CD-R King Mobile Power Bank 5600mAh PWB-065-R(PB-201) - Review

This is my review of CD-R King's Mobile Power Bank 5600mAh PWB-065-R(PB-201).  I had it more than a couple of months now, and had charged it more than a couple of times and used it on multiple of devices.

Here is my impressions and review of the product, after using it more extensively on a number of days:

• It retains the charge and does not drain as fast without using it for a while
• High capacity device such as a tablet (iPad mini) drains it super fast and will only charge the tablet a fraction and completely drain the power bank within an hour.
• Heats up on charging with tablets, and large capacity 2400mAh battery phones
• Its indicator is helpful in determining the charge capacity of the power bank and pretty useful in cases where you need to drain and recharge it

Pros and Cons for the Mobile Power Bank 5600mAh PWB-065-R(PB-201)

Pros

• you get a led flashlight, a quick mobile charger with power level indicator, for the cheap price of Php580.00 (around $13 USD).
• it's small and easy to put on your pocket or bag.
• it can charge phones several times without recharging for a while

Cons

• there are times it heats up a bit when charging with a phone, really heats up when charging a tablet.
• not all devices are compatible with this charger (notably the Galaxy S Duos)
• it takes about 5-6 hours to fully charge.

The verdict on this device:

It's a nice portable device that does not take much space on your bag.  It can retain it's charge for more than a month without recharging.  You may have to check the charge level at times and need to recharge it in a couple of months to maintain good battery life, when you don't usually use it.

This is a good choice for a power bank, since it has a LED flashlight that can be used in cinemas or when you need a quick light in the dark.  And the LED charge level indicator is very helpful to determine if you need to recharge it already.

My verdict: This is a good buy, just don't expect it to last long.  I'm sure after a couple of years you need to change it with a new model, depending on how much you use it over time.

Last time I was in CD-R King - SM Megamall branch, this model is still available and for sale.

XCOM: Enemy within to be release this 2nd week of November

I have mentioned before XCOM will release an update this year, but I was wrong on mentioning it's just a DLC before on my blog http://philgadgames.blogspot.com/2013/09/xcom-enemy-within-dlc-not-expansion-is.html.

But, it seems like DLC to me since I have the PC version, and the only way I can purchase the expansion is thru steam, which by the way, they still blocks my IP address since someone in our IP block merited to be blocked and in the process also blocked everyone else with the same masked IP.

Currently released, here in the Philippines as mentioned by DataBlitz... fingers crossed that I get one later.

Determine Philippine Mobile Cellphone Carrier Provider

I got this from another website, which I forgot to copy the link.  And added some numbers that I came across with that I know is from this certain cell provider.

• Extelcom: 973, 974
• Globe Telecom: 905, 906, 915, 916, 917, 926, 927, 935, 936, 937, 996, 997
• Next Mobile (Nextel): 979
• Smart Communications: 910, 912, 918, 919, 920, 921, 928, 929
• Sun Cellular: 922, 923, 932, 933, 942, 943, 925

Why this list?

Most people in the Philippines avail of unli call or text promo, that is limited to 3 networks or just a single cellphone network provider.  That is why we often find ourselves in a predicament, on whether to call or text a person, that we are unsure on whether we will be charged or have our prepaid load deducted. 

Hope this list will help.  Leave a comment, on errors and additions.   Please share the first 3 digits of the Cellphone provider in the Philippines that isn't on this list, that you came accross.

Disclaimer

I'm not liable, if you used the number without testing first if the call or text was charged or deducted.  Use with caution and double check first.

XCOM Enemy Within DLC, not an expansion, is going to be released in November 2013

Most of us are expecting an expansion pack for the XCOM game, but instead we have additional content, new upgrades for the units and new enemies.  This is usually accompanied by new campaign, but this one is just new units for both XCOM and the aliens.

I think, it's a bit expensive just to have an upgrade on units.  I don't know. Steam is giving me a hard time connecting to their server, since my area's shared IP has been blocked.

I'll buy, if it comes with a box in our local store.  Not buying if directly from steam.  I still like my box and DVD package.

Update: This game has already been released in the Philippines, but those who bought the installer need to wait for Nov 15 to start playing the game.  Also correction, this is an expansion pack in a sense it expands the game with new weapons and enemies.  With new enemies, there come new goals to the game.  I have been playing with it for a few hours and the game expansion does improve the game.  I also noticed the easy mode is still hard to play.  I started with normal and I got my butt kicked most of the time.  I can't wait for XCOM 2, next year hopefully a continued story rather than new faction and additional equipment.

CD-R King Mobile Power Bank 5600mAh PWB-065-R(PB-201) - First Look

My blog on mobile power bank is so popular, that I decide to post another review on a higher capacity power bank 5600mAh.  Mind you, I only select the mobile power bank that I think is built to last, and a value for money.  I also have no sponsor or gain any income from these reviews.

This is only a first look, since the device was only bought yesterday, and I could not give a complete objective review in such a short time.  The price for this model PWB-065-R(PB-201) is Php580.00 (around $13 USD).

My first impressions on this CD-R King Mobile Power bank, is that it is a bit oddly designed. Not as odd as the last lipstick shape Power Bank? I was being sarcastic, if you couldn't tell.  I was looking for the other model, PWB-063-VT(VIP-H025) same features, but without the bumps as seen in the photo above.  Since, they look the same and I wanted to have my power bank right there and then, I got this one instead, since the other model wasn't available on that store branch of CD-R King.

Okay, my impressions:

• plastic built, that may crack open when dropped high enough.
• looks a bit better built than the rest of the power bank of the same capacity, on that particular branch of the CD-R King Store.
• It's very useful that it has a led flashlight, I can use it as a flashlight and charger.
• Easy to operate
• Fully charged when I bought it, ready to use.
• Useful power level indicator.
• at times you need to press the power button for the charge to start.
• the device heats up when charging high power capacity devices

Thanks to the salesperson for teaching me how to operate the flashlight since it does not indicate on the package.  It was actually 2 quick press on the power button to use the flashlight.

It charges on most devices. Namely the following, I tested it on:

• Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos
• Samsung Galaxy S3
• Samsung Galaxy Y
• iPad Mini
• Fiio E6 Portable Headphone Amplifier

It does not charge Samsung Galaxy S Duos.  I don't know why.  I tried the older power bank I reviewed before CD-R King Mobile Power Bank PWB-049-ZG 2800mAh it charged without a problem.

So when buying the power bank, test it on the device you will primary use it for, since not all device will charge with this particular model - PWB-065-R(PB-201).

The product page on CD-R King website: http://www.cdrking.com/index.php?mod=products&type=view&sid=18199&main=167

I bought mine in CD-R King Gateway Branch ground floor facing Aurora Boulevard.  Since the one on the LRT level has none of the colors that I like. Warranty is only 3 months.

Samsung Galaxy S Duos First Look and Review

The new released Samsung Galaxy S Duos is one among other new affordable phones released by Samsung in the Philippines.  New in the sense, that there isn't much screen protector and casings available for this particular model.

Together with Galaxy S Duos are the following in the same line of android phones:

• Galaxy Win
• Galaxy Core
• Galaxy Fame
• Galaxy Star
• Galaxy Pocket Neo
• Galaxy Young

I know other models are already old, wish Samsung named them different for their new releases.  The Galaxy Young will have people confuse refering to the old with the last release.

micro SD slot accessible on the right with power button on top

After using the Galaxy S Duos for a couple of weeks, I have to say, it's a very good smart phone.  The Galaxy S model name will not be tarnished by this particular model.  The reasons why are as follows:

1. Long battery life. (Compared to the S3 with same always on 3G internet.  S Duos last longer.)
2. All the android features of a high end Galaxy S (Software App wise) is available.
3. Screen size is good.
4. Build is good, especially the feel of the plastic on the back, it feels solid.
5. Fast charge, compared to my galaxy S3. (You know what, I think S3 was over hyped)
6. Does not heat up at the back when I browse the internet and use 3G (Mobile Internet). Unlike S3, which heats up after a few minutes of web browsing or heavy gameplay.

volume rocker on the left side

What is the specs for this Smart Phone?

• HSDPA 7.2 (900/2100MHz)
• Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz)
• 1GHz CPU
• 4 inches WVGA TFT LCD
• TouchWiz (Interface of Android)
• Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
• GPS/Geo-tagging
• 5MegaPixels on the back with flash and VGA on the front.
• micro SD expandable the slot is accessible on the right side (No need to remove battery to access it)
• Power button on the upper right and volume rocker on the left

What is the weight and feel of the phone?

This smart phone is light-weight and solid built.  You can feel it once you lift it.  iPhone users will feel it's plastic built.  But it's a good phone as far as I can tell using it for couple of weeks.

earphone jack (Stereo)

Sound

Sound is the same as most phone, there isn't much to talk about, it's the same as the rest of the phones.  My only complaint is the Samsung Phones have their speakers at the back, which muffles the sound when you place it on a desk or on a seat.

It comes with an earphone jack, and an ear buds with microphone.

Camera

Camera is the same as the rest.  Standard quality. Nothing to get wow about.  It's an affordable phone, so the quality is a bit better than the lower ends.

Overall

The phone won't disappoint you much.  If you only need to browse the internet, tethering the internet to a tablet, use as a spare phone.  Then this is the phone for you if you have the budget.  Price of the Phone is around Php8,000+.

Galaxy Y besides Galaxy S Duos

Sun Cellular Better coverage in Metro Manila

I noticed, that the coverage area of Sun Cellular is much better than Smart and Globe.  At least in Caniogan & Brgy. San Miguel in Pasig, Rockwell Center, and Araneta Center.

Also, the data speed of Sun Cellular is faster and stronger than Smart.  I certainly regret getting a data plan from Smart now.  Sun Cellular must have used their money from Smart (Smart bought Sun Cellular) and improved their infrastructure and coverage.

The only problem I have with Sun Cellular is their customer service, that is where they failed.  You call their customer service, good luck getting thru.  You will be on hold for more than 5 minutes and in fact, I have not talked to any service representative since availing of their service.

Another problem with Sun Cellular is their stores, there are few agents and the line to the cashier is so long, that you better have that bill auto debited to your credit card to avoid this inconvenience.

This is just my personal opinion.  And I am planning to change my data provider from Smart to Sun Cellular, once my lock-in period expires.  I'm currently paying for a data plan that I am not happy with, there are many instances there is no mobile data connection from Smart, but the Sun Cellular data is flowing in lightning speed.  So I don't believe in Smart saying they offer LTE, when 4G coverage is none existent in areas that they should have, like the malls and public spaces.

Globe has the worst coverage of the 3 top brands.  Globe was the first in the Philippines, but their infrastructure is now the worst.  In fact my first mobile service provider was Globe, since most people use Globe at that time, then I switched to Smart.  Smart coverage is said to be good, but mobile data is bad.  Hope their data improves before my lock-in period expires, so I may consider staying with them.

MyPhone will launch their flagship phone on July 26 in the Philippines

If the specs of the front and back cameras does not impress you, the design and material will.  MyPhone in the Philippines, is well known for Quality phones at a reasonable price.  

MyPhone will release their flagship Phone on July 26, with a promo for people to own it by 12 or 24 months credit card installments.  According to them, this phone has 2 years warranty, unlike most phones today that only have 1 yr.

MyPhone has been lagging behind in releasing better specs phone lately, but with this release, they are on the top position to topple other Philippine branded phones like Cherry Mobile and Torque.  

I myself have a cheap phone from MyPhone, and using it and looking at it, I know it's built to last, and worth every penny I paid.  Unlike, the Cherry Mobile brand which does not last long and Cherry Mobile does not care if you have a sub-quality phone, for the cheap price you paid.  I made a mistake buying Cherry Mobile, that phone has a massive crack screen now and even before could not be used for calls, since the ear piece and mic was broken.

The specs of this phone "ICEBERG" is very impressive.  And the object and name has lots of meaning, they say because it's cold or cool.  I say, icebergs usually can be seen as little on the surface, but is massive underneath.

So here are the specs they are posting on social media Facebook:

✓ 5.7 HD IPS Display, Corning Gorilla Glass 2
✓ Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
✓ 1.2GHz Quad-core processor
✓ 16GB internal storage
✓ 1GB RAM
✓ 12-megapixel autofocus main camera with LED flash(BSI)
✓ 5-megapixel front camera
✓ 1080p video recording
✓ Bluetooth / WiFi / HSPA+
✓ Light, Motion, Proximity, Magnetic Sensor
✓ OTG

Very impressive indeed.  Puts my Samsung Galaxy S3 to shame.  I would buy this, if it was bit cheaper.  But the P11,988 promo launch price for this specs is cheap enough.  Plus the credit card installment option is the clincher.  I just want to avoid the crowd, that is why I won't be at the event.  Otherwise, I would have bought one at their nearest store.  I think they don't want the launch event to be a flop, that is why there is this promo during the event.

Really not that bad, you can own an android phone with top of the line specs for only P12,000. An option to pay for it 1-2yrs installment plan.

iPad Mini 16.3-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery recharged using CD-R King Mobile Power Bank PWB-049-ZG 2800mAh

The title is a bit long, but these are my findings on recharging an iPad mini with a CD-R King 2800mAh Power Bank.

I ran out of power and need to be somewhere else, so I recharged my iPad mini with my CD-R King Power Bank, expecting it to be recharge at least more than half, like my Galaxy S3 (63% charge from completely drained).

I guess my math was a bit off. Galaxy S3 is 1/3 the size of iPad mini, so I should be happy getting 1/3 of the charge I got from S3.  I was surprised how fast the iPad mini drained the Power Bank.  It was empty in only 1.5 hours.  My iPad mini got a charge of 33% from 5% in one and a half hour.

So there you go, iPad mini charge test for CD-R King Mobile Power Bank PWB-049-ZG 2800mAh, it got the mini charge at 1/4 capacity.  Provided you turned the iPad mini off during the charge.

I was really surprised, the Power Bank got drained that fast by the iPad mini.

GrabTaxi App for the Philippine Android market

I just found out, there is an app here in the Philippines to call a taxi.  This app was advertised on a taxi that I took last time.  

I haven't used the service yet, but want to just let people know what is available in both the Apple Store and in Google Play.  If you ever need a taxi and have P70 to spare, then this app may help you when you can't seem to get a taxi and need to be somewhere else.

I am in no way linked to this app, install and use it at your own risk.  It has high reviews in Google Play, but how do we know the reviews are genuine users and not planted by the developers themselves?

GrabTaxi app is available for download for free in Google Play Store.

People in gaming media have been talking about Xbox One

People or media have been busy right now praising or talking about the new Xbox One.  It now has blu-ray, major hardware upgrade, a far superior Kinect, and better game pad.

I'm more interested in the Kinect since they say it will replace the remote.  Good luck to us Filipinos, since the current kinect cannot even recognize some of our words.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the new Kinect which I probably won't buy since, I'm more of a PC and tablet kind of guy.

Smart offers iPad mini and iPad with retina display affordable plans

Latest news I found is that Smart Telecom in the Philippines is now offering an affordable plan for iPad mini and iPad with retina display.

There are different monthly options, the iPad offer is a wi-fi with cellular model.  Meaning you need to avail a 24 month lock-in period with their plan.  Smart is offering iPad plan 499, with 65minute internet per month, excess will be charge  P10/30mins in excess.  So you will probably be turning your mobile internet on and off and probably be using the iPad mostly in wifi at home.

Good news for some who don't have a credit card, but want to avail of the iPads thru monthly installments of 24 months.  There is no cash-out required.

Visit the smart website for more details: http://www1.smart.com.ph/Pages/ipadmini/miniplans

Read my review and recommendation on the iPad mini: http://philgadgames.blogspot.com/2013/05/ipad-mini-wifi-version-review-and.html

iPad Mini Wifi version: Review and Recommendation

My iPad Mini: Wi-fi Version Review

iPad mini in landscape orientation

Weight and Feel of the tablet

I was hesitant to get the iPad full large version, since one(1) it is heavy, two(2) hard to handle with a single hand.  But, with the iPad mini, I was right away impressed by the weight and beautiful design it has.  Even though it doesn't have a Retina Display, I still like its impressive display output and an advantage of longer battery life, compared to iPad with Retina Display.

iPad Portrait orientation

Battery Life

Battery life of iPad mini is significantly very impressive.  With minimal use (1-2 hrs a day), I only recharge once a week.  With heavy use, I need to charge it after 8-10 hrs of constant use for games such as Real Racing 3.

With movie, audio, the iPad mini charge lasted longer.  Also, the unit does not heat up as oppose to Galaxy S3, on internet browsing, where the back heats up after a few minutes of browsing.

speaker is only found at the bottom, with lightning port

Sound

The sound is in stereo, and is quite good coming from a small device.  It does not sound like it came from a tin can.  Although, the problem I have with the sound is it only comes out from the bottom of iPad mini in portrait mode.  Unlike Samsung's tablets that have their speakers on both sides in landscape mode.

I'm sure Apple thought of it, that when people watch a video; they do it in landscape mode.  Maybe they will have left and right speakers in later releases, that is just typical Apple strategy to make people to upgrade on their later releases.

Reference of iPad Mini to a sharpie and ballpen

Findings

The iPad Mini is a nice tablet to hold, light weight and sturdy.  Display is good enough, I think there are better display out there, but using the current iPad Mini does not result in any complaint on my part.  I can read my comics and books without any problems, since its size is equivalent to a standard paper notebook.  In fact, the case I bought looked like a plain notebook, and can be placed on a table unnoticed by people if I closed the front cover.

The only disappointment I have with iPad mini, is its processor.  It at times loads a bit slow.  Also, the download isn't multiple.  I notice, I can only download one at a time. Either it be a application, or a podcast, or a YouTube video.

Strong point of the iPad Mini, is its long battery life.  It really is an impressive to only charge once or twice a week on minimal use of podcast viewing, surfing the web.

iPad Mini case with cover

Recommendation

I recommend getting the 32gb (32 Giga-byte) version rather 16gb.  I was planning to get just the 16gb version, but it was out of stock.  Good thing the 16gb was out of stock and I got the 32gb version, since iPad mini does not have a memory card expansion slot support.  I could be deleting contents more frequently than I ever want to on my videos and files, if I got the 16gb version.

I have been using my iPad Mini for a month now.  I constantly download my podcast in HD, and placed some music and movies, my iPad mini 32gb is already almost full.

Although, if you only plan to put e-books and mp3s on your iPad mini, then a 16gb won't be a problem.  Good luck finding a 16gb, since most only want to try iPad and probably already bought that 16gb you want.

Another recommendation I have is pick a good case to protect your iPad.  Its price is equivalent to a laptop (P16,000 above), shouldn't you protect it?  iPad case prices ranges from P1,200 to P5,000 or more.

I haven't regret getting an iPad Mini.  Except maybe at times when I want free apps, that are not available in Apple Store.

CD-R King Mobile Power Bank PWB-049-ZG 2800mAh - Product Review

Mobile Power Bank - lipstick style

I never thought I would be need to buy a power bank for my phone.  Why would anyone need that? Then it happened, I was so busy with work and I forgot to charge my phone.  I happened to me twice that I was thinking of charging my phone while on the move.

There are a lot of power bank products out there, I just happened to want a cheap one, that is why I went with the CD-R king brand.  Now, I don't know if this product will last since I only had it for a week and I only used it twice to test if it does what it says it does.

unboxed - click to enlarge

Build
My take on this product, is it is what it is.  It is a cheap plastic build on the connectors but sturdy looking body.  I just don't know if it will survive a drop, since the body is made of plastic.  What do you expect for a Php280 (around $7) product?  There is no way I would spend more for this kind of product, especially on batteries.  It will be depleted after a number of cycles, so it's better to buy cheap and replace it after a 1,000 cycles (around 28 cents per charge).  Battery is indicated as Li-ion kind, I just hope it is as indicated on the box.

click to enlarge

Ease of use
The product has 2 color LEDs to indicate it charging or fully charged.  On my first try I timed it for 5 hours, and 5 hours have passed but the indicator is still red.  I gave it another 30 minutes for the LED to change color, still nothing I just unplugged it so it doesn't over charge and damage the battery.  After draining it for charging my phones, I charged it overnight.  Morning came, the LED changed into a blue color, which could mean fully charged.

You only need to connect the connector to your USB on a PC or if you have a charger brick directly to an AC power outlet.

Connectors Included
I was disappointed when I was about to buy the unit, since it does not include a mini USB connector.  4 kinds of connector, but none for my device.  I had to use my own from Samsung.  The Output connector is USB, so no problem there if the charger you have is USB connected from the power brick charger.

Does not include a power charge brick.  They expect you to connect it to a PC or laptop.  Or your existing charger that has USB port.


Actual usage feedback
I was excited to test it, I tried using it to charge my Samsung Galaxy S3.  The Power Bank only charged it around 63% full, from completely drained S3.  And it took a long time to charge, I think it also took 5 hours to charge to that point of completely draining the Power Bank.  But on my Samsung Galaxy Y, it charged super fast.  So I guess, it depends on your cellphone's battery capacity.  Smaller batteries charge faster, while larger power hungry phones take longer to charge.

Note:  I had to disable my mobile internet and GPS for my S3 to charge, otherwise the phone will not charge at all, it will actually take longer to charge and actually drains the phone somehow.  This is my observation for this particular Power Bank model on S3 charging.

size compared to a 5 peso coin

Overall
The power bank, does what is says it does, and will be more appreciated by phones with smaller battery for fast charges.  But for huge phones, it is a pain to use and takes longer time to charge.  You just have to be patient in using this mobile power bank, if you have a huge phone that need charging while on the go.

I bought my mobile power bank in Araneta Center Cubao, same floor as the LRT station.  Last I was there, they still have ample stocks only color Orange and purples.

CD-R King product page: http://www.cdrking.com/index.php?mod=products&type=view&sid=15704&main=157

Update:
As of May 3, 2013 - This model of power bank was out of stock in LRT station branch of CD-R King.  I guess power banks that are cheap are in high demand this days.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown PC version Review

XCOM: Enemy unknown is a very addictive game, if you are into the classic turn based strategy games.  I find myself spending half a day playing the game without realizing it already took more than 3 hours playing a couple of missions.

The game itself has a following, since the original XCOM game was release a decade ago.  The game is like a chess game, you have your troops go against the alien threat.  You move your troops individually and give them the weapons they need in battle.  It's micro-manage game at its finest.

I still dream of playing it before, but was not able to do so in faster PC, since the processor speed has improve, playing the DOS game was like seeing "The Flash" in all my troops.  This new release of the same game with improvement is a great reincarnation of the original.

What is the game all about?
The game is all about strategy, individual movement of troops, tech research, and total elimination of the alien threat.  You basically, have a base where you do your research, improve the capability of your troops with better weapons, buy & sell alien tech, launch satellites, produce weapons and armor, and other great things no other game provides.

This new version of the game, is the best I have seen.  It has the core concept of the original, with great improvement in game play and overall experience. There are other releases from other companies with the same XCOM title, but this one is the only one with high praises from game critics.  Why they gave it such a high rating?  Due to the great new layout of the base, they made it like an ant farm concept.  They made the game play a bit simple.  Another improvement is the micro-management isn't as hard as the previous releases of the game.

Replay Value
As a fan of the original X-com game, this is the best remake I have played.  Sure there are some things the game can improve on, but this release is great and not as messy as other releases.

The replay value for me is very high.  I still play the game after a couple of months I bought it.  I have completed the game a couple of times, in easy and normal mode.  The game has a high replay value, since I still enjoy playing it even when I have finished the whole campaign twice before.

Overall
Overall, I give this game a must buy.  I have played a lot of computer games before, but this game is just the right game for people who have a bit of time to play, but wouldn't invest much on leveling up, getting trophies, and buying items with real money.

It's a great value for your money.  Just for the pure fun and replay-ability you get what your money is worth and more.  I don't regret buying this game.  With just this game on my laptop, I can have hours of fun, without me thinking of other games I should be playing with right now.  And since, it's a turn based game, you have all the time in the world to think of strategy and tactics.  No one will hurry you up, you can sip coffee, eat your sandwich and still enjoy your game.

Starcraft II, Expansion: Heart of the Swarm is now available in the Philippines

Good news, the expansion for the Starcraft II game is now available in the Philippines.  I don't know if I'm going to avail the game right now.  But I will probably in the near future.

Prices according to DataBlitz (Only store I know that sells legal games):

Standard Edition - P1,795
Collector's Edition - P4,995

Take note: This is an expansion and requires the Original game Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty to install.

Sony Rumor: Playstation 4 to be revealed on Feb 20 in the US

There has been reports that Sony will be revealing the new Sony Playstation on Feb 20, 2013.  Way before the usual reveal on E3 event in the US.  It will be available on the consumer market this year, finally a new console after the new Nintendo Wii.  Xbox will not be far behind, they will probably also release their console this year or latest early next year.

I'm curious what the new PS4 hardware will be like, I'm sure it will be expensive on it's first release, and hopefully it will support PS3 games.  Oh, Sony will probably implement the limitation.  A limitation that will only allow the purchased game to be played only on your account, you can't sell that game anymore.  The patent they presented that the purchased games cannot be sold once you installed the game to your account.

Not the first time a game company does that, Blizzard games only work once it is linked to your account, so selling the installer won't mean the one buying it will be able to play it as a game, they have to get a serial key link to their online account.

Will this be the trend?  MS Office will also have a subscription based, Adobe Creative Suite has this option also.  So will we be paying an annual fee just to play (like warcraft or other MMO) or work (MS Office & Adobe CS)?  By the way Microsoft, I'm using Open Office at home, it's free and online I use google docs using my free Google drive to store my documents.

Instead of buying a license to use a software indefinitely, we will now be able to use it for a limited time only.  This will make people go to open source software more.  I know, I'm getting off topic about the PS4 release, but this is related to software license evolution.  Software as a service, great, just great.

StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm - Game I am waiting for in 2013

I have been out of the Starcraft universe loop for some time now.  And hearing that the expansion will be released this year, gives me some joy and something to look forward to.

It has been 3 years since the release of the game.  I have to admit, the game is bad as a single player campaign.  I mean, they released it as a game that requires constant internet access.  What if you want to play somewhere there are no internet access?  Even on single campaign mode, it is a disappointment, most people remember the original game for its long single campaign mode and the multi-player is just an icing on the cake.

I heard lots of people, grumble on the lack of single player campaign mode.  Making me think, they must have spent all their time perfecting the multi-player mode and ignoring the people who just want to play a single player campaign.

I was out of the Starcraft universe for the following reasons:

1. The single campaign mode was a disappointment
2. The quickmatch ladder is a bit disappointing for people who play like noobs
3. There is always a patch, and no single player campagin add-ons for those who purchased the game since, 3 yrs. ago.
4. I get trashed talk by people on my team. The matching system isn't that great, and takes too long to find fellow noobs to play against.
5. They actually reset the ranking at some point, so you have to play a set of games again to be ranked.
6. Lag and teammates getting disconnected

Despite all this, I still look forward to the expensive installer of the expansion pack.  Play it a couple of months, then let it rot in my PC.  I have not played the game for a year already.

I'm saving for this crap of a game that I still like.  Blizzard has gone worst since their initial release of the legendary original Starcraft Expansion: Broodwar.

Samsung Galaxy Y vs Samsung Galaxy Pocket Android Phones

Samsung Galaxy Pocket on the left, Galaxy Y on the right

Recently, a new Samsung android phone is being pushed by most telcos in the Philippines.  That android phone is the Samsung Galaxy Pocket.  Months before the release of this phone, more people are buying the Samsung Galaxy Y(Young) as the budget friendly choice.

Samsung Galaxy Pocket on the left, Samsung Galaxy Y on the right

At a glance, you seem to find them as the same size, but truth is the Galaxy Y has larger screen compared to the Pocket.  Samsung Galaxy Pocket has a smaller screen of 2.8 inches, while the Samsung Galaxy Y has screen size of 3 inches.

The thickness of the unit is obvious that the Pocket was the thicker one and the Y is the slicker and thinner one.  But don't let the thickness fool you, the Galaxy Y is a bit heavier than the Pocket.  Galaxy Pocket weights around 97g, while the Galaxy Y weights around 97.5g.


Also the finishing at the back seems nicer on the Y than the Pocket, but the price is also cheaper on the Pocket than the Y.  The price difference is about a thousand pesos (about USD $24) cheaper without a contract.


In the speed of use having the Gingerbread Android OS on both units, they both are very fast and responsive.  I think, they are interchangeable, it really depends on your preference.  Althought, I notice, the Pocket is a bit faster due to it's newer processor.

They both have wi-fi, bluetooth, and 3G(HSPDA) connectivity.  The only thing that makes Pocket better is the larger internal memory.  Galaxy Y is sold with an external memory bundled due to the small internal memory it has, you basically cannot use the camera, without an external memory.

Samsung Galaxy Pocket on the top, Galaxy Y on the bottom

They both have the same megapixel, their camera is the same, there is no zoom or auto focus on these units.  They both have no flash at the back.  

The FM radio on the Galaxy Y is good, even when I used it on the elevator, the strength is still good, I can still listen to my radio without any problems.

Screen is really bigger in Galaxy Y on the right

So, what do I think is better of the two? For me, they are both the same.  But, if you are on a budget, I would go for the Galaxy Pocket.  But if you want a thinner looking phone and larger screen, I would go for the Galaxy Y.