Life and tech in Singapore, from local launches and pricing to events and everyday finds.
The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III arrives in Singapore from June 2014 for S$1,199. It isn't a successor to the RX100 II, which stays on sale at S$899 for a different audience. The III updates the lens to a ZEISS 24-70mm.
The LG G3 arrives in Singapore at selected telcos from 14th to 21st June 2014, and authorised retailers from the 28th. The 16GB model retails for S$868 and the 32GB for S$928. Pre-orders bundle a Quick Circle case.
More than a year after I got my Pebble, the Pebble Smartwatch is now officially available in Singapore, brought in by Leader Radio Technologies as the sole distributor. It's been on sale since 26th May 2014 for S$249.
The HTC One (M8) arrives in Singapore from 5th April 2014 at all mobile operators, SingTel, M1, and StarHub, plus authorised retailers. It comes in Gunmetal Grey and Glacial Silver, with the 16GB model at a recommended S$998.
The Microsoft Surface 2 goes on sale in Singapore from 13th March 2014 at authorised retailers like Challenger, Harvey Norman, and Newstead. Accessories include the Touch Cover 2, Type Cover 2, and Arc Touch Mouse Surface Edition.
Xiaomi launches the Redmi in Singapore on 21st February 2014 at noon for S$169 without contract. Known as Hongmi, or Red Rice, in China. An Accessories Pack bundles a spare battery, charger, screen protector, and case for S$28.
The gold HTC One is now available in Singapore as of 18th January 2014, just in time for Chinese New Year. Previously, the HTC One came only in Silver, Black, and Red here. The 32GB Gold costs S$768.
Thanks to iFly Singapore for inviting me to their Christmas party last week and a complimentary indoor skydiving session. It was my first time, and I loved it. The beginner 'Adventure' lesson runs two hours, starting with an indemnity form.
Timbuk2 has opened its first in-store customisation outside the United States, here in Singapore. The Timbuk2 Singapore store officially opened on 31st October 2013 at #03-26A Bugis Junction, open 10.30am to 10pm daily. The 280-square-foot store carries the full range.
The Sony Xperia Z Ultra arrives in Singapore from 5th September 2013 at a recommended S$1,038 without contract, in Black, White, and Purple. Pre-orders open today via Sony stores and centres, Xperia concept stores, authorised retailers, and all telcos.
Windows 8.1 begins rolling out worldwide as a free update for Windows 8 users through the Windows Store at 7pm on 17th October 2013, Singapore time. It reaches retail and new devices from 18th October.
Personally, I find service in Singapore merely acceptable, with retail generally better than F&B. If I had to name the worst F&B service, it would be Crystal Jade Kitchen. Having visited the US, I found service there excellent.
SingTel has brought Shopify to Singapore, the platform that lets you set up a full hosted e-commerce store in minutes, with an excellent iOS app for managing it. Local examples include Pocky Singapore and The Damn Good Shop.
Amazon now ships to Singapore for free on orders above US$125, through its new AmazonGlobal Saver Shipping initiative. The free shipping covers India and Singapore when your order includes at least US$125 of qualifying merchandise, excluding the Import Fees Deposit.
Chromebooks have arrived in Singapore, though oddly they're sold only at Courts for now, not Challenger, Harvey Norman, or Best Denki. Three models are available: the HP Pavilion and Samsung Chromebooks at S$449, and the Acer C7 at S$369.
After the Microsoft Surface RT launched in Singapore last month, many wondered when the Surface Pro would follow. Microsoft Singapore has now confirmed its arrival, and following a price reduction announced on 30th August 2013, I've updated this post.
Dell now operates two direct stores in Singapore, one at Suntec City Mall and the other at Funan DigitaLife Mall. The Suntec store sits near Suntec Tower 5, while the Funan store is at 109 North Bridge Road.
I spotted the Starbucks Stainless Steel Cold Cup (S$36.90) on Starbucks Singapore's Facebook page and knew I had to have it. After lunch I visited four outlets, but every one had sold out, so I wrote on their Facebook page.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 arrives in Singapore from Saturday, 27th April 2013, at a recommended S$998, in Black Mist and White Frost. The Singapore model is the GT-I9505, the LTE variant powered by a Snapdragon 600 and Krait 300 processor.
The HTC One in Glacier Silver 32GB arrives in Singapore from Saturday, 13th April 2013, with the 64GB and Stealth Black variants following in May. The 32GB retails for S$968 and the 64GB for S$1,068, both on a Snapdragon 600.
The Microsoft Surface RT, running Windows RT, is launching in Singapore. Microsoft has since cut its price twice, on 15th July 2013 and again on 30th August 2013, the latter bundling it with the Touch Cover. I've updated this post.
The Vertu Ti, the brand's first Android phone since Nokia sold its luxury division in June 2012, has reached Singapore. It runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, upgradable to 4.2 Jelly Bean. At launch I saw three models, from S$13,000.