Woohoo

I just learned the other day that my company is re-designating my positon from Junior Reviewer to Senior Reviewer! And that's not all! I'm getting an increment which they said that I deserve. WOW! Now I'm in Cloud 9.... I'm here in Dubai with a job I really, really love and with colleagues whom I love working with. Woohoo! Sorry, the only way I can express my excitement is by the amount of WooHoos! I write.... WOOHOO!

Tech Pulse Online # 1: Combating Piracy

“Downloading pirated films is stealing” these are the words that show on the screen before watching a movie on the theatre or even before you play any original DVD. These people keep informing us that buying pirated products is stealing. Their raids and investigations led to some wondering if they’re doing something illegal or not - which almost half not knowing they’re unconsciously sharing a file for everyone to download, or copying a film or a software illegally so they could use for other purposes. On the other side, some people still support these pirated products – not knowing they were illegal copies in the first place.

According to the Arabian Anti Piracy Alliance website, more than 2 million counterfeit discs consisting mainly of movies and software have been seized just in the last year. Also, about 15 pirates have been jailed for illegal production of such materials. Good thing is that the Alliance now has various offices in the Middle East, including the UAE which secretly monitor places here and arrest those who are responsible for these acts.

But why do some still support piracy? Probably one good reason is that it is cheaper. Honestly, would you spend about 1400 AED just for a copy of Windows Vista Ultimate? While it’s really not advisable to deter into these options, one can’t really help but think practically on how one could save money. The downside is that, it’s illegal.

Another probable reason is that in relation to films, pirates can get hold of screener or work print copies of movies. These copies are released by the studios themselves, which are then given to award-giving bodies for review. There are also ‘screener’ copies, which are intended mostly for screening for the critics. Funny thing is, somehow at least one gets in the hands pirates and all is history. Such things are also common on the internet and once you place something in the internet, it’s hard to delete it.

Since most films are only released on DVD after about a period of 3-5 months, most people prefer downloading these content or buying bootleg copies of it. Additionally, with the high prices of cinema tickets not only here but in the other countries, most would prefer watching in the comfort of their own homes.

With the recent advancements in technology, most have already began copying movies from Blu ray and the now defunct HD DVD discs. These discs claim they have the most advanced copy protection available, but yet some were still able to penetrate through this secure protection.

In a recent statement made by Patrick Hayati, McAfee Regional Director for Middle East and Mediterranean, he has mentioned that software piracy is a very serious problem in the Middle East, and that’s why McAfee loses about 40 to 50 per cent of its revenues because of piracy.

Still, the success of pirates would depend on how consumers would support them. If these companies can provide low-cost legit copies of softwares and/or films, then consumers may see the white light and ultimately decide that the original is always the best. This in turn, would hopefully create a trend in which consumers would stop buying pirated products, which would make the pirates make a run for their money.

- Taken from my monthly Tech pulse column in PC Magazine Middle and Near East, published by DIT Publishing

Strawberry Pop Tarts

For the longest time I have had this craving for Strawberry Pop Tarts. For those who have no idea what Pop Tarts are (and I believe there are only a few): A Pop-Tart is a flat rectangular toaster pastry approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) by 5.5 inches (14 cm) made by the Kellogg Company. Pop-Tarts have a sugary filling sealed inside two layers of rectangular, thin pastry crust; each layer of this crust is about 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) thick. Most varieties have frosting, but some do not. They can be eaten without being warmed, but are often warmed inside a toaster. Recently, certain varieties have been marketed as tasting best when left to cool in the freezer. They are usually sold in pairs inside foil packages, and do not require refrigeration. [Source: Wikipedia] I haven't seen any Pop Tarts yet here in Dubai, but some say there are some in some shops. Guess it'll be like a treasure hunt before I find one of these sweet delicacies. How I iwsh I have one here right in my hand and muching my way to nirvana.

Phone blogging

I'm testing the phone blogging feature from my W880i. Here's a picture of my desk at work.

New Gadgets!

As most of you all know by now, I'm a gadget freak. Aside from collecting DVDs and if I have extra money, I like collecting gadgets that are not only unique but also makes a good fashion statement. Haha! And I never thought I’d be a fashionable person. First off, I finally got a PlayStation Portable Slim and Lite… it was a ‘gift’ from my editor. Now, my only task is to buy games for it.

I also finally got to upgrade my mobile phone. Since buying a K750i last April 4, 2006 (exactly two years ago), I am now a big fan of Sony Ericsson. One of their latest models in the Walkman phone series is the W880i, a slim yet feature-packed mobile phone. I’m really happy with my purchase, since now I’ve got a fancy new gadget to show everyone. Hehe!

Dubai Festival City

With all the shopping malls around Dubai, it’s really getting dull seeing another one get built. So last week before attending the Panasonic event I had to go to, I passed by Dubai Festival City – another shopping mall near the area of Al Gharoud here in Dubai. While I was expecting shops and food courts everywhere, I was surprised because the mall is not designed for shopping but for relaxing. There were fountains and tress everywhere inside the mall. Even the roof was designed to let the sun shine through. It was definitely relaxing. Coupled with a nice mocha frappucino at my side, it was a good way to start the day.

Sailing at Ras Al Khaimah

Last week I had the privilege to be invited by Panasonic to join a snorkeling session in time for the launch of their new line of waterproof cameras. The launch was held at Ras Al Khaimah at Al Hamra Fort Hotel. It was my first time to travel to the emirate so I was all excited, but I didn’t get the chance to join the water activities since I was not feeling well at the time. Even if I didn’t get to snorkel, I still had fun sailing along the Arabian Gulf. I guess it would be even more fun if I’m with my friends and family. The sun was great and the sea was breezy. For a moment there, I didn’t even realize that summer is coming already. As a way to document our adventures, Panasonic let us use their cameras and then they let us take home the SD cards to show to everyone. It was a great day. Afterwards, I didn’t realize that the day is almost done and before you know it, I’m making my way back to Dubai again. It’s one of those experiences worth remembering.