Remember that feeling when you’re in a car and when it comes to the end of the overhead bridge, and that sudden drop that makes everyone in the car float for a moment? That’s fun, isn’t it?

Remember your first roller coaster ride, as the cart goes up the highest point of the ramp and when that sudden rush of adrenalin hits, your whole body the tingles? That‘s fun too, wasn’t it?

The point is, we love to excite our senses. Whether it’s a thrilling roller coaster ride or just a simple swing that lift us high off the ground, we just love that amazing feeling.

With the rapid improvement in technology, we can now experience all these thrilling moments in an IMAX cinema and more recently, at any cinema that projects 3D films.

The 3D technology was first introduced on the big screen. With a special set of 3D glasses, you can bring movie to life. 3D film enhances the illusion of depth perception, making 2D objects look amazingly realistic. Watching a 3D movie used to be a luxurious pleasure. Now, anyone can simply enjoy a 3D movie from the comfort of our on living room.

Smart TV is making its way to our living room and LG Cinema 3D Smart TV is one of them. The LG Cinema 3D Smart TV has a new Cinema Screen Design, featuring a 1mm bezel, which creates an optimal and comfortable environment for immersive 3D viewing. Paired with a proper home theater system, the LG Cinema 3D Smart TV will deliver the same experience that will excite your senses.

Don’t just take my words for it; go experience it yourself. If you wish to know more about the LG Cinema 3D Smart TV, do visit http://www.lg.com/my/tv-audio-video/televisions/televisions.jsp today.

(This is a Nuffnang campaign post)

Have you subscribed to Groupon.my and regretted that you did so? Have you tried unsubscribing from Groupon.my but for some reason those emails keep coming back and you wonder why? I’ve kind of figured out how Groupon Malaysia site works and this post is meant to help explain on how to properly unsubscribe from Groupon Malaysia.

Subscribing/Registration

When you choose to subscribe to Groupon Malaysia, you’re required to pick from ‘Choose Your City’ dropdown menu and then enter your email address. By default, the site will set it to ‘Klang-Valley – KL’ or you can simply choose another preferred location. Then click OK and viola; you’re listed on the newsletter! Simple, isn’t it? Please also note that you’ve been subscribed to Groupon Malaysia newsletter for Klang Valley – KL.

So for the next few days, you’ll be getting Groupon Malaysia newsletters in your Inbox. Yeah sure, you’ll enjoy it for the next few days but when days become weeks, you’ll soon realized that the endless newsletters are flooding your inbox. Now you’re irritated and wish to stop this nonsense.

Unsubscribe – Not Just A Click On A Link!

So being a smart consumer, you opt to unsubscribe yourself via the provided link below the newsletter. Just one click, you’re done! Silly you, it’s not over yet. Come tomorrow you’ll find a couple more newsletters from Groupon Malaysia and you’ll start screaming ‘why’!

Here’s a hint, check on the ‘Unsubscribe’ link at the bottom of the newsletter and you’ll now see that the newsletter is for Klang Valley – Selangor. If you check the next newsletter, it’s probably the newsletter for Getaways and Shopping.

Now that’s why you’ve been getting so many emails from Groupon Malaysia. If you wish to totally unsubscribe to all newsletters from Groupon Malaysia. You’ve got to unsubscribe every category one by one.

Subscribe One – Subscribe All

Basically, when you sign up yourself to receive newsletter for Klang Valley – KL for instance, Groupon Malaysia automatically subscribes you to the Getaways, Shopping and the next Klang Valley location.

Meaning, you would have to UNSUBSCRIBE to at least four times to totally get rid of any future newsletter from Groupon Malaysia.

Although Groupon Malaysia offers option to unsubscribe and solutions to prevent spamming, my question to Groupon Malaysia is, why are we subscribed to other newsletters when we didn’t ask for it?

The Barclays Premier League is almost coming to an end and it’s time to stock up on that Manchester United off season kits. But if you’re one of those who hunt for the latest kit, the official Manchester United FC Facebook page have just posted some photos of what the new home kit for 2012/13 season will look like.

However, this is not so much of a secret since some leaked photos of the new kit is already available on the Internet since last Christmas. The new kit design has a tartan print with a black V-neck. The design could be a tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson however we have no confirmation yet.

Personally, I’m not sure whether I love it or hate it. It looks pretty good to me but I’m definitely not going all crazy about it. I will get it when the time comes but as for now, it’s time to stock up on the past season kits.

I still remember when I had my first notebook. It was really bulky and rather heavy. Had it for few years and then got myself a netbook. It which was handy enough and small but it’s taking ages to load and not the best device in the performance department.

It took somebody quite a while to realize that the CD-rom in a notebook is not really necessary especially when USB flash drives are much more popular for file storage. So they decided to take away the CD-rom, reducing it size and weight and giving it some extra juice to last longer with an extended battery life without compromising performance. Hence came along the Ultrabooks.

I’m currently using the Lenovo IdeaPad U300s ultrabook and I totally love it.  Lenovo has been in the forefront of mobile computing and the IdeaPad U300s is definitely one of the best Ultrabooks in the market.

I love the fact that that the U300s is lightweight and easy to carry along wherever I go. Although I admit that a tablet PC is always easier to bring along but it still lack a physical keyboard and most importantly, the additional storage space that I need. I work a lot on Adobe Photoshop and I had it installed in my U300s. I can now work remotely without having to carry the excess weight but still have the power to do some extensive photo editing.

My favourite moment is when I spent my days lazing on my bed at home catching up on my next season of Fringe. A full charge can last me for hours before I have to plug it in. So it’s good enough for me to catch a number of episodes before I doze off.

Well, as much as I love the U300s, I gotta admit that it can be a little pricy (starting from RM3,299). Many of my friends claim that they can get a Macbook Air for slightly more but then again, it’s always a matter of choice. Some love apples and some love oranges. There’s always an option for everyone but as for me, I’m pretty happy with a Lenovo for now.

Currently, there are only four ‘heroes’ to choose from. Captain America, The Hulk, Thor and Iron Man. Captain America comes in a form of his shield. The Hulk comes in a form of a green fist. Thor comes in the form of his magical hammer, the Mjölnir and Iron Man comes in the form on his mask.

These 8GB flash drives are selling for $899 (RM 99) online via www.books.com.tw but only for currently they only deliver within Chinese Taipei  only.

[Source: www.books.com.tw]

The Samsung Galaxy S3 is the much awaited flagship Smartphone from Samsung since after the launch of its predecessor, the Galaxy S2.

I’ve been using the utterly impressive Galaxy S and Galaxy S2 and now with the Galaxy S3, I’m very keen to see what this latest Smartphone from Samsung has to offer.

The Galaxy S3 boasts a 4.8 inch (12.2cm) Super AMOLED screen, an increase of 0.5 inch from the previous Galaxy S2. That’s a 22% larger than the Galaxy S2.  However, with the enormous screen size of the new Smartphone, it is not much wider than its predecessor since it had a smaller bezel size. The new Galaxy S3 sports a curvy end on the top and the bottom of the Smartphone, very much different from the straight-cut rectangular-shape with rounded edges Galaxy S2.

The S3 also has voice control and eye recognition features that make it even more impressive. I can wait to get my hands on this device. Hopefully I will be able to feature a review here on my blog soon. As for now, do take some time to watch the launch video of the new Samsung Galaxy S3.

Ahead of the launch, Samsung Mobile unveiled a number of teaser videos and a website to allow followers to countdown to the exact launch date. There’s no news when the Galaxy S3 will be available in Malaysia yet so far but will keep everyone updated once I heard of any news.

To find more info about the Galaxy S3, visit their website here.

It uses two AA batteries and it holds up to 40 photos in its internal memory. Photo can be downloaded to any computer via its USB connector that flips out from the side of it. So far there’s no comment on the photo quality.

Expect to see the Cardboard Digital Camera in IKEA stores soon. I find this little piece of gadget pretty nifty and will come in handy when a digital camera or a smartphone is not available. If only IKEA stores are available at every corner of the streets. [Source: Petapixel]

IKEA has been turning homes around the world to be the ultimate dream abode with their stylish and sleek ready-to-assemble furniture and nifty home products.

Just weeks ago, IKEA officially joined the consumer electronics industry by introducing a completely new range that integrates smart TV and sound system with furniture.

UPPLEVA is an all-in-one smart TV with a cabinet that conceals all wiring from the inter-connected Blu-ray/DVD player and 2.1 sound system. It also features Wi-Fi connectivity to get you online, supports DivX HD, and comes with USB and HDMI ports and a variety of multimedia inputs you may need. It even comes with a cordless sub-woofer.

The TV comes in a variant of sizes and you can even customize the colour of the TV and cabinet to your liking.

UPPLEVA is currently not available for sale in Malaysia.

The announcement was made on Russell Peters’ Facebook page less than an hour ago. Tickets sale info will be out soon.

What Happened So Far?

Here’s what happened so far. Some time back in early April, there’s been a speculation that Russell Peters to make an appearance here in Malaysia as part of his Notorious World Tour 2012. Malaysia fans were excited when Russell Peters confirms his show in Singapore and Bangkok. On April 5, things didn’t go that well with the promoters in Malaysia. Russell tweeted that he was rather upset how things were going and disappointed for not being able to put a show in Malaysia.

A day later, Russell hinted on his Facebook page that there could be a possibility that he will be able to make it to Malaysia. And then on April 7, he tweeted that things are going pretty well and a show in Malaysia is quite likely.

On April 12, Russell Peters tweeted and confirmed his show in Malaysia and it will be on May 12. Tickets went on sale on April 18 at 9.00 AM and were immediately sold out before noon. Many fans were disappointed.

As of 3.30 PM today, Russell Peters announced on his Facebook page that he will have a second show in Malaysia on May 11, one day before the actually show on May 12.

If you wish to keep yourself updated with news of Russell Peters, join my Facebook page or alternately, you can follow me on Twitter (@galvintan) too.

Update – 25 April 2012:

Tickets for the second show of Russell Peters in Malaysia will be going on sale this Saturday, April 28. Venue and the plan seating of the show will remain the same. Click here to find out the ticket prices and seating plan.

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I’ve got the opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the SMART TV from Samsung and the experience is somewhat enlivening. I was being introduced to Samsung’s ES8000 LED TV in a rather awkward manner, which I had to face the TV and greet, “Hi TV, Power On.” – The sleek and beautiful LED TV mounted on the wall immediately came to live. I was dumbfounded.

Nicholas Siow,Samsung’s AV Specialist introduces me to the ES8000 LED TV

The 55-inch LED screen produces stunning and crystal clear picture quality. With Micro Dimming for clearer pictures, sharper details and vivid colours – a feature only offered by Samsung. When physically checking out the TV, I was astounded by the 0.2-inch ultra-slim bezel design which increases the screen size without bulking up the overall size. What I’m really glad about is that the ES8000 gets connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi and also Ethernet connectivity. No more pulling of cables. In additional to that, there are 3 HDMI and 3 USB ports available and they are well concealed right at the back of the TV.

Once I get to the console on the main screen, switching the channels are as easy as saying “Hi TV, Channel Up!”  I can even select the menus simply by saying the command from the couch. What’s more fascinating in when I can actually use hand gestures to control the on screen cursor to select the menu and controls. The built-in camera captures the motion and two unidirectional array microphones with noise cancellation technology recognize voice command even from across the living room. I was impressed.

At that very moment, It’s like living in a Sci-Fi movie and I’m the captain of the spaceship giving commands to the central Artificial Intelligent control.

Introduction

The ES8000 is one of Samsung’s new range of SMART TVs and it is the finest model of its class. The ES8000 is powered by a new dual-core processor that enables multi-tasking, downloading at higher speed, quicker boot-up times and quicker web browsing.  The ES8000 also integrates seamlessly with convenience to multiple devices and an enhanced image processing ability that allows users to enjoy more with the TV.

Samsung emphasized their SMART TV innovation on three core areas, namely the SMART Interaction, SMART Content and ultimately the SMART Evolution.

SMART Interaction

Nicholas controlling the ES8000 with Voice Control

With Voice Control, I can verbally control the ES8000 using simple commands such as ‘Hi TV, Power On”, “Hi TV, Volume Down”, “Hi TV, Channel Up” and many more. It was rather simple to get a hang of the Voice Control; you’ll just have to remember some of the preset commands. However, I did face a few difficulties getting the ES8000 to respond to me. Perhaps my commands were not clear enough. However, after a little practice, I was switching channel like pro. Optional remote with microphone is available too for the adventurous ones. (The SMART TV will not always pick up voice commands coming from the washroom)

Nicholas showing the Motion Control feature.

Motion Control is way more fun especially when you have to raise your hands up and wave in front of the screen to trigger the on screen cursor. Once the ES8000 recognizes your hand, you’ll be able to move the cursor with your hand and clicking the menus simply by clenching your fist lightly. That’s equivalent to a click on the mouse. Moving your hand in an anti-clockwise motion will bring you to the previous screen and after spending a good 10 minutes in front of the SMART TV, I looked like a professional Para-Para dancer. The SMART Interaction will definitely be a hit amongst the couch potatoes.

Face Recognition allows you to login to your SMART TV without any password. Here’s the face of the previous person who was registered to that account.

The Face Recognition function is pretty cool, especially when I have a wife and two sisters at home. Using the Face Recognition function, I can login to the SMART TV simply by standing in front of the camera. The TV recognizes who I am and immediately brings up my personalized home screen. My wife and sisters can have their own personalized home screen too. This is a great feature especially when I don’t have to log in and out of Social Media apps, which brings me to the next great innovation of Samsung SMART TVs.

SMART Content

The SMART TV isn’t all that smart without its SMART Content.  Samsung’s SMART TVs embrace multi-screen world that allows me to do more on the TV with a suite of exclusive services. Be it staying healthy and fit or providing kids with edutaiment content, there’s always something for everyone at home.

Share photos, reminders and memos with Family Story.

With Family Story, sharing of photos and memories with your loved ones just got much simpler from the TV to cloud services and through other SMART devices. I can now share photos, memos and reminders with my family members and friends anywhere they are via multiple multimedia devices; and it’s only accessible and viewable to those invited into the group.

Broad range of Samsung Apps for SMART TV.

With over 1,400 apps globally, Samsung Apps has definitely established itself as the industry’s leading TV apps platform, with the broadest range of video content from leading brands. To me, the Social media apps are the highlight to the SMART TV. Now I can tweet and watch my football match at the same time, on the same screen! Skype video call was pretty lively and realistic in front of the enormous LED screen.

Intuitive interface SMART Hub.

Multi screen allows me to watch the game and engage in social media at the same time.

Samsung’s SMART Hub user interface for ES8000 has also been redesigned for faster performance and convenience with a cleaner, more intuitive interface in Full HD. AllShare Play can be used anywhere, anytime and with any compatible device, as long as you’re connected to the Internet.

Connecting compatible devices with AllShare Play.

After all the introduction, I was treated to 10 minutes of Full HD 3D movie on the ES8000. Equipped with optional 3D glasses and a simple set-up of home entertainment system, the movie experience is just simply amazing!

Watching HD 3D movie with and without the 3D glass.

SMART Evolution

Perhaps that one reason why anyone should consider getting a Samsung SMART TV it would be for the SMART Evolution innovation. Samsung’s SMART TVs are built with a proprietary system-on-chip technology – so the TV delivers an evolving TV, getting smarter and faster with the benefits of the latest TV technology, without having to purchase a brand new set every year. This is indeed the key concern of many consumers especially those who needs a longer time to get to know their SMART TV. So now you don’t have to worry about being left behind in TV technology for the next 2-3 years after purchasing a Samsung SMART TV.

AYE or NAY?

At the end of the day, I got acquainted to the ES8000. Although there’s everything to love about the ES8000, I still find the controls slightly sluggish. But then again, this is only the beginning of Samsung’s SMART TV era. Will I get one for my home? The answer is a definite YES! Simply because SMART TV, just like Smartphones and Tablets, will eventually be part of our lives in every home.

I’m definitely  looking forward to see more SMART products from Samsung in the near future.

SAMSUNG’S SMART TVS

Samsung’s SMART TVs ranges from LED to Plasma TV. The ES8000 Series SMART TV comes in three models:

• UA60ES8000RXXM (60-inch)
• UA55ES8000RXXM (55-inch)
• UA46ES8000RXXM (46-inch)

For more information on the latest Samsung SMART TV and range of home entertainment products, please visit www.samsung.com/my and www.facebook.com/samsungmalaysia.