* iOS 6 is Available. Here are the Reviews

Again, I refuse to do any Apple review. But the iOS 6 is out, and I know you want to read about it. So here are the blogs/reviews for it.

Gizmodo – Everything You Need to Know About iOS 6
“iOS 6 is out and ready for download. Here’s everything you need to know, from how to update your device(s) to getting started with Apple’s latest OS upgrade.”

macstories – The iOS 6 Trilemma
“In my opinion, iOS 6 has, right now, worse Maps and App Store search; especially for Maps, if you rely on features like Street View and public transit directions, I can’t recommend the update until an official Google Maps app comes out.

For everything else, iOS 6 improves on almost every aspect of the operating system, and sets the stage for a stronger platform in the future.”

Anil Dash – Who Benefits From iOS 6’s Crappy Maps?
“Apple made this maps change despite its shortcomings because they put their own priorities for corporate strategy ahead of user experience. That’s a huge change for Apple in the post-iPod era, where they’ve built so much of their value by doing the hard work as a company so that things could be easy for users. I’m not suggesting (yet) that this is a pattern, and that Apple will start to regularly compromise its user experiences in order to focus on its squabbles with other tech titans. But history shows that dominant players in every era of operating system history have reached a turning point where they shift from the user experience and customer benefits which earned them their dominance to platform integration efforts which are primarily aimed at boxing out competitors. It’ll be interesting to see which direction Apple’s maps follow.”

macstories – iOS 6: Mail, Phone and Safari Feature Additions
“Mail, Phone and Safari have all been around since the original iPhone launched in 2007. They all have seen subtle changes here and there over the years and in iOS 6 that trend continues but with the addition of some really neat new features.”

macstories – Hands On with iOS 6 Maps
“In my opinion, Apple has nailed the presentation of their Maps app. The new icon looks fantastic, Apple’s cartography is stunning, and their 3D imagery is for the most part, top notch. I’m really a fan of Apple’s turn-by-turn directions. Critics are going to argue that Google still has the upper hand here, especially for 3D imagery when pitted against Google Earth, and I’d agree, except that Google Earth constantly gives me low memory warnings and crashes on iOS. Google is said to be working on their own Maps app for the iPhone and iPad, although I’m surprised it isn’t out preceding the launch of iOS 6.”

macstories – iOS 6: Tips, Tricks & Hidden Features
“We know we didn’t uncover every single tip and trick of iOS 6, but we think we covered most of the the good ones. We hope these tips, tricks and hidden features will help you navigate around iOS 6 more easily, and knowing that you know things others don’t about the new iOS make you feel like a real Apple geek. Enjoy!”

Engadget – iOS 6 review
“If you’re a longtime fan of iOS, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a mental debate. You may be slightly disappointed that iOS 6 isn’t a revolutionary update; with the exception of the new Maps and Passbook, there aren’t many major feature changes or revisions that will leave you eagerly counting down the time it takes to download and install the update. With iOS 6, Apple seems to be more focused on refining the overall user experience than debuting significant new feature additions. On the other hand, it’s still an improvement over iOS 5. But let’s face it — this won’t be a difficult decision to make. Indeed, there’s very little reason not to hit the upgrade button.”

~ThirdTech

* Watch Live Philippines Local Channel News

You’re stuck in the office and you want to watch the news, but you don’t have TV. Here are the official links to live news in the Philippines:

ABS-CBN (TV Patrol) Monday to Friday 6:30pm Manila
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/tvpatrollive

You can also watch the replays here:
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/tvpatrolreplay

GMA7 (24 Oras) *currently suspended online streaming*
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/video/livestream/24oras

Alternatively, you can watch GMA7 live streaming here:
http://www.livestream.com/24oras
**Please note that this is unofficial 24 Oras live stream

~ThirdTech

* Sun Cellular Prepaid Load Conversion (Unli-services)

You can find more information about Sun Cellular prepaid unli-services by following this link.

Here’s the list of the common unli-services from Sun Cellular.

>> Call & Text Unlimited – Unlimited Local Sun-to-Sun Calls & Texts

To subscribe:
Text CTU25 to 247 (1 day)
Text CTU100 to 247 (5 days)
Text CTU150 to 247 (7 days) w/ FREE P25 Regular Load
Text CTU450 to 247 (30 days) w/ FREE P50 Regular Load

>> Text Unlimited – Unlimited Sun-to-Sun Texts with Free Local Sun-to-Sun calls

To subscribe:
Text WIN10 to 247 – 1 day Unlimited Sun-to-Sun Texts w/ FREE 5 minutes of Sun-to-Sun Calls
Text TU20 to 247 – 2 days Unlimited Sun-to-Sun Texts w/ FREE 20 minutes of Sun-to-Sun Calls
Text TU50 to 247 – 7 days Unlimited Sun-to-Sun Texts w/ FREE 1 hour of Sun-to-Sun Calls
Text TU150 to 247 – 30 days Unlimited Sun-to-Sun Texts w/ FREE 4 hours of Sun-to-Sun Calls

>> Call & Text Combo

To subscribe:
Text CTC10 to 223 – 10 minutes Sun-to-Sun calls | 40 texts Sun-to-Sun | 10 texts to other networks | Valid for 1 day
Text CTC20 to 223 – 25 minutes Sun-to-Sun calls | 80 texts Sun-to-Sun | 25 texts to other networks | Valid for 2 days
Text CTC30 to 223 – 40 minutes Sun-to-Sun calls | 120 texts Sun-to-Sun | 40 texts to other networks| Valid for 3 days

Source: Sun Cellular

~ThirdTech

* Smart Key

I really like Toyota’s Smart Key, or Smart Key in general.

It’s so convenient! No need to put out the key in your pocket to:
1. Unlock the car – Touch the driver’s door handle
2. Lock the car – Press the button on the driver’s door handle
3. Start the car – Press the Start/Stop button
4. Open the trunk – Press the trunk button

Toyota’s Smart Key
Toyota's Smart Key

Start/Stop Button
Start/Stop Button

Anyone with your smart key can do any or all the four things listed on top. Smart key works within four feet, so if you’re standing with someone within four feet, and you have the smart key, he can also do all those things.

More information about smart key on these links:

Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_key

How Stuff Works
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/unlock-car-door-remote2.htm

YouTube – Toyota Smart Key Basics

YouTube – 2010 Toyota 4Runner: Smart Key

~ThirdTech

* Mobile Number Prefix for Globe, Sun, and Smart

If you’re curious to know which network a Philippine mobile number belongs to, you’re in luck! Here’s the list:

+63-PPP-NNN-NNNN / 0PPP-NNN-NNNN – where PPP is the prefix, and NNN-NNNN is the subscriber’s number.

>> Globe Telecoms / Touch Mobile Prefix
817, 905, 906, 915, 916, 917, 926, 927, 935, 936, 937, 996, 997

>> Sun Cellular Mobile Prefix
922, 923, 932, 933, 934, 942, 943

>> Smart Communications Mobile Prefix
813, 907, 908, 909, 910, 912, 918, 919, 920, 921, 928, 929, 930, 938, 939, 946, 947, 948, 949, 989, 999

>> Red Mobile (Smart Subsidiary)
938

>> Next Mobile
979

>> Express Telecom
973, 974

>> Unused or unknown
812 (and lower), 814, 815, 816, 819, 820 (and higher)
911 (reserved), 913 (nobody wants?), 914, 924, 925, 931, 940, 941, 944, 945, 950 (and higher)
987 (and lower), 988, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 998

Source: Wikipedia

~ThirdTech

* Smart Communications Prepaid Unli Promos

You can find more information about Smart Communications current unli-services by following this link.

Here’s the list of the common unli-service from Smart.

>> SMART Unli Call and Text 25 – unlimited call & texts to SMART + 20 texts to all networks!

To subscribe:
Text UNLI25 to 6406

>> SMART Unli Call and Text 50 – two days of unlimited call & texts to SMART plus 40 texts to other networks.

To subscribe:
Text UNLI50 to 6406

**MECHANICS:

1. Promo is open only to all Buddy subscribers nationwide.
2. P1.00 maintaining balance is required.
3. To call, dial *6406+11-digit Smart/TNT/Red #. Ex: *640609181234567.
4. Multiple availment is not allowed. Concurrent availment with other unli call & text promo is not allowed.

—–

>> SMARTALK 100 – unli calls for 5 days to all Smart networks

To subscribe:
Text TALK100 to 6400 or load via SMART Load retailers

>> SMARTALK 500 – unli calls for 30 days to all Smart networks

**MECHANICS:

1. Promo is open only to all Buddy subscribers nationwide.
2. P1.00 maintaining balance is required.
3. To call, dial *6400+11-digit Smart/TNT/Red #. Ex: *640009181234567.
4. The package may not be used for roaming or international transactions. Package must be used for peer to peer transactions only and not for commercial purposes or for spamming.

To subscribe:
Text TALK500 to 6400

Source: Smart Communications

~ThirdTech

* Globe Prepaid Unli Promos

To register to Globe Telecoms unli-services using a menu, dial *143*# (free of charge) and choose the unli-service you need. But if you want to register to a specific promo or learn more about a promo, follow this link.

Globe's *143*# Menu

Here’s the list of the common unli-services:

>> SUPERUNLI ALLTXT 25, you can send all the text messages you want to your friends using Globe, TM, Smart, Talk ‘n Text, Sun and Red Mobile. You can browse, email, tweet, go on Facebook, and do more online for a total of 1 hour throughout the day. In addition, you can now call your friends on their Globe and TM phones for a total of 10 minutes.

To subscribe:
Text UALLPLUS25 to 8888

>> UNLITXT, unlimited text messages to Globe/TM subscribers all day, all night.

To subscribe:
Text UNLITXT20 to 8888 (1 day)
Text UNLITXT40 to 8888 (2 days)
Text UNLITXT80 to 8888 (5 days)

>> SUPERUNLI 25 (1 day) / SUPERUNLI 150 (7 days), unlimited call and text, and no need to dial any prefix to make endless calls.

To subscribe:
text SUPERUNLI25 to 8888
text SUPERUNLI150 to 8888

>> SUPERSURF, unlimited Internet

To subscribe:
text SUPERSURF50 to 8888 (1 day)
text SUPERSURF200 to 8888 (5 days)
text SUPERSURF999 to 8888 (30 days)

Source: Globe

~ThirdTech

* So You Have a New Windows Machine, Now What?

New Windows Machine? Here’s what to install:

1. Avast – I’ve been using this anti-virus software since 2005. It’s free for home use, and up to now, I don’t worry about viruses.
2. Team Viewer – Control your other Windows machines remotely. Free for home use.
3. Skype – Video and voice call to other Skype user, chat, screen sharing, and more!
4. Chrome Browser – Browser from Google
5. Firefox – Browser from Mozilla
6. Adobe Flash – Play Flash content on your other browser (Google Chrome have this pre-installed)
7. Adobe Reader – Read PDF documents
8. PicPick – Screen capture, photo editing, and more
9. Google Earth – Explore your surroundings right where you are
10. Picasa – Organize, edit, and share your photos

~Third Tech

* iPhone 5

I refuse to review Apple devices. There are tons of that on other blogs. But I know you really want information about iPhone 5, so here are the blogs who did the review.

iPhone 5 Features
http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/

iPhone 5 Tech Specs
http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html

CNET – iPhone 5 review: Finally, the iPhone we’ve always wanted
“The iPhone 5 completely rebuilds the iPhone on a framework of new features and design, addressing its major previous shortcomings. It’s absolutely the best iPhone to date, and it easily secures its place in the top tier of the smartphone universe.”

Slashgear – iPhone 5 Review
“Right now, the iPhone 5 has the best balance of everyday usability and performance, without the distraction of functionality that is clever but unintuitive. It’s an area in which Apple excels, and it’s the reason the iPhone 5 is one of the best smartphones on the market today.”

Engadget – iPhone 5 Review
“The iPhone 5 is a significant improvement over the iPhone 4S in nearly every regard, and in those areas that didn’t see an upgrade over its predecessor — camera, storage capacity — one could make a strong case that the iPhone 4S was already ahead of the curve. Every area, that is, except for the OS. If anything, it’s the operating system here that’s beginning to feel a bit dated and beginning to show its age.”

Online Wall Street Journal – The iPhone Takes to the Big Screen
“Apple has taken an already great product and made it better, overall. Consumers who prefer huge screens or certain marginal features have plenty of other choices, but the iPhone 5 is an excellent choice.”

TechCrunch – With iPhone 5, Apple Has Chiseled The Smartphone to Near Perfection
“Overall, the iPhone 5 is an absolute homerun. Apple has taken what I still considered to be the best smartphone (the iPhone 4S) and perfected it in nearly every way. And yes, that includes in the battery life department. While it’s hard to judge against a year-old iPhone 4S, the battery seems to be a bit better than it was a year ago (though there were some iOS issues as well). Apple claims 8 hours of 3G and LTE usage, and that seems about right.”

Pocket-lint – Apple iPhone 5 Review
“Change isn’t always necessary, nor needed, but if there were things you didn’t like in iOS 5, chances are they will still be here in iOS 6. Microsoft’s Windows Phone trounces iOS 6 on the social connected stakes even though Apple has added Facebook this time around. BlackBerry’s BB10 OS, due out in February 2013, beats it on the email and messaging integration (we’ve played with the OS already), and Android is perfect for those that want customisation and control beyond choosing wallpapers.”

Time – Apple iPhone 5 Review: It’s All About Refinement
“By that standard, Apple’s mojo remains fully operational. The iPhone 5 features some upgrades which, though not groundbreaking in the least, are welcome, like its slightly-larger screen and zippy 4G LTE broadband. It sports an improved version of what was already the single best camera in phonedom. It makes Siri smarter. In short, it’s the most polished version yet of what was already easily the most polished phone on the market.”

~ThirdTech

* So You Have A New Android, Now What?!

You have a new Android? Here are the apps you can install.

Social:
1. Facebook – Official Facebook App
2. Facebook Messenger – Chat with your Facebook friends
3. Google+ – Official Google+ App
4. Viber – Voice call and text messaging to other Viber user. Smartphone to smartphone calls only.
5. Twitter – Official Twitter app
6. Foursquare – Tell your friends where you are
7. Instagram – Share your photos instantly
8. Skype – Voice and video call, chat, and screen sharing app for smartphones and desktop.

GPS
1. Waze – Social GPS navigation and traffic update
2. GPS Essential – This is the Swiss Army knife of GPS information!
3. NavDroyd (paid app) – Offline GPS turn-by-turn navigation

Manila/Philippines Specific
1. ClickTheCity – Know play times of movies in cinemas around the Philippines, TV shows, events, restaurants, and others
2. MMDA – Metro Manila traffic situation – live!
3. PAGASA Mobile – Daily weather forecast, satellite image, severe weather bulletin, and typhoon forecast
4. iTyphoon – Typhoon updates in the Philippines

Remote Control and Cloud Storage
1. Team Viewer – Remotely control computers using your Android device
2. Dropbox – Cloud Storage
3. Google Drive – Cloud Storage
4. Sugar Sync – Cloud Storage
5. Evernote – Take notes, capture photos, to-do lists, voice recording at home, office, or mobile.
6. Air Droid – Manage your Android device from any browser

Other Tools
1. Final Countdown – Countdown timer
2. Phone Usage – Monitor phone call, text message, and data usage
3. Compass – Compass app for Android
4. Seismograph – Monitor vibration using your phone’s accelerometer
5. Real Calc – Scientific calculator for Android
6. ConvertPad – Convert values from one unit to the other (liters to gallons, kph to mph, kilos to pounds, etc)
7. ES File Explorer – File Manager for Android
8. Vlingo – Virtual assistant on Android
9. Google Sky Map – Find the location of planets according to your location, name the stars, and others
10. Lookout – Antivirus protection, find lost phone, and other functions
11. Shazam – Identify the title of the song playing
12. Bluetooth File Transfer – Share and manage files on any bluetooth device (except iOS)

~ThirdTech

* Prevent Lock Screen on Your Work Station

Many of you who work in offices know how cumbersome it is to go on a break, or chat with friends, and find your work station with the lock screen on.

In my office, if we do not move our mouse or press any key on our keyboard within 10 minutes, our workstations will automatically lock, and we will need to login again. This is a network setting, meaning, we cannot change any setting.

As workaround, I installed “Auto Mouse Mover” which you can download at:

Auto Mouse Mover
http://www.murgee.com/auto-mouse-mover/

Auto Mouse Mover

You can define the number of seconds before this program automatically moves your mouse pointer. Moving mouse pointer = no lock screen!

~ThirdTech