Earlier this morning, Microsoft announced Windows Phone 8 at the Windows Phone Developer Summit. Before I start, existing Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) users will not be able to upgrade to Windows Phone 8 due to hardware differences and hence they will be getting a minor update dub Windows Phone 7.8 in a few weeks time that bring some changes to the start screen for existing users.
My summary of Windows Phone 8 from the summit:
Hardware
Looks like Microsoft has jumped on the tablet bandwagon with Microsoft Surface. I have no idea whether the official name is Microsoft Surface or Microsoft Surface Tablet, because when I think of Microsoft Surface, I would think of the huge touchscreen “device”.
It seems that Microsoft had renamed the old surface to Microsoft PixelSense and I am assuming that Microsoft Surface and Microsoft Surface Tablet means the same thing.
My 4+ years old Hitachi 32″ LCD Television (L32A01A) bought on 30th December 2007 for S$1,099 decided to gave up on me. I think either the back-light bulb was blown or the panel is spoilt. There is sound coming out but no image is being displayed.
Decided to get a new TV instead of repairing it as the repair cost might not be worth it and I got the Samsung Series 5 32″ Slim LED Television (UA32ES5500M) for S$899 at Best Denki VivoCity on 15th June 2012.
I also ordered the Apple USB SuperDrive for S$98 together with the Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.
The only reason why I got it is because my brother and Li Xiang are getting their MacBook Air/MacBook Pro with Retina Display soon and I thought I might as well get the drive so that I can share it with them (and also blog about it). My brother would probably need it to install the Adobe Creative Suite 6 Design and Web Premium, and Li Xiang would probably need it to burn her artwork for printing shops or for her clients.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) 3G
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) 3G will be available in Singapore from, 16th June 2012 for S$798 (without contract and including 7% GST).
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) 3G
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) 3G will be available in Singapore from, 30th June 2012 for S$598 (without contract and including 7% GST).
Ordered the Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter for S$38 on the day it was announced at WWDC 2012 and it was delivered to me the following day!
Looks like they already have ready stock in Singapore. I went to Funan’s Multimedia Integrated and could not find it, apparently they have not distributed it to the resellers yet. I really wish Apple would open a store here in Singapore, like what they did in Hong Kong.
Did you know that if you are a student, educator, academic or non-academic staff from Ministry of Education in Singapore, you can purchase original Microsoft and Adobe products from mine.com.sg at a discounted price. Software such as Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010 and Adobe Creative Suite 6 Design and Web Premium.
My brother is currently studying in National University of Singapore (NUS) and he bought the Adobe Creative Suite 6 Design and Web Premium for only S$139 (normal price is S$2,868).
HTC One S will be available in Singapore from this Saturday, 16th June 2012 for S$948. Only 1 color is available which is the Gradient Metal. When you buy the phone, it comes with a free Beats Solo Headset.
Specifications
Bought the Wacom Bamboo Stylus from The Software Boutique for S$42. I got the Black, there are a total of 6 colors available (Black, White, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink).
Among the 3 styles that Li Xiang has (Sensu Artist Brush & Stylus, Power Support Smart Pen and Wacom Bamboo Stylus), she preferred the Wacom Bamboo Stylus.
Nokia 808 PureView is now available in Singapore at a RRP of S$839 (without contract and including 7% GST).
At launch time, both black and white will be available. No word on the red though.
