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Yahoo gives the iPad the power to understand TV more

new iPad app from Yahoo can recognize any TV show by listening to the audio and automatically serve up related Web content, such as news stories related to a broadcast or play-by-play stats for a ballgame. The app, called IntoNow, is a refreshed and improved version of technology that Yahoo acquired by buying a startup with the same name. When the company was swallowed by Yahoo in May, it was only able to share information over Facebook and Twitter about what show a user was watching. By using Yahoo technology that can recognize the meaning of text, the new IntoNow version is much more capable, says Adam Cahan, who founded IntoNow and is now a Yahoo executive. This technology actually understands the aboutness of the show, Cahan said at a Yahoo press event. He showed the app automatically pulling up a list of Yahoo news content related to a story airing on CNN about an airplane making an emergency landing in Poland. The app also uses its knowledge of the show to find relevant Twitter conversations. IntoNow identifies TV shows by comparing an audio fingerprint of a persons viewing with a vast library of TV audio fingerprints stored on cloud servers. The closed captions for that moment can then be retrieved and fed into Yahoos technology to determine the meaning of what is currently on screen. Cahan said people often use a mobile device while watching TV. One Yahoo study found that 30 percent of iPad use happened while the devices owner was in front of the TV _ the most popular place to use the tablet. IntoNow is intended to do automatically what people are currently doing manually _ searching out and consuming extra information related to what theyre viewing. The companys ultimate goal is to create a new adver-

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tising revenue stream by targeting ad content through the app that is relevant to a show on-screen and a persons viewing habits. Cahan says IntoNow did a trial promotion in which the app responded to a Pepsi commercial on TV by offering up a coupon for a free drink. That takes you from a passive TV ad to a direct response, he says. Yahoos strategy for extracting ad revenue from TV is less confrontational than that of its competitor, Google, which last year launched computerlike devices that bring Web content to TV. Google TV has been hamstrung by the hostile response of broadcast networks worried about jeopardizing their lucrative advertising revenue. Yahoos approach with IntoNow sidesteps such problems by working entirely on a tablet, a device thats growing rapidly in popularity and is beyond the control of the TV industry. The new IntoNow app was launched at Yahoos Silicon Valley headquarters alongside three other new products and against a background of questions about the companys ability to stay relevant as Google, Facebook and others redefine how people use the Web. Yahoos CEO, Carol Bartz, was fired in September; her interim replacement, Tim Morse, was in attendance but did not take the stage. (NYT) ffortless living has gone beyond integrated communities as Ayala Land Premier (ALP) introduces another first in the Philippines through a venture that showcases the hallmarks of its pioneering property in Makati Central Business District (MCBD). The Park Terraces App, ALPs first tablet app, allows future residents to marvel at Park Terraces distinct features, the remarkable array of establishments and even the future developments that flank the property. Park Terraces is a threetower residential enclave that will rise within Makati CBD. Given its promising dimension and location, the Park Terraces app will serve as the innovative brochure that will virtually present what the property and the community has to offer, Eunice Acejo, Ayala Land Premier Marketing Head says. Part of the Park Terraces App features a sneak preview of Ayala Land Inc.s (ALI) major redevelopment plan for Ayala Center--largely known for being a microcosm of the Makati CBD. The blueprint shows the neighboring business, commercial and recreational establishments that are present and will soon emerge in the district. The redevelopment of Ayala

EVERY MONDAY November 21, 2011

Ayala Land launches first real estate app in the country

Center is just part of ALIs groundbreaking plans in making Makati a mixed-use development. To date, there are plans in developing dedicated entertainment, transportation, retail and technological nodes that will further the citys primacy, adds Leya Moya, Park Terraces Project Development Head. Furthermore, the app also highlights Makatis Charmsan online map and directory of the vicinity that features some of Makatis exceptional and niche destinations. With this, future residents are just a touchaway from the citys best deals.

More than the site development plan, the app also boasts the views that future residents can enjoy from select units. Furthermore, it also offers an innovative feature that will give users a virtual tour of some of the units to give them a glimpse of the Park Terraces interiors. Lay-outs and artists rendition of some of the rooms from the propertys 2nd floor up to the penthouse are included in the app. Through those, users will have an idea on how the unit finishes, fixtures and parking slots will be laid out, shares Moya.

John Pratts shoots Agfaphoto cameras

rom the looks and performance sheet, the new series of cameras from Agfaphoto speaks volumes to Generation X, Y and Zthe stylish-go-getting set motivated by the adrenaline rush and excitement that their youth generates. The latest models from Agfaphoto digital cameras feature cutting-edge technology that requires no guesswork to usemaking them user-friendly and the perfect gizmos to bring along to all manner of happenings. The cameras strictly follow Agfaphotos product roadmap that emphasizes looks as well as performance. The trendy styling has been ergonomically designed for ease of handling and features the iconic red shutter button. It also incorporates light and dark body contrast to give it a young and trendy appeal. In addition, all cameras are bundled with 3D software and state of the art photo & video management suite-

And its break time, folks!

All work and no play can bring a persons stress level so high. True or false? Whether youre in front of the computer for work in the office, lying down in your bedroom or surfing via 3G while on the road, it is very important to relax for a bit and take some time out. As a matter of fact, experts recommend taking a break of at least five minutes for stretching or doing recreational things every 45 minutes to help reduce stress. Here are a few ticks and tricks on what you can read and visit to aid you as you slow down and chill out physically and mentally on a day-to-day basis. WikiHow Exercises (bit.ly/WikiHowExercises) This how-to website is very useful to most working employees, especially those who are sitting in front of the computer for several hours a day. It basically lists down steps as to how our bodies should be positioned properly during long hours of work. It also provides procedures on how to do simple stretches during small breaks, as well as warnings that we need to be on the lookout for. Eye Strain (www.eye-strain.org) When the eyes are strained from too much computer use, one can catch the Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) caused by decrease in blink rate. To aid you in understanding all about how to prevent, treat and veer away from the causes of eye strain, this simple blog teaches a couple of eye exercises that you can follow. 9Gag (www.9gag.com) Just for fun, this website will surely tickle your senses and make you laugh. It basically contains images that range from safe to exotic ones, which are all contributed by members and readers alike. Here, you can sharpen your creativity skills and create your own fun portfolio for others to see. Sporcle (www.sporcle.com) A website filled with thousands of mentally stimulating games, youd find yourself playing one puzzle to another here. It has a wide variety of choices, whether you want to play something that has to do with logos, music, geography, language, sports, and more. Youll be amazed! Fark (www.fark.com) Drew Curtis creation doesnt actually make news, but just mocks other websites. Its sort of an aggregator of different sources around world, which can keep you abreast with the strangest (and sometimes not very safe for work) news. If youre a reader, youd love it here. The Audiovisual Club (www.avclub.com) As an entertainment portal, this website promises to give you your most needed pop culture break. It contains a collection of news, interviews, opinions and reviews of music, film, DVD, TV, books and more. Youd enjoy reading the articles as the websites writers try to dissect parts and portions of whatever they can make use of, such as shows and series. There you have it! Remember, taking breaks not only reduces stress but also lessens the chances of workplace injuries caused by repetitive actions. Take a break its healthy for you and it surely helps. (Glenn Richmond Ong)

MediaImpression 3D. The OPTIMA 145 is a 14 megapixel powerhouse with 5 times wide-angle optical zoom. Its built-in firmware includes Face Detection, Smile and Blink Detection, Red Eye Removal, Intelligent Scene Modes and Panorama Capture Mode. Bringing the photographer close to the action is the OPTIMA 147 which has 7 times optical zoom and 3.0 inch LCD. This model comes with a built-in USB to make uploading instant and hassle-free and only costs P 3,995. Agfaphoto has introduced the SELECTA 14, a 14 MP model with 15x zoom with features similar to higher priced DSLR cameras. Agfaphotos eClipse EXPLORER HD Camcorder is a bundle of advancement, it is both waterproof and shockproof. And dont worry if the subject keeps moving, or you

John Pratts

Boomer Gen

Jose Ma J Fernandez

cant stop twitching from excitementthis device has Digital Stabilizer that allows you to take clear, crisp photos even in extremely shaky conditions. In addition, you can take pictures while recording live video. Lending his image to this brave new line of Agfaphoto digital cameras and camcorders is John Pratts an avid thrill seeker who keeps an active lifestyle.

In using useful spiritual apps

ver the past few years, whenever I would go to mass, I would see my friends who were similarly inclined, pull out their different gadgets and scroll through them. Of course, some of them had already told me that they had been able to download the important software that would allow them to read the Bible, perform spiritual exercises, read up on lives of the saints, follow the mass daily through the changes in the Gospel etc. Not surprisingly, my many other friends of different Christian persuasions also were able to download various Bible versions to help them in their Sunday worship. Going through the Android Apps market, I saw a wonderful variety of free apps for people like me. Dozens of bible apps, and an impressive number of different Catholic apps that include the Breviary with its prayers for different times of the day are available. Even those who like to recite prayers in Latin or Polish or French, for that matter

can do so with the guidance of certain apps that seem to anticipate the spiritual warriors every need. Last week, after attending a talk on Apologetics given by a parish priest from our Alabang area, we sat down to lunch and promptly compared what we each had in our phones. Well, our friendly neighborhood priest had those apps that one pays for and gets much more in return. His version of the Divine Office contained a complete version that had prayers for every day of the year with no need to be online. In fact, that is a sore point sometimes with some of the apps that I was able to download. I have to set aside a few minutes each early morning before setting off to church to update the daily readings and the Divine Office for the day. I am thus going to explore some of those apps that one had to pay for but which contain complete data that mitigate having to be online. One day last week, a friend approached me and asked if I had spiritual exercises and devotions in my phone. I told her that I did, and

she mentioned that she had a new Android phone too and that she intended to get the right stuff into her phone too. However, she intimated that some of the old fuddy-duddys in our church probably thought I -and others -- who were more techinclined were using our phones to text during the mass. LOL! Fortunately, our eagle-eyed parish priest who never seems to miss a thing while mass is going on has not brought up my having my face almost buried in my phone at all. He must have seen a lot of this in his last assignment. Meanwhile, I look forward to yet to being able to download more spiritual books as the market discovers the great demand for these very useful applications. Perhaps this little piece could be posted and go viral so that the software meisters out there will feel that it is worth a try to gather some of the spiritual stuff readily available and make these ready for downloading into our phones. We would be so blessed as a result!