Monthly Archives: May 2024

Mobile, News

Yoodo to Discontinue Operations on August 29, 2024

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Malaysian mobile users who value customization and control over their data plans will soon bid farewell to a familiar brand. Yoodo, the popular digital telco known for its unique approach to mobile services, has announced it will cease operations on August 29th, 2024.

Yoodo bye byt

Yoodo’s departure marks a significant change in the Malaysian telecommunications landscape. Launched in 2018, the brand carved a niche for itself by offering users complete control over building their mobile plans. Users could choose their desired data allocation, voice minutes, and SMS bundles, tailoring their plans to their specific needs. This level of customization resonated with a tech-savvy demographic seeking to avoid the often-restrictive nature of traditional mobile contracts.

The reasons behind Yoodo’s discontinuation stem from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) requirements following the merger of Celcom and Digi. As a subsidiary of Celcom, Yoodo was required to be divested within 18 months of the merger’s completion to address concerns about reduced competition in the market.

Existing Yoodo customers can breathe a sigh of relief. Yoodo assures users that their current data, voice, and SMS services will continue uninterrupted on the CelcomDigi network until further notice. Furthermore, customers will have the option to port their numbers to another mobile operator of their choice. Yoodo will provide further details and support during the transition period leading up to August 29th.

The discontinuation of Yoodo raises questions about the future of customizable mobile plans in Malaysia. While CelcomDigi has not announced specific plans regarding Yoodo’s user base or the potential for similar customizable options within their existing offerings, it’s a situation worth monitoring.

Gaming, iOS, Mobile

Popular PSP Emulator, PPSSPP, Comes to the Apple App Store

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iPhone and iPad users, you can now get your PSP fix! The highly-regarded PlayStation Portable (PSP) emulator, PPSSPP, has finally arrived on the official Apple App Store. This allows iOS users to experience a vast library of PSP titles on their devices.

Screenshot 2024 05 17 at 08 55 03 PPSSPP PSP emulator

Developed by Henrik Rydgård, PPSSPP has established itself as a popular and reliable PSP emulator across various platforms. Now, iOS users can join the party and relive cherished titles like God of War: Chains of Olympus, Gran Turismo, and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. With PPSSPP readily available on the App Store, gamers can access a treasure trove of PSP classics, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

PPSSPP boasts more than just bringing back fond memories. The emulator comes equipped with a range of features designed to optimize the mobile gaming experience. Users can customize controls to suit their preferences, leverage save states to pick up gameplay seamlessly, and even upscale graphics for a sharper visual experience.

It’s important to remember that PPSSPP itself doesn’t include any game files. Users are responsible for acquiring PSP game files (ISOs or CSOs) legally. Developers recommend dumping physical PSP games or downloading them from reputable sources that comply with copyright laws.

While the arrival of PPSSPP on the App Store is exciting news, it’s worth noting that this initial release has some limitations. Features like Magic Keyboard support for enhanced iPad gaming and Retro Achievements integration are temporarily unavailable. However, the developer assures users that these functionalities will be added in future updates.

Android, Mobile

Samsung One UI 6.1 Update Rolls Out to Galaxy A Series without Galaxy AI

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The wait is over for some Samsung Galaxy A34 and A54 users, as the company has begun rolling out the latest One UI 6.1 update. This software update brings a variety of improvements and new features to the mid-range smartphone, but there’s a key caveat for users expecting significant AI enhancements.

While specific details haven’t been officially revealed by Samsung, reports suggest the One UI 6.1 update introduces various improvements for the Galaxy A series. This could potentially include a refreshed user interface, enhanced camera capabilities, and optimizations for smoother overall performance. Additionally, users might benefit from bug fixes and security patches, addressing any lingering software issues.

Galaxy AI not here One UI 6.1 Galaxy A

However, there’s a crucial detail to consider. Unlike Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S-series and foldable phones, the One UI 6.1 update for the Galaxy A34 and A54 reportedly doesn’t come with Galaxy AI. These advanced functionalities, showcased in other Samsung devices, leverage on-device processing for tasks like object recognition and Bixby scene detection.

That said, Samsung’s decision to withhold AI features from the Galaxy A34 aligns with its current strategy. The company tends to reserve its most advanced AI functionalities for its premium smartphone lines. This approach allows them to differentiate their flagship devices while ensuring a smooth and optimized user experience on more affordable models like the A34 and A54.

Lifestyle

All Nothing Earbuds To Get ChatGPT Integration

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Nothing, the company behind the transparent-designed Ear (1) earbuds, has announced integration with OpenAI’s powerful GPT-4 language model. This integration, available for select Nothing earbuds and smartphones, promises a more intuitive and voice-centric user experience.

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Source: Nothing

While Nothing earbuds have primarily focused on audio playback, the inclusion of GPT-4 expands their functionality significantly. Users can now leverage the capabilities of this advanced LLM through voice commands, potentially transforming the earbuds into a versatile AI assistant. This announcement comes on the heels of Open AI’s announcement of GPT-4 omni or GPT-4o.

GPT-4o’s roll out brings an interesting dimension to Nothing’s integration of ChatGPT into its peripherals. In the announcement, Open AI highlighted a number of extended features that come even with the free version of ChatGPT. It will be interesting to see how this impacts user experiences.

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Source: Nothing

However, there is a caveat. While the news sounds exciting, current reports suggest this initial integration has limitations. Firstly, it’s only compatible with specific Nothing earbuds, including the recently launched Ear (stick) and Ear (a), alongside the company’s upcoming phone models. Secondly, users require a Nothing phone – the Phone (1), Phone (2), or the Phone (2a) – to leverage GPT-4o’s capabilities through the earbuds.

Despite these limitations, the integration of ChatGPT with Nothing earbuds signifies a potential paradigm shift in the way we interact with wearable technology. Imagine a future where earbuds seamlessly integrate with AI assistants, providing real-time information, translation services, and voice-controlled device management – all through a convenient and discreet in-ear form factor.

While the potential applications are enticing, it’s important to acknowledge the ongoing discussions surrounding the safety and security of advanced AI models like GPT-4o. OpenAI, the developer behind GPT-4o, emphasizes its commitment to responsible development, implementing various safeguards during training and deployment. As this technology evolves, continued vigilance and ethical considerations remain paramount.

PR Newswire

Tompkins Robotics Announces Transcend Robotics Execution Platform

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ORLANDO, Fla., May 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tompkins Robotics, a leader in innovative robotics automation solutions, today announced the launch of a new set of integrated software applications, the Transcend Robotics Execution Platform. The Transcend platform represents an expanded suite of software applications, including Transcend Orchestrate, Transcend Connect, and Transcend Mobile, which together will further power the company’s robotics automation solutions. This launch marks a significant evolution in Tompkins Robotics’ commitment to deliver stable, cost-effective robotics automation solutions to customers worldwide. 

Tompkins Robotics Transcend Robotics Execution Platform
Tompkins Robotics Transcend Robotics Execution Platform

“We are incredibly excited to bring the Transcend software platform to the market,” said Mike Futch, Chief Executive Officer at Tompkins Robotics. “At Tompkins Robotics, our mission is to deliver innovative robotic solutions to solve the most challenging supply chain problems, and from our years of experience in helping customers achieve their automation goals, we know with certainty that software is the key. Launching these new products today will enable us to bring the next generation of robotic automation solutions to our customers.” 

Transcend Orchestrate, Transcend Connect, and Transcend Mobile combine to offer a functional and stable software system, powering critical pharmaceutical sortation solutions, high-demand e-commerce operations, as well as parcel and store replenishment systems. Formerly named “tWES,” the Transcend Orchestrate application powers the company’s flagship tSort automation solution. Transcend Connect builds upon years of experience deploying tSort solutions and is a fully configurable integration platform. More than a simple integration layer, Transcend Connect is a key component bridging robotics solutions and customer systems, enabling improved business efficiency and increased operational scale. And finally, Transcend Mobile brings a modern mobile experience to customers.

“Transcend represents a leap forward in robotics automation software,” said Bill Pelzar, Chief Technology Officer at Tompkins Robotics. “By combining our extensive experience with industry-leading technology, we’ve created a solution that goes above and beyond traditional warehouse execution software offerings, meeting the needs of today’s warehouses and fulfillment centers while also anticipating future challenges.”

For more information about Transcend and Tompkins Robotics, please visit www.tompkinsrobotics.com.

About Tompkins Robotics 
Founded in 2017, Tompkins Robotics is a global leader in robotic sortation solutions for distribution and fulfillment operations. Building on momentum from the award-winning tSort robotic sortation solution, the company continues to develop innovative robotic solutions to solve the most challenging supply chain problems. For more information, please visit www.tompkinsrobotics.com.

Contact
Lee Ann Vallerga
Marketing Director
Tompkins Robotics
marketing@tompkinsrobotics.com

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Computers

ASUS Teases Next-Level AI PCs To Be Revealed on May 21, 2024

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It’s no secret that we’re going to see AI PCs flood the market. After a pretty packed first half of 2024, it looks like the second wave is coming! ASUS is teasing a new event set to happen on May 21, 2024, at 2 a.m. (UTC+8/Malaysian Time) or May 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. Seattle time.

While details remain under wraps until the official launch, it is expected that this is THE event where ASUS will be announcing its stable of Qualcomm-powered PCs. If leaks are any indication, this could be the start of a true AI PC revolution. These laptops could potentially translate to faster processing of AI-powered tasks, improved battery life, and a more streamlined user experience for professionals working in AI development, machine learning, and data analysis.

ASUS Countdown

The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite SoC has been what we’ve been hearing about most in the leaks. So far, we’ve had inklings that this next-generation chip boasts significant advancements in processing power and efficiency, making it ideal for demanding AI workloads. While specifics haven’t been revealed, industry speculation suggests the ASUS AI PC will leverage the Snapdragon X Elite’s architecture to deliver exceptional performance while maintaining portability and power efficiency.

Of course, the X Elite isn’t just a supercharge when it comes to laptop PCs, it’s also Qualcomm’s second try at penetrating the laptop market. The chip manufacturer has had a setback previously with its Snapdragon 8cx and 7c SoCs. However, if leaks are any indication, we’re in for a show and possibly Apple Silicon level performance and battery life. The implications of the ASUS AI PC extend beyond the realm of technical specifications.

Stay tuned for further updates as we learn more about the specifications, features, and potential impact of this groundbreaking device

PR Newswire

Wondershare Filmora for Mobile Major Version Upgrade Showcases AI-Powered Solutions for On-the-Fly Editing.

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VANCOUVER, BC, May 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Wondershare, a leader in creative software services, has released the latest stage of its major mobile upgrade for its flagship product, Filmora, a powerful AI video editor. Filmora for mobile adds innovative AI tools and features such as an AI AutoCut and Dynamic Captions to its already powerful offering. It also includes key enhancements to Speech-To-Text and the addition of the AI Remover feature to remove unwanted objects from footage.  

Wondershare released the latest stage of its major mobile upgrade for its flagship product, Filmora, a powerful AI video editor.
Wondershare released the latest stage of its major mobile upgrade for its flagship product, Filmora, a powerful AI video editor.

Filmora for mobile continues to deliver on its promise of being a user-friendly mobile video editor with its latest update. Expanding on its previous innovative update, which brought AI-powered features to a smartphone form factor, AI AutoCut simplifies the constant editing work required by today’s content creators. Once a user selects a video theme, the versatile new feature automatically organizes the user’s media, extracts highlights. It instantly adds impressive transitions and suitable AI-generated music tailored to the final product.

With the introduction of Filmora’s mobile Dynamic Captions, creators now have unprecedented control over their captions and subtitles. Enhancing the existing Speech-To-Text function introduced in February, it is now updated with improved caption generation accuracy and efficient batch editing to speed up the editing process. The feature offers customizable caption colours, drop shadows, spacing, and new display effects, providing users with new ways to make their text more engaging. Smarter captions mean faster editing and enable creators of all skill levels to produce more content for their social media channels.

With this Update, Filmora for mobile introduces the AI Remover feature, which allows users to effortlessly eliminate unwanted objects and watermarks from their videos. This innovative cut-out tool enhances visual storytelling by focusing on key subjects and ensuring a cleaner, more professional look. Additionally, it aids in maintaining legal and privacy compliance by reducing the risk of copyright infringement, making it an invaluable tool for influencers and marketers alike.

Filmora for mobile gives users the power of a desktop editor in their pocket. New and improved AI features make Filmora’s mission of delivering robust editing solutions to millions of users a reality. 

About Filmora

Filmora is designed with its user in mind, featuring smoother performance and an intuitive user interface. With advanced AI functions, over 220,000 creative assets, commercially available music, 3D LUTs, effects, and pre-set templates, you have everything you need to perfect your creative vision. Filmora is available on iOS, Android, macOS and Windows. To try it for free, visit filmora.wondershare.com. Follow Wondershare Filmora on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to learn more. 

About Wondershare

As a renowned global leader in creativity and productivity solutions, Wondershare is dedicated to making cutting-edge technology accessible to everyone, fostering increased efficiency and creativity. Our commitment to excellence has been recognized through prestigious accolades from organizations like The Shorty Awards, G2, and GetApp. With a user base spanning over 100 million individuals across 150 countries, we offer diverse software solutions encompassing video editing, PDF manipulation, data recovery, diagram creation, graphic design, and more.

For media inquiries, please contact Irisl@wondershare.com.

Android, Mobile, News

Sony Unleashes Xperia 10 VI Midrange Smartphone

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Sony isn’t just releasing a flagship smartphone this round, it’s also bringing a new entry into its midrange lineup. The new Xperia 10 VI is built for creators on a more affordable scale coming with a two-day battery life and the Video Creator app which Sony debuted with the Xperia 5 V.

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The Xperia 10 VI is built to be a compact, durable smartphone coming in at only 164g. The lightweight smartphone measures only 155mm x 68mm and comes complete with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. That said, the smartphone is packed to the brim with power – most literally – with its 5000mAh battery.

Under the hood, the Xperia 10 VI comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 mobile compute platform that is built for affordable performance. This is complemented by 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Like its bigger sibling, the Xperia 1 VI, it also supports up to 1.5TB of extra memory through a microSD card slot. It comes with a 6.1-inch OLED display that Sony is calling Triluminous Display for mobile. This display supports a 60HZ refresh rate and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 gamut.

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On the camera front, the Xperia 10 VI comes with a dual sensor set-up. The main sensor is a 48-megapixel Exmor RS for mobile sensor. This is complemented by an 8-megapixel sensor. The sensors support shooting at 26 mm and 52mm focal length equivalents and 16mm focal length equivalents respectively. The camera setup also supports 2x optical zoom. It also comes with optical image stabilization for both still image and video shooting with Optical SteadyShot technology. Up front is an 8-megapixel sensor.

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Complementing the camera setup is Sony’s Video Creator app. Using this app, users will be able to seamlessly generate captivating videos from their still and video shots in less than a minute. Sony is promising three major OS updates and 4 years of security updates for the Xperia 10 VI.

Pricing & Availability

The Sony Xperia 10 VI will be available starting in August 2024 in Malaysia. For the rest of the world, Sony indicates that availability will start in the coming weeks. You can register your interest in the Xperia 10 VI on the Sony website now.

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The smartphone will be available in three colours: Blue, Black and White. In Malaysia, it looks like we’ll be getting the Black and Blue versions only. No official pricing has been announced yet.

PR Newswire

Goodnotes launches new features for Apple Pencil Pro, including Palette and Dynamic Ink

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  • With Palette users can stay in the flow as they think and create by accessing essential tools and commands with a simple squeeze of the Apple Pencil Pro 
  • Dynamic Ink for Fountain Pen adjusts ink flow based on Apple Pencil Pro rotation for more personalized expression in digital writing 

LONDON, May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Goodnotes, the beloved AI note-taking app and Apple’s 2022 iPad App of the Year, today unveiled two new features, Palette and Dynamic Ink, that unlock the power of Apple Pencil Pro’s new interactions. The updates take Goodnotes’ best-in-class Apple Pencil support to the next level, making writing and creating more seamless than ever before.

Palette

Users can simply squeeze their Apple Pencil Pro to bring up the Palette in Goodnotes right at the tip of their Pencil, enabling them to quickly switch between essential tools, access common commands such as undo, and modify ink stroke thickness and color.

Quickly switch tools with Palette
Quickly switch tools with Palette

With these frequently used functions just a little squeeze away, users can stay focused and in the flow as they think and create. Switch between highlighting text and writing in the margins when marking up a PDF, or jump from drawing a mind map to using the lasso tool to reorganize it—the new Palette makes it all effortless.

Dynamic Ink for Fountain Pen

The Fountain Pen in Goodnotes will now feel even more like the real thing, with its ink flow responding dynamically to the rotation of Apple Pencil Pro, in addition to the Fountain Pen’s existing responsiveness to pressure sensitivity.

Rotate to adjust ink flow with Dynamic Ink
Rotate to adjust ink flow with Dynamic Ink

As users write fluidly, their stroke varies with calligraphic flourishes just as a fountain pen should, bringing even more personal expression to their digital writing. Or, users can roll the barrel of Apple Pencil Pro for precision control of stroke thickness, with a stroke preview visible on hover.

“We’re always pursuing better ways to make thinking, writing, and creating in Goodnotes simply flow—and the new interactions of Apple Pencil Pro take that to the next level,” said Steven Chan, founder and CEO of Goodnotes. “Apple Pencil and Goodnotes have always been perfect companions, and we can’t wait to share even more features in the near future that make capturing and expressing your ideas easier than ever.”

The new Palette and Dynamic Ink for Fountain Pen features are available today for all Goodnotes users on iPadOS 17.5 using Apple Pencil Pro and a compatible iPad. 

About Goodnotes

Goodnotes is the leading AI digital paper used by millions of users worldwide. Launched in 2011, Goodnotes started as an improvement to physical paper notes—introducing the ability to take handwritten digital notes, search handwritten text, and organize everything into a digital library. Today, Goodnotes is pioneering generative AI for digital handwriting in the productivity space. Goodnotes was named Apple’s 2022 iPad App of the Year.

Android, Mobile

Sony Unveils New Xperia 1 VI Complete with Partnership with Activision

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Sony’s Xperia series of smartphones – particularly the Xperia 1 – has been geared towards creative professionals as a tool and complement to their kits. However, this year is a little bit different with the Xperia 1 VI as Sony isn’t just introducing new creative features including AI, it’s also announcing an exclusive partnership with Activision.

Uniting Technology & Creativity with a More Capable Camera for Better Expressions

Keeping true to Sony’s key tenant of staying true to creativity, the new Xperia 1 VI comes with a brand new camera system. This time, the new system brings Sony’s Exmor T for Mobile image sensor that promises excellent low-light performance. However, that’s not all when it comes to upgrades. The Xperia 1 VI also comes with a brand new triple sensor setup for its main camera. The setup still comes with ZEISS T* coating but features a brand-new variable zoom covering 85-170mm focal length equivalents. The new setup also comes with a wide sensor which is able to shoot in 24mm and 48mm focal length equivalents and an ultrawide sensor that shoots at 16mm focal length equivalent. According to Sony, this new setup is the first to cover such a wide range of focal lengths from Xperia. The camera setup enables up to 7.1x optical zoom and also supports telephoto macro photos and videos.

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Masaaki Oshima, Head of Mobile Business Unit and Imaging Entertainment Business Unit at Sony holding the Xperia 1VI during the YouTube Livestream announcement.

The Xperia 1 VI is also bringing AI features for creators. Continuing the company’s approach of unifying its flagship Alpha camera know-how and technology in its Xperia lineup, the Xperia 1 VI is adopting some AI features that we’ve seen in the Alpha family. As such, it comes as no surprise that the Mark VI will feature the return of AI-enabled eye-tracking autofocus. However, Sony is raising the bar by using AI to dynamically recognise and track the human skeleton and posture for more accurate autofocus. This will also ensure that your subject doesn’t go out of focus even in busy environments.

Breaking Its Own Mould with BRAVIA Technology & A Gaming Partnership with Activision

This year, it’s not just Alpha technology being folded into the Xperia 1 VI, Sony’s BRAVIA technology is also tagging along. Boasting the brightest display ever on an Xperia device, the new Xperia 1’s OLED display comes in a new 19.5:1 aspect ratio. Yes, Sony is doing away with the cinematic 20:1 aspect ratio we’ve seen previously. The display is also getting a boost in brightness with “Sunlight Vision”, a new feature that Sony is introducing to ensure that the display remains legible even under direct sunlight. Other than that, the display covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour space and has a 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz response rate.

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The inclusion of BRAVIA technology is also bringing with it a new gaming partnership with Activision-Blizzard for Call of Duty Warzone Mobile. The new partnership leverages the high performance of the processor and the new gaming-centric features that are coming with the Xperia 1 VI. In addition to richer sound and graphics thanks to BRAVIA technology, the smartphone is also coming with a brand new feature called FPS booster that optimizes the performance of the smartphone for higher frame rates and better gaming fluidity. In addition, the Xperia 1 VI also comes with optimizations for touch that can recognise up to 24 touch patterns and optimize responsiveness for them. Activision’s Call of Duty Warzone Mobile will launch in March 2024.

Top of the line Specs for Creativity

The Xperia 1 VI comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 under the hood. The top-of-the-line SoC from Qualcomm right now. This is paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal memory with support for up to 1.5TB additional space through the microSD card slot. The smartphone comes with support for Bluetooth 5.4 and USB 3.2.

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Screenshot 2024 05 15 at 16 12 43 276 Xperia 1 VI Xperia 10 VI Product Announcement May 2024 YouTube
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The display on the Xperia 1 VI is a 6.5-inch OLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080×2340 pixels. Camera-wise, the triple sensor at the back has a 52-megapixel main sensor and is complemented by a 12-megapixel telephoto and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. Upfront is a 12-megapixel sensor for selfies. All of this is powered by a 5,000mAh battery. The Xperia 1 VI will launch with Android 14 and will come with a guarantee for 4 years of security updates and three major OS updates.

Pricing & Availability

The Sony Xperia 1 VI will be available in the coming months. In Malaysia, it will be available starting July 2024. You can start registering your interest in the device over at Sony’s website now.

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It will be available in Platinum Silver, Black and Khaki Green worldwide. According to the Sony Malaysia website, Malaysia will only be getting Black and Khaki Green. No official pricing has been announced just yet.