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Vietnam requests ISPs block gaming after 10PM
Vietnam's Ministry of Information and Communication wants internet service providers to pull the plug on online games from 10PM to 8AM (ICT) by March 3. The move follows increased gaming restrictions by the government, allegedly due to real-life crime originating from online games. Deputy Minister Le Nam Thang said the government will continue to inspect online gaming nationwide and shut down ISPs that violate the request. So it's not an option. It's an order.
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam launched with latest trailer
Tomorrow marks the debut of the first major expansion to Battlefield: Bad Company 2, with the Vietnam War acting as the backdrop for a whole new set of classes, weapons, and maps. Today ... well, today there's a trailer for it. We do what we can, folks.
Vietnamese government implements restrictions on online games
Citing increased real-life criminal activity originating in the online space, the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communication has placed a number of tight restrictions on massively multiplayer titles. These include bans on any and all advertisements for online games, as well as regulations forcing ISPs to shut off service to gaming cafes and retailers after hours. More drastic is the Ministry's decision to stop allowing any additional online games to come into the nation until further legislation on the matter can be considered. Man, that's harsh! Why can't they follow China's example, and just regulate the content of these games instead of -- oh, wait. Vietnam is doing that as well. Awesome.
Samsung's 7-inch 'Galaxy Tape' to run Android 2.2 on 1.2GHz A8 processor?
More details about Samsung's new tablet have emerged courtesy of Tinh te and from what it claims is a highly reliable source. This time around, the Vietnamese site is claiming that Samsung's 7-inch Tab will be running Android 2.2 (Froyo) on an A8 processor clocked to a peppy 1.2GHz. It's all powered by a 4,000mAH battery that contributes to the tablet's 370-gram weight with 16GB of on-board storage and up to 32GB of microSD expansion. Oh, and the 7-inch panel is said to be of Samsung's Super AMOLED variety which should make it readable outdoors judging by its smaller sibs. Sounds hot, but we'll have to see how Samsung's TouchWiz UI holds up to being stretched across all that very expensive screen-estate. P.S. We've also been told that it'll be called the "Galaxy Tape," not Tab or S-Tab as previously rumored.
Foxconn axes suicide compensation, relocating some production to Vietnam or Taiwan
At yesterday's annual shareholder meeting, Foxconn revealed that it'll no longer be compensating families of dead employees as a move to discourage further suicides. CEO Terry Gou reasoned by exhibiting evidence that showed the money -- an amount almost equivalent to ten years' worth of salary -- was a major motivation for the suicides. One such exhibit was a man's suicide letter that contained the following message for his parents: "...now I'm going to jump off Foxconn, really leaving now, but you don't have to be sad, because Foxconn will pay a bit of money, this is all your son can repay you now." Gou also blamed a possible "Werther Effect" created by the news coverage, which might have led to six of the twelve suicides all taking place in May. Consequently, the company will be handing over its welfare management work to the local Chinese government, as it's unable to deal with too many social responsibilities. In the same meeting, the company made an unsurprising announcement that it's looking to relocate some manufacturing work, amid a worsened earnings forecast due to increased wages -- basic salary has gone up from ¥900 ($132) to ¥1,200 ($176), rising to as much as ¥2,000 ($293) for those who meet new performance criteria. This will involve setting up a fully automated facility in either Taiwan or Vietnam, while the existing Vietnamese plant will be receiving more orders. Chairman Samuel Chen also said that Foxconn will be working with its clients to share the load -- no further details on this, but we suspect Apple's rumored direct subsidies are part of the plan.
Rising labor costs in China may lead to pricier electronics, manufacturing relocation
You might recall that Foxconn, faced with the searing spotlight of the world's attention on its working conditions, recently announced not one but two wage increases for its employees, which is now looking like part of a larger trend in China toward higher pay. The city of Beijing has said it'll be raising its minimum wage by 20 percent, to 960 Yuan ($140) a month, and is expected to be followed by others. The New York Times pins this on numerous factors, including growing competition for workers, state authorities insisting on higher standards, and a national policy effort to ease the gap between rich and poor. All good news, you might think, but these worker-friendly measures are taking their toll on manufacturing costs, and now there's talk of companies relocating production to cheaper locales. Vietnam, India and Indonesia are the prime suspects for taking production duties away from China, with some companies also apparently contemplating shifting to poorer regions within the nation. These changes are unlikely to perturb high-end electronics manufacturing in the short term, due to its more sophisticated infrastructure and supply chain, but the end consumer might still feel their effect in the form of higher prices. Inflation within China and a projected increase in its currency value are likely to drive up the cost of exports, so we'd advise buying what you need sooner rather than later. [Thanks, Daniel]
Stream sits still for the camera, shows off its camcorder abilities (video)
In these halcyon days of impromptu Vietnamese gadget reveals, it should come as no surprise that Acer's Stream has gone from FCC filing to hands-on honey in a few days flat. Now it's been the subject of a rather more thorough photo shoot in Ho Chi Minh City, and also was kind enough to share a little footage filmed from its five megapixel camera. Sadly, it's not raw 720p footage that was YouTube'd, so it's perhaps too early to draw conclusions -- but we'll go ahead and say the video doesn't look very good just the same. Still, it looks to be yet another intriguing entry to the Android assault, and we can't wait for the next leak. Update: Thanks to kreatos for pointing out that there's a second, albeit shorter 720p video on YouTube as well. We've got that embedded below and it does indeed look a good bit better -- but you can certainly still tell it came from a cellphone. [Thanks, Tran]
iPod touch with camera shows up in Vietnam
The Apple sieve continues to leak as a new prototype shows up in Vietnam and promptly hits the web. This time, it's an iPod touch with a 2 megapixel camera. For now, only the iPhone and iPod nano have cameras. Tinhte has the story once again (you'll remember they posted photo and video of a 4G iPhone). In the video above, the prototype is seen running a diagnostic utility, from which we can glean that it's got 64GB of storage, a 2 megapixel camera and a backside illuminated sensor built by Omnivision. It also behaves as expected when connected to a Mac. The "DVT-1" stamp on the back identifies this as a pre-production unit most likely produced for testing. It was reported by the Associated Press last week that a pair of mobile phone vendors were responsible for the iPhone prototype leak, but it's unclear how this one found its way to Tinhte. What is clear is that Apple's security isn't what it used to be. You'll find a gallery of images at Engadget.
iPod touch with 2 megapixel camera leaked in Vietnam (video)
Guess who has another Apple scoop? Tinhte, the upstarts from Vietnam have first pics of the mythical iPod touch with a camera. The "DVT-1" stamp on the back makes it clear that this is an early design verification test unit in the evolution of product testing. In other words, this might not be the final design whenever Apple chooses to announce it, say, on June 7th. A check of the device's serial number identifies a late 2009 third generation iPod touch -- could be that this device was one of those eBay prototypes that never made it to production for whatever reason. The Foxconn manufactured device is also running the same base diagnostic utility that we've seen before (who could forget that "serial number" icon). The Foxconn label appears to indicate a 64GB model ("64G" using a pair of Samsung 32GB Flash modules presumably) in addition to a 2 megapixel, backside illuminated sensor manufactured by Omnivision (part OV2665-6s). Video after the break.%Gallery-93275%
MacBook gets a stealthy update
I didn't even see the Apple Store go down, did you? Well, no matter: the MacBook has been updated. Its base specs are virtually identical to those from the Vietnamese leak a few days ago: 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor 2 GB RAM 250 GB 5400 RPM hard drive NVIDIA GeForce 320M integrated graphics card The one feature not consistent with the Vietnamese leak: the updated MacBook has gained the same 63.5 watt-hour battery as the 13" MacBook Pro, leading to up to 10 hours of "wireless productivity" according to Apple's estimates. The MacBook box from the Vietnamese leak showed the old 7-hour battery graphic, which led us to believe the battery might not have been updated. The MacBook's price remains unchanged: US$999 for the base model.
Vietnamese site leaks details of updated MacBook
Vietnamese site Tinhte, the same site that leaked video of the next iPhone a few days ago, has published pictures and specs of the next MacBook. On the outside, the new MacBook appears identical to what's currently being sold, with a plastic unibody enclosure and a 13.3" LED-backlit display. Internally, the only changes made to the upcoming MacBook are the introduction of a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce 320M GPU. This is the same CPU/GPU set used in the baseline 13" MacBook Pro. For comparison, the currently shipping MacBook has a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce 9400M GPU. All other specs remain the same; the MacBook still has a 250 GB 5400 RPM hard drive and 2 GB of RAM. Based on markings on the side of the box, battery performance appears to be unchanged, with the same 7-hour performance as the currently shipping MacBook. In all, this appears to be a relatively modest update. The larger question is how these Vietnamese sites keep getting pre-released Apple products. Based on Vietnam's proximity to the Chinese factories where these products are built, it seems likely Apple has a factory leak on its hands. It's also worth noting that this new MacBook may be the product referenced by number MC516LL/A K87 BETTER BTR-USA. Last week we thought this product number referred to an upcoming MacBook Air update, but based on this newest leak, it seems the MacBook is a far more likely suspect. MacRumors cites "reseller reports" and says this new MacBook may ship as early as next week.
Apple MacBook refresh leaked in Vietnam (video)
We're not sure what's going on in Vietnam these days but it's suddenly a hot bed for industry leaks. Perhaps it's due to manufacturers expanding from China to Vietnam's relatively cheap (but limited) labor pool? Or maybe it's because the kids at Tinhte are just resourceful as hell? Whatever it is, they've just scooped themselves what appears to be an unannounced MacBook update (identifying itself as a MacBook7,1) that includes a faster 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (up from 2.26GHz) and NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM (an update from the GeForce 9400M found in the current MacBook6,1) -- right, the same CPU and GPU as the entry level 13-inch MacBook Pro but for only $999 (assuming Apple maintains the same entry-level pricing). These minor bumps aren't enough to warrant a model change, however, as we're still seeing "Model No: A1342" stamped on the box. Of course, this could be an elaborate hoax, but Tinhte has an impressive track record and these MacBook specs are right in line with what we'd expect since the white MacBook was last updated in October 2009. No word on when we'll see these announced but it's gotta be soon -- Tuesday perhaps, with a refreshed MacBook Air if we're lucky. Video unboxing after the break and plenty of pics for Zaprudering at the source link below.
Sony's entry-level A290 DSLR smiles for the camera
Sony hasn't seen fit to fully announce the successor to its current entry-level Alpha model, the A230, but Tinhte forum member dt0306 has posted what looks to be conclusive proof of its existence -- not to mention shots at every angle and detailed specs. This re-designed model now packs a 14 megapixel CCD with a BIONZ image processor, along with the same maximum 3200 ISO, 2.7-inch LCD, and 2.5fps maximum shooting speed of the A230. Storage is handled by Memory Stick or SDHC, and there's even a price mentioned: 9,990,000 VND, or about $530 including the 18 - 55mm lens that the A230 comes mated to. There's no telling what the domestic MSRP will really be whenever this kit releases here, but we're not sure that a couple of extra megapixels and a new body warrants much of a premium.
Another lost iPhone prototype?
It's looking like another iPhone prototype spontaneously vanished from Cupertino's campus, but this one seems like it may have made it all the way out to Vietnam. A Vietnamese forum has posted several pictures of the next-gen iPhone similar in most details to the prototype that Gizmodo bought. According to MacRumors, a Vietnamese businessman bought the prototype iPhone along with an iPad. It's going to be very interesting to find out the rest of that story over the coming days. Only minor differences exist between this phone and the iPhone Gizmodo showed off: the screws on the bottom near the dock connector have disappeared, the phone's capacity is listed as 16 GB rather than XX GB like on the Gizmodo iPhone, and the battery has a 5.00 watt-hour capacity compared to the Gizmodo iPhone's 5.25 watt-hour battery. In all other respects, it appears to be the same iPhone, complete with a front-facing camera, a flash for the rear camera, micro-SIM slot on the side, and a metallic midsection with curiously visible seams. Unlike the iPhone Gizmodo got its hands on, this one appears to be functional. The program running onscreen in the photos appears to be a test program of some kind, possibly one designed to test the iPhone's graphics output. The internal components of the phone appear virtually identical to those in the Gizmodo reveal, so this is almost certainly the real deal and not a knockoff. The photos of the next-gen iPhone have answered many questions, but they've raised even more. What's the back made out of? What resolution is the screen? What's with those very un-Apple-like seams? Does this phone coming in a 16 GB flavor mean that the next-gen iPhone will top out at 32 GB just like the 3GS before it? And most of all: how do people keep getting ahold of these prototypes from one of the most secretive companies on Earth? Click "Read More" to see a video of the phone from the same source -- though you're probably not going to gain much new information from it unless you speak Vietnamese. [Via MacRumors]
Next generation iPhone unscrewed from Vietnam (update: video!)
The kids at Taoviet have really outdone themselves. From the looks of these images, the Vietnamese site has nabbed an honest to goodness 4th generation iPhone -- a 16GB model to be exact. It's clearly pre-production judging by the XXX placeholders on the backside stamp and likely lacks a bootable OS, just a "Bonfire" test routine. Nevertheless, it looks authentic enough that we expect Apple's henchmen to be busting down the guy's door before he pries it open to reveal Apple's chipset of choice. A few more pics in the gallery. Update: We've spotted a difference from this model and the unit that Gizmodo bought. Notably, the pair of screws at the bottom of the device are gone. The cleaner design could indicate a newer prototype (closer to the actual retail model) though both the iPhone 3G and 3GS went to market with a similar pair of screws. Comparison shot after the break. Update 2: Oops, too late Apple, teardown pics added showing an Apple branded processor. Note the black "N90" text on the white sticker -- that's the rumored internal codename for Apple's next generation GSM iPhone. Yeah, that looks like the A4 processor to us. Update 3: Video! Unfortunately, this sucker's never going to boot to the OS. And if the translation in our comments is correct then the unit was purchased for US$4,000. %Gallery-92853%
Call of Duty: Black Ops reveal trailer gets the GT Pop-Block treatment
Outside of a UK game retailer listing a handful of details about this November's Treyarch-developed Call of Duty: Black Ops, all we've been given so far in terms of solid information on the game is a trailer with a slurry of quick cuts and some muffled dialog. Thankfully, GT Pop-Block has taken apart said trailer piece by piece, highlighting several standout points. What we found most interesting was that, rather than an astronaut seen briefly near the end, it's actually an SR-71 pilot in a full pressure suit, just before heading into sub-orbit (Pop-Block believes this could be a recon mission). Additionally, as you might have already suspected, various elements in the trailer heavily suggest Vietnam and Cold War themes -- an intercontinental ballistic missile launch, possible Vietcong troops, scientists vacating an exploding Russian complex, and the presence of a UH-1A Huey helicopter (first used in 1962 during the Vietnam War). Oh, and hey, that dude you see above? Yeah, he's probably pretty important to the story. He also totally gets to fly a helicopter, which seems to be player-controlled. See for yourself after the break.
Dell Mini 5 teardown reveals Snapdragon guts and 3G SIM (video)
As long as Dell chooses to be stingy with the details of its upcoming 5-inch Mini 5 (codenamed Streak) MID we'll just have to suss out the specs from more nefarious sources. And who better to fill in the blanks than the kids over at Tinhte -- the original source of the leaked Android handheld that got official at CES? The Vietnamese site did the world a solid today by tearing into a Mini 5 sample revealing a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, two microSD slots, and a bigger 1,530mAh battery than the original 1,300mAh baby we saw back in October. The site also confirms the SIM slot with 3G radio and taste for faux 80s metal. See what we mean in the video (and bonus pic) after the break. [Thanks, Tran Manh K.]
Rumor: Call of Duty 7 coming in November
According to a "senior UK trade source" who allegedly spoke with CVG, the next Call of Duty game from Treyarch will be set in Vietnam and arrive at retailers this November. "It's going to be November again - just as with World At War and Modern Warfare 2," the source was quoted as saying. We heard as much back in May of last year, when Treyarch was said to be looking for "Vietnam War era tunes." Add to that the fact that Activision's Noah Heller explicitly said Treyarch would no longer be working on WWII-based Call of Duty games and you've got yourself a more reasonable sounding rumor. We've asked Activision for comment and will keep you updated as we hear more.
This Google's made from 100% Virgin pulp, not chrome
Hey, it may not be from California but at least this KIRF's registered with the Vietnamese trademark office (right). Anywho, according to Google's own machine translation, the subtext of this product reads, "Very long, soft, smooth. Of high vacuum, because you always!" Reflect on that while you pick up the simmering scraps of your mind -- work can wait.[Thanks, DMZ]
Palm Pixi stares GSM in the face, lives to brag about it (update: video!)
Though nothing's been announced, betting against a GSM version of the Palm Pixi would be a foolish move. There's certainly no mistaking that "E" for Edge logo and SIM slot beneath the battery in these leaked images from Vietnam (yes, again). Oddly, this particular GSM variant pictured only contains 4GB of internal storage vs. the 8GB model announced for Sprint. Perhaps a prototype limitation only? Let's hope.Update: Video now available after the break.
