A boost in storage space up from Oppo’s flagship F5 smartphone, the F5 6GB gives you not only that much RAM but also 64GB of internal storage. It has AI Beauty mode for both its 16-megapixel rear camera and 20MP front camera to enhance subjects’ appearances. A MediaTek MT6763T octacore processor and six-inch display with 2160×1080-pixel resolution complete the package. Choose black or red for Bt13,990.

Watch video on the go

Synology’s DS218 play network storage system is equipped with a 64bit quadcore 1.4GHz processor with a hardware encryption engine and 1GB RAM, delivering encrypted sequential reading/writing throughput at over 110MB/s. Powered by a hardware transcoding engine, it will play real-time, single-channel, 10bit H.265 4K Ultra HD or full HD transcoded video. This enables users to enjoy videos on the go with no device limits. It retails for Bt8,399.

Hear you calling

Jabra’s Elite 25e Bluetooth headphones rely on a powerful battery for up to 18 hours of calls and music per charge (22 days for standby). The 10mm driver also helps deliver rich and clear audio and the builtin microphone cancels out distraction noise. Safe from dust and water, get them through RTB Technology for Bt2,990.

Customise your listening

Industry-leading technology turns Sony’s 1000XM2 Wireless Noise Cancelling headphones into instant winners. Atmospheric pressure can be adjusted to suit your individual listening style and your altitude. You’re assured of 30 hours of battery life and easy, handsfree calling with a double tap. Expect to pay Bt14,990.

Pretty as a picture

The LG Signature Wallpaper 65-inch TV OLED 65W7T is designed to be mounted on the wall and resemble a framed picture. Just 4mm thick, the black OLED display is capable of displaying over a billion colours. You get a Dolby Atmos soundbar that can be mounted under the TV. Find it in stores for about Bt299,990.

Ultra-thin and ultra-lightweight, the ZenBook Flip S (UX370) from Asus is a two-in-one Ultrabook computer that’s got plenty of power for business applications.

As the name suggests, the Flip S display can be folded 360 degrees to become a handy tablet computer.

Just 10.9mm thin and 1.1 kilograms, this gadget is great for business executives to conveniently carry around for making presentations wherever they go.

The Flip S is light but strong, precision-crafted from 6013 aluminium alloy, a material common in aerospace applications. Asus says it’s 50 per cent stronger than the 6063 alloy used in many standard laptops.

The Flip S also manages to look quite elegant when adorned with the signature ZenBook spun-metal finish and brilliant-cut diamonds on the edges. The Royal Blue model features a Zen-inspired spun-metal finish on its all-metal unibody enclosure.

Despite being so thin, the Flip Si packs a full-size keyboard that’s comfortable to type on. The full-size backlit keyboard has impressive “key travel” of just 1mm, ensuring that typing is both easy and accurate.

The substantial power comes from an Intel Core i77500U dualcore processor running at 2.7GHz. You have eight gigabytes of working memory (RAM) and a fast 512GB of SSD storage.

The Windows 10 Home 64bit operating system makes dynamic use of the touch screen, which is illuminated from the back with a 13.3-inch LED Full HD display at 1,920by1,080-pixel resolution boasting a 60Hz refresh rate and 178-degree view. Corning Gorilla Glass protects the screen.

Asus Eye Care technology reduces blue light by up to 30 per cent. And the display looks large because the bezel is just 6.11mm thin, for an 80 per cent screen-to-body ratio.

Viewing video and high-resolution photos is thrilling on this baby, further enhanced by a very good sound system. The stereo speakers employ magnets two times larger and voice coils one and a half times larger than found in the previous generation.

The smart amplifier allows the speakers to be driven further – in fact three times louder than what you get from a normal amplifier – without distortion or speaker damage.

Asus says its Golden Ear team and audiophile specialists at Harman Kardon joined forces to produce the new SonicMaster audio technology for the Flip S. Its two separate high-quality speakers powered by a smart two-channel amplifier generate surround-sound ideal for watching movies.

I found the Flip S started up and shut down fast. Its touch screen and menus scrolled quickly and smoothly. Business applications like Microsoft Office, Word and PowerPoint ran without problem.

The fun thing about the Flip S is that ability to fold up into a tablet on a 360-degree Ergo-Lift hinge. This hinge is a precision-engineered metal multigear that provides a smooth, stepless action and holds the display securely at any angle.

A dual-action mechanism lifts and tilts the keyboard into the perfect typing position when the display is opened beyond 135 degrees. Asus says the Ergo-Lift hinge is “torture-tested” – opened and closed more than 20,000 times to prove its reliability.

Apart from tablet mode, the Flip S can form a tent with the two edges serving as stands, and switch to presentation mode with the display flipped back and the keyboard facedown on the table.

In tablet mode, you get to try out the Asus Pen, an active stylus with a slim and elegant aluminium design that feels pretty posh. You can accurately draw, write or annotate in any supported app.

Full support is also provided for Windows Ink, an app that allows you to create sticky notes and jot down ideas as they occur to you. You can even take a screenshot and share it in one click. The pen has 1,024 pressure levels, so it’s great with any drawing applications.

The integrated fingerprint sensor on the top right edge enables access with security, using the Windows Hello feature of Widows 10 and without the need to key in a password.

The sensor, measuring just 16 by 3.6mm, affords superquick recognition, even from a partial fingerprint scan.

Another terrific feature of this Ultrabook is the Quiet Fan app, with which you can select the fan’s ideal noise level for any task at hand and switch between balanced and high-performance modes. The standard fan speed is ideal for quiet computing, but you can turn Quiet Fan off to allow for with high load demands, when the fan will be noisier.

The Flip S can be expanded through two USBC ports, which are there to handle external displays, power delivery and data transfer – all via one reversible, anyway-up connector. The bundled Mini Dock gives you an HDMI port, a USB 3.1 port and a USBC port for fast charging.

Battery life is good – up to 11 hours. The 39Wh lithiumpolymer battery is shaped to precisely fit the thin profile. Fast-charge technology will let you power back up to 60 per cent capacity in just 49 minutes.

And, on top of all this, you get a black leather sleeve to keep your Flipper safe from scratches.

The Asus ZenBook Flip S has a suggested retail price of Bt63,990.

KEY SPECS

– Operating system: Windows 10 Home

– CPU: Intel Core i77500U processor 2.7GHz dualcore

– Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620

– Display: 13.3-inch LED-backlit Full HD with Corning Gorilla Glass

– Memory: 8GB 2133 MHz DDR3

Storage; 512GB SATA3 SSD

– Ports: 2xUSB 3.1 Generation 1 USBC

– Audio: Two speakers ASUS SonicMaster Premium stereo audio system with surround-sound effects

– Camera: VGA webcam

– Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1

– Battery: 39Wh 2cell lithiumpolymer good for up to 11.5 hours

– Dimensions: 10.9x313x118mm

– Weight: 1.1kg

A boost in storage space up from Oppo’s flagship F5 smartphone, the F5 6GB gives you not only that much RAM but also 64GB of internal storage. It has AI Beauty mode for both its 16-megapixel rear camera and 20MP front camera to enhance subjects’ appearances. A MediaTek MT6763T octacore processor and six-inch display with 2160×1080-pixel resolution complete the package. Choose black or red for Bt13,990.

Watch video on the go

Synology’s DS218 play network storage system is equipped with a 64bit quadcore 1.4GHz processor with a hardware encryption engine and 1GB RAM, delivering encrypted sequential reading/writing throughput at over 110MB/s. Powered by a hardware transcoding engine, it will play real-time, single-channel, 10bit H.265 4K Ultra HD or full HD transcoded video. This enables users to enjoy videos on the go with no device limits. It retails for Bt8,399.

Hear you calling

Jabra’s Elite 25e Bluetooth headphones rely on a powerful battery for up to 18 hours of calls and music per charge (22 days for standby). The 10mm driver also helps deliver rich and clear audio and the builtin microphone cancels out distraction noise. Safe from dust and water, get them through RTB Technology for Bt2,990.

Customise your listening

Industry-leading technology turns Sony’s 1000XM2 Wireless Noise Cancelling headphones into instant winners. Atmospheric pressure can be adjusted to suit your individual listening style and your altitude. You’re assured of 30 hours of battery life and easy, handsfree calling with a double tap. Expect to pay Bt14,990.

Pretty as a picture

The LG Signature Wallpaper 65-inch TV OLED 65W7T is designed to be mounted on the wall and resemble a framed picture. Just 4mm thick, the black OLED display is capable of displaying over a billion colours. You get a Dolby Atmos soundbar that can be mounted under the TV. Find it in stores for about Bt299,990.

Guests at the first Michelin Guide Awards ceremony to be held in Thailand will begin the evening on Wednesday (December 6) sampling the “amazing and weird knowledge” of two outstanding Bangkok bartenders.

Nanthawit Sameepak and Chaiyasit Pratumsud earned the chance to share their concoctions with the gourmet Michelin crowd by winning the recent Mekhong Thai Spirit Cocktails contest.

At the “Reach for the Stars” gala dinner at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Nanthawit Sameepak – who plies his trade at Baan Suriyasai – will be serving Koon Suek, and Chaiyasit of the Tep Bar will brandish a cocktail named Thong.

“There are no boundaries to this amazing and weird knowledge,” enthuses Nanthawit, 30. “A bartender has the freedom to do whatever he wants in creating a cocktail, but at the same time must also please the customer.”

Nanthawit won the Mekhong contest by making a cocktail onstage that was actually invented by Khongpol Meesook, the bar manager of Baan Suriyasai. Koon Suek is made with Mekhong, the famous Thai rum, Vermouth Extra Dry, red wine, lemongrass, sweet basil, lime and syrup.

“Mekhong reminds me in its character of an ancient Siamese warrior drinking nam jan before a battle so he’d be brave and fierce,” explains Khongpol. “The wine gives the cocktail its fierce red colour and the astringent taste of the vermouth represents the warrior’s toughness and impulsiveness.

“For such a ruthless killer, the taste has to be strong. While complex vermouth harmonises well with Mekhong, the wine can be a Merlot or Cabernet house wine – rather smooth and helping build the drink’s character. The lemongrass and basil add fragrance and the lime and syrup ensure a full flavour.”

Chaiyasit, 28, learned the ropes from the online lessons of master bartender Luca Cinalli. His Thong cocktail – Mekhong, ripe mango, lime, natural honey, coconut sugar, dill and egg white – was already popular at the Tep Bar before Chaiyasit took it into competition.

“The name refers to the ‘golden age of the Siamese Kingdom’, when there was prosperity, advanced culture and great fertility in the land and the human mind,” he says. “But the original inspiration came when a foreign customer mentioned that his favourite Thai dessert was sticky rice and ripe mango.

“Mekhong can be blended with any Thai fruit, but you have to understand the different characteristics of the fruit. I chose mango because it’s so well known as a Thai fruit and can be eaten anytime of year. The honey gives the cocktail sweetness and fragrance, the coconut sugar has a rich oiliness, and the whites of pasteurised egg feel wonderfully creamy on the tongue.”

“For more than 76 years, Mekhong has been proud to represent Thainess to the world through its unique flavour,” says Sansiri Yodmeungcharoen, assistant marketing director of Thai Beverage.

“The Mekhong Thai Spirit Cocktails campaign was another milestone we’re proud of, because it will take Mekhong to a whole new level in the global culinary arena.

“The unique charm of Mekhong begins with the ingredients. Molasses and the tips of glutinous rice are refined using traditional methods, then fused with Thai herbs and spices according to a secret recipe,” she says. “This gives the spirit its own unique flavour and aroma.

“When used as a base in a cocktail, Mekhong offers an outstanding sensory experience. The success of Mekhong speaks of the brand’s ability to transcend time and stay relevant. When you introduce other ingredients as in a cocktail, especially Southeast Asian flavours, the result is a remarkable drink that’s fantastic to enjoy on its own or to complement any meal.”

Motorists who want to boost their safety with “an extra pair of eyes” will have no complaints with the RC500S from Taiwanese firm DOD, with dual-sided cameras recording Full HD at 1080p resolution.

The builtin GPS will record your location data as well.

DOD, founded in 2008, is partnered in Thailand with RTB Technology, a leading distributor of IT products.

The RC500S is well regarded because it’s made of premium components. These include a Starvis CMOS image sensor, Sony’s latest top-of-the-line sensor for enhancing visibility in low light and even deep darkness.

DOD is quite proud of being the first dashcam maker to use this sensor, which gives the RC500S an expanded ISO range – up to 12,800 – because the sensor improves sensitivity so much.

The cam uses a six-element sharp-glass lens with f/1.6 aperture to capture clear image at high speed in all lighting conditions.

The wide aperture allows more light through to the sensor. DOD says the aperture is 66 per cent larger than what’s found in most other brands.

The six-layer lens, made in Japan, ensures bright and clear pictures at all times without the worry of lens deformation in high heat or sunlight.

The RC500S boasts WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology to help balance exposure. This makes night shots brighter and reduces strong light exposure to achieve extremely readable images.

Dual video recording takes place both front and rear, the cameras soaking up Full HD 1080p quality – at 145 degrees (wide angle) up front and 140 degrees behind.

A polarising system reduces reflections from the wind-shield while increasing colour saturation.

A 10Hz GPS chip allows data to be updated up to 10 times per second. It reports your speed and route while recording video with precise driving information when synched to a DOD player.

Parking Surveillance Mode can automatically detect objects approaching your car fast when it’s parked. It can be set to automatically begin recording or be activated by impact. That will give you peace of mind when you leave your car unattended.

The mode is disabled in the default settings because it can drain and even damage your car battery. DOD recommends installing its DP4 kit to maintain low-voltage protection if you want to use this mode.

Unlike most dashboard cameras you see around, the RC500S has no monitor. The DOD worried that the tiny screen is too distracting for drivers, diverting their attention from the road, which could lead to accidents.

Instead, a passenger using the DOD Cam app can watch what the two cameras are recording, which is certainly safer practice. The passenger can also use the app to record video or capture photos for instant sharing.

With two cameras to install at the base of the front and rear windows, you might need a technician’s help. They have to be connected using the cable provided.

I had the folks at the Toyota Onnuj service centre install the system in my Toyota Altes Esport and was pleased how neatly the cable was hidden. One line ran from the cigarette lighter to the main camera and the data and power cable went back to the rear camera, concealed inside the ceiling liner.

Once you’re rolling, the system starts recording automatically, and once you reach your destination and switch off, the dashcam shuts down. No need to press any buttons. A voice tells you when recording has begun or paused.

The package comes with a 32-gigabyte microSD card, the unprotected data on which can be overwritten once it’s full. The RC500S can handle a microSD card up to 128GB for longer recording time.

On the main front camera is an SOS Emergency File Lock button that, when pressed, blocks the current recording from being overwritten.

There’s also a GSensor Automatic Trigger system for file protection. It kicks in when there’s an impact or emergency braking or when the car tilts, so you have a recording of what happened that  can’t be inadvertently overwritten.

Another button – a toggle switch – launches and halts voice recording as needed. Still another toggles the Wi-Fi when you connect a smartphone or tablet using the DOD Cam app. The connection is just like connecting to a a Wi-Fi router, and a password is provided.

With the app and a phone or tablet, you can monitor the video being recorded by either camera. The rear camera feed appears in a window inside the main camera’s display.

I found the video feeds from both cameras crisp and clear, with no blur, even at night.

RTB Technology sells the DOD RC500S for Bt13,900 at Lazada.co.th, Jaymart, Power Buy, leading auto-accessory shops, http://www.WeMall.com and http://www.GadgetThai.net.

KEY SPECS

– Video resolution: Front 1920×1080@30fps; rear 1920×1080@30fps

– Sensor: Sony Starvis CMOS both front and rear

– Wide-angle lens: Front 145, rear 140, aperture f/1.6 for both

– ISO sensitivity: Up to ISO 12800

– Video format: H.264 .mov

– Recording media: MicroSDHC/SDXC card (up to 128GB)

– Audio: Microphone and speaker (mono)

– Battery: Super-capacitor both front and rear

– Power input: 5V 1.5A

– Size: Front 112.6×61.5×33.4mm; rear 75.2x26x38.8mm

– Weight: Front 120g; rear 41g

– Operating temperature: Minus20 degrees C to 65 degrees

Despite the easy-to-use design and light weight at 82 grams, the Insta360 One is packed with functions for 24 million pixel photos and 4k video. The raw mode in photo-taking allows the user to collect precise details for professional adjustment. The One achieves six-axis image stabilisation with an onboard gyroscope, ensuring that it records smooth video without sacrificing quality – even in rough-and-tumble situations.

Most importantly for the digital era, Insta360 One comes with smart applications for image modification, video editing, a quick “share” and “live” with 360 degrees on social media.

Moreover, Insta 360 One can be easily used in three different ways –standalone, remote control via Bluetooth, and control via a direct connection to an iPhone charging port to immediately see images from the camera. The direct connection simplifies laid-down photo or video composition. It also comes with outstanding photo-taking technology such as “bullet time” in which creators can capture up to 240 FPS slow-motion shots where the ONE circles them dramatically, always keeping them centre-frame – while the accessory used to spin the camera is flawlessly concealed.

The Insta360 One introduces groundbreaking “free capture” and “smart track” technologies that allow users to effortlessly hone in on the key moments of a spherical video, translating the original 360-degree footage into a standard 1080p fixed-frame video that’s ready to share anywhere – all from their smartphone.

The One can take a micro SD memory Card up to 128 GB capacity. Insta 360 One is now available at the price of Bt11,900 with other accessories available, such as a selfie stick, or a water-resistant case to prevent any crush and dust. With the IP68 standard, the camera could resist water to 30 metres depth

Paradise Park shopping mall on Srinakharin Road celebrates dads everywhere with the event, “Happy Father’s Day: Big Hug” at its royal plaza on the first floor from now until December 5. The event includes a “DIY Pop Up Card for Dad” workshop and the offer of a free Big Hug pillow when you spend Bt1,500.

Find out more by calling (02) 787 1000 or visit http://www.ParadisePark.co.th.

The perfect gift

Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside invites you to pamper yourself and those you love as its Massira Wellness & Spa with a treatment priced at just Bt1,190 net. Choose between “Body Scrub (75 minutes)”, “Ancient Thai Therapeutic (90 minutes)”, “Aromatherapy Massage (60 minutes)”, and “Balance Hydrating Facial Treatment (60 minute).”

Book your session at (02) 289 9099.

Pampered pleasure

Let the natural absorbing properties of activated charcoal draw out impurities and purify your skin with a Charcoal Body Scrub at Lotus Spa of The Sukosol, Bangkok. Available through the end of January 31, this gentle exfoliation with a Black Cumin Oil Anti-Stress Massage eases any lingering aches and pains, whilst moisturising the skin. It’s priced at Bt2,900-plus per person and Bt5,500-plus for a couple.

Call 02 247 0123, extension 16067.

Christmas by the sea

Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya is hosting a “Christmas Eve Buffet” on December 24 at its Big Fish Restaurant for Bt1,500 net and a “Christmas Eve Set Dinner” at Gravity Lounge at Bt2,000 including one glass of sparkling wine.

Book your table at (038) 930 600 or email: fbsec@siamatpattaya.com.

Festive fancies

Enjoy a memorable time making a Gingerbread House with your children at the “Gingerbread House Workshop” being offered as part of Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit’s Sunday Jazzy Brunch. It’s priced at Bt1,250-plus excluding brunch, or take home a DIY gingerbread house takeaway box for just Bt1,600 net. The promotion is available every Sunday from December 3 to 17 from noon to 3pm. Call (02) 649 8353 or visit http://www.SheratonGrandeSukhumvit.com/en/store.

He’s been busy transforming favourite Christmas characters to celebrate the upcoming festive season for “The Dazzling Celebration” at CentralWorld, CentralPlaza and Central Festival.

All 30 branches will be decorated and transformed into a “Christmas and NewYear Wonderland” with these specially redesigned Christmas characters who will remain on show through January 15.

“The campaign will recreate the Christmas market ambience of Strasbourg, France with art installations led by the 5-metre-tall Santa Claus sculpture and his animal companions, reindeer, squirrel, white polar bear, porcupines and wooden nutcracker plus 10 other colourful characters in various poses,” said Pakorn Partanapat, Chief Operating Officer of CPN.

“These classic Christmas characters have been redesigned and reinterpreted into a more contemporary and delightful context by Javier Gonzalez Burgos, an Argentinean artist. They tell the story of the journey of Santa Claus bringing happiness to Thailand and will be on display at our shopping centres countrywide.”

Burgos is delighted to be part of the celebrations. “I started 12 years ago as a children’s book illustrator and in 2013, my work was brought to life through various exhibitions in shopping centres in Hong Kong and China. This year, CPN has invited me to the part of its festive celebrations and I am thrilled to be here.

Each of the company’s shopping centres will display one of Burgos’ fibreglass figures ranging in size from 50 centimetres to 5 metres. CentralWorld, however, is showcasing all 10 along with a 5-metre-tall moving Santa Claus who is on hand to greet shoppers and tourists.

The shopping centre recently hosted the “Light Up Christmas Tree Celebration”, marking the beginning of the happy celebration.

Yutthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, presided over the opening ceremony, which saw an orchestra playing festive songs. “The Magical Winter Angel Show” was presented by Kimberley Anne Tiamsiri, together with the Face Men Thailand, Thakritsanu Soranan, Su, and other celebrities.

With every purchase of a special pack, customers will receive a limited edition wristband, and a chance to donate Bt10 to the Thai Red Cross Society. M&M’S Red Cross Wristband Charity Packs are available at all branches of Tops, Big C and Tesco Lotus (except Big C mini, Tesco Lotus Express and Tops Daily), and other leading stores until December 31.

“This is our first partnership with the Thai Red Cross. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to join hands with the organisation as it allows us show that M&M’S not only stands for fun times but that we care to go beyond the surface of any fun moment and create greater meaningful impacts to the society,” said Yee Pek Kuan, category director of Mars Chocolate South East Asia.

Supporting the release of M&M’S Red Cross Wristband Charity Pack, young actress Tonliu Morakot, added: “We always wish our loved ones greater health and well-being. Now we can also send our wishes to others who are in need through a simple purchase of M&M’S Red Cross Wristband Charity Pack. Especially in this giving season, what can possibly be a greater gift than this?”

The relaxing 90-minute treatment includes an invigorating Body Scrub and the Indigenous Realignment Massage using slow, intense pressure to release tension in tight, stressed and aching muscles.

The package costs Bt4,500-plus (Bt8,800-plus per couple) and comes with a festive gift from bodycare specialist Thann to enjoy at home.

Renowned as one of the finest day spas in Bangkok, the Grande is a sanctuary where purity, stillness and silence create a refuge for body and mind.

Professional therapists, gracious Thai hospitality and a calming environment ensure an unforgettable spa experience.

The Grande Spa is open daily from 9am to 11pm, with the last treatment booked by 10pm.

SPG members can enjoy 20percent discounts on alacarte treatments (excluding express treatments) weekdays between 9am and 3pm. To become a member, just contact the front office.

For more information or reservations, call (02) 649 8121, email spa.grande@luxurycollection.com, or visit http://www.SheratonGrandeSukhumvit.com.