Easing hybrid office friction with AI solutions

August 29, 2025 Varinderjit Singh Leave a comment

This article is contributed by Varinderjit Singh, General Manager, Lenovo Malaysia

What is the best working model for your organisation today? This is a pressing issue which is being considered by leadership teams around the world. Four years after the initial pandemic-related lockdowns, many organisations are still experimenting with different models as they face difficult economic realities. While some have mandated a full return to the office to encourage in-person collaboration, others have embraced fully remote setups, leveraging cloud technologies to allow employees to work from anywhere.

Most organisations sit somewhere in between what have now become the two bookends of the workplace debate.

Hybrid is here to stay

What is clear is that some form of hybrid workplace has become the most popular approach, combining the flexibility of remote work with the advantages of in-person interaction. In many ways, this model has become a defining feature of the modern working world. According to a study by the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), over 70% of companies in Malaysia are increasingly adopting hybrid and flexible work models. Employees appreciate the autonomy, the ability to accommodate family and home demands, and the cost savings, while businesses benefit from maintaining opportunities for collaboration when necessary and improved employee morale.

While many employees are enjoying the benefits, the hybrid office presents significant challenges for IT departments. Traditionally, devices and infrastructure have been managed on-site, and IT managers have been able to see and directly interact with their infrastructure. With hybrid setups, IT teams must now handle devices remotely, onboard users from afar, and ensure secure digital workspaces for distributed teams.

Lenovo Hybrid AI Byline — Source: Lenovo

This is where AI-powered solutions can help ease the friction. At Lenovo, we’ve seen the value of these tools first-hand—including in the devices we use ourselves. For example, our Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition operating on Windows 11 Pro. Seize the moment with the security to thrive anywhere and the performance to meet your boldest goals. Windows 11 Pro devices are easy to use and manage, with AI-enhanced efficiency and compatibility with existing technology, including mission-critical apps and hardware.

The additional hybrid workload for IT departments

A successful hybrid workplace relies heavily on digital tools for communication and collaboration. Video conferencing, hot-desking hardware and meeting room technologies are essential for employees alternating between home and the office. Managing this growing ecosystem adds pressure on IT departments, often leaving little room for innovation or long-term planning. Recent research found that 60% of IT leaders reportedly lack a clear plan for adopting next-generation technologies like AI, while employees currently spend an average of 23 minutes per day resolving technical issues. These disruptions, though seemingly minor, can accumulate quickly, lowering productivity and increasing strain on IT. This dichotomy shows the bind IT teams find themselves in; the time they are spending managing existing issues is already insufficient to keep on top of things, let alone finding the time to explore new areas and introduce new capabilities.

As hybrid work becomes the norm, IT departments play a crucial role in ensuring its success. They must manage complex, distributed technology environments while fostering innovation and maintaining security. They need support for the double burden they face, automating some of the processes required to keep IT systems running so that IT teams can have the space to develop new systems which offer improved productivity, reduced device downtime and enhance employee experience.

Using AI to free up the IT team for innovation

To address these challenges, Lenovo has developed an AI-powered Digital Workplace Solution (DWS) platform to ease the burden on IT departments while improving the overall employee experience. The platform, called Care of One^TM, streamlines operations, reduces technical disruptions and gives employees more control over their work environments. The platform comprises a range of solutions which automate time-consuming manual processes and provide end-users with a friction-free, personalised IT experience.

Lenovo Device Intelligence (LDI) Plus is one of the tools that help IT teams manage devices in hybrid environments. LDI Plus automates patch updates, monitors device health, and identifies potential problems before they escalate. This proactive approach minimises downtime and reduces employee frustrations by keeping devices operational, regardless of location.

Lenovo is also transforming employee engagement through its AI-powered self-service helpdesk. The helpdesk allows employees to troubleshoot and manage device upgrades independently using natural language. By bringing usage patterns into the Care of One platform, the helpdesk is able to match users to a persona and offer tailored recommendations for device optimisations. This empowers employees to resolve common device processes on their own, reducing the need for IT intervention.

Each of Lenovo’s AI-powered solutions allows IT teams to allocate time to driving digital transformation and deploying new technologies instead of being tied to routine support tasks. This means more time for strategic projects and future-proofing the organisation. For end-users, by automating routine IT tasks, empowering employees with self-service capabilities and using AI-driven insights to optimise device management, Lenovo helps businesses thrive in the hybrid workplace, offering a smoother, more productive work experience with fewer technical challenges. With proactive issue resolution and personalised support, Care of One maximises employee productivity, improving the overall hybrid work experience.

Hybrid work is proving to be more than just a temporary post-pandemic solution; it represents a permanent shift in how businesses operate. With AI as a strategic enabler, IT departments can transform hybrid work challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Lenovo’s Care of One platform and solutions like LDI Plus support businesses as they transition, ensuring IT teams and employees have the tools they need to succeed in today’s evolving digital landscape.

This article is contributed by Varinderjit Singh, General Manager, Lenovo Malaysia

eSports, Gaming

Honor of Kings Celebrates Merdeka with Puteri Gunung Ledang Joining the Fray

August 27, 2025 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

HOK Puteri Gunung Ledang — Source: Level Infinite/Tencent Games

A brand new collaboration between the mobile MOBA, Honor of Kings, and Sony Music Entertainment Malaysia is bringing a fresh Merdeka tribute to gamers. The collaboration features a brand new track, “Nara,” by Malaysian artist Mimifly, which is inspired by the legendary figure, Puteri Gunung Ledang. The new track is part of a broader campaign that also sees a new in-game skin for the character Lady Zhen, which reimagines the mythical princess.

Skin Story - Lady Zhen | Puteri Gunung Ledang | Honor of Kings Malaysia

The new skin, available for players to claim for free until September 9th, is a beautiful fusion of tradition and gaming innovation. The in-game design is packed with deep cultural references from across the Nusantara, with 3D-rendered songket fabrics and other motifs from local mythology. This isn’t just about making a character look good; it’s about creating an emotional connection where players can see themselves and their heritage reflected in the game.

Honor of Kings Mimifly Nara Launch — Malaysian Artiste Mimifly together with the teams at Tencent Games, Level Infinite and Sony Music Malaysia after performing her new song “Nara” that is being used as the theme song for the Puteri Gunung Ledang launch for Honor Of Kings.

This is a local-first content approach by Level Infinite, the publisher of Honor of Kings, that aims to resonate with the community. Eugene Chin, Country Manager of Level Infinite Malaysia, says that this Merdeka update is a heartfelt celebration of culture, identity, and creative expression.

The “Nara” track by Mimifly is at the heart of this celebration, blending pop and hip-hop with Nusantara musical influences. The song’s inspiration from Puteri Gunung Ledang is rooted in the symbolism of a ‘srikandi’ or female warrior. The song and the new in-game skin aim to awaken the warrior within everyone, whether they’re gamers or not. The collaboration also extends to a #NARAofHOK dance challenge on social media, inviting fans to recreate Mimifly’s choreography, which includes her signature sign language.

Mimifly - Nara (From "Honor Of Kings") | Official Lyric Video

Other Malaysian-themed updates for the game include voiceovers in Malaysian dialects, limited-time titles, and exclusive stickers. This campaign is more than just about a new skin or a soundtrack; it’s a movement to celebrate Malaysian identity and creativity in the digital spaces where young people gather and connect. With Honor of Kings being the world’s most-played mobile MOBA, this Merdeka tribute is set to echo on a global stage.

Android, Mobile, News

vivo V60 Makes Its Fashionable Debut in Malaysia; Prices start at RM1,999

August 26, 2025 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

After its showcase at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2025, vivo is officially launching the new V60 in Malaysia. This new addition to the V series aims to bring flagship photography features from its X series to a more accessible device. Co-engineered with ZEISS, the V60 is designed for portrait photography and is packed with advanced imaging features. It also sports a new durable design, a long-lasting battery, and fast charging.

The vivo V60’s imaging system is a key highlight. It comes with a 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, an 8MP ZEISS Ultra Wide-Angle Camera, and a 50MP ZEISS Group Selfie Camera. The 50MP Super Telephoto Camera with a Sony IMX882 Sensor and an f/2.65 aperture allows for pro-level close-ups from a distance, perfect for concerts or crowded events. The V60 also comes with a 10x ZEISS Telephoto Zoom Portrait feature and can push the boundaries to 100x with its Super Telephoto Enhancement and AI-powered zoom. This makes capturing intricate details like facial expressions and textures a breeze.

For those who love cinematic shots, the ZEISS Multifocal Portrait gives users five golden focal lengths, including the 85mm and 100mm, for capturing emotional moments with beautiful bokeh effects. The device also has a suite of AI-powered features for content creation. These include AI Four-Season Portrait for adding seasonal vibes to photos, AI Erase 3.0 to remove unwanted background elements, and AI Image Expander to intelligently generate extended areas of an image.

Under the hood, the vivo V60 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 Mobile Platform, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. This is designed to handle multitasking and intensive gaming with ease. To keep the device running all day, it’s equipped with a large 6500 mAh BlueVolt Battery and supports 90W FlashCharge technology.

The phone’s durability is another major selling point. It features a new Diamond Shield Glass, making it the most drop-resistant device in the V series’ history. The V60 also boasts IP68 and IP69 ratings, offering protection against dust, water submersion up to 1.5 meters for 120 minutes, and high-pressure hot water sprays. For those who value style, the V60 is available in three nature-inspired colours: Berry Purple, Summer Blue, and Mist Gray. The Berry Purple colour was even named the “Colour Trend of the Year 2025” at its unveiling.

Pricing & Availability

The vivo V60 is now available in Malaysia in three configurations and three colours: Berry Purple, Summer Blue, and Mist Gray. The 12GB + 256GB variant is priced at RM1,999, while the 12GB + 512GB is priced at RM2,299. An online exclusive 8GB + 256GB variant is also available for RM1,899 on the vivo Malaysia online store.

Consumer Electronics, Reviews

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra In-Depth Review: Sucking In All the Right Ways With Room For Smarter Features

August 21, 2025 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

At A Glance:

The Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra is a cordless stick vacuum that promises a seamless, all-in-one cleaning experience, thanks to its self-emptying clean station and a comprehensive set of attachments. While it boasts a sleek, futuristic design and impressive suction power in its most powerful mode, the overall experience is a mixed bag. The core cleaning performance is good for everyday dust, but it struggles with larger debris, and the AI mode is underwhelming. The auto-emptying system, while convenient, introduces additional costs and maintenance issues, particularly with hair clogs. Ultimately, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra is a stylish and functional vacuum with a few neat tricks, but its higher price tag and flaws make it a tough choice for most consumers.

Technical Specifications

Motor	HexaJet Motor
Suction Power	Up to 400W
Dust Capacity	Vacuum: 0.5 L Clean Station: 2.0 L
Weight	Vacuum: 2.99 kg Clean Station: 6.4 kg
Dimensions (W×H×D)	Vacuum: 250 x 1036 x 243 mm Clean Station: 300 x 850 x 300 mm
Battery	Detachable
Run Time	Up to 100 Minutes (in Min Mode)
Key Features	AI Cleaning Mode 2.0, Upgraded All-in-one Clean Station

Samsung’s Bespoke AI Jet Ultra is a unique proposition in a space that is increasingly more competitive and bolder when it comes to claims and functionality. However, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra has a bold promise: to simplify home cleaning with a single, elegant solution. It also has the added backing of Samsung’s well-established brand and is bringing a new tech-infused approach to a space that has – quite frankly – focused on sucking. (Pun very much intended).

Samsung is clearly looking to bring a new approach with the design centrism that is core to the Bespoke lineup. It’s also trying to take this a step further with an infusion of tech to up the ante, even with a mundane task like vacuuming. With its unique self-emptying “Clean Station” and a full suite of attachments, it’s clearly positioned as a premium contender, designed to not only perform well but also to look good while doing it.

It’s quite evident that Samsung has designed a solution for discerning homeowners who prioritise both convenience and design. With its price tag, the Bespoke Jet Ultra also requires a little bit of willingness to invest in an all-in-one solution for their cleaning needs. The experience starts from the get-go with the unboxing. Samsung’s focus on creating eco-friendly packaging that can be repurposed is still front and centre. The vacuum and accessories themselves exude a sense of quality with their futuristic design. The contents are also well-organised, making it a breeze for the initial setup.

Design & Build – A focus on Aesthetics and Ergonomics

The Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra is undeniably designed to be a statement piece. Samsung has clearly made this vacuum to blend boldly with a well-designed space – no more hiding the vacuum in a closet until you need to clean. The vacuum body itself has a sleek, “space blaster-y” design that feels both modern and comfortable to hold. It is light enough to use for extended periods, and the ergonomics are decent, making it easy to manoeuvre around the home. Let’s not be coy – there is a heft to the Bespoke Jet Ultra. However, the heft lends to the build quality, feeling like a premium product. It gives you the sense that you’re holding something substantial and well-engineered.

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The core of its design philosophy, however, is embedded in its convenience and versatility. This is most visible in the clean station and accessory tree. The clean station is a self-contained unit that charges the vacuum and empties its bin. Samsung has designed this to be a neat, minimalist cylinder that looks good on its own. The accessory tree, which holds the other attachments, is also well-designed and keeps everything organised. The ability to place the entire vacuum with its attachment onto the clean station is a clever touch that makes storage simple and convenient.

However, there is a significant drawback – the overall footprint. While each component—the vacuum, the clean station, and the accessory tree—is well-proportioned on its own, when placed together, they occupy a considerable amount of space. This might pose a challenge for users living in smaller homes or apartments where space is at a premium, despite the individual components being aesthetically pleasing.

Initial Impressions

Setting up the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra is a relatively straightforward process. The components click together intuitively, and the clean station is simple to assemble and position. The battery comes partially charged, allowing for a quick test run right out of the box.

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In day-to-day use, the vacuum’s relatively lightweight nature makes it a breeze to carry around and get into various nooks and crannies. The lack of a charging cord to manually plug in is a huge convenience, as the vacuum charges automatically every time it is placed on the clean station.This means you never have to worry about a dead battery, a common issue with other cordless vacuums. The detachable battery is also a nice touch, allowing you to swap in a fully charged one for longer cleaning sessions if needed.

The convenience and simplicity of using the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra are hallmarks of the overall user experience. The fact that the entire unit, with its attachment, can be stored on the clean station simplifies the process even further. This seamless, no-fuss approach is a definite highlight.

User Experience & Performance

When it comes to actual cleaning, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra delivers good performance overall. This is particularly evident with everyday dust and smaller particles. It is capable of cleaning a sizable spaces of around 1,300 sqft without overheating. The “Jet” mode provides very strong suction power, capable of tackling tougher messes.

However, the vacuum’s performance is not without its flaws. It struggles with larger debris, such as cookie crumbs. During our review, we noticed that the two main roller attachments have difficulty picking up debris of this size. The lack of a meaningful difference between the Dual Brush and the Slim LED Brush is also a point of frustration, as they essentially serve the same function—one is just slightly slimmer and has lights.

The variety of attachments, however, does add versatility to the cleaning experience. The Pet Tool works well on carpets and fabric to lift pet hair, while the combination tool is useful for cleaning surfaces like tables and couches. The crevice tool combined with the flex tool is particularly effective for reaching tight, hard-to-reach areas. The only limitation here is that the flex tool cannot be used with the combination tool, which seems like a missed opportunity.

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The signature feature of the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra is its auto-emptying function via the Clean Station. This convenience is a double-edged sword. While the ability to have the vacuum empty itself into a dust bag is a definite plus, it introduces its own set of problems. Our testing revealed a layer of dust that accumulates below the dust bag and inside the compartment, creating yet another thing to clean.

More significantly, the system struggles with hair. Long hair does not get self-emptied and must be manually removed from the vacuum’s chute, which is not an easy process. If hair clogs it up, you are faced with a difficult task of dismantling the vacuum to get to the clog.

The dust bags themselves are an additional recurring cost, and their long-term availability and support from Samsung are uncertain. The prospect of vacuuming food particles and having them sit in a dust bag until it’s full is also unappealing from a hygiene standpoint. While the vacuum body has the option to be opened to manually empty the chute, a more elegant and reusable solution would be a significant improvement.

AI, Smart Home & Connectivity

The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra’s smart features, primarily its AI Cleaning Mode 2.0, are a key selling point, especially if you’ve already bought into the SmartThings Smart Home ecosystem. Samsung advertises this mode as an intelligent feature that classifies various cleaning environments, including different types of carpets, to automatically optimise its performance. The promise is that the vacuum will reduce power consumption by 14% and increase manoeuvrability by 6% while still delivering comparable cleaning efficiency.

However, in practice, the AI mode was not up to scratch. While it is advertised to adjust suction power based on the surface, it struggled to perform well on carpets. We found that it often had an overly strong suction that would lift up the carpet, forcing us to manually switch to a different mode to avoid or alleviate the issue. Honestly, it wasn’t a big help in day-to-day use in a space with carpets. It was better at detecting hard surfaces like marble, cement and linoleum.

That said, the AI wasn’t a complete failure. It did intelligently detect clogs when we intentionally picked up large objects to test the suction power, automatically stopping the vacuum to prevent damage. This specific use case is a valuable feature that could save a user from a lot of headaches. But as an everyday, smart-surface-sensing feature, it has a lot of room for improvement in future iterations. We’re pretty sure Samsung is able to address this with a performance update to the firmware of the vacuum.

Bespoke in Design, Sucking in All the Right Ways with Room for Improvement When It Comes to AI Smarts

The Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra is a vacuum that aims high but doesn’t quite justify its ambitious price tag. It is a good, but not great, vacuum with a few standout features that are unfortunately hampered by a number of notable flaws.

The standout features are its cool, futuristic design, the overall convenience of the auto-emptying clean station, and the well-designed accessory tree. The suction power in “Jet” mode is excellent, and the detachable battery is a huge plus.

However, the downsides are significant. The auto-emptying system is a mixed blessing, the AI mode needs improvement, and the vacuum struggles with larger particles and hair clogs. The biggest issue for consumers, however, may be the high price. For the money, consumers would expect a flawless experience, but the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra falls short in key areas. The dust bags are a wasteful and recurring cost, and a reusable option would be a welcome improvement. In the end, this is a product that puts style and convenience on a pedestal, but for the average consumer, it’s a bit too overpriced for what it is.

Android, Mobile

Google Pixel 10 Series: What to Expect from Google’s Next Flagship Lineup

August 19, 2025 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Google’s “Made by Google 2025” event is set for Tuesday, August 20, 2025. That’s the morning of August 21 for us in Malaysia. This early announcement, along with numerous leaks, signals Google’s focus on internal advancements and AI, rather than a major design overhaul.

Google Pixel 10 series Evleaks (11) — Source: @evleaks

The Google Pixel 10 lineup is expected to include the standard Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold, catering to diverse users. Key rumoured upgrades feature the new Tensor G5 chip, a triple camera for the base Pixel 10, and an IP68 rating for the Fold. Stable pricing is anticipated, a strategic move for a competitive market.

Design & Display: Iteration with Intent

Expect a familiar look with the Pixel 10 series, likely mirroring the Pixel 9’s design and its distinctive pill-shaped camera island. This suggests Google is prioritising internal upgrades over a visual overhaul. While this continuity might be a cost-saving measure or indicate design maturity, some users might experience “upgrade fatigue” with this “10th” iteration, a sentiment shared on Reddit.

Google Pixel 10 series Evleaks (12) — Source: @evleaks

Subtle changes are anticipated. The camera bar’s cover glass is rumoured to extend closer to the edge for a thinner metal border, and the SIM card tray might be relocated. Pro models will sport polished metal sides, distinguishing them from the base Pixel 10’s matte finish. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to be thinner due to an updated hinge and feature a slightly larger cover display, thanks to reduced bezels. Its premium book-style design with rounded corners is also anticipated.

Dimensions will be largely consistent with the Pixel 9 series, with minor thickness variations. However, slight weight increases are expected across all models:

Pixel 10 Pro: 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.6mm, 207g
Pixel 10 Pro XL: 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm, 232g
Pixel 10 Pro Fold: (folded) 155.2 x 76.3 x 10.8mm, 258g. This weight increase for the Fold reportedly diverges from market trends.

Display sizes are mostly consistent: 6.3-inch Actua for Pixel 10/Pro, 6.8-inch for Pro XL. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold may feature a slightly larger 6.4-inch outer display with an 8-inch main display.

Brightness is set to improve significantly, with the Pixel 10 and Pro models potentially hitting 3000 nits peak brightness. The Pro Fold’s main display may reach 1850 nits HDR, with its outer screen at 2050 nits. The refresh rates on the devices will largely remain capped at 120Hz with support for adaptive refresh rates on the Pro models. The Pro models are also rumoured to get higher Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for flicker sensitivity. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is expected for all models.

Google Pixel 10 series Evleaks (8) — Source: @evleaks

Leaked colour palettes include Light Blue, Blue, Yellow, and Black for Pixel 10; Grey, Black, and White for Pixel 10 Pro; Green, Grey, Black, and White for Pixel 10 Pro XL; and Sterling Gray/Smoky Green or Jade/Moonstone for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. A new blue-grey moonstone color is also rumored across the series.

Finally, MagSafe-style magnetic charging based on the Qi2 standard is anticipated, enabling secure connections to magnetic accessories. Crucially, magnets are expected to be built directly into the phones, allowing use with “Pixelsnap” accessories without a case, a rumour supported by leaked renders of Google’s official cases.

Performance: Tensor G5 and More RAM

The Pixel 10 series will feature Google’s new Tensor G5 processor, Google’s first from TSMC, built on a more efficient 3nm process. This “complete Google designed processor” aims to improve performance, heat, and battery efficiency, competing with high-end chips. The G5 is expected to be Google’s most powerful chip, with leaked benchmarks showing up to a 36% performance increase over the Tensor G4, focusing on enhanced efficiency and an upgraded neural engine for AI features. Google is also reportedly switching to MediaTek’s unreleased T900 5G modem to solve persistent connectivity and battery drain issues. Additionally, an Imagination Technologies DXT GPU might be integrated instead of a typical Mali GPU, focusing on AI tasks and mobile gaming.

The Pixel 10 series is expected to offer robust RAM and storage:

Pixel 10: 12GB of RAM (up from 8GB in Pixel 8/9), with storage up to 256GB.
Pixel 10 Pro / Pro XL: 16GB of RAM and storage up to 1TB.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Up to 16GB RAM and storage up to 1TB. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is also expected to feature UFS 4.0 storage.

Cameras:

The Pixel 10 series cameras are expected to see some strategic updates, especially the base model, with significant AI enhancements.

Pixel 10 (Base Model) Camera: The standard Pixel 10 gets its first triple-camera setup with a telephoto lens.

Main Camera: 50MP Samsung GN8 (smaller than Pixel 9’s GNV).
Ultra-wide Camera: 13MP Sony IMX712 (replacing 48MP IMX858).
Telephoto Camera: 11MP/10.8MP Samsung 3J1 with 5x optical zoom (up to 20x digital).
Selfie Camera: 11MP Samsung 3J1.
This trade-off adds versatility but optimizes for price, relying on the Tensor G5’s ISP and AI to maintain quality despite perceived sensor downgrades.

Google Pixel 10 series Evleaks (1) — Source: @evleaks

Pixel 10 Pro & Pro XL Camera: These largely retain Pixel 9 series hardware, focusing on AI refinements.

Pixel 10 Pro Main Camera: 50MP Samsung GNV.
Pixel 10 Pro Ultra-wide Camera: 48MP Sony IMX858 with autofocus.
Pixel 10 Pro Telephoto Camera: 48MP Sony IMX858 with 5x optical zoom (up to 30x digital).
Pixel 10 Pro Selfie Camera: 48MP Sony IMX858 (upgrade from 42MP), 103° ultrawide, autofocus. (Some reports suggest 42MP).
Pixel 10 Pro XL Camera: May feature 48MP primary (f/1.7), 10.5MP ultrawide (127-degree FoV), and 10.8MP telephoto (10x optical zoom). 10MP front camera (mirrored on inner display).

Pixel 10 Pro Fold Camera: Expected to be similar to Pixel 9 Pro Fold, though some hint at a main sensor change.

Main Camera: Strongly rumored 50MP Samsung GN8 (some suggest 48MP).
Ultra-wide Camera: 10.5MP.
Telephoto Camera: 10.8MP with 5x optical zoom
Selfie Cameras: Two 10MP cameras (front and cover displays).

Video Capabilities & Stabilisation

The Pixel 10 series is rumored to offer 4K 60fps HDR video, an upgrade from the Pixel 9’s 4K 30fps. Gimbal-like stabilization and 4K 30fps “Cinematic Blur” with real-time relighting are also anticipated. The Pixel 10 Pro XL might feature 8K recording, 4K 60fps, HDR10+, and 240fps slow-motion.

New AI camera features, powered by the Tensor G5 chip, include:

Video Generative ML: Utilizes machine learning to enable smarter and more advanced video edits, potentially allowing for object removal, background changes, or stylistic transformations directly within videos.
Speak to Tweak: Provides voice-controlled photo editing, allowing users to make adjustments to their images by simply speaking commands, such as “brighten,” “add contrast,” or “change color.”
Sketch to Image: Transforms rough drawings or sketches into detailed and realistic images, leveraging AI to fill in details and create a finished photograph from a basic outline.
Cinematic Rendering Engine: Enhances the depth of field and blur effects in photos and videos, and enables real-time relighting of video scenes, allowing users to adjust lighting conditions after recording.
Magic Mirror: Incorporates generative AI features, potentially for creating AI-generated selfies, stylistic portraits, or other imaginative image manipulations.

Macro photography is expected to improve by combining telephoto and ultrawide sensor data for sharper details, allowing for enhanced close-up shots with greater clarity and less distortion.

Battery: Improved Endurance

The Pixel 10 series is set to receive battery capacity boosts across the board, with the Pixel 10 Pro XL seeing a notable increase to 5,200 mAh. Other models will also get larger batteries, including the Pixel 10 (4,970 mAh), Pixel 10 Pro (4,870 mAh), and Pixel 10 Pro Fold (5,015 mAh, up from 4,650 mAh).

More significantly, improved battery life is expected due to the Tensor G5’s enhanced 3nm efficiency and the new MediaTek T900 5G modem. This indicates Google’s focus on optimising power consumption for better real-world endurance, aiming for “all-day battery life.”

Google Pixel 10 series Evleaks (6) — Source: @evleaks

Wired charging speeds are also improving: 29W for Pixel 10 and 10 Pro, and 39W for the Pixel 10 Pro XL. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rumoured to have 23W charging. While a controller chip technically supports up to 60W, it’s unlikely Google will enable this for consumers.

All Pixel 10 models are expected to support wireless charging up to 23W. A major upgrade is the anticipated inclusion of Qi2 wireless charging, offering more efficient 15W charging with magnetic alignment. Reverse-wireless charging will also return, and the series will maintain USB PD and PPS compatibility for wide charger support.

Software & User Experience: Android 16 and Beyond

The Pixel 10 phones are confirmed to launch with Android 16, as the latest operating system is already available. Beyond the core OS, Google is expected to introduce a suite of Pixel-specific features, heavily leveraging its advancements in artificial intelligence.

Pixel Sense (Formerly “Pixie”)

The Pixel 10 is slated to feature “Pixel Sense,” an on-device AI assistant designed to compete directly with existing market AI assistants. This assistant will process data from various applications, generate notes, suggest relevant information, and complete tasks, all while adapting to user interests to provide a personalized experience. This marks the return of the “Pixie” concept, demonstrating Google’s vision for integrated, context-aware AI, powered by the Tensor G5 chip.

Google Pixel 10 series Evleaks (7) — Source: @evleaks

Additional anticipated AI functionalities leveraging the Tensor G5 include Generative AI Video Editing, specifically the “Magic Editor” feature, and the potential for Google AI Pro subscriptions, which may offer access to Gemini Advanced and expanded cloud storage. Other expected features are an enhanced “Super Res Zoom” for photography, “Add Me” for seamless integration into group photos, and specific features for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold such as Gemini Nano, Gemini Live, Circle to Search, and Call Assist. “Ultra Low Light Video,” an advancement of Night Sight video, is also expected to debut early on Pro models, alongside a “Gemini-powered Camera Coach” that will provide contextual photography suggestions.

Beyond AI, the Pixel 10 will also introduce new aesthetic elements, including new ringtones (“The Next Adventure”), notification chimes (“Kernel”), and alarm sounds (“Fresh Morning”).

Pricing & Availability

The Pixel 10 series launches globally at Google’s “Made by Google 2025” event on August 20, 2025 (August 21 in Malaysia). Pre-orders in select markets are expected to open August 20, with sales starting August 27.

The price of the Google Pixel 10 devices isn’t expected to change much from the Pixel 9.

Model	Expected Storage Variant	Expected US Price ($)	Malaysian Price (RM) (Estimated)	Singapore Price (SGD) (Estimated)
Pixel 10	128GB	799	3,750	1,080
Pixel 10	256GB	899	4,220	1,215
Pixel 10 Pro	128GB	999	4,690	1,350
	256GB	1,099	5,160	1,485
	512GB	1,219	5,730	1,650
	1TB	1,449	6,800	1,960
Pixel 10 Pro XL	256GB	1,199	5,630	1,620
	512GB	1,319	6,200	1,785
	1TB	1,549	7,270	2,100
Pixel 10 Pro Fold	256GB	1,799	8,450	2,430
	512GB	1,919	9,010	2,595
	1TB	2,149	10,090	2,900

To sweeten the deal without raising base costs, Google is expected to offer bundled free trials. These could include extended free trials for services like Google AI Pro (12 months for Pro models, 6 months for base), Fitbit Premium (6 months), and YouTube Premium (3 months). This strategy aims to boost early sales and appeal to a broader audience.

Google’s Made by Google 2025 event, where the Pixel 10 series will be officially unveiled, is confirmed for Tuesday, August 20, 2025. You can tune in live to catch all the announcements and see the new Pixel lineup as it’s revealed, with Google typically streaming these events on its official YouTube channel and the Google Store website; keep an eye on Google’s official social media channels closer to the date for direct links to the livestream.

Business

Micron Invests in Penang’s Resilient Future

August 19, 2025 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Penang has officially launched its first-of-its-kind Resilience Strategy to secure its future against environmental and social threats. Developed with support from the Micron Foundation and the Resilient Cities Network, this strategy positions Penang as a leader in a global movement to build resilience against a range of challenges, from weather-related threats to social inequities and infrastructure strain.

This cross-sectoral initiative is built on Penang’s strong existing foundation for addressing sustainability challenges. It aims to strengthen current initiatives, address critical gaps, and introduce bold new ideas, turning them into an actionable plan with a shared vision for resilience. The strategy is designed to prepare Penang for future threats while also improving the health and quality of life for its communities.

wan san yip JSjfd3SFpf0 unsplash penang — Penang City (Photo by Wan San Yip on Unsplash)

The partnership with the Micron Foundation has been crucial to this effort, allowing Penang to join a global coalition of local governments, private entities, and philanthropic partners dedicated to building more equitable and safer futures. Micron was the first corporation in Asia to support a city in joining the global Resilient Cities Network. The company is playing a catalytic role in the development of Penang’s strategy, demonstrating how private sector leadership can assist governments and communities in accelerating long-term investment and action. This aligns with Micron’s longstanding commitment to sustainability and social impact.

Amarjit Sandhu, Corporate Vice President of Assembly and Test NAND Operations for Micron Technology, highlighted this commitment, stating, “At Micron, we believe that building resilient communities is essential to sustaining innovation and long-term growth”. He added that the collaboration with the Penang State Government and the Resilient Cities Network reflects a deep commitment to advancing urban resilience through technology, community engagement, and sustainable development.

What makes Penang’s approach unique is not just the content of the strategy, but also how it’s being delivered. The strategy is presented in an innovative, fully virtual, and story-driven format, making it accessible to everyone, from policymakers to youth groups and community members, regardless of their technical background. This dynamic tool is easy to engage with and empowers people to contribute and apply its principles within their own communities.

The plan outlines 13 flagship projects and 30 implementable initiatives across 11 portfolios. These projects range from a statewide Water Conservation Plan to the city-level Green and Community Resilient Seberang Perai. The initiatives are set to touch the lives of over 1.8 million people in both urban and rural areas of Malaysia, including 70% of the population living in flood-prone areas, 270,000 senior citizens, and hundreds of thousands of school-age children.

According to Penang’s Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, the strategy reflects a commitment to building a future where communities can thrive and are equipped to face future uncertainties. As Penang officially leads this new generation of resilience tactics, this is seen as just the beginning of its journey toward a stronger, more inclusive future.

Business

AI is the New Normal for Asia-Pacific Customer Experience According to Infobip

August 19, 2025 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Remember when customer service meant calling a hotline and being put on hold for what felt like an eternity? Or when you had to repeat your problem to three different people before you got a semblance of a solution? Well, those days are quickly becoming a relic of the past, especially in Asia-Pacific. A new report from Infobip is highlighting what many of us already know: AI isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the new standard for customer experience.

Infobip has released its latest report, The AI Advantage: How Leading Brands Thrive in a 24 x 7 Customer World. The report, backed by IDC research, gives us some serious insights into how hyper-digital consumers in our region are changing the game. The simple truth is, we’re always on, and we expect brands to be, too.

Hyper-Connectivity and the “Zero-Wait” Mindset

It’s no secret that Asia-Pacific is a mobile-saturated region. We’re talking mobile penetration rates that exceed 100% in nearly every market, with Hong Kong SAR leading the pack at a whopping 264%. Even emerging markets like Indonesia and the Philippines are seeing penetration rates at or above 110%. This isn’t just about having a phone; it’s about living our lives through a handful of super-apps like LINE, WeChat, WhatsApp, and others.

As Velid Begovic, VP Revenue, APAC at Infobip, puts it, we have a “zero-wait mindset”. We expect brands to be as agile as we are, jumping between channels mid-conversation and providing instant, context-aware responses without making us repeat ourselves. This expectation is a huge problem for businesses still using outdated systems. In fact, the report found that 43% of Asia-Pacific businesses cite improving customer experience as their single biggest operational challenge. They’re struggling with disconnected channels and the sheer cost of offering round-the-clock support across a diverse region with many different languages and regulations.

AI as the Engine Room of Customer Experience

The solution, according to the report, is artificial intelligence, but not just any AI—we’re talking about technologies like generative AI, agentic AI, and conversational AI. Nikhil Batra, Senior Research Director at IDC Asia-Pacific, notes that the conversation has shifted from “if” to “how” to integrate AI deeply and quickly. It’s no longer just about having a basic chatbot; it’s about orchestrating advanced AI capabilities to create proactive customer journeys that build lasting relationships.

This is where things get interesting. IDC predicts that by 2028, consumers in the region will spend a staggering US$32 billion through AI agents that can shop for goods and services for them. And businesses are racing to keep up, with projected investments of over US$30 billion in AI infrastructure and platforms by 2027. Enterprise AI investment in customer service and marketing across Asia-Pacific is growing at a compound annual rate of 35% through 2029, a clear sign of the urgency.

Begovic highlights that AI is no longer just a tool for answering FAQs. It’s about agentic AI coordinating a product exchange across multiple messaging channels without a single manual handoff. It’s about generative AI crafting a personalised message that feels like it was written just for one person, in their language, with their cultural nuances.

Infobip’s Solution: The Conversational Experience Orchestration Platform (CXOP)

Infobip is at the forefront of this transformation with its Conversational Experience Orchestration Platform (CXOP). This platform puts agentic AI at the core of every customer interaction, unifying messaging, automation, and AI assistance into a single, intelligent system. It’s designed to adapt to customer behaviour, sentiment, and intent in real-time, setting a new standard for meaningful, outcome-driven conversations between brands and users.

The report is a practical roadmap for businesses in the region to turn AI from a simple buzzword into a real competitive advantage. If you’re looking to understand what the future of customer service looks like in the Asia-Pacific, it’s pretty clear: it’s intelligent, it’s always-on, and it’s powered by AI.

Consumer Electronics

Panasonic’s New Built-In Kitchen Range Brings Harmony to Malaysian Homes

August 19, 2025 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

The kitchen has always been the heart of the home, but in today’s modern world, it needs to be more than just a place to cook. It needs to be a space of balance, cohesion, and calm. This is the philosophy behind Panasonic Malaysia’s new Built-In Kitchen Range, a stylish and practical suite of appliances designed to enhance modern lifestyles. Built around the central theme of “Harmonious Design, Inspired Cooking,” the collection is a clear commitment from Panasonic to innovation that empowers healthier, more convenient everyday living.

(Group Photo) Launch of New Panasonic Built In Kitchen Solutions

As Keisuke Nishida, Managing Director of Panasonic Malaysia, said, “We believe a well-designed kitchen should do more than look good. It should support your lifestyle, wellbeing, and create opportunities for meaningful connection.” The new range, which includes a full suite of high-performance kitchen appliances, is designed to seamlessly integrate into the living space, offering a kitchen experience that elevates your lifestyle and brings the joy of cooking.

High-Performance Hoods for Every Kitchen

The new range of high-performance hoods is a perfect blend of power and elegance, with an option for every kitchen size and need. The Side Suction Hood features a powerful 1,550 m³/h suction capability and a self-cleaning function with a dry mechanism for minimal maintenance. Its sleek black glass design and gesture control make it both stylish and easy to use. For open-kitchen concepts, the T-Shape Hood offers 1,450 m³/h suction power and a wide 90cm tempered, full-flat glass surface. It also has versatile installation options (ducted or recirculating) and 5-layer easy-clean metal filters. For those with smaller kitchens, the Telescopic Hood, which is available in August, is a discreet yet effective solution that delivers a 750 m³/h suction capacity and fits seamlessly into cabinetry. Topping the range is the T-Shape Hood with Self-Cleaning, arriving in October, which combines a powerful 1,800 m³/h suction with advanced gesture and touch control technology, and a self-cleaning function.

Sleek Hobs for Safe and Smart Cooking

The collection also includes a range of induction and ceramic hobs that are designed for sleek control and safe cooking. The Entry IH Hob delivers reliable everyday performance with 3,500W total power and 2,000W high power per zone. It features a sleek slider touch control, a residual heat indicator, and essential safety functions such as cookware detection and overheat prevention. For greater flexibility, the Advance IH Hob includes 2,200W high power zones with a wider 220mm cooking area and four convenient preset modes, along with intuitive gesture and touch controls. For smaller or minimalist kitchen layouts, the Domino Ceramic Hob, available in August, offers compact power and precision, with a total of 3,000W across two cooking zones.

Versatile Ovens for Precision Cooking

Complementing the hobs are two spacious 78L built-in ovens designed for precision and convenience. The Catalytic Cleaning Oven delivers 2,900W of power across 12 cooking functions and a full temperature range of 30–250°C. It also has triple-glazed doors with low-e glass for improved insulation and an enamel-coated interior for easy cleaning. The Basic Oven offers 2,300W of power with eight essential cooking functions, a wide temperature range of 50–250°C, and five telescopic shelf levels to support multi-dish cooking.

Pricing & Availability

The Panasonic Built-In Kitchen Range started rolling out in Malaysia in June 2025. Most products are available now, with select models launching in August and October. However, specific pricing for each model has not been announced. Customers can check with Panasonic’s authorized dealers and the Panasonic Malaysia online store for specific model availability and pricing.

Business, News

Microsoft is Shuttering its Popular Lens App

August 12, 2025 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

In a move that has surprised and disappointed many of its users, Microsoft has announced that it is killing off its well-loved Lens app. The app, which is a popular PDF scanner, is set to be removed from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, marking the end of an era for a very popular and highly-rated application. The announcement is a clear signal of Microsoft’s new direction, which is to consolidate its offerings and push its new AI-powered tools.

For years, Microsoft Lens has been a go-to app for users who needed to scan documents, whiteboards, and other text. The app was praised for its ability to convert scanned images into editable files, and it was a simple and effective tool for both personal and professional use. The app’s popularity is reflected in its numbers; it has been downloaded more than 500 million times and has a very high rating of 4.7 out of 5 on the Google Play Store. The closure and removal of such a beloved app is a significant move, and it’s a clear sign that Microsoft is making some major strategic changes.

Microsoft’s reasoning behind the closure is centred on its new focus on AI. The company is asking users to switch to its other AI-powered apps, such as Copilot, for the same functionality. This is a clear move to consolidate its offerings and to push its new AI tools. By removing Lens, Microsoft is effectively forcing its users to adopt its new AI-powered ecosystem, a move that is likely to accelerate the adoption of Copilot and its other AI offerings.

Business, Contributed

The Blueprint for Digital Confidence: Sovereign AI as a Strategic Advantage

August 12, 2025 Peter Marrs Leave a comment

This article is contributed by Peter Marrs, President, Asia Pacific, Japan and Greater China (APJC), Dell Technologies

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the global digital landscape, we stand at a pivotal moment –where decisions made today about AI governance, infrastructure, and innovation will shape public trust, national resilience, and regional competitiveness for years to come. AI is no longer just a set of emerging tools – it is influencing how governments deliver services, how policies are formulated, and how nations chart their economic futures. In this environment, sovereignty has become a strategic enabler of trust, capability, and innovation.

Malaysia, as the Chair of ASEAN Summit in 2025, has embraced this reality by taking proactive steps toward building a trusted digital ecosystem anchored in Sovereign AI. During the recent ASEAN Summit, Malaysia’s approach such as redefining national sovereignty for AI, ASEAN Responsible AI Roadmap, was recognised for going beyond aspiration – with clear efforts to align national policies, infrastructure, and talent development programmes to support responsible, scalable AI deployment across the region.

This moment demands more than innovation for innovation’s sake. It requires us, to ask deeper questions: Who owns the data? Who governs the outcomes? How do we ensure AI serves national priorities rather than undermine them?

Technology as an Enabler of Sovereignty and Scale

At Dell Technologies, we believe that technology is not the solution on its own – it is the enabler of sovereign capability. In our recent Sovereign AI whitepaper for Asia Pacific and Japan, with research and insights by IDC, it revealed findings where investments toward Sovereign AI are on the rise – approximately 46% of Asia Pacific government agencies are trialling on AI and GenAI applications, and 33% of AI investments are funnelled into Sovereign AI.

Bringing the case closer to home, Sovereign AI remains part of the national AI strategy. The report highlighted substantial government investments made in AI and GenAI, with projections indicating that AI-related solutions could contribute approximately USD 55 billion economic value to local businesses by 2030. This momentum is reflected in accelerating adoption trends, with reported AI adoption at 67% and 57% of GenAI usage. Notably, 57% of respondents expressed confidence that Sovereign AI will be a key area of local investment in the next two years.

Meanwhile, the whitepaper identified 5 areas to be addressed in order to support with effective Sovereign AI deployment plans:

Build costs: 43% of agencies rank this as the biggest concern, particularly in Asia Pacific’s smaller or developing economies, due to the costs associated with initial investments for Sovereign AI infrastructure and workforce capabilities.
Sustainability: 43% ranked this as a top concern. These include rising greenhouse gas emissions associated with the immense processing power required to support a Sovereign AI model and energy-intensive GenAI workloads. However, 44% of the agencies surveyed also indicate that AI will be an enabler of sustainability, so for many it is a balancing act.
Security Gaps: 42% of Asia Pacific agencies surveyed identified the need to protect AI and Sovereign AI systems from potential threats and vulnerabilities and improve security posture in 2025. The bespoke nature and the complexities of maintaining a secure, independent infrastructure are considered a challenge, particularly for sensitive national data (defense, citizen records).
Skills and capabilities: For 41% one of the big concerns is the specialised expertise and capabilities required for Sovereign AI.
Strategic Sovereign AI Roadmap: 36% of government agencies surveyed identified this as a barrier to adoption. Interviews across countries revealed a common concern: the lack of consistency in strategy and direction between agencies, state governments, and the national government.

Malaysia aimed to be a global AI powerhouse with investments from technology partners that plays a big role in building a secure digital infrastructure. However, regulatory factor is affecting 53% of agencies to hold back on progressing Sovereign AI initiatives, followed by privacy concerns and costing issues.

Thus, seeking the right partner is strategically vital to advance the nation; while ownership of infrastructure and data is imperative to enable governments the ability to build, govern, and grow AI systems on their own terms.

Driving Sovereign Capability Through Trusted Infrastructure

Malaysia is already laying the groundwork to lead ASEAN with a national AI roadmap, ASEAN AI Safety Network, increasing investment in digital infrastructure and programmes designed to empower digital skills and develop AI talent reflect the nation’s long-term commitment to this journey.

To enable nations to achieve their Sovereign AI objectives, Dell Technologies is playing a leading role in delivering secure, scalable, and customisable end-to-end AI infrastructure solutions for both governments and private enterprises to retain control over data, models, and AI ecosystems, while adhering to national regulatory frameworks.

Dell Server (1) — Source: Dell Technologies

For the past three decades, we have worked alongside government, academic institutions, and local partners to support, secure and scale infrastructure – the very foundation required for Sovereign AI. Our efforts played a meaningful role in contributing back to the nation that enabled local businesses in automating and scaling efficiently; redefined the future of smart manufacturing through improved sustainability and innovation; and upskilled local talents with our MentorConnect program that has benefited over 1,200 participants.

These efforts reflect our readiness to enable Sovereign AI at scale.

The Future Is About Readiness, Not Isolation

Sovereign AI is not about retreating from global collaboration. It’s about building the internal strength to engage with the world from a position of trust and control. It ensures that the AI systems influencing our future reflect the values of our people, the goals of our institutions, and the laws of our governments.

As AI increasingly drives decision-making at every level of society, sovereignty becomes the foundation of digital maturity. And Dell Technologies is proud to support that journey – with the infrastructure, expertise, and partnership needed to move from ambition to impact.

Sovereignty isn’t a constraint. It’s the blueprint for digital confidence.

Hybrid is here to stay

The additional hybrid workload for IT departments

Using AI to free up the IT team for innovation

Pricing & Availability

At A Glance:

Technical Specifications

Design & Build – A focus on Aesthetics and Ergonomics

Initial Impressions

User Experience & Performance

AI, Smart Home & Connectivity

Bespoke in Design, Sucking in All the Right Ways with Room for Improvement When It Comes to AI Smarts

Design & Display: Iteration with Intent

Performance: Tensor G5 and More RAM

Cameras:

Video Capabilities & Stabilisation

Battery: Improved Endurance

Software & User Experience: Android 16 and Beyond

Pixel Sense (Formerly “Pixie”)

Pricing & Availability

Hyper-Connectivity and the “Zero-Wait” Mindset

AI as the Engine Room of Customer Experience

Infobip’s Solution: The Conversational Experience Orchestration Platform (CXOP)

High-Performance Hoods for Every Kitchen

Sleek Hobs for Safe and Smart Cooking

Versatile Ovens for Precision Cooking

Pricing & Availability

Technology as an Enabler of Sovereignty and Scale

Driving Sovereign Capability Through Trusted Infrastructure

The Future Is About Readiness, Not Isolation

Tech Your Way