Monthly Archives: October 2021

PR Newswire

CBDCs are Designed to be Very Stable; Majority of Central Banks Exploring CBDCs: IMF

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NEW DELHI and MUMBAI, India, Oct. 2, 2021 — "About 80-100 Central Banks around the world, including G20 nations, are exploring the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and are in some sort of pilot or testing stages," Tobias Adrian, Financial Counsellor and Director Monetary and Capital Markets Department, International Monetary Fund said at the Global FinTech Fest. The three-day Fest, which concluded on 30 September, was attended by over 26,000 delegates from 121 countries. Policymakers, technocrats, investors, founders, economists, bankers, participated in the Fest. The event was organised by National Payments Council of India (NPCI) and Fintech Convergence Councill (FCC) and Payments Council of India (PCI) of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).

"CBDCs are designed to be very stable, stable in value, low transaction cost and backed by the Central Bank for added consumer confidence, very different from bitcoins which fluctuate in value and are more like an investment asset," Tobias Adrian said.

Central Banks around the world are rushing in to think about CBDCs as it is very appealing for Central Banks to go along with technological progress. Also, there could be a lot of innovations in Central Banks issued digital currencies, especially across payments, lending platforms.

"CBDCs could indeed be somewhat similar, not necessarily be, to bitcoin assets, could be based on blockchain technology, could be available in wallets. It depends on the design whether it is based on existing payment systems or using very powerful blockchain technologies," Tobias Adrian mentioned.

Meanwhile, he warned that cybersecurity could be a major challenge for CBDCs. "You need to make sure that the system is resilient against cyberattacks." It’s not the technology alone but the intersection of technology and human. Secondly, CBDCs might undermine existing banks so banks need to upgrade their technologies to compete. Finally, cellphones, not all today have cellphones for transacting CBDCs.

On expensive cross-border payments, Adrian envisioned that cross-border transfers would be a lot cheaper for small amount of payments. There are some wallet exchanges available that allow one to convert US dollar into rupee stable coin, with an implicit fee that is cheaper. However, there are a lot of discussions going on between Central Banks of various countries to make the cross-border payments cheaper.

Logo: https://techent.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cbdcs-are-designed-to-be-very-stable-majority-of-central-banks-exploring-cbdcs-imf.jpg

Accessories, Camera, Gaming, Lifestyle, News

Razer Unveils the Kiyo X Webcam and Ripsaw X Capture Card – Streaming Does Not Have to be Expensive

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The gaming industry is huge today. A part of that industry is also contents that you can watch and enjoy. That is the game streaming industry that is made popular by people like PewDiePie, and even Markiplier. As the eSports scene sees a huge surge in recent years, the game streaming industry also blew up. This leads to the creation of specialised hardware and accessories just for game streaming.

Webcams, for example, used to be telecommunication devices that you can use for video conferencing. Full HD webcams technically has existed forever, but never meant to be used for game streaming, although that is still possible. Capture cards was also a thing that was used by studios for both live production and regular production usage. With game streaming though, these once premium items were more in demand and more purpose built than ever. That does not mean that they become more accessible in price.

Introducing the Razer Kiyo X and Ripsaw X peripherals made for streaming. These are made specifically for streaming, but they are also made with budget in mind. These products are really designed for newer streamers who just got started in the streaming industry and looking to upgrade their gear without breaking their banks.

Razer Kiyo X

  • Kiyo X 2021 Render 01
    Source: Razer
  • Kiyo X 2021 Render 05
    Source: Razer
  • Kiyo X 2021 Render 04
    Source: Razer
  • Kiyo X 2021 Render 03
    Source: Razer
  • Kiyo X 2021 Render 02
    Source: Razer

The Razer Kiyo X is really a littler, more budget version of the Razer Kiyo. The ‘X’ moniker really gave it away as the more budget friendly companion in the line-up. It is capable of shooting videos at Full HD at 30fps to boot. If you want your videos to be extra smooth, you can get it to shoot at 60fps with a resolution penalty at 720p.

The USB plug and play webcam can be controlled via Razer’s Synapse software. While it does not come with its own right light, it still has something called The Razer Virtual Right Light software that goes along with it. In that case, the display becomes a light panel for the Razer Kiyo X for both video calls and streams.

Razer Ripsaw X

  • Razer Ripsaw X 2021 Render 01
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Ripsaw X 2021 Render 09
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Ripsaw X 2021 Render 08
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Ripsaw X 2021 Render 07
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Ripsaw X 2021 Render 06
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Ripsaw X 2021 Render 04
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Ripsaw X 2021 Render 03
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Ripsaw X 2021 Render 02
    Source: Razer

Another very important item for live streaming is the capture card. A capture card functions either as a platform to record and project your games into the streaming software. From there, the software broadcasts the image that is captured from the capture card. It is commonly used in a two PC configuration, or when you want to use a regular camera as the webcam.

The Razer Ripsaw X is also technically a smaller version of the Ripsaw. It is quite a little bit more powerful than the old Ripsaw though. Where the Ripsaw could only capture streams at Full HD at up to 60fps, the new Ripsaw X can capture videos at 4K resolution at up to 30fps with HDMI 2.0 and a USB 3.0 interface. The Ripsaw X is also supposed to offer near-zero latency, which also means you do not have to be doing a lot of guess and calculation work done for streams.

Price and availability

The Razer Kiyo X and Ripsaw X will be is now available from Razer.com in the United States, Europe, and Singapore. There is no word on its availability in Malaysia, but we are expecting them to hit shelves in Malaysia soon. The Razer Kiyo X will set you back US$ 79.99 (MYR 334*) when it is available. The Ripsaw X will be available oat US$ 139.99 (MYR 585*).

*Approximately based on exchange rate of US$ 1 = 4.18 on xe.com as of 02/10/2021

PR Newswire

Guardforce AI Co., Ltd. Announces Closing of $15 Million Underwritten Public Offering

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NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2021 — Guardforce AI Co., Ltd. ("Guardforce" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: GFAI, GFAIW), an integrated security solutions provider in Asia, today announced the closing of its previously announced underwritten public offering of 3,614,458 units ("Units"), with each unit consisting of one ordinary share, par value $0.003 per share (the "Ordinary Share") and one warrant (the "Warrant") to purchase one Ordinary Share at a public offering price of $4.15 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $15 million, prior to deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses.

EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC, acted as sole book-running manager for the offering.

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") declared effective a registration statement on Form F-1, as amended (File No. 333-258054) (the "Registration Statement"), on September 28, 2021. A final prospectus relating to the offering was filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained from EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC, 590 Madison Avenue, 39th Floor, New York, NY 10022, Attention: Syndicate Department, or via email at syndicate@efhuttongroup.com or telephone at (212) 404-7002.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Guardforce AI Co., Ltd.

Guardforce AI Co. Ltd. is a leading integrated security solutions provider that is trusted to protect and transport the high-value assets of public and private sector organizations. Developing and introducing innovative technologies that enhance safety and protection, Guardforce AI helps clients adopt new technologies and operate safely as the Asia Pacific business landscape evolves.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. We make such forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and other federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements provide our current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements include statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, intentions, assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. Words or phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "will" or similar words or phrases, or the negatives of those words or phrases, may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on reasonable assumptions we have made in light of our industry experience, perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. As you read and consider this press release you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties (many of which are beyond our control) and assumptions, including the risks described in the reports and other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect our actual operating and financial performance and cause our performance to differ materially from the performance anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of these assumptions prove incorrect or change, our actual operating and financial performance may vary in material respects from the performance projected in these forward-looking statements.  Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

 

First Look, Video

Predator Triton 500 SE First Look

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The Predator Triton 500 was one of the highest-rated products from their gaming stables in 2019 and even through 2020. They have a new one in the Predator Triton 500 SE.

The Predator Triton 500 SE is one of a kind gaming notebook with a 16:10 display ratio. With up to 240Hz WQXGA IPS display and 3ms response time, missing a moment in competitive games is a thing of the past. The high-resolution display also boasts highly accurate colours with 100% of DCI-P3 coverage.

Powering the 16-inch display is an 11th Generation Intel Core i9 (up to) and a mobile variant of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (up to), making the uniquely stealthy notebook one of the most powerful gaming PCs money can buy today. With up to 64GB of configurable RAM, this 19.9mm thin package is a true beast clad in a shining all-metal chassis as its armour.

Keeping the Predator Triton 500 SE cool and performing at its best at all times is Acer’s latest triple fan Vortex Flow cooling system

First Look, Video

Predator Helios 500 2021 First Look

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Acer’s Predator Helios 500 was a beast of a gaming notebook ready to be your desktop replacement wherever you go. The updated 2021 edition of the Predator Helios 500 packs even more power than before with Intel’s 11th generation Core i9 (up to). You get an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 too, for good measure.

The powerful processing chips, supported by up to 64GB of RAM, runs a 4K UHD display at up to 120Hz (up to). that 17.3-inch mini LED is a pretty one too with VESA HDR1000 certification. You can spec the Helios 500 with up to two SSDs too, for added storage, in case one drive is not enough to house all your games and contents.

To keep the Helios 500 cool and collected, Acer’s PowerGem technology is used alongside two 5th Generation Aeroblade fans with Vortex Technology. On top of that is an RGB keyboard with individual backlighting. The WASD keys can also be replaced with Acer’s acclaimed MagForce keys for more precise controls.

PR Newswire

WIN a Car This Diwali with coocaa’s Massive Festive Celebration*

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NEW DELHI, Oct. 1, 2021 — This Diwali, coocaa TVs has taken festivities to new heights. coocaa TVs has pledged to make one of its consumers a lucky winner of a brand new car!

From September 29th to November 4th (Big billion day and Big Diwali Sale), coocaa TVs & Flipkart have partnered together to gift one lucky shopper a brand-new car on buying any of coocaa’s TVs on Flipkart!

WIN a Car This Diwali with coocaa’s Massive Festive Celebration
WIN a Car This Diwali with coocaa’s Massive Festive Celebration

As an innovative Internet TV brand, coocaa is well-recognised as 2013’s Guinness World Record holder for the largest Smart TV sales acquired in a single day, and ranking 2nd for the biggest sales volume in 2020 in the world.

Today, coocaa is a leading provider in smart TV technology and has successfully become a friend of today’s younger generation. In Hyderabad, coocaa owns two factories, which produce more than 3 million units for home appliances annually, winning itself rising fame and popularity in India.

This Diwali, coocaa introduces its champion products to its Indian fans. The all-new coocaa S6G Pro & S3U Pro Smart TV are now available with a BIG promotional campaign on Flipkart!

The S6G Pro (available in 43", 50" and 55"), following its recent campaign during the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020, has become a hit across the golden generation in Southeast Asia. Powered by Android 10, S6G Pro contains brilliant features such as One-click Google Assistant, with ultra-low lag and latency.

Just like the S6G Pro, The S3U PRO Smart TV ensures a pleasant screen-sharing experience by providing reliable connectivity. With S3U PRO’s extra-large screen bolstered by coocaa’s German Picture Quality Lab, intelligent noise reduction technology and Dolby Audio sound effects, you are guaranteed with a remarkable home-viewing and gaming experience.

Ready to WIN BIG? This Diwali promotion might be a golden chance for you to get a new car or even your first car! Don’t miss this coocaa & Flipkart promotion between September 29th to Nov. 4th, where YOU might be the chosen one to own a coocaa TV AND a car in one go! Shop right now at https://bit.ly/3iiL679 (Terms & conditions applied*)

TIP: Follow coocaa on Facebook  (@coocaa) or Instagram (@coocaa_india) and join coocaa’s quiz session on FB, Instagram and Flipkart this month to win multiple prizes and vouchers for your new coocaa TV!

#coocaacoolcar

PR Newswire

Mach49 Expands Singapore Hub to Further Advance Corporate Venture Building in Asia

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Mach49 appointed as a venture studio of the Corporate Venture Launchpad, a programme by the Singapore Economic Development Board

SINGAPORE and REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 1, 2021 — Today, Mach49, the growth incubator for global businesses, announced its appointment as a venture studio on the Singapore Economic Development Board’s (EDB) Corporate Venture Launchpad (CV Launchpad). The CV Launchpad is a S$10 million pilot programme designed to help large, Singapore-based companies build new ventures in growth areas beyond their existing core businesses. It was established by EDB New Ventures, the corporate venture building arm of EDB, to advance the venturing ecosystem across companies in Singapore. 

"Mach49’s appointment as a venture studio underscores EDB’s trust in our experience with Global 1000 companies and our unique approach to the venture building process — we’re focused exclusively on execution and have a robust, scalable, and repeatable method for bold, game-changing venture creation. If companies want to disrupt before they’re disrupted, it’s imperative that they build their own Growth Engines, capitalizing on their resources, ideas, talent, and customer base to beat start-ups at their own game," said Linda Yates, Founder and CEO of Mach49. 

As an appointed venture studio, Mach49 will partner with large and established Singapore-based companies to incubate fresh business ideas with the speed and nimbleness of a start-up, while leveraging the unique competitive advantages of its parent company. The result is a pipeline of ventures that generates meaningful growth and continues to propel Singapore forward as a global business hub. Mach49 is established in the region with an office in Singapore and a growing base of APAC clients, including TDK Corporation; Schneider Electric; Mitsubishi Electric; Hitachi; LIXIL; among others. 

"Asia’s large corporates are uniquely positioned to produce the region’s next generation businesses — Mach49’s methodology, pace, connections, and team of successful entrepreneurs, VCs, and C-Suite executives can help create them. Mach49’s global team has collectively created over $50 billion in market value in companies we have invested in, created, managed, or built. With a wealth of experience under one roof, we not only understand how to design and manage world-class venture factories producing multiple ventures, but we are devoted to refining the art and science of the venture-building process," added Amos Manasseh, Mach49’s Head of Venture Building and Delivery, APAC. 

"Our partnership with venture studios is integral to the Corporate Venture Launchpad, as they bring best-in-class expertise and experience in ideation, incubation and venture-building. By tapping on the capabilities of our appointed venture studios like Mach49, participating corporates can build new ventures and scale them to become globally competitive businesses from Singapore. We welcome Mach49 as a valued partner on this programme, and look forward to building new ventures together," said Mr Choo Heng Tong, Executive Vice President, New Ventures and Innovation, EDB.

With a 100 percent focus on execution and a 90 percent success rate, Mach49 has incubated over 50 businesses globally, empowering companies to create new markets, new categories, and new products by helping them build and launch ventures generated from within, do corporate venture investing, engage in strategic partnering with start-ups, and augment their venture building with startup-company M&A. In Singapore, Mach49 is currently supporting Schneider Electric’s incubation vehicle, which has already incubated three ventures. Mach49 also designed a new corporate venture fund for 86-year-old company, TDK. Since launching in 2019, TDK Ventures has had three exits and recently closed its second fund for $150 million, which is triple the size of TDK Ventures’ first fund.

About Mach49

Mach49 partners with global businesses to disrupt markets and create new growth opportunities. Mach49 focuses on execution, with a unique approach to venture building and investing fueled by decades of Silicon Valley operating experience and success. Mach49 was founded in 2014 by Linda Yates and is based in Silicon Valley, with offices in Singapore, London, Amsterdam and Boston. Learn more about Mach49 at www.mach49.com.

Logo – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/1082800/Mach49_Logo.jpg?p=medium600  

Related Links :

http://www.mach49.com

Computers, Gaming, News

Acer Refreshes the Predator Gaming Line Up in Malaysia

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Predator Gaming has become one of the most successful gaming brands since its launch. The lineup has become more refined and purposeful in its approach to gaming and gamers. The company has stuck to differentiating itself by attending to the many, different needs for a gaming setup. From the Orion lineup to the Triton to the Helios – each has its own identity and niche.

With Acer Malaysia’s latest announcement, they are introducing new blood into their offerings that make them even more desirable and appealing. New form factors, better specifications and meaningful upgrades were the names of the game when it came to their announcements.

Predator Triton 500 SE – Stealthily Made for Gaming

The Predator series has always been loud and proud of its intent. However, with the newly released Predator Triton 500 SE, the hard edges and loud design language take a back seat. It trades the loud grills for an optimised cooling system while slimming down into a form factor that is not only portable but also stylish. The loud, angular design language is refined into a sleek slim body that hides its true nature.

First Look at the Predator Triton 500SE | techENT

The slim body comes packed with power with Intel’s 11th Generation Core i processors paired with NVIDIA’s graphics cards. The Triton 500 SE comes with configurations supporting up to the Intel Core i9 and NVIDIA RTX 3080. Paired with Up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD storage. It’s a stealthy performance powerhouse.

It’s also no slouch when it comes to the display. It has a 16:10 WQXGA display. It also has the latest and greatest to keep it running at full power while staying cool with Acer’s VortexFlow cooling system and 5th Generation Aeroblade technology. You can get the full rundown in our coverage of the Triton 500 SE’s announcement from earlier this year.

Predator Helios 500 – A Portable Desktop Replacement

The Predator Helios 500 continues to be one of the most powerful laptops that Acer has in the Predator Gaming lineup. The laptop packs a punch when it comes to specifications and even size. It’s one of the largest laptops in their gaming offerings and one of the most specced up ones.

First Look at the Helios 500

It’s a loud and proud gaming machine with an angular design and loud RGB lighting. The laptop’s RGB lighting is fully customisable with PredatorSense. It comes with Predator PowerGem technology which is paired with Acer’s Vortex Flow to keep the machine running cooly and at max power.

It comes packed with up to the Intel Core i9. This is paired with NVIDIA’s graphics cards with configurations supporting up to an RTX3080. In addition, it comes with up to 64 GB of RAM and a whopping 2TB of total onboard storage. It also supports up to display technology with up to a 4K MiniLED panel with 120Hz. You’ll be able to get all the details from our coverage of its initial announcement.

Together with the Helios 500, the Predator Helios 300 is getting a refresh with configurations supporting up to the Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA’s RTX 3070 graphics card. It also comes with options for a 15.6- or 17.3-inch display with up to 165Hz refresh and QHD resolution.

Pricing & Availability

Predator Launch Triton 500 SE

The Predator Triton 500 SE will be available for pre-order starting on October 30, 2021. It comes in two configurations for the Malaysian market: Intel Core i9 with NVIDIA RTX3080 and Intel Core i7 with NVIDIA RTX3070. The former will be priced at MYR12,999 while the latter will cost MYR8,999.

Predator Launch Helios 500

The Helios 500 will be available for pre-order at the same time. It is priced from MYR13,999.

The Predator Helios 300 is available for pre-order from the Acer e-store, Shopee and other retail outlets right now. It will be priced from MYR6,299 for the 15.6-inch variant while the larger 17.3-inch variant will be priced from MYR7,999.

  • Predator Launch Helios 300 15 inch i9
  • Predator Launch Helios 300 17 inch
  • Predator Launch Helios 300 15 inch i7

Pre-orders of the Helios 300 will be entitled to free gifts worth more than MYR1000 which include a Predator Gaming Utility Backpack, Predator Galea 350 Headset and limited edition merchandise. The Core i9 version of the Helios 300 will come with an additional Predator Gaming Chair worth MYR1,299. This promotion for the Helios 300 runs from September 30 until October 6, 2021.

Pre-orders of the Triton 500 SE and the Predator Helios 500 made from October 30 until 6 November 2021 will be entitled to every pre-order goodie mentioned above.

iOS, Mobile, News

Apple iPhone 13 Series Pre-Orders in Malaysia from Maxis and Celcom Starting Now!

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The Apple iPhone 13 series was just launched about two weeks ago. The Apple iPhone 13 series is Cupertino’s latest and greatest pride. The new device features an all-new 5nm A15 Bionic System on a Chip (SoC). It is also Apple’s first iPhone to exclude the 64GB version and the iPhone 13 Pro series is the first smartphone in Apple’s line-up to also offer 1TB of storage.

Now you have the chance to be the first people in Malaysia to own Apple’s latest and greatest iPhone. Maxis and Celcom has opened their pre-order programmes for the Apple iPhone 13. There is no word on pre-orders from U Mobile and Digi just yet.

  • Image 7
    Source: Maxis
  • Maxis Pre order
    Source: Maxis
  • Maxis iPhone13 NORMAL
    Source: Maxis
  • Maxis iPhone13 24months
    Source: Maxis
  • Maxis iPhone13 36months
    Source: Maxis

From Maxis, the iPhone 13 Mini will set you back from MYR 66 a month onward with a three-year commitment on Maxis Zerolution Postpaid 188 plan. The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max, in this case, will set you back MYR 115 a month. Maxis’ pre-order will end on the 7th of October 2021 though and you can expect your devices to come from the 8th of October 2021 onward. If you do not want to be tied down to a contract with Maxis, you can buy the device from Maxis from as low as MYR 1,736, which will still be lower than retail anyway.

  • Celcom Pre order
    Source: Celcom
  • Celcom Pre order 2
    Source: Celcom
  • Celcom iPhone 13
    Source: Celcom
  • Celcom iPhone 13 mini
    Source: Celcom
  • Celcom iPhone 13 Pro
    Source: Celcom
  • Celcom iPhone 13 Pro Max

Celcom is approaching the pre-order in a slightly different way though. Their pre-order also started 12.01 a.m. this morning. The first 1000 customers to pre-order the device will get an MYR 250 (up to) rebate on their iPhone 13 pre-orders with Celcom. You can also order Apple’s new accessories that are available from Celcom’s stores with the Celcom Mix and Match. Celcom is also offering a 6-month subscription of iQiYi complementary to your iPhone 13 pre-order with them.

For more information on Maxis’ pre-order programme, you can check out their website. You can also visit Celcom to find out more about their pre-order programme and compare prices if you want. Of course, you can find information on Apple’s latest iPhone 13 on their own website. Now we wait for the Apple iPad Mini with the A15 Bionic to be available in Malaysia.