Saturday, January 23, 2016

Toshiba unleash 6th gen Intel® CoreTM processors in its business ultra-mobility Z Series




Toshiba Singapore Pte Ltd, the Asian headquarters for Mobile Computing Solutions and Devices, recently announced performance updates to its flagship business range, the Z Series, including benefitting from 6th gen Intel® CoreTM processors. With the addition of 6th gen Intel® Core™ processors, all new Z Series models deliver enhanced performance and new immersive experiences at the lowest power levels to date. Consisting of the 12.5-inch Portégé Z20t-C, the 13.3-inch Portégé Z30-C, and the 14-inch Tecra Z40-C, the Z-series is a selection of premium business laptops available in a range of sizes to suit every style of worker regardless of their needs.

Already offering impressive battery lives for true mobile working, the updated Z Series now feature longer run times for even more mobility when away from the desk. The versatile Portégé Z20t-C which includes 6th gen Intel® Core™ M processors will also benefit from the new USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1 port for easier use as can be used in either orientation. This further enhances the flexibility and future proofs the Portégé Z20t-C for business customers whether used as a powerful Ultrabook™ or a fanless tablet PC.
Weighing a mere 1.2kg with no-compromise in connectivity for dongle-free convenience, the ultra-mobile Portégé Z30-C is ideal for business people who are always on the move and perfect for in-demand executives who are often travelling to meetings. The Tecra Z40-C is designed to provide the optimum balance between mobility and productivity. Featuring a larger screen, now available with a Full HD resolution, that enhances productivity without compromising on portability, the Tecra Z40-C’s new battery life will improve working capacity even further. All traditional clamshell models within the Z Series also offer common docking, a common software image and common AC adapters for easier manageability across an organization.

To ensure valuable business data is kept safe and secure, the Z-series are configured with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) v2.0 to provide the extra layers of security business users need for greater peace of mind. For added security, the Portégé Z30-C and Tecra Z40-C series can be configured with an optional Smart Card and Fingerprint Reader. In addition to a spill resistant keyboard designed and tested to help save data and shut down, these laptops feature Toshiba's innovative EasyGuard™ Technology, adding multi-tiered security and data protection measures that guard components against accidental bumps. For quality and reliability, these laptops have been rigorously tested to the stresses of heat, shock, vibration and Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) at Toshiba's facilities.

Reinforced by Toshiba's internally developed BIOS, the Z-series delivers unparalleled integration of hardware and software few PC manufacturers can claim. This foundational BIOS software not only monitors the PC's internal components to maintain stability, it offers system-level security and built-in countermeasures to prevent illegal access. 




Portégé Z20t-C Specifications
·         6th generation Intel® Core™ M processors
·         Windows 10 Pro 64-bit pre-installed or Windows 7 Pro 64-bit pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro on DVD
·         12.5” Full HD (1920 x 1080), 300 NIT, IPS display with 10-finger capacitive touch support and Wacom digitizer
·         Intel® HD Graphics 515
·         Storage: Up to 512GB M.2 SATA SSD
·         Memory: Up to 8GB LPDDR3 1600MHz onboard
·         Connectivity:
o     Tablet – 1 x micro-HDMI, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1, 1 x microSD, combined audio jack
o     Laptop – full size RGB, HDMI®, 2x USB 3.0, cable lock port
·         Communication: Wi-Fi® 2x2 ac + ac/a/b/g/n, Bluetooth® 4.0, GBit LAN (on keyboard)
·         Full HD front facing webcam with 5 MP rear facing camera
·         Security: Toshiba EasyGuard™, Trusted Platform Module 2.0
·         Battery life3:
o     Laptop – up to 18.8 hours (w/ 2nd battery supported on dock)
o     Tablet only – up to 9.6  hours
·         Dimensions:
o     Laptop – 309 x 215 x 21 mm
o     Tablet only – 309 x 199 x 8.8 mm
·         Weight:
o     Laptop – from 1.51kg (with Keyboard dock)
o     Tablet only – from 730g


Portégé Z30-C Specifications
·         6th generation Intel® Core™ processors up to i7
·         Windows 10 Pro 64-bit pre-installed or Windows 7 Pro 64-bit pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro on DVD
·         13.3” HD or FHD non-reflective screen with optional touchscreen1
·         Intel® HD 520 graphics
·         Up to 2x 8GB DDR3L
·         Up to 512GB M.2 SATA SSD
·         Connectivity: 3 x USB 3.0 ports, 1 x HDMI, 1x RGB, SD card slot, Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi (802.11 ac/a/b/g/n) wireless LAN, Bluetooth™ 4.0, Intel® WiDi™
·         Audio: Stereo speakers with DTS® Studio Sound™ audio enhancement
·         HD webcam with stereo microphone
·         Security: Toshiba EasyGuard, Trusted Platform Module 2.0, optional smartcard reader, optional fingerprint sensor
·         Spill-resistant2 keyboard with dual point pointing system
·         Battery life: up to 15 hours3 for the Z30, up to 11 hours3 for the Z30t
·         Weight: from 1.2kg
·         Dimensions: 316 (W) x 227 (D) x 17.9 (H) mm  


Tecra Z40-C Specifications
·         6th generation Intel® Core™ processors up to i7
·         Windows 10 Pro 64-bit pre-installed or Windows 7 Pro 64-bit pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro on DVD
·         14.0” HD or FHD non-reflective screen with optional touchscreen1
·         Intel® HD 520 graphics
·         Up to 2x 8GB DDR3L
·         Choice of up to 500GB HDD (7.200rpm), up to 512GB M.2 SATA SSD
·         Connectivity: 3 x USB 3.0 ports, 1 x HDM, 1x RGB, SD card slot, Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi (802.11 ac/a/b/g/n) wireless LAN, Bluetooth™ 4.0, Inte WiDi™
·         Audio: Stereo speakers with DTS® Studio Sound™ audio enhancement
·         HD webcam with stereo microphone
·         Security: Toshiba EasyGuard™, Trusted Platform Module 2.0, optional smartcard reader, optional fingerprint sensor
·         Spill-resistant2 keyboard with dual point pointing system
·         Battery life: up to 12 hours3
·         Weight: from 1.47kg
·         Dimensions: 338 (W) x 236 (D) x 20.4 (H) mm  

Actual product features and specifications depend on model and local availability. For more information, please visit http://www.toshiba-business.com

Comprehensive Service & Support Offerings
All Toshiba PCs and Tablets are backed by Toshiba’s extensive service and support. The new Portégé Z20t, Portégé Z30 and Tecra Z40 series come standard with 3-year International Limited Warranty (parts & labor).

Toshiba offers several options for expanding the service plan on your notebook. Our SelectServ Program has been designed to allow you to customize your notebook’s warranty coverage, depending on your budget and needs. Please contact or visit your nearest local Authorized Service Provider to get more information.

Connect with Toshiba on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ToshibaNotebookPc on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ToshibaNotebook and on YouTube at youtube.com/user/ToshibaNotebookPc.
 

Friday, January 22, 2016

Keep the chills away this sweater weather



The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has forecasted the blowing of the northeast monsoon or hanging amihan, to peak from mid-January to mid-February. The monsoon, which originates from Siberia, brings cool, light weather —a welcome change for a tropical country like ours.

For most parts of the country, this favorable forecast means that we still have time left to revel in this chilly weather.

However, this implies another thing: More days of shivering under cold showers!

Or not. If there is a time when water heaters become handy the most, it is during these cold mornings when the least you want to do is shiver during a bath. Water heaters prove to be a necessary investment to your home. But what exactly should you look for in one?

1. Efficiency
Water heaters are meant to provide instant comfort during those cold days.  Midea’s Water Heaters deliver this by providing warm water in just a few seconds. One of the largest appliance manufacturers of the world, Midea ensures that their water heaters deliver better heating efficiency via its advanced stainless steel heating element (this is for the 6500W model only; the material of the heating element of all the other models is copper). Additionally, a Midea Water Heater is equipped with seven power steps for selection and advanced water flow techniques for better control (this is for the 6500W model only; the two 4500W models have a “stepless” power adjustment while the 3500W model  has only three – low, mid, high).

2. Safety
Water heaters, when not installed or used properly, can be a source of hazard in your home.  A dedicated electrical circuit is required to ensure that the appliance will work reliably. Additional safety technology like Midea’s safety sensors are a huge plus, too.
The multiple safety protection of these water heaters ensure that there will be no scalding, electric shocks, and overheating from the unit. The anti-overheat protection, particularly, prevents the water temperature from rising above 55 degrees Celsius, in case of any abnormality that might remotely occur. Moreover, its built-in electric shock protection assures that even if the unit gets wet, the user is protected from any possibility of electrocution.

3. Affordability
With power rates fluctuating, energy efficiency is a very important factor that should be considered before getting any appliance. Midea’s Water Heaters provide an energy-friendly way of enjoying hot showers without worrying about the cost.  A 10-minute shower only costs Php8.00. of power usage.

4. Durability
Water heaters are long term investments so go out and find one that is built to last for years. Midea does not only provide durable appliances but is also backed-up by a concrete after-sales service network. Midea’s Water Heaters also come with a 5-year warranty, to assure its longevity and performance quality.

Regardless if you are fighting the chills or just craving a hot shower after a long tiring day, a water heater is definitely a significant addition to any home.

For more information on Midea Philippines’ products, visit their website http://midea.com.ph/ or Facebook page https://www/facebook.com/MideaPhilippines.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

OPPO Philippines Slashes Neo 5 Price



Think OPPO Philippines is done with its surprises? You thought wrong. Three weeks after the OPPO R7 Lite’s price was slashed from P13,990 to P11,990, another popular OPPO phone is getting a markdown. The OPPO Neo 5, which was priced at P6,990, now costs only P5,990.

The Neo 5 was one of OPPO Philippines’ “New Trio” that was launched in the Philippines last year. It sports a double-layer metallic frame structure for a more compact, thin, and seamless body. Compared to a normal, single-layer metallic structure, its thinner body encompasses a tough inner core and has better heat-dissipation capabilities.

The OPPO Neo 5 features 8-megapixel rear and 2-megapixel front cameras, the functions of which are extended by OPPO’s Pure Image 2.0+ platform. Imaging features such as “double exposure,” “beautify,” and “expert mode” make for a more interesting photography experience.

What makes the Neo 5 special is its reflective back cover. A unique lamination process gives it a smoother, cleaner, and more natural appearance.

Here are the OPPO Neo 5’s complete specs for your reference:
* Display: 4.5 inches
* Processor: 1.3GHz quad-core
* Resolution: 480 x 854 pixels
* RAM: 1GB
* OS: ColorOS 2.0.1i (based on Android 4.4.2)
* Storage: 4GB (expandable up to 32GB)
* Rear camera: 8-megapixel
* Front camera: 2-megapixel
* Battery capacity: 2000mAh

For more info, visit OPPO PH’ website: http://www.oppo.com/ph/.


Wednesday, January 20, 2016

SSS taps GCash for members’ contribution and loan payments

Social Security System (SSS) members can now pay their contributions and monthly amortizations for salary and real estate loans using Globe GCash, a virtual wallet service offered by Globe Telecom that enables users to carry out financial transactions using their mobile phones.

SSS Officer-in-Charge of the Service Delivery Department Renato N. Malto said the GCash payment scheme is available for SSS members registered as self-employed or voluntary, including non-working spouses, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and farmers and fisherfolk.

“GCash offers a fast, convenient and hassle-free means for paying SSS contributions and loans. The GCash system would send a text message to confirm the receipt of the SSS payment, and the contribution or loan payment would be posted in the SSS database on the following day,” Malto said.

Over nine million self-employed and voluntary members are registered with the state-run pension fund at present. Of these, about 4.57 million are self-employed individuals, while 4.64 million are voluntary members, including OFWs.

An SSS member must have a prepaid or postpaid Globe or Touch Mobile account to gain access to the GCash payment facility. To register, the member can dial *143#, select GCash, and key in the needed personal data, or simply download the GCash mobile application and complete the enrollment procedure.

“The GCash system requires the use of a Personal Identification Number during every transaction to ensure that the funds in the member’s mobile wallet are kept safe and secure. No transaction fee is also charged on the member’s account for SSS contribution and loan payments through GCash,” Malto noted.

Apart from SSS payments, GCash users can use their virtual wallet for purchasing load credits, shopping online, transferring funds and paying bills. Members can deposit funds into their mobile wallet through GCash outlets, mobile phone banking and online bank transfers, among others.

Self-employed and voluntary members can pay their contributions monthly or quarterly, with the payment deadline based on the 10th digit of the member’s social security or “SS” number. The cut-off date falls on the 10th day after the applicable month or quarter if the 10th digit is 1 or 2; the 15th day if 3 or 4; the 20th day if 5 or 6; the 25th day if 7 or 8; and on the last day of the month if 9 or 0.

“OFWs, however, are given more flexible deadlines. They can pay their voluntary SSS contributions for January to December any day within the same year, while their October to December payments are accepted until January 31 of the following year,” Malto explained.

Self-employed and voluntary members can pay their monthly contributions in advance, but these are only considered for the computation of loans and benefits when the month corresponding to the payment has transpired. Retroactive payments, or those paid after the deadline has lapsed, are disallowed.

Meanwhile, SSS loan payments strictly follow a monthly schedule, with the cut-off date also based on the 10th digit of the member’s SS number. Late loan payments are charged a one percent monthly penalty

Source. www.sss.gov.ph

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Acer Refines the Videoconferencing Experience with New Chromebox for Meetings


Acer announced the new Chromebox for meetings CXV2, a total solution for videoconferencing including hardware, software, and support all in one box. Booting up in about 8 seconds and supporting up to 15 conference participants across various devices, the solution is easy to set up and manage, with 24/7 technical support included.

The new Chromebox for meetings CXV2 is the latest addition to Acer’s industry-leading portfolio of Chrome OS products including Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, and Chromebases. According to data from Gartner, Acer Group is currently the world’s leading Chromebook brand with over 34% market share for the first three quarters of 2015.


Powered by a powerful Intel® Core™ i7 processor and Intel® HD Graphics that supports Ultra HD video output, the Acer Chromebox for meetings CXV2 is bundled with a high-quality camera, remote control, and microphone/speaker. The camera supports up to Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution, and features Carl Zeiss® lens with autofocus, and automatic low-light correction. The speaker and omni-directional microphone supports wideband frequency response, and built in digital signal processor for speech clarity, and features mute, end call, and volume buttons. The RF-based wireless remote control with a full QWERTY keyboard enables easy operation and collaboration, while an optional VESA bracket allows the Chromebox to be tucked-away behind monitors to save space.



Simple and Secure
Based on Chrome OS, the Acer Chromebox for meetings CXV2 automatically updates itself every six weeks to ensure the latest software and security features are always installed. All data stored on the Chromebox are encrypted and protected by its TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 1.2 chip, which securely generates and stores cryptographic keys. Each time Chrome OS boots up, it checks the integrity and validity of system files to ensure they have not been tampered with.

In addition to being highly secure, enterprise IT administrators can deploy and manage hundreds or thousands of Chrome devices with ease through Chrome Device Management, significantly reducing the workload of technical support and consequently reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) for organizations.


Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To find out about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office or retailer via www.acer.com.

Friday, January 1, 2016

A Super Happy New Year from HOOQ


It’s officially 2016 and the year promises new life’s adventure and surprises.

HOQQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, has one super offering to comic book fans with a new series packed with a mean punch. Supergirl is the latest superhero TV series to be added to the huge library of HOOQ, your gateway to a world of unlimited entertainment.

The show is about Kara Zor-El,  the cousin of Superman, as she tries to get used to a new public persona while dealing with her very real human relationships, realizing her full superhero potential and discovering how she can help the citizens of National City.

“It’s funny because in my everyday life, I have always been such a pacifist, “says Melissa Benoit who plays Supergirl. “The butt kicking is new to me. That’s a new muscle I’m flexing, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I liked it.” She also has rigorous physical training, but she loves that she can be a great role model not just for girls but anyone how fearlessness can push one overcome the odds.

Calista Flockhart as CatCo World Media SEO
Also starring in the hit TV series is Calista Flockhart who plays Cat Grant, the CEO of CatCo World Media where Supergirl works as her assistant. Flockhart has expressed her excitement in the past to work on a show that “embraces… and celebrates Girl Power.” Not that she is any stranger to shows that celebrate strong female roles as Flockhart first gained television superstardom through the quintessential workplace comedy Ally McBeal, wherein she played the titular character. 

Mehcad Brooks as Jimmy Olsen
They are joined by Mehcad Brooks from Deperate Housewives as Jimmy Olsen and Chyler Leigh from Grey’s Anatomy as Kara’s adoptive sister Alex Danvers. “I’m excited to be stepping into a show like this because I’m the wild card,” Leigh says. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring something new into what everybody knows already.” There’a also David Harewood from Homeland as DEO agent Hank Henshaw. “In the comics, my character ends up becoming Cyborg Superman, who battles Superman. I’m looking forward to that!”

Supergirl definitely stands out in the superhero genre, and with a diverse talent line-up, the possibilities are reeling. You can catch Supergirl and all your favorites on your chosen Internet-enabled device.  Simply download the HOOQ app from the Apple Store or Google Play, sign up or log in, and your device is ready to access HOOQ’s library of Hollywood and Pinoy films and TV shows – all 30,000 hours worth of it!  Viewing on HOOQ is made even better with Chromecast support, now available on the iOS and Android apps.

Payment methods to continue subscription after 30 days is made easy for Globe users by adding the low monthly fee of P149.00 to your mobile bill by texting HOOQ149 to 8888.  Tattoo Home Broadband users can also get HOOQ’d for free on plans P1,299 and up. Users can alternatively pay through credit card.


Download the HOOQ app now and catch Supergirl. For more information on HOOQ, log on to www. http://www.hooq.tv/ph