This post is 1 month in the making and preparation, from the moment I decided to leave my former industry and embark on my new adventure, a new start, a new beginning and a journey ahead. To some people out there, they would probably see me as a failure and judge me as a failure. For judging people/things seems like a normal standard today and they have a right to judge. It’s true to a certain extent that I have failed to live up to standards in terms of monetary value returns that the society sees as the norm. From this failure, I learned the virtues of savings, living prudently and appreciating riskier opportunities when it became available to me. I failed a lot and I learned an enormous amount from the University of Hard Knocks. While I don’t earn the expected monetary value returns, the lifelong lessons over the years were priceless and made me more grounded, appreciative and smarter. It’s not the end of the lifelong lessons from the University of Hard Knocks, all these lessons are ongoing and continuous.

I learned from my failures and disappointments, climbed up again and again every time I fell flat face down on the ground. It slowly made me stronger slowly over time, painful at times, adding points to the exponential learning curve. In some other parts of life, there had also been ups and downs too, the achievements and disappointments, all contributed to real life marketing and social media management skills, that prepared me for my new journey ahead starting today. For my photography adventure, learning advanced skills in strobist lighting photography, account management and personal projects. There were times there were question marks too in my photography because I questioned that myself, only through more exploring, sharing and mentoring, does my photography came back to me in “Why I photograph”, sometimes I have it, sometimes I have to search for it again.

A month’s rest wasn’t and didn’t became a month’s rest, I was preparing for a new start, a new journey, a new beginning. Instead, I took on new personal projects to Pay-It-Forward and Pass-It-On, helping fellow entrepreneur/biz owner friends, along the line of honing my new photography learning in lighting photography. I am grateful for the support from fellow supportive friends who helped me and never looked down on me.

What does my new start, a new journey, a new beginning consists of ? It’s now a backend role, in terms of business development, social media management, marketing and improvisations. This would allow me to expand on my alternative investments and photography too. The 1st of August 2014 marks the new start, a new corporate profile photograph and a new cover photograph for both my Facebook personal and page.

Yes, I quit, I do not need to deny about that fact. Yes, I am making a New Start, New Journey, A New Beginning. Life is like a never ending marathon, one after another, the anxiety, the fatigue, the pain, mind over body, finishing the run and the whole life marathon starts again. As this phrase always remains part of my life forever “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, I sincerely thank you to the group of people who never looked down on me and stand by me and walked with me in my life journey till now, they are still walking the journey with me.

Simpsons fans in Singapore alert! The Simpsons will be in town on 26th July! Catch Homer and Bart Simpson at Causeway Point SingTel Shop on 26th July at 12pm, 3pm and 6pm! You can mingle and snap a photo with the life-sized cartoon characters to win attractive prizes! Take a selfie with Bart and Homer in the SingTel Shop and upload it to Instagram with the hashtag, #miotvfoxsimpsons. 30 lucky winners will receive a 2015 Simpsons calendar and this contest is open to all members of the public.

Note: Winners will be notified via Instagram.

For SingTel mio TV subscribers, your selfie with Bart and Homer could help you win the top prize of a trip for two to Los Angeles and the FOX lot! Other prizes such as The Simpsons LEGO House and a set of the Simpsons family 25th Anniversary plush toys are also up for grabs. All you need to do is to email your selfie, along with a comment on why you love The Simpsons (what’s there not to love?) to contests@singtel.com.

Simpsons fans! Don’t forget to catch The Simpsons Season 25 when it premieres on FOX next Monday, 21 July, at 8pm.

The Simpsons S25
Premieres Monday, 21 July @ 8pm
Every Monday-Friday, 8pm
FOX
SingTel mio TV Ch. 330

* Information and Pictures Courtesy of FOX International Channels and Tactic PR *

OtterBox is a well-known and trusted brand for smartphone case protection. They have a good and wide variety of designs and series for different smartphones and tablets. I had reviewed the OtterBox Preserver, OtterBox Defender and OtterBox Defender Series for iPad previously and had a good experience with them. While they were slightly heavier due to the materials and protection, they gave us the trust and protection that a smartphone user needs.

I shared about the OtterBox Symmetry series earlier and was recently given the OtterBox Symmetry smartphone case series for a short review period. My smartphone is the Apple iPhone 5 and here are my thoughts and experiences with the OtterBox Symmetry smartphone case series for iPhone 5 -

• Good quality material
• Nice, firm and tight fit case for iPhone 5
• Different stylish designs and patterns available
• Raised develed edge protects the smartphone screen more
• Dual material construction makes it a good shock absorber and withstands drops

The OtterBox Symmetry series are also available for major smartphone brands and models, do check out their website for more information and details! The OtterBox Symmetry is a good mix between protecting your smartphone without compromising your colours, style and personality. It’s good to have different smartphone protection cases for different needs/situations such as the OtterBox Defender on weekends when you are in the outdoors and the OtterBox Symmetry on weekdays when you are in the office.

Symmetry comes in a full spectrum of colours and graphics including dreamy pink, triangle grey and glacier white, The Symmetry Series will retail for SGD $49 in solid colours and SGD $55 for select graphic designs. All cases are available at www.otterbox.asia or from selected local retailers. Do drop by their website and check them out for more details if you are keen to get OtterBox Symmetry series for your smartphone!

I would like to thank OtterBox and Ogilvy Public Relations for the OtterBox Symmetry series review opportunity.

Ultimate Ears recently introduced the UE Mini Boom, a major upgrade to the popular Logitech UE Mobile Boombox. The UE Mini Boom is a small, yet stylish, colourful and powerful portable speaker.

With a battery that lasts up to 10 hours, simple controls and Bluetooth® connectivity, the UE MINI BOOM is the perfect music companion, whether you’re streaming music videos, hanging out with friends or travelling. It streams big sound from any Bluetooth-enabled device from up to 50 feet away, and with such huge sound, you’ll need the extra distance. Thanks to its convenient micro-USB charger, it’s easy to find a charge for your UE MINI BOOM almost anywhere. Plus, you can wirelessly pair two UE MINI BOOM speakers together after downloading the free UE MINI BOOM app (available for iOS™ and Android™) to double the sound.

Key Facts

Wireless Capabilities

• Pair up to eight Bluetooth-enabled devices
• Connect to one or two devices at the same time
• Wireless range of play up to 50 feet

Audio

• Maximum sound level: 86 dB
• Frequency range: 130Hz to 20kHz
• Drivers: Two 1.5-inch full range drivers; one 3-inch x 1.5-inch passive radiator

Power

• Micro USB rechargeable battery, with up to 10 hours of battery life between charges

Product Specifications

• Dimensions (L x W x H): 11.1 cm X 6.7 cm X 6.1 cm
• Weight: 301g

Compatibility for Audio Playback

• Smartphones, tablets and other devices that support Bluetooth wireless audio profile [Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)] or 3.5 mm audio output

Compatibility for Phone Calls

• Phones that support Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP1.5)

Colour Availability

• Black
• Red
• Yellow

Warranty

• 2-year limited hardware warranty

I had a chance to review the UE Mini Boom recently and I had a fun time with the UE Mini Boom, here are my thoughts on the UE Mini Boom

Thoughts on the UE Mini Boom

• Lightweight
• Easy to setup and pair
• Battery life indicator on iPhone 5
• Nice bass for its size and package
• Small and compact size to bring out for outings/gatherings
• UE Mini Boom App has a nice interface and informative
• Nice to have a pair of UE Mini Boom to play and give you surround sound music with Stereo
• Quite easy to pair with my MBP and become my external speaker.

Pricing and Availability

The UE MINI BOOM is available in Singapore for a suggested retail price of SGD129.00. For more information, please visit www.ultimateears.com.

The UE Mini Boom is definitely a good consideration for your powerful portable personal speaker that you can bring out during outings or to put in your office. Do check out Ultimate Ears website for more details on the UE Mini Boom!

I would like to thank Logitech Singapore and SPRG for the UE Mini Boom review opportunity.

* Information and details courtesy of Logitech Singapore and SPRG *

Sony has announced the sleek and elegant HD-S1A, the world’s slimmest 1TB Portable HDD[1] currently available in the market. With its premium, high quality and durable design, the HD-S1A is the perfect companion for the polished executive who needs a storage device on-the-go.

Fitting nicely in your pocket or laptop sleeve, the HD-S1A weighs just 155g and as thin as 8.7mm. In line with Sony’s aesthetic of clean and stylish designs, the HDD is cased with an aluminium hairline finish, and features the signature sparkling diamond-cut Sony logo. The HD-S1A will come in two colours, black and silver, for any discerning business professional.

Aside from its stunning looks, the external HDD provides high usability and security thanks to a host of smart utility software packed into its diminutive size. Password Protection Manager will ensure that your data is protected should the device fall in the wrong hands, while Backup Manager automatically backs up the data stored in your PC, and is capable of selective backup of modified or added data. Lastly, Data Transfer Accelerator enables faster data transfer from the PC by reducing transfer time by half via the USB 3.0 cable.

The new 1TB Slim HDD HD-S1A, in both black and silver colours, will be available at all Sony Stores and Sony Centre from July 2014 at the recommended retail price of S$159. 

Specifications Sheet

[1] As of July 1st, 2014. Among 1TB external HDDs. Based on Sony survey.

* Information and Pictures Courtesy of Sony Electronics Asia Pacific and Waggener Edstrom Worldwide *

Logitech recently introduced the Logitech® Multimedia Speakers Z213, a new 2.1 multimedia speaker system with two satellite speakers and a dedicated subwoofer. This system is designed with rich bass that brings your music, movies and games to life. The Logitech Multimedia Speakers Z213 system is designed to work with a wide range of audio devices, including Windows® and Mac OS® computers, tablets, smartphones and MP3 players. The speaker system has a down-firing subwoofer with a four-inch driver that provides bass that lets you feel the beat of your favorite music, movies or games, and a knob in the back of the subwoofer lets you easily adjust the bass level. The wired control pod makes it easy to turn the system on and off and adjust the volume. If you want to listen to music in total privacy, just plug your stereo headphones into the 3.5mm-compatible headphone jack, which is conveniently built into the control pod.

The Logitech Multimedia Speakers Z213 system is also compatible with the Logitech® Bluetooth® Audio Adapter. Simply connect the adapter to your speaker system and you can enjoy music from any of your devices that use Bluetooth.

 Key Features 

• Enjoy loud bass: With a down-firing subwoofer with four-inch driver, the speaker system delivers rich bass that brings your movies, music and games to life.
• Down-firing subwoofer with four-inch driver: Enjoy a deeper bass experience over a range of music, movies and games with the down-firing subwoofer with four-inch driver.
• Compact design: The speaker system’s compact design gives you great acoustics without sacrificing valuable space on your desktop or in your living room.
• Wired control pod: Easily command your sound with the convenient wired control pod, which features a power switch, volume level adjustment and headphone jack.
• Bass control: Adjust the bass to your needs with the separate control knob at the back of the subwoofer.
• Headphone jack: Compatible with 3.5 mm stereo headphones for private listening, the jack is conveniently built into the control pod.

System Requirements 

• Any major operating system, including Windows® and Mac®
• Audio devices with 3.5 mm output, including Windows and Mac OS computers, smartphones, tablets and MP3 players

Pricing and Availability 

The Logitech Multimedia Speakers Z213 is expected to be available in Singapore in July 2014, for a suggested retail price of SGD$39.90. For more information, please visit www.logitech.com.

* Information and Pictures Courtesy of Logitech Singapore and SPRG *

Surface Pro 3, the thinnest and lightest member of the Surface Pro family, is a tablet that can replaces the laptop, wrapped in magnesium and loaded with a 12-inch ClearType Full HD display, 4th-generation Intel^® Core™ processor and up to 8 GB of RAM in a sleek frame — just 9.1mm thin and 800g — with up to nine hours of Web-browsing battery life, Surface Pro 3 has all the power, performance and mobility of a laptop in an incredibly lightweight, versatile form.

Surface Pro 3 features a large and beautiful 2160×1440 2K color-calibrated screen and 3:2 aspect ratio with multitouch input, so you can swipe, pinch and drag whenever you need. The improved optional Surface Pro Type Cover and more adjustable, continuous kickstand will transform your device experience from tablet to laptop in a snap. Surface Pro Type Cover features a double-fold hinge enabling you to magnetically lock it to the display’s lower bezel, keeping everything steady so you can work just as comfortably on your lap as you do at your desk.With a full-size USB 3.0 port, microSD card reader and Mini DisplayPort, you can quickly transfer files and easily connect peripherals like external displays. And with the optional Surface Ethernet Adapter, you can instantly connect your Surface to a wired Ethernet network with transfer rates of up to 1 Gbps[1].

The custom Surface Pen, crafted with a solid, polished aluminum finish, was designed to look and feel like an actual fountain pen to give you a natural writing experience. Use Surface Pen to organically mark presentations, sign documents or create art in apps like Fresh Paint. A click of Surface Pen opens OneNote, so you can capture your thoughts instantaneously — and your work is automatically saved. Double-click the back of Surface Pen to instantly capture a screenshot of whatever’s on your screen.[2] And with our sophisticated Palm Block technology, you can rest your hand as you write without unintended inputs and marks.

When it’s time to have some fun, Surface Pro 3’s bright 12-inch ClearType Full HD display, Dolby® Audio-enhanced sound and doubled Wi-Fi speeds are up to the task. Prop up your Surface via its continuous kickstand for your perfect viewing angle, and enjoy Surface Pro 3’s front-facing speakers, now 45 percent louder for an even better audio experience. Need to quickly capture a photo or video chat with your friends? Surface Pro 3 now features two 5MP cameras capable of capturing 1080p HD video, so capturing stills or video has never been easier.

Top features and benefits

• Replace your laptop. Surface Pro 3 takes you from tablet to laptop and back with the optional Surface Pro Type Cover and Docking Station for Surface Pro 3. Prop Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro Type Cover up on your lap to type on the go, flip the cover back and use Surface Pro 3 like a tablet, or draw with Surface Pen. Connect Surface Pro 3 to the docking station to create a powerful desktop rig. It’s the tablet that can replace your laptop.
• Feel the power. With the option of three different 4th-generation Intel^® Core™ processor models and packing up to 8 GB of RAM, Surface Pro 3 is a powerhouse providing enterprise-worthy performance, all in a thin and lightweight package.
• Write, draw and create. Surface Pro 3 includes the all-new Surface Pen that is pressure-sensitive and precise, so you can get creative with drawing and note-taking. Surface Pen makes it easy to mark presentations, PDFs and documents just like you would on paper.
• Smile for the camera.Featuring two 1080p HD video cameras, 5MP rear- and front-facing cameras, capturing image stills or video chatting is easy and beautiful.
• All the programs you need. Surface Pro 3 is compatible with virtually all your favorite and critical Windows software, including Microsoft Office.[1] With Windows 8.1 Pro, you can download apps from the Windows Store and use them side by side with Snap View, or load custom line-of-business apps for your workforce.

Technical specs

[1] System software uses significant storage space. Available storage is subject to change based on system software updates and apps usage. 1 GB = 1 billion bytes. See http://www.microsoft.com/surface/storage for more details.

^[2] Battery life varies with usage and settings.

[3] Varies by market.

I had a short hands on session when I was at the event to catch a sneak preview of the Surface Pro 3. It was impressive, with the built quality and performance. The Surface Pro 3 is a powerful and lightweight tablet that can replace your laptop and gives you more mobility without compromising performances during your working hours and even leisure time. For business owners, working on the move and even students, the Surface Pro 3 is definitely something worthy of your consideration for your work/study needs with great mobility without the compromising the performances needed. I had been on the lookout for a tablet type Windows based powerful business laptop for the past few years and Surface Pro 3 looks to be my answer. For people working in sales and handling a number of work matters outside and on the move, mobility and lightweight are key factors in their consideration. Surface Pro 3 has that key factors and adding the tablet feature, I am sure it can be attractive and probably a must have for business owners on-the-go, sales people, project management, people on the move and of course students too!

Surface Pro 3 is coming soon to Singapore, do check out the details and information below for Singapore’s local pricing, availability and promotions!

Local pricing, availability, and promotions

[1] Available at a later date.

[1] Office sold separately.

^[1]Capable Ethernet connection required.

[2] Double-click feature coming with a future update.

* Information and Pictures Courtesy of Microsoft Singapore and IN.FOM *

Logitech recently launched the X300 Mobile Wireless Stereo Speaker, a wireless speaker designed for performance and mobility. Engineered for wide-range sound, the Logitech X300 Mobile Wireless Stereo Speaker has specially angled drivers to give you an expansive sound spectrum, with precise bass response and detailed mids and highs. With this speaker, you can connect and play your music and video entertainment from any Bluetooth®-enabled device up to 30 feet away, giving you the freedom to take your media anywhere.

The speaker is simple to connect and control. You can adjust volume and manage phone calls without missing a beat. Plus, with the speaker’s built-in lithium-ion battery, you can keep yourself entertained with up to five hours of continuous playtime, and recharging is easy and convenient thanks to its micro-USB cable.

Key Features 

• Powerful sound: Discover surprisingly powerful sound with the Logitech X300 Mobile Wireless Stereo Speaker. It delivers a deep and precise bass response, and detailed mid- and high-range sound.
• Wireless freedom: Taking advantage of Bluetooth technology, you don’t have to worry about annoying cords or docks. You can wirelessly connect and play up to 30 feet away.** 
•  Calls and Control: This speaker delivers a simple, intuitive user experience, letting you adjust volume and manage phone calls from your device, with ease.
• Designed for performance: This mobile speaker is designed for wide-range sound. The drivers are positioned facing upward and out, for a more expansive sound spectrum. 
• Extended playtime: Enjoy up to five hours of continuous play without recharging. Recharge the built-in lithium-ion battery with the convenience of the included micro-USB cable and keep dancing. 

System Requirements 

• Smartphones, tablets and other devices that support Bluetooth wireless audio profile [Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)] or 3.5 mm audio output.

Product Specifications 

• Dimensions (L x W x H): 152mm x 71mm x 69mm
• Weight: 355 g

Warranty 

• One-year limited hardware warranty 

Pricing and Availability 

The Logitech X300 Mobile Wireless Stereo Speaker is expected to be available in Singapore in July 2014. It will be available for a suggested retail price of SGD$99.00. For more information, please visit www.logitech.com or our blog.

* Information and Pictures Courtesy of Logitech Singapore and SPRG *

OtterBox, the number one most trusted smartphone case brand in the US*, has created a case which is one of the slimmest and most protective smartphone case in its class. The new Symmetry Series protects your phone from heart-stopping drops, without doing any damage to your phone’s design credentials. Available now for the Apple iPhone 5S/5C, Samsung Galaxy S4/S5 and HTC One (M8), the case has all of the protection you can expect from OtterBox. Specially designed to be as slim and lightweight as possible, the new case also has all of the protective features you could ask for.

• The OtterBox Symmetry Series is the culmination of over a year of design, testing and innovation. This slender, cleanly constructed protective smartphone case is moulded into a single piece for ease of installation.
• A dual-material construction makes Symmetry Series one of the slimmest, most protective cases in its class and a raised beveled edge helps keep the touch screen safe. Internal synthetic rubber with honeycomb coring helps protect the device from drops and shock.

Symmetry comes in a full spectrum of colours and graphics including dreamy pink, triangle grey and glacier white, The Symmetry Series will retail for SGD $49 in solid colours and SGD $55 for select graphic designs.

All cases are available at www.otterbox.asia or from selected local retailers.

* Information and Picture Courtesy of OtterBox and Ogilvy Public Relations *

The first half of year 2014 is over, it’s now the start of the second half of year 2014. On 30th June 2014, the last day of the first half of 2014, I took the steps to formally leave and close a chapter in my life. Officially, 1st July 2014, it’s the first day of the second half of 2014, it’s also now the start of a new chapter for me. There are many things/thoughts/feelings/emotions inside my head and mind, it will take some time before everything inside turns into words and stories. My story might be a bit lengthy, so do bear with me and my writing!

Looking forward ahead to the second half of 2014 and beyond, times ahead are going to be very challenging and harder. There are also opportunities opening for us to explore and build upon in both local, regional and international. While my head and mind are both filled with ideas/plans/dreams for the future, I am taking the next few and bigger steps to make it happen slowly in the near future.

Quote: “Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood” by Helen Keller. The life lessons of the harsh and demanding society, the relentless hectic pace of life and all the lessons that “life university” gave and taught me so much and beyond. The life lessons are still continuing and growing day by day, a continuation of lifelong learning and personal growth.

When one door closes, another door opens for you. It’s now the start of a new chapter.