iPhone4 : 30th Sept Announce, 7th Oct Launch

Much awaited iPhone5. Probably will look like this... 

As per confirmed by the accessory case.

And bigger screen 

Pictures thanks to respective Site Owners

JailbreakMe3.0 is Back

Working on any iOS devices on iOS 4.3.3

Just head on over to JailBreakMe.com

Here is the video on the very simple steps : http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GNMoFGpM1kM

Galaxy S II for RM799 at the Maxis Launch Event

Got an email from Maxis. RM 799 for Galaxy S II... Only for one day.. hmm.. At first I thought, OK!! I must go que up... However, the catch is, a new 3G data plan have to be registered. And this got me thinking... 

Which means to get this, you have to subscribe monthly :

- Value Plus 50 (Minimum) - RM 50 

- 3GB data plan (for 24 months) - RM 88 

Am now using Maxis value plus 50 + 500Mb plan for my Galaxy S package last year. (RM 50 + RM 58 - RM 10 rebate = RM 98 monthly)

To qualify for a promotion priced SGSII, I need to fork out additional RM 40 per month. RM 40 x 24 = RM 960. Which means the total cost to own this is RM 1,759 if I que up at the launch and "HOPE" to be one of the first 300 customer. 

I might as well get RM 1,799 for the phone and maintain my current package... I only pay RM 40 extra one time...  heheheh.. No Que, No hassle... Furthermore, I don't need additional data up to 3GB on my phone network, I'd already say YES to a much faster option for that. HAHAHA!

Apple Keyboard pairing with iPhone/iPad/iPad2

Punching away on the iPad on screen keyboard proves to be smooth and effortless, however those with shiny pink manicured nails or those using lots of symbols and special characters will find the keyboard quite limited. Not to mention the keyboard takes up nearly half the screen.

What you need? If you own an iMac, just use the same Keyboard. If you got one for your birthday, Happy Birthday! Else, you can easily get it from any authorized apple store.

Pairing the Bluetooth Wireless Mac Keyboard is super easy

Step 1: Turn on the keyboard.
- If it's new, go to step 2
- If you paired this before with iMac or other device, remove the battery, reinsert it and go to step 2

Step 2: In the iPad or any iOS, Go to > General > Bluetooth and turn it ON.
You will see the Apple Wireless Keyboard as "Not Paired"

Step 3: Tap on the Apple Wireless Keyboard to start the pairing process. a 4 digit PIN code will be prompted. Just key in the PIN code on the keyboard and press Enter.

DONE! You will see the Apple Wireless Keyboard labelled as Connected. 

Open up your favorite app and start typing. It is a whole new experience as the on screen keyboard is no longer popping up blocking screen real estates....

ENJOY!!!

Samsung's Solar Powered Notebook/Netbook!

Since May 11th, Twitters and Blogs have been flooded with news about Samsung's Solar Powered Notebooks due to Samsung's unveiling of a netbook (Samsung NC215) at the Africa Regional Forum in Nairobi.

The netbook is supposed to be completely usable off the grid and just needs the sun to charge its batteries. Imagine using this notebook in remote places, while traveling and even around town without the extra weight of adapters like the other netbooks.

Thanks to Samsung's notebook brand manager Mr KM Chew for allowing me to take a few pictures. More about the capabilities are still strictly under lock and key. 

The netbook. Easily spotted with the large solar panel covering the whole front cover.

The top cover/screen is not made any more thicker than normal netbooks.

On the right, the usual notebook lock, VGA out, USB ports and Audio ports

Netbook sized keyboard, island keys, nice layout

On the left, power for quick charging, RJ45 port and USB

You saw it first on JL's Gadget Blog!

Yes Reload Cards

Yes came up with yet another new and easier way to reload. Reload Cards! They are in the form of scratch cards which are no stranger to most prepaid users in Malaysia. I decided to drop by my nearest Yes Retail Store and get one. It's available in RM 100, RM 50, RM 30 an RM 10. (Nice collectible colours too!)

Visit : http://www.yes.my/v2/say-yes/reload-card.do for more info

The steps are simple !

STEP 1 : Get a Yes Reload Card
- scratch to reveal Activation Code

STEP 2 : Login to www.yes.my/reload 

- Enter Yes ID and Activation Code

STEP 3 : Say YOU ARE WELCOME
- When you see the THANK YOU page... You are DONE!

Updates:iPad2 jailbreak 4.3, 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3 untethered or tethered.

As of today, there are NO jailbreak out there for iPad2 4.3 /4.3.x yet. Many people out there mixed up the 4.3.x jailbreak for iPad, iPhone4 thinking that it will work the same with iPad2. However... it is almost there... Let's see what are the updates.

May 15 : i0n1c has mentioned via his Twitter that he will no longer give exploits for free. (i0n1c, the guy behind iOS 4.3.3 / 4.3.2 / 4.3.1 untethered jailbreak flavor for all iOS devices except iPad 2)


May : Comex is expected to release a userland jailbreak, JailbreakMe 3.0 may be, to jailbreak iPad 2.


April 28 : iPad 2 jailbreak with A5-2Lib02 is fake.


April 4 : Redsn0w Untethered Jailbreak Release Addresses iOS 4.3.1, But iPad 2 Owners Must Wait


April : no word from the Chronic Dev Team on whether Greenpois0n will jailbreak iOS 4.3.2 or the current 4.3.1. So, to be on the safe side, stay with iOS 4.3 firmware.


April : http://www.ultrasn0w.ca/2011/04/jailbreak-ipad-2-432-almost-done.html Tweeted by @veeence


March : comex successfully developed using JailbreakMe2.0 in the first week of the iPad2 release but was mysteriously fixed by Apple in 4.3.1. Comex will not release the jailbreak for 4.3 yet as there were some legal implication. 


Sources : 
http://greenpois0n.com 
http://www.ultrasn0w.ca
http://www.limera1n.cc
http://twitter.com/#!/sn0wbreezenews

NFC - Coming soon to Android Froyo + MicroSD Slots

I got to test a NFC conversion for Samsung Galaxy S. It is using a Micro SD Card that transmit radio frequency, equiped with 4Gb internal memory (to replace your current SD Card) and a back cover that has an antenna built in to amplify the radio signal. 

So basically, NFC made possible in any Android phone today... (iPhone5 still thinking of launching it with NFC capability or not)

Check this site out : http://www.vivotech.com/products/vivo_nfc/index.asp 


In short, good news to Android brothers, we can have NFC offshelf to use with our existing phone if needed. 


-------------------------


Geeky term : Near field communication, or NFC, is a set of short-range wireless technologies, typically requiring a distance of 4 cm or less. NFC operates at 13.56 MHz and at rates ranging from 106 kbit/s to 848 kbit/s


Well, basically, it is like Touch and Go. However, Touch and Go is Passive NFC with very limited usage. Just passing some info around when detected. An initiator needs to detect and power the passive NFC.


Active NFC are both powered. It can connect as peer to peer and do more than just receiving some bunch of binary data. It can be used for file transfer, business card transfer and even sending and receiving photos. 


Usage ? Mostly these days, people will use it for :
- Payment 
- Identity 
- Electronic Keys
- Social Networking
- Gaming in near future?


Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_field_communication

Voice calls and SMS possible on iPod Touch/iPad !!!

iPod Touch is just an iPhone that can't make phone calls/SMS. This statement is no longer valid! iPad2 Wi-Fi units, iPod Touch now can make, receive phone calls and SMS... all this made possible by Yes Life!


Previously, I did a review on Yes Life for PC... <here>








       

Now, Yes Life is available on iOS. So it is possible to be used on any touch enabled iDevice with WiFi capabilities. (iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad)


Available now in AppStore : http://itunes.apple.com/my/app/yes-life-for-ios/id428716630?mt=8  FOR FREE!!

That means, my iPod Touch is not just a gaming device or music player ? It can now make calls too?
> YES! Just need a Wi-Fi connection and a Yes account, and you are SET!

What are the charges ?
> 9 Cents per minute for Calls / 9 Cents per SMS

So what? Just like Skype?
> It is like Skype except that you have your 018 number that friends can reach you anywhere in the world at local rate, and you can call from anywhere in the world at 9cents per minute to any Malaysian number too!

Yes Life running on iPad2, iPod Touch and iPhone4. The SMS on iPad2 is sent and received via Yes Life login via Yes ID. Friends can contact me either via Yes ID directly or using my 018 number.

iPod Touch (left) now can be used as a phone with a Wi-Fi connection. Just hook this up with a Yes Huddle to get 4G speeds for Data, Voice and SMS! Now which is the thinnest i'Phone' around?

Making a call from Yes Life on iPad2 to iPhone on normal GSM number

Calling from iPod Touch to iPhone's Yes Life.

How To: Solve iPad2 Wifi Issues

Many people around the world having Wifi problems with their iPad2. Most of them complain "iPad2 Wifi connection dropping every 15 - 20 minutes" "Icon on the iPad shows connected, but there are no connections" 

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2780293?start=0&tstart=0 

At first, I have not had this problem with my iPad2. But after 2 weeks, I start to notice it, especially when I have multiple wireless routers, such as home gateway, portable 4G hotspots (Yes Huddle) and 4G home gateway (Yes Zoom)

The problem is, the iPad 2 having problems supporting some wifi hotspot devices, especially those with b/g/n working mode and those auto radio channels switch 1 - 11

How to solve it? 

Step 1:  On the iPad2, go to Genera > Reset > Rest Network Settings

Step 2: On the iPad2, Go to Wi-Fi>Choose a Network… If you still see your iPad connected to you network AP, tap on the little blue arrow on the right and tap on Forget this Network. Else, Skip this step

Step 3: Login to your router/hotspot. Usually http://192.168.1.1 (This is the address for all Yes hotspot)

Step 4: Under Wi-Fi settings, Set Radio Channel to between 5 - 9 (Default is Auto)

Step 5: Security change to "WPA2"

Step 6 (Optional): Working mode (Default is 802.11b/g/n for newer hotspots) you might one to try the combination of  b/g or b/n depends on which works.

Step 7: Reboot the hotspot

Step 8: from the iPad2, connect to your hotspot again. 

This should solve the random disconnecting issue. It solved mine. 

But if you are using Apple Airport Extreme at home… You will not get this problem. 

Sneak Peek : Thinnest and Lightest Android Tablet coming soon

I can't say much, but I can show you some pictures of what I tested. Both are running on Honeycomb and it is blazing fast despite the engineering unit not optimized yet. It is beautiful, definitely thinnest in the market and very very light. When it is launched, it will make Android FanBoy Proud!!




This is the 10.1" Model 

Side by side with iPad2 on the right

Ipad2 at the bottom

iPad2 on the left

Honeycomb

This is the 8.9" Model :

Samsung Galaxy Tab on the left

Samsung Galaxy Tab on the left

You might wanna check out this site : http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/samsung-galaxy-tab-8-9-and-new-galaxy-tab-10-1-thinner-than-the/

iPad2 available now in Malaysia!

 The long awaited iPad2 is now available in Malaysia! You can buy online and wait 1- 2 weeks for it with the incentive of Free engravings or line up in the store risking wasted hours to find out that it is sold out. Here is the store link : http://store.apple.com/my/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad/

Let's look at the prices... The iPad2 itself is the same price as today in US RM 1499 vs USD 499. But it is much cheaper compare to original iPad when it first launched. (Well, that is much to do with the conversion rate today)

However, the Smart Cover is extremely expensive here!! US is selling USD 39/USD 69 only! (Approx RM 120 / RM 210) ... Hmmm.... 

I paid slightly more for my iPad2 which was purchased during launch in US at the conversion rate of 3.4... No regrets, as early adopters have to pay a little premium. At least not as bad as those who paid close to RM 3000 to get it 2 weeks after US launch here...kekekeke

iPhone4 White finally and iPad2 in Malaysia

iPhone4 white is finally released around the world tomorrow! 28th Apr 2011... Not too sure about Malaysia but Rumors suggested that it is available in major countries and even in Vietnam! 

Malaysia however, might be getting the iPad2 in stores as early as 29th Apr 2011... This Friday!!! 

Keep refreshing this site : http://www.apple.com/my/ 

Friday, Friday... !! Gotta get down on Friday.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD2LRROpph0 <- HAHAH 

Samsung countersues Apple...

Just a few days ago, it was a hot news about Apple suing Samsung. Now, Samsung strikes back..

Samsung said in a statement Friday that Apple's iPhone and iPad infringe Samsung's 10 mobile technology patents and it called for Apple to stop infringing its technology and compensate the company.

Samsung said the suits, filed in South Korea, Japan and Germany, involved 10 alleged infringements of patents mainly involving power reduction during data transmission, 3G technology for reducing errors during data transmission, and wireless data communication technology.

Source :  http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/22/us-samsung-apple-idUSTRE73L0DG20110422


hmm... interesting.... 

Apple sues Samsung for 'copying' iPhones and iPad

Apple is suing its rival Samsung Electronics for allegedly copying the design of its iPad and iPhone.

It claims Samsung's Galaxy range of mobile phones and tablet "slavishly" copy the iPhone and iPad, according to court papers.
Apple's claims focus on Galaxy's design features, such as the look of its screen icons.
Galaxy products use Google's Android operating system, which directly competes with Apple's mobile software.
As well as being a competitor, Samsung supplies Apple with microchips that are used in some Apple products, such as the A4 and A5 processors, as well as memory chips used in MacBook Pro computers.
The lawsuit was filed on Friday and alleges Samsung violated Apple's patents and trademarks.
Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said in a statement: "This kind of blatant copying is wrong."
Samsung was not immediately available for comment.


Patent battles
John Jackson, an analyst with CCS Insight, said Samsung is essentially Apple's only real tablet competitor at this stage.
Apple is one participant in a web of litigation among phone makers and software firms over who owns the patents used in smartphones.
Nokia has sued Apple, which in turn has sued handset maker HTC Corp.
Apple is bringing 16 claims against Samsung, including unjust enrichment, trademark infringement and 10 patent claims.
In March Apple sued HTC alleging patent infringement over the iPhone.
In October 2010, Apple sued Motorola, saying its smartphones use Apple's intellectual property.

Sources :
http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/apple-sues-samsung-over-for-copying-the-iphone-and-ipad/ 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13124753
http://mobilized.allthingsd.com/20110418/apple-files-patent-suit-against-samsung-over-galaxy-line-of-phones-and-tablets/

Samsung rolls out Android 2.3.3 over KIES

Samsung I9000 Firmware: I9000XWJVB (Android 2.3.3) released officially Online!
Those who are running on CSC vesion NEE could update over KIES!

Too bad, for us here in Malaysia or Singapore, this is not available yet. However, there are 2 ways to get around it.


1) Use KIES registry patcher to fool the server that you are running on NEE
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=835628 
or
2) ODIN! (I recommend this)...


Thanks to Justin Tan for sharing, More info : 
http://www.samfirmware.com/apps/blog/show/6733836-samsung-rolls-out-android-2-3-3-over-kies

Review: Acer Iconia Windows 7 tablet (W500)

I envy Engadget for being able to hands on all the new gadgets in town. However, this time I wasn't too far behind trying out the new Acer Iconia tablet W500 which runs on Win7 and comes with an optional keyboard dock! 


Last month, I reviewed the Acer A500, http://jllovegadgets.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-honeycomb-android-30-on-acer.html. Now it made sense.. A500 = Android, W500 = Windows. Oh? you knew it all along? Okie... I must have missed the memo.


My summary of the unit and the complete specs + pictures after the jump.

DIY : Cheap iPad accessories

I was walking around KLCC today looking for some accessories for my iPad2. I was kinda surprised that there were 3 choices of iPad2 case already available in Machines KLCC. However it was at a whooping RM 3xx price tag and it did not interest me at all as it was kinda thick. The other sleeves available there for the iPad which fits the iPad2 perfectly was also kinda plain and pricey. RM 1xx for neoprene case... that is insane!!

However, I figured out that I can find a temporary case before the iPad2 is launched here for more options, so I walked into Kinokuniya Bookstore in KLCC.  

The answer....

Apple iPad2 unbox and quick setup

iPad2 was made available in US a month ago  and since then, a few reviews have been made online. So, I will not touch much about the specs, battery life or iOS4.3. I will do an Un-boxing experience and my first impression of touching this device for the first time. Since it is not available in Malaysia yet and it never made any presence in the Apple Stores here or in Asia.

Why I was interested to get the iPad2? I posted this last month : http://jllovegadgets.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-ipad2.html

How was my first impression? Well, read on…  

DIY : local adapter plugs for Apple products (At almost no cost)

This is a simple DIY that can be used for all Apple Adapters.

I had a few Apple products along the way and it's adapter were mostly not 3-pin standard plugs. Obviously because I got them from China and US which comes with a 2-pin flat tongs. 

Previously for my iPod adapter (Bought it separately for my iPod Video 30G in China) I got the 3 pin convertor included along with 2 pin round tong and the China standard flat tongs. 

3 Pin convertor for Apple adapters

Since I just got my new Apple Toy last night and I wanted to quickly charge it... As it came from US, the plug will not fit in the wall. So, I borrowed a cable from my Sony PSP adapter, plug it in and it was DONE!

These are standard 2 pin cables for low voltage devices you can find around the house. Travel Iron, Water heater, Radio, Speakers... Or, if you buy it off shelf, it cost only < RM 5.00.

AND wait, that't more.

It also extends the cables, so you can plug it to the wall to charge your device while you play with it on the BED!!

Simple, Cheap, Fast DIY to safe you a trip to the store!! 

How To : Advance Galaxy S firmware tweaks

In the previous posting, I shared about basic firmware update via Odin. This post is for more advanced users who want to apply lag-fix and root.

This is my Quadrant score after these tweaks. 1519 comparing to the original of around 800. Read on after the jump.