Copernicus Gold launched digital payments system linked to gold

One of my previous professional working experiences was in the financial advisory industry. While my professional training was in financial planning and advisory, I was also exposed to alternative investments in the financial industry that were of strong interest to me too, one of them was gold investments.

This area of gold investments, is probably not as well publicised nor well known to the public. It is not as widely and openly traded in the mass consumer markets versus at the institutional level. Nonetheless, I reckon there are a small group of consumers in the market who have invested in gold and there are more who wish to have started investing in gold investments.

Most recently, I received information on this new company Copernicus Gold setting up their headquarters office in Singapore. I was very interested to learn more about them, a combination of a traditional alternative investment product (gold) with modern technology using Blockchain.

In my article, I am sharing more about Copernicus Gold and their new digital payments system linked to gold. Please do your own due diligence, read up more about investing, alternative investing, gold investments before you start any form of investing in the financial markets.

I have started to read up more about them and what they do, they have a pretty good FAQ on their website for those who have queries in your mind on what they do and how they do it. Personally, I hope to learn more in-depth about them and share more articles on investing in gold, that is now more openly available and easier to do in Singapore.

If you like to know more about Copernicus Gold, check out the various Copernicus Gold links below to their website and social media channels:

Let me share with you more about their new digital payments system linked to gold from their press release information below:

Copernicus Gold offers a reliable global system for gold trade that is simple, of mass, and is cheap; solving, for the first time, Gresham’s Law which states that ‘bad money drives out good’.

For instance, if there are two forms of commodity money in circulation and both are accepted by law as having similar face value, the more valuable of the two will disappear from circulation. For example, from the 1920s to today, fiat currency drove out gold backed currency, simply because a few who could have wanted to own all the gold.

By developing formulae based on a strict mathematical statement of the necessary size of the company’s gold reserve, Copernicus Gold has determined and been granted a patent by the US Patent Office for an algorithm that forms the basis of a global payments system business model, linking a digital asset or currency to a reserve of a commodity such as gold. The algorithm ensures that the reserve of the commodity is at an optimal level to fulfil all incoming orders, as well as to issue, and maintain in reserve, sufficient amount of that commodity, in this case gold, and currencies based on several general requirements.

Professor Vladmir Nikolaevich Frolov, the founder of Copernicus Gold says, “The mathematical model, or algorithm, accounts for the market price of gold, the bullions’ weight and other conditions. This ensures that the amount held in reserve is satisfactory for operational continuity, plus avoids the emission of unreasonably large or insufficient amounts of electronic gold.”

As such, Copernicus Gold has launched a global payments system of digital gold, which is linked to a store of gold bullion in Singapore. The system operates as a cloud-based multi-currency platform that issues digital gold in any measure, enabling anyone, anywhere, to acquire, save or pay with digital gold.

PATENT ISSUED

Copernicus Gold has successfully lodged and been granted a patent for its mathematical model by the US Patent Office. The patent was granted for a “System and method for issuance of electronic currency substantiated by a reserve of assets”. The invention is classified as an electronic currency and particularly, a system for, and the means of, using currency issuance and circulation, where the value of the currency is backed by a material reserve.

GOLD RESERVES

To substantiate the issue of digital gold, Copernicus Gold stores gold bullion in a vault at Freeport in Singapore.

Significantly, the speed at which transactions are made – the faster the circulation of funds – means that less gold is needed for the financial system’s operation.

Rapidly transferring payments offline (into bank accounts) decreases the need for circulating funds, which means less gold is needed and that the risk of failure to pay is avoided. Critically, this also relaxes the requirements of reserves of the commodity, such as gold, or any other commodity, as transactions that occur online take far less time to complete than those of existing payment systems.

In this sense, Copernicus Gold offers a revolutionary system to overcome Gresham’s Law, by providing a currency system that circulates gold.

BLOCKCHAIN

To enable operations, Copernicus Gold uses cutting edge, proprietary private blockchain to hold a transaction and financial instrument ledger with a powerful API that enables secure, transparent and safe real-time transactions at the speed of several hundred transactions per second, with the potential for greater speed.

The transactions are safe because there is no single transaction core in the blockchain. Instead, each node can potentially participate in processing transactions, which protects the system more than any system with a centralised core. Moreover, the authors of the system imposed the strictest known operation reliability and stability requirements on the system.

The company also offers open API that can be integrated into existing transaction systems and will permit fully automated payment settlements in digital gold.

SINGAPORE

Copernicus Gold chose to headquarter its operations in Singapore, as it is one of the world’s strictest jurisdictions for financial trade. The company operates as Copernicus Gold Singapore Pte. Ltd. which is registered as a stored value facility.

The CEO for Copernicus Gold Singapore Pte Ltd, Sergei Vozchikov says, “Copernicus Gold do not offer physical gold in exchange for payment. We do not issue loans or work in speculative markets, nor place client money in any tools. Instead, our system allows for transactions with two types of assets: digital gold and digital currencies (at present USD, EURO, SGD). The digital currency is linked to the currency kept in our bank accounts and similarly, the digital gold is secured by gold bullions kept in a vault in Singapore Freeport.”

“Moreover, your money is secure,” he adds, as “Being based in Singapore, we are required to identify our customers and conduct a financial monitoring procedure in full compliance with the requirements of the supervisory authorities.”

Copernicus Gold is available on the web, or as an iOS application for iPad and iPhone as well as an Android application for tablets and smartphones. The app can operate on any GSM phone as the system uses USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) to issue authentication codes.

* Information courtesy of Copernicus Gold *

New areas of Tech interest: Big Data, Security, Backup

I have been writing and covering on a few areas of technology inside my personal website/blog here for a number of years. Initially, it was mainly on consumer technology products, however, over the years, I had started venturing into B2B/Enterprise technology coverage, mainly Internet of Things (IoT) in a few areas/brands such as The Next Wave and Trends (from Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai), AXON by Greenwave Systems, Future Workplace with Dell and Journey to 5G with Singtel. It had been a very interesting technology adventure into the levels of B2B, thankful to those brands/companies who gave me the opportunities to connect, learn, cover and write about them.

Over the past year, I began to discover new areas of technology interest, while it is probably more applicable on a B2B level, it can also be applied at the B2C consumer level too. One of the areas was on big data and analysis, starting with this forum that I attended recently in June 2017 – “F1 Technology and the Impact on Healthcare“. The next few interest technology fields that came up on my radar, following this particular forum that I attended were data protection, cybersecurity and backup.

My tech coverage journey in these few areas were all related together, I was working on building a basic starter personal cloud storage solution for my photography business/photographs storage/digital marketing/social media/documents, I got a WD My Cloud 4TB a few months back too.

Next up was on data protection and backup, Acronis then came into the picture. I saw and read about them around 1-2 years back, initially I didn’t know too much about them. Coincidentally, I got to know about them more in details and what they are doing, most recently with the launch of the Acronis True Image 2018 that I discovered more about their products and services in the areas of data protection and backup.

I am going to work on an article on the Acronis True Image 2018 for my small business, for my photography business/photographs storage and also my other work on digital marketing/social media and also my documents storage. Do keep a lookout and I would update with a link here when it is completed!

During the recent 2017 Singapore GP, I also learned about the partnership between Acronis and Scuderia Torro Rosso Formula 1 Racing Team! They are the FIRST Singapore company to sponsor a F1 racing team! It’s not just about sponsorship, they are using Acronis technology in motorsports! Being a motorsports and F1 fan and also an technology enthusiast myself, it’s like an omen for me to use Acronis technology solutions!

It would be a dream come true, if I can cover more in depth and share on Acronis technology in motorsports! I can bring my camera gears to racing tracks and garages! Motorsports + technology + photography sounds like what I like to do!

Stay tuned, hopefully, I can share more on these areas of technology, big data, data protection, cybersecurity and data backup.

Oh yes, maybe more new areas such Blockchain, Bitcoin.

Singtel launched Unlimited Data, Talktime & SMS Mobile Plans

Singtel mobile users alert! I have a great news to share with you! You now can have unlimited data, talk time and SMS mobile plans! For me, currently on Data X2 plan, this new plan is a very good consideration for Singtel mobile users!

With Singtel having the fastest mobile networks and with the most recent announcements on 2 of the latest smartphone brands available in the market, the Apple iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy Note 8, this would be an ideal time to get this new unlimited data, talk time and SMS mobile plan by Singtel!

Although I am not too sure if there is a need for me to have unlimited data plan at this time, having this option to choose unlimited data plan is definitely worth a consideration! This would be ideal for professionals who are on the move a lot outside and need the huge mobile data for their work.

Let me share with you more information on the new Singtel unlimited data, talk time and SMS mobile plans:

Press Release: 15th September 2017

Singtel today upped the ante with the launch of Singapore’s first mobile plans with unlimited local data, talktime and SMS/MMS available on the country’s fastest network that provides peak mobile data speeds of 500Mbps (1) nationwide.

From today, Singtel Combo 3, 6 and 12 mobile plans will be upgraded with unlimited talk time and SMS. Customers who sign up for these plans can enjoy unlimited local data with DATA X INFINITY, an add-on available at just S$39.90/month.

Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, Chief Executive Officer, Consumer Singapore, Singtel, said, “We recognise that our customers want flexibility and control over their mobile plans. That’s why our DATA X 2 and DATA X 3 add-ons have been so well-received. And now with DATA X INFINITY as a further option, our customers can enjoy infinite possibilities for how they live, work and play. We’re pleased to offer our customers a truly unlimited mobile experience. With our nationwide network upgrade to 500Mbps supporting the latest iPhone 8 and iPhone X, as well as Samsung Note8, our customers can now enjoy the full potential of their devices at blazing speeds.’’

At launch, customers who subscribe to Combo 6 and 12 plans will enjoy a free data roaming plan each month. They can choose from any of Singtel’s extensive range of data roaming options of up to S$35 to stay connected while overseas.

Customers who subscribe to DATA X INFINITY will also have the option to share their data with up to three family members with a MobileShare supplementary plan, which is available at S$10.70/month per line.

For more information on the new Combo Plans and DATA X INFINITY, please visit www.singtel.com/combo and www.singtel.com/dataX.

Notes

(1) Available on Cat 11 and above mobile phones such as iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, Samsung Note8, Galaxy S8, S8+, S7 and S7 edge, Sony Xperia XZ Premium, LG G6, HTC U11 and more 

* Information courtesy of Singtel Corporate Communications *

Dell Launched New Latitude 2-in-1s

A 2-in-1 computer is getting more popular nowadays, the best of both worlds, tablet and laptop/computer together, now just for business, also for the everyday user at home or in school too. Dell recently launched new Latitude 2-in-1s to their line-up, while it is designed for the business market, I would also recommend everyday users at home or in school to take a look too! I reckon you would like it!

I have always been a 2-in-1 tablet + laptop/computer supporter, the best of both worlds, ideal for doing work and also presentation. Till date, I have yet to add a 2-in-1 into my computers lineup, I hope to add one in the near future.

Let me share with you more information on the new Dell Latitude 2-in-1s:

Dell has announced a new lineup of Latitude 2-in-1s designed to give businesses a “PC first, tablet second” mobile device experience without compromising on design, performance or security. The Windows-based 2-in-1 category is thriving as companies abandon tablets in the office and place more value on the productivity and flexibility offered by 2-in-1 PCs. Dell Latitude 2-in-1s take it to the next level by offering industry-leading security, manageability and service features that enterprise customers truly care about, including the latest 7th Gen Intel® Core™ vPro™ processors, world-class security via multi-factor authentication, encryption and malware protection, full device serviceability and mobile broadband options.

“A lot of customer feedback factors into the design decisions we make; every detail counts, and for business users it’s the details that matter,” said Kirk Schell, senior vice president, Commercial Client Solutions, Dell. “Some of the design choices that matter to commercial customers are things like optimised displays that reduce power consumption and extend battery life; removable hard drives for data security; IR camera location for video conferences; Wi-Fi antennae placement and use of lightweight carbon fiber materials for durability. We even made sure the trusted Latitude keyboard wasn’t compromised because we were designing a 2-in-1.”

 

The Latitude 7000 12-inch 2-in-1 (7285) features a premium tablet and detachable keyboard design that is ideal for mobile professionals demanding the thinnest, lightest detachable 2-in-1 mobile device without sacrificing security and meeting critical business requirements such as on-site device serviceability. First unveiled at CES 2017, it’s the world’s first wireless charging 2-in-1 destined to modernise today’s workspace by further eliminating wires. Integrating WiTricity’s magnetic resonance wireless charging technology, the device is built to transform any workspace into a clutter-free environment. When combined with a Dell Wireless Charging Mat[1] and WiGig wireless dock (sold separately), users can quickly remove the 2-in-1 from the mat without the need to unplug any cables, and easily return it to the mat to automatically recharge and connect to additional wireless peripherals such as a display, wireless keyboard and mouse.

According to IDC’s Worldwide 2017 Q1 Personal Computing Device Tracker, convertible 2-in-1s are taking off with business users, growing at 46 percent worldwide year-over-year.[2] Helping to drive this momentum, the Latitude 5000 12-inch 2-in-1 (5289) features a 360-degree hinge that accommodates multiple work styles – seamlessly transitioning between laptop, tablet, stand and tent modes – and delivers up to 17 hours of battery life, the longest of any convertible PC on the market.1 This August, Dell launched a new addition to this very popular design – the Latitude 7000 13-inch 2-in-1 (7389) – that delivers all of the amazing capabilities of the 5289 but feature a larger, 13-inch display. The full-touch Corning® Gorilla Glass® display on both convertibles is reflection and smudge resistant, and supports the Dell Active Pen, built with pen pressure sensing to make writing natural and smooth for today’s business user.

“Commercial PCs are seeing a real renaissance in design, with form-factors like the 2-in-1 that we could only dream about just a few years ago now becoming reality,” said Bob O’Donnell, president and chief analyst at TECHnalysis Research. “Dell’s innovations in the 2-in-1 category, ranging from detachables to 360-degree hinge, are rooted in productivity while providing the flexibility and beautiful design that today’s mobile workforce desires.”

World’s Most Secure PCs

Dell offers the world’s most secure commercial PCs with industry-leading endpoint security solutions that include comprehensive encryption, advanced authentication and leading-edge malware protection. The new Latitude 5000 and 7000 Series 2-in-1s are built with a powerful set of security features including touch fingerprint readers, advanced authentication with FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Certification and Dell Client Command systems management tools. These built-in security features can be augmented with Dell Data Security Solutions, including Dell Endpoint Security Suite Enterprise for data encryption and advanced threat prevention in a single suite or Dell Data Guardian for file-based data encryption that protects, controls and monitors data both inside and outside of the network. Dell is the only major PC manufacturer to have a line of business dedicated to data and endpoint security. When combined with the security expertise within the Dell Technologies family of companies, including RSA, SecureWorks and VMware, Dell can offer organizations a wide range of security solutions and capabilities ranging from endpoint and data security solutions to managed security services, threat intelligence, and risk and compliance.

Pricing and Availability:

  • All products are available for order from Dell

[1] Dell Wireless Charging Mat is not designed for use on metal surfaces. For use with a metal surface or desktop, place the mat on a non-metal stand at least 50mm above the desktop.

[2] Source: IDC WW 2017 Q1 PCD Tracker, Tablet Historical and PCD Historical.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Dell & Cohn & Wolfe Singapore *

New LEGO Certified Store Opening at ION Orchard

Lego fans in Singapore alert! There is a new LEGO Certified Store (LCS) opening soon at ION Orchard! Many exciting things, events and promotions are taking place during their opening specials at the new LCS in Singapore, at ION Orchard!

For those Star Wars Lego fans like me, who are very excited about the Ultimate Collector Series (UCS) Millennium Falcon, that is launching on 1st October 2017, it’s time to visit LCS @ ION Orchard and check out more details on the largest LEGO set ever!

Fellow LEGO fans, let me share with you more information and details on LCS @ ION Orchard opening on 14th September 2017:

LEGO® Singapore and Bricks World are pleased to announce the opening of a new LEGO® Certified Store (LCS) in Singapore on 14th September 2017.  Located at ION Orchard #04-15, the store will be the largest in Singapore and will provide a complete LEGO experience via a Store Calendar of events and activities.

There are over S$28,000 of prizes to be won on the opening weekend via Sure Win Scratch Cards and Family Lucky Dips.

The LEGO® Certified Store at ION Orchard will be the seventh store to be managed by Bricks World in Singapore.

“The opening of this new store as a Flagship location further strengthens our presence in Singapore and supports our aim of providing more attractions on Orchard Road for Singaporeans and tourists alike,’ said George Papasolomontos, Managing Director, Bricks World.  ‘The space and set up in this store will allow customers to experience a more complete program of interactive LEGO activities, similar to that in the US and Europe, through the Bricks World LEGO Certified Store Calendar launched in July 2017’.
 
Creating a Record Attempt Challenge in Singapore!  In 2014, Associate Professor of Maths, Steven Miller from Williams College, Massachusetts, challenged his class to set a record by building a 3152 piece LEGO® Super Star Destroyer in 10 minutes or less. They spent weeks strategizing the best way to collaboratively build and managed to achieve a record of 10 minutes and 21 seconds.

The new LEGO® UCS Millennium Falcon, launching 1st October 2017, is more than twice that size at a challenging 7541 pieces – the largest LEGO set ever.

Bricks World is inviting schools, colleges, groups or teams of LEGO fans based in Singapore to try for their own record attempt in 2018.  Interested participants need to send a proposal to Bricks World (register@bricksworld.com) by 30th November 2017, teams appointed to take part in the record challenge will be notified by January 2018.

Additional Information:

LEGO® CERTIFIED STORE

LCS AT ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn #04-15, Singapore
Official Opening: 14th-17th September 2017
Time: 10:30am to 9:30pm

OPENING SPECIALS

VIP Opening Event – 50 VIP Bricks World members will experience the store at an exclusive preview opening on 13th September 2017.  An invitation only event, the program will include special offers, an engraved Pick a Model London Guard (6194484), the opportunity to be the first to view and pre-order the new UCS Millenium Falcon (75192), an exclusive goody bag and the chance to own an exclusive LEGO branded Retail Store (41045) set.

Sure Win Scratch Card – Win over S$28,000 of prizes.  All consumers who spend $100 or more on any LEGO® products in a single receipt from 14th to 17th September will be entitled to a scratch card and stand a chance to instantly redeem many sure win prizes that include:
1 of 5 LEGO Ghostbusters™ Firehouse Headquarters (75827) sets
1 of 5 LEGO Disney Castle Sets (71040) sets
1 of 10 LEGO Winter Holiday Train (10254) sets
1 of 10 LEGO Chess 2017 (6175440) sets
1 of 102 LEGO Captain Jack Sparrow & Captain Salazar Brickheadz (41593+41594) sets
1 of 34 LEGO Shark Suit Guy Keychain (6178213)
1 of 100 LEGO Ninjago Bundle of 3 Minifigures (71019)
1 of 102 LEGO Classic Blue Creativity box (10706) sets
1 of 102 LEGO City Jungle Starter (60157) sets
1 of 102 LEGO Star Wars™ First Order Transporter Speeder Battle Packs (75166)
1 of 26 LEGO The Joker™ Battle Training polybags (30523)
1 of 102 LEGO Vampire and Bat (6137132) sets
1 of 80 LEGO Brick Calendar (6175435) sets
1 0f 80 LEGO Piggy Coin Banks (6112760)
1 0f 100 LEGO Keychain Hot Dog Guy (6139393)
1 of 40 LEGO Pencil Pot (6106640)

Redemption is limited to 1st 250 consumers each day. Terms and conditions apply.

LEGO Branded Retail Store (41045) – The first 50 customers each day to spend over S$150 are entitled to an exclusive miniature “LEGO® Branded Retail Store” (40145) set

Family Gift with Purchase Lucky Dip – make a purchase in-store, and children up to 16 years old can take part in the Lucky Dip to receive a small gift. One redemption per child.

Exclusive Opening Offers – get up to 50% off a variety of products.  Exclusive Opening Offers only during the opening period.

Mascot Appearances – Come say hi and snap a picture with life-sized costume characters: Lloyd, Master Wu and Nya  14th September 10am, 15-16th September 7pm, 17th September 12pm.  Kai mascot appearances 16/17th September 1pm and 4pm

Terms & Conditions apply to the above offers

* Information courtesy of LEGO Singapore and Bricks World *

Acronis True Image 2018

The business world today for working professionals today, the leisure/internet/social media world today for the rest of us, everyone of us are living in a more highly connected with internet and social media era. The number of users on the internet, social media platforms, social media apps and blogging, whether for work or leisure, they are huge and it will only get bigger and wider.

With the vast numbers of people using the internet and social media and this number will only get bigger, this poses a risk for the internet and social media, security and privacy. Cybersecurity (for your works, documents and data) is now an even more important and crucial area that requires immediate attention and action for businesses and also for individuals nowadays. The dangers of ransomware is getting more prevalent recently, anybody and everybody using the internet and social media is a target.

Running a small photography business (with home office as my administrative/back end work base while doing my assignments/projects/works outside), as well as being a social media enthusiast, doing some digital marketing work, an Information Technology (IT) enthusiast, cybersecurity has moved up the ladder on my topics that I am covering and writing more (my other tech interest topics are IoT, 5G networks, IT trends, fin-tech).

Let me tell you a true story, my own personal story on my journey in building up my data protection and backup system for my small photography business + social media + digital marketing + data protection workflow, it took me a bit longer than expected (1 year+), partially procrastinating, partially not knowing where/how to look for and start. My friend HP from Hpility SG (where I currently have a working partnership with him and his blog-portal) introduced me to Acronis, I shared my requirements on what I needed and he mentioned to me their Acronis True Image suits what I need and want for my current setup.

Thereafter, I knew more about Acronis and their Acronis True Image backup software program. I am setting up my Acronis True Image 2018 and I hope to share my stories, experiences in the Acronis True Image 2018 setup with my own personal cloud storage.

Today I am going to share more information and details on the Acronis True Image 2018, for those planning to find a backup and data protection software program for themselves on an individual basis or home office basis:

Press Release – 28th August 2017

Acronis, a global leader in hybrid cloud data protection for business and consumers, today introduced Acronis True Image 2018. The new release includes major updates the program’s backup and recovery capabilities, and is the first personal backup software to incorporate artificial intelligence-based technology designed to actively protect data against ransomware.

“As the first company to offer full image backup for consumers, Acronis pioneered intelligent backup for home use,” said Serguei Beloussov, co-founder, and CEO of Acronis. “Acronis True Image 2018 continues that tradition as the first and only personal backup software that uses artificial intelligence to defend consumers against one of the fastest growing threats to their data.”

By combining the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) based ransomware defense, called Acronis Active Protection™, with a new generation of enhanced backup and recovery capabilities such as active disk cloning and automated WinPE boot media creation, Acronis True Image 2018 represents a new standard of “intelligent backup” for individuals, families and small businesses.

Reliable backup and recovery

During a survey of Acronis customers during July 2017, 95 percent of respondents said they choose and recommend Acronis True Image because the backups are so reliable. The 2018 release improves on those core backup and recovery capabilities even more, with enhancements such as:

  • Active disk cloning: Users can create an exact replica of an active Windows system without stopping and restarting using bootable media, making migration to a faster or larger disk even easier.
  • An updated media builder: Automatically creates boot media for a WinPE environment, so users can quickly resolve driver configuration issues and recover their systems to the same or new hardware.
  • Continuous backup to the cloud: Users can update their backups as they work on files while securely storing an off-site version in the cloud.
  • Virtual drive conversion: Users can test the recoverability of the full image backups, or run their system in a Hyper-V virtual environment to test various applications without risking the primary system, and move complete system image as a virtual drive to another computer.
  • Faster incremental backups: Up to three-times faster with new Changed-Block Tracker technology that tracks image changes in real time.
  • Automatic mobile backup to NAS devices: More than a quarter of Acronis users have network-attached storage (NAS) at home. Now they don’t have to think about backing up a mobile device, since the process starts as soon as the mobile device connects to the same Wi-Fi as the NAS.

Acronis True Image 2018 also addresses the needs of the next generation of users by expanding its support for social media with automatic backups of Instagram accounts, including photos, comments and statistics, such as the number of likes, tags or comments a post gets.

Easy control

A new visual interface addresses the preferences of 83% of Acronis customers who reported that they want more information and insights into their backups. Graphically displaying backup activity and statistics, it allows users to manage their backups at a glance – including how much data they have stored, the types of files in storage, and the status of backups.

Secure data protection

The ability to restore a system or individual files is critical following a ransomware attack. Acronis True Image 2018 not only makes recovery automatic, it takes the initial protection a step further by preventing ransomware from corrupting a user’s data in the first place.

Using machine learning models, Acronis Active Protection recognizes unusual patterns of file access. These models are generated in Acronis’ dedicated Cloud AI infrastructure, which processes data from hundreds of thousands of malicious and legitimate processes to build those models. Those models are incorporated directly into Acronis Active Protection, allowing Acronis True Image 2018 to protect a system’s data independently, without the need for an internet connection.

When Active Protection detects unusual activity, it checks the process using both heuristics analysis as well as those models of expected and unexpected behavior. If the process is identified as potentially malicious, Acronis True Image 2018 alerts the user of the suspicious activity.

With real-time monitoring, Acronis Active Protection verifies all processes so approved activities are allowed to run, while potentially dangerous behavior is detected and stopped. Then, if any files are encrypted during a ransomware attack, Acronis True Image 2018 automatically restores those files from backup.

While cybercriminals increasingly target backup files to keep users from restoring their system without paying the ransom, Acronis’ technology specifically defends backup files as well as the original data. Ransomware damages are expected to top $5 billion this year, and Acronis’ unique self-defense of backup files is Acronis True Image 2018’s way to ensure a user’s data remains untouched.

More than 60 percent of Acronis customers surveyed said they worry about ransomware. A new Security Dashboard gives users complete visibility over Acronis Active Protection so you can be reassured that their data is protected. It lets them track the number of processes that have been flagged as potentially dangerous, see which ones were blocked, and manage a whitelist of trusted applications.

Pricing and Availability

There are three editions of Acronis True Image 2018 available to accommodate customer use and preferences. All versions include Acronis Active Protection against ransomware and cover an unlimited number of mobile devices.

  • Standard is a perpetual license that is offered without any cloud storage or access to cloud-based features for customers who prefer to store their data on local drives only. Pricing starts at 69.99 SGD for one computer.
  • Advanced is a one-year subscription that includes 250 GB of cloud storage and access to all cloud-based features. Pricing starts at 69.99 SGD per year for one computer.
  • Premium is a one-year subscription that includes exclusive blockchain-based data certification and electronic signature capabilities, as well as 1 TB of cloud storage. Pricing starts at $99.99 per year for one computer.

Advanced and Premium subscribers can purchase additional cloud storage within the application. Advanced Licenses can upgrade to a maximum of 500 GB. If more storage is needed, Advanced users can upgrade to a Premium License, which offers cloud storage of up to 5 TB.

Instagram backup launches today in limited markets and will be available worldwide on September 4, 2017

Acronis True Image 2018 is available for purchase at acronis.com/en-us/personal/computer-backup/ and through major software resellers and retail stores worldwide.

NOTE: For small business owners who need to protect more than five computers, or companies that have multiple workstations and servers, Acronis Backup 12.5 scales to protect thousands of computers and provides convenient tools for group management of environments of any complexity. Details are available at acronis.com/en-us/business/backup/.

* Information courtesy of Acronis Asia Pte Ltd *

Logitech Craft – Reinventing the Keyboard Experience

A new keyboard design was announced recently, I reckon that is going to reinvent the keyboard user experience especially for professionals in the photography, creative and design industries. This keyboard got my attention immediately when I saw the news in overseas technology websites and I was very excited. This new keyboard by Logitech looks very cool, sleek and gorgeous!

On the Logitech Craft keyboard, you can’t miss out on the dial, this design is going to be very helpful to photographers, creatives and designers! A photographer myself, when I am editing my photographs on photography editing software, this would be very helpful in my workflow. I hope to share my experiences with a review unit, if the opportunity arises. Personally, I am keen to add the Logitech Craft keyboard into my desktop and laptop setup.

Let me introduce to you the new keyboard, the Logitech Craft! Here are more information and details on the new Logitech Craft:

Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) announced CRAFT, the first keyboard ever with a creative input dial, setting a new standard for computer keyboards. CRAFT looks and feels better than anything you have typed on and offers a whole new way to immediately access context-specific computing tools with a smart aluminium dial. For example, with a touch, tap or turn you can adjust image brightness, contrast and saturation in Adobe Photoshop, or create and adjust charts in Microsoft Excel.  Or simply turn the dial to move up and down font sizes in document programs like Microsoft Word. The creative input dial gives you the ultimate control and input at your desk for precision, efficiency and uninterrupted creative flow.

“Our new flagship Logitech CRAFT keyboard is for all of us who spend time creating using photoshop or building powerpoint slides and want to work with greater precision and feel connected to their work,” said Moninder Jain, Managing Director, ASEAN and Vice-President for Logitech. “The creative input dial gives you instant access to the functions you need, the moment you need them, allowing you to increase your productivity. CRAFT puts you in your creative element – every time you sit at the desk.”

The touch-sensitive aluminium creative input dial, called the Crown, recognises the apps you are using and gives instant access to the tools you need. With a slight touch of the Crown you can instantly access context-specific functions — like brush size, brightness, chart type, font size — tap to change the function and turn to change the selected function’s value. Installing custom profiles in Logitech OptionsTM Software maximises the creative process when working with Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Illustrator CC, Adobe Premiere Pro CC, Adobe InDesign CC and Microsoft PowerPoint®, Excel® and Word® (Microsoft functionalities work on PC only at this time). The Crown brings comfort, immediacy and convenience to your creative process and allows for increased two-handed interactions. You can also use the Crown to change desktops, navigate between apps, or adjust volume – and assign one additional Crown function in each of your favourite apps.

CRAFT also features smart illumination with backlighting that detects your hands and adjusts lighting automatically depending on the room conditions. The keys are crafted for comfort, in a full-size familiar layout, with each individual key engineered for stability and precision. CRAFT looks great alongside other premium desktop accessories by Logitech, such as the Logitech Spotlight Presentation Remote and Logitech MX Master 2S.

Additionally with the touch of an Easy-SwitchTM button, you can switch between – and type on – any three connected devices, whether you are using a Windows® PC or Mac®. Select from either a Logitech Unifying™ USB receiver or Bluetooth® Low Energy technology to connect to your computer.

Pricing and Availability
The Logitech CRAFT Advanced Keyboard is expected to be available in September 2017 at Logitech.com and select retail stores for a suggested retail price of $329.00.

For more information, please visit Logitech.com, our blog or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Logitech and SPRG *

1000th Post: In memory of my Big Auntie

This is my 1,000th post on my personal website/blog, a milestone for me, in my writing journey here, mainly in the topics of technology news and reviews, personal stories, personal development, business topics and areas of personal interest. Initially, I wasn’t sure what topic or theme would suit my milestone 1,000th post because for the past 4-5 months, I was hiding a lot of emotions, hurt and despair behind my normal looking face.

My milestone 1,000th post is dedicated to the memory of my Big Auntie (da jiu mu), my mother’s eldest sister-in-law. Today marks the 35th day since her passing, who lost her fight to cancer. My Big Auntie was a family member that I am very close to, she took care of me when I was just a 1+ months old toddler until I finished secondary 4. She was just like another mother to me, who loved me, nagged at me and of course, the occasional quarrels due to differences in opinions, views and what I wanted to do.

My Big Auntie will definitely have an influence on me over the years that she took care of me, I do pick up some of her traits and style. While I may not cook as skilful and delicious cuisines like my Big Auntie, her cooking skills and knowledge helped me in my cooking when I was studying in Australia.

She also like her things and home to be neat and tidy, I am probably a big culprit, messy and full of things at home. Her nagging and scolding of my home and room will now only be a distant memory in my heart and soul. Over time, my room did change and it’s much better in terms of tidy and neatness, I am speaking the truth here!

When I heard the shocking news from my cousin a few months back that she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer, I was totally devastated and totally shell-shocked. Deep inside me, I know it’s going to be a very very difficult stage with probably of 6 months time left, maybe shorter than 6 months, maybe a chance of a longer period than 6 months.

During the past 4 months, I was going through a very very difficult time, the emotions, hurt, despair and I wasn’t able to do much more for her. This period was also very very difficult for my uncle, cousins and nieces. No words can describe this journey, no words, enough said.

Very few friends, only a very select few know about what was happening, I just looked normal like always, maybe just more moody and bad tempered. I was hiding a lot of emotions, sadness and hurt behind my face. That was also a period whereby there were not many articles being published here on my website/blog.

My Big Auntie lost her fight to cancer, about 4 months after her diagnosis. It was so painful to watch her suffer and while I am very sad and hurt that she is no longer around, it’s also a relief for her that she doesn’t have to suffer pain anymore.

35 days have passed since her passing. I finally managed to pen down my thoughts and feelings, without going into too much details of the past 4 months. This was also a kind of relief for me, while I am still hurting inside my heart., writing and sharing it out here, helps to relieve some of the pain, hurt and sadness.

I lost my paternal grandmother to old age in November 2016, the matriarch of my family, I also lost another senior relative, my grand-auntie in July 2017 and also a cousin in May 2017. This had been a very tough and emotionally draining period since November 2016 while I was building/starting up a small photography business.

To my da jiu mu, my Big Auntie, you will never be forgotten, for everything that you did for me since I was born. I hereby promise you that I am going to make my room and home (along with my parents taking action to clean up the home also) even more clean, neat and tidy, on top of getting my business stable and on track, then you do not to worry about me from the heavens above.

For this special 1,000th milestone on my personal website/blog, I dedicate this post to you, my Big Auntie, in your memory and legacy that you leave behind for us.

999th Post: Happy SG52

I was initially planning to write this post after SG52 National Day Parade on 9th August 2017. Things didn’t go to plan with work, planning and disruptions for the month of August, I am also reaching my own personal milestone for my personal blog/website here, this is my 999th post and it has a special theme to it.

Celebrating SG52, Singapore’s 52nd birthday in 2017, I was looking back at our growth, changes and challenges as far as I can remember. In most recent years, the world is facing some huge, fast and furious disruptions and changes to how they work and live. There were times whereby the pace was so relentless that some segments of the community might not be able to catch up. Running a small photography business at the start of year 2017, coupled with my reading, observance and analysis of business, finance, economics topics, I had a big taste of the difficulties in doing a small business in a highly competitive world faced with market saturation.

There are a number of areas/topics that are affecting and impacting us, from economics, industrial, business, technology, sociology, the following topics are just close to my heart and brains.

Technology Innovation and Disruptions

As an avid consumer of technology products, a tech lover, I have seen first hand on how innovation and disruptions took place over the past ten years, been there and still inside there. These two matters are really huge, it can help us to grow or it have (if not might) replace us (partially and hopefully not totally replacing us) in what we are currently doing, in our work, in our leisure life.

Technology innovations have also make us more lazy and stupid, that is not good and it’s dangerous for us.

Complacency

This issue to me is something that strikes a deep concern and fear. Complacency affects everyone of us at least some points in our life/studies/career, a very dangerous situation to be in. Once we fall from it, we have to pick ourselves up and make a come back again.

It is a very worrying issue when we seem (or are already very) complacent from where we are right now, oblivious of the regional and world situations.

More graciousness or more selfish?

This topic was brought up recently during a kopitiam lah kopi session a.k.a coffeeshop chit chat with a very old classmate from my primary school days. I have seen more groups and societies starting and doing many initiatives for different groups/causes in the society.

At the same time, I have also observed more selfish and rude actions/behaviours in society, happening all around us.

Are we more graciousness or more selfish? Are we growing more towards on both extreme ends of this spectrum?

Situational awareness – microeconomics and macroeconomics

How are of our situational awareness in our domestic front (microeconomics) and regional/international front (macroeconomics)? Do we know the competition and challenges that we are facing domestially and internationally?

Or we having a don’t care, don’t want to know mindset?

Stagnation

Have we stagnated? Looking at the various industries, this is not going to be a clear cut answer, probably some industries have stagnated, some are doing pretty alright, which are the ones to expand and grow for the future of Singapore?

On a personal basis, have we gone on to improving ourselves in our skills and knowledge? Do we want to cross learn other subject areas to improve our overall self, not just for professional career, for your own personal self improvement and enrichment? Having a paper qualification might not account for too much after some time in the workforce.

Final thoughts and views

What I shared and written above, are just the tip of the iceberg. We are facing many many more issues in other different areas that are not brought up here in my article.

It takes two hands to clap, the entire Singapore has to stand up and be part of the change, innovation and action. There are many many many things to do and it must not be done by one side or group of people only. Only when everybody is united together can we ensure the future of Singapore. The theme for National Day Parade 2017 is One Nation Together, is perfect for the article that I have written here.

While I count my blessings and be thankful for what we have here in Singapore, I also reflect, think and plan for the future of Singapore. We need to innovate, adapt and change for the future of Singapore. By everyone of us coming together to do the above, innovate, adapt and change, in their own respective fields, expertise and interests, we can continue to grow for the future of Singapore.

Time to find opportunities/growth in an era of lesser opportunities/growth.

Happy 52nd Birthday Singapore!

Singtel to deploy Massive MIMO technology at special events

The journey to 5G by Singtel continues, it’s shaping up nicely and progressing towards reaching the 5G standards. Singtel recently announced that they would be deploying massive MIMO technology at special events in Singapore, starting with National Day Parade 2017, taking place very soon on 9th August 2017!

For those who regularly visited National Day Parades over the years, whether at the parade ground itself or in the nearby vicinity, we would encountered and experienced no mobile network coverage due to the huge number of people in the area. With the deployment of the massive MIMO technology, that would relieve the issues that mobile users faced previously. I am looking forward to Singapore reaching the 5G technology standards, it would be very helpful and useful for businesses and consumers.

Let me share with you more information on Singtel to deploy massive MIMO technology at special events from the press release information:

Singtel announced plans to deploy Massive MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technology commercially on its LTE-Advanced mobile network, to enhance mobile data speed experience by up to 200% at special events for its customers. A precursor to 5G technology, Massive MIMO is an advanced solution used to boost network capacity in highly dense environments.

Singtel will team up with Ericsson, Huawei and ZTE to deploy Massive MIMO technology at the Marina Bay area. For a start, Singtel will roll out the network boost at the upcoming National Day celebrations, with other deployments planned for the Singapore F1 Night Race and the New Year countdown event.

Over 150,000 people are expected at the Marina Bay area to celebrate National Day. Singtel mobile customers gathered there will be able to enjoy a better data experience as they share their photos and videos of the exciting performances and fireworks on social media.

Mr Mark Chong, Group Chief Technology Officer, Singtel, said: “On the joyous occasion of our National Day celebrations, Singtel is pleased to be pairing our newly-acquired 2.5GHz spectrum with Massive MIMO technology to expand our network capacity and offer our customers an enhanced mobile experience at this and other special events. We look forward to rolling out new technologies and innovative solutions to support the anticipated growth in mobile data.”

Globally, large crowds gathered at events, such as concerts and festivals, use high volumes of data to share their experiences via real-time videos on social media. This extraordinary behaviour generates a dramatic spike in network traffic, presenting a challenge for operators to provide fast and consistent data speeds.

Singtel has identified Massive MIMO as one of the solutions to the problem. Singtel will use Massive MIMO base stations featuring a large array of 64 antennas that improve spectral efficiency and cell capacity using innovations in radio technologies. The innovative antenna system channels signals to users’ specific locations instead of broadcasting across a geographical area. This multiplies the number of data paths from the cellular base stations, thus increasing network capacity and improving user experience.

Singtel provides Singapore’s fastest nationwide mobile data speeds at 450Mbps and recently launched 800Mbps speeds in the high-traffic Orchard Road area. In addition to having the island’s widest outdoor 4G coverage as rated by IMDA1 for 10 consecutive quarters, Singtel is also ranked the fastest telco in Singapore by global metrics leader, Ookla.

For more information on Singtel’s mobile data speeds, please visit here.

* Information courtesy of Singtel Corporate Communications *