D6
IT makes sense
By Len Amadora
Android 101
he buzz was definitely deafening. With
T
units running on Android sold at nearly
32.9 million (as reported by Reuters),
Android had definitely surpassed its
contemporaries. Launched in 2008,
like a thief in the night, Android crept
slowly yet gallantly as it conquers its place for the
top smart phone operating system.
Although Android has become the preferred
choice of most of the key players in the mobile world,
I am surprised how a number of people still know
little about it. Android is basically a mobile operat-
ing system based on the modified version of “Linux
kernel” (also an operating system). Android was
initially developed by Android Inc. which was later
on bought by Google way back in 2005 and together
with Open Alliance Handset, Android was further
developed and finally released in 2007.
Contrary to what others may have thought,
Google does not make handsets; hence, Android
is not a phone. It is, however, the preferred oper-
ating system of most mobile companies for their
cellphones, tablets and netbooks. At present, since
Android is an open platform, it has a large populace
of developers creating or updating mobile “apps” for
improved function and user experience. Users can
browse and download these “apps” in the Android
“Market” which is pre-installed on most Android
devices.
Since its first release, Android operating sys-
tem has undergone a number of updates. Allow
me to take you a few years back at Android’s sweet
beginnings starting with Android 1.0 Angel Cake.
Released in September 2008, Angel Cake presented
with creativity in widgets, UI designs and apps.
Back then its key features mainly included a Home
Display with widgets, applications and shortcuts,
regular phone functions, a web browser (WebKit),
access to e-mail, a media player and other basic
mobile applications such as calendar, clock, camera,
etc. Immediately the year after at February 2009,
Android 1.1 Battenberg was released. Features
were improved as “bugs and glitches” from the pre-
vious version were ironed out.
As fast as lightning, 2 months later (April 2009),
Android released its 1.5 version called Cupcake
and things started to get serious. With Cupcake’s
release, there was an obvious leap with regards to
updates. The most significant of which included on
screen keyboard with predictive text and wireless
streaming of music (A2DP) via Stereo bluetooth.
Video recording was added as well.
Users can now upload videos and pictures to
You Tube and Picassa. Donut (Android 1.6) was
fully baked by September 2009 and Google Maps
with turn -by-turn navigation was its key feature.
Shopping on the “Market” also became much more
enjoyable. Although Eclair (Android 2.0/2.1) didn’t
create much of a buzz, its refurbished UI, better key-
board and browser were well noted. Features like
live wallpapers, flash support for its camera likewise
contributed to Android’s developmental milestones.
A healthy serving of Frozen Yogurt came in next
with Android 2.2 “FroYo”. Although yogurt may be
low on calories, FroYo did score high by introducing
USB and WiFi tethering, Flash 10.1, auto-updating of
apps, LED flash for video, data backup and restore,
etc.. Gingerbread (Android 2.3) was released just in
time for Christmas and with it came improved power
management, internet calling and use of multiple
camera on a device, easy access to application man-
ager just to name a few.
Bear in mind, of course, for every update comes
improvement in overall speed and performance.
Now comes the latest, freshest heavenly Honey-
comb Android 3.0. Honeycomb can support larger
screen devices; hence it is the “made for tablet”
version. It features an entirely new user interface,
its very own “Google eBooks”, 3D real time Google
Maps and an updated web browser.
It can now support high-end console games and
its keyboard has been redesigned for ease and ac-
curacy in typing.
Sigma launches DP2x compact
digital camera, complete with
Foveon X3 sensor
Sigma is introducing a high-end compact of its
own in the DP2x. This handheld shooter has
a gargantuan sensor within -- in fact, the 14
megapixel Foveon X3 is similar to those found in
the company's (entirely more massive) SD15 and
SD1 DSLRs. The sensor here is around 12x larger
than what's generally found in a camera of this
size, enabling it to capture far richer colors and
oodles of light. The fixed 24.2mm F2.8 lens have
built-in manual mode and the ability to capture
photos in JPEG or RAW. The movie mode log clips
at 320 x 240.
Technews
F2p
F3s
FH1a
FH22s
FP1r
FP3k
A Geeky Valentine
First of all, let me greet you dear
readers a Happy Valentine’s Day. Saint
Valentine’s Day, commonly shortened to
Valentine’s Day is just a mark in the cal-
endar when lovers, partners, and suitors
show love and affection to crushes and
partners. But hey, it shouldn’t only be
celebrated annually right? Every day is
Valentine’s Day.
You say, “Yeah, right.” Ok, here is
the thing – people have branded you as
a geek, which is why you have grown to
hate this day of days. You might have
experienced lonely nights in restau-
rants where you and your geeky friends
watched couples enter and leave with
their dates, while you fellows spent the
night playing games or reading comics.
Fret not. Here’s a list of things you
can consider trying.
Finding a Girl Online
Starting to chat with girls after join-
ing social networking or dating sites can
be very exciting for geeks. However, first
make sure they are indeed girls. It is
quite possible that the girl you have been
wooing online may not actually be one.
It’s so easy to pretend online – one of the
disadvantages of technology.
How do you do it? Open up your in-
stant messenger and do the following: (1)
Talk about the movies Mean Girls or the
EVERY MONDAY• 14 February 2011
Intelligent
cameras that fit
your lifestyle—
and your budget
o matter who you are, whether the head of the family, an
N
office employee, an Overseas Filipino Worker, or a student,
there is that perfect, easy-to-use and affordable camera
that’s intelligent and efficient enough to fit your lifestyle and
your budget—all courtesy of the Panasonic Lumix cameras.
Panasonic, one of the world’s leading home appliance and
digital device manufacturers, unleashes its newest “F” series of Lumix
digital cameras for the year that fits just right for the above-mentioned
users, those who’d want crisp and clear picture details without worries
about shaking hands or lack of focus, especially when trying to capture
moving subjects. With the latest camera technologies involved in the new
Panasonic Lumix cameras, nothing could ever go wrong (except if you
drop your camera in the pool or you got hit by a speeding highway freak or
something, but that’s another story).
Foremost among the “F” series of Lumix cameras are the FH22 and
the FP3. In order to capture magnificently, preserve and enjoy precious
family memories, the FH22 and FP3 boasts of Panasonic’s proprietary
“intelligent Auto” or “iA” feature, with Anti-Shake (Mega O.I.S. or Optical
Image Stabilizer) to prevent blurring, Motion & Face Detection for excep-
tional focus, Intelligent Scene Selector that automatically selects among
various “scene” modes to suit a specific situation whether for photo or
movie shooting, and a Digital Red-Eye Correction to minimize red-eye ef-
fect when using the built-in flash.
With 3-inch touch-screen LCD panels, the FH22 and FP3 both have
14.1-megapixel resolution and are able to capture high-definition videos
for those memories that are best watched in movie form. Slight difference
is in optical zoom capability, with the FH22 having 8x optical zoom com-
pared to the FP3’s 4x optical zoom and the FH22 has a 28mm wide-angle
lens.
Simple yet stylish, the FP1 and FH1, on the other hand, both aim to
captivate camera users who’d want a no-frill, easy-to-use cameras that
they can bring practically anywhere.
Both having “iA” features just like the FH22 and FP3 and identical
12.1-megapixel resolution, the FP1 has a slim body profile with a newly-
developed foldable lens unit that makes it so thin and slim you can easily
slip it in your pocket while the FH1 lets you enjoy easy and casual shooting
with its wide-angle 28mm lens, perfect for shooting photos or self-portraits
in compact spaces or in place where you cannot step back.
The FP1 has a 4x optical zoom while the FH1 has a 5x optical zoom,
and with capabilities of shooting high-definition videos, perfect for easy
viewing on a PC.
Lastly, the Panasonic Lumix F3 and F2 digital cameras are perfect
for blur-less casual shooting regardless of the time of day, wherever your
location may be. The 12.1-megapixel resolution, 28-mm wide-angle lens
Lumix F3 prevents picture blurring via the built-in Digital Image Stabi-
lizer that minimizes hand shake and the Intelligent ISO Control feature
that either raises or lowers ISO sensitivity to match the movement of the
subject and prevent motion blur for clearer, crisper photos when viewing
at its 2.7inch LCD screen.
On the other hand, Lumix F2 is best for those who are starting to take
a liking in digital photography, with its no-fuss features that’s perfect for
the amateur photographer in you. Don’t be fooled by its rather limited
features because it still packs a mean punch, with its 10.1-megapixel reso-
lution and 4x optical zoom capability. Most of all, the Lumix F2 is priced
just right for the budget-conscious yet aspiring chronicler of memories for
friends and family.
So go ahead, take your pick among these beautiful, stylish and efficient
Lumix “F” series of digital cameras from Panasonic. With these outstand-
ing devices, you can never go wrong in preserving those precious memo-
ries you have with your loved ones, friends and family, and you can trust
no other brand.
That’s why it’s Panasonic.
By Glenn Richmond Ong that will spark up a conversation. Talk
about life, work, but do not forget to still
be yourself by bringing up some topics
Sweetest Thing. If she is unable to name about the latest news and developments
at least three characters from those very on technology. Who knows, this might at-
girly movies, it should be a red flag. (2) tract her more with your intelligence.
Question her with 'arlogh Qoylu'pu?'
Most real girls cannot speak Klingon and Finding a Gift
therefore will not be able to answer this. Girls love presents. Most I know of are
(3) Trick her by inquiring about a certain excited for Valentine’s Day, because they
part of your car that broke down and how look forward to presents from their ad-
you can fix it. Majority of the girls do not mirers. Since you need to still carry your
really know much about cars and ways own personality, you may match flowers
on how to fix it. If they are able to answer and chocolates with some of these geeky
you, then that is another red flag. unique gift ideas:
Take into consideration that some 1. Geek love poem shirts – It is basi-
girls may be exceptions to these as- cally just a tee with something like “Ros-
sumed facts. Some of them might be re- es are #FF000, Violets are #0000FF, All
ally clueless about movies because they my base belongs to you” If she is not fa-
read books more. Maybe they love Star miliar with the hexadecimal codes, she
Trek as much as you do; thus being able will surely appreciate learning some-
to understand Klingon. Or perhaps they thing new from you.
are their daddy’s girl who has been very 2. Pink thumb drive or mobile phone
interested in cars ever since they were case – Whether she’s a student or em-
young. Therefore, use the rules in tan- ployee, a nice pink thumb drive will sure-
dem with each other. Two or more red ly be appreciated. Knowing she holds her
flags? Block their PMs and find another phone most of the day, she’ll remember
lady-friend. you whenever she uses it.
3. LED flashing heart – The electron-
Dating a Girl ics genius in you can easily pull off mak-
When you finally found a girl online ing a geek gift idea like this.
and have agreed on going out for a date, Having all these tips, don’t worry if you
dress properly. Also, find a place where won’t be able to do it on the 14th. There’s
you can talk quietly to make her for- plenty of occasions that you can do all of
get the hustle and bustle of the Metro’s this. Plan and make sure that you make
chaotic life. Ask her pleasant questions her feel loved and special every day.