Now in Australia: iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C

The new Apple phones are now available in Australia. Diehard Apple fans camped out overnight to get an iPhone 5S or iPhone 5C. There was a very long line formed outside the Apple Store when it opened at 8am today (I saw a photo from an IGmate and reports on TV). 

It so happened that the Husband and I had a scheduled day-off today to properly celebrate his birthday (which happened on Tuesday, 17th September) so we took time out to check out the new Apple phones as we were curious to see how they look with their new colours. 

Before I move on to sharing my first impressions on the new Apple phones, let me just say that the iPhone 5S are not available in all telco shops and some Apple stores. According to a telco staff we talked to, the iPhone 5S, especially the gold one, have very limited supply at the moment. If you are keen to get an iPhone 5S, you can ask your preferred telco to put you on waitlist, reserve online or place a call to an Apple Store so they can give you updates on availability.

When we arrived at the Apple Store around 3pm today, there was still a queue outside but it's not as long as the one in the morning. From the looks of it, the wait to get a phone would be from 30-45 minutes.

We learned the new phones' features via its launch and reading information online a week ago, If you want to have a read thru of its features, check it out via Apple's website here. In terms of features, we like the 5S. 

We were most curious of how the Gold iPhone 5S looks. When I saw photos of it online, it looked attractive with its muted, discreet "goldness". I actually liked what I saw online. However, when I saw it in person, I find the "goldness" kind of dull. I was hoping I'd say, "Wow!" but no. I'm not sure if it was because of the lighting at the Apple Store or what. 

On the other hand, the Silver and Space Gray iPhone 5S looked classy to me. I'm actually more drawn to the Silver iPhone 5S.

The colourful iPhone 5Cs has received warm reception in Sydney. From what the telco staff in our suburb told us before 10am today, they were a bit surprised that a couple of people have already purchased iPhone 5Cs. 

I like the iPhone 5Cs aesthetics. It is made of plastic but it doesn't look plastic and cheap. The smooth finish can passed as classy even. The colours I like best are Yellow and Blue.

The Pink looks horrible (sorry, Apple) but the White looks good.

The Green is a cross between bright green and neon green. It's very vibrant. It looks alright to me. The green-ness is something that can grow into you.

Since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, my tip is to see the phones yourself and not rely on what you see online. 

iPhone costs in Australia can be found on the Apple website. iPhone 5S starts from AUD$869.00 while iPhone 5Cs starts from $739.00

Instagram Profiles On The Web

Instagram profiles can now be seen on the web! Your family and friends can now easily access to your instagram photos online. 

Two years after it arrived on the iPhone, Instagram launched a web companion for users of its photo-sharing and filtering app Monday.

The most striking thing about the new web profiles, which are being gradually rolled out to users, is its resemblance to Facebook Timeline. An animated, rotating mosaic of Instagram photos occupies about the same amount of space as Facebook Timeline’s Cover photo; a small profile image, short bio and follower stats are situated just beneath. Photo thumbnails are organized in reverse-chronological order further down the page; click on one, and it’ll appear at full size alongside likes and comments. 

source: Mashable.com 

And here's mine: instagram.com/ibyang

I'm glad with this development because it will benefit my parents who doesn't have an instagram account as it's not all the time that I share my instagram photo in my FB page. 

A little trivia: I've been asked if what I was holding in my IG profile pic was wine and the answer is I'm holding a syphoned coffee in a wine glass. 

Things I Love: Our First Instagram Mini Book

Instagram is such a big part of my life in social media. When the Husband and I started our Instagram accounts in 2010, we used it as an outlet of our love for photography. But as time goes by, Instagram became more of an extension of my social media life. I now use Instagram to share what goes on in my day, moments that make me happy, foodie adventures and shopping finds. I use it as a way to reach out and send out information to social media friends too. 

I currently have tons of photos now in Instagram and have mentioned to the Husband that I hope to find a way to compile it and make an album out of it.  The Husband made a few searches online and found out about Printstagram, a company that prints Instragram photos and turn it into different cute products such as mini books, stickers, memory box, calendar and posters. 

Getting your instagram photos printed is so easy. Just go to their website http://printstagr.am/ and just choose a product that you'd like to avail and click "more info". It will then lead you to the details of your chosen product. Click "buy now" and it will ask you to log in your Instragram details. Once logged on, you will need to choose your chosen product again and your Instagram photos will show up. Then you can choose the photos you'd like printed. Once finished, check-out and pay via credit card. They deliver worldwide via UPS and DHL. For more information, click here.

We ordered our first minibook last Tuesday night (16 October) and we received the package today (22 October). Less than a week!  I chose the minibook because I like the binding. An order of the minibook product comes with two minibooks containing 50 photos for only US$12.00.

The Husband and I are so happy to receive it. Our first Instagram mini book has a theme. We chose photos that showcases what we love about our life here in Sydney. 

What liked about the minibook most was its vivid printing, good quality paper and glossy-photo finish. 

It's sooooo cute too! It's only this small....

I can't wait to get our Instragram photos printed again and try their other products.

Got instagram? Check out my photos via @ibyang. See you there!

September Surprise: A Very Early Christmas Pressie

Last year, the Husband surprised with an iPhone 4s. Last Friday, he surprised me with a MacBook Air!

It was just a matter of time until I get a new laptop, I just didn't know when. I've always been a Windows user and have been happy being one. I'm just a simple girl really when it comes to computers. There's a non-techie part of me that will always be terrified at learning new technology. The Husband has been encouraging me to switch to an Apple laptop but I've always hesitated. 

This year, I gave my netbook to my dad so for the past few months, I've been writing and doing photography tasks using a desktop computer and an iPad. However, this year, it's been quite a challenge doing tasks via our desktop because we've been using it to watch TFC Online (we've subscribed so we can watch Filipino shows and news). So I had to think about getting a new laptop again so I can catch up on my blogging and other digital projects I've been conceptualising for the past months. Along with the thinking, I've been saving up money in case I do decide to buy one. Lately, the road seemed to have led me to buy a MacBook Air as it answers to a lot of my needs.

Last Friday, we head down to the city and went to the Apple Store. I've decided to get the MacBook Air (MBA) but I was also ready to walk out the Apple Store empty-handed in case my gut feel tells me otherwise. I didn't know the Husband was brewing something in his mind while I fiddled with the MBA. His instagram below said it all...

So we talked to one of the Apple genuises about purchasing an MBA and willingly accommodated us. He told us that if we decide to buy, we can just go to the counter and they'll get our purchase ready for check-out. We went to the 2nd level of the store and had a look at accessories and when we're ready to go, we stopped by the counter and that's when the Husband started talking to the staff. 

He was getting a MacBook Air!!!  And then he told me, "This is your Christmas gift!" I was shocked, surprised, overwhelmed and elated when I heard what he said.  Oh wow!!!!  :) :) :)

Like a kid, giddy and giggly when I got my MacBook Air. 

That evening at home, the Husband gave me a crash course on how to navigate the MBA. Oh ha? Si Husband, benefactor na, trainer pa! LOL. 

Right now, I'm still in awe of the Husband's surprise and in happy disbelief that I'm writing this post using my new writing partner, the MacBook Air. 

Follow @ibyang

Keyboard Case For My Tablet

In less than two months, my iPad 2 will turn a year old and honestly, the only protection it's ever had are the plastic screen protection, clear case (for the back), smart cover and an oversized laptop sleeve which is originally for my netbook.

For the longest time, I'd stare at iPad cases in every gadget store, hoping to find the perfect case for me.  And everytime I'd choose one, I'd bring it back to the shelves after a few minutes, unsure and hesitant.  Sometimes, I'd lust over iPad cases from Kate Spade and Marc Jacobs but again, I can't find enough logic in me to buy them.  While I understand that they're designer cases and pretty, I cannot succumb to shelling out money only for aesthetic reasons.

And then there's the keyboard.  Anyone who blogs or writes would find it easier if their tablet has a real keyboard.  The Husband had suggested buying me an Apple keyboard before we went to Seoul last year but I shunned the idea because I didn't want an additional gadget to think of when I travel.  I've read a story about a blogger who owns an iPad and a separate keyboard which resulted to the blogger forgetting the keyboard at her hotel.  I wouldn't want that hassle on me.  

Late last year, I thought I found the perfect iPad case for me which is an iPad case and keyboard in one.  I didn't buy it because I thought it wasn't urgent anyway.  I recommended the iPad Keyboard Case to one of my workmates because he said he wanted to use his iPad while attending classes in university.  He bought one and found it really useful.  Instead of writing down notes, he types his notes during classes on his iPad.

With plans of being more active in writing this year, I've decided to buy the iPad Keyboard Case soon. It didn't occur to me that the Husband had the same idea.  Yesterday, he once again made a gesture of thoughtfulness and generosity as he handed a post-birthday present.   

My Week in Instagram

Instagram is such a happy place where sharing photos with friends and new-found friends in the blogosphere is so easy.  How I wish this app is available to other phones (exclusive for iPhone) so that I'll get to see the wonderful photos of all my snap-happy friends.

I may not be able to blog about stuff that happens in my daily life these days but I get to document the little things that make my everyday significant thru instagram and twitter.

It's been awhile since I shared some daily happenings in my life (although I try to incorporate something personal in every blog post I write, whether it be a food blog or a travel blog) so here's a few photos that described my past week.

Monday was a hot day and as the temperature when up to 34 degree Celsius in the city, I decided to refresh myself as I walk from work to the train station when I passed by the Happy Lemon store.  I've received a few recommendations to try their beverage because I'm fond of Chatime, so I gave it a go.  I ordered a regular cup of their Green Tea with Rock Salt and Cheese and the staff was friendly enough to teach me how to drink it.  He said that patrons usually drink the cheese on top of the drink first before they close the lid.  So that's what I did.  The cheese had a bit of sweetness and it tasted alright.  However, I didn't like the drink as a whole.  It didn't taste right to me so I threw it way after just a few sips. 

My plant bloomed a flower this week. I've had this plant as a gift from one of my workmates four years ago.  The plant sits on top of a shelf above me so every time I get stressed, I look up and my plant is there to give me a little cheering up.  My plant has bloomed flower(s) since I took care of it but it's only now that it bloomed again since I came back from vacation in April.

I received the final stuff to complete my phone needs.  The Husband ordered tons of screen protectors which I received on Wednesday morning.  On Thursday, I received the black cables I wanted to use when I'm at the office.  The white cables of the iPhone gets dirty easily so I wanted a black one which I can leave connected to my office computer. It also saves me from forgetting to charge when I'm at work.

Once a week, I get to stop by at my barista friend's cafe and everytime I visit him, he gives me a cup of hot chocolate and a piece of Caramel Kiss.  I think one of "life's must-haves" is to have a barista friend who knows how you like your coffee or hot chocolate for you.  My barista friend knows that I like my hot chocolate with less sugar and piece of marshmallow in it.  And he also knows that I love their cafe's Caramel Kiss so he packs a piece for me to go with my Hot Chocolate.

The Husband was in his sweet tooth mood on Thursday night and came home with a slice of Double Chocolate Cake. I only had two little bites of this sinfully delicious chocolate cake and downed it with a cup of Peppermint Tea.

I was on a 5-day work week this week and I'm glad I made it to Friday.  I was in no mood to dress up so I was in a rugged/sports ensemble: sneakers, jeans and shirt.  To make my Friday at work happier, I brought packs of Swiss Miss and gave some to my friends.  They loved it!  It sort of my treat to us for being at work on Friday.

We're all in a festive mood this week as we prepare to celebrate Melbourne Cup on the 1st November.  Melbourne Cup is the race the stops the nation every 3:00pm of the first Tuesday of November.  It is the biggest and most celebrated horse race in the country.  At work, we have the Melbourne Cup Sweeps where we place bets on the $1. $2. $5 and $10 sweeps.  We will have a Melbourne Cup barbeque lunch and afternoon tea this coming Tuesday. 

As I was about to go home on Friday afternoon, I received a sweet email from one of my trainees.  Like I said in instagram, I'm grateful and blessed to have a job that I love.  I've always believed that one must love what they do for their job to love them back.  When it comes to what I do everyday, it's all about being generous with time and details; it's about having the patience to deal and listen to people.  My job entails having a big heart for SERVICE without expecting anything in return.  When I see my trainees finish their trainings and be able to do their job efficiently, I feel very fulfilled.  To hear from them and receive appreciation from them is always a big bonus.

To take away my Happy Lemon nightmare, I just had to end my week with my favourite beverage from Chatime: Brown Rice Green Milk Tea with Pearls.

Our little pigeons (they're not babies anymore) celebrated their two-week old on Friday.  To friends, tweetmates and instagram mates who have been following my shared photos, they have seen our daily adventures with these cute ones since Day 1 (from being eggs to hatchlings).  I plan to share a separate post on their growth.  I'm just waiting for them to grow up and fly away so my story will be complete.  According to google, they will be able to fly on their first month.  I'm excited for them but I know I will be a bit sad not seeing them in our balcony at the end of the day.

Korean BBQ night on a Friday night!  This week we decided to not eat out so on Friday, we had a quiet night in and had Korean BBQ in our balcony.  We found this electric smokeless grill in the shops on sale a week ago so we bought it.  Korean cuisine has been a part of our home now that I even learned how to cook Korean dishes (that's how much we love the cuisine) and having a smokeless BBQ grill is just the icing on the cake.  So there, no need to go out for Korean BBQ plus the Husband and I enjoy our dining experience and bonding inside the comforts of our home.  It was a perfect way to end our busy and productive week as we get to have good and fun conversations over a delicious meal.

If you have instagram and care to find me (my instagram ID is @ibyang) and let's share good vibes over captured photographs.

The Stuff Siri Says (a.k.a. My Conversations with Siri)

One thing that's very unique with the iPhone 4s is Siri.

Apple describes Siri as, "The intelligent assistant that helps you get things done. All you have to do is ask.".  I describe it as, "A robot inside a phone".  It does not only do what you say, it somehow converses with you which is really amazing.

My Husband had initially set up Siri in American English but she was having difficulty understanding my words.  Then we changed her settings to Australian English and it was only then that she was able to get what I was saying.  Amazing how this application can distinguish accents!  I love it!

Here are some screen captures of my conversations with Siri. 

I have asked Siri what her name was a couple of times and I swear, she gets annoyed with me.

I wondered if she was female and when she answered "None", I can't help but ask if she was gay.  Her voice sounded female though, so I refer to Siri as a "she".

I wanted to know if she thinks of herself as a human being so I asked her what she wears.

If my network falters, she's frank about it.

Sometimes I talk to her as if she's a human being.

I ask Siri to update details of my contacts for me.

The Husband and I asked Siri to send a message to him.  We chose a word that may be difficult for her to understand (given our accent) and Siri was able to understand it still.

But seriously, some days I do ask Siri to text my husband when I arrive home.

Siri also cancels messages I'm about to send when I change my mind.

One afternoon after I got home from work, I decided to tell Siri that I'm tired and read below what she replied to me.

One time, I greeted her with a simple "Have a nice day" and she answered back one of the funniest replies to me.

Sometimes I ask her to tell me a story before I go to bed.

Or sometimes a simple "Good night" will do.

I don't often use Siri but the app is surely useful when you've got your hands full, when driving, running or walking.  Plus, the Husband and I get a laugh sometimes with its amusing and funny answers.