Yearly Archives: 2024

Health, News

Samsung Galaxy Watch Gets a Boost with the Arrival of Galaxy AI in One UI 6 Watch

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Samsung is bringing its Galaxy AI technology to the Galaxy Watch series, marking a significant step forward in health and wellness features for smartwatch users. This integration, announced on May 28th, 2024, leverages the power of on-device artificial intelligence to provide more comprehensive health insights and personalized motivational coaching.

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Samsung has long been a leader in the wearable technology space, with the Galaxy Watch series consistently pushing the boundaries of what a smartwatch can do. The introduction of Galaxy AI is a renewed commitment to providing users with advanced health and wellness experiences. This technology focuses on utilizing meaningful and actionable insights derived from user data to empower individuals to take control of their health.

The magic behind Galaxy AI lies in its ability to combine powerful on-device AI with the extensive data collected by the Samsung Health app. This comprehensive data set, encompassing sleep patterns, activity levels, and heart rate, allows Galaxy AI to generate a holistic view of a user’s health. By analyzing this data, Galaxy AI can provide users with features like:

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  • Energy Score: This feature offers a summary of a user’s current health condition by analyzing sleep, activity, and heart rate metrics. It provides a clear and user-friendly way to understand one’s overall well-being.
  • Wellness Tips: Galaxy AI takes things a step further by offering personalized wellness tips and motivational nudges. These tips are tailored to a user’s specific health goals and data, making them more relevant and actionable.

Samsung stresses its commitment to user privacy and security with the integration of Galaxy AI. The AI processing occurs entirely on the device itself, ensuring that user data stays private and secure. This focus on user control empowers individuals to feel comfortable utilizing the advanced features offered by Galaxy AI.

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Hisense Takes Center Stage as Official VAR Screen Provider for UEFA EURO 2024™

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Electronics giant Hisense has secured a significant role in the upcoming UEFA EURO 2024™ tournament, becoming the Official Screen Provider for the Video-Assisted Referee (VAR). This announcement, made at the 2024 Sports Marketing Workshop in Qingdao, China, marks the first time UEFA has granted exclusive rights to one of its sponsors.

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Source: Hisense

The appointment builds on Hisense’s existing partnership with UEFA EURO 2024™. The company will provide state-of-the-art screen solutions for the central VAR Room located in Leipzig, Germany. This room houses video match referees who utilize VAR technology to review and assist on-field decisions during the tournament. VAR technology, which includes UEFA’s semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and accurate calls, particularly in key moments like goals, penalties, and red cards.

Throughout the competition, video referees will rely on Hisense screens to analyze plays. The company’s branding and design rights also extend to all pitch-side referee review screens, ensuring prominent visibility for the Hisense brand during VAR reviews on the field and giant stadium screens.

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Source: Hisense

This selection highlights Hisense’s expertise in display technology, accumulated over five decades. The company’s strong performance in the global TV market, consistently holding the second position for two years and nearing the top spot, is further bolstered by a remarkable 35.9% year-on-year growth in TV shipments within the European market for Q1 2024.

“UEFA is delighted to have Hisense’s commitment to European football,” stated Guy-Laurent, Marketing Director of UEFA. He emphasized the role of Hisense’s cutting-edge screen technology in supporting VAR teams and ensuring fair decisions throughout the tournament.

This partnership signifies a continuation of Hisense’s long-standing connection with UEFA EURO tournaments, dating back to 2016. The company remains dedicated to driving technological advancements and elevating the viewing experience for football fans across Europe.

News

Google Debuts the Fitbit Ace LTE Designed Specifically for Kids

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Fitbit has unveiled the Fitbit Ace LTE, a smartwatch designed specifically for children aged 6 and above. This new offering caters to the growing trend of keeping children active and connected, all while providing parents with peace of mind.

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Source: Fitbit/Google

The Fitbit Ace LTE boasts a design that is both durable and comfortable, able to withstand the active lifestyles of young children. The secure silicone band and swim-proof construction make it ideal for everything from playground sessions to poolside adventures. The display is bright and easy to read, even for smaller wrists.

The Ace LTE tracks all-day activity, including steps, active minutes, and calories burned. This allows kids to see their progress throughout the day, motivating them to stay active. To further encourage healthy habits, Fitbit incorporates fun virtual badges, animated clock faces, and personalized avatars that kids can unlock by achieving their activity goals.

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Source: Fitbit/Google
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Source: Fitbit/Google

What truly sets the Fitbit Ace LTE apart from other fitness trackers for kids is its calling and messaging features. Parents can approve trusted contacts who can then communicate directly with their child through the watch. This allows for safe and controlled communication, ensuring kids can stay connected with family members while parents maintain an element of control.

Safety remains a top priority with the Fitbit Ace LTE. The watch features GPS location tracking, allowing parents to see their child’s location on a map within the Fitbit app. Additionally, parents can set school time lockouts, disabling games and notifications during school hours while still allowing calls and messages in case of emergencies.

Introducing Fitbit Ace LTE

The Fitbit Ace LTE is equipped with an OLED display, making it easy for children to see their stats and activity data. The watch is also swimproof with a water resistance rating of 50 meters. On a single charge, the battery can last up to 16 hours. In terms of connectivity, the Fitbit Ace LTE boasts 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and GPS. It also includes an optical heart rate sensor, accelerometer, altimeter, magnetometer, ambient light sensor, and gyroscope for comprehensive activity tracking.

Pricing & Availability

The Fitbit Ace LTE is available for pre-order starting today, May 30th, 2024, and will officially go on sale on June 5th, 2024. The price is set at $229.95 USD. This translates to approximately RM1,080.26 Malaysian Ringgit and $255 USD.

The Fitbit Ace LTE also requires an “Ace Pass data plan” which will set you back about USD$9.90 (approx. RM46.95).

News

PlayStation Announces State of Play for May 30, 2024

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Get ready, PlayStation fans! The highly anticipated State of Play showcase returns this Thursday, May 30th, 2024. This digital event promises exciting reveals and updates for PlayStation 5 (PS5) and PlayStation VR2 (PS VR2) titles, offering a glimpse into the future of PlayStation gaming.

The official PlayStation Blog confirmed the news on May 29th, detailing the upcoming State of Play presentation. Like always, this event serves as a platform for Sony to showcase upcoming titles and provide updates on existing games for both the PS5 and the PS VR2 virtual reality headset. With 14 titles slated for the presentation, we can expect a jam-packed event filled with exciting announcements.

Playstation State of Play June 2024

While details surrounding the specific titles remain under wraps, the focus on PS5 and PS VR2 suggests a strong emphasis on next-generation gaming experiences. There is speculation on potential reveals for upcoming first-party titles from PlayStation Studios, alongside updates and trailers for third-party games optimized for the PS5’s powerful hardware. VR game announcements are also a possibility, which is a welcomed tease after the relatively lacklustre launch of the PS VR2. There is also the possibility that Sony plans to announce PS VR2 updates that will make it compatible with PCs.

How to Tune In

The State of Play presentation is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM PT (6:00 PM ET) on Thursday, May 30th, 2024. This translates to 11:00 PM Friday, May 31st, 2024 in Malaysia (UTC+8). You can tune in live on the official PlayStation YouTube channel or the PlayStation Twitch channel. Additionally, the event will be streamed live on TikTok, marking the first time a PlayStation State of Play presentation is streamed on the popular social media platform.

Android, News

The Google Play Store Now Lets You Uninstall Apps Remotely

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Managing apps across them can sometimes feel like a chore for those of us who juggle multiple Android devices. The good news is that a long-awaited feature has finally arrived: Google Play Store now allows users to uninstall apps remotely from other devices connected to their account.

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Photo by Obi – @pixel8propix on Unsplash

The ability to remotely uninstall apps has been a user request for some time. While the functionality was initially spotted in testing stages last year, Google has now officially rolled it out to a wider audience. This new feature streamlines device management for users with multiple phones, tablets, or even smartwatches running on Android.

How it Works

Uninstalling apps remotely is a breeze. Simply open the Google Play Store app on your primary device (smartphone, tablet etc.). Next, tap on your profile icon located in the top right corner of the screen. From the menu that appears, select “Manage apps & devices” followed by the “Manage” tab.

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Source: PhoneArena
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Source: PhoneArena
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Source: PhoneArena
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Source: PhoneArena

You’ll then see a list of all devices connected to your Google Play Store account. These devices will be identified by their model names or custom labels you may have assigned. To uninstall an app remotely, simply select the desired device and browse the list of installed apps. A checkbox will be located next to each app. Tick the box next to the app you wish to uninstall, and a trash can icon will appear in the top right corner of the screen. Tapping the trash can icon will initiate the uninstallation process, prompting you to confirm your choice before proceeding.

Remote Management Done Easily

The ability to uninstall apps remotely offers several benefits. For parents managing their children’s devices, it allows for easier control over app usage. Additionally, it simplifies the process of cleaning up unused apps on devices you may not have readily available, such as a seldom-used tablet or a work phone.

It’s important to note that while uninstalling occurs remotely, the device you’re managing will still require an internet connection to complete the process. Furthermore, this feature is currently limited to app uninstallation. Remote updates or installations still require direct access to the device.

Looking ahead, this feature represents a step towards more integrated device management within the Android ecosystem. While the current iteration focuses on uninstallation, it’s possible that future updates may introduce additional remote management functionalities.

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.

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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!