Level Up Content Creation with the AKASO 360 Camera

Content creation has certainly gone miles and bounds than what it was a few decades ago. The eve of short form videos has certainly made it clear that you need to get the attention of every person in the first 3 seconds or they wouldn't see the video at all. After scrolling up for hours, they need something that would make them stay, so making that decision to create a different view is essential. That's where the AKASO 360° Camera comes in, and I'm so glad I got to try it!

Here's our unboxing video:

While I'm no novice at this, I'm super excited about shooting content at a 360 degree angle. That is one device, capable of shooting your surroundings and can be edited as different clips in one file. Imagine the applications of this especially when there's a press conference where people are all around the venue. One side had executives, one side had the media and the last one are the speakers. This is what I did with the event I covered in Las Pinas:

We also showed how a simple indoor shot can be done differently. I took it shopping and the selfie stick didn't appear on the video. Plus you are doing this at 5.7K which means you can use it for digital film, or simply export it to lower resolution if you are just doing it for social media. You don't have to literally fly to get a creative shot done because you've got tons of viewpoints you can play around with. 

For editing, you can use the AKASO 360 app which you can download off the Google Playstore to utilize the templates, or do your own before exporting it. You can use a third party video editor to combine shots (which I've been doing legibly these days so you get short and long form videos made in a jiffy.

I'm certainly loving it because we get a lot of fun doing it with celebrities after the press conferences we recently covered. Check out love team JM IBARRA and FYANG SMITH on this clip!

This is just the tip of the iceberg of what you can do with the AKASO 360° Camera. You can purchase this from the popular shopping platforms and get more information from the AKASO Philippines social channels.

I don't think I should even convince you right?! Go level up your content creation game with the AKASO 360 Camera!

iStudio Plus Starts Coffee Sessions: More Products In Store!

Just attended the coffee session of iStudio Plus at their 3rd Floor Gateway Mall branch in Quezon City. It's a venue to collaborate, talk amongst tech brands at their space in the mall. For starters, we got to know the folks from Insta360 and Ecoflow power stations (under Enabled). We also talked to the folks from DIVOOM speakers. 

 

EcoFlow is the number one power station brand in the world. They are tech driven and eco friendly made for individuals, family and those who need them. They are present in tech conventions around the world and has impressed award giving bodies for design and tech. Their prime products include the EcoFlow River 3, which is a ups and takes an hour to charge. It's also waterproof and very compact, perfect for travels. They are 30 percent smaller than competitors. They also have River 3 Max Plus which can be stacked, if you need double the capacity then this is perfect for you because it is modular. They also have the bigger EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series, a bit bigger and has bigger output of 1800W. Products cost 35-69K. They have bigger ones for homes that have 4000W. It can also be expanded, best for homes if you want something off the grid. They also have the EcoFlow Trail 300+ to launch in the PH soon (November), which you can use in camping trips. Costs 10-15K.

The best 360 camera in the world is also available in iStudio Plus, the Insta360. It's got all day and all night angles, very good in low light. It has enhanced replaceable lenses, can do 8K videos, 208 minute battery life, waterproof at 15m. The Ace Pro 2 on the other hand has AI capability, better quality videos and can be used for filming. It's more of an action camera than a vlogging one. The battery also lasts 180mins but can be charged fast. Their flagship camera is the Insta360 GO ULTRA. It's got Ultra HD videos for day and night shots, magnetic mounts, longer battery life at 200 minutes, do underwater shots, and fast charging for 12 minutes. It also has AI editing and cloud so you can edit while traveling. Even if you are not a pro it can do the legwork and make it for you. They also have the devices packaged for creators with sticks and mounts for motorcycles too.

Divoom speakers are quite different because it's made with art and pixels in mind. Their newest one is the Times Frame, a digital picture frame that also displays video done through the Divoom app. It also has clocks, widgets, customized edge lights so it can be the star of your show (in the bedroom or elsewhere). They also have retro speakers like the Ditoo 5M which can be displayed with pixel art. It also has Karaoke mode so you can take it out on parties. If you want something cute, the Dipow 65 would fit you, it has an LED screen and can stand like a character, or the DIPOW 35 if you want something smaller that you can attach to a phone or power plug. They also have a Times Gate model which has a larger display, something fancy for rooms or decor. They have the very popular Cyberbag that has displays on the back, I've seen that in motorcyclists. It's super cool! If you want something smaller, they also have the Cyberbag M or the Pixoo Sling Bags that you can pair with your phone app and use for display. The Spark Pro on the other hand can be the Karaoke arsenal to have, it's got superb audio and very portable. If you need something smaller,  they have the Fairy or Spark Pop (which I personally use in the shower to enjoy hours of music!).

Here's a tour of the place, enjoy! 

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Now if you need Apple or non Apple products, you can go to iStudio Plus branches near you. You can also inquire on their Facebook page if you need more information about these devices too. 

Xiaomi Launches Lightweight Phone: The Xiaomi 12 Lite

Just got off the Xiaomi 12 Lite event streamed on the Xiaomi Philippines Facebook page today. Their best news is about the new Xiaomi 12 Lite that will be released in the Philippines. Xiaomi also has introduced several home devices that are part of their aIOT smart products which you'll love!

With what they talked about, I was most impressed with the 32 Megapixel Selfie Camera, a 108 Megapixel main camera, 120 Ultra Wide Camera, plus eye tracking technology in their newest flagship device. It also has HDR in the front camera so you don't lose details even if you're against the light. It's got vibrant colors, even on videos and very comfortable display no matter what condition there is while handling the phone.

It also has fast charging capabilities even if it's lightweight, a whopping 67W charging that can get your phone working fast if it runs out of juice. 13 minutes to fill 50% battery, doesn't that sound amazing?! With the adaptive technology, it also slows down when it gets to 80% and preven overcharging if in case you leave it plugged in overnight. It also has 5G support, which means you'll get faster data download and upload rates because the hardware has the capacity to do it.

This is slim, fits in the pocket, 120Hz display if you are a gaming or video enthusiast, so no small detail is gonna be left unturned. That's the Xiaomi 12 Lite, and endorsing it in the Philippines is GMA actress and IT girl Gabbi Garcia. This was all announced this evening.

The new Xiaomi 12 Lite is available in 2 storage sizes. The 6GB+128GB retails for Php 20,999 while the 8GB+128GB costs Php 21,999. The Xiaomi 12 Lite will be available for pre order on Xiaomi authorized stores starting August 19 up to 26, then regular price  after that. Those who choose to pre order will get it with extras like the Xiaomi Tyvek bag, a Xiaomi Pinoy Bunny, a Xiaomi Nightlight, plus Xiaomi Ceramic Mug shirt, notebook or pen. That's a treat for those who love Xiaomi.

Vivo V20 Series Boasts ULTIMATE Selfie Camera

 

 

After getting released last October 31, users have been seeing the value of the new Vivo V20 series. The smartphone has been able to impress, with new things being discovered by users after its official launch. It looks like the phone has so much features to play with and yes, these phones pack a pretty huge combo of hardware which current owners adore.

The lovely Vivo V20 and V20 Pro has got a 44MP front cameras. Imagine what that would get when taking your selfies, your images would be huge, details would be crisp and clear. The videos would also become that good, vloggers would find this a refreshing alternative to their huge cameras. It is also convenient to carry around, making you take your workflow at an easy pace but never disregard quality. After uploading them, quality wise, you’ll really stand out, you get to #BeTheFocus and stay ahead of the competition.



It's in the details

Because the Vivo V20 and V20 Pro has a 44MP front camera, that only means that you can have a lot of detail on the images. With this above standard camera sensor, you can get crisp shots and wether photos or videos. You can simply crop if needed, especially if you take photos in crowded areas. If you want to take away unnecessary clutter in a shot, that can be easily done. Aside from that, the selfies have AI Face beauty features, which can make you a little bit better than usual when you have imperfections you want to improve.

It also has Night Scene options so when you do have to take photos in low light conditions, it would be easy to see details. It won't be awkward to take shots in parties or occasions. The phone can also take real 4K videos, which means shooting, editing your vlogs will be a cinch. That would be good for aspiring or professional content creators. The possibilities are endless.


Shooting Videos with Reactions

These days, vlogging requires content that need reactions real time. Those reactions channels have sprouted up like mushroom because viewers want real emotions, and if you can catch that on video while taking a video, wouldn't that be awesome? The Vivo V20 series can actually do that. No more editing and putting hours of editing time to sync two videos on top of another. This can record footage from the back and front cameras at the same time. Now I haven't seen that done yet by other phone manufacturers; it's a real refreshing feature for a phone.

Aside from that, the vivo V20 series has the steadiface video feature. It locks on subjects and stays on focus, a thing that vloggers would actually be problematic with. Now you have something to battle those dizzying footages you take when in motion, you can also take slow motion videos with the front camera if you need to. It can take your creative mind places where you've never had with your video cameras, plus imagine the things you can do with that in cinematic shots. That's a whole lot of features for a smartphone.

You can #BeTheFocus with the vivo V20 series. If you want to have them, it’s all available in Lazada and Shopee.  You can also get them at Vivo concept stores nationwide. You can get more information about the phones at vivoglobal.ph. It’s all there!

A Trinity of Events

Three events in two days so I had to make this quick. First off is the book signing of vixen Arci Munoz, yes she has a book and she cooks! Would you believe? Aside from that, her book has a lot of connections with dealing with exes, of how to move on, and tons of advise about how not to pursue unhealthy relationships, in her healthy point of view.

Her recipes are actually simple, it can easily be followed by those who can't cook especially the easy fried numbers and combo desserts.

We also covered the announcement of the Top 20 short films who qualified for Lights Camera Magic and if you're interested, check out the entries on their main website, also their social media pages. We met Piolo Pascual, Nash Aguas, Ketchup Eusebio and others who served as jurors for the contest. They will announce the top 3 very soon so please wait for the details when that happens.

Here's a video of our coverage, please enjoy!

So, how was your day? :)

KUMAGCOW

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The 360 Mini Wireless Intercom IP Camera

I've been so worried about home whenever I'm out on events because even though there are people inside the house, I forget a lot of things and get worried if there are uninvited guests sometimes. I'm just like you, we want to see the things inside our house just to feel more secured because let's face it, the Philippines isn't as safe as it was before. These days, security cameras are actually required for businesses in my city but for SOHO (small office/home offices) an IP camera would be sufficient.

Now I've got to tell you, I'm not new to this because I've been a router and device technician for a multinational tech company a couple years back. I install cameras like these for a living so in a way, I know my way around it. IP Cameras in the past have a web based interface and you would need to specify the IP address and the port you assign on the device, you then have to manually encode that on your router's firewall so it could allow the connection to go through. Aside from that, you need to go to the setup page of the IP camera and connect it to the network as a separate device, much like connecting a separate laptop computer. This time with the 360 Mini Wireless Intercom IP Camera, you won't have to really do that anymore because you just need to follow the steps indicated inside the app.

After opening the box, it's time to install the app. I am on iOS so you just have to look for the 360 Smart Camera App on the App Store or use a QR code scanner if you have one on your phone. What I like about it is that it's a pretty small app to install.

After installing on your phone, you have to register and use your phone number. Then select a password for it.

In order to activate it, click on the SEND code button and wait for it on your phone. Input your code and finish the registration process, it should take you to the MyCameras list.

Click on the + sign on the top right hand corner of the app and it should ask you for your wifi password. 

It will get your connection tested, a few minutes would do.

Click on Connect to my Camera (if you are installing one) if you want a family member to connect to your camera, they would need to click the other one and use the QR Code you'll send them later.

It's pretty elementary, you just have to follow the prompts of the Green Light is Blinking. If it's not, just turn the device off and turn it back on.

It would ask you to name your camera, just keep it simple, you don't want to confuse people who want to connect to it too.

If you get this prompt, then you have successfuly connected the 360 Wireless IP Camera on your network. 

You may use your fingers to zoom in or out of the video. It's going to give you a 150 degree view of your home, I have covered some parts for security.

The camera can be viewed in different modes like Standard, HD and Ultra HD. I was impressed it only needed a few resources as far as bandwidth is concerned.

You will be prompted to update it if the current firmware of your device is not updated, so please do as it has some fixes.

You will get that 150 degree view if you choose to see it on the landscape mode, you can also set alerts if you want to only use it when someone moves, and you can also use an SD card if you want to record things. As far as video quality, it's pretty decent.

You can invite friends and family to view your camera by texting them, using a QT Code invite or through WeChat which is pretty common in China.

Turn this off if you don't want alerts to happen.

You may choose to view videos and past recordings here.

This only indicates 1 camera so far but I plan to purchase more so I could cover the whole house, we don't want to get in trouble do we!

There are also options to clear cache and  enable gesture passwords. If you want something like that.

I did a screenshot of my personal QR code and sent it to my siblings so they can view our home from anywhere in the world. What I like about this is that it's very inexpensive, easy to install, quite clear and you get to see the most precious people you need to see 24/7. Not to mention PEACE OF MIND... That to me is priceless!

This device is available in various online stores in the Philippines, so get them if you want to be able to take control of your house, call for help if the need arises. It should be this easy.

KUMAGCOW

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Fujifilm Launches New Cameras, Lenses and GFX 50S

Tomoyuki Fukura of Fujifilm Philippines says "The GFX has very high image quality. Thanks to the image processor, you'll get quality that of a full frame camera and more." It's a great year because they're launching new products, especially the GFX 50s which is a medium format camera. Higher peformance, ultra high image quality, now Fujifilm is taking medium format to be almost equal to 35mm fill frame digital cameras. These new cameras have a new lens series called G Mounts, it'll be the best for commercial and print jobs. The reason why this is good is because if the X Processor Pro, which makes it 1.7x better than your full frame camera. 

Fujifilm has great GF Lenses which can get you super high resolution images and Fujifilm adapts the use of physical dials outside the body making it easy and accesible to adjust settings, so don't worry if you are already using the previous models because you'll feel right at home. There are also accessories like the EVF adapter so you can see your viewfinders in different ways. Focus points alone is 425, impressive in that feature alone. I'm sure you'll have no problem if you're into spot focusing, those creamy BOKEH's would be easy to acheive!

The powerful cameras need lenses that would maximize its potential and Fujifilm delivers. With the remarkable success of the compact and stylish FUJINON XF35mmF2 R WR and the XF23mmF2 R WR lenses, Fujifilm Corporation sees the need to have a prime lens that can take portraiture to another level. It features 9 elements in 7 groups including one aspherical ED lens plus an inner focusing system. Thanks for the superbly engineered stepping motor, the lens performs brilliantly fast and does silent autofocusing. It's made generally of metal parts so you get that premium feel.
The XF50mmF2 R WR lens is weather and dust resistant. It can even operate in -10°C weather so there's no problem if you're taking it outside the country and vacations where there is snow!

Fujifilm GFX 50S has softer shadow tone which means you can still see details inside shadowy shots, which you won't usually see in other cams. Higher tonality means more vibrant colors without losing details in photos. It's good, it'll cost you half a million pesos for the camera body and the lens. But may I say, it's totally worth it!

KUMAGCOW

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James Reid Endorses Fujifilm

Takuya Maeda of Fujifilm quips "Since we started our business here, together with our X Photographers we have been successful in penetrating our market because we're not just after sales, we're about making great cameras. Thanks to our influencers, our customer service centers, we have been successful in satisfying the Filipino customers even though the market is in a slump. We are increasing sales and we provide ways and reasons how to make customers enjoy our cameras. We can't think of any other endorser who would appeal to our market more than James Reid, he is sophisticated, good looking and he's got what we say that knack for photography."

It feels great to endorse a product that I use everyday! I only discovered it end of last year, pretty recent, I used different cameras before but it's the style I sticked to. I used the XT2, my favorite. It shoots in 4K video and I use it on the teleserye, very helpful. I have a lot of good memories in this canera, and BTS? They're coming. I guess I just pick the best ones and post it on Instagram, I'm a fan of apps but it's so much better to have it physically on hand that you can give the people. I love architecture, the places I go to give that, I take landscapes, my girlfriend (the crowd kinikig). I'll have an announcement post soon. You'll see it on my Instagram account too. 

I take photos of her when she sleeps, we travel a lot so she's my favorite subject. I have yet to experience taking photos of other people, I haven't though about it yet what to put in an exhibit. I don't know what line I'm interested. I think I'm a good photographer, they say I have a knack or eye for photography.

The project I'm in (showing on August 29) tackles LGBT relationships, I'm glad that ABSCBN trusted me with daring projects like that. I love Santorini and Mykonos, it's impossible to take a bad photo there. The most beautiful photo I've taken of Nadine is the one in Lake Tahoe. I like the XT2 and the videos and photos are used as part of the show. The design is me. Nadine got me into photography, she takes a lot of photos of me and I do too with her since she is my favorite subject. 90% of the scenes in my new show has this in my shoulder. I'm used to it, it's part of the job, it's been a long time and we're used to it. 

Congratulations James on being the newest face of Fujifilm! 

KUMAGCOW

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