HTC One Hands On and First Impression

Yes! Finally! I got myself a HTC One! My very first own HTC phone. I been using Samsung, Sony Ericsson and also ASUS previously and finally now changed to HTC. Mind you though it is my first HTC phone, I did review on HTC Sensation before and also bought an One X to le gf. Not to boost myself but I am pretty sure I know well HTC. The only brand I havent experienced myself yet are LG and Motorola.

Nevertheless, Here the video I did for unboxing and quick preview of HTC One.

Before I begin, lemme tell you the reason I decided to get HTC One instead of Sony Xperia Z. I been fans of Sony Android devices since I owned Xperia Neo but decided to give it a try on ASUS Padfone last year and now changed to HTC One. I like Sony because of their phone design are really stylish and their UI sleek and elegant. Not to mention it is one of the smoothest UI I ever used (Don't compare it with vanilla Android). I am certainly sure myself to get a Xperia Z until I saw HTC One offer HTC Zoe on their camera and gallery. Samsung Galaxy S4? Nop never bother to consider Samsung. I don't hate the brand, I just hate the user experience. For me, Samsung still lacked of those. For those who curious what is HTC Zoe, stay tune to my full review on it :)

Never regret to get black for myself though it is finger oil magnet. Too many people use silver and I don't feel standout. Pardon me, it is just me who love to be difference.

Before I continue, here the spec for HTC One as I mentioned in the video

• 4.7-inch Super LCD 3 with 1080p resolution (469ppi)
• 1.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 600
• Adreno 320
• 2GB RAM
• 32/64 GB internal memory
• 4MP back facing camera with 1080p@30fps video recording (with HDR)
• 2.1MP front facing camera
• NFC
• 2300 mAh
• Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean

The body is really gorgeous! Though I love Xperia Z glass body more, but HTC One do really feel premium. The solidness on hand is priceless. The weight is just right, not too heavy nor too light like Samsung Galaxy S4. Not to mention I have a small hand, but still manage to grab it with my full palm and my thumb able to reach another end. The width are almost identical to my previous phone, ASUS Padfone (1st Gen). Sadly I couldn't afford to let the phone run naked. I heard black color easily chipped. Thus, it was on my casing all the time :( Guess this is the price I need to pay for not choosing Silver.

Nevertheless, here are my first impression of the phone

LIKE : -

1) Camera very fast responding and shoot! Sometime it shoot before I know it.
2) HTC Zoe work as it advertise. Well not completely perfect depending situation.
3) Photo are sharp enuf for my liking of course if you think not sharp enough for you feel free to increase the sharpness.
4) Screen are definitely gorgeous.
5) Solid body and weight. Not too thin either.
6) Boomsound is loud. Definitely the best for smartphone.
7) Sense 5 less animation, smoother UI!

Dislike : -

1) Not so friendly UI on camera. My friendly UI as in referring more button for quick setup (etc a shortkey button to change mode instead of tap the 3 dot button then change there).
2) I love to activate touch screen capture but it is too sensitive sometime. Accidentally touch also can capture a pic already.
3) WB decided to give warm color on lowlight. Will test more to double confirm it.
4) Nothing to shout on Blinkfeed.
5) Limitation in HTC Zoe is customize the video.
6) Facebook friends pictures appear in Gallery.
7) My unit LCD Panel made by Samsung and not Sharp (LOL).
8) Fingeroil magnet on black unit. I have yet try out Silver.

Next mission : -

1) Test daylight photo.
2) Test indoor photo (restaurant, cafe, more foods maybe? ).
3) Test HDR in both indoor and outdoor.
4) Play more with Zoe to justify it's reliability.
5) VIDEO!

Yeap, that's all my first impression of HTC One. I will provide full review after I use it for few more days and prepare for some shootout between Xperia Z and also Galaxy S4. No, no drop test since it is my own unit. Unless HTC are kind enough to lend me a unit to do so :P

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Heineken Green Room is Back!

Yes! I know you heard some rumors about Green thingy. No I am not talking about HULK. I am talking about Heineken Green Room! They are back and ready to storm at KL Live from 9pm onwards on 15th of June 2013! I did went Heineken Green Room once and it was fun!

June 15 sees Heineken Green Room return with yet another tantalising explosion of music and art in the shape of a line up that includes a live set from one of the United States’ most hotly tipped indie-pop outfits, The Drums, and a DJ set from the hands of British electronic mavericks Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs alongside a truly extraordinary collection of Malaysian acts and artists breaking new ground in the field of visual communications.

Making their Malaysian debut at Heineken Green Room, Brooklyn New York’s The Drums fall somewhere between classic British indie and classic 1950s surf pop fusing elements as wide as The Smiths, Joy Division and 60s girl group The Shangri-Las. Disciples of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound, their reverb drenched pop led them to sign with Moshi Moshi, one of the hippest record labels in the UK. Their sophomore album, Portamento, saw them build on the critical and commercial success of their eponymous debut with tours and festival appearances across the globe. 2013 sees them preparing for a new chapter of The Drums, as well as solo outings for founders Jonny Pierce and Jacob Graham.

Next up, arriving in Malaysia for first time is the 27-year old Orlando Higginbottom, better known as Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED). TEED seemingly soared out of nowhere last year to become one of the most talked about names on the electronic circuit. Already a critical darling after blogosphere hit Household Goods in 2010, which has amassed over 2 million views on YouTube (http://bit.ly/LWt9Z8) last year’s debut album Trouble saw him on numerous best of the year list alongside a developing reputation as a performer, with some of the most stunning stage visuals on the live circuit.

Returning to Heineken Green Room, this year Twilight Actiongirl (TAG) the quartet of DJ Bunga, ChaseyLain, Ribut 10:59 and DJ XU celebrates its tenth anniversary. Their signature brew of indie anthems and electro edged remixes – alongside a healthy dose of retro and esoteric Malaysiana – has seen them double as mentors and role models to a new generation of music obsessed fans.

Joining them on this Heineken Green Room line up will be the celebrated party outfit Deer Society, who have built a reputation for staging some of the fiercest and most musically eclectic events in Malaysia, as well as one of the country’s rising talents, Darren Ashley, with a solo electronic set.

At this year’s Heineken Green Room, TAG’s involvement doesn’t stop at the dancefloor. Along with visual artists and long-time Heineken collaborator Callen Tham (themancalleduncle), they will also be heavily involved in curating some of the arts and collaboration content that is a Green Room signature. While those collaborations are still under wraps, we can tell you that we will pushing our own limits of experimentation as our artists and collaborators create a sensory blowing experience that plays on the very idea of what a Green Room can be.

Heineken has also recently inked a deal with Spotify – the world’s biggest and most successful music streaming service of its kind. For the first time in South East Asia, Heineken charts new ground by giving its fans yet another unique avenue to enjoy music together with Spotify.

Heineken Green Room promises to be a thrilling evening, so join us on a voyage into uncharted musical and creative territory this June 15.

For more info about this event, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/142274965959221/?context=create

To be part of Heineken’s exciting calendar of events, stay tuned at their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Heineken) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/Heineken_MY).

See you all there!

Age Restriction Heineken Green Room is open to those above the age of 18 years only.

Ticket Prices:-
Pre-Sale: RM88
• Available at all Rock Corner outlets from 10 May – 14 June 2013
• Available online at www.myticket.my from 10 May – 7 June 2013

At the Door: RM108
Available at venue from 5PM on event day

Heineken Green Room Line Up:-
• The Drums
• Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED) [DJ Set]
• Twilight Actiongirl
• Deer Society
• Darren Ashley

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Let's Party with The Convertible Acer Aspire P3 Ultrabook™ and Tiesto

Hola! I have been using my desktop since I join uni and recently I feel like getting myself a laptop so that I can bring it everywhere for my book. I was aiming at something else until I saw this, and I fall in love on it. Yes I am talking about the Acer brand new Ultrabook, Acer Aspire P3 Convertible Ultrabook™.

What do you think the video above? Well here are my reaction!

* OMG! The city are beautiful. Not bad*

* Yay! Tiesto! *

* What!? The assistant can on stage with Tiesto? *

Ok just kidding, I wasn't that jizz looking on Tiesto. I am more in love with the Acer Aspire P3! I can be DJ with the ultrabook! ok just kidding again.

If you don't know, Acer Aspire P3 Ultrabook™ is inspired by Intel, ready to serve your life in anyway you want because it is detachable from the keyboard. You can use it as tablet or a conventional laptop by attaching it back to the keyboard. Of course, you still can fold the keyboard and use it as one if you don't mind the abit extra thickness and also weight. It is very portable ultrabook by shifting from tablet mode to productivity mode!

With a 10-point touchscreen you have the best control over all your actions. The HD touchscreen lets you intuitively scroll through your apps and files with brilliant clarity, while the full-size chiclet keyboard provides total comfort for typing those important emails.

The new convertible Acer Aspire P3 Ultrabook™ has has up to an Intel® Core™ i5 processor , giving you the power to handle several complex tasks at the same time. This is made even more possible by Windows 8 Snap splitscreen,, which lets you switch between applications without having to look for them.

Wait! I think my dream can come true too because it's also comes with a Free Virtual DJ Acer Edition worth $79, including exclusive Tiesto content, with any Windows 8 Acer touch product!

So, are your eady to party with Acer Aspire P3 Ultrabook™ and Tiesto? Thanks to Nuffnang, blogger are given chance to attend the exclusive Acer & Intel “PLAYsure Redefined” Party, organized exclusively for Nuffnangers to have a hands-on experience with this revolutionary device. Ultrabook™. Inspired by Intel! Hopefully I am given chance to hands on this beast and write a review for you all ;)

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Simplot Award – Best Food Blogger Online Cooking Competition

Attention food blogger! You are given your chance to show off your cooking skill now! Simplot, the major potato grower, manufacturer and supplier in the world is calling out to all enthusiastic food bloggers in Malaysia as they kick off the exciting Simplot Award – Best Food Blogger Online Cooking Competition commencing from 21 April 2013 until 13 May 2013, 10am.

The participating bloggers have to create their own recipes using any of the Simplot hashbrown products ranging from Simplot Popcorn Hashbrown, Simplot Triangle Hashbrown, Simplot Mini Hashbrown and Simplot Hashbrowns and blog about it. They are also encouraged to use Leggo’s sauces to make the recipes more interesting. The blog posts will be evaluated by Simplot representatives consisting of Chef Poobalan, K.K. Saw, Commercial Marketing Assistant Manager of Simplot Southeast Asia and Ong E-Laine, Regional Commercial Marketing Manager of Simplot Southeast Asia. The top eight bloggers with the best recipes will be revealed from 14 May 2013 onwards via email and live feed on www.simplygood.com.my.

The eight shortlisted bloggers will then advance to the Simplot Award – Best Food Blogger Cook-Off Challenge on 21st May 2013 where they will put their culinary skills to test in order to vie for the coveted grand prize of RM5,000, Philips kitchen appliances worth RM2,000 and Simplot products. The first and second-runner ups will walk away with RM3,000 and RM2,000 in cash prizes, Simplot products as well as Philips kitchen appliances worth RM1000 and RM600 respectively. To further amplify the excitement, renowned chefs such as Chef Poobalan, Dr. Sidney Kan, and celebrity Chef Dato’ Fazley Yaakob will be the panel of judges on event day.

To find out more about Simplot Award – Best Food Blogger cooking competition, please visit www.simplygood.com.my or email to Simplot@vibescomm.com.my for further enquiries.

Here the terms and condition for the cooking competition :

Phase 1: Simplot Award – Best Food Blogger Online Cooking Competition

1. Open to all bloggers residing in Malaysia. Competition commences from 21st April 2013 until 13th May 2013, 10am
2. Participating bloggers must at least have blogged once for the past 3 months in order to qualify for the online cooking competition.
3. Bloggers must submit their particulars such as the full name as per IC, contact number, email address and blog link to Simplot@vibescomm.com.my.
4. All recipes must contain any product from the Simplot’s range of hashbrowns such as Simplot Popcorn Hashbrown, Simplot Triangle Hashbrown, Simplot Mini Hashbrown, and Simplot Hashbrowns. All ingredients must be HALAL.
5. Participating bloggers are encouraged to use Leggo’s sauces. Recipes have to be written in English or Bahasa Malaysia only.
6. Participating bloggers must provide the following on their blog posts:
• Step-by-step pictures from preparation to final product
• Description of the ingredients, preparations and cooking methods
7. The posted recipes will be judged based on the criteria below:
• Ease of preparation
• Creativity
8. Participation will be disqualified should the pictures contain any unoriginal material e.g. using photographs of other sources.
9. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entertained thereafter.
10. Top eight bloggers with the best recipes will be notified from 14 May 2013 onwards where they will advance to the Simplot Award – Best Food Blogger Cook-off Challenge.
11. Simplot reserves the right to improve, enhance, recreate and distribute submitted recipes as part of commercial purposes. Due credit shall be given to the creators of all recipes used for this purpose.



Phase 2: Simplot Award – Best Food Blogger Cook-Off Competition

1. The competition will take place at Masak-Masak, Ben’s Independent Grocer at Publika Solaris Dutamas on 21 May 2013 from 10.30am – 1pm.
2. Simplot will contact the selected bloggers via email for more details.
3. The top 8 selected bloggers are required to prepare one single dish comprising any product from Simplot’s range of hashbrowns such as the Simplot Popcorn Hashbrown, Simplot Triangle Hashbrown, Simplot Mini Hashbrown, and Simplot Hashbrowns.
4. Participants will be allocated a budget of RM88 to shop for their ingredients which includes any of the Simplot hashbrown products at Ben’s Independent Grocer, Publika Solaris Dutamas.
5. All ingredients must be HALAL.
6. Participants are given 30 minutes for grocery shopping. The cooking competition will kick off from 11am – 12noon.
7. The final product will be judged based on the criteria below:
• Taste
• Creativity
• Technique
• Cleanliness
• Presentation
• Ease of preparation
8. 80% of the score will be contributed by the panel of judges whereas the remaining 20% of the score will be derived from the media’s votes on the day of the competition.
9. Prizes are as below:
• Grand prize: RM5,000 cash prize, Philips kitchen appliances worth RM2,000 and Simplot products
• Second prize: RM3,000 cash prize, Philips kitchen appliances worth RM1,000 and Simplot products
• Third prize: RM2,000 cash prize, Philips kitchen appliances worth RM600 and Simplot products
• Consolation prize x 5: Philips kitchen appliances worth RM350 and Simplot products
10. The judges’ decision is final.
11. Simplot reserves the rights to change, amend, delete or add to these Terms and Conditions either written or verbal communications without prior notice at any time.

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Olympus Malaysia Launches PEN E-P5 : Touch & Try User Event

I am super excited!! Finally my E-P3 getting replacement after more than a year and of course, they skip the number 4 and jump to E-P5! I am lucky to be invited to the Touch & Try User Event itself and it is my first time joining Olympus event. Hope I got chance to join more in future since I been converted myself into Olympus micro four third system 2 years back after sell off all my Nikon gears. Yea I jumped ship.

* The older generation Olympus PEN *

* The older generation Olympus PEN *

For some reason, I like most of the Olympus camera design. Every single shape, details and material reflecting the soul that a designer put onto the camera. Yes, for me camera has soul. I always feel excited holding my own E-P3 and feel nyahhh with some other cameras. Before I am given chance to touch and try any of the E-P5, Mr Yong from Olympus giving talk to us about new features on Olympus E-P5 and and professional photographer, Ming Thein will be telling us his experiences when using E-P5. I am excited to be finally able to meet Ming Thein himself :D One of the photographer I admire because of his product shooting is so awesomely nice.

* Mr Yong *

* Ming Thein *

Oh before I proceed the event itself, I shall talk abit about Olympus E-P5.

Here the key specification of Olympus E-P5

• 16.1 megapixels
• Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) CMOS Sensor
• ISO 100 - 25600
• 35 Number of focus points
• 3″ Tilting LCD screen
• 9 fps burst mode
• 1920 x 1080 (30p) video recording
• Built-In Wireless

To be honest, Olympus E-P5 is an improved version of the famous OM-D E-M5 (Same sensor!). The only E-P5 disadvantages over E-M5 are lacked of built in viewfinder, weather sealing and also external battery grip. Other than that, E-P5 seem overpowered E-M5 since it offered 1/8000 maximum shutter speed (which can only been seen in high end DSLR), improved 5-Axis stabilization (Not sure how big the difference), built-in Wi-Fi, built-in flash, built-in time lapse, and built-in photo story.

I am impressed with Olympus built-in Wi-Fi features. It is much simple, easy and nicer touch compare with what Samsung has offered (except Galaxy Camera). Setup is involves quickly scanning the QR code displayed on the camera's LCD with your Smart device to synch it with the Wi-Fi network created by the camera via Olympus Image Share application (Available in both iOS and Android). After synch, you can easily edit your photo with the apps (you can edit by putting in filter, signature and share it to other social media).

Photo Story enables you to capture a scene from multiple viewpoints and then combine them into a single image to create unique collages inside the camera. Time lapse setting is easy too where you can set 1-99 photos and also interval time between 1 sec to 24 hours and it will automatic created a movie for you. E-P5 also improved much better focus peaking compare to E-M5.

For E-M5 user, they might find there is no need an upgrade to E-P5. As E-P3 user as myself who decided to skip E-M5 product, E-P5 is serious an ultra huge boost for me. It has newer sensor and also same sensor with E-M5, E-PL5 and E-PM2 which has brilliant performances. Finally, an ISO 100 in E-P5! Other PEN and OM-D product line up don't have! Tilting LCD screen that useful for varieties angle of shooting. Sadly I wish it could tilt 180 degrees. Another thing's I like from E-P5 is the dual dial (2X2)! There is a switch on the back body that indicated 1 and 2. On 1, the dial will be work for exposure setting (setting up your shutter speed and aperture) and when you switch it to 2, the dial will be work for ISO and White Balance setting. This is seriously a very nice touch for photographer who always work on very fast changing lighting environment as in they easily and fast switch all the setting they need. Lastly, a focus peaking features I been dying for! I can use old manual lens easily with focus peaking.

I am convinced to get the E-P5 to replaced my current E-P3 but something telling me not the time yet :( E-P3 still served me pretty well except, I wish for higher performance in low light. I guess I shall be patient and wait for next OM-D replacement to make my decision. Other than that, I pretty convinced I will get viewfinder, VF-4 for myself. It is made by Epson and the electronic viewfinder is super sharp! Thumb up to Olympus!

* Camera, camera everywhere *

Nevertheless, let's back to the event itself. We are given a chance to experiences three station on the event itself. My group started off with shoot and print station where Ming Thein demonstrated to us how to shoot some product. Of course, we are shooting a bunch of Olympus cameras.

He teached us the way to adjust the lighting. For the demo, he uses LED light instead of his flashes since it is quicker to setup. After shoot, he printed out via Epson printer. We are given chance to shoot the product with our own camera as well. Here is mine, taken with E-P3 and Olympus 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 lens.

Next is touch and try station where we are given first hands on on Olympus E-P5 and also the VF-4. Variety of prime lenses attached on the bodies and I am super impressed with most of the lenses. Manage to tested out 75mm f1.8, 17mm f1.8 and also macro lens, 60mm f2.8. Super sharp! That's only main thing I can describe on those lenses. I am given chance to put in my Olympus OM 50mm f1.4 lens on the E-P5 body too to try out the focus peaking. It works like it advertise! Unfortunately I can't slot in my own memory card on the body to play around with.

Finally is the technology station where the Olympus representative explained to us how the 5 Axis stabilization work in Olympus body. A simple experience was conducted and everyone was impressed and convince by the reliability of the 5 Axis stabilization. It is definitely useful for video shooting and also low light handheld.

Honestly, it was a fun experiences with Olympus Malaysia. I am glad too that Olympus PEN line up has been evolve so far. It is no longer only for casual use, it also can be use for serious shooting purposes. I still remember how Robin Wong use his Olympus E-PL5 for wedding photography job. Olympus PEN E-P5 now also create a possibility for mass sharing your photo to the world in an instant.

Wish I could get a loan unit from Olympus for review purposes. If only they hear me out :P

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