Sony has announced the SBH50 stereo Bluetooth headset with FM radio, a step-up from Sony SBH20 that was recently announced due to the added OLED display. The NFC is, however, still present as the main initiator for pairing NFC-enabled smartphones and devices to the headset.

> Sony SBH20 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

The SBH50 works with its Bluetooth 3.0 radio and has 115mAh battery that guarantees of up to 8 hours talk time and streaming, but has 17 days standby rating.

Sony didn’t mention the price yet, but we were told a release date on June in black or white color. My guess for the SRP is around $99 or P4000 Philippines pesos compared to the SBH20 which costs at P2400 ($57).

Sony SBH50 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

• Size: 58 x 24 x 8 mm, 15.8 grams weight
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0, NFC, Micro USB, 3.5mm headphone connector
• Battery: 115mAh with up to 8 hours talk and music stream, 17 days standby
• FM Radio with RDS
• Screen: OLED display (128 x 36 pixel)
• Controls: Power, call, play/pause, next/back, menu keys
• Colors: Black or white
• Release: June 2013
• Price: Unknown, est. $99 (PHP 4000 in Philippines)

Sony SBH50 Official Video Promo

Source: Sony

Asus has introduced a full range of Z87 motherboards that are compatible to fourth generation Intel SoC or Haswell. This covers the ASUS, Republic of Gamers (ROG), The Ultimate Force (TUF), and WS (workstation) series of motherboards, which all include improved performance, design and durability.

On the ASUS range, the Z87-DELUXE will lead the series followed by Z87-PRO, Z87-PLUS, and last but not the least, the Z87-A for mainstream builds. And for more compact builds, the ASUS Z87i-DELUXE will fit into the mini-ITX rigs while the Z87-WS is more inclined for workstations.

The Haswell-ready Z87 has been expanded to ROG and TUF series, too. ROG will be serving the MAXIMUS VI HERO as their flagship motherboard for hardcore gamers but with more affordable price tag. It will be accompanied by all-new MAXIMUS VI GENE micro-ATX and MAXIMUS VI EXTREME. Completing the line-up is the TUF SABERTOOTH Z87 and GRYPHON Z87 with optional armor kit.

All the ASUS’s ROG, TUF, WS, and as well as the ASUS Z87 motherboards will be available and ready by June in Philippines.

Source: ASUS PH

Microsoft’s next generation console has just been announced, called Xbox One. It’s the successor to the successful Xbox 360 that debuted several years ago, which brings tons of new hardware and software features.

The Xbox One combines entertainment and gaming experience into one powerful console. You can play games and instantly switch to live TV using voice command or remote. Multitasking is also possible by simultaneously running apps such as Skype with Internet Explorer while playing. The Xbox One has three OS on top: Windows 8, RT, and dedicated one for Xbox One for a solid and fast performance.

The console inside is powered by an AMD-designed 8 or octa cores processor, an 8GB DDR3 RAM, DirectX 11.1 compatible GPU, 500GB HDD storage, Blu-ray/DVD combo, a new Kinect sensor, and a redesigned gamepad controller. Other than that, the Xbox One supports 1080p or 4K resolutions with up to 7.1 surround sound.

Microsoft has thrown several interfaces as well including USB 3.0, HDMI 1.4 and gigabit Ethernet. The WiFi radio is also much improved, thanks to the three 802.11n wireless antennas smartly placed inside.

Installing games could be done through Blu-ray discs or online download, but the games will be stored right into the 500GB HDD storage and with support for external hard drives. Sadly, games from Xbox 360 will not be supported. But you could still play used games from other Xbox One.

Pricing and availability will still be announced by June, but MS has already unveiled several game titles that will be available once the One is out. These include Halo with live action series, Call of Duty: Ghosts, NBA Live, FIFA and many more!

Xbox One Specs, Price, Features

Octa-core processor, designed by AMD and Microsoft
8GB RAM
DirectX 11.1 supported GPU, 1080p HD and 4K resolution
500GB HDD storage
New gamepad and Kinect system with 720p video cam and 250k-pixel infrared sensor
Blu-ray/DVD
7.1 surround audio
WiFi 802.11n, USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet
100 watts rated power consumption
No backwards compatibility to Xbox 360 games
Live TV, new Skype and SmartGlass, etc.
Voice command, Instant On, etc.
Price and release details on June

Xbox One Official Video Promo

Source: Engadget

Olympus has introduced a new high-end mirrorless, Micro Four Thirds camera, the PEN E-P5. It is the first Olympus camera to feature a built-in WiFi endowed with several improvements from predecessor and new features in a high-end compact camera form.

Inside the Olympus PEN E-P5 is the same 16.1MP LIVE MOS sensor paired with TruePic VI engine found from most of its siblings. But on top is a much improved performance with a 5-axis image stabilization, fast AF, quick turn-on time, 9fps burst mode, and a 1/8000th shutter speed–rare function from this size of camera.

> Olympus PEN Lite E-PL6

The 3-inch tilt 1.04-million dots LCD display supports touch focusing aside from live preview it feeds. There is also an option for an electronic viewfinder–Olympus has announced the VF-4 EF along with the camera, it features a 1.48X magnification and 2.36M dots LCD.

For availability and pricing, the PEN E-P5 will be available in USA this month at $1000 (P41k Philippines pesos) price for body only in white, black or silver. While the $1499 (P61k) variant will come with a M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 lens and VF-4 viewfinder in black or silver color.

Olympus PEN E-P5 Specs, Price, Features

• Sensor: effective 16.1 megapixels, CMOS, TruePic VI engine
• Size: 122 x 69 x 37 mm, 420g weight
• Display: 3-inch LCD touchscreen, 1.04 million dots
• Image: 9fps burst mode, 4608 x 3456 max resolution in 4:3 ratio
• Video: 1080p @30fps, H.264 format, mono audio
• IS: Sensor-shift 5-axis image stabilization
• Other features: 1/8000th shutter speed, 35 focus points, 100-25600 ISO
• Lens: Interchangeable, 4/3 compatible, 2x digital teleconverter
• Connectivity: WiFi (supports smartphone sharing and remote control), HDMI, USB 2.0
• Built-in flash, 2×2 Dial
• Battery: 320 CIPA
• Colors: Black, White, Silver (all in vintage & compact design)
• Price: $1000 for body only, $1499 with M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 lens
• Release: May 2013

Source: Olympus

It didn’t take too long for the Finnish company to bring the Windows Phone 8-powered Nokia Lumia 720 into the market after the launch of Lumia 820 and 920. The device sits above the mid-range Lumia 620 (P11990) and the entry-level 520 (P7990), which includes more compact build, and perhaps, better camera, battery capacity and display. Of course, with a higher price tag at P14590 ($350).

> Top 5 reasons to buy the Lumia 720

The Lumia 820 (P17990) managed to impress me with its solid build and gorgeous display, while the Lumia 620 gave a more fun experience, thanks to its compact build and striking dual-shot shells. But how will the Lumia 720 will fare in real-life test? Will it continue and keep up my experience from Lumia 820 and 620? Or will it put a truer value over money than any Windows Phone 8 device? Read my review and find out.

Nokia Lumia 720 vs 820 Ultimate Comparison and Review

Design and Build

From a design perspective, the Lumia 720 is undoubtedly a gorgeous phone with new design language. It looks premium as the Lumia 820 and Lumia 920. Despite the curved screen, at 9mm and 128 grams it’s actually far thinner and lighter than the two.

Holding the phone is easy, thanks to the curved edges and rounded corners. Though, using the device by one hand is hard. This is true when texting and reaching the top most icons, surely, it will still matter on your hands size.

The unit I received is white with gloss texture (you can opt for matte finish in cyan or black and glossy for yellow and red). It’s made of plastic in a unibody form, which feels durable yet not cheap at all. The unibody design gives a svelter profile, which tradeoffs for a removable battery, instead, a wireless charging is supported through an optional charging shell.

> Lumia 720 Unboxing

The layout for keys and port are smartly placed: volume rocker, a power/lock and camera key on right side while a capacitive Windows Phone home, back and search key on front, micro SIM tray and audio jack on top, microSD tray on left, and down on bottom is the microUSB port located. Both microSD and microSIM tray are ejectable using the pin provided in the package.

Nokia is not afraid of bringing a svelter and newer design language into their mid-level smartphones. Part of Nokia’s nature is to build a solid and beautiful hardware, again, they’ve proven it on the Lumia 720. It’s really hard to find similar quality from other manufacturers, especially at this price point.

Display

Perhaps, one of the most compelling feature I would consider on buying the Lumia 720 is its screen. The super-sensitive, curved 4.3-inch WVGA LCD pars the screen size of the Lumia 820, it also comes with Nokia’s CBD similar to Lumia 620, and the IPS panel is the same to Lumia 520. It’s almost a total package of all Lumias found in a lone device.

Through my review period, I compared the display of the Lumia 720 to Lumia 820. I found the colors to be more vibrant and brighter on the AMOLED of Lumia 820; blacks and whites are truer. On the Lumia 720, colors are bit warmer, more noticeably when you put each device side-by-side; LCD really makes a difference. Both remains equal with sharp viewing angles and very clear screen under sunlight.

The only thing that Nokia should be nervous about the display is the low resolution. At this level, the WVGA (800×480) is acceptable to Lumia 620 and below. But for Lumia 720 and 820, it’s really a feature you’d be thinking to consider.

Camera

When Nokia announced the low light capability of the new camera sensor on the Lumia 720, many felt dismayed that their Lumia 820 was left behind. I think they should not because each smartphone camera is a performer of their own style.

The camera on the Lumia 720 is great in low light shooting. The new BSI sensor and Carl Zeiss optics help in capturing more light during night and in-door scenes. Focusing is mostly correct and fast. Images taken, with or without flash, under this condition are undeniably better and comes with brighter results after I compared it from other smartphones. That’s no surprise with the imaging expert, Nokia.

Results are bit different when I put it on daylight scenes, however. The Lumia 720 does perform well, too, on this mode. But I prefer the colors from the 8MP camera of Lumia 820, it’s has bit higher contrast and more accurate white balance.

For the video, you can max out up to HD or 720p @30fps with around 10k bit rate (Lumia 820 does with up to 1080p @30fps and 14k bit rate). Automatic focusing works great with no severe hunting.

The front-facing 1.3MP camera performs well. Self-portrait photos are sharper and brighter, while the default, and only option, for video is at HD resolution.

Nokia Lumia 720 front facing camera shot

From all Windows Phone cameras, the Lumia 720 is the most impressive I’ve ever used. Not only with the low light performance, but to the software side. I give this credit to Nokia for the clear attention it has given, specifically on the camera lenses such as Cinemagraph and Smartshoot. The camera interface, however, is still inconvenient and lacks live video zooming, the blame goes to Microsoft for their lagging efforts on bringing a PureView-friendly camera UI.

Audio

Both earpiece and loudspeaker are loud. The quality is not suppressed nor washed and it’s also clear. The only complain is the placement of the speaker grill which is at the back. But you should still hear the Nokia tune from few meters away.

Performance & Software

Microsoft’s spearhead is the fast and ever responsive Windows Phone experience. At 512MB RAM and 1GHz dual core processor, you’d still get a fast and fluid experience on the Lumia 720. It’s an impressive performance despite the missing quad core CPU and large amount of RAM.

What should you worry is the few game titles you’d be missing on the 720 such as Temple Run and Modern Combat 4, which only supported by WP with 1GB RAM.

It’s natural for all Windows Phone to smoothly handle games and apps; it’s true to Lumia 720. The loading period is very minimal and the multitasking works breezily.

> Windows Phone 8 OS Review

For the software side, I will not be digging deep again. The Windows Phone ecosystem still lacks major titles such as Instagram. But during the past months, the Redmond based company has proven that it can grow. Now we are seeing an increase in number of apps from Windows Phone store. As of this writing, apps and games number is tipping around 145,000+.

Nokia’s great push to bring exclusive apps helps the ecosystem to become reliable and useful everyday. I like the way that most of my needs are being served. And what keeps me living on the WP ecosystem is the feature set that the Finnish company continue to deliver in every Lumia.

Battery

The Lumia 720 flaunts a 2,000 mAh of battery. This amount of juice is rated to last up to 22 days standby, a solid battery life for a mid-range WP. On my case it could last more than a day. That’s with heavy usage, but for minimal and still being connected to WiFi, you’ll be surprised that it can squeeze out the juice for up to 3 days.

Verdict

I kept avoiding on comparing the Lumia 720 to the Lumia 820 on my review. Unfortunately, I still ended up with a little comparison. I just hope you didn’t mind the few thoughts I thrown above. The Lumia 820 is a great smartphone in most respects, but it’s a shame for Nokia to bring a sleeker device with a better camera and battery than the Lumia 820. That device, of course, is the Lumia 720.

Windows Phone does not need these blazingly fast processors nor innards with several cores in order to run smoothly. But this 2013, it’s part of the competition to bring at least a more capable system that can handle most demanding tasks even on the mid-level Lumia like the Lumia 720.

For me, I don’t mind lacking the usual number of cores or amount of RAM. I’m satisfied as long as it don’t stumble during executions of the different tasks I throw at. What I want is a device that feels premium and sleek on my hands, a stellar smartphone camera in most occasions, a reliable battery life, and above all a price that doesn’t hurt much your pocket. I think I already found that, and that’s the Lumia 720.

Pros

• Superb camera performance in low light
• Sleek, solid and premium design
• Impressive battery life
• Sharp viewing angles and excellent sunlight readability of display

Cons

• Low resolution display
• 512MB RAM is short for other apps and games
• Ineffective loudspeaker placement

Nokia Lumia 720 Price, Specs, Release Date

Display: 4.3-inch Nokia CBD, super sensitive for glove use
Resolution: WVGA 800 x 480 pixels at 217 ppi
Size: 127.9 x 67.5 x 9mm, 128g weight
CPU: Dual core 1GHz Snapdragon processor
GPU: Adreno 305 graphics
Camera: 6.7 Megapixels BSI sensor, Carl Zeiss optics, 720p HD video, LED flash
Front: 1.3MP secondary for Skype
Connectivity: NFC, WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, Wireless Charging, 3G HSPA+
Battery: 2000 mAh, up to 22 days stand by
OS: Windows Phone 8
Colors: White, Red, Yellow, Cyan (Blue), Black
Price: P14,590 ($350) from Nokia Philippines

Jolla has announced their first smartphone running on Sailfish OS, a device which was inspired from MeeGo/Nokia N9. The Jolla (which is also name of the device) features a 4.5-inch HD display, a dual-core processor, 16GB internal storage, a microSD card slot, an 8MP AF camera, and 4G LTE.

Everything is something new and unique including Jolla’s design. Its back part has removable and exchangeable covers which is also called the “other half” of the front part which houses the display and the processor. The battery remains removable as well.

For starters, Jolla is a company founded by ex-Nokia employees who created Sailfish OS which is based from Linux, the same from Nokia’s MeeGo found on N9.

Jolla will release the phone to Europe first with a pre-order price of €399 ($510/P21k Philippines peso) and a shipping date to happen in 2013, depending on the availability. The expansion to other countries is still possible to come later this year.

If you believe for Jolla, support them through reserving a Jolla device which comes in three ways. See the page here for more details.

Jolla Specs, Features, Price

• Display: 4.5-inch HD screen
• CPU: Dual-core
• Memory: 16GB built-in storage, microSD card slot
• Camera: 8 megapixels AF, LED flash
• 4G LTE
• Other Half design
• Removable battery
• Gesture based Sailfish OS
• Support to Android Apps
• €399/$510/PHP21000, pre-order starts in Europe with 2013 target date for delivery

Jolla promo videos

Join the Movement – Marc Dillon, co-founder and software head

Source: Jolla

Sun Cellular Philippines has announced the official postpaid plans and prices of the latest affordable Windows Phone 8 smartphones: Nokia Lumia 720 and Lumia 520.

> Ultimate Nokia Lumia 720 vs 820 review and comparison

The Nokia Lumia 720 will be free from Plan 999 of Sun Cellular, this will include unlimited internet and SMS with 4 hours of calls to Sun users.

On the other hand, the Lumia 520 will be free at Plan 600 which has unlimited calls and texts to Sun, 350 free text to other networks and PHP250 consumable.

Both the lock-in periods are for two years and I think the each offer is a steal for every consumers who would want a new, refreshing experience on top of these gorgeous phones.

Nokia Lumia 520 Philippines Specs, Price, Release

Display: 4-inch LCD IPS display, super sensitive for glove use
Resolution: WVGA 800 x 480 pixels at ~234 ppi
Size: 119.9 x 64 x 9.9mm, 124g weight
CPU: Dual core 1GHz dual core processor
Memory: 512MB RAM, 8GB internal + microSD up to 64GB
Camera: 5 Megapixels 720p HD video
Connectivity: 3G HSPA+, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS
Battery: 1430 mAh, up to 15 days stand by
OS: Windows Phone 8
Colors: Red, Cyan (Blue), Yellow, White, Black
Price: P7990 Philippine pesos

Nokia Lumia 720 Philippines Price, Specs, Release Date

Display: 4.3-inch Nokia CBD, super sensitive for glove use
Resolution: WVGA 800 x 480 pixels at 217 ppi
Size: 127.9 x 67.5 x 9mm, 128g weight
CPU: Dual core 1GHz Snapdragon processor
GPU: Adreno 305 graphics
Camera: 6.7 Megapixels BSI sensor, Carl Zeiss optics, 720p HD video, LED flash
Front: 1.3MP secondary for Skype
Connectivity: NFC, WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, Wireless Charging, 3G HSPA+
Battery: 2000 mAh, up to 22 days stand by
OS: Windows Phone 8
Colors: White, Red, Yellow, Cyan (Blue), Black
Price: P14590 Philippine pesos

Source: Sun Cell PH

Olympus has introduced the PEN Lite E-PL6, a “substantial” update to the Pen E-PL5 while keeping the compact, mirrorless and interchangeable-lens body on top of the Micro Four Thirds system.

The 16MP Live MOS sensor is combined with the TruePic VI image engine, which is present, too, in OM-D E-M5 flagship camera of Olympus. The company also endowed an articulated touchscreen display with touch and fast AF functions. In addition to that, a time lapse mode, two axis level guide and a low ISO setting (100) were added.

For performance, the PEN Lite E-PL6 can shoot up to 8fps sequential while the video mode maxes out at 1080p HD in MOV format (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264).

The compact camera will be available on 4th week of June in Asia and Japan. It will come in two retail lens kit, first is with the 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II R, while the two kit lens will add the 40-150mm 1:4-5.6 R. Sadly, no price was mentioned, but we’re guessing at around $600 for the standard kit.

Olympus PEN Lite E-PL6 Specs, Price, Features

Sensor: 16MP Live MOS, Micro Four Thirds
Processor: TruePic VI image engine
Image: up to 8fps sequential shot
Video: Full HD movie in MOV format (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)
IS: built-in sensor shift image stabilization, dual-axis
Features: 100-25,600 ISO, 3D Tracking, Fast AF, 12 art filters
Display: articulated up to 170-degree, touch AF release shutter, 3-inch capacitive touchscreen, 460k dots
Connectivity: Wireless transfer to smartphones via FlashAir SDXC card
Battery: 360 CIPA based from E-PL5
Release: June 2013
Price: Unknown, est. at $600 (P25k Philippines pesos) with standard kit lens

Source: DPreview