XPERIA Ray - My First Android

Finally, I succeeded in acquiring my first smartphone! It is a Google Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) OS running smartphone. It is called Sony Ericsson ST18i XPERIA Ray! Wow, I almost can't believe it! Before this, I just had three regular feature phones. Wondering why I choose Ray as my first smartphone? Read on to find out.

First of all, I've been always a Sony Ericsson (SE) fan. I was the owner of two SE mobile phones (both are Walkman branded). Though they are entry level phones, I had great time with them. The first one, SE W200i is almost 4 years now (bought in 2007) and still functioning without any defect (except for the housing, just change once). The second one is SE W880i. Bought in 2009, it is nice upgrade from W200i and still functioning till now (only the housing is deteriorating). Now, it's 2011. Both are them are so aging and looks old. An upgrade can remedy that. So that explains why I Sony Ericsson branded phone.

Smartphones is the new trend for mobile phone now. Everywhere, you can see more and more people are using them. Though they are quite expensive, it looks like people don't really care about that. Furthermore,  smartphones now are getting more affordable. This is possible with the introduction of Android OS. Android OS is developed to cater wide range of smartphone market. Since its interception in 2008, it grows very fast and getting more mature. About 50% of smartphones sold in the world is Android based now. That makes my second reason - Android OS.

Enough all of that, now let's talk about the Ray. The sleek and beautiful smartphone really captivates my heart since I first saw it. It is a phone built for design conscious users in mind. It's primarily designed for one-hand operations, hence explains the size of the phone. As for me, this slim phone fits perfectly on my palm. The phone screen is very crisp and clear. With its high density pixels, it can even compete with iPhone Retina display. Equipped with Mobile Bravia Engine to enhance color and contrast of pictures and videos, the screen is bright enough and can be said just  a grade below Samsung Super AMOLED+ (found Galaxy S II).

XPERIA Ray's 8MP snapper is awesome too. The pictures taken from the camera looks very natural. With its Exmor R censor, one can easily take pictures of subjects in the dark. The camera is also capable to record HD videos at 720p. As for the battery, the capacity is 1500mAH which is plenty to provide enough juice for all day long usage. However, I cannot personally test the battery life yet. I bought the original set of this phone. So, I got nice goodies in the box. They are a LiveSound Hi-Fi headset, a 4GB microSD card,  an in car charger, a  standard USB charger and a USB data cable.

I think that's all I want to say about the phone. There's nothing much can tell you about it because I just got the phone today and I don't have the chance to fully explore it. Anyway, it is a really nice mid-range smartphone.

Sony Ericcson XPERIA Ray retails in Malaysia for MYR1279. However, I got a promotion price of just MYR1100. :D

See the phone complete specifications at GSMArena.
You can find a good review of it at Phone Arena.



Prime: A beautiful ray that shines!

Crysis 1 is Coming to PS3 & X360 Next Week

Yes, you heard that right. Crytek, the developer of the game series Crysis is going to release the once PC-exclusive Crysis 1 to Sony PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Console gamers, cheer up because it's coming to you pretty soon, which is on October 4th, 2011 (next week). The award winning Crysis is remastered using the updated CryEngine 3, thus console version of the game is now made possible.


Crysis Console Announcement Trailer:




Crysis 2 console players who never play the game that start it all will get the chance to experience it just like the PC gamers do. However, you may not be able to see the insane graphics on your console (you know why) but you would get a quality game that at least on par with Crysis 2 (which is actually looks good on consoles).

The optimized edition of Crysis will feature full stereoscopic 3D support, adapted controls for the Nanosuit, and other gameplay changes – to ensure players the best experience possible. If you’re unfamiliar with the story in Crysis 1, players move on from the concrete jungle of New York to the sort of real jungle island somewhere in the South China Sea and race against the North Koreans to obtain a U.S. archaeological find. Adapt. Engage. Survive.

Game description:
In Crysis, gamers will travel to 2019 where a team of US scientists makes a frightening discovery on an island in the South China Sea. All contact with the team is lost when the North Korean Government quickly seals off the area. The United States responds by dispatching an elite team of Delta Force Operators to recon the situation. As tension rises between the two nations, a massive alien ship reveals itself in the middle of the island. Now with hope rapidly fading, the US and North Koreans must join forces to battle the alien menace, fighting epic battles through stunning, photorealistic tropical jungles and frozen landscapes.

Crysis releases October 4, 2011 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 for 1600 MS/$19.99 PSN.


Prime: Maximum Spark Activated!

Windows 8 Developer Preview

Windows 8. Yep, that's Microsoft next-generation operating system which is going to replace Windows 7. Now, everyone can get an early taste of what the OS has to offer. Windows 8 Developer Preview build is available for free download from Microsoft website . This is conjunction with today's event, BUILD conference which is focused on developers in developing apps or programs for Windows 8. Shown above is the new Start menu in Windows 8, dubbed "Metro UI" which is inspired from Windows Phone 7 home screen.

The Lock Screen

“We reimagined Windows,” said Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows and Windows Live Division at Microsoft, in his keynote address to the thousands of developers in attendance. “From the chipset to the user experience, Windows 8 brings a new range of capabilities without compromise.”

Internet Explorer 10

Touch Keyboard

Files

Prime: A new Windows...

Transformers 3 Home Video Early Details

Transformers: Dark of the Moon, the billion-dollar-grossing movie is coming in home video formats soon. The first wave is coming very soon, which is on 30th of September. Coming in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo with a digital copy and on standard DVD, this release only features the movie alone, without any extras. For those who whant the extras, a deluxe Blu-ray and DVD release, including a Blu-ray 3D, will be coming in the following months after (most likely in November or December).

Below is the press release.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Sept. 9, 2011 /CNW/ -- Spectacular action, stunning visual effects, non-stop thrills and fan-favorite characters including OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE and Sam Witwicky rocketed Transformers: Dark of the Moon into the stratosphere, with the latest installment of the wildly popular TRANSFORMERS franchise surpassing its predecessors to earn over $1.1 billion at the worldwide box office. From Paramount Pictures in association with Hasbro, the breathtaking film redefines the scale, scope and emotional impact of what a blockbuster can be with the ongoing epic story of the mighty AUTOBOTS in a thrill-packed adventure that the whole family can enjoy. Distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, the film will debut in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo with a digital copy and on standard DVD on Friday, September 30, 2011, followed by a deluxe Blu-ray and DVD release, including a Blu-ray 3D, in the coming months.

"For fans who can't wait, the Blu-ray release in September will deliver an awesome ride with the movie in stunning 1080p high definition and a 7.1 Dolby TrueHD soundtrack that was personally overseen by our phenomenal supervising sound mixer just for the Blu-ray," said director Michael Bay. "As you know, we put a lot of effort into the 3D experience for the theatrical release and I want to make sure we get it right for home viewing--and that process takes time. So stay tuned for an even more incredible release that will include the film on Blu-ray 3D and loads of bonus features."

From director Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg, in association with Hasbro, Transformers: Dark of the Moon explodes with high-octane action when a mysterious event from Earth's past erupts into the present day threatening to bring a war to Earth so big that the TRANSFORMERS alone will not be able to save us. Stars Shia LaBeouf (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull), Josh Duhamel (Life As We Know It), Tyrese Gibson (Four Brothers) and John Turturro (The Good Shepherd) have returned along with a host of new stars including Patrick Dempsey ("Grey's Anatomy"), Frances McDormand (Fargo) and John Malkovich (Beowulf). The film also features the voices of Leonard Nimoy ("Star Trek") and Hugo Weaving (Captain America: The First Avenger) and introduces newcomer Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

Disc Specifications
The Transformers: Dark of the Moon Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English 7.1 Dolby TrueHD and--in a first for Paramount Home Entertainment--English 5.1 Discrete Dolby Digital and English 2.0 Discrete Surround Dolby Digital tracks, each of which was individually mastered to ensure optimal sound for the home entertainment experience. The disc additionally features French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.

The DVD in the Combo pack is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, English 2.0 Discrete Surround, French 5.1 Surround, Spanish 5.1 Surround and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The digital copy is presented in English 2.0 Stereo with no subtitles.

The single-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, English 2.0 Discrete Surround, French 5.1 Surround, Spanish 5.1 Surround and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.

Epic Marketing Support
The Transformers: Dark of the Moon Blu-ray and DVD debut will be supported by a massive marketing and promotional campaign befitting the mega-hit status of the franchise. In addition to a multi-million dollar advertising blitz spanning television, print, radio and online, a stellar array of allies has joined forces with Paramount Home Entertainment to transmit the AUTOBOTS' message to all inhabitants of the globe.

Hasbro will host a "Roll Out In PRIME Style" sweepstakes in the U.S. giving entrants the chance to "Win a Ride to School" with the AUTOBOTS! The grand prize winner will be picked up by BUMBLEBEE and transported to school where OPTIMUS PRIME will be waiting with TRANSFORMERS toys and products in his trailer. Details are available at http://www.TransformersPrimeStyle.com.

Also in the U.S., Hostess will feature TRANSFORMERS images on millions of packages and will have thousands of displays in grocery and convenience stores across the country. The company will also host a branded "Transform Your Treat" sweepstakes that gives consumers the chance to win a variety of valuable prizes. Additionally, Hostess will offer consumers a $4 rebate on the purchase of Transformers: Dark of the Moon Blu-ray or DVD with purchase of two (2) Hostess products (additional details available at http://www.hostesscakes.com). Energizer will offer coupons good for $5 off the Transformers: Dark of the Moon Blu-ray or DVD at retailers throughout the U.S. via special displays and packaging.

In Canada, 250,000 Kernels Popcorn Shakers have been outfitted with Transformers: Dark of the Moon promotional branding in support of a consumer sweepstakes tied to the home entertainment release. The Popcorn Shakers will be available at major retailers across the country.

Synopsis
A mysterious event from Earth's past threatens to ignite a war so big that the TRANSFORMERS(TM) alone will not be able to save the planet. Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) and the AUTOBOTS(TM) must fight against the darkness to defend our world from the DECEPTICONS'(TM) all-consuming evil in the smash hit from director Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg.

Prime:  We're coming to your home!