Monthly Archives: May 2024

Business, Mobile

Truecaller Will Allow You to Create a Personalized AI Assistant with Your Own Voice

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Truecaller, the popular caller identification app, has announced an interesting use of AI. The app’s latest feature allows users to create a digital version of their own voice to interact with the Truecaller Assistant. This development, powered by Microsoft’s Azure AI Speech technology, personalizes the call screening experience and adds a layer of user control.

Truecaller AI Voice MS Azure

Traditionally, AI assistants rely on pre-recorded voices. Truecaller’s innovation breaks the mould by allowing users to record and personalize the voice used by their Assistant. This not only adds a touch of uniqueness but also potentially increases trust and user comfort when interacting with the AI.

How it Works

Setting up your personalized voice is a simple process. According to Truecaller’s user guide, users can access the Personal Voice option within the app settings and follow the on-screen instructions to record their voice. The recorded Assistant will then use this Truecaller voice to greet callers, identify the purpose of their call, and potentially even manage basic interactions on your behalf.

The ability to personalize your voice assistant is made possible through a partnership with Microsoft. Truecaller leverages Microsoft’s Azure AI Speech technology, ensuring a high-quality and secure voice experience.

While the initial focus is on call screening, the implications of personalized voice assistants extend further. Tech news outlets like Engadget speculate on the potential for this technology to revolutionize how we interact with our smartphones. TechRadar explores the possibility of using your personalized voice assistant for a wider range of tasks, potentially transforming it into a virtual personal secretary.

Business

Opera Browser Gets AI Infusion with Google Cloud & Gemini

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Opera has announced that it will be collaborating with Google Cloud to integrate Google’s Gemini AI models into its Aria browser AI. This partnership leverages the power of Google’s large language models (LLMs) to enhance Opera’s existing AI features. This integration promises to deliver a range of benefits to Opera users, including improved access to information, enhanced performance, and a more intuitive browsing experience.

Opera Browser Gemini AI Integration

The integration of Google’s Gemini AI models into Aria will manifest in several ways for Opera users. One key benefit is the ability to access and process information more efficiently. By leveraging the power of AI, Opera can provide users with more relevant search results and content suggestions. Additionally, the Gemini AI models can enhance browser performance, leading to faster loading times and a smoother overall browsing experience.

The partnership will also extend beyond core functionalities. Opera also plans to utilize Google’s AI models for image generation and text-to-voice capabilities. These features offer exciting possibilities for content creation and information consumption within the browser itself.

The integration of Google’s Gemini AI models into Opera’s Aria browser AI marks a significant step forward for the company. This collaboration has the potential to redefine the browsing experience for users, offering a more intelligent, efficient, and user-friendly way to navigate the web.

Android, Mobile, News

Nothing Unveils Phone (2a) Special Edition in Bold Primary Colors

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Tech company Nothing has released a new variant of its Phone (2a) smartphone, the Phone (2a) Special Edition. This edition focuses on a unique colour scheme that incorporates all three primary colours: red, yellow, and blue.

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The Phone (2a) Special Edition serves as a design statement for Nothing. It reflects the company’s commitment to user-centric design and its core design philosophy, which prioritizes transparency and a connection between users and technology. The Nothing Industrial Design Team, based in London’s King’s Cross, specifically crafted this colour combination to achieve a balanced and visually striking aesthetic, referencing “design heroes from the past” while creating a fresh look for a smartphone.

Maintains Original Specs with Software Improvements

The Phone (2a) Special Edition retains the core technical specifications of the original Phone (2a). Under the hood, you’ll find the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor ensuring smooth operation. The phone runs Nothing OS, the company’s custom operating system. Building on user feedback, Nothing has released 13 software updates since the original launch, including improvements to camera performance and app responsiveness.

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The Phone (2a) Special Edition boasts a large 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED display, ideal for multimedia consumption and web browsing. The rear camera system remains a dual 50-megapixel setup, capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos. Nothing’s signature Glyph Interface, the customizable LED light patterns on the back, is also present in this edition, adding a touch of futuristic flair.

Limited Availability in Malaysia

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The Phone (2a) Special Edition is offered in a single configuration with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. In Malaysia, a limited quantity of 100 units will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis at the Crossover online store starting Friday, June 7th, at 12:00 AM (https://crossoverconceptstore.com/pages/brands).

Pricing & Availability

The Nothing Phone (2a) Special Edition (12GB RAM + 256GB storage) will be available for RM1,699 in Malaysia. There will be a limited sale at the Crossover online store on June 7, 2024.

Globally, the special edition will be available on the Nothing website again in limited quantities. It will set you back £349, €379, or INR 27,999.

Business, News

Jom! Get Ready to Experience Malaysia’s First Apple Store On June 22nd!

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Malaysians… the wait is finally over! After much anticipation, Apple has officially announced the grand opening of its first-ever Apple Store in the country, set for Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 at 10 am. The store is in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s business district at The Exchange TRX. This marks a significant milestone for Apple’s presence in Southeast Asia, joining the ranks of the already established stores in Singapore and Bangkok.

Apple The Exchange TRX

But what exactly can you expect from this exciting new addition? Well, if you’ve ever visited an Apple Store elsewhere in the world, you already know you’re in for a treat. Apple Stores are more than just retail outlets; they’re immersive experiences designed to let you explore the full potential of Apple products.

Imagine strolling through a sleek, modern space filled with the latest iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. You can tinker with every device, test out new features, and get personalized advice from Apple’s friendly and knowledgeable staff. Need help setting up your new iPhone or transferring data from your old one? The Apple Store team, or Geniuses, is there to guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless transition.

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If other countries are any indication, Apple Stores are more than just places to buy – they’re hubs for learning and creativity. Apple also hosts workshops on everything from photography with iPhones to mastering video editing on iPads. Whether you’re a seasoned Apple user or just starting, there’s always something new to discover.

Apple Stores are designed to foster a sense of community and creativity. Striking visuals showcase Apple’s latest products in action, while comfortable seating areas invite you to relax, browse the web, or, hopefully, join a Today at Apple session – interactive presentations led by Apple staff on a variety of topics.

Mark Your Calendars for June 22nd, 10 am!

With the grand opening just around the corner, it’s time to mark your calendars for June 22nd! The arrival of the first Apple Store in Malaysia signifies a new era of Apple experiences for Malaysians. Get ready to explore, learn, and be inspired by the magic of Apple!

Accessories

Honor Drops Two New Wireless Earbuds in China: The Honor Earbuds X7 and Honor Earbuds A

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Hold onto your hats (or earbuds, I guess) because Honor has unveiled two new wireless earbud options that pack serious features without breaking the bank! Whether you’re a gym rat seeking secure-fitting buds or a casual listener looking for crisp sound, Honor’s got you covered. Let’s dive into the specs and see which bud is your perfect match.

Hono Buds

Honor Earbuds X7: The Feature-Packed Powerhouse

The Honor Earbuds X7 boast a sleek, half-in ear design that promises a comfortable and secure fit. But don’t be fooled by their looks – these buds are loaded with tech! They sport 10mm dynamic drivers, which means you’ll get rich, powerful audio that brings your music, movies, and podcasts to life.

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Honor boasts that the Earbuds X7 are equipped with a HiFi 5 digital signal processor (DSP) and “Golden Ear” certification. In simpler terms, this translates to clear, detailed sound with enhanced bass – perfect for getting pumped during your workout.

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The Honor Earbuds X7 offer up to 9 hours of playback on a single charge, with an additional 31 hours of juice provided by the charging case. That’s a total of 40 hours of listening time – enough to power you through commutes, workouts, and even a long-haul flight.

Honor Earbuds A: Simple, Stylish, and Affordable

The Honor Earbuds A are all about fuss-free music enjoyment. They feature the same comfortable half-in-ear design as its X7 sibling but with a slightly more compact profile. These buds are perfect for those who prioritize portability and ease of use.

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Don’t let their simple design fool you – the Honor Earbuds A pack a punch! They’re equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers, delivering crisp and clear audio for your listening pleasure. The HiFi 5 DSP ensures you get well-balanced sound, making them ideal for everyday use.

Battery life on the Honor Earbuds A is no slouch either. Enjoy up to 9 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case adding an extra 31 hours. That’s a total of 40 hours – plenty of power to keep your music going throughout the day.

Pricing & Availability

The Honor Earbuds X7 come in two stylish colourways: Sky Ocean Green and Moonlight White. These feature-packed buds will set you back ¥299 in China, which translates roughly to around RM193 or USD$42).

The Honor Earbuds A offers a more budget-friendly option, priced at just ¥199 in China (around RM128 or USD$27). They come in Cloud Blue and Mist White colour options.

Both the Honor Earbuds X7 and Honor Earbuds A will be available in China starting on May 31st, 2024. While international availability and pricing haven’t been confirmed yet, stay tuned – these earbuds might just be the perfect audio companions for budget-conscious music lovers everywhere!

Business, News

Google Responds to YouTube Skipping Glitch for Adblock Users

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Remember the YouTube meltdown where videos kept skipping to the end for ad blocker users? Conspiracy theories flew faster than likes on a cat video, accusing YouTube of targeting ad blockers. Well, YouTube claims innocence, but the plot twist might leave you reaching for your tinfoil hat (or maybe your credit card).

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Photo by greenwish on Pexels.com

It all started with frustrated viewers, especially those with ad blockers, whose videos were inexplicably jumping to the finish line. The internet buzzed with accusations. Was YouTube, owned by ad giant Google, punishing ad blocker rebels? YouTube scrambled to control the narrative, releasing a statement to 9to5 Google blaming a recent performance update gone awry. They reiterated their stance on ad blockers violating their Terms of Service and, not-so-subtly, encouraged viewers to support creators through ads (or that tempting YouTube Premium subscription).

While YouTube’s explanation seems reasonable, a healthy dose of scepticism lingers. The glitch’s timing, coinciding with rising ad blocker use, feels a bit too convenient. And tech companies have a not-so-stellar track record of using similar tactics to discourage ad blockers. So, is YouTube being entirely truthful?

The YouTube skipping saga highlights the constant struggle between user experience and ad revenue. Ad blockers undeniably impact a platform’s income, but resorting to underhanded tactics to force ad views is a risky PR gamble.

Consumer Electronics, Entertainment

BenQ W5800 Brings 4K Resolution for Home Theatre Enthusiasts for A Price

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The BenQ W5800 is a recently unveiled 4K laser projector targeting home theatre enthusiasts. This projector boasts specifications and features designed to deliver a high-quality viewing experience.

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The W5800 offers a native 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), promising sharp and detailed visuals for on-screen content. Additionally, the projector boasts 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage, which may appeal to users who prioritize colour accuracy and a wider range of colours.

It utilizes a laser light source, providing a brightness level of up to 3000 ANSI lumens. Laser light sources typically offer extended lifespans compared to traditional projector lamps, potentially reducing long-term maintenance costs. The projector also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, which can enhance the contrast ratio between blacks and whites, potentially resulting in a more lifelike image.

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Gamers and fans of action movies may find the W5800’s MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) technology appealing. MEMC technology aims to reduce motion blur and judder, potentially contributing to smoother visuals during fast-paced scenes.

The BenQ W5800 features a motorized zoom lens along with horizontal and vertical lens shift capabilities. This allows for a wider range of projector placement options without necessarily sacrificing image quality. Users can adjust the image size and position to better suit their screen or wall space.

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Pricing & Availability

The BenQ W5800 is priced at USD$5,999 (approximately RM25,490). It’s important to note that final Malaysian pricing and availability may vary depending on retailers. The projector is expected to be available for purchase in Malaysia later in 2024.

Business, News

Google’s Search Ranking System Has Leaked! Here’s What You Need to Know

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For years, Google has presented itself as the champion of unbiased search results, prioritizing user intent and high-quality content. However, a recent leak of internal Google documents has cast doubt on this narrative, revealing a complex ranking system heavily reliant on user clicks and potentially contradicting past statements from the company.

Black Samsung Tablet on Google Page
Photo by PhotoMIX Company on Pexels

What Leaked?

In late May 2024, a significant leak of internal Google documents, believed to be part of the company’s Content API Warehouse, surfaced online. This leak offered a glimpse into the previously hidden world of Google’s search algorithms, detailing ranking systems, data storage practices, and user interactions.

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Source: SparkToro

One of the most intriguing revelations from the leak concerns the prominent role of user clicks in Google’s “NavBoost” system. The documents highlight how NavBoost analyzes clicks, including the number and duration (short clicks versus long clicks), to assess user satisfaction with search results. This emphasis on clicks raises a critical question: does it contradict Google’s past statements about ranking factors?

The Leak Contradicts Google’s Official Statements

In past public pronouncements and legal battles (such as the American Department of Justice case against Google), Google representatives have emphasized factors like content quality, backlinks from reputable websites, and user experience metrics (mobile-friendliness, page speed) as major contributors to search ranking. However, the leaked documents elevate the importance of clicks, potentially suggesting a greater influence than previously acknowledged.

This discrepancy between past statements and the leak’s revelations raises concerns about potential bias or manipulation within search results. Critics argue that an overreliance on clicks could lead to scenarios where sensationalized content or websites with “clickbait” tactics receive higher rankings despite offering lower-quality information. This could ultimately distort user access to accurate and valuable online resources.

How Will This Impact Search and Google?

The Google Search leak represents a turning point in the ongoing conversation about search engine transparency. While the leaked documents don’t provide a complete picture, they highlight a potential disconnect between Google’s public statements and its algorithmic practices.

The question remains: how will Google respond to this leak? Will it address concerns about click-based bias and strive for greater transparency in its search ranking system? Ultimately, the future of unbiased search results depends on Google’s commitment to fostering a fair and informative online landscape.

This leak serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing scrutiny and accountability in the realm of search engines. Only through transparency and a focus on user intent can Google maintain its reputation as a reliable source of information in the digital age.

News

Panasonic LUMIX S9 Lands in Malaysia with Prices Starting at RM7,599

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Panasonic‘s LUMIX is no stranger to the camera enthusiast. However, it’s been quite a while since we’ve seen the brand make a big bang with its announcements – in Malaysia at least. Well, this time, Panasonic is making the biggest bang possible with its new LUMIX S9 – the smallest full-frame camera that the company has produced ever.

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Compact, Simple and Quick

The Panasonic LUMIX S9 is no simpleton’s camera. It’s built from the ground up to cater to content creators while keeping up with the standards of professional photography and videography. The LUMIX S9 comes with a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that the company first used in its LUMIX S5 II. It has improved real-time recognition autofocus with Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) for better subject tracking. The PDAF is complemented by a 5-axis dual image stabilizer that has 6.5 stops of stabilization and is complemented with body image stabilization with 5 stops of stabilization. Electronic Stabilization helps ensure that video footage is smooth and without distortion.

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The LUMIX S9 is compact. The body alone weighs a mere 403g or 0.89lbs. This is further accentuated by the compact body that can be held in one hand. Panasonic is doubling down on the compact size with the introduction of two new compact lenses for the S9. The first is a compact prime lens called the LUMIX S 26mm F8 (S-R26). This lens has a primed or fixed focal distance of 26mm and a minimum aperture of F8. The second, the LUMIX S 18-44mm F4.5-6.3, is a compact zoom lens with a focal distance between 18 and 44 mm. Both the lenses are pancake lenses and measure no longer than 3cm from the lens mount of the Panasonic LUMIX S9.

Created with Content Creators in Mind

The compact size is intentional as Panasonic is gearing the LUMIX S9 for content creators. The compact size allows creators to carry it around without breaking their backs with large, cumbersome camera bags. That’s not all, Panasonic is making it even easier to transfer footage between the S9 and your mobile phone for social media with the new MP4 (Lite) codec. Shooting in this format allows users to create high-quality videos without outputting large multi-gigabyte files. This makes it easier to transfer to the phone and post on socials. Panasonic is boasting up to 4.5x the transfer speed.

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Like other LUMIX cameras, the S9 shoots in the 3:2 aspect ratio. This allows creators to shoot for both YouTube and Socials with one camera. In fact, you can shoot once and crop the footage into 9:16 and 16:9 depending on which platform or format they will be uploading. With the 6000×4000 resolution of the open gate, full-frame sensor, you will still be left with high-quality 4K UHD footage after cropping.

App Complemented Experience with LUT Profiles

The LUMIX S9 also allows creators to shoot in real-time LUT. This feature allows you to shoot in colour profiles for videos and photos that are catered to your aesthetic. You’ll be able to download and apply LUTs that have been created and customised by other creators as well. This can be done through the LUMIX Lab app. The app will also allow you to develop and share your own LUT profile with friends and followers.

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Pricing & Availability

The Panasonic LUMIX S9 will be available in Crimson Red, Dark Olive, Jet Black and Silver. The camera body alone will be retailing for RM7,599. It will also be available in a bundle with a Panasonic LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 (R2060) lens for RM8,999.

The LUMIX S9 will be available for pre-order from 30th May to 30th June 2024 from retail stores. From 6th to 30th June, the camera will be available for pre-order from Lazada and Shopee. Pre-orders will get a SmallRig L-shape handle, a battery pack and a 64GB SanDisk Extreme Pro SD card.

Gaming, Lifestyle

PlayStation Celebrates Days of Play with Discounts Up to 30%, Free PS Plus Games, PS VR2 & PS2 Titles, and Free Themed Avatars!

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Gear up, PlayStation owners and enthusiasts! The annual Days of Play celebration kicks off today, May 29th, and runs for two weeks until June 12th. This year’s event promises to be a blockbuster, featuring exciting deals on popular titles, a significant boost to the PlayStation Plus service, and even free celebratory avatars to enhance your online presence.

Days of Play

Deep Discounts Up to 30% on PS5, PS4 & PS VR Games:

Get ready to bolster your game library without breaking the bank! The PlayStation Store is launching a dedicated Days of Play promotion featuring enticing discounts on a wide variety of titles.

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Early estimates suggest markdowns of up to 30% on select games. While specific details haven’t been fully revealed yet, the PlayStation Blog hints at exciting deals on recent releases like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and WWE 2K24, alongside beloved classics across PS5, PS4, and PS VR.

A dedicated Days of Play page on the PlayStation Store will go live on May 29th, showcasing all the participating games and their respective discounts. Keep an eye out for titles you’ve been eyeing or discover hidden gems at fantastic prices!

PlayStation Plus Gets a Supercharge with Free Games and More:

PlayStation Plus members are in for a treat during Days of Play! Depending on your subscription tier, you can unlock some fantastic bonuses:

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  • All PlayStation Plus Members (Essential): Get ready to add some free-to-play games to your library! Specific titles haven’t been announced yet, but Sony promises exciting options to keep you entertained throughout the event. On top of that, all PlayStation Plus members can download exclusive, commemorative avatars celebrating some of the popular titles offered through PlayStation Plus during Days of Play. These avatars are a fantastic way to show off your love for your favourite games! You can find these avatars on the PlayStation Plus web page or visit the PlayStation Plus Days of Play page on your PS5 or PS4 console to get the voucher code.
  • PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium Members: Brace yourselves for a major expansion of the PlayStation Plus game catalogue! These tiers will be bolstered with the addition of PS VR2 titles and classic PS2 games. Dive into the immersive world of virtual reality with new PS VR2 titles, or take a nostalgic trip down memory lane by revisiting iconic PS2 classics like SpongeBob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake, AEW Fight Forever, and Streets of Rage 4. This opens doors to a treasure trove of new and wonderfully nostalgic gaming experiences.

Celebrate with Free-Themed Avatars:

Showcase your love for PlayStation with exclusive, free Days of Play avatars! These commemorative avatars celebrate some of the popular games offered through PlayStation Plus during the event. All PlayStation Plus members can download these avatars to personalize their online profile and show off their gaming enthusiasm.

Something for Every PlayStation Fan:

Days of Play caters to PlayStation owners and enthusiasts of all levels, from seasoned veterans to newcomers just starting their PlayStation journey. With a vast library of discounted games (up to 30% off!), exciting additions to the PlayStation Plus service (free PS Plus games, PS VR2 & PS2 titles!), and free celebratory avatars, it’s the perfect time to discover new favourites, revisit classics, and celebrate your love for all things PlayStation.

Keep an eye on the official PlayStation Blog (https://blog.playstation.com/) throughout Days of Play for updates on specific discounts, free-to-play games, PlayStation Plus benefits, and commemorative avatars. With a focus on offering something for all types of players, this year’s Days of Play promises to be a fun-filled event for the entire PlayStation community.