Our Life with Smartphones

Mobile phones have changed the life of everybody of this generation. Whether  student or an office guy, a housekeeper or owner of the house, or a simple businessman or an extravagant CEO — they admit it! — they cannot live without a smartphone in-hand.

Personally, I love my smartphone a lot – a Samsung Galaxy SIII. It keeps me connected whenever, wherever I go — office, home and, of course, with the outside world. I use it for gaming, recreation, sending text messages and email, calling and (like right now) for blogging. For me, it’s very useful and I’m satisfied its speed and features.

But what smartphones do right now? How does it create impact in everything we do? And, how does it change our way of living?

I can give you 6 reasons.

1. Collaborations made-easy

It’s the first thing that pops out in mind because I exchange thoughts almost with everyone, everyday. Most likely, I use group conversation to discuss everything under the sun with my friends and colleagues. Sometimes, I could not find an excuse to skip meetings because connectivity is no longer a problem because of mobile data plans and the ready-to-download VoIP application. All you have to do is to apply for a plan, and pick and download your preferred application (Gtalk, YM, Viber, Skype, etc.) or tap on your built-ins (BBM, Chat-on, etc.), connect to the internet and you are all set.

Smartphones has been useful to connect people with all types of businesses around the globe.

2. Knowledge on-the-go

“Power of sun in the palm of your hands” is one of the powerful quotes in the Marvel movie “Spiderman” that, for me, describes smartphones of these days since the accessibility of most information in the internet is just a few taps away on the touchscreen or keypad.

As you know, unnumbered population of eBooks are now downloadable and searchable via different websites and online merchandise. E-News and eMagazines were invented and redesigned to suit our mobile phone lifestyle, to make it more readable and up-to-date.

And who else doesn’t know Twitter and Facebook? The online portals that keep you updated from all types of there is — news, quotes, jokes, links, events and more — and trends what people are talking about. By all these and your smartphone, you will never be outdated.

3. Brings out the Paparazzi in you.

From VGA quality, smartphone camera turns out to become as high quality as  DSLR cameras, thus, people become addicted capturing moments wherever they go. Some applications, such as Instagram and Camera360, provide filters and quality themes to make every picture more captivating and enhanced.

4. No to dull moments.

Ever experienced stuck in a traffic and you don’t have anything to do but to stare at the people beside you? Or is therea case when you’re in a room simply staring at the ceiling?

Mobile phones are now capable of doing most of the things you want to do –play MMO or HD games, watch movies, sing along with random people, and simply search prayers in the internet. Not unless you’re driving, you may just simply turn-on the speaker mode and listen to your favorites tunes or ebook.

5. Keeps you prepared

Even before, cellphones were made, if not to rescue us, just remind us few things. Technology of the smartphones of todays have been specialized with added features to make it more fit to your lifestyle.

See that handy notepad app? Bring it in a office meeting or use it take note of something that pops up in your mind. You save paper wherever you go.

Unexpected events that need a footage? Use your phone as camcorder.

And, blinded by the darkness? You can even use your smartphone as torch.

For me, a Dictionary app is always ready, especially when I encounter familiar words or translation.

6. Storage

From diskette, we’re already at the age of flash drives, external hard disks and cloud storage . People I know always have those in-hand or online to store their files like pictures, movies and etc.

Smartphones are also a good storage device for such things that are worth-keeping. Some have internal memories that can store up to 64GB and are expandable using memory card. Plus smartphones are connectable via USB chord, bluetooth and wi-fi direct.

Also some cloud storage apps are already connectable. Personally, I trust “Dropbox”  with this.

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How about you guys? How does smartphones change your life? Let me know.

XOXOXOXOXO

I’m coming back soon

…with lots of things to share. Stay tuned.

Yours Truly,

Ejomlexus

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 — Another Confusion: Tab or Phone?

What I like from Samsung inventions of smartphones and tabs is that it match lifestyle and the activities of every user. Unlike Apple products, Samsung make sure that your gadget can be used for any kind of connectivity, either via mobile data, wi-fi or local network. In other words, their gadget are closer to becoming wholesome. The only thing I don’t like that about them is that there were times, especially when the Galaxy Note edition was released, that you’ll be confused of the type of the gadget you’re holding. Is it a phone or a tab?

The newly released edition of Samsung Galaxy, the Note 8.0 or N5100, has a size of 135.9mmx210.88mm (8 inches) or almost a size of a diary. Interface and excellent multi-tasking ability are more similar to Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (and 10.1) because it is also powered by Android Jellybean v4.1.2. Phone capabilities are available for this gadget since it uses a micro sim; however, I don’t feel comfortable holding it up to my face because…well, it feels weird. What makes it different from its ancestors is it has a longer S-Pen that is designed to do more activity than its first version, like it can now be used for clicking back and option sensors, switch pages when reading ebooks, and write directly to your S-Planner.

Despite of the confusion, the gadget is jam packed with Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9; 5 MP rear camera (with 2592х1944 pixels, autofocus) and 1.3 front-facing; speed of HSDPA, 21 Mbps and HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps; and 16/32 GB storage and 2 GB RAM.  For some countries, it recognizes LTE signal which is the fastest mobile data so far. Other than that, it has TFT capacitive touchscreen, no corning gorilla glass (so you’d need a screen protector) unfortunately and Non-removable Li-Ion 4600 mAh battery.

It’s good buy. Perfect for those who preferred something in between of Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and 10.1. Fast connectivity is guaranteed. Just a little advice: use a headphones when taking calls.

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Images were from: click here and click here

Choosing a Network for Data Plan Here in the Philippines?

Ever since I’ve got my very first prepaid cellphone (a large Nokia with a very large battery — which I forgot the unit name) I was very observant when it comes to the signal of the network I chose. I was able to compare it because Papa, Mama and I were using different networks. Papa was Smart, then Mama and I were Globe, and sometimes we switch. I was able to experience also having both sim card at the same time when Nokia 3310i came — Papa bought a special cover with two sim card slots and you just have to press the keys *3370# (if I’m not mistaken) to switch sim cards and restart the phone. I’ve also experienced being a customer of Sun cellular when I started dating people, because it’s cheaper and it’s the first network who introduces the unlimited calls and half-cost per text charging for prepaid. The longest running sim card I had — which I still have today on my generic Samsung phone — is Globe.

Right now, I’m connected with both Globe and Smart through data plans. And to give you a quick review here’s some points that might help you decide to choose.

But first, before I start, I just wanna make it clear that I’m talking about plans here, particularly data plan. Not the prepaid a$$es who eat a lot of load because of mobile internet. These are based on experience, usage and location.

Okay. Here we go!

Experience

If you are earning above the minimum wage rate, you are closer to getting a plan from a network, but application and approval maybe tough if you’re trying to get plans worth Php1500 and up. If you are one of the lucky ones, however, getting this is easy, except if you’re under a BPO type of industry.

Unfortunately, I’m one of the BPO dudes. With all the requirements, certification and all the means I have in the world to prove that I’m capable of paying my bills, Globe required me to have a credit card. And since I don’t have credit cards and they want to get more clients, luckily, I still got approved. It took them two weeks though to process my application. While with Smart, I applied with the same requirement and tomorrow after they called me to claim the phone.

When it comes to customer service, Smart gets an outstanding points and Globe still suck with that. I hated smart, but I guess they have different ways on treating prepaid and post-paid customers. I kind of love their promptness in their answers. I will give kudos to Globe though because when I called them about the additional features for their plan, they gave what I supposed to have for the month.

And speaking of plus, Globe has it all – free texts, calls and overseas. Smart is just solid when it comes with the number of free text and calls — they know their roles on giving these things inclusives on time — I just wished they have more promos.

Usage

Due to the few free calls and text inclusives of Smart Telecommunications, I tend not to use it often for regular calls and texts. But who the hell cares, by the way, when you have data plan which allows you to access free VOIP like Skype, Viber and not to mention Chikka. But you need to have enough data credits to use these common applications.

And speaking of Data, Smart has 1.5 GB limit per monthly cut-off, while Globe has around 700-800 MB. When you consume all these data, either via browsing, streaming and downloading, your internet speed will go down to unbelievable and head-popping less than 300 kbps. Thanks to the fair usage that implemented this kind of thing for broadband and data plan users. But Globe’s limit is low, they should increase more than that since people download lot’s of stuff these days.

Location

Well, what I am referring to hear is the internet speed of the data plan based location. I usually go around Manila, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong and Antipolo. And I would give the crown to Smart for providing me speed that sometimes breaks the limit of my expectation. Globe is giving around 1-2 mbps  on the said locations while Smart gives 3-5 mbps in average. And since I need to check emails all the time and stay tune for concerns via chat, and also to stay online with my friends on my social networking account, I need faster internet for better response.

All-in-all, I could still say that this guys are doing a great fight. Although Smart is better for me when it comes to data plan, Globe won’t go home with teary-eyes because I love their free stuff a lot better than Smart.

Jellybean Got Updated plus Google Play Apps

I was playing the new Google Play apps when I received an update notification from my phone, and I’m pretty excited to let you guys know something about the Android Jellybean v4.1.2 and how it will improve your smartphone experience particularly with your Samsung Galaxy S III.

What has been added? Well, to find out I tried to look as many things as I could. I went to different parts of my smartphone‘s menu to discover what does this Jellybean v4.1.2 bring . Let’s see…

First thing I noticed though is that the new version added more option in the notification board. It can be now customized, re-organized and allows you to choose only the features you want to see. You can find it’s option under Settings>Display>Notification Panel.

 

They also added a new feature which is called the multi-window bar. You will see it in the left portion of the screen and ut displays apps shortcut, which makes navigation easier, home button friendly and more easy to customize. I find it more useful than the EasyTouch App. But the cool thing it can do is that it can open 2 windows at the same time. All you have to do is that drag the chosen app to the screen and whoala! In the picture, I opened both my FB and Twitter account at the same time. Cool, isn’t it? Well, that’s why they call it the multi-window bar — it is design for multi-tasking for a very smart phone like the Samsung Galaxy S III.

  

Another cool feature added is the smart rotation. It requires face recognition and the auto-rotation ‘ON’ in order for it to work, because it determines the orientation of your face and movement. It’s great for those who loves to read or watch videos while you’re lying down.

Furthermore, it added cool stuff for your phone’s gallery. First, the view where you can choose from Spiral, folder view and Starwars look-like photo selection (I don’t know what to call it).

  

And second the photo tagging. It’s not the usual Facebook photo tagging. This new feature allows your phone to recognize the people in your contacts. It also reminds you the weather condition when a certain photo was taken — just sync it with accuweather — the dates and your current location.

Another thing I found out is the “Page Buddy” which allows your phone to create addition slide or page in your home screen once you connected it to a headphone or dock.

And finally, Jellybean 4.1.2 added application like “Paper Artist” which is good for your instagram habit and Group Cast that allows you to view photos/file or listen to music together via wifi connection.

Despite of these newly added features, it doesn’t not affect the fluidity of the Samsung Galaxy S III navigation. It’s very nice! It gives the multi-tasking feature a shot, and I really like it. It’s almost like having Samsung Galaxy Note 2 at the same time, only with the absence of the S pen and the larger display.

By the way, all these upgrades available now in the Philippines.

XOXOXOXOXO

Battery Problems on Smartphones

If you’re a smartphone user and hardcore fan of mobile application and internet, then you probably always have your portable phone chargers everywhere you go, ready to plug-in when needed because you’re phone battery drains so fast, it couldn’t even last a day.

I’m having the same problem. My day never ends without plugging my phone’s charger either on my computer or the nearest electric outlet. Sometimes, I wanted to buy a solar-powered charger just to make my charging on the go but it doesn’t just make sense.

I tried to find ways, of course. And to stretch the battery life, for example in my Samsung Galaxy S3, I usually do these routines that I learned from my daily activities:

Google Play 2013 Apps (Part 1)

I welcomed the 2013 New Year with flu (Yey!) but that won’t stop me from checking the coolest app that you must have this new year.

To be honest, I’m already attached to my Samsung Galaxy S3, and even now that the iPhone5 and iPad mini were already launched in the market, I haven’t gotten a second thought of replacing my mobile phone and my Galaxy tab 8.9.

Last month, I barely downloaded apps for my gadgets, but I chose the ones that made me feel the thrill, cuteness and knowledge. But even the year ends, I still believe that these Apps  should welcome the new year with you!

1. Dead Trigger

If you’re a fan of the latest zombie movies and series, you must be enjoying Dead Trigger already. If not, you got to download this! And although Samsung Galaxy S3 has higher definition when it comes to graphics and screen color, the best experience is still in my Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 when I play this game. You know, the larger the screen, the better the view, and the more you see the zombie fast approaching.

Everything in the game is cool, bloody and heart-stopping, except the control is kind of difficult because you’re hands has to be good in navigating touch screen buttons without looking. (You will get used to it if you often play the game, though.) And for those who get easily dizzy with first-person game, you can always adjust the movement sensitivity in the options, just like what everyone is doing in the counter strike. It affects somehow your in-game speed in turning and moving around, but it adds thrill.

Moreover, the fun part here is you can use weapon other than guns to kill zombies, like chainsaw, crossbow, brain grinder and more. Some are available when you buy credits via site or when you save in-game cash.

Just a reminder: when you start this game, get ready to be addicted.

2. GunStrike.

If you don’t want zombie games but want a cool and cute shooting game that will enhance your anti-terrorist skill, well, this one is for you!

Cute — yes — because you’ll be shooting these bubble head, little terrorists. The game is either you do survival mode or campaign mode or the mini games. And same as the Dead Trigger, more thrill awaits in-game. You can upgrade your weapon and buy health and special items by purchasing using in-game cash. Well, you can also shoot birds and other special characters, other than the terrorists, to gain special items — just keep your eyes open for them.

Controls are also the same, but I don’t why I am able to shoot better here in than in shooting the zombies in Dead Trigger. Perhaps, here, you don’t have to move around. All you have to do is to aim and aim — which is sensitivity-friendly — without the after-game dizzy feeling.

3. POU!

 

Adorable, cute and lovable unknown creature. I feel like they revived the NeoPets or Tamagochi with Pou. He or she is totally costumizable every time he reaches a certain level. You can feed him, play the mini games, make him sleep, cure him when he’s sick and give him a bath. Best app that you can check from time to time.

  

What I like about this app is that it has a global ranking. That means you will be able to see what other Pou fans are up to on their own pets. You can view who leads the mini games and tops the rank of the best looking Pou, and your friend’s Pou (if you know their Pou’s name). It is really fun and it doesn’t waste too much of your phone/tabs battery.

4. (Andwhatdoyahknow!!!) There’s Hangaroo 2!

If you miss this Kangaroo and looking for more sensible game that will challenge you in general knowledge, sports, popular quotes, history, etc; well, he’s back with same interface with lots of new categories, fun and learning! Never did this game disappoint me when I’m so bored in the house.

Same as ever game mechanics, you just have to guess the word(s) to free the Kangaroo. 4 mistakes and he’ll see him hanged, but don’t worry no real animal is harmed in this game…So, please enjoy!

5. Lastly, Easy Touch

Here’s another reason why iPhone has to sue Android. Just kidding. Well, this application, of course, is iPhone-inspired but design perfectly for Android phones.

 

This app will enable you to navigate the home and other phone features without pressing the home button. As you know, the numero uno problem of most smartphones are the damaged home screen button. This app will help you reduce your phone’s chances of experiencing same trouble.

Some people said it was hard to uninstall to Android phones but no need to worry, I believe the app has already been updated and you’ll see the app instruction how to navigate, uninstall and even change the button design.

I find it helpful because I’m worried of getting damaged home and lock keys; but it works perfectly fine with my Samsung Galaxy S3 because it covers all the functions I need instead of pressing the home key.

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More Apps to be reviewed this January, so keep on reading! Happy New Year!

XOXOXOXOXOXO

Holiday with Family

I just spent a great holiday with my family and as expected it was fun yet very missing. I haven’t done this before — treat them to an amusement park — so it’s kinda new experience for us. You know, every time we decide to have time with each other, our choice were always food and malls, so we tried to put more fun and excitement to this rare time with my family, that’s why I brought them all to Star City Amusement Park in Manila.

Ticket prices are very reasonable. Ride-all-you-can tickets cost Php400.00 only, you just have to add a few bucks if you wish to visit the Snow World or experience the new attractions like the Lazer Blaster, 4D Theater Max Rider and Z-Planet. But to tell you what, the ride-all-you-can ticket was already enough to enjoy the park (includes the new heart-stopping rides like the star flyer and star Frisbee  and the horror houses) and the once in a day ballerina show at the Aliw Theater. Of course, make sure you go there right at the opening time just to anticipate the long queue for each rides. Going there beyond 5 o’clock PM will get you stuck with more people.

(at the back was the Star Frisbee ride, one of the newest attractions. )

(Us on Star Flyer — a very cool ride. You’ll swear you got to ride this more than once.)

(Star City has a giant Ferris Wheel also… view from the top is amazing!)

(Ballet Manila in their Christmas Presentation Kutitap)

Actually, we were stuck with the bunch of people, perhaps it was because of the holiday. Even the food stores there had long queue of people which made us super hungry. So after watching the beautiful ballerina show, we went out of the park (even if we don’t want to) and took a cab to the seaside along Macapagal highway.

Seaside in Macapagal is a place where people can find a bunch restaurant. Fresh food are there. Just pay the food (seafood, beef, pork, chicken and veggies) per kilo that you wish plus the cooking fees, the food is ready after a few minute. Barkers are on the streets so you can ask them about their menus, if they have service charge, if they can cook the dishes you want or do they have videoke/function room — don’t hesitate to ask.

(Here’s my Dad, showing what he’s won in the shooting game while waiting for the food.)

(We ordered Sinigang na Hipon sa Sampaloc [above photo], grilled Squid with stuffings and Pinaputukang Tilapia)

We dine in at Igmaan. The best one cook restaurant I’ve experienced in Seaside so far. It didn’t take me more than Php2,000.00 to make my whole family super full.

After that, we had a long walk all the way to SM Mall of Asia (MOA) seaside. We thought it was just near because we can see the big globe from Macapagal highway. I swear the road, though, so please take a cab. (Hehehe!)

Well, we went there to see  and ride the giant Ferris wheel. We weren’t able to get a chance though because — thank the long walk — it was already closing time and they’ve already served the last customer when we arrived. So, I ended up treating my family at Starbucks.

We had fun talking at Starbucks. It’s been a long time since I had a wholesome talk with these people. There I discovered that it was just my Mom’s first time to watch a ballerina play, first time to be at Starbucks with us, complete, and first time to stay outside super late just to bond with us and talk. It melted our heart, of course. I just promised to her that we will do this kind of bonding again in the near future — I just have to renovate the house, then we will celebrate again at star city and seaside and MOA — or plan something else more.

Anyway, I just wish that I could spend more time with my family this coming 2013. I’m very thankful that God is giving wonderful opportunities so I could give my family something that they deserve. I wish I could do more than this.

Happy New Year Everyone!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

God Listens to Rock Music (version 2)

In the middle of the rough road,
I tuned into the song in the radio
I wonder I could not sing along
Perhaps it’s not an ordinary love song

I stopped, remember to say a little pray’r
But I don’t know what to say.
My mouth can’t find a way;
I only know is to sing it this way.

But does God listen to a rock song?
Heavy roar of the electric guitars,
Syncopated rhythm of the drums.
Oh Lord, do you hear ‘em all?

I clear my throat, inhale the warm air;
I’m now ready to play the tape.
I close my eyes and hope nobody is watching
Here it goes, for the God of Rock above.

I felt the cool breeze of the air
Are those angels embracing my pray’r,
Or I’m just imagining the way God feels?
I wish the song praised him, that’s what it is meant.

Oh, Lord! Do you hear ‘em all?
I know you’re the God of all music!
And so is this heavy metal I’m sing.
Oh, Lord! Do you hear ‘em all?

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XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Link to God Listens to Rock Music (version 1)

Picture: From my Facebook account — with my Church mates.

Ms. Universe 2012 — Ms. USA!

3 days ago, Ms. USA Olivia Culpo was crowned as the Ms. Universe 2012. I could not still move on, so as many Filipinos. Of course, in our hearts and minds, our very own Ms. Philippines Janine Tugonon should have won the title, because not only she answered the question gracefully but she just really deserve the title.

Different reactions came across our houses and offices as we stayed tune via all means – Facebook, livestream, text messages and Twitter. At the end of the day, we were all in silence. Actually, I treated myself for an ice cream just to coup up the frustration and the disappointment. But things has already happened, according to the Pinay beauty queen, it was the judges decision and we should accept it.

Janine Tugonon has competed with 89 other hopefuls.

She was called from Top 16 with the following candidates:

1. Venezuela

2. Turkey

3. France

4. Peru

5. Russia

6. Mexico

7. Poland

8. Hungary

9. South Africa

10.Philippines

11.Croatia

12.Brazil

13.Kosovo

14.Australia

15.India

And, Top 10 with the following girls:

1. Australia

2. Russia

3. Brazil

4. France

5. Venezuela

6. USA

7. Hungary

8. South Africa

9. Mexico

10. Philippines

Ms. Philippines was the only Asian who made to the top 10 and got the title next to the Ms. Universe in this year’s competition. Despite of not bring home the crown, Filipinos and fans are still proud of her. In fact, she will be awarded with recognition in her hometown in Bataan, Philippines as soon as she arrives.

For me, everyone in the competition deserves to win, because that’s their purpose of being there. But we cannot remove the fact that people, rather than the judges, know the best. In Ms. Universe pageant, it just proven that Filipinos are already back on track to prove that we deserve to be recognized, not just with our beauty and talents, but also for what we are – the best among the rest.

We still hope for the crown next time, for sure our candidate will give their best shot.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

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