Sponsored
ASUS ZenFone series was first launched in 2014 but the second generation of ZenFone 2 is finally launched this year!
When I first received this phone, my colleague told me his husband is using ZenFone 2 and it was priced at $200+ and I was all confused because I was pretty sure that it was not that cheap.
Until later when I started to google, I realized that they are called ZenFone 2 but you do not identify them by that. ZenFone 2 is just a family of phones. Recognise them by their individual product codes. For example, I am reviewing ZE551ML 4GB RAM today.
I love the metallic finish at the back of the phone’s cover. It also comes with a flippable cover that can be attached to the back of the phone (when you remove the back cover).
Specifications in a nutshell:
ZenFone 2 ZE551ML was released in May 2015 and priced at $429/32GB and $499/64GB.
Weighing at 170g, this 5.5 inch screen (1920 x 1080 pixels) has a battery life of 3000 mAh. 3000 mAh is way more than some smartphones around but do take note that the battery is not removable. ASUS also have their own power bank, so if you’re still worried about not having enough battery life, remember to bring an ASUS power bank out!
ZenFone 2 runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop and has ZenMotion. This function makes using the phone easier because you can just draw the alphabet to launch certain app. For example, by drawing an E on the screen will launch the email app while C launches the Camera.
Although it has dual sim card slots (micro sized), one of the card slot is only for you to make calls. Slightly above lies the slot of a microSD card which supports up till 64GB with of storage.
Dimensions of the phone: 152.5 x 77.2 x 10.9mm. With a thickness of 10.9mm, the phone is thin enough for you to slight into your back pockets anytime.
Camera:
Back – 13 megapixel, f/2.0, 5-element lens and PizelMaster technology
Front – 5 megapixel, f/2.0
A ZenFlash was also sent to me and GOSH. I LOVE THIS LITTLE BLACK DEVICE. It makes awesome lighting for photos at night as it is 100X brighter than traditional LED camera. Now I can even selfie or take nice food photos under dim light conditions too.
PixelMaster technology can help to take good photos as well even under low-light conditions.
Modes like Manual, HDR and more can be found.
Look at this selfie photos with Beatify feature using the front camera under dim lighting without flash.
The 3.5mm jack is located on top, right beside the on off button.
As you can see from the pictures above, I changed the cover to their View Covers for ZenFone 2 so quickly because I like the extra protection. Not only that, you can also access the phone without flipping the cover open.
You can see weather conditions with Weather View, take photos without flipping it open, Music Controls, check notifications and more.
Now do you like my ZenFon 2 already? I am IN LOVE!
Should you need more information, feel free to visit: https://www.facebook.com/asus.sg
tech
Casio G-Shock GPW-1000
Sponsored
People who knows me well would know I am a watch addict. This ‘addiction’ started since 2 years ago when I was exposed by a close friend to watches of all kind especially the luxury ones of which mostly are either automatic or hand-wound. Nonetheless, electronic watch has been a genre which was in my blind spot till the day I set eyes upon the latest addition to the world-renowned “unbreakable watch”, G-Shock’s range: The GPW-1000 !
The GPW-1000 prides itself to be the World’s First GPS Atomic Solar Hybrid Time Calibration System that can receive both Global Positioning System (GPS) signal & Radio wave time-calibation signals transmitted from six stations worldwide (two in Japan and one each in North America, UK, Germany, and China).
To put it simply in layman, regardless where you are on this surface of the Earth be it from the driest desert dunes to the wettest marine environment, as long as you are reachable by GPS signal OR radio wave, this amazing watch will definitely be able to calibrate the time in your immediate timezone! All it takes is just a simple click & a mere seven seconds to a minute for the watch to get accurate time from GPS signal time information !
“The first G-SHOCK was born out of an engineer’s dream of creating an unbreakable watch. Since 1983, our designs have continued to evolve to capture new trends and challenge the limits with advanced technology so that we always surpass the imagination of our customers. With the debut of Casio’s new hybrid timekeeping system, the Gravitymaster GPW-1000 is probably one of the most spectacular series in our premium range of G-SHOCK timepieces” said Mr.Koyu Kotani, Assistant General Manager, Timepiece Division, Casio Singapore.
No better place for me to showcase its ultimte sturdy exterior apart from the top of this rocky, harsh-looking background! Even the hardness of the background is secondary if you hear what goes into this attractive-looking watch:
It has an Advanced Triple G Resist construction which allows it to easily withstand shocks, centrifugal force, and even vibrations. Sounds like something indestructible? Needs of pilots and aviation enthusiasts are also met. CHECKED!
Scratch-resistant DLC coating on the bezel featuring a hard diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating that is both scratch resistant and sophisticated looking. Furthermore, it came with a 27-city world time guide printed on the bezel. Don’t you like the double hook there? I am totally digging this.
I have a thing for carbon fiber and I was really glad to find out that GPW-1000 has durable carbon fiber insert wristband. The subtly-embedded strip of carbon fiber on its underside serves to reinforce the band so as to offer the strength & durability to last. Pretty sure this watch is a good investment because of the materials used.
Other features within the watch comprise of a photoluminescent hour markers, water resistance of up to 200 metres, LED illumination to increase visibility in the dark (activated with a click to the top right hand corner button), approximate latitude, seconds, stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm (of which the various modes can be selected by clicking the botton left hand button), and a calendar.
IF you are the kind that would frown upon the hassle of having to change battery for your watch, you would be pleased to know the GPW-1000 uses solar-charged battery. So as long as you get it exposed under the sun, it will be well charged to keep running! Furthermore, to make it even more power efficient, the GPW-1000 uses a low-power GPS LSI to receive GPS signal thus saving you the worry of battery drain.
For my upcoming trips abroad, this timepeice is definitely the way to go~ Simply because of the Dual time display function which can simultaneously displays the time in two separate cities.
Notice the small 24-hr clock (at the bottom left hand corner of the watch interior)? This allows you to store a secondary timezone such that you could view the local time with the primary clock while set your home timezone in this secondary 24-hr clock or vice versa.
In case your mind starts to wonder how complicated the process must be to set these two time zone on the GPW-1000, all I can say is you can have a peace of mind with regards to this aspect. All these can be settled in a easy peasy manner with a slight adjustment to the crown at the side of the watch.
This crown adjustment can be performed to achieve accurate real-time even when indoors or surrounded by buildings as the watch receives radio wave time-calibration signals. As such, you do not have to purposely head out into the open area just to set the two time zones. (Note: Receiving time information is prioritized by radio wave signals in radio wave coverage areas, and GPS signals in non-coverage areas).
Whoever says G-Shock looks too physically beefy to make a fashion statement, here my takes to prove you guys utterly wrong..
In fact, I feel the GPW-1000 has such a ‘manly’ yet versatile character to it, I could pull it off in any outfits not just restricted to the typical sporty outlook. You can also look preppy, smart or even boy-next-door with it!
Look at how beautiful the scratch-resistant sapphire glass of this lightweight 126g timepiece glistens under sunlight! Notice the tinge of blue on the glass too. I heard a lot about sapphire glass. You can take a penknife and scratch it and trust me, no lines will be seen. Suitable for any outdoor activities too.
If you already like what you are seeing on my wrist, I am telling that that GPW-1000 is also available in 2 other different colors.
It comes in Blue (GPW-1000-1A) and Orange (GPW-1000-4A) as well and is made available now at all G-FACTORY stores in Singapore for $999. G-FACTORY have really friendly staffs. I went in to the outlet at Ion Orchard and asked the guy on some of the watch functions. I must say that they are really patient with me and they are knowledgable in what they are selling.
G-Shock has proven once again its worthiness to own the people’s wrist space with the introduction of the GPW-1000. A Beauty with Sheer Toughness & Functionality to meet the wirst needs of the new age man!
Malacca with Casio EX-ZR3500
Last year November, James bought me a camera for my birthday – Casio EX-ZR1500 all because I was in love with the make up mode and being a blogger, I needed more than just a selfie camera, this was why I opted for a ZR.
I have never regretted picking this as my birthday gift because it accompanied and serve me well for all my events, product reviews and holidays.
Truth to be told, I was sad when EX-ZR3500 was released because I could have just waited for a few more months for this awesome baby to be released!! Since ZR1500 was that good, I was expecting ZR3500 to be even better. And yes, Casio passed my expectations with flying colours. It was good, in fact, it was so much better. I love the grip, the enhanced make-up mode and the functions.
Casio came out with 4 different colours for this model. I thought the pink and yellow one was cute but I ended up with white (again, because white is my favourite colour). Pink/Yellow are very eye-catching so it is very suitable for people who likes loud colours.
Buttons at a glance.
ZR3500 not only accompanied me to Bali, it also accompanied me to Malacca for a 2D1N trip with Team Casio.
During the trip, I learnt more about the functions of the camera and the different effects the camera has.
Let me share with you what is good for #selfie or #wefie.
– Enhanced makeup mode
– Front selfie button
– Motion Shutter
Unlike the older models, ZR3500 has a front button for you to capture wefie from different angles but if you need a bigger space for bigger groups, or even when you are traveling alone and there is no one to help you with a ootd or something, you can activate the motion shutter. Wave your hand and snap! The pictures below were taken using Motion Shutter + Enhanced Makeup Mode.
So flawless looking too right? Who doesn’t want pretty photos without having to photoshop~~
We can even take pictures like this! So cute! No up skirt because I wore FBT shorts inside 😀
The black button where my thumb is at is where the front shutter button is. Good for selfies!
It’s easy to use the motion shutter. Just go to Menu and on it. Press once on the shutter button..
And the palm icon will appear. Wave at the palm are and snap! You can also change the position of the palm to where you want it to be.
It has a very high shutter speed so if you need to capture multiple shots fast, this will work well for you.
I love the black circle on the top right of the camera because it enables a better grip of the camera.
Let me show you some of the pictures taken in Malacca with the different effects.
They have Crystal Ball, Sparkling Shot, Soft Focus, Toy Camera and more.. You can also find suitable scene for your picture in Best Shot for examples like food or scenery.
Miniature – one of my favourites among all the different functions. The focus was the boat and the rest of the background were blurred out. No editing done at all!
Crystal Ball.
Monochrome
The next two pictures are taken using HDR Art which creates dramatic art images with the camera with absolute no editing done! You can control the level of intensity from Level 1 to 3! The images are merged to give birth to works of art. FYI, you can also do a HDR Art Movie if you like!
Pop is also another favourite of mine because of the intensifying colors. Colour makes one happy and vibrant!
Then… a random photo with no effect. Looking good still? I have been using ZR3500 to cover all my event photos because I have absolute faith with the pictures.
Also, EX-ZR3500 has inbuilt Wi-Fi and is armed with Bluetooth Smart Technology. You can transfer the photos from your camera to your phone via EXILIM Connect application. The application can be found in Google Play or App Store.
Logo:
You only have to pair the camera to your phone once to enjoy the constant bluetooth/wifi auto transfer. For every picture you snap, it will appear in your phone as well (no more pairing or activation required for auto transfer!). If you don’t want your phone to be flooded with all the pictures, you can also off the auto transfer and selectively select the photos you want and do a one-time transfer.
Pssst: You can also do a remote capture by pairing your smartphone.
And because we went in a huge group and all of us had a ZR3500 on us, there were way too many photos so we shared it in Scene, another application which allows album sharing among friends (it works like dropbox). Just upload the picture into the album and people who are in the group will be able to see and download the pictures they want instantly. Best of all, Scene is free for all to download!
You can view the photos shared by your friends and download them to your phone as well! Upload them to your social media platforms instantly!
For more information on EX-ZR3500, you may visit: http://www.casio-intl.com/asia-mea/en/dc/ex_zr3500/spec/, or follow them on their Facebook and Instagram (@casiosg)!
KATA M3 Phone Review
Sponsored
New gadget, new phone! This time round, I’ll be talking about KATA M3.
KATA, in short, means producing high-end products that are simple and easy to use and the manufacturer is based in USA. I would say that the phones are designed in USA and assembled in China (which is very very common for most of the phones we use today).
Look at M3! It is even bigger than a pair of oversized sunnies.
When I brought the phone home, my parents were even more excited than me because of it’s huge screen. The screen is actually 5.5 inch and has an internal storage space of 16GB. The internal space is big enough for all your music, applications or even movies. I have over 3000 photos in my current phone. So…. the bigger the internal storage, the better for me? HAHA!
I know the weight can be a concern.. but what if I tell it that it only weights 181.5g? Light enough? For the grip wise, it is working fine for me. I know how irritating some phones can get when you use them at night. They can be quite uncomfortable to grip and then, “SMACK”, it slaps onto your face.
Look at the screen in the dark. The Super HD display 720×1280 pixels allows me to surf the phone without having to squint my eyes too much. It runs on Android KitKat 4.4 and the CPU is Octa Core 1.7GHz so it works good and does not appear to be laggy for me even when I have quite a few programs running in the background. The 2GB RAM reduced or prevents lag and allows smooth transitions between the different apps.
I can easily watch my favourite shows on youtube because the graphics are so clear and lucid. My mom used the phone for a week and she is a fan of watching shows on YouTube so she has nothing but praises for this phone.
For me, camera plays a very very very important role when it comes to phone. As I attend events a lot, there are times where I accidentally leave house without a camera or a low-battery camera.
M3 has a 16 megapixel rear camera but the front? I guess the selling point for this phone can be the 8 megapixel front camera! For people without a proper camera and loves selfie, this is definitely for you. This picture is tested at night to justify how clear the screen and photo is.
The phone is also dual-SIM so if you travel very often, you don’t have to take out your Singapore SIM card just to slot the overseas one in!
If you need additional storage, they have KataCloud too! Thanks to their generosity, for ever purchase of M3, you are also entitled to 35GB worth of online storage!!
Let me summarize the functions of the phone for you:
- Android KitKat 4.4
- MTK6592M Octa Core 1.7GHz
- 5.5-inch Super HD display 720×1280 pixels
- 16GB internal storage up to 32GB via microSD
- 2GB of RAM
- 16MP rear camera
- 8MP front-facing camera
- Dual-SIM
Overall, I am extremely satisfied with KATA M3 and I am looking forward to trying out their future phones 🙂
You can buy KATA M3 from KATA store, http://www.lazada.sg/kata-m3-16gb-grey-430173.html or even at their local store at Lucky Plaza for $368 and it comes with 1 year local warranty.
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/KataSingapore?fref=ts
CASIO EX-TR60 – Creation of flawless #selfies
With so many cameras in the market, what is best for vain pots like me?
Is there any camera suitable for people who:
– Love taking selfie but too lazy to edit it before posting it up?
– Busy people who find transferring photos to the computer and then to the phone a waste of time?
I fall into both categories because I spam selfies a lot. I take selfie almost everyday. I love pretty and flawless looking photos but I hate to edit them before posting it up because it is a hassle.
Why spend time to transfer it to the computer, then to the phone, followed by editing and filtering it before posting it up to all the other social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram when you can have it at your fingertips now?
Introducing you the new Casio TR60!! Already available in stores at a recommended price of $1,299.
I told you guys how much I love Casio Cameras in my previous review right?
I am now loving this TR60 even MORE THAN EVER.
What I love about the camera:
1. You can adjust the skin tone and colour before snapping the picture to make your skin look flawless and dolly (So you can save the time editing the photos. Sometimes, even filters can’t achieve the flawless skin). Love the enhanced Make-Up technology!
I am constantly using +6 for smooth skin for all my pictures.
2. It has Bluetooth and Wifi functions so it makes transferring photos to the phone a breeze.
I have been transferring photos via the Bluetooth smart Technology. The connection is very stable as it has NEVER failed on me for a single second even when I had more than 10 pictures to transfer at one go. 2 words to describe – Fast and Stable.
Do note that you would need to download the app – Exilim Connect to transfer the picture.
The logo looks like this:
With the app, you can easily transfer the pictures from the menu. You can either set it to Auto Send so every picture you take is sent to your phone instantly or select a few at one go and transfer them when you feel like uploading it to your social media accounts!
I absolutely love the auto transfer function because I can see how each of the selfie look like on my phone and which is the best looking picture before deleting the pictures away.
3. It is touchscreen. So dummy-proof because it works like how your smartphones or iPad works.
4. It has different effects suitable for different kind of photos.
(Just like this photo. How about a black & white one here?)
Selfie Art Mode can also be found. There are 6 artistic effects to choose from – High Key, Foggy, Fairy, Nostalgia, Vivid and Square.
Square works the best for Instagram addicts like me 😛
5. There are 4 very very pretty pastel colours to choose from!! My favourite is the first two from the left – Glossy Mint and Glossy Violet! There are people who prefers it plain and glossy so the thoughtful Casio came out with both designs for the same model.
6. It has an intuitive Selfie Pad which is a sensor within the camera’s 360-degree LCD rotatable frame. The sensor allows you to zoom or switch mode freely with just 1 hand. Sounds like taking selfie just got easier.
7. I love the grip of the camera which allows me to take selfie from ANY ANGLE. And best, I can take selfies with a single-handedly easily!
The camera works perfectly well by itself under different lightings. But let me show you how I take a good selfie with TR60. You can:
– Do a selfie outdoor anytime
– Do a selfie in front of your window during day time
Why? It is because it works really really really well when the sun is out.
Let me show you some examples:
Indoor (low-lighting):
Heh, pardon my just-wake-up-look.
And even after a long day out with the physical make up 60% gone and 50% of the face made up of oil, the make up mode still make me look neat and clean.
TR60 has a moulded glass lens that allows more light to reach the sensor so it works well even in environments with little light. How do you expect a camera to work well in low light and yet still produce vibrant images?
To me, the indoor picture gives me a very cute-ish feel. Not because how I dress, but because of the blur-ish feel the picture gives. So at times when you wanna take cute pictures, take it indoor! Of course, you can adjust the skin tone but I am loving this effect!
Now, outdoor (with good lighting):
As for outdoor with good sunlights, look at how clear the picture is. Even though the picture is super clear, your face remains flawless. That is how Casio beauty mode works.
Not forgetting, the enhanced Make Up mode comes with with Bracketing mode which captures 3 images with different skin tones. – 2 levels fairer and 2 levels tanner.
How does my skin look in all the #selfies? And how does the different angles look?
I hope you’re loving TR60 as much as me!
The camera is already available and so so so many of you have sent me questions about it when I first posted it up in my Instagram. You can get it from Casio authorized retailers like Best Denki and Harvey Norman ALREADY~~ Go give it a shot and test it out. I am pretty sure you will be tempted to own one too!
If you would like to find out more about the camera, visit: http://www.casio-intl.com/asia-mea/en/dc/ex_tr60/
OR
Instagram: @CasioSG
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CasioExilimSingapore?fref=ts
🙂