Monthly Archives: June 2024

Business, Computers, iOS, Mobile, News

AI Comes to Apple Products with ‘Apple Intelligence’

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AI is the theme of the year when it comes to tech. Hot off the bevvy of announcements from COMPUTEX 2024, AI makes its Apple debut with ‘Apple Intelligence’. The WWDC 2024 keynote saw a swathe of new software across the board from iOS18 to MacOS Sequoia. However, Apple’s take on artificial intelligence integration was one thing in all the updates.

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Source: Apple
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Source: Apple

This new initiative focuses on leveraging on-device and cloud-based intelligence to enhance user experience in various aspects, from streamlined tasks to more personalized interactions. A key highlight is the integration of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s large language model, which promises to significantly improve Siri’s capabilities.

A New Siri Experience Powered by GPT-4o

Let’s talk about the OpenAI-sized elephant in the room. One of the most anticipated features within Apple Intelligence is the integration of ChatGPT. With GPT-4o having been recently announced, the technology is designed – now more than ever – to understand and respond to natural language in a more comprehensive and nuanced way.

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Source: Apple
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Source: Apple
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Source: Apple
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Source: Apple
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Source: Apple
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Source: Apple

With ChatGPT on board, Siri is poised for a major evolution. Users can expect more natural and engaging conversations, with Siri able to follow complex requests, answer follow-up questions within context, and even generate different creative text formats like poems, code, scripts, musical pieces, and emails. It will also allow Siri more contextual actions within apps.

Users can expect a more natural and intuitive user experience, with Siri now capable of:

  • Understanding complex requests: Gone are the days of meticulously crafted phrases to elicit a response from Siri. ChatGPT empowers Siri to comprehend the nuances of natural language, allowing users to ask questions and make requests in a more conversational style.
  • Following up within context: Frustrations with disjointed conversations are a thing of the past. ChatGPT enables Siri to follow the flow of a conversation, referencing previous questions and requests to provide relevant and connected responses.
  • Generating creative text formats: Need a poem for a loved one or a script for a home video? Look no further than the AI-powered Siri. ChatGPT unlocks the potential for Siri to generate different creative text formats, catering to various needs and situations.

This integration is expected to be available in beta form with the upcoming iOS 18 release. However, some reports suggest these features may remain in beta even after the official iOS 18 launch, allowing Apple to gather user feedback and refine the technology before a full rollout.

It’s Not Just Siri. Apple Intelligence is Everywhere.

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Source: Apple

Apple Intelligence isn’t only making its debut with Siri. It will be integrated into a bevvy of features that will be available across all of Apple’s products. Here’s a closer look at how ChatGPT is expected to influence different aspects of Apple products:

  • Effortless Photo and Video Management: The drudgery of editing photos and videos might soon become a relic of the past. Apple Intelligence, powered by ChatGPT, will analyze user photos and videos, automatically suggesting edits, filters, and effects. This intelligent assistant can recommend optimal edits based on factors like lighting, composition, and content, saving users valuable time and even sparking creative inspiration.
  • Personalized Health and Wellness Insights: The Apple Watch and Health app are poised to benefit significantly from AI integration with ChatGPT. Sleep tracking and activity monitoring functionalities are expected to become more accurate, with AI providing personalized insights that go beyond basic data collection. Imagine receiving actionable recommendations based on your sleep patterns or activity levels, empowering you to make informed decisions regarding your overall health and well-being.
  • Smarter Notifications, Streamlined Workflow: Imagine receiving notifications only when they are truly relevant and actionable. ChatGPT, integrated with Apple Intelligence, could analyze user habits and preferences, filtering out unimportant notifications and prioritizing the ones that require immediate attention. This intelligent system can even anticipate your needs, suggesting actions before you ask. For instance, imagine Siri suggesting you adjust your thermostat upon arriving home or reminding you of an upcoming meeting with relevant context.

Apple has emphasized its commitment to user privacy with Apple Intelligence. The company claims that all AI processing will prioritize on-device computation whenever possible. This minimizes the amount of data sent to the cloud, potentially reducing privacy concerns. Additionally, Apple assures users that their data will be anonymized and used only to improve their experience with Apple products and services.

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While Apple Intelligence promises exciting possibilities, some experts caution about potential limitations. Since some features will rely on cloud-based processing, concerns regarding internet connectivity and potential latency issues remain. Additionally, the long-term impact of AI on user privacy requires ongoing scrutiny and transparency from Apple.

PR Newswire

Kuaishou Unveils Proprietary Video Generation Model ‘Kling;’ Testing Now Available

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BEIJING, June 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Kuaishou Technology (HKD Counter: 01024 / RMB Counter: 81024)(together with its subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities, hereinafter referred to as “Kuaishou”), a leading content community and social platform, recently launched its self-developed video generation model, the Kling Large Model (hereinafter referred to as “Kling” (可灵)). Kling is capable of generating complex spatiotemporal motions and simulating the characteristics of the physical world. Leveraging these capabilities, Kling transforms text prompts into high-quality AI videos that closely mimic the real world’s complex motion patterns and physical characteristics. Kling also possesses powerful conceptual combination and imagination abilities. Kling can generate videos up to two minutes long with a frame rate of 30fps and video resolution up to 1080p while supporting a variety of aspect ratios. 

Kling utilizes diffusion-based transformer architecture (DiT), enhanced with Kuaishou’s upgrades to the model’s latent space encoding/decoding and temporal modeling modules. In terms of latent space encoding/decoding, Kuaishou has self-developed a 3D VAE network, achieving synchronous spatiotemporal compression and obtaining a high reconstruction quality, striking an excellent balance between training performance and effectiveness. In terms of temporal modeling, Kuaishou designed a computationally efficient, full-attention mechanism as a spatiotemporal modeling module. This method integrates temporal and spatial information, enabling comprehensive analysis and processing of video data. It can accurately capture local spatial features within video frames and temporal dynamic features across frames for a more comprehensive understanding and reproduction of motion information in videos. As a result, Kling can accurately capture details from rapidly moving objects, drastic scene changes, complex human movements and more, empowering dynamic, highly realistic video content generation. 

Kling is currently available for beta testing within “KuaiYing” (快影), Kuaishou’s video editing application for users in China. Users may register and apply for a Kling trial through KuaiYing. For more information and a video demo, please visit Kling’s official website at http://kling.kuaishou.com/

As a global leader in the short video industry, Kuaishou has developed a comprehensive AI strategy to usher in the large AI model era.  Large AI models offer a rich array of application scenarios for Kuaishou, seamlessly integrating with Kuaishou’s content and commercial ecosystems. Kuaishou has already released “KwaiYii” (快意), a general large language model with 175 billion parameters, and “KeTu” (可图), a large model product for text-to-image generation, both of which have attracted widespread attention. Kling’s launch demonstrates Kuaishou’s commitment to accelerating the research, development and application of large models, aiming to provide creators and users with more diverse AI-powered creation and interactive experiences.

About Kuaishou

Kuaishou is a leading content community and social platform with its mission to be the most customer-obsessed company in the world. Kuaishou has relentlessly been focusing on serving its customers and creating value for them through the continual innovation and optimization of its products and services. At Kuaishou, any user can chronicle and share their life experiences through short videos and live streams and showcase their talents. Working closely with content creators and businesses together, Kuaishou provides product and service offerings that address various user needs that arise naturally, including entertainment, online marketing services, e-commerce, online games, online knowledge-sharing, and more.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “might”, “can”, “could”, “will”, “would”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek”, or “timetable”. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, may include our business outlook, estimates of financial performance, forecast business plans, growth strategies and projections of anticipated trends in our industry. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Group and are stated herein on the basis of the outlook at the time of this press release. They are based on certain expectations, assumptions and premises, many of which are subjective or beyond our control. These forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect and may not be realized in the future. Underlying these forward-looking statements are a large number of risks and uncertainties. In light of the risks and uncertainties, the inclusion of forward-looking statements in this press release should not be regarded as representations by the Board or the Company that the plans and objectives will be achieved, and investors should not place undue reliance on such statements. Except as required by law, we are not obligated, and we undertake no obligation, to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that might reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release or those that might reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Kuaishou Technology
Investor Relations
Email: ir@kuaishou.com 

Consumer Electronics, Lifestyle, Reviews

HISENSE U6K Pro ULED TV In-Depth Review: Cutting Edge Quantum Dot On a Budget

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A cinematic experience has become more important in recent years as more and more people are looking to spend less at theatres. With the ready availability of several streaming services, this has become easier to achieve. However, with other factors becoming easier, the main factor – the television itself – has become even more complex. Consumers are faced with choices ranging the gamut of technology and prices. It wouldn’t be surprising to be utterly lost with the choices. Do you buy something that is cheaper or do you buy something more expensive?

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We’re taking a deep dive into one of the more affordable options available in the market – the Hisense U6K PRO ULED TV. It’s a smart TV that brings Google TV into the home opening up doors when it comes to apps. But, is it really worth investing in it? We’re breaking down the experience of owning a Hisense U6K Pro and putting the TV to the test to find out.

Design

The trend nowadays is to have a large, thin, nearly bezel-less TV. One that can blend seamlessly into your living room and appear to be part of the décor. The Hisense U6K Pro checks most of the boxes off when it comes to these criteria. It’s a near bezel-less display and it appears to be thin. It’s also got two available sizes: 55- and 65-inch to fit your home environment.

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However, the TV is a bottom heavy. It’s a large screen with a little bit of a thicc bottom. It’s a bit on the heavier side so don’t try to set this up on your own. Being bottom-heavy isn’t all bad, the added weight near the base and the stand gives it a little bit more stability when it comes to putting it on a console. This also means that your toddler or cat isn’t going to be able to topple the TV over as easily. The stand that comes with the U6K Pro adds some more stability thanks to its T-shaped design. This design also means that you’ll need a little more room on your console when you put it there. It’s about 35cm in depth for your console with about 200cm in length to fit the TV comfortably. You also have the added option to mount the U6K Pro on the wall using a VESA mount.

Once you’ve set up the TV in your preferred setup, the U6K Pro looks stunning. Its bezels are hardly noticeable and it feels like the TV itself is a picture upright. The footprint of the TV for a, now standard, 55- or 65-inch TV is actually on the slimmer side of things. Even with the stand, it can easily fit on a standard TV console.

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You’ll appreciate some of the thickness of the base when it comes to audio quality. The base holds most of – if not all of – the tech in the Hisense U6K Pro. This also means that it has tweeters that are on the larger side of things for a TV of its price and size. The benefits of this are pretty obvious when you’re watching things like Blood of Zeus on Netflix where the sound design is immersive and plays a crucial role in the storytelling. We’ll go into more detail when we go into the sound section of the review.

Overall, the design of the TV is pretty standard flair. However, Hisense has made some changes that make setting up the TV less of an issue. It also brings some added benefits thanks to the technology that Hisense is able to fit in with the design.

Features

Specifications

Size(s)55-inch
65-inch
ResolutionUltra HD (3840×2160 pixels)
Smart TV OSGoogle TV
Input(s)1x RF-Radio Frequency
1x AV Input 2x USB-A 1x Optical/SPDIF 1x Earphone Jack
3x HDMI 2.0
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.0
WiFi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)
Ethernet (RJ 45)
Audio SystemStereo speakers
Audio Output10W
Audio EnhancementsDolby Digital Dolby Atmos
MiscApple AirPlay
Miracast
Anyview Cast
DLNA
Price (RM)3,999 (55-inch)
4,999 (65-inch)

Google TV

The Hisense U6K Pro features Google TV – the latest iteration of Android TV. This opens up the smart TV’s app offerings significantly. It also means that it comes with a whole bunch of features built-in that simplify things like screen sharing. However, there is a question on what Hisense update policy is when it comes to software. Throughout our time with the TV which was about 3 weeks, we didn’t get any notifications of security updates or OS updates. However, it’s worth noting that, unlike Android on smartphones, Google TV doesn’t have a strict update schedule.

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Having the Google Play Store on the TV opens up the U6K Pro to a treasure trove of apps. Even apps that don’t natively come on the  TV like Disney+ and Tubi TV can be downloaded from the store which is now a tab called “Shop” in the interface. Speaking of, the Google TV interface has gotten a lot more intuitive since its debut as Android TV. The apps that you interact with most are front and centre. You also have options to highlight “streams” from apps. These “streams” allow you to keep up with releases or shows that you’re watching on apps like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and more.

Hisense implementation of Google TV on the U6K Pro is pretty smooth. The interface has little to no lag when interacting with the remote that came with the TV. The added benefit of running on Google TV is the fact that the TV can play nice with Google Home. This allows you to be able to control the TV from your smartphone through the Google Home app. It also allows you to use the Google Assistant to turn on the TV. That said, you will need to enable certain features like Wake on LAN or Wake on WLAN to fully leverage the feature.

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Google TV also brings along with it Chromecast functionality. This will allow you to project to the TV using your smartphone and laptop. It’s pretty straightforward with Android phones but will require you to use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge if you want to cast from your laptop. Apple users will be able to do the same with the TV’s HomeKit compatibility.

Hi-View Engine, AI Picture and Game Mode Plus

The Hisense ULED U6K Pro comes with the company’s own AI-powered chip – the Hi-View Engine. This chip allows the TV to process scenes frame by frame; analysing and optimizing the viewing experience to fit the scene dynamically. This is supposed to ensure that you have the best viewing experience across a wide range of content types. However, in the time we had with the U6K Pro, there were some quirks when it came to how this functioned. It was able to adapt and optimise with movies, series and cinematic content. This delivered a pretty respectable viewing experience with the brights, darks and vignettes of the scenes. The details were clear if not a little muddled by post-processing.  That said, when it came to animations and animated content, particularly 2D animated content, the TV defaulted to high contrasts and brightness which resulted in some colours – particularly yellows and reds being overblown. This required a simple fix in changing the display mode to the most comfortable for your viewing.

AI Picture allows it to be able to adapt to the colours and contrast that best suit the scenes. Using this mode actually yielded better results than just relying on the Hi-View Engine processing. This mode was able to get the tuning for animated content pretty quickly and the result was pretty impressive. However,  I found myself mostly adjusting the calibration to my own custom settings that  I preferred.

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Of course, the AI optimisation and modes don’t just end there. The U6K Pro also comes with dedicated modes for Gaming and Sports. Both take full advantage of the 60Hz refresh rate of the panel. Both modes deliver pretty decent performance with some hiccups when it comes to snappy scenes or scenarios. This is mostly due to the lower 60Hz refresh rate that limits the optimisations that can be done – particularly with gaming as most gamers prefer a higher 120Hz for most games. That said, with consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, most games cap out at 60Hz although more modern games are beginning to take advantage of 4K resolution at 120Hz.

ULED Local Dimming & Adaptive Light Sensing

The Hisense U6K Pro is trying to address common issues with the modern TV in modern living spaces. One of which comes as more and more homes are open and allow natural light to come in. This poses a challenge for most TVs, particularly in the U6K Pro’s price range. Mostly, this is caused by glare that occurs due to direct sunlight or even from LED beam lights. Hisense is trying to address this with Adaptive light sensing that automatically turns the TV’s ULED panel to its max 500+ nits peak brightness to combat the glare. This sensor, while becoming increasingly mainstream in newer TVs is still a hit or miss in most TV sets; this includes well-known brands. It’s also worth noting that the finish on the panel while not totally matted also reduces glare. This particular feature was pretty good during our review. There was little glare from our fluorescent lights.

Hisense’s ULED technology is also on display with the U6K Pro. This technology allows the TV to individually dim pixels. This creates deeper blacks and whiter whites when it comes to the picture. This technology paired with the Hi-View Engine and AI picture produced very respectable picture quality in the U6K Pro. That said, some people may be looking for additional HDMI ports particularly if you have cable TV like Unifi TV or ASTRO and multiple consoles as the U6K Pro only comes with 3 HDMI 2.0 ports.

Picture & Sound Quality

The Hisense ULED U6K Pro comes with a 4K UHD resolution. That gives it a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels which is the standard. The ULED panel allows for local dimming resulting in deeper blacks and whiter whites. This, also known as Quantum Dot technology, allows the panel to individually turn off pixels that create deeper blacks. It’s also able to accurately reproduce colours and provide a viewing experience that is close to the content creator’s vision. With HDR10+ Adaptive it’s also able to highlight details and reproduce low-light scenes with detail.

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While the Hisense panel did perform well when it came to colour reproduction and depth, the TV did have some issues when it came to picture quality. The panel itself produced some visual blooming particularly when it came to the edges of the panel. This was particularly obvious in low-light scenes or even when displaying a clear white scene. While it didn’t take too much away from the visual immersion, it can be distracting. It is common to see this blooming in LED-based technologies and more so in LCD panels. However, it would improve the picture quality if this could be reduced or done away with altogether. Aside from this, the colour reproduction of the panel was pretty spot on. It didn’t blow out or overcompensate for contrast and brightness. Overall, the picture quality of the Hisense U6K Pro ULED TV is not too bad.

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The sound performance of the Hisense ULED U6K Pro was acceptable. It was able to produce sufficiently deep bases and high highs. However, the 10W stereo speakers did struggle when pushed to the max. That said, there shouldn’t be a situation where you’re maxing out your TV speakers as they were able to produce very immersive ambient sounds and even lift the dialogue audio when needed. During our review period, we rarely went beyond 25 for volume. Overall, the sound was pretty acceptable although, if you have the budget for it, a sound bar would take your audio experience to the next level.

A well Rounded Experience with Some Room for Improvement

The Hisense ULED U6K Pro TV is one of the more affordable when it comes to smart TVs running Google TV. It’s feature-rich with a robust app ecosystem which is well supported by 3rd party developers. It’s well-rounded with good picture quality, acceptable sound quality and some of the best technologies available in the market at the moment. However, it does have a few areas where it can improve.

That said, with prices starting at RM2,999, the Hisense ULED U6K Pro is one of the most affordable on the market. Aside from a few small hiccups, it’s built from durable materials. It’s also got sufficient ports for the everyday user although more wouldn’t hurt. It’s an affordable option for those looking to start off on the right foot when it comes to their entertainment setup.

Business, Contributed, Sustainability

Modern Energy Systems: Malaysia’s Road To Clean Energy

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Transitioning to modern energy systems presents a daunting challenge, as virtually every facet of our daily lives hinges on energy. This journey is bound to be intricate and complex for every country. Thankfully, governments worldwide – including Malaysia – have a resounding global consensus that traditional energy systems are inherently vulnerable, disadvantageously centralised, and financially burdensome.

The transitional challenge that stakeholders and decision-makers have been grappling with is threefold: striking a balance between environmental sustainability, ensuring energy security, and delivering energy affordability.

Solar Panels during Dusk
Photo by Magic K on Pexels

Successfully navigating this “energy trilemma” demands interdisciplinary expertise, effective policy implementation, and unwavering stakeholder commitment if Malaysia is to become carbon neutral by 2050.

Accelerating Malaysia’s transition towards carbon neutrality and energy sustainability with the power of technology and innovation makes economic sense, and puts us on a path towards a better, greener future for generations to come.

As a technology leader, Huawei is steadfast in its determination to stand by the country’s aspirations in driving this transformative endeavour.

Renewable energy makes economic sense

The economic rationale for renewable energy is compelling. Jobs in the sector are on the rise. The surge in demand for talent in the renewable energy sector mirrors the urgency to transition to cleaner sources amid the alarming effects of climate change.

According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), jobs in the renewable energy sector soared to 12.7 million globally in 2023, reflecting the sector’s rapid expansion and potential for sustainable employment.

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Photo by Karolina Kaboompics on Pexels

The once-perceived barrier of high entry costs to adopt renewable energy technologies is steadily diminishing, heralding a significant shift in accessibility. Put simply, prices are plummeting. 

On the other hand, finite fossil fuel source extraction has become more challenging and costs are steadily rising. In contrast, renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, are readily and abundantly available natural resources and more importantly, they are essentially free.

Solar panel prices are at an all-time low and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are becoming increasingly cost-effective due to ongoing technological enhancements and intensified market competition.

The figures that are clocking in on Malaysia’s carbon footprint read at approximately 272.9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2022. By 2023, Huawei facilitated the reduction of 1.81 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. This was made possible by the entry of 2.6 gigawatts (GW) of solar inverters into the Malaysian market, generating approximately 3.9 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

Huawei’s Digital Power Business contributed to 84.5 billion kWh of green power generation in the Asia Pacific region, reducing carbon emissions equivalent to the planting of 50 million trees.

Technology: The Key to Navigating the Trilemma

New technologies are the key to meaningfully navigating the “energy trilemma”, both to lower the carbon footprint of outmoded energy systems and to develop modern, sustainable alternatives.

The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) empowers us to decarbonise our energy systems by enhancing connectivity, intelligence, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

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Photo by Pixabay

Huawei Digital Power’s strategic approach to facilitate society’s transition from high-carbon to low-carbon is anchored in the integration of cutting-edge digital technology (Bit), electronic power technology (Watt), thermal management technology (Heat), and energy storage systems (ESS) management technology (Battery).

Termed collectively as the “4T” technologies (WatT, HeaT, BatTery, and BiT) the aim is to drive Malaysia towards the “4D” trajectory: Decarbonisation, Digitalisation, Decentralisation, and Democratisation, thus shaping a more sustainable and inclusive energy landscape for the nation.

Huawei aims to drive watts with bits towards building a fully connected smart grid and bridging the energy divide to power the digital world.

Collaborations in decarbonisation

In pursuit of the “4D” trajectory, collaborations are fundamental. Guided by our strategic framework, Huawei has initiated numerous collaborations with local stakeholders and government agencies on renewable energy projects.

We are partnering with AmBank on financing and merchant business solutions to support and facilitate the introduction of Solar Energy, Green Data Centres, Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging, and Energy Storage solutions to businesses.

With Pantas, the leading climate-tech firm in Southeast Asia, we are collaborating on enterprise decarbonisation applications for businesses. Our focus in this partnership, as technology providers, will be on Smart PV+ESS and FusionCharge solutions while Pantas undertakes the role of strategic partner in business development.

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Photo by Pixabay

We have also joined forces with Senheng and Apulsar to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Malaysia, utilising Huawei’s advanced EV chargers.

Additionally, our commitment to human capital development ensures a skilled workforce adept in renewable energy technologies. Our Huawei ICT Academy bridges the gap between education and industry needs while collaborative training programmes like the one with the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (“CENTEXS”) on developing green talent as well as the Digital Leadership Excellence Programme with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to nurture talent leadership.

These initiatives are but some of the many projects Huawei is involved in. Every initiative represents a positive stride that strengthens energy security and nurtures a sustainable ecosystem for the nation.

A holistic approach to carbon neutrality goals

Our holistic approach, combining advanced technology, industry partnerships, and education, has the potential to drive meaningful change and accelerate progress towards Malaysia’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal.

We can boost renewable energy production by embracing smart PV solutions, grid technologies, and energy storage systems while ensuring fair access for all.

By facilitating financing and investments into sustainable energy projects, we can make green technologies affordable for all segments of society.

Just last April, the Government of Malaysia announced that it would establish an Energy Exchange Malaysia (“ENEGEM“) to facilitate cross-border sales of green electricity to neighbouring countries, namely Singapore and Thailand. This will promote growth in the industry and lead to the adoption of the latest green energy technologies to propel Malaysia into a regional hub for the development of RE experts and capabilities.

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Photo by Jopwell

In terms of talent cultivation, our training programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives aim to build a sustainable high-skilled workforce that can lead the transition to future-focused technology.

Huawei aspires to lead by example as both a stakeholder and technology provider in addressing the intricate energy trilemma.  Achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality will require the collective efforts of all industry players. We must create an ecosystem and we all need to be partners as well as players in this ecosystem. Huawei will continue to be a trusted partner and work with our partners across the industry value chain towards a better and greener Malaysia.

Lifestyle, News

Shokz OpenFit Air Shakes Things Up in Malaysia

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When it comes to bone conduction or open-ear audio, the first brand that comes to mind is Aftershokz. However, you’d be hard-pressed to find the company now as it celebrated its 10th anniversary; back in 2021 with a rebrand. It’s now known as Shokz. Shokz has continued its leadership in open-ear audio products leading the foray into the space with other brands like Huawei and Bose following suit. However, Shokz continues to set itself apart thanks to the deployment of bone-conducting technology that delivers clear sound. The latest product to employ this technology is the OpenFit Air.

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The new OpenFit Air joins the company’s renowned lineup as a true wireless, open-ear audio solution. It’s also deviating from the bone conduction technology that has been the hallmark of Shokz products. The new OpenFit Air uses what Shokz is calling DirectPitch technology. This technology optimises sound delivery through the use of superposition. A little bit of a throwback to high school physics – a superposition is an overlap in one or more waves that can result in an amplification of the strength or amplitude of the wave. Using this concept, DirectPitch is able to deliver sound in a directed way that reduces sound leakage and prevents audio degradation. Paired with Shokz’s OpenBass Air and low-frequency technology, the OpenFit Air can deliver full sound with powerful bass. This allows your ears to be unobstructed while you enjoy that new Billie Eilish album.

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The OpenFit Air also comes with four microphones that are able to track and isolate your voice with Adaptive Beamforming. This builds on the small 18x11mm drivers that drive the audio experience of the Air. These drivers deliver rich, full audio which immerses you in your audiobook or podcast while allowing you to be aware of your surroundings.

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The earbuds themselves are lightweight, weighing only 8.7g. They are made of soft silicone making them sweat-resistant and comfortable. It’s also pliable to fit all ear shapes for better comfort and sound quality. The Air-Earhook, which hooks on your ear as the name suggests, has an ultra-fine 0.75mm flexible nickel-titanium memory alloy that provides added security and better fit when you use the OpenFit Air. The Airs also come with IP54 water and sweat resistance with a 10-metre Bluetooth range.

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The battery on the OpenAir Fit can give you a full six hours of listening on a single charge. The case adds 22 hours of battery life or about 3 full charges on a single, complete charge. Need a quick top-up mid-run or workout? The OpenFit Air will be able to give you 2 hours of listening with a 10-minute charge. You’ll also be able to take control of your listening session with intuitive touch controls and even connect to more than one device with multipoint pairing.

Pricing & Availability

The Shokz OpenFit Air are now available online at the Nove Marketing website and in retail outlets like Urban Republic. They will be retailing for RM599 and will be available in three colours: pink, white and black.

Computers, News

New MSI Modern series Laptops Debut at COMPUTEX 2024

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MSI has unveiled the new Modern series laptops at COMPUTEX 2024. These laptops cater specifically to business professionals and students who prioritize portability. Building upon the success of previous iterations praised for their comfortable keyboards and lightweight designs, the new Modern series offers several enhancements for an even more productive user experience.

The new MSI Moden series laptops will be available in 13-inch, 14-inch, and 15-inch display options. These laptops will carry forward the series’ well-regarded keyboard design. Additionally, the laptops maintain their lightweight and portable form factor, making them ideal companions for professionals on the go or students carrying their laptops between classes.

MSI Modern series laptops

They introduces a dedicated RJ-45 wired network port alongside its existing wireless connectivity options. This wired connection provides a more stable internet connection, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted workflow, especially crucial for downloading large files or attending video conferences.

In addition to the core features of comfort, portability, and enhanced connectivity, the new MSI Modern series is expected to offer a variety of configurations with different processors, memory options, and storage capacities. This allows users to choose a model that best suits their specific needs and budget.

MSI has not yet revealed specific details on battery life; however, considering the focus on mobility and the energy-efficient processors typically used in the Modern series, users can expect long battery life for a full workday or school day on a single charge.

Pricing & Availability

Specific pricing and availability information for the new Modern series laptops will be revealed at a later date.

Computers, Lifestyle

MSI Collaborates with Mercedes-AMG Motorsports for Special Editions of the Stealth 18 & 16 Laptops

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Racing and gaming are a match made in heaven. Franchises like Sony’s GranTurismo and Microsoft’s Forza are some of the proof. MSI is bringing the two categories together yet again with a special collaboration with luxury high-performance brand, Mercedes-AMG Motorsports. The new partnership will see a new line of co-branded laptops from MSI. The new MSI Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Stealth 16 and MSI Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Stealth 18 were on display at COMPUTEX 2024.

Msi mercedes

The design of the Stealth 18 is a collaborative effort between MSI and Mercedes-AMG’s design teams. This fusion of aesthetics embodies the spirit of high performance. The palm rest area features a prominent AMG pattern, exclusive metal nameplates from both brands adorn the chassis, and the Mercedes-AMG Motorsport logo is prominently displayed. Combined with a lightweight magnesium-aluminum alloy body, these elements create a sophisticated and powerful visual experience.

The performance of the Stealth 18 lives up to the legacy of the Mercedes-AMG GT2 factory race car. It boasts the powerful Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card. This combination is further complemented by a large area vapor chamber cooling system. This powerhouse configuration ensures smooth gameplay and the ability to dominate the digital battlefield, just like the Mercedes-AMG GT2 dominates the racetrack.

Pricing & Availability

Specific pricing and availability information for the limited-edition Stealth 18 and upgraded Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport laptops will be revealed soon.

Computers, News

MSI Shows Off The Prestige & Summit Series Laptops Running on Lunar Lake Processors

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MSI has unveiled its next-generation Prestige and Summit series laptops at COMPUTEX 2024. These business and productivity laptops are powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors (codenamed “Lunar Lake”), boasting significant advancements in AI capabilities.

The new processors offer up to three times more AI performance compared to the previous generation. This translates to the ability to run more AI software and services directly on the laptop, enhancing efficiency and security. Additionally, the processors integrate a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) alongside the CPU and GPU, delivering over 100 TOPS of AI computing power.

MSI Notebook FA

The Prestige and Summit series come equipped with comprehensive software and services optimized for the Intel Core Ultra processors. This optimization, provided by over 100 independent software vendors, ensures a smooth and secure user experience. Furthermore, with over 500 pre-optimized AI models, these laptops offer a robust platform for developing AI-related services.

Beyond AI prowess, the Core Ultra processors boast improved energy efficiency. This allows for lighter, thinner laptops with extended battery life, ideal for business professionals on the go. The Prestige series comes in 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch display options. All models prioritize portability with lightweight builds and large batteries. For instance, the Prestige 13 AI+ Evo weighs a mere 990 grams and packs a 75Wh battery for uninterrupted workday use. Additionally, the entire Prestige series upgrades to a 5-megapixel webcam, enhancing video conferencing capabilities.

The Summit 13 AI+ Evo is a standout within MSI’s business and productivity category. It combines the latest Intel Core Ultra processors with a lightweight design, comprehensive security features, and support for the MSI Pen 2 stylus with MPP 2.6 technology. This combination makes it a versatile choice for professionals seeking a powerful and secure ultraportable laptop.

Pricing & Availability

Specific pricing and availability information for the Prestige and Summit series laptops will be revealed at a later date.

Computers, Gaming

MSI Brings Thin and Light to Gaming and Creator Laptops with the Stealth A16 AI+ & the Creator A16 AI+

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MSI is bringing thin and light to a 16-inch form factor. What’s more, these laptops are not just normal laptops, they’re gaming and creator laptops. The Stealth A16 AI+ and Creator A16 AI+ were both launched at COMPUTEX 2024. These laptops combine cutting-edge AI, impressive gaming capabilities, and content creation prowess in a portable design.

The Stealth A16 AI+ and Creator A16 AI+ are equipped with the latest AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series Processors, featuring a new processor architecture, integrated graphics, and a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This combination delivers exceptional processor performance, stunning visuals, and robust AI computing power.

MSI Stealth Creator AI

The new XDNA 2 architecture within the processors offers up to three times faster AI performance compared to previous generations. This allows for running generative AI tools or large language models directly on the laptops. The integrated Radeon 800M series graphics boast up to 33% more graphics cores, resulting in smooth gaming experiences on a lightweight chassis. Additionally, the processor unit boasts the latest Zen 5 architecture, supporting up to 12 cores and 50% more on-chip memory compared to predecessors, translating to industry-leading processor performance.

For those seeking the ultimate in AI computing power, both the Stealth A16 AI+ and Creator A16 AI+ can be configured with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 series graphics cards. These graphics cards feature specialized AI Tensor Cores, delivering cutting-edge performance and revolutionary capabilities for enhanced creativity, efficient workflows, and blisteringly fast gaming.

The Stealth A16 AI+ and Creator A16 AI+ feature a lightweight magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis, ensuring portability without too much compromise on durability. MSI’s Cooler Boost 5 cooling system keeps thermals in check during demanding tasks. A wealth of ports allows for versatile connectivity options. This combination of features makes these laptops some of the most well-balanced lightweight gaming and creator options available.

In addition to the gaming and content creation focused models, MSI also unveiled the Summit A16 AI+ and Prestige A16 AI+, business and productivity laptops powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series Processors. These laptops combine the latest processors with a large 82Wh battery and a lightweight design, catering to mobile business professionals seeking exceptional performance and portability.

Pricing & Availability

Specific pricing and availability information for the Stealth A16 AI+, Creator A16 AI+, Summit A16 AI+, and Prestige A16 AI+ laptops will be revealed on the official MSI website.

Computers, Gaming

Meet the MSI Claw 8 AI+ with Updates Specs & Intel’s Lunar Lake Core Ultra Processors

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The Handheld gaming PC battle is really heating up! In addition to the updated ROG Ally X, MSI is updating the Claw with a new name and updated specs. The company is showcasing Claw 8 AI+ at COMPUTEX 2024. This is the world’s first Windows 11 gaming handheld powered by the latest Intel Lunar Lake Core Ultra processors.

MSI Claw 8 AI Rodneil GadgetMatch 1
Source: Rodneil/GadgetMatch

The Claw 8 AI+ builds on MSI’s previous gaming handheld, the Claw. This new iteration incorporates the powerful and energy-efficient Intel Core Ultra processors for smooth gameplay and extended battery life for on-the-go gaming sessions.

MSI isn’t making updates willy-nilly. Instead, it has actively listened to user feedback and implemented several improvements in the Claw 8 AI+. These enhancements include:

  • Additional Thunderbolt 4 USB-C Port: This expands connectivity options for external devices.
  • Enhanced LB/RB Button Tactile Feel: Improved button responsiveness for a more satisfying gaming experience.
  • Increased Battery Capacity: Enjoy longer gaming sessions without needing to recharge as frequently.
  • Lighter Wall-Mounted Charger: A more convenient charging solution for users.
MSI Claw 8 AI Rodneil GadgetMatch 2
Source: Rodneil/GadgetMatch

The Claw 8 AI+ has a slightly tweaked design featuring an 8-inch display with better ergonomics. With its 8-inch display and Windows 11 operating system, the Claw 8 AI+ allows for playing a wide range of PC games. Additionally, MSI is boasting that the updated Claw has:

  • Excellent Grip: Ensures comfortable and secure handling during gameplay.
  • Industry-Leading Battery Life: Provides extended gaming sessions on a single charge.
  • Superior Cooling: This keeps the device cool even during intense gaming sessions.
  • Joysticks and Triggers with Hall Effect Sensors: Delivers precise and responsive controls.

When it launches, MSI will offer a one-month free trial of Xbox Game Pass with the Claw 8 AI+. This will give users access to Microsoft’s extensive list of games including AAA titles both old and new. Xbox Game Pass will renew at RM15 in Malaysia after the first month’s trial.

A Post-Apocalyptic Dream for Fallout Fans

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In addition to the high-performance laptops, MSI also unveiled a special edition – the MSI Claw x Fallout Limited Edition – a collaboration with the renowned game studio Bethesda. This limited-edition gaming handheld caters specifically to Fallout fans. The exterior design is inspired by the game’s iconic Vaults, Pip-Boys, and robots, making it a true collector’s item. Beyond aesthetics, the Claw x Fallout boasts features like an excellent grip for comfortable handheld gaming, the largest battery in the industry for extended playtime, superior cooling to maintain performance, and joysticks and triggers equipped with Hall effect sensors for precise control. With Windows 11 allowing access to a vast library of PC games, Fallout fans can revisit the post-nuclear apocalypse world anytime, anywhere.

Pricing & Availability

Specific pricing and availability information for the Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld and the MSI Claw x Fallout Limited Edition will be revealed at a later date.