The Cloudfone is on a hype nowadays, especially the Cloudfone Thrill 430X! And why not? Its key selling point, battery life is terrific. Imagine, it promises to deliver two days of uptime battery life. Current tech reviews shows that the smartphone does so. That’s way more than what iPhone 5 has to offer. On top of that, this smartphone has decent specifications such as:
- Android 4.0 (ICS)
-huge touchscreen (4.3 to 5 inches depending on the model)
- 5-8 MP Rear Camera (depending on model)
- Dual SIM
- 1 -1.2 GHz Dual Core Snapdragon S4 Processor
The screenshot of Cloudfone Thrill 430x
All of these were packaged in a box that cost only around 8000 Pesos. It seems that it’s at the right value at the right price. But does it? Well, the answer is I don’t know. And talking about things I (and maybe you) don’t know, here are some of them.
1. Durability. I don’t know how long will Cloudfone last. Since this is a relatively new product, announced around 4Q last year, I can’t expect a user review when it comes to its life. Users can differ in opinion about this. Some may not need to have the unit alive for years, but others do.
2. Reliability. Will it always work fantastic at all times? Will the battery degrade over months or years to follow?
3. Safety. Is it safe to use? Since this product has been released already, it has likely undergone evaluation at the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) but I’m not sure how rigorous those tests where.
Cloudfone – Not All Made in China are the Same
I’ve had a five year experience in product design and development. And although I only worked at the mechanical side, I have learned several other factors that affect the final quality of a product. One important thing that I’ve learned is that, not all made in China are the same. They differ greatly in the following aspects:
1. Quality Management. Apple are known to manufacture iPhones in China. But why is iPhone better than the fake ones that come from China or other smartphones? It could be that they used the same material or parts, but Apple’s quality management is superior, a product of thinking of a team or teams focused in maintaining or improving the quality of the finished product.
2.Tests. Before a product could be sold in a certain geography, especially in Europe, it has to pass certifications such as with regards to safety and energy efficiency. Are all China-made products undergone these tests and certifications? No.
The two factors above and others not mentioned all add up to the price of a product. That’s why not all made in China have the same quality and price. I always remember these buying principle: At rare best times, you buy things at a discount. At a rare worst cases, you buy things for a loss. But most of the time, you get what you paid for. Apply that principle at 7777 Pesos price point of Cloudfone Thrill 430x. So your biggest chance in Cloudfone Thrill 430X is you get what you paid for.
Disclamer: Some contents of this article are just based on personal experience.
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Mobile, Philippines, price, Technology Tags:
Android, Apple, cloudfone Thrill 430x, cloufine, Mobile device, NTC, product development, Technology
Sun Cellular has reduced the price of their Sun broadband prepaid kit from 995 pesos down to 795 Pesos. That translates to 20% discount, making it the cheapest plug-it device among the three major mobile internet provider in the country (the other two are Globe Tattoo and Smart Bro).
Sun Broadband Prepaid Kit for only 795 Pesos
The prepaid kit consists of the USB plug-it device and a Sun Broadband Prepaid SIM card pre-loaded with 1 hour of internet load. The kit can deliver up to 7.2 Mb/s internet speed.
Since it was a prepaid kit, you will have to load it before use. Regular rate is 10 pesos for 30 minutes. You can also register for an unlimited internet for a period of time. Please read the article below to know how.
[Read: How to Register Sun Unlimited Internet?]
The prepaid kit can be purchased in the nearest Sun Shops and authorized retailers.
A good reminder though is to check first if there is a Sun Cellular 3G signal in places where you intend to use your device. To ask, go to the nearest Sun Shop.
Sun Broadband Postpaid Plan
If prepaid is not for you and you think you regularly need an unlimited internet for the month, you can try the postpaid version. The same package is available, except that you will be under an up to 24-month lock-up contract to subsidized for the device. The price though of their postpaid plan can be as low as 799 pesos only.
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Professional social network LinkedIn Philippines sent out greetings to the first 500, 000 members in the country. The fast growing social network company recently claimed to have reached the 200 Million worldwide members milestone.
LinkedIn Philippines
LinkedIn’s success is based on their solid business model: a social network that connects professional data from their members. It helps both the person find a company that needs his or her skills. That model is different from that of Facebook, Google+, and Twitter whose business is to provide advertisements to their users. LinkedIn earnings comes from companies looking for skill sets and talents for their business.
The Rise of LinkedIn Philippines
Here in the country, we are slowly moving away from the traditional job search. Before, we use to search jobs from the newspaper advertisements. After that, we prepare a printed biodata or resume and submit it to the office. Then, comes job search websites like Jobstreet and JobsDB. It is also the time of electronic resume that can be submitted by email. Finally, with the rise of social network, LinkedIn became a popular platform to connect job seekers and employers.
In my opinion, LinkedIn perfectly blended social networking with professionalism. The professional data is now stored in a format that can easily be analyzed, making it easy for employers to find what they are looking for. The recommendations from peers of similar profession is also a good signal of the validity of one’s skill claim. Or at least on the first pass.
Also LinkedIn Philippines still have a huge opportunity to expand locally. Internet access and speed, if you may, are still a work-in-progress. As more and more Filipinos go online, LinkedIn Philippines will continue to change the way we find jobs. Are you riding in LinkedIn’s bandwagon? Let me know your thoughts by commenting.
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Leading mobile broadband provider Smart Communications announces today Smart LTE “bucket” packages for selected postpaid subscribers. Smart LTE now comes in three packages: a 1 day access, a 7 days access and a 30 days access to the fastest mobile internet broadband network in the country.
This offer is for those with unlidata, regular and consumable Smart postpaid accounts. To register, just key in the following keywords and send to 2200.
LTE 50 – 1 day Smart LTE access
LTE 299 – 7 days Smart LTE access
LTE 995 – 30 days Smart LTE access
Once enrolled, your LTE enabled device will automatically connect to available Smart LTE. Smart claims to have their LTE to more than 770 establishments including malls, restaurants, and public areas across 10 cities in NCR and in select areas in Boracay, Cebu, and Davao. For more information about specific locations, check the list from smart.
To know whether your phone supports the Smart LTE, please check the product specification or go to the nearest Smart Wireless Center to verify.
This promo is valid until March 31, 2013 only.
Smart LTE “Bucket” Packages for Selected Postpaid Subscribers
About Smart LTE
Long Term Evolution (LTE) is the fastest commercially available mobile Internet connectivity technology. Theoretically, it can reach speeds of up to 100 Mb/s. Smart LTE though only advertises up to 42 Mb/s of speed. It is categorized under the 4G technologies along with WiMAX and HSPA+, both of which are already being offered by Smart in selected locations.
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I already wrote about how to register to the unlimited internet in SMART (Unlisurf) and Globe (Supersurf) networks. Now, I’m going to show how to register Sun Unlimited Internet Broadband.
First, you have to insert your prepaid SUN Broadband SIM card in a mobile device that can access its SMS ability. It could be a simple cell phone, smartphone, pocket wifi, dongle, or Broadband Plug-it device. The last three devices should be connected to a computer to reach the SMS Menu.
Once inserted, wait until the signal stabilizes. Then send the following codes to 247.
i50 – 1 day sun unlimited internet
i50 ON - 1 day sun unlimited internet – recurring every 7 days
i100 – 3 days sun unlimited internet
i250 – 7 days sun unlimited internet
The i50 costs 51 pesos, the i100 registration costs 101 Pesos, and so on and so fort. The extra 1 peso is for registration charge.
Sun Cellular
Sun Unlimited Internet Speed vs SMART vs Globe
I don’t have data from a systematic test that will give us conclusive answer on who among the three telcos provides the fastest speed and most reliable internet connection. But based on experience and feedback from other users, I concluded the following:
1. If you are located in a place where there is good Sun 3G signal, then Sun Broadband is the best choice for you. It offers the cheapest and the most stable connection among the three. The reason behind is that Sun Cellular has the newest mobile telecommunication equipment among the three networks.
2. If you are mobile and shifts place often, the best choice probably is SMART. SMART Bro has the widest coverage among the three options.
3. If the only 3G Signal available in your place is Globe, then choose Globe. Based on my experience, Globe has the worst service among the three.
Cellular Signal is Not Always 3G
There is a common misconception among users about cellular signal. Most think that if there is a call and text signal in a place, then you can have internet connection. But that’s not always true. Cellular network technology are classified into several types or categories. For example, Call and Text signals are just GSM networks that are designed to handle voice calls and SMS only. For internet connection, you should have at least an EDGE or the more common 3G signal. 3G networks provides the required bandwidth to transfer internet data (video, text, images, audio, etc). To make sure that your place has a coverage for mobile internet connectivity, visit the nearest sales office of your chosen provider.
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Sun Cellular brings another first in the Philippine market by launching Sun Name Ur Sun Number program. This allows user to purchase a SIM card with customized number. It will enable them to choose a mobile number that is easy to remember.
Initially offered to postpaid, the program is now open to their prepaid subscribers. Now, anyone can customize the last six digits of their phone numbers. For example, you can choose the number 0943-8-TECHIE or 0922-5-JOHNNY. The allowed combination is on first-come first-served policy. So, if you want get a specific number, go now to the nearest Sun Shop or Sun Retailer.
How to Get Personalized Sun Number?
You can get a customized Sun number in the nearest Sun Shop or Sun Retailer. How much? Surprisingly, the it just cost 59 Pesos. Not only that, it is also preloaded with Sun Call and Text Combo 50. It will give you 200 Sun texts, 200 texts to other networks and 70 minutes of Sun calls, valid for five days.
Custom Sun Cellular SIM Number
About Sun Cellular
Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc, more commonly known as Sun Cellular is a mobile telecommunications company in the Philippines. It’s parent company is Digitel and was established in 2001 to provide private and public mobile telecommunications services.
Sun Cellular offers wide range of services including voice, messaging, international roaming, and internet broadband to both consumers and businesses.
In October 2001, Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) acquired a majority stake in Digitel (Sun Cellular included). The merger allows both companies to benefit from each other’s strength in providing the best service to its customers.
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Temple Run 2 released. Apple iPad 4 128 GB Model. More below on the latest news in the tech world.
Temple Run 2: Download and Play
The second version of the phenomenal mobile game application Temple Run is now available. It can be downloaded in your Kindle, Android and Apple devices. Temple Run 2 features new terrain, new power-ups, new characters and many improvements in performance and experience.
Yesterday, Imangi Studios the creator of the game, announced that the game has unseated Angry Birds Space as the fastest growing mobile game. The press released reported that Temple Run 2 was downloaded 50 Million times in just 13 days. For comparison, Rovio’s Angry Bird Space reached the 50 Million milestone in 35 days.
Temple Run 2 is a game where the user takes the role of an explorer who stole an idol from a temple. Being chased by demonic monkey, he must run continuously, picking up coins and power-ups along the way. To stay alive he must ensure that he would successfully avoid the obstacles. The game was favorably received by critics and users and is a certified time consumer. 
Temple Run 2 in iPad
Apple Releases iPad 128GB
Aiming for enterprise customers with big memory needs, Apple released Tuesday the 128 GB version of iPad 4 (iPad with Retina). With twice as much space as before, enterprise customers, artists and educators has more reason to use the iPad in their professional tasks.
The 128 GB iPad is priced at 799 USD for WiFi models and 929 USD for WiFi +Cellular models. The units will be available online at store.apple.com, Apple Retail Stores and select Apple Authorized Retailers starting February 5.
The fourth generation iPad or iPad 4 comes with 9.7 in Retina Display, a quad-core A6X Processor, 1.2 MP front and 5 MP Rear Cameras. Cellular versions now supports LTE wireless connectivity, the fastest mobile wireless technology available commercially.
The new iPad with Retina Display now comes in 128 GB version
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Google’s Nexus 7 tablet is can now be purchased in more stores here in the country. For instance, I saw here in Cebu City two electronics store selling it. Although, not yet verified, I think it is already available in Metro Manila and other cities in the country.
Here in Cebu City, you can buy the 32GB Nexus 7 tablet in Octagon Electronics store in Cyberzone, SM City Cebu. So, again, I think, Octagon stores there in Metro Manila have their supplies as well. I ask one of the sales personnel and he confirmed that they have a lots in stock. Another store here in Cebu that sells this device is Thinking Tools in Ayala Center.
Google Nexus 7
How Much is Nexus 7 in the Philippines?
Both stores – Octagon Electronics and Thinking Tools – priced their 32 GB Wifi Nexus 7 units at 14000 Pesos, a little above the US Price of 250 USD. Compare this with SMART’s offer 600 per month, for 24 months tied up with their FlexiSurf Pocket WiFi plan 599.
Nexus 7 Versus iPad Mini
It’s a tough comparison. I guess the answer is just about your preference and circumstance. iPad Mini is like the iPad 2 in smaller package. I would go for iPad Mini in terms of OS (iOS 6), apps selection, Usability and Camera. On the other hand, Nexus 7 boasts a better display (Corning Gorilla Glass), more free Apps (subsidized), and cheaper price. iPad Mini 16GB Model is 16000 Pesos in the Apple premium retailers (e.g. Power Mac Center, iStore) while Nexus 32GB is just 14000 Pesos. Durability wise, I think both devices are fairly the same considering Apple and Asus’ reputation. Lastly, after market support for Apple is light-years away from others especially here in the Philippines where the word warranty is as hard as climbing Mount Everest (exaggerated 
)
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Smart announced a free access to their LTE Network for all Smart iPhone 5 subscribers. The free LTE service is available until April 30, 2013. The following Smart iPhone 5 plans will get this treat fro the largest mobile network in the country.
- Plans 999 and 2499
- Unlidata Plans 1500, 2000, and 3000
SMART iPhone 5 Pre-order registration
iOS 6.1 Update Unlocks SMART iPhone 5 LTE Capability
One of the key selling points of the newly released Apple iPhone 5 is its LTE support. Previously, the LTE capability can only be used in the United States since the OS doesn’t support the LTE Band of Smart (or even that of Globe Telecoms). But today, Apple releases iOS 6.1 update in which one of the primary improvement is a wider range of support for different LTE bands. That included SMART’s and Globe’s LTE Networks.
So to avail of the treat on your Smart iPhone 5 unit, update your iOS version to 6.1. To update, tap your Settings App, then go to General Settings, then Software Update.
About LTE
Long Term Evolution (LTE) is considered to be the fastest commercial wireless connectivity technology in the world. It is technically capable of providing speeds up to 100 Mbps. SMART’s and Globe’s LTE networks promises up to 42 Mbps internet speed on their respective networks. SMART’s and Globe’s LTE access points are currently located on selected cities and establishments in Metro Manila.
About iPhone 5
iPhone 5 is the latest smartphone made by Apple Inc. It sports a 4.0 inches retina display, thinner and lighter body, LTE support, and a new and faster A6 processor. It was released in the US last September 21, 2012. SMART and Globe officially released the device in the Philippines last December 14, 2012. The device is available either prepaid or under a phone plan. Features and p[ricing varies between Globe and SMART’s offering.
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The much awaited iPad Mini tablet from Apple Inc has arrived in the Philippines. The 7.9 inches tablet can now be purchased online at Apple Store Philippines. Expected delivery date is about 1 week because it will be shipped from Singapore.
iPad Mini is now available for order in the Philippines
The iPad Mini price starts at 15990 Pesos for the 16GB WiFi model. If purchased online, you can have the following extra services: – free engraving – free shipping (will add 1 week shipping delay)
iPad Mini Philippines on Apple Premium Retailers
The iPad Mini is also available via Apple premium retailers such as Power Mac Center and iStore. The price is just the same as that of the online Apple Store.
In iStore, you can buy the iPad Mini on installment basis through selected credit card. But since this is a new release, the installment plan is just available in a three-month option. But just like previous releases, it will soon be available up to 12 months installment as soon as the demand soften. I’m not sure though about the offer from Power mac Center and other retailers.
The iPad Mini has been available in the country through gray market such as eBay and individual retailers. the price though is way above the retail price since they have to cover the shipping cost of the unit.
About iPad Mini
iPad Mini is Apple’s low-end tablet featuring a 7.9 inches LCD display, A5 processor, and virtually everything that the iPad 3 has to offer including a 5-Megapixel iSight camera at the back, and the ability to record 1080p videos. It also comes with smaller Lightning connector. It also comes pre-loaded with iOS 6, the latest version of Apple ‘s mobile operating system.
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