iPhone 4S launched in KL

Well after months of waiting iPhone 4S has finally arrived in Kuala Lumpur today, so I went to check it out today at the first outlet available. Currently you can only pick it up at Maxis KLCC, I think (and I only am guessing) they have reserved iPhone 4S for people that has pre-registered at their website weeks ago.

I have to say, I was expecting a bit more excitement (something like a long queue line), but there was only a handful of people and I don't think they even displayed the 4S as a demo, only iPhone 4 was displayed. So I didn't get the chance to chat with Siri.

Anyway the package is quite pricey if you add up the whole thing and it is kinda of complicated...
First the contract you need to get is here.
Second, if you walk out of the contract minimum of 12 months you'll have to pay for the rest... ouch.
Last, the plan will evaluate if you are current Maxis customer and instead of just say adding a bit more months on top of your current contract, they increase on top of it... so double ouch (say you have committed a year previously and you have used for 8 months, the new iValue plan will add another 12 months on top of it, instead of just releasing it to you with just additional 4 more months.

Anyway I did a bit of calculations and I think you'll agree with me... if you are non Malay resident.
Say we'll take the iValue 1 at RM100, 12 months. Choosing iPhone 4S 16GB.
So it will be RM500 (RM100 x 5 months) + RM1,750 = RM2,250. But you'll need to stick with the whole 12 months, you can upgrade. So say 12 months plus the iPhone 4S you will be paying RM2,950. And if you walk away from the contract you have to pay the remaining of the months... so ouch if you plan to leave Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia in the next 12 months.

Best bet is to get the unlocked version straight from Apple, check it out here. If you do the math you will end up with RM2,076 (based on exchange rate USD1=RM3.2) no contract and as iPhone is a global phone you can take it anywhere and get a local micro-sim card. Which you can also just pay RM25 to get your sim card switched here or you can take the risk of cutting it. As I am using 2 Maxis plan and I have to say that I am paying varying between 50-150 top per month and its rarely I hit 150. So better to save up that cash and use it somewhere else.

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Kind regards,
Adhi

Flipboard from Sina Weibo

I guess social network concepts and mobiles are not the only one copied in China, but also iTunes app. Check-out this one SinaMag, which is very very similar to Flipboard. It streams content only from Sina Weibo right now, maybe in the future they can combine it with Kaixin001, Renren or other Weibo channels. The app also has several magazines available for reading, but very limited at the moment.

(download)

Sina Microblog iPad App Review

Sina Microblog has been on the offensive move, within a year they have achieved more than what Twitter can. Currently Twitter features over 200 million users, but Sina Microblog reached 100 million just in a year. This year they announced two service - direct video uploading and voicemail for sending tweets, as well as Sina LBS or geo-location check-in service directly via their native app (plus you can also now stalk your favorite celebrities). I guess they don't want to lose the race and momentum, as there are many other microblog service in China market. I do think Twitter needs to learn more from Sina Weibo, for example their process is a lot faster on verified accounts if you provide the necessary ID and proved that you are actively using their service.

Below are my review of the iPad App:
  • Looks strikingly similar to... this
  • Its free, that's always a good thing :)
  • Different than the iPhone app
  • Easy to use if you're accustomed to Twitter's native iPad App
  • Preview message on the right side pane
  • Access direct message
  • Upload photo directly, you can also rotate the photo if you wish
  • You can announce where you are directly via their location service
  • You can use the automatic hashtag feature to tag your topic
  • Here is something different from the native Twitter App, the capability of changing the background although currently there are only 5 wallpapers available (hopefully they will open this for users to be able to upload their own favorite wallpaper)
Sina Weibo HD App (launched in 24 February 2011) is available on iTunes and can be downloaded here.
(download)

Twitter Native App for Mac

I was intrigued by this app since Twitter announced it on their official blog. The app overall looks is strikingly similar to Tweetie (I don't imagine this will do well for their app sales), you got the bar on the left hand side

The differences are:
  • App is free (hooray to that).
  • You can add multiple accounts.
  • You can set photo hosting like TwitPic, Posterous, etc.
  • Photo services immediately load on the app, instead of opening in web browser, unless it is an unrecognized service.
  • You can see you Twitter list, a feature that Tweetie doesn't have.
  • However you can't see if a new followers is following you or not, I'm hoping they will change this. (It's a plus for Tweetie as I like this feature a lot.)
  • You can search for topics or users, but upon opening search window you get to see the top trending topics on Twitter.
  • I do like the new twitter message composer floats on top of your window, which is handy when you want to pull things from web or other contents. (Short url are automatically posted.)
  • Performance wise it's pretty quick to load.
Ideas for Twitter on the next update:
  • URL shortener flexibility as people like to use Bit.ly or other services (weird thing is they have it for the iPhone and iPad version).
  • Check Twitter follow and follow-back, maybe integrate Klout feature.
  • Preview of URL content even if it is a website, like the iPad app where you don't need to go to your web browser to see the content.
  • Tweet posting scheduling like HootSuite perhaps.
  • Adding people to list via the app directly.
This app is only available for download via the Mac App Store.

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Mac App Store

I finally got the chance to update my Mac OS X and install the Mac App Store.

Quick overview:
  • Looks a lot like iPhone and iPad App Store.
  • Main page is layout like iTunes, you get the featured apps, new comers or top grossing, etc.
  • Each app gets their own page, with developers, screenshot and user ratings.
  • You will need an Apple ID like the usual.
  • Download is easy and instant.
Overall its pretty easy and I guess these days software selling age has shift a long way from CDs to online streamline. I'd be interested to see if Microsoft will be launching similar soon for WIndows 7? But of course Microsoft has been busy with the wedding planning with Nokia.

(download)

Prezi Launches iPad App

Prezi is a fun and I believe a new way to do your presentation. Having worked a lot with powerpoint and keynote, this is truly something different that can blow your mind.

Now the presentation finally comes to your iPad app(it's free), all you need to do is connect to your account and access your existing presentation.


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Upgrade to the new MobileMe Calendar, now with sharing

Apple's fans and loyal MobileMe user will receive a new upgrade on their calendar for free.
I can understand the upgrade, as I found that if I am syncing based from my mac and from the mobileme calendars or contacts for that, I get duplicates and it ticks me off as I get two alarms notice for everything.
There are some system requirements, but I'm sure you're up to date to the latest version :)

Here are some of the new features:
  • The best calendar sync service for Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
  • Share calendars with family and friends
  • Publish a calendar for a group or team
  • Event invitations with RSVPs
  • New web application
Here are also links to Apple (click on the operating platform links) on how to make sure it syncs into your iPhone/iPod Touch, iPad, Mac OS and Windows.

I do am wondering when the native Mac OS X email application will get another upgrade? I mean they do look old and new a new refresh just like web version of me that is cool.

(download)

iPad iOS Upgrade

iOS 4.2 for iPad was definitely worth to upgrade and around of applause, it just save so many apps and pages that has been building up on my iPad.
It is painful to download thought, you have to make sure you are updated to the latest iTunes and the upgrade download is over 500 MB which is not good on not my so stable home Internet connection, but I manage to do it finally!

I had no problem or bugs with my music playlist like others have reported... yet. I guess the two features I was really looking forward was the apps folder organizing capability and the unified email inbox, just saves me time from going back and forth. Other features were just extra, although I am curious whether the Apple TV stream will work on my old Apple TV... hmmm. But there is an iOS bug for iPhone specially the iPod music playlist disappear once you've update, but TechCrunch have list a guide on how to get it back fast (although I haven't really seen much of a difference on the iOS update for iPhone).

Some users have been complaining about the rotate switch that is now located within the multi-tasking mode, so you get silent for the switch above the volume I haven't found it too annoying at all.
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