All posts by Leeden Tang

5 Shows to Binge During the Lockdown/CMCO on Netflix

With Malaysia and other countries going into another lockdown or, as Malaysia’s government puts it CMCO, we have a feeling a lot of us are going to need some suggestions to keep us busy and entertained. Of course, the one thing that most countries have is Netflix – so here’s our list of 5 series you can binge during the lock down. It goes without saying that the availability of the shows are based on Netflix’s Malaysian library as we are based here. However, you should be able to get these shows on one or more streaming services in your respective countries.

1. Breaking Bad

Source: mypostercollection

Named the “highest-rated TV series” by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2013, it is an American neo-Western crime drama produced by Vince Giligan. The drama consists of five seasons with a total of 62 episodes. This is a story about an underpaid and dispirited high school chemistry teacher (Walter White) who is struggling with stage-three lung cancer. Walter White turns to a life of crime, where he partners with his former student, Jesse Pinkman, by producing and distributing crystallized methamphetamine in order to secure his family’s finances before he dies, while navigating the dangers of the criminal underworld.

BREAKING BAD - Seasons 1-5 Trailer

2. Black Mirror

Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones seen at the ‘Black Mirror’ panel Q&A at the FYSee exhibit space on Friday, May 19, 2017, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Blair Raughley/Invision for Netflix/AP Images)

A British dystopian science anthology television series with five seasons created by Charlie Brooker. This show focuses on modern society, particularly with regard to the unanticipated consequences of new technologies on how it may affect our future. This show can be interesting as it might inspire you to take a break from using your phone all day long. The episodes are standalone, and are usually set in an alternative present or the near future, often with a dark and satirical tone.

Black Mirror | Welcome to the Darkness | Netflix

3. Shameless

A story that might make you appreciate your family more. Shameless is
a story of a family of six kids with their drunk and selfish father. Fiona, being the
eldest sister, has to raise the rest of the family on her own. Staying with a father
that takes everything and offers nothing, they had no choice but to steal food and
money for a living.

Shameless:   Season 1

4. Grey’s Anatomy

An American medical drama television series that premiered on March 27 2005. 15 seasons are available online on Netflix while the 16th season is currently airing on ABC. This is a fictional series that focuses on the lives of surgical interns, residents and attendings as they develop into seasoned doctors while balancing their personal and professional relationships.

The series recently became the longest running medical drama beating previous title holder, ER. Produced by Shonda Rhimes, it is bound to give you hours of emotional ups and downs and keep you on the edge of your seats.

Grey's Anatomy Season 15 Trailer (HD)

5. Parks and Recreation.

A TV show with 7 seasons. This is a story of protagonist, Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in an Indiana Parks and Recreation Department. The protagonist was hoping to beautify the town and at the same time boost her own career by helping the local nurse, Ann Perkins, to turn an abandoned construction site into a community park. Nevertheless, it seems to be a simple project but the protagonist has been facing ups and downs where she was being interfered by oafish bureaucrats, selfish neighbors, governmental red tape and a myriad of other challenges.

https://youtu.be/9djCOPHOvOw

Look for That Tune by Simply Humming or Whistling in Google Search

Don’t know the lyrics? No problem. You can now search for that song on Google by simply humming or whistling the tune or part of it. This new advancement comes as part of new improvements that the search giant is introducing into their service.

The new feature is now available now in the Google app on both Android and iOS and in Google Assistant. Just to “ask” Google about the “What is the song” or just simply by clicking the new added “Search a song” and it will be able to pull up results based on the tune that you hummed or whistled. The search results will be presented to you as a list.

Source: Google

After you have seen the song list you can even click it by seeing more details such as the artist name, official video and its lyrics via Google Search. The new feature is only limited to only English language on iOS but it supports over 20 languages on the Android.

Google is using Machine Learning to implement this feature. They explain that each melody is like a fingerprint and has unique identifiers that allow their search algorithm to identify it. Google is continually improving the feature by training the machine learning model with a variety of sources including whistling, humming, studio recordings and even humans singing.

Samsung Galaxy F41 – The New Kid in Town

Samsung is one of the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer. They are larger than anyone else for a reason though. They never fail to amaze and surprise the likes of us, for example. One of the surprises that they came to is their new Galaxy F series launched on the 8th October.

The Samsung Galaxy F though is designed and made in India. The Galaxy F series will start in India as a mid-range option. The mid-range option from Samsung will emphasize camera functionality. That is culminated into the first Samsung Galaxy F device that is the Samsung Galaxy F41

Source: Samsung

That being said, the Samsung Galaxy F41 comes with a relatively high-resolution camera. Samsung’s new Galaxy F41 comes with a triple camera – a 64-Megapixel main camera, an 8MP Ultra-Wide sensor and a 5-Megapixel depth sensor. According to GeekBench scores that has been running around the internet lately, the party of cameras are apparently running on the Samsung Exynos 9611. The Samsung Galaxy F41 packs 6GB of RAM, and runs on Android 10.

Out of the 6.4-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display up front is a 32-Megapixel front-facing camera with smart beauty function. We are not kidding when we say that Samsung wants this to be a photography beast.

Source: Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy F41 does come with a large 6,000mAh battery that is quoted to last up to 26 hours with non-stop videos. That also means that the device should last more than a full day on a single charge. 15W USB Fast-Charging takes you from zero percent to full in just only 160 minutes, in case you need that kind of power.

In the box is a modern USB Type-C to USB Type-C data cable and a USB Type-C 15W Fast Charger, among other usual things. Curiously, the Samsung Galaxy F is only made for the Indian market. In Malaysia we see Samsung launching the M31 entry-level device with very similar specs to the Samsung Galaxy F with some extras in the camera department.

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The Samsung Galaxy F41 is available in Fusion Black, Fusion Green, and Fusion Blue colour finishes. You can choose between a 64GB storage option or a larger 128GB option. The device is an India exclusive device and is already available for purchase. It will set you back from INR 15,499 (Approx. MYR 875*) onward. More information on the Samsung Galaxy F41 on their website.

* Based on approximate conversion rate of INR 100 = MYR 5.65 as of 19/10/2020

Sony Clears the Air with PS5’s Voice Recording Feature

Sony is poised to have a blowout with their upcoming PlayStation 5 release. However, eagle eyed users have spotted a concerning “feature” in the recent PlayStation 4 firmware update. Apparently, the PlayStation systems will be recording your in-game conversations. Users were alerted to this change when PS4 systems prompted users for permission to record them when installing the recent 8.0 firmware update.

The firmware update also brings some changes to the Messages app on PlayStation 4. This includes new avatars and support for two factor authentication. Of note, is the inclusion of parental communication controls which allow parents to better curate their child’s online gaming and messaging.

In a statement on the PlayStation Blog, Vice President of Global Consumer Experience, Catherine Jensen, apologised for the way the news broke. “PlayStation gamers learned about this new function in an unexpected way following the recent PS4 8.00 system update. We didn’t clearly communicate this feature or explain why we were introducing it, and we apologize for that.” She goes on to clarify that the feature will voice chats would not be monitored or listened to on the new system. Instead, the feature will record a 40 second voice clip that will be used for user moderation in an effort to curb harassment and bullying on the platform.

With cyberbullying and harassment on online games coming to the forefront in recent years, it is understandable why Sony wants to implement this feature. However, Sony’s measures are easily bypassed as gamers also use other apps and platforms such as Discord to facilitate online communication.

In her clarification, Jensen states, “if a PS5 player needs to file a harassment report, they will be able to include up to a 40 second-long Voice Chat clip in their report — 20 seconds of the main conversation with the other player, plus an additional 10 seconds before and after the conversation selection. Only the most recent five minutes of a Voice Chat will be available for a player to use for this reporting function.” That said, the function seems to be limited to the PS5 for now and users do not have the ability to disable it.

Sony also rebranded their PS4 remote play app to PS Remote Play on the Google Play Store and Apple AppStore. Users will be able to use the app to remotely play games on your PS5 system when it launches later this year.

Meet BLACKPINK at the “TikTok Stage with BLACKPINK” Livestream show

Popular K-POP girl group, BLACKPINK, is taking the virtual stage on TikTok. The quintet will be interacting via livestream from their official BLACKPINK TikTok account (@bp_tiktok). TikTok and BLACKPINK will be holding the livestream as a token of appreciation for BLACKPINK fans (Blinks) who have supported and adore the group. Blinks will be able to interact with member of BLACKPINK for a total of 100 minutes on 21 October at 6pm in Malaysia.

TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms for short form content among youngsters and adults around the world. The platform has beaten out other platforms such as Snapchat and is quickly becoming one of the largest new creator platforms.

Source: TikTok/ByteDance

BLACKPINK recently ranked second on the US Bilboard album charts and the british official charts – the world’s two biggest pop charts. With their first Korean language album, “The Album”, they have become the first girl group to get in Billboard Artist 100 chart which lists the top 100 artists around the world.

During the event, the group will be interacting with their fans in a number of sessions as they discuss and share behind the scenes stories from their album. Guess what? Winners will be able to choose and participate the live video call during the event. If you live in South Korea, you could be the lucky chosen to meet the four idols, Jisoo, Lisa, Rose and Jennie!

Don’t miss your chance to meet BLACKPINK when they take over the TikTok stage this week! TikTok is available in over 150 countries and regions in 75 languages, you can download it from the Apple AppStore or the Google Play Store.

DJI Unveils RS 2 & RSC 2 3-Axis Camera Gimbal – Smaller, Better

The DJI Ronin series has always been very highly acclaimed in the film-making community. The camera stabilising platform that is the DJI Ronin is actually more affordable that plenty of stabiliser platforms and somehow more advanced at the same time, allowing film makers flexibility and possibilities like never before. They introduced the DJi Ronin S and Ronin SC later to accomodate smaller budgets and lighter production gear. That proved to be popular too.

Source: DJI

The global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology has expanded their legacy of the popular DJI Ronin series, the newly introduced DJI RS2 and DJI RSC 2 to replace their popular Ronin S and Ronin SC camera stabilization systems. Like the hardware these stabilisers replace, the RS 2 and RSC 2 platforms oofer film makers and content creators an unimaginable versatility and robustness in a package that is easy to handle and transport. They are the Ronin S and Ronin SC re-imagined, improved.

DJI RS2

Source: DJI

The DJI RS 2 brings added power and agility to creators and using professional camera systems such as DSLR and compact cinema cameras. The successor to the Ronin S can work with payloads of up to 4.5kg. It can even carry all that weight for 12 hours and can be quickly charged via the battery handle, if need be. A 15-minute charge on the handle affords two hours of extra run-time.

The DJI RS 2 has something called a Titan Stabilization Algorithm. It is DJI’s magic software that allows the gimbal to smooth out kinks, optimise angles, and even tilt around to compensate its users movement. No other gimbal has that ability before. It is cleverer and better than before with SuperSmooth mode that can compensate and improve stability at up to 100mm of focal length (that is quite long, by the way).

It is more versatile than ever with a dual-layer mounting plate that is compatible with the world’s renown Arca-Swiss and Manfrotto platforms. There is even a fine-tune knob to better optimise the camera payload’s balance on the gimbal. The built-in 1.4-inch colour touchscreen can display all sorts of data from camera’s shoot data, gimbal modes, and even serve as a secondary display for the camera. Of course, the RS2 is compatible with multiple accessories from DJI to make it an even more robust and capable tool in your film making arsenal.

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DJI RSC 2

Source: DJI

Then there is the DJI RSC 2. The DJI RSC 2 is made to be even more portable than the DJI RS2. That means that it is smaller, and lighter than the RS 2. It weighs only 1.2kg and is able to take on a payload of 3kg in total. While that is a little less than the DJI RS 2, it also lasts about 12 hours. There is also quick charge built-into the handle itself. This gimbal is perfect for mirrorless cameras.

The new folding design makes DJI RSC 2 easier and more portable. It allows film-makers to bring the gimbal along everywhere without adding additional weight to the gear list. The main gimbal arm can be loosened to provide an unique shooting angle as well, so the DJI RSC 2 is also just as versatile as the DJI RS 2. It comes with all the same goodies the DJI RS 2 comes with too. There is the RavenEye technology, Titan Stabilisation algorithm, and even the dual-layer camera mounting plate.

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Advanced Capabilities

Of course, DJI being DJI, the two gimbals come with support for multiple attachments. The accessories list includes a Focus Wheel, 3D Focus System, Cheese Plate and Twist Grip Handle, Thethered Control Handle, counterweight systems, and more. The vital features and functions on both the gimbal can be controlled and adjusted over distance of about 100m with the virtual joystick and Force Mobile, where the gimbal mimics the movement of your smartphone. The TOF sensors mounted in the camera enables the shooter to create a super smooth and cinematic footage using a manual lens.

Price and Availability

The DJI RS 2 and DJI RSC 2 will be available starting today at US$ 849 (MYR 3,299*) and US$ 499 (MYR 1,699*) as standalone units. For the Pro Combo that includes a phone holder, Focus Motor, RavenEye Image Transmitter, a dedicated carrying case, and more will set you back an extra US$ 150, totaling up to US$ 999 (MYR 3,899*) for the DJI RS 2. For the DJI RSC 2, the Pro Combo will set you back US$ 739 (MYR 2,549*), another US$ 240 on top of the device itself. The DJI RS2 and the DJI RSC 2 will be available for purchase at DJI Malaysia Flagship stores, authorised dealers and their official store on Lazada and Shopee. More information on the DJI RS 2 and DJI RSC 2 can be found on their website.

* Official Malaysia Pricing

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Touchscreen Issues Reported

Samsung is no stranger to touchscreen issues with reports having surfaced for their past models including the Galaxy Note 9. But, after the lackluster performance of one of their biggest flagships with the S20 series, you’d think that they would have ironed out the issues when it comes to the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition (FE). The Galaxy S20 FE is Samsung’s effort in making their flagships more affordable and bringing the fight to devices such as the Pixel 5 and the OnePlus Nord.

While it seems like the new Galaxy S20 FE budget flagship might be Samsung’s magic pony, reports have surfaced that its well priced Full HD+, 120Hz screen has been a pain for some users. The reports highlight issues with the accuracy of the touch input on the touchscreen. The reports aren’t an isolated issue as they are now trending on Reddit and Samsung’s own Community forums.

Source: Samsung

In addition, users are also reporting issues with input lag, keyboard failure, poor input response and even jittery scrolling on the Galaxy S20 FE touchscreen. Some users are also reporting issues regarding the screen being overtly sensitive and registering taps as swipes. Guess what? Some of them have had to reboot the phone in order to get the touchscreen working again.

Considering the phone only went on sale recently, we can’t be sure that the issue isn’t a few isolated cases. However, issues like these will still irritate users. However, the prevalence of the issue is worrying with more reports surfacing since the initial reports. We can only hope that the issue isn’t one with the panel itself and Samsung rolls out a software patch to fix it soon. Samsung has yet to respond since the initial report.

BenQ Monitor GW2780T and Monitor Light ScreenBar Will Protect Your Eyes

Eye protection is especially important in these times of uncertainty and work from home trend (no thanks to the COVID-19 situation, of course). You tend to sit in front of your digital display longer than usual too.What that means is that eye fatigue becomes a problem and that is when you need to start investing in glasses.

Since the average of screen time for both young and adults are increasing day by day. It is important to take care of our health. All that while also maintaining a high productivity at home in this trying times.

BenQ GW2780T Eye-Care Monitor

Source: BenQ

Welcome to the BenQ GW2780T Eye-Care monitor, a 27-inch display that is designed exactly to help you work more comfortably at home. It is designed to keep your eyes in tip top conditions. That, combined with something they call a Monitor Light bar makes the perfect combination to protect your eye in whatever work condition you are thrown into. Interesting stuff this.

BenQ says that this GW2780T Eye-Care monitor is built specifically for remote working and learning environments. The BenQ GW2780T is technically a successor to the GW2480T, but is 3 inches bigger than its predecessor at 27 inches vs 24 inches on the GW2480T. The GW2780T Eye-care monitor is the latest model in BenQ’s G-series LED monitors which offers users with health emphasis.

The GW2780T Eye-Care monitor uses their clever Brightness Intelligence technology to automatically adjust the screen’s brightness and light to cater to the user’s environment. The display automatically enhances dark areas of the display and adapts its brightness so that bright areas do not get overexposed as well. That way, you are not going to get blinded when working in low-light conditions just because you forgot to turn the lights on.

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Both the GW2780T Eye-Care Monitor can be connected to your tablets, laptops, and even a smartphone as long as you have the right cables. Height adjustments on the display also means that you get to be really comfortable while working without straining your neck; the GW2780T Eye-Care Monitor does not only take care of your eyes. Speaking back on Eye-care, BenQ also introduced the Monitor Light Screenbar.

BenQ Monitor Light ScreenBar

Source: BenQ

This is a very simple hardware attachment to a monitor really. It is technically a very advanced, very cool looking, baseless desk lamp. It attaches to your display to give you the right lighting condition in any setting. It features auto-dimming too, just so that you do not have to keep readjusting your lights as it gets darker or brighter in the day.

Thanks to BenQ’s patented clip design, the ScreenBar does not need to be stood on a table. That eliminates the need to waste table real-estate for a lamp on your table. All you need is a monitor and you are set. It is also USB powered, so you just need to plug it into your PC, or find a spare charger somewhere.

There are 14 brightness levels and 8 colour temperatures to work with. You can go all the way to yellow for a more comfortable time reading stuff on your book, your tablet, or your smartphone. That is especially helpful when you are nearing your bed time. Then in the day, when you need some white light, the ScreenBar delivers. Its clever optical design also means that it will not shine to the glass of the display, creating an annoying reflective glare on the display.

Pricing and Availability

The BenW GW2780T Eye-Care Monitor is now available on BenQ’s official store on Lazada for MYR 899. The Monitor Light ScreenBar is also now available in Malaysia via BenQ’s official store on Lazada for MYR 599. For more information about these products, you can check out BenQ’s website.

Fitbit Unleashes the Sense, Versa 3 and Inspire 2 in Malaysia

Fitbit is a name that comes to mind when you’re thinking of wearables which put fitness at the forefront. The company has been actively developing a platform that gives users actionable data on their health. What’s more, Fitbit has even taken steps to help their community better cope with these unprecedented times.

Malaysia is the latest country getting an infusion of Fitbit. The company has announced the local availability of its three new wearables: the Fitbit Sense, the Fitbit Versa 3 and the Fitbit Inspire 2. The three new devices mark the start of a new generation of wearables for Fitbit featuring new technology that gives users even more actionable health data. It is excited to see what is inside about it. Some call the app “ECG” and it allows users to gain insight into their heart performance and possible conditions, like irregular or erratic heartbeats.

The Fitbit Sense made its debut in August as the company’s new flagship smartwatch with brand new technology which allows users to monitor their heart’s rhythm via an ECG monitor. The Fitbit Sense is currently the most advanced health smartwatch available in the market for only RM1,498 with 6-months complementary access to Fitbit Premium. The Sense also features the world’s first electrodermal activity(EDA) sensor on a smartwatch to help users monitor stress levels. The Sense touts up to 7 days battery life depending on how you use it.

From the cutting edge to the accessible, Fitbit isn’t leaving anyone behind. The Fitbit Inspire 2 joins the foray with a price tag of only MYR498. It is designed to be slim and comes with a brighter screen and the longest battery life of any Fitbit device at 10 days. Purchases of the FitBit Inspire 2 also comes with a one year free trial of Fitbit Premium.

Together with the Sense and Inspire 2, Fitbit is also bringing the updated Versa 3. The Versa line up is their first smartwatch line up which marries Fitbit technology with the growing demand for smartwatches. The Versa 3 brings enhanced features including GPD tracking, wireless music and more. However, pricing and availability for the Versa 3 will be announced at a later date.

Bixby – Your Personal Assistant No More…Maybe?

Rumours have been spreading about Samsung’s digital assistant being retired in favour of deeper integration of the Google Assistant. Lending more credence to the rumour is Samsung’s apparent removal of several AR features from Bixby Vision.

Samsung has already sent notices to its users that they will be discontinuing some of the features in Bixby Vision. The notice sent out late last month mentioned the removal of features such as Styling, Home, Decor and Places by the end of October. These features may return in some form with partnerships to enhance the AR features but the likelihood of that happening at this point seems slim.

While the discontinuation and removal of a bulk of AR features from Bixby may seem like a sudden move, it’s not surprising. Samsung was a late player to the game when it came to virtual assistants with companies like Google, Amazon and Microsoft spearheading development. However, more recent rumours point to Google actually offering Samsung a large sum of money to drop Bixby in favour for deeper Google Assistant integration into the company’s ecosystem.

That said, minimising or removing Bixby would be counter intuitive for Samsung. The company announced a few years ago that the Bixby would be the cornerstone of their Galaxy Ecosystem. In fact, they went in depth during their Southeast Asia – Oceania (SEAO) forum held in Singapore. They were detailing the integrations that would be pursued.

That being the case, this development is definitely one we’ll be keeping our eye on.