Epson Announces Next-Gen Augmented Reality Smart Glasses Built to Revolutionize Gaming, Video Entertainment, and More

Epson announced today its second generation Moverio "smart glasses" with a combination of new features geared to transform how consumers experience games, video entertainment and the world around them.

Sporting a sleek, light design, the Epson Moverio BT-200 is a true binocular display using a miniaturized LCD-based projection lens system and optical light guide in each side of the glasses. The Moverio platform's advanced binocular optical system projects see-through overlays of digital content onto the real-world in the center of the smart glasses' field of view. Enabling a seamless blend of the physical and digital world, the Moverio BT-200 technology platform makes a new world of augmented reality applications possible for consumers as well as commercial enterprises.

The Moverio BT-200 projects a stereoscopic virtual display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 23-degree field of view. A 360-degree panoramic experience is possible through third-party software that takes advantage of the glasses' head-tracking features. For optimum viewing privacy, Moverio's projection system features unique light guide angles which prevent other people from viewing the projected content.

Google Best Apps of 2013 Winner “whoscall” Released on LINE

LINE, the world’s leading mobile platform with 320 million users worldwide, today announced the release of LINE whoscall, a free call-filtering and number management app for Android developed by Gogolook Co., Ltd., a world leading caller ID service company.

LINE whoscall for Android devices will allow users to identify the source of incoming numbers and filter out unwanted calls and messages. The app is a reworked interface for LINE users based on whoscall, which has been downloaded more than 5 million times worldwide, and was selected for the Google Best Innovation Award of 2013 in eight regions, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

LINE whoscall utilizes a database of over 600 million numbers, including businesses and shops, sourced from the Yellow Pages and other public data resources to automatically identify and display the source of incoming calls and messages as they arrive. This allows users to filter out suspicious numbers before they answer a call or message.

Microsoft deploys TV White Space Technology for Internet Connectivity in Haiyan Inflicted Areas

Microsoft deploys TV White Space technology to provide Internet connectivity and free Skype calls to connect Yolanda survivors with their families, and through this kind of inflictions happened in any area of the world it is just fitting and timely to used this kind of technology to help rebuild nations that needs communications and connectivity such as this.

It has been more than two months since Supertyphoon Haiyan devastated Eastern Visayas and various efforts continue to take place to help rebuild communities.

In line with its commitment to create a lasting impact in the community through technology, Microsoft Philippines has deployed TV White Space technology in Visayas to enable Internet connectivity and free Skype calls to help Typhoon Yolanda-affected citizens communicate with their families here in the country and abroad.

Microsoft, together with the Department of Science and Technology Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST – ICTO), has placed a station of devices at evacuation centers where citizens can access Skype and enable a video call with their relatives and loved ones. One of these evacuation centers is the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus located at Palo, Leyte.

The Internet is being powered by TV White Space which utilizes unused TV channels (e.g., channel 3, channel 1, etc.) to enable connectivity. This technology was first utilized by a joint project of Microsoft, DOST – ICTO, and USAID to improve fisherfolk registration at Bohol. Then, it was used to provide connectivity to support relief efforts for the victims of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol in October 2013. Now, TV White Space is playing a role to provide Internet connectivity and much-needed communications for our kakabayans affected by Typhoon Yolanda last year.

Moreover, TV White Space technology is being utilized by government agencies such as DILG and DSWD among others to effectively coordinate for the continued relief efforts, and for the delivery of services needed for the rebuilding of communities. Microsoft has also provided free Skype calls credit to government and non-government agencies for better collaboration in facilitating necessary initiatives.

“At Microsoft, we are committed to create a real impact in the country through technology. In the wake of the disaster, we extend our knowledge, capabilities and resources to help the Filipinos at a time they need it the most,” said Karrie Ilagan, General Manager of Microsoft Philippines. “Through our disaster response programs, we hope to aid the government and non-profit organizations in efficiently conducting continued relief initiatives and rebuilding efforts for our affected citizens.”

“The TV White Space technology is an ideal medium to bridge the digital gap particularly in areas beyond the reach of commercial communications providers. And it is with this technology that we intend to provide connectivity for government offices for the delivery of essential services and disaster response initiatives,” said Undersecretary Louis Casambre of the DOST- ICTO.

In partnership with the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), Microsoft participated in the Disaster Preparedness Roadshow attended by stakeholders from public and private sectors. Microsoft conducted the Disaster Management session of the roadshow to share to stakeholders how to better leverage resources such as technology, and to present case studies on the value of investing in disaster preparedness. The roadshow ran in the following areas: Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, Pampanga and Subic.

To know more about Microsoft’s TV Whitespace Technology pls. click this video link, http://research.microsoft.com/apps/video/default.aspx?id=179871

To know more about Microsoft’s disaster response initiatives, visit Microsoft Citizenship Blog. Visit Facebook/MicrosoftPhilippines, and @MicrosoftPH Twitter page.

ASUS Celebrates In Search of Incredible Brand Spirit at CES 2014

ASUS chairman Jonney Shih today celebrated the company’s In Search of Incredible brand spirit in his CES 2014 keynote address to show how ASUS weaves technology into the fabric of our everyday lives. The first of these ground-breaking innovations is ZenFone, a range of 4 to 6-inch smartphones that embodies the ASUS commitment to creating incredible experiences that transform expectations.

Mr. Shih revealed other innovative products, including Transformer Book Duet (TD 300), the world’s first quad-mode dual-operating-system (OS) laptop and tablet in one, and PadFone mini, a 4-inch smartphone that transforms effortlessly into a 7-inch tablet. ZenUI, an ASUS-exclusive user interface, also makes its debut in the PadFone mini and ZenFone.

Other new offerings include ROG Swift PG278Q, a stunning premium gaming monitor that carries the Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand DNA.

Restating the ASUS brand promise, Mr Shih said: “ASUS is passionate about technology and driven by innovation. We dream, we dare and we strive to create an effortless and joyful digital life for everyone. We’re always in search of incredible ideas and experiences — and we aspire to deliver the incredible in everything we do.”

Invited to take the stage by Mr. Shih, Intel President Renee James said: “We are thrilled to help Asus unveil its newest array of Intel-powered 2-in-1 with dual OS and mobile device designs. Our collaboration dates back to motherboards and has evolved to span PCs, 2-in-1 devices, tablets, phablets and more. The new Transformer Book Duet, PadFone mini and the ZenFone series further extend our history of bringing exciting computing experiences to market.”



ZenFone and PadFone mini — incredible experience through incredible connectivity

ZenFone is the new flagship smartphone brand from ASUS. With screen sizes that range from 4 to 6-inch and available in an array of striking colors, ZenFone is the incredible smartphone for everyone.

ZenFone 4 has a gorgeous 4-inch display and a powerful dual-core 1.2GHz Intel® Atom™ Z2520 processor with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology that delivers two threads per core — making this a smartphone that never leaves the user waiting for a response. With two built-in cameras, a weight of just 115g and available in five vibrant colors — Charcoal Black, Pearl White, Cherry Red, Sky Blue, Solar Yellow — ZenFone 4 is the great-value handset for young people who want the perfect companion for their mobile lifestyles.

ZenFone 5 has a beautiful 5-inch IPS panel that delivers HD 1280x720 resolution, the same energy-efficient, fast dual-core processor and brilliant 8-megapixel PixelMaster main camera — for high-speed burst photography and brightness that’s enhanced by up to 400% when taking pictures in poor lighting conditions. GloveTouch and PenTouch technologies increases the display’s sensitivity, making it possible to use the device even with a gloved hand or any stylus.

ZenFone 6 also offers a HD display, measuring a fantastic six inches across the diagonal — so users see more of what they want. Like ZenFone 5, the ZenFone 6 display features GloveTouch and PenTouch technologies. ZenFone 6 also includes a 13-megapixel PixelMaster main camera. ZenFone 5 and 6 are available in four statement colors — Charcoal Black, Pearl White, Cherry Red, and Champagne Gold.

All ZenFone models offer an incredible experience through incredible connectivity — and so too does the brand-new PadFone mini. The latest addition to the hugely popular ASUS PadFone family, PadFone mini is a beautiful 4-inch smartphone that docks seamlessly with 7-inch tablet that comfortably fits one hand — allowing users to expand their view in an instant without compromising on comfort.

With a powerful dual-core Intel Atom Z2560 processor with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology that enables two threads per core, 8GB of internal storage, and up to 64GB micro SD card support, PadFone mini has all the power and resources needed for both phone and tablet apps. It even supports dual SIMs, so users are the freedom to maintain two distinct phone numbers, or separate data and phone lines, without requiring two handsets — incredible connectivity.

ZenFone and PadFone mini both benefit from ZenUI — a sublime new user interface that’s exclusive to ASUS smart devices. With simplified icons and menus, five different color themes that match the device colors, and a clever What’s Next feature that helps users keep track of their lives, ZenUI is the irresistible front end of these irresistible new devices — and proof that fantastic functionality can have a friendly face. ZenUI is also designed to be social, thanks to Omlet Chat, powered by the Omlet Open Messaging Platform. With Omlet Chat, users can share anything – such as text, photos, video or audio - at any time, with anyone, and on any phone.



Transformer Book Duet — dual-OS innovation that transforms consumers' expectations

With Transformer Book Duet (TD 300) ASUS has created an innovation to transform consumers’ expectations by creating the world’s first quad-mode laptop and tablet convertible, with Instant Switch technology that allows users to switch between Windows and Android in either laptop or tablet modes in just four seconds — and with just a single push of a button or a virtual key on the tablet.

With a powerful Intel Core i7 processor at its heart, Transformer Book Duet runs up to twice as fast as existing tablets with ARM processors. With ASUS SonicMaster technology built in and dual speakers on both sides of the tablet, Transformer Book Duet delivers incredible audio for immersive entertainment.

Transformer Book Duet is also an extremely capable Windows laptop, with a 13-inch Full HD touchscreen that’s just perfect for navigating Windows 8.1.



ROG Swift PG278Q — enabling effortless gaming and joyful digital lives

Also in the spotlight is ROG Swift PG278Q, a brand-new 27-inch gaming monitor that is the first and fastest in the world to support NVIDIA G-SYNC technology for stunning smoothness, and crisp 2560×1440-pixel (WQHD) resolution visuals.

ROG Swift PG278Q is able to synchronize with the GPU’s render rate to provide stunning smoothness and ultra-fast response — for incredible images today and ready for the next generation of gaming. Tearing, graphics stutter and latency will be a thing of the past, and a smooth visual experience is ensured by a rapid refresh rate of over 120Hz and a fast 1ms response time.

ROG Swift PG278Q is also designed for comfort and simplicity, with ergonomic tilt, swivel, pivot and height-adjustment features. It also features an exclusive and intuitive five-way on-screen display (OSD) joystick-like navigation key, plus a built-in smart cable-management system. ROG Swift PG278Q’s ultra-thin 6mm bezel makes it ideal for multi-display gaming setups.



AVAILABILITY, PRICING & SPECIFICATIONS

Product availability varies by country. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

Specifications and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. For more details about the products mentioned in this press release, please visit http://press.asus.com .

ASUS Announces PadFone Mini

ASUS today announced PadFone mini, a beautiful 4-inch smartphone that transforms effortlessly into an elegant 7-inch tablet. PadFone mini comfortably fits the palm for an instantly expanded view on a glorious 1280 x 800-pixel display — even better than HD.

This latest addition to the hugely popular ASUS PadFone family is powered by an Intel Atom Z2560 processor, has 8GB of internal storage and a micro SD card slot that enables storage to be upgraded by up to 64GB.

With exclusive ASUS DynamicDisplay technology to automatically resize apps for the different display sizes, a brilliant 8-megapixel (8MP) main camera and 2MP front-facing snapper for selfies, and finished with the resplendent concentric-circle design detail that’s become an iconic part of the ASUS brand, PadFone mini is an outstanding smartphone that’s also a lightweight handheld tablet — and with five brilliant color choices on offer, there’s a model to please everyone.

PadFone mini even supports dual SIMs, so users have the freedom to maintain two distinct phone numbers, or separate data and phone lines, without requiring two handsets — superb connectivity that’s also incredibly convenient. The device also benefits from ZenUI, a sublime new user interface that’s exclusive to ASUS smart devices — and proof that the most advanced tools and features can be both easy to use and beautiful to behold.



Peerless design, lightweight convenience and great power — all with superb battery life

PadFone mini is the first device to bring together the convenience of a 4-inch smartphone with the power and versatility of a 7-inch handheld tablet — and that means a tablet that can be held and used comfortably with just one hand. PadFone mini saves the hassle of having to carry two permanently-separated devices and, with a combined weight of just 376g, it allows consumers to jettison unnecessary bulk. Simply, PadFone mini is much lighter than many other smartphone-and-tablet combinations.

PadFone mini is also gloriously slim, with the smartphone’s gently-curved design tapering to just 6.3mm at its thinnest edge — and the smartphone itself weighs just 116g. With diamond-cut edges and a spun-metal finish, it also looks beautiful. A soft-touch ceramic coating ensures comfort and great durability.

Both the 4-inch (800 x 480-pixel) and 7-inch (1280 x 800-pixel) displays use IPS+ (in-plane switching) technology for fantastically clear and sharp images that also offer great viewing angles. To ensure a seamless experience when switching between smartphone and tablet modes, PadFone mini’s exclusive DynamicDisplay technology ensures that apps are correctly — and instantly — resized for the appropriate screen size.

Inside PadFone mini is an Intel Atom Z2560 processor that runs at 1.6GHz to deliver all the performance need to run both smartphone and tablet apps without slowdown — so PadFone mini is ultra-responsive at all times.

Despite the refined looks, slim dimensions, low weight and incredible processing power, ASUS engineers managed to equip PadFone mini with a total battery capacity of 3270mAh (12.8Wh) — for talk and tablet time that just keeps on going. The tablet even charges the PadFone mini smartphone when docked, virtually eliminating worries about finding a mains outlet during the day.



Premium 8MP PixelMaster camera with wide-aperture lens for great light sensitivity

PadFone mini’s main camera couples an 8MP Sony BSI (backside-illumination) sensor and wide-aperture f/2.0 five-element lens with exclusive ASUS PixelMaster technology to capture digital photographs that more than match those snapped by many dedicated digital cameras.

PixelMaster’s Low-Light Mode measures the available light and intelligently adjusts the pixel size to increase light sensitivity by up to 400% — and that means PadFone mini has the ability to snap great low-lights shots even without the built-in flash.

PixelMaster also includes many other brilliantly easy-to-use options that further enhance PadFone mini’s digital photography prowess, including HDR (High Dynamic Range), PanoSphere, Smart Remove and All Smiles — the latter ensuring that all subjects look their best by intelligently choosing the best shots from a series of captured facial expressions. PixelMaster also has a Turbo Shot mode that lets users capture multiple still shots in just one second.

PadFone mini also captures smooth high-definition (1080p) video footage — and users even have the ability to capture still photographs while shooting video.



Sublime ASUS ZenUI interface and exclusive enhanced apps

ASUS engineers wanted to make PadFone mini as easy to use as it is powerful and versatile — so they designed ZenUI. This brand-new interface is exclusive to ASUS smart devices, including PadFone mini. With simplified icons and menus, five gorgeous device-matching color themes, and a clever What’s Next feature that helps users keep track of their lives, ZenUI is the irresistible front end of these irresistible new devices.

ASUS has also added enhanced Android apps to PadFone mini, so users are able to make the most of the convergent device’s vast array of features. With the email app, for example, ASUS has added the ability to read messages by thread — making it much easier to keep track of conversations. In the web browser, Smart Reader Mode automatically adjusts the background tone to reduce eye-strain, while ASUS Collage lets users create engaging photo stories that can be easily shared online.


AVAILABILITY & PRICING

ASUS PadFone mini will be available worldwide from Q2, 2014. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

ASUS Announces VivoTab Note 8 Windows 8.1 Tablet with Professional Wacom Digitizer Stylus

ASUS today announced the VivoTab Note 8, a Windows 8.1 tablet featuring a professional Wacom digitizer stylus, making it the best pen-based tablet for productivity or creativity. Designed for professionals and students alike and bundled with Microsoft Office Home and Student, which includes Microsoft Word, Excel , PowerPoint and OneNote, VivoTab Note 8’s light 380g weight and the ability to use it one-handed make it an ideal mobile productivity tool.


With slim bezels, a high-definition IPS display and an elegant design it deserves pride of place in any business or educational environment.



Powerful Quad-Core Processor

The VivoTab Note 8 is powered by the latest Intel Atom Z3740 processor for a perfect balance between multitasking performance and outstanding energy efficiency. With up to 8 hours battery life, VivoTab Note 8 can last for a working day before it needs to be recharged. And with 2GB of memory, up to 64GB of solid-state storage plus the ability to use up to 64GB microSD cards, there is all the space you need for your apps and files. Accessing your data on the move is simple, too, thanks to one year’s worth of unlimited ASUS WebStorage.



Precise input with Wacom technology

Designed for one-handed user with ultra-slim bezels, the VivoTab Note 8 is ideal for on-the-go use. Its professional digitizer pen sits neatly in its holder along the bottom edge of the tablet, so it’s always on hand when you need it. Based on premium Wacom technology, the digitizer stylus affords the best possible accuracy, speed, responsiveness and palm rejection. This, combined with over 1,000 levels of pressure sensitivity, provides an extremely natural writing or drawing experience, meaning you really can throw out your sketch pad or notebook: the VivoTab Note 8 is all you need!



Serious About Sound

Developed by the team of experts in the ASUS Golden Ear team, SonicMaster audio technology uses a tailored mix of hardware and software to enhance sound quality to a level far above what you might expect from such a small device. Its rear-facing stereo speakers with large resonance chambers give rich, rounded bass, and sophisticated audio processing tools boost the frequency range to make music, movies and games sound fantastic.



AVAILABILITY & PRICING

Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

ASUS Announces Transformer Book Duet TD300

ASUS today announced Transformer Book Duet (TD300), the world’s first quad-mode, dual-OS laptop and tablet convertible that allows users to switch between Windows and Android in either laptop or tablet modes in just four seconds — and with just a single push of the Instant Switch button or a virtual key on the tablet. With a powerful Intel Core i7 processor at its heart, Transformer Book Duet runs up to twice as fast as existing tablets based on ARM processors. ASUS SonicMaster technology and two speakers ensure that Transformer Book Duet delivers incredible audio for immersive entertainment.



Quad-mode, dual-OS laptop and tablet with Instant Switch

ASUS Transformer Book Duet (TD300) is an extremely capable device that is able to function as an Android or Windows 8.1 tablet or notebook. Users can simply switch operating systems with a single push of the Instant Switch button or a virtual key on the tablet.

Transformer Book Duet features a powerful Intel Core i7 processor with Intel HD graphics and 4G DDR3L 1600 RAM, giving it performance that’s twice as fast as existing tablets powered by ARM® processors.

The patented ASUS technology that powers Instant Switch offers many performance and productivity benefits over other dual-OS solutions, such as fast, smooth and seamless switching and the ability to resume each OS from where the user left off. As it does not use OS virtualization, Instant Switch also allows each OS to harness the full power of the Intel processor.



Striking audio-visuals

ASUS Transformer Book Duet (TD300) delivers striking visuals on its 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 Full HD IPS touchscreen display. This multi-touch display has a sensitivity and responsiveness that exceeds Microsoft’s requirements for Windows 8.1. For audio, it comes with ASUS SonicMaster technology for true-to-life sound through the tablet’s twin speakers.

In addition, Transformer Book Duet has a front-facing HD camera with a built-in digital mic for video chats. The tablet display has 128GB of SSD storage which can be supplemented by a 64GB Micro SD card, while the keyboard dock houses a 1TB hard disk drive. The dock is also home to USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, a LAN port, and HDMI 1.4 output with 1080p support. In terms of connectivity, ASUS Transformer Book T300 has 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 with EDR.

ASUS Transformer Book Duet sports the same stylish concentric-circle finish found in other ASUS offerings. The Transformer Book Duet has compact dimensions, with the tablet measuring 342.7 x 216.3 x 12.9mm; and the dock measuring 340.9 x 217.6 x 16mm. Together, they weigh around 1.9kg, making it supremely portable and flexible for those on the go.



AVAILABILITY & PRICING

Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.