Channel NewsAsia app set to extend reach with Windows 8
By Leong Wai Kit | Posted: 25 October 2012 2339 hrs
SINGAPORE: Channel NewsAsia is set to extend its reach with Microsoft's new operating system Windows 8, which was launched on October 26.
Microsoft, which is targeting 400 million customers worldwide, is hoping to meld the fun and convenience of a tablet with the power and productivity of a PC.
One of the features of Windows 8 is its touch-screen navigation.
It also allows users to tap specific spots of a photo to unlock the device.
More than 50 devices will be available at over 120 IT stores in Singapore. The devices include tablets, laptops and computers known as "all-in-ones".
Those using Windows XP, Vista or 7 can download Windows 8 for about S$50.
Applications, or apps will be a large part of Windows 8's features.
Microsoft is working with about 4,000 developers to create apps for its users.
But it declined to list the number of apps available.
Microsoft's director for marketing and operations, John Fernandes, said: "We've often been directed to think that the number of apps available for download is a benchmark of standard, but we focus on the user experience. Numbers are great, but quality is more important."
And Channel NewsAsia's app is one of those available at Microsoft's new app store.
"Within Channel NewsAsia's business environment, your business users can internally use Windows 8 to really drive productivity," said Mr Fernandes.
"But also, there's the fun part. If you like using the tablet, if you like using the touch, rather than the keyboard and the mouse, you as a user has the flexibility, you have a choice. On the one hand, it gives the business more reach to broader audiences, and on the other hand, it drives internal productivity," he added.
Microsoft said it worked with over 100 countries to collect user feedback. Some 16 million customers have already downloaded the pre-release versions of Windows 8.
Microsoft said it is confident the launch will keep existing Windows customers and attract new ones.
Mr Fernandes said: "For non-Windows customers, we want them as our customers. When you think about the great applications, the great devices, a rich, dynamic computing environment on these great multitude of different devices that allow you to work and play and do the things you want to do in your own way, we're very confident that customers will come and see Windows 8 and buy Windows 8."
Singapore is one of 15 countries in the world, and the only country in Southeast Asia to host the launch event.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, October 26, 2012
Neptune Orient Lines building sold for S$380m
Neptune Orient Lines building sold for S$380m
By Brandon Tanoto | Posted: 25 October 2012 2227 hrs
SINGAPORE: Neptune Orient Lines has sold its head office, the NOL Building at 456 Alexandra Road, to the Fragrance Group for S$380 million.
It is the largest sale of a decentralised single commercial asset in Singapore this year, said Jones Lang LaSalle which brokered the sale to Fragrance Regal Pte Ltd.
NOL said in a statement to Singapore Exchange the divestment will enable it to "release capital for strategic investment."
The shipping company will take a short term leaseback of the building up to the end of June 2014.
The sale price represents S$1,381 psf on current Net Lettable Area, according to Jones Lang LaSalle.
The site has a "commercial" zoning and the permitted plot ratio for the area is 2.80.
Separately, NOL announced a net profit for the September quarter of S$61 million (US$50 million), against a loss of S$111 million a year earlier.
It said it expects to post a full year loss in the face of weak economic conditions, excess shipping capacity and high fuel prices.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Brandon Tanoto | Posted: 25 October 2012 2227 hrs
SINGAPORE: Neptune Orient Lines has sold its head office, the NOL Building at 456 Alexandra Road, to the Fragrance Group for S$380 million.
It is the largest sale of a decentralised single commercial asset in Singapore this year, said Jones Lang LaSalle which brokered the sale to Fragrance Regal Pte Ltd.
NOL said in a statement to Singapore Exchange the divestment will enable it to "release capital for strategic investment."
The shipping company will take a short term leaseback of the building up to the end of June 2014.
The sale price represents S$1,381 psf on current Net Lettable Area, according to Jones Lang LaSalle.
The site has a "commercial" zoning and the permitted plot ratio for the area is 2.80.
Separately, NOL announced a net profit for the September quarter of S$61 million (US$50 million), against a loss of S$111 million a year earlier.
It said it expects to post a full year loss in the face of weak economic conditions, excess shipping capacity and high fuel prices.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Record COV for Hougang executive maisonette
Record COV for Hougang executive maisonette
By Lip Kwok Wai, Tan Qiuyi | Posted: 25 October 2012 1926 hrs
SINGAPORE: An executive maisonette in Hougang has been sold with a record Cash-Over-Valuation (COV) of S$225,000, about five times the average COV paid for such properties.
COV is the cash premium buyers pay for a resale HDB flat.
The flat is located at Block 237, Hougang Street 21. According to property portal SRX, the 148 square-metre maisonette was sold on October 16 for S$900,000 including COV.
Property analysts said it is not the norm.
They believe this flat commanded a premium because it is situated right next to a neighbourhood park, within walking distance of food centres and an MRT station, and also a buyer who is willing to fork out a large sum of money.
ERA Realty's key executive officer, Eugene Lim, said: "It also takes a certain kind of buyer who would be willing to pay this price. An example would be someone who is downgrading from private property. Perhaps he has cashed out his landed property, looking for something with a similar feel as landed property, with upstairs, and downstairs. But, having sold his landed property for huge profit... this COV may not a big sum to him."
With more HDB flats commanding exceptional prices in recent months, analysts MediaCorp spoke to say prices appear to be climbing.
Analysts said some will fetch high prices if they command premium views, sit in a well-connected estate and meet the right buyer with the ready cash.
HDB data shows an average of 2,000 to 3,000 executive flats are transacted every year.
For the first 10 months of 2012, about eight such flats were sold for S$900,000 and above.
There are more than 65,000 executive flats in Singapore, including maisonettes.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
By Lip Kwok Wai, Tan Qiuyi | Posted: 25 October 2012 1926 hrs
SINGAPORE: An executive maisonette in Hougang has been sold with a record Cash-Over-Valuation (COV) of S$225,000, about five times the average COV paid for such properties.
COV is the cash premium buyers pay for a resale HDB flat.
The flat is located at Block 237, Hougang Street 21. According to property portal SRX, the 148 square-metre maisonette was sold on October 16 for S$900,000 including COV.
Property analysts said it is not the norm.
They believe this flat commanded a premium because it is situated right next to a neighbourhood park, within walking distance of food centres and an MRT station, and also a buyer who is willing to fork out a large sum of money.
ERA Realty's key executive officer, Eugene Lim, said: "It also takes a certain kind of buyer who would be willing to pay this price. An example would be someone who is downgrading from private property. Perhaps he has cashed out his landed property, looking for something with a similar feel as landed property, with upstairs, and downstairs. But, having sold his landed property for huge profit... this COV may not a big sum to him."
With more HDB flats commanding exceptional prices in recent months, analysts MediaCorp spoke to say prices appear to be climbing.
Analysts said some will fetch high prices if they command premium views, sit in a well-connected estate and meet the right buyer with the ready cash.
HDB data shows an average of 2,000 to 3,000 executive flats are transacted every year.
For the first 10 months of 2012, about eight such flats were sold for S$900,000 and above.
There are more than 65,000 executive flats in Singapore, including maisonettes.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
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