Even better, through the use of some nifty nano-engineering, these photochromic (that’s the scientific term folks) lens perform even better than their traditional, frame-rimmed counterparts. According to the director of the Singaporean institute responsible for this development, the contact lens adapt faster, thanks to the use of a network of really tiny tunnels distributed evenly throughout the lens.

These tunnels contain the dye that automatically adjusts to the sunlight; the structure itself allows more of this dye to exist in the same area, granting the sensitivity and speed benefits noted above.

Will these lens be a good enough reason for me to drop my glasses and fully embrace the daily hassle of putting on and removing contact lens? It would be really cool to have your eyes turn black. Imagine the intimidation potential!

Perhaps, but only time will tell. No word yet on market availability and price, so stay tuned!

Source

Post from: The Gadget Blog

The stories as related by the victims are practically the same. It involves a seller and a buyer agreeing on a price; after the latter hands over the money, the former suddenly claims that he already gave the merchandise. Continue reading for a sample account, which details how these unscrupulous sellers take advantage of tourists.

After haggling for a while, he and the seller agreed on a selling price of Sing$300 [$213]. So the guy hands over the cash, and the seller then suddenly asks, “Ok, so where is your Playstation?” The buyer was perplexed, but when he looked at his receipt, the item listed there was a memory card.

…the buyer says “I’m buying it from you remember?” The seller then says, “No, you asked for a memory stick for your PSP.” The buyer was initially more puzzled than mad, and tried to clear things up. But the seller insisted that he had bought a memory stick, not a PSP. The buyer …called a policeman outside the mall. When the cop arrived, the seller gave him the spiel about the memory stick. When the cop asked to see the receipt, sure enough, the item listed is a memory stick, not a PSP.

The cop [asks] the buyer if he wants to file charges. Since the guy has only two more days in Singapore, this isn’t viable as it could take a long time for a hearing to be set. He demands that the cash simply be returned and they forget about the whole thing. The seller asks him to return the non-existent MS, which of course, he can’t… an Indian couple comes by, report that the seller had done the exact same thing to them earlier. But since they were leaving the following day, they couldn’t press charges either.

Five easy steps to keep this from happening to you, in Singapore or any other place:

1. Beforehand, try to find out what comes with the gadget you’re buying (power cords? adaptors? software?)
2. After agreeing on a price, ask the seller to bring out the merchandise and open the box in front of you
3. Request that the seller take out each item in the box, and identify it for you
4. Ask the seller to close the box and put it into the plastic/paper bag in front of you
5. Hand over the money as the seller hands you the bag

Sellers should (read: must) have no problems with the requests outlined above. Remember, you can always walk away and look for another seller! Don’t let the need to save a few dollars cloud your judgment, and always use your common sense! (philmug.ph)

Post from: The Gadget Blog

I’m currently in Singapore for Nokia Connection 2008, basically their own “lock out” version of CommunicAsia. I’ve written up a few posts about this on Cellphone9 and would like to recap everything that has happened form day one to the middle of day 2.

Highlights would include the launch of the new Nokia E71 and E66 enterprise phones and a more solid Ovi platform. There are also hints of Nokia going into the mobile advertising business.

The Nokia Connection 2008 Launch Party: A closer look at N-Gage, new phone launches and testament to the Ovi commitment.

Nokia E66 and E71 Details: Essentially the same phone with two different ways of input, both phones come with the revamped OS, better options for enterprise solutions and push mail and security encryption. Here’s a detailed look on the E71.

Nokia Interactive Advertising: Nokia is entering the mobile advertising space with contextual ads on the mobile platform. They’re going up against the big Google when it comes to mobile ads but methinks their strategy is a simpler solutions provider. Not a lot of details was released as to how they’re going to go about it. Mostly case studies were presented of other online campaigns. But Nokia really hints that they’re going into this space because of the higher CTR and segmented penetration. Well, let’s wait and see.

Share on Ovi: Is Ovi going to be the Flickr killer? Seems like it. You can upload video, photos and audio for free. You can embed photos on blogs. You can create channels. There is a stronger social networking aspect and a more robust mobile upload platform. Seems to me, yes. It might just kill Flickr, even for the mere fact that it is free

Post from: The Gadget Blog