SmartSAT: Smart's New Satellite Phones and Services

When disaster strikes, are you prepared? Are you really ready for the big one?

Well, we got schooled about that a few days ago when Smart hooked us up for an Emergency Management Center Workshop at the New World Hotel in Makati City. The Philippines belong in the Pacific Ring of Fire where a large number of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and Typhoons take place every year. During Typhoon Yolanda, the provinces of Samar and Leyte suddenly became disconnected from the rest of the Philippines. There weren't any infrastructure that was left standing in some parts of the province and people had no idea what happened in different places. It was like the blind leading the blind. It was a realization, that sometimes, the worst could actually happen. Without communication, it was hard to asses the situation, it was hard to find people, it was hard to look and send help.

Eventually, we were able to get through that hardship, and we learned quite a lot about the essentials, what to do in case we were in that situation. We also got the 214 on Satellite Phones and how much the services cost when you get it through Smart SAT.

These are two phones, one is the SatSleeve which have compatible phone sizes for iPhone 5, iPhone 5S and Samsung S4. The other one is a Thuraya XT, manufactured by a mobile satellite communications company with the same name who partnered with the biggest network in the Philippines SMART Communications. The SatSleeve can last a total of 36 hours (in standby time) and the Thuraya XT on the other hand can last up to 80 hours (in standby time) which means you can use it for days when disaster strikes and communication bogs down. From the looks of the coverage area, I think the only one they didn't include is the US (although some island territories are), north and south America, the north and south pole (Artic and Antartic with some bodies of water). You can check the list of countries here.

It costs Php 38,500 which is already pre-loaded with 225 units which is about Php 10,000 worth of airtime credits. The credits expire in a year and you have to top up credits again so your number won't expire. You can also get this cash or at 0% interest if you have credit cards with their partner banks on 12/24 month installments. If you think about it, it almost costs the same as the normal smartphones today. Good news is, it's perfect for travelers because the call and text rates on these prepaid phones cost way cheaper than roaming rates plus you can get credits in different denominations like 35 units = Php 1,575.00, 100 units = Php 4,500.00, 250 units = Php 11,250.00. You may check out information about SmartSAT Plans here for more information.   

They also have docks, Thuraya IP+ (which is a mobile data and satellite terminal for Internet!), solar panels that can get your gadgets on even in the most difficult situations. That's living the Smart Life!

P.S. Oh by the way, this was also the instance where I met one of my blog idols Ms. Tina Tagle. Unfortunately you won't get to read her previous blogs (which were super cool btw!) but she writes now at her new site and jewelry design haven She Did It Anyway aka Willow Jewelry. I don't know how to tell you why, but just by reading her entries in the past, I've grown to love her and all her kids. She was even prettier in person! Totally, I turned into a fanboy right there (I kept telling my seatmates when I saw her enter the room!). Also to Ms. C (of Chuvaness.com), it was an awesome time to connect and talk with you again! I'm sure there will be another time! Hopefully real soon!

For more information about their services:

Smart Communications

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Visit their official website

http://smart.com.ph/satellite/

Instant 3D View with EyeFly 3D!

Look at what we have here! It's that technological wonder I actually saw in CES last year called EyeFly 3D. If you are fond of 3D movies and hologram like images, then this is absolutely for you! It doesn't require you to wear those uncomfortable 3D glasses like in the movies because it's all in the Nanotechnology screen protector itself. It's something new but simple; it literally make the 3D glasses obsolete. Looking at the images and video quality after application, it makes total sense. 

I strongly suggest though that before you do put in the screen protector, make sure you download the free application first. The app has an alignment section where you can see if the position of your screen protector has been installed properly. It's also has labeled the film itself so you can tell if you're looking at the front or back of it.

It was launched officially last April 2013 in Singapore, it has now landed Philippine shores and available at your nearest tech accessory shops nationwide. Best of all, you don't have to get thousands of dollars to experience 3D on your devices as it is compatible with iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPod Touch 5th Generation, iPad Air, iPad Mini and Nexus 7. The application that comes with it also is quite intelligent. With it, you can easily create, share and experience 3D like no other. 

The box contains the EyeFly 3D manual, the cleaning cloth and the 3D screen protector. You'll see the evident increase in depth of field that would make your own photos and videos stunning and life like.

I thought it would also be hard to see photos because of the 3D effect but I was wrong. It actually did not affect even made the shots crisp and crystal clear without any distortions.

I took off the existing screen protector that I had on the iPhone5. It was a little fingerprint hungry and it had my screen full of smudges. I was looking forward to not have this seen with the new EyeFly 3D. 

I proceeded cleaning the screen of my phone so when I put in the new one, it won't have any dust on it. The cleaning cloth really did it's job. The pack also includes a sticky plastic strip that you can use to pick up dust off your screen. I had to do several passes before getting everything out. Bubbles usually happen if there's some object on the screen so use this strip as needed.

I immediately went in and watched a 3D clip off Youtube. I really think it made a whole lot of difference than seeing this in plain view versus when you watch this with the EyeFly 3D screen. You must make sure to use the app first so you get to see if the alignment of the screen protector gives you the 3D view it can fully give. Download videos like these or use your existing ones and use the video app to watch it. The screen also did not become too slippery and felt quite porous to the touch. It will not promote smudges upon touch. No smudges means clearer view right? 

You can use the EyeFly 3D image viewer or video viewer that's all FREE in the Apps Store so you can see 3D life like images on screen. To clean, a simple cloth and alcohol based cleaner would do. Don't worry about the Nano lenses on the film because it's scratch resistant plastic and engineered that way.

2 Million lenses just by putting this super thin screen on your device. If you want that to happen, then get the awesome EyeFly 3D on your phone and tablet. You've got unlimited movies to watch on 3D and it's this nanotechnology based product that can only do it.

You'll see the difference. I'm sure I did! Check out why Nanovue won awards around the world and make the EyeFly 3D your next choice for jazzing up your iPhone. It's worth the wait! 

For more information about their product:

Eyefly 3D

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Visit their official website

http://www.eyefly3d.com

Impeccable Design and Function: MONOCLE by Native Union

I was in the mood of getting accessories for my iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S so this arrived in the mail today. Right from the get go, I've always liked things that is a little fashion forward. When I held the box in my hand, I knew the MONOCLE by Native Union was right for me. It functions as a Speaker, Handset and Speakerphone all in one. I had to do an un-boxing of course. I immediately tested it out and see if it fits my phone. 

At first, I was a little skeptical that it might not be appropriate to carry it around like this guy in the package. Then again, maybe I might think of it differently when I try it on. 

Concept wise, I think I know why this is a little different. It's not meant to be worn like head phones, although it can function as one. Put it on your bag or pocket, it'll still be a good thing to show off to friends if you are the type of person who wants envy to flourish in your hood LOL! The body itself is made of spun aluminum whilst the inner grill is scored copper and plus a black aluminum casing. It's pretty sturdy and solid build makes it a tough cookie for travel purposes.

When I opened the box, it had a few brochures inside of it. The manual was also simple and available in different languages. The cords that came with it were all in Nylon reinforced covers. This make it literally hard to ruin or get damaged on normal occasions. Unlike the power cable of my iPhone5 that's about to say goodbye to this world soon LOL!

The cute MONOCLE also has this button on the side that can function to answer calls or drop them. It'll be handy answering calls so you get to do it hands free on speaker mode which I'll tell you about in a bit. Otherwise, you can just stick it to your hand while you hold your phone on the other. Private conversations on this gadget is a breeze but probably would need the help of your hand since it can't be hung around your ear. It is cozy though because it's softly padded by a cushion in the earpiece. You can opt to also put it on top of a table so you can share it with your friends or if you are in a conference call.