Gadget Show Live @ Christmas, Earls Court London

Whether you like it or not, gadgets have become a necessity and an essential part of our daily life in the last decade, and most of us would have developed a little daily ritual i.e. staying connect with the (virtual) world through social media or other channels (Apps) using our Smartphones or tablets. The habit of checking Facebook News Feed, the latest tweet on Twitter, uploading the latest selfie on Instagram etc has become so automatic that these actions are comparable to brushing our teeth twice a day.

My brother and I like our gadgets, but it does not necessarily mean we have to possess the latest as soon as it is released. In another word no, we did not queue outside our nearest Apple store overnight so we can be the first to acquired an Apple iPad Air. What we did do recently was to pay the Gadget Show Live @ Christams a visit at Earls Court in London.

A lot of exhibitors were there with some are household names and some are lesser-known. There were a couple of gadgets which we were particularly impressed with:

1. Sony Zperia ZR Smartphone. Gadgets usually don't mix well with water and sometimes the smallest amount of liquid is enough to put your expensive gadget to its early grave.  We were pretty impressed with Sony's latest waterproof Smartphone, and thought it was rather advanced that it is still functional when underwater - OK the touchscreen does not work if it is wet but still!
Having a man in his wetsuit and full diving gear curled up in a water tank taking picture of passer-by was a pretty cool way to promote the phone, although I did fear for his hands getting all wrinkly at the end of the day!

2. Philips PicoPix PPX3610. I recently received a letter from the TV Licensing reminding me no valid TV licence is covering my flat at the moment, and that 95% of UK households pay for TV licence. Well, I am proud to admit that I am the other 5% of the population who does not own a television or watch live TV. Who needs a TV when there is iPlayer, On Demand available on computers, Smartphones or tablets? Much more convenient to watch the programmes I like whenever I want and more importantly, I made a saving on the TV licence fee.
Projector often reoresents office equipment and I never thought I would be interested in learning more about the 'latest' projector, but this Philips PicoPix has completely changed my perception on projectors.

This hand size compact projector has built-in Android operating system which allows user to connect to the internet whever available. Could this be the furture of television watching, just a projector, internet and a plain wall?

Aqua Kyoto, Soho

Catching up with friends in London for the day is one of my favourite outings. I was there last week to catch up with friend who moved to the Middle East but is home for holiday. Having spent 9 months in a country where no pork product is allowed, she really craved for pork pies, bacon, sausage rolls........ and alcoholic beverages!

After a coffee and a quick bite (contained bacon, of course) at Costa just off Regent Street, we moved on to the next venue in Soho - Aqua Kyoto, sandwiched between Regent Street and Argyll Street. Suited on 5th floor, we sat on the terrace to enjoy the glorious London skyline whilst enjoying a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. Telegraph described it as one of London's best rooftop bars. From the ground floor entrance to the actual restaurant/bar entrance, the decor was minimal and in black, presents a chic and mysterious ambiance. Since it was only early in the afternoon and we have much to catch up on, a bottle of wine seems like the best choice. Considering 12% service charge is automatically added onto the bill in most London hospitality establishments, I did expect somebody to carry our wine bucket and glasses to the terrace but no body offered a helping hand. Poor effort in terms of service.

Behind the bar is a huge dining area with a sashimi/ sushi counter in the middle. At the time of our visit there was no diners but I wouldn't mind a revisit to sample their food menu. It is a shame I was too immersed in our conversations that I forgot to capture the London skyline and the venue, never mind!