Smartphone Review: O+ 8.31z Android

The O+ 8.31z is an Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean entry-level dual SIM smartphone. It has a dual core 1 GHz processor, a 256 MB RAM, a dual camera, and a 3.5” capacitive touchscreen with a 320 × 480 screen resolution. It’s got the usual 3G and wi-fi connectivity, GPS, as well as Bluetooth 3.0. You have three colors to choose from: white, black and dark blue. 

Nokia Lumia 720 on Test Drive

Thanks to the Nokia Test Drive program that I participated in, I was recently able to have a first-hand experience on the Nokia Lumia 720. Basically, I signed up at the Nokia Philippines Facebook page, received a confirmation email and picked up the device at a Nokia Store in my area. Read on as I share my five-day get-to-know session with this Windows 8 phone.

Game Review: Hill Climb Racing

Hill Climb Racing is an iOS and Android game by Fingersoft that lets you drive a vehicle through a series of terrains. The objectives are to not run out of gas, to keep the driver alive and to go as far as possible. Don't expect an actual race in this game though as there is none, but there is definitely lots of hill-climbing.

In this game, you only get two controls: Brake and Gas. That means driving might be quite easy to learn, although doing it skillfully could take a while. You pick up coins along the way which you can use to upgrade your vehicle, unlock stages and purchase other vehicles. The game looks like it follows the law of physics well, and I commend them for that. The gas indicator is a different story though. It seems like it primarily functions as a timer rather than actual gasoline consumption. And while I'm not really a fan of the graphics (the coins' appearance and font could be much improved), it is acceptable and shouldn't be a showstopper of some sort.

I Got Ink'd by Skullcandy

Now before you start thinking I got a tattoo, I’m actually talking about the Skullcandy Supreme Sound Ink'd In-Ear Buds that I won during our company Christmas party! So let me first say thank you to the generous mountain guides who gave this away.

The Skullcandy Ink'd is my first in-ear headphones. Having no comparison with other products of its kind, it impressed me with its crisp bass and clear audio quality. It's comfortable enough to wear, its flat wire doesn't really get tangled, and it also provides isolation from outside noise, so you can listen without much distraction.

What it doesn't have though is some inline volume control which would allow volume adjustment without accessing the music player/device itself. Also, be warned that having these plugged into your ears while at work would make it a little difficult for you to hear and communicate with co-workers. But let this not be a bad thing, since in other circumstances, it's perfect to have earphones that could make you tune out from your surroundings.

When Skullcandy labeled these earbuds with the words "supreme sound," they meant it. Priced at below P1,000 (here's its Amazon link), this is a very nice set of earphones to give, receive or buy for yourself.