[How-To] [Share] How To Interpret China Post Hong Kong Post EMS Tracking Information

Update : Get this awesome free parcel tracking app if you have an iOS device like iPhone or iPad. Check out this post here

If you have bought things from Ebay, Dealextreme, Aliexpress, Alibaba, DHGate, PriceAngels, Focalprice, Lightake and so on, you might come across a tracking number issued to you by the seller from China or Hong Kong.

To track your package, this is a good website to track parcels mailed via major postal services like China Post, Hong Kong Post, Singpost, EMS, DHL, etc.
http://www.17track.net/en

However, if you are a non-native Chinese reader, you might have problems understanding the terms that shows up sometimes. For eg.

收寄局收寄, 深圳市国际大宗邮件处理中心
出口总包互封开拆
出口总包直封封发
交航

and the translation (usually via Google) churns out funny interpretations that leave you non the wiser.

Help is here.

Basically you would have difficulty understanding the tracking status from the point the supplier dispatch the goods to the postal vendor till the point in time it reaches your home country. Once it reaches your home country, the tracking updates would be provided by your home country's postal service handler and the language would likely to be in something which you can understand more easily.

Here is a brief explanation on the common terms used in tracking statuses for China outbound mail services.

Step 1

The first step is when your supplier sends it to his domestic postal vendor, you will see something like this :-

收寄局收寄,

深圳市国际大宗邮件处理中心

To understand this, there is two portions :-

收寄局收寄 means it is received by the mail handling agency or postal agency

深圳市国际大宗邮件处理中心 is the name of the local mail agency. In this case, it refers to Shenzhen. You may see other words in this second portion as it depends on which province or state your supplier ships it from. Common ports are Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing.

Step 2

Next you are likely to see a term like this : 出口总包直封封发

It basically means the item has been dispatched onward to its next destination.

Similarly, there will be some more characters behind it, indicating the port of departure.

If the goods were sent from a minor port or smaller province, it would probably head off to a major international port first. In this case you will come across the next step.

Step 3

出口总包互封开拆 literally means export total package mutual seals open (no meaning literally)

This actually means that there is an exchange taking place from the domestic port to the international port.

For example Shenzhen > Guangzhou.Usually the smaller postal players will handle the domestic transport and then it reaches the international port where it will finally leave the country towards your country.

When this interchange takes place, you will see the next tracking update as 出口总包直封封发 which simply means that it is onwards to the next destination.

This Step 2 & Step 3 could be repeated for a few cycles depending on the parcel's original dispatch location. The smaller province will take a few cycle before it reaches the major international departure port. Hence, some parcels take longer to emerge out from China compared to others.

Step 4

交航 literally means navigation.

However in postal terms, it means that it is in the midst of transportation, whether in the air or via sea to your country.

Step 5

The next status you will likely be seeing is that it has reaches your home country. And from then, you can probably track via your own postal service website for your parcel in your own language.

Hope this article helps you!

[Share] Xbox 360 250gb console on sale at Amazon.com

[Share] Free 20GB of Cloud Storage - A Dropbox Alternative

Previously I shared about Dropbox, a free online cloud storage service. However, the initial free storage space given by Dropbox is only 5GB.

Recently, I came across Copy, another service that is offering almost the same service as Dropbox. The good thing about Copy is the initial storage is 15GB, 3 times more than Dropbox. You also get extra storage space of 5GB for each referral.

This service is useful, for eg. if you are a photographer and wants to share photos with your clients or friends or family. If you have a huge ebook collection, you can upload them to your Copy drive and then access those books that you want from your mobile devices - freeing up space on your mobile devices.

I recommend using their mobile app to manage your files on Copy, cos it is much more user friendly than their web and desktop app. You can move your files around using the mobile app.

Click on this referral link to sign up and you will get extra 5GB from the start.

[Share] Puma Slipstream going for almost 50% off in Amazon

Good deal spotted.

Last 3 pairs at $42.49 instead of usual $80.

Only applies to this black colour, other colours are around the usual price of $80.

[Share] Country Music Awards 2013

While doing some video surfing on Youtube, I came across some videos from Country Music Awards 2013. From where I live, there is very little exposure to American country music with the exception of some country artists who make successful crossover to the pop scene like more recently, Taylor Swift, Pixie Lott, Carrie Underwood, just to name a few. In fact, over here, we are unable to access a lot of Country Music videos on Youtube due to region restrictions. At best, we could only get karaoke versions or cover versions made by some wannabe home singers - mostly doing more damage than good to the original song.

That said, I did come across Garth Brooks previously when he did this song "Lost in You" under an alter ego "Chris Gaines" as it received airplay in the mainstream radios over here and I liked it very much.

I always had this (wrongful) impression that country music is about hillbilly in a cowboy hat singing songs with a funny twang. However, all these misconceptions were all but dispelled when I watched some of the performances on CMA 2013.

Here are some of the ones which blew me away. I will never look at Country Music the same way again. If you had the same misconception which I had previously, perhaps watching these videos might change your mind.

I strongly encourage you to watch if you have not watched it before.

[Candy Crush Saga] A little song dedication to all Flickrshare CandyCrushers out there!

How to clear Candy Crush 

Finding it tough to clear a level on Candy Crush?

You are probably here reading this blog because you have been searching for clues to clear the hardest level on Candy Crush (you think but there are far more waiting for you!).
Some levels, tips and hints just can't help but here is a cute little song that might....and Sharon Leigh, this is for you.

[Share] Great Value Deal for Xbox 360 250GB Kinect Bundle

Heavily Discounted Xbox 360 Kinect Console Bundle

This is a great deal for Xbox 360 with Kinect bundle. Just in time if you are looking to get one as a Xmas gift or for yourself!
 
As at time of posting this it is going for US$239.99

[Share] Asphalt 8 is free on iTunes App Store for a limited period!

Download this game if you like racing games.

https://itunes.apple.com/app/id610391947?mt=8

[Share] How to solve a Rubik's cube with easy instructions

Solving rubik's cube seem impossible to normal earthlings like us. If you have ever watched a kid solve a rubik cube in seconds like the one below, you could be forgiven if you think that they might be aliens.



And if you ever tried to search for an easy to follow instruction guide, more often than not, you end up confusing yourself with the instructions. I've been there and done that too, till I came across this website below.
http://www.rubikssolver.com/



If all else fails, you might want to get this gadget below to help you :-)

[Share] How to write a song the easiest way

The easiest method to write a song

In the mood to make some music or to write a song to declare your love but you know nuts about music theory?

Don't worry, here is an easy way to start making some music.

Here is what you need :-

1. A guitar or a piano
2. A pen and paper
3. The cheat sheet below

If you want an easier way, here is a web page that generates chord progressions for you based on the type of song you wish to write http://autochords.com

[Candy Crush Saga] Video Guide to Candy Crush Saga Level 477

How to clear Level 477 of Candy Crush Saga

This is my first ever video guide on Candy Crush. I have not done any video guides so far as I do not find them particularly useful for players who are stuck on a level. This is because the layout of candies at the start each time is never the same even for the same level. So how useful is a video guide other than for the creator to maybe show off his Candy Crush score?

Candy Crush Video Guide with a Difference!

For this Flickrshare's video guide to Candy Crush Level 477 and future video guides (if any), I have added some tips as the video plays. These tips are meant to be applicable and useful in any situation for the same level, so it is important for the viewer to turn on Annotation when watching this video, otherwise you will miss the important tips!

Although, in this video, it is not a 3 star game but I am certain that it will be more helpful to you than any of the 3 stars Candy Crush videos out there!

Without further ado, please enjoy my first ever video guide and please leave some comments to help me improve!

[Share] Running shoes on sale at Qoo10 - Nike New Balance

If you are looking for a pair of running shoes, you are in luck because there will be a time limited sale on Qoo10 for running shoes from Nike, New Balance.

Please note that the sellers may not be the authorised dealers, though from the photos of the products, it looked like authentic models that I have seen in authorised shops before.

New Balance Shoes

• [FedEx] Newbalance / Running Shoes / Sneakers / WOMEN-MEN Fashion Shoes / Korea Best Selling Shoes /
• S$98.00
• 
  

Nike Shoes

• [Nike][NIKE]FREE RUN 4.0 V2/V3/ 5.0/5.0 /5.0 V4 Shoes Running Shoes/Jogging Shoes/Training Shoes
• S$65.00

While you are at it, you might need some socks as well....

• [MADE IN KOREA]※70%Off※ injinji Performance 100% CoolMax Extreme injinji Toe Socks APMA Certificated
• S$15.00

[Guitar Chords] How to play "Boyce Avenue - We Are Young (Acoustic/Unplugged Version)"

Boyce Avenue - We Are Young (Acoustic Version) on guitar

Came across this easy to follow guitar tutorial on Youtube.

I like it because firstly, he does not speak too much unlike other Youtube videos, where the guitar player goes on and on before finally getting to the song itself.

Secondly, the chords are there on screen for you to follow easily. It is easier to learn from diagram than to listen to the teacher telling you which string, which fret, etc.

This song is called We Are Young, originally sung by the band "Fun". "Boyce Avenue" stripped it down to an unplugged version which sounded as good as the original version. If you have not heard it before, take a listen to it and see if you like it.

You may need to watch it a few times to learn as this song chords changes pretty fast, but once you get the hang of the song, you can show it off to your family and friends!

[Candy Crush Saga] How to clear Level 463 of Candy Crush Saga

Level 463 - The most ridiculous level on Candy Crush, yet!

If you have thought that tornadoes were causing ridiculous difficulty on Candy Crush, wait till you try Level 463.

Flickrshare hereby declares Level 463 as the most difficult level so far!

Firstly, there are way too many jellies to clear for a paltry 15 moves, yes you read it right, 15 moves!

Secondly there are mysterious candies that create more jellies when matched!

The only thing you can do is to match combos.

Most effective in this round is the wrapped and stripped combo. You will get plenty of these two candies in this level, however, to lay them nicely next to each other is difficult because the cascading candies may blow up your wrapped candies before your move.

Second most effective which is harder to get is a stripped and rainbow candy combo.

If you are lucky enough, a wrapped and wrapped combo is also useful. But I think its hard to get them in this level.

So far, I see the only method to clear this level is by utter destruction and HOPE FOR THE BEST!

There are plenty of fishes around but they are not effective because they don't really do much to clear the important jellies which are unreachable.

That's right, this level is mainly luck based.

[Candy Crush Saga] Mobile version of Candy Crush Saga updated to Level 410

New update to Candy Crush Saga Mobile Version

The latest update to mobile version of Candy Crush Saga now takes you to Level 410!

Hurry and download the latest update!

[Candy Crush Saga] New update to Level 470 on Candy Crush Saga Desktop version

Latest Candy Crush Saga update to Level 470 on desktop version now.
Get your level passes from your friends!

[Share] SONY NEX Camera at low price

Good Camera Price Recommendation - SONY Nex-3N

I have used Sony nex-5 camera before and it takes wonderful photos. If you do not wish to carry the bulky DSLR on your trips, the Sony Nex series of cameras offer DSLR quality images in a lightweight and compact camera. This is because the Nex series uses a large image sensor almost similar to the entry levels DSLR and much larger compared to other higher end compact cameras (e.g. Canon S110) that are almost similar in price. In these days, size of image sensors are what it matters in producing quality images, it is no longer the megapixel count. If you want superior images, size of image sensors are what you should be considering instead of megapixel count.

Plus you have the option of changing lens on the Sony Nex camera like a DSLR, except that the lens are somewhat pricey and proprietary to the Sony Nex system only.

For this low price of $650 now, it comes with a 16-50mm lens which is sufficient to cover most of the angles you would be taking on a holiday trip, i.e. good for close ups portraits of people/animals/plants/interesting objects (50mm), near distance group photos as well as wide angled scenery (16mm).

If you are going for image quality without breaking your bank, this is a good camera to invest in. I am still using mine which was the first generation of Nex-5.

• Alpha NEX-3N with 16-50mm Lens PZ] / Large sensor / Smooth zoom
• S$650.00

How to get iPhone or iPad paid apps for free or at a discount without Jailbreaking

Never pay full price for an app anymore!

How to get paid iOS apps for FREE, legally

If you would like to get paid apps for free or at a discount, it is simpler than you think. No jailbreaking is required.

A little patience and sometimes good timing is required though but once you start to find out that you can get your desired apps at a reduced price or even free in a relatively easy manner, you might find that you would no longer want to pay for apps and start saving some serious money!

Due to intense competition for the consumer's attention, app developers often give their apps for free or at a reduced price for a limited period - when they wish to make their apps more visible to the market. When apps go free or on a discount, the increase in download numbers can help to push their app up the charts and make them more visible to downloading customers. There are millions of apps fighting to be in the Top 100 charts, you can bet how intense the competition is.

Although these promotional period can be anytime and you need to keep a lookout for it in order to enjoy it when it goes free, many app developers like to do it during American public holidays, for eg. Independence Day or Thanksgiving Day. So during holiday season, always check the Top Free charts for your desired paid apps going for free or at a reduced price. There are also free apps that help you to track apps that have gone free or are on sale for you, doing the monitoring for you! Isn't it easy?

As some apps do not allow you to update if you happen to get it for free or at a discounted price, you can also make use of the method here to track its next promotional period to get the latest version.

Useful apps for tracking iOS apps on sale or free

Appshopper is one such app that helps you to track a wishlist of your apps and alerts you when your desired apps go on sale. You can also track the history of apps on your wishlist to guess when the next upcoming sale would be and whether it would be coming soon so that you can hold off your purchase. You can also visit appshopper.com to do the tracking.





Apple Store App

This app is only available via the US Appstore. If you are able to get your hands on it, you will be able to enjoy its offering of a free app or an iBook each week.

Apple Appstore also gives away free apps or songs whenever they are celebrating a milestone, for eg. a billion downloads, etc.

FreeAppAlert 

While other sites and apps might highlight one or a few paid apps, this website tracks and highlights all the paid apps that have become free for that day.



To get the daily alert, you can subscribe to its e-mail alerts to receive a long list of paid apps that are now free with their previous price tags.

AppZapp (Also has an Android version at Google Play Store)

The Now Free icon will lead you to this section which shows you all the paid apps that are currently free with the apps' previous pricing.



You can also look out for the Sale section where you can find apps that are going cheaper than their listed price.

There is a Pro version ($1.28), which has all the same features, except that it allows you to set a specific price alert for apps at the trigger price that you would pay for.

Free App A Day

The Free App A Day website will alert you to a free paid app per day.


iPhonehacks.com's App Deals page

This page regularly features the apps that have gone free or on sale.

Now you can start saving your money.

[Candy Crush Saga] Latest Update to Level 410 on Candy Crush mobile versions

The update of the mobile version of Candy Crush Saga to Level 410 is available now.

[Share] How to get extra 1GB space in Dropbox for FREE

STEP 1 : SIGN UP FOR DROPBOX

Dropbox is a free cloud storage service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily with your friends. Upload your files to your Dropbox account and you can access them from your PC, smartphones or tablets over the internet. You can choose which of these files to share and which you wish to keep private.

With each Dropbox signup, you get 5GB of space free, you can increase it up to 16GB for free by referring your friends to sign up (500MB* for each successful referral sign up) and/or by following this method here to get 1GB for free.

*If you refer your friend and he/she signs up for a Dropbox account, both of you get extra 500MB free. If you need a referral link to get the extra 500MB, use this referral link here to sign up and you will get an extra 500MB and so do I! *wink*

STEP 2 : INSTALL MAILBOX APP ON YOUR iOS DEVICES

Mailbox App is a free mail management app for your Gmail accounts

The fast, fun mobile inbox that puts email in its place.

Note: Currently for Gmail only. Other email platforms coming soon.

Mailbox is a completely redesigned inbox that makes email light, fast, and mobile-friendly. Quickly swipe messages to your archive or trash. Scan an entire conversation at once with chat-like organization. Snooze emails until later with the tap of a button — they’ll return to your inbox automatically so you can focus on what's important now.

Mailbox checks your email from the cloud, then delivers it to your phone securely. You can even get push notifications for new messages. Add all your GMail accounts for speedy access on-the-go.

Mailbox makes getting to zero — and staying there — a breeze. After you experience a clean inbox, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

STEP 3 : ADD YOUR DROPBOX ACCOUNT TO YOUR MAILBOX APP ON YOUR iOS DEVICES

Select the Dropbox option in Settings and add in your Dropbox account. 

After you have linked your Dropbox account to your Mailbox account, you can easily attach files from your Dropbox account to your emails when sending it using the Mailbox app.

Go to Settings in your Mailbox App

Select the Dropbox option

Add your Dropbox Account