Huawei’s flagship device the Mate
8 is still not yet available in other countries, so I’m really not
expecting Huawei to unveil a new flagship smartphone yet. However, there’s no
stopping the Chinese firm from announcing other devices at Mobile World
Congress though.
Take for example the Huawei MateBook – a 12-inch convertible
that rocking Intel’s new Core M processors and can have up to 8GB of RAM, 512GB
SSD storage, and run a full version of Windows 10.
The MateBook’s display has a resolution of 2160 x 1440
pixels which equates to a screen density of 216ppi. The device exudes a premium
feel thanks to the metal used in its construction. Huawei has installed a
4430mAh battery on this 2-in-1 which the company claims can last for more than
10 hours on light to moderate use.
At 6.9mm, the MateBook is rather thin compared to other
convertibles in the market. It also features a splash-proof design and sports
dual speakers with Dolby Audio technology.
Huawei is also marketing the MateBook ala Surface Book by offering
accessories that increases user productivity. These include a stylus called the
MatePen and a keyboard cover called the MateDock.
The MateDock is made from environmentally-friendly leather
and comes with keys that are backlit. The MatePen on the other hand boasts a
couple of hardware buttons that perform specific functions when pressed and a
laser pointer to aid in presentations.
Prices for the Matebook start at $699 for the base version
and can go up to $1599 for the Intel Core m7 version with 8GB of RAM and 512GB
storage.
Aside from the G5, LG also introduced a couple of accessories
for its flagship phone which it calls “Friends”.
The first member of the G5’s clique is the LG 360 VR, a
head-mounted display that features two 1.88-inch displays with a resolution of
960 x 720 pixels each. The 360 VR requires a connection to an external device
such as a tablet or a smartphone and works with Google Cardboard and YouTube
360 content.
Now, if you’re in the mood to produce content, LG has also
introduced the 360 Cam. The device comes with two spherical cameras with dual
200-deree 13MP sensors that allow the device to capture everything around it.
The camera runs on a 1200mAh battery and supports 2K video
recording, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The content produced on this device can of
course be viewed on the 360 VR or uploaded to YouTube 360 for viewing.
Then there’s the LG Rolling Bot, a spherical companion bot
for the G5 and acts as a home monitoring camera, although it seems LG wants to
market it a device that can take care of your pet.
The Rolling Bot comes with an 8MP camera which can live
stream videos to the internet. The
device can also be controlled remotely through a smartphone. The bot sports an
IR emitter, which means you can command it to take control of other appliances
in your home.
As for the remote pet-nanny part, the Rolling Bot
theoretically does this using a multitude of sensors to interact with your pet.
These include a camera, a microphone and a speaker. The Rolling bot charges via
a USB cable.
If you’re the type of person who always has to have access to his collection of audio and video files whether for work or just for the heck of it, WD has a new product that will allow you to access and sync your content across computers with ease.
This week, the company introduced a new generation of its prosumer solutions network attached storage in the form of the My Cloud EX2 Ultra. The drive features a 1.3GHz dual-core processor that enables it to achieve ultra-fast transfer rates and comes with 1GB DDR3 memory for those who like to multi-task.
The NAS drive supports up to 12TB capacities and provides flexibility by offering several capacity option for customers to choose from. The My Cloud EX2 Ultra also comes with a number of advanced features that help users in managing their data including an integrated FTP and WebDAV server, backup server, P2P download server and Microsoft Active Support.
The My Cloud Ex2 Ultra will be available in select retailers starting March and will be distributed by Iontech, Inc in the Philippines. Prices start at Php 10,490 for the base model and goes up to Php 40,690 for the 12TB model.
For more information about the My Cloud EX2 Ultra, you can read WD’s press release below.
Click to Read Full Press Release
NEW WESTERN DIGITAL PROSUMER NAS STORAGE GIVES CREATIVE PROS
THE POWER TO MULTI-TASK AND EASILY SHARE FILES
New My Cloud® EX2 Ultra Delivers High Performance with Up to 12 TB Capacity
MANILA, Philippines – February 18, 2016 –Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ: WDC), a world leader in connected storage solutions, today updated its prosumer solutions with My Cloud EX2 Ultra, a high-performance, two-bay network attached storage (NAS) system. The My Cloud EX2 Ultra NAS is designed from the ground up for creative professionals and prosumers that need to automatically sync content across computers, easily share files and folders and enjoy multiple backup options so they can create their own personalized digital library with ease.
“We know our My Cloud users, especially creative professionals, need comprehensive solutions as digital storage needs continue to soar as well as the need for ongoing streaming capability,” said Jim Welsh, executive vice president, WD Branded Products. “With the My Cloud EX2 Ultra, creative professionals are able to combine high performance with multi-tasking optimization and data protection to create a NAS system that simplifies their workflow and provides peace-of-mind.”
My Cloud EX2 Ultra has been upgraded with a powerful 1.3 GHz dual-core processor enabling users to get ultra-fast transfer rates for high performance and smooth video streaming. Users also have access to 1 GB of DDR3 memory, allowing them to multitask with ease and leverage applications for HD media streaming, surveillance and much more. Several data management and security features allow users to select a preferred method for managing and protecting their movies, photos, music and digital files. Drive management options include RAID 0, RAID 1; JBOD and spanning modes, while data protection options include NAS to NAS, USB, cloud or LAN/WAN backup. The My Cloud EX2 Ultra NAS comes preconfigured in RAID 1 mode to help protect data right from the start and is easily configurable into other data protection modes.
High Capacity and Ultimate Reliability
From unpopulated to 12 TB capacities[1], the My Cloud EX2 Ultra provides several capacity options for customers to choose from. Additionally, customers can attach compatible USB 3.0 hard drives to the USB expansion ports on the My Cloud EX2 Ultra to instantly expand their storage capacity. The populated My Cloud EX2 Ultra features the award-winning WD Red® hard drives, specifically built for NAS systems to provide non-stop performance within 24x7 environments. WD Red drives are powered by NASware™ 3.0 technology, improving drive reliability and minimizing data corruption in the event of a power loss or disruption.
Easy Sharing with Anywhere Access
With simplified file and folder sharing, users can send customized, private links that allow recipients read/write access to particular files on the user’s My Cloud EX2 Ultra. Whether on a photo shoot, or editing at home, saving creations at full fidelity and sharing with your entire network is a breeze. The My Cloud EX2 Ultra features an intuitive dashboard, so user accounts can be created, features customized and storage can be monitored with ease. With MyCloud.com web access, or the My Cloud mobile app, users can access their media and manage users from any internet connected device. With WD Sync™, users can automatically synchronize their media and files across their computers and their My Cloud device with the confidence that their computer content is up to date and accessible from all devices.
Advanced Features
My Cloud EX2 Ultra includes advanced data serving options including an integrated FTP and WebDAV server, backup server, P2P download server and Microsoft Active Directory support. Additionally, users can download and run a host of third party apps, including, Plex®, Milestone Arcus™ surveillance, aMule, Icecast, Joomla!®, Anti-Virus Essentials, WordPress®, SqueezeCenter, and more. Users can also stream videos and photos to connected TVs, media players, gaming consoles and other DLNA®/UPnP® devices with the included Twonky 7.2 DLNA-certified 1.5 media server, and built-in iTunes® support.
Price and Availability
My Cloud EX2 Ultra will be available at select retailers in March and will be distributed by Iontech, Inc. in the Philippines.. MSRP is PhP 10, 490 for the diskless My Cloud EX2 Ultra, PhP 21, 290 for 4 TB, PhP 29, 190 for 8 TB and PhP 40, 690 for 12 TB. The WD My Cloud mobile app currently is available for download for free from the Apple App StoreSM and Google PlayTM. My Cloud EX2 Ultra comes with a two-year limited warranty on the diskless device and a three-year limited warranty on the pre-configured devices.
Compatibility
My Cloud EX2 Ultra is compatible with Windows® 10, Windows 8, Windows Vista®, OS X® El Capitan™, Yosemite™, Mavericks™, Mountain Lion™ as well as DLNA®/UPnP® enabled devices.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the approximate price and estimated availability of the My Cloud EX2 Ultra, the growth of digital storage needs, as well as the demand for ongoing streaming capability. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the risks detailed from time-to-time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, our most recent annual report on Form 10-K to which your attention is directed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak as of the date hereof, and WD undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
[1] System is shipped in RAID 1 configuration, which leaves half of the system capacity available for data storage. System is configurable to RAID 0; JBOD or spanned, which leaves all system capacity available for data storage. Up to 0.1TB may be reserved for non-user accessible storage.
Bluetooth speakers have become such a hit these days
especially with the rise of music and video streaming apps. Indeed, the ability
to wirelessly control and project your music library has in a way created a
niche that a lot of audio equipment manufacturers are trying to get a piece of.
Harman Kardon, being one of the most established brands in
the audio equipment industry has of course created several versions of the
Bluetooth speaker. In fact, the company already has several iterations of the wireless
speaker from high performance wireless speaker systems to portable versions that
double as power banks.
Over the past couple of weeks, I got the chance to test
drive one of Harman Kardon’s portable Bluetooth speakers – the Esquire 2 and put
it to its paces. If you’re on the hunt for a wireless speaker but want to
distinguish yourself from the rest of the crowd, read on and check whether the
Esquire 2 is the best product for you.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
For the hefty price tag it commands, the box of the Esquire
2 is a bit uninspiring, well at least on the outside. The exterior of the box
is clad with various signages and images of the device as well as text
description of its features in different languages.
Opening the box, involves lifting two flaps of cardboard.
The insides of the box is padded with black high-density foam, which cradles
all the contents of the box in a secure manner. Apart from the Esquire 2, the
box also contains a micro USB charging cable (no wall adapter) and the usual
mix of paper work including a quick start guide and important safety
instructions booklet.
DESIGN AND
CONSTRUCTION
Harman Kardon has long been known for producing top notch
audio products with premium build materials and design. The Esquire 2 is definitely
not exempted from this tradition. The speaker is bound by a metal band with
chamfered edges both at the front and at the back. The back panel of the
Esquire 2 seems to be made from leather while the speaker grill at the front is
made from high-grade plastic.
There’s also a chrome-plated kickstand at the back with a
strip of rubber at one end to prevent the stand from slipping. Correspondingly,
there are two rubber feet located at the bottom portion of the speaker to keep
the speaker in place when on a flat surface.
The Esquire 2 also features several LED lights that work as
indicator lights for various statuses. On one hand, there are five LED lights at
the left side of the speaker which shows the battery level of the Esquire 2.
There’s also a multi-color LED light at the front of the device which shows a
different color depending on its status – white when the device is turned on,
blue when the speaker is paired or is pairing with another device, green when a
call is active or is ringing and red when the call is on mute.
Looking at the top of the device, you’ll find a plethora of
buttons that of course controls various functions of the speaker. At the far
left, there are four buttons: power, Bluetooth, the call answer and mute button;
while a volume rocker sits at the opposite end.
The right side of the device is where you’ll find its trio
of ports, namely the charging port, an aux port and finally a USB port as the
Esquire 2 also doubles as a portable power bank that can charge other devices.
Finally, the Esquire speakers also features four microphones that are placed at
each corner at the front of the speaker making it a great device for office conference
rooms.
Overall, the design and construction of the Esquire 2 is
mostly intended for those with sophisticated tastes. The device fits well in
specific spaces like conference rooms or formal living rooms and probably is
suitable for company execs and professionals who are into high-end audio
equipment, which is essentially Harman Kardon’s target market.
USER EXPERIENCE &
SOUND QUALITY
Just like any other Bluetooth speaker, the Harman Kardon
Esquire 2 connects to smart devices without much effort. Once the device is on,
a user simply needs to press the pairing button at the top and use the
Bluetooth settings in their phone or tablet to pair with the speaker.
Once paired, the Esquire 2 becomes an extension of the device
churning out audio for the phone, tablet or laptop. Moreover, since the speaker
also comes with four microphones, it also works as an audio input device
allowing users to utilize the Esquire 2 when making audio or video calls.
In terms of audio quality, I was pleasantly surprised with
the quality of the sound coming out of the Esquire 2. Even when the speaker is
on full blast, I didn’t notice that much sound distortion compared to other
speakers. Moreover, in contrast to other Bluetooth speakers in the market, the
Esquire 2 focuses on delivering crisp audio instead of the usual bass boost.
Speaking of audio levels, the Esquire 2 is able to generate
a considerable amount of boom. I tried cranking the volume up to the maximum
level and my phone’s audio meter registered over 60dB. It’s worth noting that
even at this level, the sound coming from the speakers are still clear and
crisp with minimal quality loss.
EXTRA FEATURES AND
BATTERY LIFE
Apart from playing tunes and acting as a conference room gadget,
the Esquire 2 is also a portable power source. A USB port is located at the right
side of the speakers which users can use to top-off their smartphone or tablet.
Theoretically, the 3200mAh battery on the device is enough
to fully charge a decent-size smartphone, however, this theory is doesn’t really
work well in practice since the sound drivers also draw power from this battery.
It was quite difficult to accurately test how well the speaker was at charging
other devices but I wouldn’t recommend users relying on this device in a power
emergency.
Finally, when it comes to longevity, the Esquire 2 was able
to last for days on moderate use. According to the package, the device is able
to go for 8 hours of continuous playback, which is quite respectable especially
for a Bluetooth device.
As for charging time, one can expect the device to be fully
charged in less than two hours depending on the type of charger they are using.
FINAL WORDS
To sum it all up, I find the Harman Kardon Esquire 2, quite
an enjoyable device to listen to. I really like the design language that the
company used in the construction of this product. In terms of looks and appeal,
I can clearly see this device harmoniously living with other premium gadgets in
an executive’s office.
I also like that it has the ability to charge other devices.
Although its ability to share power to other devices is quite useful, it doesn’t
make it a replacement for your full-fledged power banks. Nonetheless, it’s a
feature that’s quite welcome.
The quad-microphone feature is also nifty, although I think
it’s a component that a lot of people will take advantage of (especially here
in the Philippines). But then again, it’s nice that Harman Kardon included it.
For around Php10,995 (or around $199.95 on Harman Kardon’s
US website), the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 is not a cheap buy. This particular model
of Bluetooth speakers will most likely be owned by a high-level executive, who
takes this device in his “jetsetter” lifestyle taking conference calls in
different parts of the world.
As for the rest of us, it’s something we’d like to include
in our dream board of gadgets we want to own, when we make it to the big league
or if we ever won the lottery. It is for this reason that I highly recommend
the Esquire 2 – that is, if you can afford it.
- JBL Sound Gallery – B3 Bonifacio High Street (beside TGIFriday’s and Happy Lemon), 799-9344
- JBL Acoustical Space – 4th Floor SM Megamall Cyberzone, 919-6012
- JBL Digital Dreams – 4th Floor SM North EDSA Annex, 738-2554
- JBL / Harman Kardon Level 3 Mindanao Wing TriNoma
- JBL / Harman Kardon 3rd Floor Fairview Terraces
- A.Refinery Level 2, UP Town Center
- A.Refinery Level 3, Ayala Center Cebu
- A. Refinery Level 2, Abreza Ayala Mall
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Fitbit’s Blaze wasn’t really a big hit when it was announced at CES a few weeks ago. In contrast to Misfit’s Ray which generally received positive feedback thanks to its jewelry-like design.
Judging by the company’s latest announcement, it seems Fitbit is taking a few pages from Misfit’s playbook with the Fitbit Alta.
Compared to the chunky Blaze, the Alta is now sporting a slimmer profile. Fortunately, Fitbit didn’t really sacrifice a lot when it chose to give the Alta a smaller form factor. For starters, the device sports the same level of activity tracking as seen in other members of the Fitbit family.
These include all-day tracking for your steps, distance covered, calories burned, hours of sleep and active minutes. Fitbit was also generous enough to include new features found in competing products such as reminders to move and a feature called SmartTrack that automatically recognizes and records your exercises for you.
Fitbit is also promising improved notifications (which include notifications for not only calls but also texts and calendar alerts) and longer battery life (up to 5 full days on a single charge).
The Fitbit Alta also allows band interchangeability, allowing users to choose the type of band to use with the device based on their style and of course preference. Types of band for the Alta include metal, leather and even specialized brands from designers such as Tory Burch.
Fitbit is now offering the Alta for pre-orders with a price tag of $129.95.
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