides

by Canon Express your personal style with Sony VAIO

22 iNTerview Vithesh Reddy, general manager, Nokia Lower Gulf

24 auDio zoNe Philips audio products for a perfect listening experience

Latest in home entertainment

26 moBile zoNe

40 aPPs

Samsung Galaxy S III comes with enhanced usability

Favourite iPhone, Android and BlackBerry apps

42 Power Tools Make your memories of food real with the ‘steam’ effect

44 Tech arT Add lighting effects to your photographs

46 Time zoNe Garmin Approach S3 is your golfing partner Polar RCX5 is the official Tour de France training computer

52 gamiNg Risen 2: Dark Waters is worth a trip for RPG die-hards

News 10 NouvoTech 14 Quiz 55 50 DashBoarD Empulse from Brammo sports a breakthrough powertrain system

Tech FavouriTes 56 Tech DirecTory 63

reGuLars

Features

27-39 viDeo zoNe

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

Dear editor, What does the term phishing mean, in terms of virus attacks?

Regards, Jamal

Dear editor, I tried copying a program file from my office computer to my home computer. But I couldn’t run the exe file. Can something be done?

Xavier

Dear Jamal, Dear Xavier, These days we are inundated with spam.

However, most spam is easy to spot. It goes without saying that you should never open these emails or click on the links.

At best you will get more spam, at worst you will probably download something unsavoury. Phishing emails, on the other hand, are the InternetÕs version of con artists. Rather than simply waiting for you to click their links, they come to you disguised as a message from your friendÕs email. These emails are in fact attempting to get your username and password so they can use your email account to send spam. You have probably seen fake emails like this pretending to be from your bank trying to get your account numbers.

Actually, if the program requires a setup (in other words, if you had had to install the program on the first machine), then copying the program file from one machine to another will not work. The right thing to do is to get the installation program and install it in your home computer.

However, there are a class of applications called Ôport ableÕ. This application does not require a setup. And so, you can simply copy that application from one machine to another, run it and have it work. The point is there is no setup required. Many popular programs have portable versions, such as a portable Firefox. But if youÕv e got an existing program that was installed on a PC, you need to run setup.

- Ed - Ed Dear editor, I have often noticed that my anti-malware software suddenly shows relatively low memory usage, but a virtual memory size that is nearly ten times larger. Is this unusual?

Susan

Hi TECH team, What does cache memory mean?

Raji Dear Raji,

Dear Susan, Sometimes, a program will go up and down in terms of memory usage. Low memory usage, but high virtual memory usage is not an issue. ItÕs very common for programs to follow this trend. However, you need to start worrying when the virtual memory being used is continually increasing for a long period of time. Also, there might be something wrong when the virtual memory usage increases quickly for a short period of time. This indicates whatÕs called a Ômemory leakÕ in the program. The program is asking for more memory and then forgetting to tell Windows when itÕs done with the memory. It keeps asking for more and eventually the system runs out.

- Ed

Cache memory is the same as RAM, but is much faster. This is why there usually isnÕ t much cache, because itÕ s pricier than a standard RAM. ItÕ s used to store things that are going to be accessed more than once, or need to be accessed quickly. Just like RAM, once the program is done or once you turn your computer off it is a clean slate and ready to be used again.

- Ed

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NEWS

Sony Xperia sola launched Sony Mobile Communications has announced the arrival of Xperia sola, the latest addition to its portfolio of Android™ powered Xperia smartphones to the Middle Eastern and African market.

Complete with Sony technology, premium entertainment and innovative ‘floating touch’ navigation, the NFC-enabled Xperia sola comes equipped with Xperia SmartTags, allowing consumers to change their smartphone settings and applications in an instant.

MSE Introduces the new Philips Meat mincer Mustafa Sultan Electronics recently launched the new Philips Meat Mincer in Oman for Ramadhan.

This multi functional meat mincer is designed with a combination of a sturdy motor, a metal feeding screw, powerful knife and two hygienic stainless steel screens. With 1500W blocked and 350W nominal motor power, the machine can easily mince up to 2 kgs of meat in 1 minute.

When not in use, the accessories fit tidily in the storage tray. The mincer also comes with an additional storage compartment to house all the accessories tidily when not in use.

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Spyridon Gousetis, Director of Marketing, Sony Mobile Communications, Middle East and Africa said: “We are very excited to announce the availability of the latest Xperia device. Xperia sola delivers a sense of magic with the revolutionary floating touch, giving consumers a fun new way to browse. The sola also comes complete with Xperia SmartTag, for NFC functionality.

The feature-rich Xperia sola is perfect for those looking for a quality user experience, and the best in entertainment from a smartphone.”

Video on the go The ST1080 is the world’s first and only consumer head mounted display to offer native 1080p picture quality and features to make it a truly great personal viewing experience.

Eyes in the Sky While UAV’s continue to reshape the theater of war, they are also finding more and more non-military applications, from gathering atmospheric data to delivering supplies to remote villages. Now Aerovironment is examining the potential for its UAVs to rapidly re-establish communications when existing communications networks are knocked out following a natural or man-made disaster.

Thunderbolt your life Demonstrating its market leading innovation, ASUS has announced the launch of its P8Z77-V PREMIUM motherboard — the flagship of the P8Z77 Series. After over a year of Mac dominance it is the first Intel certified motherboard in the market to offer the latest Thunderbolt connection interface.

SAMSUNG introduces Printing Solutions for SMBs Samsung recently launched the SCX-3405 series Multi-Functional Printers (MFPs) and ML-2165 printer, which lower the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and provide environmental friendly solutions.

The SCX-3405 series multifunctional printers and ML-2165 printers are equipped with Samsung’s Easy Eco Driver solution, enabling custom settings to manage and control printing costs. Without editing the original document, users can edit and avoid printing unnecessary text or images, resulting in an efficient use of toner and paper. The Results Simulator within the Easy Eco Driver solution shows users the expected results of reduced CO2 emission, electricity

OHI Electronics launches Nakamichi OHI Electronics has been appointed the exclusive distributor of Nakamichi products in Oman. Nakamichi Corporation Limited is known for its innovative and high quality display panels, home audio and mobile sound systems. Nakamichi products will be retailed by OHI Electronics at the newly opened CONNEXIONS showroom at Muscat City Centre, Seeb. The product line-up will include home theatre systems, mini systems, iPod docks, headphones, 3D TVs, LED and LCD TVs, and accessories. Nakamichi’s home audio products included the world’s first three-head cassette deck. The company continues to introduce premium entertainment systems that use cuttingedge technology and are widely available throughout the world. Nakamichi audio systems are celebrated for their sound quality by audiophiles all over the world.

usage, paper and toner consumption for the document to be printed in accordance with the user’s settings.

Additionally by changing particular settings, users can see expected cost and environmental implications thereby making them aware of the potential energy and cost savings of the settings they choose.

Larger than Life Panasonic Corporation announced today it will start shipment of its 65-inch “Interactive Plasma Display” (TH-65PB1), incorporated with electronic pen functions, in Japan, the U.S., and Europe at the end of June. Panasonic also plans to commercialize an 85-inch model, the size of a standard whiteboard, and the world’s largest 103-inch model by the end of this year.

Back to the future It’s fifty years ago since the Renault Alpine A110 Berlinette was introduced as one of the most beautiful road cars of its time, embodying light weight and sweet handling and furthering the long and successful Renault motorsport heritage by winning rallies all over the world. Not surprisingly, such a memorable automotive birthday has precipitated a very appealing concept car. The Renault Alpine A110-50, is a reinterpretation of the original Alpine’s key features in a thoroughly modern way, all cloaked in stylish Alpine Blue carbon fiber bodywork, with a 400 bhp Mégane Trophy power train. All up weight is 880 kg. It seems like a recipe for a very stylish rocketship.

JUNE 2012 / 11

NEWS

All-in-Pocket Leap Motion Leap is now taking pre-orders for its Leap Motion sensor, a USB accessory that enables full control of your PC or Mac using simple hand and finger gestures.

The company claims that its product is the most accurate gesture sensor available, and it costs only US$70.

Imagine that you could carry everything that’s on your computer right in your pocket. What if you could just plug in and access the contents of your entire hard drive? Would it be useful to you to be able to view, edit and upload data to AND from your remote computer? What if it was completely safe, and easy, and you weren’t getting charged any monthly fees? Then you should check out iTwin, a very cool double-sided thumb drive that splits apart in the middle and works like a double sided cable, (without the cable, of course) just plug one half into one computer and the other half into a different computer (both Internet connected) and Voila! the computers are connected, your files are instantly available.

Jet injectors

Those of us with an aversion to needles can soon go to the doctor with a little less trepidation. That is if a new device developed by a team of MIT researchers becomes available at your local medical facility. The device uses a Lorentz-force actuator to create an adjustable highpressure jet that is ejected out of a nozzle as wide as a mosquito’s proboscis, penetrating the skin to deliver highly controlled doses at different depths.

Diamonds by Gemballa German tuner Gemballa has announced an innovation that should lead to many cars that surpass the gaudiness of even its own gold-splashed Mirage GT Gold Edition. It’s a car finish made from crushed diamonds. “When Gemballa speaks of diamonds, we really mean it”, says CEO Andreas Schwarz. “Our complex process uses genuine diamonds as its key ingredient – not metal pigments, glass fragments, or crystals.” Gemballa’s challenge was to crush the diamonds small enough that they could be applied fluidly like paint while still maintaining their sparkle because what good is having diamond paint if people can’t see it from a mile down the highway?

According to the tuner, grinding stones into a fine powder actually helps to increase shine, thanks to the innumerable reflective facets of the ground stones.

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All star Power The dramatic increase in the number of devices finding their way into people’s homes has made the humble electrical outlet hot property, with all manner of power-hungry hardware and proprietary port-packing mobile gizmos clamoring for attention. The PowerBrick universal charger from Feligan aims to be your one-stop electricity outlet by virtue of its ability to simultaneously power 11 devices.

Sony debuts first Ultrabook VAIO T Series Thin, light and portable, the responsive new VAIO T Series goes everywhere with you. Smartly styled in tough magnesium and aluminium, go-anywhere VAIO T Series is tailor-made to handle daily trips to the office or lecture theatre. Blending durability and performance, it’s the first Ultrabook™ to proudly carry the VAIO name. Loaded with the latest technologies from Sony and Intel, VAIO T Series is crafted to help you get more done – and have more fun. Available in 29.4cm (11.6”) or 33.7cm (13.3”) screen sizes, VAIO T Series slips effortlessly into your bag for easy carrying between home and work.

Air Talk When it comes to driving, it makes perfect sense if you were to ensure that both of your hands remain on the wheel at all times – after all, talking on your smartphone might just cause you to lose that additional concentration on the road, so much so that you might end up in an accident that nobody wants. This is where hands-free car kits come in handy, and the SuperTooth Crystal Bluetooth speakerphone that will be available only in sleek black, might just help you out if you love talking on the phone while driving.

iZen The iZen keyboards are here, and they’re ready to change your mind.

The iZen Bamboo keyboard is the first eco-friendly bluetooth keyboard ever available on the market. They are attractive, low profile and portable. It is perfect for anyone, and its great looking and unusual 92% bamboo construction is certainly a nice change from your basic white or black plastic.

Mighty mouse The release of Diablo 3 just a few weeks ago would definitely have seen an uptick in sales of gaming peripherals, including gaming mice and keyboards, as geeks everywhere unit to click their way to victory, killing off a far more feminine looking Diablo. If you are in the market to pick up a new gaming mouse just for the occasion, then you might want to consider the midsized ROCCAT Savu hybrid gaming mouse. ROCCAT describes this as “a competition device that fusion welds an ideal blend of performance and customizable features into a robust, perfectlybalanced, medium-size design.”

JUNE 2012 / 13

NOUVOTECH

UNLEASH THE UNIQUE Watch words in the world of technology – going smart and going green. Here are a few interesting examples ONION GOGGLES The walls of an onion have a collection of enzymes. When you cut the vegetable, the walls breakdown and the enzymes create an acid that breaks down into gas. These gases dissolve into the tears that coat your eye, turning them into a mild sulphuric acid. Your tear-ducts produce more tears to help dilute the caustic chemical. The Onion Goggles fit snugly over your eyes, sealing them up and protecting you from those sulphurous fumes.

THErMODOck Transform your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad into a mobile thermometer with the Medisana ThermoDock. Equipped with infrared technology, it measures your current body temperature in seconds. It is compact and requires no extra external power supply. It’s the ideal companion to check your temperature wherever you are.

Once the ThermoDock is attached to your Apple device, hold it 5cm from the middle of your forehead, touch the monitor and take a reading.

SMArTWATcH The SmartWatch from Sony is a wearable device that extends the power of Android smartphones. It sends personal information from your smartphone straight to your wrist.

A vibration and screen alert notifies you of key events, like an incoming call. It allows you to read texts and emails as well as receive Facebook and Twitter updates. It sports a 1.3inch OLED touchscreen. It will be available at the suggested retail price of USD150 (RO58).

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BLINk/STEADy BIkE LIGHT Machined from solid aluminium, the Blink/Steady bike light turns on automatically and shuts off when you’re not riding. It uses an accelerometer that knows when you’re moving, and a light sensor that knows when it’s dark enough to turn on. It has two simple, but effective options.

LOGITEcH SOLAr kEyBOArD FOLIO Made for the new, third-generation iPad as well as the iPad 2, the book-style case and keyboard feature a built-in keyboard powered by light. The onboard solar cells charge the built-in Bluetooth keyboard. It has two stand positions. Open the folio and place your iPad in the first position to enjoy the full keyboard when you’re typing. Place your iPad in the second position and the first keyboard row acts as your one-touch media playback and volume controls, so you can play, pause and change volume instantly.

QLOckTWO W QLO From Biegert & Funk, this watch does not show time with hands or digits. Time is indicated as readable text, turning it into a statement – “It is half past nine”. The square watch face has a uniform grid of 110 letters. When the stainlesssteel button is pressed, words light up, describing the time. Together with the time, it also displays the calendar day or seconds.

WEATHEr STATION The four-colour LCD screen Weather Station displays indoor and outdoor temperature in Fahrenheit or degree Celsius. It also displays humidity, thanks to the built-in hygrometer, current weather conditions, heat index and dew point. It doubles as an alarm clock, showing you the date, time, and the moon phase. For those rainy days when waking up is hard, there’s a snooze button. The remote sensor operates on RF 434MHz with a range of 100ft. The gadget weighs only 284g.

rEc rEcHArGING HANDBAG British fashion designer Richard Nicoll, in collaboration with Vodafone, has designed an exceptionally useful handbag that combines creativity and technology. The device contains a builtin phone charger and hanging charm that lights up when your phone rings to make sure you never miss an important phone call. The white leather tote gives you the ability to power up BlackBerrys, iPhones and Androids on the go.

JUNE 2012 / 15

Old-school, with new fruit

Most people love their iPhones, in some cases the cell phone has even taken the place of the house phone.

Award winning French designer Davis Turpin brings us another of his graceful everyday designs in his new Curve BT iDock. Now you can charge your iPhone and even sync with iTunes with this Bluetooth connected charger with an attractive, yet substantial handset that just begs to be cradled between your shoulder and your ear, just like in the good old days.

The Curve also expands the connection radius at home by allowing you to place your mobile phone at the location with strongest signal strength, and leave it there while you move about. The Curve has volume control on the handset,

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and a dedicated iPhone dock that will simultaneously charge your iPhone, even while you are using the wireless handset. The Curve will recognize up to two Bluetooth devices at the same time, including iPhone, iPad or Android, and it’s perfect to use with Skype, Google Talk or other VoIP services.

To answer the phone you simply pick up the handset from the base, and if at the time you would prefer to use your iPhone, just grab it off the dock instead, and proceed as usual, swapping back and forth between the two requires only a two-second button press. The Curve really does put your old remote phone to shame, and it can be yours for under USD100 (RO40).

RUMOURS

iPhone 5 concepts It is almost a year since the iPhone 4S was launched to the masses. Few months after the launch, rumors of the iPhone 5 have been floating around the web.

Independent designers took to these rumors and stared creating and designing their own versions of the next iPhone.

Now that the date for WWDC 2012 is set, we hope to hear more about the next iPhone. We at TECH have compiled some of the concepts which we thought is worth sharing.

JUNE 2012 / 17

PHOTOGRAPHY

The new camera line-up from Canon combines technology and style

KEY FEATURES • 16 megapixel sensor • 28mm wide-angle lens • Smart Auto feature (32 scenes) • HD movie recording capability

POWErSHOT A SErIES The new series of cameras are versatile, stylish and easy-to-use, with the models featuring Canon’s leading lens technology to help you capture better photos and record HD movies. The six models include the PowerShot A810 and PowerShot A1300 that combine image quality with simple, easy functionality.

The A2300 and A2400 IS models are ideal for style-conscious users.

The A3400 IS features a three-inch touchscreen LCD, Canon’s first

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PowerShot A series model to feature this. And A4000 IS includes a powerful 8x optical zoom lens, a first for this series. The models also instantly record HD movies (720p), thanks to a dedicated Movie Record button. With the Help button you can bring up onscreen guidance. The new line-up also features Canon’s Discreet Mode, and Creative modes.

Technology The models features a 16 megapixel sensor that works together with Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 processor to ensure

that the stills are captured in clear detail with natural colours. Sporting a 28mm wide-angle lens, the A810, A1300, A2300, A2400 IS and A3400 IS come with a 5x optical zoom. The A4000 IS model features an 8x optical zoom. To compensate for camera shake, the new models have an advanced image stabilisation technique. The A2400 IS, A3400 IS and A4000 IS feature an optical image stabiliser with Intelligent IS technology.

POWErSHOT D20 The camera houses advanced Canon imaging technology in a robust and sporty body. Packed with versatile technology including the advanced HS system, it produces fantastic picture quality even in challenging low-light conditions. Active Display technology allows users to control camera functions by tapping the camera body, making it easier to use when wearing gloves.

IXUS 510 HS AND 240 HS The touchscreen models feature Canon’s signature image quality and come with Wi-Fi functionality. Intelligent IS technology provides advanced image stabilisation by analysing the shooting scene and adjusting the camera’s settings. It selects from seven different stabilisation modes to ensure that the photos and movies remain clear, with minimal blur.

KEY FEATURES • 12.1MP HS system • Water-, shock-, freeze- and dust-proof • 28mm, 5x optical zoom • Intelligent IS technology • GPS • Three-inch PureColor II LCD • Full HD movies • Smart Auto feature (32 scenes)

DIGIC 5 image processing

Wi-Fi for easy image sharing

Intelligent IS technology

JUNE 2012 / 19

COMPUTING

Secure Your

PrINter

Series of ‘Security Hardening’ guides

by Canon

G

one are the days when printer problems were synonymous with paper jam. Nowadays, office multifunctional devices (MFDs) are frequently shared across departments, teams, projects, and even across companies.

In such a setup, there is a potential for data security threats which could lead to financial loss. Security is an important aspect of document management and it is best to acquire expert assistance to find gaps and install fool-proof security.

As a global leader in the imaging solutions industry, Canon brings you its first series of ‘security hardening’ guides, advising on best practice security configuration for MFDs to minimise the risk of business exposure. Naoshi Yamada, deputy managing director, Canon Middle East, said, “Every organisation has a different risk profile based on their industry, organisation size, IT infrastructure, profile of their workforce and many more variables.

However, the most common threat they face on a day-to-day basis is data leakage, often through the copy and distribution of unauthorised documents via printing, document management tools and fax.”

Here are a few things to keep in mind for secure printing.

Password protection

The most common threat organisations face on a day-to-day basis is data leakage - Naoshi Yamada

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Social networking has experienced growth in the Middle East. And with this popularity, password theft has become rampant. To ensure the MFD is a secure link in the information flow, organisations should disable default passwords and ensure employees have strong, unique passwords which are changed every 90 days for accessing their print jobs. These should ideally be between eight to ten characters long, and include a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols rather than a dictionary word which can easily be remembered.

Paper-based leaks Most security breaches are paper-based.

It is really important for organisations

to make sure their MFD is not a key contributor to this. Organisations can minimise the risk by using ‘Secure Job Release’, a function which means print jobs are locked in a queue on the device until the corresponding user PIN is entered. This will minimise the number of printouts left on the output tray, as documents will only be printed when they are required.

Minimise insider threat A configuration that can help protect against this type of threat is ‘Job Log Conceal’. This hides the details of recent print jobs so people can’t watch them, and also removes all traces after confidential jobs are printed so no data trail is left.

Finally, note that the hard drive of a printer must be erased and securely disposed of at the end of its life.

coLourfuL

toNeS

Express your personal style with Sony VAIO

V

AIO E Series 14P, the 14-inch notebook from Sony, is made for smarter, easier everyday computing. It is available in three colour options – white, black and pink. It sports complementary colour flourishes around the edge, lid, touchpad and keyboard. It also features an aluminium speaker bezel.

New to VAIO is Gesture Control which lets you interact with your computer using intuitive hand movements. Just hold your hand up in front of the web camera and swipe left or right to flick though Web pages or your photo gallery. Pull your hand down to pause music playback or a slideshow, or adjust music volume up or down with ‘rotate’ movements.

Gesture Control is currently supported by Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer 9, PowerPoint and PowerDVD.

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DETAILS PROCESSOR Intel Core i3-2350M processor OPERATING SYSTEM Windows 7 Home Premium MEMORY 4GB DDR3 1,333MHz SDRAM DRIVE 500GB, 5,400rpm SCREEN 14-inch, 1,366x768 pixels GRAPHICS AMD Radeon HD 7670M (1GB VRAM) + Intel HD Graphics 3000

JUNE 2012 / 21

INTERVIEW

oN a SMart MISSIoN

The GM of Nokia Lower Gulf believes in the brand’s mission to connect the next one billion onto the Internet

V

ithesh Reddy’s stint with Nokia began in December of 2004.

Since then the University of Natal graduate has taken on several roles. Currently heading the brand’s sales function and activities in the Lower Gulf region, he is responsible for day-to-day business operations for Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and the UAE. The South Africa-born GM primarily works on Nokia’s strategic implementation in the region and the overall management of the company’s market operations.

Reddy proudly shared his views on the brand. “While I will not be able to comment on region-specific market share,

22 / TECH

our brand is very strong in the Middle East and we witness ongoing consumer demand for our products. Nokia firmly believes that long-term profitable growth is the only way to sustainable leadership and our ability to offer the right mix of products that are innovative, appealing and affordable, are an aspiration for many and meet the consumer’s needs,” he added.

The beginning of 2011 saw a partnership with Microsoft as Nokia’s main smartphone platform. “And as early as October, we were able to deliver our first Nokia with Windows phone, the Lumia 800 and 710, which clearly

demonstrates measurable progress in our new smartphone strategy. Today, with four award-winning Lumia devices, we are bringing compelling new products to the market faster than ever before.

We are rapidly executing our strategy and it is working. From a regional perspective, Nokia is currently embarking on a new journey to execute its winning smartphone strategy of delivering the Lumia range with Arabic language support, strong operator offerings and market-beating local content in terms of apps in the near future,” he said.

The GM of Nokia Lower Gulf is thrilled at the reception that the Nokia Asha range

has received in Oman. He feels that the success of the range demonstrates that their strategy of connecting the next billion onto the Internet is working. He added, “Quite simply, Nokia makes great phones and consumers in Oman recognise this. Our loyal users have responded positively to all the changes we have made as a company and the devices we have delivered.”

When talk turns to future plans, Reddy explained, “Nokia announced in February 2011 a clear and winning strategy that has proved over the last one year that it is working. Our new strategy is based on three ‘pillars’ – regaining our leadership in the smartphone market, connecting the next one billion onto the Internet, and disruption. As mentioned earlier regarding our partnership with Microsoft, currently, Nokia is the biggest global vendor of Windows phones 7 and has introduced four Lumia devices at various price points, including the award-winning Lumia 900, 800, 710 and 610, which clearly demonstrates measurable progress in our new smartphone strategy. As a result a long term strategic alliance between Nokia and Microsoft will build a global ecosystem that creates opportunities beyond anything that currently exists, offering a serious compelling alternative to the existing choices currently being presented to consumers, retailers, operators, developers and distributors.”

He stated that together, Nokia and Microsoft will bring unrivalled scale in global reach, brand identity and product breadth. “We don’t just plan to be competitive as an ecosystem; we plan to redefine the industry landscape for the years to come.”

Oman offers significant opportunities for further growth and we remain confident that our current strategy matches the demands for the country disruption is exciting because this is how we will bring back the innovative pioneering spirit of Nokia. The PureView technology, which has taken five years to develop, made its debut in the Nokia 808 PureView smartphone. It uses pixel oversampling technology to bring together high-resolution sensors, exclusive Carl Zeiss optics and Nokia developed algorithms, which will support new high-end imaging experiences for future Nokia products. Nokia is committed to delivering innovative products to its customers across the region to further enhance the strong brand loyalty it enjoys in the region.”

In comparing Oman to the UAE market, Reddy said that Oman represents an increasingly important market for Nokia.

“Oman has a strong and loyal consumer base. As a maturing market with a youthful population, consumer technology is playing an increasingly important role in consumer spending habits. We have seen robust growth in recent years and plan to accelerate the achieved growth capacity. However, we believe that Oman offers significant opportunities for further growth and we remain confident that our current strategy matches the demands for the country,” he concluded.

Reddy was proud that Nokia continues its mission to deliver high quality, stylish devices that provide Web connectivity, access to social networks, and also offer a great overall experience and value proposition to the next billion mobile phone users. He added, “These consumers want access to innovations such as easy-to-use dual-SIM, a variety of engaging local apps, attractive and colourful designs and the superior user experience for which Nokia phones are known for. By providing compelling and affordable, localised mobile experiences, particularly to the emerging markets in Middle East and Africa, our ambition is to bring the next billion online.”

He proudly stated that the company has continued its commitment to innovation with the new award-winning Nokia 808 PureView, which has redefined the smartphone market with its unprecedented 41 megapixel camera.

He explained, “Emphasis on future

JUNE 2012 / 23

AUDIOZONE

ALL ABOUT SOUND Audio products from Philips for a perfect listening experience GOGEAr VIBE MP4 Player with dock With the innovative FullSound technology you can experience music without any distortion. This technology combines Philips’ expertise in music reproduction with the power of the latest generation Digital Signal Processor (DSP), resulting in fuller bass with depth and impact. Your GoGear player comes with an easy-to-use program called the Songbird which lets you discover and play your media, and sync it with your Philips GoGear. With powerful music management features you can discover new artists and music styles.

KEY FEATURES • 4W RMS total output power • Neodymium speaker drivers • Shielding technology to block mobile phone interference • Bass Reflex speakers • 1.8-inch full colour display • Fast charging • Eight-hour music playback

INDOOr headPhone This indoor corded full-sized TV headphone from Philips gives you great sound. It features an acoustic reflector for enhanced bass performance. Offering a perfect listening experience, it features a fully adjustable headband and earshells for excellent fit. The ear-shells provide excellent sound isolation. The SHP2500 sports an extra-long 6m cable that makes it easy to view the TV from a distance. There is also a convenient incord volume control.

KEY FEATURES • Excellent fit and sound isolation • Extra-long 6m cable • In-cord volume control

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* Products available at Mustafa Sultan Electronics, 24636015

MOBILEZONE

SIMPLY SMart Ergonomic, comfortable smartphone with enhanced usability

S

leek and innovative, the GALAXY S III smartphone with enhanced intelligence delivers a personalised mobile experience. With the innovative ‘Smart stay’ feature, the GALAXY S III recognises how you are using your phone by having the front camera identify your eyes. The new ‘S Beam’ expands upon Android Beam, allowing a 1GB movie file to be shared within three minutes and a 10MB music file within two seconds by simply touching another GALAXY S III phone, without a Wi-Fi or cellular signal. ‘AllShare Cast’ lets users wirelessly connect their GALAXY S III to their television to transfer smartphone content onto a larger display. Mobile payment is accessible with the device through advanced Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

S VOIcE

QUIck LOOk

An advanced natural language user interface that allows information search and basic device-user communication, it also presents functions in regards to device control and commands. You can use S Voice to play your favourite songs, turn the volume up or down, send text messages and emails, organise your schedules, or automatically launch the camera and capture a photo.

• Smart stay

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• Direct call • Smart alert • Social tag • S Voice • S Beam • AllShare Cast • Buddy photo share • AllShare Play

DETAILS OPERATING SYSTEM Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich DISPLAY 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED (1,280x720) screen MEMORY 16 or 32GB + microSD slot (up to 64GB) CAMERA Back: 8MP, Front: 1.9MP

VIDEOZONE

IMMErSIVE ENTErTAINMENT On-the-move fun with OLED glasses

C

inemizer OLED from Carl Zeiss combines three-dimensional movie experience with brilliant image quality and excellent sound. The headmounted display has been a long time in the making, and the company is yet to push it past the prototype phase. It has head-tracking on board, with the tracking modules located behind the ear rests on each side of the OLED glasses. It appeals to gamers, architects and educators, who can use the glasses in the classroom. You can easily plug-and-play the Cinemizer OLED multimedia video glasses to a gaming console. This lets you enjoy an intensive gaming experience, even in 3D. It can be connected via a standard HDMI interface to a 3D camcorder. By doing this, the 3D quality can be judged while recording a film. With these glasses you can watch videos wherever and whenever you want.

DETAILS SCREEN RESOLUTION 870x500 OLED display for each eye FIELD OF VIEW 30 degrees POWER SUPPLY Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, USB charging BATTERY LIFE Up to six hours PORTS Mini-USB, 3.5mm audio jack, 3.5mm AV

PRICE EUR649 (RO330)

JUNE 2012 / 25

ImmersIve entertaInment

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An endless world of entertainment awaits anyone willing to take the first step towards becoming ‘Smart’

O

ne of the buzzwords of the 20th century seems to be ‘Going Smart’. And if you don’t want to have a tag of ‘dumb’ attached to you, it’s time you went ‘smart’ too. With temperatures soaring beyond 42 degrees Celsius, people in Oman choose to stay indoors. And what better way to spend your time than in front of the idiot box. Oops, sorry, we meant Smart TV. Kids, even if you do decide to spend time in front of the TV, believe us you’ll not get any grief from your parents. With the advent of Internet TV and interactive apps, kids get a lot out of the TV than just audio and video. Beyond the specifications, though, is the visual appeal. With innovative audio-video technology, TVs are getting thinner and wider.

And it really is fun to go shopping for one and to experience how good they look and feel. The next few pages will give you a peek into the latest displays available from some of the tops brands.

JUNE 2012 / 17

SAMSUNG

The latest Smart TV series, the ES8000 and the ES7500, let you experience a new way to interact with your TV

The latest Smart TV series, the ES8000 and the ES7000, let you experience a new way to interact with your TV The company’s newest LED and Plasma TV series innovations redefine the way in which consumers manage their home entertainment experience. The Samsung ES8000 and ES7000 Slim LED TVs feature Smart Interaction, Smart Content and Smart Evolution. Smart Interaction is an intuitive platform based on Motion Control, Voice Control and Face Recognition commands for the TV. It complements the remote while offering greater choice and convenience.

Users can turn the TV on or off, activate selected apps or search for content in the Web browser simply by speaking.

And with a wave of their hand, they can

browse and choose a link or content via the Web browser. With the built-in camera and face recognition technology you can log on to the Smart Hub and your personal accounts without the need to type in your ID or password.

With the Smart Evolution Kit you can keep your TV updated with the latest technology without having the replace the entire unit. Simply insert the Samsung Smart Evolution Kit and let it work its magic. It transforms your TV’s dual-core CPU to the faster generation quad-core technology. It shifts you from VOD resolution HD TV to Full HD. The kit delivers enhanced hardware and software offerings on Samsung’s proprietary system-on-chip technology.

DESIGN The revolutionary TV design catches your eye and transforms your living room. Samsung’s elegant One Design aesthetic includes an ultra-slim bezel (5mm) for a more expansive and immersive experience. It also features a sleek curved look with an innovative stand that creates a complete masterpiece.

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SMART CONTENT It lets you share memories and memos with family, manage your health, and access educational content for kids. The industry’s broadest offering of movies, TV shows and streaming videos can be enjoyed via Samsung Apps, the industry’s preferred TV apps platform, and Samsung Media Hub.

SAMSUNG’S SIGNATURE SERVICES FAMILY STORY’s album lets users organise photos and enjoy slide shows on the big screen FITNESS allows consumers to connect their Samsung TV to a Samsung smartphone via a mobile fitness app called ‘Noom’; you can connect to a Wi-Fi-enabled scale to manage weight and exercise goals, and use the TV’s built-in camera to create a virtual mirror that replicates exercise activities

Key feATuReS • Interact using intuitive voice and motion control • Access apps, content, Skype and the Web • Renew your TV every year with Smart Evolution • Enjoy smooth motion, HD viewing and amazing 3D

KIDS offers a wealth of infotainment and games in a kid-friendly interface that parents can control and monitor

* Products available at Sarco, 24593025

JUNE 2012 / 19

SONY

Key feATuReS

With the BRAVIA HX925 series, millions of home entertainment choices come to life with clarity and colour Sony’s single-glass design may appear uninspired at first glance, but perhaps this is what makes the Bravia HX925 rather appealing as well. There are no awkward colours or ugly bezels to contend with, while the hardware controls are strategically tucked away just behind the right side of the panel.

Essentially, you get a clean all-black panel with little else to spoil its profile.

Assembly wise, the HX925’s regular stand can be easily mounted onto the panel with a couple of screws and a back-plate. The Sony logo doubles up as a power indicator as well (hint: It illuminates when the unit is in operation).

With OptiContrast Panel that incorporates CORNING’s Gorilla Glass, the television delivers brighter images and better contrast, and the front panel is more durable and resistant to scratches. Sony’s advanced image processing engine, X-Reality PRO, analyses each scene to deliver

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optimum colour and contrast. It has two additional functions including Database Comparison and Super Bit-Mapping.

Three unique noise reduction features work on the content, prior to upscaling.

The Intelligent Peak LED system varies backlight brightness in real time. An array of LEDs directly behind the screen divides the picture into numerous zones, each of which can be dimmed or boosted independently. Motionflow XR 800 improves motion performance.

This feature works in two ways – 200Hz technology inserts newly created frames, and Backlight blinking and Line blinking within each frame ensures sharper images without flickering.

The HX925 is also one of Sony’s sleekest yet, with a depth of 38mm at the thickest point. Last but not the least, the Sony logo doubles up as a power indicator as well (hint: It illuminates when the unit is in operation). Two pairs of 3D glasses and a remote (RMGD017) are what you get along with the Bravia HX925.

• Intelligent Peak LED Backlight • Motionflow XR 800 • X-Reality PRO picture engine • OptiContrast and CORNING’s Gorilla Glass Panel • Sony Internet TV • Full HD 3D

Motionflow XR 800 improves motion performance so that actions appear clearer, sharper and smoother than ever X-Reality PRO Engine is a two-chip digital video processor that optimises high definition content, compressed HD signals, standard definition, and other sources including low resolution Internet content X-Reality Engine utilises Sony’s Intelligent Image Enhancer technology to deliver outstanding picture quality; incoming video is separated into constituent parts and the appropriate image enhancement is added to each part

3D Active shutter glasses Sony’s active-shutter eyewear, model TDG-BR250, has also been upgraded to include USB charging features.

* Products available at Jumbo Electronics, MBD 24818358

JUNE 2012 / 21

SHARP

Key feATuReS

The LE925 series is an example of technology breakthrough that delivers real 3D experience The AQUOS Quattron LE925 series employs Sharp’s breakthrough quad pixel four-colour technology that adds the colour yellow to the traditional red, green and blue (RGB) filter to deliver a superior 3D experience with bright image reproduction. Additional technologies such as the X-Gen LCD panel, Frame Rate Enhanced Driving and LED backlight side-mount scanning work together to enhance the brightness. When using active shutter glasses you might face something called a crosstalk, that is, a ghosting of images

that occurs when the right eye sees some residue of the image intended for the left eye and vice versa. However, Sharp’s 3D system features extremely low crosstalk.

• Full HD X-Gen panel with AQUOS Quattron 3D technology • Triple HD Tuner • Mega contrast • AQUOS NET+ Internet connection and media player using USB or home network (DLNA)

The AQUOS Quattron 3D TV has the ability to up-convert 2D images to 3D, offering depth and detail. For a responsive gaming experience the TVs feature the Vyper Drive game mode which eliminates perceptible lag between the game console and its display on the TV.

Products available at Oman Modern Electronics, 24832891

Using Frame Rate Enhanced Driving Sharp has succeeded in reducing the number of electronic circuits responsible for the control of the individual pixels leading to better utilisation of the backlighting and improvement in panel brightness

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With the doubled the refresh rate (from 100 to 200Hz) and improved LED backlight to minimise any perception of flickering caused by the alternating darkening of the lenses, you can enjoy 3D film in full HD without any ghosting or trailing effects

The 925 series integrates Sharp’s AQUOS Net service, a free Web-based service that gives Sharp AQUOS customers access to personalized information and content

They feature Sharp’s AQUOS Advantage program, an online support system that ensures your 3D system is set up and running perfectly; AQUOS Advantage Advisors offer live assistance to guide consumers through the set-up process

LG

Key feATuReS

With state-of-the-art display technology, the new Smart TV line-up is quite impressive

• Cinema Screen • Magic Remote • 3D World • 3D Depth Control

The latest Cinema 3D Smart TV line-up from LG sports cutting-edge, narrow bezel that is sized at almost zero millimetres. Equipped with the most advanced 3D technology, it enables a smoother and more immersive 3D viewing, bringing a limitless world of 3D entertainment to you. Offering an expansive, yet easy-to-use Smart TV eco-system, the TV has an impressive Cinema screen. Leveraging upon LG’s state-of-the-art display technology, the width of the bezel has been reduced to insignificant levels. By doing so, physical obstructions have been removed to deliver ultimate simplicity and most immersive Cinema 3D viewing experience. The line-up also offers a variety of connectivity features, newest among them is wireless display, which enables easy and quick connection between TV and personal computer (PC) with Intel’s WiDi Technology. LG’s Smart TV remains easy to use, thanks to the enhancements in the Magic Remote,

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an all-in-one device that combines the functions of Pointing, Gesture and Wheel –a conventional and advanced TV remote. The new line-up features Dual Play function for gamers. This allows dual-player games to be played on a Cinema 3D Smart TV without having to split the screen.

World of 3D 3D World provides access to a constantly growing library of 3D movies, games, sports and TV shows. 3D Depth Control, a new 3D visual technology, lets users adjust the depth, or the distance between the on-screen objects, of a 3D movie or TV show they are watching. 3D Sound Zooming is another feature that generates a 3D sound that is synchronised with the displayed 3D content, allowing users to not only see, but also hear in 3D.

• 3D Sound Zooming • Dual Play function • Wireless Display

PenTouch Plasma This is a one-of-a-kind Smart TV that revolutionises how you use it. Just write, draw and colour on the 60-inch PM6900 with the MagicPen and the TV can be used for communication, art and presentations. With PenTouch Plus feature, you don’t even need a laptop connection. You can use two pens for more functionality, or have two different people writing at the same time. Get creative with the TV’s Sketchbook app. My Office app revolutionises your business presentations and meetings. LG’s all-new Home Dashboard, with an improved design, is a customisable user interface. With the Premium Content card you can select and categorise the most popular and useful content in your country, provided via partnership with the best content providers.

HOME DASHBOARD

SMART SHARE

LG Smart TV’s all-new Home Dashboard, the most customisable user interface, comes with an improved design and look

With Smart Share feature you can browse and share files in your external storage devices on the TV screen, or share files on your PC or smartphone via Wi-Fi

Key feATuReS • PenTouch Plus • Magic Pen • Dual Drawing • Sketch Book • My Office • Smart Home • Magic Remote • Home Dashboard • Smart Share

Magic Remote POINTING Just point and click GESTURE Simple gesture for complex commands WHEEL Scroll up and down, zoom in and out with the wheel, just like a computer mouse

* Products available at OTE Electronics, 24479448

JUNE 2012 / 25

PHILIPS

Key feATuReS

The 5000 series LED TVs bring entertainment to life The Philips 5000 Series LED TV is powered by Pixel Plus HD engine for vivid full HD pictures. Pixel Plus HD offers a combination of vivid colours and smooth natural motion on all qualities of HD, standard TV signals and multimedia content. Artefacts and noise in all sources from multimedia to standard TV and also in highly compressed HD are detected and reduced ensuring sharp pictures. The 100Hz LCD creates extreme motion sharpness. The Double Frame

Rate Insertion increases the sharpness of motion reproduction to more than twice that of conventional LCD, resulting in a performance with a response time of two milliseconds. The LED lighting technology in this TV combines an attractive minimalistic design with stunning image quality. But the most important aspect is the low power consumption. Another environmental benefit is that LED lighting technology does not contain hazardous materials.

Full HD TV with Pixel Plus HD for better details and clarity Brilliant LED images with low power consumption 100Hz LCD, 2ms performance HD Natural Motion for smooth motion in Full HD movies 2.1 system 40W surround sound Seamless connectivity with three HDMI inputs and Easylink

With the integrated digital tuner you can receive digital cable and terrestrial TV without an additional set top box Plug the USB into the slot at the side of the TV and access multimedia content using the easy on-screen content browser HD Natural Motion is an award-winning algorithm that estimates motion in the picture and corrects juddering movements in both broadcast and recorded movie material, resulting in smooth motion reproduction and sharpness

* Products available at Mustafa Sultan Electronics, 24636015

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TOSHIBA

Key feATuReS

Enjoy 3D content without the hassle of glasses

• Quad Full HD 16:9 LCD panel, LED backlighting

The Regza 55RZ1 is a wide and incredibly thin model that supports a massive HD 4K resolution of up to 3,840x2,160 pixels. The first TV to feature quad Full HD screen, it delivers an immersive 3D TV experience that can be enjoyed by a group. It also displays 2D content at four times (quad) Full HD resolution. To deliver glasses-free 3D experience, Toshiba’s new model uses lenticular lenses and some powerful processing to deliver up to nine different effective 3D viewing zones.

• Glasses-free 3D

The secret of the 55RZ1’s glasses-free

To optimise viewing zones, the 55RZ1 features a face tracking application; at the push of the remote, it detects the viewers’ position and sets up the total viewing experience

• 4x super Resolution+ • Regza Engine Cevo Duo S

3D performance is Toshiba’s highperformance multi-processor platform, the Regza Engine Cevo Duo S. This latest Toshiba innovation in imaging technology also supports video enhancements such as image restoration, increased colour gradation and boosted contrast improvement. The 55RZ1’s Integral Imaging technology, powered by the Regza Engine Cevo Duo S not only creates a stunning, glasses-free 3D image, it allows a large group of viewers, each facing the screen from a different angle, to share the 3D experience.

The Regza Engine Cevo Duo S, Toshiba’s high-performance multiprocessor platform delivers the massive calculating power needed to manage Toshiba’s complex algorithms and generate the depth information essential for creating the 3D effect and calculating nine different viewing angles

• 2D to 3D Conversion • Face tracking to fine-tune to the viewer position

In terms of connectivity, the 55RZI offers four HDMI inputs, a subwoofer and DNLA certification

* Products available at Bahwan Electronics, 24796629

JUNE 2012 / 27

APPS

B rA I N TE A S Er S Learning can be fun with these applications

APPS FOr iPHONE A+ ScIENcE QUIZ USD2.99

APPS FOr ANDrOID rOID ENGLISH GrAMMAr FrEE

For students aged eight to 11, it covers questions related to life, physical and Earth science

gFLASH+ FrEE

Comes with three levels for lower-, middle- and highschool students

ScHOOL TIMETABLE DELUXE FrEE Create, download and manipulate flashcards; in-app access to content from publishers

My MATH FLASH cArDS FrEE

In addition to the curriculum manage your homework and grades with this app

GENErAL kNOWLEDGE! FrEE

Easy-to-use, customisable application for mastering basic maths facts; sound effects for feedback

STAck THE cOUNTrIES LITE FrEE Learn capitals, landmarks and locations, and move the countries anywhere on the screen

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Fun, free multiple-choice trivia quizzes in your pocket; features four options for each question

MATH PrO USD1.99 Tutorials, examples and solvers from Algebra, Geometry, Probability, Statistics and Calculus

APPS FOr BLAckBErry 5001 AMAZING FAcTS USD1.99 Easy-to-use app that gives you 5,001 of the world’s most amazing and funny facts, plus other features

TIMES TABLE cLOUD cLIck FrEE Multiplication tables is now fun; answer the questions as fast as you can and try not to get penalties

MENSA BrAIN TEST USD1.99

Genuine Mensa questions; three types of test, randomly generated from a pool of questions

WOrD BUBBLES FOr kIDS USD0.99 For kids of all ages; four different kinds – toddler zone, kid zone, big kid game and grown-up game

55 years of Manufacturing Excellence

MAKING

NOT TAKING PICTURE

This new Tokina lens is the first in a new generation of full frame (FX) lenses designed for professional digital SLR cameras like the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Nikon D700 and D3x. The 16-28 zoom range gives the professional photographer a super-wide angle of view to get close to subject for dramatic effect or to take in entire scenes

www.tokinalens.com

POWERTOOLS

Boost performance with oscillating tools from Dremel

MM20

MM40

N

ew high-performance tools from Dremel – the Multi-Max MM40 and the MM20 – allow users to tackle a wide array of oscillating applications with increased tool power and capabilities. With strategic vents and an improved fan design, the tools are cooler and operate more smoothly even

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over an extended period of time. The seven-foot rubber cord lets you handle the tool with ease while cutting, sanding, scraping, grinding and removing grout.

The tools come with a new line of cutting accessories that utilise the brand’s Quick Fit accessory interface. This helps you change accessories twice as fast.

DETAILS OSCILLATIONS PER MINUTE 10,000 to 21,000 MOTOR MM40: 2.5A; MM20: 2.3A PRICE MM40: USD140 (RO54); MM20: USD100 (RO39)

Get Direct Access to Oman’s Vibrant Housing Market

After its highly successful inaugural edition in 2011, The Home Show 2012 is getting bigger and better, with the expected participation of a much greater number of exhibitors and with an even wider range of products on display.

Exhibition Profile: Bedroom and Bathroom Fit-outs | Doors and Windows | Furniture and Furnishings | Garden and Landscaping Home Appliances and Electronics | Home Building Materials | Home Loans | Interior Design Products and Services Kitchen Equipments and Modules | Lighting Fixtures and Accessories | Residential Properties Smart Home Solutions | Wall and Floor Coverings

Meet your target audience: Architects | Building Contracts | Decision Makers | Homebuilders | Homeowners Interior Decorators | Industry Professionals | Property Investors Be sure to get your prominent location in The Home Show 2012 before it is sold out. Reserve your stand today!

For stand bookings, sponsorship opportunities or for more information, contact Clemento Fernandes on +968 95250277 or e-mail clemento@globalexhibitionsoman.com.

Supporting Organisations

Gold Sponsor

Official International Magazine

Organiser:

Siver Sponsors

Media Partners

Floor Plan Sponsor

TECHART

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE Add lighting effects to your memories With the following simple steps, learn how to add beautiful, professional lighting effects to your photographs using the render filter.

Select a photograph where you have a scope for adding lighting effects. Then open the image by clicking on File > Open. Select the image to your new file canvas.

STEP 1

Now add an illuminated bulb to the image, as shown on the right. Note that you can also add other elements such as a candle or fire to your image.

STEP 2

Select the Pen tool from the tool box and make a cut-out of the bulb.

Pen tool helps in making a sharp cut-out.

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Now, paste the bulb on a new layer.

Transform (Control+T) the bulb proportionately to the main image.

STEP 4

Next you need to add glow. For this, create a new layer below the bulb layer.

Then add the glow by using the Brush tool. To create different lighting effects go to Filter > Render > Lighting Effects.

STEP 5

In the lighting effects use the style ‘Default’. We can make the changes to the image as shown on the left.

You can change the Intensity and Focus to get the desired result. Try changing the colour while altering the intensity of the light for different results.

STEP 6

Once you are done with the lighting effects, go to Filter > Render > Lense flare to create a mood drama. This will make your photograph more realistic.

And on the right is the fruit of your efforts.

FINAL IMAGE

JUNE 2012 / 45

TIMEZONE

tIMe to tee off

The GPS watch that works as your golfing partner

GrEEN VIEW Approach S3 shows you the true shape and layout of greens. And so, even if you have an obstructed view, you’ll know where to aim. You can also touch and drag the pin to the day’s location.

A

pproach S3, the touchscreen GPS golf watch from Garmin, is a stylish, rugged device that comes preloaded with 27,000 worldwide courses, without subscriptions or fees. It also offers free course updates throughout the year, enhancing the current line-up.

It is waterproof and has a high-resolution glove-friendly touchscreen display that provides large, bright numbering. Sleek enough to wear every day, it has several interesting features. It will be available in golf white with red trim and black with grey trim options.

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DETAILS DISPLAY Monochrome one-inch LCD, 128x128 pixels BATTERY LIFE Watch mode: 4 weeks, GPS mode: 8 hours

PRICE USD350 (RO135)

SMart coach GPS-ready unit that acts as your training computer

T

he limited-edition Polar RCX5, the official Tour de France training computer, features Smart Coaching function. This shows users how to plan, train and analyse each session. Users can also personalise endurance training programs for cycling and running at polarpersonaltrainer. com, get sport-specific training data, have different settings for bikes and cross the finish line in the desired time.

It is available in three product sets with different sensors – the bike set, the GPS set and the premium set. All sets include the WearLink+ Hybrid heart rate sensor, Universal Bike Mount, and DataLink data transfer unit.

kEy FEATUrES SPORT PROFILES lets you switch between sports during training ZONE OPTIMISER adjusts personal heart rate zones RACE PACE allows users to set a target time for a certain distance TRAINING LOAD displays a colourcoded graph of a user’s cumulative training load

JUNE 2012 / 47

WEARABLETECHNOLOGY

adidas micoach adizero f50

The Boot with a Brain

W

ith the adizero f50 powered by miCoach, adidas unveils the first intelligent football boot. The ‘football boot with a brain’ is bringing smart technology to the field of play.

Football is faster than ever before and the need for speed has never been greater. miCoach turns the adizero f50 into the ultimate digital training tool by allowing to track and upload performance data including speed, maximum speed, number of sprints, distance, distance at high intensity levels and time.

The adizero f50 boot includes a cavity

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in the outsole unit which houses the revolutionary miCoach SPEED_CELL™, capturing 360° movement and measuring key performance metrics including speed, average speed (recorded every second), maximum speed (recorded every five seconds), number of sprints, distance, distance at high intensity levels, steps and stride rates.

The on-board memory stores all measurements during the game or training for up to seven hours and then wirelessly transmits the on-pitch performance data to a tablet, PC or MAC.

HOMEZONE

rOBOTIc AIDE Four-wheel-drive for keeping pools clean

Z

odiac Pool Systems has added two new models to its Sport Robotic pool cleaner line – the Polaris 9400 and Polaris 9100. The sleek cleaners are designed to look like highstyled sports cars and feature Vortex Vacuum technology. They represent an economical robot that adds ActivMotion Sensor intelligence technology. The sensor in the 9400 uses an accelerometer that automatically adapts the pool cleaner for maximum cleaning action.

The technology also reduces cord tangling and optimises the pool cleaning path. The Polaris 9400 Sport Robot retails for USD1,499 (RO575) and the 9100 Sport for USD799 (RO305).

Top-access quick release filter canister for easy emptying of debris

QUIck LOOk Patented Vortex Vacuum technology maximises vacuum power

Faster navigation and enhanced agility

Rear water propulsion system blows debris off stairs and out of tight corners

JUNE 2012 / 49

DASHBOARD

a 200kg IMPuLSe With superior components, Brammo products are durable, reliable and have a future resale value

A

t a unique electric vehicle industry event, Brammo, designer and manufacturer of world-leading electric motorcycles, revealed the pricing and production plans for the Empulse and Empulse R. The Empulse is the only electric motorcycle to include a 100mile range and 160kmph top speed. It also sports a breakthrough battery and powertrain system enabling a zeroemission experience.

These motorcycles come with a watercooled AC motor and fully integrated IET six-speed transmission, seating for two, regenerative braking and on-board J1772 Level 2 charging capability. The Empulse body work is all plastic, and has semi-adjustable front and rear suspension. The Empulse R, on the other hand, uses carbon fibre for the headlight shroud, front and rear fenders, top panel and the rear light housing.

DETAILS PEAK MOTOR POWER 40kW @ 8,200rpm (54hp) TRANSMISSION IET 6-speed gearbox MAXIMUM MOTOR TORQUE 63Nm PERFORMANCE 160kmph PRICE Empulse: USD16,995 (RO6,545); Empulse R: USD18,995 (RO7,315)

Media Partners Media Partners

GAMING

A mixture of amazing atmosphere and clumsy combat; worth a trip for RPG die-hards

T

hink ‘pirate’ and you have everything that comes to mind in Risen 2: Dark Waters. The main quest has you scouring the seas for magical artefacts to help you in the battle against Mara, the sea titan.

The game is more about the journey than the destination as Mara is not much of a villain. There is enough variety to keep you hooked on continuing the tale.

However, the fetch and filler quests on the side are not very exciting. Humorous dialogue and voice acting brighten the overall tone of the game. Soundtrack is wonderful, but sometimes overwhelms the main character’s flat tones.

The world of Risen 2 is a set of scattered tropical islands, each offering you plenty of room to explore and scavenge.

Piranha Bytes has always been good at crafting spaces that feel realistic, and this continues in the game. Realism is reinforced through forested islands filled with rocky terrain, ancient tombs and lush wilderness. However, the environment types are reused too often.

Trading fantasy for pirate fiction, the bows are replaced by muskets and magic by voodoo dolls and sceptres.

A major drawback of this gaming system is that players don’t choose character or

GRAVITY RUSH

class. Instead, they use their experience points for advancing their learning in one of five fields. Going up levels, you unlock the ability to gain new skills. However, you need trainers to explain the skills.

This is quite expensive. And when you run out of money, your progress in certain quests is hindered.

Combat The combat system in the game is awkward and convoluted – the targeting, for example, changes without any warning. And in battles, you’ll end up slashing the wrong monkey. For unlocking

STeeL BATTALIOn: HeAVY ARMOR

PLAYSTATION VITA

XBOX 360

JUne 12 52 / TECH

JUne 19

new abilities, there is a complex procedure of menu study. Also, the progression paths are not equal, making the combat uneven. You’ll be weak at the start of the game and you proceed by fighting monsters and completing quests.

It takes time to understand how the combat system works.

Your main weapon is a sword – it is quite dull in the beginning and then gains depth. When dueling humans or slashing sea creatures, the sword combat is fairly decent. Against monsters, however, it crashes. You have to rely on chipping away at the health and also have to reload when combat encounters routinely break down because of factors beyond your control.

battles. But ultimately, the combat in Risen 2 is a letdown.

Conclusion Coarsely put together, with a disappointing combat system, you can dig around and find something interesting. However, the hard work required is too much, unless you are a dedicated RPG gamer.

You might consider ditching the physical weapons and relying on magical powers.

But the voodoo system is equally disappointing. You will be able to immobilise targets with fear, summon a ghost and weaken enemies with curses.

It feels useful because it allows you to bypass the sloppy mechanics of sword

Publisher: Deep Silver Developer: Piranha Bytes Platform(s): PC, PS3, Xbox 360 Genre: RPG ESRB Rating: Mature PEGI Rating: 16+

SCORE Gameplay Graphics Story Replayability OVERALL

SILenT HILL: BOOK OF MeMORIeS

SPeC OPS: THe LIne PC, PS3, XBOX 360

PLAYSTATION VITA

JUne 21

7 8 7 7 7

THe AMAZInG SPIDeR-MAn

PS3, XBOX 360, 3DS, Wii, NDS

JUne 26

JUne 26 JUNE 2012 / 53

MOVIEZONE

Genre: Action | Adventure | Drama Director: Rupert Sanders Cast: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron In this epic action-adventure, Kristen Stewart, star of the Twilight movies, is the one person in the land fairer than the evil queen. Oscar-winner Charlize Theron, as Queen Ravenna, is out to destroy Snow White. In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman who is ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed ends up becoming her protector and mentor. Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman trains Snow White to become a warrior capable of threatening the queen’s reign. This breathtakingly new version of the legendary tale is from Joe Roth, the producer of Alice in Wonderland, producer Sam Mercer (The Sixth Sense), and acclaimed commercial direction and state-of-the-art visualist Rupert Sanders.

DVD releases 1 June

The Woman in Black Drama | Horror | Thriller

11 June

Underworld: Awakening Action | Fantasy | Horror

25 June

25 June

The reeds

Wanderlust

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Comedy

c

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(b) 64MB RAM (d) 216MB RAM

3 When did Bill Gates found Microsoft?

Fax to 24693569

2 What was the project code name for Windows XP? (a) Longhorn (c) Vista

(b) Whistler (d) Micro

4 A traditional landline telephone system is also known as (a) DOTS (b) POTS (c) ROTS (d) KOTS

(a) 1980 (b) 1975 (c) 1970 (d) 1973

Please send us your entries by June 25 for a chance to win a Panasonic DVD player Previous quiz answers: 1 – (a) 2 – (a) 3 – (a) 4 – (a)

Last month’s winner:

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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.

FaVoUriteS

N New

Flat-Panel diSPlayS LG 50PT490 This is a 50-inch PenTouch Plasma HD Ready TV with 600Hz Tru Motion flow. It sports three HDMI inputs and USB ports. It has a contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1.

RO300

U updated

3d tVs

PHILIPS 52PFL5605H 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.

LG 72LW9900 3D LED 72-inch Smart TV, full HD, four HDMI/PC input, USB port, two megapixels, 400Hz Tru Motion, 2D to 3D converter N

RO3,600

U

SONY kDL55EX720

SHARP LC32M400M

3D full HD LED 55-inch screen, two USB ports, four HDMI/PC input, 2D to 3D converter, Internet video N

This is a 1MP, HD Ready, 32-inch LCD TV with three HDMI/PC inputs. It features Surround Sound and an OPC sensor. It sports a USB port.

RO900

SONY kDL65HX925 3D Intelligent Peak LED 65-inch screen, full HD, Wi-Fi, Internet Video, PIP system, ten 3D glasses

RO3,000

3D Plasma 51-inch screen, full HD, 2MP, 600Hz subfield motion, USB port, PIP system, Internet TV

3D Plasma 50-inch screen, 600Hz sub-field motion drive, 1MP, HD Ready, 2D to 3D converter, USB port, PIP system

RO1,100

42” Full HD 3DLCD TV Metal Finish Panel, USB movie(multi format),3xHDMI,2xUSB

RO249 PANASONIC TH-P42X30 This is a 42-inch Plasma, HD Ready, 1MP TV. It sports three HDMI/PC inputs, and 600Hz sub-field drive. It features an ECO sensor and a Game mode.

RO649 55-inch Cinema 3D LED TV, Smart TV, 2MP full HD, Smart TV, 200Hz Tru motion flow, four HDMI/ PC input, two USB ports

N

RO390

SAMSUNG UA55ES8000 3D 55-inch Smart TV, full HD, Smart Interaction, Smart Evolution, Smart Content, built-in camera N

SAMSUNG UA46EH5000R This is a 46-inch full HD LED TV with an ultra-slim design. It sports two HDMI/PC input, and USB port. It has a wide colour enhancer and comes with AllShare feature.

RO1,500

N

SONY DAV-SZ1000W

LG HB-905TA

SAMSUNG HT-D5550k

DVD, CD, MP3 and DivX playback, 1,000W home theatre, rear wireless speakers, Dolby Digital, USB port, play and record, optical audio input, HDMI up-scaling

Blu-ray 5.1 channel home theatre system, 1,100W RMS, digital surround, USB port, DVD, CD, MP3 and DivX HD playback, iPhone and iPod docking, FM radio

3D Blu-ray home theatre system, 1,000W, Smart Hub features, built-in wireless LAN, Blu-ray, DVD, VCD, CD, MP3 and WMA playback, USB port, HDMI up-scaling

56 / TECH

RO150

RO340

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

PlayerS

RO195

RO100

NAkAMICHI LCD LC42kHZ3D

RO500

3D LED 46-inch screen, full HD, 2MP, 2D to 3D Converter, Wi-Fi, four HDMI/PC inputs, three USB ports

SAMSUNG PS50D490

N

SAMSUNG PS51D550

SHARP LC-46LE830M

LG 55LW6510

RO699

N

RO160

RO245

PANASONIC SC-HX165GS-k 5.1 channel home theatre system, 1,000W RMS, DVD, CD and MP3 playback, USB music and movie playback, downfiring subwoofer

RO147

netbookS, PortableS

laPtoPS DELL 15Z-XPS-0250 (ALM) D

AMAZON FIRE

Intel Core i7 2,640M processor, 8GB RAM, 750GB HDD, 15.6-inch HD WLED screen, web camera

Seven-inch multi-touch display with In-Plane Switching (IPS); 8GB internal memory; free cloud storage; Wi-Fi; 7.5 hours of battery life

N

RO530

N

TOSHIBA PORTéGé Z830-A167

ACER 5750-G50M A Intel Core i7 processor, 15.6-inch LCD screen, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 1GB VRAM

RO295

SAMSUNG GALAXY GT-P7500

Intel ULV Core i5 2467M processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 13.3-inch HD screen, 1.3MP web camera N

Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor, Google Android 3.1, 16GB memory, 1GHz processor with 3G, 10.1-inch WXGA touchscreen, Wi-Fi

RO230

RO459

HP ENVY 14-1111 14-1111EE

APPLE iPAD 2 Wi-Fi + 3G

Intel Core i7 720QM processor, 1.6GHz, 6GB RAM, 1,024MB VRAM, 500GB HDD, 14.5-inch HD LCD U

32GB, 9.7-inch LED backlit screen, 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 processor, Wi-Fi and 3G, two cameras

RO529

U

ASUS G51J

TOSHIBA SATELLITE P755-10C

Intel Core i7 720QM, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 640GB HDD, 1GB VRAM, 15.6-inch HD Glare LED

RO700

U

32GB, 9.7-inch LED backlit multi-touch display with IPS technology, dual-core Apple A5X processor, Wi-Fi and 4G, fivemegapixel iSight camera

RO624

U

Intel Core i3 2,350M processor, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 320GB HDD, 2GB VRAM, 15.6-inch LED HD screen

Intel Core i5 2450M processor, 2.5GHz, 6GB RAM, 1GB VRAM, 750GB HDD, 15.6-inch HD LED

AMD dual-core E-450 APU processor, 2GB SDRAM, 320GB HDD, AMD Radeon HD 6320 Graphics, 11.6inch wide TFT display

N

RO320

BLACkBERRY PLAYBOOk

RO145

SAMSUNG XE700T1A

ASUS TRANSFORMER TF101G

Intel Core i5 2467M processor, 1.6GHz CPU speed, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Intel HD graphics

RO220

Android, 1GHz processor, 1GB LPDDR2 RAM, 3G, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 16GB internal memory, 10.1-inch LCD screen

RO300

RO525

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.

coMPUter acceSSorieS HP TOPSHOT

LINkSYS X2000

PHILIPS SHM1900

Laser Jet printer, Print, scan and copy features, resolution of 2,400, 17ppm (pages per minute) black, 4ppm colour, air print, Wireless network

Directly connects to the Internet, provides wireless coverage without the need for a separate DSL modem

Stereo PC headset with in-line volume control, adjustable microphone, lightweight, great acoustics

RO165

RO330

32GB, 1GHz dual-core processor, seveninch LCD screen, 1GB RAM, dual cameras – 5MP rear and 3MP front

RO280 SONY VAIO VPCYB4AJG

RO290

APPLE iPAD 3 Wi-Fi + 4G

Intel Core i7 2,630QM, 2GHz, 6GB RAM, 500GB SATA HDD, 2GB VRAM, 15.6-inch HD LED

ASUS k53S A

HP PAVILION DV66C40

RO100

RO37

RO9

WD MY BOOk ESSENTIAL 1TB, USB 3.0 and 2.0 compatible interface, WD SmartWare visual backup software, automatic, continuous backup

U

RO50 JUNE 2012 / 57

caMcorderS

digital Still caMeraS PANASONIC DMC-TZ20

SONY HDR-CX260

24mm ultra wide-angle 16x optical zoom LEICA DC lens; three-inch touchscreen LCD

RO160 SONY DSC-W670

16.1MP; 6x optical zoom camera; 2.7-inch LCD; HD movie; 360-degree Sweep Panorama mode N

8.9MP CMOS sensor, 30x optical zoom, three-inch wide touchscreen, built-in GPS, optical graphic stabilisation

RO220

OLYMPuS VR320 14.5MP; 12.5x optical zoom; three-inch LCD screen; Magic filters, iAuto N

SONY HDR-XR260 8.9MP, Pixel Super Resolution technology, three-inch Clear Photo LCD, BIONZ processor, Optical SteadyShot stabilisation

RO90

RO75

RO265

OLYMPuS SP-810 Three-inch LCD screen; 14MP; 36x optical zoom; HD movie; 24mm wide-angle; 3D photo mode N

RO170

CANON IXuS 230HS

JVC CAMERA GZ-EX255 12.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor; 2.8-inch TFT colour LCD U

12.1MP with a 28mm wide-angle lens, 8x optical zoom, creative modes, DIGIC 4 image processing U

SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slot/Built-in Memory 16GB/1920 x 1080/50P Output/ Wi-Fi Wireless Functions Built-in LED

FuJIFILM X100

RO169

RO500

SAMSuNG HMX-F80 52x optical zoom, 65x intelli-zoom, 1280x720 30p HD recording, 2.7-inch LCD screen, Hyper Digital Image Stabiliser

RO101

N

RO80

CANON SX150 IS

SAMSuNG WB150F

14.1MP sensor, Canon DIGIC 4 image processor, 12x wide-angle optical zoom, three-inch LCD

PANASONIC SDR-H101

24mm ultra-wide lens; 18x optical zoom; 14.2MP; 720p HD video; three-inch LCD

70x optical zoom, 80GB HDD, 2.7-inch wide LCD screen, backlight compensation, advanced Optical Image Stabiliser

RO89

N

RO100

U

RO105

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.

dSlrs CANON EOS-600D

OLYMPUS E-PM1

SONY SLT-A77K

NIKON V1

18-megapixel sensor, 3.7fps shooting, three-inch LCD, nine Auto-Focus points, full HD movie, Live View feature

12-megapixel sensor, 5fps, 35-point autofocus, three-inch LCD screen, Full HD movie, 3D mode

24-megapixel Interchangeable lens digital camera, BIONZ image processor, three-inch wide TFT XtraFine LCD with TruBlack technology, 2D and 3D Sweep Panorama mode

Ten megapixel, three-inch LCD screen, full HD movie, 5fps, Hi Speed USB interface, Hybrid autofocus, 10mm lens

N

58 / TECH

RO475

RO310

RO780

U

RO350

iPad dockS

PhoneS BLACkBERRY CURVE 9360

SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE

2.44-inch TFT screen, 5MP camera with LED flash, BlackBerry OS v7.0

5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED display; 1.4GHz dual-core processor

N

RO125

U

LOGITECH MINI BOOMBOX Handy speakerphone with built-in mic; backlit, touch panel controls; specially designed acoustic chamber

4.3-inch super AMOLED Plus display; Android 2.3 (Gingerbread); 8MP camera with LED flash

AMOLED capacitive touchscreen; 8MP camera with Carl Zeiss optics; 64GB storage U

RO252

APPLE IPHONE 4S

MOTOROLA RAZR XT910

3.5-inch LED-backlit IPS TFT capacitive touchscreen; internal memory of 64GB

4.3-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen; 8MP camera; Android OS (Gingerbread)

U

RO390

N

RO240

LG OPTIMUS P920

SONY ERICSSON XPERIA S

4.3-inch 3D LCD capacitive touchscreen; touch-sensitive controls; Android v2.2 (Froyo) OS

Android Gingerbread smartphone; 12MP camera; 4.3-inch HD screen; 32GB memory

RO200 APPLE iPOD TOUCH 5G 8GB, dual camera, video, photo view, MP3 music, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, clock, calendar, YouTube, newsstand, mail

RO93

RO35

N

BOSE SOUND DOCk-10 iPod and iPhone dock, recharge and play, remote control, audio input

RO279 BOSE SOUNDLINk Works wirelessly with iPhone, Android, Blackberry, tablet or laptop, 30-foot wireless range

RO155 GEAR4 STREETPARTY REVOLVE Rotating dock for watching movies in landscape, powered by four AAA batteries, Line-in port, charges iPod or iPhone

RO30

RO260

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.

MP3 PlayerS

U

RO220

NOkIA N9

RO190

Dock and Play, recharge for iPod, FM radio, AUX-in for easy connection, CD and MP3 playback

RO33

SAMSUNG GALAXY SII

U

PHILIPS AZD208

SONY NWZ-E453

PHILIPS SA3VBE08k

SAMSUNG YP-U6A

4GB, 50 hours of music playback, SensMe, Lyric Sync, Karaoke Mode and Clear Audio technologies

8GB MP4 player, supports MP3, WAV, and WMA playback, FM radio and FM recording, 1.8inch screen, five hours battery support

4GB memory, Voice recording, MP3 and WMA playback, FM radio

RO40

RO30

RO24

JUNE 2012 / 59

reFrigeratorS

air conditionerS & air PUriFierS PANASONIC CS-C18MkF

LG T186RC

TOSHIBA GRRG-51UT

Two-tonne unit; incorporates ECONAVI technology; Advance+ e-ion monitors changes in the degree of air cleanliness; features AUTOCOMFORT

1.5-tonne split air-conditioner with virus and allergy-safe filter; four-way swing and jet cool feature; employs multistage tropical compressor

480L capacity, double-door refrigerator, frost-free, insulated wire shelves, platinum deodoriser

RO202 LG RB7122YVS

RO199 SHARP FU-P60S

710L capacity, frost-free, double-door refrigerator, tempered glass shelves, digital display, deodoriser, water dispenser

RO289 SAMSUNG AS18TSL

Air purifier; washable HEPA filter; activated carbon filter; Plasmacluster technology that creates environment very close to that found in nature

RO90

Full high density filter that ensures room is kept fresh and clean; powerful cooling system; effective anti-bacteria coating; supports turbo cooling technology

Air purifier that works within 20sqm; sports a modern, elegant design; comes with washable carbon filter; easy filterchange system; touch control panel

N

HITACHI RAS-18CPX

RO220

SHARP SJ-GC48V 492L capacity, frost-free, double-door refrigerator, adjustable wired shelves, Plasmacluster Ion

RO193

N

TOSHIBA RAS-18SkP

RO290

WHIRLPOOL WTM620S

1.5-tonne split-type wall-mounted air conditioner; has a seven-layer air filter; self-cleaning function that eliminates mould; new compact chassis

720L capacity, frost-free, multi air flow, tempered glass shelves

RO245

RO205

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.

waShing MachineS

9kg capacity, 1,400rpm, air bubble wash, child lock, delay start, direct drive motor

350L capacity, LCD touchscreen, bottommounted freezer, blue LED display, silver plus anti-bacterial coating

RO200

RO100

RO309

SAMSUNG RL-52VEBTB

Split air-conditioner with Green Fin condenser; durable thanks to green rustresistant coating; employs Nano Titanium technology in its stainless steel filters

LG PS-S200WC

DAEWOO DWC - 141kC

N

HOOVER DYN10144DP

LG WD1443kDS

SAMSUNG WF0804

10kg capacity, 1,400rpm, ten wash programmes, child lock, super-silent, direct drive motor, energy savings, wash time control

11kg capacity, 15 wash programmes, 1,400rpm, steam wash, quick wash, language selection, six motion washer, allergy care

8kg capacity, 1,400rpm, 14 wash programmes, delay end, Eco Bubble wash function, quick wash, child lock, diamond drum, time delay, durable ceramic heater

RO210

RO320

RO400

RO215

MASTERPIECE

GREAT PRICE

MAX ELECTRONICS LLC - OMAN SEEB - MUSCAT CITY CENTRE (LEVEL 1) TEL: +968 24558062 FAX: +968 24558063 EMAIL: memcs@cplmg.com SOHAR - CENTREPOINT MALL TEL: +968 97666631 FAX: +968 26844610 SALALAH - CENTREPOINT MALL TEL: +968 94122251, FAX: +968 23289261 BAHRAIN OMAN SAUDI ARABIA QATAR UAE

60 / TECH

VacUUM cleanerS

MicrowaVeS & oVenS

PHILIPS FC-8146

DAEWOO kOC-9N8T

SAMSUNG CE-107V 28L multi-function microwave oven with interiors finished with Ceramic Inside coating; easy to clean; Triple Distribution System heats food deeply and equally

RO65

29L microwave oven with stainless-steel housing; 900W output power; convection/grill function; delivers 850W grill power; ten power levels; five auto cook menus

RO63 MIDEA EM820LMP

1,800W vacuum cleaner, bagless, HEPA washable filter, 300W suction power, dust container-full indicator

RO49

PANASONIC NN-CD997S

PANASONIC MC-CG713

42L oven capacity; three-stage memory; delay start; two-level shelf cooking; exclusive Inverter technology that offers real power level control

20L capacity; 800W microwave oven with 11 power levels; child safety lock; with defrost settings; six auto menus; sports a fashionable design

2,000W standard vacuum cleaner, 6L dust bag capacity, HEPA and anti-bacteria filter, metal wand, slide power control, 5m cable

SAMSUNG SC56B0

RO187

2,000W vacuum cleaner, 3.5L dust capacity, Foam pre-motor filter, micro exhaust filter, silver nano system, power slider on handle

RO23

RO24 LG MC8088FRR 30L convection microwave oven; features over 100 Auto Cook menus; sports a motorised rotisserie; comes with Steam Clean and Defrost functions

RO90

kARCHER VC 5200 Dry vacuum cleaner, 3.3L dust bag capacity, 1,800W input power, indicator for full bag, HEPA 12 filter

SAMSUNG GE109MST

SHARP R200 22L microwave oven with 800W microwave power; five one-touch instant action menus; three easy defrost menus; four-digit LCD; five power levels

RO46

N

28L grill microwave oven; designed for performance; wide tempered glass door; Triple Distribution System and Steam Clean function

RO29

RO77 LG VCA241HT 1,400W bagless vacuum cleaner, 0.8L dust capacity, washable HEPA filter, innovative Cyclone System technology

RO70

RO33 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.

doMeStic aPPlianceS kRUPS EA8255k1

PHILIPS HD9220

kENWOOD kM400

TEFAL TFAH9000

Espresso, Cappuccino and Coffee maker, compact Thermoblock system, metal drip tray, steam function, automatic cleaning

2.2L capacity, oil-free frying using Rapid Air technology, food separators, integrated timer, 1,425W power

750W power kitchen machine, 4.6L bowl capacity, three coated bowl tools – a beater, whisk and dough hook, six speeds

1,400W power, ceramic coating, digital display, one spoon of oil for 1kg of crispy chips

RO285

N

RO100

RO171

N

RO105

Think CAMERAS Think EMAX MAX ELECTRONICS LLC - OMAN SEEB - MUSCAT CITY CENTRE (LEVEL 1) TEL: +968 24558062 FAX: +968 24558063 EMAIL: memcs@cplmg.com SOHAR - CENTREPOINT MALL TEL: +968 97666631 FAX: +968 26844610 SALALAH - CENTREPOINT MALL TEL: +968 94122251, FAX: +968 23289261 BAHRAIN OMAN SAUDI ARABIA QATAR UAE

JUNE 2012 / 61

toP 5 gaMeS

gaMing conSoleS & acceSSorieS

BATMAN: ARkHAM CITY

PSP 3000 Built-in microphone; better screen that is able to resist glare; comes with four games U

RO67

NINTENDO 3DS Built-in 3D Depth Slider to adjust intensity of 3D; built-in motion and gyro sensor U

RO105

LOGITECH Z906 Delivers 500W of pure power to recreate perfect theatre-quality audio experience

RO160

LOGITECH G13 GamePanel LCD keeps you informed of game stats; programmable G-keys

Racing wheels and flight controllers simulate realism; Force feedback feature

RO140 XBOX 360 kINECT 250GB

STEELSERIES SPECTRUM 5XB Wired headset with the custom-built soundscape via 40mm SunDancer (SCS) units

RO54

Integrated internal memory of 250GB; built-in WiFi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n); 5.1 channel surround sound U

RO29

CALL OF DUTY: MW3 PUBLISHER: ACTIVISION DEVELOPER: SLEDGEHAMMER GAMES PLATFORM(S): Wii, PS3, XBOX 360, PC, DS GENRE: ACTION ESRB RATING: MATURE

RO29

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2

RO37 LOGITECH G27

PUBLISHER: WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENT. DEVELOPER: ROCkSTEADY STUDIOS PLATFORM(S): XBOX 360, PC, PS3 GENRE: ACTION ESRB RATING: TEEN

PUBLISHER: SQUARE ENIX DEVELOPER: SQUARE ENIX PLATFORM(S): PS3, XBOX 360 GENRE: RPG ESRB RATING: TEEN

RO29 GEARS OF WAR 3 PUBLISHER: MICROSOFT DEVELOPER: EPIC GAMES PLATFORM(S): XBOX 360 GENRE: ACTION ESRB RATING: MATURE

RO27

RO120 RESISTANCE 3

PS3 320GB + MOVE BUNDLE

NINTENDO WII SPORTS PACk

Broken into three parts: the ‘Motion Controller’, the ‘Navigation Controller’ and the ‘PlayStation Eye Camera’

Fun activities with more than 18 sports to try, ranging from water sports like canoeing to ball games like basketball

RO160

U

RO85

THRUSTMASTER T500RS Employs new H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology) on the wheel’s steering

RO241

PUBLISHER: SONY DEVELOPER: INSOMNIAC GAMES PLATFORM(S): PS3 GENRE: ACTION ESRB RATING: MATURE

RO17 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.

TECH DIRECTORY COMPANY

BRANDS

SHOWROOM

SERVICE DEPT.

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

emax

Multibrand

MCC 24558062

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, DitoElectrolux, Metro, Taylor, Costan

Qurum 24568806, Muttrah 24713138, Ruwi 24830919, Seeb 24422797, Shatti al Qurum 24693292

24503653

Al Gurg Home Appliances - Better Life

Terim, Fisher & Paykel, SMEG, Vestfrost, Wolf Power, Grundig

24811608

24810404

HiTec Centre

Boston Acoustics, Denon, Leica, Polk Audio

Azaiba 24497384

24497384

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

24814815

Al Khalili Technology

Fujitsu, Siemen, Coral Telecom, Honeywell, Epson, Camtron, Pyronix, SD3, Tripp-lite, Cummins, Schneider Electric, Sanyo, Sakar, Sterline, Sonicwall

24616900

24816303

Moayyed Integrated enterprises

Daewoo Electronics

24488795

24488795

Muscat electronics

Daikin, Wansa, Ricoh, Chigo, Media, G-Hanz, Sony Professional Products

Ruwi 24702985, Sohar 26845647, Salalah 23291617

24813408

Mustafa Sultan electronics (MSe)

Samsung, Haier, Philips, Nevica, Whirlpool

Al Khuwair 24636015

24818018

Oman International electronics & Trading

Bose, NEC, JVC, Nakamichi, SONOS

Qurum 24565490 Connexions 24558529

24830606

Oman Modern electronics

Sharp, OMEC

HO 24706004, Ruwi 24832891, Sohar 26840763, Sur 25544613, Salalah 23291405

24704494

OMASCO

Panasonic, Yamaha, Stanley, Black and Decker, GE, Aftron, Xper, Raymond Weil, Kolber, Westend, Westar, Alba, Maxima, HMT

Qurum 24564310, Ruwi 24833630

24560232

OMASCO - System Solutions

Panasonic

24565696

24565696

Oman Trading establishment

LG, Bosch, White Westinghouse

Wadi Kabir 24811572, Al Khuwair 24479448, Ruwi 24831544, Ruwi MBC 24834162, Al Araimi 24561480, Seeb 24420570, Nizwa 25412216, Sur 25545107, Bani Bu Ali 25553387, Salalah 23295237, Sohar 26842397

24810522 / 24810156, 80075545

Photocentre

Fujifilm, Olympus, Hasselblad, Sigma, Manfrotto, Qurum 24565305, Al Lowepro, EPSON, Mitsubishi Electric, STEINER, Khuwair 24479296 Broncolor, Hama, Amano

24571708

SARCO

Samsung, Technoflame

Ruwi 24593025

24593025

Shah Nagardas Manji

Kodak, Yashica, Cokin, Case Logic, Lexar, Noritsu, Durst, Bushnell, Eiki, Iriver, Steiner, Tasco, White Westinghouse, Igloo, Venus, Russel Hobbs, Addis, Noritake, Ocean, Wenger

Ruwi 24562656, Lulu Bausher 24593806, Nizwa 25410184

Technical Trading

Westinghouse

Ruwi 24703515, Fax 24700010

If you would like to be listed, email: tech@deenarmedia.com

24501965

TH

Cel ebra ess ting 5 y rs of succ ea with fabulous deals

6 Months Installment

Al Omaniya Financial Services

12 Months Installment

(´.´.Ω.¢T)

(SOAG)

π`jƒ`ª`à∏`d Ò`LCÉJ á`cô`°T

Taageer Finance Company (SAOG)

EXCHANGE* YOUR OLD MOBILE PHONES FOR NEW

12 Months Installment

10 Months Installment

& ing ng k r Wo orki -w Non hones p ed ept c c a

*Deals valid from May 23 to June 30, 2012

www.emaxme.com The largest electronics retailer in the Middle East ELECTRONICS • APPLIANCES • MOBILE PHONES • PHOTOGRAPHY • GAMING • IT • CD/DVD • FITNESS & EQUIPMENTS • ACCESSORIES

MAX ELECTRONICS LLC - OMAN SEEB - MUSCAT CITY CENTRE (LEVEL 1) TEL: +968 24558062 FAX: +968 24558063 EMAIL: memcs@cplmg.com SOHAR - CENTREPOINT MALL TEL: +968 97666631 FAX: +968 26844610 SALALAH - CENTREPOINT MALL TEL: +968 94122251, FAX: +968 23289261 BAHRAIN OMAN SAUDI ARABIA QATAR UAE

2012 LG CINEMA SCREEN TV

* Applicable for LM9600 / LM8600

www.sony-mea.com/BRAVIA

Bring home a whole new world of entertainment with the Sony Internet TV. Featuring X-reality™, that converts your low resolution YouTube videos to give you lifelike pictures; an internet browser that offers continuous connectivity, that allows you to video chat, Facebook and Tweet from the comfort of your couch. With all this and a lot more on offer from the Sony Entertainment Network, you can be sure that this isn’t like anything you’ve experienced. Which is why this isn’t just another TV. It’s entertainment, on your terms.

CONNECT WITH US ON YouTube and the YouTube logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Jumbo showrooms: Al Araimi Complex (24565845), CBD(24818358), Qurum City Center(24470644), Salalah(23291984) For institutional enquiries contact: 24818239 / 24818209; Jumbo Service contact: 24814815, 24814751, Fax: 24815267