How i wish the Philippines could properly implement the Comes with Music program of Nokia. In Singapore, buying a Nokia phone allows you to enjoy one full year of free music downloads. In the Philippines, w cannot implement such a scheme because of (1) the record labels and (2) there’s a rule that value added services should go through a company that is owned by a Filipino. Which means Nokia may have to go through a third party service provider or through a telco, which completely defeats the purpose of having the Ovi store and the Comes with Music freebies. Why can’t it be simpler? Oh the prohibitions of such things make everything so complicated.

Le sigh.

Post from: Cellphone9

Here’s a size comparison between the Modu and the Nokai E71. I was able to acquire the not-so-new Modu unit from Globe telecommunications as they intend to launch this in the Philippines for only P7,999.00. The Modu is a “modular phone” which means that the other features come to life when you attach the small device to several modules such as casings, desk MP3 players, etc. By itself, the Modu is already a full functioning phone, allowing you to make calls and load up music.

I still need to do actual real world tests for the practicality of having a phone like this, but thus far it does not hurt to have a second phone that can turn into a fantastic conversation piece.

Post from: Cellphone9

The statement does need some qualification. First off, yes it is true that Target is now developing apps for the iPhone but we don’t have the speculation to see through how effective a release of one app can coerce the retail giant to develop more applications. But the news is that Target has released an iPhone application for their holiday shoppers.

The Target Gift Globe mimics the holiday tradition of the snow globe. After downloading it, users shake their iPhone, producing an on-screen snowfall that clears to reveal a gift idea from the retailer. Users can tap through to visit Target’s site and buy the item or find a store nearby. [source]

A worthy resource allocation or not, the debate doesn’t matter – the application is just another digital channel to get consumers reeled into the store. Why no apps for Symbian or Windows Mobile? Well, first off because only the iPhone guarantees support for accelerometer enabled devices while Symbian and WM don’t. Secondly, and I’m going on a limb — the iPhone’s demographic guarantees consumers wired to buy the next tech device they see.

[source]

Post from: Cellphone9

NOTE: USD $1.00 = Philippine Pesos PHP 44.00

The second batch of releases for the iPhone 3G is happening this August 22. Complete information here.

Gee. I don’t know about you but the hype is really starting to die out on me. I was very interested (like 80% convinced) to reserve an iPhone 3G but was so turned off by the pricing. I had once told folks that the iPhone isn’t exactly the real product telcos should sell – but rather, kick ass pricing. So taking a look at Globe Telecom’s price scheme (in partnerships with SingTel in Singapore), I’m left with sad realizations as well:

Still no unlimited roaming Internet. A maximum of 100 hours? Still too low.

What’s to stop me from buying a refurbished first generation iPhone for around $150.00 (yeah that’s the price here) and insert a SIM card that has unlimited roaming Internet minutes? I spend so much less. As for the features I’m left out of — GPS is honestly overrated.

Come to think of it, I really wonder why August 22 was chosen as the launch date when, at least in most of Asia, 08.08.08 is supposedly the luckiest day.

Post from: Cellphone9

Manila, 12 May 2008 – Globe, SingTel, Bharti Airtel and Optus today announced that they have signed an agreement with Apple to bring the iPhone to the Philippines, Singapore, India, and Australia later this year.

More information will be released at a later date. [source]

The prediction last year was by mid 2008, Asia will legitimately have their shot at the iPhone. With hope, this should be the 3G iPhone running on a fast network that Asia supposedly prides itself in having. But wait, doesn’t Asia already have the iPhone? With a big YES to the iPhone and NO to the iTunes Store, I’m more excited to see a “so it follows” that because we’re now going to have the second coming of the Jesus Phone in Asia, so should the iTunes Store come forth and herald it’s release for applications and the SDK.

Post from: Cellphone9