An Expensive Mobile Phone Purchase.

Google has gone shopping for a mobile phone... and it has decided to buy Motorola.  A total sum of US$12.5 Billion was paid for the mobile phone division of Motorola... which I'm guessing also includes a healthy patent portfolio or at least a lot of access to certain technologies.

This instantly bumps Google up to the #8 spot as a mobile phone manufacturer, aside from being the #1 Smartphone OS provider with Android.

I wonder what will their new division be called?  Hahahahaha!

Sound Sculpture : Zikmu Parrot by S+arck

Parrot by S+arck: These are one of the nicest looking compact home speakers available.  Technology used are a couple of NXT (now Hi-Wave) panels that handle the high frequencies, and a couple of downward firing subs under each speaker.

The system is wireless and powered.  Each speaker needs to be plugged into a wall outlet to supply the 50watts per channel.  The system does not work individually, since the control panel is on one speaker, and the iPod dock is on the other.

The pair also accepts audio via Bluetooth but reliability drops off beyond 2m every now and then so the iPod dock would really be the way to go.  Wifi audio streaming is much more reliable.

The remote operates over RF so line-of-sight is not critical for operation.

The set comes in a really cool carrying case that looks like a trumpet bag... although I don't really see people lugging this set around after initial setup.  They are light enough to carry around from room to room.

The Parrot is perfect for art/design oriented people that want a simple, all-in-one system for a small room or apartment.  Although loud enough for large rooms, anymore than 15 people and the sound gets drowned out quite quickly.  They make great conversation starters and center pieces for room decor.

On the audio quality, they sound ok.  Not bad.  Do not think that these are speakers that happen to look nice... these are decorative pieces of furniture that happen to make sound.  I was disappointed however with their overall height.  When I first saw the pictures, I was expecting them to be at LEAST 1m tall... but they're only .75m and this doesn't really maximize the potential range and dispersion of the sound.

Forget left-right directionality since the natural dipolar properties of NXT panels creates a nice diffused sound field that has a better ambient mood than traditional speakers.  These will most likely be used in a living/dining room or casual area where conversation will take priority over sonic accuracy.  I wouldn't recommend these for listening rooms, or home theaters.

At Php88,000 (or US$1,600 abroad) they're cheap for an art piece, but not cheap for speakers.  If you consider that you're getting 2-in-1 then it's a pretty good deal.

*Audiophiles should stay away!  If you're an audiophile, want decorative speakers and have deep pockets... check out Avantgarde instead.  Their entry level system starts at Php400,000 (US$8,000)*

Being Green-Minded... Tata's New Air Car

Although the technology for air-powered engines has been explored by others throughout history (First recorded air-powered vehicle was in France in 1840) Tata's air-powered car is the first to bring this tech within reach.  The engine in use was developed by Ex-F1, Ex-Renault engineer Guy Nègre for the MDI Group.

Aside from being eco-friendly, the Air Car has a range of about 200km per air refill (cost of an air-refill is approx US$2) making it practical for everyday use.  A small electric compressor may be added to the car to allow convenient refilling from your home outlet in 4 hours, or it may be filled by an industrial air compressor in 3 minutes.  Since there is no combustion to burn the internal lubricants, oil changes are only needed every 50,000 km or so, and it uses vegetable oil for mechanical lubrication.

The most interesting trait of this engine is that its exhaust is COLD air, negating the need for an air-con system all together.  Exhaust air from the engine is 0-15 below zero.

If manufacturers (nudge, nudge...BMW-i ... nudge, nudge...) use this engine in their upcoming hybrids, the exhaust gas alone is enough to replace the entire Li-Ion battery cooling system and air-con system.  And extend the range of any electric car by providing an on-board generator that's way easier to refill than a petrol car.  Although the torque generated is quite low, it's more than enough to act as an electrical generator to recharge the Li-Ion batteries in upcoming electric cars, lowering their over-all carbon footprint.

Tata plans to sell the Air Car in India for approx US$8000 within the year.

You're Phishing Aren't You? BPI Express Online Warning

D3HXQ36UDJSH A warning to all Bank of the Philippine Islands users... Trend Micro has identified a new Phishing scam going around.  Please DO NOT click on any links found in your email.  Go directly to BPI's website.

All Your Base Are Belong To Us...

Render by fetuscakemix on deviantart

In a recent report by Canalys, Android's Smartphone marketshare has jumped up to a staggering 48%.  iOS comes in 2nd at 19%.  Apple still hold the #1 spot for leading smartphone vendor at 19% as well, since Android's marketshare is divided among all Android vendors. RIM is down to 12% from last year's 33%.

Source: Canalys