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