All posts by Joey T

Win PC Hardware at ASUS’s Upgrade-A-Palooza Giveaway Contest

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ASUS has announced their global giveaway contest, “Upgrade-A-Palooza” to give gamers and PC enthusiasts a chance to win some hardware upgrades for their rigs. If you’ve been looking at upgrading your setup, now’s your chance! The contest is open to participants worldwide and will run from November 6 to December 18, 2023.

The prize pool for the ASUS Upgrade-A-Palooza contest features a wide assortment of high-performance hardware components including:

  • ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero Motherboard
  • ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB White Edition AIO Cooler
  • ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi II Motherboard
  • TUF Gaming Z790-Pro WiFi Motherboard
  • TUF Gaming LC II 360 ARGB AIO Cooler
  • OG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Gaming Keyboard
  • ROG Delta S Core​ Gaming Headset

How to participate

To participate in the contest, simply visit the official contest website and follow the instructions listed there.

You’ll be asked to complete Gleam Activities, a series of tasks such as watching videos, answering questions, and sharing the contest on social media. After completing the first 11 steps, you’ll be able to unlock the Gashapon Machine web page where you can win prizes. The more tasks you complete, the higher your chances of winning one of the grand prizes.

There is also a Fan Bonus Prizes category for dedicated fans who already own ASUS/ ROG motherboard or AIO coolers. All you’ll need to do is take pictures of your PC build with these components, going on Instagram and tagging @ASUS or @AUSROG with the hashtag #AsusUpgradeAPalooza.

Shazam Adds Live Concert Recommendations in New Update

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Apple has announced a new update, Concerts to its popular music recognition app Shazam. The feature recommends live music events in the user’s area based on their Shazam history and musical interests. If this sounds familiar, you might have seen Spotify’s Live Events Feed which offers a similar service.

The Concerts feature is personalised to each person and recommends both upcoming and ongoing events. This will allow users to save and revisit events, set reminders for upcoming shows, and check out ticket information. Some artists will also offer exclusive content, such as new watch faces and wallpapers, behind-the-scenes videos, tour photos, and show set lists.

The Concerts feature has been made available for iOS users within the ‘My Music’ section in the Shazam app. An Android update is also reportedly coming soon for non-Apple users.

Motorola Unveils MotoAI to Make Your Computers and Phones Smarter

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Motorola recently made big announcements at Lenovo Tech World 2023, including a new bendable concept phone and a new AI platform called MotoAI.

MotoAI – Motorola’s foray into AI

MotoAI is Motorola’s answer to AI personal assistants and is being developed to power its future PCs and smartphones. The platform is expected to include a variety of AI features, including personalisation unique to the user, a sophisticated personal assistant, and enhanced data privacy.

This AI model will never stop learning and is able to adapt to the user’s habits and preferences over time. This will allow MotoAI to provide users with more helpful suggestions on top of unique personalisation. Naturally, this means there will be enhanced data privacy to give users more control over their data.

It’s unclear when the MotoAI will be fully released to the public, but it will be interesting to see what Motorala has in store in the near future. With how they have been investing heavily into AI and other innovative tech like their bendable phones, it seems like Motorola aims to play in the same leagues as the other big AI players.

FTW: Games Free This Week – 23 Oct 2023 (Part 2)

If you caught our last FTW earlier this week, you might have snagged yourself a free copy of The Evil Within and Eternal Threads. But it seems like Epic Games is in the spirit of giving for Halloween as they’ve released a couple more awesome titles you can add to your library for the next few days.

Don’t miss out and check out the links below to grab your free games before 2 November!

The Evil Within 2 (Free on Epic Games till 2 November)

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For those of you who picked up The Evil Within earlier this week, here’s an opportunity to dive right back into a world of nightmares with The Evil Within 2.

Similar to the first game, you resume the role of Detective Sebastian Castellanos who once again traverses to a twisted world to save his daughter. Face off or stealth around around terrifying creatures using upgradeable weapons and traps in this intense psychological survival horror title.

Find The Evil Within 2 on the Epic Games store.

Tandem: A Tale of Shadows (Free on Epic Games till 2 November)

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In this unique puzzle platformer, uncover a mystery involving the disappearance of a famous magician as Emma and a teddy bear named Fenton. Solve puzzles and avoid enemies as you explore a series of Victorianesque worlds inspired by the likes of Tim Burton, Jules Vernes and Conan Doyle.

One of the standout experiences in this game is through the unique gameplay that features both top-down and side-scrolling POVs. While this isn’t exactly a “scary” title for Halloween, you’ll be sure to find yourself face-to-face with the strange and creepy in this narrative-driven adventure.

Find Tandem: a Tale of Shadow on the Epic Games store.

Don’t want to miss out on free games? Watch out for this space for more gaming deals and freebies on the next FTW.

FTW: Games Free This Week – 23 Oct 2023

Halloween season is here! This year, the spooky season is getting some extra love from the Epic Games store as they are giving out a couple of free games to up the scare. If you’re a horror fan and PC gamer, check out our latest FTW (free this week) list to get your freebies before it’s gone!

The Evil Within (Free on Epic Games till 26 October)

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Source: Epic Games

If you’re looking for a game that will have your heart palpitating, The Evil Within will keep you on the edge of your seat. You play as a detective who finds himself in a disfigured world with terrifying monsters after investigating a mass murder. Put your survival skills to the test as you face limited resources, cruel traps, and an environment that is everchanging.

If you’re a fan of the Resident Evil series, you can expect a similar experience thanks to the direction of Shinji Mikami. For those looking for horror, this old but gold title will definitely complete your Halloween gaming collection.

Find The Evil Within on the Epic Games store.

Eternal Threads (Free on Epic Games till 26 October)

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Source: Epic Games

In Eternal Threads, you are an operative tasked with a mission to fix an error in the timestream. You are sent back in time to 2015 when six people died in a house fire. By manipulating time across a seven-day timeline, it’s up to you to make choices that will affect the story’s outcome.

As advertised, Eternal Threads is all about manipulation, choice, and consequence. While this isn’t a horror title, you can expect to navigate a dark and atmospheric environment within the remains of the building destroyed by arson.

Find Eternal Threads on the Epic Games store.

Don’t miss out on these Halloween specials and get them before 26 October. Want more FTW? Be sure to keep a lookout for the next update!

FTW: Games Free This Week – 13 Sept 2023

Everyone loves things that are free. The gamers here at techENT are no exception when it comes to free games. If you’re looking for a special game to snag or love hoarding games (we’re guilty as charged) to add to your library, check out our new FTW (free this week) series to ensure you don’t miss out on the freebies!

911 Operator (Free on Epic Games till 21 September)

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Source: Jutsu Games

In 911 Operator, you play as an emergency dispatcher responsible for answering phone calls and dispatching emergency services where they are needed. Manage police, fire department and paramedic units across over a thousand cities around the world as you handle requests from distressed callers and other adversaries. 

Find 911 Operator on the Epic Games store.

We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip (Free on Steam until 13 October)

Source: Steam

Adventuring is no fun alone. But you know what’s fun? Co-op puzzle challenges that have you combining wits with a friend! Work together and test your friendship as you find yourself on an uninhabited island with an amusement park. Just like the original We Were Here series, you’ll have to navigate unique scenarios where the only way out is through communication, trust, and teamwork.

Find We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip on the Steam store.

Don’t miss out on these free games and be sure to grab them while they’re still available. Want more FTW? Keep an eye out for the next update!

PlayStation Plus Highlights – September 2023

PlayStation Plus has announced its games lineup for the month of September, and it’s looking good for open-world and MMORPG fans. If you subscribed to PlayStation Plus, be sure to grab these before they are taken off the store!

Saints Row (PS4 and PS5)

Source: PlayStation

This one’s for the die-hard Saints Row fans. Released early last year, this game features the expansive map of Santo Ileso. You can expect a world that’s a larger-than-life sandbox, plenty of exhilarating side gigs, illicit enterprises, and epic missions.

Traverse this wild landscape by shooting, driving, and soaring in a wingsuit to claim your spot at the top. Seize control of the city, engage in battles against rival factions, and establish your dominance over the urban streets. The game also features online and co-op multiplayer modes so you can choose to play alone or with a friend.

Black Desert – Traveler Edition (PS4)

Source: PlayStation

If you’re looking for an expansive MMORPG, Black Desert – Traveler Edition may be the drink you need to quench that thirst. The game features dynamic PvE battles, epic PvP siege wars, a diverse range of character classes, and specialized combat styles.

You can also opt to immerse yourself in a multitude of Life Skills including trading, fishing, horse training, alchemy, cooking, and more. The Traveler Edition combines the core game with additional expansions such as the Traveler Item Pack for an enhanced gaming experience.

Generation Zero (PS4)

Embark on an immersive first-person open-world journey set in the unforgiving landscapes of 1980s Sweden where robots have invaded the world. Face off against relentless mechanical adversaries while unraveling the mysteries that have befallen the region.

Navigate the perilous terrain with stealth and strategy as you engage in heart-pounding guerrilla warfare against these robotic foes. Salvage valuable components from your defeated adversaries to craft essential gear, armaments, and munitions. Establish and reinforce your personal strongholds throughout the island and fight to take your home back. The game also features co-op multiplayer mode, allowing you to play with up to three of your friends.

Excited to embark on ? Don’t wait too long as these games will only be available to PlayStation Plus members until 2 October!

Threads is Finally Adding a Search Feature

Source: Meta

Mark Zuckerberg has announced that Threads is finally bringing the keyword search functionality to “most English and Spanish-speaking countries.”

The recent expansion follows a week-long testing phase in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to this update, Threads had only allowed users to find friends with the search feature. This new development hints at Threads’ aspirations of becoming a more comprehensive social network platform, further contesting Twitter (who is now your X) in the social media rat race.

The announcement also suggests that more countries will soon gain access. But it’s also worth noting that “most English and Spanish-speaking countries” remain vague in terms of who will see the feature first. We will just have to keep our eyes peeled for further updates from Meta and Threads.

PRISM+ Unveils 9.9 Deals for Shopee’s Super Shopping Day

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PRISM+ will be dropping a couple of great deals this September as the Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day Sale rolls around once again! Expect attractive deals and a chance to get bonus freebies that come with some of their acclaimed gaming monitors and popular 4K Android TVs. The sale will only take place between 9 September and 11 September 2023, with limited-time flash deals of up to -75% throughout the promotional period.

Here are some of the standout deals which are slated to go live on 9 September 2023:

One of the standout flash sale offers is the 55-inch Q55-QE 4K Android TV, originally priced at RM3,599, which will go for an incredible RM1,499. The pot will be further sweetened with the inclusion of a complimentary 22-inch W220v Productivity Flat Monitor valued at RM399 with every purchase of the Q55-QE.

For those who think size matters, the 65-inch Q65-QE 4K Android TV, typically priced at RM5,399, will also be up for grabs at just RM2,289 during the flash sale. As an added bonus, buyers will receive a free PRISM+ Flow Soundbar valued at RM749 along with their purchase.

As for the gamers, the 34-inch X340 PRO 165Hz Ultrawide Curved Gaming Monitor, originally tagged at RM4,999, will be going for a mere RM1,369. Every purchase of the X340 PRO will also come with a complimentary Logitech G304 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse valued at RM149. For those looking for an absolute steal, the 31.5-inch X315 PRO Curved Gaming Monitor, typically priced at RM2,899, will be available at a jaw-dropping RM999 during the sale.

Make sure you don’t miss out on these great deals and the opportunity to deck out your living or gaming room by visiting the Official PRISM+ Shopee Store on the big day.

Apple’s Next Event Will Unveil the Latest iPhone

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Apple fans, mark your calendars! Apple is expected to unveil the latest iPhone on 12 September in a livestream event broadcasted from Apple Park. While the official invitation included some cryptic clues, we’re here to decode the details for you.

The invitation sent to the media featured a mysterious image and a single intriguing word: “Wonderlust.” While it doesn’t explicitly state that the event will revolve around the iPhone, history suggests this is precisely what we can expect. As the theme alludes to a sense of wanderlust, it’s safe to say whatever they’ll be announcing that day will be something for travelling enthusiasts.

So far, leaks and insider reports have given us a glimpse into the upcoming iPhone. Anticipate significant changes, including the long-awaited shift from Lightning to USB-C, upgraded processors, the introduction of the Dynamic Island feature on non-Pro models, and a transition from stainless steel to titanium finish for the Pro models.

If you want to catch the announcements live, you can visit the apple.com website on 13 September at 1 AM (Malaysia time). In the meantime, we’ll hold on to our seats for these exciting updates. Watch this space for more news!