There are so many news on fake Apple store mushrooming all around China and why should anyone be surprised with these news? If they can create fake tau fu, why not an Apple Store?

So I was on a backpacking trip in China in April and I was telling Angeline we should visit the Apple Store in Beijing if time permited. It didn’t happen.

We went to Datong then to Pingyao and then to Xi’an.

If you didn’t know, Xi’an is famous for it’s Terracotta Warriors. Upon arriving to Xi’an, guess what greeted me instead?

An Apple Store.

I was thinking Wow Apple must be banging on all cylinders to expand in China. I immediately went into the store with my friends and everything looks exactly like the actual Apple Store set up except for one thing.

The price.

It was more expensive by a few hundreds of ringgit.

I took this opportunity to snap photos. Later I sent it to my bosses of Switch(Apple Premium Reseller). I got a reply a few hours later from John.

It then hit me. I actually walked into a fake Apple Store in Xi’an, China.

All in all, an average person would not be able to distinguish a fake Apple Store and the real one. I am not sure by now if this store is legit or was legit in the first place. There are news around saying, some of the Apple Stores are actually legit.

Fake or Real?

If you didn’t know already, Apple released iOS 4.2.1 earlier today which is the first time where all iDevices get the same update, yes including iPad. I realized the firmware alone was almost double the size of 4.1 and having such a crappy internet connection, i downloaded the firmware manually using a download accelerator.

These are the links for each of the iDevices:

• iPhone 4
• iPhone 3GS
• iPhone 3G
• iPad
• iPod touch 2G
• iPod touch 3G
• iPod touch 4G

Of course before anything else is done, please do backup your device and also update iTunes to 10.1. New features in 4.2 are Find iPhone, AirPrint, AirPlay and little tweaks here and there. I am more interested in Find iPhone.

Once updated, the first thing that is visible is a new app called Find iPhone. Previously this was a paid service but now it’s free for all current devices (iPhone 4, iPod touch 4th gen, iPad).

First up, go to Settings and under Mail, Contacts & Calendar, choose Add Account and tap on Mobile Me. Put in your Apple ID username and password to activate.

You will be shown this page after that and turn on Find My iPhone. So what does this feature do actually?

- Your iDevice (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad) gets stolen and through this feature you are able to locate the whereabout of the device and even remote wipe the data. Of course this requires the device to be connected to the internet via 3G or even WIFI.

- Another usage i can think about is tracking your loved ones. Simply put in their Apple ID and password and waaalaaaa it shows where they are.

- Misplacing your phone; you can send a beeping sound to your phone which might just help you in finding it around your house

Once you are done with the above mentioned step, fire up the Find iPhone app and log in.

Immediately it shows where my phone is. So when you have misplaced your phone, all your need is another iDevice with this app and you can track it down. But what happens you can’t find anyone with an iPhone or iPod touch?

Fear not. Simply log into me.com

Put in your apple ID and password.

So now you can do the same functions but from any internet connected device.

Like i mentioned earlier this was one function i like but then again, no one loves the idea of having their phone stolen. One feature Apple should learn from one developer who released something similar via Cydia was the ability not to turn off the phone. That feature was super wicked ! So the phone is constantly on until the battery eventually drains off.

For other devices which aren’t supported like iPhone 3Gs/3G, older generation iPod touch, all you have to do is find someone with an iPhone 4, register your details like how i mentioned from the Mobile Me step under settings. Just follow the steps above. Once you have done that, do the same on your own devices (iPhone 3Gs/3G), that should do the trick. I mean it works as of now.

Besides having the ability to track down your boyfriend and girlfriend, another feature that is worth looking into is AirPrint. Once your device is connected to the same network as your shared printer, you can print documents, pictures without the need of your computer.

I haven’t had the chance to try any printing yet so if any of you have, do tell me about it

Other minor updates for iPhone users are new sms tones (doesn’t make a difference to me), better rating systems in YouTube probably to help you choose which video to be played via AirPlay. Speaking of AirPlay, this feature doesn’t appear until you have an Apple TV connected to the same wireless network.

Let’s recap what 4.2 does:

- the ability to track your partner without the need of calling or sms-ing him/her

- to Display a Message right in the middle of their screens and give out a beeping sound; works well with girls who can’t remember that they have a phone in their handbag.

- remote Wipe their phones if they still haven’t replied you assuming their phone has been stolen.

- print documents from my sofa; thus eliminating the need to walk to my iMac.

- assign different SMS tones so that i would know if the SMS is important or if i could continue sleeping.

The biggest gain from iOS 4.2 is definitely the iPad users who have been deprived off Multitasking, Folders, etc. Not forgetting iPhone 3G users where performance wise has been substantially improved.

Since iPad will be launching this week soon in Malaysia, i wonder will the hype by anything like iPhone 4 especially with the prices being cheaper than Singapore.

Recently some one asked me what do i use to snap my recent photos. It’s not like I am promoting Phone but it’s the only mobile device I have as of now and of course with the vast Applications available in the AppStore, it has a slight edge compared to many other phones out there.

Having an entry level DSLR myself, I have always come to a point where I ask myself if I should carry my camera bag with me.

It all started with my previous iPhone 3Gs where I relied heavily on Camera+ app until Apple decided to pull the plug when it breached it’s agreement.

Having filters on an app is just a plus point but wasn’t a necessity for me. All I wanted was an application that would help with the shaking and if possible white balance.

ProCamera application is more than what I asked for.

Focus Point:

Just like the native camera app, it’s tap to focus but what differs is the exposure.

Exposure:

Now you have full control of the exposure by selecting the object that you would want the exposure to be based on. On native camera app, HDR is used to counter the crazy over/under exposed pictures.

White Balance:

You can also tweak the white balance on the fly before snapping your photo. Just lock the white balance once you have decided to go with it. This is good when you are in an environment where the colour is too cold or warm for your liking.

Other goodies that come with this ProCamera app are like grid, compass, timer, large button etc. One extra feature worth mentioning is the anti-shake mode.

Definitely worth looking into if you are into photography. It can give DSLR a run for it’s money when the usage of the camera is optimized

]]> http://satkuru.com/blog/2010/11/best-camera-app-for-iphone/feed/ 3 http://satkuru.com/blog/2010/09/iphone4-maxis-better-digi-cheaper-who-to-go-for/ http://satkuru.com/blog/2010/09/iphone4-maxis-better-digi-cheaper-who-to-go-for/#comments Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:45:00 +0000 satkuru http://satkuru.com/blog/?p=3244

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I know it’s not one of the best photo shopped pictures out there but as long as it serves it’s purpose, hehehe. There’s so much news, tweets, facebook updates regarding iPhone4 lately. Malaysia finally will be getting this phone, along with China, Philippines, Thailand and even Turkey.

People have been asking me as well, who to go for?

Digi? or Maxis?

During the last model, iPhone 3Gs Digi had the obvious cheaper package. I was then stuck to my current contract to Maxis thus all i had to do was wait for the next launch.

Now that its finally here and after comparing both plans, i honestly couldn’t decide which was cheaper and so i typed out all on Excel to compare.

You see for me data plan is very important, like super important. Why? Cause i have been getting screwed on and off by Maxis billing department for exceeding my allocated bandwidth. Even when i’ve turned off my data under Settings.

So that got me into a frenzy on whether i should just try out Digi or maintain where i am and probably fix a limit with Maxis.

Now that there isn’t a common comparison except the allocated data which works for me. I thought comparing based on data would be a good benchmark. Further more i am only looking at both the cheapest package as i am always at a wifi-enabled area.

So looking at the chart above, who is actually cheaper? Clearly in the long run (24months) Digi is cheaper.

Let’s use iPhone4 32Gb model as an example. Under Maxis, you would end up paying RM 4190 and under Digi, RM 4002. Remember, this is for a 2 years contract. That works up to RM 188 savings and if you do auto-billing with Digi, they reduce your bill by another RM 5/month. So it comes up to RM 308 for 2 years which is RM 12.83 monthly savings under Digi.

This is also the same for the 16Gb model. A savings of RM 12.83 montly with autobilling ( RM 308 savings for 2 years). Thanks zen for pointing out my mistake

Personally 2 years contract is just too long for me, who knows what the future holds, lol. So i am obvious opting for a 1 year contract.

As for you, if you have the choice between Maxis and Digi. Here’s a few things you have to take into account:

1) Make sure there’s 3G coverage in your area. This one most likely have to be done if you opt for Digi.

2) Make sure there’s 3G coverage in your area. This one most likely have to be done if you opt for Digi.

3) Make sure there’s 3G coverage in your area. This one most likely have to be done if you opt for Digi.

Talk time is also important to most of you out there. So please do compare how much each telcos are offering. As for the cheapest package under Maxis, iValue1 (RM 100) it’s 333minutes. iDigi88 (RM 63) offers 200 minutes and iDigi 138 (RM 93) offers 450 minutes.

I had a Digi number a few months back cause my Maxis bill keeps blowing up with my frequent calls to a Digi number. But i recently canceled it because i just couldn’t get a constant 3G connection when i move about. And Edge just doesn’t cut it for me.

Besides surfing the net, checking emails, tweeting and what not, i also utilize my monthly bandwidth by making calls via Skype. I am already given 500Mb monthly (old Maxis iValue1 package) and now with 1Gb plus 333minutes, i think i am staying put with Maxis. Sorry Angeline (she’s with Digi)

For those who wanna jump ship but retain their numbers, you can go through this process called Port-In. But please understand that the sales people earn LESS when a customer Ports-In thus the shitty customer service. A new number registration has a higher commission for them.

*update: just realized that Digi’s 2 years contract only has warranty for 1 year. Maxis on the other hand, gives 2 years warranty. 1 year standard by Apple + 1 year by Maxis themselves. Awaits Digi for any update.

Conclusion: If you are looking at a one year contract, there’s only one place obviously and that’s Maxis.

For 24months, Digi is cheaper as your monthly commitment increases. If you look at the table again, for the same Data allocation Maxis is considerably more expensive but you can’t deny that their coverage is so much superior compared to Digi.

But if you are aiming for the cheapest package, then i think just stick to your current telcos!

… and if that still doesn’t work for you, just get yourself a non-smartphone or a Blackberry.

The title has no meaning on it’s own. So don’t even bother deciphering what i meant. Hahaha. I had a bunch of key words that i wanted to put in my title and so i came up with the lamest way possible to link them up. Anyway here’s a short update on what will be posted up soon and what have I been up to for the past few weeks.

I finally had my first GCB burger aka Grilled Chicken Burger and my verdict is ….. It’s aight.

The price is the only major setback. If McDonalds could only replace McSpicy with GCB.

Recently I had the chance to ride on an ATV thanks to a certain company that loves giving cheap deals. The colours of the ATV does not signify anything lol.

I checked my blog thru my Safari in my iPhone and I saw large signs of Flash O.O!

No no, no one is mocking about the inability to play flash on iDevices but I was trying out Frash which enables Flash. Not bad actually but I never bothered using flash on my phone. It all comes down to personal preference.

MTV World Stage this year had Bunk Face, WonderGirls, Tokio Hotel and Katy Perry. It rained like cats and dogs before the event even started. The rain sizzled out after Bunk Face finished. I would call this a concert because everything was done to look good on TV. For that, we the audience we left waiting for more than 30 to 45 minutes between acts.

What ever it is I thought Tokio Hotel brought the house down! Thank you Blup Blup for the tickets!

Finally, I am officially back with Switch (CG Computers Sdn Bhd). They are one of the main Apple Premium Resellers in Malaysia and their only store in Klang Valley is in Mines Fair. I have my weekends to spare and here I am helping users make choices on what they want

… and finally …

… i have my JetSetter Badge on Foursquare. Nothing to shout about since a lot out there are cheating these days to obtain mayorships and badges.

So yeah, another badge to my collection

Yesterday marked the 3rd year of me being involved with Apple products. I couldn’t believe that time passed by that fast and it was just like yesterday when there’s only 10 or less in the entire team and right now there’s like 60 plus. Our annual dinner this time was held at E&O Penang and theme given was black/white for the guys and pink for the girls unlike last year where we had to dress up as professions.

I took this opportunity to use my DSLR to the max and i ended up with 500 over pictures -_-” Of course not all turned out well. But i have to say that when you are equiped with a DSLR, people just tend to pose and wouldn’t mind if their pictures are taken. And this is regardless if you are noob or an expert I barely know how to use all the buttons on the camera and there i was snapping away like i have been doing it for years -_-” So please bear with my amateurish shots

The man behind the scene: Since Mr Li’s birthday was a few days back, everyone decided to celebrate it at the dinner itself. I wanna take this opportunity to thank Mr Li for the iPod Touch

The dinner was not bad, it had a theme which was East Meets West. Definitely better than last year which i had a hard time filling my stomach. Right after dinner there were lucky draws and games.

The first game was bread eating competition. Unfortunately for me i was called up when i was in fact trying to wave at someone -_-”

Cheng Lit and I were blown off by Chun Huey and Wah. I had a hard time swallowing the bread

Wah proposing to Chun Huey? tsk tsk.

After that, the game became more ‘ganas’. Instead of feeding a piece of bread, both team mates would have to finish up an apple without the use of their hands.

Cedric helping Chew Ling with her apple

Winson came out first. Hehehe.

Between the sessions, people were all over taking photos and so did I.

Miss Calyn: My once upon a time colleague during the first few batches. In fact she’s the only person who still keeps contact with me. The rest dunno disappear where already -_-”

Miss Chun Huey: The person who bugs me on every Wednesday for my schedule. Hahaha i don’t think that’s gonna happen again, tsk tsk. All the best !

Miss Cheng Lit: Datin Cheng Lit, that’s what Jacky called her -_-”

Hohoho this is my Sifu *bow bow* Yeah i know the attire is very drag queen type but don’t let that fool you. This fella is one genius in Apple products. Luckily for me, i had the chance to be under his wing before he was promoted Btw he, Kant, won best attire for Male Category. Damn sad case ler -_-”

The girls also wanted to camwhore. This is only a ‘fraction’ of the ladies at the dinner. The rest were probably camwhoring at some other place. From the left: Joanne, Ruby, Pauline, Yee Wen, Seik Yee and Khar Ling.

The guys weren’t left out either. Yeah i know there’s only three, the rest were plain lazy -_-” From the left: Howe Yong (iVingie’s cousin ), Alvan (standing) and Pin Teng (seating).

Some dodo bird walked away with a free iPod Touch, lucky fella ! Cedric come let me *ahem* jailbreak it. Hahaha. From the left: Justin, Jacky, ME, Marshall

ME, Joanne and Roy

I took the opportunity to take a group photo with the ladies in pink But later on someone said it looked ‘wrong’ for me to sit with all the girls standing around -_-” So we retook the picture.

This time i stood with them

Then we all adjourned to Segafredo. I ordered cold chocolate but i was forced to gulp down a bottle of beer -_-” So i had chocolate beer ?! Oh ya it was all paid for, so i couldn’t careless what i was drinking

Yee Wen and ME

ME and Khar Ling

ME and Seik Yee

My partners in crime: Cheng Lit and Jacky

I don’t have the capacity to post up all the pictures here on my blog. So for more photos, you can visit:

Annual dinner 2008

The theme for this week is music. I think as each week goes, it seems to get tougher for me So the first thing that pops in my head are my two beloved Nanos. Most of my music is stored in there and it definitely keeps me entertained on the go. Unfortunately, a few months back my brother took one of it and so did my dad. Now i left with my notebook -_-”

I just can’t get my hands on the brand new iPod Touch. Or maybe the iPod classic with 80Gb/160Gb, it will definitely accommodate all my songs.

Have a great weekend everybody ! and Alvin, thanks for reminding me

I was checking technorati for a certain tag and came across this video regarding the latest gadget Apple has to offer. Check the video out.

This is the description of the video:

I just got myself an iPhone and it can do magic things. Secret Fun iPone applications discovered? I recorded this at the Apple Store in Soho just 30 minutes after the introduction of the iPhone. Have fun!!!

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/lcB8CKa73B0" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

Now if iPhone is capable of doing that, i wouldn’t mind saving my money when iPhone reaches our shore … for the time being i shall stick to my bulky z800i