Robot Househelp comes to life

Dominik Brumm of the Artificial Lab of the University of Zuerich checks humanoid robot ROBOY during a media presentation in Zurich February 27, 2013. A project team, composed of scholars and industry representatives, has been working on ROBOY since June 2012. The team combines the latest discoveries from university research with the invaluable expertise of the industry sector to come up with the most state-of-the-art robotics technology.

Credit: Yahoo!

 

Related: Roboy, robot househelp to be 'born' in March 2013

Samsung Galaxy Grand hits Nigeria

Samsung has rolled out its highly anticipated Galaxy Grand smartphone in Nigeria, adding a new Galaxy device to its expanding range of products in this category. The device premiered in Africa at Samsung Ambassador, Banky W’s ‘R&BW the Grand Love Project’ album launch at Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, February 15, after a very successful pre-order campaign. 

 

The 5-inch display, smart, dual-SIM Galaxy Grand combines the features of Samsung’s game-changing Galaxy S III and the revolutionary Galaxy Note II, which were released by the manufacturing giant last year.

 

According to the Managing Director of Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, the new Galaxy Grand will ensure that Samsung maintains its dominance in the global smartphone market, by positioning itself to meet the demands of consumers desirous of optimizing the value that they derive from their mobile devices.

 

“Continuing with our legacy of launching innovative devices that redefine consumer experiences, we take great pride in announcing the launch of the Galaxy Grand in Nigeria. The Galaxy Grand is revolutionary not only in terms of the great smartphone experience that it provides but also in terms of its value proposition. We feel that the Galaxy Grand will further fuel the growth of the smartphone market in the country and will especially delight consumers looking for a device with great, smart dual-SIM capabilities,” he said.

 

 

Powered by the latest version of Google’s Android operating system, Jelly Bean 4.1.2, the Galaxy Grand features an impressive 1.2 GHz dual-core processor that supports seamless multitasking; faster web browsing and superior graphics. Its 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED display is ideal for users who want the productivity of a tablet with the portability of a smartphone. 

 

Even with its massive screen, the device is incredibly slim, with an ergonomic design that makes is comfortable to hold. The vivid display provides an expansive viewing experience rendering messaging, multimedia and web content in brilliant color and clarity. The device also sports a Multi-Window feature that allows seamless multitasking and running of multiple applications simultaneously without having to switch between screens.

 

Describing the Galaxy Grand as the ideal device for users with fast-paced mobile lifestyles who demand more from their phones, Business Head, Hand Held Products at Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas highlighted the Galaxy Grand’s dual-SIM capability as a unique selling point of the device. 

 

“Whether users want to take advantage of different pricing plans from two network operators, or want to keep their business and personal calls separate, the Galaxy Grand’s smart dual-SIM feature provides the convenience of two cell phones within one smart mobile solution,” he stated.

 

Some other features that the mobile phone maker believes will make the Galaxy Grand smartphone an instant hit with mobile phone users across the country include Smart Stay, which uses the front camera to prevent the device from going into standby mode while it detects a user in front of the device, and the phone’s Direct Call feature, which lets users automatically dial a call by raising the device up to the ear.

 

The device also features a unique Face & Voice Unlock feature that enables the users to lock and unlock their device with face or voice recognition, providing greater security and convenience. With the launch of Galaxy Grand, Samsung now offers a range of six dual-SIM smartphones and a total of 14 smartphone models across the world.

 

Is it ever a good PR strategy to do nothing during certain crises?

I have read a few remarks of renowned communications experts to the effect that sometimes in PR, the best strategy is to do absolutely nothing.

They point out though that the key is to know which kind of situations warrant such a strategy, and which require rapid and immediate action.  

In my experience, some, perhaps most, crises fester by every passing minute and can get out of hand if actions are delayed. But again, it is not every time your clients or bosses are behaving like the ceiling is going to cave in that it is, in fact, going to cave in. In such situations, the professional thing to do is to stand your ground and counsel them to relax and fight off the impulse to ‘do something’.

It is not one of the easiest things in the world to do, and nomatter your explanation, you are bound to have a few execs or clients barking at you “we can’t just sit and do nothing!” But, if you are convinced doing nothing will save a potentially bad situation from getting worse, stand your ground.

Given some passage of time, people always come round to seeing things in better perspectives, and will thank you for your counsel. It has happened to me on a few occasions.

Have you ever had to counsel your client or management to adopt the strategy of ‘keep mute and do nothing’? How did it play out?