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.

Photo


Kind regards,
Adhi

Sina Weibo App - Weico

Since I started my Sina Weibo, its been quite a ride, I guess its geographic circumstances... but everyone I met here in Beijing has a weibo account and instead of asking my mobile number or email, they asked for my weibo ID.

Thanks to my good pal Foniz, which has been cruising on weibo for a lot longer than I do. He shared with me this really cool weibo app - Weico and I have to say after using it, I really don't want to use anything else.

To start with, here is the list why I like it:
  • Design wise its really clean and not straight clones from Twitter or Sina weibo own's iPhone apps.
  • Got lots of different themes, my favorite is the Fish Eye, cool sleek soothing blue.
  • If you are already following someone on weibo, you can easily use the "@" sign to mention that person, instead of manually typing it (which sometimes result in typo).
  • The pound or hashtag is not there yet as the function above, hopefully it will be soon and it should include the latest trending topics.
  • The built-in lomo camera effects, pretty much like Instagram, but different (so again not straight clone).
  • If you've been categorizing the people you follow into lists or groups, then this is the right app as you can filter out streams now by groups.
  • Built in check-in location, you can either use your geotag or sync via JiePang.
  • Best of all it's free, you can download it here :)

(download)

iPad Games Infinity Blade

I just tried the Infinity Blade game for iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone and I have to say it is really good.

The game was announced on the last Apple's Keynote by Epic. The graphic and performance on this game is just amazing, I never imagine my iPad could do that actually.

The Story
It's something that your father started about 20 years earlier, where he ventured to killed to God King and tries to free all of us from his reign, but failed. You as his son went in to avenge and continues his legacy, of course if you failed too, your son will take your place again. Overall it's pretty simple and there is two ending to it if you beat the God King........

*SPOILER below*

The Game Play
It's fun and you just have to be fast in swiping your fingers across to fend that sword or whatever weapons you choose. You got to be fast to read those sword movements, you can either, dodge, use your shield or just swipe in the same direction to parry the attacks.
You can also use magic depending on what ring you equipped with to either cast fire, ice, poison, restore your shields or heal yourself (I do recommend at least using a ring with healing properties), do use magic just draw the symbols (this does reminds me of the Harry Potter game for iPhone).
You get money along the way, pay attention closely to the screen, even during cut scenes as you will notice bags of gold and if you tap them the money is yours and in some cut scenes you cant go back to get it. There are also potions of healing lying around, but you cant use them during the fight, thus why I recommend equipping a healing ring.

I wouldn't disclose too much anymore of the game, you just have to try it yourself its really good. I do recommend you collect up to half a million gold to get the Infinty blade, trust me it slashes enemy instantly, it is also the same sword the God King uses.

The game cost $5.99, but you get it for all three platforms on one price, though I rather play on the big screen iPad, I found playing on iPhone is just too small. You can download the game here. 

*SPOILER*
In the middle of the game when fighting the God King you will be presented with two options:
- Kill the God King and discover a device that will show you the planet and the God King did mention "they will now come for you".
- Or... be the God King allies and not sure what's next as the story ends there... (but then I found out that the stories is not over yet, I haven't downloaded Epic latest version update).

(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.
Screen_shot_2010-12-01_at_11

Instagram

I have just recently discover Instagram iPhone app and really loving it.
It allows me to take great snapshots and applying different styles on each photo.
You can also check if your friends are using Instagram via Facebook or Twitter and follow their photo posts, as well as give them a like.

The app also allows you to easily push and post your photos to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Foursquare (I guess Foursquare is partnering with Instagram to compensate for their lack of photo uploading capability like Facebook Places or Gowalla) and Flickr.
I have posted several samples on how it looks like on each post, as well as several photo effects you can apply.
It's really simple to use and fast to upload onto multiple sites at once.

Start using Instagram today, simply download it here for free.

(download)

Renren Location Check-in

Just downloaded Renren latest iPhone app update, it includes recently mentioned new service - location base check-in.

An overview:
- The icon looks familiar (see marked in orange).
- It lists out the location nearby your area, I have not been able to see how you can add new location.
- Currently the check-in only feature simple check-in with message, share with your friend and who has been there.

They are also planning to combine this service with deals and Groupon type of promotion in the near future.

(download)

iPhone iPad Travel Apps by MUJI

MUJI, a Japanese lifestyle and travel retail brand has just stepped into the Apple App world and blast off with four well thought app.

- The calendar app shows a great integration with Google calendar and looks extremely easy to use. The app is free and you can follow this link to download it.
- The notebook app brings handwriting recognition to the next level, as well as just jotting down your thoughts or sketches. The app cost USD 3.99 and you can follow this link to learn more about it.
- Muji To GO app is a useful tool for travelers to look at local clocks, currency, weather, etc. The app is free and you can follow this link to check it out.
- The Apparel app shows their latest collection, price and launch date. The app is free and you can follow this link to download it.

Well as they say, you got to love the Japanese for their neat in arranging everything ever so... organized?

(download)

iPhone App: by Hotels for Travelers

There is around 100,000 iPhone app going around the Apple iTunes world, I'm mentioning a few that I've noticed has been growing ever so largely - from hotel industry.
A lot of them has either of this common functionality - look & book for hotels, using GPS to locate the hotel and photos/videos info of the hotel. But some does stand out from the rest, have a look below (this does not represent the whole collection just yet as there is just far too many apps as you know it).

Individual Hotel App
Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo
The app mentions a special rate and gift if users book via the app, this is a great incentive for users to use the app. Although it is an individual hotel, instead of the whole hotel group. Aside from that the app offers the standard map, what's around the hotel, photos, etc.

Show what games is available, how to play, entertainment schedule with video intro of the show, nightlife activities and the humongous hotel map (you'll need it for sure).

Integration with Aria Facebook & Twitter page for sharing, geo targeted content with special rewards, players online club to win prizes and full service hotel directory where you can call the hotel services (not that I imagine you'll be using that a lot). Quite an interesting and fun to have app.

Standard book the hotel with exclusive breakfast if you make the reservation from your favourite iPhone, it gives map, photo and video of the hotel, as well as Chicago city. Here's something for news update they pull it live from Twitter.

Hotel Group App
Here is something different - 100 cocktail recipes from different Renaissance hotels from around the globe, you can shake your iPhone for random cocktail you can show to your fav bartender, you can also share it via Facebook or Twitter to your friends or email it. It shows hotel location, how to get there via GPS and of course booking hotel room instead of the bar seat.

Peninsula Hotels (worldwide)
Standard look for hotels, map, photos and booking.

Holiday Inn (worldwide)
Standard look for hotels, book, check points and store hotel booking details.

Hilton Hotels (worldwide)
Standard look and book for hotels, check HHonors point.

Accor Hotels (worldwide)
Standard booking, hotel location, photo and videos, as well as checking your loyalty rewards points, as well as checking using preferred code.

Priority Club Rewards by IHG Hotels
Offers standard GPS hotel location map, hotel photos and bookings; but with one click you can dial the hotel direct instead of browsing more pages, you can also access Priority points.

Again the app offer standard booking, hotel photos; but the difference is capability of viewing member points, upcoming stay and browse thelobby.com blog site for latest insight. Note there are several individual hotels from Starwood launching their own individual hotel app, so might be worth checking if you are staying in one of them.

Sol Melia Hotels (worldwide)
A very basic simple app of pulling data from the website on looking for hotels, information and book.

The app offers standard global map hotel location, beautiful photos and booking capability.

Embassy Suites (worldwide)
Standard book hotel, photos and GPS map. You can request whatever you want in advance before your arrival through the iPhone.

Waldorf Astoria (worldwide)
Look and browse through the hotels, photo, amenities provided and make booking. The app is displayed in landscape mode.

Conrad Hotels (worldwide)
Standard booking, hotel location and photos. A unique feature of highlighting what is different in each Conrad hotels.

Fairmont Hotels (worldwide)
Book the hotel feature, learn surrounding via GPS, provide driving/walking direction, access to Fairmont loyalty point and check latest travel packages. You can also take a picture, upload and share it on Fairmont's own dedicated social media site.

(download)