If you are familiar with Huawei, you probably know it as the brand that makes the cheap phones. Until now, the Huawei phones we've reviewed at CNET Australia have been all cheaply built plastic handsets, some of which we loved, but only because they are so ridiculously affordable.
The Vision breaks this mould with a much more attractive and sturdy design than previous Huawei handsets. The company opts for a unibody aluminium chassis for most of the phone's body, with a tri-tone battery cover like recent HTCs. Only the bottom third of this cover is removable, giving access to the 1400mAh battery, SIM slot and microSD card slot, pre-loaded with 2GB of memory.
However, Huawei's most improved smartphone element is its display, with the 3.7-inch screen on the Vision far outpacing the screens on any in its budget Ideos range of phones. This screen is more like one you'd expect from HTC or Samsung, with a WVGA resolution, good colour and decent off-axis viewing angles. Most impressive is the curved glass over the LCD panel. This curve bulges slightly from left to right, following the line of your thumb as you swipe between home screens. Huawei says it takes 17 hours to curve each piece of glass, which is an amazing titbit, resulting in a somewhat smoother touchscreen experience.
Keeping a smartphone to a price under AU$300 is remarkable when you consider the build quality described above, and even more so when you add a number of software costs into the equation. To give the Vision a first-class user experience, Huawei has licensed a number of third-party apps to enhance the phone's look and feel. Most notable is the SPB 3D launcher; a slick-looking home screen replacement that sits on top of Android. With SPB 3D, you get seven customisable home screens, plus a bunch of great-looking widgets. It's not quite as polished as HTC's Sense UI, but it is very close, and it has a number of similar elements to Sense, including great-looking weather presentation.
The onscreen-typing experience is also improved by an app called TouchPal, which features excellent early word prediction and some other really nifty typing features. If TouchPal or SPB 3D don't work for you, both are easy to switch off, leaving you with Google's default Android Gingerbread experience.
Powering the 3D home screens is a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and 512MB of RAM. This chipset also includes an Adreno 205 graphics processor, which is evident when we ran the Neocore 3D benchmark with the Vision and saw a result of 59 frames per second — a score on par with most of this year's biggest releases.
The Snapdragon chipset is the same option taken by manufacturers for last year's favourite phones, including the Desire HD and this year's Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc. Again, you can see how this processor stacks up in a comparison of benchmark results.
If there is one area where the Huawei Vision is not like its more expensive competition, it's in the quality of its 5-megapixel camera. This shooter is passable for spur-of-the-moment photos, but its autofocus is quite slow, and its colour reproduction skews the palette of most images towards being bluer than they naturally are. It is a fair bit better than cameras we've seen from Huawei in the past, but it's a good step short of the competition this year.
2011年11月29日星期二
2011年11月21日星期一
BMW orders KraussMaffei machines
KraussMaffei says that BMW will use these machines to support series production and develop turnkey process solutions.They will be used to produce and finish components made of thermoplastics and reactive resins for the interior and exterior, as well as for load-bearing structures.
Parts for the vehicle body will be produced on nine high pressure resin-transfer moulding (RTM) machines at the BMW plants in Landshut and Leipzig, Germany.
According to KraussMaffei, these machines have high filling pressures for maximum fibre wetting and self-cleaning mixing heads. They ensure a highly automated production process with great potential for shortening the cycle time. Post-mould finishing of the components is carried out based on trimming systems and the material supply system is also part of the order.
At Landshut, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components are being made for the BMW i3 electric vehicle scheduled for launch in 2013.
As part of the order, the BMW plant in Wackersdorf will acquire another large MX 4000-24500 injection moulding machine to produce stable mould carriers for the instrument panel in the 1 and 3 Series using the 'injection moulding structural foam' process. In this process components are produced with a compact outer skin and a foam structure inside. Two integrated industrial robots from KraussMaffei perform the necessary assembly and follow-up steps.
At the BMW plant in Leipzig two 4000 tonne MX 4000-17200/12000/750 WL double swivel-plate machines will produce components with an outer skin and a thermoplastic substructure. In this case the outer skin and substructure will each first be separately injection moulded, joined together as the two swivel plates rotate and tightly connected with a third plastic component.
Parts for the vehicle body will be produced on nine high pressure resin-transfer moulding (RTM) machines at the BMW plants in Landshut and Leipzig, Germany.
According to KraussMaffei, these machines have high filling pressures for maximum fibre wetting and self-cleaning mixing heads. They ensure a highly automated production process with great potential for shortening the cycle time. Post-mould finishing of the components is carried out based on trimming systems and the material supply system is also part of the order.
At Landshut, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components are being made for the BMW i3 electric vehicle scheduled for launch in 2013.
As part of the order, the BMW plant in Wackersdorf will acquire another large MX 4000-24500 injection moulding machine to produce stable mould carriers for the instrument panel in the 1 and 3 Series using the 'injection moulding structural foam' process. In this process components are produced with a compact outer skin and a foam structure inside. Two integrated industrial robots from KraussMaffei perform the necessary assembly and follow-up steps.
At the BMW plant in Leipzig two 4000 tonne MX 4000-17200/12000/750 WL double swivel-plate machines will produce components with an outer skin and a thermoplastic substructure. In this case the outer skin and substructure will each first be separately injection moulded, joined together as the two swivel plates rotate and tightly connected with a third plastic component.
2011年9月6日星期二
Product promotion with EasyDose
EasyDose is a novelty in the RPC Superfos range. It is a household container with a special feature: it comes with an integrated dosing system which ensures exact quantities each time. EasyDose is uncomplicated and practical. The user gets the exact quantity of for instance detergents, coffee or baby food and avoids over- and underdosing. Today, EasyDose is available at one of Germany’s largest retailers, Tchibo.
Enhance brand position
The product is also interesting for non-retailers. EasyDose can be usedt as a free gift during a special campaign period, rewarding customer loyalty, enhancing the brand position.
EasyDose is suitable for products in the form of powder, granular or pellets. RPC Superfos delivers EasyDose in two sizes: 1,5L and 2,2L. The lid and plates are available in a multitude of colours and decorations can be made with in-Mould Labelling.
Available at German retailer Tchibo
Area Sales Manager Keld Krogh Nielsen has presented EasyDose to the German retailer Tchibo who is known to be an innovative business, so off-hand, there was a common denominator. Based on the dummy version, Tchibo placed an order straight away. Keld Krogh Nielsen says:
“For Tchibo we have produced EasyDose in three different colours. The retailer decided to focus on a breakfast theme: orange, yellow and pink for porridge oats, cornflakes and muesli respectively.”
The container itself is frosted plastic while the lid, the plate for measuring and printed stripes are in matching colour. The price at Tchibo is 7,99 for one container.
EasyDose is the perfect give-away
At home, EasyDose is a plus for any household: It is easy to use, refill, dose and dish washer safe.
Enhance brand position
The product is also interesting for non-retailers. EasyDose can be usedt as a free gift during a special campaign period, rewarding customer loyalty, enhancing the brand position.
EasyDose is suitable for products in the form of powder, granular or pellets. RPC Superfos delivers EasyDose in two sizes: 1,5L and 2,2L. The lid and plates are available in a multitude of colours and decorations can be made with in-Mould Labelling.
Available at German retailer Tchibo
Area Sales Manager Keld Krogh Nielsen has presented EasyDose to the German retailer Tchibo who is known to be an innovative business, so off-hand, there was a common denominator. Based on the dummy version, Tchibo placed an order straight away. Keld Krogh Nielsen says:
“For Tchibo we have produced EasyDose in three different colours. The retailer decided to focus on a breakfast theme: orange, yellow and pink for porridge oats, cornflakes and muesli respectively.”
The container itself is frosted plastic while the lid, the plate for measuring and printed stripes are in matching colour. The price at Tchibo is 7,99 for one container.
EasyDose is the perfect give-away
At home, EasyDose is a plus for any household: It is easy to use, refill, dose and dish washer safe.
2011年8月28日星期日
Kozhikode Red Cross joyous as they win state award
It was a remarkable day for the guardian angels of health, service and friendship, who gathered under a single roof to cheer one another on winning the state award for the best district Junior Red Cross team. Over 500 JRC members flocked to the Tagore Hall in the city on Saturday to share their delight in the feat for which they had been toiling for years.This group unique movement in schools has been reaching out to the destitute, juveniles and the aged to address their needs. Offering waterbed to patients suffering from incurable diseases and food and clothing to members of old-age homes and orphanages, children of upper primary classes and high schools have been proving their social responsibility and commitment towards their fellow beings since they became part of the movement.
"Once we are informed of the needs of an ailing patient from an economically backward family, our children start collecting money from their parents, teachers and neighbours to provide the needy essential medicine and food," says K K Rajendrakumar, district secretary of JRC.The student members of JRC also serve society by collecting plastic bags and other waste articles on the roadside and hospital premises. Providing medical assistance to their own schoolmates responsibly, many of the members have been proving themselves to be responsible citizensmodel to the society.
O V Muhseena, a Standard VIII student of BEM Girls High School, Kozhikode, does not hide her joy of serving society. "Plastic is banned in our school, and we collect plastic bags if some of our friends leave them in the compound or garden," she says in exultation.The teachers and counsellors are also excited about the work of their junior cadets. Says Vasudevan, a teacher of Kunnamangalam Higher Secondary School and sub district president of JRC..: "My students frequently visit the children's home run by the social welfare department." He adds that they distribute clothes and books to juveniles and present dance and songs for them by participating in the programme.Agents of international friendship, the The younger ones in schools are also keen to be part of JRC. A C Amana Farhath, a Standard VIII student of the city school, is of the view that "group works and social interventions help youngsters to mould their character to become good citizens" of the future.
"Once we are informed of the needs of an ailing patient from an economically backward family, our children start collecting money from their parents, teachers and neighbours to provide the needy essential medicine and food," says K K Rajendrakumar, district secretary of JRC.The student members of JRC also serve society by collecting plastic bags and other waste articles on the roadside and hospital premises. Providing medical assistance to their own schoolmates responsibly, many of the members have been proving themselves to be responsible citizensmodel to the society.
O V Muhseena, a Standard VIII student of BEM Girls High School, Kozhikode, does not hide her joy of serving society. "Plastic is banned in our school, and we collect plastic bags if some of our friends leave them in the compound or garden," she says in exultation.The teachers and counsellors are also excited about the work of their junior cadets. Says Vasudevan, a teacher of Kunnamangalam Higher Secondary School and sub district president of JRC..: "My students frequently visit the children's home run by the social welfare department." He adds that they distribute clothes and books to juveniles and present dance and songs for them by participating in the programme.Agents of international friendship, the The younger ones in schools are also keen to be part of JRC. A C Amana Farhath, a Standard VIII student of the city school, is of the view that "group works and social interventions help youngsters to mould their character to become good citizens" of the future.
2011年4月14日星期四
Let's get physical: the fight against files
Though CDs remain the most popular format for music buyers, the plastic disc is in decline, under threat from downloads both legal and otherwise. Some artists, labels and retailers are beginning a fightback against the threat to physical music releases with innovative new formats and ideas – including USB keys and album badges. LAUREN MURPHY reports
IT’S BEEN a while since Jon Bon Jovi was described as anything close to a spokesman of a generation, but his recent denunciation of download culture resonated more vociferously than expected with music fans of a certain vintage.
You could argue that the rocker is being more than a little excitable with his dramatic statement that “Steve Jobs is personally responsible for killing the music business”, but in many ways he has a point. Although CDs remain the most popular format for music buyers, their value has been diminished by the convenience of MP3s, not to mention illegal downloads.
Nevertheless there are bands, companies and music fans still doing everything within their power to stay connected to the physical world.
Last week The Flaming Lips announced their plan to release several new songs on a USB key enclosed in an edible jelly mould in the shape of a skull, with frontman Wayne Coyne telling Billboard: “Everybody’s in the same quagmire now. How do you release music? What would be interesting? I’d just like to release music all the time and just put it out in all kinds of weird formats and not just collect it until we’re ready to put out every two years or so.”
The White Stripes released a slightly less wacky version of their album Icky Thump on collectible USB keys in 2007, oddball indie-pop band Of Montreal bundled download codes of Skeletal Lamping with items ranging from a paper lantern to wall decals, and Laura Marling made an event of her debut album by releasing it as a Song Box keepsake. Even Tinie Tempah appealed to his young demographic by releasing a version of his album as a collectible lanyard with a download code attached. Novelties? Perhaps, but it sure beats the throwaway nature of a computer file.
Record Store Day takes place tomorrow
THE RETAILER
Making music collectable has never been so crucial to the faltering retail sector. The past 12 months have seen many of Ireland’s independent shops close, but a glimmer of hope remains among the remaining retailers.
“We’re seeing more and more albums and singles coming out on different formats,” says Gennaro Castaldo of HMV. “Partly this is because artists and their labels are becoming more imaginative in how they seek to connect with fans, but it’s mainly because rapid changes to digital technology are making it increasingly possible.
“Ultimately it’s always going to be about novelty and niche – designed mainly to attract press or social media coverage to help a release stand out – and the vast majority of releases will remain on CD and digital formats. But it will be interesting to see what new ideas the tech boffins come up with. A few years back, HMV stores exclusively stocked the first single to come out on a USB memory stick – by Keane – and they sold out within days. They can be highly collectible and are likely to appreciate in value.”
THE CONSUMER
Twentysomething Dubliner Mark is a self-confessed “music obsessive” who has spent “thousands” on CDs in the past. These days, however, he’s more inclined to get most of his music via illegal downloads, unless it’s a collectors’ item or individually numbered limited release from one of his favourite bands.
“I just can’t afford to buy most CDs, apart from certain bands that I really like,” he says. “Music is too expensive these days. I can’t afford to chance €15 or €17 on a band that I might never have heard of. If I really love an album [that I’ve downloaded], then I might buy it. It’s a popular opinion that illegal downloading is a lost sale, but that’s not necessarily the case.”
He agrees that a certain amount of responsibility for the faltering retail sector lies with people such as him – but he also thinks that stores, labels and promoters should be doing more to increase footfall. Special events don’t have to be restricted to Record Store Day alone, he says.
“It would be a sad thing to not be able to physically browse a back catalogue in a shop, but I don’t see why some of the independent stores don’t tie into more in-stores or live gigs and stop solely relying on sales, or even the novelty releases you mentioned,” he says. “Getting people into shops again is crucial. I’m not saying that running a business is easy, but independent stores need to provide something the big stores don’t, and adapt to the online market – not just sit back and sink, like some of them seem to have done.”
And he doesn’t necessarily agree with Jon Bon Jovi’s sentiments, either.
“It was inevitable that people would find a new way to consume music – it’s evolution, plain and simple. The biggest challenge facing the industry now is giving music a currency that’ll steer future generations, and people like me, away from exploiting it.”
IT’S BEEN a while since Jon Bon Jovi was described as anything close to a spokesman of a generation, but his recent denunciation of download culture resonated more vociferously than expected with music fans of a certain vintage.
You could argue that the rocker is being more than a little excitable with his dramatic statement that “Steve Jobs is personally responsible for killing the music business”, but in many ways he has a point. Although CDs remain the most popular format for music buyers, their value has been diminished by the convenience of MP3s, not to mention illegal downloads.
Nevertheless there are bands, companies and music fans still doing everything within their power to stay connected to the physical world.
Last week The Flaming Lips announced their plan to release several new songs on a USB key enclosed in an edible jelly mould in the shape of a skull, with frontman Wayne Coyne telling Billboard: “Everybody’s in the same quagmire now. How do you release music? What would be interesting? I’d just like to release music all the time and just put it out in all kinds of weird formats and not just collect it until we’re ready to put out every two years or so.”
The White Stripes released a slightly less wacky version of their album Icky Thump on collectible USB keys in 2007, oddball indie-pop band Of Montreal bundled download codes of Skeletal Lamping with items ranging from a paper lantern to wall decals, and Laura Marling made an event of her debut album by releasing it as a Song Box keepsake. Even Tinie Tempah appealed to his young demographic by releasing a version of his album as a collectible lanyard with a download code attached. Novelties? Perhaps, but it sure beats the throwaway nature of a computer file.
Record Store Day takes place tomorrow
THE RETAILER
Making music collectable has never been so crucial to the faltering retail sector. The past 12 months have seen many of Ireland’s independent shops close, but a glimmer of hope remains among the remaining retailers.
“We’re seeing more and more albums and singles coming out on different formats,” says Gennaro Castaldo of HMV. “Partly this is because artists and their labels are becoming more imaginative in how they seek to connect with fans, but it’s mainly because rapid changes to digital technology are making it increasingly possible.
“Ultimately it’s always going to be about novelty and niche – designed mainly to attract press or social media coverage to help a release stand out – and the vast majority of releases will remain on CD and digital formats. But it will be interesting to see what new ideas the tech boffins come up with. A few years back, HMV stores exclusively stocked the first single to come out on a USB memory stick – by Keane – and they sold out within days. They can be highly collectible and are likely to appreciate in value.”
THE CONSUMER
Twentysomething Dubliner Mark is a self-confessed “music obsessive” who has spent “thousands” on CDs in the past. These days, however, he’s more inclined to get most of his music via illegal downloads, unless it’s a collectors’ item or individually numbered limited release from one of his favourite bands.
“I just can’t afford to buy most CDs, apart from certain bands that I really like,” he says. “Music is too expensive these days. I can’t afford to chance €15 or €17 on a band that I might never have heard of. If I really love an album [that I’ve downloaded], then I might buy it. It’s a popular opinion that illegal downloading is a lost sale, but that’s not necessarily the case.”
He agrees that a certain amount of responsibility for the faltering retail sector lies with people such as him – but he also thinks that stores, labels and promoters should be doing more to increase footfall. Special events don’t have to be restricted to Record Store Day alone, he says.
“It would be a sad thing to not be able to physically browse a back catalogue in a shop, but I don’t see why some of the independent stores don’t tie into more in-stores or live gigs and stop solely relying on sales, or even the novelty releases you mentioned,” he says. “Getting people into shops again is crucial. I’m not saying that running a business is easy, but independent stores need to provide something the big stores don’t, and adapt to the online market – not just sit back and sink, like some of them seem to have done.”
And he doesn’t necessarily agree with Jon Bon Jovi’s sentiments, either.
“It was inevitable that people would find a new way to consume music – it’s evolution, plain and simple. The biggest challenge facing the industry now is giving music a currency that’ll steer future generations, and people like me, away from exploiting it.”
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