Here Comes A New Challenger! Boost Makan brings Food Delivery to the eWallet

If there’s one thing anyone would tell you about Malaysians it’s that we love our food! That could be why it seems like every truly Malaysian app has forayed into the food delivery space. The latest app to do that is a very unassuming one – Boost eWallet. Boost is one of three major eWallets in Malaysia. They have also been one of the most experimental partnering with services like Samsung Pay.

Boost Makan
Source: Boost

It looks like the next adventure for the eWallet will be in the field of food delivery. The new service brings together Boost, its merchant partners and delivery partners in a joint venture that can take on current players. In fact, Boost is leveraging its high merchant adoption by making it easy for their current merchants to get on to the new service. Keep in mind, Boost has not only been working with shops and retail outlets, they have also been working with pasar malam vendors and hawkers. This could give the platform the upper hand when it comes to food choice.

To make things even more appealing, merchants are promised low platform fees and reliable delivery partners. In addition to this, Boost is also committing to quick turnover for payment settlements. At the time of announcement, they have committed to a 2-day turnover.

Boost Makan How To
Source: Boost

The Boost Makan service is also one of the most versatile apps when it comes to food service. Users can choose from delivery, pick up, drive thru or walk-in. Deliveries will list offerings from restaurants and merchants in a 20km radius from the user’s location. While pick up and drive-thru will need users to head to the merchant’s location. The latter gives the added advantage of being “delivered” the items as the merchant will be able to recognise user’s vehicles. Walk-in will allow merchants to provide customers with a contactless option for patrons to place their order.

Boost Makan is having a special promotion in conjunction with their launch. Users who place orders on Boost will be entitled to MYR5 cashback with their order. Merchants, on the other hand, will receive an MYR50 merchant incentive upon registered Boost Makan.

Boqii Announces Fiscal 2022 Second Quarter Unaudited Financial Results

Second Quarter Revenues of RMB282.1 million, up 23.1% year-over-year

Second Quarter GMV of RMB692.6 million, up 23.0% year-over-year

SHANGHAI, Nov. 30, 2021 — Boqii Holding Limited ("Boqii" or the "Company") (NYSE: BQ), a leading pet-focused platform in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2022 (the quarter ended September 30, 2021).

Fiscal Q2 2022 Operational and Financial Highlights

  • Total revenues were RMB282.1 million (US$43.8 million), representing an increase of 23.1% from RMB229.2 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021.
  • Net loss was RMB44.5million (US$6.9 million), compared to net loss of RMB27.5 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021.
  • Adjusted net loss was RMB40.9 million (US$6.3 million), compared to adjusted net loss of RMB35.8 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021.
  • EBITDA[1] was a loss of RMB41.5 million (US$6.4 million), compared to a loss of RMB23.4 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021.
  • Total GMV[2] was RMB692.6 million (US$107.5 million), representing an increase of 23.0% from RMB563.3 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021.
  • Active buyers were 1.6 million, representing an increase of 23.5% from RMB1.3 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021.

[1] EBITDA refers to net loss excluding income tax expenses, interest expense, interest income, depreciation and amortization expenses, but including all the professional expenses in relation to initial public offering in the fiscal year of 2021. EBITDA is a Non-GAAP financial measurement. Please refer to "Non-GAAP financial measurement".

[2] GMV refers to gross merchandise volume, which is the total value of confirmed orders placed with us and sold through distribution model or drop shipping model where we act as a principal in the transaction regardless of whether the products are delivered or returned, calculated based on the listed prices of the ordered products without taking into consideration any discounts. The total GMV amount (i) includes GMV of products sold by Xingmu, (ii) excludes products sold through consignment model and (iii) excludes the value of services offered by us. GMV is subject to future adjustments (such as refunds) and represents only one measure of the Company’s performance and should not be relied on as an indicator of our financial results, which depend on a variety of factors.

CEO & CFO Quote

Mr. Hao Liang, Boqii’s Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, "We maintained strong topline growth in the second quarter of Fiscal 2022. As the company continues to expand its offering and drive customer engagement, number of active buyers grew by 23.5% year over year.In addition to our organic business growth, we announced a strategic partnership with Yongle Huazhu in October, to provide pet-friendly stays in its Blossom House hotels. This partnership further demonstrates our dedication to providing all-round user care. We look forward to working with more partners to enhance our service portfolio, better address growing needs in our user communities, and lead accelerated growth for all."

Ms. Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang, Boqii’s Co-Founder, Co-CEO and CFO, stated, "We generated healthy revenue growth of 23.1% year over year this quarter. Continuous growth momentum from online marketing, information services, and other revenue once again exhibited the strength of our vertical platform and unqique value propositions to other players in the industry chain. Our improved gross margin also demonstrated our ability to achieve high-quality topline growth. Looking ahead, we will remain committed to serving both our growing customer base and industry partners with seamless experience and elevated efficiency, and look forward to further strengthening our core capabilities to better capture the immense opportunities in the pet industry."

Fiscal Q2 2022 Financial Results

Total revenues were RMB282.1 million (US$43.8 million), representing an increase of 23.1% from RMB229.2 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021. The increase was primarily due to the continued organic growth of our business.

Revenues
(in million)

Three Months Ended

September 30

%

2021

2020

change

RMB

RMB

YoY

Product sales

266.1

227.9

16.8%

·         Boqii Mall

107.6

94.4

14.0%

·         Third party e-commerce platforms

158.5

133.5

18.7%

Online marketing and information services and other revenue

16.0

1.3

1123.8%

Total

282.1

229.2

23.1%

Gross profit was RMB55.7 million (US$8.6 million), representing an increase of 30.7% from RMB42.6 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021.

Gross margin was 19.7%, compared to 18.6% in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021.

Operating expenses were RMB96.8 million, representing an increase of 25.6 % from RMB77.1 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021. Operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues was 34.3%, compared to 33.6% in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021.

  • Fulfillment Expenses were RMB29.6 million, representing an increase of 2.0% from RMB29.0 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021. Fulfillment expenses as a percentage of total revenues was 10.5%, down from 12.7% in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021. The decrease was mainly due to: (i) the improved utilization of warehouses by adjusting inventory mix; (ii) more cost-efficient China warehouse relocations; and (iii) lower delivery service prices through renegotiation with third-party delivery service providers.
  • Sales and marketing expenses were RMB44.0 million, representing an increase of 40.3% from RMB31.3 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenue was 15.6%, compared to 13.7% in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021. The increase was primarily due to: (i) the increased personnel expense of RMB4.6 million related to the discontinued Covid government subdisies; (ii) the increased advertising expenses of RMB6.8 million for business expansion.
  • General and administrative expenses were RMB23.2 million, representing an increase of 39.0% from RMB16.7 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue was 8.2%, compared to 7.3% in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021. The increase was primarily due to: (i) share-based compensation expense of RMB3.3 million; and (ii) the increased professional fees of RMB3.4 million incurred after we became a publicly traded company.

Operating loss was RMB41.0 million (US$6.4 million), compared to RMB34.2 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021.

EBITDA was a loss of RMB41.5 million (US$6.4 million), compared to a loss of RMB23.4 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021.

Net loss was RMB44.5 million (US$6.9 million), compared to net loss of RMB27.5 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021.

Adjusted net loss was RMB40.9 million (US$6.3 million), compared to adjusted net loss of RMB35.8 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021.

Diluted net loss per share was RMB0.64 (US$0.10), compared to diluted net loss per share of RMB3.06 in the same quarter of fiscal year 2021.

Total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were RMB339.4 million (US$52.7 million), compared to RMB415.7 million as of June 30, 2021.

Conference Call

Boqii’s management will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, U.S. Eastern Time (9:00 PM on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, Beijing/Hong Kong Time).

To join the conference, please dial in 15 minutes before the conference is scheduled to begin using below numbers.

Phone Number

International

1-412-317-6061

United States

1-888-317-6003

Hong Kong

852 800 963-976

Mainland China

86 4001-206115

Passcode

6835046

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until December 7, 2021.

Phone Number

International

1-412-317-0088

United States

1-877-344-7529

Replay Access Code

10161957

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.boqii.com/.

About Boqii Holding Limited

Boqii Holding Limited (NYSE: BQ) is a leading pet-focused platform in China. We are the leading online destination for pet products and supplies in China with our broad selection of high-quality products including global leading brands, local emerging brands, and our own private label, Yoken and Mocare, offered at competitive prices. Our online sales platforms, including Boqii Mall and our flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms, provide customers with convenient access to a wide selection of high-quality pet products and an engaging and personalized shopping experience. Our Boqii Community provides an informative and interactive content platform for users to share their knowledge and love for pets.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding such risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company uses non-GAAP financial measures, namely adjusted net loss, adjusted net loss margin, EBITDA and EBITDA margin, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. The Company defines (i) adjusted net loss as net loss excluding fair value change of derivative liabilities and share-based compensation expenses, (ii) adjusted net loss margin as adjusted net loss as a percentage of total revenues, (iii) EBITDA as net loss excluding income tax expenses, interest expense, interest income, depreciation and amortization expenses, (iv) EBITDA margin as EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues. The Company believes adjusted net loss, adjusted net loss margin, EBITDA and EBITDA margin enhance investors’ overall understanding of its financial performance and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by its management in its financial and operational decision-making.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As these non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and may not be calculated in the same manner by all companies, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measures, which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance. For reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please see the section of the accompanying tables titled, "Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results." The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on any single financial measure.

Exchange Rate

This press release contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars ("USD") at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to USD were made at the rate of RMB6.4434 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on September 30, 2021 in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or USD amounts referred to could be converted into USD or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Boqii Holding Limited
Investor Relations
Tel: +86-21-6882-6051
Email: ir@boqii.com

The Blueshirt Group
Ms. Susie Wang
Email: susie@blueshirtgroup.com

In the United States:

The Blueshirt Group
Ms. Julia Qian
Email: julia@blueshirtgroup.com

BOQII HOLDING LIMITED

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise noted)

As of
March 31,
2021

As of
September 30,
2021

As of
September 30,
2021

RMB

RMB

US$

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

292,237

210,199

32,622

Short-term investments

168,546

129,195

20,051

Accounts receivable, net

45,732

62,341

9,675

Inventories, net

91,551

97,294

15,100

Prepayments and other current assets

85,261

81,536

12,655

Amounts due from related parties

11,465

36,081

5,600

Total current assets

694,792

616,646

95,703

Non-current assets:

Property and equipment, net

8,386

7,731

1,200

Intangible assets

29,537

27,543

4,275

Operating lease right-of-use assets

29,234

44,405

6,892

Long-term investments

74,330

85,211

13,225

Goodwill

40,184

40,684

6,314

Other non-current asset

4,111

4,363

677

Total non-current assets

185,782

209,937

32,583

Total assets

880,574

826,583

128,286

LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

Current liabilities

Short-term borrowings

85,566

124,995

19,399

Accounts payable

71,848

82,838

12,856

Salary and welfare payable

6,309

5,307

824

Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities

30,055

26,732

4,149

Amounts due to related parties, current

910

9,495

1,474

Contract liabilities

3,866

3,893

604

Operating lease liabilities, current

8,063

9,945

1,543

Derivative liabilities

9,996

9,877

1,533

Total current liabilities

216,613

273,082

42,382

Non-current liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

8,958

8,464

1,314

Operating lease liabilities, non-current

19,997

32,802

5,091

Long-term borrowings

68,075

24,837

3,855

Other debts, non-current

433,292

337,251

52,341

Total non-current liabilities

530,322

403,354

62,601

Total liabilities

746,935

676,436

104,983

Mezzanine equity

Redeemable non-controlling interests

5,946

6,229

967

Total mezzanine equity

5,946

6,229

967

Stockholders’ equity:

Class A ordinary shares (US$0.001 par value; 129,500,000 shares authorized,
     54,505,108 and 54,619,541 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31
     and September 30, 2021, respectively)

364

366

57

Class B ordinary shares (US$0.001 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized,
     13,037,729 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31 and September,
     30, 2021, respectively)

82

82

13

Additional paid-in capital

3,272,612

3,283,708

509,623

Statutory reserves

3,047

3,163

491

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(20,172)

(25,937)

(4,025)

Accumulated deficit

(2,759,882)

(2,838,493)

(440,527)

Receivable for issuance of ordinary shares

(413,377)

(322,369)

(50,031)

Total Boqii Holding Limited shareholders’ equity

82,674

100,520

15,601

Non-controlling interests

45,019

43,398

6,735

Total shareholders’ equity

127,693

143,918

22,336

Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity

880,574

826,583

128,286

Notes for all the condensed consolidated financial schedules presented:
Note 1: The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into U.S. dollars (USD) is based on the certified exchange rate of USD1.00=RMB6.4434 on September 30, 2021 published by the Federal Reserve Board.

 

BOQII HOLDING LIMITED

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise noted)

Three Months Ended September 30,

Six Months Ended September 30,

2020

2021

2021

2020

2021

2021

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

Net revenues:

Product sales

227,883

266,090

41,297

465,815

577,583

89,639

Online marketing and information services and
     other revenue

1,307

16,031

2,488

1,813

26,384

4,095

Total revenues

229,190

282,121

43,785

467,628

603,967

93,734

Total cost of revenue

(186,555)

(226,415)

(35,139)

(381,723)

(491,880)

(76,339)

Gross profit

42,635

55,706

8,646

85,905

112,087

17,395

Operating expenses:

Fulfillment expenses

(29,037)

(29,632)

(4,599)

(62,669)

(62,519)

(9,703)

Sales and marketing expenses

(31,342)

(43,969)

(6,824)

(66,286)

(89,454)

(13,883)

General and administrative expenses

(16,697)

(23,203)

(3,601)

(33,565)

(42,774)

(6,638)

Other income, net

258

55

9

305

67

10

Loss from operations

(34,183)

(41,043)

(6,369)

(76,310)

(82,593)

(12,819)

Interest income

4,487

4,677

726

6,203

9,864

1,531

Interest expense

(6,416)

(5,997)

(931)

(13,559)

(12,059)

(1,872)

Other (losses)/gain, net

879

(2,723)

(423)

3,776

405

63

Fair value change of derivative liabilities

8,303

249

39

10,409

411

64

Loss before income tax expenses

(26,930)

(44,837)

(6,958)

(69,481)

(83,972)

(13,033)

Income taxes expenses

(500)

238

37

(191)

1,247

194

Share of results of equity investees

(20)

68

11

(77)

834

129

Net loss

(27,450)

(44,531)

(6,910)

(69,749)

(81,891)

(12,710)

Less: Net (loss)/income attributable to non-
     controlling interest shareholders

617

(1,216)

(189)

896

(3,683)

(572)

Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited

(28,067)

(43,315)

(6,721)

(70,645)

(78,208)

(12,138)

Less: Accretion on convertible redeemable
     preferred shares to redemption value

(39,925)

(75,062)

Less: Accretion on redeemable non-controlling
     interests to redemption value

(143)

(22)

(283)

(44)

Less: Deemed dividend to preferred shareholders

(12,547)

Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding
    
Limited‘s ordinary shareholders

(67,992)

(43,458)

(6,743)

(158,254)

(78,491)

(12,182)

Net loss

(27,450)

(44,531)

(6,910)

(69,749)

(81,891)

(12,710)

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net
     of nil tax

(10,716)

2,947

457

(11,517)

(5,765)

(895)

Unrealized securities holding gains

1,195

Total comprehensive loss

(38,166)

(41,584)

(6,453)

(80,071)

(87,656)

(13,605)

Less: Net comprehesive (loss)/income
     attributable to non- controlling interests s
     hareholders

617

(1,216)

(189)

896

(3,683)

(572)

Total comprehensive loss attributable to Boqii
     Holding
Limited

(38,783)

(40,368)

(6,264)

(80,967)

(83,973)

(13,033)

Net loss per share attributable to Boqii
     Holding
Limited’s ordinary shareholders

— basic

(3.06)

(0.64)

(0.10)

(7.12)

(1.16)

(0.18)

— diluted

(3.06)

(0.64)

(0.10)

(7.12)

(1.16)

(0.18)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares

— basic

22,238,454

67,703,830

67,703,830

22,238,454

67,703,830

67,703,830

— diluted

22,238,454

67,703,830

67,703,830

22,238,454

67,703,830

67,703,830

Notes for all the condensed consolidated financial schedules presented:
Note 1: The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into U.S. dollars (USD) is based on the certified exchange rate of USD1.00=RMB6.4434 on September 30, 2021 published by the Federal Reserve Board.

 

Boqii Holding Limited

Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended September 30

Six Months Ended September 30,

2020

2021

2020

2021

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

Net loss

(27,450)

(44,531)

(69,749)

(81,891)

Fair value change of derivative liabilities

(8,303)

(249)

(10,409)

(411)

Share-based compensation

3,917

9,903

Adjusted Net loss

(35,753)

(40,863)

(80,158)

(72,399)

Adjusted Net Loss Margin

(15.6%)

(14.5%)

(17.1%)

(12.0%)

Three Months Ended September 30,

Six Months Ended September 30,

2020

2021

2020

2021

RMB

RMB

RMB

RMB

Net loss

(27,450)

(44,531)

(69,749)

(81,891)

Income tax expenses

500

(238)

191

(1,247)

Interest expenses

6,416

5,997

13,559

12,059

Interest income

(4,487)

(4,677)

(6,203)

(9,864)

Depreciation and amortization

1,601

1,957

3,351

3,885

EBITDA

(23,420)

(41,492)

(58,851)

(77,058)

EBITDA Margin

(10.2%)

(14.7%)

(12.6%)

(12.8%)

Notes for all the condensed consolidated financial schedules presented:
Note 1: The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into U.S. dollars (USD) is based on the certified exchange rate of USD1.00=RMB6.4434 on September 30, 2021 published by the Federal Reserve Board.

Samsung Silently Reveals the Galaxy A03 & the Galaxy A03 Core

Samsung’s A series just got a little broader with the company silently announcing two new entries. The new entries seem to be meant for the entry-level segment. The addition of the new Galaxy A03 and Galaxy A03 core seems to bring even more choice when it comes to the lower end of the A series.

  • 010 galaxy a03 core blue back
  • 015 galaxy a03 core blue l side
  • 011 galaxy a03 core blue front l30
  • 014 galaxy a03 core blue back r30
  • 012 galaxy a03 core blue front r30
  • 013 galaxy a03 core blue back l30
  • 016 galaxy a03 core blue r side

The new Samsung Galaxy A03 comes with an unnamed octa-core processor and up to 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. On the display side of things, the smartphone comes with a 6.5-inch display with an HD+ resolution. The camera setup of the Galaxy A03 is a dual-sensor setup with a 48-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and a 2-megapixel depth sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. The phone is powered by a 5,000mAh battery. It also has support for Dolby Atmos.

Together with the A03, Samsung also silently listed the Galaxy A03 Core on its website. As the name suggests, the A03 Core is a stripped-down version of the A03. It looks to be coming with the same processor with a lower 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It also has the bare essentials when it comes to the camera setup with a single 8-megapixel sensor with autofocus on the back and a single 5-megapixel fixed-focus sensor on the front.

01 a03 product specifications

It’s more than likely that the phones will be running on OneUI Core – Samsung’s barebones version of their OneUI OS. It will likely ship with no frills and features like other higher-end devices but focus on the bare essentials.

Pricing & Availability

The Galaxy A03 will be available in blue, red and black. The A03 Core, on the other hand, will be available in Black and Blue only.

Samsung hasn’t announced any pricing or availability just yet.

Spotify Retiring Car View

Spotify looks to be retiring its simplified UI for drivers. The Car View mode was initially announced in 2019 as a way to prevent drivers from being distracted while driving. Spotify’s approach was to strip away most of the superfluous elements on the UI giving users a simplified UI. The UI basically only allowed users to do basic actions like skip, pause and rewind when activated.

However, it looks like Car View is being removed from the app. Android users will realise that Car View no longer launches when connected to a Bluetooth speaker. The removal of Car View from the Spotify app was confirmed by a support thread moderator. In the statement, the moderator said that the feature is being retired to “make way for new innovations” and that they are “actively exploring a variety of new ways to deliver the best in-car listening experience”.

Spotify Car Thing
Spotify Car Thing // Source: Spotify

While the retiring of the feature seems counter-intuitive, it isn’t really a handicap to the app as users are also able to interact with app via Google Assistant or, if you have a car with CarPlay or Android Auto, you can simply use the app in the dash. However, the timing of Spotify’s move to silently retire the feature is a little sus. The company only just recently released “Car Thing” a display device meant for older vehicles. The device delivers a similar experience to users who can’t use in-dash apps. That said, the USD$80 device is currently only available in the U.S. and Canada.

We’ll just have to wait and see whether a new version of Car View is in the works.

OPPO’s Reno7 Series Officially Unveiled in China

OPPO’s Reno series seems to spawn more and more iterations. Barely six months after the release of the OPPO Reno 6 series, the company has officially unveiled the OPPO Reno 7 series in mainland China. The new version of the Reno smartphones continues to inherit the line’s focus on photography and remains firmly in the mid-range territory.

oppo reno 7 pro in hand

The new OPPO Reno 7 series comes with an all-new design that ditches curves in favour of a more blocky design. However, the first thing you will notice isn’t the overall design, but the camera module which has been totally redesigned. The new Reno 7 series has three entries (for now): the Reno 7 5G, the Reno 7 Pro 5G and the Reno 7 SE 5G. Yep – that’s right – the whole Reno series now comes with 5G connectivity.

Reno7 Pro 5G

The other big change that OPPO has made is the notification LED which is now surrounding the camera on the Reno 7 Pro 5G. If you’ve been an Android user since the beginning, you’d be familiar with the notification LED. This has in recent years become smaller and smaller and even disappeared on some devices. However, with the Reno 7 Pro, the light is now making a unique comeback around the camera module of the smartphone.

oppo reno 7 pro

The Reno 7 Pro comes with a Mediatek Dimensity 1200-Max with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM paired with 256GB of internal storage. It has a 6.55-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with HDR10+ and Gorilla Glass 5. The display also has a 90Hz refresh rate.

When it comes to the camera, the Reno 7 Pro 5G comes with a triple camera module. The main sensor on the module is a 50-megapixel Sony IMX 766 with an f/1.6 aperture. This is complemented by an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and a 2-megapixel macro sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. The selfie camera is a 32-megapixel Sony IMX709 sensor with an f/2.4 aperture.

oppo reno7 ring

The 4,500 mAh battery powering the smartphone is also capable of 65W fast charging. It also has an in-display fingerprint scanner.

Reno7 5G

The Reno7 5G will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G. This is complemented by 8GB or 12GB of RAM with up to 256GB of internal storage. It will have a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate as well Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

oppo reno 7

On the camera front, the main triple sensor setup replaces the 50-megapixel Sony IMX766 with a 64-megapixel sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. It still retains the same macro and ultrawide sensor. On the front, is the same 32-megapixel Sony IMX709 sensor. The Reno 7 5G will be powered by a 4,500mAh battery but will only support 60W fast charging.

Reno7 SE 5G

The Reno7 SE, on the other hand, will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 900 paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. It also has the same 6.43-inch display as the Reno 7.

oppo reno 7 se

On the camera front, however, the Reno 7 comes with a triple camera module with the 48-megapixel Sony IMX581 sensor as the main sensor. This is complemented with a 2-megapixel macro sensor and a 2-megapixel portrait sensor. On the front is a 16-megapixel Sony IMX471.

The SE is powered by a 4,500mAh battery with support 33W fast charging.

Pricing & availability

The series will be running Android 12 based ColorOS12. All variants will be available in Morning Gold, Midnight Black and Star Rain Wish (Blue).

The Reno 7 Pro will be available for CN¥3,699 (MYR2,450.41) for the 8GB + 128GB version and CN¥3,999 (MYR2,649.15) for the 12GB + 256GB version.

The Reno 7 will be available in three variants. The 8GB + 128GB version will cost CN¥2,699 (MYR1,787.88), the 8GB + 256GB version will cost CN¥2,999 (MYR1,986.61) while the 12GB + 256GB version will cost CN¥3,299 (MYR2,185.34).

The Reno 7 SE will be available in 8GB +128GB and 8GB+256GB versions. The former will cost CN¥ 2,199 (MYR1,456.67) while the latter will be priced at CN¥ 2,399 (MYR1,589.39).

Samsung’s DeX Bids Windows 7 & MacOS Good Bye

Samsung’s DeX is one of the most useful additions to the Samsung ecosystem since the S Pen. The platform allows users to multitask seamlessly with their Windows or Mac systems in tandem with their Samsung device. It was first introduced with the Galaxy S8 and continues to be a cornerstone feature in any Samsung device.

samsungdex section02 01 pc
Source: Samsung

That said, the feature – which turns a Samsung smartphone or tablet into a portable computer – seems to be making its first cut to keep up with the times. Samsung’s DeX will be halting support for Windows 7 come January 2022. This comes as no surprise as Microsoft themselves has marked Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 for support termination in the near future. If you’re on Windows 10 or later, you won’t have to worry about this change.

In addition to ending support for Windows 7, it looks like MacOS users who have a Samsung device will also be out of luck as Mac OS support will also be dropped come January 2022. Users have been getting a pop up notice from the app stating that support is ending for the app and it will not be available for download starting January 2022. No clarification or explanation has been given for the ending of support for MacOS.

Samsung DeX MacOS pop up Reddit
Source: Reddit

If you haven’t used Samsung DeX, it’s one of the first iterations of screen/device mirroring that made its way to Android. The feature allows users to connect their smartphones and/or tablets to a screen via HDMI or to a PC through WiFi. Once connected users will be able to access a desktop version of OneUI with support drag and drop file transfers.

DearMonsters’ sustainable blockchain play-to-earn concept proves to be popular as 500000 BUSD public presale allocation sold

SINGAPORE, Nov. 30, 2021 — DearMonsters ($DMS) successfully completed their round of presale on 24th November 2021. Touted to be the next upcoming blockchain play-to-earn game, its concept of sustainability of the game ecosystem to provide potential earnings to both early and late entrants to its game appeals to many crypto-enthusiasts as DearMonsters successfully completed its first presale of 500000 BUSD.

Slated to be released in December 2021, DearMonsters’ development of a sustenance-centric play-to-earn infrastructure proves to be a hit amongst investors and players alike as many crypto investors see the potential of DearMonsters to be the next gem in the NFT industry.

Beyond the gameplay, DearMonsters also seeks to introduce real life use cases to the token to increase the DMS token utility.

The sustainable model

The adoption of blockchain technology has popularised NFT blockchain play-to-earn-games. There are many such games offering lucrative financial yields through in game activities such as grinding, farming and PvP. However, games that attract players through high investment yields are often unsustainable due to the high distribution of tokens without strong use cases and burning mechanisms to control the supply which eventually leads to a severe plunge in token prices. The developers of DearMonsters has identified this to be the lifeline of a blockchain play-to-earn game concept and thus developed a sustainable economic model with strong utility to maintain a healthy economy that addresses token supply inflation. This is achieved through its gameplay mechanisms and the reflection feature of the DearMonsters token.

DearMonsters ($DMS) Reflection Token

DearMonsters utilises a reflection token as its trading token and in game currency. Reflection token works by charging a tax to each transaction and distributing the fee to all token holders according to the percentage of tokens held. Fees are automatically distributed to token holders upon each transaction. $DMS tokens charges a 3% tax, of which 1.5% is redistributed to token holders, 1% is burned while 0.5% goes towards continual development, rewards issuance and developers’ fee. The burn feature ensures continual burn of tokens which reduces the pressure of token inflation, creating scarcity. The redistribution function incentivises token holders to hold the tokens to receive more tokens thus reducing selling pressure in a bear market. In summary, while the reflection token’s 3% tax appears to impose on investors, it rewards the long-term investors as the main percentages of the tax are being redistributed and burned.

Safe, Secure and Trusted Platform
DearMonsters is fully committed to ensuring that the platform is safe and secure for all investors. An external audit of the DMS token smart contract has been completed with SolidProof, a leading blockchain Audit firm. DearMonsters has also engaged leading cybersecurity firms to ensure maximum protection of investors’ assets and the DearMonsters ecosystem.

DearMonsters’ platform offers a variety of investment opportunities to suit different investors’ investment needs and horizons, from holding tokens to entering the gameplay to earn token rewards. DearMonsters can be one to be added into your crypto portfolio.

To understand and learn more about the DearMonsters’ platform, visit the website and join their community on Discord, Telegram and Twitter to connect with their existing community members.

Fibocom Joins OnGo Alliance to Speed Commercial Adoption of CBRS Solutions

Fibocom becomes the newest member of the OnGo Alliance to advance innovative CBRS commercialization, allowing fast, reliable and secure connectivity for remote education, remote work, IIoT and more.

SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 29, 2021 — Fibocom (Stock Code: 300638), a global leading provider of IoT (Internet of Things) wireless solutions and wireless communication modules, announces that it has joined the OnGo™ Alliance, an industry organization dedicated to supporting the adoption of LTE solutions for the 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS).

OnGo Alliance membership covers the entire network ecosystem, including operators, service providers, equipment manufacturers, software developers and more. As a member, Fibocom positions itself as an enabler that brings wireless communication technology to addresses the sophisticated needs of a number of IoT scenarios, such as remote education, remote work, IIoT, etc.

"I am delighted to have Fibocom joining the OnGo Alliance," said Alan Ewing, OnGo Alliance Executive Director. "Fibocom will bring its technical expertise and experience to help deepen the adoption of CBRS in the market as well as add to the number of IoT deployments and use cases."

"CBRS spectrum availability represents an unprecedented opportunity for many industries to meet wireless connectivity challenges," said Ron Friedman, VP of Americas Sales Dept., Fibocom. "By joining the OnGo Alliance, Fibocom emphasizes our commitment to a large-scale deployment of CBRS, which will provide every industry with reliable, cost-effective, and scalable wireless communication solutions."

In September 2021, Fibocom introduced the LTE-A Category 6 wireless communication module FM101-CG. Featuring 3GPP Release 12 capabilities, the FM101-CG module is exclusively designed to advance the commercial deployment of products operating in the CBRS spectrum. Powered by the Snapdragon® X12+ LTE Modem from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., the module supports LTE TDD Band 42/43/48 and delivers maximum data rates of up 260 Mbps downlink and 30 Mbps uplink. FM101-CG adopts M.2 form factor measuring 30.0*42.0*2.3mm.

Along with abundant functionalities such as DFOTA, VoLTE and Audio, the Fibocom FM101-CG module supports multi-constellation GNSS receiver, including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo, for high-performance positioning and navigation. It also supports multiple operating systems (Linux/ Android/ Windows), various Internet protocols as well as a rich set of digital interfaces (USIM, USB 3.0/2.0, PCIe 2.0 and PCM/I2S), allowing much flexibility and ease of integration for customer’s application. The module has been certified by FCC/ RoHS/ HF/ TSCA/ Reach/ CE.

At present, the engineering samples of FM101-CG are available for product testing and development, which provides solution that help device OEMs and systems designers with their innovative new products, optimizing business operations and processes.

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About Fibocom
Fibocom is a leading global provider of wireless communication modules and solutions in the sector of IoT (Internet of Things), as well as the first stock-listed (Stock Code:300638) wireless module provider in China. We provide end-to-end IoT wireless communication solutions for telecom operators, IoT equipment manufacturers, and IoT system integrators. With over two decades’ engagement in M2M and IoT communication technology and extensive expertise, we are capable of independently developing high-performance wireless communication modules including 5G, LTE/LTE-A, NB-IoT/LTE-M, Android Smart, Automotive, WCDMA/HSPA(+), GSM/GPRS, Wi-Fi, GNSS, etc. Besides reliable, convenient, safe and intelligent IoT communication solutions for almost all vertical industries, we are also geared to customize the best and optimal IoT modules and solutions catering to your special requirements.

Sales Contact
Jim Engleson
Director of Sales & Strategic Partnerships
Jim.Engleson@fibocom.com

Media Contact
Ellie Cai
Global PR Specialist
pr@fibocom.com

Come to Dalian to experience “New Future”

DALIAN, China, Nov. 29, 2021 — The experiential variety show "Brave New Future" was premiered on Nov. 19, 2021. The short video of the "space-time dialogue" between the guest and his bionic robot has been widely concerned by the audience. People focused their attention on the EX Future Science and Technology Museum in Jinshitan (also known as Golden Pebble Beach), Dalian, a coastal city of Northeast China’s Liaoning Province. Earlier, the museum’s Einstein bionic robot was impressive at the 2021 World Robot Conference in Beijing.

The EX Future Science and Technology Museum in Dalian Jinshitan
The EX Future Science and Technology Museum in Dalian Jinshitan

The EX Future Science and Technology Museum is located in Jinshitan Science and Technology Expo Square in Dalian, which is composed of the Dalian Jinshi Wax Image Hall and the EX Future Science and Technology Museum, with an exhibition area of nearly 20,000 square meters, according to Dalian Jinshitan National Tourism Resort Administrative Committee. The museum integrates high-tech achievements such as bionic humanoid robots, 5G cloud robots, interactive science and technology products, etc. Many application scenarios of artificial intelligence in future life are simulated, where tourists come into close contact with future-oriented high and new technologies, visit the research and development and production process of bionic robots, and experience an unprecedented future life of man-machine symbiosis. The whole museum adopts robot one-stop service, including bionic experimental module, artificial intelligence robot research center, bionic robot manufacturing center and other scientific and technological scenes.

At present, the EX Future Science and Technology Museum is popularizing scientific knowledge through the combination of scientific, intellectual and interesting exhibition content and immersive experience, cultivate visitors’ scientific thinking imperceptibly and realize the organic integration of science, culture and art.

Image Attachments Links:

Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=408991
Caption: The EX Future Science and Technology Museum in Dalian Jinshitan

Kalkine Pty Limited to Launch its ‘Cryptocurrency Research’


SYDNEY, Nov. 29, 2021 — Kalkine Pty Limited is pleased to announce the launch of its ‘Cryptocurrency Research’ to provide insights in the blockchain technology space. The abatement of bond yields across the globe and proliferation of blockchain technology in varied industries ushered market players to seek this highly risky and high-rewarding asset class.

Cryptocurrencies use blockchain technology to record every transaction and are termed as digital currencies. There are 9,000+ crypto coins available in the market. Bitcoin is considered as the gateway asset into crypto that boasts the largest market capitalization reaching ~USD 1.09 trillion (Source: Trading View as on 25 November 2021), the highest among all the cryptocurrencies, followed by Ethereum, Tether, Binance Coin, and Cardano.

Blockchain technology assumed greater significance for tracking and tracing products, payments, and remittances, identity management, benefiting a spectrum of industries from healthcare, government, and public services to manufacturing etc.

Kalkine’s ‘Cryptocurrency Research’ provides new technical analysis-driven research on select cryptocurrencies traded on global exchanges while also highlighting the key risks associated.  

Crypto Investments peaked when the Central Bank across the globe pursued an accommodative policy stance to drive away from the pandemic; that had kept yields on the lower edge. With the growing acceptance of blockchain technology and regulatory supervision, the S&P Crypto Currency Broad Market Index delivered gains of 20.5% since mid-September (till November 18, 2021) as compared to S&P 500 Index returns of 5.3% (Source: REFINITIV).

Despite immense growth opportunities offered by Cryptocurrencies, the risks associated with this asset class are also significant. For instance, high price volatility, new and unregulated spot markets, market adoption in the retail or commercial marketplace, unclear government regulation, and irrevocable digital asset transactions.

Given this backdrop, Kalkine’s Cryptocurrency Research Offers Extensive Technical Research using technical parameters such as price action, trends, support, resistance, candlestick patterns, volumes, etc. Opportunities are assessed in the light of pre-defined risk-reward scenarios as well pros and cons of investing in a particular crypto asset.

Note: Trading decisions require a thorough analysis by investors. Technical research in general charts out metrics that may be assessed by investors before any Cryptocurrency evaluation.

Media Contact:
Honey Bhargava
honey.bhargava@kalkine.com.au