Well I guess March 2010 is the due time they are talking about. In a recent Samsung press conference where Samsung Philippines presented their I.T. offerings – new printers, new projectors and new monitors, one that really caught my eye was the Samsung notebook being used for the demonstration. Again, I ask them when will your notebooks be available? And I got the same answer in due time – but this time with a little twist – Samsumg said they will be launching their netbook offerings come March.

Why is this a big news? Because I know vendors, consumers and other netbook manufacturers are waiting for this launch. Why? For vendors, this will be a good opportunity for their business – an added product means an added source of revnue. For consumers it will be another product for them to check and to choose from, hoping that it would be more affordable so that they can own a netbook. And lastly, netbook manufacturers are waiting for it come for obvious reasons, another player, another competitor – and in order to win this game, you should know who your competitors – so to speak.

So what netbooks will Samsung launch this March? I will not preempt the announcement but let me tell you what they launched at CES – the Samsung N210, Samsung N220, Samsung N150, and the Samsung NB30. Samsumg Philippines officials said they will be launching two models here by March, and I will keep you in suspense which two will they release here in the country.

The significant features of these netboobs are: they will be powered by the new Intel Atom N450 “PineTrail” processor and it will come with a long battery life. According to tests, the N210 and N220 lasted 12 hours of battery life; the N150 achieved 8.5 hours and the NB30 lasted 11.5. Battery life that normally can be found in full blown notebooks particularly on ULVs and not on netbooks.

And a few months after, Samsung will launch their notebooks, I will not be surprised if Samsung will bring in their own thin and light offerings and everything they have to offer. I visited the Samsung website and found out that for netbooks alone, they already have 15 models to choose from.

But is this the real worry of their competitors, I guess there’s more to it than just introducing new products. Samsung has been known to be agressive when it comes to their marketing strategy. Remember the time when they are making a name for their mobile phones? Do you still remember how much they spent for advertising alone just to make Samsung phones a household name?

Before the end of 2009, Samsung came out with an agressive discount spree on almost all their mobile phones – for a month. The recent launch of their new products was no different, Samsung is also bundling Samsung phones to any buyers of their Samsung monitors.

In other words, Samsung can bundle a lot of their products with their new netbooks since they have a whole line of products to offer. Plus here’s another good news to all the consumers out there – the new Samsung netbooks will have a tag price of between P 20,000.00 to P 25,000.00 only.

With that kind of price bundled with a phone, or a printer or a printer or a TV perhaps – I must say it’s a deal that is hard to resist.

The curtain will be unveiled this March, let’s wait and see.

First, we would like to say that the “touch user interface” is the most important technology and innovation of 2009. Look at most of the mobile phones now, notebook and netbook computers, printers, and others – all adopted the touch user interface. We expect more device to adopt this technology and we also expect it to improve more.

Next in line are the netbooks. Some of you may wonder why we included the netbooks in our list. Simple, netbooks in a way saved the local I.T. industry this 2009. At the height of the economic slowdown, sales are down – except for the netbooks. While its true that the margins are low, the sheer sales volume keeps the I.T. industry to weather the storm.

The popularity of social netwoking is something we cannot ignore this 2009. Almost everyone – be it business and/or personal are into social networking. Facebook went to become the most popular social networking site, boasting a membership of almost 400 million. Other sites that gained attention are Twitter, MySpace, Multiply, Youtube, Flickr and more.

Android is another product that made our list. Android is the mobile OS that made a lot noise this 2009, and will continue to make more noise come 2010. Most mobile manufacturers have released and will be releasing their Android powered handsets by 2010.

Making Wi-Fi available in major malls and establishments in the country is a big welcome to everyone. Free internet access will push for higher adoption of notebooks / netbooks among Filipinos. The remaining challenge now is for Filipinos to use the technology properly – hopefully to do business online or to help boost their existing business in the real world.

This 2009, we also saw the offering of unlimited texting and unlimited calls by almost all telecommunication providers. The offers provided our consumers the chance to communicate at a much lower cost. The same is happening in as far internet access is concerned – cost will also go down and unlimited data access will also be offered.

2009 also ushered in wireless printing. People can now print their documents without wires – via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. You can now print (without wires) from your PC / notebook to your printer or direct from the web.

The gap between netbooks and notebooks has been filled by a new category called ULVs (ultra low voltage) notebooks, or sometimes called Thin and Light notebooks. It has longer battery life, more stylish and has the portability of a netbook and the power of notebooks. Who says we can’t have the best of two worlds.

Mobile stores like the Apple AppStore, Google Market, Microsoft Marketplace, Nokia’s OviStore also gained ground this 2009. Due to the popularity of the internet and the availability of 3G and Wi-Fi access – users are now downloading applications from the web directly to their devices. We are ushering mobile commerce and this will even be more popular come 2010.

Other technologies / products worth mentioning are the eBook readers, HD LED TVs, green computing, virtualization, deduplication, security methodology and threats.

While everyone is having fun, I can’t help but be sad as well. I am witnessing Mr. A’s last Christmas party with the Philippine press. Yes, you heard it right – the December 1 media party of Canon will be Mr. A’s last party with the press people.

Nobody knew about this development except Mr. A and I. He told me about this a week ago – a promise he made a couple of years back. He said and I quote “Jerry, if that day comes for me to retire – you will be first one to know”. A promise he made, and a promise he kept.

By the end of the year, Mr. Ramon Arteficio will be stepping down as President and CEO of Canon Marketing Philippines. After being with Canon for 21 years, Mr. Arteficio bids farewell to the company he help build. I was fortunate enough to be able to interview Mr. A regarding his retirement, and I want to share this with you:

Question: Why are you leaving Canon?
Ramon Arteficio (RA): I am leaving Canon since I have reached the retirement age of 61 years as per the Canon Retirement Policy. I have in fact been extended already for one year but I have decided to retire from my post as President and CEO of Canon Marketing Philippines to allow for a new generation of leadership to step forward. I am confident that they can lead the company to brighter levels of excellence.

Q: What would you say is your biggest contribution to the industry? And to Canon?
RA: I had started in the company as a Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing and with the Canon culture of developing and fostering growth within our own employees, I was able to become the first Filipino president.

We currently reached our second all time high sales this year despite the current calamities and other external factors. But we still manage to press on and move forward. When it started in 1997 as a P150 million company, in just a span of 12 years, it has grown into a P3 billion company. Canon is one of the pioneers in developing the digital camera business in the country and together with the investments we have made in service infrastructure and in the advertising industry, Canon has the capacity and capabilities to become even more successful in the long run.

I am most proud for having brought Canon cameras to its no. 1 market share position in the country. I would also consider as one of my biggest contributions, having built up the organization into a lean and mean team that can overcome whatever comes our way.

Q: What are you excited about – the day after the retirement?
RA: I suppose it would be nice not to have to wake up early to rush to work in the morning. I will now be able to spend my days leisurely and enjoy life with my grandchildren.

Q: What are you afraid of the day after your retirement?
RA: I am afraid of being offered to work again! I would be in such a dilemma if that would happen.

Q: what will you miss most about your work and the industry?
RA: I will miss the gatherings, press conferences and interactions with the press. Especially the Christmas parties where we are able to enjoy and relate to one other on a different level.

Q: Your message to your staff / partners / clients?
RA: My general message to all is to BE HAPPY. You only need to maintain a win/win attitude to achieve success.

Specifically to my CMP family: I have always advised them to treat the company like it was your own. Its success grows in parallel to your own growth.

To our partners and clients: I would like to thank you for your continuous support for Canon in the Philippines. What we are today could have not been possible without your partnership. You have an important role in the company’s success and I hope that you will help to carry on what has already been started. It is a great privilege to work with talented, dedicated partners such as yourself and your companies.

Q: What is next for you after Canon?
RA: I will be starting my “Apo”stolate – which means I will be spending more time with my apo’s. I am also looking forward to traveling more often.

Q: On your successor:
RA: I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce the incoming President and CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. – Mr. Alan Chng. He will be taking over the post next year. His strong background in Canon and extensive experience provides a solid foundation for his leadership. I hope that you will extend the same good working relationship with him as you have with me.

This is one story I really wish I won’t be writing. It saddens me to see one of my trusted and valued friend leaving the industry, but then again I am happy because I can feel my friend is happy with his decision. He is actually looking forward to that day – becoming a private and ordinary human being again.

Thank you Mr A for the laughter, wisdom, love, trust, support and for the friendship you have accorded me. I will never forget the time when you were there during the lowest point of my life, for offering your prayers and time. I wish you all the best, happiness and good health.

In my book, you will always be my CEO. Hope to see you at the 2010 Canon Christmas party – this time not as a CEO but as guest. And to continue our long time tradition – I do wish that you win a printer too.

God Bless you Mr. Ramon Arteficio.

Because of his unselfish endeavor – Efren was nominated as one of the finalist of the prestigous CNN 2009 Hero of the Year.

What do you know? The Lord really blessed the people who help other people. Efren Peñaflorida with his “pushcart classroom” has been named the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year. More than 2.75 million votes were cast in the seven weeks of online voting at CNN.com.

Peñaflorida will receive $100,000 to continue his work with the Dynamic Teen Company. The other nominees were each honored with a documentary tribute and will each receive $25,000.

Congratulations Efren! Keep up the good work. Thank you for making us Filipinos proud.

God is really good.

The news of Tan’s stepping down brings to the table another question – Who will replace Tan? Who will head HP Philippines?

HP is mum about the issue and said a replacement will be announced next week. But why wait next week? Protocols perhaps?

People from the industry are speculating. Names of candidates are floating around but still HP is quiet about it. The announcement will be made next week is what they all say.

But is there really a secret in this world? Almost, until I found out the possible replacement. I think the reason why HP is delaying the announcement is not because of Tan, but more of the new MD. I heard the new MD needs to settle something first before an official announcement can be made.

And the new managing director of HP Philippines is… Mr. Ryan c. Guadalquiver.

I just finished conducting my annual Powertips seminar, this year its called “Techtutor”. This is the main reason why I was not able to update my blogs as often as I want to.

TechTutor is a seminar designed for educators, learners, parents and experts. The objective is to discuss how new technologies particularly Web 2.0 would change the way we teach, learn, share, collaborate, communicate and participate.

Guess how many attended the event–close to 5,000 attendees.

Thank you to all of you who attended the event–for your trust, support and confidence. Thank you for making Techtutor a success. Thank you to all those who prayed for the success of the event.

Thank you to our 28 corporate partners–Apple, Advance Solutions Inc., Bayan, BenQ, Canon, CoolerMaster, Dell, Epson, Eastern Communications, Gateway, HP, Innovista, INTEL, Java Education & Development Initiative (JEDI) Project, Lenovo, LG Electronics, Microsoft, Philips Go Gear, PowerMac Center, Samsung, Sandisk, SAP, Smart Communications, STI, Sun Microsystems, Symantec, The Radio Partners Inc., Western Digital and WordText Systems, Inc.

Thank you to our 18 media partners who supported the event–GMA7, QTV 11, RPN 9, Jack TV, 2nd Avenue, Business World, Business Mirror, Manila Bulletin, Brainshare, Infochat, Inquirer.net, Tech Innovations, Tech and Style, 88.3, 89.1, 89.9, 99.5 and 103.5.

And to those who relentlessly tried to bring me down, to those who are spreading lies about me, to those who wants to see my professional and personal life ruined–I only have this to say to you–”Thank you”.

I told you, if you have God in your life, nothing can go wrong. You can say anything you want, I am only answerable to my one and only God.

And lastly, and the most important thing–I would like to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all the blessings. Without His grace, nothing is possible. Glory be to his mighty name. Praise God for his faithful love.

God Bless us all!

Technological achievements in the modern world are not only the convenience for the people around the globe, but also an incentive for the younger generations to review and develop their own thinking and ideas to advance the technology even further.

It is very important that every education, may it be from the lower primary to the PhD level, should all include the trace of technology in the process according to the level most suitable.

Even in any general education class or activity, the use of technology is highly encouraged for a better understanding and wider approach of the students from their very initial learning years.

The implementation of slideshows, computer research, and the involvement of latest gadgets and devices in the science subjects prepares the students for their upcoming challenge of living up to the expectations of the modern world solely dependent on technology. Therefore, it is also a major benefit for the upcoming generations to continue with the hold of the most developed technological field going on these days.

In this light, Jerry Liao of Infochat would like to invite you to join “Tech Tutor”, a seminar designed for Learners, Educators, Experts and Parents.

The conference aims to explore the impact of Web 2.0 on Technology Enhanced Learning. The next generation of eLearning, eLearning 2.0, will involve computer-based communication, information sharing, inter-operability, and collaboration to support learning. Evolving technologies that impact on learning include web-based communities, hosted services, and applications such as social-networking sites, video-sharing sites, video and audio podcasting, wikis, blogs, social bookmarking, RSS, and social tagging. The conference aims to examine the impact and potential exploitation of these technologies in an educational setting.

The aim is to:
- facilitate collaboration between learners, educators, parents, and experts
- explore the potential impact of Web 2.0 on technology enhanced learning
- spread good practice in the use of Web 2.0 and learning technology
- consider evolving pedagogical approaches using Web 2.0
- raise the profile of research in learning technology

Techtutor will also be joined by more than 20 industry leaders showcasing their latest products, services and solutions.

So don’t be left behind – Discover the next generation of learning by joining Jerry Liao’s Techtutor seminar on September 16 and 17 at the SM Megatrade Hall 3. Tickets are available at all SM Ticketnet outlets.

For more information, call Ticketnet at 911-5555 or visit www.infochat.com.ph/powertips

The much awaited Nokia N97 arrives ahead of time when my editor Art Samaniego presented me the phone straight from our Manila Bulletin TechLab. Being with TechNews allows us to have the first crack to try and test the latest gadgets available in the market today.

Nokia is set to launch Nokia N97 here in the Philippines by June 25, 2009.

My first impression is the Nokia N97 is one classy phone. The look and feel of the phone is something you can’t miss. The transition from touchscreen UI to QWERTY keyboard is smooth. The Nokia N97 is the first to ship with the Ovi Store app natively installed.

The Nokia N97 is a S60 5th Edition mobile computer with a large 3,5“, bright nHD (640 x 360 pixels and 16:9 aspect ratio) TFT color display with resistive touch screen and tactile feedback. The device provides excellent user experience for internet and entertainment by combining qwerty keyboard with touch UI and Home screen functionality.

Use the N97 to connect to mobile broadband using WLAN or HSDPA (3.5G). Find directions and locations with the integrated A-GPS and included maps. Additional features include game titles with N-Gage, a 5 mega pixel camera with dual LED flash and automatic geotagging of images and videos.

We will provide you more information about this new toy as are still testing it.

On a personal note:

When Art Samaniego provided me with an iPhone as a gift, people in our profession accused us of being corrupt and being criminals(?). They thought the iPhone was provided to us by Apple for a good write up. Just because they are guilty of their own accusations, they thought all other reporters, columnist and editors are like them.

Now that my editor presented me with the new Nokia N97, people in our profession will definitely cry with envy again. They will definitely come up with new lies and concocted stories on where the phone came from since this is the first Nokia N97 in the Philippines.

What can we say but there are really people out there with blood tainted with selfishness and foolishness. There are those who have nothing to do in their lives but to be jealous and envious about the achievents of others. So be careful people because you mingle with them as well.

As a final note, these people are people with no BALLS. They will spread rumors and lies but when confronted, they will deny their actions. Worst, they hate you and will stab you behind your back but love you and kiss-your-ass during face-to-face encounters. Cerfified A-Holes and SOBs really.

A word of advice – respect are earned. People in the industry are not fools like you. They know the truth. No amount of superficial accolades can bring you respect and integrity. You have to be sincere and true to yourself to be respected in the industry.

You want to know who these people are? Get in touch with me and I will whisper their identities to you. A careless whisper that is.

The policy took effect as part of the broader cost saving measures announced by Microsoft.

Let me just say that I understand why Microsoft made this decision. Can you imagine a company who created Windows Mobile OS and yet most of its employees uses devices the runs competing operating systems? What can I say but Ouch!

What’s a bit vague about the directives is this – Microsoft is actually paying the the data services charges, not the device acquisition. Unless its under a subsidized plan from telecommunication companies, I don’t see any reason why Microsoft is going to implement this. We can always cost-cut but not to the extent of sacrifice your employees communication efficiency.

The announcement was also an eye opener. Why do you think Microsoft employees prefer using non-Windows Mobile devices? Does it mean Windows Mobile is not ready for the enterprise?

Remember, we are not talking of the device here. Although Microsoft had a fair share of its smartphone device, the competition here involves the OS. HTC and Samsung are two phone companies that are running Windows Mobile. So in as far as the device style is concerned, I would say HTC and Samsung phones are stylish as well.

Aside from the cost-cutting measures. I think Microsoft should take a close look at why their own employees refuses to patronize their own OS. The best feedback Microsoft can get are from its own employees. Use this information to improve on the OS and create something that would be comparable or better than other OS.

For the meantime, Microsoft employees cannot do anything. Subsidizing phone charges is a privilege and not a commitment.

I have a good idea, why not buy a Windows Mobile OS device and use it for work, then use the other phones for personal use. You get the best of both worlds right?

God Bless us all!

If you watch the news, the topic is more of one party filing a case, or who is responsible for the uploading of the videos, and others. Believe it or not, I am thankful that such a scandal is no longer the headlines of newspapers or TV. But I was wrong.

Just recently, another video of Hayden Kho and Maricar Reyes surfaced on the web. They dubbed this as the Part 3 of their video. This time they are doing their thing at the sala. I won’t go into the details of what happen. Let me just say that the players in this video are more recognizable than the first two.

Not only that, I also got an email containing another link showing an actress in a very compromising situtation.

Now the reason why I am writing this article is because I am bit puzzled and surprised as to why these new videos were uploaded online despite the announcement of the National Bureau of Investigatio (NBI) that they are closing in on the identity of those individual(s) who uploaded the initial sex videos.

It’s either these individuals are crazy or foolish or they could be so smart that they’ve covered their tracks so well. Ignoring such an announcement from the NBI is like a challenge to the agency. It’s like “Catch Me/Us if you can” thing.

Our government agencies should really come up with new laws and new technologies to fight this horrendous acts. We need to learn from advanced countries how they locate the culprits.

If you think fighting crimes in the real world is hard, wait until cybercrime reaches its total maturity. What is happening now is simply the tip of the iceberg. Knowledge war is the name of the game in this information age.

God Bless us all!