Microsoft seems to be standardising the uncoupling of Teams from Microsoft 365 to global markets. The move comes a few months after the company was forced to unbundle the app from its productivity suite – Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365). Microsoft claims that the move will provide added flexibility and purchasing choices when it comes to using its productivity suite globally.
Teams was introduced in 2017 and grew in popularity over the course of the pandemic as one of the company’s answers to remote work and productivity. However, in 2020, Slack – one of Team’s main competitors – petitioned the EU alleging anticompetitive behaviour by Microsoft. The complaint alleged that it used its market-dominant Office 365 suite to push installs for Teams and force users to install it without the ability to remove it. This bundling was seen as an anticompetitive act suffocating competition. This complaint has led to ongoing antitrust investigations into the company concerning Teams in the European Union (EU).
The unbundling of Teams from Microsoft 365 comes months into the investigation. It was initially rolled out in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Now, Microsoft seems to be standardising the unbundling globally both to align with the feedback from the European Commission and to preempt any further legal action that could result from the bundling of Teams in Microsoft 365.
Moving forward, Teams will be offered independently and as part of Microsoft 365 bundles. The app will be offered for USD$5.25 (RM24.95) monthly. Office without teams will be priced at USD$7.75 (RM36.84) to USD$54.75 (RM260.23) depending on the package. The pricing seems to be in line with the EEA pricing. However, it’s worth noting that global pricing has not been released officially.
Running a business is difficult. In the current climate, there are plenty of opportunities to be explored. The current business climate also presents more challenges than before.
It is not just businesses that are being challenged though. It is everything from running a team in your organization, the government sector is being challenged to also keep up with the times, the banking industry had to evolve very quickly thanks to new threats. Thanks to the threat of the pandemic businesses, organizations, and governments are being forced to change and evolve.
The pandemic has caught many off-guard. The need to digitalize businesses, services, and even governmental functions was abrupt and very sudden. With nearly zero warning, businesses are forced to close their doors physically, government offices and functions must completely shut down, other forms of organizations must cut back on their on-site and physical services too. It was a nightmare for traditional organizations.
Digitalizing organizations became rather crucial in these few years, exaggerated by the pandemic. Organizations are forced to start digitalizing their workflows and business functions in less than a few months in order to survive. It is not just offices that has to adapt, traditional businesses like restaurants had to quickly adapt to digitalizing in order to survive the pandemic.
Accelerating Your Business
Celcom Business offers productivity tools like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, digital payment gateways like mPOS and POS. Whether managing task or projects for your business or simply completing your daily work, digital tools can make you more productive, collaborative, and consistent. Celcom Business offers business tools such as M365 and Google Workspace to allow you to collaborate seamlessly from any across any device wherever you are in despite time and location.
Digitalizing Your Processes
Remote working is not a new idea. Tech firms like Google have been championing remote collaboration and productivity outside of the formal work environment. In some ways also, the pandemic has forced companies to adopt remote working strategies and develop tools for it. While the pandemic has become the biggest test bed for remote working, it has also presented organizations a challenge in transforming their workplace and methods.
With Celcom Business, the transformation does not have to be as difficult as it sounds. All the same tools available from Celcom Business are available for corporations at various scales. Organizations can start with cloud services available from Celcom Business’ network, for example. Microsoft 365 that can be accessed through Celcom business also allows businesses to monitor its workforce and allow for more comprehensive collaboration. At the same time, Celcom Business offers comprehensive cyber defense tools and services for businesses.
A Smarter City
Source: Celcom
The idea of a Smart City has never been closer to reality than it has ever been. Celcom Business does not just stop at digitalizing businesses too. It is the beginning of a smarter, more digital city. But what is a smart city?
In this context, a smart city is a connected city. At the heart of a smart city lies a digitalized network that shares information and data across multiple services and systems. One of them could be in the area of securities where strategic partnerships between Celcom and the Malaysian Royal Police force (PDRM) allows the police force in Malaysia to have an integrated communication network that allows them to operate at an elevated efficiency and effectiveness level.
Beyond that, Celcom’s strategic partnership also offers traffic and fleet management capabilities like no other. With Celcom Business’ clever traffic monitoring and management, you can ensure your deliveries are alwayson time. It also allows you to ensure that your deliveries are done in the most economically efficient manner. At the same time, Celcom Business’ fleet management can help you keep track of every vehicle’s condition to ensure that you are always operating at an optimum state. All of this allows Celcom’s partner to develop unique technologies and tools for a more sustainable city.
To find out more about Celcom Business and how it can help you, you can head on to their website.
*DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertorial by Celcom Axiata Berhad. It does not reflect the opinions or views of the techENT editorial board or writers.*
It’s that time of year again! Acer Day is here with even more things to celebrate. This year, Acer is doubling down on its commitment to becoming a sustainable technology company. Just last year we saw Acer unveil one of the most sustainable laptops with their Acer Aspire Vero; This year, they unveiled a plethora of new products that expand the Vero line up including a mouse and new laptops.
With this year’s theme, “Make Your Green Mark”, Acer is looking to prove its commitment to sustainability with numerous initiatives. Acer Malaysia will be rewarding anyone who brings PET plastic bottles to Acer Day 2022 at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Acer Concept Stores or the Acer Office in the Klang Valley. For every 5 bottles brought to these collection points, Acer will be giving out MYR5 in Touch ‘N Go eWallet credits.
Source: Acer
In addition to this, they will be having an ongoing trade-in promotion. You’ll be able to trade in your used gadgets for cash rebates on your Acer purchase. These gadgets can be laptops, desktops, All-in-One PCs and even tablets. They don’t even have to be functioning! You’ll be able to receive rebates of up to MYR700.
Of course, it’s not all about recycling during this Acer Day. There will be many attractive discounts and offers at the Acer Day Roadshow happening from 3rd August 2022 until 7th August 2022. On the last day of the roadshow, Acer will be having a flash sale at 1 pm. During the flash sale, you will be able to get a top-of-the-line Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop with a Ryzen 9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3080 graphics processor for MYR7,699. That’s a whopping MYR1,500 off the retail price! You can even get a ConceptD 3 Ezel Pro with an Intel Core i7 and NVIDIA Quadro T1000 graphics processor for a steep MYR1,700 discount at MYR6,999. Even the Predator X28 curved gaming monitor is on discount during the flash sale! You can get it at MYR2,499, a whopping MYR1,200 discount!
That’s not all, you can even get special purchase with purchase offers during the flash sale! The first 100 flash sale customers will be entitled to a chance to get a special purchase with purchase offer. Wanna know what’s up for grabs? Well, there’s an Acer Nitro 5 gaming PC worth MYR3,599 that you can get for MYR399 – if you’re lucky enough. The Acer Aspire 3 laptop and Aspire C22 AIO PC will also be available at steep discounts. They will be available for purchase (with another purchase) at MYR199 and MYR599 respectively. Keep in mind, these offers are for the first 100 customers at the physical flash sale happening at the roadshow in Pavilion Bukit Jalil on the 7th of August.
Acer isn’t forgetting those of us who can’t make it to the exciting roadshow either! They will be having Shopee SuperBrand Day on Acer Day itself – 3rd August! During the Shopee SuperBrand Day, you’ll be able to get attractive discounts and freebies on the Acer Official store on Shopee. You’ll be able to get Acer’s first sustainable laptop – the Aspire Vero – for MYR2,799. The Acer Aspire 3 and Acer Enduro Urban will also be available at discounted prices.
It’s worth noting the offers mentioned here are simply the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Acer Day promos that will be happening from 3rd August 2022. Keep an eye out on Acer’s social media and you might catch some that aren’t mentioned in the article. What are you waiting for!?! Shouldn’t you be getting ready to head to Pavilion Bukit Jalil?
*DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertorial by SHOPEEPAY MALAYSIA SDN BHD. It does not reflect the opinions or views of the techENT editorial board or writers. *
ShopeePay Day is happening every 1st of the month! With ShopeePay Day around the corner, the Shopee App is brimming with offers and deals that are out of this world. In fact, these offers are available at physical shops near you – thanks to ShopeePay! How? Well, you simply need to click into your Shopee App and look for the “ShopeePay Near Me” icon. Inside “ShopeePay Near Me”, you’ll see a whole new way of using ShopeePay and be rewarded! You get to purchase vouchers that give you cashbacks and more discounts at stores near you.
For July ShopeePay day (1st July 2022), you can get 1 SEN ShopeePay vouchers that give you up to 100% cashback deals.
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, these 1 SEN deals have you covered. Either grab a meal with a friend or plan a feast with family, ShopeePay’s vouchers got you covered!
Enjoy RM3.50 off any Salad with a free Coke Zero at Salad Atelier. OR
Get three regular pizzas at Domino’s Pizza for RM39.90
All you have to do is redeem these ShopeePay Vouchers and pay using your ShopeePay at the restaurant.
Deals are getting even sweeter during Shopee 7.7 Mid Year Sale this 7 July! With the ShopeePay voucher, you can get:
Buy 1 Free 1 Kenny Rogers with a voucher for only RM 1.88, save up to RM 15!
A small tub of Ilao Ilao for only RM11 instead of RM13.90.
An RM10 cash voucher for LiHO Tea
All you have to do is to use ShopeePay! You can do this by either scanning a QR code or letting the cashier scan your QR Code. Remember to select the vouchers you have purchased when you pay!
In addition to 1 SEN deals, ShopeePay is also giving even more cashback during ShopeePay Day. You can get up to 100% cashback at participating merchants.
Looking for a killer bargain? Shopee’s got your back with:
100% cashback of RM1 with a minimum spend of RM1 at Childhood outlets, AND
100% cashback of RM2 with a minimum spend of RM2 at Vivo Pizza
If you’re planning on splitting the bill after lunch, use your ShopeePay to pay them back! Why? Well, you’ll be in the running to win up to 177,777 Shopee Coins. That’s nearly RM2,000 in cash value! All you have to do is make a transfer with ShopeePay for as low as RM1 and you’ll be joining the lucky draw.
*DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertorial by SHOPEEPAY MALAYSIA SDN BHD. It does not reflect the opinions or views of the techENT editorial board or writers. *
Apple has been going green lately – in more ways than one. They recently announced an all-new Green and Alpine Green colour for their latest iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro. The whole lineup is now available in a new Green shade which is as elegant as ever. In addition to the new Green and Alpine Green, Apple has also recently announced a refresh to their iPhone SE. The new SE continues to inherit its design from the iPhone 8 and comes with loads of updates that make it a real contender in the affordable smartphone segment including the A15 Bionic. You can get all the information in our coverage of the release.
So, why are we talking about the new Green iPhones and the iPhone SE? Well, they are now available at iTworld. You can purchase the new iPhone from iTworld and have it delivered to you in 4 easy ways: Same Day Delivery (for selected Klang Valley areas), Standard Delivery – both with shipping charges applicable, Buy Online Pickup In-Store (BOPIS) at SNS Network Ipoh and 13 iTworld outlets and Contactless buying experience with BOPIS Kiosk at iTworld Mid Valley, iTworld Tropicana Gardens Mall, iTworld Pavilion & iTworld Ipoh Parade.
Here are some other promotions to enjoy when you shop with iTworld. If you get your iPhone 13 or 13 mini before 30 April 2022, you will be able to take advantage of the MYR300 rebate and extra RM88 rebate on accessories (only applicable to undiscounted items). Since the new iPhone does not come with the 20W adapter, the RM88 rebate is a huge plus for new iPhone owners. Furthermore, you will also be entitled to a Free ShieldCare extended warranty – that would be a total of 2 years warranty. You can even get up to MYR3,115 in savings if you decide to trade in your old smartphone.
You can even make your purchase using instalments using both your credit or debit card. You’ll be able to get 0% instalments for up to 36 months on your credit cards. If you use UOB, HSBC, Standard Chartered or HongLeong Bank Credit Cards you will be able to enjoy 2-year complimentary ShieldCare extended warranty. If you have Standard Chartered’s Premium Banking you’ll also be able to get an MYR150 cashback when you spend at least MYR1,500.
If you’re on a debit card, you can apply for instalments via ATOME and get up to 3-months of instalments. However, this is limited to MYR4,099 for debit cards and MYR6,000 for credit cards.[GU3]
We live in a world where not having a computer can be a huge handicap. Post pandemic, this reality is even more real than ever. We are working, communicating and connecting with each other with technology more than we ever did. However, it’s harder to come by devices that we can rely on that don’t burn through our bank accounts. That’s changing with offers coming from SNS Network in conjunction with LAZADA’s Birthday!
Source: SNS Network
HP’s offerings are built for more than just one purpose – we’ve seen them grow their line up with Chromebooks, gaming laptops and even purpose-built design laptops. These laptops are built with performance in mind and are equipped with the latest and greatest processors from Intel® ranging from the Intel® Celeron® to the latest generation Intel® Core™ processors. These laptops can also be versatile like the HP Spectre x360, HP EliteBook x360 or the HP ENVY x360. These convertible laptops also come with stylus input for a more natural feeling interaction.
Whatever your need, HP’s lineup of laptops is bound to have something that is uniquely catered for you. If you’re looking for a versatile laptop for education, the HP Chromebook x360 is built to cater to you. Powered by the Intel® Celeron® N4020, it’s equipped with enough power for all your educational needs. Its versatile 360° hinge also allows it to adapt to any space you are working on. The HP Chromebook x360 also comes with a durable chassis that can withstand falls from the desk or even an accidental spill. It’s available during LAZADA’s Birthday sale for MYR679! That’s a whopping MYR720 off the retail price of MYR1,399.
Source: SNS Network
If you’re looking for a laptop that is able to handle work and some play, HP has a plethora of laptops to choose from. Laptops like the HP Pavilion Laptop 14 equipped with the 11th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 with a 14-inch FHD screen are built to bring together portability and performance at an affordable price point. This specific model is getting a whopping MYR740 discount during the sale. If the Pavilion Laptop isn’t your style, the HP Probook 440 G8 would fill the same shoes with enterprise-grade security and comparable specifications. It will be available for MYR3,329 – an MYR270 discount off its retail price. If you need some graphical prowess, the HP Laptop 15s is also on sale with NVIDIA® GeForce® MX350. The discreet graphics card will give you additional power for work involving graphics and design and it’s available for MYR2,859 during the sale.
Running on Intel®’s 11th Generation Core™ processors gives these laptops an edge over the competition. The 11th Generation Core™ processors are able to run more efficiently giving you up to 20% better battery life. That’s about an hour’s worth of usage! The processors are also more powerful than before. They promise about 15% better performance with single and multicore processing. You’ll be able to tackle large excel files, pivot tables and even some light design work without many problems. With their integrated Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics platform, you can even do some basic gaming or even edit videos with up to 4K resolution without a hitch. These laptops are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what’s available and on offer during the LAZADA Birthday Sale starting on the 27th of March 2022. The SNS-HP LAZADA store will feature everything from desktops, all-in-ones, laptops, and even gaming setups powered by Intel®’s processors for proven performance. You can even grab printers, monitors and other accessories during the sale with massive discounts happening from 12 am to 2 am on the 27th of March 2022. SNS Network will be offering massive savings of up to MYR860 on laptops!
Psst! Pssst! Wanna know a little secret? You can already start adding what you want to your cart on the LAZADA app. LAZADA will then notify you when the superb Birthday sale kicks off later this month. You’ll be the first to know when the item you want goes on sale! What are you waiting for!? Head on down to the SNS-HP LAZADA store and select your laptops!
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE IS AN ADVERTORIAL COMMISSIONED BY SNS NETWORK. IT MAY NOT REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OF THE TECHENT EDITORIAL BOARD.
In the past two years, the landscape of work and health has changed with the pandemic. However, while we look at the impacts of the pandemic on our education system. Students and teachers have been forced to adapt to an environment full of uncertainties. They’ve needed to learn in an environment that is constantly changing. What’s more, in most cases, they have been ill-equipped to adapt to these changes. However, as Malcolm X once said, “Education is the passport to the future” and educational institutions and educators must adapt to a new normal, especially with the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
Like many other institutions, educational institutions like Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and even Universities have had to adopt a hybrid approach to both teaching and learning during the pandemic. That said, the demands of hybrid learning differ vastly. Education requires creativity, finesse and a touch of ingenuity; Skills and elements that can be lost with hybrid learning. Nevertheless, these elements can be preserved and amplified when teachers and students have access to the proper equipment. It wouldn’t be surprising to see creativity unbound, collaboration flourish and productivity increase with the right empowerment.
Source: SNS Network
We’ve heard many success stories when it comes to hybrid learning throughout the pandemic. Institutions like Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) have successfully empowered their classrooms to embrace hybrid learning. They’ve done this by giving JOI a place in their classroom. The JOI suite of learning technologies is an end-to-end solution that covers everything from classroom devices to backbone technologies that allow for efficient, creative and collaborative teaching and learning.
One of the key technologies that empower distance learning is the JOI Smart Classroom. The platform allows teachers to interact with students and keep tabs on student progress. On the other hand, students get access to interactive experiences while learning seamlessly through a wireless connection. All these are enabled by SNS Network’s own JOI devices including the JOI Smartboard, JOI Books and JOI Connect. These devices unlock the flexibility needed for education to be adaptable to any circumstance.
What’s more, devices like the JOI Book and the JOI Classmate are built specifically to cater for remote learning. They’re powered by the latest Intel processors to bring the portability and processing power needed to empower remote teaching and learning. They also come with a variety of form factors with the JOI Book Touch 330 Pro able to support multimode productivity as a tablet and with a touchscreen. It also supports writing and drawing with a stylus.
Source: SNS Network
Source: SNS Network
In the classroom, JOI Smartboard and JOI Connect allow teachers to seamlessly teach both in-person and online. The Smartboard allows teachers to not only project but also annotate slides naturally with pen input or even write while teaching as they would naturally. This can seamless be integrated into platforms like Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams to be shared online. The students attending classes in person will get an uninterrupted experience like they always have. This allows teachers to bridge the current hybrid learning that is being implemented by the Ministry of Education in Malaysia across all national schools.
Of course, this brings up the question of data security and controlling access to the internet during learning hours. This is a non-issue with the JOI Classroom platform as it also allows teachers and administrators to grant and restrict access to websites outside those needed for education. They will also be able to grant or restrict access to plug and play devices via USB through this platform. The granular permissions allow them to help students focus better during learning hours while giving the students their freedoms outside learning hours.
Source: SNS Network
It’s not a question of when but how schools and their administration can empower and facilitate this transition and new normal. As we move into an endemic phase, we also need to think about the future, about how we can better adapt to a constant state of uncertainty when it comes to education. Furthermore, we also need to take into consideration the feasibility of making students own a device whether by purchase or lease to take charge of their education.
If you’re interested in futureproofing education head on down to SNS Network’s official website to get more information.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE IS AN ADVERTORIAL COMMISSIONED BY SNS NETWORK. IT MAY NOT REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OF THE TECHENT EDITORIAL BOARD.
The Tablet has had a tumultuous start in the tech industry. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the last time you had a tablet was more than 5 years ago. However, times have indeed changed especially when it comes to the embattled tablet. We’ve entered an era where tablets are becoming more than just screens; they’ve become the cornerstone of our entertainment systems and, in some cases, our productivity. However, with that being the reality, we’ve also been forced to pay even more for them – until the Nokia T20.
The new Nokia T20 is a unique combination of affordability, versatility and security. It brings together the cornerstone features of a tablet and ensures that your data is safe while you work and play. Not only does it bring some of the immersive technologies we’re so accustomed to when it comes to Nokia smartphones, but it also packs a versatile package that can adapt for any use. In fact, we’ve got 5 reasons that make it one of the most versatile tablets on the market.
1. Specced Out To Meet Your Every Need
The Nokia T20 isn’t like other tablets that force you to choose between having a flagship experience or long-lasting specifications. Instead, the tablet is specced to be able to meet your needs. It comes with a quad-core processor with 2 large performance cores and 6 power efficiency cores allowing it to seamlessly switch between performance and power-efficient modes when in use. You won’t be hungry for a wall socket on the go nor will you be edging to throw the T20 against the wall when you’re gaming.
In addition, it comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage which can handle almost anything you can throw at it. If that isn’t enough, you’ll be able to get up to 512GB of additional storage through the microSD card slot. Combine this with a crisp 10.4-inch display with 2K resolution and you’re set to seamlessly glide between work and Genshin Impact. If you’re looking to make the experience THAT much better, you’ll just need to pair a Bluetooth Keyboard or Controller depending on whether you want to complete that document or defeat that final boss.
Oh! Did we forget to mention? It’s also built for work (or play) on the go with support for 4G LTE connectivity. Of course, it supports WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 5.0. In addition to that, the 4G LTE version comes with GPS support.
2. Immersive Entertainment with Hardware that Makes a Difference
If you’re looking for a tablet built for entertainment, you might have just found it with the Nokia T20. It comes equipped with a 10.4-inch in-cell display with 2K resolution. That resolution is higher than most other tablets in its price range! It has a typical brightness of 400 nits so you can even see what you’re doing under the sunlight and with a 5:3 aspect ratio, you’ve got even more visibility when you’re in that game of Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile.
The visual experience is complemented by Nokia’s OZO Audio technology which creates an immersive soundscape with the stereo speakers that come with the T20. In fact, HMD global debuted this technology with the Nokia 6 in 2017 and have been improving it with every generation. You’ll be able to hear every note in the concerto you’re listening to while working and every footstep in that battle royale game you’re playing online.
3. Create A Curated Experience For Your Kids
It’s always a challenge looking for a tablet that will cater to your child while allowing you to keep the experience safe for them. With the Nokia T20, you’ll be able to create a walled-off garden for your child to play in. They will get to enjoy every experience available without you needing to worry about untoward content or security risks.
Setting up the experience is as simple as A-B-C thanks to Google Kids Space. You can set up a Google account for your child and create the experience you want for them. In fact, you can do this remotely using the Family Link app. In fact, you can set up and change limits without disrupting their experience. They will get an uninterrupted experience on the Nokia T20 including in the Play Store and on YouTube. However, certain content will be filtered out according to your settings to keep you at ease. You’ll even be able to set time limits to screen time and app usage!
4. Quality with A Proven Legacy
Nokia devices have a proven legacy of quality. In fact, their devices were so hardy that Malaysians always say that their devices can be used in self-defence! With a legacy like that, where else can you go but up when it comes to quality. The Nokia T20 is made of quality materials that are built to last. The body of the tablet is made of Sandblasted aluminium which is not only a sight to behold but also sturdy with enough rigidity to leave unattended with your kids. Even the glass on the screen is made of toughened glass to withstand the rigours of child use. It also comes with an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance.
Pair this with the bundled rugged case which comes together with your brand-new Nokia T20 and you have a truly ruggedized tablet. Not only does it have the built quality but also the additional protection that it needs when you or your child use it.
5. Guaranteed Security with Timely Updates
HMD Global isn’t just releasing devices without thinking about software support and security. They’ve actually guaranteed updates for all their devices! The Nokia suite of devices will come with 2 years of major OS updates. So, if in those 2 years, there are 5 major updates, you can rest assured you’re Nokia T20 will get them. In addition, HMD Global is guaranteeing security updates for an additional year after that. That’s 3 years of security updates!
In addition to this, the Nokia T20 also comes with Android 11 out of the box. It’s also set to receive the Android 12 update very soon! So you’ll be up to date with the latest software experience and security patches in no time.
Could you be asking for more when it comes to the tablet that is available for only MYR1,099? You’d be hard-pressed to find many other options which come with the thought and experience that comes with the Nokia T20. You don’t even have to leave your home to get your tablet, it’s available online on Shopee and Lazada.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE IS AN ADVERTORIAL COMMISSIONED BY HMD GLOBAL. IT MAY NOT REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OF THE TECHENT EDITORIAL BOARD.
Xiaomi has been extending its reach into the realm of IoT in recent years. The company has developed and released many different offerings that cater to different segments and use cases. One of their most popular is home appliances. They have been busy developing everything from TVs to robot vacuums.
ROIDMI is one of their foremost offerings when it comes to robot vacuums. The new Eve Plus version of the robot vacuum is one which can not only vacuum but mop floors. It comes with a 2,700pa suction which is stronger than most of the competing brands.
In addition the vacuum also brings some of the latest in mapping and navigation technologies. The LDS 4.0 navigation technology allows it to detect, recognise and map terrain better than before. These features work together with the MiJia or Mi Home app to enable customised cleaning plans. You can even get it to clean on demand by using voice activation with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant.
The ROIDMI Eve Plus Robot Vacuum come with a 5,200mAh battery which gives it a 250 minutes run time. If it runs out of battery midway cleaning, it will simply return to the dock and pick up where it left off after recharging. The dock also allows the vacuum to empty itself. It holds up to 60 days of waste in its 3-litre dust bag before needing to be emptied. The 250ml water tank that is built-in to the ROIDMI Eve Plus allows it to mop up stains while cleaning.
The Eve Plus Robot Vacuum is one of the only available that is able to sterilize and disinfect air that is sucked up and released by the vacuum. The activated oxygen system is able to kill 99.9% of bacteria including E.coli, S.aureus and even the fungus C.albicans. Air released by the vacuum is also clear of toxic chemicals such as benzenes, ammonia and formaldehydes.
The vacuum will be available on Shopee for a limited time offer of MYR400 off its retail price. It will be available MYR1,588 for a year’s warranty. The premium warranty is available for MYR1,988. This includes a 1-to-1 replacement should there be anything wrong with the ROIDMI Eve Plus.
A lot of times, as users, we look at smartphones through a very narrow lens. We look at their specifications and look up reviews for the latest and greatest. However, over the years, we have seen a shift in focus when it comes to smartphones. While we still have the big flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max, a new class of smartphones has been emerging. One spearheaded by companies like HMD Global who are focusing on experience and software support.
HMD Global showed us a big shift with the announcement of their new flagship – the Nokia X20. Unlike the Nokia 8.1 or Nokia 9 PureView of year’s past, the Nokia X20 focused on affordability and software. It eschewed the pricey Snapdragon 800 series for a more affordable and equally capable Snapdragon 480 5G. The Snapdragon 480 5G is a capable octa-core processor with speeds of up to 2.0GHz which pack enough performance for an everyday user. Its added 5G capabilities also help futureproof the smartphone with 5G networks being turned on across the world. Paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, HMD Global is packing the Nokia X20 with specifications that are up to the job.
However, that’s only part of the equation! The user experience of any given smartphone is centred on the software. The Nokia X20, like previous Nokia Android devices, comes with near-stock Android. HMD Global opted to not bog down the operating system with needless skins and features which consume RAM and storage. Instead, the experience you get with the Nokia X20 is a pure, unadulterated version of Android. This vanilla approach to Android allows HMD to focus on developing features like their ZEISS camera lens which come with X20.
The 64-megapixel quad-camera setup on the Nokia X20 is equipped with ZEISS optics. The Nokia X20 utilises these optics to deliver some of the most stunning pictures you can get on a smartphone. HMD Global partners with ZEISS to ensure that each of the lenses used in the camera sensors is up to scratch. Like cameras, lenses in smartphones play a key role in focusing light and what we want to capture. Using poor quality lenses can lead to aberrations and distortions which will result in a horrible picture. However, with technology like ZEISS, you get clear, crisp pictures. The camera of the Nokia X20 also comes with AI-augmented features which allow it to intelligently focus and optimise to get the best picture.
AI isn’t just employed for photography. The Nokia X20 continues to stay true to the promise of having up to 2-days of battery on each charge. HMD Global has imbued the Nokia X20 with AI algorithms that allow the phone to adapt and optimise according to the usage patterns of its user. This allows it to get every millisecond from the 4470mAh battery of the X20. No need to hug walls or carry bulky battery packs and power banks when your phone has your back. Even if you forget to plug in after a day and a half, the Nokia X20 comes with support for Quick Charge 4+ which will allow you to get up to 5 hours of battery life in 15 minutes.
Source: HMD Global
The only piece that is left to complete the experience with the Nokia X20 is good software support. Out of the box, the X20 comes with Android 11. However, thanks to the vanilla approach that HMD Global has taken with the software, you can expect that Android 12 will be making its way to the smartphone. In fact, you can rest assured that you will get the update. The Nokia X20 is guaranteed 3 years of OS updates. This means that the phone will see the update to Android 14! Realise that HMD Global isn’t taking the same approach as others when it comes to promises. They’ve promised 3 years and not 3 iterations. This means that if Android goes from 12 to 17 in that three years, you’ll get it all. In addition, the Nokia X20 is also guaranteed security updates for the same amount of time. It will be getting monthly security bulletins that help secure Android in a timely manner. As a matter of fact, there’s no doubting this with HMD’s current track record of updates. However, HMD isn’t just giving you software updates for 3 years, the warranty of the Nokia X20 lasts for the same 3 years!
Looking at the Nokia X20 makes one think about what truly makes a smartphone worth it. The smartphone isn’t a slouch when it comes to performance but it does bring a lot of quality of life features that are sorely lacking in the smartphone arena. Guaranteed software updates, long battery life, good camera performance and even specification that are up to task might just be the thing that all of us are looking for. In fact, that just might be it – the makings of a truly reliable smartphone; one that you can call your companion for 3 years confidently.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE IS AN ADVERTORIAL COMMISSIONED BY HMD GLOBAL. IT MAY NOT REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OF THE TECHENT EDITORIAL BOARD
