Posts by: John Chan

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Lego and Muji reinvent construction paper

John Chan | Nov 20, 2009

(Credit: Muji)

Lego has teamed up with Japanese retailer Muji to create an interesting take on the building block toy. The Lego for Muji Paper and Block Set together with a paper punch allow the colorful sheets to nestle nicely on the pieces. The builder can cut the paper into different shapes, giving lots of possibilities with just a few blocks. Some of the pictures show cute animal constructions and some Christmas-inspired designs. This product is available in Japan starting at 2,300 yen (US$26) a box. Check with a local Muji shop for availability in your country.

Via High Snobiety

Filed under: Games and Gear
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Low-tech problems for high-tech gear

John Chan | Nov 20, 2009

The following is a true story. Sam (not her real name) has been using an iPhone 3GS for two months. Since buying it, she's been plagued by poor voice quality--people she spoke to over the phone all sound muffled. After consulting some people who are more "geeky" than her, one of them finally suggested she bring it back to the operator for a swap. Upon initial inspection, the customer service staff had to stifle a giggle because there was a piece of plastic covering the earpiece. This was under the screen protector and was probably left there by the chap who applied the protector for her.

Sam probably feels a little silly, but if we are honest with ourselves, these things can happen to us, too. I'm guilty of attempting an elaborate fix for a pair of computer speakers when the issue was that it wasn't plugged in properly. Have you ever over-diagnosed a simple tech problem? Share your experiences here.

Filed under: Mobile Phones
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Samsung to skip Donut, first bada phone in H1 2010

John Chan | Nov 18, 2009

During a Samsung media event today, a spokesperson revealed that the company will be skipping version 1.6 (codenamed Donut) altogether for its lineup of Android phones heading to Asia in Q1 next year. The company has already released three devices using Google's mobile operating system, all of which come with version 1.5 (Cupcake).

In his presentation, product marketing manager Winston Goh said an Android phone will be available in Singapore come Q1 2010. This product will first launch with Cupcake and then be upgraded to Eclair (version 2.0). He did not say which phone this will be, but given Samsung's announcement of the I5700 on Monday, it seems likely that the Galaxy Spica will be the one. Subsequent Android phones from the company, he added, will ship with Android 2.0.

Aside from Android, Goh also briefly described the Samsung bada and the direction of this new mobile platform. This was announced earlier this month and will give developers an SDK to create applications for future Samsung smartphones based on the company's own operating system. He mentioned that the first phone based on bada will be announced in the first half of 2010, confirming some of the rumors that have been floating around.

Filed under: Mobile Phones
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No WM6.5 update for Xperia X1

John Chan | Nov 18, 2009

Users of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 who have been wondering if their smartphone will be upgraded to Windows Mobile (WM) 6.5 can finally stop obsessing over it. Putting the matter to rest, a Sony Ericsson spokesperson told Crave Asia that there will not be an official update.

There has been speculation regarding the availability of WM6.5 for the X1. This stemmed from an Xda-developers discussion in September started by a user who had gotten hold of a 6.5 ROM for the device, prompting rumors that Sony Ericsson was working on an update.

In any case, we don't think this is big loss. Aside from some interface tweaks, some of the most important features like the My Phone backup service and Windows Marketplace for downloading third-party apps are available for WM6.1, too. But if you insist on having WM6.5 for your X1, it's still possible to install a cooked ROM from Xda-developers. The procedure isn't exactly idiot-proof, so don't dive in flippantly as you may risk spoiling your phone. Click here for our roundup of devices that come with WM6.5 officially.

Filed under: Mobile Phones
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Digigrip helps you fight excess baggage fees

John Chan | Nov 17, 2009

(Credit: Digigrip)

Supposedly invented by a Swedish inventor, the Digigrip is a product that serves a very specific purpose. From what we gather, it can be attached to a bag and works like a regular handle. Once you lift the bag using it, a display will show you how heavy the carryall is.

On the surface, this appears useful for frequent travelers, but we have our doubts. For one, how does that thing attach itself to the bag?
Read more »

Filed under: Gadgets
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