Yes, it does, though I realized only recently.
PayPal.com and all its money sending/receiving features are available to users with credit/debit cards/bank accounts in the Philippines. I signed up to an account just this April and the process is actually fast and easy.
This provides Filipinos working on outsourced/online projects more flexibility in billing and getting paid (or making payments). I see it as a safer way of shopping (for over-taxed gadgets) online.
Nokia unveiled a touchscreen device they're working on, what they codenamed as 'Tube' supposedly an iPhone challenger, at the Evans Data Developer Relations Conference, which could debut before the the year ends.
Given Nokia's penchant for unconventional execution of what's technologically beautiful, expect Nokia Tube to have iPhone features plus its powerhouse of Nseries capabilities--3G/HSDPA/Wi-Fi connectivity, Java applications, A-GPS, mobile TV, 5-megapixel camera with flash, and its own brand of multimedia and office productivity tools.
Either Nokia, the world's number 1 mobile phone maker, is keeping its promise of releasing a better touchscreen phone or it's simply prepping up the market as Apple is soon to come out with a 3G iPhone.
Whatever, good for us, we're not locked in with few, but presented with more choices.
Flickr.com, one of Yahoo's many online properties, is now offering video uploading and of course sharing. While it's only limited to up to 90 seconds (for Pro members) of running time, let's not forget that Flickr.com is first and foremost a photo-sharing website, and video is intended to complement many of its snap-shot-sharing features.
A good note, though, is that Flickr.com has doubled its photo uploading limit for members with free accounts--up to 10MB per photo. Enjoy...
I'm attending the Search Engine Marketing Conference Philippines 2007 (SEMCON 2007) which starts tomorrow October 9 until October 10 at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Makati City.
While my work now does not involve Internet marketing at all, I'd like to see how the local industry (and its growing community of SEM professionals) is faring so far, and what's up in their sleeves. Aaron Wall is its keynote speaker, as well as Marc Macalua, founder of SEO Philippines (among others), whom I know personally from our stint and project collaborations with US-based contact center campaigns.
SEO used to be just a fancy term to convince companies with websites to get listed on popular Search Engines. From the looks of it, it's become more than that--it's the art and science of making websites easily accessible and highly productive. See you at the conference.
Finally, the wireless landline service that reached our home and proof that we deserve visibility in every motorists' Metro Manila map.
We're waiting for either Smart or Globe (PLDT unfortunately subcontracts our area) but Bayantel's hassle-free processing and ready-to-use phone nailed it. We just paid P1,500 cash and had to show an ID and billing statement then voila--instant wireless phone! It costs less than competition, only 699 per month, add to that the caller ID and other unlimited perks. It's a bring-anywhere type of landline phone, problem is Bayantel has limited Manila coverage, lucky though that they're grounded solid in North Caloocan. Bayantel also offers 15-day money back guarantee should we feel disappointed by the service.
Well, so far so good actually.
At least we're on the list.
When I first saw the article I thought we're not in, considering the continuously growing IT and outsource businesses in the country, and the fact that we've become competitive (in the region at least) in information and communications technologies. We're not tagged as the texting capital (of the world?) for no reason at all--we Filipinos are fond of and are used to being surrounded by everything IT.
This index by The Economist-EIU, is a study that assessed the performance of 64 countries across seven regions, in building and growing their IT industry competitiveness. While we're not in the top 10, it's nice to see that Asia-Pacific countries are on the top five (Japan's no. 2) index performers.
I think this index can also be used to uncover the mystery of the increasing number of IT professionals leaving the country for say, South Korea and Singapore. (Obviously, these countries offer better IT workplace than ours). If your IT department's attrition rate is increasing, think again--ours is an environment pushing our experts to try their hands somewhere else. I know a lot of IT people (read: jack-of-all-trades) who left the country because: either (1) their salaries are too high no company can afford them anymore (believe me!) (2) salaries (or benefits) being offered locally are way behind standard. But that is not to say we're left with no-cream-of-the-crops. In fact, I know people who've done very well to raise awareness of Filipino IT ingenuity, without the bon-voyage. Macalua.com is one, the 'propeller' behind SEO Philippines.
Rank 47 is not bad at all. Really?
It's too early but I said goodbye to my Palm T|X. While it proved to be the most reliable PDA I'll ever have, I'm lured to what Mapalad.org members call the 'dark side.' I gave in (about to) to converged (read: all-in-one) gadgetry.
For close to two months, it did what my secretary can't--schedules and to-do's, expenses, documents, Web surfing on-the-go, emails both work and personal, and of course games (I'll terribly miss Bejeweled2, I topped classic at over 500,000).
I love Palm products, but they're way behind others (Treo's are wifi-less smart phones over 20k), and with the way things are going, Palm will not stop at encouraging you to bring a lot of gadgets (the Foleo comes to mind). I need an all-in-one gadget--phone, PDA, media player--that's it. So far, I have a shortlist but haven't decided yet, but will pretty soon.
I've never owned an SE mobile phone but I'm keeping my eye on this model - it's the Sony Ericsson P1i.
It sure is a better form factor from its predecessor P990i, which right now has dropped its price to as low as Php 15,000 (of course where else but Greenhills!).
SE P1i, with all its features, is a true converged mobile gadget. I only hope that it won't cost an arm and a leg.
Not really intended as a replacement to my laptop, I've been carrying with me a personal assistant that fits inside my small, paper-packed, hand carry bag.
It's a Palm T|X! It comes in handy every time: I need... (1) to write notes (2) to check on my appointments and to-do's (3) to get carried away with the sound of my favorite mp3s (4) to plan the days/weeks ahead (5) to surf the web and check my email, and (6) to work on urgent documents.
Why a separate PDA? Well, all these I can't really do using even the smartest phone.
I was doing a search of 'Carl Lozano' at Yahoo! when I came across a very familiar website - it's my Xanga.com site!
Long before it's called blogging, I was one of those doing the online journal thing. I wasn't really doing it for the purpose of having a diary online but I'm glad I had the free time to discover and explore Xanga's many features until, well, I haven't accessed and totally forgot about it.
Problem is, like my Geocities site and other Xanga, I can't recall my username and password.
Here's my new notebook, provided by the company.
It's an MSI Megabook S420 Intel Core 2 Duo with a 14" screen that's only 2K in weight - not that heavy to carry around everyday.
I still need to see if it can outperform my old 17" Toshiba Satellite, only catch is it has the Home version of Windows XP.
Too bad the MIS guys in the office gave up (after romancing with it the whole day) in attempting to have it connected to the network--suddenly telecommuting sounded foreign.
The Cyber-shot DSC-T50 Digital Camera is it. The T50 comes in an ultra-compact case in a choice of three designer colors--matte silver, sleek black or blazing red. Of course I want the sleek black.
Aside from the advanced Sony Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design with 7.2 MP, I really like T50's amazingly big screen, a touch-screen actually, which makes working with the camera easier for adjusting menus and setting up shots.
I might have to say goodbye to my Casio Exilim EX-S500 (this one I bought from Amsterdam at a discounted price) that, lately, have been producing terrible photos.
They say it's never too late, but this one's an exception.
Launched just yesterday, most Windows Vista news and reviews (CNET News, Wired News, StarNewsOnline.com to name a few) lead towards the usual verdict--if you're happy with Windows XP, stick with it (or don't even think of upgrading). The lukewarm reception at launch brings back memories of the Zune launch (social, anyone?) last year.
Took Microsoft five years, and what do you get? Features that are in Mac OS X already. With so many editions to choose from, the 'aero' desktop seems to be the highlight and until launch, there's not much buzz about applications specifically designed for Vista. I'd appreciate its support for Tablet PCs but it's (Tablet PCs) become more niche than common office tools.
Cool name though.
iPod Shuffle has been painted in color, cool!
Apple has really mastered 'halo' marketing - what, after the iPhone hype - this will be a top super-post-holiday, Valentine, or early graduation-summer-vacation (in Manila) gift.
I can’t wait to get my hands on Apple’s iPhone.
It’s not cheap—it will retail (as in carrier-locked) for US$499 (4GB) and US$599 (8GB) in the US.
When my old iPod (4G, 60GB, called iPod Photo before) gave up on me by refusing to boot up showing only the dreaded sad icon, I have been on the lookout for a phone that can work as MP3 player as well (that’s the reason behind my N73 Music Edition purchase) to make my pants lighter and so I won’t have to bring too many gadgets with me as I travel long hours to and fro my office.
The iPhone has everything I have ever wanted in a phone: smart phone in a stable software platform, generous viewing landscape, touch screen a-la-PDA, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, photo and video camera, and a sensor, much like Nokia’s 5500 Sport, only it detects that you want to use it as a phone.
Hopefully by 2008 (or do I really have to wait, hello US-based/bound friends?), it’s priced more competitively when launched here (or shall I say, in Greenhills), that is, if it is ever launched, here.
Yes, I'm giving up Nokia.
I actually bought my N73 Music Edition last year (Dec 06) and after only a day of regular use, the front housing that protects the LCD cracked.
As expected, when I called Nokia, they said I had to pay for the replacement part. They really didn't care that the cheap plastic they used in this supposedly high-end model is brittle its bound to crack even with careful use. Of course since this phone model is new, replacement parts are not available. Add to bigger disappointment, I was advised that if I want them to order the part, I'll have to have my phone booked at their service center, email them the job order, then they can expedite the ordering of the stock. I asked them - if I have to book my phone, will they lend me a service unit while I wait for the replacement? - I didn't bother to wait for the response.
I'm using 'them' because I was practically calling every Nokia service center listed on their website almost everyday. I even emailed them and got the same response.
Oh please Nokia, drop the 'CARE' word from your marketing gimmicks.
