Games Convention Asia 2008
Late post here, but better late then when it’s over. Games Convention Asia (GCA) 2008 is in Singapore, it’s second event since it’s debut in 2007. The aim of the convention is to bring together game developers, game publishers and gamers themselves even, with the games showcased at the event hall itself!
Details of the event :
Date : 18 – 20th September, 2008
Location : Suntec Convention Center, Singapore
Futuropolis 2058
Futuropolis?! Not something publicized in the local media, but Singapore will be playing host to a number of interesting industry players. Some of them include
- Patrick Chanezon ( Google ) to speak on ‘OpenSocial’
- Ted Osamura ( SONY ) to speak on ‘Contactless Payment’ - In Support of CEPAS?
- Jyri Salomaa ( NOKIA ) to speak on ‘Blurring The Lines Between The Virtual And Real World’
From gathered information, the conference seems to be geared towards the new economy with DAY1 focusing on virtual worlds, economy and payment systems. DAY2 however, is focused on energy sustainability and green technologies such as green buildings, solar and wind powered tech.
More details on Futuropolis 2058 can be found on their website. Linked Here.
Comex 2008 – Here we go again.
Comex is in Suntec Convention Centre again, with the usual selections of consumer electronics blended with IT and broadband offers as well as the usual ‘rojak’ of routers, NAS, cameras, media players and storage cards.
Above : Spotted Gadgets include the Axioo Pico, making a quiet appearance, multi-bay NAS devices such as the Linksys NAS200, as well as SwitchEasy creator of the popular iphone CapsuleRebel casings.
The exhibition will last till the weekend, and although Comex 08 seems to have less of a turnout than IT Show 08, do expect a huge crowd this weekend when the local community and even entire families come out for their IT fix. ( do we need to mention the local mass media planning live broadcasting? )
Our tip – get there early!
iPhone 3G Launched in Singapore – Finally!
Launch Event :
Singtel finally launched the iPhone 3G at midnight, August 22nd (as predicted) with much fanfare, putting up a good attempt in comparison to worldwide launches. Crowds started packing Singtel’s Comcenter with the first in line at noon. Local IT enthusiasts has noticed Singtel building a “cube like” structure, akin to Apple’s famous Fifth Avenue Store design, albeit much smaller.
The crowd control was very well done, almost to the point of being too extreme with batches led from one waiting area to another as the night progressed. Customers were treated to live music, blasting music as well as free drinks and snacks provided by various sponsors. Also present were a host of foreign and local media as well. The launch itself was brought to a climax with a textbook countdown and fireworks as the first in line made his way into the “Singtel Cube” amid staff applause (lifted from Apple’s textbook) and cheers, as the next 50 were ushered in. (50 slots were set up inside the miniature 2 storey cube)
Activation did take a while as the customer service personnel were new and hired specifically for the iPhone 3G lanuch. The person attending to me did not know that the sim card should be placed without the plastic which came as a place holder, nor did she know where the sim card removal tool was in the package. But in hindsight, the staff were extremely helpful and courteous; it was obvious that effort was put into customer satisfaction.
Afterthoughts :
Overall, the atmosphere was very carnival like and crowd control was well done (not that singapore has crowd issues). I will end this post with some tips for fellow iPhone 3G users in Singapore.
1. APN Issues
3G Data users, if your APN settings were not set properly, you can set them up yourself using the information on the screenshot above, found in the iPhone’s Settings –> General –> Network –> Cellular Data Network
2. Data Usage Record
Singtel’s Data Usage Record Page might report your information as invalid, this is because it takes up to 3 days for new Braoadband on Mobile customers’ details to be available in the online system. (Information from Singtel Mobile Hotline)
3. Visual Voicemail
Currently there is no suport for the “Visual Voicemail” feature in Singapore. The “Voicemail” button will redirect you to Singtel’s voicemail number.
4. iTunes Store
As Singapore does not have an iTunes store, users with a US iTunes Account can get your iPhone to connect to the US iTunes Store after your first sync with your PC.
5. Data Plan Importance
Getting an iPhone without a Data Plan has its dangers. Full Article Here (courtesy of MacRyu!)
6. FAQ
Lastly, Singtel has put up a FAQ which answers the most common iPhone 3G questions.
Singapore iPhone 3G Pricing Released!
Finally, the iPhone plans are about to be announced. Lets hope we dont see another Canadian Rogers local episode. Here’s the link.
Apple's 3G iPhone – Singapore preparations underway
Preparations for Apple’s 3G iPhone are underway in Singapore, with the initial training sessions for Singtel’s support staff almost complete. According to sources, Singtel will be handling the customer support except for hardware and iTunes store support, which Apple will be handling through the usual channels. All training sessions are being protected with NDA’s (in Singapore?!) which is to be expected from Apple, with the Singapore launch date still kept a closely guarded secret, although rumours are being whispered of an early August launch.
As for pricing details, available information is still very sketchy, although MacRyu has posted what is probably most thorough based on the limited information available.
Singapore at 12th place for 'Technological Readiness' – World Economic Forum
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitive Report 2007-2008, Singapore scored 12th out of 131 countries / economies for ‘Technological Readiness’. The technology readiness score is intended to show which countries are using / making available technology for increased productivity.
Technological Readiness is only one pillar out of 12 in the Global Competitive Report’s score. All of which added up, scored Singapore within the top 10 list at the 9th position out of the 131 countries / economies.
Mobile 3G broadband in Singapore
This article is written to clarify some 3G terms and specifications and to compare the specifications of the devices which come with the “3G Plans” of Singapore’s top 3 mobile broadband providers – M1, Singtel and Starhub.
CommunicAsia 2008
CommunicAsia 2008 is an Information and Communications Technology event being held @ Singapore Expo Hall3 from 17 – 20 June 2008
This year’s event (19th edition) highlights 2 “Technology Clusters” – IPTV / Mobile Entertainment and WiMAX
For more information, visit CommunicAsia 2008