Chikka’s breakthrough had been in marrying IM technology seamlessly with SMS, and then building a back-end that would withstand its use by the world’s ‘text capital’ – The Philippines.

2010: Chikka for the New Digital Generation

Ten years later, Chikka has served over 68 million people who had registered on-line and via mobile to enjoy the way Chikka had united on-line Filipinos with the sea of SMS users. The company is also releasing the latest version of its Chikka Text Messenger.

“Back in 2000, Internet penetration in the country was a mere 2% but many had mobile phones and we were already a texting culture,” said Chikka founder Dennis Mendiola. “We enabled Filipinos to connect to an on-line IM community via texting which was second nature to us.”

Today, a “digital generation” has emerged and 30% of Filipinos have Internet access taking part in social networks and becoming active in social media. Mobile penetration is closer to 80%.

“We saw this during the great reawakening and national mourning for the passing of former President Cory Aquino. We witnessed it again as Typhoon Ondoy brought great floods to the Capital and the Youth, with their Internet and mobile tools helped relay information for mobilization and disaster relief,” said Mendiola.

Thus is setting for Chikka latest version release.

“Chikka is more relevant than ever. We observe for example that a lot of casual messaging previously exchanged via text has shifted to the social networks. Our latest version is being released, combining the cool convenience of sending an IM message when one is on-line with the personal warmth, immediacy even urgency of receiving a message as text, instantly read on ones phone,” Mendiola added.

Lighter “Load”

Promoting even higher utility for the community, the new Chikka version features P1.00 replies during off-peak hours when a lot of Global Filipinos are driving message traffic to friends and loved ones mobiles in the Philippines. Unlimited text packages akin to popular UNLI packages being offered by Philippine telcos are also now available all day.

It is also interoperable with Google Talk while Chikka is working on partnering with other instant messaging applications to make it easier for users to keep in touch.

“In 2010, there were over 16 million visits to the Chikka site from 215 countries during a one month period,” CIO Dennis Mendiola said. “Even though there are a lot of technological advancements in the communications industry, Chikka still remains to be the preferred communications tool for Global Pinoys.”

The Future

According to Mendiola much of the work that went into the “new Chikka” actually happened in the back-end with a major re-architecture.

This allows the company to pursue a technology roadmap that will very soon enable Chikka for any platform and operating system, for any IM aggregator, and also for any mobile device, Already a 3rd party developer has released an iPhone App. Chikka for its part is set to unveil its own app for the iPhone, as well as Blackberry and Android devices.

“The idea is for Chikka users to be able to access it on numerous communications platforms,” Mendiola said. “Simply put, as long as you have a computer or mobile phone, you can use Chikka.”

We’re setting our dry run month this August 2010, starting with the following courses:

• Basics of Web Development Module 1 on 30 Aug 2010 (non-working holiday) from 11am to 2pm
• Website Design & Development Using Microsoft Expression Web on 30 Aug 2010 (non-working holiday) from 2:30pm to 5:30pm
• Website Design & Development Using Adobe Dreamweaver on 30 Aug 2010 (non-working holiday) from 6pm to 9pm

All trainings/seminars will be held at Netopia Waltermart Makati (in front of Don Bosco Makati). Plus, all participants in any of the courses will receive a one (01) year website hosting subscription from TurfSitePH.net for FREE!

For inquiries, you may SMS 0916.320.1513 or email training@turfsiteph.net or simply visit us online at http://training.turfsiteph.net

Are they insane?! No, Smart is not! This is what I told you a couple of days ago about something big and free from Smart will happen by end of the month. Imagine, one whole day of mobile internet — Twitter, Facebook, Plurk, Google, Yahoo, Uzzap, and even BBM for free! Now, that’s simply amazing from Smart!

Here’s the FAQ from Smart:

Q: WHAT IS T.G.I.Freeday?

A: Its Smart’s one-day offer for all subscribers to enjoy using mobile internet services for FREE. That means there are no charges to visit all internet sites using your mobile phone.

Q: When is T.G.I.Freeday available?

A: T.G.I.Freeday will start from 12:00 am of July 30, until 11:59pm of the same day. If you start browsing at 10pm, you only have 11:59 pm to enjoy free mobile internet.

Q: Do I need to register?

A: No registration needed. Just open your web browser, your Uzzap or GoMail application and go!

Q: Is there a special keyword or URL to visit?

A: No need to key in a keyword or a URL to use mobile internet. For as long as you have a data capable handset, you can do mobile surfing all your want. To get more information, text FREEDAY and send to 211.

Q: I don’t know how to use mobile internet. What’s the first thing I do?

A: You need to configure your 3G settings. Text SET send to 211 to get your 3G configuration for FREE. Save the configuration and then launch your mobile web browser to start browsing. As simple as that.

Q: Can I use 2G to browse the internet?

A: Yes you can. But for a faster and better experience, it is suggested that you take advantage of Smart’s nation widest coverage by using Smart’s superior 3G, HSPA, HSDPA network.

Q: I want to avail of a daily surfing package on Friday. Will this be allowed?

A: No. You will receive an SMS notification that today is a free day and that you will be able to use the service you wish to avail unlimited for the entire day.

Q: Will I be allowed to avail weekly and monthly package of the data services that I register to?

A: Subscribers can still avail of weekly and monthly packages every Friday but they will be reminded of T.G.I.Freeday Promo and they have to confirm their purchase before transaction is completed.

Q: I have a weekly/ monthly package. Will I be given additional 1 day extension as a result of T.G.I.Freeday?

A: Subscribers with current weekly and monthly packages that traverse on a Friday will not be given extra one day as a result of the free day Friday. The existing validity of their availed package will be retained.

Q: Is there a limit as to the number of services that I can avail for free?

A: For as long as subscribers have a data capable handset, there is no limit as to how many services subscribers can avail of for free.

Q: Is there a minimum maintaining balance?

A: Prepaid subscribers should have minimum balance of P1 to avail of the free services

Q: What if I browse after 11:59pm of Friday?

A: Should subscriber continue to browse even after 11:59pm, default charging P10/30 will commence and transactional fees for chat services will apply.

Q: What are the sites that I can access?

A: You can access all the sites that you want. All the Web Unli Sites offered currently at P20 per day by Smart will be FREE on TGIFreeday!

So far, here are some clues on what will it be:

1. It’s NOT a new endorser.
2. It is something “SOCIAL” — nope! It’s NOT something related to jejemon

Hmmm … What could it be?

Can’t help but wonder why Smart is having a new promo that is open for 18 and up only. And what will be this something BIG and FREE?

Will Smart be launching an adult-themed service or wapsite? (::grin::) Is Smart having a tie-up with any leading beer company or cigarette manufacturer?

Surfing to the Smart Communications, Inc. Facebook page and I saw this 18 & Up tab, which is also saying something BIG and FREE is coming by end of this month. What could it be? Be the first to know by simply “liking” the Smart Communications, Inc. FB page.

Please do visit my site regularly for updates on this something BIG and FREE from Smart.

Two factors made us decide to acquire the Nikon Coolpix L110 on top of the competitor’s super zooms (that of Panasonic’s and Sony’s) — value for money and it’s 15x wide optical zoom.

The listed price of the Nikon Coolpix L110 (black) at Kimstore is PHP13,000 but when we checked at SM Appliance Center, it’s on order basis with a tag of PHP28,000. Kimstore wins!

Now, on to the review proper …

The Nikon Coolpix L110 is easy to use — it’s like you’re just using a point-and-shoot (actually, it’s a point-and-shoot camera). There is an AUTO setting, so as not to complicate your life with the settings, especially if you are just new to photography and if you’re not a professional. It has an effective pixel count of 12.1 million pixels, and is sporting a 15x optical zoom NIKKOR lens that can give you a super-telephoto 420mm coverage from as close as 28mm. Macro shooting can be as close as 1cm or 0.4 of an inch.

Another best thing with the Nikon Coolpix L110 is that it uses four (04) AA batteries. No worries if you are on the road and ran out of battery charge, you can always get an Energizer AA (Ultimate Lithium recommend, based on the manual) off the shelf. Based on the manual, using Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries will last up to 840 shots or roughly 7 hours of HD movies.

Yes, you read that right — HD movies. The Nikon Coolpix L110 is capable of shooting HD (720p) quality video with stereo sound.

If you’re a semi-pro or a learned person when it comes to photography, the Nikon Coolpix L110 supports sensitivity of up to ISO 6400. This is the first in the L-Series Camera line to offer a new vibration reduction that combines the image-sensor shift system with electronic vibration reduction to help prevent or reduce blur caused by camera shake and subject movement.

The only thing missing in the Nikon Coolpix L110 is a viewfinder, else it’s the best consumer digital camera for me.

My rating for the Nikon Coolpix L110: 9 out 10.

Sample pictures taken using the Nikon Coolpix L110:

Portrait shots

Some macro photography shots:

How about food photography:

This time, let’s try the 15x optical zoom:

Using the 15x zoom, I can clearly see the tail number (registration) of this chopper:

Another shot using the 15x optical zoom:

Without using the built-in flash:

Sample HD movie:

It’s delivering and capturing the best stories for your readers whether you’re into traveling, technology, gaming, or food. And what better way to do that but by having the latest gizmos you can get your hands on.

Did you know that Electroworld is the leading personal gadgets provider in the country? They carry brands like Sony, Dell, HP/Compaq, Toshiba, Olympus, and other popular names in the electronics industry. Electroworld sees the need to help bloggers (like me) in their careers by introducing the perfect blogging gadgets.

Bloggie – show your individuality with its funky colors, record everything around you with its revolutionary 360° video feature, and then upload your videos and photos via its built-in USB connector, wherever you go. This ultimate digital camera will let you capture perfect landscapes and wonderful moments yet staying stylish and chic.

Vaio X – This Series features amazing thinness measuring less than 14 mm. Based on years of leadership in mobile PCs and expertise in making VAIO easier to carry, the idea was to create a notebook PC that was actually as thin as a paper notebook, and with VAIO X Series you get exactly that. This laptop is the perfect companion for those long trips that you will definitely have fun blogging about.

Underwater Cameras – Known for providing the best in image capturing technology, Sony offers the new lineup in their CyberShot series which is water-, shock-, dust- and temperature-proof! With features like Intelligent Sweep Panorama, Handheld Twilight and Anti-motion blur, this cameras will give you the photographic power to shoot in style whenever, wherever.

SLR Alpha & Combo – These are prime examples of the superior performance offered by Image3, the triumvirate of exclusive lens, sensor, and image processor technologies that has earned Sony a worldwide reputation for true-to-life imaging excellence.

Alienware – Conquer the most intense games, create digital content and explore multimedia applications at a fast rate, even when you’re battling it all at once. This latest offering of Dell for gamers ensures that gaming demands will never go unmet.

Touch Screen Desktop – From an elegant design and advanced features to a suite of built-for-touch applications, the HP TouchSmart redefines what touch can do for you. This powerful, compact, wireless all-in-one PC with high-definition widescreen is a definite techie dream come true.

Touch Screen Printer – Using the features built in to your printer, you can view, edit, and print photos directly from your camera or memory card—all without a PC. Use your printer to crop, rotate, adjust brightness, apply color effects, and remove red-eye from photos. With simple, intuitive control panels, users of all experience levels can edit and print with ease. Plus, screen sizes from 2.4″ to 4.8″ make it easy to view and improve your photos.

Olympus Pen – By using the half-frame format, Olympus was able to reduce both the weight and size of the Olympus Pen; a very good quality for bloggers who are always on the go. It features a simple rear-winding mechanism, a D-Zuiko lens for superior photographic quality, and an attractive design that also makes the camera extremely easy to use. The Pen was a compact mix of innovative ideas that triggers the half-frame camera boom of the 1960s and 1970s. Cumulative sales of Pen Series cameras exceeded 17 million units. The highly original concepts embodied in the Pen Series eventually led to the creation of the legendary Pen F Series half-frame single-lens system.

Toshiba – From the cute and ultra portable Libretto to the hunky multimedia Qosmio, Toshiba manufactures a wide variety of laptops. Founded in 1875, Toshiba is currently one of Japan’s most respected electronics companies, but their success is certainly not confined to the shores of the rising sun. Indeed, their PCs are also popular with European and American buyers. Are you looking for a desktop replacement, or a Core 2 duo gaming machine? There should be something suitable amongst the myriad of Libretto, Portege, Qosmio, Tecra and Satellite notebooks.

Imagine, you can use BBM to send messages to your colleagues who are abroad, eliminating the high cost of sending SMS to a foreign-based mobile number — or even from a different telco.

A lot of Filipinos are now experiencing the beauty of BlackBerry — both the handheld units and the service — thanks to the promos and loyalty (retention) programs being offered by the two giant networks here in RP: GlobePH and Smart.

Share your experiences, problems, tips-and-tricks, etc. about the BlackBerry online at our homegrown online community BlackBerry Pinoys (http://www.blackberrypinoy.info). If you use BBM, simply scan my bar code above or add my PIN 21A55089.

Mabuhay ang Pinoy BlackBerry users!

On to the review:

The BlackBerry 9700 was announced last October 2009, and this is RIM’s second handset (next to the Curve 8520) that will sport a touch-sensitive optical trackpad instead of the problematic trackball. A very welcome move from RIM. Compared with the BlackBerry Bold 9000, the Bold 9700′s camera is upgraded to 3.15MP (from just 2.0MP) with Image Stabilization; weight is reduced to just 122g from 133g; the Bold 9700 supports GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSDPA 850/1900/2100, & HSDPA 1700/2100/900 — up to 3.6Mbps. Like the Bold 9000, Bold 9700 is also WiFi (802.11 b/g, UMA) enabled.

On the downside, internal storage for the Bold 9700 was reduced to just 256MB from Bold 9000′s 1GB. But, the Bold 9700 supports up to 16GB microSD expandable storage, while the Bold 9000 can only accommodate up to 8GB. The screen size got a little bit smaller at 2.44 inches, compared to the Bold 9000′s 2.6 inches.

GlobePH currently sells the BlackBerry Bold 9700 at PHP28,995 as a prepaid phonekit.