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Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Google Glass - Will It replace the Mobile Phone?

Launch Trailer of Google Glass

Not sure what Google Glass is or what it does. All I know is that you put it on like a pair of spectacles or glasses and it probably serves as a camera? So this post is a bit of a investigative research or discovery process of what Google Glass is really about.

Quick search on the net and there's a review of it byYouTuber iJustine's Channel on 28 June 2013:



What I gathered from watching her review is that:


1. You can use Google Glass as a handsfree phone just by tapping the side to receive an incoming call
2. It can be used as a camera to take pictures via Voice Command and the tilt of your head up and down.
    Or by pressing a button on the right top panel.
3. Similarly, it can be used as a video camera to record videos from your perspective (Think Blair Witch Project). By default, it can only record 10 second videos.
4. The battery lasts about 5 hours.
5. You can share pictures of what you took instantly. 
6. There are some hand gestures that you need to use via the Google Glass touch pad (Track Pad) to activate actions. (Slide, click, share, scroll, cancel)

Another review that was done by Marques Brownlee in August 2013:






He breaks it down to 7 stuff that what GG (I think they should name it Google Goggles!) can do:


Transcribed:
1. Take a picture
2. Record a Video
3. Get Directions
4. Send a Message
5. Phone Calls
6. Google+ Hangouts
7. Google

Other interesting info:
1.  It needs to be connected or synced with your phone via Bluetooth or Wifi to share data.
2. You can share pictures with your friends as well.
3. It costs about US$1,500 and it's not available for the public yet. Mainly for testers at this stage.
4. Prescription wearers to get Google Glass in US
    http://sg.news.yahoo.com/google-glass-integrated-prescription-frames-150338320.html


Queries:
1. I wonder if its really heavy to wear.
2. Would it affect how your eyeballs are aligned if you're wearing it for a long time, since the Glass is on the right?
3. Would we lose our privacy? Someone could easily hack into the Glass and video cam our vision.
(Bank passwords, Naked spouses, Current Location etc.) It's kind of like a spy ware if you lose control of it.

Pros:
1. Good for people who need to be hands free
2. Probably good for the deaf ,blind or physically challenged to get directions. Better if there's a sound byte from the Map function. This would give them more mobility and access to information on the move.
3. It;s good for solving crimes if we can gather various videos from different sources wearing GG at time of incident.  

An introduction video from Google on how to use the swipe functions:




Funny Google Glass Video from a Singaporean's Perspective: (Not sure whether its real or a spoof)



If you're interested in getting Google Glass you can try this link (think it's only available if you're a US resident):
http://www.google.com/glass/start/how-to-get-one/

More localized information and reviews at:
http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/feature-hands-google-glass-singapore-singlish-vs-glass-thoughts-future

http://singaporelaunch.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/everything-you-need-to-know-about-google-glass-faq/

http://www.stuff.tv/sg/glass/an-hour-with-google-glass-singapore/feature


http://technology.xin.msn.com/mobile-and-gadgets/8-singaporean-uses-for-google-glass?page=1

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Home Improvement Series - White Magnetic Marker Board

I had an idea to use the vertical or aerial space that I had
from the back of my wardrobe in my current bedroom.

I wanted to put a magnetic board that I could pin stuff like
postcards, bills, small notes and nice pictures on it.

Some inspiration pictures from the Web:










In addition, it would be great if the magnetic board could also be used as a white marker board.



I started searching on the web on where I can get something similar to those pictures.

Here are the shortlisted finds:
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1. Steel Magnetic Board from Ikea Singapore - S$24.50, 37x78cm

2. Steel Magnetic Board from Amazon - Various Price for Different Sizes

3. Magnetic Board from CB2 of Crate and Barrel - USD39.95,  23.5"x23.5"x2"

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1.Steel Magnetic Board from Ikea Singapore

Product Name: SPONTAN
Product Description: Magnetic board, silver-colour
Price S$24.50  |   Size: 37x78 cm




There was a cool Ikea Hack on  for this Magnetic Board.
Basically "Crystina, Saint Paul' painted the Magneitc board with chalk paint.
So the board can now be scribbled with Chalk and still be magnetic.
Cool Hack!!!



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2. Steel Magnetic Board from Amazon

Product Name: Muro Magnetic Board

Product Description:
Blomus stainless steel magnetic board is great for home or office organization. May be hung horizontally or vertically. Magnets are also available as an option to coordinate style/color.

Price: Various   |   Size: Various




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3. Magnetic Board from CB2 of Crate and Barrel

Product Name: Magnetic Dry Erase Board

Product Description:
White powdercoated galvanized steel square marks to-dos,
magnets pics, then resets a clean slate.
Magnetic black dry erase marker included.
Price USD39.95  |   Size: 23.5"x23.5"x2"












Conclusion
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the end, I went with the Amazon product mainly
because I preferred the different dimensions the manufacturer offered.
It would fit better in the space I needed.

Thinking back, I think I would have bought the Ikea version as the shipping fees were kinda hefty.
Oh well.








Post Problems with the Steel Magnetic Board
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The thing with the Steel Magnetic Board that I bought.
I assumed that I would be able to scribble drawings on it with my white marker pen and rub it away.


But little did I know, the ink markings were really hard to rub away.
I had to use a make-up remover to remove it.



I did not want to reach for the make-up remover every time I scribbled or drew something wrongly.
It takes away the whole fun of the spontaneous and random thoughts flying through my head as I'm drawing or penning down ideas.



So I was stuck with this issue for quite a long while, until one day I managed to figure out a quick fix.





Tip and Hack
How to make a magnetic whiteboard wall
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If you were like me, and faced problems with
trying to erase the white marker ink on your magnetic board.


You can simply buy a screen protector.
You know, those used for your mobile screen or pc monitors.



And get the screen protector in a huge dimension and stick it over the board.

It's a 5 minute hack.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 1: Measure the dimension of the magnetic board.
Step 2: Buy the screen protector.
Step 3: Stick the screen protector on the magnetic board.

And you're done!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This solution works as the board still remains magnetic and
you can write and wipe whiteboard marker drawings on it.

And the best thing is, the screen protector is cheap, hardly noticeable and removable.


Tip: A4 Sized Screen Protectors cost S$2 at the Daiso Shop.










Random:
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While researching on this,
I chanced upon glass magnetic boards with the same white marker writing abilities.



They looked much nicer actually. More sleek and professional looking.











But it comes with a much heavier price tag that I am unable to afford.
Might be good for offices though. 




 





I found a cheaper one for home usage on the Crate and Barrel site.

Product Name: White Glass Magnetic 17.75" Wipe Board
Price: U$$22.95
Source: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/white-glass-magnetic-17.75-wipe-board/s258779



But I was afraid that during shipping, that the glass will break.
It would likely be more costly as well.

So I abandoned the idea altogether.



Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Home Improvement Series - Space Saving Furniture Exploration


Chanced Upon a site that has some real great samples of
Space Saving Furniture
while randomly browsing on the
Stumble Upon Windows 8 Browser App.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.itsdamncool.com/category/furniture-interior-design/furniture/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are some excerpts that I loved!

1. Cabinent + 4 Chairs + 1 Coffee Table

You can keep the chairs and table away and have clear open space. 
Simple take it out again when you need it the next time.
Looks like it's pretty nifty and perfect for games like cards, scrabble, board games and mahjong!

Cool colors. Definitely keeping this in mind for the entertainment room.



2. Fold out convertible desk
Southern Enterprises Fold-out Convertible Desk, Winter White

Think it's great to be placed ay the doorway.
That area is not really utilized once the door is closed.
How could be a cool small coffee table in a small kitchen.
Or maybe if you wanna do business in the toilet?
Muhahaha...
















3. Convertible Sofa into 2 Bunk Beds.
Perfect for Guest Rooms!

Will it rust if you don't use it for a long time?
And how sturdy is it?
Will it snap back into a sofa in the middle of the night?





4. Stair drawers
The stairs can act as seats and storage.
It also creates the illusion of height and space when placed in housing with only 1 storey.






Random insert here:
Mario Furniture!

Just because it's cute. 



Tuesday, July 16, 2013

The Singapore Breakfast Club - Singapore Brunch - All Day Breakfast

Brunch Places in Singapore that
I Wanna Explore and Continue With or On Hold 
July 2013
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-E X P L O R E -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Five & Dime

2. Riders Cafe

3. Meath Bistro (Singapore Expo)

4. Open Door Policy

5. Wild Honey

6. Toby’s Estate Coffee Singapore

7. Strictly Pancakes

8. Spruce

9. Over Easy

10. Cherry Garden Weekend Dim Sum Brunch Buffet

11. Strangers' Reunion

-C O N T I NU E  W I T H ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

12. Saveur

13. Cedele

14. Bakers Inn

15. TCC

-O N  H O L D -------------------------------------------------------------------------

16. The Orange Timble

17. Forty Hands

18. Chockful Of Beans

19. The Coastal Settlement

20. Food for Thought

21. P.S. Cafe
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1. Brunch Places I Wanna Explore:

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1. Five & Dime






Opening Hours:
Monday - Thursday : 12pm - 10pm,
Friday : 12pm - 12am, Saturday : 10am - 12am, Sunday : 10am - 10pm

Location: 297 River Valley Road. Singapore 238338.

For reservations, call 9236 5002.





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2. Riders Cafe

Website: http://www.riderscafe.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidersCafe

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/riderscafe

Menu:
http://www.riderscafe.sg/docs/RC2012_MenuFood_WEB.pdf
http://www.riderscafe.sg/docs/RC2012_MenuBrunch_WEb.pdf


Opening Hours:
Sunday – Thursday 8am – 9pm, Friday & Saturday 8am - 10pm, Closed on Monday

Location: 51 Fairways Drive, Singapore 286965, Bukit Timah Saddle Club

For reservations, call  +65 6466 9819

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3. Meath Bistro (Singapore Expo)

Opening Hours:
Mon to Sat: 11am to 11pm
Sun, Eve and PH: 11am to midnight

Location:
1 Expo Drive,#01-31 Singapore EXPO, Singapore 486150

For enquiries, call 65 6260-2002

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4. Open Door Policy

Website: http://www.odpsingapore.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Open-Door-Policy/107388342703246

Menu:
http://www.odpsingapore.com/pdf/odp-menu.pdf
http://www.odpsingapore.com/pdf/odp-brunch-menu.pdf

Opening Hours:

Closed on Tuesdays.
Fri and Sat – bar open till 12 midnight.

Lunch: 12 to 3pm, (last order 2:30pm)
Dinner: 6pm to 10:30pm,(last order 10pm)
Brunch: 11am to 3:30pm, (last order 3pm, Saturday and Sunday only)

For enquiries, call 65 6221 9307

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5. Wild Honey

Website: http://www.wildhoney.com.sg

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Singapore-Singapore/Wild-Honey-All-Day-Breakfast/196338009573?

 Twitter: http://twitter.com/wildhoneysing

Menu: http://www.wildhoney.com.sg/11/index.html#middle

Opening Hours:
Mon - Thur    9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Fri - Sun   9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Location: 6 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228209

For enquiries, call 65 6636 1816

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6. Toby’s Estate Coffee Singapore

Website: http://www.tobysestate.com.sg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TobysEstateCoffeeAsia

 Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/tobysestate

Menu: N.A.

Opening Hours:
Mon - Wed: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Thu - Sat: 7:30 am - 10:00 pm
Sun: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm

For enquiries, call 65 6636 7629

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7. Strictly Pancakes

Website: http://www.strictlypancakes.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strictly-Pancakes/144466005568330

 Twitter:https://twitter.com/strictlypancake

Menu:http://strictlypancakes.com.sg/menu.html

Opening Hours:
Mon:     1800 - 2200*
Tue - Thu:     1130 - 2200*
Fri:     1130 - 0000**
Sat:     1000 - 1600*,     1800 - 0000**
Sun:     1000 - 1600*,     1800 - 2200*


Location & Contact Numbers:

 44A Prinsep Street
Singapore 188674
Tel: 6333 4202

81 Upper East Coast Rd
Singapore 455220
Tel: 6448 7332

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8. Spruce
Website:http://www.spruce.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SprucePhoenixPark

Menu:
http://www.spruce.com.sg/download/20130322-spruce-firestation-menu.pdf
http://www.spruce.com.sg/download/20130322-spruce-tanglin-menu.pdf

Opening Hours, Location & Contact Numbers:
320 Tanglin Rd, Singapore 247980 ,
Call 6836 5528
Mon – Fri: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 9am – 10.30pm
Bar open till late

260 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #01-01, Singapore 588213,
Call 6466 5582
Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 12am
Sat, Sun & PH: 9am – 12am
Bar open till late



-->


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9. Over Easy

Website:http://www.overeasy.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OverEasySG

Menu:
http://www.overeasy.com.sg/menu/overeasy_food_.pdf


Opening Hours:
  Mon - Thu: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm - 1:00 am
Fri: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm - 3:00 am
Sat: 5:00 pm - 3:00 am

Location:
1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213

For enquiries, call 6423 0701

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10. Cherry Garden Weekend Dim Sum Brunch Buffet

Website:http://www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore/fine-dining/cherry-garden/


Menu:
http://photos.mandarinoriental.com/is/content/MandarinOriental/singapore-restaurant-cherry-garden-dim-sum-brunch-menu
http://photos.mandarinoriental.com/is/content/MandarinOriental/singapore-restaurant-cherry-garden-dim-sum-lunch-menu

Opening Hours:
LUNCH: 12 – 2:30pm

BRUNCH:
11am – 1pm (1st seating)
1:30 - 3:30pm (2nd seating)

DINNER
6:30 – 10:30pm

For enquiries, call +65 6885 3500

More info at:http://www.ladyironchef.com/2010/11/champagne-brunch-singapore-dim-sum-buffet-cherry-garden/

Excerpt:
"If you don’t drink champagne, or find that the $118++ Champagne Brunch is too pricey, you may choose the normal Dim Sum brunch buffet at $48++ per head. Note that the dim sum brunch (without champagne) comes with endless flow of dim sum, but only one order of soup, appetizer, main course and dessert per person, which is available for two seating: from 11am to 1 pm. and from 1.30pm to 3 pm. While the Champagne dim sum brunch has essentially the same menu plus champagne, and the fact that there’s endless flow of everything, and you can feast from 12 noon to 3pm."

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11. Strangers' Reunion

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrangersReunion

 Twitter:https://twitter.com/StrangersReu

Opening Hours:
Mon: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
Wed - Sun: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm

Location:
37 Kampong Bahru Rd, Singapore, Singapore 169356

For enquiries, call 6222 4869

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2. Brunch Places I Wanna Continue With The Rest Of Their Menu.. 

I tend to order the same stuff over and over again at these places. I'm going try hard to tear myself away from my usual habits and try something new at these places:

1. Saveur
What I Tend To Order: Duck Confit

2. Cedele
What I Tend To Order: Cranberry and Turkey Sandwich?

3. Bakers Inn:
What I Tend To Order: Pumpkin Soup
 
5. TCC:
 What I Tend To Order: Aglio Olio


3. Brunch Places I've Gone But Currently on Hold For 2nd Visit:

1. The Orange Timble

2. Forty Hands

3. Chockful Of Beans

4. The Coastal Settlement

5. Food for Thought

6. P.S. Cafe