Shatterproof glass screen protector for Apple iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S III

Unlike those flimsy, plastic screen protectors flooding the accessory market, the groundbreaking Seidio VITREO tempered glass screen protector for the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S III boasts unbeatable, shatterproof protection with tapered edges for an appealing look and durability.

Designed with specially processed glass stamped with a 9H hardness rating, the VITREO allows to safeguard the device from heavy-duty scratches and abrasions, and ensures protection against impact from wayward objects by absorbing shock. Additionally, Seidio developed a product that does not ignore aesthetics for protection. Tapered (rounded) edges provide a sleek, enhanced profile on the device while reinforcing critical points of impact that bolsters durability.

The entire surface of the VITREO is transparent, and the back side is covered with a strong silicon adhesive for easy installation without bubbling or lifting. It only adds .55mm to the device making it very lightweight and portable. An oleophobic coating prevents fingerprints and smudges, and makes it very easy to clean.

Get one at www.seidioonline.com.

The VITREO is also available for the iPad (3rd and 4th Gen.) and iPad 2.

source: interaksyon.com

Convenient wallet case for iPhone 5

A durable case that delivers device protection in a smart design, which also features a built-in wallet sleeve for up to three cards and cash. This updated version of  CM4’s Q Card Case is the thinnest yet and comes in classic Black Onyx and Pacific Green, as well as two new colors: Red Rouge and Mahogany Brown.

The iPhone 5 version was specially crafted to fit the new Lightning dock adapter so that users can continue to use their 30 pin accessories. The Q Card Case is an ideal solution for savvy travelers, people on the go, and anyone looking to slim their pockets and purses for a night on the town.


The case is made from soft-touch rubber and a premium fabric wallet sleeve that fits an ID, credit or debit card, and some cash. As a result, the case features a lightweight but secure fit around the iPhone 5. A protective front bezel with lay-flat Screen Guard design provides an added defense for the iPhone screen.

The case is carefully designed to align perfectly with the iPhone 5’s control buttons to maintain full use of the Apple smartphone, adding less than 4.5mm to the already slim device and maintains access and interaction with all the phone’s functions. Available at cm4.com

source: interaksyon.com

Why these style bloggers love Charles & Keith

MANILA, Philippines - Kelly Misa, Kryz Uy, Vern and Verniece Enciso and Cheyser Pedregosa are Charles & Keith’s newest brand ambassadors. The fashion-forward shoe brand kicked off its winter collection by choosing these stylish individuals to represent the Charles & Keith woman. As its loyal fanbase continues to grow, the brand stays true to its thrust of providing world-class trendy shoes and accessories.

Professional model and host Kelly Misa has dominated the world of fashion and beauty through numerous endorsements and magazine covers. Kryz Uy, a Cebuana blogger, creative director, and stylist, has gained popularity the world over through her unique style and sense of fashion. Cheyser Pedregosa, a Davao-based blogger and future interior designer, has inspired other “walking recessionistas” to find ways of making fashion fun, easy, and budget-friendly. Style blogger and sisters Vern and Verniece Enciso complete the team. Vern is a student and intern at the Senate while Verniece is an award-winning ice skater. All five have their own unique sense of fashion—unified by their longtime support and love for the brand.

Do you remember your first Charles & Keith item? What was it and how did it relate to your fashion style back then?                                                                

KELLY MISA: It was a pair of basic nude flats. My style has always been a balance of classic mixed with trendy pieces, and those nude flats were definitely part of my everyday wardrobe. I was able to use them for a long time before I had to retire them. After that, I was hooked. Now, I always go to Charles & Keith when I want stylish and comfortable pairs of shoes.                           

KRYZ UY: Gosh, I can’t remember! I’ve been a Charles & Keith fan ever since it opened its first store in Cebu, and I can’t count the number of pairs my mom, sisters and I have enjoyed!                                                                                                              

CHEYSER PEDREGOSA: I was in second-year college (2008) when I had my first pair of shoes from Charles & Keith! It was a pair of tan suede ballet flats with cute ribbon details—the perfect shoe for a student who walked a lot in school!                                         



VERN ENCISO: I can’t even remember my first pair of shoes ‘cause I have about 10 pairs from the brand! What I do remember is that black bag of mine from Charles & Keith that I used as my first school bag in college. It may not be my first but it’s my most memorable one because it never failed me!
                       
                                       

VERNIECE ENCISO:  My first Charles & Keith item was a pair of purple peeptoes. I got the shoes two years ago and since then Charles & Keith has been one of the brands that have helped me adjust my wardrobe.

How has your style changed? How does the Charles & Keith image fit your current style?

Kelly: I think I was more carefree back then and open to just any style. I am now more confident, and I definitely know what I want. I like my outfits to look chic and put-together, always elegant and restrained. And it is as if Charles & Keith grew up with me, as I recently noticed a big improvement in its designs. The brand now carries more classy and sophisticated heels and flats, which perfectly fit my style.               

Kryz: My style has matured in terms of wearability and sophistication. I used to dress in playful and creative outfits without care. Now, I’ve learned to edit my fashion picks into pieces that are both stylish, yet practical. I think that’s why Charles & Keith is a perfect fit for me. The brand has fashion-forward pieces that are always on trend but never over the top.

Cheyser: My style is almost the same as before — loose shorts, sweaters, oversized tops, and vests — still very Boho. The only difference is that the colors I stick to now are more toned-down, something that suits my age.  Charles & Keith’s items lean more on the neutral and basic colors which makes it the perfect complement to my present style!

Vern: I’m definitely more experimental now. I like trying new trends but I always like that classic and crisp look. And having been a loyal buyer for about three years now, Charles & Keith items are like that—up to date, but never go out of style.

Verniece:  Now that I’m in college and a blogger, I need something stylish that does not compromise my comfort because I will be wearing them for long periods of time in school. 

There are numerous local and international footwear brands in the Philippines. What makes Charles & Keith different from the rest?

Kelly: I’ve always been a fan of Charles & Keith because of its stylish and wearable designs, but I have to say, it is the comfort of the shoe that I really appreciate. I usually end up wearing my Charles & Keith shoes practically every day, until I can’t wear them anymore!                                                                                                                    

Kryz: The brand has fashion-forward pieces that are always on trend but never over the top. They are not only affordable, but comfortable as well.

Cheyser: The brand doesn’t try too hard to be trendy. It sticks to stylish yet sophisticated pieces which are things that every girl needs!

Vern: It’s easily to relate to but not too cliché. There’s a pair of shoes for every kind of girl out there.

Verniece:  Trendy but always classy! 

How do you find the winter 2012 collection? Any favorites?

Kelly: I love the newest collection of Charles & Keith! They are super stylish and sexy. I love the pointed heels with snakeskin stripes on the front of the shoe; the gold shimmery heels; the platform lace-up boots; and the satin sky-high heels which I got in navy blue and champagne. The latest collection has amazing snakeskin tote bags, colorful leather shopper bags and bright pony hair bracelets that are just so pretty.

Kryz: I loved the nude booties Kelly wore, and the burgundy patent boots Cheyser wore! Can’t wait to find them in stores and grab myself a pair.

Cheyser: I’m a big fan of boots and the latest collection has boots written all over it. Definitely my favorite!

Vern: I love how the collection has office appropriate shoes with style never compromised.You have to visit the store and see the low heeled pointed heels that have cap toes— it comes in different prints!

 Verniece:  I love the boots the most. As an iceskater, I’ve always daydreamed of visiting places that have snow and I have yet to experience a white Christmas! 

The winter collection is available at Charles & Keith stores nationwide. For updates, features, and promotions from the brand, follow these blogs: Kryz Uy (kryzuy.com), Kelly Misa (kellymisa.tumblr.com), Cheyser Pedregosa (thewalkingrecessionista.com), Vern Enciso (www.vernenciso.com), and Verniece Enciso (www.verniece.com).

source: philstar.com

Burberry warning sends shiver through luxury sector

LONDON - British fashion brand Burberry issued a profit warning on Tuesday, the clearest sign yet that slowing economic growth in China and Europe's debt crisis are bringing a boom in demand for luxury clothes and accessories to a halt.

The company, famous for its raincoats lined with a distinctive camel, red and black check pattern, said it expected underlying full-year profit to be around the lower end of market forecasts.

That sent its shares down 19 percent and dragged down rivals including LVMH, the world's largest luxury goods group.

China has been one of the main drivers of a boom in luxury brands, with consumers eager to buy designer labels, including Burberry's raincoats and other high-end fashions.

But luxury goods firms' shares have wobbled in the past few months over worries about Europe's sovereign debt crisis and slowing growth in China and other emerging markets, where demand for designer brands has managed to offset weaker trends in the United States and Europe.

Morgan Stanley analysts said in a note to clients on Tuesday that Burberry's statement was the first major disappointment for European luxury companies.

Shares in France's LVMH and PPR were both down 4 percent, while Switzerland's Richemont was down 3 percent.

Burberry said comparable store sales didn't grow in the 10 weeks to September 8, the bulk of its financial second quarter, compared with a year earlier. Total sales rose 6 percent, underpinned entirely by new store openings.

That represented a marked slowdown from first-quarter retail revenue growth of 14 percent and comparable store sales up 6 percent.

The company reported a fall in first-quarter sales growth in July, as China slowed.

"Given this background, we are tightly managing discretionary costs and taking appropriate actions to protect short term profitability," Chief Executive Angela Ahrendts said on Tuesday.

Analysts had expected Burberry to post pretax profit for the year to March 2013 of between 407 and 451 million pounds ($652-$722 million), with a consensus of 433.21 million, according to a Reuters poll of 18 analysts.

"Burberry's latest results show that even the top end of the market isn't functioning at full capacity in the current economic climate," said Jaana Jatyri, CEO of fashion forecasting company, Trendstop.com.

"The global economic crisis is dragging on and the longer it drags on the less confident even wealthier individuals become. Unfortunately, people lacking confidence do not shop at Burberry."

source: interaksyon.com

Apple to shrink wide dock connector for iPhone 5

TAIPEI/HONG KONG — Apple Inc’s new iPhone will drop the wide dock connector used in the company’s gadgets for the best part of a decade in favor of a smaller one, a change likely to annoy the Apple faithful but which could be a boon for accessory makers.

The iPhone 5, Apple’s next generation iPhone expected to go on sale around October, will come with a 19-pin connector port at the bottom instead of the proprietary 30-pin port “to make room for the earphone moving to the bottom”, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

That would mean the new phone would not connect with the myriad of accessories such as speakers and power chargers that form part of the ecosystem around iPods, iPads and iPhones, without an adaptor.
That means new business, analysts say.

“It represents an opportunity for accessory vendors,” said Pete Cunningham, London-based analyst at technology research firm Canalys. “The iPhone connector has been a standard for a long time now and I would expect the same to be true for a new connector, should Apple change it as expected.”

Apple did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment.

Tech blogs have long speculated on the demise of the 30-pin connector, which at 21 mm wide takes up a chunk of space, especially as the latest technologies such as microUSB offer more power in less space.

They say that a smaller connector would give Apple more scope for new product designs or a bigger battery, or simply to make ever smaller products.

Switzerland’s Logitech, one of the biggest makers of Apple speakers, declined to comment.

But some enterprising vendors in China have already begun offering cases for the new phone, complete with earphone socket on the bottom and a “guarantee” the dimensions are correct.

For some in the peripherals industry, the change could open doors to new business.

“iPod docking speaker sales have been declining for one or two years,” said an employee of a Hong Kong-based company that designs speakers especially for Apple products.

“My previous factory is a lucky one. They shifted the focus to Bluetooth speakers, which proved a wise decision now,” the employee said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“It looks like while iPod speaker sales are going down, Bluetooth speaker sales are going up.”

Happy to upgrade?

Apple has already said that some users of older models of its Macbook computers won’t be able to use the latest operating system to be announced soon, but analysts think it will be kinder to mobile gadget users.

“Apple needs to find a solution not to disappoint their current clients who want to upgrade to the new iPhone but are tied to an expensive accessory that have bought,” said Franciso Jeronimo, London-based analyst at technology research firm IDC.

“I believe Apple will come up with some sort of adaptor so the new iPhone can be used with previous connectors.”
It could be a difficult change for Apple to manage, even with an adaptor.

“With a smaller connector, what am I going to do with my loudspeaker at home and the fitness pack that I use when I go to the gym? That’s the question,” said 24-year old Travis Tam, who owns an iPhone 4 and works as an account executive at a social networking company in Hong Kong.

“I feel that the premium gap between the next iPhone 5 and newest Android models is getting much smaller these days. That will mean that details such as having a smaller connector will mean more in whether I will continue to use an iPhone and switch to other Android phones.”

A salesman surnamed Chan at an Apple reseller in Hong Kong thought a smaller connector would be a “pain”, and would spoil the clean lines and seamless connectivity that is Apple’s trademark.

“There are ways around it as some of the speakers have an audio input point that can be connected directly to any iPhone with a earphone jack. It’s not a very elegant way of doing things, but it’s an alternative,” he said.

In the end though, Apple fans are Apple fans.

“I don’t think it will stop Apple consumers from buying the new gadgets,” said C.K. Lu, Taipei-based analyst at research firm Gartner. “Many companies are interested in developing accessories for Apple because Apple users are more open and willing to buy accessories.”

source: interaksyon.com