The moment I logged into my desktop machine, I immediately searched for the chatroom using Mibbit. If you’re the type of person who’s always on the go but don’t have a laptop, then Mibbit is for you. It’s a web-based IRC client. To join us online, simply use the following settings in Mibbit:

Or, you may opt to install ChatZilla as an add-on to our favorite web browser, Firefox:

If want to be more sentimental, you can always download and install mIRC on your Windows machine.

Enjoy and see you all online! Join us and help improve Mozilla products the Filipino way.

In a world where the medium has become the message all on its own, the Philippine advertising industry has a new platform for brands to shine on.

Advertising over the years

A world that prides itself on being able to reshape people’s lives, the advertising industry has found ways to subvert the common avenues of TV, radio and print for more strategic dissemination of information. Subversion and disruption are keywords for the advertising industry because with the growing sophistication of the mass market—one that is just as tech savvy—there is a real need to rise above the noise and clutter.

An inevitable call for transformation

Since the invention of television in the 1920s, screens are the preferred method for wide-scale distribution of ideas and messages. History shows us that TV has more than proved its effectiveness as a great tool for marketing not just products and services, but people and even beliefs as well— allowing individuals to affect not just their personal timelines but that of the world’s as well. Art and great thinkers recognized that the television was the way of getting into people’s minds and hearts. But when Andy Warhol predicted that “in the future, everyone will get their 15 minutes of fame,” he stumbled unto the underlying power of the internet.

However, nearly a century after it made big waves and changed the global landscape, television has lost some of its power to move people. More people are on the internet and on YouTube then there are still watching their televisions. The screens are different, but the experience is still the same.

Enter glasses-free 3D screens—a revolutionary platform that holds big promises for advertising professionals and companies. Dubbed as the “future platform of advertising,” glasses-free 3D screens make such an imprint among its audience that multiple studies can do nothing else but emphasize the marketing value of this selling tool. Because it redefines the viewing experience. What was once a flat plane is now a living playground of stories and colors.

“Glasses-free 3D screens leave such a lasting imprint that studies have shown that it is 10 times more effective more than regular 2D media,” shares Katrina Bantug, President and CEO of 3D Vizion. “A US study discovered that when used in a mall, the sales of the brand featured in the glasses-free 3D screen went up at least 12% in addition to the store reporting a 34% increase in consumer traffic.”

Imagine watching your favorite 3D movie. Only this time, with more realistic, crisp images and minus the hassle of wearing those bothersome red and blue glasses—glasses-free 3D screens create an entirely new consumer experience that has yet to be offered by any other media out there, regardless of their interactive values. Images that pop out of the screen. Images so realistic, it allows you to perceive and understand the product as it is.

“We cannot overemphasize how powerful this new tool is,” explains Katrina Bantug. “Glasses-free 3D is the future not just of advertising but of viewable media, as a whole. These screens do not just transport the message; it explains it, in all its glory, using compelling images that are sure to leave a lasting mark on the minds of the viewers.”

3D Vizion’s vision

The arrival of glasses-free 3D in the Philippines certainly opens a whole new era for the advertising industry. Using ground-breaking system that takes the best of high-definition 2D and combines it with the latest in 3D technology, a budding company called 3D Vizion is well on its way to revolutionize the business—putting the country at par with other first world nations.

“When we decided to pursue this, we had only one intention in mind—to come up with a company, that will revolutionize the way we do advertising here in the country—to provide our countrymen with the best available technology out there,” adds Katrina. “Myself, Mr. Mohan Kulkarni and DEMIKK Holdings, Inc., as represented by Ruben Tiu, came up with this idea of having a fully-operational Filipino company that offers world-class, first-class products and services.”

3D Vizion uses proprietary technology to provide companies with a revolutionary platform that they can use not just to catch attention, but ultimately, to generate sales. Because of this, the company has been getting a lot of attention from other organizations who want to get the word out of their offerings, likewise 3D Vizion’s technology is slowly being recognized as the new standard platform for more cost-efficient yet undeniably effective mass marketing efforts.

In addition, multiple studies have found that similar technology has a proven track record of heightened engagement, yielding 92% in memory retention among audience, with 68% of said statistics displaying a higher probability of following the experience with a purchase. Studies conducted in other industries, such as education also prove the effectiveness of the medium in making people perceive, understand and remember ideas.

I asked her on what will it’s use be, as it looks similar to the Octopus Card RFID terminals we saw in Hong Kong when we went there last August. Her reply is that it will soon be utilized for a rewards program. Hmmm … sounds interesting.

Just this afternoon, I saw a post in Facebook about the HappyPlus card to be launched by the Jollibee Group next Monday, the 23rd of January 2012:

HappyPlus is some sort of a virtual wallet, that you may use in any of the Jollibee Group fastfood branch in Metro Manila (initially). All I wish is for the success of this endeavor. Hopefully, the same system will be used sooner or later in the MRT, buses, taxi cabs, or even at the cinema. Kudos to Jollibee group!

Junior <form> function() & .class (JFFC) will be the first web design conference for students in the Philippines, organized by UST TomasinoWeb (TomWeb) and the Philippine Web Designers Organization (PWDO). JFFC is the student counterpart of PWDO’s <form> function() & .class which is the first community-organized web design conference in Asia.

Visit http://tomasinoweb.org/jffc for details on how to register to this event (open to all students and students at heart).

Evernote

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.evernote | Price: FREE

As of the moment, the primary use of my Asus Eee Pad Transformer is a substitute to my good old laptop computer whenever I am attending meetings, most especially if they are held outside of the office building (i.e. at client locations). Note-taking on the tablet is never the same, thanks to Evernote! I can insert pictures in my notes using the tablet’s built-in camera, or from the Gallery. Formatting text is never a hard task to accomplish in this app. Another plus in using Evernote is the ability to sync my notes with a desktop PC counterpart of the Android app. Now, how kewl will that be not to mention that this is a FREE app?

FlightBoard

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.mobiata.flightboard | Price: PHP176.02

While reading the tweets of @naiaguy, I noticed that he/she/it is using this Android app that mimics the flight information display found at airports. True enough, there was this app called FlightBoard, which can tell you almost every single flight detail (Arrival, Departure, Destination, Origin, etc.) in major airports around the globe. This app actually relies from the feeds of FlightStats.com. Being in the aviation industry, I must say that the data presented by this app is 95% accurate.

MobileSheets

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.zubersoft.mobilesheets | Price: PHP220.13

During weekends and during my free time, music is my favorite past time aside from using computers. But with the advent of technology, such as MIDI and PDF, I was able to get rid of the bulky clear books I bring every time I will play during the holy mass. All I need to bring now is my Asus Eee Pad Transfomer, loaded with all the music sheets I need while serving during the holy mass. MobileSheets allows you to catalogue your music sheets in image file formats such as JPG, PNG, and GIF or even in PDF. One kewl feature of this app is that it has a built-in Metronome, as well as the ability to attach an audio file alongside the music sheet(s). It also has an “auto scroll” feature that minimizes the tapping on your tablet’s screen during performances. If you’re an Android tablet owner and is also a musician, you should have this app in your device.

Mozilla Firefox for Android

https://market.android.com/details?id=org.mozilla.firefox | Price: FREE

Mozilla recently launched the most awesome version of Firefox for Mobile – the one for Android devices. I should say, aside from loving your very own, this is the most responsive version of Firefox that I had tried and tested on an Android Honeycomb device. Please check this blog post of mine regarding Mozilla Firefox for Android.

Tablet Talk

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.apdroid.tabtalk | Price: PHP131.90

Weeks after using my Asus Eee Pad Transformer, you will have this feeling of being envious with Samsung Galaxy Tab users – they have the freedom to play with an Android tablet and use the same device for their GSM communication needs (read as SMS). Just recently, I found out about this app, which just cost the same amount of Philippine Peso you will spend for a cup of glorified coffee in cafes that enables you to sync your Android mobile phone SMS messages into your Android tablet; and actually lets you send SMS from your Android tablet, which is connected via Bluetooth to your Android mobile phone. This app comes in handy, most especially if you’re in business meetings – they will think that you’re taking down notes, but actually you’re exchanging SMS with your friends as you’re bored already with the meeting :-)

Twitter for Android

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.twitter.android | Price: FREE

Question:
What will your mobile-internet-connected life will look like without Twitter?

Answer:
Senseless!

So far, those are the Android Honeycomb apps that I frequently use and are truly my favorites. Will update the list from time to time, so be sure to check out here more often.

With the Android Keyboard activated, PRESS & HOLD the letter N/n and several accented versions of that letter will appear. It’s rather tricky, as you will need to slide your way up from the letter N/n to that accented letter(s).

What’s inside the package? The LTE device (Huawei E392), a Quick User Guide, and a Smart Bro SIM Pack:

I am one of the chosen few to beta test Smart Evolution …

SMART-LTE, or Long Term Evolution, represents 4G technology, the latest in broadband tech. This groundbreaking innovation can handle blistering download speeds up to 42 Mbps. Its low latency rate also makes it ideal for streaming HD video, online games, video conferencing, and other high bandwidth apps.

Thank you very much to Smart Communications for this privilege! Please do check my blog from time to time as I post the results of my LTE test around the difference places in Metro Manila.

MediaPad is set to transform consumers’ entertainment experience

Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, today launched the Huawei MediaPad, the world’s first 7-inch Android 3.2 Honeycomb tablet. The MediaPad is a complete entertainment powerhouse driven by Qualcomm’s dual-core 1.2GHz processor, supported by Google Android Market.

The MediaPad provides a fabulous user-experience in a stylish, high-performing and ultra-portable package.

The MediaPad is Huawei Device’s smartest, slimmest and lightest tablet yet, measuring just 10.5mm (0.4 inches) deep and weighing approximately 390g (0.86 pounds). It supports 1080P full HD video playback and features a 1.3 megapixel front facing camera and 5 megapixel auto focus rear facing camera with HD video recording capabilities. With HSPA+ 14.4Mbps and high-speed WiFi 802.11n Internet connectivity, the MediaPad doesn’t just entertain – it keeps you connected at an instant.

“With the Huawei MediaPad, we are demonstrating yet again that design, functionality and performance are within anyone’s reach. The 7-inch tablet remains the preferred size for portability, and Android Honeycomb 3.2 is dedicated to enhance the full potential of 7-inch tablets. Huawei is very pleased to be the first to offer this package to consumers globally and most especially here in the Philippines.” said Zack Zhangxiang, Device Group Head of Huawei Philippines. “The MediaPad opens up new worlds of entertainment for consumers by removing the barriers to tablet ownership, enabling access to a truly high-quality mobile entertainment experience.”

An Out-of-this-World Entertainment Experience

The MediaPad supports HSPA+ data services, Flash 10.3 videos and comes preinstalled with applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Let’s Golf and Documents to Go. With the 7-inch IPS touch screen, the MediaPad offers a standout visual experience for photos, movies and applications. Entertainment and gaming experience are taken to the next level with the MediaPad’s 1.2GHz Dual-Core processor, HD playback and HDMI port.

With MediaPad, Huawei Device aims to reach a significant number of its target market, Young Social Networkers (YSNs).

Emerald Dimapilis, Terminal Marketing Manager of HUAWEI Device Philippines expressed: “YSNs are all around us. Wherever you are in the world – whether it in a bar in New York, a coffee shop in Makati, a beach in Palawan, or a busy shopping street in London – you’ll find groups of YSNs. Progressiveness is the defining characteristic of this group.”

Expansion of Huawei Device’s Smart Offerings

The MediaPad builds on the global success of the IDEOS S7 Slim tablet and cements Huawei Device’s ability to cater to the explosive demand for tablets.

According to the International Data Corporation, sales in the tablet market are expected to increase more than fourfold in the next two years. Along with Huawei’s latest range of smart devices, the MediaPad is a prime example of Huawei Device’s focus on the power of practical innovation.

Huawei currently serves 45 of the world’s top 50 telecom operators. Huwaei Device has achieved success in the operator resale market, and is a leading vendor in Mobile Broadband and Convergence device field. The company provides a diverse range of network devices including handsets, mobile broadband devices, convergence devices, and video solutions. It has partnered with more than 470 operators in more than 130 countries.

Technical Specs

• Android Honeycomb 3.2 OS
• 7-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen
• 10.5mm (0.4 inches) slim, ~390g weight (0.86 pounds)
• 1.3 MP front-facing camera, 5 MP auto focus rear facing camera with HD video recording capabilities
• HSPA+ 14.4 Mbps, WiFi 11n
• Dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm processor
• Over 6 hours battery life
• 1080P full HD playback and HDMI port
• Flash 10.3

Pictures from the product launch event at the SM Megamall: