ZiiLABS's ZMS-08 Processor

The lower power system-on-chip is packed with impressive array of features:

• • Full HD 1080p high-profile H.264 video decode
  • Simultaneous H.264 encode and decode at 720p
  • 1080p 24fps encode
  • Accelerated OpenGL® ES 2.0 3D graphics at up to 1 Gpixels/sec
  • 2D processing, compositing, image processing
  • Advanced Xtreme Fidelity™ X-Fi Audio effects
  • Low-power 1GHz ARM Cortex processor

The ZMS-08 is aimed at small form factor devices that enable content currently accessed via the PC to spread to mobile and low-energy devices.

Imagine that, Blu-ray quality video, crystal clear video conferencing experience and game console-like 3D and sound effects on future tablets, smartphones and set-top boxes.

SingTel’s mobile revenue in Singapore grew 7.9% to SGD 384 million.  30,000 new postpaid subscribers added in Q3, bringing its regional mobile subscriber base to 273 million.

StarHub increased its mobile subscriber base 8.1% to 1.85 million, its mobile revenue grew 4.7% to SGD 276.8 million.

Read full report here.

After reaching an agreement with Apple, StarHub announced today that it’s bringing the iPhone to its customers in Singapore later this year. StarHub is the last of the three telcos here to reach a deal with Apple in offering the iPhone. No details on pricing and availability dates.

Nokia N97 mini

Nokia N97 mini hit the street last weekend. The phone was initially launched here in early October as RAOUL-branded limited edition. The standard edition N97 mini is now available for anyone to order from all three telcos here.

N97 mini shares the same features as N97, except that it has a smaller and lighter body, running on a lower capacity battery and a slower CPU. Designed with social and fashion-conscious consumer in mind, its customisable homescreen includes widgets like Facebook and Fashion Asia widget.

Here’s quick check on retail prices of N97 mini from all three telcos:

Android on Zii EGG

ZiiLABS, subsidiary of home-grown Creative, released the first Android firmware for its Zii EGG device based on Android v1.6. (aka Donut). Folks over at AnythingButiPod had their hands on the Android firmware, hands-on review in video can be seen here.

The firmware is meant for OEMs and developers to begin testing Android software on the Zii prototype unit. The Zii-optimised Android has noticeably fluid visual transition, but it’s probably far from market-ready as other vital features such as camera, GPS, multi-touch, etc are not supported at this point.

The market may one day overwhelmed with feature packed Zii-optimised Android PMPs and phones of different make if Zii chip is taken up by “Shanzai” manufacturers.

LG-GD910 on SingTelShop.com

LG-GD910, probably the world’s first fashion watch with 3G video calling capability, goes on sale today in Singapore. According to LG’s press release, although the wrist phone is available from all three operators here, there are only 800 units to be sold here in selected retail outlets – namely SingTel at ION Orchard, M1 at Paragon, and StarHub at Plaza Singapura.

From the press release:

The final product that LG engineers unveiled wasn’t only small, it included all the features found in some of today’s most advanced mobile phones: compatibility with 3G HSDPA networks, video calling capability, MP3 player, speaker phone, water resistance and Bluetooth.

Unlike in the movies, holding a watch phone up to one’s mouth when making a call is far from practical or comfortable. Bluetooth technology is a key component that makes LG’s Watch Phone a practical reality today and far less conspicuous when taking a call in public. The LG GD910 Touch Watch Phone also incorporates LG’s most advanced voice recognition and text-to-speech technology allowing for voice commands.
“I believe the LG Watch Phone will be a hit among Singaporeans who are among the most technologically-savvy in the world,” said Jeff Cheh, Managing Director, LG Electronics Singapore. “The multi-functional capabilities of the LG GD910 Touch Watch Phone strongly reinforces LG’s position as a leader in technology innovation.”

SingTel is accepting order of LG GD910 from its online storefront, retailing from SGD 738 with 2 years’ plan -  see here.

Good news to BlackBerry users in Singapore. According to reports, RIM officially opens its online application store today to its users in Singapore and Indonesia. 

According to RIM, BlackBerry OS version 4.2 version or higher is required. The App World will run on BlackBerry smartphones that have either a trackball, touch-sensitive trackpad or touchscreen and support for the GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA networks. Some of the featured apps include iCabSG Dialer Singapore Cabs, Pintas (Internet search), Spionard (a surveillance system) and Foyage (LBS travel companion).

See details at CnetAsia and HardwareZone.

• The survey of 1,000 local respondents between the ages of 18 and 45.
• 9 out of 10 are surprised that their monthly cell phone bills are significantly higher than expected. Mobile data was identified as a major culprit.
• 60% of those polled said that they now use mobile Internet and other Web-based applications on their phones regularly.
• 60% of local consumers do not know the price they have to pay for surfing the Web or e-mailing using their phones.
• All 3 local mobile operators now serve up a platter of subscription with mobile data cap. Bill shock can still occur with a data cap as this perk is not applicable for mobile roaming when a subscriber is overseas.

Source: The Business Times (subscription required)

Perhaps mobile roaming charges in ASEAN countries will be one of the ICT areas to be reviewed in new ASEAN’s connectivity masterplan.

It’s latest marketing stunt from HTC. The staged “You Revolution Dance” is to send out new marketing message that HTC’s product design philosophy is centered around YOU (human, end-user) rather than packing more technologies or features into their products. See here for interview with HTC and marketing team.

Sony Ericsson's Yari™, Aino™ & Satio™

Sony Ericsson’s multimedia trio went on sale on Oct 24, here’s a quick glance at prices of Yari™, Satio™ and Aino™ from SingTel, M1 and StarHub respectively.

If you wish to find out more about these phones, you can read the hands-on review by HardwareZone or see their video here.